spring 2008 suny cobleskill magazine

SUMMER 2008

A Magazine for Alumni, Friends & Family of the State University of New York at Cobleskill

SUNY Cobleskill Alumni Association Board

Michael Wacksman `95 - PresidentKathy Pollay `66 - Vice President

Penny Heritage `84 - SecretaryNancy Becker `77 - Treasurer

Rob Barr `97 - AdvisorDarrin Lyons `87 - Advisor

Jennifer Walrath `97 - Advisor

Dawn Schell `87 Tammy Graves `95Maureen Viel `70 Tim Green `89Adam Mack `06 Sheila Cervera `77Shane Jacques `07 Betsy Jensen `08Pete Lopez `81 Jennifer Regelski-Rotman `97

Letter From the President

Thirty-five years ago, I climbed into my Datsun 510 wagon and headed west to California from my native New York. While living throughout the ”Golden State” I never forgot my roots and often thought of returning to bring my university expertise to bear on higher education issues in the “Empire State.” As the new president of the SUNY College of Agriculture & Technology at Cobleskill, I now have that opportunity. And, I’m thrilled to have come to this role at a very exciting time.

The campus is nearing its 100th anniversary amid an ongoing transformation to a baccalaureate culture. From new construction, to new athletic challenges in the NCAA, to our expanded community service, SUNY Cobleskill is poised to attain greater recognition within and beyond the northeastern United States. Our planning for the second century will respect the past while positioning the campus as an innovator in higher education. We expect to give new meaning to the “e-d-u” in www.cobleskill.edu, i.e., efficacious, dynamic and unusual. And over the months ahead, you’ll hear a great deal more about what that means.

I invite you to share with us in preparing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our charter in 2011 and the 100th anniversary of the college opening its doors in 2016, while also considering the futurescape for SUNY Cobleskill. There are many ways for all sorts of our stakeholders to be involved. For more information on how to get involved, send us an e-mail at [email protected].

Cordially,

Donald P. Zingale, Ph.D.President

Director of DevelopmentLois E. Goblet `79

SUNY Cobleskill Foundation BoardExecutive Committee

Michael Breen, Esq. – PresidentSteven Cole ’73 – Vice President

Jeffrey Haslun `74 – SecretaryKaren Santulli – Assistant Secretary

Wanda King `71 – Treasurer

Harald Abrahamsen James Becker Dennis BridaSheila Cervera `77 Sarah Chamberlain Marcia Germain`56 Art Graulich Thomas W. Greenlees Steve Harris Clifford C. Hay Pete Lopez `81 Richard Norton Kevin G. O’Donnell `73 Frank Popolizio, Jr. Stephen Ramsey Jerry Stacy Phil Trowbridge Michael Wacksman `95 Gerald T. Wright

Photo by Joan Heffl er

Summer 2008

MAGAZINE

Publisher Dr. Donald P. Zingale

Editor Erik Hage

Art Director Holly Cargill-Cramer

Graphic Designer Sona Ahuja

Contributors Kate Birchenough `05 • Becky J. Dostie • Lois E. Goblet `79 • Beverly Romain • Linda Serdy • Karen Speenburgh `99

• Kate Weaver `04

PhotographyOffi ce of Alumni Relations •Sona Ahuja • Kate Birchenough `05 • Holly Cargill-Cramer • Dick Danielsen • JoAnn Ellis • Joan Heffl er • John Oberlander

SUNY Cobleskill Magazine—a joint publication of the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, the Alumni Association of the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill, Inc., and the SUNY Cobleskill Foundation, Inc.—is published twice a year by the Offi ce of Public Relations at State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill.

Contact us at:SUNY Cobleskill MagazineKnapp Hall 201SUNY CobleskillCobleskill, New York 12043

To change mailing information, call the Alumni Office at 518-255-5628, e-mail information to [email protected] or visit www.CobyConnection.org

SUNY Cobleskill is an affi rmative action/equal opportunity institution that subscribes to all federal, state and SUNY legal requirements and does not discriminate against applicants, students or employees on the basis of race, sex, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, or marital or veteran status.

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2 Fighting Tigers Go NCAA

5 Dr. Donald P. Zingale - New Face in Town

DEPARTMENTS

12 Hilltop Happenings

18 Leadership in . . .

22 Cultivating Excellence

24 Hear the Roar

26 Alumni

4 Alum Named to U.S.

Olympic Rowing Team

6 $49M in Capital Funding Driving Us Forward

10 Commencement 2008

8 Real Life . . . Real Learning . . . Real Students

This magazine is printed on FSC Certifi ed paper. SUNY Cobleskill’s initiative towards sustainability.

SUNY Cobleskill Magazine2

Contributors include Mitch Tomaszkiewicz and Heather Rodd `07

The Fighting Tigers GoRecently, SUNY Cobleskill has been going through a number of changes both academically and as an institution. One of the newest campus developments is the transition of the Athletics Department from the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA) to operating under the jurisdiction of the National College Athletics Association (NCAA). This is one of many changes that the college is making in an effort to become a four-year institution.

The difference between NJCAA sports and NCAA sports is that the NCAA is a governing body for four-year colleges and has about 1,000 members, while the NJCAA is a governing body for two-year colleges

and has roughly 500 members. Overall, the NCAA encompasses 19 intercollegiate sports, including basketball, baseball, and lacrosse, and pertains to both men’s and women’s sports.

SUNY Cobleskill will eventually be listed as a Division III college within the NCAA. Division III colleges cover a wide variety of learning institutions, ranging from large colleges, such as Buffalo State, to smaller universities, like Cazenovia. The commonality among these colleges is that all the members of NCAA Division III do not offer students full athletics scholarships, as opposed to NCAA divisions I and II, which have the

opportunity to provide student athletes with full athletic scholarships. By becoming a member of the NCAA, SUNY Cobleskill will no longer play against two-year institutions. “Being a member of the NCAA will open doors for people to play for four years,” said Director of Athletics Kevin McCarthy. The college will only participate in sports activities

• The collegiate model of athletics in which students participate as an avocation, balancing their academic, social and athletics experiences.

• The highest levels of integrity and sportsmanship.

• The pursuit of excellence in both academics and athletics.

• The supporting role that intercollegiate athletics plays in the higher education mission and in enhancing the sense of community and strengthening the identity of member institutions.

• Respect for institutional autonomy and philosophical differences.

• Presidential leadership of intercollegiate athletics at the campus, conference and national levels

• An inclusive culture that fosters equitable participation for student-athletes and career opportunities for coaches and administrators from diverse backgrounds.

The National Collegiate Athletic Associationthrough its member institutions, conferences and national office staff - shares a belief in and commitment to:

Summer 2008

2008 1962

against four-year colleges. Eligible opponents may include SUNY IT and Wells College, located in Aurora.

The process of becoming a full-fledged member of the NCAA is a long one. The entire transition will take approximately five years, and during this time SUNY Cobleskill will be considered on provisional status by the NCAA. This means the college is a member of the NCAA but is unable to partake in post-season play or compete in national championships. This is the period of time when the paperwork and logistics will be hammered out. The entire process will begin officially in the fall of 2008 and is expected to be completed in 2013. After the five-year provisional period is over, SUNY Cobleskill will be able to compete for national rankings and participate in post-season play. When participating in the NCAA, SUNY Cobleskill will operate within the North East Atlantic Conference (NEAC) and starting this upcoming fall will compete against teams within the NEAC.

SUNY Cobleskill will be providing a plethora of opportunities for college athletes attending SUNY Cobleskill in both associate and bachelor’s degrees. Student athletes will be given the opportunity to play sports for four years, as opposed to the past, wherein even if the student is signed into a bachelor’s degree program they can only play a sport for two years. Student athletes are excited about the opportunity and are eager to play other schools within the NCAA.

“I think transitioning into the NCAA will be difficult for some teams, but I think with more practice and new incoming talent, we can really step up to the plate and perform at a standard that would make our college stand out,” says Casey Kelly, a freshman member of the SUNY Cobleskill Women’s Softball team. “We have some pretty good teams at Cobleskill and this transition might give us the push we need to play harder than ever.” Athletic teams are not only beneficial for the college as a whole, but also for individual athletes. Building support systems and relationships with other team members can positively influence a student’s college experience. “You can always go to your coach if you have a problem,” says Kelly. “I have also become really good friends

with the girls on my team.” Athletics have always been an outlet for a student’s energy and a great way to interact with other students in a positive environment. Advancing into the NCAA will expand the possibilities for student athletes to not only grow athletically but build personal relationships that can positively affect their academic performance and overall college experience at SUNY Cobleskill. It is important to think in both a micro and macro perspective, keeping the focus not only on the effect that this transition will have on the perception of SUNY Cobleskill, but also on how the students involved will be directly affected by the upcoming changes.

By being able to market SUNY Cobleskill and the connection between the college and the NCAA, SUNY Cobleskill will become more marketable as a comprehensive institution that provides both academic and athletic opportunities. “As a comprehensive college, it gives us some marketing representation as people draw a parallel between the NCAA and bachelor’s degree colleges,” says McCarthy. Athletics is a key tool when advertising any college and can positively affect the number of incoming freshman. As the college grows within the baccalaureate culture, it is believed that advertising SUNY Cobleskill’s expanding athletics program will be a profound help when recruiting young high school athletes into the SUNY Cobleskill community. “I think [joining the NCAA] will change our image; students may stay longer here at the school. Those that were only gaining their associate’s degree and moving on to four-year colleges may decide to stay here at the college, so that means more students overall,” says McCarthy.

Throughout the various changes that SUNY Cobleskill will go through in the upcoming years, it is important to keep in mind that change is inevitable to success and will greatly influence how prospective students and industry professionals view SUNY Cobleskill. “I think whether it is good or bad, colleges now need to increase enrollment and colleges need to increase revenue, and one way that colleges look to increase student bodies and revenue is though athletics. Athletics is sort of the front porch to a college and can improve a college’s reputation,” says McCarthy.

4 SUNY Cobleskill Magazine

Jennifer Kaido, a 2001 SUNY Cobleskill graduate and Female Athlete of the Year, competed in the 2008 summer Olympics in Beijing, China as a member of the US Rowing Team in the quadruple sculls. The West Leyden native has only been rowing for six years, and faced some of the best rowers in the world in a tough competition.

During the Sunday, August 17 gold medal race the United States came in fifth, falling to the Chinese who earned the gold with a time of 6:16:06. Great Britain took the silver medal and Germany the bronze.

Kaido, a four-time national team member, and teammates Margot Shumway, Lindsay Meyer and Lia Pernell finished second in the quadruple sculls at the 2008 FISA (International Federation of Rowing Associations) World Cup in Lucerne, Switzerland, edging out rowing powerhouses like Great Britain and Germany. The foursome was named to the Olympic team together. The quadruple sculls competition is a four person boat with two oars per sculler - one in each hand.

As a former volleyball and track star at SUNY Cobleskill, where she was named Female Athlete of the Year in 2000-01, Jennifer transferred to Cornell University to earn her bachelor’s degree. She first learned how to row there and made the varsity rowing team her senior year.

“I like team sports and found rowing my senior year in August 2002. I started on the novice team with freshman and learned how to row,” said Kaido. “They moved me to varsity team in the fall and on my first day of practice there was a 30 min ergometer (rowing machine) test where I ended up getting the second best time on the team. From that time on I knew I had found my sport.”

