pulteney street survey

SPRING 2010

Profiles of HWS Students Gaining Worlds of

Experience

H66378_CVR.indd 3 4/15/10 15:08:53

Pulteney Street Survey | Spring 2010

Catherine WilliamsEDITOR

Peggy KowalikART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER

Melissa Sue Sorrells ’05ASSISTANT EDITOR

Francesca Antonucci ’10, Emma Boehm ’12, Sarah Burton ’11, Molly DiStefano ’10, Andrew Donovan ’12, John Heavey ’09, Mary LeClair, Cynthia L. McVey, Jessie Meyers ’09, Megan Metz, Melissa Sue Sorrells ’05, Julianne Staino ’10, Andrew Wickenden ’09, Catherine WilliamsCONTRIBUTING WRIT ERS/EDITORS

Kevin ColtonSTAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Courtney Apple ’08, Aram Boghosian, Rob Holmes ’92, Lauren Long, Andrew Markham ’10, Amory Ross ’06, Gregory Searles, Neil Sjoblom ’75CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Rebecca Frank, Mary LeClair, Betty Merkle, Jessie Meyers ’09, Kathy Killius Regan ’82, P’13, Jared Weeden ’91CLASSNOTES EDITORS

Mark D. GearanPRESIDENT

David H. Deming ’75CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Maureen Collins Zupan ’72, P’09VICE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Catherine WilliamsDIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Kathy Killius Regan ’82, P’13DIRECTOR OF ALUMNAE RELATIONS

Jared Weeden ’91DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS William Smith Alumnae Association Officers: Kate MacKinnon ’77, President; Susan Flanders Cushman ’98, Vice President; Susan Lloyd Yolen ’72, Past President; Lynne Friedlander Jenco ’80, HistorianHobart Alumni Association Officers: Robert H. Gilman ’70, President; Edward R. Cooper ’86, Vice President; Garry A. Mendez III ’96, Historian; Joseph C. Tully ’88, Past President

VOLUME XXXVII, NUMBER THREETHE PULTENEY STREET SURVEYis published by the Of fice of Communications, Hobart and William Smith Col leg es, 639 S. Main Street, Geneva, New York 14456-3397, (315) 781-3700. POSTMASTER: Send address chang es to The Pulteney Street Sur vey, c/o Alumni House Records, Hobart and William Smith Col leg es, Geneva, New York 14456-3397.

Opinions expressed in The Pulteney Street Survey are those of the individuals expressing them, not of Hobart and William Smith Colleges or any other individual or group. Hobart and William Smith Colleges value diversity and actively seek applications from underrepresented groups and do not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, disability, veteran's status, or sexual orientation.

KWAME LOVELL ’10, PAUL MARSHALL ’11 AND SAMANTHA TRIPOLI ’11 VISIT DOLMABAHCE PALACE WHILE TOURING ISTAN-BUL, TURKEY. THE THREE ARESTUDYING ABROAD IN LONDON THIS SEMESTER.

H66378_TOC_31.indd 2 4/15/10 16:22:13

Contents

2 Lakeviews 7 Overheard

8 Pre-Law at HWS 10 A Place for “Free Speech”

14 Communications Program in Geneva

16 Worlds of Experience. Lives of Consequence.

24 Family Style

26 The Annual Fund Scholars Program

28 A Family Tradition

32 Classnotes

62 Associations

64 Snapshot

65 The Last Word: Justice On the cover: Emily Rogowski ’12 studies on the porch of Hope House, a theme residence hall dedicated to cancer awareness. Behind her, the award-winning HWS sailing team practices on Seneca Lake.

Photo by Kevin Colton

8 10

16 28 Wor

lds

of E

xper

ienc

e. L

ives

of

Con

sequ

ence

.

HOBART AND WILLIAM SMITH COL LEG ES 1

H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:1 4/15/10 16:22:18

Lakeviews

PH

OTO

BY K

EVIN

CO

LTO

N

THE QUAD IN APRIL

To read a copy of President Gearan’s letter to the HWS community regarding the budget and financial health of the Colleges, go to www.hws.edu/about/budgetletter

TraditionI write on an April afternoon from my of ce in Coxe Hall overlooking the Quad. As you might imag-

ine, the rst hint of warm weather has pulled students from the library, labs, residence halls and the Scandling Campus Center to the Quad. Classes are meeting in small circles in the shade, students are

playing Frisbee and lounging in the sun, and faculty and students are holding impromptu advising ses-sions in Adirondack chairs. For anyone who attended Hobart and William Smith in the past 50 years, this is a familiar scene. It’s true that the music playing from speakers pressed to the screens of Medbery windows may be different. The classes meeting in the shade may have new titles and new professors. The Quad dogs may have new

names. But the rst warm day of April is nonetheless a quintessential Hobart and William Smith moment. What I particularly enjoy about spontaneous traditions like the Spring Quad, as well as more institutionalized traditions like Commencement and Convocation, is their ability to tie what we are currently experiencing to the past. Traditions remind us of the rich history of stewardship that makes our current situation possible. It is because of thousands of Hobart and William Smith alumni and alumnae, because of their passion and dedication, that the Colleges ourish. With everything we have accomplished and all that has inevitably changed – new facilities, new faces and new initiatives – this is still Hobart and William Smith. We value community and civic engagement. We are a student-centered learning environment with a global focus. We are passionate about equity and academic rigor. And, like those before us, we very much want to ensure that the opportunities and experiences available at Hobart and William Smith exist for future generations. Eighty-nine years ago, members of the administration of Hobart and William Smith wrote a three page document to alumni and alumnae out-lining what they called “the rst comprehensive campaign that Hobart or William Smith [has] ever made.” The document was found, among others, in a time capsule prepared by the Hobart class of 1881 at their 40th reunion (see story on facing page). Their goal at the time was to raise $1 million for endowment and capital projects. The administration of

89 years ago compared HWS fundraising to that of Union, the University of Rochester, St. Lawrence and Hamilton. Today, we are in the midst of a $200 million campaign and in an age that often de nes a college’s worth through comparisons to its peer group. Who might have predicted in 1921 that nearly 100 years later, the Colleges would be fundraising for the endowment and capital projects, as well as comparing our outcomes to those of colleges like Union and Hamilton? As we continue to face an economy shadowed by recession, one that is affecting all three drivers of the HWS budget ( nancial aid, endowment and philanthropy), the tradition of giving back to one’s alma mater is critical. Our ability to navigate these economic times will be determined in large part by the hard work and passion of our alumni and alumnae, as well as our parents, friends, faculty, students and staff. With every best wish I remain,

Sincerely,

Mark D. Gearan President

2 Pulteney Street Survey | Spring 2010

H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:2 4/15/10 16:22:22

Time in a Boxby Cynthia L. McVey

A group of Hobart graduates celebrating their 40th reunion in 1921 created a time capsule to serve as a message to future graduates. The Class of 1881 sealed their capsule in a cardboard box

indicating it was for the Class of 1981. It was then given to the Colleges’ archives and stowed (rather than actually buried) on campus. While the trials and travails of this historic box are still somewhat a mystery – it wasn’t readily accessible when the Class of 1981 graduated – it was located in time for two members of the Class of 1981 and the Colleges Board of Trustees to fulfill the wishes of their predecessors.

During a dinner attended by the Board of Trustees,

PH

OTO

BY K

EVIN

CO

LTO

N


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:3 4/15/10 16:22:23

N. Harrison (Pete) Buck ’81, P’12 and Calvin (Chip) R. Carver, Jr. ’81 carefully unsealed the box.

“I was thinking that the box would contain relics and artifacts of some kind, like buttons, pennants or baseballs,” says Buck. What they found was a combination of items from the graduating year and from the 40th reunion year. “It was fascinating to see the pictures of each graduate from the graduating year alongside the picture from the 40th reunion. Most of these men were ministers and seemed in good health 40 years later.”

Buck found an enclosed newspaper article on lacrosse to be the most interesting of the contents. “It referred to games against Harvard, Yale and Syracuse with Hobart dominating all contests.”

Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees Maureen Collins Zupan ’72, P’09 was happy to be present for the opening. “It was very exciting to watch it being opened, although at one point I thought it might be a joke because it was a wrapped box, inside a wrapped box. I was wondering, was it going to be a box inside a box inside another box ... ?”

Also contained within the capsule were the Commencement program from 1921, several additional articles

from a 1921 issue of the Geneva Daily Times, and letters addressed to the Class of 1981.

In one such letter, the Class of 1881 hoped their past would grow and that subsequent classes would have “the satisfaction of even greater achievement.” “It was so much fun to watch the ‘capsule’ being opened,” says Zupan. She notes one of the most exciting things inside was a typed letter, about two pages long. It was a petition for the Hobart Centennial Campaign that was about to begin in 1921. “With a change in date and dollar amounts, the document could have been equally appropriate for the current capital campaign.”

At the time of its writing, the Hobart Centennial Campaign goal was $1 million, which the author described as, “necessary to put the Colleges on a firm foundation, and for more students.”

“This piece strikes a familiar chord,” says President Mark D. Gearan. “While it’s sobering that Hobart College faced the same issues more than 100 years ago as we do today, the support for the institution that the author passionately expressed is inspiring.”

The petition envisions “the greater Hobart and William Smith,” an entity

that would be made possible by a successful campaign: “Two small colleges, co-ordinate as at present but not co-educational, with a combined enrollment if possible twice that of the present – 250 – retaining all the cultural features of arts colleges, which they now have… .”

At the time, the Colleges benefitted from numerous funding sources, including all Geneva-based alums, Trustees, the General Education Board and the Protestant Episcopal Society for Promoting Religion and Learning in the State of New York. It was described as “the first comprehensive campaign for funds that Hobart or William Smith ever have made” and ended with “Once in a hundred years. Let’s go!”

“I was amazed how topical their comments were to today’s issues,” says Carver. “They talked about the Colleges’ finances, the results of athletic competitions and the benefits of additional endowment—all things that are important to us today. But at the same time, it made me realize how much the Colleges have changed.”

TRUSTEES CALVIN (CHIP) R. CARVER, JR. ’81 AND N. HARRISON (PETE) BUCK ’81, P’12 EXAMINE A PHOTO OF THE CLASS OF 1881.

PH

OTO

BY K

EVIN

CO

LTO

N


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:4 4/15/10 16:22:26

HWS | ca.1985

Mr. RogersMembers of the Hobart and William Smith Classes of 1985 took a trip to the ‘Neighborhood of Make-Believe’ when television host and educator Fred Rogers LL.D. ’85 and King Friday XIII offered the Commencement address. ”Standing rm for what you are convinced to be healthy and good is one of the hardest

things in life, especially when you want so much not to hurt anybody.”

WAVELENGTHS

Top Daily Update Stories 6

Overheard 7

Pre-Law at HWS 8

A Place for “Free Speech” 10

Communications in Geneva 14


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:5 4/15/10 16:22:27

TOP Daily Update Stories www.hws.edu/dailyupdate

5HOPE FOR HAITI

Following the devastating earthquake that leveled Port-au-Prince, HWS

community members quickly organized a variety of fundraisers and donation drives, arranging special events and rededicating annual events to the cause. “We should all rise to the occasion and help those suffering in a distant place,” says Senior Class President Innis Baah.

9PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

Michael Doane ’11, Morgan Hopkins ’10, Colleen Carpinella ’09, Sade Jones ’08, Amy Nadel ’09 and Rachel Sumner ’08 joined Assistant Professors of Psychology Portia Dyrenforth and Jonathan Iuzzini to present their work at the annual Society for Personality and Social Psychology conference in Nevada. Their presentations ranged from the psychology of racial equality to the social benefits of positive emotions.

3 CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

Hobart and William Smith have been named to the President’s Higher

Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement.

2THREE CUPS OF TEA

Award-winning journalist David Oliver Relin, co-author of the bestselling book,

“Three Cups of Tea,” recapped his journeys for a packed crowd at the Smith Opera House as part of the President’s Forum Lecture Series. In conjunction with his visit, the Colleges and Geneva City School District organized a community read of his book.

4 TENURE AWARDED

With grants from the National Science

Foundation and National Institute of Health, and degrees from prestigious universities like Brown, Yale and Princeton, eight HWS faculty members were given the rank of associate professor during the February Board Meeting: Stina Bridgeman and Erika King, mathematics and computer science; Anna Creadick, English; Leah Himmelhoch, Classics; Kristy Kenyon, biology; Eric Klaus, German area studies; Helen McCabe (pictured), education; and Justin Miller, chemistry.

7 DISABILITY AND THE ARTS

The first Disability and the Arts Festival, a three-week celebration of acceptance

and awareness, was held on campus in April. In connection with a special issue of the Seneca Review focused on disability, the Festival challenged notions of what it means to be disabled through multimedia arts, including writing, painting, dance and film.

8 SENATOR PAUL SIMON AWARD

HWS was one of only five institutions in the nation to receive the

prestigious Senator Paul Simon Award for Comprehensive Internationalization, presented by NAFSA. The award recognizes the Colleges’ commitment to providing a rigorous, interdisciplinary, liberal arts education that produces globally engaged graduates. Other recipients included Carnegie Mellon, Loyola, Northeastern and the University of San Francisco.

1PEACE CORPS

Hobart and William Smith rank #17, along with institutions like Johns

Hopkins and Mount Holyoke, in the category ‘Small Colleges and Universities’ on the Peace Corps’ annual rankings of volunteer-producing schools, with 15 alums currently serving. Since the Peace Corps was founded, 183 HWS graduates have joined.

6RECYCLING

As part of RecycleMania,

an eight-week intercollegiate recycling competition, Hobart and William Smith

increased the on-campus recycling rate from 18 to 30 percent, ranking HWS alongside Dickinson and Franklin and Marshall. “Aiming to raise our recycling rate 12 percent was ambitious, but it was a tremendous success,” says Sustainability Coordinator Jamie Landi ’08.


