The Magazine for Fredonia Alumni and Friends

SPRING 2021

Comprehensive Campaign goal smashed

Alumna and Keeper of the Dream scholar pioneers virtual internship

Academic success in the State of COVID

THE CAMPAIGN FOR FREDONIA Thank �ou!

COLLEGE BEATS | VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS ‚ Art Exhibits Alumni and Campus Cathy and Jesse Marion Art Events Calendar Gallery, main level, Please note: It is anticipated that Zoom events and,

u Rockefeller Arts Center THE MAGAZINE FOR FREDONIA ALUMNI AND FRIENDS Spring 2021 eventually, in-person events, will be added as the year Hours: Tuesday through Thursday and progresses. In-person events scheduled are subject to Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, change pending health and safety regulations. noon to 6 p.m. Please check the following link for updates: "Maajeida," https://events.fredonia.edu/alumni 2020 by Laylah MARCH Amatullah COLLEGE BEATS Barrayn 10 Fredonia CDO's Virtual Employer Showcase 9 Fredonia launches Child Advocacy Monday–Friday, March 1–5 Studies certificate program A week-long career and internship networking expo hosted by the Career Development Office Business students’ market research guides rebranding of Fredonia APRIL restaurant Deadline for Children/Grandchildren of Alumni “Dos Mundos: (Re)constructing Scholarship applications to Office of Alumni Affairs COLLEGE BEATS | VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS Narratives” Friday, April 2, 5 p.m. Application and instructions may be found at: 10 Musicians persevere during COVID-19 Through Feb. 28 https://www.fredonia.edu/alumni/ pandemic Features 36 photographs and 12 artists alumni-association-scholarships that center stories at the fringe of COLLEGE BEATS | ARTS AND SCIENCES public attention. Participating artists: Buffalo Area Teacher Recruitment Day 12 Alumna and Keeper of the Dream Cinthya Santos Briones, Danny Peralta, Monday, April 12, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. scholar pioneers virtual internship Damarys Alvarez, Aaron Turner, Antonio Virtual event hosted via CareerEco in forensics Pulgarin, Tau Battice, Laylah Amatullah Job fair for K-12 careers Barrayn, Erika Morillo, Daesha Harris, https://www.trd.org OUR VIEW Roger Richardson, Yu-Chen Chiu and 14 Academic success in the Anthony Hamboussi. 16 MAY State of COVID Alumni Board of Directors Meeting “Living with Art: Selections from Thursday, May 12, 4 p.m. COLLEGE BEATS | VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS the Frederic P. ‘Nick’ Norton Alumni House, Campus Collection” 16 Theatre and Dance overcomes Commencement March 5 through April 11 pandemic challenges to bring Date and details to be determined. ‘Macbeth’ to the stage The exhibition features an eclectic mix of Eastern and Western art — from JULY MIXED MEDIA traditional masks to modern furniture Alumni Golf Tournament 17 Photographic memories... and contemporary photographs — Friday, July 16 that Nick Norton lives with and has Shorewood Country Club Social media snaps cherished for many decades. 4958 E. Shorewood Drive Dunkirk, NY 14048 ATHLETICS Senior Show I April 16 through 22 18 Dr. Phillips was 'instrumental' AUGUST to track and field success Senior Show II April 30 through May 6 Alumni Board Meeting Thursday, Aug. 12, 4 p.m. COLLEGE BEATS | SCHOOL OF MUSIC There will be no group tours or 22 Alumni House, Campus 20 Now is the time… receptions during the spring semester. Fredonia is the place For more information, contact Gallery OCTOBER Director Barbara Räcker at (716) 673- Classes of 1970 and 1971 50-Year Reunion 4897 or [email protected]. Hillman Opera ‘Beatrice Friday–Saturday, Oct. 15–17 and Benedict’ released on YouTube In conjunction with Homecoming Weekend COLLEGE BEATS | ARTS AND SCIENCES Homecoming Weekend 22 Reaching the Super Bowl a dream Admissions Update Friday–Sunday, Oct. 15–17 of Exercise Science graduate SUNY Fredonia has continued to offer Campus COVER STORY both virtual and in-person visits among Schedule of Events will be available in June at: COLLEGE LODGE the ever-changing COVID-19 guidelines https://events.fredonia.edu/alumni Comprehensive5 24 and restrictions. Family Weekend A challenge met: the College Lodge Campaign goal smashed Forest and the Western New York All visitors coming to campus are Friday–Sunday, Oct. 22–24 Land Conservancy required to fill out a health questionnaire Campus and all visits are limited to a total of 12 Scholars Breakfast (By invitation only) Class Notes/Marriages/Births/Deaths people, to keep our students and Saturday, Oct. 23 26 visitors safe. Campus CAREER CORNER Any visitor unable to attend an in-person 31 Developing skill competencies for visit has the opportunity to schedule NOVEMBER today’s job market a one-on-one virtual appointment to Annual Alumni Board of Directors Meeting receive the personal attention that is the Thursday, Nov. 11, 4 p.m. specialty of our admissions office. Alumni House, Campus THE CAMPAIGN FOR FREDONIA BACK Help recruit the next Please visit fredonia.edu/visit for the COVER generation of Fredonians! most up-to-date information. 24 2 Statement | SPRING 2021 fredonia.edu/alumni 3 ‚ COLLEGE BEATS | VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS COVER STORY ‚

THE MAGAZINE FOR FREDONIA ALUMNI AND FRIENDS

VOLUME 49, NO. 2, SPRING 2021

EDITOR Jeff Woodard Comprehensive ASSISTANT EDITOR Lisa G. Eikenburg, APR campaign goal smashed CONTRIBUTING EDITOR By Roger Coda Roger Coda

DESIGNERS Lori Deemer and Erin Ehman

PHOTOGRAPHERS hat an incredible journey this has The campaign’s success gave Mr. Falcone, Emily Miller Benoit, Roger Coda, Lori Deemer, Dr. Greg Gibbs, Dr. Stephen Kolison Jr. been!" ’74, a heightened appreciation for the school, Furman University, Jim Gibbons, Tycen Klemer, Fredonia Alumni Fredonia President That’s the exclamation point Interim its students and staff, as well as donors. Association President William Kramer, Franklin Krzyzewski, Kyle Licht, “W Jude Merchant, Jerry Reilly, and Priscilla Titus. Vice President for University Advancement Falcone acknowledged the groundwork — CONTRIBUTING WRITERS and Fredonia College Foundation Executive developing priorities and identifying needs Roger Coda, Tracy Collingwood, Jennifer Darrell- Director Betty Gossett places on “Nurturing — prepared by current and former campus Sterbak, Patricia Feraldi, Doug Osborne-Coy, Dear Alumni and Friends, Jerry Reilly and Dr. Jonathan Titus Innovation: The Campaign for Fredonia.” The leadership that helped to steer the direction of COLLEGE COUNCIL fund drive for the State University of New York the campaign and provide the case for support. As I begin my second semester as President of this exceptional university, I am Frank Pagano (Chair), Cynthia A. Ahlstrom, at Fredonia was an unparalleled success, raising This was the university’s fourth capital Richard Alexander, Russell E. Diethrick Jr., filled with so much pride for how Fredonians past and present have responded over $24.5 million — exceeding its goal by more campaign, and clearly its most fruitful. Anthony J. Dolce, Joseph C. Johnson, Stephen to the pandemic. W. Keefe, JoAnn Niebel and Israel Ortiz (Student than 20 percent. The first, “Extending Our Horizons: The Member). “When we launched, we knew this would be Campaign for Fredonia,” raised just over $5.5 From the beginning of the Fall 2020 semester, the entire Big Blue Family — FREDONIA COLLEGE FOUNDATION our most ambitious, comprehensive campaign million in 1995. “Traditions and Transitions: students, faculty, and staff — took the situation seriously, held each other BOARD OF DIRECTORS in Fredonia’s history. We experienced an The Anniversary Campaign” netted more than accountable and enthusiastically supported each other. Everyone adhered Joseph Falcone, (Chair); Philip Belena, Dr. to the new social norms of mask-wearing and physical distancing. More than Prudence Bradley, Gopal Burgher, J.D.; Diane amazing outpouring of support throughout the $10.6 million in 2004, while “Doors to Success” Burkholder, Dr. Julia Butchko, Christa Cook, campaign,” Ms. Gossett reflected. She attributes achieved $16.7 million in 2011. Each time, 10,000 surveillance tests were conducted over the course of the semester, and J.D.; Dennis Costello, Dr. Raffaele Borriello, classes and many campus activities continued without interruption. Jeffrey L. Fancher, James Foley, Dr. Greg Gibbs its outcome to the dedication of alumni, friends campaign goals were surpassed but never more (ex-officio), Betty (Catania) Gossett (ex-officio), of the university, local businesses and organiza- than this one. I am not only proud of how the campus functioned, I am also overjoyed with Joseph Gugino, Dr. Dennis L. Hefner, Karl Holz, Dr. Stephen H. Kolison Jr. (ex-officio), Kirk Krull, tions and an enthusiastic and committed team, When the Nurturing Innovation books the outpouring of support by alumni and friends who contributed to the Louann Laurito-Bahgat, Kyle Leikam, Dr. all who want to see SUNY Fredonia and its were closed on Dec. 31, gifts had soared to Fredonia Student Emergency Relief Fund established through the Fredonia Barbara Mallette, Dr. Michael A. Marletta, Kurt W. Maytum, Rachel Martinez-Finn, Dr. Christopher students thrive. $24,520,307. College Foundation. Funds raised enabled students to overcome technology Mirabelli, Dr. Shaun Nelms, Charles Notaro, Campaign co-chairs Dennis Costello and “Several donors and their impact became needs that were exacerbated by the pandemic. Michael Patrick, Michael Schiavone, J.D.; Debra Joseph Falcone described the $20 million goal newsworthy but it was those combined with the (Horn) Stachura, Michael C. Steele, Clifton Turner $24,520,307 The relief fund is only one part of the largest comprehensive fundraising and Susan Uszacki-Rak. Honorary Members: as quite ambitious, “and it was not clear that thousands of more modest donations cumula- David Carnahan, Robert Coon, Gileen W. French, $24 we could make it,” Mr. Costello, ’72, recalled. tively that made the difference and made the campaign in SUNY Fredonia’s history. With this issue of the Statement, we’re Dr. Richard A. Gilman, Amos Goodwine Jr., Walter pleased to announce the successful completion of the campaign, which Gotowka, Stan Lundine, Jean M. Malinoski, $23 “We were quite pleased that we not only met the campaign so successful,” Gossett said. finished well above its $20 million goal, with a total of $24,520,307. In this Douglas H. Manly, Robert A. Maytum, James goal, but exceeded it.” The campaign’s conclusion comes at a crit- H. Mintun Jr., Dr. J. Brien Murphy, Dr. Jeffrey J. $22 magazine, we are excited to share examples of how the campaign will help Wallace Sr., Henry K. (Mike) Williams IV and Costello was awestruck by the reaction of ical time for Fredonia. State support has been future generations of Fredonia students and faculty. Nancy L. Yocum. $21 the Fredonia community at large and what he stagnant while operational costs climb due ALUMNI ASSOCIATION described as the unbelievable effort that Gossett to unfunded mandates. This results in more This issue also includes stories about how learning and creativity continued on BOARD OF DIRECTORS $20 Million — GOAL and her staff put into the campaign amid the college costs being shifted to families. campus in the fall semester, how current students are helping a local business Dr. Greg Gibbs (President), Diane (Minunni) $19 campus’ leadership change and coronavirus The number of endowed funds grew by get off the ground in the middle of the pandemic, and how a Fredonia alumna Callan, Ashley Dame, Angelo DiMillo, Mary Jane DiPietro, Robert Egan, Betty (Catania) Gossett, pandemic. “They just kept at it, and the support 132, or 31.5 percent, during the campaign. is working with the Super Bowl 2020 champions. Denise (Stoddard) Harris, Dr. Stephen H. Kolison $18 Jr., Carl Lam, Gina (Browning) Lattuca, Kathryn we saw was just amazing,” Costello said. The increased giving to the endowment We missed having our alumni on campus last fall when Homecoming (Hinds) Morrison, Patricia (Salman) Moore, James $17 52,850 individual gifts were made to the combined with strong investment returns activities were moved online. We look forward to welcoming you back on Ranney, Dawn Spicer-Dake, Carol “Stash” Stanley, Christine (Zimmerman) Starks, James Sturm and $16 campaign. As part of that number, 21,451 enabled the foundation to double its annual campus during the 2021–22 academic year. In the meantime, please stay in Karen (Shaw) Williams. individual gifts were made by 3,628 alumni endowment spending distribution. $15 touch with everything going on at Fredonia by connecting with our Facebook, Published semiannually by the Marketing and and 21,264 individual gifts were made by 385 “Endowment gifts and gifts established Communications Office at the State University of Twitter and/or Instagram accounts. New York at Fredonia, G111 Gregory Hall, Fredonia, $14 Million Nov. 2017 faculty and staff. Noteworthy was the large through planned giving represent a crucial NY 14063, (716) 673-3323. Periodical postage paid at number of donors who gave more than once. source of funding for ongoing support and Fredonia, NY and at additional mailing offices. The $13 Very truly yours, Statement is mailed to alumni, faculty and staff, and “It’s very impressive that they were so sup- establish a lasting legacy that will benefit our friends of the university. Articles may be reprinted without permission. $12 portive of Fredonia over a long period of time,” university far into the future,” Gossett said. Costello said. $11