After graduating from Cornell in 2003 Jennifer didn’t want her rowing career to end. Jennifer jumped at the chance when a former teammate called from Connecticut with an invitation to join her and

other rowers training for the 2004 summer Olympics. Kaido realized she had a lot of catching up to do, so those Olympics weren’t in her sight. She spent one year training in Connecticut and eventually moved on to Princeton, NJ to train with the US rowing team, where she has been ever since.

“After watching other athletes compete and seeing them walk around the Athlete Village, I’m finally realizing that I am an Olympian … for life,” said Kaido. “Before I just rowed, it was my ‘job, nothing special. But as I was watching other athletes, I thought they were the coolest thing and I just kept thinking, ‘Wow, they are the best at what they do and they’re competing in the Olympics. That’s cool.’ I am blessed to have had this experience and opportunity.”

Jen Kaido, second from left , and teammates Margot Shumway, Lindsay Meyer and Lia Pernell fi nished second in the quadruple sculls at the 2008 FISA (International Federation of Rowing Associations) World Cup in Lucerne, Switzerland. The foursome was also named to the Olympic team together and will compete in the quadruple sculls in Beĳ ing, China.

5Summer 2008

Dr. Donald P. Zingale THE NEW FACE IN TOWN

The SUNY Board of Trustees appointed Dr. Donald P. Zingale as President of SUNY Cobleskill on Tuesday, January 15. Zingale began serving on May 1.

Since June 2004, Donald P. Zingale, has served as the vice president for academic affairs at The California Maritime Academy, a campus of the California State University that offers bachelor’s degrees in specialized fields such as facilities engineering technology, global studies and maritime affairs, marine engineering technology, and marine transportation. Previously, Dr. Zingale was the founding dean of the College of Health & Human Services at San Francisco State University.

“Dr. Zingale brings an expansive portfolio to SUNY as an administrator, a mentor and a leader,” said Interim Chancellor Dr. John B. Clark. “His leadership at California Maritime Academy as well as his previous experience at universities in California will serve the SUNY System and the Cobleskill campus very well. I would like to thank Chairman Paul Berard and the rest of the search committee for their service and this excellent recommendation.”

Dr. Zingale said, “SUNY Cobleskill is a harmonic convergence of opportunity, including enhanced baccalaureate curricula, a leading edge emphasis on experiential education, and an expansion in sponsored projects activity. I am honored to have been chosen to guide the campus in these endeavors as it approaches its 100th anniversary.”

Interim Chancellor Clark also thanked Dr. Anne Myers, who has been serving as officer in charge at SUNY Cobleskill, since previous president Dr. Thomas Haas left the campus to become president of Grand Valley University in Grand Rapids, MI, in 2006.

Pr ior to nominat ing Dr. Z ingale , Interim Chancellor Clark received three recommended finalists from the College Council, which had enlisted a search committee. The search committee was made up of representatives of the faculty, administration, students and the college council.

While at The California Maritime Academy, Dr. Zingale:

• Served during a time of unprecedented growth in enrollment - well over 40 percent in the last 5 years;

• Oversaw the expansion of academic programs, including business and global studies and maritime affairs;

• Helped lay the groundwork for the school’s first Masters-level program in global supply chain security; and

• Initiated the school’s first academic conference on International Maritime Education – Teaching and Learning in the Maritime Environment.

Previous administrative posts held by Dr. Zingale also include the deanship of California State University, Los Angeles’

College of Health & Human Services and an associate vice presidency for research and graduate studies at California State University, Sacramento, where he was also a faculty member and associate dean in its School of Health & Human Services.

Dr. Zingale’s graduate training included kinesiology and social work. Colleagues say that this diversity has provided him with a unique and effective style of hearing, serving, motivating and guiding groups as well as individuals. Known as a steward leader and advocate for integrated scholarship, Dr. Zingale’s entrepreneurial and proactive approach to academia is widely respected for informing, empowering and engaging faculty and staff in collectively responsible ways.

Dr. Zingale has an M.S.W. in Social Work (Mental Health) from California State University, Sacramento; a Ph.D. in Physical Education from The Ohio State University (Columbus); and an M.S. in Physical Education from the University of Massachusetts (Amherst). A native New Yorker, Dr. Zingale received his B.S. in Physical Education from Brooklyn College.

With the New York state budget recently passed, SUNY Cobleskill received nearly $49 million toward campus projects that will advance its facilities master plan and address critical maintenance at the college. The college received the funding due in large part of the efforts of New York State Senator James Seward (R-Milford) and NYS Assemblymember Pete Lopez (R, C, I-Schoharie).

Of the $49 million, $38.2 million will be used for construction of a new Agriculture, Science and Technology building. Another $3.7 million of the state funding will be used for an environmental science and technology building that will also house a federally funded biowaste-to-bioenergy research project. The new buildings such as the Center for Environmental Science and Technology and the Agricultural Science and Technology will be built to LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental

Design) standards. Another $7 million will be used for critical maintenance, including updating existing infrastructure around the campus.

The Center for Environmental Science and Technology will be located near the existing Dairy Complex and will house cutting-edge research on the conversion of animal and municipal biowaste to clean energy in the forms of gas and liquid. It is hoped that the process will develop new ways to reduce the country’s dependence on petroleum fuels, while addressing waste management issues faced by farmers and local governments. SUNY Cobleskill has received approximately $4 million in federal funding for the research project, which may also produce a means to cut waste costs on military bases while generating electricity and save lives by reducing the need to transport both waste and fuel. The environmental science and

technology building will also include a lab area, classroom space and offices.

The Bio-energy center will help the college take another step toward sustainability by working on groundbreaking research that we hope will supply some of the energy the college requires on a daily basis. It will also provide students with a chance to participate in research about alternative energies in addition to providing first-hand examples of how the new technology can be applied.

A bulk of the capital funding ($38.2 million) is planned for the Agriculture Science and Technology Building. The new building will be located on the current site of the Old Dairy Barn. It will replace several other small buildings, including the existing fishery and meat processing facilities. The 83,000 square-foot Ag-Tech Hub will be home to courses currently offered in Hodder Hall, Animal Husbandry, the Fish Hatchery

in Capital Funding Driving us Forward


Summer 2008

and Meat Processing as well as agriculture-related courses presently taught in the Home Economics building, the Old Gymnasium building and the Fish and Wildlife and Central Maintenance Storage buildings along State Route 7. Also known as the “Ag-Tech Hub,” it will feature greenhouses, a café, a meat processing lab, additional lab space and a student lounge.

With 40 percent of SUNY Cobleskill’s student body studying agriculture, this new centralized location will provide students with even more practical application in their coursework, and a high-tech image for the college. As many of the agricultural buildings are far outdated, this project will breathe new life into the agricultural complex of SUNY Cobleskill.

“A new agricultural science building is long overdue, as our present facilities were constructed 50 years ago for a different set of circumstances that would not have foreseen aquaponics, energy efficient greenhouses, sustainable agriculture, and other new developments in agriculture,” said SUNY Cobleskill Provost Anne Myers. “We will now be better able to prepare our students to meet the challenges of the future.”

Across the campus, critical maintenance and building upgrades will also be conducted. Some of these infrastructure projects include updating heating and campus-wide Internet systems, as well as replacement of underground electrical lines and the installation of emergency blue light phones. The funding is included in a new State University of New York five-year capital plan.

“SUNY Cobleskill is fortunate to be in a community that, because of its size and values, has created the concept of Four Partners: Schoharie County Government, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Farm Bureau as well as the college itself,” continued Myers. “We speak with one voice, and this year those partners spoke loudly and clearly for the facilities needed to educate the next generation of leaders. On top of this, we have unparalleled representation in the legislature in Senator Jim Seward and Assemblyman Peter Lopez, who know the needs of the community — but who also do their homework. We presented a strong case they could believe in and they helped deliver for the future of New York.”

SUNY Cobleskill Provost and Vice President of Academic Aff airs Dr. Anne Myers, at podium, is joined by representatives from the Four Partners in Schoharie County. From left , are, state Sen. James Seward, Dr. Myers, Paul Berard of the College Council, Assemblyman Pete Lopez, Chair of the Board of Supervisors Earl Van Wormer, Department of Planning and Development representative Lee Pratt , Executive Director of the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce Jodie Rutt , and Chair of the Chamber of Commerce Eric Stein.

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Be sure to look for m

ore

informatio

n on future

plans for S

UNY Cobleskill

in our next is

sue!

SUNY Cobleskill Magazine

Three New Alumni Reflect on their SUNY Cobleskill Experience

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The night before I left for college I was so anxious and afraid I considered changing my mind and staying home. College requires a person to take charge of his or her life and use their experiences to paint their own destiny. If anyone had tried to explain this concept to me as I wept into my pillowcase that last night at home, I would have brushed them off and declared they had no idea how I was feeling. But, blessed as I was with a mother who encouraged learning and growth to the fullest extent, I bit the bullet, packed my belongings into our Ford Explorer, and made my way to SUNY Cobleskill. And, it has certainly proved the best choice.

SUNY Cobleskill helped me raise the bar for myself in terms of what I am capable of achieving, and what I have

come to expect from myself. I have learned that life lessons come from experience, not just textbooks and exams. Through involvement in campus activities I have gained a sense of responsibility, confidence, and leadership skills to incorporate into my everyday life.

Being a resident assistant has allowed me to exercise those skills, open up as a person and confirm my self-perception as a capable young woman with much to offer the community as a whole. I can lend a hand to freshmen as apprehensive as I was about starting college and set an example for younger students.

Being actively involved within the community will continue to be a major part of my life.

As editor-in-chief of student newspaper, Coby Cub Reporter, I had the opportunity to share vital information, as well as my views, with the campus and local community. I feel a sense of accomplishment every time an issue of the student newspaper hits campus. With a substantial increase in distribution and interest from students, I feel that I have succeeded in raising campus awareness within the news media. I hope to use the knowledge and skills that I have learned here at SUNY Cobleskill to obtain a career as a news editor. As a Communications major with an eye on a journalism career, I hope the work I continue to produce has an effect on the public.

real life real learning real students

During my senior year in high school it seemed the college application process—the recommendation letters, transcript requests and essays—would never end. Then came the acceptance letters, and what might, for some, have been a difficult decision: where would I spend the next 2-4 years of my life? But once I decided to major in agriculture there was only one choice, in my mind: SUNY Cobleskill.

With both of my sisters SUNY Cobleskill graduates, as well as an uncle and cousin, I knew this family tradition would be continued with me. I saw how great my sisters fit in and heard about all the clubs, great friends and lifelong memories. My time had finally come to make those same memories.

I arrived at SUNY Cobleskill in fall 2006 and quickly became as active in as many clubs as possible. In the past two years I have been a member of Student Government Association, the Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization (PAS), and Orange Key. When not in classes or studying, I have been at club meetings, on trips or helping out on campus in some way.

I served as PAS secretary and traveled to the national conferences in Idaho and Texas. PAS provided many opportunities to focus on

my leadership abilities and complete contests designed to improve interview skills and refine career goals. I have even been chosen as one of the National PAS vice presidents.

