M a r y m ount Manhattan College

Empowered Women MMC Honors Female Leaders MMC ONLINE Donate to This is the Day at www.mmm.edu/campaign. @ Thank You! Marymount Manhattan College secured a $1.5 million challenge grant from The Kresge Foundation by meeting the $25 million challenge grant goal on March 31, 2010.

We are very grateful for the widespread “support we have received during this ambitious campaign. —President Judson R.” Shaver, Ph.D. The campaign continues. To learn more about the campaign, please visit www.mmm.edu/campaign. Seventy First Street Contents 71A l u mni M aga z ine

71st Street Alumni Magazine is published three times annually by Marymount Manhattan College, and mailed to alumni and friends. Printed in the United States, 6 12 26 71st Street Alumni Magazine can also be viewed online at f e a t u r e s www.mmm.edu/alumni /publications.html. Inmates Gain Confidence ...... 6 Empowered Women: Christina Illenberg, Chanell Johnson MMC Honors Female Leaders . . . . . 16 Send letters to: and Keya Ponder share experiences of President’s Medal Gala acknowledges

Editor, 71st Street college while incarcerated. six honorees for their leadership and Alumni Magazine contributions to the College. MMC Student Earns 2010 Marymount Manhattan Jeannette K . Watson Fellowship . . . . . 9 Shabaneh Brings World Views College Erica Jackson ’13 prepares for prestigious, to the Classroom ...... 20 221 East 71st Street three-year leadership and mentoring program. Dr. Ghassan Shabaneh receives MMC’s New York, NY 10021 Teaching Excellence Award. E-mail: [email protected]

EDITOR Manuel L. Romero Departments MMC News ...... 2 Alumni Avenue ...... 14 ASSISTANT EDITOR Learn about MMC’s reaching the $25 million Reconnect with MMC alumni as they Megan Youngblood campaign goal, the openings of the Dow participate in local events and reunite DESIGN Zanghi Student Health Center and Counseling on- and off-campus. and Wellness Center, and MMC and BHCP Connelly Design Commencements. Faculty Focus ...... 20 COVER PHOTOGRAPH Read about faculty achievements and books Bill Bytsura Recent Major Gifts ...... 8 written by faculty members. Read about the generosity of alumni and friends of MMC. Class Notes ...... 26 Reunite with classmates as they share Campus View ...... 9 updates after graduation. Discover what is happening on the MMC campus: Honors Day, Charter Day, Calendar of Events ...... 32 Leadership Awards Banquet, Hewitt Gallery, Learn about exhibits and activities and dance and theatre arts productions. hosted by MMC. MMC News

MMC Meets Kresge Challenge and Secures $1.5 Million Grant

By Manny Romero other friends and all of these have contributed toward arymount Manhattan College (MMC) has secured this success.” a $1.5 million challenge grant from The Kresge Significant milestones throughout the campaign in MFoundation, thanks to the support and participation support of its three objectives include: from donors, friends and members of the MMC community. • The Lowerre Family Terrace, the campaign’s first major The grant was awarded to the College after it met its facilities investment, was unveiled in September 2008 in $25 million campaign goal by the Foundation’s recognition of a generous gift from alumnus Paul March 31, 2010 deadline. Lowerre ’81. In fall 2009, the College opened The “We are very grateful for the widespread support Commons, a 5,000-square-foot dining facility and we have received during this ambitious campaign,” student lounge. In addition, renovations were said President Judson R. Shaver, Ph.D. “The made to the Thomas J. Shanahan Library and the Kresge Foundation challenge grant will help ensure Great Hall. Marymount Manhattan students receive a dynamic • Today, with the demand for scholarship support and rewarding education experience. We thank at nearly historic levels, the College has been able everyone for their investment and dedication to to significantly increase its financial assistance to helping us meet the terms of this challenge grant.” MMC students through the funds raised as part of In January 2008, the College launched the public This is the Day. Since the beginning of the campaign, phase of This is the Day, the Campaign for Marymount 65 new MMC students and 67 continuing students received Manhattan. Donors to this comprehensive campaign financial assistance from campaign funds. have enabled dramatic increases in need-based student • In March 2009, the College named Professor and Chair financial aid, enhanced existing spaces to create a dynamic of Communication Arts Kathleen LeBesco, Ph.D., and environment for learning and funded an expansion Associate Professor of Art History Jason Rosenfeld, Ph.D., in the number of full-time faculty while encouraging as the first distinguished chairs at MMC. In addition, the unprecedented levels of faculty scholarship and research. College has hired seven new full-time faculty members. “Earning the Kresge grant is a testament to our donors While the College celebrates achieving the Kresge and their dedication to the College,” said Campaign Chair challenge, This is the Day, the Campaign for Marymount Judy Carson ’03. “The College has been transformed Manhattan continues. For more information, visit through gifts of all sizes from trustees, alumni, parents and www.mmm.edu/campaign.

MMC Appoints Derek C. Bellin as Vice President for College Relations

Effective June 15, 2010, Derek responsible advancement leadership roles over a 20-year C. Bellin, B.S., will serve as Vice period, primarily at private research universities, including President for College Relations Case Western Reserve University, Columbia University and and Chief Advancement Officer at Stanford University. Marymount Manhattan College. Bellin earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the As a senior consultant at Freeman University of Vermont. Philanthropic Services (FPS) for the With his appointment, the Office of Institutional last five years, Bellin has been assisting Advancement will become the Office of College Relations Derek Bellin, B.S. a nationwide portfolio of private and & Advancement, and the scope of the office’s mission will public colleges, universities and other include alumni, government and community relations, nonprofit organizations to recruit executive leadership, development, corporate and foundation relations, assess organizational capacity, and plan and execute communications, publications and College-wide branding marketing, resource development and other campaigns. and marketing. Prior to FPS, Bellin held a series of progressively

2 M a r y m o u n t M a n h a t t a n C o l l e g e Board of Trustees Welcomes Vice Chair and Trustee On May 4, 2010, the Board of and in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He Trustees of Marymount Manhattan is currently on the Board of Trustees College elected James E. Buckman, of the Museum of the City of New Esq., as Vice Chairman and Chairman York and Fordham University, and Designate. on the Board of Directors of the New Buckman, a member of MMC’s York Philharmonic and the Wyndham Board since 2005, is currently Vice Worldwide Corporation. Chairman and General Counsel at York The Board also elected Sr. Teresita Capital Management. He is the former James E. Fay, Ph.D., RSHM, as the newest Sr. Teresita Fay, Vice Chairman and General Counsel of Buckman, Esq. trustee. Sr. Teresita is a member of the Ph.D., RSHM Cendant Corporation and was previously Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel of (RSHM) with extensive experience in education and in Cendant’s predecessor, HFS, Inc. corporate training and development. Her professional He has served as Executive Vice President and General experience includes more than 25 years in teaching and Counsel for Days Inns of America, Inc., and as Assistant educational administration, and 20 years in corporate General Counsel for Gable Industries, both Atlanta worldwide training and development and strategic planning companies. Buckman was also an associate at Dewey, for Arthur Andersen & Co and its multinational client base. Ballantine, Bushby, Palmer & Wood in New York. After Sr. Teresita is currently a member of the Board of earning his undergraduate degree from Fordham University, Directors of Columba Kavanagh House in Harlem. She Buckman attended Yale Law School, where he received his earned a bachelor’s degree from Marymount College, LLB. He was admitted to the New York Bar in 1969 and to Tarrytown; a master’s degree from Hunter College; and the Georgia Bar in 1974. attended DePaul, Loyola, and Mundelein for certification Buckman served as First Lieutenant in the Connecticut in adult education. She obtained her Ph.D. from Purdue Air National Guard, in the Georgia Air National Guard, University in Contemporary Thought and Literature.

Counseling and Wellness Center Opens With New Director

Earlier this spring, the Office degree in English literature from mental health, notably as the first of Counseling and Psychological Union College and New York editor of two professional volumes, Services (CAPS) opened under University, respectively, and a Ph.D. College Mental Health Practice and its new name - Counseling and in clinical psychology from the College Psychotherapy, and as co- Wellness Center (CWC) University of North Carolina author of Beating the College Blues. at Marymount Manhattan at Chapel Hill. Dr. Grayson will publish a chapter, College. Prior to coming to entitled “The Counseling Center The CWC offers a Marymount Manhattan, Dr. Staff,” in Mental Health Care in the variety of services: short- Grayson worked at four College Community in 2010. Dr. term individual counseling, other institutions, most Grayson was recently appointed psychiatric services (to recently serving for 19 years co-editor, along with his colleague evaluate students for as director of New York Philip Meilman of Georgetown

prescription medications), Dr. Paul Grayson University’s Counseling and University, of the Journal of College health and wellness Behavioral Health Services. Student Psychotherapy. The journal workshops and programs, and Before that, Dr. Grayson worked is affiliated with the Association of referrals for care in the community. at the counseling offices at SUNY- University and College Counseling The CWC’s director, Dr. Paul Purchase, Wesleyan University and Center Directors. Grayson, joined Marymount The College of William and Mary. For more information about the Manhattan in fall 2009. Dr. Grayson Dr. Grayson has written and edited Counseling and Wellness Center at received a bachelor’s and master’s extensively in the field of college MMC, call (212) 774-0700.

7 1 s t S t r e e t . S p r i n g 2009–2010 3 College Names Dow Zanghi Student Health Center

n April 12, Marymount Manhattan College officially dedicated the Dow Zanghi Student Health Center, Olocated on the first floor of the 55th Street Residence Hall (231 East 55th Street). The new center provides health care and wellness services to MMC students. Trustee Lucille Zanghi and her husband, James Dow, made a generous gift in support of This is the Day, the Campaign for Marymount Manhattan College. Their contribution helped the College secure a $1.5 million challenge grant from The Kresge Foundation. The grant was awarded to the College after it met its $25 million challenge goal by the Foundation’s March 31, 2010 deadline. The naming ceremony included remarks by President Judson R. Shaver, Ph.D.; David D’Souza, M.D., medical director of the Student Health Services Network with Beth Israel Medical Center; Cati Pishal ’12, a student resident advisor; Louis A. Martarano, chairman of the Board of Trustees; and Ms. Zanghi, who is also an MMC parent. “I am very happy MMC students now have an accessible place they can go for medical assistance,” Ms. Zanghi said. “As a parent of a Marymount Manhattan student, I feel better knowing my daughter can find health care assistance when she needs it.” The Dow Zanghi Student Health Center was established through a partnership with Beth Israel Medical Center/ Student Health Services Network, which will manage the operations of the center. Beth Israel also operates health (L-R) Jacqueline Dow, Lindsey Dow ’12, Trustee Lucille Zanghi, centers at Yeshiva University and Baruch College/CUNY. Cati Pishal ’12, Beth Israel Medical Director Dr. David D’Souza, President Judson R. Shaver, Ph.D., and Board Chairman All Marymount Manhattan College students, including Lou Martarano. commuters and those living at other residence halls, will be able to use the health center free of charge with a current MMC identification card. The Dow Zanghi Student Center is open Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesday and Wednesday from 12 to 8 p.m. The center is staffed by a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, as well as a medical assistant. MMC students also have access to Beth Israel physicians by phone 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Free services include diagnosis and treatment, follow-up and evaluation, blood-drawing, health education, and writing prescriptions and referrals. Lab work, prescriptions

(L-R) Beth Israel Medical Center’s Nephtali De los Santos, and some immunizations, such as the H1N1 vaccine, M.D.; Beth Israel’s Henry Bodenheimer, M.D.; Beth Israel may have fees associated with them. These fees may be Medical Assistant Nicole Barry; MMC Vice President for charged back to a student’s health insurance company. Student Affairs and Dean of Students Carol Jackson, Ph.D.; For more information about the Dow Zanghi Student Beth Israel Physician Assistant Ottono Usanga; and Beth Israel Medical Director David D’Souza, M.D. Health Center, call (212) 759-5870.

4 M a r y m o u n t M a n h a t t a n C o l l e g e MMC Celebrates 61st Commencement

n May 21, proud families, friends and members of the Marymount Manhattan community came together to Ocongratulate more than 300 graduates who earned bachelor’s degrees from MMC. MMC’s 61st Commencement was held at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center. The College’s baccalaureate, which preceded commencement, was held the same day in The Church of St. Paul the Apostle. At the baccalaureate, the College presented this year’s graduates with their hoods, which were worn at commencement. Baccalaureate is an important part of the conferring of degrees for the entire MMC community and offers an opportunity for students to reflect on their experience at

Dr. Barbara Novak the College. Associate Professor of International Studies Ghassan Shabaneh, Ph.D., recipient of MMC presented four-year degrees to 339 graduates. The 61st the 2010 Excellence in Teaching Commencement was held at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center. Award, presented remarks. Student achievement awards were also attire from Oak Hall Cap & Gown. Made from 100 percent announced. post-consumer plastic bottles, each GreenWeaver™ gown MMC’s commencement is the prevents approximately 23 bottles from being deposited in culmination of students’ undergraduate a landfill. years. The ceremony featured addresses At commencement, Marymount Manhattan College Dr. John Hope by President Judson R. Shaver Ph.D.; Franklin presented honorary Doctorates of Humane Letters to U.S. valedictorian Ming Yan Angela historian Dr. John Hope Franklin (1915 – 2009) and art Poh ’10, a philosophy and religious studies major; and senior historian Dr. Barbara Novak. Dr. Franklin’s honorary class speaker Zachary Harrell ’10, a theatre major. The Class degree was accepted by his son, John Whittington of 2010 wore environmentally friendly GreenWeaver™ Franklin.