$10 Million

Nurturing Innovation Dr. K. Campaign silent phase Stephen H. Kolison Jr., Ph.D. began in 2014. President fredonia.edu/nurture

4 Statement | SPRING 2021 fredonia.edu/alumni 5 COVER STORY ‚

Access to Quality Education Learning from Experience Goal: $4 Million ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT $5,809,537 Goal: $10 Million ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT $10,343,254 Dr. Karafa indicated it’s critical for Fredonia, as a state regional institu- More than a link between classrooms and workplace, experiential tion, “to open as many doors as possible for students. One of the things that learning is a vital conductor allowing for the infusion of knowledge and “Students were the main beneficiaries of donors’ generosity,” Falcone we do exceedingly well is provide high quality, high impact experiences skill development contributing to real-life needs in the community, said explained, largely through scholarships and academic support that for our students, in ways such as hands-on research, work in studios and Tracy Collingwood, director of Engagement and Career Development. comprise Access to Quality Education, one of five campaign priorities. service learning opportunities, which provide support to our community.” “Students consistently tell us that their experiential education assignments Its $10 million goal was exceeded by nearly $350,000. Scholarships are Fredonia’s commitment to career readiness and enhancing commu- have a positive impact on their career readiness competencies and this bears increasingly vital to help make higher education more accessible to nity outcomes is realized through experiential learning, which provides out in terms of employer feedback that we receive,” Ms. Collingwood said. Campaign‚ COVER STORY Priorities students coming from families with limited incomes and limited access students an opportunity to advance their learning and accelerate career Future teachers benefit from an Innovation in Education Fund that to high quality education before they arrive at Fredonia, Dean of the development. Funds dedicated to experiential learning help students in all supports a specially designed internship program which includes year-long College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Andy Karafa explained. $2 ,237,902 Unrestricted Gifts fields of study to connect classroom knowledge and skills to public service internships that contain three classroom placements in a school district. Nearly 40 percent of Fredonia students are eligible for Pell Grants, and professional experiences. “Additional support allows students unique learning experiences here which means their family household income is below $40,000. The campaign realized just over $5.8 million, comfortably above its on campus. Visiting artists and speakers have the ability to meet with our Scholarships and support to promising first-year students are provided $4 million goal, for Learning from Experience to support faculty-student students to talk about creative work or share experience and expertise in a by the highly regarded Keeper of the Dream Scholarship and Leadership research collaborations, service learning, internships and entrepreneurial variety of areas,” Gossett said. Program that relies on longstanding support from the foundation. What activities. Experiential learning opportunities are numerous: internships, Funds have also provided accessibility to educators, writers, workshops $4,683,675 $10,343,254 makes the program unique is its blend of scholarship and leadership Learning Access to Quality clinical placements, field study, research, practicums, service learning, and nationally recognized diversity speakers with a goal of educating and Education activities. Graduation rates of KOD students — known as scholars — Spaces community service, civic engagement, capstones and creative works, study providing experiences that grow a campus climate of acceptance and exceed the university’s graduation percentages. abroad and travel/exchange programs and entrepreneurship. understanding, Gossett explained. A very generous donation is allowing Fredonia to build a system of retention and follow-up with students that otherwise would not $5,809,537 Experiential have been possible. “This approach will be more proactive, identifying Learning students before they get on (academic) probation, focusing on helping students develop learning skills, time and stress management, etc.,” explained Interim Associate Provost for Curriculum, Assessment, and $1,445,939 Exceptional Faculty Academic Support Carmen S. Rivera. “The ultimate goal is the success of all of our students,” Dr. Rivera said. Last spring, the Student Emergency Relief Fund was created through the foundation with support from faculty, staff, alumni and Gift Amount by Donor Type friends to help students cover unexpected expenses related to the Alumni 29% pandemic and pivot to distance learning. Over $108,000 has been released to 642 students. Parents/Students <1% Individual grants up to $500 were given to meet technology needs, Learning Spaces Matching Gifts 1% purchase supplies to complete coursework online, address food insecu- Departments Goal: $2 Million ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT $4,683,675 Organizations 2% rity and cover other basic needs. Additional money will be distributed to 27% Learning Spaces represents a strategic investment to ensure Fredonia Emeritus 2% students in the spring for those with hardships. graduates are exposed to and trained on routine and emerging technol- Foundation Board 3% ogies and spaces that accommodate current instruction methods. This Faculty/Staff 4% campaign goal clearly resonated with donors, who gave just over $4.6 Friends 14% million — more than double the $2 million goal. Corporations 8% Foundations 10% Opportunities to designate a space — perhaps a location close to a

donor’s passion or profession, or place with sentimental value — were Alumni...... $5,284,573 Foundation Board. . . .$527,830 embraced, with over $852,000 raised through designation of 30 named Departments. . . . . $4,860,671 Emeritus...... $364,119 spaces. The renovated Rockefeller Arts Center and its new Studio Complex Friends...... $2,549,687 Organizations...... $279,555 accounted for 17 named spaces, which include rehearsal and performance Foundations...... $1,902,264 Matching Gifts. . . . . $141,490 spaces, offices and common areas. Named spaces were also added to the Corporations. . . . . $1,375,430 Parents/Students. . . . $71,679 Science Center and more recently, the renovated Houghton Hall. Faculty/Staff...... $758,302 Job prospects for Theatre Design and Production students have been enhanced by the purchase of two projectors and state-of-the-art software with a $75,000 matching challenge grant from a regional foundation. “It Gift Amount by Donation gives us more options; we can create digitally what we can’t necessarily create in real life,” Department of Theater and Dance Professor Todd Proffitt said of the high-end equipment. $ 15,145,468 Cash The backdrop of the sweeping California landscape seen by the Joad content because, more and more, places want to have that modern look, $ 2,970,132 Gifts in Kind family in Fredonia’s 2019 production of “The Grapes of Wrath” was made want to have that modern feel,” Proffitt said. more vivid by the new equipment. The flexibility of the equipment also Areas outside of the classroom were designed as learning spaces as $ 6,404,707 Outstanding Commitments enhances opera and dance ensembles since the environment created “can well. Donations created a nature and physical fitness trail in the wooded be anything our designers can imagine,” Proffitt added. lot off Ring Road for the campus and community to enjoy. Support for the $0 $5 $10 $15 $20 Million “It’s the new technology that our students need to know. They are going observatory will provide the opportunity to teach and learn the wonders to be dealing with projectors; they’re going to have to deal with designing of the night sky. Campaign total: $24,520,307 Campaign Priorities continued >> 6 Statement | SPRING 2021 fredonia.edu/alumni 7 ‚ COVER STORY COLLEGE BEATS ‚

Exceptional Faculty Goal: $2 Million ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT $1,445,939 The Exceptional Faculty priority that recognized that investing a student’s education in unexpected ways, such as an award that brings Fredonia launches Child Advocacy in the faculty who teach students is essential netted nearly $1.5 million together faculty and students from two “seemingly” opposing disciplines Studies certificate program toward its $2 million goal. “Among funds received to support faculty in — the arts and natural sciences — in projects that show how these areas all fields, a number of endowments were established to support faculty can complement one another, Dr. Karafa explained. A new Advanced Certificate in Child that goes beyond what’s traditionally who mentor students beyond the traditional classroom, offering research Support for a faculty member or graduate student to pursue a unique Advocacy Studies (CAST), designed offered in a limited child abuse course fellowships, stipends and support for creative and experiential opportu- creative experience is provided by donor support for the visual and to better prepare educators and other taken by teacher candidates. nities,” Gossett said. Campaigns also support innovation that enhances performing arts as well. professionals to respond to child maltreat- “We both taught the child abuse ment, has been approved for Fredonia. one-credit course and felt we never had Child Advocacy Studies is uniquely enough time. The students were very housed in Fredonia’s College of Education engaged, but they wanted more informa- to better serve educators who, as tion. They really want to know how to deal front-line professionals, are the most with children who experience trauma,” frequent source of reports of suspected Dr. Fitzgerald explained. maltreatment of children. Child Advocacy Approval of the Fredonia CAST Studies programs at other schools are program, part of the Open SUNY online typically found in social work, psychology degree curriculum, coincides with recent or another academic department. passage in New York of Erin’s Law, Interim Dean of the College of Dr. Geraci said. Erin’s Law requires public Education Anna Thibodeau indicated the schools to teach practical and age-ap- 12-month program addresses an unmet propriate instruction in preventing child need in the educational system. sexual abuse and exploitation to students. Goal: $2 Million ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT $2 ,237,902 College of Education faculty members The mission of Child Advocacy Studies Unrestricted Gifts Drs. Laura Geraci and Carrie Fitzgerald is to educate professionals who respond Fredonia anticipates enrolling its first Donors supporting the Unrestricted Gifts category provide flexibility seminars, rigorous Honors courses, unique learning experiences and developed the 16-credit, five-course to child maltreatment to provide ethically, students in Child Advocacy Studies this so funds can be quickly directed to achieve a strategic goal, support an extracurricular activities. program over a three-year period. culturally sensitive services, to demon- summer. Admission requirements include emerging initiative or address a significant or unanticipated need. Donors The Professional Development Center is a prime example of a resource, They say it addresses a chronic need, strate interdisciplinary collaboration and a master's degree or current enrollment in exceeded the $2 million goal by over $200,000. supported by unrestricted funds through the foundation, that coordinates expressed by professionals, for training to manage cases competently. a master's program. The Honors Program annually receives $100,000 from the foundation and provides educational opportunities and training for faculty and staff, unrestricted funds for scholarships to first-time/first-year students and meeting a need identified by the university. transfer students. An Honors scholarship and other stacked awards make The PDC provides financial support for projects that enhance student college more accessible for students who rely on them to help purchase learning using high-impact teaching practices. Funding is used to help Business students’ market books, pay fees and remove financial barriers that otherwise might stand faculty participate in professional development experiences, attend confer- between them and a college education, said Honors Program Director ences and helps them with teaching practices, and also provides faculty research guides rebranding Natalie Gerber. with much needed equipment that can be used to enhance instruction in Students currently in the Honors Program, representing more than the classroom, explained Dawn Eckenrode, PDC director. of Fredonia restaurant 50 different majors, receive a unique learning experience through Honors the transition of the former Wing City “It’s a win-win,” McNamara says of this Grille and the new vision of owner Andrew and other community outreach projects Carlson. — usually around 10 every semester — that “They surveyed over 100 people and students undertake to assist local identified the strengths of Wing City to businesses, non-profits, manufacturers, which to build upon for the next project retailers and startups. as well as market tested several of the Students gain experience applying potential new names/brand,” said School what they’ve learned at Fredonia and of Business Associate Professor Susan putting it into action in the real world; their McNamara. clients gain valuable knowledge, insight Scott Boehnke, Alexis Terruli, Kathryn and perspectives to take their business Rowan, Andrew Masiello and Jakob or organization to the next level, Hudson compiled a PESTEL (Political, McNamara said. Economic, Socio-Cultural, Technological, “The Carlsons gained the creativity Environmental and Legal) analysis that and research ability provided by the President Stephen K. Kolison Jr., who joined Fredonia during the last co-chairs Dennis Costello and Joseph Falcone, Ms. Betty Gossett, the They didn’t wait tables or prepare its outlined factors for Mr. Carlson to consider. students at no cost,” McNamara said. “ five months of the campaign, described its success as “exciting beyond members of the foundation board and staff, the College Council, the signature flatbreads in the kitchen, but Mr. Boehnke, who earned an M.S. in The students were able to apply concepts expression.” Resources obtained through the campaign will help the President’s Cabinet, the faculty, staff and students for their roles in this School of Business students gave valuable Accounting at the University at Buffalo that have been learned in a classroom university achieve goals in the areas of quality education accessibility and campaign,” Kolison said. “I am grateful to everyone who made this a assistance in development of the new and works at a large accounting firm to a real client. The experience for the enhancing or strengthening learning spaces, experiential learning and successful endeavor,” he added. Buddy Brewster’s Ale House in Fredonia. in Williamsville, N.Y., said it’s important to students offered a great learning lab as faculty scholarship, President Kolison said. “Fredonia has benefited from loyal volunteers, past and present staff and For their senior capstone, five students understand what the target market well as helped build their resumes with “I want to express thanks and appreciation to all the donors, my the campus community. The time, energy and resources they have provided in BUAD 499: Strategic Management wants in a restaurant so patrons will try applied experience.” predecessors Dr. Virginia Horvath and Dr. Dennis Hefner, the campaign has been heartwarming and the impact will be far reaching,” Gossett said. gathered marketing research to guide it and return.

