mount saint mary college magazine spring/summer 2011

‘Embrace the journey’48th annual

Mount Saint Mary College Commencement

magazineMount Saint Mary College

MBA project puts students to work | Professor James Finn Cotter | To Russia with Skype

Newburgh, New York Spring/Summer 2011

2 MouNt SaiNt MarY College MagaziNe | Spring/SUMMEr 2011

Dear alumni, students, parents and friends of Mount Saint Mary College,

The Mount is all about people. Our primary purpose is the educa-

tion of our students in view of the vision and mission of our college.

So, when we say it’s all about peo-ple, what environment do we provide for our students?

First and foremost, an academic en-vironment. Our classrooms, labs and other facilities serve our mission.

Moreover, our number of resident students has grown, and this presents more opportunities to design a better living-learning environment.

The Dominican Sisters of Hope have anticipated for some years the need to sell their Newburgh Center property. This spring, as unanimously approved by the Mount Saint Mary College Board of Trustees, Sr. Lorelle Elcock, OP and I signed a purchase and sale agreement for the Domini-can Center, pending a due diligence period. A request for proposal was prepared to solicit financing offers.

To enable Mount Saint Mary Col-lege to put the Dominican Center in use for the college, the Board of Trustees approved a $10 million capital campaign based on a study by Graham-Pelton. JMZ Architects and Planners, P.C., engaged in higher edu-cation planning for over 25 years, are helping us to determine the best use of

the Center, with our input regarding living-learning spaces, parking, green space and other needs.

The Mount is accomplishing much. As always, this challenges us not to rest on our laurels, but to improve constantly: as a community of lifelong learners in which we build for the common good.

I invite you to read more about our people, programs, news and events at our website:

www.msmc.edu

God bless.Sincerely,

Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFMPresident

A letter from the President

Mount Saint Mary College MagazineVolume 33, No. 2

the office ofCommunity relationsprepares this magazine foralumni, students, parentsand friends of the College. EDITORJanet gianopoulos ART DIRECTORDean DiMarzo CONTRIBUTORSSheila FieldsJoan gambeskiJane HanleyMichelle iacuessa ’94Justin Satkowski

PHOTOGRAPHYSpencer ainsleyDean DiMarzoSheila FieldsJoan gambeskiNihal MahawadugeKristen Millererroyl rolle COPYEDITINGSheila FieldsJane Hanley CirCulatioN 8,000 ©2011 [email protected]

MOUNT SAINT MARY COLLEGENewburgh, NY 12550845-561-0800 ADMISSIONS888-YeS-MSMC (888-937-6762)

DOCEME

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UNT SAINT MARY COLLEG

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E W B U R G H, N.Y

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Mount Saint Mary College Board of trustees chairman r. abel garraghan, Sr. lorelle elcock, oP, and Fr. Kevin e. Mackin, oFM.

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Contents

Aleschia Johnson ’11,former Student government Association president, enjoyed a furry native (lion cub) during her study abroad experience in Africa. Johnson works as a residence director at Westminster College in new Wilmington, pa. More grads inside….

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Student Journal | MBA student Anna Andrianis is ready to go places 2 MBa success | Capstone project benefits Orange County partnership 3News from the Mount | new courses, conferences and more 4 James Finn Cotter | An accomplished scholar and professor 10to russia with Skype | Fulbright scholar connects two classes 11law school lessons | Mount grad shares at pre-law lunch 12Knights in the Community | Athletes making a difference 14Playing for Josh | players rally ‘round teammate in time of need 15Successful spring season | Knights find success 16a passion for teaching and basketball | Alumnus Michael Hoyt ’07 17alumni Notes| The latest news from Mount graduates 18Send your nominations | Alumni award picks sought 21inaugural gala reception | Friends gathered to honor leaders 22Planning for your life | Tips from attorney Mark Stern 24Honoring family, helping students |Eileen McDonald Sassmann ‘66 25alumni & Family Weekend 2011 | Come home to the Mount 26

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A world of opportunity for Mount graduates

On the cover - Preparing for Commencement: Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, Mount president; honorary doctoral candidates (Fox news Channel anchor Bret Baier; novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford, OBE; Capt. Scott Smiley of the West point Warrior Transition Unit; James W. Taylor Jr., founder and CEO of Taylor Biomass Energy LLC); and r. Abel garraghan, chairman of the Board of Trustees. Baier encouraged students to “embrace the journey” ahead.

Ready to go places

Studying at Mount Saint Mary Col-lege opened my eyes to the impor-tance of owning my future.

Since I come from Brazil, earning my master’s degree in business admin-istration has helped me advance in the English language and better understand American culture. The language bar-rier made getting my degree twice as challenging, because I had to learn how to properly interpret the language while doing coursework.

With a bachelor’s degree in tourism, I enrolled at the Mount in 2008. I learned valuable life skills and professional expertise here. I have been able to juggle marriage, raising a small child, a full-time job and school.

My husband, Pano Andrianis, is a Mount undergraduate business stu-dent. He is an entrepreneur who has opened several businesses and continues to amaze me with his great business concepts. I opened (and closed) my own business. It was a car wash/auto detailing business, and that experience served as my internship.

I had the chance to implement some of the concepts I learned in my M.B.A classes and apply them to a real busi-

ness. Participating in the capstone course also gave me real-world experi-ence. I worked with fellow students as marketing consultants for the Orange County Partnership. We developed a marketing campaign for the retention and expansion of manufacturing busi-nesses in Orange County.

Having supportive professors and small classes at the Mount has helped me move closer to realizing my dreams. All my professors were smart and caring. They challenged me to work hard and be my best, and the experienc-es helped me grow as a person, even if it meant redoing assignments to put forth my best work. The professors who have influenced me the most include Moira Tolan, James Griesemer and David Rant.

My education at Mount Saint Mary College has prepared me to advance in my career. I am eager to use what I have learned and to grow my own business someday. I am working on a business plan to open a gourmet Brazilian fran-chise in New York City.

I’m excited about my future, but I will miss my professors and classmates, the college environment, the indoor pool and that gorgeous river view. n

By Anna Andrianis ‘11M.B.A. | Newburgh, N.Y.STUDENT JOURNAL

“Having supportive professors and small classes at the Mount has helped me move closer to realizing my dreams.”

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Capstone connection puts M.B.A. students “to work”

MASTER IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Working full time by day and studying for their master’s degrees at night, adult

students in Moira Tolan’s research seminar on Planning and Implemen-tation of Business Policy have also been giving back to their community.

As part of their Mount Saint Mary College coursework, they’re helping to make Orange County, N.Y., a better place to live and work.

Some 20 M.B.A students, work-ing in groups of three or so, spent the spring semester serving as consultants to the Orange County Partnership, an economic development agency that seeks to expand the county’s tax base and create new and better-paying jobs.

The students designed a strate-gic marketing campaign to attract manufacturing companies to Or-ange County. They also developed a campaign to promote the Business Retention and Expansion Program for the Orange County Partnership.

Tolan, an associate professor of business, said an increasing number of students in the M.B.A program are opting for the capstone course, instead of simply writing a research paper.

One of the most frequently cited weaknesses in business education today, explained Tolan, is the schism between the learned and the applied. Projects such as the Mount’s capstone

class help to bridge that gap.The project prepares M.B.A

students for today’s challenging and competitive business environment, said Tolan. It also gives them a sense of satisfaction because they can help their local economy, especially in today’s trying times.

The students utilize principles that they have learned in management, law, finance, and marketing classes to solve real world business situations, she added.

Since M.B.A students come from a variety of occupations including for profit, nonprofit and public sector jobs, they complement each other in class with their diverse knowledge and skills, said Tolan.

Tolan and faculty colleagues Matt-son Atsunyo, James Griesemer, Reza Hossain and David Rant developed the capstone curriculum three years ago and incorporated it into the M.B.A program.

Meghan Taylor, director of busi-ness attraction for the Orange County Partnership, graduated from the pro-gram last year. Her capstone project focused on creating a business plan for the Center for Adolescent Research and Development, and marketing the center’s 2010 conference.

