Volume XXXII • Number 3 Spring 2016 Keene State Today THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS Keene State Today THE POLITICS ISSUE Contents Every four years, a whirlwind of presidential politics sweeps through the state of New Volume XXXII Number 3 Hampshire, bringing with it candidates, political operatives, paid and volunteer workers, Spring 2016 and journalists from major and not-so-major media outlets. Keene State College is always part of the excitement, with candidates coming to speak on campus and at nearby venues Editor in town – offering plenty of opportunities for students to interact with the presidential Jane Eklund [email protected] hopefuls. The few months of time between the New Hampshire primary and the November general election provides a great opportunity to take a look at politics at all levels, from the Designer presidential to the personal. Tim Thrasher, Thrasher Graphics 4

Director of Creative Services and Production Laura Borden ’82 It’s All About Democracy ...... 2 [email protected] A column from President Anne E. Huot Photographer William Wrobel ’11 FEATURES [email protected] New Hampshire Primary...... 2 Contributors Jacob Barrett ’17, Mark Reynolds, Stuart Kaufman, Kendall Pope ’16, Michelle Green ’16 9 Office Holders...... 7 Editorial Consultants Philip Barker, Wesley Martin, William Bendix, Michael Welsh, Political Science Department Staffers...... 10 Kim Schmidl-Gagne, Patrick Dolenc, American Democracy Project

Vice President for Advancement Activism...... 12 Maryann LaCroix Lindberg [email protected] Research...... 14

Associate Vice President for Constituent Relations Lobbying...... 17 Rod Miller 13 [email protected] Journalism...... 19 Associate Vice President for Marketing & Communications Kathleen Williams Civic Engagement...... 22 [email protected]

Acting Director of Alumni and Parent Relations Bethany Morin ’12 KSC Giving...... 24 [email protected]

Alumni Association President Faculty & Staff Accomplishments...... 25 21 Keith Couch ’86 [email protected] Class Notes...... 26

Keene State Today is published three times a year by the Marketing and Communications Office, Keene State College. Postmaster: Please send address changes to Keene State Today, On the Cover: Presidential Politics! Design by Tim Thrasher 229 Main St., Keene, NH 03435-2701. Address change: Make sure you don’t miss the next issue of Keene State Today. Send Inside cover: Ted Kennedy at Keene State in the early 1980s. information – your name, class year, spouse’s name and class year, new address including 23 zip code, telephone number, and email address – to Alumni Center, Keene State College, Online Only 229 Main St., Keene, NH 03435-2701. Visit keene.edu/mag for special online-only content, links to more stories about political engagement at Keene State, and links to more information on the features in this issue.

2 • KEENE STATE TODAY keene.edu NH PRIMARY NH PRIMARY On New Hampshire’s Political Culture It’s All About Democracy Professor Michael Welsh has taught in Keene State’s Political ence. Most startlingly, from a professor’s perspective, the The median student voter in New Hampshire is a person Science Department for over a dozen years. He writes here inevitable moment when differences of opinion arise adds with a wonk’s knowledge of the array of candidates and a Dr. Anne E. Huot, about the impact of the New Hampshire energy instead of embarrassment to the room. Students here connoisseur’s understanding of political rallies: The late have learned that they are entitled to an opinion and to not season Hillary or Romney event in the Mabel Brown Room will presidential primary on students who President, Keene State College treat opposing opinions in others as a cause for offense. My be important and is likely to be replayed that night on TV, but have grown up in the Granite State. colleagues in political science are now used to seeing close it will be staged and carefully managed. The Dennis Kucinich ur College motto, “Enter to Learn and friendships develop between students in our major from op- or Ron Paul meeting in the Flag Room, on the other hand, will Go Forth to Serve,” and our promise of IN MY CAREER I HAVE TAUGHT posite sides of the ideological spectrum. We also know that be a chance to ask a hard question and to watch a candidate “Wisdom to Make a Difference” provide AMERICAN POLITICS TO STUDENTS O we need to stay on our toes to know what our students are provide a thoughtful response. Neither, by the way, is nearly as a thoughtful window into this issue of Keene in various other places, from large public likely to be ready to talk about. I have taught elsewhere. I likely to happen for students at similar colleges in other states State Today. With more than 104,000 hours universities to small private colleges. Keene have friends who teach elsewhere. I know that this behavior where primaries or caucuses come later. of community service annually, equating to State students are different, and that differ- is not typical. approximately $2.3 million ence has a lot to do with our first-in-the- Political analysts and commentators for years have made a in real contributions to our nation primary. It is, I have come to think, a habit learned growing up in reasonable case for permitting some other state or combination community, our students New Hampshire. Many of my students have been raised in of states to start the primary process. Were we to switch or even demonstrate their You notice it your first time in the class- households where political choices were considered serious rotate first primaries, however, one of the consequences would commitment to giving room, even when no election is under business, and political discussions were an active and regular be the slow erosion of an active and generations-old political back for the betterment way: The current events discussion moves event. Their parents put up yard signs and stickered their culture here in New Hampshire. It is a culture that infects even of the lives of others. (and sometimes even starts!) itself. Poli- car’s bumper. The incessant and irritating barrage of com- some students who have yet to vote, and makes teaching poli- cies are discussed as if they matter, and mercials and polling calls was a reminder from an early age tics at Keene State uniquely challenging and rewarding. Regardless of their as if opinions about them make a differ- that their vote mattered and was being actively sought. chosen major, by the – Michael Welsh time Keene State College Professor Michael Welsh in the classroom. students complete their undergraduate experience, they develop critical thinking, creative inquiry, For professionals who work on campaigns, New Hampshire is the By mid-March she was settled in Philadelphia and working as intercultural competence, civic engagement, and Life Behind the Scenes place to be during presidential primary season. “You meet people state field director for US Senator Pat Toomey’s re-election race. a commitment to well-being that will serve them from all over,” Bedell says, “people with all kinds of experience in as active citizens and lifelong learners. hat’s it like to be part of a presidential primary campaign? “Pretty other states working on a variety of races.” In the New Hampshire “It may look like I’m holding a series of temporary jobs,” she says, interesting,” says Allison Bedell ’14, who was a paid staffer for the Jeb primary, “the voters are engaged at a really different level. We “but this is truly what I wanted to be doing with my career. And This issue is all about politics. Yet, isn’t it really WBush campaign. “There are so many moving pieces. Especially in New have the quintessential New Hampshire stereotypes, like the town I think the flexibility that I learned to have while I was at Keene, about democracy, about government exercised Hampshire and the other early states, presidential primaries are an industry.” halls, and we have people who say, ‘Well, I’ve only met Jeb twice, and the skillsets and also the encouragements and the really by the people, about the belief that all people are so I want to see him one or two more times before I lock it in, but hands-on, very dynamic learning, all kind of set the stage for me socially equal? An effective democracy relies on Bedell, who majored in political science and journalism and minored in I’m leaning toward him.’ Where else does that happen? These peo- to be able to do this, even though sometimes I don’t know where the civic engagement of its people. I am proud of Spanish and Holocaust and genocide studies, has made a great start in a ple are actually very thoughtful and they are careful in deciding my paycheck is coming from the next month.” the long tradition of civic engagement among our career as a political operative. By the time she graduated from Keene State whom they’re going to vote for, and they take it very seriously.” alumni and the intentional integration of civic two years ago, she’d already spent a summer interning on a campaign (Tim engagement into our aspirations for our students. Pawlenty for President 2012), worked as a field representative for a New After the New Hampshire primary, Bedell headed with the Hampshire State Senate candidate, and served as chair for the Keene State Bush staff to South Carolina, where cultural differences made for Much is at stake in the upcoming presidential College Republicans and vice chair for the New Hampshire Federation of differences in campaigning. “The conversations that you have with election. Through our American Democracy College Republicans. voters are different,” she says. “In New Hampshire, voters wanted Project we promote civic engagement and invite to hear about fiscal issues. In South Carolina, they wanted to know how pro-life Jeb is. And they wanted to know what he bases his our students to view the issues from all sides as A post-graduation stint as a regional field director for the New Hampshire decisions on in terms of his moral compass. Different states have they hear from candidates and supporters from Republican State Committee led to Bedell’s next position, as campaign man- different priorities. You have to address voters’ questions and meet across the political spectrum. I think you will find ager for Corey Stewart, a Republican running for re-election as chairman of them where they are. The mechanics of day to day, that doesn’t this issue of Keene State Today an inviting lens into the Prince William Board of County Supervisors in Virginia. Her work paid change. The operation is more or less the same.” your alma mater’s efforts to help our students off – Stewart won the election in November. become informed, learn, reflect, and discern the Which meant Bedell was out of a job – but not for long. The Jeb Bush For Bedell, campaigning is where it’s at. She has no inter- crucial issues that are at the heart of the election. campaign picked her up and brought her back to her home state of New est in running for office herself, and doesn’t see herself, at Keene State’s commitment to a culture of learning Hampshire to work as deployment director in the first-in-the-nation pri- least for now, on the staff of an office-holder. “I like the behind- and service prepares our students to exercise mary. Working out of the Manchester campaign office, she hired, trained, the-scenes parts best,” she says. And while Jeb Bush’s withdrawal their commitment to their communities through and oversaw the frontline staff – the people who canvassed neighborhoods, from the race in mid-February put her in the familiar position of Allison Bedell ’14, left, with an intern at the Jeb Bush campaign office in civic engagement. greeted voters at the polls, and the like. looking for her next job, she managed to find one pretty quickly. Manchester, New Hampshire. Courtesy photo

2 • KEENE STATE TODAY keene.edu SPRING 2016 • 3 NH PRIMARY NH PRIMARY

First in the Nation

In the months leading up to New TANNER SEMMELROCK “It’s a good way to grow, branch out, and ERIK LABIENIEC get out there,” she says, “and you learn Hampshire’s February 9 primary, Last October, during a special town Erik Labieniec, a sophomore political a lot of good communication skills. As presidential hopefuls Ben Carlson, hall meeting in Hollis, New Hampshire, science/economics major, worked on the a political science major, I really wanted Hillary Clinton, , broadcast by NBC on the Today Show, Bernie Sanders campaign. Labieniec says to get more experience out in the field.” Carly Fiorina, George Pataki, and Holocaust and genocide studies major he got a good response from a “dorm- Rick Perry came to campus for Tanner Semmelrock had a chance to ask ALYSSA DEMARCO storming” – going to the dorms to get Hillary Clinton a light-hearted question: students to commit to voting, and then town hall meetings sponsored or May graduate Alyssa DeMarco met “What’s your favorite book?” texting them a reminder on the day of the co-sponsored by Keene State’s with many of the presidential hopefuls primary. “We tried to get as many people “The Brothers Karamazov,” Clinton through her involvement with the American Democracy Project out to the polls as possible,” he says. “We responded – because “it’s just an amazing American Democracy Project. Being a (learn more about the ADP on had a few dorm doors slammed in our story about faith.” When Semmelrock Holocaust and genocide studies major, page 22). Others, including Jeb faces, but nothing too bad. I love working learned she was coming to speak on she often asked candidates about their on the campaign.” Bush, Marco Rubio, John Kasich, campus later that month, he bought a efforts to prevent atrocities in the world. and Donald Trump spoke at other copy of the book and asked her to sign it. An interaction with Hillary Clinton JOSH POLOSKI venues in Keene. brought her a few minutes of fame. Bernie Sanders speaking at Redfern Arts Center. “It was an amazing experience, because Political science major and May graduate she remembered me from when I’d asked She remembers: “When Hillary Clinton Joshua Poloski worked as a volunteer In fact, the entire state of New Carly Fiorina greeting students in the Flag Room at “It took a long time to get in, and everyone the L. P. Young Student Center. the question,” he says. was here in October, I got to sit on the and an intern for the Clinton campaign. was really excited,” he says of the Sanders Hampshire was teeming with stage. I had talked to her beforehand During his time working for Clinton’s COLLEEN WILLIS event. candidates in the fall and early GISELLE ALEXANDRIA SNOW about preventing atrocities, and she said, camp, Poloski learned that what decides KATE CHARRON winter, and Keene State students Bernie Sanders volunteer Giselle Colleen Willis traveled halfway across ‘I definitely want you to ask that question a campaign isn’t how much air-time a took the opportunity to talk with Alexandria Snow, a junior, was asked the country in an effort to put Martin while I’m out there.’ And so I got to raise candidate gets, but the work put in by “As a political junkie, I feel blessed to be O’Malley in the White House, gathering them, hear them speak, and work by the Sanders campaign to introduce my hand while I was on stage and ask my those who believe in the message. in New Hampshire,” says Kate Charron, signatures to put him on the ballot in question. I thought that was just really a May graduate who served as president on their behalf. Here are a few of the candidate when he spoke at the “Campaigns aren’t decided by TV ads, by Vermont and . While working neat. It was on C-Span. I had my big of the Keene State Republicans and their stories. Colonial Theatre in Keene a week before debates, by legislative aides and all that on the campaign, she got to see the C-SPAN debut!” as communications director for the the primary. “It was scary at first, but staff up at the top,” he says. “Campaigns more creative side of the presidential New Hampshire Federation of College KATIE VAN VEEN everyone was very welcoming and are made by people like me. It’s the people candidate. Republicans. During primary season, extremely enthusiastic,” she said of on the ground, the people who are going Sophomore Katie Van Veen finessed her the Keene State club worked to promote presenting Sanders at the event. “There “I actually went to a concert of his,” she door to door, who are calling and talking way into a selfie – a self-portrait taken activism on campus and to provide was a lot of energy in the room, so it says. “He plays guitar and has his own to people, who are finding out what’s with a cell phone – with Hillary Clinton forums on campaign issues. ended up being really fun.” Celtic band. He sang a mix of Celtic and important.” when the former secretary of state came American patriotic songs that was really “I have contacts with other college to campus. Volunteering, she says, “is great. JAMES SPINETI Everyone is always super friendly and funny. He’s good at guitar, has a good Republicans working all over the country, “At the end of her talk, she was shaking we could have fun while being serious singing voice and a good stage presence.” Like many students, sophomore James and they don’t get that kind of intimate everyone’s hand,” Van Veen remembers. Spineti interacted with a number of and getting things done. I mainly made ANNA WRIGHT connection or exposure to major “I said, ‘She’s doing selfies, I have to get in phone calls, canvassed a little bit, and candidates and campaigns. He had a candidates,” she says. Junior Anna Wright spent the months there!’ and I just kind of wedged myself helped with events like debate-watch chance to shake John Kasich’s hand at a leading up to the New Hampshire – Jacob Barrett ’17 and Stuart Kaufman between people and was able to shake her parties.” She and other volunteers also town hall meeting and to ask him about hand and snap a really quick one.” Cooler primary cold calling and knocking on his stand on refugees. He had his picture drove to Concord to greet Sanders when Find more photos of candidates on yet, the story of her photo with Clinton doors to gain support for Hillary Clinton taken with Martin O’Malley. He made his N his plane landed in New Hampshire campus and a link to the Boston Globe landed in the Boston Globe, titled “Only in the Keene area. way to Boston to join tens of thousands after the Iowa caucuses. Hillary Clinton signing a copy of The Brothers story on Katie Van Veen at keene.edu/mag. the Aggressive Fan Gets the Selfie.” Karamazov for Tanner Semmelrock. of people watching Bernie Sanders speak.