8 Statement | SPRING 2021 fredonia.edu/alumni 9 ‚ COLLEGE BEATS | VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS COLLEGE BEATS | VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS ‚

via Zoom. They all met on Zoom two people in a room for one hour, no matter Individual lessons on track Musicians persevere during COVID-19 pandemic other days of the week. During online the size of the room, and then the room COVID-19 restrictions had little impact days, students — representing brass, needs to be cleared for an hour,” Dr. on Professor Barry Kilpatrick’s teaching woodwind and percussion — were paired in Holcomb explained. schedule, which is all face-to-face one-on-one teaching/critiquing sessions “We immediately decided to make instruction. He utilized Diers Recital Hall where they played their instruments. lemonade out of lemons,” said Holcomb. for MUED 260: Brass Pedagogy and Room “The reaction by students, I think, has Ingredients in her lemonade recipe 1001, a tiered rehearsal space, for two been very positive,” Bernhard said. They included presentations by leaders in the classes, MUED 161: Beginning Trombone understand these are challenging times music world, Fredonia graduates working and MUED 261: Advanced Trombone, and and they support one another. professionally in the field, Fredonia faculty his office for 10 one-on-one lessons. Assistant Professor Richard Webb who focus on specific areas and mock “The mechanics of doing these courses employed a hybrid model for MUED auditions. and lessons haven't really changed 251: Psychology and Sociology of Music Students learned about gender much. But teaching a class in Diers, Education. The full class met on Zoom discrimination from Abbie Conant, with everyone masked, has made for two days a week and was divided into a Juilliard-trained trombonist who an amazing change — it's totally silent smaller groups on Friday. The small groups waged an epic court battle — which she in the room before the class begins,” Mr. became “experts” in a new topic each ultimately won — after being denied the Kilpatrick explained. “In the past, with week. Weather-permitting, the groups trombone principal position in the Munich unmasked students sitting near each convened outside. Philharmonic. Virtual discussions provided other in a classroom, I would have to force The cavernous King Concert Hall easily opportunities to talk about the #MeToo them to stop their chatter when the class accommodated Assistant Professor Kieran Movement, social justice issues and Black began,” he said. Hanlon’s MUS 400: String Area Recital Lives Matter, and explore prejudice within “Now I can only wish they would break Seminar, so all 15 students performed the music world. the weird silence!” together. On some days, all students Chris Wilhelm, a prominent leader in With no live performances, Director assembled there, while individual sections the field and member of the New Jersey of Orchestras and Opera David Rudge gathered on other days. Symphony, served as a role model and divided the College Symphony Orchestra The sights, and sounds, too, were alive describe the School of Music’s approach well, Mr. Weber reported. “The general (CSO) curriculum into four parts: a and well in the School of Music in a fall to meeting students’ needs through a consensus is that we are just happy to study of major orchestra masterworks; semester impacted, as higher education combination of in-person instruction, be back, making music and in a safe “The general consensus is that we are just happy to be back, Performance Anxiety: The Mind/Body has been everywhere, by COVID-19 online classes and hybrid formats. environment. Sound is definitely different making music and in a safe environment. Sound is definitely Connection, a mini-course which includes restrictions. Director of Choral Studies Vernon Huff due to the larger spaces between singers, a number of awareness modalities such Choral ensembles were heard reconfigured his 36-member Chamber but a nice blend is coming into the mix.” different due to the larger spaces between singers, but a nice as tai chi, chi gong, yoga and meditation; rehearsing in the amphitheatre, with Choir into four manageable small groups. Excitement among students is obvious, blend is coming into the mix.” — Adjunct Lecturer Brent Weber a Sound Recording Technology project students wearing facial masks and spaced “Let’s turn this into a positive thing. It Huff said. “The students are so excited to of “Dánzon No. 2,” by Mexican composer at least six feet apart. One-on-one gives us the opportunity to work in smaller be making music again; they hadn’t since Arturo Márquez; and “ZoomWorks,” a lessons were relocated to full-size ensembles,” he said. As a result, Dr. Huff March.” Much of Mr. Hanlon’s teaching series of works being written by Fredonia classrooms that became available when finds he’s turned into more of a coach schedule consists of one-on-one lessons, composition faculty for groups of CSO academic courses went online. More guest than a conductor. Alumni become guest speakers so he installed a HEPA filter device in his musicians. speakers than ever before addressed vital Outside singing was allowed, with Professor Christian Bernhard brought office and placed social-distancing marks Dr. Rudge said the Chamber topics and trends in virtual formats. social distancing and masks. Inside several guest teachers into MUED 394: on the floor so private lessons continued Orchestra’s curriculum is now one of “I’m really amazed how resilient they ensemble singing was limited to 10 people, Secondary School Instrumental Rehearsal with adjustments. “audition preparation.” Students learn the are,” School of Music Interim Director spaced 12 feet apart, with masks, for 30 Techniques through Zoom. “It’s a lot standard excerpts that are requested for Daniel Ihasz said of students. “They want minutes at a time. easier with them on Zoom to share their Students are on board orchestra auditions and perform them to be here; they are doing all that we ask experiences in high school teaching,” Dr. “They are seeing the big picture, and over Zoom. them to do.” He’s likewise impressed at Amphitheatre hosts rehearsals Bernhard said. “That’s the silver lining in because of that, they are not getting too A mild September allowed how well faculty adapted to changes “No choir is meeting as a whole this pandemic.” hung up on the fact they have to wear Distinguished Teaching Professor Julie brought on by the pandemic. group except for outside,” Huff reported. Guest teachers who are also alumni uncomfortable masks,” Hanlon said. Newell to place MUS 213: Opera Seminar I That’s in no small part due to the The amphitheatre was used alternately have been from Gowanda, Frewsburg Because students followed guidelines, students in the amphitheatre or near the comprehensive re-opening strategy by Huff’s Chamber Choir and Adjunct and as far away as Albany, N.Y. “We can’t the School of Music continued in-person clock tower. Outside gatherings and use of developed by the School of Music. “We Lecturer Brent Weber’s Fredonia go out and visit high schools, so the activities with adjustments. surgical ClearMasks were major changes did a lot of research in the summer; we Camerata. teachers are coming to us,” Bernhard said. Greater use of guest speakers who Voice area faculty made so in-person came up with a plan that fit in with Huff followed a hybrid teaching model An interactive Zoom teaching session examined social issues that students may instruction, one-on-one lessons and SUNY’s re-opening plan, that followed for his fall classes: online and an A/B with Fredonia High School band director encounter as professionals has been a explained how to be successful as a band ensemble rehearsals could continue. CDC guidelines,” Professor Ihasz explained. model. For example, six students singing in Andy Bennett, also an alumnus, and his key benefit of the virtual teaching format director in public schools. “I’m amazed by their maturity, A key component was moving academic one Mason Hall room are joined via Zoom students and Bernhard’s class was held. followed by Director of Bands Paula Nine accomplished alumni from their resilience, their optimism. They courses from classrooms to remote status, with 12 other students, who could easily Eleven students in Bernhard’s Holcomb. around the country reviewed virtual mock communicate every time I see them how so many private lessons could continue be in their residence hall rooms. “We’re all instrumental rehearsal techniques class “With an ensemble band, in order to be auditions that paired two students in much they value their education and the in the classrooms that allow for social singing together,” he remarked. met in-person, one day a week in a safe, we made the decision to go entirely separate practice rooms; one performed opportunity to be here on campus,” Newell distancing. Camerata rehearsals in the amphi- large Mason Rehearsal Hall room, and remote. COVID-19 is just so dangerous while the other evaluated, and then the said. “I see their smiling faces behind their Versatility and innovation can easily theatre, as well as in Mason Hall, went were joined remotely by a 12th student with aerosols. We can only have nine roles were reversed. ClearMasks every day.”

10 Statement | SPRING 2021 fredonia.edu/alumni 11 ‚ COLLEGE BEATS | ARTS AND SCIENCES

Alumna and Keeper of the Dream scholar pioneers virtual internship in forensics

“When life gives you lemons, make the internship. Students were required on a special project with the section. lemonade.” to submit three questions, which could “I’ve always been involved in outreach, That proverbial wisdom could easily encompass technical/scientific areas, as far back as Fredonia, in tutoring, apply to Fredonia graduate Lori Ana career navigation and satisfaction and mentorship and leadership development, Valentín, a forensic scientist with the academic backgrounds, for each guest so it’s become a part of my role here,” New York State Police Crime Laboratory lecturer before the lecture. Valentín explained. She enjoys working System (NYSP CLS). She serves in Valentín believes networking is one with students and regularly gives lectures the agency’s Albany-based Forensic of the biggest benefits of an internship, at the State University of New York at Investigation Center and runs its internship so it was important for the students to Albany. “It was a perfect fit for me to program that was upended — much like “meet” as many professionals as possible. become involved in coordinating the the rest of higher education — due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Forensic Investigation Center “The students were happy to have the experience after so many usually hosts one or two interns every year, had internships and co-ops that were cancelled, and they were but was apprehensive about conducting in-person internships this past summer excited to learn about so many forensic topics from renowned Dr. Valentín, with George P. Beach II, New York State Police superintendent, at her promotional ceremony due to coronavirus health concerns. experts in the field.” — Lori Ana Valentín, Ph.D. at the New York State Police Crime Forensic Investi- Instead, Dr. Valentín developed what’s gation Center in 2018. believed to be the first virtual forensic internship ever offered by the NYSP CLS. The virtual format broadened that scope, internship program,” she said. develops STEM educational program- In it, students learned how evidence in so Valentín was able to bring in forensic Valentín belongs to the American ming for under-resourced students and criminal cases is collected, processed experts across the country from county, Chemical Society and is a member of professional development programs for and analyzed. The six-week experience state and federal labs. She also created the Education Committee of the Eastern students and early-career professionals. provided an orientation into the crime a professional directory that included their New York Section of the ACS, where she Valentín is also chair of ACS’s Younger laboratory system, going beyond an contact information, area of expertise and Chemists Committee and is on the exec- introductory course by exposing students professional affiliations for the students to utive committee for the Women Chemists to organizational structure, administrative retain as a resource. Committee. oversight, evidence processing and analysis The internship experience was well In response to COVID-19 last summer, in a large forensic science laboratory. received, Valentín said. she founded the Eastern U.S. YCC Outside of her work in the lab, Valentín “The students were happy to have the Partnership which delivers virtual profes- mentors students one-on-one across experience after so many had internships sional development nationally to younger the country. One of her mentees for an Dr. Lori Ana Valentín works with a student at the Forensics Investigation Center’s first outreach to Rise High, and co-ops that were cancelled, and chemists. internship at a forensic lab in another a local organization in Schenectady, N.Y., that delivers outreach to under-sourced students about the STEM they were excited to learn about so many At Fredonia, Valentín completed state was incredibly disappointed when (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) disciplines. forensic topics from renowned experts in a semester-long internship with INX her internship was postponed until the the field,” Valentín said. “We also had a International Ink Co. and conducted summer after she graduates, Valentín internships that usually involve shadowing a different topic. I wanted to ensure that it couple of virtual social hours outside of analytical research in all four of her years explained, due to COVID-19. and some aspect of hands-on work. The offered more than an introductory course, lecture time which we all enjoyed.” in the lab of Department of Chemistry That inspired Valentín to explore the pivot to a virtual format enabled the so I made sure that we explored topics Eleven students enrolled in the intern- and Biochemistry Professor Michael possibility of a virtual internship at her Forensic Investigation Center to signifi- that aren’t addressed in texts — such as ship for academic credit, while another Milligan. Much of that work was devoted facility. cantly increase the number of students our evidence intake process, chain of eight students — including Fredonia to the Great Lakes Fish Monitoring