Mount students, Taylor said, are a “value-add” to the Orange County Partnership. They’ve provided a new perspective, with fresh ideas and cre-ative ways of implementing market-ing strategies for business attraction, retention and expansion. n

Dr. David Rant, left, coached M.B.A. students as they fine-tuned their Orange County Partnership proposals.

From left | Chris Harrison, Mara Wetzel, Christine Morelock, Jillian Rothwell-Iorio and Jason Franky developed a winning plan for the Orange County Partnership.

An M.B.A. team presents plan to the Orange County Partnership.

www.msmc.edu 3


News from the MountFaculty promotions announced

Ten Mount faculty have been granted promotions and/or tenure:Janine Bixler, Professor of Education with tenureSr. Margaret Murphy, OP, Professor of Religious StudiesLudmilla Smirnova, Professor of EducationSuparna Bhalla, Associate Professor of Biology with tenureRezaul Hossain, Associate Professor of Economics with tenureJanet Petroski, Associate Professor of Chemistry with tenureSarah Uzelac, Associate Professor of Psychology with tenureNancy VonRosk, Associate Professor of English with tenurePeter Witkowsky, Associate Professor of English with tenureKaren Baldwin, tenure (Dr. Baldwin is an Associate Professor of Nursing and coordinates the MSN program.)

New coursesEnvironmental Sustainability

taught by Margaret Larrousse, as-sistant professor of mathematics, science and technology, examines the toxicity of various pollutants. Combinatorics with Zachary Kud-lak, associate professor of math-ematics, helped answer practical math questions. An interdisciplin-ary honors course on The Problem of Evil taught by professors Nicole Shea (literature), Michael Fagge (religious studies), Rae Fallon (psychology) and Stanley Pycior (history), focused on the Holocaust and current unrest in the world, and included a visit to the Holo-caust Museum in New York City, where students met a survivor.

Conferences & lecturesTen Mount students presented

research at the Eastern Colleges Science Conference. Alana DeTone, Christine Gizzi, Manuel Juarez, Mary McEwan, Gabriela Murphy-Goldberg, Louis Ponessi, Andre Santa, Gigianna Santiago, Alyssa Scagnelli, Rebecca Seepersad and Michelle Watch were advised by science professors Carl Hoegler, Margaret Larrousse, Lynn Maelia and Janet Petroski. … Two presented at the National Council for Undergraduate Research. … Stu-dents from the Summer Undergradu-ate Research Experience attended the Mid-Hudson American Chemical Society’s Undergraduate Chemistry Research Symposium. … The Center for Adolescent Research and Devel-opment held a conference on Adoles-cence in the 21st Century, with keynote speaker, Dr. William Damon, director of the Stanford University Center on Adolescence. … The Center for Ag-ing and Policy co-hosted “Alzheimer’s and technology” and “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: Mental Health Challenges across 3 Generations.” … Mount faculty held workshops at a Literacy Conference on campus. …

The Catholic and Dominican Insti-tute presented lectures on health care ethics by Brother Ignatius Perkins, OP, Ph.D., plus Jewish and Catholic views of the Messiah with Drs. David Berger of Yeshiva University and Patrick Doering of Duquesne Univesity.

Above | gigianna Santiago con-ducts research on music’s effect on the dive reflex with the assistance of biology/physical therapy major Stephen Doste.

From left | Che-la Devonshire; ellen Kreuer (visitor); Michelle Barry; Sandra Wamsley; Jennifer Hanning; alyssa Watkins; Nicole Shea (lead instructor); Kathryn Jane Magnotta; Jamie Cevetillo; Jerry Wyant (honors coordinator); Nick Post; rae Fallon (instructor); Kerry ulmer; Jill robinson; Bill Fallon, alexis Coronato (and friend); Bill adams; Nora ames.

www.msmc.edu 5

Vital volunteersMount seniors Marc Curry, Christo-

pher Rollin, David Mirro and Kashmira Bhagwandeen, along with students Brit-tany Shatwell, Lauren Arneth and Marco Crescimanni, helped those in need fill out their tax forms. Congressman Mau-rice Hinchey praised that seniors and low to moderate income members of the Newburgh community “are getting the help they need with their taxes this year, thanks to these seven students.”

Professors James Gearity, Louis Fortunato and Tracy Niemotko of the Mount’s business program, and Kath-leen O’Keefe, coordinator of co-ops and internships, worked with PathStone to develop the IRS VITA opportunity.

Students hosted a Spring Fling for elderly residents of the Johnes Home, co-sponsored by Aging United and the Higher Education Opportunity Program. A Relay for Life fundraiser netted $28,000 for the American Cancer Society. Graduating senior Rachel Freitas and other students volunteered for “Math Day” at an elementary school with Lee Fothergill, associate professor of mathematics. Mount students participat-ed in more than 70 community service programs, including Habitat for Human-ity work in Tennessee by seniors Kristen Fede, Amanda Vagnone, Amanda Fenn and Anne Siemon; tutoring children; volunteering at nursing homes and soup kitchens, and more.

Che-la Devonshire, a nursing major; Sabrina Valdez, human services; Chris-topher Fandino, biology; and Kenneth Santos, information technology, served four “at-risk” youth as part of an employ-ment mentoring program.

The youths helped to test and deliver 35 computers for Sacred Heart Elemen-tary School in Newburgh.

Keeping the faithMount students were received

into the Catholic Church during a Mass in May. Diana Torres, a biology major, and Tamara Seney, a former student, were baptized, confirmed, and received the Eucharist. Kelsey Hart, a history major, was confirmed.

Front row, from left: Seney Tor-res; Stephanie Weaver (altar server

and an English major); Kelsey Hart, Anthony Iraola (graduate assistant). Back row l-r: Mark Levito and Dave Walz (sponsors), Paul Richmond (altar server/communication arts), Bishop Lagonegro, Irene Ramos-Henkel (sponsor), Fr. Kevin E. Mack-in, OFM, president, and Fr. Francis Amodio, O.Carm., campus chaplain and director of campus ministry.

Students helping with tax forms.

On stageStudents under the direction of

Durward Entrekin, professor of music, and James Beard, professor of communication arts, presented Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance with graduating seniors Felicia Skinner, Joseph Candela and Joed Esperance.Students under the direction of James Phillips, assis-tant professor of theater, presented Moliere’s The Imaginary Invalid.

From left | Charles Haviland and Brian Murphy performing in The Pirates of Penzance.

From left | liliana Peralta-zapata, Sarah Fulton and tom Kellett perform in the production of The Imaginary Invalid.


Jeff Scalzo noted that history professor Stanley Pycior was able to “present a wealth of interesting and useful knowledge in a charismatic way.”

English professor Marie-Therese Sulit “stands out above the rest as a brilliant professor with genuine com-passion for her students,” said Melissa Tiburcio, a psychology major.

Caitlyn Lane, a human services grad, will attend New York Medi-cal College for a master’s degree in speech-language pathology. She counts psychology professor Lawrence Force as “the best influence a student could ask for, always there with honest and helpful advice.”

“Dr. Force showed me how impor-tant it is to network and get involved with things that I am interested in and to make a difference,” added Lane.

Accounting professor Louis Fortu-nato has been one of the most influen-tial professors in Kelly McDougall’s college career.

“Not only has he pushed me in ways that I never thought I would be capable of in the classroom, but he has taught me how to conduct myself in the business world in the most profes-sional and accurate way,” said the MBA student. “And Tracey Niemotko has been an inspiration when it comes to balancing all aspects of life, while still having a successful career that

you truly love.” Fieldwork has provided valuable

experiences to launch careers.Nestor Hernandez called nursing

professor Andrea Ackermann “an icon of courage, who demonstrates the value of determination and commit-ment and taught me to embrace my goals despite any difficulties.”

The Mount’s “distinguished nurs-ing program” has given Hernandez “wisdom and discipline to be a loyal, compassionate and efficient care-giver.” Hernandez gained knowledge, experience and creativity in planning caregiving strategies in clinical experi-ences at four hospitals, including Vas-sar Brothers Medical Center, where he plans to work.