4 • KEENE STATE TODAY keene.edu SPRING 2016 • 5 NH PRIMARY OFFICE HOLDERS SMALL CITY, your constituents all want something. You’ve really got to start BIG MAYOR weighing out what’s important and what’s not, what’s fiscally hen Chris Koch ’94 tells the high school students in the responsible, what’s not, and really make those tough decisions on leadership class he teaches that being a leader is about how to get everything done on limited funds. The recession hit giving back, about empathizing, about rallying the us pretty hard. We were starting to boom there, and the recession A View into the Wcommunity, he knows what he’s talking about. kicked us in the pants for a little while. I think we’re starting to come out of it, but it was hard. The water bills keep going up, and Koch, a vocational education major at Keene State, has been yet people are losing their jobs. At the end of the day, people want mayor of Bellevue, Idaho, since 2006. “Bellevue is a city of to make sure the toilets flush and the lights stay on.” roughly 2,200 people,” he says. “We have a public works staff, we have clerks, we have a police department, a fire department, a library, like every other town. The easiest way to describe my job is ‘overseeing the day-to-day operations of the city.’ I’m the boss BIG of the bosses, but I still answer to my city council.” TIME Koch, who grew up down the road from Keene in Peterborough, Student Body President Bobby Graham ’16 and Bernie Sanders. New Hampshire, followed a college friend, Matt Gorby ’92, to Idaho after graduation to sample the ski bum life. He’s still WHAT DOES BEING PRESIDENT in communities as much as I can,” them questions about student debt. Every in Idaho, and still skiing, though he discovered early on that OF KEENE STATE COLLEGE’S Graham says, “pursuing jobs that let me interaction was different, he says. On one he needed a job to fund those expensive downhill runs. He STUDENT BODY GET YOU? learn about the state and help develop occasion, he was able to have a more in- was offered a teaching job in Shoshone, Idaho, but wanted to a new economy for millennial New depth conversation. He spoke at length move closer to the mountains, where he worked a variety of Not a $400,000 salary, a stay in one of Hampshirites.” with Rick Perry, the governor of Texas. non-teaching jobs for eight years. Nine years ago, he began the world’s most exclusive mansions, substitute teaching at Wood River High School, and eventually or flights on Air Force One. Those perks “It’s been a great experience,” he ‘‘That was one of the cooler two hours worked his way into the full-time job he holds today, teaching are reserved for the chief executive continues. “For someone who spends of my life,” Graham remembers. “We the leadership class and serving as the school’s technology rep. of the United States. But during a US a lot of time in the political arena and talked about everything from PTSD to Chris Koch ’94 at work for the city of Bellevue. presidential election year, being the really wants to go into politics for a Iraq and Afghanistan to what my dad Koch lives with his wife of 15 years, Kim, and their three Below left: Koch trying out a Harley. Courtesy photos top elected official among Keene State career, the ability to meet all of these does for work.” dogs, Ollie, Aurora, and Huckleberry. He got his start in city government in 2001 as a planning and zoning commissioner, students does offer some one-of-a-kind different candidates has really been But it’s not all tough decisions. Three years ago, Koch’s status and then began serving as a city councilor. While he was benefits. eye-opening for me in understanding Graham stressed that being able to as an area celebrity landed him a slot in Battle of the Blades, a president of the city council, the mayor resigned and Koch how the gears work behind campaigns speak with candidates face-to-face is kind of Dancing with the Stars done on ice. Local notables were became mayor – and has since been re-elected to four two-year Just ask Bobby Graham ’16. and politics.” something that makes New Hampshire paired up with world-class figure skaters, who trained them for terms. The part-time position keeps him busy for as few as five relatively unique, and that voters should a couple of months before the pairs performed routines for an and as many as 20 to 30 hours a week, depending on whether, An economics major who served as Aside from being able to meet-and-greet take advantage of that to help them audience of 5,000 people. Koch and his partner performed what for instance, it’s budget season or there are job vacancies to fill. student body president for the last the presidential hopefuls, Graham says decide which candidate best represents he calls “The Wayne’s World version of ‘Bohemian Rhapsody.’” two years, Graham had the honor of that his fellow students’ willingness to them. It wasn’t pretty at all, he says (“I’m 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, and “The most difficult thing,” he says, “and this is probably the introducing most of the presidential do the same was great to see and be a I’m not a good figure skater”), but it raised a considerable sum “Don’t let them sell you who they want case for any elected official, especially at the local level, is candidates who came to campus to part of. As the primary elections grew for local charities. He also gets invited to participate in many to be,” he says. “As New Hampshire trying to balance a budget of X amount of dollars and having speak in the weeks leading up to the closer, he noticed more and more student activities at Bellevue Elementary School, which are always residents you have the opportunity New Hampshire primary. He had one- activism and engagement, noting an highlights of his week. on-one conversations with many of the instance when Bernie Sanders headlined to really figure out who they are.” politicians, including Rick Perry, George an event in the fall of 2014. He adds, “I had a blast doing Battle of the Blades. It’s like For Graham, meeting and introducing so Pataki, Carly Fiorina, Hillary Clinton, something I try to teach my students: You need to live outside many presidential hopefuls helped him and Bernie Sanders. He was also able “No one really knew who he was, and your comfort zone. If you stay within your comfort zone, you’re figure out a few things about himself. to closely examine the machine that is all of 10 or 20 people were there. Twenty going to lead a boring life. Try new things, try different things. campaigning – and that could be useful would be generous,” Graham says. “He You never know what you’re going to find that you’ll really like.” “It was a great opportunity for someone in his future endeavors. comes a year later and we sell out the like me, because I got to see the way theatre. One of the best things I’ve seen The thing Koch has found that he really likes? Making a politics works. I was able to figure out a Not a bad gig for someone who hopes over the past year is just the degree to difference in his community. He loves giving back to as many lot of what I don’t want to do by watching to run for public office himself one day. which students are getting involved and causes as possible, he says. “I try to lead by example. I don’t the campaigns, and I was also able to Graham aspires to get a PhD in public the amount of political zeal that there is draw any true party lines. I think common sense and good figure out exactly what I do want to do policy and one day become governor of on campus.” judgment will get you a lot farther than trying to play the with my life. It’s really been galvanizing New Hampshire. politics game.” Graham was able to speak with most of for me.” “I am hoping to be where the the visiting candidates for a few minutes, Link to a video of Chris Koch’s skating performance at – Jacob Barrett ’17 N politics meets the people, working and took the opportunity to ask each of keene.edu/mag.

6 • KEENE STATE TODAY keene.edu SPRING 2016 • 7 OFFICE HOLDERS OFFICE HOLDERS Making a Difference “because we could work across party lines based on long-term

IT’S NOT SURPRISING relationships among both parties.” Standing Up for that education is one of Molly Kelly’s key interests. The 1983 graduate and five-term New Hampshire state senator cites her It’s a win-win kind of bill, she adds, in that benefit corporations his City in the Keene State education – and the encouragement she received bring value to the community, attract college graduate talent here to go on to law school – as pivotal in her life. and capital investors, and ultimately provide many economic Massachusetts opportunities in a healthy community. “I came here as a single parent with three young children,” she says. “I knew I needed to complete a bachelor’s degree, as Kelly got an early start in politics. “My parents were involved State House an education was necessary not only for myself but for my in politics such as the Civil Rights movement in Indiana, and children as well.” She arrived with an associate’s degree in they passed along to me and my many siblings that sense of mental health and added to that an individualized major that responsibility to your community,” she says. “I believe that I incorporated history and philosophy. It was a good blend for walked with my father in more civil rights marches than I ever the work she does now at the State House in Concord and in did with my friends.” The Vega family marching in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade. New Hampshire’s 10th District, which includes Keene and 14 surrounding towns. That led to involvement in the presidential primaries after moving to New Hampshire. “It was easy to get involved,” she Photo by Elaine Wood “History gives you the past, and philosophy gives you the remembers. “We have so many opportunities to become active context to ask the meaningful question and move forward,” in campaigns here in our New Hampshire communities. We all transfer from community college brought Aaron Vega Unlike in New Hampshire, in Massachusetts being a state legislator she says. “It has often been my experience in the Senate want to make a difference somehow in this big world of ours. ’96 to Keene State. A degree in film studies brought him is a full-time, salaried position. Vega, a Democrat, plans to limit his that we begin a debate with answers before we have So we look for that place where we think we can do to Ken Burns’s Florentine Films in neighboring Walpole service as a state representative to 10 years, should his constituents the opportunity to ask the appropriate question. For our best. The political forum has been the place that and later to New York City to work for HBO, PBS, and see fit to elect him to another three terms. He notes that half his instance, I believe that it might be wise to first ask works for me.” other studios. But it was a return to his hometown of time is spent legislating – reading bills and understanding the a question such as ‘What is just?’ before a Senate Holyoke, Massachusetts – with perhaps some help from issues – and half is spent on constituent services. “That’s the vote on a legislative solution that will affect our After earning a law degree at Franklin Pierce Law his second major, psychology – that brought out the rewarding part,” he says. People call his district office when they economy, education, healthcare, and the quality Center – now the University of New Hampshire politician in him. have nowhere else to turn, says Vega, when they need help finding of our lives.” School of Law – Kelly followed parallel careers, housing, paying for food, accessing unemployment benefits or working in higher education, in nonprofits, and “My dad was very involved in local politics, and was a community tuition assistance. “We can help them, and that’s the part of the A Kelly, a Democrat, has served on the Senate in finance, while pursuing politics. She began organizer in Holyoke. So politics was always kitchen table talk job that helps your community.” Education Committee since first being at dinner. It was always something on the periphery, but not her involvement in Cheshire County politics elected; she chaired the committee when something I thought I’d be involved in,” he remembers. That Through legislation, too, he notes, “we’re doing things that are going as co-director of Michael Dukakis’s 1988 her party was in the majority. She also changed when he moved back to Holyoke in 2002 after 15 years as to better people’s lives. The unfortunate thing about being in politics presidential campaign, she worked on Paul a film editor – and discovered the city was facing the same issues now is that some people have a negative view of politicians. When sits on the Senate Health and Human McEachern’s gubernatorial campaign under that it had when he was growing up there. “It’s an old mill town, it you actually talk to people and tell them how politics affects their Services Committee, the Public and campaign manager Jeanne Shaheen, and she had a high teen pregnancy rate, lives almost every day, they have a different appreciation.” Municipal Committee, and the Capital later worked for Shaheen’s gubernatorial immigrants and migrants had Budget Committee. and US Senate campaigns. As governor, “You have to know come here, and it wasn’t moving He makes a point of being visible in the city – along with his wife Shaheen appointed Kelly to chair the state a little bit about forward.” and family (he has two daughters in their early 20s, and a two- The manageable size of the Commission on the Status of Women. year-old son). “People see us on a daily basis. I’m at events. We’re at 24-member State Senate, everything.” As part of a group of restaurants. We grocery shop in town. We use social media to show especially as compared to the Ten years ago, Kelly knew it was time for her 30-something artists and people who we are. It’s helpful. People in general want to know their 400-member New Hampshire to step up. She ran for the State Senate. “After business owners (he and his wife, Debra, own a yoga studio), Vega elected officials.” House of Representatives, supporting other elected officials, I found my started a grassroots organization to make Holyoke a better place means members work closely own voice,” she says. “It’s truly an honor What’s his job like, day to day? It’s a lot like attending a liberal arts to live. In 2009, he ran for City Council and won; two years later he together, notes Kelly. Certain and a privilege to serve the people of was elected to a second term. He was one of the city’s first Latino college, Vega says. “You have to know a little bit about everything. types of legislation cross over my community.” at-large councilors. Any given day, we’re talking about education policies, we’re talking party lines, she adds. As an example, about energy, we’re talking about building laws and the judicial she cites the Benefit Corporation Act, Kelly’s family has grown since her days “There was a big shift in Holyoke,” he says. “While I was on the system. It’s like being back in school and going from one class to which establishes a new form of for- at Keene State. She and her husband, City Council, we elected the youngest mayor in Massachusetts, the next on totally different topics. You have to really rely on people profit corporation. Like traditional Art, head up a family of 16, with four openly gay, and it changed the game plan.” Vega’s next step? “Our who are experts, and do your homework. I’ve learned quickly in corporations, benefit corporations adult children, three in-laws, and seven state rep had held the job for 12 years, and he’d been unopposed politics, there are three or four sides to every issue. You have to focus on making a profit for grandchildren. “The impact that education for 10, so in 2012, I ran against him – and I won!” Now in his second figure out who your good classmates are and who are the people shareholders, but also have an additional term representing Holyoke and running for a third, he cites college you can work with – elected officials but also people who are had on my life and those of my children has fiduciary duty, one that must have a affordability, economic development, and youth and family services experts in a field.” been immeasurable. So education is the core positive social and environmental impact as his priorities. for me, the core of what’s important,” she says. In other words, he says, “it’s a lot of collaboration.” on the community. “We were able to pass this bipartisan legislation,” she says, 8 • KEENE STATE TODAY keene.edu SPRING 2016 • 9 STAFFERS STAFFERS