Valentín has a Ph.D. in Analytical and bring more experts on board. custody, expert testimony and accredita- student Prince Aziz Hunt — audited the Program. Chemistry and M.S. in Chemistry, both Nineteen students — all science majors tion,” Valentín explained. course. from Binghamton University, and a B.S. in who aspire to become forensic scientists The internship utilized Blackboard, Valentín became involved with the Dr. Valentín delivers a lecture at Biochemistry from Fredonia. She also was — were drawn from around the world to Outlook and Zoom to disseminate, Forensics Investigation Center’s intern- Skidmore College. a Keeper of the Dream Scholar during her the internship, though most were from instruct and discuss course content that ship program a year ago. In this role, she undergraduate years. New York state academic institutions. included PowerPoint lecture material, works directly with the intern, designing a And she knows how to make great Valentín handled all aspects of the experimental protocols, videos, read- project and coordinating with the school lemonade. internship, from creating the syllabus to ings, mock data and assessment mate- to ensure that the program meets the Valentín crafted a dramatically booking lectures. rial. Student attendance at weekly live requirements needed for credit. An intern different internship that was far more “I modified the format to include a PowerPoint lectures was mandatory. would be typically assigned to a specific comprehensive than previous lab series of guest lecturers, each focusing on Participation was an integral part of laboratory section, such as DNA, and work

12 Statement | SPRING 2021 fredonia.edu/alumni 13 ‚ OUR VIEW OUR VIEW ‚

Academic success in the State of COVID ‚

Lecturer Patricia Noel (far right) guides students in her class, BIOL 132: Introduction to Ecology and Evolution Lab, in the study of morphological A student team in BUAD 499: Strategic Management, taught by Associate Professor Susan McNamara, adaptions of flowers and behavior of pollinators reviews key points in their restaurant marketing analysis in the Williams Center outer lobby before delivering in the campus woodlot. their presentation to the class in S204.

The Fredonia Camarata.

Distinguished Professor Alberto Rey reviews progress of a student drawing of Canadaway Creek.

Students in Distinguished Teaching Professor Julie Newell’s MUS 213: Opera Seminar I class, held in the woodlot near the clock tower, engage in an exercise to boost creativity in character development.

Morgan Trapper, Paige Rzepka, and Emilie Pitts in ENED 530: Topics in Teaching Language, gather in a There’s plenty of space in the amphitheatre for social distancing of students in a rehearsal of the small group outside Fenton Hall. Fredonia Camarata, directed by Adjunct Lecturer Brent Weber.

Gabrielle Cartwright outlines the benefits of Outside is where you’ll find students enrolled in Students in an Honors section of ENGL 100: Craft of Writing, taught by Associate membership in the Fredonia chapter of the American BIOL 132: Introduction to Ecology and Evolution Rhema Williams completes a still-life drawing in ARTS 205: Foundations of Professor KimMarie Cole, are learning through a hybrid modality, so they’re Marketing Association in a marketing class taught Lab, taught by Lecturer Patricia Noel and Professor Noah Alles in ENED 530: Topics in Teaching Drawing II. together, sometimes outside of Fenton Hall, and online for other sessions. 5 by Associate Professor Shazad Mohammed. Jonathan Titus. Language, studies outside Fenton Hall.

14 Statement | SPRING 2021 fredonia.edu/alumni 15

‚ COLLEGE BEATS | VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

Photographic memories... Social media snaps Looking back at 50 years at Fredonia in 1971. The Stay connected with fellow alumni using Commencement speaker was Dr. John L.S. Holloman any of our social media platforms: Jr., a member of the SUNY Board of Trustees and a noted physician and activist. The ceremony was held FACEBOOK @fredoniaalumni in the Dods Hall gym. TWITTER @fredoniaalumni INSTAGRAM @fredoniaalumni YOUTUBE @fredoniau

LINKEDIN @fredoniau ^ Fredonia Nov 20, 2020 • @FredoniaU Congratulations, Big Blue Family! We did it! You remained #FREDstrong, took care of each other, and kept your focus (photo by Franklin Krzyzweski) on your academic success this fall. After the break, we finish the semester with distance learning. Read President Theatre and Dance overcomes pandemic Kolison's message ->https://bit.ly/334XmjT by Doug Osbourne-Coy, challenges to bring ‘Macbeth’ to the stage Rockefeller Arts Center

William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” has assistant director, [current student] Jay talented fight choreographer Emmett been staged an infinite number of times Gleason, who was also the videographer,” Wickersham [a Fredonia graduate],” the Facebook since its creation more than 400 years Mockovak said. “We set out to capture as director said. “He came through beauti- ago. Despite such history, the Department much of ‘Macbeth’ as we could in a video fully with unarmed combat sequences of Theatre and Dance at Fredonia found format to put together, in essence, a film. that make sense, yet no one lays a hand itself on new ground with its Fall 2020 That said, making a film and shooting on anyone. Fight captain Merrick Allen did production. a video of a staged production are two a superb job in setting the choreography. With COVID-19 precautions and different things. I like to call this a hybrid The combat is fantastic. The final duel restrictions in place, faculty, staff and telling of the story with scenes shot between Macbeth and Macduff exceeded students were finding new ways to work. outdoors as well as indoors on stage.” my expectations.” “Clearly, the element of the pandemic Mockovak praised students in all areas Mockovak has been teaching at and the limitations we had to work within of the production for meeting challenges Fredonia for 22 years. In that time, he 139 12 shares were the greatest challenges,” Director along the way. estimates he has directed more than 60 Paul Mockovak said. “We had an all-student design team productions. He called on all that experi-

Mockovak, a professor in the that did a great job of bringing my ence in guiding this production. Department of Theatre and Dance, concept to life,” Mockovak said. “The “My many students, friends and ... @ admitted it wasn’t always easy. internal scenes shot on the Marvel stage colleagues know my phrase of many Fredonia • FredoniaU • 8/18/20 “There were many times early on when have some spectacular moments. And years is ‘cleansing breath, hakuna matata.’ we would lament not being unable to do their designs were brought to life by our Patience, breathing, encouragement,” These are uncertain times, but we’re certainly happy to this ‘the way it could have been done’ in student artisans and craftsmen who built he said. “It’s easy to get overwhelmed have you back! #FREDstrong Bartlett Theatre,” he said. “But by the time the pieces.” but step back, realign, and re-center, we were winding up, we had this amazing The director also cited the “first-rate and almost all of the time a solution will story with moments at Three Man Hill, the work by our student actors.” surface.” amphitheater, in the woods on the trails “It was an honor to work with them,” With the challenge of bringing and other campus locations utilizing the Mockovak said. “I tip my hat to them all, “Macbeth” to life successfully met, fantastic architecture and sculpture. At but must give a nod to Donovan Gale Mockovak hopes the 50-plus students

that point, I was thinking this is something (Macbeth), Lauren Teller (Lady Macbeth) involved will take pride in what was Twitter we can be proud of.” Jong Rheu (Macduff) and Merrick Allen achieved. When the pandemic took hold in early (Banquo).” “I am hoping they will have a sense of 2020, it became apparent there would be Finally, with “Macbeth” being known deep accomplishment for creating art and no live performance for this production. for its fight scenes, Mockovak said there pursuing their passion for their craft,” the However, Mockovak noted “theatre people was the challenge of creating socially- director said. “At the end of the day, I want are problem solvers.” distanced combat. us all to say, no matter what, we did the comment11 retweet5 Heart1,,,,,941 “Back in March, I contacted my “My solution was to contact our very best we could.”

