MMC

MAGAZINE | FALL 2017

NEWS FEATURE ALUMNI PROFILES NEW YORK MINUTE FINDING FREEDOM KONCEPT ‘08 6 Around Campus 22 BEHIND BARS 30

columns The iconic American Museum of Natural History proved to be the perfect venue 5 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT for the Annual Scholarship Benefit on April 27. President Walk and the entire MMC community thank all those who generously supported the 2017 Benefit, 6 NEW YORK MINUTE which holds the record as the most successful fundraising event in the College’s Around Campus history—raising more than $1.2 million in support of need-based student scholarships. Read more about the Benefit on page 14. 18 FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS 20 IN THE NEWS features 22 FINDING FREEDOM BEHIND BARS MMC’s Bedford Hills College Program celebrates 20 years of excellence

26 SCHOOL’S IN SESSION FOR A NEW POPULATION MMC rolls out new institute for pre college and advanced study

28 MARYMOUNT MANHATTAN CELEBRATES COMMENCEMENT AND ALUMNI REUNION WEEKEND departments 30 ALUMNI PROFILES

34 CLASS NOTES

37 IN MEMORIAM

38 A LOOK BACK IN TIME

on the cover

Six decades of Griffin pride! Left to right: Maureen Lally ’60, Barbara Lynch Loughlin ’70, Nicole Lajom ’08, Kristen Anderson ’08, Kathleen Owen ’08, Diante Webb ’15, Tyler Godden ’16, Katherine Dunford ’16, Lissa Nicolas ‘89

Fall 2017 | 5 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT FALL 2017

EDITORIAL BOARD Stephanie Policastro, Editor-in-Chief Carly Lynch, Senior Editor Laura Patnaude, Senior Editor Daniel Moise, Copy Editor Kristen Anderson ’08 Olivia Des Chenes Weiner This fall has been called “hautumn” because of the unseasonably Kathleen LeBesco, Ph.D. warm weather we experienced in New York, but as the weather Corey J. Liberman, Ph.D. finally becomes brisk, and the tree leaves on 71st Street fall, I look Barbara Lynch Loughlin ’70 back with Griffin Pride on an exhilarating semester at Marymount CONTRIBUTORS Manhattan. Ryan Atwell ’16 Alexandra Berry In September 2017, the College welcomed 642 new students, Mary Brown, Ph.D. who enjoyed a week of bonding, learning, and New York Jessica Fillare ’18 City-immersion that was capped off with a celebratory Kathrin Havrilla-Sanchez Convocation featuring the traditional MMC Pinning Ceremony Amber Indyk ’13 and a rousing rendition of our unforgettable alma mater, Hail Kayla McCaffrey Marymount! A record-breaking 1,915 full-time students are Peter Naccarato, Ph.D. currently enrolled at the College. Robin E. Nackman, Esq. Jason Rosenfeld, Ph.D. Carly Schneider ’12 The new academic year also marked the launch of a new Strategic Plan for 2017 – 2021. The plan, Zakkiyya Taylor Contemporary and Compelling: Envisioning MMC’s Future, advances an ambitious vision—for MMC to Gunjali Trikha, MBA become the nation’s premier destination for students seeking a small-college experience that blends Ashley Webb a versatile liberal arts education with professional preparation and social engagement in the heart of New York City. For every two dollars you give, longtime DESIGNER Rose Creative Group Marymount Manhattan College supporters th www.rosecreative.net In this issue, we celebrate the 20 anniversary of MMC’s Bedford Hills College Program (BHCP), Judith ’03, H’13 and Russell Carson will give one dollar. which gives incarcerated women the opportunity to earn the Associate of Arts degree in Social PHOTOGRAPHERS Science and the Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. Thanks to the generosity of private individuals Joshua Cuppek and foundations, MMC has conferred over 200 college degrees to Bedford Hills students since the Phase 3 of the Carson Match: Melanie Einzig program’s founding, in 1997. Scott Nangle Inspiring Student Success Lindsay Rootare ’13 Joe Vericker This issue also unveils a new institute at the College designed to provide innovative programs for pre college, college, and adult learners, enabling them to successfully make milestone OFFICERS OF THE COLLEGE The Fund for Marymount Manhattan College supports every transitions—whether from high school to college, college to career, or one career to the next. Kerry Walk, Ph.D. aspect of the student experience. This includes scholarships, President campus improvements, technology updates, new academic programs, Made possible due to the generosity of longtime MMC benefactors Mary Ellen McNiece Hawn ’91 the appointment of distinguished faculty chairs, and other Paul Ciraulo and her husband, Gates Helms Hawn, the institute is the most significant educational enterprise areas of greatest need. Simply put, your gift sustains our Executive Vice President for Administration that MMC has undertaken in decades. It demonstrates the College’s ongoing commitment to and Finance students, the heart of Marymount Manhattan. promoting lifelong learning and establishes MMC as an educational destination for learners of all Carol L. Jackson, Ph.D. ages from around the world. Vice President for Student Affairs MAKING A GIFT IS EASY Every day, I am grateful to be a part of Marymount Manhattan, a college of creative changemakers— Sharon Meagher, Ph.D. students and alumni who are tenacious about making a positive impact in the world through their Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean creative ideas and their purposeful actions. of the Faculty

Please send comments to: Editor, MMC Magazine Kerry Walk, Ph.D. Marymount Manhattan College President Office of Institutional Advancement st Call Visit Mail 221 East 71 Street 212.517.0460 www.mmm.edu/donate a check using the New York, NY 10021 [email protected] to donate by phone to donate online enclosed envelope MMC Magazine is published bi-annually for alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, and friends of Marymount Manhattan College by the Office of Institutional Advancement. Visit www.mmm.edu/giving for additional ways to make your impact, including planned giving options. Printed by Rose Press, 8 N. 14th Ave., Mount Vernon, NY 10550 | 914.667.2800 Every gift counts!

6 | Marymount Manhattan College Fall 2017 | 7 NEW YORK MINUTE

SPRING BREAK Alternative Spring Break 2017 #YouAreWelcomeHere This year, 15 MMC students traveled to Boston for a The MMC community prides itself universities that promote New series of volunteer projects focused on women and on its geographic and cultural York State internationally as children. Part of the Alternative Spring Break program, diversity, each year attracting the world’s premier education the trip challenged students to reflect critically upon students from around the globe. destination for students. their roles in the community through service, activism, inquiry, and leadership. To reinforce the College’s mission Using the hashtag of educating a socially and #YouAreWelcomeHere as In Boston, the students worked with five organizations economically diverse student inspiration, a team of MMC and offered support ranging from meal service to body, MMC participated in a faculty, staff, and students came sorting donations at a food bank. The most popular national social media initiative together to produce a video for worksites were Community Servings, where the to acknowledge the tremendous the College’s official YouTube team worked in the kitchen and packaged meals for value international students channel that emphasized MMC’s individuals with various illnesses, and Rosie’s Place, the bring to the campus. MMC commitment to inclusion and first women’s shelter in America (established in 1974). representatives collaborated underscored the message that with Study New York, a all are welcome at MMC. The After each activity, the students met to reflect on what consortium of colleges and video went viral! they learned and how, with their new knowledge, they could make a positive impact on the MMC campus and in the NYC community.

2ND AVENUE Welcome to the Q SUBWAY Nearly a century in the making, the Second Q train subway stations. Dr. Rosenfeld’s Dance Avenue Subway phase-one extension students spent considerable time in their officially opened on January 1, 2017. The assigned stations, exploring how the Gala 2017 new line is part of the Q train, with stations artwork integrates into the transit system located at Lexington Avenue-63rd Street, and investigating its contribution to the MMC’s Department of Dance hosted 72nd Street, 86th Street, and 96th Street. cultural life of the city. the annual Dance Gala on May 12 Though years in the making, the Second in the Theresa Lang Theatre, Avenue Subway immediately reduced To gain a full understanding of the new followed by a champagne reception transportation times for many MMC stations and their associated artwork, in the Great Hall. The event raised commuters, and has made New York City students studied each station’s artist and approximately $33,000—funds more accessible. immediate neighborhood, and spoke with which allow the dance department station employees, construction workers, to produce high-caliber work by Entrances to the 72nd Street station are and designers. After completing their distinguished choreographers each directly across the street from MMC’s research, students gave oral presentations year. This year’s Honorary Chair was Nugent Hall entrance. Students can now to the class in their assigned stations and Tony Award-winning choreographer leave their classes and be on a train then wrote papers assessing the projects. Jerry Mitchell, who honored MMC within minutes. The expanded rail-line Samantha Fujita ’18 and Alana Roberts ’20 alumni celebrating their 10-year also provides convenient access to Times examined the stop across the street from reunion in a pre-performance Square and destinations on Manhattan’s MMC and educated the class on Vik Muniz’s reception held by President West Side. work Perfect Strangers, which uses intricate Kerry Walk, Ph.D. mosaics to depict the different kinds of Given its instant impact on the MMC people seen along the platforms of the community, the Second Avenue Subway New York City subway system. line became the topic in an honors contemporary art class taught by Professor The MMC community has enjoyed the of Art History, Jason Rosenfeld, Ph.D., expansion of the Q train and the art that during the spring 2017 semester. In his comes with it. Bring on phase two! course (ART 384), students examined newly commissioned public art in the new