At the Helm of the Home Office eth Klaiman ’93 likes to joke that he is responsible for boss says that we are often the call of last resort. We can help Barack Obama becoming president. Back in 2003, he’d just them get their veterans’ or Medicare benefits or deal with an wrapped up a job working for United States Senator Jack immigration issue. We help fund fire trucks for cities and towns. Reed’s re-election campaign, and he was offered a chance It sounds corny and clichéd, but we really make a difference in Years to meet with Gary Chico, who was running for a US Senate the lives of individual people. That’s the crux of what we do here. Sseat in Illinois and was in need of a campaign manager. The congressman’s Washington, DC, office deals with legislation.” on Capitol Hill Klaiman declined. “I said, I’m not leaving Rhode Island. Rhode As district director, Klaiman’s job includes standing in for Island is home, and to be home is more important than any job.” Langevin when he’s in Washington. “By no means am I the congressman, but I have to represent him a lot,” he says. “So in a Lisa Gagnon ’85. Courtesy photo But if he had moved out to Chicago to manage Chico’s campaign, lot of ways I help fulfill the role.” He keeps up with policy issues Klaiman jokes, then Chico, of course, would have prevailed in the in a general way, and if he’s asked a question he can’t answer, he “very much like running a household was closed for the morning so the entire election. Instead, his opponent, a young up-and-comer by the calls on the people with the answers in the DC office. “Why Kansas?” – except with a lot more people, and a staff could attend the funeral. Her last name of Barack Obama, won the primary and then the Senate lot more bills to pay,” Gagnon says. She few years working in DC, Gagnon was a seat – and would go on to win the presidency. “As my Jewish grandmother used to say, ‘I know nothing about That was the question United States was responsible for the maintenance single mother to their three teenagers, everything and everything about nothing,’” he jokes. Congressman Pat Roberts, who of the office, decorating new office all adopted from Russia. Sitting at a While Klaiman knows he can’t really claim credit for represented Kansas, put to Lisa Gagnon spaces and coordinating renovations, retirement party she’d organized for a the Obama presidency, he has played a part in many ’85, a New Hampshire native and DC keeping supplies stocked and equipment coworker three years ago, she realized successful political campaigns. At Keene State, he notes, transplant who was interviewing for a running, acting as a personal assistant she was ready to step down herself. he did not take any political science classes – but he did job with him back in 1993. to the senator (“I was not embarrassed serve as student body president and chair of the Student to get him a cup of coffee,” she notes), These days, Gagnon puts her Assembly. He graduated with a BA in psychology, a BS “You know, I’ve never been there, but organizing office parties (“not paid for organizational skills to work for a variety in occupational safety, and an associate’s degree in every state I’ve ever been to has many at government expense,” she adds), and of clients. Her business, I Can Help!, chemical dependency. fine qualities and interesting things handles personal shopping, all kinds of overseeing the budget. “We never ran “ about it,” Gagnon told him. “Your choice out of money, and that’s a big deal in organization, home staging, decorating, After college, an internship with a judge led him is to hire me, because I know Washington to abandon his plans for law school. Instead, he Congress,” she says. “I often called myself and running errands – pretty much and I’ll learn Kansas, or you can hire jumped into a couple more internships, one with a US the ‘cheap Yankee.’ I’m always looking for whatever needs to be done. She shares someone from Kansas who has to learn congressman and one with Rhode Island’s lieutenant the best bargain.” a house with her new partner, Washington.” Robert Kenney, a computer programmer governor. That work launched him into a career that alternated between fundraising for nonprofits and She got the job. “I’ve always been on working on state and national election campaigns the blunt side, and apparently that was “It’s very much like running a household for Democratic politicians. For four years, he did both, appreciated,” she says. – except with a lot more people, through his own consulting firm.

By then, Gagnon, a journalism and public and a lot more bills to pay.” Klaiman closed down the firm three years ago when US affairs major, had been working on Congressman Jim Langevin, whose re-election campaign Capitol Hill for six years, first for a media he’d managed, asked him to join his staff and run The years working on Capitol Hill who does work for the US Treasury outlet called the Senate Republican his district office in Warwick. “As district director, I’m were memorable ones for Gagnon. She Department. Conference and then as deputy press essentially the chief of staff for the congressman’s Rhode Seth Klaiman ’93, right, with Congressman Jim Langevin. Courtesy photo remembers meeting celebrities including secretary for John Seymour, a Republican Island office,” he says. Jimmy“ Stewart, Sonny Bono, and Barry “I’m glad I did it,” she says of her work senator from California. Seymour’s Does Klaiman have his own political aspirations? Not at the Manilow. She remembers setting up as a Congressional staffer. “I felt I really defeat by Dianne Feinstein occasioned It’s an interesting and varied job, he says, citing a day in moment, he says. “We’ll see what the future holds, but right now offices in borrowed space after Senator did my part. We did a lot of good things the interview with Roberts, and it led to December when he attended an event with former President I’m happy being the person behind the scenes.” In his case, that’s Roberts’s staff was displaced for three for the people of Kansas.” And while she 21 years of working for the Republican Bill Clinton, who was in town campaigning for his wife. “I was the person who ensures that the people of Rhode Island’s 2nd months when anthrax was discovered in doesn’t miss the daily commute in to legislator from Kansas, first as his press talking to the former president of the United States, and then Congressional District get the assistance they need. the Hart Senate Office Building in 2001. Washington, DC, she understands that that afternoon, I was talking to a constituent about his Medicare secretary during his last four years in the she was part of something extraordinary. issue. Frankly, the constituent issue is more important to me US House of Representatives and then as “I enjoy this work very much,” he says. “It’s hard. Government Gagnon first moved to Washington in than talking to the former president,” he says. “The constituent his administrative director after he was is a big bureaucracy. Sometimes I want something done 1987, shortly after her wedding. Her “The US Capitol is a fascinating building was relying on me and my boss, Congressman Langevin, to help elected to the US Senate. yesterday and I’m not going to get it done until next month. husband, Dave Thibault, a UNH grad, to work in and around,” she says. “I knew, resolve the issue.” That’s frustrating. But at the end of the day, when you can help had landed a job with then-Congressman walking through those hallways, that I was The administrative director position, somebody, there’s no describing the feeling you get when you Judd Gregg of New Hampshire. After working in a pretty darn special place.” In fact, helping constituents is a key piece of the work that goes from which she retired in 2013, was make that phone call and say, ‘Mrs. Jones, we’ve got good news.’” Dave died in July, 2007, the Roberts office on at the district office, and people call daily with problems. “My

10 • KEENE STATE TODAY keene.edu SPRING 2016 • 11 Kate Adams

ACTIVISM ACTIVISM

“MY DEFINITION OF ACTIVISM,” Keene State’s Women’s and Gender Studies Department has an activist focus and, like the community college Adams attended, says Katelyn Adams ’10, “is advocating for the equality of all offers service learning opportunities. Through the two schools, people. I do this by educating and empowering individuals to Adams had many community volunteer placements, including find their own voice, and working collaboratively with them in schools and at women’s shelters. “It wasn’t until volunteering to bring about social change.” at Girls Inc. that I figured out this is the cause and the work I want to be doing,” she says.

In its afterschool, vacation week, and Advocating for Girls summer program offerings, Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell provides academic assistance, programming on prevention of adolescent Adams works for Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell, a Lowell, pregnancy and substance abuse, self-defense, leadership, Massachusetts, nonprofit agency with a mission of empowering financial literacy, media literacy, and more. The classes are all girls to be strong, smart, and bold through innovative, targeted to the girls’ needs and goals. There is also a strong intentional, and educational programs for girls ages five to 18. emphasis on encouraging girls to pursue math and science “At Girls Inc.,” she says, “we really try to foster independence – fields in which women are not highly represented and that in our members. We give them the tools they need to be WALK ON . . . provide opportunities for lucrative careers. successful, and we’re constantly empowering them to advocate In 1999, Doris Haddock donned a straw hat and picked o you want to change the world, to make it more fun, for themselves.” “At Girls Inc. we don’t talk about politics or religion,” says up a walking stick, beginning a trek across the United more fair, more full of love and prosperity? We all have Adams, who has been program coordinator at the agency since dreams, but some of us do something about them. I Advocacy isn’t about being a voice for the voiceless, she says; States to draw attention to her fight for campaign her Keene State graduation, “but I feel that everything that want, as an older member of your country, to take this that’s a concept that takes away people’s dignity and personal finance reform. Over the course of 14 months, she we’re doing here is tackling political issues in a much softer momentD to invite you to take an important role in reshaping the power. Instead, she says, advocacy is “inspiring individuals to walked from Pasadena, California, to Washington, DC, way – and all of our programs target those issues.” Girls Inc. world. There is a way for you to do it, and voting is the first step, find their own voice to become agents of change.” leadership programs provide the girls with skills to be activists traveling more than 3,200 miles on foot and spreading but only the first step. . . . and advocates for themselves and their communities, she adds. the message that, as she once put it, Adams began volunteering at Girls Inc. through a service For instance, through a program called Photo Voice, the girls “we must declare our independence If you have the soul of an artist, let the world learning program at Middlesex Community College, from which took pictures of problems they see in the city. One subject of from the corrupting bonds of big money be your canvas, and make the world better she earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts and sciences. the photos was the dance floor at Lowell High School. “It was in our election campaigns.” for your brief presence here. If you have the She transferred to Keene State, where she earned two majors: falling apart, and the dancers were getting hurt,” Adams says. soul of an engineer, don’t be satisfied to one in elementary education and one, an individualized major “The girls took pictures and wrote about their experience and She did, in fact, draw considerable be a tooth on the gears of the great social in the Women’s and Gender Studies Department, in feminist brought it to City Hall. As a result they received a brand-new attention to her cause – 2,200 people machine. Take time to stand apart from the anthropology. The latter was inspired by her part-time and dance floor.” were on hand to greet her when she machinery to see if it might be improved. volunteer work at Girls Inc., she notes. “The city of Lowell is And then give some leadership to that incredibly diverse with so many rich cultures. We have a large arrived at the US Capitol – perhaps Adams, who received Middlesex Community College’s 2013 improvement. refugee population, and I became because she made good use of one of Distinguished Alumni award and who returns to Keene State to very eager to learn about these her most notable assets – she was I challenge you to step up to do what you talk with women’s and gender studies classes, will be taking the cultures and how women are 88 years old when she set out, and know must be done in our world. If I, at my next step in her own education soon. She was recently granted treated in those communities.” 90 when she reached the District of age and infirmity, can express myself and a Community Engagement Fellowship at Merrimack Columbia. At 94 “Granny D.,” as she move things along an inch or two, imagine College in Andover, Massachusetts, and will be leaving Girls Inc. to enter the intensive was known, waged an unsuccessful bid what a roomful like this can do in the world. year-long master’s program. As part of the for US Senate, losing to incumbent Judd And will do in the world. program, she’ll be working in the service Gregg of New Hampshire. Haddock, who Portrait of “Granny D.” Don’t let anyone stop you. Don’t let the gray learning program at North Shore lived just down the road from Keene routines of the world hypnotize you away Community College. That opportunity State in Dublin, New Hampshire, died in from the truth of the matter that it is your world, that this is a great may take her to new work in higher 2010 at the age of 100. Those who want a glimpse into adventure we are on, and that we have heroic parts to play in this education, or to new challenges in her life and political activism can find her documents, theater of the soul. . . . youth work. “I’m excited about that photographs, and memorabilia here on campus. They new journey coming up,” she says. are part of the Mason Library Archives’ New Hampshire As Americans, we are blessed with the tools of action that our democracy provides. I know you want to have a meaningful life. I Social Justice Collection. It’s a journey that will provide her know you feel the hero inside of your heart. I am here to tell you that with more chances to empower all of it is real, and that you can and should open your heart to the Here’s an excerpt from an undated speech that she people to bring about change. world and take action in it, letting no one steal your life from you, delivered to a group of young people. The original letting no one deprive you of a life of great meaning and great action. typescript is on hand in the archives: Katelyn Adams ’10 with some of the Girls Inc. girls. – Jacob Barrett ’17 Courtesy photo