Alyssa Scagnelli will attend the University of Missouri-Columbia Col-lege of Veterinary Medicine. The biol-ogy student interned at The Center for Avian and Exotic Medicine, and the Animal Medical Center, both in New York City.

“I worked side by side with some of the best veterinarians in the world,” said Scagnelli, “and was able to scrub into spinal surgeries and even get some hands on experience, including performing a spinal tap on a terrier.”

Mount professors were instrumen-tal in helping her move toward her goal.

“I was always so impressed with

Mount Saint Mary College students cite individual attention and applied learning as impacting them in extraordinary ways.

A worldof opportunityfor grads

Bird Ferdinand

LaneGlavnosky

TiburcioScalzo

“Professor Fortunato taught me how to conduct myself in the business world.”KELLy MCDOUgALL ’11

www.msmc.edu 7

their willingness to lend a hand,” Scag-nelli observed, adding “their motiva-tion and constructive criticism truly prepared me for veterinary school. At the Mount, I’ve received one-to-one guidance, I’ve spent a lot of time in the lab on research, and I’ve had opportu-nities that students at larger universi-ties would not have.”

Marcella Sgroi, a history/politi-cal science major, plans to enter law school. During her internship with Assemblyman Stephen Hawley from the 139th district in western New York, she helped get sponsorship for legislation, and learned a great deal about how government functions.

A mock interview arranged through the Career Center resulted in a real job offer for communications major Mark Ferdinand. Hank Gross, president of Statewide News Network,

Inc., did the interview.In the role of roving reporter,

Ferdinand will cover developing news stories and government meetings. He’s also learning to cut sound and video from his interviews for posting online, he noted.

Another communication student, Brian Heitman, focused his senior project on revitalizing the campus radio station, Knight Radio.

“What was once a single small room with a computer and some desk mics has turned into a beautiful sta-tion with state-of-the-art equipment for the control room, studio, server room, and lounge,” said Heitman, who is certain the college’s investment will serve students well.

His project helped him learn the basics of operating a radio station.

“I have imported music, promoted

“I worked side by side with some of the best veterinarians in the world”ALySSA SCAgNELLI ’11

“Professor Andrea Ackermann demon-strates the value of determination and commitment”NESTOR hERNANDEz ’11

“I have imported music, promoted the station ... and am proud to say it is streaming live”BRIAN hEITMAN ’11

the station through fliers, Facebook and Twitter, and am proud to say it is streaming live,” exclaimed Heitman.

Max Glavnosky, who majored in psychology with a philosophy minor, interned at the Hudson Valley Veteran Family Support Alliance. He met with psychologists in the field of military

psychology. Glavnosky is considering Marine officer candidate school.

Traci Sick, an information tech-nology major, cited the “grueling education program” with providing “skills to become a well-rounded educator. I am more than prepared to stand in front of my own classroom and teach with the confidence I have gained throughout my four years at the Mount.” She did student teach-ing and also completed a technology internship.

The years have passed quickly, the seniors noted. They worked, formed friendships and gained competence while having fun: making memories that will last a lifetime.

Melissa Bird, an English major/education student, served as president of the academic council, and as vice president of the Delta Leadership Society, which promotes community service.

“I loved being involved,” said Bird, lamenting that “most of all I’m going to miss my friends. They’ve become my family and it will be weird to be without them every day.”

Jeff Scalzo agreed.“I’m going to miss all my awesome

friends, plus the incredibly intelligent professors, the college mailroom with all the great co-workers, and the mo-ments when I looked at the Hudson River and realized these were the best four years of my life.”n

“I am more than prepared to stand in front of my own classroom and teach”TRACI SICK ’11

Left | Michelle C. Bond ’99 addressed seniors at the Hooding and Awards ceremony.

Below | The Baccalaureate Mass at Founders Chapel.

2011Commencement

Right and below | Forty-eight newly-graduated nursing students received their pins in Aquinas Hall Theatre, with help from family and friends who participated in the ceremony.

Right | The family that studies together: amanda truffi ’11, graduating with her mom lisa truffi ’11; congratulated by brother Michael truffi, who just completed his freshman year; and dad Carl.

8 MouNt SaiNt MarY College MagaziNe |

Right | Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, Mount president with honorary doctoral candidates: Fox News Channel anchor Bret Baier; novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford, OBE; Capt. Scott Smiley of the West Point Warrior Transition Unit; James W. Taylor Jr., founder and CEO of Taylor Biomass Energy LLC; and R. Abel Garraghan, chair-man of the Board of Trustees.

‘Doubt your doubts and accept the challenges ahead.’

– Capt. Scott Smiley, first blind active duty army officer

Above | Capt. Scott Smiley, commander of the Warrior transition unit, West Point shares a laugh with Fox News Channel anchor Bret Baier.

Left | lawrence Force, professor of psychology, presented the faculty awards to Mattson atsunyo, pro-fessor of business administration, center, and reva Cowan, associate professor of education and chair of the education program.

the Mount recognized 618 bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates during the May 14 commencement ceremonies, held on the Dominican Sisters of Hope Field

www.msmc.edu 9

It’s impossible to spend time with James Finn (Francis) Cotter without sensing that one is in the

presence of an exceptional person. Like a millennial Renaissance man, he has navigated his life with his senses fully engaged, and his mind open to intellectual, natural and spiritual influences.

For nearly half a century, Dr. Cot-ter has been an invaluable resource at Mount Saint Mary College. He’s taught in or chaired the humanities, arts and letters, and philosophy and religious studies divisions. As scholar, poet, author, critic, professor, philoso-pher, translator, mentor, seminarian, world traveler, father, husband, and grandfather, Cotter’s many roles have converged in a life and person full of substance and achievement.

It’s clear why Mount students have felt themselves lucky to study under his tutelage.

Cotter is the author of Inscape: The Christology and Poetry of Gerald Manley Hopkins; Beginnings: the First Quarter Century of Mount Saint Mary College; and A New Life: Learning the Way of Omega. As a scholar, he has

penned articles on Gerald Manley Hopkins, Dante, Geoffrey Chaucer, Sir Philip Sidney, and J.D. Salinger (his literary influences also include William Shakespeare). As poet and literary critic, he’s been published in America, Commonweal, The Hudson Review, The Nation, The New York Times, Sparrow, Spirit, Thought and other periodicals.

Cotter is a celebrated translator of Dante’s Commedia, a seasoned theater and arts reviewer, a Fulbright-Hays lecturer (Algeria, 1970), a recipient of a National Endowment for the Humanities grant, and president of the International Gerald Manley Hop-kins Association for 30 years.

He’s been the mace bearer at the Mount’s Commencement for as long as anyone can recall.

He also found time to teach lit-erature and philosophy full-time, write the Mount’s alma mater (1964), inspire any numbers of students and professors, and raise three children (Anne, James and John) with his wife Emily.

Cotter received his bachelor of arts from Weston College, and a master of

arts in philosophy. He then earned a master of arts in English from Ford-ham University, and a doctorate in 1963. He began teaching English and philosophy at Mount Saint Mary Col-lege that year, and the Cotters bought a home in historic Newburgh, N.Y.

He attributes his admirable zest and energy for life, and for his work, to being Irish. “We never sit still, never are satisfied. There’s always something more to do, more to learn.”

“The Jesuits introduced me to a love for enjoying life in its many forms: intellectually, spiritually and naturally.” n

10 Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | SPRING/SUMMER 2011

James Finn CotterAn accomplished scholar

Dr. Cotter at Commencement 2010

www.msmc.edu 11

It’s not every day that professors at Mount Saint Mary College use voice/Internet protocol to

dialogue with students and a professor in Russia.

That newsmaker this spring was thanks to visiting Fulbright scholar Olga Lomakina, Ph.D., (photo at right) from Volgograd State Univer-sity. Ludmilla Smirnova, a Mount professor of education, facilitated the discussion.