I have had wonderful opportunities to challenge myself and broaden my education. An internship at Sap Bush Hollow Farm and livestock classes I have heightened my interest in meat science. I am transferring to Iowa State this fall to study Animal Science-Animal Products. This move halfway across the country to a much larger campus would not have been possible without the support, confidence and education I received at SUNY Cobleskill.

My sisters showed me that your experience at SUNY Cobleskill is successful if you put in the effort. I saw for myself that the more I offered the more I received from faculty, staff, advisors and friends. As I graduate with my associates in agricultural science I am thankful for the amazing opportunities and have my own lifelong memories. Attending SUNY Cobleskill was the best decision I ever made.

Betsey Jensen `08

Heather Rodd `07, `09

Summer 2008

Greg Goutos `07While I received my associate’s degree in landscape development from SUNY Cobleskill in December 2007, it was a journey that took 30 years to complete.

When I graduated from high school in 1978, I wanted to be a landscape architect. My brother, Ted Goutos, graduated from Cobleskill in 1976, so I knew that the college had a reputable landscape program, but I went down a different path and received a B.A. in Economics from Union College.

Over the years working, living and raising a family in the Albany area, I often thought I had missed my true vocation. I always thought I had a good eye for landscape design, and others thought so too. Every house I lived in had acres of property, and I spent every free minute outdoors planting everything imaginable. But, at age 46, it is hard to change career paths, especially when you have a child in college.

Finally, I made a decision to follow my heart and pursue my dream of starting my own landscape business. I left a job as a mid-level manager for American Red Cross, and began taking a few classes in the landscape program at SUNY Cobleskill. I was so impressed as a part-time student that first semester, that I matriculated towards an associate’s degree.

Even as an older returning student, I quickly felt at ease and never felt other students or faculty treated me any differently. I immersed myself in team projects with students the same age as my own son. I went on overnight field trips, used heavy equipment, and spent hours searching for elusive insects for my Entomology collection. I loved every minute of it and found myself grinning half the time as I walked around campus.

I am a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. We supported outreach programs in Schoharie County and contributed to positive events held on campus. I even had the opportunity to play the announcer for a mock “Jeopardy” game we held in Bouck Theater. I was pleasantly surprised to receive an academic merit scholarship and received an academic achievement award for the highest GPA in the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources in December 2007.

My last semester was very special for me. My 20-year-old son Kevin transferred to SUNY Cobleskill to complete his bachelor’s degree in

computer network administration. Kevin moved into Davis Hall and quickly made the transition from a large community college to residing with a roommate in a dorm at a small school. I was sure to keep my distance and to let him feel his way around campus the first month or so, but, like me, Kevin was not an outsider for long.

Kevin is very excited that SUNY Cobleskill requires an internship in his field. He is learning real-life skills as he takes diagnostic achievement tests in his computer labs. Although most of his classes are in Warner and mine were across Route 7, we always kept our weekly appointment to lunch together in Prentice.

My experience at Cobleskill has been so positive that I am now considering the possibility of continuing my education. What started as a couple of courses to better prepare as professional in a new career, turned into a passion for learning itself.

Alumni Association

Sponsor this beautiful old-fashioned 4-faced clock to be erected in the college’s Old Quad.

Visit www.CobyConnection.org

offers this opportunity to participate in our

Old Quad Restoration Project

Kevin Goutos (Left ) with his father and schoolmate, Greg Goutos (Right).


Commencement

Over 30 percent of the graduates at SUNY Cobleskill’s 90th spring commencement on Saturday, May 17 received bachelor’s degrees. The hundreds of graduates, their families and honored guests were addressed by New York State Senator James Seward and witnessed the awarding of an honorary doctorate to former Plug Power CEO Roger Saillant.

Saillant was honored because of his continuing efforts to help the college move toward a more sustainable future. Saillant, who has served on the college’s School of Business Advisory Board has assisted SUNY Cobleskill in laying the groundwork sustainability initiatives, has lectured in classes, and helped to develop “green” course work.

2008

Summer 2008 11

Attn:New Grads

Don’t miss a thing!Register today at

www.CobyConnection.org

Seward has served the 51st senate district since 1986. He has long been a strong friend of the college in the state legislature and played a pivotal role in the college’s receipt of $47 million for capital projects.

Serving as master of ceremonies for his first SUNY Cobleskill commencement, new President Dr. Donald Zingale took the o p p o r t u n i t y, d u r i n g t h e ceremony, to honor Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Anne Myers for her outstanding service as officer-in-charge during the presidential search process.

Provost and Academic Vice President Dr. Anne Myers, honorary degree recipient Dr. Roger Saillant, President Dr. Donald Zingale and keynote speaker NYS Senator James Seward gather at a post commencement reception.


NEWS F

ROM THE SUNY COBLESKILL CAMPUS

HILLTOP HAPPENINGS

SUNY Cobleskill received approval this spring to offer three new bachelor’s degrees. The new Communications in Technology Bachelor of Science is the first bachelor’s degree housed in the college’s School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Two new Bachelor of Technology in Turfgrass Management degrees are the first bachelor’s degrees in turfgrass management registered in New York State. Numerous students have already enrolled in all three programs for the fall 2008 semester.

The new Communications in Technology program will help address a growing need for technical writers, graphic designers, communications and media workers, and marketing and public relations employees in New York’s Tech Valley region. The program is designed to give students a broad background in the communications field. Within that, students can specialize in one of three areas, including graphic design, production, and writing and communicating through interactive media.

Associate Professor of Journalism and Communications Erik Hage said the region has a growing demand for employees who are trained to handle web design, graphic design, writing and other technical assignments. Hage was instrumental in creating the new program and shepherding it through to approval, a process that took nearly four years.

“People in this field are being expected to do more; journalists are expected to film and know how to use a camera, and we are preparing students with those skills,” said Susan Zimmermann, chair of the college’s Department of Humanities, Communication and Graphic Design.

The Bachelor of Technology in Turfgrass Management: Golf Turf Management focuses on the production and maintenance of different specialty grasses for the greens, fairways and tees of golf courses. The Bachelor of Technology in Turfgrass Management: Sports Turf Management focuses on the cultivation and management of specialty grasses for sports fields and recreation areas. According to SUNY Cobleskill Professor of Turfgrass Management Zhongchun “ZJ” Jiang, the fields, once closely related, have diverged into distinct fields with different cultural practices and emphases, and now have separate professional organizations

“SUNY Cobleskill has a tradition of excellence in teaching turfgrass management courses and has produced nationally renowned golf course superintendents and turf managers,” said Jiang. “However, recruitment was often via word of mouth through the industry, and programs were difficult for potential students to identify because of inclusion under Plant Science. These new bachelor’s degrees clearly define the fields, make the programs more identifiable for students, and make admissions marketing to those potential students easier.”

Jiang says the new degree programs include rigorous coursework. “In the [old] Plant Science program with a concentration in Turfgrass Management, it might have been possible for some student to avoid what is really essential coursework, such as Plant Pathology or Weed Identification,” Jiang said. “Under the new requirements for the Bachelors of Technology in Turfgrass Management, such courses are major field requirements.”

NEWEST BACHELOR’S DEGREES INCLUDE BS IN COMMUNICATIONS IN TECHNOLOGY AND STATE’S FIRST

TURFGRASS MANAGEMENT BACHELOR’S

Summer 2008 13

NEW DEAN OF ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT

Jonathan Morrell, the former vice president of student services at Fullerton College in California, has filled the newly created post of dean of enrollment management at SUNY Cobleskill. He began his new duties March 1.

The new position of dean of enrollment management was created in recognition of the cultural and educational changes undergone in SUNY

Cobleskill’s transition to a comprehensive college. SUNY Cobleskill now offers over 20 bachelor’s degrees programs. As the number and diversity of baccalaureate programs have increased, the college profile and recruitment pool have also changed.

“We face a very competitive market, especially as the number of graduates from New York high schools is expected to decrease over the next few years,” said Dr. Anne Myers, vice president of academic affairs. “It is a good time for us to bring in someone with expertise in marketing, recruitment and retention to coordinate our efforts and increase our successes.”

At Fullerton College Morrell helped create a retention program to support African American students, and it subsequently became a statewide program. In his role as dean of enrollment management, Morrell will be working to increase SUNY Cobleskill’s student enrollment.

“SUNY Cobleskill is a unique college that is committed to its students,” said Morrell. “I have a real passion for providing access, support and creating the opportunity for success for students…SUNY Cobleskill seemed like the right environment to do that.”

He brings a wealth of collegiate experience with him. He has also served as dean of student services at Polk Community College in Florida, where he spearheaded enrollment management efforts. During his time there, enrollment increased by 34 percent.

A native of New England, Morrell was also the dean of students, director of student life, and director of career counseling and placement at Vermont Technical College, managing federal work and training programs in Vermont and Maine. Since the training program’s funding was based upon retaining students, Morrell knew he had to reach out, publicize and work with people to make the program a success.

SUNY COBLESKILL WELCOMES STUDENTS

IN NEAR EAST, SOUTH ASIA EXCHANGE SUNY Cobleskill hosted 10 international exchange students during the fall 2007 semester through the Near East, South Asia (NESA) Undergraduate Exchange Program. The participating students were from Morocco, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Yemen, India, Bangladesh and the West Bank.

“I thought we would be alienated,” said exchange student Ambreen Shah of India. “But instead, everyone at SUNY Cobleskill has been very welcoming. The most difficult things to adjust to are the food—and learning the slang!”

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs runs the NESA Undergraduate Exchange. The goal is to increase mutual understanding between young emerging leaders from the United

States and those of the Near East and South Asia.

“This is a brand new State Department program, and we are among the first batch of colleges to be involved,” said SUNY Cobleskill Director of International Programs Dr. Susan Jagendorf.

The program provides full scholarships for non-degree study to outstanding students from abroad. The immersion experience provides opportunities to understand America inside and outside of the classroom and offers Americans the opportunity to learn about the Near East and South Asia.

Najma Al Naamani of Oman said, “My experience here has been totally different

from what I had expected from watching American movies. I expected it to be difficult to find acceptance in America, but I found that what I thought from watching movies was all wrong!”

The students participate in activities that enhance their education, such as providing cultural presentations to others, completing 20 hours of community service and undertaking an internship linked to their field of study.

Front Row (L to R): Nuha Ebrahim, Ambreen Shah, Fiza Noori.Back Row (L to R): Mohamed Hassissi, Nadine Sharanek, Najma Al Naamani, Hashel Al Lamki, Misbah Arif.


HILLTOP HAPPENINGS

CAMPUS FLEET GOING GREEN

While the NYS Commission on Higher Education’s preliminary report and SUNY System’s budget request calls for the “Greening of SUNY,” Cobleskill has already embraced the idea of incorporating sustainable practices into its curriculum and work. That’s evidence by the recent “greening” of the campus vehicle fleet.

The college fleet now includes two hybrid vehicles, three flex-fuel vehicles, and three compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. In addition, the campus’ University Police Department has a brand new Ford Escape Hybrid and an older model CNG vehicle now in its fleet.

In November, the college took delivery on two Toyota Prius gas-electric hybrid vehicles and three flex-fuel Chevrolet Impalas. The flex-fuel vehicles run on either normal gasoline or E-85 fuel. The college has had for some time now three CNG vehicles in its maintenance fleet. Those vehicles run on compressed natural gas and achieve about 200-250 miles from a full tank. Because of the limited availability of that fuel for long range travel, the vehicles have

only recently been used on campus. One of those vehicles has now been made available for short-range local business travel.