12 • KEENE STATE TODAY keene.edu SPRING 2016 • 13 Bill Bendix

Phil Barker

RESEARCH RESEARCH

‘Hope for a more tolerant future’ ______BALANCING SAFETY ACCOUNTABILITY

have effective security?” he asks. interrogation methods like waterboarding, which met Bendix’s research highlights the standard for torture, were &the fact that there’s currently approved for use on prisoners. no mechanism in place for The president, by law, is such accountability. While required to inform Congress Congress passes laws relative of any actions taken by the to national security, including Executive Branch. And the provisions allowing for Bush Administration did brief big challenge for the federal surveillance of US residents, the Congress on the enhanced government,A says William Justice Department and other interrogation techniques – but Bendix, who studies Congress, legal offices in the Executive only the chairs and the ranking legislative deliberations, civil Branch of government write members of the House and liberties, and homeland security interpretations of those laws Senate Intelligence Committees. policy, is that it’s necessary to that define the way intelligence have secret policy, but secret agencies implement the laws “What can four members do in policy is contrary to an open – and those interpretations are response to a classified briefing democratic society. classified, or secret. concerning a secret program Philip Barker in the classroom. that they cannot reveal to the For the past decade, Bendix, an “The classified interpretation is public or their colleagues?” asks assistant professor of political hat’s the effect of immigration on religious religious is likely to be more patriotic, and vice versa. But has not known to anybody except Bendix, who hopes the book he science at Keene State, has been nationalism? It’s a topic that Philip Barker, assistant that connection between patriotism and religion increased as Executive Branch officials is writing with Professor Paul tracking Congress’s activities professor of political science at Keene State, has more people from outside of Europe have settled in European and a handful of members of Quirk of the University of British W in response to September 11, been researching since he was a grad student. “I’m interested countries? Congress,” says Bendix, “and Columbia will offer methods to looking at extremely complex in the extent to which religion is tied to national identity, that’s extremely problematic, enhance Congress’s oversight of Barker found that the numbers of immigrants coming in to a legislation like the Patriot Act primarily in Europe,” he says. because a handful of members national security programs. country aren’t part of the equation, but the immigrants’ origins and the Foreign Intelligence of Congress aren’t in a Barker’s 2014 book, Religious Nationalism in Modern Europe: If God are. “If the immigrants, even if it’s not a big group, are mostly Surveillance Amendments Act. position to effectively check “There are institutional fixes Be for Us, takes a historic look at Europe as a primarily secular non-European, the country starts to think of itself in religious “The concern that drives this the president, especially on that can be made that wouldn’t continent, with a few exceptions, including Ireland, Poland, terms,” he says. “In some ways, that’s discouraging if you are research is, Just how competent something that’s secret.” necessarily blow up the and Greece, where religion is a strong part of national culture. hopeful for a welcoming, open world. But what’s encouraging is Congress in this area?” he says. clandestine programs or the Those places, he notes, were all, at one time, threatened by is that as diversity increases, that sort of religious nationalism In other words, there’s no necessary secrets involved in The country needs to have some “religious other” – and shaped their identities in response decreases.” path for Congress or a group maintaining security programs, security strategies that are to that. of legislators to object to a but that would at least bring In other words, over time, as more and more immigrants arrive not publicly known, but we classified interpretation, to some level of accountability Now, with migration becoming a huge issue in Europe, he’s and the population becomes more diverse, the people become also need to have public say, for instance, This was to both the Executive and studying what happens when there’s an influx of migrants, who more accepting and more open about what it means to be, accountability. “How can we not our intent in creating this Legislative branches,” he says. are primarily Muslim, into historically homogeneous regions. for instance, Swedish or German. “If you want to cling to your have the kind of accountability legislation. “If members on both sides He speculated that migration and the refugee crisis would traditional notions of whatever it means to be American or that is fundamental to a know that they have to officially bring with it a resurgence of religious nationalism, the kind French or whatever, then in the long run, tolerance leads to democratic society and at the Bendix cites an example: register their position on a that can set up an “us-against-them” division between natives tolerance. Diversity in letting immigrants in leads to a more same time have these secret Under the George W. Bush clandestine program, then maybe and recent arrivals. To test that theory, he’s been looking at a normalized view of things. My take on it is that you have this policies in place that allow us to administration, coercive they’ll take it more seriously.” collection of broad-based surveys conducted annually in Europe rough patch, but there’s hope,” says Barker. “There’s hope for a to see how questions about religiousness correlate with those more tolerant future, I think, even if in the short term it’s ugly.” William Bendix with a student. about nationalism – and found that someone who is more keene.edu SPRING 2016 • 15 RESEARCH LOBBYING

Politics and Music with a Twang n the case of the rural South, does analyzing the language in country songs increasingly see that the concept of culture shape politics, or does politics to see how it correlates with the political poverty is being closely detached from shape culture? A 2016 Keene State shift. He’s doing it by charting the top actual wealth.” graduate spent the last year and a 40 songs of each year from the 1950s to Ihalf analyzing country music songs to today. That led Whittemore to an overarching look at that and other questions. Why theory: that the Republican Party country music? “What I found in the earlier songs is deliberately began ignoring economic that there is no unified message, no issues and instead focused on cultural “Country music is a reflection of southern unified consensus. There’s a broad and social issues. “We see that in country culture,” says Jay Whittemore, a political array of messages being told in the music, poverty’s now associated with science major who was gearing up for songs. But as I progressed through the owning a pickup truck, and going hunting graduation when he talked about his 1980s and especially in the mid to late and fishing with your dad, cultural research this spring. “It’s really the best ’80s, I noticed a few things. Messages activities like that. I thought that was indicator we have of that.” became more unified, there were fewer a really interesting finding. You would messages that went against the norm, expect this to be occurring through the Whittemore is looking at ways lyrics and mentions of country living and rural entire history of country music, but ’50s have changed in the half century since lifestyle being superior to other lifestyles and ’60s country music is not at all what the Civil Rights Movement occasioned a increased dramatically,” he says. you would expect. There weren’t a lot of major shift in politics in the South, with political messages. It was all love songs, many white, conservative Democrats “I also found a shift in how the lyrics pretty much.” Tanner Semmelrock ’16 and Charlotte Meyers ’16 at the Capitol. migrating to the Republican Party. Since view poverty. In the early songs, poverty then, the formerly Democratic stronghold is used like ‘I’m just a hobo riding on a He noted that in 1980s country music, Lobbying for Peace Courtesy photo has become a Republican stronghold. train, and I have no one to answer to, and negative and neutral mentions of country I can breathe, and I’m a free man.’ That’s life disappeared and positive mentions DURING THEIR FINAL SEMESTER “I think for the first meeting or two we were definitely on edge,” “I started out with an interest in actual poverty, homelessness. But we began to increase: from 17.5 percent in Semmelrock says. at Keene State, Tanner Semmelrock ’16 and Charlotte Meyers how the Republican Party is able to 1980 to 50 percent in 2009. “That seems to ’16 took what they learned during their time as Holocaust balance conflicting interests within correlate to Republican self-identification Semmelrock and Meyers both note that having the ability to and genocide studies majors and brought it to Capitol Hill its coalitions,” he says, using as an in the South,” he says – but cautions speak face to face with the people who are representing them to influence legislation. example the business elite and religious that an upward trend in both doesn’t in Congress and tell them what they feel is important was a conservatives. “On the issue of stem powerful tool in getting their message across. necessarily mean that one caused the The two went on their own to American University in cell research, business elites love it other. Washington, DC, to attend the Lemkin Summit to End Genocide because they can gain a profit from it “Obviously having that connection of being able to say ‘we’re and Mass Atrocities, an annual conference for students and and it’s got a high-tech connection. But Whittemore, who is applying for jobs in your constituents’ was really nice,” Meyers says. community leaders. While there, they spent time firing off religious conservatives are opposed to research or policy in New York City, was questions to expert panelists and heard the US Ambassador That connection may have had an influence on the success of it. So my interest is in why Southern still analyzing his findings mid-spring, to the United Nations speak on an array of crises, including their efforts. They were able to get the support of a number of rural people switched to the Republican and was looking forward to presenting a those in Sudan and South Sudan. They also received training the representatives they spoke with. The Atrocities Prevention Party – why that process began, and why paper on his research at the New England on how to combat genocide in the real world, as well as policy Act of 2016, for instance, calls for the authorization of an rural people abandoned their economic Political Science Association in April. A and advocacy training to prepare them for their final day in the Atrocities Prevention Board, which would provide a government principles.” northerner whose taste in music runs in District of Columbia. approach to preventing atrocities and promoting peace. other directions, he’s done a bit of listening Two of Whittemore’s political science to country songs in addition to studying their On that day, Semmelrock and Meyers took to Capitol Hill with “Now it’s passing through the Senate pretty successfully, and professors, Michael Welsh and lyrics. “Sometimes when I find a song three other summit participants to lobby for three pending we had a hand in that,” Meyers says, referring to the group who William Bendix, have been that really baffles me, I listen bills, the Atrocities Prevention Act of 2016, the Global Magnitsky lobbied with them. working on a project that to it,” he says. “Before, I Human Rights Accountability Act, and the Global Anti-Poaching tracks the content of hated country music, Act. They spoke with staff members for several members of “It was inspiring to meet with other dedicated individuals who country music as an but through this Congress from New England, including five from Connecticut’s are just as passionate about genocide prevention as we are,” indicator of southern whole process, I kind Congressional delegation and Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Semmelrock adds. and rural culture. of gained a weird Representative Annie Kuster, both of New Hampshire. Whittemore appreciation for it.” Passionate enough to lobby for real change. picked up on While they were initially nervous meeting with the legislative another strand aides, they say, they were soon starting to feel like pros. “I think it just shows how much power one citizen has,” says of that research, Semmelrock, “and that you can bring about change by working at it.” Jay Whittemore ’16

– Jacob Barrett ’17 16 • KEENE STATE TODAY keene.edu SPRING 2016 • 17 LOBBYING JOURNALISM

ELECTRICITY FOR AFRICA ecently, President Obama signed the Electrify Africa Nearly 70 percent of the people living in Sub-Saharan Act into law. The legislation will supply reliable Africa do not have access to reliable electricity. “This Relectricity to the people of Sub-Saharan Africa. means many things – children can’t study or read A recent Keene State grad, political science major Katie past dark; babies can’t be vaccinated, because there On the Conlon ’14, was instrumental in lobbying for the act, which aren’t refrigerators to keep the vaccines cold; homes directs the president to establish a multi-year plan to are being lighted and heated with charcoal and other help countries in Sub-Saharan Africa implement national toxic fuels, which cause more deaths than HIV/AIDS Frontlines power strategies and develop an appropriate mix of power and malaria combined; shops can’t stay open or run, solutions – including renewable energy – to provide so the economy fails. . . . The list goes on and on,” for the access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable power Conlon says. in order to reduce poverty and drive economic growth. The legislation promotes private-sector investments at The act will bring access to reliable electricity to Student no additional cost to taxpayers. nearly 50 million people by the year 2020. “This is Kendall Pope ’16 filming Hillary Clinton’s speech in the literally life-saving legislation, and while I feel that Newspaper Mabel Brown Room of the L. P. Young Student Center. As a Vermont-based political affairs intern for the my role was very, very, very small in its success, Borgen Project, a national campaign that works with it’s nice to know that I was a part of something so US leaders to improve their response to the global much bigger than myself – something that will Kendall Pope’s advice to CNN’s chief Washington correspondent, Regardless, she showed up to the event poverty crisis, Conlon focused her efforts on getting make an incredible impact on so many millions emerging journalists broadcast his show The Lead from with her video camera and made her way the Electrify Africa Act passed. “I sent countless of lives,” Conlon says. “And I think that’s an the Student Center quad. “I saw a to the area designated for the press, where emails and made many phone calls to my three important lesson for all of us; the crisis of covering politics: Be teleprompter and a fold-out table lined she was met by seasoned veterans. “There representatives (Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator global poverty can feel very overwhelming and confident and assertive. with laptops and gear, and he was sitting was CNN and MSNBC, and I was posted up Patrick Leahy, and Representative Peter Welch), daunting, but there is a lot that you and I can Pushy, even. there. I thought, He looks familiar.” When with my little Canon. It was pretty cool to as well as meeting with aides in each of their do as citizens to make a difference. Something she realized it was Tapper, she says, “I be among the big guys,” she says. offices and presenting the bill with the hopes as simple as calling your representatives, “You’ve got to be aggressive,” approached them and told them I was involved with journalism at Keene State, Pope recalls the chaos of bodies and of them signing on,” she reports. “It was a lot of writing a letter, and just paying attention and says Pope ’16, who cut her teeth covering and they were very welcoming and filled camera flashes as reporters tried to get work, and I feel like I learned so much from this getting involved and passionate about issues can the 2016 presidential primaries as me in on what they were doing. Jake a last-minute quote while Clinton was internship, just because it was so hands-on and ‘in truly make a difference.” managing executive editor for the Keene Tapper even posed for a picture with me.” leaving the Mabel Brown Room. the trenches.’” State student newspaper, The Equinox. – Mark Reynolds Pope found that most of the candidates who “It was just a mob of people,” she says, A senior this year, Pope joined the press came to speak in this neck of the woods with reporters pushing, shoving, and corps at many political events on campus were happy to talk with her. She filmed jumping up on chairs in an effort to get the and in the Keene area and had the chance on-camera interviews with Rubio and candidate’s attention. Unfortunately for to speak with candidates including Marco O’Malley, asking both men about student Pope and the rest of the journalists, Clinton

Rubio and Martin O’Malley. Equipped The crisis of global poverty can feel debt. O’Malley seemed eager to participate, ignored the media and left the room. with a press pass, she mounted her small helping with her intro to the clip and giving very overwhelming and daunting, camera on a tripod next to reporters and

a cheerful wave after her signoff. Pope noted that Keene State’s location camera operators from statewide stations but there is a lot that you and I can makes it a hub for political activity. She like WMUR and national stations like “He was really into it,” Pope remembers. encourages all students to pay attention MSNBC. She was in the trenches. do as citizens to make a difference. to what’s going on in the world of politics. “ “ Unlike Tapper, who interviewed Hillary Something as simple as calling your “During the Rubio event, one reporter Clinton while she was on campus, Pope “I think it’s a really cool time to be a from MSNBC turned to me and asked me representatives, writing a letter, and did not land a one-on-one with the former college student in New Hampshire, a question like I was meant to be there secretary of state – but it wasn’t for lack and especially in Keene,” she says. “It’s just paying attention and getting and knew what I was doing,” she says. of trying. When the Clinton campaign first definitely something all students should “It was a great feeling to work alongside involved and passionate about scheduled a speech at Keene State’s L. P. take advantage of, whether they’re the other reporters. It gave me a lot of Young Student Center, Pope did what she interested in politics or not.” issues can truly make a difference. confidence when covering these events.” could to be ahead of the game. She called – Jacob Barrett ’17 Clinton’s press secretary almost daily, She also had the chance to talk with trying to get that so-very-rare interview, Link to the O’Malley interview at Katie Conlon ’14. Courtesy photo members of a CNN crew when Hillary N but couldn’t get a definitive answer. keene.edu/mag Clinton came to campus. Jake Tapper,

18 • KEENE STATE TODAY keene.edu SPRING 2016 • 19 JOURNALISM JOURNALISM

f you listened to Morning Edition on New Nonetheless, get into it he did. Brindley necessarily new, but this was the first at Hampshire Public Radio during your says he’s had to learn the ropes while on Morning Edition, so it was a little different,” ON THE HILL FOR THE HILL commute to work or over breakfast in the job, but that the basics of creating a he says. He went into the field with some the months leading up to the state’s story are generally the same, whether it’s of his fellow journalists to pick the minds hen the Supreme Court heard arguments in the February 9 primary, you likely heard the in print or on the air. of New Hampshire residents, trying to case that would make same-sex marriage legal GREETINGS FROM Ivoices of the presidential candidates who gauge the political climate of the state “The lines are kind of blurred between in every state of the union, Lydia Wheeler ’09 was were campaigning here. Through his job and find out what is most important to what the differences are now,” Brindley there, in the courtroom. “The atmosphere outside as local producer for the National Public voters. The pressure was on after the says. “Radio is just another way of telling was just electrifying,” she remembers. “There were Radio program Morning Edition, Michael ballot boxes closed: he was in the studio the story, using sound. I think a great protesters on both sides, and you could see how Brindley ’03 was a key part of making that at 2 a.m. to put the post-primary show aspect of radio is being able to hear important the issue was to so many people.” possible. together.