In on the first conversation were Mount graduate education students Caitlin Stamp and Katrina Merkel, and Grant Reichert, a sophomore majoring in business. Students in the two far-flung river regions discussed education, the role of family, technol-ogy and media.

“It was really interesting to see the direct face-to-face interaction,” ob-served Merkel. “I learned a lot. I never knew there were so many similarities between the two cultures.”

In its application to the Fulbright Foundation, the Mount sought a scholar from outside North America with a broad understanding of multi-cultural communications across na-tional divides, and of the educational implications.

Lomakina had the right combina-tion of expertise in curriculum and in methods of effective foreign lan-

guage teaching. Her career, including completing two doctoral degrees by age 27, has been “meteoric,” observed Jerome Wyant, associate dean of academic affairs, who was asked by Iris Turkenkopf, vice president for academic affairs, to help prepare the application.

Lomakina, who spent spring teaching a graduate course, visiting classes and lecturing, revealed another gift at Academic Investiture, when her address about languages led to a screening of a video prepared by her

Russian students: speaking excellent English and delighting the Aquinas Hall Theatre audience.

An April Skype video lecture on legal mediation in the United States was organized by business professors David Rant and Tracey Niemotko (both have juris doctorates), together with Lomakina, for Russian students and teachers.

“This international network has become a regular practice,” noted Lo-makina, “for the sake of cooperation and future exchange between Mount Saint Mary College and Volgograd State University in southern Russia.” Rant and Niemotko have been invited to visit Volgograd.

The Mount was an early comer to new technology with its wireless campus. Lomakina kicked it up a notch with international flavor, having previously established connections for her university with schools in Brus-sels, London, and Dallas, Texas.

And now, Newburgh, N.Y., is the newest prelude by this educational virtuoso.

Wyant recently announced that Lo-makina plans to form an international student research society, and that Mount pre-law student Sarah Joseph, a rising senior majoring in interdis-ciplinary studies, intends to be one of the first participants. n

To Russia with SkypeCLASSROOM CONNECTION

Volgograd

State

university

students

in russia

Mount Saint Mary College students in the uSa

Academic Investiture

Legal mediation Skype session


While finishing his juris doctorate studies, Anthony Curti ’08 made time to

revisit his alma mater this spring, to encourage a select group of pre-law students.

A focus on pre-law is possible in any Mount Saint Mary College degree program, noted Jerome Wyant, associ-ate dean, who coordinates the honors and interdisciplinary studies programs at the Mount.

The Mount has several faculty members interested in pre-law work, Wyant announced, introducing professors Edwin Teall (philosophy), David Rant and Tracey Niemotko (business attorneys), and founding pre-law advisor John Reilly (history).

Influential faculty are essential, and another strength is dynamic alumni who return to touch base and inspire

their successors.Curti, who attributes his success

to Mount faculty, noted that he took courses with Teall and Rant.

“I majored in Dr. (Irene) Nunnari,” added the earnest future prosecutor, whose field was English.

Curti’s point for the Mount stu-dents: “Everything you need to be successful is available to you here and now. Dr. Teall can tell you, when

he advised me to take some business classes, I wasn’t sure. But I learned. Take advantage of the people here to help you.”

Honor societies and clubs prepare one to be a leader and to speak in public. “Learn to think like a lawyer. Be a reader, be a writer, convey ideas,” Curti explained to the students.

“It’s important for people to know who you are, so you can get good

“I majored in Dr. Nunnari”– anthony Curti ’08

Lessons learned on road to law school

At right | Business law professor David rant brings Mount stu-dents on court-watching stud-ies. this spring, they visited the u.S. Supreme Court and other sites in Washington, D.C.From left, artiana Hadzibrahimi, Daniel gaetano, Jessica Mlinar, leanne o’reilly, eric Boesch, Brittni guirguis, rayna Burke and Sarah Joseph.

www.msmc.edu 13

recommendations.” Theater also prepared Curti for the

courtroom. “Shakespeare courses, some student productions. I aspired to be the Dr. Nunnari of attorneys: a lifelong learner who exudes passion.”

Law school is reading, he empha-sized. “Not like a novel. It’s different reading, learning to flag what you might need. Being able to teach your-self is a credit to the professors at the Mount. They give it. At law school, it becomes your job. You have to live it.”

In law school, everyone takes the same courses, and then one can decide on a specialty. Curti knew his aim: criminal law.

“I think the best way to discover what you like, and even what you don’t, is to get some experience,” he said. “I worked for a prosecutor’s office, the Rockland County District Attorney’s office, and then the Orange County office.” He found it was a good fit.

Among the select group of students absorbing Curti’s advice were graduat-ing seniors Amanda Truffi and Rachel Vega.

Curti’s talk hit home with Vega. She’s done solid work as a pre-law intern at Jacobowitz & Gubits, a full-service New York law firm with around 30 attorneys, plus paralegals and assistants.

Vega gained great experience and

learned much from client meetings and from exposure to discovery, af-fidavits, research, courts, and tracking a case of criminal law from beginning to end.

Beyond the books and the briefs, “I was shocked by how different the hu-man side is,” said Vega, who believes she may gravitate to family law.

A solid Mount student, Vega also shares with Curti a passion for justice.

When asked about the character-istics he admires in a good attorney, Curti replied, “Respected, known to be truthful and honest. I’m going to do everything I can to work for that. Passion, of course. And it’s important to realize you don’t know everything. You’re always going to be learning. Be the type of person with a good reputa-tion and you’ll be respected.”

“Don’t let anyone say you can’t do it,” he added to his Mount successors. “You’re going to have to work hard. If you’re willing to work on it, nothing can stop you.”

On May 8, 2011, Anthony Curti joined 200 newly-minted law school graduates at Pace University.

He’ll sit for the state bar examina-tion this summer.

Meanwhile, he visited Mount Saint Mary College one more time on May 14, as Dr. Irene Nunnari proudly proclaimed the names of the newest Mount alumni: some 600 strong. n

Pre-law focusStudents can focus on pre-law in any major program. it’s your choice at the Mount:• Accounting• Biology• Business Management and Administration (Finance, Marketing)• Chemistry• Communication Arts (Media Studies, public relations)• English• Hispanic Studies • History/political Science• Human Services• information Technology• interdisciplinary Studies• Mathematics• nursing• philosophy• psychology• Social Work• Sociology/Criminology

in addition to communication, the interdisciplinary studies pre-law concentration includes accounting, business, history, philosophy and political science courses.

Marcella Sgroi ’11, pictured with angel Santana ’10 at the legisla-tive office Building in albany, N.Y., looks forward to law school this fall. Santana works full time for New York State Senator Jose M. Serrano.

graduating senior rachel Vega has appreciated her psychology and inter-disciplinary courses at the Mount.

AT ThE MOUNT


Student Athletes

The Mount Saint Mary College athletic department rounded out another successful year

of Knights in the Community with several stand-out projects during the second semester.

Women’s soccer at High Pointe

On Sunday, April 10, members of the Mount’s women’s soccer team spent an afternoon with a number of senior citizens at the High Pointe Senior Apartments in Newburgh. The Knights served cake and coffee while exchanging life stories with the resi-dents. The senior citizens enjoyed the laughter and camaraderie, and had no problem doling out life advice to the women on the team.

During a visit with 80-year old Clara, Mount Saint Mary College senior Gable Herczeg toured Clara’s

apartment and learned all about her Ukrainian family.

“Meeting Clara made me realize how important it is to know where one comes from, and the importance of family,” said Herczeg, a business major from Bethel, Conn.

Women’s tennis at Downing Park Easter egg hunt

The Mount’s women’s tennis team joined forces with the City of New-burgh on Saturday, April 16 for the annual Easter egg hunt at Downing Park. More than 100 children, ages 3 - 11, attended the event along with their families.

After helping to hide the eggs and fill baskets with candy, the Knights distributed prizes donated by a variety of Newburgh community organiza-tions. Each child in attendance left

with a prize and a smile, according to women’s tennis head coach, Lorraine Brady.

“Our team had a wonderful experi-ence interacting with the commu-nity of Newburgh,” continued Brady. “We’re looking forward to being an annual participant at the event.”