Bedford Hills College Program Honors Graduates

On May 27, the Bedford Hills College Program been the managing editor of The Insider, the BHCP (BHCP) held commencement exercises at the Bedford quarterly newsletter, since its inception. Hills Correctional Facility for Women. Graduates’ Marymount Manhattan has served as the degree- families, BHCP donors, faculty, administrators and granting institution for the program since the spring students from Marymount Manhattan College (MMC) of 1997, and has managed its operations since late attended the ceremony to celebrate the academic 2004. The BHCP offers non-credit college-preparatory achievement of BHCP students. courses in writing and math, as well as credit-bearing With the cooperation of a consortium of New York courses leading to Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Arts area colleges, MMC presented one Bachelor of Arts degrees. To date, MMC has conferred more than 110 and seven Associate of Arts degrees. Tracey Finkle associate and bachelor’s degrees to BHCP students since was named valedictorian and Brian Fisher, DOCS the program’s inception. Consortial members include Commissioner, was invited as the guest speaker. Bank Street College, Barnard College, Manhattanville Deborah Soule, who graduated from the BHCP College, Mercy College, Pace University and Sarah in 2003, was recognized with the first Theadora Jackson Lawrence College. Service Award. Soule is a BHCP office clerk and has

7 1 s t S t r e e t . S p r i n g 2009–2010 5 Inmates Gain Confidence and Education through the Bedford Hills College Program

By Megan Youngblood ucked away in Bedford Hills, N.Y., a Victorian village amid Trolling hills and white oaks, lies the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, the largest and only maximum- security women’s prison in New York State. In an unlikely place for higher education, where 62 percent of inmates have committed a violent felony,* three women in the Bedford Hills College Program (BHCP) share a collective outlook on the constructive understanding they’ve developed about themselves and universal human behavior. Along with a consortium of other New York colleges, Marymount The Avodah Dance Ensemble (Newman Taylor Baker, Julie Gayer Kris, Sarah Zitnay) Manhattan College has offered credit- choreographed a performance with Bedford Hills Dancers during Crossing Borders III. bearing courses leading to Associate of Arts degrees in social science and “The Bedford Hills College Program if you have an opinion and you don’t Bachelor of Arts degrees in sociology has enabled me to learn how to agree, you have to back it up.” at the facility since 1997. On March 5, express myself and to understand Johnson, wearing jade eye shadow, the consortium presented Crossing things in a wider, broader perspective a decorative headband and a state- Borders III, a conference that engaged than before,” Illenberg said. “In World issued green uniform, was nervous MMC students and faculty with BHCP History, Professor David Eisenhower before going onstage to perform with students through a series of concurrent [who retired in fall 2008] took me the Avodah Dance Ensemble, a private panel presentations at the facility. virtually to all these other countries— dance group based in New York BHCP graduates Christina Illenberg studying the aboriginal people, the City, at the conference. Julie Gayer and Chanell Johnson and BHCP people who occupied these countries Kris, Avodah Dance Ensemble’s student Keya Ponder, all of whom in the beginning. We talked about artistic director, hosted a worshop at participated in the conference, said the what happened to them and how their the conference and led the Bedford program has opened their minds to be cultures contributed to the cultures that Hills Dancers in a choreographed more accepting of different cultures, came after.” performance using improvised dance to problem solve differently, and to Johnson, 32, who has been movements. communicate more effectively with incarcerated for 15 years, is eligible “It’s different because it’s unlike others. for parole in 2016. She said Crossing anything I’ve done,” Johnson said. “It’s Borders and the BHCP allowed more modern dance. When I do talent her to feel like she was on an shows here, it’s more like a hip-hop academic campus in the free feel—nothing that’s graceful or flowing world. like the Avodah people.” “You feel like you are After graduating, Illenberg, who is in the actual classroom serving a 20-years-to-life sentence for setting,” Johnson said. second degree murder, was hired as a “You don’t see the clerk in the BHCP office. She’s stayed fences. You don’t see involved with the BHCP, making it her any of that. We’re just mission to encourage other women in in the classroom. And the facility to enroll in the program.

6 M a r y m o u n t M a n h a t t a n C o l l e g e “I have seen women stop running readers’ questions. Illenberg, who has of family.” around doing all the wrong things written creatively since age 13, stands Before being incarcerated, Ponder and really consider coming in for the firmly on the idea that the program- was in a dance group, sang in her screening test,” Illenberg, 38, said. “It’s sponsored newsletter brings together church choir, and performed original opened up a brand new world, not the BHCF community with the outside. songs with her sisters-in-law in a group only of education and higher learning, “It’s really important to let the called More Than Sisters. At the facility, but also for opportunities I’m looking community see how successful this Ponder is still a choir member and a forward to accessing when I get out.” program is,” Illenberg said, “and how praise dancer in the facility’s Protestant At the conference, Illenberg led a many people are so enthused about it church, and is regularly invited to special edition of Poetry Slam, a group sing at facility events. Most recently, she organized in the spring of 2009 she sang “Still I Rise” by Yolanda for women to create and share their Adams during the winter Volunteer thoughts and words, called “Writing Recognition. Off the Page.” Serving a 27-years-to-life sentence “Aileen [Baumgartner] tapped for second-degree murder, Ponder is me on the shoulder and asked me a peer facilitator for the Alternatives to to say a few words while the poets Violence Program, a weekend service were leaving and the dancers were of volunteers who assist women in making their way onto the stage, and obtaining useful life skills. She has I could barely talk,” said President been in the program since 2004. Judson R. Shaver, Ph.D., who “I was encouraged to know that I delivered a presentation about can [complete a bachelor’s degree],” David and Bathsheba. “It was really, Ponder, 36, said. “Before, [a degree] really powerful. With dramatically was not a big deal for me, but now it problematic pasts, exploring poems is more than a piece of paper.” about the human condition is allowing “My education, and intelligence, is them to understand their motives and something that can’t be taken from biases, their society and their role in it. BHCP graduate Chanell Johnson me,” added Johnson, who is serving It’s something that college education performed with the Bedford Hills Dancers a 22-years-to-life sentence for second- does. It allows one to seek greater during Crossing Borders III. degree murder. “So, when I get out of self-awareness.” here, it’s just something that will make Ponder, a songwriter and poet who and willing to do whatever it takes to me feel better about myself.” delivered an original poem, said the keep it running, and to keep positive “[BHCP] keeps everyday life in here program has given her the kind of things for the women here.” on a positive note,” Illenberg said. confidence to stand up and share her Illenberg’s goals are to pursue a “Every decision we make, we think thoughts in a large forum. master’s degree in creative writing and ‘Well, is that the right decision to make “I used to be very, very shy,” said to be published when she integrates because I don’t want it to interfere the soft-spoken Ponder with bashful back into society. She praises Charles with the fact that I’m receiving a good, laughter. “In the past, I wouldn’t even Dickens, Jane Austen and Ann Rice as solid education.’ The opportunity to do this [interview].” her favorite authors, and has already go to school while incarcerated is Ponder is a teacher’s assistant in written 200 pages for a fantasy novel. profound and helps women come The Print Shop, which publishes “[The novel] is about a boy whose together, stay together, and want to the quarterly newsletter, The twin sister gets separated from him help each other to continue and to Insider. Working with programs like at birth and is kidnapped off to reach our goals.” QuarkXPress, Excel and PowerPoint, another world in another galaxy,” To learn more about the Bedford she sets the press for graphics, design Illenberg said. “The book is about him Hills College Program, visit www. and layout, and all three women stumbling across an ancient heirloom mmm.edu/campaign/specialinitiatives_ contribute to The Insider. Illenberg that was in his family and half of it is bedford.html. and Johnson are assigned regular on earth and half of it is on another * According to Hub System: Profile of spots in the publication, and Johnson planet, and there’s a lot of evil on the Inmate Population Under Custody on enjoys ghostwriting for “Dear Gabby,” other planet. Basically, it involves a January 1, 2008, State of New York, an advice column that responds to young boy, his sister and the reuniting Department of Correctional Services.

7 1 s t S t r e e t . S p r i n g 2009–2010 7 Recent Major Gifts (February 2010—Present)

The Starr Foundation awarded Trustee Louise Beit made an Trustee James B. Hornor pledged a $50,000 grant to the C.V. Starr additional contribution of $10,000 to and additional $25,000 in unrestricted Scholarship Fund in support of the This is the Day. support to the campaign. campaign. Former Trustee Richard Berry made Lisa Tachick Hooper ’95 and Kathleen Monahan Gregg ’61 a further campaign pledge of $10,000 David Hooper made a campaign pledged $15,000 to This is the Day. to support the Barry Commoner pledge of $15,000 to support a dance Lecture on the Environment and the scholarship. Trustee Mary Twomey Greason ’86 Commoner Fund for Environmental contributed $10,000 in scholarship Studies. Eileen Byrne Hughes ’72 support as an additional campaign gift. pledged an additional $10,000 to An anonymous donor made a This is the Day. Sallie Manzanet-Daniels ’85, $25,000 pledge to the Sr. Judith Savard Judge of the Appellate Division Endowed Scholarship, a special Ben R. Zaricor and Louise Veninga for the State of New York, and the initiative of This is the Day. made a campaign contribution of Honorable Randy A. Daniels made $10,000 to support the Academic a $25,000 pledge to the campaign. The Mortimer Levitt Foundation, Access Program. Inc., contributed $15,000 to support Madeleine D. Burns ’84 contributed The Writing Center. Trustee Lucille Zanghi and James $10,000 to the Madeleine Burns Dow made a further campaign Scholarship through the Ludwig W. The Rudin Foundation awarded a pledge of $125,000, recognized by the Frohlich Charitable Trust. grant of $15,000 to support the The naming of the Dow Zanghi Student Jack and Lewis Rudin Distinguished Health Center. The Brand Foundation of New Visiting Scholars Program. York, Inc., contributed $10,000 to The New York State Department support The Writing Center. Former Trustee Bettye Musham of Correctional Services awarded a pledged $55,000 to This is the Day to grant of $13,200 to the Bedford Hills Trustee Paul A. Galiano made be added to the William C. Musham College Program. a further pledge of $10,000 in Scholarship. unrestricted support to the campaign. Kathleen Edwards Austin ’65 Donna Ensign Marshall ’83 made pledged an additional $10,000 to the The Joseph C. and Clare F. and an additional campaign pledge of campaign, adding to the Kathleen and Goodman Memorial Foundation, $10,000 in unrestricted support. George Austin Scholarship Grant. Inc., contributed $30,000 to The Writing Center. Eugene M. Lang pledged an Roy Miller made an additional additional $50,000 to the Theresa $10,000 pledge to the campaign in Alicia P. Bendernagel ’73 pledged Lang Scholarship, through the Eugene scholarship support. $60,000 to the Muriel D. Quartararo M. Lang Foundation, to support Scholarship in support of the campaign. This is the Day.