“We really like the hybrid vehicles because of the good gas mileage and availability of the fuel,” said Director of Facilities Management Philip Arnold. “We plan to buy, on average, two new alternative energy vehicles each year until the entire fleet is energy efficient.”

SUNY Cobleskill’s University Police Department is about to put its first hybrid on the road, as well. A brand new Ford Escape Hybrid is currently being outfitted with the necessary police radio and safety equipment and is expected to be on the road in about a week. “We’re checking out how the Escape responds to normal patrol use,” said SUNY Cobleskill University Police Chief David Schindler. “We rarely reach speeds over 30 miles per hour within the campus, so the Escape hybrid seems to be perfectly suited for this.”

Schindler said that University Police Department is also expecting to replace all its vehicles over time with alternative fuel and hybrid vehicles.

COLLEGE JOINS RENEWABLE ENERGY DELEGATION IN DCSUNY Cobleskill has joined with a group of organizations and businesses to promote New York State as a prime location for the deployment of renewable energy technology. The NY Loves Clean Tech partnership showcases New York’s ability to lead and innovate in renewable initiatives, including creating workforce development programs specific to the staffing needs of clean tech industries, funding and supporting world class R&D initiatives, and developing facilities to provide leading edge resources for today’s and tomorrow’s brightest minds. The group, coordinated by the Center for Economic Growth, hosted a pavilion at the 2008 Washington D.C. International Renewable Energy Conference in March. The pavilion featured a display on SUNY Cobleskill’s emerging biowaste-to-bioenergy research project. The college also participated with NY Loves Clean Tech at the Power Gen Renewable Energy Conference in Las Vegas from February 19-21. Shown right are members of the delegation, including Paul Tonko, former assemblyman and onetime president of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (third from left), and SUNY Cobleskill Director of Communications and Public Affairs Holly Cargill-Cramer (second from right.)

Summer 2008 15

Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton and Congressman Michael R. McNulty announced in December that the 2008 Omnibus Appropriations Bill passed by the House and Senate this week provides $1.3 million for the continued development of SUNY Cobleskill’s Biowaste-to-Bioenergy Center. The bill has been sent to the President for signature. These funds are in addition to $1.6 million dollars for the project contained in the 2008 Defense Appropriations Bill passed in November and signed into law by the President.

“Developing clean sources of energy is critical for our future and I am proud that SUNY Cobleskill is leading the way. This investment in cutting edge research will only bolster New York’s growing reputation as an innovator in clean energy,” said Senator Clinton.

“Additional funding for development of the SUNY Cobleskill Biowaste-to-Bioenergy Center will allow us to expedite our research of technology that may produce renewable clean energy from agricultural and municipal waste, reduce potential contaminants to our water supply and provide additional revenue for the country’s farms,” said SUNY Cobleskill Provost Dr. Anne Myers.

Last year, Senators Schumer and Clinton and Congressman McNulty obtained $1 million for SUNY Cobleskill within the FY 2007 Defense

Appropriations bill for Phase I of the four-phase project to develop a bio-waste to bio-energy center. This year’s funding will be used to begin Phase II of the project, which will include installation and operation of a prototype, followed by continuous operation of the bio-energy center for one year to study production and operating procedures.

“These funds will go a long way in ensuring that SUNY Cobleskill remains at the forefront of environmental innovation,” said Senator Schumer. “The sky-high heating bills we’re all getting slammed with this winter are a constant reminder that we need to get serious about our search for alternative energy solutions. Researching a process that could convert organic waste into clean energy is not only smart—it’s become essential.”

Congressman McNulty said, “The $1.3 million designated for SUNY Cobleskill in the Omnibus Appropriations bill, coupled with the 1.6 million which we previously secured in the recently enacted Defense Appropriations bill, will allow them to begin the second phase in a project that is making significant strides in the development of alternative energy technology. At a time when high energy costs are an enormous burden for many Americans, I am thrilled that SUNY Cobleskill is at the forefront of efforts to find alternative energy solutions.”

$1.3 MILLION FOR BIOENERGY CENTER AT SUNY COBLESKILL

HILLTOP HAPPENINGS

Sally Bennett (center), retired college book store manager and widow of Frederic R. Bennett, joins (l-r) Cobleskill Auxiliary Services (CAS) Executive Director Jerry Stacey, Assemblyman Peter Lopez ̀ 74, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Anne Myers and CAS Marketing Director Jason Stratton for a ceremonial ribbon cutting celebrating the Grand Re-Opening of the Ski Lodge at the Frederic R. Bennett Recreation Center at SUNY Cobleskill. Long used for athletic and educational activities by college students, the center reopened to the public for winter sports on Saturdays and Sundays this winter. The facility is named for the late Frederic R. Bennett, who was chair of Physical Education and the director of athletics at SUNY Cobleskill from 1960 to 1985. He was instrumental in acquiring the property for the college and in construction of the Ski Lodge, which was completed in 1968.

BENNETT CUTS RIBBON AT SKI LODGE RE-OPENING


HILLTOP HAPPENINGS

Ch-Ch-ChCh-Ch-ChChanges

BRINGING HISTORY AND ART TO LIFE

SUNY Cobleskill launched “Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes: a retrospective in lecture and the arts” this year. The cultural arts series revolves, primarily, around providing entertaining opportunities to examine historical events of the second half of the 20th century and those events now shape our cultural perspective. The series also partnered with Tri-County Arts Council in bringing the Ellen Sinapoli Dance Theater to campus. The 2008-09 series kicks off October 2, 2008 with Gloria Steinem.

October 25, 2007

Minnijean Brown TrickeyMinnijean Brown Trickey

A member of the “The Litt le Rock Nine,” the fi rst to integrate Central High School in Litt le Rock, Arkansas 50 years ago, Brown Trickey is committ ed to peacemaking, environmental issues, youth leadership development, cross-cultural communication and gender and social justice advocacy.

March 24, 2008

Jeff ChangJeff ChangThe journalist and author of Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop : The Defi nitive History of The Hip-Hop Generation, uses hip-hop as a window through which to explore the cultural, social and political history of late 20th Century America.

April 24, 2008

Adam WerbachAdam WerbachThe founder and CEO of Act Now was the youngest ever president of was the Sierra Club. By 2004, Adam had become critical of the pace of change of the environmental movement and delivered the controversial speech “Is Environmentalism Dead?” Today, he travels frequently to fi ght batt les on behalf of our threatened common assets.

December 4, 2007

Lenelle MoiseLenelle Moise

The nationally-acclaimed slam poet and performance artist with her one-woman show, “Womb Words, Thirsting,” a “mixing a brew of womanist jazz, queer theory, hip hop and movement in which she addresses biculturalism and the intersection of race, class, gender and resistance.

April 26, 2008

Ellen Sinapoli Dance CompanyEllen Sinapoli Dance CompanyThe resident company of New York State’s “Egg, presents the uniquely American art form of contemporary modern dance interpreted through the work of choreographer Ellen Sinopoli. This performance was supported by the NYS DanceForce with funding from the New York State Council on the Arts Dance Program and Altria Group, Inc.

http://cobyweb.cobleskill.edu/changes

17Summer 2008

HILLTOP HAPPENINGS

AG. BUSINESS STUDENTS TOUR ENGLAND, IRELAND

After spring commencement 42 students headed overseas for a seminar class where they learned about the global agriculture market in England and Ireland, emphasizing what they had learned in agricultural business classes with associate agricultural business professors Tim Moore and Dayton Maxwell, and adjunct professor Dottie Wilcox. In addition to learning about agribusiness in a foreign country and earning two course credits, students were also able to enjoy the culture and explore the sights. The students traveled to Writtle College in Chelmsford, England, toured one of the largest agricultural machinery dealers in Europe, explored London and visited Goldcrop, Ltd., stopped at the Jameson Distillery and toured an Irish dairy farm. They also had an opportunity to learn about Teagasc Advisory services (similar to our Cooperative Extension) and the Cork Chamber of Commerce, and visited the Blarney Stone, the Ring of Kerry, the Rock of Cashel and Kilkenny Castle. The last stop on the tour was Irish National Stud, home of Ireland’s best thoroughbreds.

SUNY Cobleskill students toured England and Ireland for an Ag. Business class. The 42 students are pictured here with associate professor’s Tim Moore and Dayton Maxwell and adjunct professor Dott ie Wilcox, at Tim O’Leary’s pasture-based, seasonal dairy farm in County Cork in southern Ireland.

GOING GLOBAL!WILDLIFE STUDENTS TRAVEL TO ARIZONA

Five SUNY Cobleskill students and Professor Kevin Berner `76 traveled to Arizona last fall for the annual meeting of The Wildlife Society (WLS). The national meeting—attended by over 1500 wildlife biologists, researchers and students—was held in Tucson. Like the 143 SUNY Cobleskill students who have participated in past WLS trips, they also explored surrounding areas.

The annual meeting provides opportunities to network with professionals and other students. “Hearing grad students and professionals gave me an idea of what to expect for my future in this field,” said Kate VanDerzee `08. “This experience broadened my ideas about what’s out there for careers in the wildlife arena, from the USDA to US Geological Survey.”

Left to right: Students Joe Hoyt, Willie Thompson, Kate VanDerzee and Rich Stanton during their adventures in the west.

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROFESSORS TRAVEL TO RUSSIADr. Sandra Malcolm and Dr. Gail Wentworth of SUNY Cobleskill’s Early Childhood Department traveled to Tula State University (TSU) in Russia to present information about current trends in American early childhood education.

They discussed with Russian counterparts the importantance of early childhood care and its impact on children. They toured schools and community organizations to learn about the societal differences and learning standards to develop opportunities for cross-cultural programs with TSU and Tolstoy Pedagogical University in Russia.

The experience will help create opportunities for SUNY Cobleskill students to study or complete internship abroad.

During the week-long visit to Russia, the professors also hope their experience will influence early education practices in Russia and New York through shared knowledge and research.

The two women have been studying early childhood issues on a broad scale for several years and this trip to Russia would continue their research. Last year the pair presented to early childhood teachers in the Caribbean.


Leadershipin ACADEMICS

Swasey Awarded Hahn Memorial ScholarshipJon Swasey of Syracuse, a second year associate degree student in turfgrass management and president of SUNY Cobleskill’s Turf Club, received the $1,000 Hahn Memorial Scholarship in recognition of his service and desire to become a contributing member of the turfgrass profession in the Northeast. The scholarship is supported by friends and family of Peter and Matt Hahn.

Truax Receives Keating Scholarship

Three Receive DorwinHamm ScholarshipTom Koepf, Dan Stich and Richard Stanton each received a $250 Dorwin Hamm Scholarship from the Schoharie County Conservation Association for their efforts in wildlife conservation. The Dorwin Hamm Scholarship is in honor of the active sportsman and SCCA member who was killed in a farm accident. Students apply for the scholarships based on field projects they are conducting as part of their studies. They must complete an application and interview and give a presentation about their project during an SCCA meeting. Tom Koepf of Arcade conducted an independent project in Wildlife Management working cooperatively with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and SUNY College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry. Dan Stich of Scotia studied the movements of walleyed pike in Otsego Lake by capturing and surgically implanting sonic devices in several of the fish. Richard Stanton of Yorkshire categorized the wildlife habitats on the Cobleskill Stone Products property near the Cave House Museum of Mining and Geology into several broad types.