Baseball and softball a hit with the Walden Little League

The Mount’s baseball and softball teams pitched in at the Walden Little League to mentor and teach prospec-tive Little Leaguers for the upcoming season. During January and Febru-ary, the Knights conducted clinics on Friday and Saturday afternoons for up to 20 children at a time.

“This is a great opportunity for us to get out in the community and share our skills and experience,” said Mount Saint Mary College baseball head coach Steve Sosler. “It’s been really nice to see the smiles on the faces of the kids every week.” n

Knights in the Community are making a difference

Above| From left to right, Gable Herczeg, Tara McDermott, Lindsey Porcello chat with High Pointe resident Adele Esposito.

Left | From left to right, Johanna Seidel, Jackie Ivan, Kristina Swyryt, Jillian Torre, and Annie Llewellyn prepare eggs to be hidden at Downing Park.

Above| The Mount’s softball and baseball teams held sports clinics to build the skills of prospective Little Leaguers.

www.msmc.edu 15

To support Josh Depew, a Mount Saint Mary College student-athlete who has

acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the college hosted “Play for Josh,” a fundraising baseball game. The game between the Mount and SUNY Or-ange drew more than 1,000 people to Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill on May 9, 2011.

SUNY Orange defeated the Mount by a final score of 5-3. But the big win-ner of the evening was the Friends of Josh Foundation, a support organiza-tion set up to pay for Depew’s hospital expenses, treatments, and travel ex-penses. Combining the proceeds from tickets, a prize raffle, a 50/50 drawing, and many generous donations, “Play for Josh” raised nearly $9,000 for Josh’s foundation.

Together with Mount Health Services and the “Be the Match” Bone

Marrow Registry, many of the fans in attendance were also screened as potential bone marrow donors for the national registry.

Depew was first diagnosed with ALL in 2008, while competing as a student-athlete at Southern Con-necticut State University. After being diagnosed in March, Depew began chemotherapy and the cancer went into remission in May. He transferred to SUNY Orange in 2009, and pitched for the Colts baseball team during the spring of 2010 while undergoing maintenance chemotherapy.

Depew transferred again, this time to Mount Saint Mary College for the fall semester of 2010. As the team’s top pitcher this spring, Josh made seven starts and was set to lead the Knights to the Skyline Conference playoffs. But during a routine checkup, Depew learned that the cancer had returned

in a more aggressive form. He began chemotherapy sessions on Friday, April 15 and will need a bone marrow transplant to prevent a future recur-rence of the cancer. n

Players come together for teammate in need

To make a donation to the Friends of Josh Foundation, checks may be written to “Friends of Josh” and mailed to the college’s athletic department at:

Mount Saint Mary CollegeFriends of Josh (ATTn: Steve Sosler, Baseball)330 powell Avenuenewburgh, nY, 12550

CONTRIBUTIONS

Left | Fr. Kevin E. Mackin, OFM, Josh Depew, Former Mount baseball coach Lou Arrotta, and current Mount baseball head coach Steve Sosler gather near the dugout before the game.

Above| Josh Depew and teammates.

The Knights take a knee before the game.

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Student AthletesSuccessful spring season for Mount sports

MEN’S TENNIS SOFTBALLWOMEN’S LACROSSE

Record: 11-6, 6-1 Skyline

Highlights: On their way to the second most wins in Mount program history, the Knights defeated Skyline rival, St. Joseph’s College, on April 3. The Golden Eagles had won 20 con-secutive matches against conference opponents and were the two-time defending champions. Mount Saint Mary would record a second victory over St. Joseph’s in the Skyline tourna-ment semifinals to advance to the championship match. Unfortunately for the Knights, they would lose to Farmingdale in the finals.

Awards: Freshman Greg Jacob (pictured) was named to the Sky-line first team. Fellow freshman Stat Willand earned a spot on the second team.


Highlights: Despite a tough start to the season, the Knights closed out the year with three consecutive victories over Skyline opponents, Bard, Mari-time, and Sage. In a rematch of last year’s showdown with Maritime to de-cide the final playoff spot, the Knights narrowly edged the Privateers, 8-7, thanks to three goals from Sharon Cranwell. Mount Saint Mary qualified for the conference tournament for the second year in a row, but was defeated by Farmingdale in the quarterfinals.

Awards: A pair of sophomores, Erin Murray (pictured) and Kaileen Spadaro, both garnered all-confer-ence recognition as members of the Skyline second team.

Record: 21-13-1, 9-5 Skyline

Highlights: The Knights won their final six games of the regular season and qualified for the Skyline tourna-ment with two wins over Purchase College on April 16. In the tourna-ment, Mount Saint Mary dropped an opening round game to Farmingdale, but rebounded nicely to defeat Old Westbury in the next round as Ashley Peel’s two-run single in the bottom of the sixth sent the Knights to a 2-1 vic-tory. NYU-Poly defeated the Mount in the loser’s bracket final to eliminate them from the tournament.

Awards: Junior Lacey Kehlen-beck was named to the Skyline first team. Seniors Sarah Johnson and Jackie Governale, sophomore Caitlin Maynes (pictured), as well as fresh-men Brittany O’Brien and Chelsea Hepburn nabbed spots on the all-conference second team.

16 Mount Saint Mary College Magazine | Spring/SUMMEr 2011

www.msmc.edu 17

Mount Alumni

With more than 2,500 bas-ketball points under his belt by the time he gradu-

ated, there was no doubt that Michael Hoyt had a stellar basketball career at Mount Saint Mary College.

To make it official, he was named the Skyline Conference Player of the Year during his senior year at the Mount. He was also a great student off the court.

As a freshman, Hoyt wasn’t really sure what he wanted to do after col-lege. He first was a communications major, and after a few classes, realized it wasn’t for him. He found that teach-ing was.

“My family, friends, and coaches convinced me that I not only would be a great teacher, but that I would love it because I have always loved kids,” said Hoyt.

Hoyt had a chance to play profes-sional international basketball, but the summer after he graduated, he re-evaluated what he wanted his future to look like.

“Somehow, I felt that basketball was more behind me than it was in front of me. It was time for me to move on and get my teaching career started,” said Hoyt.

“But I took away so much from it. Basketball taught me and made me who I am today,” said Hoyt.

“Leadership, trust, teamwork, hard work, respect, and determination are all really useful life skills I’ve learned over the years.”

Hoyt is currently drawing on those life skills in teaching second grade in the Florida Union Free School District in his hometown of Florida, N.Y.

“My favorite part is seeing the kids grow throughout the year, and the endless rapport that I can build with

them. To have the kids believe that I care about them, and to gain their respect and trust is truly rewarding.”

Did the teacher have a mentor? “Assistant coach Sal Mineo re-

cruited me to come to the Mount and coached me for all fours years that I played. He was one of the first people to influence me to become a teacher,” said Hoyt.

Hoyt’s most memorable moments as a student were “of individual ac-complishments, but more importantly, the accomplishments of the teams,” he said.

“The memories of the people and coaches I met, seeing my family at every game — the entire journey from day one was priceless. I would like to give a shout-out to the 2004-2005 Skyline Championship team that I was a part of in my sophomore year!”

Hoyt’s younger brother Joey decided to come to the Mount when Mike was a junior, making for an even richer college experience, full of great memories.

“It made me happier than he ever knew, and just growing up with him for another two years together at col-lege meant the world to me,” said Hoyt.

Hoyt’s advice to current Mount students is sound and tested.

“Work hard, find yourself and be yourself. Make every minute count and enjoy the time you are there. It is going to fly.” n

A passion for teaching and basketball

aluMNi ProFileMichael Hoyt ’07


Highlights: Upon returning from Florida, Mount Saint Mary jump-started its conference sea-son with a sweep of Old Westbury on March 20. An up-and-down year ensued, but the Knights closed out the regular season with four consecutive victories and a two-game sweep of NYU-Poly on April 26 sent the Knights to the Skyline tournament as the fourth seed. With a big early lead in the quarterfinals against Old Westbury, the Knights would concede runs in each of the final four innings to lose, 10-7, and be eliminated from postseason play.