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:6 4/15/10 16:22:27

—HORACE D. ALLEN ’85, the keynote speaker for the Colleges’ ninth

annual Alger L. Adams ’32 Academic Excellence Dinner

“HWS expanded my view of what community means and made me realize how important it is to be an ac ve par cipant in the global community.”—JESSE MCKENNA ’08, a 2010

recipient of the Sara’s Wish

Foundation scholarship, given to

support safe and rewarding adventures

for students when studying abroad

“I am travelling on a train from Haridwar, India, back to Delhi. Should be about 70 with terrible smog when I arrive!”—EMILY WEBSTER ’05, answering the question “What are alums

up to around the world?” posted on the Hobart and William

Smith Facebook fan page

Overheard

WAVELENGTHS

he facts – just the facts – are never enough. You

have to engage the head and the heart.”—President’s Forum Speaker VIKKI SPRUILL P’12, president

and CEO of the Ocean Conservancy, discussing how to best

create policy change in a democracy

“At a me when many colleges are working desperately to stand out and a ract prospec ve students... Hobart and William Smith may have found a crea ve approach.” —JACQUES STEINBERG in The New York Times on Hobart and William Smith’s 3D admissions materials


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:7 4/15/10 16:22:34

by Melissa Sue Sorrells ’05

“I fell in love with law when I was ten,” says William Smith junior Meghan Bowden. “It was the rst time I studied the Constitution in detail, and I recall being absolutely struck by the

clarity and power of its language.” Dozens of passionate, engaged students like Bowden enroll in Hobart and William Smith each year intending to take advantage of the Colleges’ unique pre-law advising pro-gram. “The pre-law advising program was a major factor in my decision to come to HWS,” agrees Colleen O’Hara ‘12, who has served as president of her class for two years and as vice president of William Smith Congress. “More students from HWS are accepted to law schools than at any other college I looked at.” What sets the pre-law program at HWS apart from those at other colleges and universi-ties is, in large part, the Colleges’ curriculum. “I rmly believe that our liberal arts curriculum is

the best training for law school,” says Pre-Law Adviser and Professor of Philosophy Scott Bro-phy ‘78, P’12. “Our rich and varied curriculum allows students to learn the necessary analyti-cal thinking, research skills and writing abilities that prepare a student for law school.” The subject areas that HWS students pursue as they gain those skills is largely up to them because pre-law is not a designated major at the Colleges. “There is no ‘pre-law track.’ Instead, I guide students to courses in subjects like history and economics,” says Brophy. “By taking a wide variety of courses, students are exposed not only to many differ-ent kinds of information but to many different ways of thinking about information,” says Assistant Professor of History Laura Free, who teaches several of the history courses Bro-phy recommends. “Having a variety of tools available for thinking about legal problems is essential.” In addition to these recommendations, Brophy encourages pre-law students to study what they’re most passionate about. “What I love about the program is that it’s not set in stone,” says Brian Horn ‘12, who spent a summer interning with New York Sena-tor Charles Schumer. “It allows me to take the courses that interest me, while building a great foundation of skills and gaining a varied knowledgebase that will be helpful no matter what I chose to do.” “I ask my advisees what academic pursuits they nd most intellectually reward-ing,” Brophy says. “Law plays a role in many academic elds, but we are not a law school. Our program is about helping students leave here with the skills they’ll need to be success-ful in law school.”

Pre-Law Pre-Law at HWSat HWS

PHOTO: ARCHITECT OF THE CAPITOL


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:8 4/15/10 16:22:35

WAVELENGTHS

Nicole DeSario ’00Harvard Law School 2003

Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice,

Civil Rights Division

www.hws.edu

Pre-Law

Pre-Law At HWSDuring a term in Washington D.C., I interned with the U.S. Supreme Court, keeping a

journal of President Clinton’s impeachment trial.

Valuable Experiences

I worked on the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review and was eventually promoted to

Articles Editor.

Professional Career

As a Skadden Fellow with the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil

Rights Under Law, I addressed the interconnectivity between job and

housing opportunities.

Harvard Law As a student lawyer,

I represented low-income tenants in housing disputes and held a clerkship with the U.S.

Department of Justice.

In fact, some of the strongest pre-law students nationwide major in subjects that aren’t typically associated with law at all. “Engineering and philosophy majors tend to score the highest on the LSAT,” says Brophy. “Law schools want to see that you can amass a body of evidence and nd patterns. Honing those analytical skills can be done through any HWS major.” “I majored in biology and minored in environmental studies, and I honestly can’t think of a better course of study as prepara-tion for pre-law,” says Brian Thompson ‘04, an attorney with the Environmental Protec-tion Agency. “I believe I had an easier time than my peers in law school because of my analytical training, because of the writing I did, because of the things I was able to experi-ence at HWS.” Lou Guard ’07, currently attending Cornell Law School, agrees. “I’m study-ing alongside students with undergraduate degrees from all of the best schools, including Yale and Harvard, and I’ve never felt that any of them had a leg up on me,” he says. “What I think is most valuable about the pre-law advising program at HWS is the personalized guidance Professor Brophy pro-vides,” he continues. “It’s not off-the-rack; he devotes large chunks of time to making sure each student has the tools to get where he or she wants to go.” Many pre-law students take advantage of the Colleges’ off-campus study program in Washington, D.C., where they are placed in semester-long internships with advocacy organizations and federal agencies. “The connection between the pre-law and the D.C. programs is tight,” says Professor of Economics and D.C. program co-founder Pat McGuire. “It gives students an opportunity to have one foot in the classroom and one foot in policy. I believe that it is the best preparation

for a career in law outside of working in a law rm.” During the off-campus semester and other programs in D.C., like the annual Day on the Hill, students rub elbows with politicians, policy makers and other Capitol Hill movers and shakers, many of whom participated in the HWS pre-law program themselves. “The best part is how approachable all of the alums are,” says Kelsey Bair ‘11. “On campus you might hear about the strong alumni base, but it isn’t until you take the initiative and get involved that you really see the force of this network.” Combined with the strength of the Col-leges’ academics and the variety of extracur-ricular opportunities, that network of alums is critical to student success. “We prepare them well, but our students are so successful because of the generosity of alums who were supported as pre-law students here and are now paying it forward,” says Brophy. “Working with the pre-law advisers has been fantastic,” says Horn. “Not only did they help me get into Senator Schumer’s of ce, but they’ve also put me in touch with several alums who have been able to help me learn more about and secure speci c internships that I am interested in.” Back on campus, pre-law students are also recognizing the bene ts of the Centen-nial Center for Leadership as an avenue for pre-law development. The program puts a strong emphasis on integrity, ethical deci-sion making, social justice, empathy and public speaking. “Our students are learning who they are and how to effectively relate to others,” says Leadership Development Coordina-tor Lynn Shollen. “Over time, I see students in the leadership program gain con dence, handle dif cult situations more creatively and constructively, and question processes that don’t align with their values and morals.

What could be more valuable for a lawyer?” Beyond the traditional curriculum and academic programs, there are a variety of ex-tracurricular activities valuable to future law-yers, like the Debate Team. “There is a strong relationship between law and debate,” says Eric Barnes, debate team coach and assistant professor of philosophy. “Topics in debate often concern law, of course, but there’s more to it. The skills, and to an extent the personal-ity, required to be successful in both ventures are very similar.” Debate, Barnes says, hones some of the fundamental pre-law skills that aren’t neces-sarily taught in the traditional classroom. “Be-ing able to speak con dently, think on your feet and be persuasive are certainly helpful. It trains students to think about their op-ponent’s arguments, to almost forecast their opponent’s moves and already be thinking of how to refute them. These strategic interac-tions are nearly identical to those that lawyers participate in.” Perhaps the most enduring ingredient of the HWS pre-law program is Brophy himself, who has taught at HWS for more than 30 years and took over the pre-law program from Professor Emeritus Joseph DiGangi in 1997. “I learned a lot from watching him,” says Brophy. “I actually never intended to be a lawyer. I wanted to be a eld scientist,” says Thompson, who earned his J.D. from Vermont Law School. “Scott Brophy changed everything for me. He saw something in me. I still don’t know what it was, but thank goodness he saw it.” “In every generation and in every area of the law there are HWS alums making a difference in their communities as lawyers, judges and policy makers, and we take our role preparing students for this very seriously,” says Brophy. “When it comes down to it, our method of preparing students is highly successful.”


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:9 4/15/10 16:22:37

A Place A Place for “Free for “Free Speech”Speech”

GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS

by Andrew Wickenden ’09

In 2001, about a year after the launch of the President’s Forum Speakers Series, Hobart and William Smith Colleges President Mark D. Gearan called journalist and political adviser George

Stephanopoulos, a longtime colleague and friend, to invite him to join the series.

During their conversation, President Gearan asked him, “Do you believe in free speech?”

Stephanopoulos laughed and said, “Of course I believe in free speech.”

“Good,” Gearan said, “Because you’re giving one at Hobart and William Smith.”

Community EngagementSince Gearan’s inauguration as HWS President in 1999, the Colleges have seen and heard from an American President and six others who sought that office, Nobel laureates, two Secretaries of State, some of the most trusted names in journalism and best-selling authors at events from Convocation to Commencement. And for 10 years now, the President’s Forum Series (PFS), established in the winter of 2000, has brought some of the most influential names in politics, media, service and the arts to the HWS

campus and Geneva to share their knowledge and ideas with students, faculty and staff, as well as with interested community members. From the series’ first speaker, then First Lady of the United States Hillary Rodham Clinton, to the most recent, Michael Tanner, Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute, President’s Forum guests have been engaging and challenging HWS and Geneva audiences with content that, while free in its delivery, has invaluable reverberations.

“The President’s Forum offers real-time analysis, critique and discourse by current leaders in the field,” says Jennifer Leshnower ’00, who, with Michael Harms ’00, joined Clinton and Gearan on stage for a town hall-style discussion at the inaugural PFS. “It’s their expert and experiential-based commentary that puts students at the cutting edge, giving them a behind the scenes view of the action.”

“College should be an opportunity for students to have access to interesting voices and concepts across a wide spectrum of disciplines,” says Gearan. “My hope with the President’s Forum was to create a true forum of ideas and discussion, one that would encourage people in our community to think about issues in a different way. By asking questions in a public forum and by

engaging these very public figures in spirited dialogue, students gain the confidence to challenge their own assumptions and to think critically about the world around them. In return, our guests leave Geneva with a deeper appreciation of Hobart and William Smith and a broader understanding of the mission of the Colleges.”

“The President’s Forum brings so many people to Geneva who wouldn’t ordinarily end up in a small upstate town,” says Stu Einstein, Mayor of the City of Geneva and 2007 President’s Forum guest. “One of the really great features is the reception at the President’s house, where people from the community with an interest in a particular topic can socialize with the speaker, and students. It’s very special.”

That interaction is, Gearan says, one of the most rewarding parts of the PFS.


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:10 4/15/10 16:22:37

“By every standard, Hobart and William Smith Colleges are the best place to be. I know that my son and daughter are who they are today because of the enrichment that they received in the four years that they spent on these grounds.” – Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Wangari Maathai P’94,

P’96, Sc.D. ’94

WAVELENGTHS

“When Carol Browner came to campus in 2000, she was the head of the Environmental Protection Agency,” Gearan recalls. “A local farmer asked a question about water runoff that changed and enhanced the entire nature of the discussion. In opening the sessions to the greater Geneva community, we also open up the perspectives of our students and have, then, increasingly interesting conversations.”

Geneva Head Start coordinator Jane Gerling, who, with her husband, Rev. W. James Gerling, received an honorary degree from the Colleges in 2009, agrees. “Through the President’s Forum, Mark Gearan has opened the door to those of us who live in Geneva, to Washington D.C. and the larger world. President Gearan has given the community the opportunity to expand our vision of what it means to be a good citizen.”

And that, says Richard Celeste, president of Colorado College, is a hallmark of a true liberal arts education. “In order to understand the world around us, we need to see multiple facets of issues and experiences,” says Celeste, a Rhodes Scholar, Yale graduate, former director of the Peace Corps, former U.S. Ambassador to India and two-term Governor of Ohio. “These kinds of events offer wonderful opportunities to foster engagement between students, faculty, staff and local community members. Those multiple perspectives add richness and complexity to the ensuing discussion, expanding all participants’ understanding.”

Beyond DisciplinesJust as the PFS draws together HWS and the Geneva community, the speakers, in the tradition of the HWS interdisciplinary education, use the disparate strings of their academic and professional backgrounds to tie together the ideas, problems and solutions they present during their PFS lectures.

“Like Convocation, Commencement and other academic events at HWS, the President’s Forum puts into sharp focus the importance of interdisciplinary learning,” Gearan says. “There’s no issue wrestled with at the national level that is limited to a single factor. In 2000, when Andrew Cuomo, then the U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, spoke as part of the

Forum, he couldn’t discuss housing issues without talking about poverty, class, the environment and the economy. Using different lenses helps us see the issues with greater clarity.”

“I’m a firm supporter of an interdisciplinary liberal arts education because the challenges we face as a nation are so deeply interconnected,” says CNN commentator Paul Begala, whose fall 2009 PFS speech, ‘American Politics: Too Important to be Left to the Politicians,’ took on healthcare reform, Afghanistan, the 2008 presidential election and the role of the media. “It’s only when we’re able to understand the whole that we can begin to take on any individual problem. We, both private citizens and public servants, have a responsibility to take an interdisciplinary, holistic approach to national issues – not

to view any particular problem in a vacuum, but to understand the greater picture. Only with a liberal arts education is this possible.”

“It is of great benefit that the President’s Forum continues to expose HWS students to individuals who have varied backgrounds and apply what they know by contributing to something bigger than themselves,” says PFS speaker Tara Wall, The Washington Times’ former deputy Editorial Page Editor and now the Editor of TheConservatives.com. “There should be a clear line between objective journalistic reporting

and commentary, no doubt, and I have done both successfully. But it is because I have always had a passion for truth, history, policy and politics—that I pursued them all. It is incumbent on students who are drawn to an interdisciplinary approach to learning—to embrace it and apply what they learn to their passion. I certainly did and it has made me who I am as a result.”