WWheeler’s job as federal regulations reporter for The Hill, a noted daily political newspaper in Washington, DC, has her covering Washington, DC ‘As-It’s-Happening Coverage,’ on the Air rules that come out of federal agencies as well as the hot-button social issues that come before the nation’s highest court. “My job is mostly behind the scenes,” says people’s voices, their accents, and the “I like that. I like the deadline driven, as- A journalism and political science double-major at Keene State, Brindley, whose work includes arranging way they are speaking – and then getting it’s-happening coverage,” he says. Wheeler learned the newspaper trade through a high school “It’s definitely hard to know what’s going interviews with guests, editing audio to sound in the field.” internship at her hometown newspaper and covering meetings on all the time,” she says. put into the show, managing social media Brindley also covers other local and at Keene’s City Hall for one of her college journalism classes. activity, and writing web stories. Getting the word out about the first- national political activity and other Regardless, the self-proclaimed newspaper junkie loves her job in-the-nation primary via the medium issues facing the state, including the “I fell in love with journalism,” she says. “I fell in love with and doesn’t regret heeding the words of her professors. And Before making his way to NHPR in 2012, of radio has put an interesting spin on influence of political polls on elections informing people and writing about people’s lives. There’s she sees that journalists play an important role in our country. where he served as a reporter before things for Brindley. and proposed legislation, along with New nothing quite like that.” Mark Timney of the journalism faculty, “We have a government for the people and it’s important for the becoming producer of Morning Edition in Hampshire-based fature stories. But in her advisor, encouraged her to pursue jobs in the field. people to know what their elected leaders are doing,” she says. 2015, Brindley worked primarily in print “Having worked as a reporter in New the Granite State, he says, it’s covering journalism. At Keene State, he wrote Hampshire for over a decade, I’ve the presidential primary that has a “He told us that he had never met anybody who really had a “Sometimes my job can be very stressful. I’m on Capitol Hill and for the student newspaper, The Equinox, covered a few primaries, so that wasn’t unique allure to it. passion for this industry and wanted to work in it who didn’t I’m competing with all these other journalists that are trying becoming an executive editor his senior end up getting a job,” says Wheeler. “He just pushed me to to get the same stories,” she says. “At the end of the day, I never year. After graduation, he landed a job at “The world is looking at what’s going believe in myself and also to just go forward and follow what I rethink what I chose to do. I really enjoy my job; I learn a lot, and the Nashua Telegraph, where he mainly on here,” he says. “That’s pretty unique. wanted to do.” every day is different. I write about different things all the time covered stories focusing on education in There’s no other experience like that.” and it really keeps me interested. ” the area. After graduation, she got her start Brindley also says working for a writing about county government Wheeler was lucky enough, for instance, to be back in the Ending up at NHPR was a career choice statewide media outlet has given in her home state of New York courtroom in June 2015 at the Supreme Court when the 5-4 Brindley hadn’t predicted during his time him the ability to have more before making her way to decision on the same-sex marriage case was announced. “It was at Keene State. “I never thought about influence and to tell the stories Virginia, where she worked as a incredible to be part of history covering Obergefell v. Hodges,” radio as something I’d get into,” he says. that people really want to hear. reporter for Inside Business. When she says. “It was also a whirlwind day. The Supreme Court has a “I enjoy being able to decide the job at The Hill came up, she strict policy on no phones, cameras, or recording devices in the what we think is an important jumped at the chance to apply. courtroom. It forces you to take good notes and listen carefully. story for our listeners and being In big cases you don’t always get a seat where you can see all of able to pursue that. That means She’s been working there now the justices. Voice recognition is key.” talking with people who make big for a year and a half, usually decisions, but also being able to stationed in the press room at the On that day, though, Wheeler had a good view and was able to shine light on voices that might US Capitol or across the street focus closely on Justice Anthony Kennedy, who is known as the not get an opportunity to have at the Supreme Court, covering court’s swing voter. that stage.” everything from new business Lydia Wheeler. Photo by Joaquin Sosa regulations to the Texas one- “While crowds cheered outside the courtroom, inside was much – Jacob Barrett ’17 person-one-vote case. more subdued,” she says. “The Supreme Court commands such a sense of respect, so there wasn’t a noticeable reaction in the Still, DC presents a journalist with as much stress as excitement. courtroom itself. I think I wrote three versions of the story – Keeping up with the fast-paced news cycle can be a struggle, each with a different outcome – before the decision was ever Wheeler says. On this stage, curtains are often closed to the handed down, so we could have the story up online as quickly media and the general public, and when she does get a glimpse as possible. It’s always a race when it comes to breaking news in in, her sources may hold their information close to their chests. this field.”

– Jacob Barrett ’17 Michael Brindley ’03.

20 • KEENE STATE TODAY keene.edu SPRING 2016 • 21 CIVIC ENGAGEMENT CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Five thousand hours. offers courses for senior citizens – “and CITIZENSHIP AND HUMANITY IN POLITICS: through a fundraiser,” says DeMarco. That’s the amount of additional time In addition, she has pulled in students that children in middle-class and and faculty in the Honors Program, the ‘Little’ Tasks that Matter upper-class households spend in Filling in music education association, and the non-school educational activities, as Associate Professor Wes Martin has been one American and one foreign news Theatre and Dance Department to help compared with children in working- teaching in the Political Science Department source each day. Continuity and variety out, along with students in the Dietetic class and low-income households. the gap in sources will help you develop at Keene State since 1998. Among his scholarly of kids involved and costs. DeMarco Internship program, who’ll be putting perspective, so pick a small number of got involved in fundraising for five together healthy snacks for the dancers. interests are the integration of political concepts, diverse news providers and follow them youngsters who will be performing in experience, and reasoning into the political and to see how they treat problems over time. the MoCo Arts School of Dance June The upshot is that there is enough personal practices of ordinary citizens. Here he money now to expand the funding 2. Engage in regular conversations with show, “Aladdin’s Wonderful Lamp.” offers four ways we can all meaningfully incorporate beyond the “Aladdin” dancers. somebody who does not share your The Keene Housing Kids Collaborative politics into our daily lives. approach to politics. Politics is not just The idea of the Kids Collaborative is to rule-making that binds people; politics and MoCo Arts are each covering 40 ristotle framed level the playing field and help the kids is also deliberative work on issues percent of the tuition for the five young two important to become successful in school and then that divide us. Although it is often dancers who live in subsidized housing; propositions for in life. “It’s very cool,” says DeMarco, A noted that politics is the art of authoritative and legitimate the families are responsible for the us in his key works on a self-described “sociology nerd” who compromise, it should be noted that politics is also what we remaining 20 percent. But costs go governance. First, we double-majored in sociology and do to solve problems when we start with basic disagreements. beyond tuition, notes DeMarco. Kids in become citizens of a Holocaust and genocide studies, and who You might begin with an in-law that you have to live with… the show typically spend several hours community to the degree that was one of two students selected this who disagrees with you on matters of public policy, so that a day at rehearsals in the weeks leading we participate extensively year to win Keene State’s Outstanding you can practice the art of listening to positions that you find up to the performance. Most of them in its governance. Second, Women of New Hampshire Awards. uncongenial or even threatening. Then ask how the two of you bring rolling suitcases filled with their we realize our potential as can frame a solution. dance costumes, makeup, and hair human beings only when we The award recognized her engagement supplies, along with blankets and iPads meaningfully acknowledge with the community, something she 3. Enumerate as often as you can the kinds of laws that you believe to be and board games to occupy them when our connections to the Alyssa DeMarco ’16 says is always crucial, adding that valuable – and worthy of your observance. Again, politics is not just they’re not onstage. people who make up college is a great time to be involved. rule-making; politics is also obedience to rules. Tell a colleague our community. These “It’s a big gap,” says Alyssa DeMarco ’16. or your child which taxes you are happy to pay and why, which “For these kids, it was propositions are valuable “Summer camps, sports teams, playing speed limits you are prepared to already a financial strain because they encourage us to view instruments – all of those things that I observe and why, which crosswalks to join the program,” citizenship and humanity not as fixed “What kinds of actions develop was constantly shuttled back and forth ABOUT THE ADP you are prepared to respect with grace DeMarco says. “Their categories but, instead, as qualities that to as a kid. But for some kids, that’s not The American Democracy Project is a multi- a citizen and human being?” and patience and why. This advice parents can’t drop off we nurture gradually over long periods possible, just financially.” campus initiative focused on higher education’s role reminds us that beyond a take-out dinner four of work with other people. In brief, they tell us to attend to the in preparing the next generation of informed, engaged minimum standard there are degrees of citizenship nights in a row, and can’t development and interdependence of community-governance DeMarco spent considerable time citizens for our democracy. The project began in 2003 as that range between dormant (acknowledging the send them with carry- (“politics”) and self-governance (“ethics”) in daily life. during her senior year at Keene State, letter of the law without conforming to it) and on luggage filled with an initiative of the American Association of State Colleges through the American Democracy active (acknowledging that politics requires and Universities, in partnership with The New York Times. Given these considerations, what kinds of actions develop a citizen Project at the College, working to help electronics.” submission to being ruled, in part, by others). and human being? The usual answer to this kind of question urges us the Keene Housing Kids Collaborative. But, with the help of The goal of the American Democracy Project is to produce to honor and emulate the exercise of political leadership in seeking A nonprofit, the Kids Collaborative 4. Finally, enlarge the circle of people whom you American Democracy graduates who are committed to being active, involved and holding public office, and in deliberating and casting formal partners with local businesses to include in your political conversations. If you combine Project students, the five citizens in their communities. The 250 participating votes. However, even though such “large” acts help to shape our subsidize participation in theatre well-informed conversation with appreciative- budding dancers will be colleges and universities have been described as communities in ways that we can readily identify, there are relatively programs, soccer camp, art classes, and albeit-critical consideration of existing law, well equipped. A Keene “Stewards of Place”; their work includes preparing few opportunities for people in any given community to serve the like for the 500 children who live in you will be contributing to the stock of shop, Dilly’s for Kids, is students to become tomorrow’s “Stewards of Place.” as political leaders or office-holders, and there are relatively few subsidized housing in Keene. ideas that your community can use to opportunities for people to cast decisive votes on the matters that donating a $100 gift card govern itself. Your political influence affect our lives. Perhaps we should broaden our search for answers. Other Keene State students, also for each young dancer, so will simultaneously be magnified and working through the American they can purchase any dance equipment transmitted to the people who need “In an area like Keene,” she says, If we turn from large acts to the little things that matter in Democracy Project – which has a they need. And they’ll each get a basket those ideas. “there are so many needs that can politics, we can still consider tasks that determine how well we mission of promoting civic engagement containing fleece blankets, playing cards, – Wes Martin be met by students. If every student live, but the tasks involved become sustainable precisely because (and was responsible for bringing and coloring books so they’ll have things volunteered their services in relevant they can be incorporated into any person’s daily life. Accordingly, numerous presidential candidates to do during rehearsal breaks. “We’ve N Find Wes Martin’s ways around the city, we could make here are four “little” tasks that matter. to campus over the past year) – set raised quite a bit of money through the recommendations for news sources an enormous impact.” and suggested readings in Aristotle at up a study to collect data on the CALL program” – Keene State’s Cheshire 1. Read and think carefully about public affairs, daily. News reading and Academy for Lifelong Learning, which keene.edu/mag. program, including gathering numbers – Kendall Pope ’16 analysis are political acts. They are to politics what attentiveness is to a personal relationship. I ask my students to read at least Wes Martin in the classroom. 22 • KEENE STATE TODAY keene.edu SPRING 2016 • 23 KEENE STATE GIVING FACULTY STAFF ACCOMPLISHMENTS Success – en español KEA Scholarship Focuses on Language and Culture