Awards: Junior Max Tecce (pictured) and freshman Vinnie Carminati each earned a spot on the Skyline all-conference second team.

BASEBALL


Alumni NotesMount Alumni

1983Laurie Ann (Iuzzini) Law-rence received her Ed.S. in curriculum and instruc-tion from Lincoln Memorial University in July 2010. She currently teaches at Wood-land Elementary School as the gifted ed (K-5) teacher, in Stockbridge, ga. She and her husband, Dennis Lawrence ‘86, live in McDonough, ga. with their two sons, Michael and Andrew.

1990Rhonda (Keenan) Altonen is a librarian of education and emerging technologies at University of Colorado Health Sciences Library, Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colo. Her husband, Brian, is a biostatistician with Medco Health Solutions, inc.

Maria (Santiago) Telera works full time as an assess-ment case manager for Alere Health Services and has received her certificate as a certified case manager.

1991Carrie-Ann (Hartmann) Greiner is a special educa-tion teacher in the Warwick Valley Central School District. Her son, Eric, is in sixth grade and her daughter, Morgan, is in the fourth grade. Carrie-Ann also continues to work with her husband, Walter, in his catering business.

1992Alec Usticke works for Xerox Corporation in Manhat-tan. He resides in peekskill, n.Y. with his wife Jill (Gale) Usticke ‘91 and their two

children, Saffy, 9, and Liam, 8. Their family website is at www.usticke.org

1994Edward Hanley recently completed his master’s degree at Adelphi University and received new York state certification K-12. He com-pleted his health certification in May. Currently he is the head soccer coach for the Lindenhurst High School women’s soccer team on Long island.

Lisa Morris has recently been appointed director of marketing for the Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union. She is responsible for manag-ing the marketing and public relations efforts for the credit union.

Marriages1995 | Shannon Whitfield was married to Eric Kessler on May 15, 2010 in princeton n.J. They reside in Marlboro, n.J.

1999 | Colleen Hatton mar-ried Michael McCrann on February 12, 2011 at St. rose of Lima Church, Massapequa, n.Y. A reception followed at The riviera, Massapequa, n.Y. The bride’s aunt Regina (Seelig) Sikorski ‘73 was in attendance as well as Jane (Larke) MacMellville ‘99, Christopher ‘96 & Berna-dette (LaParle) ‘99 Walsh, Stavros ’98 & Anya ‘99 Konstantinou, Kerry (Pur-cell) Stauder ’99, Sugenny

(Bonhomme) Flowers ‘98 and Arleen (Perez) Guevara ’99. The couple live in Mass-apequa park, n.Y.

2000 | Kristen DiCicco and Christopher Brandon were married on november 12, 2010 in their Hagerstown, Md. home.

2007 | Matthew Moran was married this past november. The reception and ceremony were held at Bear Mountain, n.Y. Shortly after graduat-ing from the Mount, he was offered a job with Yahoo! in Silicon Valley, Sunnyvale, Calif., where he is employed as an engineer.

Christine Baker

Sean Hollywood

lisa Morris

Miller - NewellDiCicco - Brandon

2008 | Melissa Tetler and Jake Cohen Donnelly were married on October 30, 2009.

2010 | Virginia Miller mar-ried 1st LT Daniel Newell on

December 28, 2010 at the Ca-det Chapel, West point, n.Y. They live in Fayetteville, n.C., where Daniel is stationed at Fort Bragg as a member of the 82nd Airborne.

www.msmc.edu 19

1995Christine Baker was recently inducted into the Middle-town Sports Hall of Fame for her athletic achievements in high school and at the Mount. She is one of four women inducted in the Hall of Fame’s 18- year history. She was also a finalist for the 2011 Sundance Screenwrit-er’s institute for her feature film script based on the life of Emily Dickinson. Christine is president of CB Creative, inc., an integrated commu-nications consulting firm in nyack, n.Y.

1996Sean Hollywood was promoted to division chief at Howard County government department of finance. He oversees the accounting and financial reporting for grants and other special revenue in the county. Sean is also a licensed CpA in the state of Maryland.

1997Angela Brust is an education instructor at the Commission on Economic Opportunities Youth Build program.

Jim Kelly made a career change after teaching seventh-grade English for 10 years and now works with children with autism. He is working at Occupations inc. as a community support supervisor and provides sup-port and services for families of autistic children all over Orange County, n.Y., both in their homes and in the com-munity. He married rebecca, a speech pathologist for Bea-

Births1992 | Sean Creighton and his wife Ayanna have a new addition to their family. Shiloh Dorothy Creighton was born on november 27, 2010 at greenwich Hospital in Conn. Shiloh weighed in at an 8 lbs. and was 21 inches long.

1996 | Georgia (Allison) Weinmann and her hus-band Dr. Dale Weinmann welcomed a new son, Arlo Sam, on March 28, 2011. He joins big sister ruthie, 5.

1997 | Rebecca (Parkhurst) Lynn welcomed penelope parkhurst Lynn to the world on July 22, 2010. penelope joins big brother Jake, 4, and big sister Abby, 3.

1999 | Karen (Toomey) Chenel announced the birth of her son, Michael paul Che-nel Jr., born March 31, 2010.

2002 | Christopher Mc-Cracken and Christine (Bain) McCracken wel-comed their first child, a healthy baby boy, on Febru-ary 14, 2011. Liam patrick McCracken was born at 8:56 am and was 8 lbs. 15 oz. and 21 inches long. The family resides in poughkeepsie, n.Y.

Joseph ’02 and Angela (Bailey) Strahl ’03 wel-comed a beautiful baby boy, Austin John Strahl, on August 14, 2010.

2003 | Jenny-Ann (Harris) Lally and Richard Lally an-nounce the birth of their first child, a son, Timothy ryan, on June 3, 2010 at 8 lbs. 2 oz. and 21 inches long.

Alicia (Hock) Plevritis and Peter Plevritis announce the birth of their first child, a son, Elias John plevritis, on September 30, 2010.

2005 | William and Margot (Everett) Denaxas ’04 became proud parents to a son, Liam ray Denaxas, who arrived on February 7, 2011 weighing 7 lbs. and 9 oz.

Ashley (Hendryk) Murin and husband Bill Murin wel-comed the birth of their son, Michael gregory Murin on July 7, 2010. Michael is the third grandchild of Kathy (Hand) Murin ‘73.

Michael Murin liam ray Denaxas

Shiloh Creighton

liam McCracken

elias Plevritis

Stay connected!“Like” us on Facebook at www.msmc.edu/facebookread more online at www.msmc.edu/alumni


Mount Alumni

In Memoriam

con Central School District, in 2007. They live in the Town of newburgh, happily, with two labs and a miniature dachs-hund, Sadie.

Donna (Jones) Vitrone is currently a fifth grade teacher at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in Shrub Oak, n.Y. She is married with two children, Michael, 5, and Taylor, 2.

2000Joe Polvere is in his 10th year teaching fifth grade in the Tenafly public Schools. Joe is also working as an adjunct professor for new Jersey City University, Bergen Community College, and rockland Community Col-lege. He is the vice president of the teachers’ union in Tenafly.

2004Antoinette Atsunyo recently started a new career as a

licensed agent with new York Life insurance Company at their Hudson Valley head-quarters in new Windsor, n.Y. You can contact her at [email protected]

2005Justin Schiedel received his M.A. in engaged humanities with emphasis in mythology and depth psychology from

pacifica graduate institute in Carpinteria, Calif.

2006Cheryl Gross has been named controller of the City of newburgh. She has more than 30 years of experi-ence, including 12 years in municipal and school district accounting, and has served as district treasurer of Wash-

ingtonville School District for the past 5 ½ years. previously, she was a junior accountant for the newburgh Enlarged City School District and treasurer for the Village of Maybrook. She is a member of new York State Association of School Business Officials (nYSABO) and chairperson of nYSABO treasurer’s steering committee.