Thank you for your support

8 M a r y m o u n t M a n h a t t a n C o l l e g e Campus View

MMC Student Earns 2010 Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship

arymount Manhattan College to share knowledge from their student Erica Jackson ’13 work experiences. Visits to cultural Mhas been selected as a 2010 institutions such as Shakespeare in the Jeannette K. Watson Fellow. The three- Park, The New York Botanical Garden year fellowship program offers paid and the American Museum of Natural summer internships, mentoring and History enable students to discover enhanced educational opportunities to New York City’s free summer offerings. New York City undergraduates who Every Watson Fellow receives a demonstrate exceptional promise, generous stipend as compensation and outstanding leadership skills, and support for summer employment and commitment to the common good. continuing Fellowship obligations. The centerpiece of the fellowship Twelve New York City colleges, is on-the-job learning that will including Marymount Manhattan, provide opportunities for leadership compete annually for 15 Jeannette K. and personal growth and will offer Watson Fellowships; eight are divisions experiences and insight on choices for of the City University of New York and future professions. Erica Jackson ’13 is an art history four are private colleges. In addition “Erica’s selection for the 2010 major with an English minor. to MMC, Long Island University, Pace Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship marks ample on-site work experience in the University and St. John’s University a good beginning to the second nonprofit sector.” are invited participants. Each college decade of MMC’s affiliation with Established by the Thomas J. Watson may nominate up to four candidates the Thomas J. Watson Foundation,” Foundation in 1999, the Fellowship to the selection panel. Campus said Associate Dean of Academic operates on the principle that “talent is representatives and internal college Affairs Marguerita J. Grecco, Ph.D. broadly distributed but only selectively nominating committees inform “Erica was a very strong candidate developed.” Watson fellows choose students about the Fellowship and and I am grateful the Fellowship’s from coveted jobs (“work they can prepare them to participate in the panelists agreed with our committee’s learn from”), over three consecutive selection process. Fellowships are assessment of her application.” summers, in nonprofit agencies, available to first and second year Jackson, a member of the Black business organizations and government undergraduates only. Through the and Latino Student Association at service that give them a chance to 11 years of MMC’s participation with MMC, was named to the Fall 2009 grow and develop interpersonal the Fellowship, the College has been Dean’s List. She presented “Frida skills and gain self-confidence in a honored with 13 Fellowship awards. Kahlo: Beyond Surrealism” at MMC’s variety of professional settings. In the Previous MMC recipients of the Honors Day 2010 and won the Writing third summer, Watson Fellows may Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship are II Award for Excellence. Jackson is apply for an international assignment (2000) Kasia Reterska ’02, (2001) considering careers as a museum through partnerships with the Institute Melissa Rodriguez ’04 and Isabel curator, a journalist or a writer. for International Education, the Sinistore ’04, (2002) Jessica Murray “My advisor, Assistant Professor International Planned Parenthood ’05 and Marilyn Ordóñez ’05, of Art History Adrienne Bell, Federation, Save the Children, and (2003) Cornel Bradford ’06, (2004) Ph.D., told me about the Watson many other organizations. Christopher Perre ’07, (2006) Fellowship, and I thought it was a A summer series of weekly Jamie-Lynn Argenta ’08, (2008) great opportunity,” said Jackson, an seminars further enhances the learning Jeffrey Lewis ’10 and Olivia Warren art history major pursuing a Bachelor experience by encouraging debate ’11, and (2009) Alex Kane ’11 and of Arts degree with an English minor. and interaction and by providing Julianne Willis ’13. “Through the Fellowship, I will gain an opportunity for Watson Fellows

7 1 s t S t r e e t . S p r i n g 2 0 0 9 - 2 0 1 0 9 MMC Honors Faculty and Student Achievement at Honors Day 2010

Vice President for Institutional Research and Planning Peter Baker, M.A., reads off the scheduled student presentations.

Chi Award); Rachel Balma ’10, a B.A. theatre arts major, and George Iliopoulos ’13, a B.F.A. acting major (Dean’s Award for Excellence, Jasmina Bogdanovich ’11 presented her project, “Structural Insights into DNA Polymerase X from African Swine Fever Virus in the Presence of OXOG Lesions,” Honorable Mention); and Ming Yan sponsored by Associate Professor of Chemistry Benedetta Sampoli-Benitez, Ph.D. Angela Poh ’10, a philosophy and religious studies major (Dean’s Award utstanding students and faculty Other Honors Day award recipients for Excellence). members took center stage included Susan (Bobbi) Cobaugh, The Academic Honors Committee Oduring Honors Day 2010 at a student in the Bedford Hills College includes Chairman and Assistant Marymount Manhattan College (MMC). Program (Writing I Award); Erica Professor of Theatre Arts Jeff The campus-wide event took place Jackson ’13, an art history major Morrison, M.F.A.; Assistant Professor March 17 and was co-sponsored by the (Writing II Award); Chair of the of Art History Adrienne Baxter College’s Academic Honors Committee Division of the Sciences Ann Jablon, Bell, Ph.D.; Assistant Professor of and the New York Iota Chapter of the Ph.D., and Jasmina Bogdanovic ’11, Philosophy Carrie-Ann Biondi, Ph.D.; Alpha Chi National Honor Society. a biology major (Student/Faculty Assistant Professor of Communication The opening ceremony included Collaboration Award); Rebecca Arts Anthony Naaeke, Ph.D.; and remarks from MMC Student Steckler ’10, a communication Associate Professor of International Government Association (SGA) Vice arts and sociology major (Alpha Studies Ghassan Shabaneh, Ph.D. President Madalyn Mattsey ’11, SGA President Zach Harrell ’10, President Judson R. Shaver, Ph.D. and Vice President for Institutional Research Peter Baker, M.A., who led the audience in a cheer. Each year at Honors Day, MMC students are selected from each College division to present academic research projects. Faculty members present Awards for Excellence and induct students into various honor societies. The College also recognized faculty members for their work and dedication. The 2010 Excellence in Teaching Award was presented to Associate Professor of International Members of the MMC community including students, parents, faculty and staff Studies Ghassan Shabaneh, Ph.D. attended the Honors Day Awards Brunch.

10 M a r y m o u n t M a n h a t t a n C o l l e g e MMC Recognizes Faculty and Staff at Charter Day

Marymount Manhattan College celebrated Charter Day 2010 on February 23 in the Regina Peruggi Room. The event recognized select staff and faculty who have provided 180 years of combined service. The event included plaque presentations by President Judson R. Shaver, Ph.D., and remarks from colleagues and honorees. Honorees included Security Officer Ashley Sylvester (25 years); Professor of Communication Arts Alister Sanderson, Ph.D. (20 years); Student Services Representative Vernell Bolar, A.O.S. (15 years); Chair of the Division of the Sciences Ann Jablon, Ph.D. (15 years); Administrative Assistant Rekha Swami, B.A. (15 years); Associate Professor of History Barbara Ballard, (L-R) FIRST ROW: Ashley Sylvester; President Judson R. Shaver, Ph.D. (10 years); Director of The Hewitt Gallery of Art and Ph.D., Madeline Waldron. SECOND ROW: Vernell Bolar, Alister Assistant Professor of Art Millie Burns, M.F.A. (10 years) ; Sanderson, Donna Hurwitz, James Holl. THIRD ROW: Anayansi Associate Professor of Theatre Arts Kevin Connell, M.F.A. Duff, Barbara Ballard. FOURTH ROW: Peter Naccarato, Kevin Connell. NOT PICTURED: Millie Burns, Ann Jablon, Robert (10 years); Student Services Representative Anayansi Duff, Sherrill, Rekha Swami. B.A. (10 years); Associate Professor of Art James Holl, M.F.A. (10 years); Director of the Thomas J. Shanahan Assistant Director of Special Programs Robert Sherrill, Library Donna Hurwitz, M.L.S. (10 years); Chair of the M.B.A. (10 years); and Administrative Assistant Madeline Division of Humanities Peter Naccarato, Ph.D. (10 years); Waldron (10 years).

MMC Student Leaders and Groups Earn Awards On May 14, 2010, Marymount Advisor of the Year. Manhattan College held its 7th The winners of the program Annual Leadership Awards awards included United Nations Banquet in the Great Hall. The Millennium Development event was hosted by the Office Goals Campaign Kickoff – of Student Development and International Studies Club Activities under the Division of (Academic Program of the Year), Student Affairs. Day of Silence – Gay/Straight Rob Dutiel, M.F.A., assistant National Alliance Project professor of theatre arts, was the (Cultural Program of the Year), keynote speaker for the annual MMC Day of Action – Evan (L-R) Evan Johnson ’11, SGA president 2010-2011; event that recognizes student Zachary Harrell ’10, president of SGA 2009-2010; Johnson ’11, SGA (Community leadership and community service. Sydney Zarp ’11, CAB president 2009-2010; and Service Program of the Year), Leadership Awards were Faith (Liz) Ball ’12 CAB president 2010-2011 The Vagina Monologues – presented to Jacob Webber Carly Schneider ’12, Feminist ’12 (Outstanding Peer Leader), Evan Johnson ’11 Majority Leadership Alliance (Performing Arts Program (Outstanding Volunteer), Josh Hashmi ’11 (Athlete of of the Year), Body Image Speaker – Deborah Giordano, the Year), Hannah Hashmi ’13 (MMC Spirit Award), Psy.D., and SGA (Special Interest Program of the Year), Kathleen Barnes ’10 (Alumni Award), Erik Shell ’13 and MMC Day of Action – Evan Johnson ’11, SGA was (Outstanding New Member), Brittany Swett ’12 (Unsung awarded Overall Program of the Year. Hero Award), and Sydney Zarp ’11 (Outstanding Student The evening concluded with the tradition of the passing Leader). The Gay/Straight National Alliance Project was of the leadership gavels. Zachary Harrell ’10, president of awarded Outstanding New Organization and the Go Green SGA 2009-2010, congratulated Evan Johnson ’11 as SGA Coalition was named Outstanding Student Organization. president 2010-2011; and Sydney Zarp ’11, CAB president Chris Mosier, B.F.A., assistant director for Residence Life 2009-2010 congratulated Faith (Liz) Ball ’12 as CAB and advisor of The Monitor student newspaper was named president 2010-2011.

7 1 s t S t r e e t . S p r i n g 2009–2010 11 Theatre Production Workshop Performs The Hewitt Gallery of Art Bright Lights, Big City and The House of Blue Leaves Showcases Four More Years

MMC’s Theatre Four More Years (May 28-September 19) Production Workshop is a biennial exhibition of MMC art alumni, presented Bright Lights, featuring an acrylic painting by Kristen Big City from March 10 Haskell ’05; an oil painting by George to 14 and The House of Williams ’75; a watercolor painting Blue Leaves from April by Enid Cobeo ’96; photography by 14 to 18. Bright Lights, William King ’06; silkscreen, monotyped, Big City, a rock musical and hand colored printmaking by Kate that captures the kinetic Sanderson ’06; and artists’ books by energy of living in the Yvonne Lamar Rogers ’06. Opening big city and the tumult of receptions are Saturday, June 12 and being twenty-something Thursday, September 16, 6-8 p.m. and learning to live with grief, was directed by Tom Wojtunik ’01. The House of Blue Leaves, a play about a Central Park zookeeper who moonlights as a songwriter, was directed by Professor of Theatre Arts Richard Niles, Ph.D.

(L-R) Bright Lights, Big City pays tribute to city life in the 1980s. “Hive I” by Kate Sanderson ’06

MMC Dance Presents Dancers At Work and Spring Repertoire On April 15-17, the MMC dance department presented DAW, the Dancers at Work student choreography showcase. Original choreography by Cameron Burke ’10, Megan Cohl ’10, Tiana Fridley ’11, Sean Gannon ’11, Antoine Lee ’12, Clinton Martin ’10, Michael Nameishi ’11, Suzzanne Ponomarenko ’12, LuLu Soni ’11 and Olivia Warren ’11 was performed by students in the Great Hall. Guest choreographer and Adjunct Instructor in Dance Pedro Ruiz showcased a piece for the B.A. candidates. From April 29 to May 8, the Spring Repertoire performances featured three world premieres by Robert Battle, artistic director of Battleworks Dance Co.; Benoit-Swan Pouffer, artistic director of Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet; and Kate Weare, artistic director of Kate Weare Company. Students also performed excerpts from Erick Hawkins’ New Moon and Lar Lubovitch’s signature work, Concerto Six Twenty-Two. Photo by Luisa Mata l ucci ’13 (L-R) Matthew Roberts ’13, Elizabeth Dunn ’13, Alex Wood ’11, Torrey McAnena ’12 and Kaitlyn Salisbury ’12 (center) performed The Importance of Nothing, choreographed by Antoine Lee ’12.

12 M a r y m o u n t M a n h a t t a n C o l l e g e Students Lobby for State-funded Programs

Student representatives from Marymount Manhattan College met with state-elected officials to voice their concerns during the New York Student Aid Alliance Lobby Day on February 9, which was hosted by the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU). Each year, more than 315,000 students in the State of New York depend on state aid to meet their college expenses, and four million students have received state aid over the past four decades. MMC students met with Assemblyman Jonathan L. Bing, Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, a representative from Senator Liz Krueger’s office and a MMC students met with New York Assemblyman Jonathan L. staff representative from Senator José Serrano’s office. Bing (center) during Lobby Day.