Stephanopoulos, whose speech intertwined commentary on the 2000 Presidential elections, his own personal history and former president of the Czech Republic Valclav Havel’s notion of politics as the “art of the impossible,” says that the issues taken on in PFS lectures cannot be thought about in isolation.

“The coverage of our politics and policy-making inevitably shapes the real-life decisions made every day,” Stephanopoulos says. “You can’t separate the two.”

Similarly, during his PFS speech, TIME International Editor Michael Elliott discussed recent U.S. military and financial history within the context of future global leadership in the Obama presidency. Former GOP chairman for New York State Dick Rosenbaum ’52, P’86, also an Honorary Trustee at HWS, examined partisanship and economics in light of the 2008 presidential election. Director of the Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism and Syracuse University Professor of Law William Banks covered the War on Terror, constitutional law and human rights.

“Almost everything important in life is interdisciplinary,” says PFS guest Grover Norquist, conservative activist and president of Americans for Tax Reform. “Little in life is just math or just chemistry.”

Beyond the Classroom Whether the entry point of the speech is international relations,

domestic politics, health care, race, the media, poetry, religion or world hunger, there is a pervasive, underlying message that runs throughout all President’s Forum lectures – a message of involvement and engagement on levels intellectual, political and humanitarian.

“We are a part of the world in all things,” says White House Press Correspondent and 2004 PFS speaker Helen Thomas, who spoke about the challenges and rewards of covering 12 U.S. presidencies in her talk, ‘Front Row at the White House.’ “The more we know about others, the better we are in understanding the world around us.”

As Cornel West said in his October 2009 lecture, “You have to have the courage to think critically, the commitment to love and to be in service of others.” He said. “...justice is what love looks like in public.”

“The cumulative message I got from all speakers is that there’s a lot going on out there, and you have to work to stay informed,” says Einstein. “If you’re not involved already, get involved. There’s room for everyday people to make a difference in their own community and on a broader scale. The speakers are famous, but the reason they’re famous is because they do something to affect the lives of real people.”

Michael Harms ’00, who at the time of the first PFS lecture was a Templeton Fellow with Campus Compact, a national coalition of

A Place for “Free Speech”

“I have been all over this country to speak at colleges and universities, and let me tell you, there is a sense of community at Hobart and William Smith that I have not seen elsewhere.” — Congressman

John Lewis (D-GA)

WANGARI MAATHAI

GROVER NORQUIST


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:11 4/15/10 16:22:39

Off-campus PFS events have allowed alumni,

alumnae and the general public, as well as HWS students and faculty, to engage with lecturers and panelists. David Gergen—commentator,

best-selling author and White House advisor to Presidents Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton—spoke at a PFS event in Boston. Also in Boston was a panel discussion with political analyst Andy Hiller, Republican

Campaign Manager Rick Davis, who led Senator John McCain’s bid for the presidency, and U.S. Congressman James McGovern. In D.C., the HWS Club of Washington hosted PFS lectures with Gwen Ifill, moderator and

managing editor of PBS’s “Washington Week in Review,” and former White House Press Secretary and best-selling author Dee Dee Myers in 2004. HWS alums, parents and faculty have also returned to HWS to take

part in the PFS, including author Melissa Bank ’82, paleontologist Matt Lamanna ’97, President of the Public Education Network Wendy Puriefoy ’71, memoirist Steve Kuusisto ’78, 2004 Nobel Peace Prize recipient and

founder of the Green Belt Movement Dr. Wangari Maathai, president and CEO of the Ocean Conservancy Vikki N. Spruill P’12 and the late Deborah Tall, professor of English.

SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE PRESIDENT’S FORUM SERIES, VINCENT “CHICO” ALONSO HAS COLLECTED AN AUTOGRAPH FROM VIRTUALLY EVERY GUEST SPEAKER WHO HAS VISITED THE HOBART AND WILLIAM SMITH COMMUNITY. ALONSO, WHO HAS WORKED AT SAGA AS A SODEXO EMPLOYEE AT HWS FOR MORE THAN 16 YEARS, SAYS THAT THE SERIES MAKES A BIG IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY BY INSPIRING AUDIENCES TO STAND UP FOR WHAT THEY BELIEVE IN AND BE THE CHANGE THEY WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD.

college and university presidents committed to civic engagement, says that the series “is a call, a reminder to do more. Service isn’t something you do once; it’s something you do your whole life.”

While in Geneva, PFS speakers have put their words into action, visiting local schools and the public library, meeting with HWS classes and volunteering at local Geneva initiatives.

“President Gearan and George McGovern reading to three- and four-year-olds at Head Start—that memory will stay with me forever,” says Gerling, recalling the afternoon former U.S. Senator George McGovern spent with local children and, later in the day, volunteering at the Geneva Community Lunch Program.

“If you’re not a cynic, politics is a form of service,” says Professor of Sociology Jack Harris P’02, P’06. “And, as evidenced by the many politicians who speak at the President’s Forum, it’s good for people to be reminded that there is a public life. Our private lives suffer without a world of community, without a world in which we encounter our neighbors, make friends and serve strangers.”

In anticipation of the PFS appearance by David Oliver Relin, best-selling author of Three Cups of Tea, HWS and the Geneva community formed reading

groups to discuss Relin’s book. Students in Geneva city schools read Three Cups of Tea through the Geneva Reads program and in their English classes. When Relin arrived for his lecture, a reception was held at the Geneva Public Library where middle and high school students were able to speak with him about promoting peace through education.

“Events like the PFS and the community read of Three Cups of Tea are great educational motivators for the community,” says Seher Syed ’10, a native of Pakistan—the geographic focus of Three Cups of Tea. Prior to Relin’s lecture, Syed spoke about her home with faculty, staff and other HWS students at an Intercultural Affairs event and met with middle school students in Geneva to describe her country.

“When I gave a talk at the Presbyterian Church, the children asked me such informed questions about schooling in Pakistan,” Syed says. “There was a strong sense of community involvement and education surrounding all of the Relin related events.”

“When students, speakers and community members can engage face-to-face, the message becomes more direct and real,” says Gearan. “It spurs a deeper level of civic engagement because they’re here, now, sharing what they’ve done, giving concrete examples of their contributions and activism.”

Wall, remembering her conversations on campus, says, “It is great to know there are so many young people who remain interested and engaged in public affairs and the state of our nation. It was more than obvious that HWS students were well informed and opinionated, yet extremely respectful and gracious. We rely on students like these to be our statesmen, journalists, judges, teachers and truth tellers – they can and will make an impact. That gives me great optimism for the future.”

Speaking to the Future“Dr. Wangari Maathai, Governor Howard Dean, Congressman John Lewis, Cornel West—these are people who are out there making a difference,” says Hobart Student Trustee Dan DeNose ’10, who spoke at the 2009-10 Convocation with Thomas Tighe, president and CEO of Direct Relief International. “Being on stage with someone like Thomas Tighe is an opportunity of a lifetime. And having lunch with Howard Dean? How many college students can say that?”

Lauren Shallish ’05, now a graduate student in the Cultural Foundations of Education Program at Syracuse University, remembers seeing President Bill Clinton make an impromptu speech on the Quad. “I had only been on campus a few days and already felt connected to a growing sense of community,” she says. “That speech inspired me to begin exploring the idea and responsibility of global citizenship, which motivated me to seek opportunities to engage both on a local and international scale with causes I felt were important.”

“President Clinton and Secretary Albright are paradigms of the caliber of speakers brought to HWS in recent years,” says David Deming ’75, Chair of the HWS Board of Trustees. “Since the beginning of President Gearan’s tenure, HWS and Geneva have enjoyed direct contact with the real people behind news, politics and culture. This kind of contact will serve our students well as they go out into the world.”

As Albright said in her 2001 Convocation address, “An outward

orientation is vital because the graduating classes of the 21st century will live global lives. To succeed, you will require the kind of knowledge that extends far beyond the border of any single country; far beyond the capacity of any academic system to grade. You will need to develop an inner compass to keep you steady amidst the turbulence; a kind of personal North Star grounded in knowledge of yourself.”

And as a tool to develop that inner compass, the President’s Forum has become one element of the HWS mission. As Gearan says: “Whether focusing on health care, poverty, international relations, civic engagement or national security, the series brings individuals with worlds of experience and lives of consequence to campus, shaping the broader, life-long intellectual experience of our students and our community.”

“Hobart and William Smith are two of the finest Colleges in the country, and when it comes to international education, they truly lead the way. This outward orientation is vital because the graduating classes of the 21st century will live global lives.” — former Secretary of State

Madeleine K. Albright

PH

OTO

BY K

EVIN

CO

LTO

N


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:12 4/15/10 16:22:40

WAVELENGTHS

“At the level of the head, and more importantly at the level of the heart, something special is going on at Hobart and William Smith … This is a place where service and stewardship are woven into every aspect and every detail of campus life.” – Eric Liu, author of The True Patriot

Which character in West Wing was based on you? What’s George Will like in person?

I loved my evening at the Colleges – warm and witty – like your President.

The White House Rahm Emanuel

Predictions about the future of political elections. And how I got involved in political work.

Full of bright students who ask grown up questions.

The White House Christmas party.

Pollster Scott Rasmussen

Actually, that’s exactly the question I most commonly receive! The second most common – honestly – is how James Carville and Mary Matalin get along.

I really enjoyed my visit. The students were very bright, very friendly, and asked great questions. I was duly impressed.

I’ve worn my tie while appearing on CNN – maybe not the most memorable, but certainly the most noticeable!

Clarence Thomas. I’ve heard him speak to student groups before and he’s fascinating.

Who was your favorite president?(John F. Kennedy)

Colleges make the biggest impression on students, and years later much of what they learned in school will come back to them. You never can take away a person’s education.

The White House Paul Krugman, Nobel Laureate in economics and New York Times columnist

How did you get so successful?

Smart, committed to changing the world for the better.

At a football game in Miami.

Sandra Bullock

What I hear most often is “How did you get that way?” (In other words, how did I become a conservative/Republican?)

The students were all very engaging and asked the most timely and pertinent questions with regard to the political environment and my thoughts on the presidential election.

How come I got a pen set!? I want a scarf!

Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice

Why did you name the book No Room for Democracy?

I’ve loved coming back to campus to visit and talk with students. It’s always a pleasure to see great young minds at work.

A Rochester Alumni Gathering

Colin Powell

WAV

of

Rah

PollRas

st

ClarI’ve spegrouhe’s

PauNobin eNewcolu

e Sa

a a

FoSeCo

g C

Most c

ommon

ques

tion y

ou

rece

ive Impr

essio

n of

HWS stud

ents

Most m

emor

able

plac

e you

’ve

worn y

our H

WS

tie or

scar

fSug

gesti

on fo

r

futu

re gu

est

George Stephanopoulos

Grover Norquist

Paul Begala

Helen Thomas

Donna Shalala

Tara Wall

Dick Rosenbaum ’52, P’86

? ? ?Host of ‘Good Morning America’

President of Americans for Tax Reform

CNN Commentator

White House Press Correspondent

President of the University of Miami

Editor of TheConservatives.com

Former GOP Chairman of New York State


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:13 4/15/10 16:22:41

Students Revamp Geneva’s Communication Program by Cynthia L. McVey

In an era dominated by Blackberrys, Facebook and texting, who better to give advice about how to quickly and efficiently

communicate than college students? When the City of Geneva sought the help of HWS students to develop a communications plan, it received advice and much more in the form of an HWS-student-run Department of Media and Communications. “We really wanted to take Geneva to the next level as a community of choice,” says Geneva City Manager Matt Horn. “It was clear that a communications plan was essential.” Impressed by other HWS community-based research projects, like a recent energy audit of the City’s buildings and a new map of the green spaces in Geneva, Horn approached Katie Flowers, associate director of The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning (CCESL), proposing such a project for the City’s strategic communications program. “These projects are beyond mutually beneficial; they honor the interest and need of a community agency, like the City, and allow a

student to collaborate both with a community partner in a specific field and a faculty member who can support and encourage academic rigor,” says Flowers. Community-based research projects are coordinated by CCESL in collaboration with local community partners and HWS faculty advisors. Community partners typically identify needs within their organizations and then CCESL works to pair the organization or project with a faculty-student team. Students take part in a competitive application process for the projects. “We have a great track record with HWS students and community based research,” says Horn. “This is a very unique partnership between the City and the Colleges, and I am looking forward to working with them to make Geneva a stronger community.” Under the direction of Visiting Assistant Professor of Media and Society Leah Shafer, Junior Luke Esselen put together the proposal for a department that would improve internal communications within the city government

and external communications between the government and the public. “The students were interested in the longer term project of re-branding the City of Geneva,” explains Shafer. “As we study branding, social networking, online media, and the aesthetics of Internet spaces in my courses, Luke was well prepared to embark on this project.” The department was designed to be self-sustaining and run solely by students at no cost to the City. Esselen enlisted three fellow students – Grant Palermo ’11, Chris Legaspi ’12 and Willis Stephens ’12 – to assist with the launch of the project. Improvements designed by the students range from creating Facebook pages for City Hall staff, upgrading communication within the building and redesigning the City’s Web site. “This has exceeded our expectations in terms of participation and quality of work product. These students are very professional and have great ideas for improving our operations,” says Horn, adding the City plans to expand such collaborations with the Colleges. As a testament to how beneficial the program is expected to be, Geneva Mayor Stu Einstein made room for the department in City Hall by giving them his office and moving into a smaller space. “What these students are doing is so crucial. In this day and age, we can’t afford not to have a strong communications program,” says Einstein. “It’s an internship program in name, but it’s really their chance to run the office. It’s an amazing opportunity for the students and for the City.”

PH

OTO

BY K

EVIN

CO

LTO

N

GENEVA MAYOR STU EINSTEIN VISITS THE CITY’S NEW COMMUNICATIONS HUB, COORDINATED BY LUKE ESSELEN ’11, GRANT PALERMO ’11, CHRIS LEGASPI ’11 AND WILLIS STEPHENS ’12.


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:14 4/15/10 16:22:44

HWS | ca.1945

The Blackwell RoomBy 1945, the Colleges were fully coeducational, with Hobart and William Smith students studying side-by-side in the Blackwell Room of the Demarest Library. Though most of the books have since been moved to the Warren Hunting Smith Library, the Blackwell Room is still a popular study space for students.