irsten Agla, a Keene State junior from Bedford, New As a result of her study-away experience, Agla has joined the Hampshire, has used her college experience to fully Global Culture Club, which allows international students to come immerse herself in the study of the Spanish language together and interact with other students. “This is important to and culture – with the help of a scholarship overseen me,” she says. “Since I studied abroad, I feel like I can really relate Melanie Adams Joseph Darby Beverly Ferrucci Amanda Guthorn Robert Kostick Stephen Spiegel Skye Stephenson Kby the Keene Endowment Association. With a double major in to these students, and offer them advice.” Spanish and sustainable product design and innovation, as well Melanie Adams and Wanda Swiger, Hampshire Charitable Foundation to Rodney Obien and Brantley Palmer, Library as membership in the College’s Honors Program, she has also “My Spanish is ten times better because of it.” Physical Education support conference attendance and student Received a $10,000 grant to archive embraced the liberal arts experience by developing a skill set Co-edited a textbook, Epidemiology for Athletic projects related to reproductive justice, sex and preserve the papers of four New with a wide variety. Trainers, that was released this winter. and virginity, and International Women’s Hampshire poets laureate. Agla’s interest in the Spanish language is further demonstrated Day. Also hosted conversations on “Latino Among these skills is leadership, as Agla sits on the Student in Agla’s show, “Radio Relámpago,” on Keene State’s own radio Paul Baures, Chemistry Americans: 500 Years of History,” a film Emily Porschitz, Management Honors Council, which is the student voice of the Honors station, WKNH. This show is conducted completely in Spanish, Received a grant for $91,932 from the series at the Brattleboro, VT, public library. Coauthored two forthcoming Program. She has learned to articulate the wants and needs which allows her to practice speaking the language and gives National Institutes of Health for “New publications: “‘Drafting ‘foot soldiers’: of the students, as well as analyze the program to see where other students the opportunity to experience spoken Spanish Hampshire IDeA Network of Biomedical Brian Green, Sociology The Social Organization of the War for improvements can be made. along with popular Spanish music. Research Excellence: Advancement of a Published a paper with his colleague Talent,” Management Learning; and “Get Novel Fatty Acid Synthase Inhibitor.” Maciej Kryszczuk of the Polish Sociological on the Same Page: Strategy Mapping for Agla’s love for the Spanish language as well as Hispanic culture Association in the September edition of Family Businesses,” Journal of Business carries over into other cultures as well. She traveled to India with Joseph Darby, Music Management and Business Administration: Strategy. About the KEA the Honors Program’s global engagement initiative in January Presented a paper, “Publishing Music Central Europe. The Keene Endowment Association was founded as an independent 2015. “Our group looked different than the people all around by Subscription in 18th-Century Britain,” Anthony Scioli, Psychology charitable entity in 1957. It’s overseen by a board of independent trustees us – it was really eye-opening for us, and was a really valuable at a joint congress of the International Amanda Guthorn, Campus Safety Received a grant for $63,412 from the experience,” says Agla. made up of alumni, faculty, and friends of the college. The first funds Musicological Society and the International Earned certification in public safety and National Institutes of Health for “New Association of Music Libraries, Archives, campus law enforcement legal issues Hampshire IDeA Network of Biomedical The interest she has in graphic design led her to a work-study job deposited came from Beatrix Sagendorph of neighboring Dublin, New and Documentation Centers. through a San Diego State University Research Excellence: An Efficacy and in the Academic Affairs Department and the Multicultural Office, Hampshire. She donated $30,000 a year over three years to establish what’s program. Feasibility Study of a Hope-Centered where she designs event posters and performs various office now known as the Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery. Now the KEA holds assets Marie Christine Duggan, Economics Intervention for Adolescents.” tasks. “I considered majoring in graphic design, so it’s more than Published “With and Without an Empire: Carolyn Smith Keller and Saran Ghatak, of approximately $7 million, and consists of 54 restricted funds designated just an interest,” she says. “It’s something I can put on my résumé.” Financing for California Missions Before Sociology, Criminology, and Anthropology Steven Spiegel, Global Education Office by donors for specific purposes. Forty-two support scholarships, 12 support and After 1810” in the Pacific Historical Received a $95,020 grant from the Ewing Elected Northeast Region representative Agla is one of this year’s recipients of the Frank H. Blackington Review, and presented at the Iberian Marion Kauffman Foundation for their to the Council of the National Student campus programs or campus facilities, and one is unrestricted. Jr. Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship, one of many managed Society for the History of Economic project analyzing the social and political Exchange Governing Board. by the Keene Endowment Association, was established in 1987 Thought in Valencia, Spain. contexts of craft beer entrepreneurship. by the family and friends of Frank H. Blackington Jr., a member Skye Stephenson, Global Education Office Another skill that Agla has worked to develop throughout the of the Keene State faculty who specialized in foreign languages. Mary Feeney, Development Robert Kostick, Graphic Design Chaired and presented a session, “Sacred last few years is that of communication, specifically through her Kirsten said the scholarship has made all the difference for her Joined the Advisory Board of Prospect Received a scholarship from the Lorenzo Aspects of Study Away,” at the NAFSA semester studying abroad in Ecuador in the spring of 2015. She had in the type of work-study job she was able to choose. “Because I Research Review, an independent de’Medici Italian International Institute Association of International Educators XI the opportunity to focus on her Spanish studies there, refining her can focus on the content and the experience of the job, instead publisher of research product reviews. in Florence, Italy, to help support his Conference in Farmington, CT, in October. ability to interact with local people. “I loved the experience,” she of the money, it allows me to focus on my studies.” research of Florentine art, architecture, says. “My Spanish is ten times better because of it.” Beverly J. Ferrucci, Mathematics and design. Christopher Swist, Music – Michelle Green ’16 Gave two presentations on the Common Wrote a fanfare called From the Rocks to Core State Standards at the Southeast Seelan Manickam, Music the Stars that was performed in November For links to more information about the N Asian Regional Center for Mathematics Performs on a new recording of Deus by both the Keene State College Concert Keene Endowment Association and ways to and Science Education in Penang, ex Machina, with Cape Ann Opera. The Band and the New Britain (CT) Symphony make a donation, visit keene.edu/mag. Malaysia. recording received three awards (including Orchestra. two Gold Medals) from the 2015 Global Rosemary Gianno, Anthropology Music Awards. Manickam is also featured Larry Welkowitz, Psychology Published “Landscape of Ghosts: Semelai on a recent recording by Bala Brass. Received a grant for $63,006 from The Shamanism and a Cosmological Map,” a National Institutes of Health for “New chapter in Malaysia’s Original People: Past, Shannon Mayers, Redfern Arts Center Hampshire IDeA Network of Biomedical Present and Future of the Orang Asli. Received a grant for $700 from the New Research Excellence: Behavioral and England Foundation for the Arts to help Cortical Effects of Computerized Patricia Pedroza González, Women’s and fund a trip to the International Theatre Language Training for Autism.” Gender Studies/American Studies eXchange/Dublin Theatre Festival in Kirsten Agla on an international study trip. Courtesy photo Received an $8,000 grant from the New Dublin, Ireland.

24 • KEENE STATE TODAY keene.edu SPRING 2016 • 25 Class Notes

1936 1943 snowstorm in late November, mak- have their own staff. Barbara is is busy with family and various Claire Waterhouse Simensen Mitchell ’91 Demers being hon- and then Health South. Finally ing it feel more like Christmas than also active in her church, plays the activities. Good for you, Rita, keep 17 Sullivan Ct. ored in the latest Keene State he was able to return to Florida.

TH Caroline Nichols Pregent Thanksgiving. piano for her own enjoyment, and it up. Salem, NH 03079 Today magazine. They have done Sean Gillery ’89 was so helpful 80 REUNION 30 Giffin St. June 10-12, 2016 takes time just to watch the birds. [email protected] so much with their education from in getting him help and then to Keene, NH 03431 1947 “I recently spent nearly an hour on Keene State and for several years Florida. We wish him the best in Pat Parent Claire Simensen “No snow in Rhode Island for the the phone with writes: “Hello to I have tried to get someone to tell his recovery and pray that he will Velma Pierce Smith used to live Ruth Washburn O’Donnell 1944 Christmas holidays, which . She is always anxious all. Would still love to hear from a bit of their many stories and how be strong to enjoy his life in Flori- in Canada but now lives with her 75 Pleasant St. A207 pleased Eleanor Drowne Banfill. to hear the latest news from the some of you. Please share the Norma Wright Walker ’51 was they and their parents and grand- da this coming year. daughter, Martha Smith Camp- East Longmeadow, MA 01028 By the time you read this she will Keene State campus. She takes interesting things going on in your excited to learn that Janet Joslin parents have affected the drama bell ’65, in Bradford, ME. Velma [email protected] have her fifth great-grandchild. care of a great-grandson and lives with your fellow classmates. “Our reunion should be a very Chin and some of her family would activities in the Hopkinton and met her husband at Keene Normal She is glad to be living close to is always there for her family. I interesting one in June. I do hope like to attend the Golden Circle Don Carle Concord area. Every other year a School. 1948 her family so she can enjoy all the always enjoy my visits on the “I had a nice note from you are planning to come as we luncheon at Hart’s Turkey Farm variety show is put on in Hopkin- Ellie Smith Butler special events that happen. Ellie phone with her. at Christmas. He seems to be share a wonderful weekend.” in August. Janet had done her ton, and Paula usually directs it. 1939 9 Muster Ct. wrote about remembering being doing well. He’s still attending student teaching at Hancock “Sounds like classmate Polly events at the College – especially Her mother, Sue Mitchell, and It’s always nice to hear from Ruth Lexington, MA 02420-2001 the head of badminton, working 1953 High School when Norma was a Bullard Brown and husband, sports. I hope to catch up with him dad, Dick Mitchell, and her grand- Maker Worrad, who lives in New- [email protected] with the kindergarteners at Whee- student. They haven’t seen each Clayton, are slowing down a bit this spring at softball games. My parents were all involved for over Donald J. Johnson port, NH, and keeps in contact lock School, and other wonderful other since then. like the rest of us. They did spend grandson’s girlfriend is on the 30 years putting on shows for the 695 Clement Hill Rd. each Christmas. 1949 times as a student. two months at their cottage. They team and she’s a senior, so I’m PTA and then the church. Pro- Deering, NH 03244 Sad news from Rosina Digilio Ellie Hughgill Muldoon “Lucky Marylin Wilcox lives year had four generations of family really hoping to get to one or more ceeds were given to local chari- [email protected] 1941 Stark, saying that her husband of 3D Melville Ct. round with her nephew in Florida. there at one time – how wonder- of her games. ties for many service projects. 65 years had passed away. They Lily Pond Overlook 1954 TH Most summers she comes back to ful! Nice to know that Polly and Thousands of dollars from each 75 REUNION were regulars at the Golden Pocasset, MA 02559 New Hampshire. We would love Clayton are planning to come to “Sad news to read of the passing show have been used for the bet- June Haymon June 10-12, 2016 Circle gatherings for a number Bob Mallat ’58. [email protected] to see you, Marilyn. campus to celebrate our 65th. of He was such a terment of the whole area, and the 3247 Lucerne St. of years and also attended the dedicated alum and citizen of fun and the fellowship that is de- Barbara Jeffery Stimson They will also be celebrating Bronx, NY 10465 annual alumni reunions. 1950 “Ruth Lake Lavine has marked Keene. Norma and he were always veloped in the whole town lives on 678 Pettyboro Rd. their 65th wedding anniversary. [email protected] The Class of 1950 sends sympa- the days on her calendar until Congratulations from all of us! in attendance at our reunions. year after year. They also act in the Bath, NH 03740 1945 June Haymon thy to the family of Carlton Nutter. Reunion 2016, because she plans Concord Community Players writes: “As I’m to attend to celebrate her 65th “Ruth Bickford Peck lives in “There are many changes in the writing this I am looking out at the This is a special anniversary year Last fall, Carolyn Wynott Good- He will be missed. Patty Farmer ’92 shows and work and teach in the anniversary of graduating from Maine and was looking for snow alumni office. snow that buried NYC on January for the Class of 1941; class secre- will attended the alumni gathering Kirsten Camp ’91 local school system as well. Their Priscilla Holmes Roberts is Keene Teachers College. Ruth at Christmas as well as skiers and and will surely 23, 2016. The only thing that tary Barbara Jeffery Stimson held at Havenwood Heritage be missed. I wish them well in daughter, Katharine, a senior at penned a letter encouraging all Heights, the Concord retirement enjoying her stay in Florida. She recently retired from teaching. snowmobiles. Bickie hopes to Concord High School, is also helped remove it was the warmer is planning to attend the 150th Now she is very active in her have someone drive her to Keene their future endeavors. We are temperatures, not the plows. I classmates to come to reunion. community where she lives. She lucky to have Norma Walker ’51 involved, and it will be interesting Barbara would like to return to always looks forward to seeing Golden Circle luncheon, which church, sings in the choir, and is for our 65th. to see how she carries on in col- received a note from Beverly will be celebrated at reunion on a leader of several groups. Ruth heading the Golden Circle. She Blasenak Slocum. She had en- Keene herself, but due to the dis- alumni and staff, and last fall Elaine lege. June 11. enjoys her membership in the “I had a birthday call from makes it possible for us to get closed the obituary of one of our tance from her home, she didn’t College President Dr. Anne Huot Schmidt Chesley Red Hatters. , who is spend- together with so many alums. “I hear from Anita Nestor quite classmates, Nancy Philbrick Hill, feel she could. shared conversation and lunch Sal and Shirley Manna sent a ing a few months in the Naples, Thank you, Norma. often, and sometimes we sit and who passed away January 4, with the group. holiday card from sunny Florida. “Margaret Rhoades Bost started FL, area. This year she didn’t take Frances Day Bolles always re- “The highlight of my year was a visit on the phone for a half hour 2016, at the age of 83. She was members to share the holiday Nancy Scripture Ashford lives in They are delighted to hear about a new way of doing her Christmas any warm clothes with her so had or so about things in our lives. She the wife of the Reverend David S. events at Keene State. card list by beginning at the end to go to a consignment shop to trip to Italy last fall with my daugh- season with a beautiful card. Weare, NH. She doesn’t drive ter and son-in-law. We had a cou- was in Mexico when her sister fell Hill for over 58 years. She taught much anymore, so is unable to of the alphabet, so mine came get a couple of sweaters and a and fractured her pelvis. Anita home economics in several 1951 earlier than usual, which was very rain coat. ple of nights in Rome and six 1942 attend alumni gatherings. nights in Montecatini Terme. From came home to California and schools, and worked as a librarian nice. Margaret spent some time in helped her with meals and all. Peggy Smith Campbell TH “Other classmates who shared there we took day trips to Assisi, in West Boylston and Plainville, MA. 65 REUNION Idaho with family again last year. 143 Walton Rd. 1946 Del Lately Anna had decided to go June 10-12, 2016 Son David traveled several times holiday cards with me were Lucca, and Florence. Florence is a “Bev reports that she is doing fine East Palatka, FL 32131 Langille, Audrey Tucker Starkey, city full of art and history. We had into an assisted living home. I am 70TH REUNION up from Baltimore for a visit. Sev- in Burlington, VT. She enjoys oc- [email protected] Joan Greeley Simpson, Dick a wonderful tour director and sure Anita will continue to visit her June 10-12, 2016 Norma Wright Walker eral nieces and nephews come to casional lunches with Dean ’53 Rogers, Carol Jones Jackson, guides in each city. I celebrated and do all she can to help. Our sympathy goes out to the 19 Eaton Rd. her house after school to wait for and Jane Kingsbury Corrigan. and Elsie Bowes Brenner. I hope my 85th birthday while we were family of Ruth Callender Lee, Shirley Ring Green and Brigida Swanzey, NH 03446 rides home. Margaret volunteers, “I had a wonderful time with Julia, Where are the rest of the mem- I didn’t leave anyone out. I love to there. Our last day in Rome we who died in February 2015. Her “Breeze” Saladino Mosley did [email protected] is active in her church, and is a Mary ’55, and Chris Booras in bers of 1954? I know you are hear from all of you by mail, phone, toured the Vatican. Awesome! I’m family wrote: “She always spoke their student teaching at Hancock member of the Women’s Club. Keene on Christmas Day. My fam- around; I saw you at our 60th Norma Walker writes: “I received or email. Help me keep this col- so thankful that I was able to make fondly of her years spent and High. Later, Breeze married class- ily was able to visit me a couple of reunion. Any news is welcomed. a beautiful long letter from “Nice to know that Martha Bas- umn full.” the trip. friendships made during her four mate Al, who went on to become weeks before Christmas so I was Barbara Sullivan Brooks, who sett Sargent and her husband “Me – I’m waiting for boating sea- years at Keene State.” principal in Hancock. Today alone. The Boorases invited me to is busy as a Supervisor of the were able to sell their home and 1952 “As you are reading this we will be son. I just retired as captain from Breeze volunteers at the alumni only a year away from our 65th drive over to Keene and spend the In the fall of 1941, Phyllis Bean Checklist in her town. She is hop- have moved into a comfortable the US Coast Guard Auxiliary office, has numerous sessions Winifred Woodbury Langtry reunion next June. Mark your cal- day. What a great visit we had, Osgood was doing her student ing to be reelected to her fourth senior housing development. Mar- after being a member and serving playing bridge, and enjoys lots of 50 Evergreen Lane endars and try to attend. It is usu- and Mary served a very delicious teaching at Hancock High School six-year term. Barbara entertains tha is delighted with the location for 20 years. I went through the family time. Contoocook, NH 03229 ally the first or second weekend in dinner. So good to get together. when Pearl Harbor was attacked. weekly with a meal and a game of because it is in a convenient loca- whole 9-11 event, patrolling on a [email protected] June. Watch for the actual date in She remembers that most of the Shirley keeps in touch from Mon- Scrabble. Her son Bob lives with tion and there are many activities “Dave Staples sold his home in CG Auxiliary boat, covering for the future issues of Keene State Today. men on campus left to fight in tana. She enjoys receiving her her, and they buy and sell new and to enjoy. She also said the neigh- Irene DiMeco Parent Penacook and during the process CG while they were at the Battery. World War II. She is concerned birthday card from the alumni of- older items, many of which are bors are very nice. 27 Lashua Rd. Winnie Langtry writes: “What of getting ready to return to Flori- I will never forget and neither that today the students read this fice and news from the campus. carried in four shops they own. Ashburnham, MA 01430 da, he had health problems and should our country. Let me hear “My roommate Rita Hayes Evans a thrill it was for me to see my only as a boring day in history. Shirley wrote that they had a huge Bob manages one and the others [email protected] friends Chris ’89 and Paula was very sick in Concord Hospital from you.