Students Receive Diversity ScholarshipsEight SUNY Cobleskill students were honored with $775 SUNY Empire State Diversity Honors Scholarships that provide direct aid to undergraduate students who have demonstrated high academic achievement, have overcome a disadvantage, and contributed to the diversity of the student body. Recipients were: Alicia Marie Kloczko of Schoharie, who is working toward her bachelor’s degree in wildlife management; Michael Matonis of Howes Cave, who is studying computer information and network administration; Jenny Murtaugh of Schenectady, who is working on her bachelor’s in wildlife management; Erin Myhre of Greenville, who is an agricultural business management student; David Porter of Canajoharie, who is studying social sciences; Richard Stanton Jr. of Yorkshire, who is working toward a degree in wildlife management; Nixida Hernandez of the Bronx, who is studying liberal arts and sciences and dreams of being a physician; and Ioni Reyes of Cobleskill, who is studying liberal arts and sciences.

Justin Truax of Broadalbin/Amsterdam was awarded the first $2,000 Dr. E. Gregory Keating Memorial Scholarship. Truax, a health sciences student, demonstrated the utmost desire for practicing rural medicine upon completion of his education and has been accepted to the SUNY Cobleskill/

Upstate Medical University Early Medical School Assurance program. In honor of Keating, SUNY Cobleskill founded the scholarship for students from rural New York communities who wish to pursue a career as a physician in a rural community.

Cronin Named our second Fulbright Senior ScholarSUNY Cobleskill Associate Professor Dr. Thomas Cronin was recently named a Senior Fulbright Scholar through the Fulbright Scholar Program and will travel to Turkey in September. Cronin, one of only two SUNY Cobleskill professors to be named a Fulbright Senior Scholar, will spend nine months teaching and conducting research at Ataturk University in Erzurum, Turkey.

“The Fulbright program is very competitive and very difficult to get,” said SUNY Cobleskill Distinguished Teaching Professor Dr. Michael

Murphy, himself a Fulbright Senior Scholar alumnus. “This recognition speaks very highly of Tom and of SUNY Cobleskill.”

During his time at Ataturk University, Cronin will continue his research into peer instruction techniques and will share his knowledge with graduate students, in addition to teaching some physics and science courses. He may also contribute to the research of Dr. Mehmet Ertugral, dean of Ataturk University’s graduate school, consisting of nanotubes or superconductivity.

Summer 2008 19

Leadershipin SERVICE

Chancellor Recognizes Two

Megan Holstead of Laurens and Douglas Kabat of Jaffrey, NH were among 275 college students from throughout New York honored by SUNY Interim Chancellor Dr. John B. Clark with the 2008 Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. The award recognizes students who have best demonstrated the integration of academic excellence with accomplishments in the areas of leadership, athletics, community service, creative and performing arts or career achievement. The average grade point average for all recipients this year is 3.75.

You Get More Out of SUNY Cobleskill!SUNY Cobleskill topped the Red Cross blood drive chart, beating out all other SUNY schools for the academic year. The college showed the highest increase in units donated, as well as the highest percentage of the students who donate. SUNY Cobleskill drives collected 531 units of blood with 21 percent of the student body donating. This year because SUNY Cobleskill showed the greatest increase in units donated and the highest percentage of the student body donating, the Red Cross gave a $2,000 scholarship to Andrianna Lyons, an enthusiastic volunteer on campus.

New Offi cers Lead SGA

Caro-Anne Van Zyl of Wndoek, Namibia in Africa was elected to serve as president of the SUNY Cobleskill Student Government Association for the 2008-09 academic year. Wendhoek is an Animal Science student and resident assistant who has been active in many campus clubs and activities. Serving as vice president will be Sarah Chamberlain of Adams, an Agricultural Business Student who is also an RA and Orange Key Society member. Kalen Mason of Albany, VT will serve as secretary. Mason is a Wildlife Management student who has served in FFA state office for two years. Josh Dineen of Canisteo, an Information Technology student, will be the new treasurer. Amanda Hill, a Agricultural Business student from Moosup, CT was elected director of public relations.

Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges

David Coburn of Buckland, MAAmanda Czesak of Chaff eeBenjamin Fox of HobartWilliam Hamilton of CobleskillKenneth Holderied of Bridgewater, NJKarinna Kelly of Dover PlainsAlicia Marie Kloczko of SchoharieBethany Kralovic of Ballston LakeKatrina Lampkin of AmsterdamRebecca Myerson of South WalpolePeter Nichols of Cobleskill Laura Nye of North BabylonChristopher Powers of RyeBilly Rodriguez of New York CityGerald Villarreal of LawrenceNicole Vogt of CobleskillJobe Walker of JamaicaHanna Zett erstrand-Robinson of Stanfordville

Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges

Cory Allen of CobleskillReem Alaliewie of CarlisleGavin Bowlin of SchenectadyAshley Blain of Bradenton, FLValerie Brock of MiddletownAndrew Decker of SpencerportCarney Harper of MilfordMegan Holstead of LaurensBetsy Jensen of Penn YanChristine LaGrott a of ThornwoodDavid Porter of NewburghMallory Mackey of TullyKelly Macan of CobleskillLaura Nix of Waltham, MALaura Scheper of GreenvilleThomas Verhagen of RochesterKiera Vallone of Uniondale

Who Made Who’s Who?Students chosen for listing in Who’s Who are honored for their academic achievement, service to the college community, student leadership, citizenship and involvement in extracurricular activities. Members of the campus faculty and staff nominated students for this prestigious national honor. The students join an elite group from more than 2,300 institutions of higher education in all 50 states and several foreign nations.

Two Recognized by Honor SocietyLaura Scheper of Greenville and Tracey Jennings of Cairo were recognized by Phi Theta Kappa in Scheper was named to the first team and Jennings was named to third team of the Phi Theta Kappa 2008 All-New York Academic Team. The purpose of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students.


Leadershipin PROFESSIONSSUNY Cobleskill brought home top prize from the first Wildlife Society NYS Quiz Bowl, held in conjunction with the annual meeting of the New York State Chapter of The Wildlife Society. The team was awarded a large moose antler that now becomes the traveling trophy for the new state-level competition modeled after the contest held at the national meeting each

year. Team members were Richard Staton of Buffalo, David Johns of Marcellus, Bettina Scherer of Kingston and Jenny Murtaugh of Schenectady. According to Professor Kevin Berner the SUNY Cobleskill team was the winner of the very first national Wildlife Quiz Bowl in 1998 and the college is the only one in the country to have competed in every annual competition since then.

Team Tops 1st State Wildlife Quiz Bowl

Students Excel at PAS Career DevelopmentSeveral students placed in career development contests at the 2008 National Postsecondary Agricultural Students (PAS) Conference. Sara Scheeren of Greenwich was first place national winner in Career Planning in horticulture. Nichole Gretta of Ivoryton, Conn. placed third in Agricultural Equipment. In the employment interview contest Lynsey Jensen of Prattsburgh placed second in animal health, Lea Schlenker of Greenville came in second in crop production and Ryan Clark of Argyle placed third in dairy production. In Floriculture, Jessica Greenfield of Schenectady came in third place and placed second in the Career Progress, Horticulture contest. For Agricultural Sales, Dan Young of Truxton took third place, and Aaron Schrader of Romulus and Nicholas Stanton of Feura Bush were members of the third place Agricultural Machinery Technician team.

Berner Serves as Keynote at Missouri Bluebird MeetingAssociate Professor of Fisheries and Wildlife Kevin Berner served as keynote speaker at the Second Annual Missouri Bluebird Society Meeting in October. Attendees came from Missouri, Nebraska, and Illinois to hear Mr. Berner present his research on comparing various bluebird nest box designs and strategies for reducing predation at bluebird nest boxes. Berner, a certified wildlife biologist, spent 12 years as the research chairman for the North American Bluebird Society.

St. Pierre Places 3rd at National Horse ShowSUNY Cobleskill Animal Science student Tatum St. Pierre placed third overall at the 2008 Intercollegiate Horse Show Association’s (IHSA) National Championship Show at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. St. Pierre competed against the 12 best western riders in the nation in the Advanced Western Horsemanship competition. Throughout the year she competed at various events at the local level, where she earned points to qualify for competition at the regional level. Because St. Pierre was reserve champion at the semi-finals in Amarillo, Texas, she was able to move on to nationals.

21Summer 2008

College Cooks Up First Prize in National

Blueberry ContestFirst prize in the “Chase the Winter Blues Blueberry Contest” sponsored by the National Association of College and University Food Services went to SUNY Cobleskill’s Cobleskill Auxiliary Services Inc. (CAS) in the category of colleges and universities with 8,000 students or fewer. The week-long culinary competition showcased the healthy fruit in more than 27 dishes and included everything from the traditional (blueberry pancakes) to the bizarre (blueberry pizza and blueberry ketchup). Students were provide blueberry fun facts and the blueberry bash culminated with a “Taste of the Blues” theme dinner featuring blue activities ranging from, find the blue object in a pie of blue whipped cream, to Totally Blue Twister, to a prize for the student who wore the most blue.

Tops at Turf BowlSUNY Cobleskill students took home 1st place honors in the 4-year schools and both 2nd and 3rd place in the 2-year schools contest in the Turf Bowl at the New York State Turfgrass Association (NYSTA) Empire State Green Industry Show. The Turf Bowl tests students’ knowledge of turfgrass, pests and insects, and diseases. SUNY Cobleskill’s 4-year turf bowl team included Kyle Elliott of North Attleboro, MA, Josh Solon of Rome, Jonathan Semmig of Massapequa Park, and Jonathan Ulmer of Schenectady.

Members of 2nd place 2-year team were Adam Van Brocklin of Lowville, Jon Swasey of Baldwinsville, Aaron Madison of Burnt Hills, and Martin Ward of Schenectady won 2nd place. Third place 2-year team members were Collins Webber of Walpole, MA, Michael Frasher of Watertown, Steve Stedman of Sauquoit, and Michael Imobersteg of New Hartford.

Team Places 2nd at World Dairy Expo

Two dairy judging teams from SUNY Cobleskill placed second and seventh overall in the 19th International Post-Secondary Judging contest at the World Dairy Expo held October 2-6 in Madison, WI. Fifteen teams competed, and only four points separated the top two teams. Reid Lundy of Granville, Maureen Phelon of Westfield, MA, Mark Skeels of Bliss, and Eric Bogardus of Schoharie - SUNY Cobleskill’s Team A - placed second overall and first in the reasons portion of the contest.

Twelve Retire from College Service

Twelve long-time employees of SUNY Cobleskill retired during the 2007-08 academic year. Retirees were honored at a reception this spring. Pictured above are (L to R) Electronic Equipment Mechanic Carl Walther, Professor of Agricultural Business Dr. John Shear, Professor of Early Childhood Rebecca Reid, and Professor of Natural Sciences Dr. Joseph Sprague.

Also retiring were Carpenter Roger Lockwood, Assistant Professor of Business Duane Miller, Culinary Instructor Robert Miller, SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Biology Dr. Michael Murphy, Principal Clerk Barbara Raymond, Cleaner Jonnie-Jo Rolfe, Calculations Clerk Joan Rose, and Keyboard Specialist 2 Kathleen Zuefle.


