Vol. 22, No. 3 WiNter 2009 Letter from the President Fifty-five percent of our 2008-2009 incoming freshmen were academically in the top 25 percent of their high school class, which is nearly a 30 percent increase from five years ago. Dear Alumni and Friends: universities in our category and region of the International Special Olympics; surveyed by U.S. News & World Report. we anticipate commemorating that I always enjoy this avenue to reach out Also in 2008 we introduced The College historic event in several special ways. to our devoted alumni and many friends at Brockport shield as the school’s new We also plan on breaking ground for of the College. It’s a great opportunity to logo. The date on the shield — 1835 the 150,000-square-foot Special Events celebrate the past year’s successes while — references the year the Brockport Recreation Center (SERC) during also sharing the College’s plans for the Collegiate Institute first opened its doors. 2009, with a forecasted completion in future. While there were plenty of reasons The torch in the center is borrowed 2011. Another planned capital project to celebrate during 2008, the year ahead from the Prometheus statue which, as is for the full renovation of Thompson promises to be filled with yet more student many of you know, stands vigil over the Residence Hall that will begin in early success. Allen Administration Building. In Greek 2009 and should be completed in 2010. In May, more than 580 graduate and mythology, Prometheus was the patron Soon thereafter, we’ll focus on a much approximately 1,500 undergraduate of human civilization and is credited needed new academic building. A class students, and their families, braved with bringing the flame of knowledge to of students is even actively helping us to inclement weather to celebrate the humankind — a very appropriate and gather ideas. Ironically, even in the current College’s commencement ceremony. moving connection to higher education. dismal economic climate, funds are still Commencement Speaker John R. Ryan, I would be remiss if I didn’t temper my forthcoming from the state for bonded CEO of the Center for Creative Leadership enthusiasm somewhat with the very real construction to stimulate the economy. and former Chancellor of the State challenges all State University of New York I wish you could share with me the University of New York and retired Navy campuses are facing with the multiple excitement I see each and every day on the Vice Admiral, encouraged graduates — budget cuts ordered by Governor David Brockport campus. I’ll leave you with good in one of our two ceremonies that day — Paterson. I was very forthright in this thoughts for a healthy and happy 2009, to follow the outstanding attributes responsibility in my annual Convocation and I remain committed to continuing common and crucial to successful leaders. Address to our faculty and staff back in to do all I can to make The College at “Be authentic. Do your job and live your August. The College at Brockport is better Brockport an institution of which you can life without compromising your values positioned than many, due in large part be forever proud. or beliefs. Authenticity can help set you to a philosophy of fiscal prudence and apart,” were his words of wisdom. I also transparent, inclusive budget processes Best wishes, had the privilege of presenting Admiral enacted over many years. These will help us Ryan with an honorary degree on behalf of weather the budget storm — a widespread all of SUNY. storm that looms not only over SUNY and The academic prowess of our students the State of New York, but also our nation continues to shine. Fifty-five percent of and internationally. That being said, I truly John R. Halstead, PhD our 2008-2009 incoming freshmen were believe that all interested parties must see President academically in the top 25 percent of institutions of higher education as a wise their high school class, which is nearly a investment in New York’s future as well as 30 percent increase from five years ago. powerful economic drivers for the state. Additionally, this year’s freshman class While the New York State budget will includes more than 30 students who likely be top of mind for the foreseeable ranked either first or second in their high future, we have much to look forward school class. And, for the third consecutive to in the next year. This year, 2009, year, The College at Brockport has been will be the 30th anniversary of one of ranked in the top half of all colleges and the College’s true legacies: the hosting Kaleidoscope – Annual Report 2007-08 CONTENTS Return on Circulation — 70,000 Executive Editor Investment Michael Andriatch ’85 Managing Editor Virginia Campbell ’89/‘96 2 Photography James Dusen Honoring