16 Statement | SPRING 2021 fredonia.edu/alumni 17 ‚ ATHLETICS ATHLETICS ‚

Dr. Phillips was 'instrumental' to track and field success

Tributes to Fredonia State Hall of Fame instrumental in the unmatched number of coach and administrator Dr. Everett "Doc" championships we had." J. Phillips poured in Sept. 18 after former student-athletes and colleagues learned Historic run of of his death earlier in the day. championships Dr. Phillips passed away at his home, Their coaching partnership began I will miss seeing him walk around the leaving behind a legacy of success when Dr. Phillips moved from head coach complex he built for this university. Even spanning three decades at Fredonia State. of men's track and field — a post he held at his age, he could not help himself He was 90 years old. from 1972 to 1974 — to assistant coach when walking around the fieldhouse to Among those offering their tributes upon the hiring of Mr. Ulrich. The two men stop and correct one of my athletes. That was Jim Ulrich, Fredonia State's Hall worked together until Dr. Phillips retired always made me smile!" of Fame men's track and field coach. in 1994. During that span, Fredonia State Others offering tributes were two men Together the two men produced 36 was in the midst of 20 straight SUNYAC who succeeded Dr. Phillips in the athletic SUNYAC track and field championships, outdoor track and field championships — director's chair. plus several state titles, fueled by a parade the longest championship streak by any Director of Athletics Emeritus and of All America student-athletes. former men's basketball coach Greg team in SUNYAC history and among the Dr. Everett Phillips (second from left with arm around his wife Shirley) and Jim "Doc Phillips hired me in 1974 to be the longest championship streaks in NCAA Prechtl remembered his longtime Ulrich and his wife Linda, to the right of Doc and Mrs. Phillips, take part in the 2016 head track and field coach at Fredonia Division III. The Blue Devils also won 16 colleague as a hard worker who was dedication of the Phillips-Ulrich Community Trail on the Fredonia State campus. Phillips-Ulrich Community Trail. State," Mr. Ulrich wrote after learning of his SUNYAC indoor titles during the era. deeply loyal to Fredonia State Athletics. colleague's passing. "Being a young coach Dr. Neil Moore, Fredonia State Class "Everett was an exceptional coach," Mr. Rochester Hall of Fame in 1988 and 1992. Fredonia State also won Trail was completed on campus through — just three years’ experience as track & of 1980 and Hall of Fame distance runner, Prechl wrote. "His accomplishments inductee New York State Collegiate Track & Field generous financial support by many field coach at Lockport (N.Y.) High School was a member of some of the earliest in track and field and cross country at Association titles in 1978, 1979, and 1981. alumni. — I found his knowledge and experience in Dr. Phillips was a 1953 graduate of championship teams: "Dr. Phillips was Fredonia will never be duplicated. He The 1981 team — which was voted into the Fredonia State men's hockey coach Springfield College, where he earned a the sport to be invaluable in my develop- a great friend and mentor," Dr. Moore led the Athletic Department through Hall of Fame this past April as a Fredonia Jeff Meredith, the department's longest ment. Having him as an assistant coach bachelor's degree in Physical Education wrote. "He had a profound impact on my arguably its most successful period.… State Team of Distinction — swept the tenured coach, was hired by Dr. Phillips (he later earned his master's degree from and mentor to all our middle distance and life and the lives of countless others. The This is truly the end of an era." SUNYAC and NYSCT&FA titles, finished and remained a friend over the years. Springfield in 1964). Named University distance runners until his retirement was valuable life lessons that we learned from Current Athletic Director Jerry Fisk second at the NCAA regional meet, and Dr. Phillips was at fixture at Blue Devil of Rochester head coach of indoor track Doc are evident in each of us and I know got to know Dr. Phillips as the Fredonia third at the national meet. hockey games right up to the most and field in 1960, he soon had his teams that he was proud of his entire Fredonia State icon that he was. "Doc Phillips Dr. Phillips also coached women's recent season. winning New York State track and field family. He will be greatly missed." was a giant in the history of Fredonia cross country from 1992 to 1994 and "He loved Fredonia so much," Coach titles — five straight from 1963 to 1968. He Current Blue Devil head coach Tom State Athletics," Mr. Fisk wrote. "I quickly returned as interim coach for one season Meredith wrote. "He cared about the was voted 1966 NCAA Coach of the Year Wilson, also an alum of the program, learned in my first meeting with Doc in the early 2000s. student-athletes and he cared about the in his sport and was inducted into the said Dr. Phillips always had a positive that he bled blue and loved not only Blue coaches. His alumni tree is the largest Rochester Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016. message. "When I first met Doc, he Devil Athletics, but our university.…He is ever. He had people all around the world While at Rochester, he decided Oversaw Steele Hall mentioned several times about being a foundational member of our story and whom he touched. He had a great career." to pursue his doctorate in Physical construction persistent,” Mr. Wilson wrote. “I think his will forever be a tremendous Blue Devil Dr. Phillips is survived by his wife, Education Administration at the In addition to his administrative first lecture to me was about finding a Hall of Fame member." Shirley, and four children: Everett Phillips University of Oregon, where he and coaching duties, Dr. Philips taught way, working outside of your comfort Jr., Karen Phillips, Brett (Jen) Christy and worked alongside legendary coach Bill numerous physical education activity zone, and finishing everything you start… Brian (Diana) Christy. He is also survived Bowerman. Dr. Phillips returned to U of R and coaching certification classes. He by three grandchildren, Tristan Phillips, and started the university's cross country also served four years as president of the Hannah Christy and Alex Christy. Dr. program in 1969. New York State Track & Field Association. Phillips was predeceased by his son, Mark, He was hired as chairman of Perhaps his most tangible legacy was and his first wife, Mary, who is also a the Fredonia State Health, Physical completion of the Steele Hall Fieldhouse, member of the Fredonia State Athletics Education, Athletics and Dance a project he oversaw from start to finish. Hall of Fame for her contributions to the Department on Aug. 27, 1970, and was He was inducted into the Fredonia State Athletic Department. named men's cross country head coach Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000. In tribute to Dr. Phillips, a memorial the following year. He inherited a program Former student-athletes have made parade of vehicles traveled through that had been last in the SUNYAC yet significant financial donations over campus to the Phillips-Ulrich Community became competitive immediately. The the year to support The Phillips Cross Trail. Current athletes lined the route on Blue Devils won their first of six straight Country and Track & Field Endowment Ring Road. SUNYAC titles in 1978, then added titles and in 2016 the Phillips-Ulrich Community Steele Hall main entrance Steele Hall fieldhouse

18 Statement | SPRING 2021 ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT fredoniabluedevils.com fredonia.edu/alumni 19 ‚ COLLEGE BEATS | SCHOOL OF MUSIC COLLEGE BEATS | SCHOOL OF MUSIC ‚ ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHTScan QR code for a direct link.

Now is the time… Fredonia is the place By Jennifer Darrell-Sterbak, Community Relations Associate, School of Music

While many campuses around the they get out into the world with a music rebuilding what we have lost. state and across the U.S. were forced degree in hand.” It will not be an easy road, but we will Hillman Opera to move fully remote this fall, or close Now, perhaps more than ever, our get through this. campus entirely, the Fredonia School message at Fredonia is clear. Music is “Performers need to be ready to rise ‘Beatrice of Music developed, implemented, and essential. It is critical to our society’s and meet that need,” said Dr. Anne Kissel, and Benedict’ enforced an effective plan that allowed well-being. “When we begin to emerge head of Collaborative Piano. “We will need students and faculty to continue doing from this pandemic,” said Professor Ihasz, new ensembles, new companies, new released on what we love most...learning and making “the pent-up demand for live music presenters who are prepared to make art music, together. Everyone stepped up and performances will bring back audiences in new ways and serve new audiences. YouTube took care of one another, proving (once in droves. We have an opportunity now to It will take time and it will take financial again), that Fredonia is an amazing prepare students for those moments.” support, but there is going to come a time place to be. At Fredonia, we believe Now Is The when we see artistic rebirth happening in Now, as we enter a new year, and as Time for students to dig into music study, all kinds of ways and in all kinds of places.” Arrow-circle-leftScan QR code our new normal continues to shift and to practice more than ever, to apply Fredonia is training the next generation for a direct link. evolve, the Fredonia School of Music themselves to becoming excellent at their of music professionals, and our graduates continues planning for the future and craft, and dare to dream what the next are poised to take the lead in reimagining being inspired by our students. chapter of music performance, education, and reshaping how music connects us. “We have spent a good deal of time therapy, entrepreneurship, advocacy, “The world needs music now more over the past several months listening composition and sound recording will than ever,” said Dr. Kissel. “When concert to and supporting our current music look like. halls and theaters reopen their doors, students,” commented Daniel Ihasz, As we watch symphony orchestras, there will be a huge demand for seats. I’ll interim director for the School of Music. opera companies, music start-ups (the be there. Won’t you?” The Hillman Opera, produced each restrictions was not performed with an Recording Technology students edited “Many students are, understandably, list goes on) turn off their lights and close To view the School of Music’s latest year by the Fredonia School of Music in orchestra, but instead accompanied by the audio tracks. anxious or unsure about what career their doors, we are heartbroken, but we recruitment video, created by the School conjunction with the Hillman Memorial School of Music pianist and voice faculty For the video shoots for musical opportunities will be available to them also know this is temporary. We will come of Music and videographer Jim Gibbons, Music Association, broke new ground this member Shinobu Takagi. Dr. David “numbers,” each cast member came in when they graduate. And, there are many out of this challenging time and, when we and featuring Fredonia alumni, go to year with a unique production in an Rudge served as music director, and one at a time to lip sync to the rough edits students in high school right now feeling do, we are going to need a generation of http://www.fredonia.edu/music-2020- online format. Department of Theatre and Dance faculty of the audio, filmed by Mr. Lendzian. the same way…wondering if it will be young people equipped and empowered video or use the QR code to view the piece. The production of “Beatrice and member Daniel Lendzian was stage The dialogue was filmed on Zoom, and possible to make a career in music when to roll up their sleeves and get to work Benedict” was available starting Nov. 27 director. Megan Kuhnel, a student in the the entire production was put together on the School of Music’s YouTube channel, Department of Theatre and Dance, served and edited by Strauss. noted opera producer and Fredonia as stage manager. Graduate student The list of Hillman Operas over the alumnus Dr. Robert Strauss of the School Adina Martin was chorus master. years is impressive in its scope and depth, of Music. There was a cast of 16 singers with not too many repeats over 60-plus The goal was to provide students including Vocal Performance, Music years, ranging from Gilbert and Sullivan with a challenging and rewarding expe- Education, Music Therapy, Applied Music romps like “The Pirates of Penzance” and rience, along with entertaining its online and Bachelor of Fine Arts Musical Theatre the holiday favorite, “Amahl and the Night audience. majors, and the chorus was a one-on- Visitors,” to Benjamin Britten’s challenging The Hillman Opera, presented nearly a-part group of singers. The major roles “Albert Herring.” annually since 1956 and usually during the were double-cast and smaller, single cast. The opera received a grant to support fall, is considered special due to the fact Non-singing roles were performed by the production from the Oliver G. and that the majority of the major roles are chorus members. The role of Beatrice Sarah Sloan Bauman Fund for the performed by undergraduate students and was sung by Katie Cymerman and Arts administered by the Community supplemented some years with faculty Grace Mingoea, and Benedict, by Tyler Foundation for Greater Buffalo. and alumni, unlike operas performed by Huk and Robert Kleinertz. The Hillman Memorial Music music programs at other colleges, which Each of the major cast members were Association also provides vital support often include master’s and doctoral brought into the university’s recording for the opera through the Fredonia students. The Fredonia Department of studio to create an audio track — with College Foundation, as well as student Theatre and Dance typically provides not more than three people at a time in scholarships. Gugino and Ryel Financial experiences for students in stage design, the studio. Anything larger than a duet was again the event sponsor. costuming, lighting and direction. necessitated cast members recording Those interested in supporting the The work, by Hector Berlioz, was “karaoke-style” to a pre-recorded track Hillman Operas can give online or contact performed for the first time as a Hillman of their castmates. Also necessary was the Fredonia College Foundation at Opera, sung in an English translation by allowing extra time in the recording studio (716) 673-3321. Amanda Holden, and due to COVID-19 for its air to “refresh.” Fredonia Sound

20 Statement | SPRING 2021 fredonia.edu/alumni 21 ‚ COLLEGE BEATS | ARTS AND SCIENCES COLLEGE BEATS | ARTS AND SCIENCES ‚