8 | Marymount Manhattan College Fall 2017 | 9 NEW YORK MINUTE

Madison Weisend ’20 Awarded Boren Scholarship STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS Madison Weisend, a sophomore majoring in Environmental Studies and Politics and Human Rights, won a prestigious David L. Boren Scholarship to study Hindi and sustainable development in India during the 2017–18 academic year. The scholarship is highly competitive: fewer than 20 percent of applicants are accepted. Weisend’s successful application as a freshman Two MMC Students selected as is an extraordinary achievement. 2017 Jeannette K. Watson Fellows Before leaving for India, Weisend undertook an intensive, eight-week immersion program through the South Asian Amanda Anzovino ’19 and Jennifer Acevedo ’19 received the prestigious Jeannette K. Flagship Languages Initiative at the University of Watson Fellowship, granted to NYC undergraduate students who demonstrate academic and Wisconsin–Madison. This fall, she headed to Jaipur, extracurricular excellence. The Fellowship offers three consecutive summers of paid internships, where she will spend the semester studying Hindi at the one of which is abroad. In addition, students can access mentoring and enriched educational American Institute for Indian Studies. In the spring 2018 opportunities—tremendous advantages as they prepare for graduate school, the professional semester, she will move to the School of International world, and leadership roles. Training in Jaipur to participate in its Sustainable Development and Social Change Program. Anzovino, a native of Manahawkin, New Jersey, is earning a degree in Psychology while Sindelt Flores ’18, a pursuing minors in Forensic Psychology and Social Work. She has immersed herself in the In her Boren Scholarship application, Weisend made college experience, taking on such leadership roles as resident assistant and vice president of the case that food insecurity in India—one of the United semester abroad at the Psychology Club. She also volunteers for service organizations, including Marymount Muscle States’ largest and most important trading partners— and Advocates for Wellness Education. creates potentially disastrous political instability and the Umbra Institute strengthens the role of the Naxalites, a Communist Sindelt Flores ’18, a Business major and member Acevedo, originally from East Harlem, New York, majors in Business and minors in Gender group that has a stated desire to overthrow the of MMC’s Higher Education Opportunity Program Studies. She has completed several internships at esteemed companies and organizations, Indian government. (HEOP), recently completed a semester abroad at including Price Waterhouse Cooper, Bertelsmann Inc., and the Manhattan Borough President’s the Umbra Institute in Perugia, Italy. Office, and participates in numerous community service and campus activities. Upon graduating from MMC, Weisend plans to serve in the Indian Peace Corps for two years while earning a master’s degree in Environmental Policy. She hopes to Flores studied the Italian language while gaining Michael Quituisaca ’17 become an adviser on agricultural development for the insight into the culture. In addition to in-class U.S. State Department. Weisend reports, “I am beyond coursework (taught solely in Italian), Flores had MMC’s First Thomas Cole Fellow blessed to have this opportunity. I can’t wait to spend immersive, hands-on experiences, such as ordering my sophomore year in India!” food in a café and navigating public transportation. Michael Quituisaca ’17 is the first MMC student to receive a Thomas Cole These real-time experiences provided insights into Fellowship. Quituisaca, who received the Gold Key in Art History last spring, Italian life that, she believes, cannot be acquired is one of four students nationwide to secure this distinguished position. from a textbook.

Based at the Thomas Cole House in Catskill, New York, Quituisaca will conduct According to Flores, MMC played a significant role in-depth primary research, help to curate and design exhibitions, participate in in her decision to go abroad. “Being a liberal arts marketing strategies, and organize public programs during his seven-month school, MMC doesn’t want you to just study for your fellowship. Quituisaca has interned in the Curatorial Department of the Museum specific major. The College wants you to explore and of the City of New York, where he worked closely with Dr. Bruce Weber, the curator learn from other things,” she said. As a result of her of paintings and sculpture. time in Italy, Flores feels as though her worldview has broadened, and she has newfound confidence Thomas Cole (1801-1848) is the founder of the Hudson River School of American in relating to people of different backgrounds. landscape painting. Most notably, he painted The Oxbow (1835-36, Metropolitan Museum of Art) and wrote Essay on American Scenery (1836), a text widely viewed as an inspiration for the environmental movement in America.

10 | Marymount Manhattan College Fall 2017 | 11 NEW YORK MINUTE

SPEAKER SERIES Gurcharan Singh Lecture

The International Studies Department and Office of Booth Ferris Academic Affairs welcomed Robert Malley, Ph.D., to this year’s Gurcharan Singh Lecture. Dr. Malley served ACADEMIC ADVISORY BOARDS Foundation Awards as President Obama’s White House Coordinator for Internship Stipends the Middle East, North Africa, and the Gulf Region. A packed room of students, faculty, and friends of The CityEdge Advisory Boards provide a tangible way for students A grant from the Booth Ferris Foundation MMC attended Dr. Malley’s discussion on the state to connect with professionals from industries of interest and gain to support CityEdge, MMC’s college-to- of United States/Middle East relations. Journalist valuable perspective from experts at the tops of their fields. Each career initiative, provides $1,000 stipends Alex Kane ’11 co-led the discussion, which also to students pursuing unpaid internships at of the College’s academic departments enlists an Advisory Board included Andreas Hernandez, Ph.D., Chair of the New York City nonprofits. that is unique to the needs of their department and is composed of Department of International Studies. accomplished professionals from across the city who can provide Students completed detailed applications insight on and access to their respective industries. During the event’s Q&A portion, an attendee asked describing their prospective internships and Dr. Malley what advice he could give students how they would advance their academic STUDENT Honors studying international relations. Dr. Malley advised Amy Brandt ’14—MMC alumna, Editor-in-Chief of Pointe magazine, and career goals. After careful review, ACTIVITIES students to “follow your heart” when choosing and Advisory Board member for the English and World Literatures the selection panel chose the following Day career paths and to “figure out what truly students to receive the stipend for spring department—was flattered to be invited to join, saying, “I truly interests you and find that passion in your work life.” 2017 2017 and summer 2017 semesters: enjoy mentoring young people and think I could be especially He observed: “You have to pay your dues, you have helpful to English majors exploring careers in journalism.” In her Maria Andrews ’17, to study hard, you have to do well in general, but I’m Despite last-minute rescheduling caused by experience supervising interns and young professionals, she Foreign Affairs magazine saying when you have your next career choice when an unseasonal snowstorm, Honors Day 2017 Keaven Caro ’17, you graduate, you can’t be overly calculating, was a great success. Held on March 23, the noticed there was a learning curve for graduates as they adjust to The Morishita Lab at Mount Sinai Hospital because life isn’t going to turn out the way you event featured 53 individual and collaborative the journalistic style of writing: “Graduates adapt to writing more Briana Cotugno ’17, Public School #20 planned it.” projects—from traditional academic papers concisely as journalists. They tap into the creative and analytical Danielle Pitera ’17, CityScience to sculptures, science posters, stage sides of themselves that they developed in college, and learn to Alisha Bunting ’18, 7Cinema ABOUT THE LECTURE SERIES performances, and virtual reality experiences. apply that to the more condensed style of journalism.” Annelisse Guillen ’18, Professor Gurcharan Singh was a beloved member of Although diverse in subject matter and Kravis Children’s Hospital at Mount Sinai the MMC community and founded the International medium, each project highlighted MMC’s Brandt also poses advice on the future of the industry: “I Monica Nyenkan ’18, Studies major in the early 1980s. After his passing in signature mix of passion and creativity. really encourage English majors to take Communications and Gibney Dance Center 2007, students, alumni, and friends collaborated to Alyssa Wagner ’18, create the Gurcharan Singh Memorial Fund. This fund The festivities opened with an awards Journalism courses to be more well-rounded and well-prepared The Metropolitan Museum of Art established a lecture series and a student essay ceremony to honor the best student for the shift toward more digital journalism.” In addition to Hailey Albright ’19, FEM Project competition focusing on Professor Singh’s core submissions. Honorees received certificates offering guidance to students on becoming more employable nd Gillian Curry ’19, The 52 Street Project values and fields of interests: mutual respect and and cash awards. and developing marketable skills for the “real world,” Advisory  , Congressman Madelin Gomez ’19 understanding across cultures and nations, justice for Board members also assist with student outreach to the industry, Adriano Espaillat's Bronx District Office Emily Inman ’17 earned the Dean’s the oppressed, and conflict resolution. support career development initiatives, and help identify job Amne Madi ’19, Award for her research paper on the openings, internships, and other opportunities. Ruth Facer ’05, American Iranian Council From L-R: Rajinder Bains (Gurcharan Singh’s daughter), role of silence in Dante’s Divine Comedy. Taylor Taff ’19, Robert Malley, Surinder Singh (Gurcharan Singh’s son Paige Cowen ’20, won the first-year Senior Director at Zillow Group, Inc. and Advisory Board member Lower Manhattan Cultural Council and MMC faculty member), and Alex Kane ’11 writing award for her compelling essay for the English and World Literatures Department, speaks to R. Vincent Macareno ’20, LoftOpera endorsing a meat-free diet. Rosie students’ needed preparation for the job market: “I honestly didn’t Gabrielle Mank ’20, Wenrich ’17 earned the student-faculty think about career development when I was a student. When I Goodspeed Musicals collaboration award for her presentation graduated, I was not prepared for the transition from academia on the composition of phytoplankton. Upon completion of their internships, to the business world. As an Advisory Board member, I hope to Additionally, Bedford Hills College Program students submitted either an essay or help students develop early professional goals, provide practical video summarizing their experience. students received recognition in two panel resources for job hunting and interviewing, and build confidence Gabrielle Mank ’20 said, “Spending my presentations that featured their work on for being a great employee and team player in the workplace”. entire summer at Goodspeed Musicals creative writing and food studies. was an amazing experience, and I am very grateful that the CityEdge stipend From morning to evening, Honors Day Each departmental Advisory Board consists of at least four members helped to offset my expenses so that brought the community together to and typically does not exceed eight. Appointments are for three-year celebrate student achievements—making I was able to fulfill this internship.” terms, which are staggered to provide the Board with the necessary it well worth the weather-induced wait. combination of experience and new ideas.