Cultivating ExcellencePhilanthropy & Development News

22

Nancy Van Deusen and Sandy MacKay of Cobleskill have established and endowed a new scholarship at SUNY Cobleskill. The Van Deusen/MacKay Scholarship will be awarded annually to a student in their third or fourth year of work on a bachelor’s degree who has demonstrated a strong interest in sustainable agriculture. The student must have achieved a minimum 3.0 grade point average, and preference will be given to students, Schoharie County residents and non-traditional aged students.

Nancy Van Deusen is a lifelong Cobleskill resident who has worked at SUNY Cobleskill for more than 25 years. While she and her husband, Sandy MacKay, have talked for some time about establishing a scholarship, Van Deusen said recent appeals by SUNY Cobleskill Provost and VP for Academic Affairs Anne Myers “struck a chord” and prompted them to act now. “We value education and SUNY Cobleskill as a vital part of the community in which we live and work,” said Van Deusen. “We hope this scholarship can help someone attend SUNY Cobleskill and, maybe, even provide leadership in sustainable practice.”

Van Deusen’s undergraduate studies in general science and geology and minor in environmental studies demonstrated a long standing interest in the environment, and she has long been involved with promoting sustainable practice in both business and curricula at SUNY Cobleskill. “I think global warming will shape our future with respect to how we live and even how we survive,” said Van Deusen. “Recent news stories of recalls and threats to the food supply suggest there needs to be a change in the way we think of our food. Sandy and I believe we, as a society, need to change how we view the whole agricultural system, and that education is key to that change. Two of our children are working in sustainable

agricultural endeavors, so it seemed a natural focus for us for this scholarship.”

Van Deusen and MacKay specifically targeted their annual scholarship to an upper level Schoharie County student at SUNY Cobleskill with the belief that upper level students have had the opportunity to gain clearer focus on their intended career and issues about which they truly care. “We also recognize that it is sometimes harder for a non-traditional student to have the ability to go to college,” said Van Deusen. “We would like to encourage the type of vibrant community where young people can stay to live and work, while keeping the rural nature of the county. The scholarship may help in some small way.”

A $10,000 donation by Van Deusen and MacKay endowed the new scholarship. That principal will be invested by SUNY Cobleskill Foundation. Each year, a scholarship will be awarded from the proceeds of those investments, and any remaining proceeds will help the endowment grow.

Van Deusen/MacKay Scholarship to Recognize Students with “Passion”

for Sustainable Agriculture

First Annual Nevins’ Golf Tournament

Lacrosse and wrestling alumni gathered in Syracuse to enjoy a day of golfing with Pat and Stan Nevins. The event proceeds supported the Nevins’ Endowment. The day was full of stories and athletic memories, ending with a wonderful dinner at Grimaldi’s.

Summer 2008 23

Cows for a CauseIt was a perfect day for an auction, albeit a bit cloudy.

Later in the day the sun peaked out and warmed the early spring afternoon as SUNY Cobleskill Dairy Cattle Club (DCC) members led cows to and from the auction tent. Students in their show whites were handed the cows just before taking each into the ring for anxious farmers to buy. Inside the tent dairy farmers from across New York kept their sale programs close and their eyes fixed on auctioneer Dave Rama of the Cattle Exchange as the wind whipped across the top of the hill. Other students manned the barn, cleaning up after the cows, washing them and milking them, since the Holsteins would have long rides to their new homes. Still more students huddled around grills cooking hamburgers and hotdogs, brewing coffee and feeding hungry buyers.

All this to raise money for scholarships.

The annual SUNY Cobleskill Dairy Fashions Sale has been held for 27 years to raise money for Dairy Cattle Club Scholarships. The sale, started in 1981 and inspired by a calf sale held by the Holland-Patent FFA Chapter, has grossed more than $2.2 million and contributed more than $110,000 in scholarships.

This year alumni teamed up with the ambitious 50-member club to also raise monies for the Kristen Peck Memorial Scholarship. The Friends of the Kristen Peck Memorial Scholarship Committee recently charged alumni who graduated in 1983-86 to help boost the fund in time for the Class of 1984’s 25th reunion.

“By last summer, the balance [of the scholarship] was at $12,000 which afforded one $500 scholarship annually,” said Penny Heritage ’84, chair of the Friends committee. “Together [the Friends Committee] set a goal to reach $25,000 by their 25th class reunion in 2009.”

Since then mailings to classes, news articles and tireless efforts led the committee to work with the consistently successful DCC sale and raise more money for the club and both scholarships.

Before the sale started, things got off on the right foot when Rama and Heritage thanked Jeffrey and Dawn Shart of Greenwich for their $5,000 donation to the Peck Scholarship.

Prior to the sale SUNY Cobleskill alumni planned a re-donate syndicate to up the price of the cow and raise money for the Peck Scholarship. Altogether, eleven families pooled their money and reached $4,300. The families are from all over New York and include Dave and Sue Thompson of Ithaca, Dave and Merry Rama of Delhi, Brad and Ruth Pederson of Delhi, Jeff King of Schuylerville, Kevin and

Carrie Peck of Schuylerville, Tom and Joanne Kugler of Valley Falls, Dave and LuAnn King of Madrid, Larry and Sally King of Saratoga Springs, Dr. Ronald ‘91 and Cheryl ’91 Thomas of Warner Robins, Ga., Bill and Penny Cook of Aurora, and Beth Keene of Morrisville.

The highest selling heifer, lot number one, consigned by Bill ‘74 and Regina ‘75 Lundy of Luncrest Holsteins in Granville, brought in $12,000, of which $900 was donated to the Peck Scholarship. Lot number 5, donated by Peter Dueppengeisser ’84 of Ransom Rail Farm in Perry, raised $6,600. Lot 10, donated by the Peck family was purchased for $4,300 and then re-donated and sold for $3,500. Lot 41, donated by John Dickinson, made another $1,415. In addition to the animals, $500 was raised at the silent auction organized by the Friends Committee, adding $22,425 in the Peck scholarship fund.

The positive energy carried throughout the rest of the auction as people continued to support the Dairy Cattle Club scholarships, and raised about $4,000. The DCC scholarship is awarded each year to an incoming student interested in the dairy industry. Consignors pay a commission to have their animals sold during the annual DCC sale and, while the bulk of the money goes toward the many expenses of the sale including advertising, the auctioneer, sale catalogs and supplies, the remainder goes into the scholarship pot. Each year the club has given between $4,000 and $5,000 for Foundation scholarships, and throughout the 27 year sale history nearly $100,000 in scholarship money has been awarded.

“It was our most successful sale in the 27 year history,” said John Tryon ‘73, DCC club advisor and professor. “And to top it off we assisted in doubling the contributions to the Kristen Peck Memorial Scholarship Fund. “Many thanks to all the buyers and consignors who supported the sale, and special thanks to the Cattle Exchange, the sale staff and particularly to the students who have worked so hard pulling the sale together over the last six months.”


SWIMMING & DIVING

The Fighting Tiger women’s swimming and diving team posted another successful campaign as the SUNY Cobleskill women placed fifth at the 2008 NJCAA Region III Championship meet and brought home a sixth place finish from the 2008 NJCAA Northeastern District Championships.

Senior Megan Holstead of Laurens qualif ied for the 2008 NJCAA National Championships bringing home a pair of NJCAA Coaches Association All-American Awards in the by placing twelfth in the 1,650 Meter Freestyle and twelfth in the 100 Meter Breaststroke.

Led by Holstead the Orange & Black women’s team placed thirteenth overall for the championships.

SOFTBALL

In a season that featured numerous contests lost to the weather the Fighting Tigers closed the year with a 7-11 overall record including a 6-6 record in Mountain Valley Conference action. This marked the first time in five seasons that the team recorded a .500 winning percentage in conference play. Freshman pitcher Sheri Boardman of Sheffield, MA was named the team’s Most Valuable player for her work on the mound and in the batter’s box during the season.

MEN’S TENNIS

The Fighting Tigers posted a 6-3 overall record with a 3-1 mark in Mountain Valley Conference play to place second in the conference standings. The team made its third consecutive NJCAA Region III Tournament appearance placing fourth at the regional championship tournament.

Senior Greg Klopfer of Voorheesville earned All-Mountain Valley Conference Team honors at the Third Singles position while freshman Zak Kraehmer of Wallkil l earned all-conferences honors at the Fourth Singles spot. Klopfer and Kraehmer also earned All-Mountain Valley Conference Team honors at the Second Doubles position.

BASEBALL

The Fighting Tigers posted a 14-17 overall record during the campaign including a 7-7 mark in Mountain Valley Conference play. SUNY Cobleskill posted three victories over NJCAA nationally ranked opponents during the season.

Freshman second baseman/pitcher Matt Greene of Colonie and freshman designated hitter/pitcher Tom Weiner of Montrose were both selected to the 2008 All-Mountain Valley Conference Team by the league’s coaches for their play during the season.

LACROSSE

The Fighting Tigers posted a 7-7 overall record during the campaign marking the first time since the 1993 season that we reached the .500 level. The Orange & Black also finished the year with their highest LaxPower USA computer rating with a power rating of 66.24.

Freshman a t tackman Brendan Wemssen of Seaford was named the team’s Most Valuable player for his work on the frontline during the season.

GOLF

The Fighting Tiger linksters battled uncertain weather conditions throughout the spring posting impressive performances at the 2008 Broome Community College Invitational where they placed second overall and at their own 2008 SUNY Cobleskill Invitational where they placed third overall.

Senior Andy Kincaid of Horseheads was the team’s Most Valuable Player for the 2008 season posting the third lowest season stroke average in program history at 78.6 shots per round.

The Fighting Tiger women posted

yet another successful season placing

second at the 2008 NJCAA Division

III National Championships for the

third time in the last four seasons.

SUNY Cobleskill also placed third

at the 2008 NJCAA Region III

Championships and tied for second

in the Mountain Valley Conference

standings.

Senior multi-event performer Jennifer

Villanova of Clifton Park earned First

Team NJCAA All-American honors

by winning the Pole Vault at the

National Championships while

the Fighting Tiger championship

winning 4 X 400 Meter Relay of

Jennifer Villanova, freshman Brittany

Armstrong of Schenectady freshman

Tamarra Jenkins of Queens and

senior Regina Morgan of Brooklyn

also earned First Team All-American

honors.

During the season the Orange &

Black had 10 athletes earn All-NJCAA

Region III Team honors and placed

nine team members on the 2008 All-

Mountain Valley Conference Team.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

The Lady Fighting Tigers posted their fourth consecutive twenty-win season

with a 25-5 overall record to establish a new program marks for the most

wins in a single season and highest single-season winning percentage at

83.3%. The Orange & Black made their fourth consecutive post-season

appearance advancing to the semifinals of the NJCAA Region III Division

III Tournament.

Individually freshman center Shelley Pierson of Watervliet and senior

forward April Ackermann of South Huntington each earned All-Mountain

Valley Conference and All-NJCAA Region III Division III Team honors while

freshman forward Sharee Daniels of Poughkeepsie and freshman point guard

Nichol Garzon of Bayside each earned a spot on the All-Mountain Valley

Conference Team. Shelley Pierson was also selected to the 2008 NJCAA Region

III Division III All-Tournament Team for her play in the post season.