Sanchez-Moronta ’10 Strives to Help Latino Community Mariely Sanchez-Moronta ’10 absence of these activities creates an wants to effect change concerning the environment in which Latino children longstanding problems Latino students neither feel welcome nor enjoy learning,” face in New York City. For her efforts to said Sanchez-Moronta, who graduates assist the Latino community, Sanchez- in May. “I hope, from my report, Moronta was selected by Manhattan city officials will be reminded of the Borough President Scott M. Stringer as longstanding problems Latino students a 2010 Civic Leader of Tomorrow. face in New York City.” The Civic Leaders of Tomorrow Public Sanchez-Moronta is a member of the Policy Fellowship Program, now in its Black and Latino Student Association, as third year, helps educated and civic- well as the Sigma Tau Delta (English) and minded young adults become exemplary Kappa Delta Pi (education) international citizens in their communities. In the honor societies. She attends MMC through program, students work with not-for- the Higher Education Opportunity profit organizations in underserved areas Program (HEOP), which provides of Manhattan. They also attend seminars supplementary financial assistance to about civic leadership, public policy, students who meet certain criteria and advocacy and strategy. Mariely Sanchez-Moronta ’10 demonstrate academic potential. As a civic leader, Sanchez-Moronta, After graduation, Sanchez-Moronta 22, an English major pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree, plans to turn her passion for social justice into a career. worked in the spring semester with the Committee for She will prepare for the Law School Admission Test Hispanic Children and Families on its State of Latinos in (LSAT), which she will take in October, and apply to law New York project. The project identifies and offers solutions schools. After finishing law school, Sanchez-Moronta plans to the major social justice problems Latinos face in New to advocate for the improvement of education and social York State. justice systems. She credits the College with starting her on Sanchez-Moronta reported her findings to a committee of her path. distinguished public officials in April. She received a $1,000 “The cultivation of my intellect and the development of stipend for her work with the organization. my character started here at MMC,” Sanchez-Moronta said. “I am concerned about the lack of support and For more information about the Civic Leaders of enrichment programs for Latinos, especially English-as-a- Tomorrow Public Policy Fellowship Program, visit Second-Language students, in New York City schools. The http://mbpo.org.

7 1 s t S t r e e t . S p r i n g 2009–2010 13 Alumni Avenue

Activities Offer Alumni Options to Engage With Former Classmates

uring the spring, the Office of Alumni Relations at Marymount Manhattan College welcomed back Dtwo groups to campus for the Speech Pathology Alumni Winter Homecoming and the Women and Holistic Leadership Conference. Alumni also participated in a tour of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, a basketball game at Madison Square Garden, a musical at Richard Rodgers Theatre, and volunteering for Hands On New York Day. On March 5, Assistant Professor of Art History Adrienne Baxter Bell, Ph.D., and two current art history students, Virginia Melvin ’10 and Jillian Moseman ’10, led a tour through The Met’s New American Wing. Guests enjoyed dinner at Petrie Court Café and Wine Bar following the tour. Participants included a range of alumni, some of whom had (L-R) MMC speech language pathology and audiology alumna Jewel graduated as recently as last year to others who had been Waters ’88 and Chair of the Division of Sciences Ann Jablon, Ph.D.­­ out of college for several decades. “They were all delighted to see how Marymount Holistic Leadership Conference at Marymount Manhattan Manhattan art history students could use the knowledge College, also on March 5. Women from Nigeria, Egypt, gained in classrooms, through their internships and Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Australia, Argentina through their independent research, to speak confidently and the United States attended the conference, which was and eloquently about a range of works of art, including sponsored by the Psychology Alumni Society of Marymount paintings, sculpture, furniture and even whole rooms in Manhattan College. the American Wing of the museum,” Bell said. “Virginia Associate Professor of Psychology Roy Tietze, Ph.D., and Jillian relished the challenge of transcending the more welcomed all guests at the conference. Robyn Stratton- restrictive format of the classroom oral presentation and Berkessel, author of Appreciative Inquiry for Collaborative engaging the audience for more than one hour in a subject Solutions, was the first presenter, speaking on the subjects that they both love.” of leading change and strength-based approaches to Gloria M. Stevens, M.A. ’02; Jessica Librola, B.A. ’03; innovation and leadership. Participants engaged in an Hannah Anderson, B.A. ’04; Waleska Padillo, M.A. activity focusing on positive experiences in leadership. ’01; Elena Ferrer, M.A. ’03; Susanne Mueller, M.A. ’00; Caroline Avakian, communications officer and United and Teresa Curmi, B.A. ’03, organized the Women and Nations representative for Trickle Up, spoke about “Trickle Up,” a program that empowers people living on less than $1 a day to take their first steps out of poverty by building micro-enterprises. Dr. Antoinette Ruegg, former president of Business and Professional Women (BPW) Switzerland, presented “Fistula Women, Burkina Faso,” along with The International Federation of Business and Professional Women President Elizabeth Benham, who spoke on BPW’s 80-year history. Mueller and Stratton-Berkessel joined forces for “Women: Hope & Possibilities,” and Dr. Asmani Asfour, founder of the Egyptian Business Women Association, the African Alliance for Women Empowerment, and the African Organization for African Heritage and Culture, presented “Economic Empowerment of Women.” Gloria M. Stevens ’02 (far right) introduced the Psychology Panelists also included Ulrike Stedtnitz, founder and Alumni Society of MMC at the Women and Holistic Leadership director of a Swiss consulting firm specializing in life Conference.

14 M a r y m o u n t M a n h a t t a n C o l l e g e (L-R) Art history student Virginia Melvin ’10 and Assistant A spring book club meeting featured a tour at The Morgan Professor of Art History Adrienne Baxter Bell, Ph.D., led a tour of Library & Museum and discussion with Zoe Kaplan, adjunct The Met’s New American Wing. professor of theatre arts and a Jane Austen scholar. planning and career coaching; and Henrike von Platen, March 19 to cheer on the New York Knicks against executive chairwoman of Gewerbeförderung Freudenberg the Philadelphia 76ers. On March 27, alumni saw the AG, a real estate management enterprise. Tony-award-winning Broadway musical, In the Heights, On March 10, former classmates and friends met speech which tells the universal story of a vibrant community in language and audiology faculty and clinical staff, including Manhattan’s Washington Heights. Alumni enjoyed brunch at Chair of the Division of Sciences and Professor of Speech- Playwright Tavern beforehand. Language Pathology and Audiology Ann Jablon, Ph.D.; Spring book club meetings featured discussions on Jane Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders Susan Austen’s Lady Susan and The Watsons, and Colm Tóibín’s Behrens, Ph.D.; and Director of the Ruth Smadbeck Brooklyn. Center Teresa Signorelli, Ph.D., CCC-SLP. They toured Upcoming events include Midsummer Night Swing at the new state-of-the-art speech clinic and campus facilities, Lincoln Center on July 7, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & including The Commons. Bailey’s Illuscination on July 10, and a New York Botanical MMC alumni headed to Madison Square Garden on Garden Guided Tram Tour on July 24.

Reunion “Then and Now” Connects Alumni for Weekend Celebration

From June 11 to 13, MMC classes of at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center ’45, ’50, ’55, ’60, ’65, ’70, ’75, ’80, ’85, ’90, in Bennington, Vt. ’95, ’00 and ’05 gathered for Reunion On Friday, MMC alumni attended a 2010 “Then and Now.” The weekend welcome reception and learned about celebration honored Maureen Cahill the College’s recent developments. Grant ’60 with the Pere Gailhac Award On Saturday, Professor Mary Brown, and Joshua Sherman ’00 with the Ph.D., led alumni on a walking Sr. Raymunde McKay Award. Grant, tour of the neighborhood before the Maureen Cahill Joshua Sherman ’00 who retired in 2008 from Marymount Grant ’60 luncheon in the Great Hall. Following Manhattan College, served the College a retrospective slide show, Professor in varying capacities for former President Regina Peruggi, of Theatre Arts Mary Fleischer, Ph.D., and Professor of Ph.D., and as senior vice president for President Judson Communication Arts Alister Sanderson, Ph.D., held a R. Shaver, Ph.D. After graduating from MMC, Sherman discussion about the College’s progress. Class meetings and decided to pursue a career in medicine. He graduated parties allowed alumni the chance to catch up with former from Stony Brook University School of Medicine in 2006 classmates. Alumni completed the weekend celebration and completed his residency in internal medicine at Stony with a farewell picnic brunch and scenic walking tour of Brook Medical Center in 2009. He is currently a hospitalist Central Park on Sunday.

7 1 s t S t r e e t . S p r i n g 2009–2010 15 Empowered omen MMCW Honors Female Leaders

By Manny Romero n April 29, 2010, Marymount Manhattan College hosted the President’s Medal Gala. O The College honored Marymount Manhattan’s women in leadership. Guests enjoyed an evening of dining, dancing and live entertainment at The Pierre in New York City. Gala proceeds support the increase of scholarship opportunities, an initiative of This is the Day, the Campaign for Marymount Manhattan. The 2010 gala co-chairs were Campaign Chair and Trustee Judy ’03 and Russell Carson, and Trustee Natasha Pearl and Richard Stowe. MMC students Antoinette Henry ’10 and Matthew P. Walsh ’11 performed “My Way” and Hadley Cooney ’11 presented her research titled, “False Judgment and False Statements in Plato’s Theaetetus and Sophist.” The College presented the 2010 President’s Medal to the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, Anne C. Flannery ’73, Mary Twomey Greason ’86, Hope D. Knight ’85, Ginger Lyons de Neufville ’70 and Lucille Zanghi. These women proudly serve as trustees of Marymount Manhattan and have demonstrated their generous philanthropic support and dedication to the College by leading various trustee committees in support of the College’s mission. Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM) was founded in France in 1849 and began its work in the United States in Sag Harbor, N.Y., in 1877. The RSHM quickly expanded its educational ministry throughout New York City and beyond. In 1907, it opened Marymount in Tarrytown, N.Y., as a secondary school. By 1919, Marymount became a four-year liberal arts college.

(Clockwise L-R): Sr. Kathleen Fagan accepting on behalf of RSHM; Dr. Marvelle S. Colby and Honoree and Trustee Hope D. Knight ’85; President Judson R. Shaver, Ph.D., and Honoree and Trustee Mary Twomey Greason ’86; Honoree and Trustee Lucille Zanghi; Honoree and Trustee Ginger Lyons de Neufville ’70 and family; and President Shaver and Honoree and Trustee Anne C. Flannery ’73.

16 M a r y m o u n t M a n h a t t a n C o l l e g e 7 1 s t S t r e e t . S p r i n g 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 17 More than 200 guests attended the 2010 President’s Medal Gala at The Pierre in New York City. The event started with a cocktail reception in one of the hotel’s newly renovated ballrooms. The black tie event featured a musical performance and presentation by MMC students. Proceeds from the event support scholarships for MMC students.

The city branch of Marymount College grow,” Sr. Fagan said in her remarks. Committee member of the Securities was established in 1936. Through the “May tonight’s celebration renew and Industry Association Compliance and visionary leadership of Mother Rita strengthen in all of us our hopes and Legal Division; and served on the New Rowley, the College thrived, and desires for the College and to students.” York Stock Exchange Legal Advisory in 1961 it became independent and Anne C. Flannery ’73 is a trustee Committee. Ms. Flannery has written was renamed Marymount Manhattan and former chair of the Board of and lectured extensively on various College. Mother Rita’s philosophy of Trustees at Marymount Manhattan securities regulation and enforcement education emphasized a commitment College. Ms. Flannery earned a issues. At MMC, she is co-chair of to academic excellence, respect for Bachelor of Arts degree in urban the Academic Affairs Committee and one another, and a service component studies from MMC and a law degree a member of the Board’s Audit and in response to social needs. This from Brooklyn Law School. She is Executive Committees. philosophy, evident in the College’s currently a partner at Morgan Lewis Mary Twomey Greason ’86 is a mission today, is the RSHM legacy & Bockius, LLP, specializing in trustee of the College. She graduated which set Marymount Manhattan securities regulation, enforcement magna cum laude from Marymount College apart from other institutions. and litigation matters. Ms. Flannery Manhattan College with a Bachelor The RSHM presence and involvement also spent several years as a First of Arts in art history. Mrs. Greason continues in membership on the Board Vice President and General Counsel believes, and acts on the belief, of Trustees. for Global Regulatory Affairs at that what the College has given to Provincial Superior of the Eastern Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & its alumni should in some way be American Province Sr. Kathleen Fagan Smith, Inc., and served in several returned to help those who come accepted on behalf of the RSHM. senior positions at the Securities after. She served as a member of the “This evening we celebrate and and Exchange Commission. She was College’s Facilities Master Plan Task honor women in leadership, who have formerly co-chair of the American Bar Force. Mrs. Greason is chair of the provided a strong foundation, and Association Litigation Section Securities Facilities Committee and the Student have enabled Marymount Manhattan to Litigation Committee; an Executive Affairs Committee. She also serves on