12 | Marymount Manhattan College Fall 2017 | 13

NEW YORK MINUTE

New Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty GRIFFIN GEAR Sharon Meagher, Ph.D., has been and humanities enrollments, fostered appointed Vice President for the creation of graduate certificate Academic Affairs and Dean of the programs, and raised funds for Faculty. Serving most recently as innovative, creative place-making Dean of the College of Arts and projects in the City of Chester. Sciences at Widener University, in While Professor of Philosophy at “My entire career has been dedicated Chester, Pennsylvania, Dr. Meagher the University of Scranton, to the purposeful integration of liberal began her new role at MMC on Dr. Meagher served as a founding arts education, professional studies, July 1, 2017. chair of a department that housed and civic engagement in an urban the Latin American Studies and environment. MMC has a history of “Dr. Sharon Meagher’s background in Women’s Studies programs. At combining these things and is now promoting a place-based model of The Union Institute, she served as building on that history to take it to a higher education that fully integrates Co-Chief Operating Officer and level of national leadership. I am excited theory and practice makes her the Director of the Office of Social to join a team of dedicated faculty perfect fit for MMC. Her highly Responsibility, where scholars and and administrators to foster and collaborative leadership style and practitioners engaged in funded facilitate this work,” said Dr. Meagher. passionate dedication to student research projects. She served on the learning and success strongly resonate board of the Pennsylvania Humanities Dr. Meagher’s appointment follows with our entire campus community,” Council, is the co-founder of the a national search led by a committee MMC pride never goes out of style! co-chaired by Mary Fleischer, Ph.D., said MMC President Kerry Walk, Ph.D. Public Philosophy Network, and Check out the latest and greatest Griffin Gear styles Professor and Chair of the serves as a trustee at Keystone Department of Theatre Arts, and for students, alumni, and friends! To purchase these Dr. Meagher comes to MMC with 20 College. She earned her BA in Bradley Herling, Ph.D., Associate products and others, visit the Griffin Gear store at years of higher education leadership Philosophy and Sociology from Professor of Religious Studies and www.mmm.edu/griffin-gear. These Manhattan Streets experience at three institutions. At Boston College, and Ph.D. in Chair of the Division of Humanities Attending college in NYC means the city is your campus. Widener, she improved retention rates Philosophy from SUNY Stony Brook. and Social Sciences. Stay comfy when you’re on the go or in the classroom in Griffin Gear active wear! Daily Dance? Fuhgeddaboudit! Whether you wake up early for dance class, a biology lab, or simply want to beat the crowd RECAP on the Second Avenue Subway, a sip of coffee from this MMC mug will perk you right up. Shark Tank

This past spring, six teams of MMC students gathered Sun in your Eyes? to pitch their ideas at the College’s first-ever Shark Tank competition. Sponsored and hosted by the Division The skyscrapers of of Business, MMC’s Shark Tank helped these budding Manhattan can only entrepreneurs present their ideas to potential investors. block so much. Keep In addition to strengthening students’ critical thinking, your eyes and skin teamwork, and presentation skills, the program provided protected during jogs a solid grounding in business acumen. in Central Park and group meetings The judges included Jill Bright ’83, MMC Trustee and on The Lowerre Executive Vice President at Sotheby’s; Erum Azeez Khan, Family Terrace a West Chester University graduate who provides The winning pitch was Realabilities, a puppet musical and with Marymount innovation strategy for messagingLAB; and Toni Rubio, comic book series that would teach young students about Manhattan Founder and President of Move to Empower and member disabilities and showcase the talents and strengths of baseball Think in Technicolor! of MMC’s Division of Business Advisory Board. individuals with disabilities. As champions, the Realabilities caps. team has the opportunity to work with mentors from the MMC’s school colors may be blue and white, but The program allowed each team to present an idea to the Division of Business and enter the nationwide Student Griffin Gear has apparel in every shade imaginable. judges and audience. After each presentation, the judges Entrepreneurship Competition during the 2017–18

asked questions and interacted with the team. academic year. ’13 Rootare Lindsay Credit: Photo

14 | Marymount Manhattan College Fall 2017 | 15 NEW YORK MINUTE

1 | President Kerry Walk, Ph.D. (left) and former Board Chairperson Hope Knight ’85 (right) present the Visionary Award to Debby and Scott Rechler P’17

2 2 | Trustee Barbara Loughlin ’70, Alice and Board Chair Michael Materasso P’14, and Patrick Abarta

3 | Trustee Carol Berman ’13 and BENEFIT husband Walter Berman 2017 3 4 | The Visionary Award 1 5 | Host of Ceremonies Anne Thompson, NBC’s Chief Environmental Affairs Correspondent

An Evening at the Museum 6 | MMC students perform America the Beautiful

The 2017 Annual Scholarship Benefit 7 | The sisters of the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM) ining under the cerulean shadow of the majestic blue whale model, guests of the 2017 Annual Scholarship Benefit enjoyed an unforgettable 8 | The evening’s honorees, Scott and Debby Rechler, with daughter event at the American Museum of Natural History. It was an evening full Get to Know Scott D 4 and current MMC student Gabrielle of excitement, culminating in the announcement that, for the first time, the Rechler ’17 Benefit surpassed the one million dollar mark in fundraising. and Debby Rechler 5 Tireless champions for young people 9 | President Kerry Walk, Ph.D. Trustees, faculty, alumni, parents, and friends of the College gathered at throughout New York City and this special event on April 27 to celebrate and support the positive impact 10 | Jason Gotay ’11 performs Out There beyond, Scott and Debby Rechler P’17 from The Hunchback of Notre Dame of an MMC education, as well as to honor MMC benefactors and parents were presented the Marymount (music by Alan Mencken and lyrics by Scott and Debby Rechler P’17, who received the Marymount Manhattan Manhattan College Visionary Award Stephen Schwartz) College Visionary Award for their leadership in ensuring opportunity and by President Kerry Walk and Hope security for people around the world. Knight ’85, former Chairperson of 11 | Adrienne Warren ’09 sings the Board of Trustees. Constellation (music and lyrics by Anne Thompson, NBC’s Chief Environmental Affairs Correspondent, Joey Contreras) presided as the host of ceremonies. In a special moment of the evening, Scott Rechler is the CEO and 6 12 | Matilda Raffa Cuomo H’01 and she read a proclamation from New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio declaring Chairman of RXR Realty, one of the Honorary Benefit Chair reads an April 27, 2017 “Marymount Manhattan College Day.” The proclamation tri-state region’s leading real estate address from her son, Governor cited several of the College’s milestones, including record-breaking companies, which formed subsequent Andrew Cuomo th 7 full-time enrollment and the 20 anniversary of the Bedford Hills College to the sale of Reckson Associates Program, and commended Scott and Debby Rechler for their unwavering Realty in January 2007. In that time, commitment to MMC and its mission. In addition, Matilda Raffa Cuomo H’01, RXR has accumulated a $15 billion, an Honorary Benefit Chair, close friend of the honorees, and the 25-million-square-foot portfolio proud grandmother of a member of MMC’s Class of 2021, addressed the spanning New York City and the crowd with a congratulatory letter from her son, Governor Andrew Cuomo. New York Metro Region.

During the awards presentation, President Kerry Walk lauded the Debby is deeply involved in a variety Rechlers. “Through his civic leadership, Scott Rechler envisions a vital of charitable causes, most notably and magnetic city and region,” she said. “And through her involvement the Rift Valley Children’s Village, 8 in many charitable causes, Debby Rechler envisions a world in which all which provides a permanent home people can lead safe and productive lives.” for orphaned children in northern 9 Tanzania. She is also active with the Between the presentations and awards, guests enjoyed spectacular Association for Children with Down performances by renowned actress and singer Rachel York and three Syndrome, the Glen Cove Boys & gifted MMC alumni, including Tony nominee Adrienne Warren ’09, Broadway Girls Club, and the National Eating actor Jason Gotay ’11, and musical artist and composer Breedlove ’05. Disorder Association.

In total, the Benefit raised more than $1.2 million to support need-based The couple co-founded the Long student scholarships. President Walk thanked all those who contributed Island Children’s Museum, where to the success of the largest fundraiser in the College’s history. “Thanks Scott served as co-chair of the 10 to the generosity of all who contributed, more students than ever will museum board of trustees. receive the gift of an MMC education, one of the finest in the nation.” 11 12

16 | Marymount Manhattan College Fall 2017 | 17 NEW YORK MINUTE CAMPUS @ewlmmc It was a lovely night SNAPSHOTS for a party...for the first ever Carson Review! Thank you to everyone who attended and to @haleydebattista our fabulous students They see me eatin, they hatin. @verchot_fosho Pierre the sheep dog who read their work. #mmcstrawberryfest #marymountmanhattancollege #mythmirthmusic Cheers to a great year! #theatre #rehearsals #puppet #dog #literarymagazine #undergraduate #english #poetry #nonfiction #fiction #writing#nyc #manhattan

@humsoc_mmc Our team might not have won, but we’re so proud of some of our HUMSOC students for killing it on the court today! #students #faculty #marymountmanhattancollege #marymountmanhattan #collegeinnyc #volleyball #uppereastside #ues #manhattan @mantha.michelle My pretty princesses

@xerixrose Some of my peeps that made this year amazing, many other peeps that aren't depicted but i'm missing you just the same

@emilymun_official Strawberry Fest at Marymount Manhattan College 2017 #festival #booth #desserts #food #foodie #mmc #college #student #fun @alexandra_cowan #studentactivities #strawberry Hail Marymount and hail that cab. #donut #nyc#newyork #marymountmanhattan #graduation #manhattan #newyorkcity #nycactor #redhead #school#follow #followtrain #followme #marymountmanhattan #strawberryfest #mmc #marymountmanhattancollege