FEATURE

Worlds of Experience.Lives of Consequence. 16

Family Style 24

The Annual Fund Scholars Program 26


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:15 4/15/10 16:22:48

WORLDS OF EXPERIENCE.

LIVES OFCONSEQUENCE.

40: number of states HWS students call home

30: countries of origin of HWS students

50: languages spoken on campus

61: percent of students who create an independent course or major

33,000: hours of community service performed last year

59: percent of students who study abroad

3,324,230: miles students traveled to study abroad last year

Each day, the stories of more than 2,000 HWS students unfold on campus and across the globe. Here, we profile ten students who are making the most of their HWS education.


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:16 4/15/10 16:22:49

FE

AT

UR

E

INNIS BAAH ’10 HAS USED HIS HWS EXPERIENCE TO EXPLORE ASIA.

PO

RTR

AIT

S B

Y K

EVIN

CO

LTO

N

A Global Citizenby Andrew Wickenden ’09

Whether for his service as president of Sankofa, the HWS Black Student Union, or as president of the Hobart senior class, Innis Baah ’10 is known around campus for, well, knowing people. He’s a people person; it’s what he thrives on. In academics, extracurricular activities or

community service, his forte is human interaction, and with his taste for globetrotting, he’s been taking that gift to countries around the world.

Born in Ghana and raised in the Bronx, Baah is fluent in English and the Ghanaian languages Twi and Ga, and is conversational in Mandarin, French and Spanish. With a semester of study in Hong Kong

under his belt, he says, “the experience made me want to see the rest of Asia.”Baah got his chance when he was awarded an all expenses paid scholarship to study in Seoul, South Korea, during spring break 2010. He was one of only 75 students nationwide to

receive the scholarship, funded by the Council on International Educational Exchange and the Korea Foundation, and participate in the week-long cultural exchange program. “I went to learn something new about culture, about history, about people, like I did in Hong Kong,” he explains.

In Hong Kong, with the support of a Student International Initiative Fund Grant, Baah immersed himself in the cultures of Hong Kong while working on a ’zine, a self-made, small circulation magazine, about identity, to learn not only about different people but to see how they perceived him as well. The ’zine reflects the various aspects of Baah’s own

multicultural identity, as well as the multiple identities of the citizens of Hong Kong.Baah also volunteered with Helpers for Domestic Helpers, an organization devoted to aiding

foreign domestic workers with paralegal advice, counseling, and guidance. “It was nice to be able to do something like that with my time,” Baah says. “If anything, my experiences traveling abroad

reminded me that service for your community is essential.”And like the semester he spent in Hong Kong, where he studied Mandarin and economics,

played soccer on a team with local students and traveled to neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore, Baah’s trip to South Korea was academically and culturally

focused. “I was able to explore the country through lectures, tours and excursions, including a rare visit to the border of North and South Korea,” he says. “It was an

incredible experience.”Now back in Geneva, Baah is turning his eye toward local

initiatives, while keeping a broad global perspective. He is currently planning the annual Sankofa Charity Ball, with hopes of raising funds for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti and providing scholarship money for two Geneva High School students attending college next semester.

With his graduation coming up in May, Baah’s passion for service and for people is pulling him in several directions, perhaps returning to

Ghana with the Peace Corps or joining the ranks of English teachers at the Japan Exchange Teaching (JET) program. No matter what he

does next, Baah is determined to serve others and promote global understanding. “My experiences at HWS have given

me the clarity and the confidence to take on any challenge.”


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:17 4/15/10 16:22:50


The word “unavailable” simply doesn’t exist in HWS senior Yeasmine Khalique’s

vocabulary. “I was interested in fashion,

but it wasn’t a major offered on campus,” says the environmental

studies and studio art double major. “So I made my own opportunities.”

During her sophomore year, Khalique

and friend Annie Lindenhovius ’09 worked with the Arts

Collective to raise the funds necessary to organize a fashion show on campus. The catch? Khalique’s collection of

original designs was made entirely of recycled

and salvaged materials. “I wanted to transform the

things we typically think of as waste into something beautiful,” she says.

What started as a fun

experiment in giving thrift store materials a second life has grown into the focus of Khalique’s honor’s project. “Recycling is so removed in this country,” says Khalique, who was born in Bangladesh but currently lives in New York City. “You put it out on the curb and someone comes to take it away, but then where does it go? Salvaging and reusing is more personal and more economical, and I think it can be more aesthetically pleasing.”

As part of her honors project, Khalique organized her third fashion show with help from Barry Samaha ’10 and other members of the Arts Collective this past fall and created a collection made entirely of recycled materials. Her pieces walked the runway along with the designs of 10 other HWS students, many also made of recycled materials. She’s currently hard at work creating a line of handbags made from recycled materials.

“I’m nowhere near a trained designer,” says Khalique, who taught herself to sew. “As an artist, I am able to eyeball measurements and envision what things will look like, but it was a challenge.”

Throughout the process, she

was supported by three faculty mentors, Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies Darrin Magee (“I wanted to make sure I had the environmental aspects of my project right”), Assistant Professor of Art Christine Chin (“I felt a kinship with her art, which has strong themes of ecology and humor”) and Assistant Professor of Art History Pat Mathews (“She encouraged me to do more, to make my fashion shows really successful”).

“One of the things I love about HWS is that everyone here is so open and supportive,” says Khalique. “You don’t even know what you’re capable of until someone pushes you. I was empowered to make this happen.”

This summer, Khalique will take her salvaging show on the road, supporting the next generation of sustainable designers while teaching a course on design and ethics during Explo 2010, an academic summer camp for high school students.

And, after that, who knows. “I am not sure where I will take this,” she says. “I’ve been thinking about applying to the Peace Corps or hooking up with an environmental advocacy group. I’m only limited by my imagination.”

Analyzing Careersby John Heavey ’09

Over the past four years, seniors David Casey and Katie Michalek have grown accustomed to the brick academic buildings that line Pulteney

Street. But after graduation in May, Casey and Michalek will be gazing at steel and glass skyscrapers in midtown Manhattan as employees at JP Morgan Chase.

“The competition to get into a firm like JP Morgan Chase is extraordinary,” says Bob Murphy, Vice President of Enrollment and Admissions and Dean of The Salisbury Center for Career Services and Professional Development. “The fact that Hobart and William Smith consistently place students in internships and jobs there is an indication of the quality of education we provide, the dedication of our faculty and most critically, the guidance of alums like John Hogan ’88.”

During their time at HWS, Casey and Michalek have been involved in the finance industry in various capacities. Both have held internships with JP Morgan

One Woman’s Trash

YEASMINE KHALIQUE ’10 WITH ONE OF HER ORIGINAL CREATIONS—A DRESS MADE ENTIRELY OF RECYCLED MATERIALS.

Chase. In addition, Casey has interned with a private equity firm, a venture capital fund, and boutique and bulge bracket investment banks. Michalek interned with DFS in San Francisco. And now through their hard work and networking with Hogan, JP Morgan Chase’s chief risk officer, the pair will be part of the JP Morgan Chase team after they graduate.

Casey’s role with JP Morgan Chase will be flexible. He’ll spend significant time modeling and doing valuation work, as well as meeting with clients, lawyers, financial advisors and senior management. “Essentially, this work answers the questions ‘how much is this company, division or asset worth’ and ‘what will the company look like in the future if x, y and z happen,’” he explains.

Michalek will focus on credit risk management in the Country Risk Group. A full time risk analyst, Michalek will evaluate the credit worthiness of a client through financial and economic analysis. “As an intern, I assisted in the analysis of JP Morgan Chase’s exposure to California due to the state’s difficulty in balancing their $24 billion budget,” she says. “Now I’ll be able to witness and contribute to JP Morgan’s assessment of the risks associated


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:18 4/15/10 16:22:51

FE

AT

UR

E

with clients based on the economic and political factors within the client’s country.”

Their new jobs will demand that they have more than just a general understanding of how markets function. And while both are economics majors, which they credit for their comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their profession, both also believe the interdisciplinary curriculum was critical in preparing them for their internships and now their careers.

“I minored in public policy and psychology, and David minored in math and international relations,” explains Michalek. “The courses we took taught us to think critically, analytically and intelligently and will help us better understand the needs of our clients going forward.”

“HWS have an extensive alumni network, and networking through them has provided me with opportunities that I certainly could not have attained on my own,” says Casey. “The competitive advantage I received from HWS relative to my competitors in the job market, which is generally comprised of Ivy League finance majors, is the ability to think critically and analytically, as well as to communicate effectively.”

KATIE MICHALEK ’10 AND DAVID CASEY ’10 WILL BOTH WORK AT JP MORGAN CHASE AFTER GRADUATION.

Historical Fictionby Andrew Wickenden ’09

For the past seven years, from a single image of a two young lovers parting ways, Andrea Rocchio ’11 has drawn together scenes and stories into a sweeping historical novel, tracing the

complex relationships of a group of early 20th century Britons living on an island in the English Channel.

Rocchio began working on the novel, tentatively titled The Isle of Wight, at 14. She completed a first draft the summer before college and is now using her time at HWS to hone her story, designing an individual major – performance writing – that focuses on the connections between creative writing, theatre, performance and philosophy.

Her second major – geoscience – also plays into her novel; one of the main characters is a paleontologist, and Rocchio uses geology to bring an historical perspective to her story. “Educating people about global and historical issues through fiction is something I really enjoy,” she says.

While studying abroad in Wales during her junior year, Rocchio received a Student International Initiative Fund Grant, which allowed her to travel to the Village of Chale on the Isle of Wight to further her novel. There, she interviewed local residents, discovering some uncanny details in the process.

“When I started the novel, I had picked a village on the Isle map randomly,” she explains. “But Chale was almost exactly how I imagined it.” From the local architecture to the divides among economic classes, Rocchio found parallels between what she had written and what she was experiencing in Chale.

“Parts of what I’d written were very similar to stories I heard when on the Isle,” she says. “It was really eerie—one woman was sharing stories, without prompting, about her boyfriend who went off to France. She reminded me so much of my main female character.”

Rocchio used her time in Wales to explore both of her academic concentrations. At Trinity University College, she took several creative writing workshops, which she says were “really eye-opening because you got to see a larger, non-American perspective on writing.”

She also visited Dinosaur Isle, an interactive dinosaur and geology museum on the Isle of Wight, where she interviewed the museum’s head paleontologist. “The trip gave me invaluable insight into the geologic history of the Isle of Wight as well as a glimpse at the life of a bona fide paleontologist, which will help me make my characters and story richer,” she says.

But moreover, Rocchio says, “the Isle of Wight made me think about my place in the world, how I act, look and think. It gave me a sense of awareness of myself as a student, a scientist and a writer.”

ANDREA ROCCHIO ’11 TRAVELED TO WALES TO WORK ON HER HISTORICAL NOVEL.


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:19 4/15/10 16:22:53

Developing an Interest in Developing Nations


Even as a kid, Andrew Cobb ’11 was a global citizen. “I was really into Egypt,” he says. “My family and I traveled there when I

was very young and it had a big impact on me.” He spent much of his middle and high

school years absorbed by history and studying ancient cultures. During his first semester at HWS, his focus shifted after taking a course on Africa, and he became fascinated by the complex politics of developing nations. As he delved into this new interest, his academics began to skew toward the Middle East. Cobb decided to take on the language of the region during his sophomore fall, signing up to study Arabic.

Cobb’s academic work came full circle as his studies led him to Egypt during the summer of 2009. The trip was part of “The Political Economy of Development in Egypt,” a two-week course led by Assistant Professors of Political Science Vikash Yadav and Stacey Philbrick Yadav that allowed Cobb to study a developing nation up close.

“Egypt was intense,” says Cobb. “We squeezed an entire semester’s work into just a couple of weeks. The Yadavs were amazing at keeping us on track, making sure we experienced Egyptian life firsthand and really pushing us to analyze what we were seeing.”

Several weeks after returning from Egypt, Cobb was once again bound for the Middle East, where he spent the fall 2009 semester as the first exchange student from HWS in Jordan. This time his itinerary included a short

homestay in the Badia region with a Bedouin family and several weeks living in Amman, the country’s political and cultural center.

“Jordan was absolutely not the typical study abroad experience,” he says. “The trip was extremely difficult, and at times my interactions with people were uncomfortable, but you don’t travel to a developing nation to not deal with the hard subjects.”

His coursework in Jordan focused on the region and its history as well as the local dialect of Arabic. During the final few weeks

of the program, Cobb spent much of his time working on independent research about the country’s industrialized zones and the policies that create and continue to shape them.

“This was my first experience with field research, and it was a learning

experience,” he says. “This semester I’m studying international trade law with Professor Judith McKinney, and it’s given me some clarity about the project. I plan to revisit the topic with a fresh eye.”

Up next for the world traveler is working with Career Services to match up his interests with a career. “I think I’d like to work for the State Department or the Foreign Service,” he says. “There are so many experiences available to students at HWS. It becomes all about selecting the

best opportunities for you. I mean, I’m only 21-years-old, and I’ve already seen the pyramids three times. I’ll take that.”

ANDREW COBB ’11 STUDIED IN EGYPT AND JORDAN IN 2009.

miles traveled


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:20 4/15/10 16:22:56

FE

AT

UR

E

LIBBY GREENE ’10 WILL TRAVEL TO HAITI TO HELP WITH HUMANITARIAN EFFORTS.

Helping Haiti Rebuildby Andrew Wickenden ’09

Each spring, the William Smith soccer team spends 10 days training together, fine-tuning their skills for the upcoming season. This year, though, the team trained in Brazil without one of their senior leaders: Liberty League All-Academic Goalie

Libby Greene ’10.Instead, Greene was back home in the States, improving her skills for an entirely

different purpose. While finishing her honors project, which explores ethnography and the

Hispanic Pentecostal community in Geneva, she was also planning, networking and raising funds to travel to Haiti to help the rebuilding process and the general humanitarian efforts throughout the country.