18 M a r y m o u n t M a n h a t t a n C o l l e g e the College’s Academic Affairs and Executive Committees. Hope D. Knight ’85 is a trustee of Marymount Manhattan College. She is the Chief Operating Officer of the not-for-profit Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, whose mission is to revitalize Upper Manhattan’s economy. Prior to that, Ms. Knight was Vice President of the Institutional Equities Division at Morgan Stanley and worked for that firm in its Tokyo office from 1997 to 2000. Ms. Knight earned a B.A. in business management from MMC and also served as an adjunct lecturer in corporate finance courses at the College. Ms. Knight received her M.B.A. from (L-R) Gala Co-chairs Russell and Trustee Judy Carson ’03, President Judson R. Shaver, the University of Chicago’s Booth Ph.D., Board Chairman Lou Martarano, Gala Co-chairs Trustee Natasha Pearl and Richard Stowe. School of Business and is an Advisory Committee Member at New York’s St. Michael Academy. Ms. Knight has What we have done together Brookline Education Foundation. Ms. Zanghi is currently a member of the worked in the Commissioner’s Office will assure the financial of the Department of General Services Athena Leadership Council at Barnard as Director, Planning and Analysis strength of this college in College. For over a decade, Ms. Zanghi for the City of New York. At MMC, the years ahead, and we has supported efforts to raise money she is chair of the Compensation “ for homeless women and educational Committee and a member of the should all be proud of that initiatives. She graduated magna Executive, Facilities and Fundraising achievement. cum laude in 1972 from Northeastern and Resources Committees. University with a degree in history. — Trustee Lucille R. Zanghi Virginia (Ginger) Lyons de At MMC, Ms. Zanghi is co-chair of Neufville ’70 is a trustee of MMC. the Academic Affairs Committee Ms. Lyons de Neufville is Executive B.A. in urban studies from MMC and and serves on the Student Affairs Director, Mount Auburn Cambridge an M.B.A. from Simmons College and the Fundraising and Resources Independent Practice Association Graduate School of Management.” Committees. She is also a member (MACIPA). A healthcare director with At MMC, she is chair of the Trustees of the College’s Campaign Executive more than 17 years of experience Committee, serves on the Executive Committee. in the healthcare and managed care and the Investment and Finance In her remarks, Ms. Zanghi industries, Ms. Lyons de Neufville Committees, and is also a member of acknowledged the support that the collaborates with physicians, health the Campaign Executive Committee. College received from its donors, plans, hospitals, networks and Lucille R. Zanghi is a trustee of which included parents. employers to develop mutually the College and the parent of a current “I want to thank all the donors who beneficial relationships. Currently, MMC student. She was employed contributed to the success of This is she is focused on implementing in the financial services industry for the Day, the Campaign for Marymount an electronic health record for 20 years as a stockbroker, branch Manhattan, especially the current several hundred physicians in her manager and financial planner, retiring parents of Marymount Manhattan, organization. During the preceding in 1996 as Vice President of Dean many of whom I have spoken with 16 years, Ms. Lyons de Neufville Witter Reynolds. Prior to joining Dean over the course of the campaign,” she was the Associate Director of the Witter, Ms. Zanghi was with E.F. said. “What we have done together Information Center and led the Hutton and Co. She has served on will assure the financial strength International Visitors Office at the numerous nonprofit boards, including of this college in the years ahead, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Northeastern University, The Wang and we should all be proud of that Ms. Lyons de Neufville earned a Center for the Performing Arts and The achievement.”

7 1 s t S t r e e t . S p r i n g 2 0 0 9 – 2 0 1 0 19 Faculty Focus

Shabaneh Brings World Views To The Classroom

By Manny Romero he examination of world affairs is becoming increasingly popular T among today’s college students. Associate Professor of International Studies Ghassan Shabaneh, Ph.D., says this development is due mostly to the increase in students’ awareness of global issues, such as famine, refugees, epidemics and the environment. Shabaneh nurtures students’ intellect and fascination with international political and cultural affairs by leading classroom discussions and through his work with the United Nations (UN) and other New York City institutions. He encourages students’ direct interaction with international civil Associate Professor Ghassan Shabaneh, Ph.D., encourages students to interact with servants at the UN and other scholars international civil servants at the United Nations and other scholars at neighboring at neighboring universities. Shabaneh’s universities. Shabaneh was presented with the 2009-2010 Teaching Excellence Award. work and dedication to educating MMC students recently earned him the and is currently working on a book, University, an M.Phil. from CUNY 2009-2010 Teaching Excellence Award, entitled The Role of the United Nations Graduate Center and a Ph.D. in which includes a modest financial in State Building: the Case of Palestine. international relations from the CUNY award and the opportunity to present Shabaneh has also written an article, Graduate Center. remarks at the 2010 baccalaureate entitled “Refugees, International Shabaneh, an authority on Israel- ceremony. Organizations, and National Identity: Palestinian relations, has served as “It’s remarkable to see my students The Case of Palestine,” for the Journal an expert in international relations take such a passionate interest in of New Political Science Vol. 32, No.2, appearing on CNN International, international affairs,” said Shabaneh, June 2010. World Focus, NPR, Associated Press, who was elected by the class of 2008 During his career, Shabaneh has CBS, CBC, ABC, WNBC and foreign as the recipient of the Outstanding done extensive field research in the media Al-Jazeera and Al Arabiya. He Faculty Award. “As a professor, it Middle East. From September 2007 has been interviewed and quoted means everything when you see how to January 2008, Shabaneh traveled by the print media, including USA your efforts translate and encourage to the West Bank, Jordan and Syria, Today, Philadelphia Inquirer and students to become more analytical where he visited more than 30 refugee internationally based publications. and unearth information that benefits camps, focusing on clinics, schools, Shabaneh believes the field of and transforms their lives.” cultural and sport centers, women’s international studies is a culmination of Born in Hebron, West Bank, centers and rehabilitation centers. tipping points in history. “Throughout Shabaneh teaches Middle East and Shabaneh continues to examine the our lives, there have been events International Studies at Marymount United Nation’s role in reconstructing that have defined and redefined the Manhattan College. He is also a Mellon Palestinian identity through its services world,” he said. “The end of World Fellow in Human Security at the Ralph over the past 60 years. Dr. Shabaneh War II and the beginning of the Cold Bunche Institute for International earned a B.A. from William Paterson War, the Collapse of Soviet Union and Relations at the CUNY Graduate Center State University, an M.A. from Rutgers September 11, 2001, are just some of

20 M a r y m o u n t M a n h a t t a n C o l l e g e the tipping points that have had a big College Names Division Chairs affect on our views of the world and our (United States) ability to relate to Effective September 1, 2010, David Mold, M.F.A., associate professor the rest of the world.” of theatre arts, will become chair of the Division of the Fine and The election of President Obama Performing Arts and Benedetta Sampoli Benitez, Ph.D., associate is a defining moment that Shabaneh professor of chemistry, will become chair of the Division of the Sciences. says is due in part to the awareness of Mold has been with MMC since 1998. He earned today’s younger generation. a B.F.A. from Boston University and an M.F.A. from “Obama is a new chapter in The Theatre School of DePaul University. Mold is the American history,” he said. “No former artistic director of New Theatre in Boston where doubt his success was due to the he developed, directed and produced new plays. In overwhelming participation of New York, David has directed new plays by Louise American youth. I think the youth Rozett, Social Progress (Naked Angels) and Break (On saw in him, if not a translation, but the Leash Productions), Lee Blessing’s Down the Road a real reflection of their new lives as (Third Eye Repertory), the cabaret 66% Sondheim citizens.” David Mold, M.F.A. (Triad Theatre), and he co-directed Kafka’s Report to an Shabaneh has been instrumental Academy with Gunter Meisner (Gene Frankel Theatre). in placing Marymount Manhattan’s Mold currently serves as the vice president of MMC’s Faculty Council. Mold students in prestigious internships. is succeeding Mary Fleischer, Ph.D., professor of theatre arts, as chair of He has helped students obtain the Division of Fine and Performing Arts. internships with the United Nations Sampoli Benitez has been with the College Development Programme, the UN since 2000. She earned a B.S. and an M.S. from the High Commissioner for Refugees, University of Florence. Sampoli Benitez also earned the Asia Society, and the Council a Ph.D. from the University of California, San Diego. on Foreign Relations. In addition, She was recently selected to receive the 2010 Elena Shabaneh has helped students obtain Lucrezia Cornaro Award, given annually to a woman internships in the global media at the of Italian heritage, who has demonstrated excellence in UN, Al Arabiya and CNN. her field of expertise, made a significant contribution “Our students are very interested to advancing educational opportunities for students, to work in the field of international Benedetta Sampoli and who herself has earned the Doctor of Philosophy studies,” Shabaneh said. “The moment Benitez, Ph.D degree. The award was established in 1978 by the New you open the door for them, they York State Grand Lodge, Order Sons of Italy in America, to commemorate jump. They don’t walk, they jump at the 300th anniversary of Cornaro’s defense of her thesis. Sampoli the opportunity to learn and work. It Benitez is succeeding Ann Jablon, Ph.D., professor of speech-language is very rewarding to teach individuals pathology and audiology, as chair of the Division of the Sciences. who really want to learn about the MMC’s other three Divisions are led by Vandana Rao, Ph.D., chair world around them and who are eager of Division of Accounting and Business Management; Peter Naccarato, to make lasting changes.” Ph.D., chair of the Division of Humanities; and Rosemary Nossiff, Ph.D., chair of the Division of Social Sciences.

MMC Faculty Earn Promotion and Tenure

On March 9, the Board of Trustees of Marymount Morgan Schwartz, M.F.A. (communication arts), Ghassan Manhattan College unanimously promoted Kent Shabaneh, Ph.D. (international studies) and Jerry Worcester, Ph.D., to Professor of Political Science and Williams, Ph.D. (English). Barbara Adrian, M.F.A., to Professor of Theatre Arts. Earning tenure is one of the most difficult and significant The Board also granted tenure to seven MMC faculty accomplishments in the life of a teacher and scholar. It members who have been promoted from assistant to recognizes sustained scholarly excellence over a number associate professor. They include Michael Colvin, Ph.D. of years and invites a professional lifetime of productive (Spanish), Millie Falcaro, M.F.A. (art), Jens Giersdorf, membership in the College community. Ph.D. (dance), Lia Leon Margolin, Ph.D. (mathematics),

7 1 s t S t r e e t . S p r i n g 2009–2010 21 Professor Ronda Leads Service-Learning Project with Central Park Conservancy Between fall 2008 and spring 2009, park to ask if they would have a few Instructor of Sociology Michelle minutes for a survey. Kornblum also N Ronda, M.A., and students from one devised a sampling system to permit Urban Sociology, and two Research the volunteer researchers to count Methods in the Social Sciences courses the number of people entering the participated in the Central Park park. They counted everyone who User Survey with the Central Park entered at a specific entrance during Conservancy (CPC). The project was a 10-minute period, then paused the a service-learning component Ronda count for 10 minutes and resumed offered as an optional over the course of an hour. experience in addition to “It was hard for my the coursework. students to realize how “It was perfect for both challenging it is to go up Urban Sociology and to a stranger to ask them to Research Methods,” Ronda participate in the survey,” said. “It really met the spirit Ronda said. “Your inclination of service learning better is to think that a particular than I could have hoped person looks friendly and so because we needed to want to survey them. With know how to do that type Michelle Ronda, this sampling system, you M.A. of work. If you don’t have have to pick person number something that’s actually three exiting the park, even happening in the world right now, if that person has headphones on or is [surveying] can feel far-removed flying past on a bicycle.” from reality.” In addition to practical social The survey, which began in July science research experience, the 2008, is the most comprehensive project offered students in the study of Central Park use since 1982, Urban Sociology course a greater the year the Conservancy created the understanding of the man-made park’s management and restoration plan for development. Students also considered the park. Students manned various the socioeconomic impacts of the entrances along Central Park’s 843 park’s creation, which caused people acres to calculate how many people to be displaced and created tensions in use the park during different times surrounding neighborhoods. of day and seasons, and to ask users “It expanded my students’ what they like most and least about appreciation for the differences in the park. the neighborhoods surrounding the To achieve an accurate sampling, park,” Ronda said. “Because when William Kornblum, Ph.D., professor you’re up at the Harlem Meer, it’s of sociology at the CUNY Graduate a different Central Park than when Center and principal investigator on you’re standing right across from the original and recent user surveys, FAO Schwartz. One of the goals of and CPC planner Lane Addonizio the course is to appreciate those devised a system that surveyors differences in an urban environment.” could use to sample and survey The published report will illustrate people leaving the park. In order how people use Central Park and will S to achieve some small measure of help the Central Park Conservancy randomization in the survey sample, determine ways to improve grounds the volunteer researchers had to turn and security. Circles indicate entrances where MMC students surveyed users for the Central away from the entrance and then Park Conservancy’s comprehensive approach the third person exiting the study of the park.