18 | Marymount Manhattan College Fall 2017 | 19 FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1. In July 2017, the Council of 4. In June 2016, Yu-Yin 5. Senior Associate Dean for 6. Congratulations are 7. Associate Professor Independent Colleges selected Cheng, Ph.D., Professor of Academic Affairs Kathleen in order for Dan Hunt, of English and World Adrienne Baxter Bell, Ph.D., History and International LeBesco, Ph.D., and Peter MFA, Assistant Professor Literatures Michael Colvin, Professor of Art History and Studies, presented her Naccarato, Ph.D., Professor of Communication and Ph.D., recently published Director of the College Honors research paper “Exploring of English and World Media Arts, on the April Fado and the Urban Poor in Program, to participate in a Christian Thought of Literatures, recently edited 2017 premiere of his first Portuguese Cinema of the special weeklong seminar series on Lower-Stratum Elite in The Bloomsbury Handbook fiction short film, Assisted 1930s and 1940s. The book teaching European Art in context. Late-Ming China: The Case of Food and Popular Culture. Living, at the Newport is Dr. Colvin’s study of the Held at the Yale Center for British Beach Film Festival in evolution of Fado music as Art in New Haven, Connecticut, of Xiong Shiqi” at the This authoritative overview and funded by the Samuel H. Kress international conference of the influence of food on Southern California. The the soundtrack to the first Foundation, the seminar focused on Revisiting Intellectual History popular culture in recent film, which explores the Portuguese films with sound, the relationship between landscape during the Ming-Qing decades brings together financial exploitation of also known as “talkies.” In and identity in Britain and the Transition Period. Dr. Cheng, more than 20 original the elderly, was a true it, he analyzes the most United States from 1770 to 1914. a guest of the Institute of essays from leading experts. MMC endeavor, including successful Portuguese films Modern History at Academia The interdisciplinary, Assistant Professor of of the first two decades 1 2. Ann DiBella Jablon, Ph.D., Sinica (the highest-ranking groundbreaking resource Communication and Media of the Estado Novo era to Professor and Chair of research institute in Taiwan), will be an essential Arts Erin Greenwell, MFA, show how directors used the 2 Communication Sciences and was among 28 scholars from reference work for students, as creative producer and national song to promote Disorders, received the Elena across the world chosen to researchers, and scholars. editor; Associate Producers the values of the young Lucrezia Cornaro Award during participate. Dr. Cheng also Kelly Caminero ’16 and regime regarding the poor the annual State Scholarship accepted an invitation Emily Hamilton ’16; Cast and inhabitants of Lisbon’s Awards presented by the Sons from Ming Qing Studies Production Designer Sara popular neighborhoods. and Daughters of Italy in America, to contribute her research Gemind ’16; and an original Grand Lodge of New York Order. on Christianity in score by Kenan Hunter ’18. The award recognizes outstanding 17th-century China for Italian-American women in an upcoming issue. higher education who have made significant contributions to their profession and community. Dr. Jablon earned the award 3 4 in recognition of her recent work, “Italian/American? Second- Did you know that only 62% of MMC’s operating Generation Voices in Search of budget is funded by tuition? In order to an Identity,” co-authored by Lori continue to provide high-quality facilities, DiBella Wallach. faculty, and student services, MMC and all other not-for-profit colleges need to fundraise. 3. Chair of the Department of Theatre Arts Mary Fleischer, Ph.D. Alumni of Marymount Manhattan College remain and Barbara Adrian, MFA, CMA, deeply connected to the College they love and both Professors of Theatre Arts, served as editors for the second call home, and many demonstrate that connection edition of Nicole Potter’s book by giving back to ensure that the next generation Movement for Actors. Potter, who of MMC students have the same positive passed away in 2013, was an experience. Gifts to the Annual Fund provide adjunct professor in the Theatre Marymount Manhattan College with flexible Arts department. Dr. Fleischer and and immediate funds to support need-based 5 Adrian updated this rich resource financial aid for our students, enhanced programs, for actors, and have added six technology, campus infrastructure, and much more. new chapters that have relevance Unrestricted annual gifts from alumni, faculty, staff, across many types of physical parents, and friends allow the College to operate, performance: Authentic grow, and thrive. Movement, yoga for actors, Body-Mind Centering®, When you support MMC with your generosity, stage combat, Bartenieff you’re giving directly to the programs and FundamentalsSM, and initiatives that mean the most to you. A strong and Grotowski-based movement. bright future for our community starts with you. Why do you give? 6 7

20 | Marymount Manhattan College Fall 2017 | 21 IN THE NEWS THE IMPORTANCE OF ‘MOVEMENT FOR ACTORS’

February 24, 2017

“Mary Fleischer and Barbara Adrian, theater professors at Marymount Manhattan College, took the reins on updating Nicole Potter’s Movement for Actors after the author passed away in 2013. Their update adds six new chapters to Potter’s original text and covers VOICES: HOW I WENT FROM A SMALL TOWN IN everything from stage combat to yoga for PENNSYLVANIA TO LIVING IN SOUTH AFRICA actors to Bartenieff Fundamentals.”

June 28, 2017

“Throughout my childhood, everyone told me to follow my dreams. My dream was to see the world. To a little girl in Beaver, Pennsylvania, that aspiration seemed pretty far away. I didn’t know anyone who picked up and left for adventures to Asia and Africa, nor could I imagine what that would be like. But I inched closer to my aspirations by getting into Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. Four years later, I am interning at my dream job in South Africa.” —Bryen Farrell Pittner ’17 Photo Credit: Tariq Mustafa Tariq Credit: Photo A PRISON CLASS IN AFRICAN RELIGION ATTRACTS STUDENTS BEYOND ITS WALLS

December 16, 2016

“The class, which explored religions like spiritism, Santería, voodoo and Rastafarianism, was one of 16 courses taught at the prison this semester. The program is overseen by Marymount Manhattan College, which teaches most of

Photo Credit: Hiroko Masuike/The New York Times York New Masuike/The Hiroko Credit: Photo the courses here…for which inmates receive college credit toward a Marymount Manhattan degree.”

MEET HOPE KNIGHT, THE WOMAN AT THE CENTER OF JAMAICA’S TRANSFORMATION MEET THE FOUR WOMEN February 15, 2017 EARNING BACHELOR’S DEGREES FROM A NY PRISON For More On The Bedford Hills “Before Hope Knight became the President and Chief College Program, see pg. 22. Executive Officer of the nonprofit Greater Jamaica Development Corporation (GJDC) almost two years June 7, 2017 ago, she walked the neighborhood to get a sense of what it was like…But since she started working in “Marymount Manhattan College and Jamaica, the change, which had been set in motion community members mounted a fundraising decades prior, is starting to take effect. There are campaign and, in the spring of 1997, they more than 3,666 new apartments and 2,194 hotel brought college back to Bedford Hills. rooms planned for the Queens neighborhood, by Since then, prisoners there have earned GJDC’s count. And Knight is finding her role is to 55 bachelor’s degrees and 150 associate’s maintain the growth of Jamaica while still keeping degrees from Marymount.” it affordable.” Observer Commercial for Albinowski Yvonne Credit: Photo MMC Trustee Hope Knight ’85

22 | Marymount Manhattan College Fall 2017 | 23 President Kerry Katie LeBesco, Walk, Ph.D. presents Senior Associate BHCP graduate with Dean for Academic her diploma Affairs, addresses the audience at commencement

FINDING FREEDOM BEHIND BARS

group of women studiously sit around a As with all prison education programs, the room with white concrete walls, discussing BHCP remains the single most effective tool for de- A the nature and origin of human rights. creasing the likelihood that incarcerated women will MMC’s Bedford Beyond their matching green attire, they don’t return to prison upon their release. Recidivism appear to have much in common, representing a among released BHCP graduates is virtually zero, as Hills College range of ethnicities, ages, and life experiences. compared with the national average of Program 43.9 percent for women. This is a room in the Bedford Hills Correctional RISING FROM THE ASHES Facility for Women, and this group is part of celebrates The BHCP’s success wasn’t always so assured. Marymount Manhattan College’s Bedford Hills 20 years of In 1995, “tough-on-crime” initiatives slashed federal College Program (BHCP). And although these and state funding for prison education programs, excellence women may seem dissimilar, they share a sense leading to the closure of more than 350 pre college of purpose, a drive to succeed, and a desire to and college programs in prisons around the improve their own lives and the lives of their families. country. At that time, the program at Bedford Hills— then conducted by Mercy College—shuttered after THE TRANSFORMATIVE EFFECT OF EDUCATION 15 successful years. For 20 years, the BHCP has proudly afforded inmates in New York State’s only women’s By the spring of 1997, the program at Bedford Hills maximum-security prison the opportunity to enroll had made a comeback, this time as a consortium of colleges led by then-President of MMC Regina in college courses while serving time behind bars. Peruggi, Ed.D. Today, the BHCP exemplifies MMC’s To date, more than 200 incarcerated women have mission to educate a socially and economically earned either an Associate of Arts degree in Social diverse student body by fostering intellectual Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology achievement and personal growth, and promoting from MMC. social, political, cultural, and ethical understanding.

The program has been a boon to the facility’s COLLEGE LIFE AT BEDFORD HILLS population, both those who are enrolled in courses Although MMC has been the degree-granting and those who aren’t. institution of the BHCP since 1997, the program officially became an extension campus in “The women in the BHCP change the culture here,” September 2004, and the College now considers itself to have not two, but one student body. said Aileen Baumgartner, the program’s director. “They encourage incoming women to obey the In fact, MMC students at both campuses have rules so they, too, can take the courses they need plenty of crossover: main campus students attend to complete their high school diploma and enroll at classes like Theories of Justice at the facility, and MMC. The whole program is a big motivator, for the the BHCP hosts numerous educational events, such women who have a sentence of five years to those as the Crossing Borders conference, during which who will be here far longer.” professors and students—from inside and outside the facility—present their academic research. Inside/Outside art exhibitions feature work by main campus and BHCP students.

Continued on page 24 ➤

24 | Marymount Manhattan College Fall 2017 | 25 “The Bedford Hills College Program provides a future for them, bringing a sense of hope and a purpose to succeed and do their best every day.” —Valerie Rowe, Ph.D.

➤ Continued fom page 23 ▲ Panelists from left to right: Cheryl Wilkins ’00, Sharon White-Harrigan ’02, Stacy Royster ’08, Students in the program are held to the same THE FUTURE OF BHCP th Colby Thompson ’11, and Iris Bowen (90’s rigorous academic standards as anyone at MMC, In 2016, the U.S. Department of Education selected 20 Anniversary graduate of the Mercy College program) taking placement exams in math, reading, and MMC for the experimental Second Chance Pell essay writing, and fulfilling the same general Program, which is expected to provide modest education and major requirements. support for students, including replacing old and Celebration ▼ Standing from left to right: Aisha Elliot ’00, Cheryl Wilkins ’00, Regina Peruggi, Ed.D., H’01 worn textbooks. The New York State Department On Friday, May 5, 2017, MMC celebrated the (MMC President Emerita), Rachel Bernard A college degree substantially increases these of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) th 20 anniversary of the Bedford Hills College (Assistant Director of the Bedford Hills College students’ chances for fruitful employment after at both the state and facility level, also fully support Program (BHCP). With the event’s theme of Program), Claude Millery ’12, Iris Bowen, their release. With their degrees, many BHCP the program. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER in mind, MMC President Kerra Tolliver ’14, Aileen Baumgartner (Director graduates work in social-service nonprofits, Emerita Regina Peruggi spoke to attendees, of the BHCP), President Kerry Walk, Ph.D. prison-transition services, and social work. But to keep the program up and running, MMC reminding them of BHCP’s origins, which began Seated from left to right: Sharon White- relies primarily on the generous donations of during her tenure. Harrigan ’02, Stacy Royster ’08, Colby Thompson ’11 “The women of BHCP are extraordinarily eloquent private individuals and foundations, whose about the power of education to transform their contributions support an operating budget of A highlight of the day was a BHCP Alumnae Panel, in lives and the lives of those around them,” says nearly $300,000 each year. which graduates shared their experiences as students MMC President Kerry Walk. “Many of the program’s and attested to how their education helped prepare students and alumnae describe entering the BHCP One such contributor is Valerie Rowe, Ph.D., whose them for their lives outside the walls of New York weighed down with self-doubt.… But their professors leadership gift to an endowed fund in support of State’s only maximum-security prison for women. believe in them, knowing what they’re capable the BHCP has been sustaining. “Speaking with these of achieving, and their self-doubt turns into women is a life-changer,” said Dr. Rowe, a retired As MMC celebrates the history of the BHCP, the self-empowerment.” Clinical Associate Professor at Fordham University’s College also looks to the future. With the dedication Graduate School of Education. “The Bedford Hills of BHCP faculty, staff, and volunteers, and ongoing College Program provides a future for them, bringing financial support primarily from private donors, that fu- a sense of hope and a purpose to succeed and do ture looks bright—for BHCP students and alumnae, the their best every day.” wider MMC community, and society as a whole.