Reaching the Super Bowl a dream of Exercise Science graduate

Just two years removed from earning a inventory, in addition to assisting in the champion again and I hope to be a part of Dr. Backes and other professors always B.S. degree in Exercise Science at Fredonia, treatment and rehab of the players. the process this season.” wanted students to be successful in the Audrey Yokopovich began the 2020–2021 Yokopovich wasn’t with the team classroom. NFL season with a realistic opportunity to Trainers endure long days during its Super Bowl run, “but I can see From Mike “Koz” Kozlowski, her equip- pick up a Super Bowl ring. Yokopovich reported to the Bills seven just how motivated the players and ment room boss at Fredonia, Yokopovich Really! days a week, promptly after classes on coaches are to get another ring…And I learned patience when she was frustrated Ms. Yokopovich is a seasonal athletic weekdays, and was stationed on the want one, too.” with practice or her coaches, and to training intern with the Super Bowl sidelines during home games. “I loved Her Bills’ tenure taught Yokopovich always put a smile on her face. “He champion Kansas City Chiefs, who fulfilled every second of that student internship the culture and business of the NFL, always listened to my complaining and the expectation to return to the Super with the Bills. That experience is the sole so adapting to a new team wasn’t too had advice ready to give.” Bowl by defeating the Buffalo Bills in the reason I am in Kansas City right now and difficult. “The hardest adjustment was She remembers Backes as “a breath AFC championship game. I am grateful to the staff for teaching making new relationships and rapport of fresh air.” He accommodated “That would be the ultimate,” me so much while I was there,” she said. Department of Biology Associate “I worked my tail off for them and made Professor Todd Backes, who founded connections with the staff that will last “The players are incredible, we have so much fun in the training Fredonia’s Exercise Science program, a lifetime.” room and on the field, but come game time they only have one said of an athletic trainer hooking up That very successful experience earned thing in mind — winning. Everyone here has the expectation of with a very, very good NFL team. “You Yokopovich a strong recommendation ask students now, what level of athletic from the Bills, when the Chiefs, seeking a being a champion again and I hope to be a part of the process training would be the ultimate, and seasonal athletic training intern, reached this season.” — Audrey Yokopovich professional sports is their choice.” out to Buffalo for candidates. Yokopovich paid her dues to reach this She joined Kansas City in June 2020, height. After graduating from Fredonia in and will serve through the 2021–2022 with the players and staff,” Yokopovich student-athletes when they had to 2018, the Webster, N.Y., native immediately season. said. She’s also become a Certified travel and miss a lecture, Yokopovich began working towards a master’s degree Seasonal athletic training interns in Athletic Trainer, and with that comes recalled, and was a big help to her in the in Athletic Training at Daemen College. the NFL work year-round, must be wholly many more responsibilities than she graduate school application process She was also a student athletic trainer at committed and willing to make sacrifices. had in Buffalo. and Yokopovich’s steadfast pursuit of an Daemen and Erie Community College. They’re on the sidelines at practices and Athletics, an integral part of her life athletic training career. Students complete clinical rotations every games, both home and away. It’s their since she began playing soccer at the age Yokopovich heralded strength and semester for two years at Daemen, which goal to get the players healthy and ready of 4, followed by lacrosse in third grade, conditioning coach Ryan Maloney as “the has an affiliation with the Buffalo Bills, for the next game, Yokopovich said, attracted Yokopovich to Fredonia. She best,” saying he was always positive and so that means they’re the first ones to couldn’t choose between her two loves — pushed her to be better. “He had high arrive in the athletic training room in the soccer and lacrosse — and Fredonia gave expectations for me and always called “There are a finite number morning and the last ones to leave. her the opportunity to play both sports. me out when I wasn’t reaching my full of (athletic training) jobs… “Once the players come in, we assist “There was no way I could’ve chosen potential. Looking back and now experi- with their rehab programs and treatment. between the two sports when my college encing more in life, that was the best thing It’s great, impressive what During practices and games, we are in search began,” she recalled. any coach has done for me.” she has accomplished.” charge of their hydration and are there for Backes remembers Yokopovich being any minor injuries that may happen on the Excelling in soccer, lacrosse highly driven to the athletic training — Dr. Todd Backes field. Their health and safety is our main Yokopovich shined in both sports, profession. He teaches an introductory concern, so we are always available to the attaining All-SUNYAC honors four times, career course, and “she had pretty much which put her on track to become an players throughout the day.” twice in each sport. An ACL injury ended made up her mind that was what she athletic training student intern for the Bills Yokopovich knows many athletic her Blue Devil career in the first lacrosse was going to do.” Yokopovich is Fredonia’s in the 2019–2020 season. trainers who love the high school and game of her senior year, and that affirmed first Exercise Science student to enroll in Pursuing a master’s, serving a full-time clinical setting, and she recognizes the her decision to become an athletic trainer. Daemen’s MSAT program, Backes said. internship with the Bills and also working professional level isn’t for everybody. “For “The experiences I went through with “There are a finite number of (athletic part-time as a waitress made this a very me, however, this is a dream.” that injury and the timing of it all, steered training) jobs,” Backes said. “It’s great, In the top photo, Audrey Yokopovich hands out water impressive what she has accomplished.” bottles to Kansas City players during a practice. challenging time in Yokopovich’s life. But She’s always wanted to work with the what became my passion for helping In the middle photo, she’s positioned next to the Bills it was definitely worth it. She praised the highest caliber athletes. athletes and getting them back on the Yokopovich is preparing a video logo in the ADPRO Sports Training Center at 1 Bills Bills staff as “the best.” Yokopovich quickly “The players are incredible, we have so field or court physically and mentally,” presentation that explores her own career Drive. In photo at bottom left, Ms. Yokopovich is in the gained their trust in her abilities, so she much fun in the training room and on the Yokopovich said. path and life lessons learned along the end zone at Bills Stadium when Kansas City played way for Backes to show to students in there. In the photo in bottom right, she’s in Arrowhead worked in many areas. She was in charge field, but come game time they only have Academics was an added Fredonia Stadium, home of the Chiefs. of athletic room maintenance, field set-up, one thing in mind — winning. Everyone bonus. Exercise Science wasn’t the his classes. practice and game day sideline duties and here has the expectation of being a easiest major, but Yokopovich indicated 22 Statement | SPRING 2021 fredonia.edu/alumni 23 ‚ COLLEGE LODGE COLLEGE LODGE ‚

A challenge met: the College Lodge Forest and the Western New York Land Conservancy old-growth forest. Old-growth forests are By Dr. Jonathan Titus, Department of Biology rare in Western New York, and the College Lodge Forest is one of the best-preserved patches in the region. Interestingly, the land The Western New York Land to the Faculty Student Association was have hiked its trails and participated in sits on a continental divide: on one side, Conservancy had an agreement in place $314,000 with the remaining $476,000 nature studies on the property. rainwater drains toward Lake Erie and the to purchase 168 acres of the College being held by the WNYLC for costs related Since then, the land has been a prized Atlantic Ocean, while on the other side, it Lodge Forest from the Faculty Student to stewardship. learning laboratory for thousands of drains toward the Mississippi River and the Association (FSA), provided it could raise The College Lodge Forest is a teachers, researchers, and students from Gulf of Mexico. $790,000 by Dec. 31, 2020. community gathering place and one around the globe. At least 144 species of In addition, the College Lodge Forest’s The land conservancy reported in of the most beautiful natural areas birds, 15 species of reptiles and amphib- unique position on the Portage Escarpment January that it, “with help from the remaining in Western New York. The ians, 15 species of mammals, and more above the Lake Erie plain places it in an

Friends of the College Lodge Forest, raised property was purchased in 1939 by SUNY than 500 species of plants — including important bird migratory corridor. $790,000 to purchase the land and sustain Fredonia students, with their own funds, eight orchid species and four plant species FSA has owned the property and it through the group’s Stewardship Fund. for the main objective of promoting considered very rare in New York State — operated the historic lodge on the site A $200,000 challenge gift was met by healthy outdoor activities and nature exist on the property. It boasts a network since 1969. The cost of maintaining the land and all of the buildings is high, so a Dec. 31 deadline.” The purchase price study. Generations of Fredonia alumni of hiking trails, a pristine wetland and An aerial view of autumn colors in the large freshwater marsh at the College Lodge. (photo by Jude Merchant) the FSA decided to sell the forest to the WNY Land Conservancy. By purchasing 168 acres from FSA, the Land Conservancy will protect the forest and utilize modern land management techniques especially in regards to non-native invasive species control. The Land Conservancy will also improve the trail system by installing signage and educational materials. FSA will be able to invest funds from the sale into the stewardship of visitor facilities on the portion of the property it retains. FSA will continue to own and operate the lodge and the surrounding 33 acres. Myself, a SUNY Fredonia Department of Biology Professor, and my wife, Priscilla, the WNY Land Conservancy's staff ecologist, have been actively engaged in the campaign to protect the forest. The College Vivid late afternoon reflections on the surface of the marsh. (photo by Jude Merchant) Lodge forest is an irreplaceable natural resource. The old growth forest is unique and the marsh is one of the most pristine in the region. It is critical that the lands are permanently protected and properly managed. The 168-acres of forest that the land conservancy is purchasing includes miles of hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails. Once the sale is completed, the Land Conservancy will maintain it as a publicly accessible nature preserve that will continue to benefit Fredonia students, faculty and staff, as well as the Fredonia- Dunkirk community and the entire region. To learn more about the College Lodge Forest and the WNY Land Conservancy efforts, visit online at https://www.wnylc. org/college-lodge-forest. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this effort. Snow covered hemlock boughs. (photo by Priscilla Titus) Hepatica is one of many spring ephemerals that only thrive in undisturbed forest communities. (Jon Titus)

24 Statement | SPRING 2021 A group of hikers hears Dr. Jon Titus talk about his old growth monitoring plots in the hemlock forest. (photo by Priscilla Titus) fredonia.edu/alumni 25 ‚ CLASS NOTES CLASS NOTES ‚