WOMEN’S OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD:

Summer 2008 25

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The Fighting Tiger posted the most successful season in program history, tying for second place at the 2008 NJCAA Division III National Championships, winning their first NJCAA Region III Championship since 1970 and taking their first Mountain Valley Conference Championships since 1997, SUNY Cobleskill had seven team members earn NJCAA All-American honors as the Orange & Black won two individual and one relay event national championships. The Fighting Tiger 4 X 800 Meter Relay of freshman Joseph Appah of Manhattan, senior Eric Graber of Troy, freshman Richard Garnett of Yonkers and freshman Emille Barnett of Huntington captured the national title in the event and earn all of the relay’s participants NJCAA First Team All-American honors. Individually Emille Barnett won the 800 Meters to collect First Team All-American honors as did senior jumper Kevin Amilcar of White Plains who won the Long Jump. Freshman multi-event performer Aldin Gomez of Westbury earned Second Team NJCAA All-American Team honors by placing second in the decathlon.

Additionally the Orange & Black had 23 All-NJCAA Region III Team honorees and 19 All-Mountain Valley Conference Team honorees. Senior sprinter David Suarez of Hauppauge was named the NJCAA Region III Most Valuable Track Athlete of the 2008 Championships after winning regional titles in the 100 Meter and 200 Meter Dashes.

Head Coach Brad Fichthorn was named the 2008 Men’s Mountain Valley Conference and the 2008 NJCAA Region III Men’s Outdoor Track & Field Coach-of-the-Year.

The Fighting Tiger men’s basketball team posted an overall record of 26-8 on their way to winning the 2008 NJCAA Region III Division III Championship for the third time in program history. SUNY Cobleskill defeated the nation’s number one, six and two ranked teams to advance to the NJCAA “Final Four” for the second time in program history.

Team members: senior forward Stanley Francois of Valley Cottage, senior forward Anthony Armstead of Schenectady and point guard Harley Fuller of Gloversville each garnered All-Mountain Valley Conference and All-NJCAA Region III Division III honors while freshman guard Nyquan Bellamy of Poughkeepsie earned a spot on the All-Mountain Valley Conference Team.

Additional individual honors were earned by Stanley Francois who was named to the 2008 NJCAA Division III National Championships All-Tournament Team and selected to play in the 2008 NJCAA Coaches Association/New Balance All-Star Game in Phoenix, AZ and senior guard Darryl Burns of Brooklyn who was named as the Most Valuable Player of the 2008 NJCAA Region III Division III Tournament. As a result of his play during the season, Harley Fuller signed an NCAA National Letter-of-Intent to accept a full athletic scholarship to NCAA Division I member Florida International University of the Sunbelt Conference.

Fighting Tiger Head Coach Kevin McCarthy was named the NJCAA Region I Coach-of-the-Year for the third time after guiding the program to its fifteenth post-season appearance and thirteenth twenty-win season.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

The Fighting Tiger men recorded their highest finish in program history at the 2008 NJCAA Region III Championships placing second overall.

The Fighting Tigers captured six individual event championships on the day as senior sprinter David Suarez of Hauppauge captured the 55 Meter Dash, freshman mid-distance runner Emille Barnett of Huntington won the 600 Meter Dash with a program record time of 1:25.90, senior sprinter Carlton

Wildman of Huntington won the 400 Meter Dash, freshman distance runner Richard Garnett of Yonkers was the winner of the 1,000 Meter Run, freshman multi-event athlete Aldin Gomez of Westbury won the Triple Jumps and senior thrower Joe Valentin of Swan Lake won the Weight Throw. For their winning efforts all earned spots on the 2008 NJCAA All-Region III Team.

The Fighting Tiger 4 X 400 Meter Relay of Emille Barnett, Carlton Wildman,

freshman Brad Boice of Cambridge and freshman Leon Thompson of Manhattan also won the event to earn NJCAA All-Region III Team honors for all relay members.

At the 2008 NJCAA Indoor Track & Field National Championships the SUNY Cobleskill Distance Medley Relay of Carlton Wildman, Emille Barnett, Richard Garnett and senior Eric Graber of Troy placed eighth overall - the highest finish by a Fighting Tiger relay in the history of the program.

MEN’S INDOOR TRACK & FIELD

MEN’S OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD

1933 Helen Reynolds Rea (Home Ec) of Cambridge remembers “the great friends that I made at SUNY Cobleskill and the wonderful instruction.” Helen is 94 years old.

Grace Mann Banspach (EC) of Johnston, RI says “My two years at SUNY Cobleskill were highlights for me as I won two awards upon graduation.”

Frances Fidler Collins (Diet Tech) of Delanson is writing her memoirs. She and her husband Norman recently celebrated their 60th wedding.

Mary Baker Earlandt (EC) of Walworth is an infant caregiver at Tot Spot II and volunteers for Walworth Historical Society, Wayne County 4-H and Lincoln and Pomona Grange.

Elizabeth Salisbury LaClair (Nurs Ed) of Schenectady is retired and volunteers with her church.

James R. Gould Jr. (Mgmt) of Dix Hills retired from Grumman Corporation and keeps busy with his original `66 Corvette.

Ella Hotaling Snook (Sec Sci) of San Diego, CA is security guard with Elite Show Services working at Padres and Chargers games and other concerts and events.

Carolyn King DiMauro (Nurs Ed) spent 35 years teaching second and third grade and pre-school and was honored by Church Street Community Nursery School in Red Hook when they celebrated their 35th year.

Edwin Wehnau (Diet Tech) of Houston, TX has lived in CA, NY, TX, CO, AZ, Saudi Arabia and Korea in the US Air Force & working with SYSCO Foods.

Paul Steiner (Acct) of Fort Lauderdale, FL was recognized for outstanding work as CFO of Seaward Services. His direction resulted in $25 million in revenue last year, the largest in company history.

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1957

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ALUMNI

David MacDougall `03

Dave MacDougall had been taking every opportunity to gain experience in his fi eld, hoping it would lead to a career, since graduating in 2003. However, as most fi sheries and wildlife alumni will tell you, it is often diffi cult to get a job in this fi eld, especially in New York state. Wanting to stay in the area, Dave discovered this obstacle quickly.

In April 2005, Dave returned to the SUNY Cobleskill campus for the annual Fisheries and Wildlife Festival. While browsing the displays, he noticed a sign that read, “Offi ce assistant wanted. Please inquire.” It was posted on a display for The Environmental Clearinghouse (ECOS), a not-for-profi t environmental organization based in Niskayuna. Just two years later, Dave would be sitting at the ECOS booth, signing copies of his fi rst book.

One of the main sources of funding for ECOS is their sale of nature guides. Authors volunteer their time and expertise and a local publisher prints the books at a nominal fee, which are then sold to benefi t the organization’s activities. When Executive Director Patrick Clear, mentioned he was looking for some new authors and topics, Dave suggested a guide to the Karner blue butterfl y. He eagerly committed himself to the project and thoroughly researched the subject for which there was minimal published material. The result was a 92 page fi eld guide containing natural history, biology, nectar and associated species information. Dave hopes to disprove the saying “It’s only a butterfl y” by showing the globally rare habitat that it inhabits is relied on by many other species for survival as well.

In addition, it was through Patrick that Dave would discover Clough Harbour & Associates, LLP, where he currently works as a biologist. In his free time, Dave volunteers with Kenny Barnett, a foremost independent researcher of Eastern Hognose and Black racer snakes. Catch up with Dave at www.CobyConnection.org.

Dave MacDougall `03 enjoys volunteer work researching Eastern Hognose and Black Racer snakes.

ACHIEVEMENTS

Klaas Martens (An Hus Dairy) of Penn Yan and his wife, Mary-Howell, received the 2008 Patrick Madden Award for exemplary work in sustainable agriculture presented by the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE). Since 1996 the Martens have run an organic feed business, currently farming more than 1400 acres of organic crops. In 2001 they started Lakeview Organic Grain and presently supply more than 300 organic livestock farmers.

Gordon Hamilton (Pro Chef), a scoutmaster of Troop 60 in Scarsdale, attended the 21st Boy Scouts of America World Scout Jamboree in Chelmsford, England, working at the event as a member of the International Service Team. In 2006 Gordon was honored for 40 years of continued registration.

Miguel Kercado (Bus Adm) of Santa Maria, CA is a trust fund supervisor for the Federal Bureau of Prisons and a squadron commander in the Air National Guard.

Marta Schuerman Szuba (Nurs Ed) of Staunton, VA was recently appointed chair of the Virginia Inhalant Abuse Prevention Coalition. In her new role, Szuba will work with the Virginia Department of Health, Board of Education, poison control, and governor’s office to raise awareness amongst students and healthcare professionals about the dangers of drug inhalation abuse.

Larry Normandin (Bus Adm) of Morrisonville is currently a slot tech for IGT, the world’s largest slot machine manufacturer.

Mark Hunker (Rest Mgmt) `84. Mark is a co-owner of Eden Restaurant, an upscale establishment in Rehoboth Beach, DE.

Timothy Hahn (Rec Land Mgmt) was elected as a director of The New York State Turfgrass Association.

1975

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1983

1984

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27

Constantinos “Gus” Papachristou `74

Nancy Luoma Papachristou `73

In March, Anita Decker Wright (Dairy) ̀ 73, her daughter Brittany, and three of her daughter’s friends fl ew to Cyprus to visit two of Anita’s SUNY Cobleskill classmates, Constantinos “Gus” Papachristou (An Hus Dairy) `74 and Nancy Luoma Papachristou (An Hus Horse) `73. The group included two current SUNY Cobleskill students, Cassie Putnam and Kerry Collins. An additional purpose of the trip was to provide the college students an opportunity to tour the island of Cyprus. The girls were quickly befriended by Nancy and Gus’ youngest daughter, Eleni, who became their tour guide and showed them the country as only a native could.

The Papachristous live in a beautiful new home in Latsia, near Nicosia, which is in the Greek-governed Republic of Cyprus. During their fi ve-day stay, they visited many historical sites throughout the island and Turkish-controlled Northern Cyprus. Their tour included ancient Greek and Roman ruins, castles, forts, monasteries, beaches, as well as restaurants and shops.

Gus and Nancy are both retired and enjoy traveling. Each summer they return to the States for a couple of months to visit family. Their daughter, Christina, works in New York City and lives in New Jersey with her husband and their son, George, who will be graduating from medical school in NYC in May. Nancy’s mother still lives in New Jersey, while her sister resides in Ithaca. This summer they hope to have an opportunity to meet more of their Coby classmates during their time in the States.

From left to right: Britt any Wright with her friend, Michelle Gaufman. “Gus” Papachristou ‘73 with Cassie Putnam and Kerry Collins, both current SUNY Cobleskill students. Location is Pafos, a small charming harbor town on the western coast of Cyprus.

Summer 2008

ALUMNI

1987

1993

1998

2001

Wendy Uehlinger Servedio (Sec Sci) of Shoreham has a new job at Eastern Suffolk BOCES as a CTE administrative coordinator.

Craig Currier (Plant Sci) is head superintendent at Bethpage State Park and has been elected as a director for New York State Turfgrass Association.

Josephine Breton (EC Ed) of Brooklyn is working on a Masters in Special and Elementary Education.

Evelyn Perdomo (LAS) of New York City is finishing a bachelor’s degree at Boricua College and preparing to pursue a Masters in Public Health.