26 | Marymount Manhattan College Fall 2017 | 27 ATTRACTING NEW POPULATIONS time Emmy Award-winning producer of culinary The first program to be offered by the new institute programs. The course explores NYC as one of the food was an intensive summer workshop in Musical Theatre capitals of the world, with an emphasis on the culinary for high school juniors and seniors. culture of the Upper East Side.

“The program was tremendously successful,” says As- “We’re also considering certificate programs for sistant Vice President for Academic Administration working adults to pursue credentialing, again looking Richard Sheldon, who spearheaded the development to where MMC has an established pattern of success,” of a five-year business plan for the institute. “We’re says Sheldon. “We could offer career enhancers in he landscape of the college classroom is changing. marketing not only our strength and expertise in the areas like stage or arts management, social justice As more people embrace lifelong learning, individuals performing arts industry, but also the New York City and human rights, social entrepreneurship and ethical outside of the traditional college age bracket—both older and experience. We had students attend from all over the business—the potential is limitless.” younger—are exploring new educational opportunities. T country, and MMC is now the college of choice for all of them.” FOSTERING FISCAL HEALTH School’s To serve this changing population, Marymount Manhattan College In addition to expanding MMC’s visibility to populations has launched an institute for pre college and advanced study, which High school students from California, New Jersey, around the world, the institute also offers a new offers cutting-edge educational programs to nontraditional, Kentucky, Puerto Rico, and more worked with MMC fac- revenue source. in Session non-degree-seeking learners. The new institute is funded by a ulty during the successful summer intensive. $1 million donation from MMC alumna Mary Ellen McNiece Hawn ’91 While the gift from the Hawn family offsets costs for and her husband, Gates Helms Hawn. In the future, the pre college program will continue the first several years of the programs, the education for a New to build on MMC’s distinctive strengths, expanding its programs are expected to generate income by the ENVISIONING MMC’S SUCCESS offerings to other subject areas and taking advantage second or third year through program fees, housing, In the past, MMC offered popular educational outreach programs of the College’s NYC location as a draw for both food services, and more. This diversification of revenue for nontraditional students seeking degrees and certifications, but Population domestic and international students. is important for the long-term sustainability of the were discontinued more than a decade ago for a variety of reasons. College and addresses a goal of the new strategic plan For President Kerry Walk, Ph.D., now in her third year at the College, MMC rolls out new ENRICHING EXPERIENCES FOR ADULTS to foster fiscal health. reviving the outreach programs, with a new purpose, has been a MMC also recognizes the abundance of prospective key initiative. institute for pre college adult learners living in and around the city. MAKING THE GRADE IN HIGHER EDUCATION For President Walk, the institute for pre college and and advanced study “Offering programs that meet the needs of a wide range of learners “By establishing programs aimed at working advanced study offers a perfect way to optimize the makes sense for MMC,” says President Walk. “It’s no wonder that professionals in the New York City area, we can College’s resources, leverage long-standing strengths, so many campus stakeholders have expressed a desire to see the increase MMC’s presence on the Upper East Side,” and try out innovative modes of teaching and learning. return of such programs: they help fulfill the MMC mission to educate says Sheldon. “We can help our local population students of all ages, they serve the community around us, they re-envision the kind of college Marymount Manhattan “Marymount Manhattan is a jewel in one of the world’s provide opportunities for greater regional and national visibility, and is, and the role we can play in helping adults enrich great cities,” President Walk observes. “The new they optimize institutional resources—including space, which is plentiful their lives and engage in their communities.” institute will make our rich educational offerings during low-peak times, such as the summer. That’s a lot of wins!” available to a large nontraditional student population For this next step, MMC is exploring a variety of while harnessing the College’s tremendous potential The new institute for pre college and advanced study is also a options, including intensive non credit courses. One for ongoing success.” centerpiece of the College’s new Strategic Plan for 2017–2021, such intensive course on offer in winter 2018 is “Tasting Contemporary and Compelling: Envisioning MMC’s Future, which NYC Food Culture,” taught by Fran Alswang, a Day- The official name of the institute will focuses on enhancing the College’s distinctive educational be announced soon. Check out the experience and ensuring financial stability and growth. next issue for more details!

28 | Marymount Manhattan College Fall 2017 | 29 Alumnae celebrating their milestone 50th Reunion (Class of 1967) “The one thing you will never gathered at Lincoln Center and were get back is your time. Utilize recognized on stage every minute you have doing during commencement what you love and fill the gaps in your schedule productively. Assessing the purpose of each activity you partake in will help you determine what you need to prioritize for your greater goal. While you keep yourself busy, do not forget to take breaks. Balance is key when it comes to efficiency.” – Senior Class Speaker, Anika Ferdoash ’17

Marymount Manhattan Celebrates

n May 2017, Marymount Manhattan College held commencement exercises in tandem with Alumni Reunion Weekend—a first for Commencement MMC. Unifying the two events resulted in unforgettable moments Ias multiple generations of Griffins came together. At commencement, held in the iconic David Geffen Hall of Lincoln Center, the graduates of 2017 reflected on their accomplishments & Alumni Reunion and looked to the future. Notable graduates include Valedictorians, Jaime Bartolett and Hiu Ching (Penny) Pun, and the student speaker for commencement, Anika Ferdoash.

“Your generation will be called upon to solve Additionally, members of the 50th Reunion Class (1967) received special recognition during the ceremony—demonstrating the lifelong some of the world’s wickedly difficult problems, connection between alumni and the College. including an aging society, international conflict and terrorism, water and food insecurity, economic MMC proudly granted Director and Producer Stanley Nelson an and gender inequality, and climate change, to honorary degree. Nelson is one of the foremost chroniclers of the African American experience working in nonfiction film. His films, name a few. Given the focus, drive, and resilience many of which have aired on PBS, combine compelling narratives you have shown during your years on 71st Street, I with rich and deeply researched historical detail, shining new light know you will find new ways to rise to these and on both familiar and under-explored aspects of America’s past. the many other challenges that you will face in the Following commencement, Reunion Weekend continued with an coming years.” – President Kerry Walk, Ph.D. incredible line up of events, including the annual awards luncheon in the Great Hall, the signature alumni cabaret, and a lively evening of bingo, where alumni old and new mingled and shared stories of their Honorary Degree recipient Stanley Nelson with President Kerry Walk, Ph.D. time at MMC.

30 | Marymount Manhattan College Fall 2017 | 31 ALUMNI PROFILES ALUMNI, everyone to live away from home and approached Professor Bill Bordeau to “An internship at Christie’s during and, of course, to have a good WE WANT your comfort zone for at least a year tell him of my interest in medicine, he my senior year introduced me to business plan.” after graduation—I learned so much.” was completely supportive. He said, the professional art world, a crucial TO HEAR ‘One of our theatre graduates is a experience that continues to serve Although she has worn many hats While in Texas, Balsamo volunteered priest. Why shouldn’t we have a my thinking as a young art historian,” in her career (including gaining FROM YOU! with the Prison Entrepreneurship doctor, too?!’” she says. experience in marketing and historical Program. “I would visit the prison preservation), Holland declares that monthly and speak with incarcerated When not treating patients, Sherman From there, Kline earned an MA from her liberal arts education at MMC has BECOME A individuals about the world of business still makes theatre a priority. He Williams College and recently began reaped endless benefits. “As an English CAREER MENTOR and how to build a business proposal,” is developing and producing a a Ph.D. program in Art History at major, I learned how to research and he says. “It was informative and one-man show called Antonio’s Song, Princeton University. She is also critically analyze, and apply those Share Your Story Now