1950s their first English as a Second beautiful grandchildren round out a for the Baltimore (Md.) Symphony in Vienna, Va. The article can be Fair,” “42nd Street” and “Thoroughly John D’Agostino, ’92, (English), business manager for a Broadway Language textbook, “Now We’re very busy “retired life!” Orchestra. viewed online at https://folklife. Modern Millie.” She lives in Andover, who is Editor of The Post-Journal touring contracting agency. He Raymond Binis, ’51, (elem. ed.) was Talking,” published by Blue Sage si.edu/magazine/choral-reckoning- Vt., and is the creator of the Little in Jamestown, Observer in Dunkirk also reports that the pandemic has James Gormley, ’73, (pol. sci.) Valerie (Booth) Nixon, ’78, (bus. President of his company, ECM, Learning for College Level Students. imperfect-history-of-the-united- Yellow House Studio. and Times Observer in Warren, delayed his third NYC Marathon. an attorney at Barclay Damon’s admin.) was named to the board Inc., for 44 years. He later became states Pa., received first place for Page Rebecca (Gifford) Bennett, Buffalo, N.Y., office, was listed in of directors of the Educational Linda (Grisanti) Marszalek, ’88, Work by Mary Beth Fiorentino, Chairman of the Board and his Design/Presentation from the New ’69, (English) has been traveling, the 2021 edition of Best Lawyers in Foundation of Alfred, Inc., a private Simone Fancher, ’85, (sociology) (speech and hear. hand.) is co- ’94, (graphic design) was selected wife, Paula Youngs, assumed the York News Publishers Association gardening, hiking and biking in America®. foundation representing faculty, is the owner of The Cheesy Chick Founder and Head of School at the for the “Made in NY” annual juried presidency. Following retirement, he in its 2019 contest for Newspaper retirement. staff and friends of Alfred State Cafe & Food Trucks. She was named REACH Academy Charter School exhibition at the Schweinfurth Art served as President of the Conway Karon Cogdill, ’74, (theatre) was Continuing Excellence for College. She is an Executive Vice by Buffalo Business First as a 2020 in Buffalo, N.Y. She was named by Center in Auburn, N.Y. She earned (S.C.) Chamber of Commerce for two featured in a Sept. 9 article in The newspapers under 10,000 circulation. President Emeritus at Alfred State Women of Influence honoree in the Buffalo Business First as a 2020 a Master of Fine Arts in metal from years, and as a member of its board Atlantic, “Teaching Theatre Through with more than 30 years of service, Family Business category. Women of Influence honoree in the Dr. Thomas J. Quatroche, ’92, (bus. SUNY New Paltz and has taught of directors for three years. He is also 1970s Four Decades of Social Change.” and a recipient of the SUNY Innovation category. admin.) was the recipient of a 2020 metalsmithing and design at a volunteer mentor with SCORE, Doug Seamans, ’70, (English) She has taught theatre at Booker Wendy Corsi Staub’s, ’86, (English) Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in C-Level Executive Award, hosted by Cazenovia College and PrattMMP and in 2018 wrote the book, “Sally’s completed a 1,000-mile personal T. Washington High School for the new book, “The Butcher’s Daughter,” Charles Callari, ’89, (bus. admin.) Professional Service. Buffalo Business First. College of Art and Design. World, A Bewildering Tailspin,” and is outdoor-only walking challenge Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, the third book in her Foundling’s has been named General Manager working on a second book. during the spring of 2020. He taught Texas, for over 40 years, and has trilogy, was released for sale in of the Bainbridge (Ga.) Post- Dr. Jeanne Gunther, ’93, (elem. ed./ Rachel Curtin, ’95, ’00, ’12, ’17, English for 38 years at Randolph directed its theatre conservatory August 2020. Searchlight. early child.) is an Associate Professor (music ed., school bldg. lead., school Central School. since 2008. She plans to retire at the 1980s of Education and Program Chair of district lead.) was named Secondary Jeff Hammond, ’87, (elem. ed.) Jeffrey DeAngelo, ’89, (psych.) is 1960s end of the academic year. Jim Gould, ’80, (English/sec. ed.) Early Childhood Education at Francis Principal at Chautauqua Lake Janet (Sibley) Evert, ’71, (math./ coaches boys soccer at Fayetteville- the Director of Student Services in was named Director of Corporate Marion University in South Carolina. Central School in July 2020. Prior to Carolyn Christy-Boyden, ’65, (elem. sec. ed.) retired from the Math Ron Destro, ’76, (theatre) is the Manlius (N.Y.) High School and had the Waverly (N.Y.) Central School Affairs at Franklin Energy and AM She was profiled in the university’s this, she was Elementary Principal at ed.) reports that she continued Department at Erie (N.Y.) author of the new book, “The his 500th career win in October District. He oversees the district’s Conservation Group. He previously “The Patriot News” student Albion (N.Y.) Central School District to perform in Southern Tier New Community College south after Shakespeare Masterclasses.” He 2020. special education, social/emotional was a senior partner with Brimstone newspaper. for seven years. York venues. She portrayed the 34 years. She was the recipient of is also the founder of the drama learning and homeless youth/foster Consulting Group. Sonja LaBarbera, MSOL, MS CCC/ SLP, ’95, ’96, (speech and hearing hand., speech-language path.) was recognized with a 2020 “Women who Mean Business” Award by the New Haven Biz. She is President and CEO of Gaylord Specialty Healthcare in Wallingford, Conn. Dr. Casey T. Jakubowski, ’98, (soc. stds./history) who is serving as Department Chair of Liberal Arts and General Studies at Hudson Valley Community College, was named the recipient of the 2020 Eminence in Mentorship Award from the College Student Personnel Association of New York State. Douglas Fronczek, ’73 (photo by William Kramer) Dr. Laurie P. Scott, ’77 Linda (Edelman) Moxley, ’78 Anne Miller, ’84, ’92 (photo by Emily Miller Benoit) Richard Keeler, ’91 (photo by Tycen Klemer) Catherine (Gawinski) D’Agostino, ’91, ’93 Sonja LaBarbera, ’95, ’96 Greg Borowski, ’97, (commun.) was promoted to Vice President, Product Narrator and Helene in a staged the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for school, the Oxford Shakespeare Pam Krna Barry, ’82, (chem.) Dr. Mark Anthony Neal’s, ’87, ’93, care services and supports, and has William Harris, ’93, (geology) is a Solutions at ACV Auctions, Inc., in reading of Ibsen’s “A Doll’s House” Excellence in Teaching. Company, with locations in New continues to work at Acorda (English) article, “Patti LaBelle, the been serving students and families Lieutenant in the New York State Buffalo, N.Y. in Greene; read Chekhov’s short York and London. Therapeutics as Director of Quality Doyenne of Philadelphia Soul,” in public education for 27 years. Department of Corrections and a Carol “Stash” Stanley, ’71, (theatre Andrew Beiter, ’98, (elem. ed./curr. story “Misery” at the Broome GCP, and noted the company’s appeared in the Nov. 30, 2020 community supervisor. arts) has been named one of the Robert S. Bardach, ’77, (sociology) and instr.) is one of five inductees County Library; played Sen. Parkinson’s Disease drug, Inbrija, was issue of the New York Times Style first inductees into the Bishop was recently appointed as Executive Gilbert Taylor, ’93, (pol. sci.) was into Class of 2020 of the National Knight in a staged reading of Larry approved in the U.S. and European Magazine. Ludden High School Hall of Fame in Director of Jewish Home Assisted 1990s appointed Probation Director of Teachers Hall of Fame, and will be Gelbart’s “Mastergate,” and was Miss Union. She noted, “Was proud of Syracuse, N.Y. She will be recognized Living in River Vale, N.J. Patricia (Tomasello) Sachse, ’87, Catherine (Gawinski) D’Agostino, the Chautauqua County Probation inducted in June. He teaches eighth Shields in “A Christmas Story” for the that, and so happy to help all those in the summer. (special stds.) is retired after a 32- ’91, ’93, (English) placed as a Department in September. He grade social studies at Springville third time at TCP in Owego, N.Y. Dr. Christopher K. Mirabelli, ’77, patients.” In her free time, she enjoys year career of teaching students semifinalist in the Big Apple Film served as the department’s Deputy (N.Y.) Middle School, and is also the Douglas Fronczek, ‘73, (music ed.) (biology) was named to the board of bird watching, hiking and walking During the current health crisis, with special needs. She continues to Festival and Screenplay competition Director since April 2019. co-founder and Executive Director was recently inducted into the North directors of Aro Biotherapeutics. at the New York Botanical Gardens, Martin Zavadil, ’65, (music ed.) teach virtually and looks forward to for her work, “Say Something Funny.” of the Academy for Human Rights Tonawanda (N.Y.) Arts Hall of Fame. and spending time at her house in Matthew Barnaba, ’94, (theatre) gathered together a trumpet quintet Dr. Laurie P. Scott, ’77, (music ed.) traveling and pursuing her love of art. She has been an English teacher for as well as co-founder and board He retired in 2019 as a choral teacher Nags Head, N.C. is celebrating seven years as to perform at outdoor church services was named in Spring 2020 by the 28 years, currently at Dunkirk High president of the Educators’ Institute in the Sweet Home School District Susan Haefner, ’88, (mus. theatre) Vice President of Administration and small outdoor concert settings. Alcalde, the alumni magazine of the Dr. Mary Louise (Cookson) Stahl, School. for Human Rights. in Amherst, N.Y., and is currently joined with Lisa Brigantino, ’86, for Technicolor-PostWorks NY University of Texas at Austin, as one ’83, ’84, (elem. ed.) earned her Ph.D. Dr. Eugene Alexander, ’66, (elem. ed.) serving as organist and choir director (music theory) and Lori Brigantino, Richard Keeler, ’91, (art/graphic (post production for film and Joe McCarthy, ’98, (bus. admin.) of the “Texas Ten” - 10 professors in Educational Leadership in 2016 is working on his third book, and has at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ ’87, (special studies) to create a design) was recently promoted to TV). Immediately prior to this, he works for Culligan in the household named by alumni for inspiring and has been an adjunct instructor been married to Sandy for 53 years. in Pendleton, N.Y. Doug and his wife, virtual living room concert on Vice President, Experience Design, of executive produced the GRAMMY- sales department. students and having a lasting in Fredonia’s College of Education. Margo, recently celebrated their 46th Okemo Valley’s (Vt.) YouTube First Command Financial Services. nominated Broadway cast album Dr. Neil C. Griffen, ’67, (physics) impact on their lives. Jason Ostrowski, ’98, (mus. theatre) wedding anniversary. Their travels Anne Miller, ’84, ’92, (applied piano/ Channel. An actress, singer, dancer, for “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” a spiritual medium, is the author Michelle (LaMattina) Mullen, ’91, was a guest actor on the Nov. 17, include Eastern Europe, where they Linda (Edelman) Moxley, ’78, (music music history, piano performance) director, choreographer, producer starring Matthew Broderick and Kelli of the new book, “From Science (elem. ed.) is serving as First Vice 2020, episode of “FBI: Most Wanted” taught English in Poland, cruises of ed.) has been named the first of Ashburn, Va., and her students and teacher, she has appeared O’Hara. In previous years, he worked to Spirituality,” released by President for the Wisconsin State on CBS. He has performed in a the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Executive Director of the Sarasota were featured in an article in many times at the Weston (Vt.) with the Broadway producers ReadersMagnet. Reading Association, and was number of Disney shows and toured Alaskan waters and a two-week (Fla.) Concert Association. She the Smithsonian Folklife digital playhouse and Northern Stage in of “Rent,” “Avenue Q,” “Drowsy conference chair for the virtual with “Les Miserables.” Jill Nagrodsky, ’68, (elem. ed.) and land/water adventure in China. formerly was Vice President of magazine. She is choral director at White River Junction, as well as on Chaperone,” “In The Heights” and conference of the association. ‚ her teammates/co-authors wrote Douglas adds that four healthy and Marketing and Communications Oakcrest School, a private school Broadway in productions of “State other shows, as bookkeeper and Continued

26 Statement | SPRING 2021 fredonia.edu/alumni 27 ‚ CLASS NOTES CLASS NOTES ‚

Sarah Lyn Eaton, ’99, (theatre) Mitch Alger, ’05, (interdis. stds./ Catherine Konieczny, ’11, (earth Native American Studies program at Katie Kleine, ’15, (English) was Residence Director of Kasling Hall, was one of six writers accepted legal studies, psychology) was science) is Director of Science at the university. named to the SUNYAC All-Decade was named the recipient of the 2020 via blind submission into KNOW named Deputy Commissioner of Penn Dixie Fossil Park and Nature Team in Women’s Lacrosse. She lives Outstanding Graduate Student Amy Simon, ’12, (sport mgmt.) was Theatre’s 2020 Playwrights and the Steuben County (N.Y.) Finance Preserve in Hamburg, N.Y. in Manhattan and is a sales-team Award from the College Student named to the SUNYAC All-Decade Artists Festival in Binghamton, N.Y., Office. manager for Bankers Healthcare Personnel Association of New York Kevan McDonald, ’11, (bus. admin./ Team in Women’s Lacrosse. She with her one-act, “Have You Ever Group. State. Christopher Kensy, ’06, (math/ market.) received a certificate works for Aerotek as an account Heard a Goldfinch Sing?” She also middle child. cert.) was named the of completion from Penn State manager of its engineering division Shane Sullivan, ’15, (music therapy) Patrick Ryan, ’20, (commun./ has a story due for publishing in 2019–20 Amherst (N.Y.) Bee Coach of University’s two-year golf course for Western New York. is Music Therapy and Therapeutic journalism) has been named a parABnormal Magazine (Dec. 2020); the Year and the ECIC II Coach of the turfgrass management program in Recreation Coordinator at the Digital Producer at WIVB-TV News a supernatural story based on an U.S. Army Capt. Philip Tappan, ’12, Year. March 2020, and is an assistant in Waveny Care Center in New 4 Buffalo (N.Y.). event that happened when she lived (music ed.) recently took command training at East Lake Golf Club in Canaan, Conn. He was profiled in an on White Street during college. Ryan Gerace, ’07, (bus. admin./ of the U.S. Army School of Music Atlanta, Ga. article in the New Canaan Advertiser mgmt.) was named as Regional at Joint Expeditionary Base Little in September 2020. Manager for Quicklee’s Convenience Gillian (Cotter) Riesen, ’11, (music Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Submit Class Notes at Stores. He will oversee several stores ed., music perf.) and her husband, Va. Prior to arriving at Little Creek, Marissa Cussins, ’16, (social fredonia.edu/classnote 2000s in the Rochester, N.Y., area. John Riesen, joined with several arts he held the Associate Bandmaster work, sociology) was named to or send to the Alumni Affairs Office, organizations to create a Christmas position at The U.S. Army Band the SUNYAC All-Decade Team Anne Carncross, ’01, (theatre design) Lynne (Bona) Ruda, ’07, ’09, (music Alumni House. album of classics, “Christmas at “Pershing’s Own” on Fort Myer, in Women’s Lacrosse. She is a was promoted to full Professor ed.) was named a New York State Home.” Washington D.C. residential manager for Southern at Florida Gulf Coast University. 2020 Woman of Distinction, and a

Sarah Hameline, ’04 Spencer D. Morgan, CFRE ’08 Byron Abt, ’11 (Furman University photo) Catherine Konieczny, ’11 Jesse Rubinstein, ’11 Alyssa Stephens, ’19 (photo by Kyle Licht) Lynne (Bona) Ruda, ’07, ’09, with New York State Senator Patrick M. Gallivan.