Mark Winther (Med Career) will soon graduate from Albany Medical Center’s Emergency Medicine Residency and is working for Bassett Healthcare in Cooperstown.

Kerry Curt iss (Plant Sci ) i s a horticulturalist at the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research, a Cornell University affiliate.

Jessica Fischer Prisco (Flor) of New Windsor is a designer at Flowers by David Anthony.

Dorothy Wilcox (EC/Ag Bus) is enrolled in a Masters of Organization Leadership program at Nyack College and is working as a teacher assistant at SUNY Cobleskill.

Jomara Quinones (LAS) of Brooklyn is a case manager for SCO Family of Services, one of the largest human services organizations in the United States.

Kimberly Burroughs Murphy (Ag Bus) is a medical bill examiner with Hartford Insurance. She and her husband, Rick Murray (FWLD) ̀ 04 live in Pennellville.

1999

2002

2003

ACHIEVEMENTS

Russell Myers `94

In August, Russ Myers (Orn Hort) hosted the 2007 PGA Championship as superintendent at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Prior to his position in Tulsa, Russ worked for four years as an assistant-in-training at Augusta National in Georgia and eight years as head superintendent at Card Sound Golf Club in Key Largo, FL.

Despite arriving at Tulsa just a year before, Russ, who is certified through the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), was previously involved with 21 other tournaments. As a result of his prior experience, a PGA championship, four US opens and four Masters—in addition to several other prestigious tournaments—Myers began advanced preparations for the tournament while working with his predecessor and other key players.

Reminiscing about life before success on the course, Russ recalls his experiences at SUNY Cobleskill. “What stands out the most is probably the fact that in any one day you were forced to be responsible by professors who challenged you, yet [they] would [also] be the first to invite you to dinner. The ability to work hard yet play hard existed in one of the more enjoyable social atmospheres I remember. Practical classes + study + athletics + social atmosphere = experience at SUNY Cobleskill. No one side seemed to take over the other. I still rely on friends, professors, and coaches 13 years later.”


ALUMNI

Rudolph “Rudy” Stalder `32

Recently, Lois Goblet `79, Director of Development and Alumni Relations at SUNY Cobleskill, traveled to sunny Florida to host three alumni and friends gatherings in Orlando, Tampa, and Sarasota. She became a little concerned when she noticed a class of 1932 grad on the list of attendees for the John and Mable Ringling Museum Tour. The museum is set on 66 acres with multiple buildings, presenting a possibly tiring day for even a young college student.

Her worries vanished as soon as she met Rudy Stalder (Teacher Training). At 93 years young, he had just driven 80 miles and was ready to spend the day with his fellow Coby alumni and friends. Rudy shared stories about his time at SUNY Cobleskill, including one of his first experiences: All freshmen were required to purchase and wear a Coby “beanie,” a small brimless cap, a campus tradition at the time. The price for the beanie was two dollars, and although it sounds like a small enough price now, Rudy had a car loan to pay off and couldn’t afford it. (Those two dollars would also fund a week’s worth of travel back and forth from school to home.) Not being able to afford campus housing, Rudy borrowed money to purchase a car that would be his transportation from Lyker’s Corners to Cobleskill, and all his money was going to the loan payment. However, it just wasn’t acceptable to not wear the beanie and he was fined. Rudy recalls, having no money meant he would have to work the fine off over the next month. He says, “I can’t remember now just what it was. Maybe doing something for the seniors.”

After getting to know Rudy, Lois said, “His enthusiasm for SUNY Cobleskill is incredible and his detailed memories of campus are amazing.” If you’d like to get in touch with him, check out his profile at www.CobyConnection.org.

At 93, Rudy Stalder `32 sports a cowboy hat in place of his Coby beanie.

Ryan von Linden (FWLD) of Schoharie is working with NYS DEC Mammal Specialist Al Hicks, on a major research project to discover what is killing thousands of bats in northeastern states. Their extensive White Nose Syndrome research project was picked up by the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric and The New York Times.

Amber Mortensen Chiu (Equine) of Norfolk, VA is training her GSD dog for search and rescue work.

Ariel Ashley (Exp Stud) is a respiratory therapist at NYU Medical Center.

Domingo Cesar (CIS) of New York graduated from Monroe College on the dean’s list.

Jessica Miles (FWLD) is inspector for Owasco Lake watershed, which encompasses over 200 square miles in three counties. She is the only inspector in Cayuga County.

Gabriel Ashley Pastoriza (Health Sci Stud) is studying in the respiratory therapist program at CUNY, a challenging program that less than a quarter of the participants complete.

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

Summer 2008 29

ALUMNI


&

&

&

&

&

30

Holly Brink `03

Devon Morrison `03

June 24, 2006

Nicole M. Young `05

Nathan D. Field `06

April 6, 2007

Raeanne Decker `06

Chad Dulanski `99

April 28, 2007

Cassandra

Matthew Koon `05

May 27, 2007

Olivia

Chris Robertson `98

December 1, 2007

MarriagesMarriages

n

Alumnus Mike Shanahan `04, who works for Angus Topics (an American Angus Association publication), helped out with the animal promotion and sales management class’s final exam, a mock auction. Students organized every aspect, from getting consignments, selling food, and organizing the sale catalog to clerking the auction.

We are looking for information on the National Youth Administration, that was located in downtown

Cobleskill at that time.

You, our alumni and retired faculty, know so much of our rich history!

What you remember is valuable to us and to our future.

Please contact Francine Apollo at the Van Wagenen Library.

518-255-5858 or [email protected].

Were you here

in the 1930’s?

Summer 2008 31

Katelyn Nicole HardieJuly 2nd, 2006Daughter of Amy (Nuwer) Hardie `02

Jackson Josef WetzsteinAugust 19th, 2007Son of Heather (Cecchinato) Wetzstein `98

Gavin Scott Venoff and David Benjamin VenoffSeptember 1st, 2007Twin sons of Wendy (Levy) Venoff `94

Avery William McMorrisJanuary 1st, 2008Son of Matthew McMorris `95

Erica Eleanor HibbardJanuary 14th, 2008Daughter of Matthew Hibbard `94

Kaylynn Ivy EysterFebruary 29th, 2008Daughter of James Eyster `02

Sarah Jeanne MitchellMarch 17th, 2008Daughter of Nancy Loucks `98 and Scott Mitchell `96

Grace Mae Reinhart andMadison Elaine ReinhartApril 1st, 2008Twin daughters of Amanda (Lawyer) Reinhart `03

Benjamin Christopher WalrathMay 13th, 2008 Son of Jennifer Barkley `97 and Brian Walrath `97

nEW aRRIVALS

ALUMNI

Are YOU

CobyConnected?

These Alumni Are!

Be sure to sign on to CobyConnection, SUNY Cobleskill’s online community for alumni updates, event news and registration, photos, e-newsletters and much more. To register, go to

www.CobyConnection.org

Mildred Moore DeMasi (Nurs Ed) passed away in 1980. Her daughter, Jacqueline, is hoping to find out some more information about Mildred’s time at SUNY Cobleskill. If you have information about her college days, please share your information with the alumni office at 518-255-5628 or at [email protected].

Jean Barton Jones (Nurs Ed) wrote to the office in January saying, “I am a proud graduate of the class of 1961, with an AAS degree in ‘nursery education’ which I prefer to call early childhood education. Of course, I am looking forward to our 50th class reunion in just a few years. Amazing! I have a profile on CobyConnection and hope to drum up some ‘chatter’ with former classmates. Trying to send you some warm sunshine. Did you get it? During a season of frigid temps, I well remember the trudge up the hill from Stilson and Highland House, often breaking through three feet of ice covered snow, but it was worth it, frozen nose and toes and all!”

John Merli (An Hus Dairy) of Port Saint Lucie, FL would like to get in touch with Hank Polgreen, Jim Grass, Earl Brewer, Joe Saluzzo, and Eugene Murphy. Look for John at www.CobyConnection.org.

Carolyn King DiMauro (Nurs Ed) I’d love to hear from the Ryder Hall girls!”

Bob Pound (Agron) of Commerce, GA would like to say “Hi” to his ZAP brothers and to Joe and Eileen. Look for him at www.CobyConnection.org.

Dave Harvey (Ag Bus) of Little Falls is currently deployed with the Army Reserves to Kuwait. Look for him on www.CobyConnection.org and drop him a line!

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32

SUNY Cobleskill Alumni Association Events - 2008

September

12 Alumni & Friends Gathering at Grapevine Farms, Cobleskill

26-28 Homecoming Weekend & Alumni Reunions

November

15 Alumni & Friends Gathering Shady Maple Smorgasbord, Lancaster County, PA

Stanley E DuMond `24 Luella West `24Elsie K. Shufeldt `27Persis Griswold Post `28Mary Ackner Anderson `29Esther Willsie `29 Edna Young `32Christopher C. Chubb `33Virginia L. Doak `33John C. Eggers `33John Farrell `34Louise Kline `34Peter Paul Bedzis `36Martin Holmes `37Arthur W. Eldredge `38Albert Dart `39Eleanor C. Loucks `39Jane Broadbent Foberg `41Walter W. Winkler `42Clarke L. Lane `43George Milem `43George Snyder `43Betty Place `45Ruth Wehnau `47F. Spencer Lodge `48Samuel Martin `48Frank Hodenius `49Helen Story `49Harland Close `50Walter J. Klein Sr. `51Walter Pine `51Peter L. Huntington `52Laurence Buck `53George Pyle `53Lee F. Mickle `54Paul N. Cassetta `55Franklin “Jay” Newkirk `55Raymond Sullivan `55Joseph Fiato `56Barry A. Rowen `58George “Cookie” A. Cook `63Benjamin Ruland `63Charles A. Gangi `64Stephen R. Lane `64James D. Warner `66Karen Aldrich `74Raymond Edward Adams `75Ellen Petersen `75Mark David VanGelder `75Pamela Jones Aliff `76Ralph M. Pietrosanto `78Daniel Elwood `82Kevin M. Honness `82Nancy Rizzo-Beer `82Charlene Brown Colbert `86Michele “Zelda” Strazzere Creamer `87Dana Mautone `88Robert F. Weippert `95Eric Joseph Hutchinson `01Doris Baker, Faculty/Staff Mary Clist, Faculty/StaffJean Emerson, Faculty/StaffDoris Kniskern, Faculty/StaffSylvia Lapin, Faculty/StaffCharles Warner, Faculty/StaffRalph Powe, Friend

In Memoriam

For more information on the above events or to see more SUNY Cobleskill events

please visit CobyConnection.org or contact the SUNY Cobleskill Alumni Offi ce

*If you have an idea for an event in your area, please contact the

SUNY Cobleskill Alumni Offi ce at 518-255-5628 or [email protected]

December

6 New York City Bus Trip leaving from Cobleskill

TBD California Alumni Gathering Meet SUNY Cobleskill President Donald Zingale

Non-Profi t Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDOneonta, NYPermit #422

If this is addressed to an alumnus no longer in your home, please forward correct contact information to us at address listed above.

The Alumni Association of the State University of New York College of Agriculture and Technology at CobleskillP.O. Box 130Cobleskill, NY 12043

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

spring 2008 suny cobleskill magazine

Documents

new construction

new president

new meaning

native new york

new athletic challenges

empire state

golden state

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