▶ enriching for them and for me.” which stars MMC alumnus and faculty curating an exhibition depicting the his- skills to all facets of my life. A member Antonio Edwards Suarez ’98— tory of the domestic pet that will open great education gives you a great In an effort to connect our the pair have been best friends since at the Clark Art Institute in 2018. foundation,” she says. students with professionals in ▲ Following in the footsteps of Sherman’s first year at MMC. a variety of fields, we want to countless successful graduates of A world traveler who recently spent The Westchester, New York, resident know where you are now and MMC’s Business program, Blake Sherman also created a digital series time in Istanbul and the U.K., Kline has and mother of two also credits MMC how your liberal arts education Balsamo ’15 is an outspoken advocate called CHARMERS, which showcases a deep appreciation for the MMC for sparking her interest in community at MMC helped you get there. for the business courses that helped his home state, Vermont, and features faculty members who helped propel building and volunteerism. As a launch his career. Broadway stars. To learn more about all her career. “The kindness and guidance student, she actively supported If you are interested in sharing what you have learned with of Sherman’s artistic endeavors, of Professor of Art History Adrienne Campus Ministry. Today, through the next generation of “The faculty in the business department visit joshuashermanpresents.com. Bell, Ph.D., is just one example of the her company, she donates time and Marymount Manhattan go above and beyond. The classes they school’s best advantage: small class resources to roughly a dozen local students, visit curate are rigorous and challenging, ▲ As he selected courses for his senior sizes and caring professors, which charities, including hospitals, schools, www.mmm.edu/careermentor and push students to think more results in great mentor relationships. year at MMC, Joshua Sherman, MD ’00 and community centers. to complete a survey. like entrepreneurs and marketing or realized he needed to fulfill a science Distinguished Chair and Professor of banking professionals,” he says. requirement and signed up for a Art History Jason Rosenfeld, Ph.D., Holland says, “If you love what you do, Opportunities to engage with Now in his second year at Citigroup, 100-level nutrition course. The Theatre too, honed my art history writing skills it is worth pursuing. And it is never too students may include: the recently promoted Assistant Vice Design major saw it as a means to an by editing drafts and engaging in late to follow your passion.” President works in the Commercial end, but it ultimately changed his life. discussions.” • Careers over Coffee Banking Division. This department “During Professor Suzanne Polo, R.D.’s Invite students to meet for lends capital and fulfills the banking class, I decided that I would pursue As she continues to acquire degrees an informational interview to needs of large corporate clients. a career in medicine. To my surprise, and life experience, it’s clear that Kline’s discuss your career and offer Balsamo’s areas of interest and many of the skills I had developed time at MMC has had a profound effect advice on your job field. expertise include the automotive in the arts—problem solving, on both her interests and her aspira- and packaging sectors, among others. communication, dealing with a wide tions. • Internships range of personalities—carried over ▲ In the art world, few names carry as Connect students to internship Although he now resides in his home perfectly,” he says. much influence as Christie’s. The famed opportunities with your state of New Jersey, his career required auction house, founded in 18th-century employer. a temporary residency in Dallas—an Now a practicing physician, Sherman London, has shaped the careers of experience Balsamo holds in high credits MMC for preparing him for many aspiring art historians, including • Career Fairs Attend MMC’s on campus Career regard. “I would recommend for success. He recalls, “When I Ariel Kline ’15. Fair to speak with students ▲ When facing a crowd of 1,500 about internships/jobs. people at an event in Chicago, Having released two and a really great advisor, Macklemore, and Wiz Khalifa, Blair Bloomston ’03 called upon her albums in the past two Associate Professor of Art and his album The Fuel • Panels/Career Summit MMC education to see her through years, the multi-talented James Holl, MFA,” he says. boasts more than one Attend MMC’s spring a high-stakes presentation. musician Koncept ’08 recently million streams online. networking event or partnered with Sony Music “Jim gave me the confidence participate in career-related Asia and is establishing himself to follow through with my Koncept encourages young “I was battling a head cold and had panels on campus. across continents. The Rapper/ vision. He never shut down artists to “see what you want just had my second child three months ▲ Life is sweet for Diane A. Holland ’89, Singer/Producer also designs an idea, but would help earlier—and now I had to win over this • Job Shadowing and where you want to be. owner of the award-winning company the artwork and branding for guide and develop it into room,” she recalls. “I couldn’t have Invite students to your work Put a plan together and work Blue Tulip Chocolates. A professionally his music, calling upon skills he something more.” done it without Professor of Theatre place to observe your typical hard every day to achieve it.” trained Chocolatier and Pastry Chef, honed at MMC. Arts Barbara Adrian, MFA, whose work day for a few hours. Holland says, “There were many people The Queens native (whose To hear Koncept’s music and unparalleled voice and speech training who thought a fine chocolate business “I majored in Graphic Design given name is Keith Whitehead) watch the accompanying music so thoroughly prepared me for such a would not survive, but it is best to and minored in Music. I had has performed alongside rap videos, visit iamkoncept.com. scenario all those years before!” follow your own heart and talents— great professors in both fields superstars Rick Ross, 32 | Marymount Manhattan College Fall 2017 | 33 Through the internship, Lamb Broadway companies, including Although the life of the Brooklyn worked on numerous shows and Disney Theatrical Group, Boneau/ resident centers on New York’s five GRIFFIN BOOKSHELF ALUMNI news segments alongside broadcasting Bryan-Brown, and The Karpel Group. boroughs, Plitt enjoys traveling to PROFILES legends, including Dan Rather. This As a Communication Arts major, she new places, as well as watching Joyce Jeffries White ’76 published a memoir, experience led to a career in production devised an educational path to fit her ’90s sitcoms and sampling beer. Soar. The book focuses on White’s struggle to acquire before more recently becoming a TV interests and goals. higher education while battling the stigmas associ- and radio personality. ated with disability and a life in poverty. She devotes a “I was able to challenge myself with chapter of her book to MMC, saying, “At the top of my An entrepreneur and game theory Lamb can be heard on iHeartmedia the classes I chose and the professors I list of miracles that had taken place in my life over the expert, Bloomston says she often and seen on television as a true-crime wanted to study with,” Arnegger past three years was my ability to attend MMC.” applies lessons from her days as an reporter for programs including Fatal says. “The greatest thing a liberal arts She credits her success to an inner faith that undergrad: “All of my professors were Attraction (TV One) and Snapped: program can provide is the opportunity empowered her to overcome obstacles, as well as Killer Couples (Oxygen Network). to learn purpose and creativity and to phenomenal and I think back on their the unconditional love of her parents, who enabled classes all the time.” She enjoys hiking, traveling, and foster personal growth.” her to reject labels of “inferiority.” Currently, White swimming, and also devotes time and is enjoying life as a grandmother and traveling the As Vice President for game on resources as a volunteer, supporting Today, in addition to extensive travel, Nation, Bloomston develops and soup kitchens and clothing drives. the Astoria resident performs for the world with her husband, Benjamin (Bene) White. delivers multi-phase leadership, Reflecting on her life, career, and what Educational Theatre Association, also teamwork, and corporate culture lies ahead, Lamb says, “I think most of serving on its Alumni Counsel and programs for such clients as Hilton, us are afraid of the unknown, but with Foundation Advisory Board. Virginia Monti ’80 co-authored Peering Through NASCAR, and Deloitte. Outside of positive thoughts, faith, and looking ▲ Brooklyn-based Ben a Frosted Window: Essays and Poems About Life work, she and her husband, Shane, for that silver lining, you can make the Chatag ’15 draws upon deeply with her sister Andrea Monti Riffe. The book is best of any situation.” personal life experiences to have their hands full with sons Beau a collection of poems, memoirs, photography, and Kirby. create his colorful and complex and insights from the sisters’ imaginations. Monti contemporary paintings. He says, hopes the book helps readers reflect on their life Although she lives on the Gulf Coast of “I want to visually convey Tibetan Florida, Bloomston remains connected philosophical ideas in works that experiences and find new meaning, importance, to the MMC community, having focus on current social, political, and beauty in their gifts of expression, as well as recently collaborated with alumna and cultural issues. The notions of pride in their heritage. Brenna (Palughi) Thys ’03 on an event freedom, interdependence, and with Institutional Advancement. compassion are important in a time when many are rejecting our Bloomston says, “I was so impressed connectedness and focusing on with MMC’s intention to seek best differences.” practices and provide cutting-edge programming. As an alum, I was truly ▲ Every theatregoer knows the ▲ For Amy Plitt ’04, curiosity and a With his recent first solo show, Joan Ramirez ’82 recently published Secret Desires, thrilled to pilot this partnership.” sensation of leafing through a Playbill passion for city life led to the perfect “Suffering and Cessation,” at the a novel inspired by a true story. When Margo in the minutes before the lights dim career. In 2015, Plitt published her first Yasher Gallery, in Brooklyn, Chatag Simmons meets the man of her dreams, she and the curtain rises. But few know book, Subway Adventure Guide: New aimed to raise awareness of the struggles with how to fulfill her desire for a loving about the committed people who York City. The indispensable guide is struggle of refugees and migrants relationship, further complicated by the man’s work at Playbill, such as Sarah Jane beneficial to both tourists and locals, around the world. “As a Tibetan emotional ties to his deceased wife and fear of Arnegger ’06. offering tips, insider knowledge, who had left my country and opening his heart again. Secret Desires is written and historical tidbits about the family, this was and remains from the heart and speaks to anyone who has As the Education Director for metropolitan area. important to me,” he says. suffered a loss and had to start over. Playbill, Inc., Arnegger oversees two educational websites: PlaybillEDU Plitt is also the editor of Curbed NY, Chatag is quick to credit Hallie and PLAYBILLder. She also which is part of a network of websites Cohen, MFA, Professor of Art and manages Playbill’s educational that provide localized neighborhood Director of the Hewitt Gallery of partnerships, including those with news about such topics as real Art, for giving him the courage to estate, transportation, politics, and the NYC Department of Education, follow his passion. He says Cohen community events. In this role, she ▲ Not one to let a good opportunity BroadwayCon, and the National provided him guidance for leads a three-person team and Aura Polanco ’84 recently published Finding Hope, Endowment for the Arts. pursuing a double major—in slip away, Michelle Lamb ’02 made oversees daily posts and larger projects. “the story of a young woman, Kate Connor, who a powerful first impression when “I am leading the charge at Playbill to International Studies and Studio survives a tragedy that results in an immense loss. Art—and traveling to India to study a guest speaker visited MMC her promote arts and theatre education “I’m lucky that one of my main In a desperate attempt to run from the pain, Kate freshman year. by working not only within our own Tibetan thangka painting. interests—exploring New York City— flees the only home she has ever known for a network, but with our partners in New is basically my job,” she says. remote locale in Asia. It is in the lush surroundings “Bob Waldman, an executive York City and around the country. I He says, “I have learned that being and warm waters of a beach in Okinawa that she producer for CBS News, spoke to get to challenge myself every day During her time at MMC, Plitt studied an artist is really hard work, like my class. I approached him afterward and help foster a new community of Journalism and served as Editor of anything else. You have to stick slowly restores her body and a fragment of her with my resumé—yes, I came students who are just discovering the the Monitor. “That was when I first to it every day and not worry so spirit. Despite the distance from her past, a prepared—and expressed interest performing arts,” she says. learned the absolute importance of much about what people say. It is surprising exchange begins with a man who forces in an internship. We chatted, I applied, sticking to deadlines!” she says. “I a long process. I just feel lucky to Kate to question her capacity for forgiveness.” and a few months later I secured a Arnegger’s ties to the arts run deep: also enjoyed media criticism courses, have this passion in me, and the position with the CBS News summer before enrolling at MMC she had which provided skills that come in opportunity to follow it.” program. I was so excited,” she says. already completed internships with handy to this day.”