22 M a r y m o u n t M a n h a t t a n C o l l e g e Science faculty place in general chemistry. Zachary The series has won several awards, members Ann Barbati ’10 earned first place in cell including a Clio, a silver SABRE, a Aguanno, and molecular biology, and Raymond PR Week Award, two Communicator Ph.D., (biology); Romano ’11 earned second place in Awards, a Davey and a Hermes Award. Alessandra Leri, biochemistry. Chrissy Galifianakis Ph.D., (chemistry ’11 and Olympia Gaglioti ’11 also Millie Burns, and environmental presented their work. MMC’s chapter of M.F.A., assistant science); and the Undergraduate Affiliate Network of professor of art Benedetta the American Society for Chemistry and and director of Sampoli Ann Aguanno, Molecular Biology co-sponsored the The Hewitt Gallery Ph.D Benitez, Ph.D., symposium for the third consecutive of Art, and Janice (chemistry) served as advisers to year. Kelly, Ed.D., MMC students at the Fourth Annual received acceptance Undergraduate Research Symposium in Maggie Bruen, of their proposal the Biological and Chemical Sciences. M.F.A., M.A., on the theme of Millie Burns, M.F.A. Four Marymount Manhattan College adjunct assistant class and popular science students earned accolades for professor of culture for the How Class Works–2010 their research at the April 17th event communication Conference. The conference, from June that took place at William Paterson arts, wrote and 3 through June 5 at the State University University in Wayne, N.J. Laura produced a series of New York at Stony Brook, brings Herren ’11 earned first place in the of short narrative together an engaging mix of scholars ecology and evolution category, while films for Novartis Maggie Bruen, and labor and community activists Laura Anthony ’11 achieved second Pharmaceuticals. M.F.A., M.A. to develop working class studies

Professor Cohen Creates Watercolors Inspired By Philoctetes Exhibition Hallie Cohen, M.F.A., media to explore questions of associate professor of art and truth and provenance, and a chair of MMC’s art department, February screening of Joseph is facilitating artistic discourse Cornell’s film Flushing Meadows, within and outside the MMC which was followed by a community. As curator of roundtable that examined the the Philoctetes Center for the relationship between art and Multidisciplinary Study of mourning. Imagination, Cohen recently Inspired by her work on organized an exhibition that the Philoctetes exhibition,

explored “the art of collecting, “Proustian Postcard: Eze II,” watercolor and Cohen used the concept of sorting, and arranging the digital print by Hallie Cohen, M.F.A. appropriation and collage to ephemera and detritus of life to create a series of new works connect the imaginative and the real.” With or Without based on revisiting and reconfiguring her older work. Permission: Appropriation, Assemblage and Collage The process involved scanning her watercolors, printing featured works by Eric Edelman, Maureen Mullarkey, Mac them out on watercolor paper, and then painting them Premo, Anne Sherwood Pundyk, Jonathan Talbot and again. The series was displayed in 6 Artists, an exhibition Fred Tomaselli, and addressed artists who create work at the Manhattan Borough President’s Office in April. that incorporates life experience and personal narrative, The Philoctetes Center, located at 247 East 82nd or appropriates someone else’s experiences. Street, was established to promote an integrated, With or Without Permission: Appropriation, Assemblage interdisciplinary approach to the understanding of and Collage served as a visual counterpart to the center’s creativity and the imaginative process through roundtable March roundtable discussion, The Lure and Blur of the discussions from experts in neuroscience, psychology, Real, which addressed the ideology and practices of an mathematics, psychoanalysis, humanities and art, and emerging group of artists who incorporate a variety of philosophy and theology.

7 1 s t S t r e e t . S p r i n g 2009–2010 23 through the intersection of intellectual Preservation, at the 2010 Annual Convention of the work and the social movements of a membership Popular Culture Association/American working people. The joint presentation, organization that Culture Association in St. Louis, Mo., in “Conflicting Messages: Hip Hop provides leadership, April 2010. Reality TV shows Moguls’ Formula education, For Success, Class and Culture,” will advocacy and Leslie Levin, Ph.D., associate identify the forms and strategies resources to save professor of accounting and business by which people can legitimize America’s diverse management, themselves, the forms of power and historic places and presented her domination that are encoded by a to revitalize its Elizabeth Jeffe, lecture, “A M.A.L.S. musical genre that is against selling out communities. Heavenly Offer: and advocates remaining authentic, and Religious Imagery the politics of social class and racial Anastacia Kurylo, in American identities through the dialogue between Ph.D., assistant Advertising” at the two hip hop icons and their working professor of Mid-Manhattan class game contestants. communication Library on March arts, has recently 31. In her Leslie Levine Ph.D. Jens Richard Giersdorf, Ph.D., published an article presentation, she associate professor of dance, was entitled “What are displayed print ads from the 20th invited by his They Like? Non- and 21st centuries to show how the alma mater, the Expert Definitions meaning of religious symbols has University of of Stereotypes and Anastacia Kurylo, changed over time to reflect Americans’ Ph.D. California, Riverside Their Implications changing spiritual, cultural and social to present in the for Stereotype Maintenance” in attitudes. Backtrack Dance Qualitative Research in Psychology. lecture series. He Kurylo will co-author with Michael David Linton, Ph.D., professor of presented his latest Kurylo a chapter in a book entitled communication arts, has become project, a critical Blogging in the Global Society: Cultural, a recognized historicization of Jens Richard Political and Geographical Aspects, authority on the the East German Giersdorf, Ph.D. in which the authors will use the social construction choreography metaphor of a classroom to analyze a of menstruation, Spring in Vietnam!, which celebrated sports blog. She also recently signed having presented the figure of the Vietnamese a contract with SAGE to edit an numerous revolutionary, a figure more familiar intercultural communication textbook. conference to U.S. audiences as “Charlie” the papers, lectures dead or deadly Viet Cong. The project Kathleen LeBesco, Ph.D., professor and publications scrutinized two related aspects of of communication arts, has co-authored on the topic. In David Linton, Ph.D. global cultural intervention: the an essay entitled April, Linton was nationalized creation of ethnic “Processing the featured guest lecturer during differences and the canonization of Gender Ideologies: Women’s History Month at Slippery cultural production. This research Nostalgia and Rock University in Pennsylvania. The is also forthcoming as part of an the Easy Bake title of his lecture was “What’s With anthology in Switzerland. Two of his Oven” with senior the Men in Menstruation?” Recently, previous publications on dance studies communication Linton became the editor of the official on the international academia and arts major publication of the Society for Menstrual utopian capacity of political dance Jessica Sturm Cycle Research and contributes to productions were anthologized in the ’10. Sturm and Kathleen LeBesco, the society’s blog, re:Cycling. One United Kingdom and Italy. LeBesco presented Ph.D. of his blog postings, “MANopause; the essay—which grew out of an or, Hello, God, It’s me, Mel Gibson,” Elizabeth Jeffe, M.A.L.S., adjunct assignment in a spring 2009 Comm explored the ways men claim they, too, professor of English, was elected to the 391/Gender, Sexuality and Media class experience a version of menopause. Board of the National Trust for Historic and a subsequent independent study—

24 M a r y m o u n t M a n h a t t a n C o l l e g e Anthony Naaeke, Diana Nash, M.A., medical experts Ph.D., assistant director for who have been professor of Academic Access asked to share communication and adjunct information and arts, presented at instructor in news in the field of the New Jersey Humanities, psychology. Communication published an Association 14th article in the Judy Tyrus, Annual Conference, October 18th issue adjunct professor held at the College Anthony Naaeke, of The Christian Diana Nash, of dance, is the Cheryl Paradis, Ph.D. M.A. Psy.D. of Saint Elizabeth Science Monitor curator of Dance on April 10. Naaeke spoke about the about young people using Facebook Theatre of Harlem: Dagaaba culture of Ghana as explored to honor the memories of lost loved 40 Years of Firsts through rhetorical analysis. In his essay, ones. She also co-wrote a chapter in at the New York Naaeke analyzes the culture by posing the book Your Career in Psychology, Public Library for and answering three main questions entitled “Creating Balance as a New the Performing Arts central to mythological narratives: Professional: Caring for Others by at Lincoln Center “Where do we come from?,” “What is Caring for Yourself.” and the California our conception of right and wrong?,” African American and “Where are we going?” The Cheryl Paradis, Psy.D., associate Museum in Los narratives he analyzed were recorded professor of psychology, has become Angeles, Calif. Judy Tyrus by Jack Goody (1972), an English one of the expert bloggers for This multimedia ethnographer, Gervase T. Angsotinge Psychology Today. Her blog can be exhibition captures the 40 years of art (1986) and Paschal Kyoore. read at www.psychologytoday.com. and accomplishment of Dance Theatre Paradis is among many academic and of Harlem.

Faculty in Print

Grammar: A pocket guide Performance, Cognitive Theory, Susan Behrens, Ph.D., professor and Devotional Culture: Sensual of communication sciences and Piety in Late Medieval York disorders, will publish Grammar: A Jill Stevenson, Ph.D., assistant pocket guide with Routledge Press in professor of theatre arts, published October. Behrens; Rebecca Sperling, Performance, Cognitive Theory, and Ph.D., associate professor of social Devotional Culture: Sensual Piety work and sociology; Ann Jablon, in Late Medieval York with Palgrave Ph.D., professor of speech-language Macmillan in May. Performance pathology and audiology and chair of was a significant component of late the Division of the Sciences; Deanna medieval York’s culture of lay devotion. In Performance, Twain, M.F.A., adjunct instructor in speech-language Cognitive Theory, and Devotional Culture: Sensual Piety pathology and audiology; and Cecile Stein, Ph.D., adjunct in Late Medieval York, Stevenson uses cognitive theory to assistant professor of speech-language pathology and explore the layperson’s physical encounter with live religious audiology, hosted a book reading and signing party for performances, and to argue that laypeople’s interactions with their March 15th release of Language in the Real World: other devotional media, such as books and art objects, may An Introduction to Linguistics in May. Behrens co-edited also have functioned like performance events. By revealing and wrote a chapter in Language in the Real World with the resonance between cognitive science and medieval Sperling. Jablon, Twain, Stein and Laura Leigh Wood ’05 visual theories, Stevenson demonstrates how understanding contributed to the book. Language in the Real World is an medieval culture can enrich the study of performance. She up-close look at linguistics through applications in various concludes by applying her theories of medieval performance fields of study. culture to contemporary religious forms, including creationist museums, Hell Houses and megachurches.

7 1 s t S t r e e t . S p r i n g 2009–2010 25 Class Notes

Obama Authorizes Naming of Post Office in Honor of Ferraro ’56

n August 19, 2009, President Ferraro worked as a teacher and later “A pioneering figure in American Barack Obama recognized as an attorney in the Queens New history, Geraldine Ferraro has been OHon. Geraldine Ferraro ’56 York District Attorney’s office, where an extraordinary leader and public for her stewardship to the Queens she started the Special Victims Bureau, servant,” Rep. Carolyn Maloney said community by signing a bill (H.R. supervising the prosecution of sex in a release. “It is therefore entirely 774) designating the main post office crimes, child abuse, domestic violence fitting the grand edifice of the Long in Long Island City as the Geraldine and violent crimes against senior citizens. Island City Post Office be named in her Ferraro Post Office Building. An official “At a time when women prosecutors honor. Through all Geraldine’s many ceremony naming the building will in the city were uncommon, Geraldine successes in life, the Queens residents take place on June 14. Ferraro was already breaking the she represented remember her as their The post office, located at 46-02 21st proverbial glass ceiling,” Rep. Joseph Congresswoman—a tenacious fighter Street in Queens, lies within the district Crowley said in a statement. who never backed down when it came Ferraro represented with distinction in Ferraro, an MMC English time to stand up for them and the U.S. House of Representatives. Prior graduate, first entered Congress as a their interests.” to running for election to the House, representative of western Queens in Ferraro, 74, continues to be an 1978. During her six years in office, active participant in the nation’s foreign she served on the Post Office and policy debate. She serves as a board Civil Service Committee, among other member of the National Democratic committee assignments. Ferraro also Institute of International Affairs and is spearheaded efforts to achieve passage a member of the Council on Foreign of the Equal Rights Amendment, and Relations. Ferraro also serves as sponsored the Women’s Economic principal at Blank Rome Government Equity Act in 1984, which ended Relations, a government affairs firm in pension discrimination against women Washington, D.C. and provided job options for displaced Ferraro is a former trustee of MMC. homemakers. In 1984, she became the She served from 1984 to 1989. In 2007, first female vice-presidential candidate Ferraro was awarded the President’s on a national party ticket in U.S. history. Medal by the College. Marymount College, which had of Association for Spiritual, Ethical 1950s been a junior college at East 84th and Religious Values In Counseling Street, moved to 221 East 71st Street (ASERVIC), a division of the American Hon. Geraldine Ferraro, Esq. ’56, in fall 1948 as a four-year college. The Counseling Association; the tenured an MMC English graduate, and her “Fabulous 54” entered the College in division director at Fairfield University’s husband, John, will celebrate their 50th 1950 with approximately 50 students. graduate school and attended the United anniversary on July 16. They pursued their dreams, and 28 Nations Commission on the Status of Marie Curran Horn, B.A. ’50, an students graduated on June 3, 1954. The Women Conference representing the MMC English and history graduate, is “Fabulous 54” was amazed to realize Society of the Holy Child Jesus. studying the history of Rome at Santa at the group’s 55th reunion how many Clara University Osher Lifelong Learning paths they had followed. Institute. “We had to be special,” Potash said, 1960s “or we could not have succeeded in that Eileen Kelly Potash, B.A. ’54, and generation.” Sr. Brigid Driscoll, RSHM ’54, MMC Valerie Butler, B.A. ’60, an MMC mathematics graduates, and Terry Ann Marie Wallace, Ph.D. ’55, an English graduate, moved to Rocky Point, McCabe Cerni, B.A. ’54, an MMC MMC English graduate, is the director Long Island. She enjoys the Long Island psychology graduate, reported that of Archdiocese of New York’s Center Sound from her property on the edge of the class of 1954, a.k.a. “Fabulous for Spiritual Development. Her career a bluff. In between loving and enjoying 54,” gathered for its 55th reunion at began when she became the first lay the new house she built, Butler has been Marymount Manhattan College on principal of a Catholic elementary traveling in the past five years, including November 21, 2009. They were joined school, St. Paul the Apostle, Columbus two Caribbean cruises, a Danube River by Margaret “Peggy” Herrmann Circle’s first parochial Montessori pre- cruise, and trips to Japan, Australia, Kenny ’54, Denise Duross Beckerle school program in the country. Since Thailand, New Zealand, Fiji, China, Peru, ’54, Anita Daly Kapp ’54, Jeanne then, Wallace has been the president Chile, Argentina and Brazil. She plans to Daoust Michel ’54, Cathy Dunn of the National Catholic Education visit Egypt in May. She said being retired Kiley ’54, Marianne Halperin ’54 and Association’s elementary department, is wonderful, especially with the help of JoAnn “Bunny” Adams Pavia ’54. The a faculty member of the Archdiocese her new knee. Other than participating group shared lunch, memories, wine of New York at St. Joseph’s Seminary in all small town projects, civic and and roses. The women in attendance and director of the Archdiocesan Center beach associations, Butler is enjoying included fellow alumnae who could not for Spiritual Development of the Laity, time with family. She also continues to attend the reunion by making phone which has approximately 140,000 love theatre and attends approximately calls to Lois Martino Burger ’54, participants in programs, courses and 25 plays per year. Elissa Memmoli Furlong ’54, Connie pilgrimages. (The center began well- Mariana Buckley Duncan, B.A. ’64, Nugent McQuade ’54, Madelena attended pilgrimages throughout Europe an MMC psychology graduate, and her Cenci Cerami ’54, Pat Igoe ’54, Ann plus annual ones to the Holy Land.) husband, Tom, retired to Naples, Fla., in Trenkle Nichter ’54, Betty Cullinan She was a founding member of Spiritual December 2009. They are now Florida ’54 and Bette Bleda Ross ’54. Directors International; president residents but spend summers on Cape