“When I saw the earthquake, I immediately thought, ‘I have friends there,’” Greene says. “I thought about the trip to Brazil, and it didn’t feel right to spend money to go to Brazil when all these people need help. How do you look at a five-year-old girl searching for her family and not have your heart just drop out of your chest? I can’t afford both, and the more important thing for me is to go to Haiti.”

After spending the spring 2009 semester in a cultural immersion program at Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra in the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, Greene has a familiarity with the challenges and opportunities of the location and culture.

While in the Dominican Republic, Greene, a triple major in psychology, religious studies and women’s studies, taught an HIV/AIDS prevention program in a hospital, helped patients cope with their illnesses using cognitive based therapy, and assisted a countryside clinic.

“It was stressful, but I learned a lot,” says Greene, who took vital signs, led safe-sex discussions, met with Haitian immigrants and helped translate for U.S. medical students. “It was the kind of experience an undergraduate couldn’t get at any other college or university.”

With the resource development work she’s done for programs like the United Way, Planned Parenthood and small community-based programs in the Dominican Republic, Greene is eager to start helping with the relief efforts, especially as graduation approaches.

“Whatever I can bring to the table will be put to work as they see fit,” she says, “but the Haitians are their own biggest asset. I want to find a way to assist with the projects they’ve prioritized. Whether that means filling out paper work, tearing down houses, setting up a system to help people get psychological support after the tragedy—anywhere they need help, I’m happy to jump in.”


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:21 4/15/10 16:23:5

JAMES SECOR ’10 PLAYS A TRADITIONAL KORA MADE FOR HIM BY A SENEGALESE FISHERMAN.

Performing History

by John Heavey ’09

In Senegal, those who play kora, the West-African 21-string instrument, become traditional historians. Through their music,

these genealogists pass on their personal stories and the history of their people. But when James Secor ’10 traveled to St. Louis, Senegal for the spring semester of his sophomore year, he had no idea he would be telling his own story through the kora.

“As I prepared to study abroad in Senegal, I knew I wanted to study the music of the area, so I began to explore the possibilities,” says Secor, a French major whose parents and grandfather also attended HWS. With the help of a Student International Initiative Fund Grant, Secor was able to finance lessons.

Working with Papa Meissa Dieng, a professor at The University of Gaston Berger in Saint Louis, Senegal, Secor met and learned from Dialy Mady Kouyaté, a member of the community who has taken on responsibility

for knowing and sharing the community’s history.

Secor spent a total of nine days with Kouyaté, who handcrafted a kora for him. Each kora is made by those who play them, and they don’t make

them for just anyone. “This is how it has been for more than 1,200 years,” says Secor. “Kouyaté and his family live in a fishing village, so my kora strings are made of fishing line because that’s what is available to them.”

Playing the kora led Secor to a better understanding of Senegalese culture and the oral traditions that take place there. “Until studying in Saint Louis, my understanding of music was limited to the European tradition and tonal theory,” explains Secor. “Learning about the kora inspired me to be open to the different possibilities inherent in music.”

Since returning to campus, Secor has recorded an album of some of the 12 traditional songs he studied while in Senegal, which he recently performed in Murray, Ky. “Producing the album was a big accomplishment,” says Secor. “Recording and performing my own music is always exciting, and it’s gratifying to get feedback.”

Secor says the experience of studying in Senegal has allowed him to reflect more deeply on his place and responsibilities in the world. “I left Senegal knowing that I have so much more to learn,” he explains. “But through that questioning, I feel that I will arrive at a deeper understanding of myself and the direction I will eventually take.”


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:22 4/15/10 16:23:7

FE

AT

UR

E


At first glance, Brian Monaco ’10 and Wendi Bacon ’12 couldn’t be more different. He’s the

star offensive lineman for the Hobart Statesmen, and he looks it: sure-footed, confident and fierce. She’s a bubbly, self-proclaimed “science geek,” with a quick smile and an easy laugh.

Despite their obvious differences, they have one very important thing in common. One very important, very odd thing in common. They’re both fascinated by sports injuries.

“My injuries are so interesting,” says the biology major and 2009 co-captain of the football team. “In high school, I was diagnosed with a knee injury that resulted in six months of physical therapy. That PT morphed into an interest in medicine and my first internship—with the therapist who worked on my knee.”

Bacon became interested in medicine following a doctor’s visit of her own. “It was gross, but extremely interesting,” says the biochemistry and Spanish double major of her high school softball injury. “I was seeing all sorts of different doctors, and I realized how thankful I’d be if someone could just make the pain go away.”

Both pursued their newfound interest, Monaco through his internship and Bacon as a student in the New Visions Health Careers Academy, offered through Broome-Tioga Boces at Lourdes Hospital.

Looking to take his studies to the next level, Monaco enrolled at HWS. “I wanted a program that would allow me to explore lots of different pre-med options,” says Monaco. “At HWS, I knew I would have the flexibility to

WENDI BACON ’12 AND BRIAN MONACO ’10 BOTH PLAN TO ATTEND MEDICAL SCHOOL.

From the Field to the Operating Room

explore and change my mind if I wanted.”

Following her success in New Visions, Bacon applied to 10 large research universities and only one liberal arts college, but the choice became clear when HWS awarded her the Elizabeth Blackwell Scholarship. “The fact that I was already accepted to medical school was the deciding factor for me,” says Bacon, who will graduate with a guaranteed seat at SUNY Upstate Medical University.

Though separated by two years, the student-scholars are connected by their love of learning. “I can’t even believe you’d want to include me in the same story as Brian. He’s such a rock star,” says Bacon. “I go to him for help with my biology homework.”

“I love that I am able to help other students,” says Monaco, who is part of the Colleges’ Teaching Fellows Program, tutoring students one-on-one and in small groups. “It’s a great feeling, but it has also really helped me solidify my knowledge as a biologist.”

Monaco, set to graduate in May, is currently waiting to hear back from medical schools. “It took me some time, but I eventually realized that orthopedics is where my passion lies,” says Monaco, who, with Assistant Professor of Biology Kristy Kenyon, is currently studying the ocular development of fruit flies

in coordination with SUNY Upstate Medical University.

“For me, the future is really open,” says sophomore Bacon, who’s studying indium-promoted carbon-carbon bonds alongside her mentor, Professor Walter Bowyer. “I’ve learned that medicine isn’t simple. You can’t just fix a person and be done. There are all sorts of questions about what’s ethical, what’s compassionate and what’s even possible. Every situation is different, and there are no easy answers. Medicine isn’t just a science. It really makes you think.”


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:23 4/15/10 16:23:8

Family StyleHobart and William Smith community members take on food

by John Heavey ’09 and Melissa Sue Sorrells ’05

o read the sign hung above the door of the first establishment known as a restaurant, a soup house in France, circa 1765.The Latin phrase translates to, “Come

to me, all whose stomachs cry out in anguish, and I shall restore you.” But for those who run a restaurant, in any language, this offering translates more literally into the day-to-day tasks of overseeing a kitchen and dining room.

Running a restaurant, day in and day out, is no small feat. From maintaining positive customer relations and creating appealing menu options to watching inventory and ordering food, equipment and supplies, the call of duty goes beyond preparing and serving a well-executed meal.

“Running a restaurant is difficult, demanding work,” says Lawrence Lo ’83, owner of Tse Yang in Midtown Manhattan, one of Zagat’s top three Chinese restaurants for the past 20 years. “The hours are long and difficult, and they don’t do much for your social life but I love it.”

It’s clear that something about an HWS education seems to inspire successful restaurant owners, chefs and other culinary minds like Lo to great heights. In fact, alums agree that the day-to-day challenges of running a restaurant

Venite ad me; vos qui stomacho laboratis et ego restaurabo vosVenite ad me; vos qui stomacho laboratis et ego restaurabo vos

CHRIS PARSONS, OWNER OF CATCH RESTAURANT IN WINCHESTER, MASS., PRACTICES WITH NATE FRENCH ’10 for the 2010 Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition, perhaps the most demanding culinary competition in the world. The pair placed third.

PH

OTO

BY A

RA

M B

OG

HO

SIA

N


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:24 4/15/10 16:23:10

FEATURE

are mitigated by what they learned in the classrooms at HWS.

“Without a doubt, the interdisciplinary education I received has helped me with my restaurant work,” says Peter Mack ’80, owner of Sophie’s Bistro in Somerset, N.J. “I’m not afraid to learn as I go, to teach myself things as I need to know them. I feel like I have a much more open mind and can make proper judgments about things. I really believe that HWS gave me that.”

Current student Nate French ’10 also believes that the HWS experience has prepared him well for a career in the kitchen. He says that both his coursework and extracurricular activities have enhanced his critical thinking and his ability to think quickly on his feet. These are skills that helped when he competed in the American trials of the 2010 Bocuse d’Or International Culinary Competition in February, perhaps the most demanding culinary competition in the world.

During the contest, French, a political science major, served as an assistant to Chef Chris Parsons, owner of Catch Restaurant in Winchester, Mass., where French worked for two summers. The pair cooked against 12 other teams from across the country, preparing food for culinary luminaries, including Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud and Traci Des Jardins.

His passion for the culinary arts is, in part, driven by the local ingredients he encounters in the professional kitchen. “The ingredients continue to astound me with their freshness and their quality,” French says, noting that the local food movement is growing. “Rather than accepting a grocery store stocked year-round with avocados, tomatoes, and asparagus, people are beginning to ask how and why that’s happening.”

Local food systems are becoming an increasingly large part of the HWS restaurateur experience. Jessica Giles ’98 and Scott Signori, co-owners of the Stonecat Café in Hector, N.Y., have based their entire business around that theme, and The Gate House in Rochester, N.Y., where Kristen Flores-Fratto ’94 is the executive chef, serves

produce from their own organic garden.“We have a garden in the yard where I grow

all of our herbs,” says Mack. “And the local honey producer we use is putting hives in our yard, so we’ll have Sophie’s Bistro honey! I’m really proud of the ways we’ve been able to take advantage of where we are.”

Of course, sometimes the best ingredients do require a bit of travel. Megan Rechin ’11 spent her junior semester abroad in Spain, writing about the culture and sherry industry in Jerez de la Frontera. “There is a lot of chemistry behind food, both in how it’s grown and how it’s prepared,” she says. “That chemistry has significant and fascinating influences on the culture in places like Jerez de la Frontera.”

Since returning to campus, Rechin has continued her exploration by enrolling in Assistant Professor of Chemistry Justin Miller’s ‘Bonding with Food’ course. “Both food production and cooking are ultimately just a series of complex chemical reactions,” explains Miller, whose course encourages students to investigate why and how foods taste the way they do.

Supported by a grant from the Center for Teaching and Learning, students design and then perform experiments that explore food at the molecular level. Recently, the class cooked beef seven different ways to study the chemical reactions taking place. The students track their experiments – both successes and failures – on a student-run blog. Track their progress at http://bondingwithfood.wordpress.com/

“The kitchen is our lab, and even if our experiments fail from a restaurant perspective, we still gain a deeper understanding of the chemistry of food,” says Miller, who earned his bachelor’s from Princeton University and his Ph.D. from MIT.

Whether experimenting with

food in a lab, cooking on a line or preparing a family dinner, eating logically follows. And how you eat is something that HWS community members, not surprisingly, have some very strong ideas about.

“Americans are all about moving quickly. They tend to fuel up and go, and restaurants don’t stop them because the more people you get in the door, the more profit you make,” says Mack, whose rustic French bistro encourages diners to take a different approach. “I’m not concerned about turning over tables at Sophie’s. I think it’s more important for people to slow down, enjoy their food and connect.”

While in Spain, Rechin experienced the kind of dining Mack values firsthand. “The way they eat in Europe is much slower. It’s a joyous time to sit and laugh with your family and close friends. They even have a word for sitting around the table after a meal drinking wine with your family: sobremesa. Can you imagine having an English word for something like that? It would never happen!”

Whether you enjoy a slow meal or like to dine and dash, that thread of community and communal eating is sewn into the very fabric of the Hobart and William Smith experience. “When I was a student, I really looked forward to eating in SAGA. It wasn’t about the food; it was about the experience, the conversation. It was about dining. We could sit there for hours, getting to know each other and ourselves,” says Mack.

That valuable fellowship extends well beyond campus, into the homes and restaurants of HWS community members all over the world. “Alums come in to Tse Yang all the time,” says Lo. “Sometimes I know them from campus, sometimes I don’t. Either way, I always enjoy the opportunity to come together with fellow HWS alums and talk about the good old days.”

MEGAN RECHIN ’11 IN SPAIN WHERE SHE STUDIED THE SHERRY INDUSTRY.


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:25 4/15/10 16:23:15

OUTCOMES

T H E A N N UA L F U N D

S C H O L A R S P RO G R A M

HOBART AND WILLIAM SMITH COLLEGES

“... the opportunity to invest in and get to know current students directly.”

The Annual Fund has always underwritten Hobart and William

Smith’s immediate needs, including financial aid for

current students. In the weakened economy, that need has been made even more acute. In response, a new initiative – The Annual Fund Scholars Program – will allow donors to create a four-year, fully-expendable scholarship to directly and immediately underwrite the nancial aid of a current student.