34 | Marymount Manhattan College Fall 2017 | 35 EILEEN MONAHAN CARROLL ’61 JOAN WRIGHT SCHUSTER ’68 ANNEMARIE KEARNS LATIMER ’79 RENA GORDONSON ’92 has been married to Denis Carroll thanks everyone for their prayers works at Sunrise House in Lafayette, launched a coaching business CLASS NOTES for 54 years, is a mother of four, and support of her granddaughter New Jersey. She is an RN who holds specifically to help survivors of and grandmother of 13. In 1983 Hazel, who passed away on April 26, two master’s degrees—one from trauma. She is currently teaching she enrolled in CUNY Law School 2017, from AML leukemia. Hazel was Seton Hall University in General the inaugural class of an eight-week and received her Juris Doctor beautiful and fierce in her battle to Professional Education and the other course called Breaking the Isolation. ▼ CHRISTINE AKIN ’51 degree in 1987. After practicing law overcome her disease and will be from Montclair State University is the mother of nine children and for 20 years, Carroll now enjoys dearly missed. in Counseling. Since retiring from SUFYETTY Z JOESOEF MITSUDOME ’92 has pursued different careers as a a busy retirement, watching the school nursing in 2010, she enjoys received a Master of Arts in Teaching writer, paralegal, and travel agent all grandchildren grow and participate JOYCE HEFFERNAN BARBER ’69 photography and travel. in 2008 and is a head teacher while travelling the world and owning in sports, music, arts, and academics. is enjoying her free days since retiring for Pre-K students at Highbridge homes in Florida and California. She in April 2014. She is sad to report that JULIA SHAPIRO GOLDSTEIN ’88 Advisory Council and Family prides herself on never knowing the her husband, David, passed away lives in Waterbury, Vermont, with Services. She is excited for her son to meaning of “can’t.” unexpectedly in November 2015, and ▲ GILDA FARIAS HEALY ’76 her husband, Charlie, and works at graduate from University of California she is still getting used to being on is a published author for the second Vermont Technical College, where at Davis this fall. her own after 31 years of marriage. time in five years. Her chapter “The she implements grants that educate She keeps in touch with Vicki Art and Science of Collecting Art parents about social services and NANETTE PARISI PURCIGLIOTTI ’94 Dawson ’69, who has visited in and Other Valuables” is featured helps them find livable-wage jobs. is proud of her husband, Robert A. Fairfield, Connecticut several times. She in Achieving Results, which will be Purcigliotti, who received a lifetime hopes her other classmates are well! available on Amazon. KAREN SPANIER GREEN ’88 achievement award from The New is a member of a pilot program at York State Workers’ Compensation KAREN KARCHER MACK ’70 Riverdale Senior Services titled Bar Association on May 18, 2017, at married Michael Creutz on April 22, c-rise. She has written curricula the Princeton Club in New York City. ▲ MARY HEHIR O’DONNELL ’61 2015, in a private outdoor ceremony that introduce plants and flowers was appointed to a second at Creutz’s home on the bay in East to students to encourage nurturing VILMA VICTORIA CUEVA ’96 three-year term on the Ulster Moriches, New York. Since marrying, behavior. The curricula also is the proud grandmother of a County Environmental Management the couple has enjoyed global address urban agriculture beautiful girl, Audrey Cueva. Council by the Ulster County travel for lattice gauge theory and climate change. Legislature, in Kingston, New York. conferences, as well as personal SARA DEGRAFF ’96 Previously, she served as the team land tours and cruises. GINA SAFADI ’88 is the Director/Producer of The MARIE MENNA PAGLIARO ’56 leader for a Solarize Saugerties represented Ecuador in various NonProfit World, a Connecticut- wrote Designing and Implementing program, which culminated in a solar international dance festivals: In based television program that ▲ the Curriculum: A Compendium rooftop installation for the Saugerties MARY ANN PLEHO KROLIK ’78 August 2016, she went to her first showcases nonprofit organizations. of Criteria for Best Teaching Senior Center, donated by Direct retired from her career in special international competition as a soloist Practices and its companion text, Energy Solar. education this past June. She looks and won second place in the senior CHRISTINA ELLIOTT WOLPERS ’96 forward to volunteering and walks Questioning, Instructional Strategies, salsa soloist category. In September has been promoted to Senior with her husband, Michael. and Classroom Management: A EILEEN SULLIVAN ’63 2016, she represented Ecuador and Account Manager for Ingenico Group Compendium of Criteria for Best received the 2017 Catholic Press competed at the Peru Latin Fest, and resides in Johns Creek, Georgia. Teaching Practices. Pagliaro also had Association Award for best book in AMIRA MAKHLOUF ’78 winning second place in her category. her second novel, A Fork in the Road, the immigration category for The finished designing and teaching Safadi’s motto is “never stop dancing.” CHRISTINA DAIGNEAULT ’97 the course English for Religious published by Rowman & Littlefield in Shamrock and the Cross. The judges was awarded a 2017 Ariane de Purposes at the American University September 2016. said of the book: “Well-written, EVELYN RAEZ ’89 Rothschild Fellowship. Daigneault in Cairo. She currently enjoys being intellectually satisfying, and free is a court attorney and a tax is an attorney-mediator and CEO on holiday at her beach house on the CONSTANCE ROCCANOVA KERWICK-KEARNS ’57 from polemics, Dr. Sullivan’s book specialist. She wishes her fellow of Orchard Strategies, Inc., a public Mediterranean Sea. met John P. Kearns in 2007, married deserves a wide readership.” alumni health and success. relations firm and literary agency. in 2008, and soon after retired from her career in mediation and law. DIANE ASCIONE HOROWITZ ’65 YVONNE MARTINEZ WARD ’78 SORAYA HURTADO ’91 KAT BROWER ’98 is employed at St. Lucy’s School in Kerwick-Kearns currently resides enjoyed her vacation in Italy with recently became an Associate with celebrates the acceptance of her web the Bronx as the Director of the Fine in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, her husband, three children, eight Fischer and Burstein, P.C. series, Kat vs. Alison, into the Silicon Arts Program, Director of the St. but returns to Long Island in the grandchildren, and cousin Adrian Beach Film Festival in Los Angeles Lucy Children’s Choir, Art Teacher for summer to be with her children and Ascione Dillard ’67. RANDI ROBBINS SOLIS ’91 and the Movies4Movies festival in ▲ KATHLEEN SWANTON ROLFINGSMEIER ’73 grades 1 through 8, and Curator for grandchildren. In Florida, she enjoys is a kindergarten and first grade Dobbs Ferry, New York. painting outdoors and traveling. DIANE WILDEROTTER MAYER ’66 loves retirement and being the St. Lucy’s Annual Art Show. She is teacher at Goosehill Primary School wrote an inspiring memoir, An Ordinary a grandparent. married to Alfred W. Ward, Ph.D., and and a third grade teacher at Temple RANDY LICHTENWALNER ’98 mother to 24-year-old son, Eugene JULIANNE THOMPSON GRACE ’59 Woman, An Awesome God: My Faith Beth Elementary. She resides with was recently appointed Principal nd PEGGY MILLER BYRNE ’75 A. Ward. ran her 42 Mini Marathon 10K in Journey, now available on Amazon. her husband, Fred, and children, of Hillcrest School in Peekskill, New Central Park with her daughter and enjoys retirement after 40 years in Emma and Max, on Long Island. GLORIA COHEN ’79 York, after previously serving as three granddaughters. She is also MARY-JANE O’BRIEN MARDIS ’67 the IT field. She recently celebrated the principal of Pound Ridge recently moved to Annot, France. a docent with the Naples Historical retired after 40 years in international the marriage of her daughter Megan, KAREN COOPER ’92 Elementary School and Dows Lane Annot is a small village in the foothills Society, giving tours of Palm Cottage banking and portfolio management and is excited for a trip to Ireland. went back to school and received Elementary School. and walking tours of the historic area. and celebrated her 40th wedding of the Alps, about one hour away her Bachelor of Science in Nursing anniversary last year. She and her from Nice. (BSN) in 2014. Currently, she works husband are proud of their four for Wake Forest Baptist Health in children and enjoy visits and pajama infection prevention while raising parties with their eight grandchildren. two boys, ages 13 and 10, in Winston Salem, North Carolina. 36 | Marymount Manhattan College Fall 2017 | 37 her record label, RedjMusic, and the MICHAEL PAUL SMITH ’06 (CATCh). CATCh seeks to improve label’s third album release. debuts as playwright/director for the the performing arts community CLASS NOTES Long Island Theatre Collective in the by actively recruiting for diversity, play ’Twas the Night. The play is a providing low- and no-cost rehearsal comedy about a family in New York space, and building a framework of that experiences every detail of the opportunity for comedy artists. ANGELETTE VERDENA KING ’00 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” recently completed her associate’s DIONI VASQUEZ ’11 degree in Christian Education at CHRISTINA ILISIJE ’07 is Partner, COO, and Executive World Changers Bible School in incorporated her business Living Producer at One Push Digital College Park, Georgia. Currently she Dance as of March 2017. Through Creative—a full-service, director- attends Argosy University, where she this company, she performs her own centric creative agency and is a candidate for a Master of Arts artistic work and, through dance- production company. fitness private coaching, helps degree in Industrial Organizational OLIVIA WARREN ’11 Psychology. ▲ TALEIA GILLIAM WHEELER ’03 women achieve their happiest and healthiest bodies. graduated from Harvard Law School married Brendan Wheeler on with her JD in 2017 and married February 19, 2017, at a bohemian-chic MARGARITA PASSIONE ’08 Matthew Borths in Cincinnati on wedding in Simi Valley, California. married Byron Zinonos on September 3, 2016. MMC alumnae Michelle Lamb ’02 September 3, 2016, in Brooklyn. and Candice Ricketts ’03 were Passione graduated with a BA in COURTNEY KATTENGELL ’12 in attendance. Studio Art. was promoted to tenure-track Alina Mayer Fisk ’13 and husband Thomas Fisk Alexandra Peters ’13 and husband Assistant Professor of Musical Andrew Whitlatch REGINA FRANCES CAREY ’09 Theatre at Ohio Northern University was elected Irish Historian for and is a teaching artist at the La the Ladies Ancient Order of Jolla Playhouse in the education and AILINA MAYER FISK ’13 him with the skills needed for Hibernians (Division 22, Brooklyn) outreach department. married Colin Thomas Fisk on this promotion. ▲ BERETTE MACAULAY ’01 in November 2016. February 18, 2017, in Port Townsend, exhibited in the Biennial 2017 at the SUZZANNE PONOMARENKO ’12 Washington, surrounded by their ALEXANDRA PETERS ’13 National Gallery of Jamaica with AIMÉE LA FOUNTAIN ’09 founded the dance company parents. She is a dance archivist with married Andrew Whitlatch on June her current portrait series, “memory was a guest on The NonProfit World, SPDance. With the help of Heather an MLIS from Pratt Institute, while her 18, 2016, at Lake Paupac Club in the of nothing.” The work features a TV show produced by fellow MMC Robles ’09 and Danielle Tamburro ’12, husband is First Lieutenant in the 5th Poconos. Tori Ernst ’13 was a member interracial/intercultural couples alumna Sara DeGraff ’96. she created the Senior Care Project, Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment of the bridal party, and Elizabeth and was shown by the Strange which brings dance performances based out of Fort Lewis. Rosetty ’12, Casey Allard ’13, Anna Fire Collective in collaboration ▲ ISABEL SINISTORE ’04 REGINA R ESCANO ’10 to nursing homes and senior care Marie Antinozzi ’13, and Alex with the Center of Fine Art was appointed Director of became a Doctor of Audiology facilities. Ponomarenko seeks to ANDHIKA RONDOR MEWENGKANG ’13 Dorr ’13 were in attendance. After Photography in Denver. Macaulay Communications at the Lincoln at George Washington University develop A Chance to Dance—a was promoted to Chief of Facilities a honeymoon in Iceland, the couple will be published in the journal Center for the Performing Arts in Medical Faculty Associates. curriculum of dance and movement and Security at The Vilcek continues to work and reside Mfon: Women Photographers of April 2017. Prior, she spent seven education as a form of self- Foundation. He is grateful to the in Brooklyn. the African Diaspora with 100 other years with Resnicow and Associates. NICK LAMEDICA ’10 expression and self-awareness—for professors and advisors who photographers in fall 2017. Macaulay shot a commercial for Krispy Kreme communities that would otherwise mentored him at MMC and provided currently teaches at the Schack Art EVE CANNON ’05 Doughnuts and played the lead not have such an opportunity. Center in Washington State. graduated from Caldwell University role in the regional premiere of with a master’s degree in Counseling The Curious Incident of the Dog in CHRISTINA ROMERO CARROLL ’02 and specializations in Art Therapy the Night-Time with The Repertory works as an actress in New York and and Mental Health Counseling. Theatre of St. Louis and Cincinnati IN MEMORIAM most recently held a principal role in Playhouse in the Park. The Promise. PAMELA MORENCY MORRONE ’05 Joseph P. Clancy, Ph.D., Emeritus Eugene M. Lang, Marymount Joan O’Rourke, Ph.D. ’53 passed enjoys her growing family with CHRISTINA GALIFIANAKIS ’11 Professor of English Literature Manhattan College friend and away on April 24, 2017. O’Rourke JENNY COBUZZI ’02 husband, Vincent Morrone. Their first moved to Bethesda, Maryland, last and Theatre Arts passed away benefactor, passed away on April obtained her bachelor’s degree from wrapped up another school year child, Evelyn Hazel Morrone, was summer and works in the real estate on February 27, 2017, in Glasgow, 8, 2017, at the age of 98. Lang is MMC, master’s degree from Columbia teaching dance, performing for an born on October 10, 2015, and asset management department Scotland. Dr. Clancy was the first remembered for his generous support University, and Ph.D. from St. John’s entertainment company, and serving baby number two is expected in at Clark Enterprises, Inc. She is chair of the English department and of MMC and its students. His late University. In addition to a rich career students as a school-based clinician October 2017. attending Georgetown University, was a faculty member for 40 years. wife, Theresa, was a 1997 graduate of in education, O’Rourke was a longtime using dance and movement therapy. working toward a master’s degree An esteemed and prolific translator MMC (at the age of 79) who served supporter of the College, funding an This year, Cobuzzi will continue LAUREN CUMMINS ’06 in Real Estate with a concentration and author, Dr. Clancy’s translations as a trustee from 1997 to 2006, endowed scholarship for students of Welsh poetry and literature earned and received an honorary degree demonstrating academic merit and counseling students in the received her Master of Education in in Finance. him numerous awards and honors, in 2008. The Theresa Lang Theatre, public schools while beginning Gifted Education from the University financial need. including an Honorary Doctor of the College’s 249 seat proscenium a private practice. of Louisiana at Lafayette. She will SHANE MEHIGAN ’11 Letters from the University of Wales. house and Off-Broadway showcase now pursue a Master of Science in is a licensed real estate agent with A special edition of one his volumes for professional theatre, dance, JULES COHEN ’02 Counselor Education to become Keller Williams Realty in the New featured original artwork of another and music, is named in her honor. obtained her Master of Social Work a school counselor and licensed York and New Jersey area. MMC legend, the late Sr. Judith Lang also established the Theresa from Fordham University in 2006 professional counselor. and has been working as a full-time KEVIN SHIMKO ’11 Savard, RSHM. Dr. Clancy was married Lang Endowed Scholarship Fund to social worker for 15 years. She keeps is Co-Founder and Owner of the to Gertrude Clancy, with whom he support students who demonstrate busy with her life coach certification, Comedy Arts Theater of Charlotte raised eight children. excellence in community service and extracurricular activities. 38 | Marymount Manhattan College Fall 2017 | 39 KEVIN KEMLER ’15 has been appointed Assistant Director of Fine and Performing Arts Admissions at Marymount Manhattan College. SAMANTHA KIENEMUND ’15 ANNUAL TRUSTEE DONOR DINNER graduated from Iona College with December 5, 2017 a master’s degree in Generalized In recognition of our most generous donors Psychology and a specialization in The Lotos Club, NYC Experimental Psychology. She will continue her education at Fielding BOOK CLUB* Graduate University in the Media Psychology doctoral program. February 7, 2018 Please join us for Alumni & Friends Book Club to discuss A Handmaid’s Tale by KATELYN GRAY ’16 Margaret Atwood. Enjoy refreshments and connect with fellow alums and friends. had her fiction short story “The Aftermath of Braids” published in THE ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT Short Stories IV. April 19, 2018 The Annual Scholarship Benefit is MMC’s largest fundraising event of the year. BETHANY HAUSELE ’16 This year’s benefit will be held at Jazz at Lincoln Center. For more information, has been named Director of visit www.mmm.edu/benefit. Development and Recruitment at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Hamilton Heights, New York. She COMMENCEMENT GRADUATE-PARENT RECEPTION works alongside Cathy Hufnagel ’80, May 17, 2018 BLACK the school’s principal. Together President Kerry Walk, Ph.D. will host a special celebratory reception in FRIDAY. they work to bring high-quality honor of the Class of 2018. Graduating students, parents, and families education to children ages 3 to are invited to attend. 14 years old from all ethnic and CYBER socioeconomic backgrounds. COMMENCEMENT MONDAY. May 18, 2018 David Geffen Hall #GIVINGTUESDAY Lincoln Center, NYC