Graphic Design Cassidy Sam Nicolosi Contributors Darby Knox 3 Alex Matiash ’10 Where are Kaleigh Osborne ’09 They Now? Kelly Vergin ’89 6 Vice President for Advancement and President of the Brockport Foundation Roxanne Johnston Director of Leadership Giving and Alumni Relations Class Notes Michael Andriatch ’85 Director of Development 10 Brad Schreiber ’83 Comprehensive Campaign Coordinator Darby Knox Director of Finance Roll of Donors Karen Diamond Leadership Giving Officer 16 Curtis Hill Associate Director, Finance and Advancement Services John Sapienza ’96 Coordinator of Alumni Relations Betsy Standish ’00 Associate Director of Annual Giving Jamie Beers-Wilson Special Events Coordinator Kim Ehret ’05 Foundation Accountant An evening of ten 10-minute plays Rhonda St. Amant ’02 February 27 – March 1 and Send corrections or changes of address to: March 5 – 7, 2009 Division of Advancement 350 New Campus Drive Thursday – Saturday Evenings Brockport, NY 14420 at 7:30 pm (585) 395-2451 Sunday Matinee at 2 pm [email protected] Tower Fine Arts Center Mainstage 180 Holley Street $12 General/$10 Seniors, Faculty and Staff/$8 Students (585) 395-ARTS To the Editor Greetings Brockport, I have to admit that I always glance at the alumni e-mails but We met at the end of freshman year at Daniel’s fraternity formal never really read them. So, it’s not a surprise that when my recent at Hickory Ridge. And for the next four years we were practically issue of Kaleidoscope came in the mail it ended up in my quote- inseparable. So as you can see, Brockport has been and always will unquote “junk pile.” However, being the Fourth of July and be a big part of my life. enjoying a day off from work, I decided to read it. On July 12, 2008, we tied the knot at Hickory Ridge where Instantly upon flipping through the pages I felt like I was back we first met. I just want to wish Brockport much success in the at Brockport. I remember walking to Hartwell Hall for dance future. Thanks for helping me find my soul mate! classes and eating at Brockway with my sorority sisters (ASA). But most importantly I remember meeting my fiancé, Daniel Sincerely, “Deylah” Aviles ’02. As I got to the section in the Kaleidoscope that lists marriages, I too wanted to be included in the next issue. Karin “Zienna” Freeland (Aviles) ’02 Brockport Athletes Call “Locker Room Meeting” By Bob Rondina ’63 Seven former Golden Eagle athletes had their own reunion 45 years after their time at The College at Brockport. Representing baseball, basketball, and football from the 1960s era, these mostly retired teachers and coaches assembled at one of Brockport’s most “illustrious” establishments to recall their storied pasts. Paul Buntich ’65 reconvened his teammates on a warm, sunny Saturday in September at the historic Higgins’ Recreation Center in downtown Brockport. Jim Dugan ’65 From left: Bob Rondina, Paul Buntich, Gary Skoog, Jim Dugan, Ron Rucker, Bill Nelson and Joe Piscopo traversed the US, coming from his home in California. Dugan was a standout baseball, basketball, football, and hockey player. Ron Rucker ’66 participated in baseball and football before becoming a successful teacher and coach at East Rochester. Bob Rondina ’63 played basketball and captained the 1963 baseball squad that completed a 16-2 season. Joe Piscopo ’70 and Gary Skoog ’68 both anchored the line on the gridiron during their tenure at Brockport. Buntich, who was a three-year starter, teamed with Bill Nelson ’65 as mainstays on the hardwood. Nelson has been a highly successful basketball coach at RIT, Nazareth and Johns Hopkins University, where he is nearing 500 career victories. At the team meeting that day, it was surprising how talk of the athletes’ Golden Eagle accomplishments became more legendary as the day wore on into early evening. However, all were in complete agreement that their years at The College at Brockport were among the best of their lives. The professors, coaches and friends they met and worked with prepared them well for their professional careers and will never be forgotten. They talked about how lucky they have been to stay healthy, have wonderful families, and recall the memories of a happy and simpler time in that small paradise that was home for four years. “We are all proud to be Golden Eagles forever. Thank you, Brockport!!” 1 Return on Investment: Lifetime Partnership Begun at Brockport Leads to Business Department Scholarship communication. Sickels is a senior from we spoke, she was looking forward to a Spencerport, NY, who is majoring in November 23 competition in Tempe, AZ. finance. Ironman triathlons consist of a 2.4 mile “This award means so much to swim, a 112-mile bike ride, followed by a me. Seeing that alumni are willing to 26.2 mile run.