MMC Alumna Encourages Students to Excel in Creative Writing

Christine Fiorella Russo, Ph.D. ’53, an in East Harlem, where I attended grammar MMC sociology and English graduate, is an school,” Dr. Fiorella Russo said. “It’s great Academic Intervention Services (AIS) teacher knowing that these students exhibit positive at the Washington Drive Primary School of the attitudes toward learning and that they have Harborfields District. She is extremely proud set high goals for themselves which will that 28 students from her reading groups who ultimately make them productive leaders of participated in a creative writing contest, had tomorrow. St. Paul is a vibrant school under their poems published in the Anthology of the leadership of Charles Celauro where Poetry by young Americans. teachers and nuns have dedicated their lives Christine Fiorella The Anthology of Poetry was established in Russo ’53, Ph.D. to teaching the basic academics and societal 1989 and is one of America’s most reputable values to children of different races and publishers of students’ poetry and short religions.” stories. Dr. Fiorella Russo is happy to report all 28 of her Judge Anthony J. Fiorella, Jr., Dr. Fiorella Russo’s students’ poems were selected for publication. brother, was an evening instructor at Marymount “It’s extremely gratifying to return to St. Paul School Manhattan’s Paralegal program for 26 years.

7 1 s t S t r e e t . S p r i n g 2009–2010 27 Cod. They recently had dinner with Fran Rajotte, B.A. ’68, an MMC Mary Crowley ’64 and Mary Ellen communication arts graduate, has been O’Brien ’64 and her husband, Bill. named assistant administrator at Catholic Fran Rajotte, B.A. Marilyn Fischer Venuti ’64 and her Charities of Tennessee, Inc. Rajotte ’68, has been named assistant husband, John, also live in the area, and is well-known in the Nashville and administrator Honore Rofrano Beletti ’64 visits each national nonprofit communities as at Catholic winter. Mariana would also like to keep the director of development and Charities, Inc. in touch with other alumni in the area. communications for the Visitation Mariana and Tom are learning the Hospital Foundation, which supports a neighborhoods of Naples and enjoy medical clinic and healthcare missions in the outdoors and activities, including Haiti. She will continue in her position golf, tennis, bridge, pilates and yoga. with Visitation Hospital Foundation as They also enjoy the intellectual and she also works part time at Catholic dining aspects of the city. Mariana has Charities. At Catholic Charities, Rajotte become a friend of the local library will be responsible for a variety of Honore Rofrano and partakes in its lectures and classes. specific projects, will be the agency’s Beletti ’64 She intends to find some volunteer lead representative on public policy continues to opportunities, but, for their first year in activities, will serve as liaison with other stay in touch Naples, Mariana said she and Tom are community agencies, and will provide with fellow alumni. “playing full time.” They have had lots administrative services for local efforts of of company, and their two children and the Catholic Charities USA Campaign to six grandchildren have fallen in love Reduce Poverty in America. with the place. “Life is grand!”

Dr. Sarah Crawford ’76, MMC Make New Discoveries in Cancer Research

When Sarah Crawford, Ph.D. ’76, was teaching a breast cancer. Crawford and Hanks are testing ferns nutrition course last spring at Marymount Manhattan that grow during different times of the year and finding College, Associate Professor of Biology Judith Hanks, that older ferns that last longer in the season of the Ph.D., approached her with the idea of collaborating on a Thelypteris palustris species have the most anti-cancer study of anti-cancer properties found in ferns. Crawford, phytochemicals. an associate professor of biology and After the preclinical work in the laboratory, director of the Cancer Research Laboratory Crawford said the next step is to extend the at University of Southern Connecticut, studies to ascertain the potential of clinical thought the idea was a perfect opportunity trials as a new therapeutic cancer treatment. to advance research in experimental cancer “If one can show there is very little toxicity therapeutics by linking her expertise in with the fern, there will be much more rapid cancer biology and genetics with Hanks’ introduction into clinical trial,” Crawford said. insight into fern species identification. “Optimistically, the process could take at “There has been almost no research in this least five years to prove therapeutic efficacy, area,” said Crawford, who received a B.S. which will involve determining whether certain in biology from MMC and has conducted adverse side effects outweigh the treatment.” postdoctoral research at Memorial Sloan- Crawford’s and Hanks’ students have Kettering Center Institute. “People have a been working closely on this groundbreaking mindset of [a cure being] something tropical and exotic. project. Crawford’s graduate students are conducting We step on ferns, and they grow by the side of the road thesis research, and Zachary Barbati ’10 collaborated and in people’s yards. Ferns are pioneer plants that have on the project, extracting plant chemicals, culturing mastered the art of living on land and have adapted the microorganisms, preparing appropriate media, testing biochemistry to survive.” the extracts for antimicrobial properties, and beginning Crawford and Hanks are examining the anti-cancer the identification of compounds that exhibit potential. effects of marsh ferns in breast cancers with different They presented their results at the 101st Annual Meeting genetic signatures, including estrogen-receptor negative of the American Association for Cancer Research, in tumors and cancers with BRAC-1 mutations. Their Washington, D.C., in April. research has shown extracts prepared from marsh ferns “Our function is not only to progress cancer research, exhibit different classes of phytochemicals with as much but also to train a new generation of scientists,” Crawford said. anti-cancer activity as some current drugs used to treat

28 M a r y m o u n t M a n h a t t a n C o l l e g e Lorraine Esselborn Stratis, B.A. ’65, Maura N. Gustafson, M.Ed. ’74, an a blog about the mystery of perfume, an MMC psychology graduate, is very MMC political science graduate, is proud and has obtained a master’s degree in disappointed she will not be able to of her daughter Ellen Gustafson, a English as a Second Language (ESL). attend her 45th reunion because of an 2002 Columbia University graduate, Regen-Ramirez is also studying for out-of-town wedding. She told Nancy who was named to Fortune Magazine‘s her third master’s degree, in special Hoffman Preisel ’65 she will definitely list of the Top Ten Most Powerful education. You may contact her at be there in spirit. Preisel, Jeanette Women Entrepreneurs for creating [email protected]. Amen Womack ’65 and Stratis have FEED Projects. Ellen and her business Diana Kwiatkowski Rubin, B.A. ’88, been gathering when Preisel visits from partner, Lauren Bush, were also featured an MMC English graduate, has published Florida. Stratis also has seen Bernadette on the CBS Evening News with Katie a new book of poetry, Renewal, Russo Kriftcher ’65, who is a neighbor Couric on March 10 in a piece about containing new and award-winning of Stratis’ daughter, Jen, in New York City. their work raising funds for the United poems. Stratis retired from Ardsley High Nations World Food Programme. School in 2004, after 25 years of teaching Maura was involved with the UN in New York City and Westchester Youth Group CIRUNA when she was 1990s schools. She is active in the Woman’s a student at MMC, so it was thrilling to Club of Larchmont and the Interfaith her that Ellen worked for the UN World Council, and volunteers in New Food Programme before founding her Fanny Borjas Jangarathis, B.A. ’98, Rochelle, teaching English as a Second business. an MMC liberal arts graduate, exchanged Language with the Ursuline Sisters. vows with her longtime sweetheart, Joanne Bronski Henrick, B.A. ’75, Demetrios Jangarathis, in March 2005. She and her husband, Carl, have five an MMC English graduate, and her children and 11 grandchildren, located husband, Randy, of Syosset, N.Y., Janet Kaufman, LCSW-R ’93, an in California, Maine, Massachusetts are the proud parents of Bryan and MMC English graduate, is a clinical and New York. One of Stratis’ favorite Stephen. Steve graduation from Boston social worker at NYU Langone Hospital pastimes is visiting and babysitting the University, summa cum laude, in 2009 for Joint Diseases Multiple Sclerosis grandchildren. She and Carl spend and is now at Harvard Law School. Comprehensive Care Center. After summers in West Falmouth, Mass., Bryan is a sophomore at Haverford earning her bachelor’s degree, she where they cruise around Vineyard College (Pa.), where he pitches for earned her Master of Social Work degree Sound on a sailboat. She would love the varsity baseball team. Joanne and at Fordham University Graduate School to hear from anyone who visits Cape Randy went to Florida in March to of Social Service and began her social Cod in the summer. Alumni can find cheer on Bryan and his team during work career as a medical social worker her phone in the phonebook under spring break. Joanne looks forward to at Bellevue Hospital Center in New York “Carl Ketchum.” Reunion in June, and welcomes news City. She is involved in fundraising for from MMC friends and classmates at multiple sclerosis and can be reached at [email protected]. [email protected]. 1970s Ramona Papke Pitera, B.A. ’93, 1980s an MMC theatre arts graduate, and Catharine Wilson Burt, Ed.D. ’72, an Michelle DeLong Kilic, B.A. ’93, an MMC psychology graduate, retired from Paul C. Lowerre, B.A. ’81, an MMC MMC business management graduate, 30 years with the federal government political science graduate, is enjoying have teamed up and launched a and has moved to Fearrington Village, serving on MMC’s Board of Trustees commercial and print agency, Ramona’s which is south of Chapel Hill, N.C. She and helping keep the College on a great Model & Talent, based in New Jersey is an adjunct professor of emergency upward trajectory. He is very proud and New York City. Ramona’s Model & medicine at the University of North of his daughters, Lavinia (26) and Talent represents a diverse portfolio of Carolina and enjoys singing in several Cornelia (22). Lavinia is training as a talented models and actors, promoting area choruses and community theatre teacher at the Maple Street School in them to clients, including casting productions. Burt will participate in Manchester, Vt. Cornelia graduated from directors, advertising agencies, producers a concert tour this summer in eastern Hamilton College in May 2009, and is and photographers. Last year, their talent Europe with the Carolina International now qualified to teach scuba teachers appeared in ads for Gillette, Verizon Chorale. She and her husband take long after spending much of her time Wireless, Chase, Kodak and Pfizer and walks each day with their two corgis, earning her PADI IDC Staff Instructor acted in commercials for Santo Domingo and, in warmer weather, kayak on certification for scuba diving. Paul’s Tourism, Target, Keurig Coffee, Aetna area lakes. They also look forward to Peconic Bay Winery in Cutchogue is also Medicare and Dick’s Sporting Goods. visits from their daughter, who lives in booming, and he hopes MMC alumni Pitera and Kilic would love to reconnect Baltimore. will come this summer for a tasting with old classmates—and aspiring Joan Hogan Fitz-Gerald, B.A. ’70, and tour of the winery and to actors, of course! You may contact them an MMC political science graduate, is experience the beautiful region. at [email protected] and the new national president of America www.peconicbaywinery.com. [email protected]. Votes, a permanent progressive Joan Regen-Ramirez, M.A. ’82, an Carol Crawford Smith, M.S. ’91, an campaign infrastructure headquartered MMC business graduate, is a private MMC art history and studio art graduate, in Washington, D.C. tutor for adults and children, has started is a writer for Dance Studio Life