REUNION 2018* November 28, 2017 May 18-19 We look forward to celebrating with you and your classmates A global day of celebration this spring. All class years are welcome to come home to dedicated to giving back. 71st Street. As part of this year’s reunion, we will be honoring On #GivingTuesday, the MMC all class years ending in 3 or 8 and highlighting the Community raises funds for The Fund th th 25 and 50 Reunion years. To make a class gift or sign for Marymount Manhattan College, up to be a class volunteer, visit www.mmm.edu/reunion. which supports student scholarships, ▲ AMBER MORELAND ’16 faculty initiatives, and campus represented Yorkville in the 2017 WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW MORE THAN EVER improvements. Every gift makes a Miss New York USA pageant. 1992 Give today and your gift will be matched by our generous difference! Visit www.mmm.edu/ She works as the Acting Senior benefactors Judy ’03, H’13 and Russ Carson. To learn more donatenow to get started. Administrative Coordinator for about the match visit www.mmm.edu/carsonmatch. For more information on the Center on Alcohol Marketing #GivingTuesday visit www.mmm.edu/ and Youth at the Johns Hopkins WANT MORE? givingtuesday. University Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. Be sure to check out the Featured Events section of our website. Performances, exhibitions, and lectures A LOOK BACK IN TIME are just a few of the events you can expect to see. SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE! And all events are open to the public, so spread STAY CONNECTED! Strawberry Fest has been an annual spring tradition at Marymount the word. We hope to see you on campus soon! Engage with us on our social media channels We want to hear about your recent Manhattan since 1976, when it took the place of the annual “Spring In” www.mmm.edu/featuredevents. job changes, marriages, births, which began in 1967. Since its inception, the festival has transformed publications, awards, other noteworthy st Follow us on Twitter Find us on Instagram into a day-long block party on 71 Street. Every year the festival @NYCMarymount accomplishments, or the passing of grows, offering something for everyone, including games, food, music,  @NYCMarymount  a loved one. Submit a class note to performances, prizes, and, of course, strawberry-themed treats. [email protected] Join us on Facebook or call 212.517.0460.  Facebook.com/MarymountManhattan *denotes event is located at MMC campus 40 | Marymount Manhattan College Non-Profit U.S. Postage 221 East 71st Street, New York, NY 10021 PAID White Plains, NY RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Permit #1782

Sarah Cole ’19, a double-major in Dance Studies and Politics and Human Rights, atop Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, where she traveled with a group of MMC students and faculty in March 2017. The journey provided real-world experience to complement the course From Apartheid to Democracy, taught by Associate Professor of Political Science and Chair of the Department of Politics and Human Rights, Jessica Blatt, Ph.D., and Assistant Professor of International Studies, Jennifer Mueller, Ph.D.