“We designed this initiative to highlight how critical the Annual Fund is to our mission of being a student-centered learning environment,” says Vice President for Institutional Advancement Bob O’Connor. “Every gift to the Annual Fund has an impact, but gifts made through The Annual Fund Scholars Program have a direct impact on the ability of current and future students to attend HWS.” These scholarships will enable the Colleges to provide a unique liberal arts experience to bright and deserving students who may otherwise be unable to pay for a Hobart and William Smith education. “The recession has de nitely had an impact on my family,” says Caleb

Campbell ‘11, whose twin brother Nathan ’11 is also enrolled at HWS. “But the staff in the Of ce of Financial Aid made themselves available, and my parents were able to have frank conversations with them. Director of Financial Aid Beth Turner was very open and honest with us in return. We were fortunate that the Colleges were able to bridge the gap so that my brother and I could nish our studies. I know we’re not the only people in this situation.” During the 2009-2010 academic year, HWS awarded nearly $34 million in nancial assistance, a 14 percent increase in the nancial aid budget, and the need has continued to grow over the past year. The Colleges’ ability to stretch resources will be improved through the creation of The Annual Fund Scholars Program. “Some students haven’t been as lucky as we have been,” continues Campbell, a public policy and political science double major. “A friend from high school at another college had to drop out because his parents couldn’t make the payments. It’s horrible, but that’s the way it is right now. Financial aid is something my brother and I need, and I know we are extremely lucky that it’s something we’re able to get here at HWS.” In support of The Annual Fund Scholars

Program and of students like Campbell, donors are invited to make a commitment of $5,000 or more per year for four years. Scholarships will be awarded to a deserving student the academic year immediately following the commitment. Each donor will be able to name the scholarship he or she funds, whether it is named after the donor or named in honor or in memory

of another individual. Donors will receive a report each academic year on the recipient of their scholarship fund. “Our motivation for starting the program is

twofold,” says Director of Development Casey Peterson. “First and foremost, of course, is to help the institution meet the increasing need for scholarship dollars for deserving students despite the recession. Second, we hope to give donors the opportunity to invest in and get to know current students directly. Hobart and William Smith Colleges are a family, and families support each other through dif cult times.”

Every student has a story, and the Annual Fund supports them all. To learn more about The Annual Fund Scholars Program and the students pictured here, go to www.hws.edu/alumni/AFScholars.


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:26 4/15/10 16:23:16

William Smith BasketballTwin basketball standouts Vanessa ’74 and Valerie ’74 Flournoy played for Pat Genovese P’01, P’03, P’05, P’08 during her rst season at William Smith in 1971. “We had an absolute blast,” recalls Valerie. “Coach Genovese used to tell us we looked like bookends!”

ATHLETICS

HWS Athletics:A Family Tradition 28

Athletics Updates 31

HWS | ca.1972


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:27 4/15/10 16:23:19

For most student-athletes at HWS, their teammates are like family. But for others, their teammates really are family. This is the case for 25 current

student-athletes, as well as numerous alumni and alumnae.

At first glance, it may seem like a family plan; brothers and sisters, including twins and even quadruplets, attending Hobart and William Smith to enjoy the college experience together. The truth is very few, if any, chose HWS for that reason alone. In fact, most siblings sought alternatives to attending the same college as their brother or sister.

“Going to the same college as Drake was not a choice I made instantly,” says Steven “Junior” Woodard ’13, whose older brother Drake ’12 is a Hobart student. After looking at other schools and understanding the academic and athletic opportunities, he decided HWS was the place he could excel in both areas. “It just happened that it was also the same place my brother picked.”

Kate Kana ’05 was the first of three Kana siblings to attend HWS and excel on the sailing team. Following her graduation in 2005,

her brother Austin ’09 arrived on campus. When her youngest brother Patrick ’12 graduates, there will have been 11 straight years of Kanas on the HWS sailing team.

“I really tried to let both of my brothers make their own decision, but I certainly didn’t shy away from telling them how great the school was and what it was like being on the sailing team,” Kate says. “All three of us have different academic interests with sailing as a common thread, so it’s great that we all found our niche at HWS while being able to play a sport. We all looked at several other schools with sailing teams, but found HWS to have everything we were looking for.”

Austin and Patrick overlapped for one year on the team, and both enjoyed the time they were able to spend together. “We had a different connection than anyone else on the team, and we knew how to motivate each other,” Patrick says. “Also, as the younger brother, I really looked up to Austin, not just because he was very successful, but because

he was one of my biggest inspirations.”Austin and Patrick don’t remember sailing

in the same boat together while growing up but they finally got the chance at HWS. Although they didn’t sail in competition together, they were able to occasionally team up in practice. “Those times when we did sail together were fast, and I mean really fast,” Austin recalls. “It was as if we had been sailing together for a long time.”

The sibling connection on the water, court or field is a common theme. Vanessa ’74 and Valerie ’74 Flournoy played on the William Smith basketball team together for

three years. “I loved those moments when we were on the court and just seemed to know where the other one was,” Vanessa recalls. “We had our fast-break

routine down pat. If one of us stole the ball, the other knew immediately to run down court as fast as she could for the long pass and an easy layup!”

Identical twins, the Flournoys enjoyed having a little fun with their looks, too. “We’d

Athletics

by Megan Metz

The sibling connection on the water, court or field is a common theme.


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:28 4/15/10 16:23:20

ATHLETICSP

HO

TO B

Y K

EVIN

CO

LTO

N

wear numbers like 21 and 12, or 24 and 42, to make it more confusing,” Valerie recalls with a laugh.

Current Herons Jessie ’12 and Sarah ’12 Tarantino and Amanda ’11 and Melissa ’11 Slack are also identical twins. Members of the William Smith soccer team’s defensive unit, Jessie and Sarah understand each other implicitly. “We’ve played together so long that we can each anticipate what the other’s next move is or what the other is thinking, so working together is almost effortless,” Jessie explains.

The Slacks are one of the Heron tennis team’s top doubles tandems. “I love being

her teammate, and I think we work really well together,” Melissa says.

“Plus I think seeing us both on the other side of the net sometimes freaks out our opponents,” adds Amanda, laughing.

Kaitlyn ’10 and Kiersten ’12 Hamilton of the field hockey team played next to each other in the midfield for two years, and although they aren’t twins, also felt a special connection on the field. “I knew what passes I could make that Kiersten would get to, and how far I could push her without making her mad,” Kaitlyn says. For Kiersten, the support and motivation that Kaitlyn provided was one of her favorite parts of being on the same team.

That sibling trust was displayed in a game against Elmira in 2008, with 10 seconds left on the clock before halftime. “Kaitlyn and I were on a breakaway, and I carried the ball into the circle,” Kiersten explains. “I had an open shot; however, I decided to pass the ball to Kaitlyn, who had a tougher angle. She put it in with hardly any time to spare. Later, we wondered why I had passed it off, and to this day I still say that I was scared to take the shot, and I knew she would finish the play.”

People may assume that being teammates with your sibling would encourage inflated incidents of “sibling rivalry.” Most of the time, that simply isn’t the case. Many siblings grew

TEAM HWS: KIERSTEN ’12 AND KAITLYN ’10 HAMILTON, STEVEN “JUNIOR” ’13 AND DRAKE ’12 WOODARD, AND JAKE ’13 AND MAX ’10 SILBERLICHT.


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:29 4/15/10 16:23:21

up playing on the same sports teams, so it’s been a constant part of their lives.

“We grew up doing everything together,” Amanda Slack says of her relationship with Melissa. “We’re both encouraging of each other, and although we are competitive, we don’t get angry at each other.”

The same goes for the Stein brothers, who played football and lacrosse at Hobart. “There was no competition or rivalry of any kind between Eric ’89 and I when it came to participating in sports at Hobart,” Joe Stein ’86 remembers. “One of my favorite reflections today is that although Eric followed me to Hobart as my younger brother, he went on to excel as a student-athlete and left his own lasting impression academically.”

Eric echoes his brother’s sentiment. As a first-year on campus, he was happy to

have someone to show him the ropes and teach him the game of lacrosse. “He helped me an incredible amount as I transitioned both academically and athletically to a new environment. We’ve always had a great relationship, and while at Hobart we supported each other in everything we did.”

Both Stein brothers had successful careers as Statesmen. Although neither had played lacrosse before coming to Hobart, they combined to guide the lacrosse team to seven straight NCAA Division III National Championships, and both ended up earning All-American honors in the sport. Eric was the 1989 Division III Player of the Year and an Academic All-American. Joe was named an All-American in football and is a member of the Hobart Hall of Fame Class of 1997.

That’s not to say siblings don’t have their moments. For the Slack and Hamilton sisters, the worst part about having your sibling on the same team can be coming up against them in practice.

Both Hamilton sisters want to push each other to the limit, and know how to. “It’s easy to do that everyday with someone you have known your whole life,” two-time All-American Kaitlyn says. “My least favorite part is when she beats me at anything. It’s not fun to get beat by your younger sister, and everyone knows when we go head to head it’s going to be a battle.”

Kiersten agrees, “Because Kaitlyn is my older sister, there’s always that intimidation factor. I always want to be better!”

Neither of the Heron tennis twins enjoys playing against each other in singles challenge matches. “We are both very competitive, and it’s really hard to win or lose against your sister,” Melissa points out.

Max ’10 and Jake ’13 Silberlicht of the Hobart lacrosse team share the same sentiments. Both are thankful they can rely on each other to pick the other up or put the other in his place when needed, but as goalie Max admits, “Playing on the same team increases a sense of competitiveness when we come up against each other. Everyone hypes it up, and it never feels good to get beat by my brother.”

Peter Wasmund ’12, one of the Wasmund quadruplets who are all attending HWS, finds it ordinary to share a team with his brothers. Peter, Mark and John are members of the Hobart rowing squad. The only negative aspect, he says, is fundraising for team trips. “It’s the worst part because

we all have the same sources and contacts, and we run out of options.” Their sister Elizabeth has opted not to play a sport but their older brother, Paul ’07, was also a Statesmen rower.

And, of course, there’s always the requisite good-natured jabbing that siblings get from their teammates and coaches. Being called “little brother,” or lumped together as “the Tarantinos” instead of being recognized as individuals, or having people mix up your name with your sibling’s, are all examples of the hassles that come with playing on the same team.

But none of the siblings are truly bothered by it. Max Silberlicht says, “Yes, we get ragged on a little by the coaches because we are together a lot, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Jake adds, “Sometimes the players and coaches give us a hard time about being very similar and doing the same things, but it’s all in good fun.”

One thing everyone agrees is a positive – family support at games. As Junior Woodard puts it, “Seeing our family in the stands for every game is a blessing; if we weren’t on the same team, the family would have to split up to attend different games.”

Vanessa Flournoy easily sums up the experience of sharing athletics and college life with a sibling: “Good times, good times! Great memories to last a lifetime.”

KIERSTEN HAMILTON ’12

JOE STEIN ’86

SARAH TARANTINO ’12


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:30 4/15/10 16:23:24

ATHLETICS

Athletics Updates

Hobart Cagers Celebrate CentennialThe Hobart basketball program celebrated its centennial with one of its most successful seasons. Head Coach Izzi Metz ’98 and his assistants, the Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year, guided the Statesmen to a 17-11 record, the third most wins in program history. Hobart broke season records for three-pointers made (201) and steals (271). Sophomore forward Matt Pebole led the conference in scoring (18.9 ppg) and was a unanimous All-Liberty League first team pick. Guard Stefan Thompson ’13 was the unanimous choice for the League’s Rookie of the Year award after breaking the school record for points in a season by a first-year (420). Junior guard Tim Llewellyn earned all-conference honorable mention following a campaign that saw him break his own mark for steals in a season (79) and eclipse the career steal record of Mike DeMaria ’90 (213 with a season to go).

Trio Nets Recognition for Heron Hoops Three William Smith student-athletes were among the 16 basketball players named to the All-Liberty League Teams. Juniors Ashlinn Barber and Mollie Danahy earned second team honors, while sophomore Kristen Kush received honorable mention. Barber led the conference in rebounding (9.8 rpg) with the highest average by a Heron since Jennifer Goodell ’97 (10.4 in ’96-97). Danahy was

tops in the League and 19th in the nation in steals, while Kush paced William Smith in the scoring column (13.1 ppg). Beset by injuries and illness, the Herons finished the season with an 8-16 overall record.

Hockey Continues Winning WaysThe Hobart hockey team posted its eighth consecutive winning season with a 13-10-3 mark. The team has reason to be optimistic for continued success as half of the ECAC West All-Rookie Team was made up of Statesmen players. Goalie Nick Broadwater (2.41 GAA, .925 SV%, 10-8-3), defenseman Brad Richard (3-13-16), and forward Chris Cannizzaro (11-11-22) enjoyed all-star debuts at Hobart. Broadwater also earned All-ECAC West second team honors, as did senior defenseman Bryant Harris (1-4-5) and junior forward Matt Wallace (15-13-29). Broadwater was particularly impressive. The only player in Hobart history to post a higher save percentage or lower goals against average is two-time All-American Keith Longo ’09.

Swimmers Break 12-Year-Old RecordOn the first day of the 2010 state swimming championships, the Herons made a splash. Sophomore Lauren Morosky and first-years Casey Sherwin, Katie Stebbins and Heidi Gordon won the consolation final of the 400-yard medley relay in a time of 4:09.46. They eclipsed the Heron record set at the 1998

state championships by Jaime VanFossan ’98, Susan Young ’98, Erin Rutherford ’01 and Kelly Stuto ’02.

Genovese Honored At the 2009 Intercollegiate Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Honors Banquet in December, William Smith Lacrosse Head Coach Pat Genovese P’01, P’03, P’05, P’08 was presented with the Diane Geppi-Aikens Memorial Award for lifetime achievement. One of the IWLCA’s most prestigious honors, it was created in recognition of Diane Geppi-Aikens’ longtime commitment and contribution to women’s lacrosse, and her courageous battle with brain cancer. Genovese, who began her 37th season this year, was inducted into the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in November.

Hobart Lacrosse HonorsSeveral Hobart lacrosse players have received national and international recognition already this season. When Team Canada begins its World Lacrosse Championship defense this summer in Manchester, England, junior goalie Evan Kirk will be wearing the familiar red maple leaf proudly. Kirk is one of three goalies and one of only two current collegians to earn a spot on Team Canada’s 23-man roster. Senior midfielder Tyler Cassell and senior goalie Max Silberlicht are among the 64 players on the 2010 Tewaaraton Watch List. The trophy is presented to the men’s

and women’s lacrosse players of the year. Both players were also voted to the preseason All-ECAC team. In addition, Silberlicht earned a spot on the Inside Lacrosse preseason All-America teams. He has broken Hobart’s Division I season record for goals against average in each of the past two seasons. Senior attackman Kevin Curtin is one of 20 nominees for the 2010 Lowe’s Senior CLASS award. An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the award focuses on accomplishments both on and off the field. A Druid and an active member of the HWS community, Curtin is Hobart’s lone captain this season and the team’s top returning scorer.