26 • KEENE STATE TODAY keene.edu SPRING 2016 • 27 Class Notes

“We had some sad news from our 1960 YOU, members of the Class of Martha Crowley Morse class: Joy Johnson Falkenham 1960 – from our scholarship re- 131 Case St. passed away from complications Gail Spevack Sheldon cipient. She is now a junior el- North Canton, CT 06019 from Alzheimer’s on February 23, 241 Blucher Street ementary education major and is [email protected] 2016. She was my bridesmaid Manchester, NH 03102 very appreciative of the support and a friend for all these years.” [email protected] she has received from our class.” Editor’s note: We apologize for inadvertently leaving out a few 1955 Gail Sheldon writes: “Sister 1961 class secretaries’ names, includ- Claire Coll continues her daily ing those for 1962, in the winter Alfreda Crosby Gallo work at the Berakah Retreat & TH issue. Martha Morse has been on 3406 S. Palm Ave. 55 REUNION Renewal Center in Pittsfield, NH, June 10-12, 2016 the job reporting for the class and Palatka, FL 32177-6342 where she lives as one of five in- helping to organize reunions for [email protected] ter-congregational sisters. The Dorothy Bean Simpson 53 years! Stephanie Baute joined PO Box 1373 her a few years back. They are A group of Kappas has been meeting for lunch every month for the Center Harbor, NH 03226 eager to hear your news! Members of the Class of 1975 gathered for their 40th reunion last [email protected] past five years at the Puritan in Manchester. Thanks to Barry Osborn year. They are, from left: front row, Deb Santy Downes, Lynda 1963 ’69 for sharing photos of the luncheons. Pheasant Morgan, Dianne Reidy Janson, Mary Lou Moscaritolo Dorothy Bean Simpson writes: Elizabeth Butterfly Gilman Smith; second row, Karen Laskoske, Eileen Oechsli Bohigian, “The Reunion Committee hopes will go toward an annual scholar- 277 Coolidge Dr. 1969 Linda Cote; third row, Rick Cogswell, Elaine Rozman Alexander, you will join us in the Keene State ship for future teachers.” Portsmouth, NH 03801-5740 Barbara Hamilton reunion fun! We hope you re- Joan Abbott Nelson, Frank Easton, Elizabeth Jubenville Tamsin, [email protected] 27 Kingswood Dr. ceived the personal seasonal 1964 Donna Kuethe, Mary Currie Gaulin, Jean Harris, Henry Maier. Manchester, CT 06040-6744 cards sent out by our committee Helen I. Jette From Mary Ann St. Cyr Brockel- [email protected] members. A questionnaire will be man: “My Keene roommate Joyce 37100 Neukom Ave. 1975 sent your way this spring with Stothart Welch and I are enjoying Zephyrhills, FL 33541 1970 more reunion plans and accom- our annual Florida reunion here in [email protected] Eileen Oechsli Bohigian modations. Please complete and Naples. Joyce loves living here Susan Campbell [email protected] Bill Doolan return the form as soon as you and is very busy with friends and 15 New Acres Rd. Dianne Reidy Janson 9189 William Cody Dr. receive it. We will combine every- activities. I’m here until April – Keene, NH 03431 [email protected] Bob “Lefty” Joy ’60 and his grandson Ryan, who coaches the Evergreen, CO 80439 one’s responses and have them plenty of time for more sunshine women’s soccer team at Plymouth State University, got together with [email protected] 1971 Eileen Bohigian and Dianne Tony D’Ambrosio ’60 and his son Chris, who coaches the women’s available at the reunion. You will and shopping before Mike and I Janson write: “As we approach be so proud of Keene State Col- have to return home to Massachu- soccer team at Eastern Connecticut State University. Pictured from 1965 45TH REUNION our golden years with retirement lege. Please plan on joining our setts.” plans in the works, our inquiring left are Ryan, Lefty, Tony, and Chris. Lefty writes: “Soccer: what a Richard E. Doyle June 10-12, 2016 wonderful class, sharing stories, minds would like to know how you beautiful game.” Betty Gillman writes: “Wayne 561 Ocean Blvd. #4 and enjoying friendships. are planning to fill your time. Each Murray sent a few lines letting us Hampton, NH 03842 Maureen Sheehan Hall 1956 “A few Facebook postings: Jane 69 Crescent St. of us is still working at this point, center is a lovely rambling house know that all is well with his humor [email protected] Ross Kageleiry swinging her golf and Sarah! Hooksett, NH 03106 but sooner rather than later we will New class secretaries for the Class TH open to nonprofit groups for re- 60 REUNION club in Florida this winter. Nancy [email protected] need to answer that question for treats and various programs. 1966 of 1975, Eileen Oechsli Bohigian June 10-12, 2016 Kidder Howe enjoying her lovely “Jane Hawkins Goland emailed ourselves. We thought it might There since 1993, she attends to (left) and Dianne Reidy Janson. daughter Cathy and grandchildren that she and husband David are 50TH REUNION 1972 help us (and the greater group of Minot Parker the administrative side of the happily staying warm in Venice, classmates) if you shared your living in Florida. Marilyn Wood- June 10-12, 2016 Debra Davis Butterworth PO Box 370540 house. I enjoy seeing her yearly FL, for the winter. We miss our ideas and plans. 1976 ward Twombly celebrating her 21 McAuley Rd. Montara, CA 94037-0540 when we both help at the annual family but those in Massachusetts December birthday with family Nancy Coutts Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107 TH [email protected] October Fair in Manchester. and New Hampshire manage to We recently caught up with some 40 REUNION and friends. John Letourneau 175 South Main St. [email protected] visit. This year we are looking other Keene alums (Frank June 10-12, 2016 “Attending lunch at the Executive having fun with his beautiful family Brattleboro, VT 05301 Easton, Chuck Maranhas ’74, 1957 forward to a visit from Linda Roger Hartwell Court in Manchester last fall were while living in Orlando. Betty David Gagne ’73) and friends to Philip Bellingham McLaughlin Tate and husband 198 Palermo Pl. Cynthia Randall Faust Joann Dailey and Ray ’58 De- Bennett Schofield cheering on 1968 do some night photography – at- 20 Transit Ln. Michael. The Villages, FL 32159 77 Sand Hill Road mars, Lang Plumer and wife Kar- the Patriots and enjoying her great Jan Temple Metoxen tempting to take the perfect pic- East Hartford, CT 06118 [email protected] Peterborough, NH 03458 en ’62, Joe and Priscilla ’61 Du- family. Betty Cullinan Barnard “Three years ago, during our 50th 330 Maple Rd. ture catching the full moon shining [email protected] tile, Betty Staniels, and myself. It celebrating her birthday with class reunion, the members at- Longmeadow, MA 01106 1973 on a covered bridge in rural Ver- Philip Bellingham writes: “Greet- was also great to talk with other daughters Meredith and Caldwell. tending decided to use class gift jantemplemetoxen68@yahoo. mont. We’re sure that whole idea ings, class. Just a short note. It’s 1958 Keene State grads present at the Jeanne Lachance Erickson with funds to create the Class of 1963 com Kathleen Pickford Stacy of being outside admiring the sky been 40 years since 1976. Wow! Jacqueline A. Abbott 149th Golden Circle luncheon! a big win at Caesar’s Casino. Teacher Education Scholarship 190 Old Hancock Rd. on a snowy winter night does Remember those days? Try to Over 5,000 attendees have par- Gene Thibeault has published a Antrim, NH 03440 show up at reunion weekend June 7 Keeney Dr. “Join us on Facebook! Come to Endowment. Those funds are now nothing for some of you. So what ticipated through the years. Dr. memoir about his teaching career. [email protected] 10-12. It will be a HOOT! As in Bolton, CT 06043 the 55th and enjoy your Keene part of the endowment, thus elimi- are your plans? Will you stay Anne Huot spoke about growing Titled It’s Not Special: A 32-Year Owl. [email protected] State friends!” nating the class gift fund. Carol where you are? Move? Start a up in Manchester and mentioned Racicot Lord, Pat Plante Zemi- Journey in Special Education, it 1974 new hobby or adventure? Spend the importance of scholarship aid includes a chapter on life at Keene 1977 1959 1962 anek, and I have signed off on this Jane Cappuccio Stauffer more time on the things you are for Keene State students. Be sure State. He writes: “I think it may Carol Gatcomb Riel closure and feel it is important 28 Beckford St. already doing? Please feel free to Sabrina Brown Maltby to check the luncheon schedule Stephanie Heselton Baute have interest to classmates and 350 Pako Ave that everyone know. When making Salem, MA 01970-3239 share your thoughts and pictures. 13 Main St. for your area next summer and fall. 515 E. Surry Rd. educators both past and present. your donations, simply indicate the [email protected] Raymond, NH 03077 Keene, NH 03431 Surry, NH 03431 Class of 1963 Endowment and it It is available on Amazon.com.” [email protected] “I received a note of thanks – to [email protected]