2008Christina Buechel received her M.S. from Marist College in information systems man-agement in December 2010. Christina is currently working at Elant as an iT technician.

2009Desiree Razzaia gradu-ated in 2010 from Fordham University with her master’s in social work and a special-ization in social work and the law. She is currently working at Connecticut renaissance Adolescent Outpatient pro-gram, YES! (Youth Equipped for Success), as a clinician. Desiree is working toward her LCSW. She also meets with BSW students from a

Victor Conticchio, father of robert Conticchio ‘87, passed away on March 6, 2011.

Maureen J. Erb, mother of patricia (Erb) Ferrari ‘73, Barbara (Erb) giardina ‘82 and grandmother of philip giardina ‘13, passed away on December 22, 2010.

Sandra Grant, mother of

Keewana grant ‘09, passed away in February 2011.

Doris Green, mother of Diane green ’10, passed away on March 31, 2010.

Karen (Hanrahan) Johnston ‘80, spouse of ned Johnston, and sister of peggy Hanrahan ’79, passed away on January 6, 2011.

Susan (Bolton) Kunkel ’74, sister of Carol (Bolton) Hamilton ’74 and sister-in-law of Jean Adams Bolton ’69, passed away on March 26, 2011

Catherine Pampinella, mother of Frances (pampi-nella) Hawthorne ’68 and Elizabeth (pampinella) Monahan ’75 passed away on

April 16, 2011.

Lillian Rogowski, mother of Cheryl rogowski ’84, passed away on April 15, 2011.

Ruby Romanko ’96, spouse of Mark romanko, passed away on november 14, 2010.

Salina (Lewis) Smith ’84, spouse of Harvel O. Smith,

Wappingers Junior High School special ed team run by Mount grads

Left to right: Mary (Russo) Moen ‘00 teaches ELA, Renay (Siper) Cerrato ‘94 teaches math, Angela Kline ‘08 teaches social studies, and Robin (Dering) Rose ‘80 teaches science.

Mount Alumni: Share your news!Just visit the website at www.msmc.edu/notes

local university, assisting with supervision as they complete their internships working with adults and adolescents involved in the CT Court System. “i wish the best for the current students at the Mount and hope that my fel-low alumni are doing well!”

2010Emily Alsdorf is working as a nurse on a medical/surgical floor at Saint Francis Hospital in poughkeepsie, n.Y. it’s a trauma center, so they deal with a lot of fractures and car accident survivors. The work is challenging, but different every day.

Austin Dugger is currently a senior day habilitation specialist at Abilities First, inc., a non-profit organiza-tion that serves people of all ages who have disabilities. Austin, along with two co-workers, runs a classroom for developmentally disabled adults, ages 25-78. “i love my job and i come home happy knowing that i assisted in making each client’s day better.”

Mount Saint Mary College has part-nered with the Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (HVFCU) to offer a Visa Platinum credit card exclusively for Mount Saint Mary College alumni.

Alumni who live, work, worship, or attend school in Dutchess, Ulster, Orange or Putnam counties in New York, or who are related to a current HVFCU member, are eligible to apply for the card.

By carrying your Mount Visa from HVFCU, you show school pride as you use it, and you also help to enrich the Annual Fund. A donation is made to the Annual Fund with each card issued.

The Mount’s Annual Fund ensures that financial resources are available for the college’s greatest needs, including scholarships, programs, technology and athletics. Every donation counts. Each Mount-branded HVFCU Visa Platinum credit card issued helps the fund grow.

Show your school pride while also get-

ting all the great benefits of an HVFCU Visa, including the option of a low-rate card or one that offers reward points or cash back.

For more information on how to get your Mount Visa Platinum credit card from HVFCU, visit hvfcu.org/msmc. You can also stop by one of HVFCU’s many convenient branches or call 845-463-3011.

Don’t wait. Show your pride for Mount Saint Mary College and get your card today!

Support the Annual Fund with a Mount credit card

passed away on February 9, 2011.

Ken Thomas, spouse of Mary Thomas ’75, passed away on December 8, 2010.

Kathleen (Ezzo) Wittman ’75, spouse of Craig Wittman, passed away on September 6, 2010.

Nominations please!The Mount Saint Mary College

Alumni Association is seeking nomi-nations for the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Alumni President’s Award for Outstanding Service to the College to be presented during Alumni and Family Weekend.

The Distinguished Alumni Award has been given since 1976 to an alum-na/us who has contributed to society through his/her work. The President’s Award for Outstanding Service to the College and recognizes an alumna/us for outstanding service to the Mount through alumni work and benefactions for the support of the college.

To submit a nomination, contact Michelle Iacuessa ’94, director of alumni affairs, at [email protected] or 845-569-3217.

Alumni reception on Long IslandFrom left, Harry Steinway, Patty Farrell ’92, Chris Dougherty ’95, Mary ellen Diver ’78, ed Hanley ’94, Fr. Kevin e. Mackin, oFM, Mount president and Karen gassmann-Davis ’69.

Alumni reception in Stamford, Conn.lynn Stanaitis Maschi ‘87, Christopher Viviano ’95, anne Ferrara Chiapetta ’81, Fr. Kevin e. Mackin, oFM, and Patricia Hayes axtmayer ’73.

ALUMNI AWARDS

www.msmc.edu 21


Friends of the Mount

Friends of Mount Saint Mary College, trustees, alumni, fac-ulty and staff gathered together

on December 3, 2010 for the Inaugu-ral Gala Reception.

The Joseph A. Bonura Award for Leadership Excellence was bestowed upon David S. MacFarland, president and CEO of Riverside Bank, and Dr. John A. D’Ambrosio, president of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.

The Joseph A. Bonura Award for Leadership Excellence is presented to individuals or institutions that show, through professional accomplish-ments, the same commitment to qual-ity, concern for neighbors and shared prosperity that exemplify the career and character of Joseph A. Bonura. Bonura is a highly esteemed friend

of Mount Saint Mary College, whose entrepreneurial spirit and impressive generosity have benefitted many in the Hudson Valley community.

Bonura and his family have been involved in the food service and hospitality business for over 30 years on both sides of the Hudson River. Bonura is dedicated to providing the highest quality hospitality and excel-lence in food service to the Hudson Valley, whether it’s dinner for two or a party for 600.

David S. MacFarland has more than 40 years of banking experience. As a participant in over 20 organizations in Orange and Dutchess counties, the scope of his community involvement

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Inaugural

is extensive. MacFarland has served on boards or committees to advance education at all levels, and has worked with SUNY Orange, Mount Saint Mary College and SUNY New Paltz.

D’Ambrosio has served as the presi-dent of the Orange County Cham-ber of Commerce for over 25 years. D’Ambrosio has become a fixture within the regional business commu-nity serving on a multitude of boards including Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties (former chairman of the board), Orange County United Way, Orange County Community College Foundation and the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor. n

1. Peg edwards and Bill Kaplan.

2. From left, Fr. Kevin e. Mackin, oFM, Mount president; Dr. John D’ambrosio, Joseph a. Bonura, Jr., David MacFarland.

3. From left, abel garraghan, Mount chairman of the board of trustees; Fr. Kevin e. Mackin, oFM, and tim Mcelduff Jr.

4. From left, Barbara Malley, Sue Koval and alexandra laubacker.

PhOTO gALLERy

Gala Reception

View more photos from Mount eventsVisit www.msmc.edu/flickr to see the latest photos from Mount Saint Mary College

www.msmc.edu 23

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5. Sr. ann Sakac, Mount president emerita.

6. Marilyn D’ambrosio and Mount trustee Susan Najork.

7. From left, regina Mcgrade, eileen taylor, Nancy Smith.

8. Master of Ceremony, Dutchess County Sheriff, Butch anderson.

9. From left, Mount trustee Jimmy Smith and his wife Nancy, with Charlie and Joanne North.

10. From left, Vincent and Jean Minuta, Joseph Minuta.

11. Nancy Smith, Carol Smith, Peter Bardunias, Jean Minuta (bottom row), Mary Cooper, Jimmy Smith, greg Cooper and Vincent Minuta (top row).