Team USAThree former Hobart College sailors were recently named to the 2010 US SAILING Team AlphaGraphics. Rob Crane ’09, of Darien, Conn., Andy Horton ’98, of South Burlington, Vt., and Trevor Moore ’07, of North Pomfret, Vt., earned a spot on the national sailing team comprised of Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls.

The Streak ContinuesThe William Smith cross country team was one of 153 Division III women’s programs to be named a 2009 U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s All-Academic Team. This is the 17th consecutive year the Herons have won the award. William Smith boasted a team GPA of 3.44.

PH

OTO

S B

Y K

EVIN

CO

LTO

N


H66378_TOC_31.indd Sec1:31 4/15/10 16:23:29

Classnotes

Nick Mettler ’99 and Barrett Jackson Mettler ’00 welcomed son Spencer Jackson Mettler on September 11, 2009.

Jamie Breslin ’01 and Megan Shea Breslin ’03 were married on Cape Cod in August 2009. Pictured during the reception are (front row, left to right) Mary Langdon Gallaudet ’03, Beau Breslin ’88, Martha Starke ’88, Lindsay Teague ’04, Jamie, Megan, Trevor Morison ’01, (second row, left to right) Dan Birdsall ’01, Joe Leska ’01, Eric Burns ’01, Lisa Genovese ’03, Brigid Lynch ’03, Julie Nettina Morison ’01, Tony Perillo ’04, (third row, left to right) Megan Sinz Gray ’03, Emily Durki ’03, Meghan Fitzgerald ’04 and Jackie Toner ’03.

Erin McEldowney Cosgrave ’95 married Eoin Cosgrave on September 26, 2009 in Georgetown, Washington, DC. HWS friends in attendance (left to right) include Kathleen Joliet-Hulburt ’95; Becky Fry ’95; Carl Seashore ’95; Charles Rutstein ’94; Suzanne Bull Rutstein ’95; Laura Lavigne Kerr ’95; Erica Saunders Bromley ’95; Ted Bromley ’95; Heather Byrne Vieira ’95.

Meri Barr Gordon and James Gordon ’98 celebrate their October 2009 marriage with Whitney Brusman ’98, Joelle Slook Flynn ’98, Amy Pendergast ’01, Jeffrey Anderson ’98, Blake Coe ’98 and John Hug ’98 in Clarksdale, Miss.

Photos

Tom Hasler ’62 visits Prague for the unveiling of a statue of his father, songwriter Karel Hašler.


H66378_32_61.indd 48 4/15/10 16:03:43

Classnotes

(Left) Timothy Eisenstadt ’00 married Karen Cheng on June 27, 2009, during a ceremony in Monterey, Calif. HWS alums in attendance include (left to right) Roy Schlieben ’01, Anna Schuenemann ’00, Peter Polt ’00, Mary Beth Giancarlo Ross ’00, Megan Boughton Campbell ’00, Michael Murray ’00, Lucas Jordan ’04, Debra Lewis ’00, Dara Braitman ’00, Stephen Roger ’01, and Jessamyn Lee Tabak ’01.

Class of 1982 suitemates Cathy Berlings Castaldi, Stacy Solomon Bach, Annmarie McNamara Massie, Cyndy Gelsthorpe Fish and Mary Stowell Nelson P’10 met in Central Park in May 2009.

Jim Logan ’68, Roger Turner ’68 and Roger’s dog meet while snowshoeing in Vermont.

Peter Jahn ’82, Mike Scheier ’82, Erik Eames ’82 and Andrew Bryans ’82 show off their ’Bart pride at the Bonnaroo music festival in Manchester, Tenn. “It brought back fond memories of Folk Fest and beer trucks on the Quad,” says Jahn of the four-day camping adventure and festival.

Reunion is for Everyone!June 4-6 | 2010 www.hws.edu/reunion

(Above) Dina Yasinsky Ferguson ’82, Laurie Wells Lynch ’82, Lucie Carstens Daly ’82 and Heather Davis Crossen ’82 celebrate a January birthday weekend in Boston, Mass.


H66378_32_61.indd 49 4/15/10 16:03:47

Obituaries

The Colleges appreciate no ti fi ca tion of the death of any member of the Hobart and William Smith community. In order to include notice in the Pulteney St. Survey, we must receive notification that is printed and verifiable. If possible, please send a printed obituary or legal notification (as from an estate) of the death. Personal testimonials and remembrances, in written form, are also wel come. Their use in the Survey, though, is subject to length restrictions. Deadlines for obituary submission are the same as for Classnotes.

Obituaries

William SmithEdith Metcalf Pring ’30 died Feb. 6, 2010 in Lansing, Mich., at the age of 101. Edith earned a B.S. in home economics from William Smith. She was a teacher of home economics in New York and New Jersey, taught adult education classes in Wash-ington D.C., and worked as a substitute teacher in Michigan. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church and Presby-terian Women for more than 50 years. Edith is survived by her children Barbara, George “Dan” and James; five grandchil-dren; and six great-grandchildren. She is predeceased by her husband, Lewis; four siblings, Clarence E. Metcalf ’36, Dorothea Metcalf Travis ’40, Robert Metcalf and Helen Wilson.

Helen Terk Schreyer ’36 died Oct. 25, 2009 in Boca Raton, Fla. At William Smith, Helen majored in psychology and was a member of Schola Cantorum and the baseball and bowling teams. She was active in her community as a member of the Order of Eastern Star, American Red Cross, and the Republican Party. She was married twice to Howard Schreyer and Robert Drennan and had two children, Robert and Edward Drennan.

Dorothy Buettner Skoggard ’39 died on Oct. 24, 2009 in Winston-Salem, N.C. An English major at William Smith, Dorothy took part in Big Sister Committee, Little Theatre, Student Council, yearbook and Phi Beta Kappa. As an alumna, she also served as Class Agent and donated to the Annual Fund. An elementary school teacher in Covington, Va. for many years, Dorothy spearheaded an effort to build a new public library. She is survived by her sons, Carl and Mark, and a granddaughter. She was predeceased by her husband of 41 years, Carl O. Skoggard; her second husband, Col. Charles H. Leet; and a granddaughter.

Jean Littell Winslow ’41 died on Sept. 16, 2009 in Wilmington, Del. Jean attended William Smith for two years before earn-ing her A.B. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jean worked for the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services as a licensed social worker. Later, she became an artist, specializing in paint-ing local scenes in oil and water colors. Jean also wrote poetry and published her first collection, “Finding Poetry in Everyday Life,” in 2003. Jean is survived by her children, J. Dallas Jr., Mary and Helen; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchil-dren. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Julian.

Shirley Hungerford Walworth ’42 died Feb. 28, 2010 in Toledo, Ohio. Shirley attended William Smith for three years, majoring in English literature and participating in the yearbook. During World War II she worked for the U.S. Judge Advocate General’s Corps at Camp Hale, Colo., where she trained with the 10th Mountain Division Ski Troops. After the war, she worked as an in-surance claims adjuster and as a secretary at a law firm. She was a lifelong member of The Order of the Eastern Star. She is survived by two daughters, Pamela and Sharon; two grandchildren; and her sister in-law Mary Louise Walworth Koch ’48. She is predeceased by her husband, Fayette C. Walworth ’41.

Jane Baldwin Holbritter ’43 died Feb. 22, 2010 in Delmar, N.Y. Jane graduated from William Smith with a B.A. in history. She participated in Little Theatre, Student Council, Debate team and International Club, served as president of her residence hall, and played on the field hockey and basketball teams. During World War II, Jane worked for the General Electric Company. She volunteered with the Junior League and The Albany Academy for Girls and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Bethlehem Historical Society. As an alumna, she served as treasurer of the Scholarship Fund. Jane is survived by her daughters, El-eanor and Margaret, and five granddaugh-ters. She is predeceased by her husband, J. Albert Holbritter ’43.

Beverly Shaner Fennell ’45 died on March 4, 2010 in Little Rock, Ark. Beverly studied English while attending William Smith for two years and was a member of Schola Cantorum, Motet Choir and Christian Council. Beverly worked for several years at the Woodford Sun newspaper in Kentucky. After moving to Chicago, she taught classes on herbs and was an herb specialist for consumer information for Kentucky Fried Chicken. In retirement Beverly moved to Tennessee and established an herb farm and opened a cooking school. She was also the host of a PBS gardening and herbs show. Beverly is survived by her children, Bridget, Thomas, Deborah and Harvey; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; niece, Melanie Repp Fiske ’72; sister, Nancy Shaner Repp ’48; nephew, John D. Repp ’75; and grand nephew, Christopher B. Repp ’08. She was predeceased by her

husband, the Rev. Ernest J.W. Fennell ’42; and two daughters, Laurinda and Fianna.

Helen Moon Lillich ’45 died March 11, 2010 in West Lafayette, Ind. Helen at-tended William Smith for one year. She later earned an A.B. in English literature from Indiana University and a masters degree in English education from Purdue University. She taught English at Central Catholic High School and the humanities at West Lafayette High School. Helen served as chair of the West Lafayette Environmen-tal Commission and received the National Winner award in the Take Pride in America program from President Ronald Reagan in a Rose Garden Ceremony in 1987. She also received the Journal and Courier’s top citizenship honor, the George Award, for her project to plant more than 5,000 trees in Lafayette. A loyal alumna, Helen served as class correspondent for more than 30 years, and as a Reunion coordinator in 1985. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jack; four children, John, Mary, Margaret and David; seven grandchildren; and two great grandchildren. Her family has requested memorial contributions be made to the HWS English department scholarship fund.

Mary Wroth Collingwood ’49 died on Jan. 25, 2009 in Easton, Md. While at William Smith, Mary was involved in Canterbury Club, Schola Cantorum, and the Pine year-book; she also served as class historian and was editor of the Herald. After graduat-ing with a bachelor’s degree in English, Mary worked as a writer for WEEI Radio in Prudential Center and for the Beacon Hill News in Boston, Mass., and later as a librarian at Talbot County Public Library in Easton, Md. Mary had four children, Marjorie, G. Harris III, Eloise and Martha. She was predeceased by her husband, the Rev. G. Harris Collingwood.

Mary McCausland Wheeler ’49 died on Jan. 3, 2010 in Burbank, Calif. Mary at-tended William Smith for two years. An active member of her community, Mary was a member of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, Campbell Hall Episcopal School, Marlborough School, St. Joseph Medical Center Guild and the Sisters of Social Services. She is survived by her husband, Keith; children, Katie, Keith and Nancy; three grandchildren; and her loyal wire fox terrier, Andy.

Margaret Hertzberg Scholtes ’50 died on March 7, 2009 in Milwaukee, Wis. Marge graduated from William Smith with a B.A. in English. As an undergraduate, she took part in the Herald, Schola Cantorum, Ski Club and Phi Beta Kappa. She spent three years in graduate school at the University of Buffalo for clinical psychology. In 1973, she earned her A.D. in nursing from Mil-waukee Area Technical College and worked for many years as a registered nurse. Mar-ge was an active member of the League of Women Voters and the Zoological Society and enjoyed volunteering. Marge is survived by her children, Ann, Michael and Caryn; three grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

She was predeceased by her husband, Donald; and brother, John Hertzberg ’49.

Jean Jones Andersen ’58 died on Dec. 14, 2009 in Richmond, Va. An English major, Jean was an active member of campus serving as editor of the Herald, chair of Altar Guild and member of Phi Sigma Iota and the Ridge. Jean was a writer, as well as a mentor and spiritual advisor within the Richmond Friends Quaker community. She is survived by her children, John and Deborah; and two grandchildren.

Kathleen O’Neill ’67 died on Dec. 24, 2009 in Princeton, N.J. Kathy earned degrees in both English and French from William Smith and was a member of Phi Sigma Iota and Campus Chest, was named to Dean’s list, and served as a Co-op House Manager. She received two master degrees: one in English from Indiana University and a second in measurement and statistics from the University of Iowa. Two doctorates followed from Iowa in English and measure-ment and statistics. Kathy was a member of the American Educational Research Association and the National Council on Measurement in Education, which allowed her to author many publications related to her fields of expertise. In 1987, she served as senior examiner in the assessment divi-sion of Educational Testing Service (ETS) in Princeton, N.J. During her tenure, she served on a number of committees, made 26 conference presentations, and was most recently named senior business planner in the higher education division of ETS. Before pursuing her career with ETS, Kathy taught English and lectured in the U.S. and the former U.S.S.R. She is survived by her brother, Dr. Paul O’Neill ’70.

Barbara Maynard Chilson ’69 died on Jan. 12, 2010 in Wheaton, Ill. A devoted member of the HWS community, Barb was elected to the Board of Trustees and served from 1985-1990 and from 1992-1996. She also donated generously to the Annual Fund and served on the Leadership Gifts Committee, Alumnae Council and Campaign Steering Committee. Over the years, Barb has served her alma mater as Reunion Social Chair, Reunion Gift Chair, Admissions Volunteer, Career Services Volunteer, Reunion Coordinator, Reunion Chair, Alumnae Association Vice President and President, member of the Wheeler So-ciety and Alumnae Class President. For her efforts, she received an Alumnae Citation in 1985, the Alumna Achievement Award in 1999 and the Elizabeth Odell Award in 2004. Barb was also a member of Hai Timiai and Phi Beta Kappa. After graduat-ing summa cum laude with her B.A. in Span-ish, she received her M.B.A. in marketing from the University of Chicago. For many years, Barb worked as a business executive for Parts Company of America, a division of W.W. Grainger. She was W.W. Grainger’s first female vice president and also served as president for the Parts Company of America. She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Rob; and her daughter, Barbara. She was predeceased by her son, Oakley Maynard.


H66378_32_61.indd 58 4/15/10 16:03:57

Obituaries

Teresa A. Petronick ’80 died Nov. 22, 2008 in Cicero, N.Y. At William Smith, Teresa majored in English. She went on to earn a master’s degree in education from St. Bonaventure University. She worked as an English teacher at Altmar-Parish Wil-liamstown Middle School in Parish, N.Y. As an alumna, she served as an Admissions representative.