Jesse Rubinstein, ’11, (comp. Katie Bartkowiak, ’13, (sport mgmt.) Tier Environments for Living and is She currently serves as the head finalist for the 2021 Music Educator info. systems) was hired as an was named to the SUNYAC Softball a residential rehabilitation aide for of Technical/Design and as the Award awarded by the Recording Information Technology Specialist All-Decade Team. She lives in Aspire of Western New York. program’s Technical Director. Academy and GRAMMY Museum. at Lumsden & McCormick, LLP, CPA, Nashville, Tenn., and owns her own Natalie White, ’01, (commun. Michael J. Hawk, ’16, (music Spencer D. Morgan, ’08, (history) in Buffalo, N.Y. business, K&K Weddings perf.) appeared in the LA Opera’s disorders and sci.) with colleague who is an Associate Director of DJ Schier, ’11, (commun./public rel.) Michael Buziak, ’13, (account.) was streaming “Living Room Recital” Hector Miguel started The Queer Development at Fredonia, has been now serving as Director of Student named to the 30 Under 30 list by with other artists for a program SLP podcast, which discusses awarded the Certified Fund Raising Affairs at Villa Maria College in Business First of Buffalo. He is a Vice of music inspired by Shakespeare. LGBTQ+ issues in the field of Executive designation, joining over Buffalo, N.Y., was named the winner President and Senior Lead Auditor In November 2020, he appeared speech-language pathology. 6,900 professionals from around of the 2020 Distinguished Service to for Key Bank, N.A. as Ophèmon in LA Opera’s virtual Christopher R. Ault, ’03, (media arts) the world who hold the CFRE the Profession Award presented by production of “The Anonymous graduated from George Washington International designation. Stephanie Doche, ’14, (music the College Personnel Association of Lover,” by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier University in Washington, D.C., perf., music ed.) performed at the New York State. de Saint-Georges. with a Master of Science degree in 2010s Memphis Air National Guard Base Systems Engineering in May 2020. Megan Mietelski, ’12, (child. in Memphis, Tenn., on Sept. 12, 2020 Sagar Das (formerly Puja Das), Rob Herrmann, ’10, (bus. admin.) inclusive ed./math.) was named with Opera Memphis. The 164th ’18, (criminal justice, psych.) from U.S. Navy Musician 1st Class was named to the SUNYAC to the SUNYAC All-Decade Airlift Wing was just one of many Melville, N.Y., is in the Master of Vincent Moody, ’03, (music ed.) Baseball All-Decade Team, earning Team in Women’s Lacrosse. She locations that the Opera Memphis Public Administration program at participated as an instructor in the the nod as a catcher. Today, Rob teaches reading to seventh and held its Sing2Me program where John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Fredonia School of Music virtual lives in Colorado and runs his Undergraduates named as Homecoming Queen and King eighth graders in the Fairport (N.Y.) they performed opera outdoors. and is president of the program’s summer music camp for youngsters own photography business, Rob school district and coaches at She recently joined Florida Grand student association. They served As is tradition at Fredonia, students selected the 2020 Homecoming King and Queen. Senior in 2020. Herrmann Photography. Orangetheory Fitness. Opera as part of its 2020–21 Studio as an intern in a legislative office Patrice Townsend from Goshen, N.Y., was elected Homecoming Queen. She has dual majors in Sarah Hameline, ’04, (music Byron Abt, ’11, (commun./video Artist Program. last year and holds a fellowship, Political Science and Criminal Justice, played on the Blackhorse rugby team, and planned to Matthew Pagels, ’12, (public therapy) is a Clinical Assistant prod.) is Director of Video Services at connected to The Center for graduate in December. Her future plans include attending law school. Junior Josue Petion from account.) was elected in November Samantha (Gaudio) Didrichsen, Professor in music therapy at the Furman University in South Carolina. Community Alternatives. Brooklyn, N.Y., was named Homecoming King. He has dual majors in Communication: Video 2020 as President of the Seneca ’15, (early child. ed./biology) and her Arizona State University School of He was formerly Director of Video Production and Business Administration: Finance, and is a Resident Assistant in Chautauqua Hall. Nation. husband, Wesley, moved to Buffalo, Alyssa Stephens, ’19, (music ed.) Music, Dance and Theatre in the Services at the University of South He also contributes to campus as a tour guide and a student ambassador. N.Y., from the lower Hudson Valley a graduate student in the Master Herberger Institute for Design and Carolina Upstate. He also works for Dr. Marilyn Schindler, ’12, (comp. in July. Samantha has accepted a of Music in Music Education Homecoming royalty runners-up were Mackenize Brooks and Parker Dickinson. the Arts. ESPN as a professional freelance info. sys.) completed her Ph.D. in position as an early autism teacher degree program at Fredonia with camera operator. American Studies at the University at The Summit Center. a concentration in Voice, and at Buffalo. She helped to create the

28 Statement | SPRING 2021 fredonia.edu/alumni 29 ‚ CLASS NOTES

James F. Fischer, Class of 1970 Faculty/Emeriti *Memorials may be directed to a scholarship established with the by TRACY COLLINGWOOD, ’94 Christopher Pendergast, Take Note: , Fredonia College Foundation. CAREER CORNER Dr. Everett J. “Doc” Phillips Jr. Director, Engagement and Career Development Class of 1970 Chair, Department of Health, See fredonia.edu/foundation. We love it when the Fredonia Physical Education, Athletics and family grows! We are always Mark P. Glowski, Class of 1971 Dance/Cross Country Coach; looking for announcements of A copy of the foundation's Roger P. Shannon, Class of 1971 1970–1994 marriages and children — and most recently filed financial Wendell “Larry” Barr, Class of 1972 photos! We look forward to Dr. Jere A. Wysong, Professor, report is available from the Developing skill competencies for today’s job market hearing from you at Sheri (Tyrrell) Brogdon, Class of 1972 Department of Sociology/Director Charities Registry of the of Health Services Administration It is not enough to rely on your These skills are associated with higher You can also visit the CDO's website at ARROW-CIRCLE-RIGHT fredonia.edu/classnote Debbie Sherman Guayasamin, Program/Dean for Arts and New York State Office of educational credentials alone in the job earnings. For example, earnings increase www.fredonia.edu/cdo to schedule a Class of 1972 Sciences; 1973–2002 the Attorney General at market. Employers typically make hiring by about 20 percent when workers virtual appointment. Mary Ann M. (Brown) Rogers, Dr. Sanford J. Zeman, Dean of www.charitiesnys.com, (212) and promotional decisions based on use their communication skills more Class of 1974 Births the Faculty for Arts, Education 416-8401, or by contacting soft skills and competencies that are intensively in the workplace. Problem- Jean (Eisenhart) Sewell, and Humanities, Associate Dean, the New York State Attorney A daughter, Betty Beatrice, to needed most in the workplace. Over the solving and complex thinking are not far Class of 1974 Acting Vice President for Academic Michael J. and Jenny (Capitano) General, Charities Bureau, 28 Affairs; Acting Dean for Fine and last half-century, structural changes in behind, with 19 percent higher earnings on Barr, ’14 (commun./public rel.). Kevin W. Kuhlman, Class of 1977 Liberty Street, New York, NY Performing Arts, Acting Dean of the economy have caused demand for average reported. Gary E. Parnell, Class of 1977 Professional Studies, Dean for 10005, or us at 272 Central cognitive competencies to rise. Teacher Education and Graduate Avenue, Fredonia, NY, 14063 Not only can a case be made for Deaths* Jean (Elsen) Pascarella, Studies; Director of Continuing Class of 1977 According to a recent report from higher job satisfaction and workplace Alumni Education, Academic Director 3-1-3 “Workplace Basics: The Competencies adaptability, but intensive use of these Peggy Baker Murphy, Class of 1978 Program, Administrative Director Employers Want,” by the Georgetown skills brings value across all industries and Thelma Brynolfson, Class of 1938 of the Fredonia-Antwerp (Belgium) Marcia Adair (Hube) Townsend, University Center on Education and occupations. For career success, workers Helen (Markiel) Bryner, Class of 1939 Class of 1978 Program, 1960–1988 the Workforce, the report shows which need a balanced mix of competencies Maxine (Titus) Fitzgerald, Linda (Ardillo) Bradley, Class of 1979 Class of 1945 Staff/Former Staff/ competencies are in high demand across that are generally valued across the Sueann Barnes, Class of 1980 Retired Staff all occupations, and details how the workforce and competencies that have Thomas E. Baker, Class of 1951 intensity with which workers use in- high value within specific occupational Roberta A. Corcoran-Andrasik, Barbara M. Daniels, Keyboard Jeannine J. Fariel, Class of 1951 Class of 1980 Specialist/Calculations Clerk/Office demand competencies can affect contexts. Assistant; M&O Management, Annette M. (Hartigan) Koch, Alona M. (Nowak) Forbes, their earnings. Class of 1952 Class of 1980 Career Development; 1999–2016 If you are trying to get that job or , Employee The five most in-demand competencies promotion you have wanted, now is the Samuel Certo, Class of 1954 Kathy L. (Carlson) Stoll, Susan Hach Murphy Assistance Program Coordinator, across the labor market are: time to make an appointment at the Richard J. Abram, Class of 1955 Class of 1982 2013–2020 Career Development Office. Whether Stanley R. Sherman, Class of 1956 Eric J. Amberge, Class of 1983 1. Communication Roger Nelson, ’71, Business Office, you are starting or negotiating career Sally (Eifler) Malone, Class of 1957 Dr. David C. Christian, Class of 1983 1963-1970 2. Teamwork challenges and opportunities, the CDO 2016 Lanford Presidential Prize recipient Nicholas P. Calanni, Class of 1958 Onyekachi Asobie, Class of 1984 Julia I. (Mucha) Schrantz, Faculty Julianne M. Foster with Mrs. Lanford. 3. Sales and customer service can help you plan your next move. If you Student Association , Class of 1961 Barbara A. Ortolano, Class of 1984 would like to make an appointment to Joseph S. Benenati Esther Arroe Lanford, widow of 4. Leadership Carmela (Dubose) Thompson, ’78, discuss strategies to advance your career, John J. Dromazos, Class of 1961 Sandra (Vaticano) Antrim, former SUNY Fredonia President Counselor, Admissions, 1979–1981; 5. Problem solving and Class of 1986 Oscar Lanford, passed away Nov. 8. contact the CDO at (716) 673-3327 or Audrey M. (Smith) Crowe, Director, Educational Development The couple established the Lanford complex thinking email [email protected]. Class of 1962 Jeanne M. Wohlfeil, Class of 1986 Program, 1981–1986 Presidential Prize of the Fredonia Dr. Nancy Gabrielsen, Class of 1962 Janice Lynn Evans, Class of 1987 Seth Wolnik, Cleaner/Janitor, College Foundation, which since Facilities Services/Reed Library, 1996 has been the highest honor Lester K. Greenwald, Class of 1962 Marcia M. (Pickles) VanBrocklin, Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Workplace Basics: The Competencies Employers Want, 2020. Class of 1987 2017–2020 given to a graduating senior who (https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/competencies/) Edward Griese, Class of 1962 exhibits academic achievement, Philip H. Bley Jr., Class of 1990 Rev. Canon Dr. C. Wayne Freeberg, Students balanced accomplishments and Evelyn K. (Guziec) Kuzdale, exemplifies Fredonia’s ideals. Class of 1963 Joseph Del Monaco Class of 1990 Dr. Lanford awarded the first prize Phillip Schneider, Class of 1964 Andrew L. Erns to Psychology major Aimee M. , Class of 1991 Steven A. Miga Pickhardt at Commencement in B. Anthony Gray, Class of 1965 B. Tanner Kahlau FREDNetwork - powered by Handshake Elaina Mary (Pelkey) Renfrew, 1996, and Mrs. Lanford attended Carol A. (Moline) Gregoreski, Class of 2000 many Commencements over the Search for job opportunities in the CDO’s FREDNetwork powered by Class of 1965 years to congratulate each honoree. Gilbert W. Snyder III, Correction Handshake. The career management system intuitively connects you to Christian Granger, Class of 1966 Class of 2003 We incorrectly identified William relevant job opportunities based on your profile, interests, and search activity. Priscilla A. “Pat” Mulè-Crabtree, Lindsey M. Anderson, Finn, ’83, in the Fall 2020 issue of Class of 1966 Class of 2008 the Statement. Mr. Finn, named powered by Login today at https://fredonia.joinhandshake.com/register to create your Dr. Michael J. Strada, Class of 1967 as a recipient of the Fredonia account and complete your profile so that you can put your best self Alumni Association’s Outstanding Leonard A. Muhs II, Class of 1968 forward to employers. Achievement Award, is currently Nancy E. (Vidal) Westerburg, President of both Hospice of the Class of 1968 Western Reserve and Western Reserve Care Solutions. Call (716) 673-3327 Email [email protected] Web fredonia.edu/cdo We regret the error.

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