12. From left, Sr. Joann Boneski ’65, Sr. lorelle elcock ’66, Sr. Patricia Sullivan ’64, Sr. Margaret anderson ’67, Sr. ann Sakac, Sr. Frances irene Fair, Sr. lucy Povilonis ‘72.

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Friends of the Mount

Key legal documents needed for

financial and health-related matters

“Essentially, there are three key legal docu-

ments that everyone, regardless of age,

should have,” said Mark D. Stern, an at-

torney from Goshen, N.Y., who was a featured speaker

at the Mount’s estate planning seminar on June 1 in

Aquinas Hall.

“They are a will, which takes effect upon death; a

durable power of attorney, which is in effect during

a person’s lifetime until their death; and a healthcare

proxy, which is the equivalent of a power of attorney for

medical decisions.”

Trusts can also be important vehicles for certain in-

dividuals, especially when people want to protect assets

for loved ones and are seeking privacy for their finan-

cial affairs since trusts are not subject to probate.

“Often, people are concerned about ensuring that

their legacy will be available for their children and

grandchildren, especially when spouses remarry or

family situations change,” stated Stern, who has been in

private practice for 35 years.

In addition to estate law, Stern is experienced in

real estate, matrimonial, and family law. A graduate of

Brooklyn Law School, Stern is admitted to practice in

both New York and New Jersey. He is a member of the

Orange County Bar Association, New York State Bar

Association, Association of Trial Lawyers of America,

and the American Bar Association.

“I have always enjoyed estate law, as it is often like

putting together a giant puzzle and making sure that

all of the pieces fit together perfectly in the end so that

the deceased’s intentions are fulfilled. There is great

satisfaction in helping clients develop a plan that meets

their needs,” said Stern.

Educational seminars can help inform people about

the issues to consider when creating plans to meet

short-term and long-term needs, and also to provide for

loved ones and favorite charities.

“I particularly enjoy the Q & A, said Stern, “Audience

members learn from the different situations that are

presented.”

Inspiring youth to pursue careers in law

For the past 22 years, Stern has served as the coach

for the Goshen High School Mock Trial Team that has

earned eight first-place finishes in the Orange-Ulster

County Region.

“Working with these students throughout the year

is a real joy, said Stern, “and the teens keep us on our

toes. Each participating high school in New York State

is given the same detailed, factual problem on some

cutting-edge issue. The thirty or so team members

work on the many different aspects of case preparation

and then take turns role-playing as defense and plaintiff

attorneys and witnesses.”

The teams are assessed by local judges, with the win-

ners moving on to district and state-wide competitions.

Being part of the team requires a great deal of commit-

ment from the students, who must work independently

and with others for a minimum of four to six hours

weekly, in addition to their regular school work.

“It’s gratifying to see the progress they make each

year and the confidence that builds as they develop

their cases.”Stern first began coaching when his oldest son, Rus-

sell, attended Goshen High School. Russell is now a

corporate attorney practicing in Long Island, N.Y.

Stern’s middle child, Edward, graduated from Hobart

and William Smith Colleges and earned his master’s

degree in education from Mount Saint Mary College.

He is a learning specialist at Touro Medical College in

California. Stern’s daughter, Kimberly, graduated from the

University of Buffalo and resides in Buffalo, N.Y. Stern

also volunteers his legal services for the Goshen Vol-

unteer Ambulance Corps and Temple Sinai of Middle-

town, N.Y., where he and his wife, Linda, are long-time

members. For more information about estate planning and

upcoming seminars at Mount Saint Mary College, visit

www.msmc.edu/giving or contact Joan Gambeski,

director of major gifts, at [email protected] or

845-569-3218. n

Tips from attorney and alumni parent Mark Stern

Planning for your life

www.msmc.edu 25

One of a handful of mathemath-ics majors in her graduating class, Sassmann retired from IBM in 1998 as a senior technical staff member – a designation achieved by about 10 other women in IBM worldwide at that time.

“The Dominican Sisters instilled a sense of empowerment among their students that if we were determined and worked hard, we could achieve anything we set our minds to,” Sass-mann said.

Sassmann’s work included the con-ceptualization, design, implementa-tion, and review of operating systems

for IBM mainframe computers used by NASA, universities, and major retailers among other customers.

“I’ve been fortunate to be part of the ‘early days’ of both the Mount and IBM programming, and have seen them both grow into such successful organizations,” said Sassmann.

“I spent a good deal of time with Sr. Marie Genevieve, who taught math. Though I was not convinced, Sr. Marie Genevieve was certain that I would

become a teacher. I guess we were both right, since during my tenure at IBM I regularly mentored my col-leagues, many of whom went on to senior leadership positions.”

With deep gratitude for the education she received at the Mount, Sassmann has established the McDon-ald Family Scholarship, to be awarded annually beginning in September 2011 to a deserving female student from the village of Wappingers Falls, town of Poughkeepsie, or town of Wappinger.

“As the recipient of a Mount schol-arship myself, I’m delighted to create a scholarship fund to help other young women who have ambitious dreams and career goals,” shared Sassmann.

“Initially, I was planning to estab-lish a scholarship fund as part of my estate. I decided it would be great fun to give something now while I can enjoy being part of something bigger for Mount students. My dad would be proud to have our family honored by this fund, which will help others.”

Sassmann’s recent visit was like a trip down memory lane. “I have fond memories of my time at the Mount,” recalled Sassmann.

“My freshman year I lived at Ro-sary Heights in Balmville (section of Newburgh). Our dorm room featured a small terrace with French doors overlooking the Hudson. I remem-ber looking out at the first completed span of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, which opened in the fall of 1962.”

“For the next three years, I lived in the Villa Madonna and earned enough seniority to live in the tower room. We were a diverse yet close-knit group

of students, faculty, and mentors. I’m so pleased that this same sense of family continues at the college today,” noted Sassmann.

Helping others is a way of life for Sassmann, who is active with many groups, including Mount Saint Mary Academy high school alumni, for which she serves as president of the Alumni Association.

“I feel fortunate to be helping both the Mount and the Academy during this historic period as the Mother House will be transformed into a new, dynamic center of learning for the col-lege,” said Sassmann.

As a charter member of the Wap-pinger Creek Watershed Intermu-nicipal Council, Eileen works with others to preserve and improve both quality and quantity of water in local and regional watersheds. She is an officer of the Wappinger Greenway Trail Committee, board member of Grinnell Library, and an active parish council member of St. Mary’s Church in Wappingers Falls. n

Eileen McDonald Sassmann establishes McDonald Family Scholarship Fund

Honoring family by helping Mount students

“The knowledge I acquired and the life skills I learned at Mount Saint Mary College helped me immeasurably in my career,” said Eileen McDonald Sassmann ’66, during a recent campus visit.

Rosary Heights

Learn how you can support the MountVisit www.msmc.edu/giving or contact the College Advancement Office at 845-569-3215.

Eileen McDonald Sassmann ’66, right, visits with Sr. Pat Sullivan, during a recent visit to the Mount campus.

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Mount Saint Mary College 330 powell Avenuenewburgh, nY 12550

Save the date and pass the word! Alumni and Family Weekend is September 30–October 2, 2011. Alumni and Family Weekend is for ALL alumni and students, and will recognize the anniversary classes of 1966, 1971, 1976,

1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001 and 2006.Start making plans to come back and visit with friends and favorite faculty

members you may not have seen since graduation. Autumn is a magnificent time to visit the Hudson Valley and discover how Mount Saint Mary College has grown since you were last here.

Please visit the Mount’s website at www.msmc.edu for the latest information.

Save the DateAlumni and Family Weekend September 30 – October 2, 2011

Attention Anniversary Classes: 1966, 1971,1976, 1981, 1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006Show your Mount pride! participate in the 2011 Anniversary Year reunion gift Challenge. For more information or to make your gift, visit www.msmc.edu/alumni.

2011Anniversary Year Reunion Gift Challenge

mount saint mary college magazine spring/summer 2011

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