28 • KEENE STATE TODAY keene.edu SPRING 2016 • 29 Class Notes

1978 Louise Perron Tetreault announced in the February 2016 1997 61 Manville Hill Road, Apt. 16 issue of Boston magazine. Dianne Glaser-Gilrein Cumberland, RI 02864 Danielle Dearborn Gagne P.O. Box 1391 [email protected] 1993 1587 Waterwells Rd. East Dennis, MA 02461 Alfred Station, NY 14803 Shelli Bienvenue Cook [email protected] [email protected] 18 Heathrow Ave. 1979 Manchester, NH 03204 1998 [email protected] Bill Reed Deb Clogher Burleigh 3 Mayfair Ln., Apt. 206 Seth M. Klaiman 44 Clinton Ave. Nashua, NH 03063-7645 2 Sweet Fern Trail Budd Lake, NJ 07828 [email protected] Saunderstown, RI 02874 [email protected] [email protected] 1980 Lisa Demers Harvey Kristina Hooper Kerry ’86 writes: “I got together with Sue Anderson 1994 [email protected] Allison Ashley-Bergstrom Fortier ’86, Steve Fortier ’86, Monica Larson Wissman ’88, and [email protected] Melissa Sawyer Bowler Kristen Cranson Nelson former Keene State student Chris Conners for fun in the sun last July 158 Shaker Rd. P.O. Box 208 Cathy Stuart Zurek Karen Dicey ’91 writes: “My big news is that I finally found a Mary Jane Rogers Lavoie ’84 in Clinton, CT. Our little group hadn’t all gotten together since Sue Canterbury, NH 03224 Greenvale, NY 11548 78 Morse Ln. wonderful man to call my husband, who’s also a Keene State alum! and Anna Ballanti Neufeld ’83 and Steve’s wedding in 1988, where I was told to bring the ‘bubbles’ [email protected] [email protected] Boxborough, MA 01719 (champagne) and I brought the soap kind. Oops! Anyway, we had a Stephen Osciak ’88 and I got married September 6, 2014, at the had an international mini-reunion Dawn Deurell [email protected] fantastic time catching up with Chris, who resides in Colorado with Three Chimneys Inn in Durham, NH. It was a beautiful autumn day 1999 December 29. Mary Jane and her for an outdoor garden wedding, with family and friends and dancing 17 Chestnut Cir. his wife, Suzanne, and designs and makes beautiful furniture. Sue Merrimack, NH 03054-6611 Jason Hindle 1981 husband, Marty, spent the holidays into the night. Quite a few old friends with a Keene State connection and Steve are YMCA lifers (running the show), and the Y is all the [email protected] 8 Spruce St. in Germany with members of were there to help us celebrate, including best man Steve Langs 35TH REUNION better for it! Monica is teaching in Massachusetts, and is married to Somersworth, NH 03878 her family, and took a train from Penny Rioux Joyal June 10-12, 2016 Derrick Wissman ’88. They live in Florida, MA (yes, there is such ’09, Robin Jones Steward ’92, Gregg DiChiara ’92, Fred Titcomb, [email protected] Cologne to Nürnberg to meet up 106 N. Adams St. a place), with their four children. We couldn’t get Derrick off of the Tammy Eppig Poitras ’89, Gerod Gianattasio ’89, Julie Larsen with Anna, who had traveled by Manchester, NH 03104 Andrea Salzburg Macnow and Nancy Colciaghi Pallas Dougan, John Tilton, and my cousin Robin Todd Riley. train from her home in Vienna, mountain that they live on to join us at the beach. Maybe next year! [email protected] her husband, Ethan, welcomed a 6153 W. Fallen Leaf Ln. Austria. “We had a wonderful time I am a social worker in New Haven, CT, and have lived and worked beautiful baby girl, Juliette Mae Glendale, AZ 85310 Ky Hote is now the manager and catching up,” writes Mary Jane. “I there for 30 years. All of our kids are pretty much grown, so we are Hopefully we’ll see some familiar Macnow, to their family. They look [email protected] 1990 lead preparer for the Liberty Tax enjoying the ‘empty nest = more freedom’ stage of life. And ... we ALL faces at reunion in June. Due to forward to showing her around the even dragged out an old KSC shirt Service office in Elgin, TX. Ky has work in our chosen fields! Thanks, Keene State, for the education that Lauren Aborjaily Griffin social media, I’ve definitely re- Keene State campus. 1982 from my senior year and wore it for been performing with his band got us there!” 17 Monhege Path ceived fewer class notes during the occasion!” Gypsy Rox for four years, and he Catherine Gewanter Marlborough, CT 06447 the past couple of years. I’m in 2000 also presents George Harrison 600 Willis Ave., Apt. 2L campus that brought us all to- touch with a few folks, including Danielle LePage Zimmerman 1987 Shelly Brodeur Masson Tribute concerts (coming to NJ Williston Park, NY 11596-1217 1985 gether. Thirty years! I know peo- Gregg DiChiara ’92. [email protected] [email protected] ple’s lives get crazy, and you have Lisa Corrette Livingstone [email protected] this year!). His son Moses Mor- Alison Ahmed [email protected] “And one quick shout out to Patty rison is now attending University a million things to do, pulling you Maureen Cicchese Musseau 2001 Janet Carsten Shaffer [email protected] Adams Farmer ’92 for doing such of North Texas as a double major in a million different directions. Do 75 Pinehaven Dr. [email protected] Samantha Barrett McKinlay a great job during her years as in theater and mathematics. Catch Lisa A. Gagnon yourself a huge favor, though, and Whitman, MA 02382 15TH REUNION 2400 County Line Rd. director of Alumni and Parent up with Ky at www.kyhote.com. 1510 Old Cape Saint Claire Rd. in June, head in the direction of [email protected] June 10-12, 2016 1983 Ardmore, PA 19003 Relations. Best wishes in your Annapolis, MD 21409 Keene. I don’t think anyone’s ever Patricia K. Hodgeman Bush [email protected] new adventures!” 1995 [email protected] said, ‘You know, I’m really sorry I 1991 Christine Leland Williams Berkshire School went to my 30th college reunion.’ Michelle Morris Ayer Cara H. Staus [email protected] 245 N. Undermountain Rd. 1986 So please, don’t miss out on a 41 Hemlock Rd. 25TH REUNION 1992 [email protected] Christine Williams has a new job! Sheffield, MA 01257 wonderful time. I hope to see Hingham, MA 02043 June 10-12, 2016 Joan Crosby Anderson Erin Delude George This spring she started work as [email protected] 30TH REUNION EVERYBODY there. [email protected] General Delivery 9 Bigelow Hill Rd. associate director of Enrollment June 10-12, 2016 Karen Dicey Wilmot Flat, NH 03287-9999 Jacqueline Haight DeFreze “Sunshine Club members Tori Troy, NH 03465-2106 1988 [email protected] and Communications for Pine 502 Portsmouth Ave. Berube, Lisa Panzo Smyth, Tori Berube Kate Shepard Dugan [email protected] Village Preschool. The company Greenland, NH 03840 Carol Falkenham Arnold, and Jeffrey LaValley [email protected] Amy Eshelman 42 Middlefield Dr. is based in Allston, MA, and runs [email protected] Diane Delisio were spotted in 260 Connecticut Ave. Michael Trabucco 102 Newberry Rd. West Hartford, CT 06107 1996 eight schools, with about 450 and around Ogunquit, ME, this Springfield, MA 01104 Valerie Belanger McKenney [email protected] East Haddam, CT 06423 [email protected] students total, in the Boston area. [email protected] 20TH REUNION 46 France Rd. summer. They weren’t difficult to [email protected] Michael Trabucco writes: “Hey, spot at The Front Porch, singing Daniel V. Miele, a resident of June 10-12, 2016 2002 Barrington, NH 03825 Susan Lundgren Regan Kathleen Kerr St. Germaine Duxbury, MA, and financial advisor [email protected] EVERYBODY! I’m putting the and drinking and dancing (note: 79 Winthrop Rd. Jessie Gannett Heath 19 Great Woods Rd. with Centinel Financial Group in Karen Holmes Reinhold word ‘everybody’ in all caps be- there’s no dance floor there), Guilford, CT 06437 59 King Road Plymouth, MA 02360-1826 Marshfield, MA, was named a [email protected] 1984 cause this time I mean it. Our 30th showing off their new seaglass Chichester, NH 03258 rings, and having an all-around [email protected] 2016 Five Star Wealth Manager. reunion is coming up, and if you 1989 Aaron Kay Sales Parker [email protected] Mary Beth Lucas Connors blast. For a few hours, they The award recognizes wealth haven’t been back to Keene State From Karen Dicey: “It’s hard to 5832 Wooded Acres Dr. 295 Megan Dr. even shared their craziness Maribeth Marsico Gesler managers in the Boston area who (or even if you have), make your believe it’s been 25 years since Knoxville, TN 37921 2003 Manchester, NH 03109-5924 with Michael Trabucco and [email protected] excel in quality service and client plans NOW to spend the week- we graduated from Keene State! [email protected] [email protected] end of June 10-12, 2016, on the his partner, Rob.” retention. Daniel’s selection was Angela Watson

30 • KEENE STATE TODAY keene.edu SPRING 2016 • 31

In Memoriam Class Notes Mary Kachavos Kallechey ’45 David E. Hackett ’58 Ethel Vollertson MEd’77 November 26, 2015 September 26, 2015 February 3, 2015 Bertha “Jackie” Berry Slade ’45 Robert L. Mallat ’58 Barbara Bacon ’78 November 19, 2015 December 24, 2015 August 26, 2015 Marion Stevens Creighton ’46 Verna Erwin Irons ’59 Rebecca Howes Chaplinski ’93 Charles Beaudette ’32 April 29, 2015 December 22, 2015 February 26, 2016 April 20, 2002 Margaret Larkin Feldblum ’47 Richard C. Kossakowski ’59 Matthew McWain Hodges ’90 Harold G. Edgerly ’32 February 2, 2016 January 19, 2016 October 8, 2015 September 22, 1946 Barton Van Wie ’49 Charlene Fletcher Cobb ’61 John Morelli ’94 Olive Ames Edmunds ’32 March 4, 2016 March 4, 2015 February 20, 2015 November 19, 2015 Carlton W. Nutter ’50 Nancy Marshall Hollinrake ’62 Kenneth H. Blair ’03 Olive Moulson Gould ’32 August 30, 2015 February 1, 2015 February 19, 2016 June 11, 1992 Evelyn Bruce Quimby ’52 Donald W. Robinson ’62 Elise Day Driscoll ’03 Madeline Nash Bennett ’33 September 26, 2015 August 7, 2015 November 10, 2015 September 17, 2014 Irene Dunn Wright ’52 Randall J. Locke ’66 John P. Lilly ’03 Dorothy Morgan Holmes ’34 December 5, 2015 February 5, 2016 October 21, 2015 Nichole Garneau Treadway ’07 and Bill Treadway ’05 were January 28, 2016 married July 31, 2015, in Sugarbush, VT. Nichole played field Patricia Winn Slayton ’53 Roland F. Galarneau ’67 Emily N. Grier ’06 Ruth Berry Dodge ’39 November 6, 2015 May 10, 2006 January 13, 2016 hockey for the Owls, and the wedding attracted a number of Keene December 8, 2015 State athletes. Pictured are, from left: front row, Steph Georgivits Gladys Clark Whiting ’53 Raymond J. Raudonis ’67 Svetlana V. Knorr ’06 Howard Kimball ’39 Johnson ’07 Kerry Gilmore Momnie ’05, Eric February 3, 2016 November 24, 2015 December 8, 2015 (field hockey, 07), December 26, 2013 Momnie ’05 (lacrosse), Bill Treadway, Nichole Treadway, John Joy Johnson Falkenham ’54 A. Carol Shelley ’73 Marcus Harmon ’08 Gertrude Clark Putnam ’40 Jacqueline Rossbotham ’07 married Robert Dziedzic ’07 on June Maryanski ’05 (baseball), Amanda Rosenbeck ’07 (field hockey), February 24, 2016 November 18, 2015 December 5, 2015 November 18, 2015 6, 2015. Now living in Connecticut, the two were married at a yacht Kristen Zaluki Olsen ’06 (field hockey); second row, Matt Johnson Virginia McLavey Taylor ’55 Michael D. Sullivan ’75 Joanne C. Sullivan M’09 club in Jacqueline’s home town on Long Island. Picture from left ’08 (lacrosse), Rob Parker ’06, Mac Tiani ’98 (baseball), Beth Robert L. Johnson ’42 January 10, 2016 February 2, 2016 December 5, 2015 May 5, 2013 are Christopher Kurban ’07, Dan Trujillo ’08, Tony Simoes ’08, Davis ’09, Sarah Newman Dunholter ’09 Dayan Thurston ’07, Marjorie Sherman Pyle ’56 Suzanne Chase White Sean Steele ’13 Robert Dziedzic, Jacqueline Rossbotham Dziedzic, Brandon Nick Bejeaud ’04 (baseball), Justin Cox ’05 (baseball), Ruth Callender Lee ’42 February 16, 2016 Hedgecock ’76 January 7, 2016 February 5, 2015 Segreve ’07, Tyson Englehardt ’09, Colman Kelleher ’08, Eric Corey Bell ’06 (baseball), Amanda Bell ’06 (softball); back row, William L. Brackett ’57 October 22, 2015 Ineson ’10, Ariana Smith ’09, Cory Smith ’09, Andrew Belzer ’07. Liz Watson ’07, Pat Austin ’05 (baseball, 05), Christine Aherne Christine Janetos McLain ’43 January 19, 2016 Karin E. Jones ’76 * Deaths reported as of ’07, Michelle Tiani ’03 (field hockey), Matt Wood ’08. In February 25, 2016 December 10, 2015 55 Davidson Hill Rd. Chappaqua, NY 10514 Roger A. Frechette ’57 of March 11, 2016 attendance but not pictured were Matt Orzulak ’05 (baseball) Ruth Avery Briggs ’44 Westminster, VT 05158 [email protected] November 12, 2015 and Lauren Hannum ’08. December 3, 2015 angela_watson7579@yahoo. com 2010 Matt Gill Danielle Popyk NEXT CLASS [email protected] 69 Conleys Grove Road Newsline Derry NH 03038 NOTES DEADLINE: 2004 [email protected] Want to know more about your classmates and what’s happening on FALL 2016 Alison (Thompson) Cizowski campus? Check out Newsline (keene.edu/alumni/newsline), our news blog 2011 ISSUE: JUNE 24 101 McLellan Drive, Apt 1007 aimed at alumni and parents. We post news as it comes in, but make sure South San Francisco, CA 94080 TH 5 REUNION WINTER 2016 you’re on the list for the monthly email wrap up. It’s a handy way to keep [email protected] June 10-12, 2016 ISSUE: OCT. 31 2005 abreast of the best from Keene State. Done something outstanding? Know Kelly Payeur another Keene State grad who’s done something newsworthy? Let us Valerie Nettleton 766 Ocean Ave Mail or email to your know! Email [email protected]. 497 Foster St. Portland, ME 04101 class secretary or to [email protected] South Windsor, CT 06074 [email protected] [email protected] 2015 or Alumni Center, Jennifer Cleaveland Santa Fe ’10, who played basketball for 2006 Shannon Daley has been named Keene State College, Keene State, married Angela Santa Fe August 21, 2015, at Zukas Class secretaries wanted! development coordinator for the 229 Main St., Keene 10TH REUNION Hilltop Barn in Spencer, MA. Angela played basketball for Keene Maine Behavioral Health Care NH 03435-2701. Want to connect with your classmates and get the word out about what Keene State grads June 10-12, 2016 Association in Portland. Before State rival University of Southern Maine. Pictured with Jennifer taking the new job this spring, are the Keene State contingent at the wedding, from left: Emily are up to? We have several openings for class secretaries. If you’re a member of one of the Adam Wefers Shannon worked for the Develop- Flewelling ’08, Meghan Farrell ’12, Laura Chandler ’12, Nicole classes listed below and you’re interested in helping out, email Keene State Today editor 154 Sagamore St., Apt. 2 ment Office at Keene State – Simmler ’10, Justine Waage ’11, Lauren Sawyer ’11, Caitlin Manchester, NH 03104 Jane Eklund at [email protected]. where she got her start as a stu- Jamiel ’07, Kristin Degou ’10, Samantha Hemingway ’13, [email protected] dent Phonathon caller. Courtney Cirillo ’12, Meghan Buckley ’12, Chelsea Renni ’12, 1944 1950 1967 2009 2013 2015 2008 Jen Kinney ’09, Chantyl Gable ’13, Liz Zwiebel ’11, Alyssa Sapp 1945 1959 2007 2012 2014 2016 ’10, former assistant coach Ryan Margaitis, former assistant coach Kelly A. Mullane 1946 532 King Street Kate Margaitis, head coach Keith Boucher and his wife Terri.

32 • KEENE STATE TODAY keene.edu SPRING 2016 • 33 229 Main Street Keene NH 03435

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