7 1 s t S t r e e t . S p r i n g 2009–2010 29 magazine. She regularly contributes to the Julia Khvasechko, B.S. ’01, an MMC “Teacher to Teacher” Column. Smith is business graduate, began a new position also the founder and artistic director for at a privately held, distressed-debt The Center of Dance in Blacksburg, Va. hedge fund as an operations analyst in March. She is still a passionate runner, participating in marathons to raise 2000s money for charity and working her way down the list of runs in the 50 states. David Alex Andrejko, B.F.A. ’09, an This year, Khvasechko is knocking out MMC dance graduate, joined PanDesi, Wisconsin on April 25 at the Pine Line the largest South-Asian television station Trail Marathon, Minnesota on June 19 in the United States, after graduation. at Grandma’s Marathon, and Utah on October 2 at the St. George Marathon. (L-R) Ramona Papke Pitera, B.A. ’93, and He is a correspondent on the show, The Best Half, for 13 episodes in his own She is attending Pacific College of Michelle DeLong Kilic ’93, B.A., launched Oriental Medicine, studying to become Ramona’s Model and Talent. segment, Queery Street. Andrejko wrote his play Scherzo that will be performed a licensed massage therapist. She hopes in early summer as part of Planet massage therapy will facilitate her Connections Theatre Festivities* and will passion of running injury free all over be directed by Associate Professor of the world and helping others reach their David Alex Theatre Arts Ellen Orenstein, M.F.A. own marathon dreams. Andrejko, Andrejko is an editorial assistant for James Mwape, M.B.A., M.S. ’00, B.F.A. ’09, is a correspondent Animal Fair Media, Inc. He helped an MMC biology graduate, was invited on The Best Half. edit and ghostwrite It’s a Dog’s World, to speak at the Delaware Center for released by Random House in February. Transportation Distinguished Speaker Jennifer Palmer Barnes, B.F.A. ’00, Series in April. He discussed Electronic an MMC dance graduate, was married Toll Collection (ETC) and how it to Christian Barnes on July 7, 2007, in increasingly saves time and money while Chicago, Ill., where she resides. helping the environment. Mwape’s recent Guide to Electronic Toll Collection is Mama S. Diouf, Esq. ’01, an MMC available in book stores at Barnes & international studies graduate, started Noble and on-line at amazon.com. her own law practice, Diouf Law Firm PLLC, in New York City. She graduated Dennis O’Bannion, B.F.A. ’06, from Northeastern University School an MMC dance graduate, made his of Law in 2005 with a J.D. and was Broadway debut in Irving Berlin’s admitted to practice in the states of New White Christmas. York and New Jersey. Julia Sandra Rand, B.A. ’06, an Seth Duerr, B.F.A. ’03, an MMC MMC theatre performance graduate, will present her play Sunrise, Sunset Julia Sandra Rand, B.A. ’06, performs in acting graduate, is the artistic director Sunrise, Sunset or Breakfast with Julia. of The York Shakespeare Company. or Breakfast with Julia, at the Planet He has performed in 31 productions of Connections Theatre Festivity, a New Shakespeare with The Acting Company York City eco-friendly festival with (Ahab in Orson Welles’ Moby Dick – productions benefitting nonprofit Seth Duerr, Rehearsed) and The Public Theater’s organizations. Sunrise, Sunset or B.F.A. ’03, is the Shakespeare in the Park (Macbeth, Breakfast with Julia, a Diva Duo artistic director director Moises Kaufman and Romeo production benefitting the Alzheimer’s of The York & Juliet, director Michael Greif). Duerr Association, NYC Chapter, will be Shakespeare performed at the Gene Frankel Theatre, Company. also directed and starred in the world premiere of four-time Emmy award- located at 24 Bond Street, on June 12 winner and New York Times ‘Ethicist’ and June 21. The play, written and Randy Cohen’s one-man show, The performed by Julia, is a powerful and Julia Punishing Blow. Duerr continues to poignant one-character work written Khvasechko, collaborate with fellow alumni on a during the last year of Julia’s 10-year B.S. ’01, ran the regular basis. www.yorkshakespeare.org journey with her mother, Eva, and Hartford, Conn., Alzheimer’s. To learn more, visit www. marathon last Katherine Hozier, B.F.A. ’08, an MMC planetconnectionsfestivity.com. year for the dance graduate, is dancing with Jennifer Children’s Tumor Muller/The Works. Jessica Scheitler, B.F.A. ’04, an MMC Foundation’s dance graduate, owns and operates fight against Christina Ilisije, B.F.A. ’07, an MMC Financial Groove in New York and Las neurofibromatosis dance graduate, is an apprentice with Vegas, which strives to bridge the gap (NF). Parsons Dance, non-profit dance between creativity and business through company in New York City. business, tax, and accounting services

30 M a r y m o u n t M a n h a t t a n C o l l e g e for the music, arts and entertainment industries. Currently in Las Vegas, she is In Memoriam one of the founding members of Nevada Repertory Dance Theater. Kathy Rorke Kelleher, B.A. ’66, an MMC mathematics graduate, passed Aubrey A. Strickland, B.F.A. ’05, away on February 15, 2010, after a an MMC dance graduate, is the long struggle with breast cancer. She is co-founder of Amalgamate Dance survived by her husband of 42 years, Company. Strickland has been Denis Kelleher, and four children, working in dance and media for five Mary, Ellen, Denis and Paul. years in New York City. She was the dance director for Eyes to See at the Serena McCormack Bobrowsky, M.A. ’61, an MMC English graduate, passed Times Center and has appeared Off- Jennifer Palmer Barnes, B.F.A. ’00, gave Broadway. Strickland is on the faculty away in October 2009. birth to twins on June 19, 2009. at Sweet Soul Movement and THE Margaret Dowd Feeney, B.A. ’63, POINT Community Development an MMC history graduate and sister of Corporation. She produces video at Mary Ann Dowd Cappiello ’59 and Christie’s Auction House, and has also Anne Dowd Geoffroy ’69, passed worked as an associate producer for away unexpectedly in July 2009. Public Broadcasting Station (PBS). She is enjoying living life post-MMC with her long-time boyfriend, Jean, and amazing cat, Bruno. Births Allison Vinal Trotta, B.F.A. ’01, an Allison Vinal Trotta, B.F.A. ’01, and Michael Fanny Borjas Jangarathis, B.A. Trotta were married on July 18, 2009. MMC dance graduate, and Michael ’98, and her husband, Demetrios Trotta were married on July 18, 2009. Jangarathis, welcomed their first son, Jacob Warren, B.F.A. ’09, an MMC Constantine Aidan, in November 2009. dance graduate, is a member of Take He weighed a healthy seven pounds and Jessica Dance Company. six ounces. The trio is living happily in Scheitler, B.F.A. Bayside, N.Y. ’04, owns Tom Wojtunik, B.F.A. ’01, an MMC and operates acting graduate, is thrilled to be back at Jennifer Palmer Barnes, B.F.A. ’00, Financial Groove MMC directing for the mainstage. This gave birth to twins, Franklin Terrence in New York and spring, Tom directed the musical Bright Danger Barnes and Veronica Mychael Las Vegas. Lights, Big City, which was presented Barnes, on June 19, 2009. March 10-14, in The Theresa Lang Theatre at MMC.

Calling All Alumni Tell us about recent job changes, marriages, births, publications, awards and other noteworthy accomplishments.* Photos are especially welcome but cannot be returned. If you know of alumni who have passed away, let us know; we would like to remember them in our In Memoriam section. *All submissions are subject to editorial revision for length and/or content. This information may be included in the 71st Street Alumni Magazine in the Class Notes section and on the Web site under Alumni News.

Fax, e-mail or mail your 150-word draft submission to: Class Notes Editor Marymount Manhattan College 221 East 71st Street New York, NY 10021 Fax: (212) 517-0465 [email protected]

7 1 s t S t r e e t . S p r i n g 2009–2010 31 Calendar of events

A wide range of events is held for alumni and members of the MMC community each year. These events provide opportunities to learn, to connect and to engage with fellow alumni and community members. For further details on all events listed below visit www.mmm.edu/alumni/alumnihome.html.

workshop sessions will benefit recent Barnum & Bailey’s Illuscination. June 2010 graduates and veterans in the workforce. Contact: Shelli Luchs at (212) 517-0458 / Alumni not attending the workshop are [email protected]. THROUGH SEPTEMBER 19 invited to attend the Summer Social on JULY 24 The Lowerre Family Terrace. The Hewitt Gallery of Art showcases The Office of Alumni Relations takes Four More Years, a biennial exhibition Contact: Shelli Luchs at (212) 517-0458 / [email protected]. alumni on a guided tram tour of the of MMC art alumni, featuring an acrylic New York Botanical Garden. painting by Kristen Haskell ’05; an Contact: Shelli Luchs at (212) 517-0458 / oil painting by George Williams ’75; July 2010 [email protected]. a watercolor painting by Enid Cobeo ’96; photography by William King JULY 7 ’06; silkscreen, monotyped, and hand The Office of Alumni Relations hosts AUGUST 2010 colored printmaking by Kate Sanderson alumni for a night of big band music ’06; and artists’ books by Yvonne and swing dancing at Lincoln Center’s AUGUST 26 Lamar Rogers ’06. Opening receptions Midsummer Night Swing. Alumni Relations invites alumni to cheer are Saturday, June 12 and Thursday, Contact: Shelli Luchs at (212) 517-0458 / on the New York Mets as they take on September 16, 6-8 p.m. [email protected]. the Florida Marlins. Contact: Shelli Luchs JUNE 24 JULY 10 at (212) 517-0458 / [email protected]. Alumni are invited to a Summer Social The Office of Alumni Relations invites and Networking Workshop. Two alumni to Ringling Bros. and

Jump Start Courses—August 8–28, 2010 Jump Start offers an academically challenging, intensive three-week program of college coursework, where first-year students can earn credits, make friends, explore cultural offerings of New York City and connect with the Marymount Manhattan community. Summer Schedule Language, Community and Identity is an exploration of languages in New York City. Students will examine language as a vital part of culture and social structure while discovering how it reflects and shapes the lives of New Yorkers. Freshman Year Mentoring 101 assists incoming students in making a successful transition into the intellectual community of Marymount Manhattan College. Themes in Humanities applies an interdisciplinary approach to studying human nature and the social worlds we inhabit. New York City: its neighborhoods and social networks will be a major focus. For more information, visit www.mmm.edu/jumpstart.

32 M a r y m o u n t M a n h a t t a n C o l l e g e MMC ONLINE Donate to the Annual Appeal at www.mmm.edu/giving/ @ Why Should You Give annualappeal.html. to the Annual Appeal?

Student: Zachary Barbati Graduation Year: 2010 Major: Biology Hometown: Stewartsville, NJ During his time at Marymount Manhattan College, Zachary Barbati was an active member of the Student Government Association, the Science Society, MMC Outreach and the Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society. His academic achievements include making the Dean’s List (2008-2010), earning the Lab Fellowship Science Award (2009-2010), receiving the Louis A. Martarano Scholarship, and winning first place at the Undergraduate Symposium in Biological and Chemical Sciences. He plans to pursue a Master of Science in Human Biology and Molecular Biology at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark.

(L-R) Professor Judith Hanks, Ph.D., and Zachary Barbati ’10. How has MMC helped you prepare for your transition to How important was it for you to receive financial the University of Copenhagen and your career? assistance in order to attend MMC? Z.B. – My mentors have helped me directly, challenging Z.B. – Very important. Without financial assistance, I my critical thinking skills and preparing me for graduate- probably would not be graduating from MMC. It is very likely level course work. I have learned to look at the arts and the that I would have transferred before completing my second sciences through various perspectives, all of which I feel year. My family and I are incredibly appreciative of the will enhance my experience at the University of Copenhagen financial assistance offered to me. and prepare me for medical school. With your busy schedule, what do you do for fun? What was your fondest moment at MMC? Z.B. – For fun I really enjoy cooking and going out to eat. Z.B. – It was presenting for my capstone biochemistry Cooking reminds me of being in the lab and playing with course last spring. Our group really enjoyed the research experiments. Sometimes you get amazing results, and topics that we were investigating, and it was nice to present others you wish never happened. The best part about that research to students and faculty not only within the cooking experiments is that you can taste them! We can’t Division but also outside of the Division of Sciences. It is eat in the bio or chemistry labs. Besides that, I do pilates, I beautiful to see your closest friends talk about research and love getting lost downtown, and I thoroughly enjoy Central ideas they are passionate and excited about! Park—especially during the spring and summer.

By contributing to MMC’s Annual Appeal, you will be helping students like Zachary Barbati achieve their goals. To make a gift, visit www.mmm.edu/giving/annualappeal.html. NON-PROFIT ORG. 221 East 71st Street, New York, NY 10021 1-800-MARYMOUNT www.mmm.edu U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT# 658 HICKSVILLE,NY

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