HobartRobert K. Jeffery Sr. ’40 died on Jan. 19, 2010 in Milford, Conn. During Bob’s two years at Hobart College, he took part in band, glee club, debate team, basketball, and Kappa Sigma. He later attended from George Washington University and earned a G.J. from the Gemological Institute of America. Bob served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was a member of the Bridgeport Rotary. He owned and operated Fairchild Jewelers and worked for Debeers for 17 years. Bob is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ruth; sons, Robert Jr., William, and Jonathan; four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, and his brother, Geof-frey Jeffery ’40. He was predeceased by his sister, Rosamond Jeffery Gaylord ’38.

The Rev. Paul B. Miller ’40 died on Feb. 7, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Fla. After graduat-ing from Hobart, Paul went on to earn a master’s degree from Virginia Theological Seminary. He served as an officer in the U.S. Army and earned the Bronze Star for Meritorious Achievement in the Philippines during World War II. During his 40-year ministry, Paul served in several parishes in Upstate New York and the Daytona Beach area. Paul is survived by two daughters, Melissa and Melanie; four grandchil-dren; and two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Marilyn; and son, Christopher.

Sanford “Bud” Kotzen ’41, P’72 died on Feb. 15, 2010 in Melbourne, Fla. Bud majored in biology and chemistry, was a member of Phi Phi Delta, Science Club, the Herald, Outing Club and the track and box-ing teams. After graduation, Bud served in the U.S. Navy as chief pharmacist’s mate. He then pursued a career as a hospital ad-ministrator, retiring as executive director of Franklin Square Hospital in Maryland. He also served as chair of Health and Human Services Group and trustee of Broadmead Life Care Community, Blue Cross of Mary-land and Hospital Council of Maryland. He was a member of American College of Hospital Administrators and American Hospital Association. As an alumnus, he assisted with fundraising for Campaign for the Colleges in the 1980s, and was loyal contributor to the Annual Fund. He was married to Therese for more than 50 years and had two children, Suzanne and Geof-frey ’72, and a grandson.

Robert C. Shearer ’42 of Buzzards Bay, Mass., died on Aug. 31, 2009.A double major in economics and sociology, Robert was editor of the Herald and took part in band, yearbook, glee club, Commons Club

and Board of Control. Robert worked for many years as a manufacturing executive for Texaco, Inc. He and his wife, Mary, had five children: David, John, Peter, Jeremy and Margaret.

Dr. Harvie A. Bull ’43 died on Dec. 29, 2009 in Ormond Beach, Fla. A philoso-phy major, Harvie took part in Christian Association and International Relations Club. Later, he served in the U. S. Army Air Force as a fighter pilot in the Pacific Theatre during WWII. In 1954, he earned his D.D.S. from the University of Buffalo’s School of Dentistry, was given the com-mission of first lieutenant in the Navy, and served a one-year internship at Staten Island’s Public Health Hospital. Afterward, he established a dental practice in North Syracuse and became a member of the Onondaga County Dental Society, Dental Society Study Club, Moose Club and Ormond Beach (Fla.) American Legion Post #267. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Joan; sons, David and Thomas; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; cousins, Mary Stuart Lux ’42 and Esther Reid Roscoe ’40; and several nephews and nieces, including Susan McLellan Frank ’80 and Laurie McLellan ’84. He was prede-ceased by his cousin, Donald Stuart Jr. ’44.

James H. Dumary Jr. ’43 died on Dec. 28, 2009 in Englewood, Fla. At Hobart, Jim majored in business administration, was a member of Sigma Chi, the Outing Club and Little Theatre. He worked in the banking in-dustry and retired as a bank executive after 34 years of service. He served as president of Wyoming County Bankers Association. He was an active member of the Perry (N.Y.) Fire Department, committee member of Boy Scout Troop 45, a trustee of Brick Presbyterian Church, past president of the Perry Chamber of Commerce and member of the Kiwanis Club. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Louise; daughters, Susan, Elizabeth and Jane; seven grand-children; and five great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by a son, James III; and his cousin, Barbara J. Johnson ’43.

The Rev. Frank C. Alderson ’44 died on Nov. 28, 2009 in Rochelle, Ill. During his three years at Hobart College, he was a member of Sigma Chi, Orange Key, Inter-national Student Club and was secretary of the Christian Association. He studied at Seabury Western Seminary in Evanston, Ill., and was ordained an Episcopal priest in 1946. Frank became the rector of St. Mark’s, Evanston, one of the largest churches in the Diocese of Chicago. After serving another church in Colorado, he joined the business world, working in the personnel departments for Pure Oil Co., Follett Corporation, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Association, and Easter Seals. In the early 1970s, he returned to the priesthood and served St. Jude’s Episcopal Church in Ro-chelle. During his retirement, he acted as chaplain to the Rochelle Fire Department. He is survived by a nephew, two great-nieces, and a great-great nephew. He was predeceased by his brother, George.

William W. Lotz ’48 died on Jan. 18, 2010 in Nassau, Fla. A member of the science club, Bill earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics. In addition, he enlisted in the Navy V-12 program and was honorably discharged with the rank of lieutenant. He worked for the National Security Agency as a programmer and cryptanalyst in Fort Meade, Md., for 23 years. During his career, he pioneered computer utilization and was a member of the NSA’s Phoenix Society. Bill is survived by his wife of 33 years, Karelyn; son, Mark; four grandchil-dren; and two great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, Nancy.

Dr. Jerome S. Greenholz ’49 died on Dec. 2, 2009 in Huntington, N.Y. While attend-ing Hobart, Jerome majored in sociology, was a member of Phi Phi Delta and the Herald. He remained an avid alum and sup-porter of the Annual Fund. For 50 years, he worked as a caring and compassionate physician. Jerome is survived by his wife, Karen; six children, Charles, Janet, Marion, Rory, Ruth and Sarah; and four grandchil-dren.

Herbert E. Hoffman ’49 died on Feb. 2, 2010 in San Diego, Calif. At Hobart, Herbert participated in band, Schola Can-torum, Little Theatre and Temple Club. He graduated from Hobart with a bachelor’s degree in history and went on to earn a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. After being counsel to the Atomic Energy Commission, he moved to San Diego to become general counsel of Gulf General Atomic Inc. He was founding member of Judaic Studies at University of California, San Diego and past president and board member of Athenaeum Music and Arts Library. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Eleanor; three daughters, Deborah, Jo and Nancy; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Maurice Moss ’49 died May 9, 2008 in Spartanburg, S.C. Maurice earned a B.A. in English literature. He participated in the Herald, WEOS, Board of Control, Little Theatre, Hobart Student Association, and on the baseball and basketball teams. After Hobart, Maurice earned a masters degree in English literature from Columbia Uni-versity. He owned Instant Beverages Com-pany in Long Island, N.Y., served as past president of the National Coffee Service Association, and was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict. As an alumnus, he volunteered for Admissions. Maurice is survived by two sons, Robert and Richard; and five grandchildren.

Walter J. Wenzel ’49 died on Nov. 29, 2009 in Pine Knoll Shores, N.C. He served for three years in the 10th Mountain Infantry of the U.S. Army during WWII. A member of Sigma Chi and Ski Club, Walter majored in biology at Hobart and later earned his master’s degree in wildlife management from the University of Wyoming. His career as an environmentalist began with the New Jersey Fish and Game Department and ended as the director of high adventure and conservation for the national office of

the Boy Scouts of America. During his re-tirement, he served the advisory board for the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Elsa; two children, Lorna and Jay; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

David R. Coddington ’50 died on Jan. 6, 2010 in Syracuse, N.Y. David enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1944 and participated in Operation Crossroads. He attended Hobart College for two years and was a member of Kappa Alpha. He earned his B.A. from Siena College in 1960 and the M.Div. from New Brunswick Theologi-cal Seminary in 1964.That same year, he was ordained in the Reformed Church of America. David was the founding pastor of the Community Reformed Church of Colonie in Colonie, N.Y. From 1966 to 1996, he served the American Cancer Society, retiring as the vice president of the New York State division. He is survived by his wife, Linda; four children, Darcy, Cuyler, Sam and David; three grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Franklyn H. Lohr Jr. ’50 died on May 9, 2009 in Providence, R.I. At Hobart, Frank-lyn was an economics major and member of Kappa Sigma. He remained close to his alma mater serving as a Regional Cam-paign Volunteer, member of the Hobart Club of New York and a supporter of the Annual Fund. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII. A life insurance agent and member of the Million Dollar Round Table, Franklyn founded Lohr & As-sociates in New York. He enjoyed yachting and sailing and spent a number of years living in the Caribbean. Franklyn is survived by his wife, Anne; his former wife, Jane; sons, Franklyn III and Randall; stepchildren, Jean and Lt. Col. Thomas Pike Jr.; and five grandchildren.

Leon Eugene Williams’50 died Nov. 1, 2009 in Anchorage, Alaska. Gene majored in biology and chemistry and went on to earn a masters degree from SUNY Albany and a law degree from Albany School of Law. At Hobart he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa, played football and lacrosse and worked at WEOS. After Hobart, he served in the U.S. Navy aboard a destroyer in the Pacific and went on to hold a career as an attorney in Anchorage. He is survived by his wife, Helen; children, Tom, Paula and Cindy; and three grandsons.

Stuart F. Wilson ’50, P’74, of Orchard Park, N.Y., died on Dec. 3, 2009. Stu, a mathematics major, was an active member of the HWS community both as a student and an alumnus. He served as president of Kappa Alpha and senior class secretary and treasurer, and he was a member of Orange Key, Board of Control, Druid So-ciety, Yacht Club, Chimera and the sailing team. He served Hobart Alumni Council for several years; was Reunion Social Chair in 2000; supported the Annual Fund, the Sailing Program Endowment and the L. Thomas Melly Academic Center; and helped organize the Hobart Class of 1950 Scholarship. Stu attended the Milwaukee


H66378_32_61.indd 59 4/15/10 16:03:58

Obituaries

John O. Metcalf ’59 died Sept. 25, 2009 in San Diego, Calif. At Hobart, John majored in English and was a member of Kappa Al-pha, Little Theatre, Echo, Canterbury Club, and the football, lacrosse, wrestling, boxing and drill teams. He was an active alumnus, serving as a Class Correspondent. In 2006 he was recognized with the Hobart Hall of Fame for ’57 Football Team. He held a ca-reer as a photographer, actor, teacher and coach. In 1959, he married his wife, Lee, and they had two sons, John and Richard.

Dr. John R. Hanigsberg ’60 died on April 13, 2005 in Tempe, Ariz. The Colleges re-cently learned of John’s passing. A double major in chemistry and biology, John took part in the wrestling and fencing teams and Little Theatre and was a member of the ROTC. After graduating from Hobart, John earned his M.D. from St. Louis University’s School of Medicine and worked as a gas-troenterologist. John is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughters, Shari and Michele; and two grandchildren.

Charles J. Kershaw Jr. ’65 died on Dec. 18, 2009 in Merrimack, N.H. Charlie earned his B.A. in economics, received a master’s degree from Boston University, and worked as a financial analyst at Unitil Service Corporation for 38 years. He served his country in the U.S. Army, fighting in the Vietnam War. He supported his alma mater by giving to the Annual Fund. Charlie is survived by two sisters and several nieces and nephews. Alan H. Susman ’67 died on Dec. 28, 2009 in Cave Creek, Ariz. An American history major, Al was president of Beta Sigma Tau and member of the Herald, Interfraternity Council, the basketball team, Judicial Board and Temple Club. He earned his J.D. from SUNY Buffalo and moved to Arizona, where he worked as an attorney. Al was a member of the New York State and Arizona Bar Associations for 39 years. He is survived by his wife, Jo Ellen; daughters, Stephanie and Jennifer; and a grandson.

School of Engineering and went on to becoming president, owner and manager of Inlet Park Marine, Inc. in Ithaca, N.Y. From 1984 until his retirement, he was a financial planner and a licensed stock and insurance broker. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Stone Wilson ’50; children, Craig, Gary and Susan; eight grandchildren; step-daughters, Katie Coleman Nicoll ’74, Ann, and Jennifer; two step-grandchildren, and niece, Leslie Heinith Webster ’71.

John G. Johnson ’51 died on Dec. 1, 2009 in Palm Beach, Fla. After majoring in eco-nomics and history and serving as captain of the golf team at Hobart, John began a 50-year career as a golf professional at the Lake Shore Country Club in Rochester, N.Y. Over the span of his career, he officiated Ryder Cup matches and served as general manager and director of golf at Lake Shore and at the Old Marsh Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. He was a member of the P.G.A. of America, holding offices at both the sectional and national levels. John was also a U.S. Navy veteran. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Barbara; children, Scott, Jay and Tracy; and six grandchildren.

Paul H. Sterns ’51 died on Feb. 9, 2010 in Ithaca, N.Y. At Hobart, Paul majored in history, participated in Motet Choir and Schola Cantorum, and was a member of Delta Chi. Paul was employed at New York State Electric and Gas Corporation for more than 35 years. He was also a member of the Dryden Footlighters, appearing in every theatrical production of the group for 20 years. He was a member of the Dryden United Methodist Church and its choir. He is survived by his son, Glenn; and brother, Warren E. Stearns ’47. He is predeceased by his wife, Angela; and son, Kevin.

Arthur P. Byrne ’55 died on Nov. 29, 2009 in Morgantown, W.Va. Art was a member of Delta Chi and Newman Club and majored in American history. He served in the U.S. Air Force and earned his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. From 1959 to his retirement in 1988, Art worked as an attorney for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Margaret; children, Kathleen and William; and five grandchildren.

David W. Carpenter ’55 died in November of 2009. He earned his B.A. in American history and worked as a bank purchasing agent.

Robert F. Jones ’55 died on Jan. 4, 2010 in Wakeman, Ohio. Vice president of Phi Sigma Kappa and member of the ROTC, Robert majored in biology and earned his B.A. in 1955 before serving as an Officer in the U.S. Navy. He later established a 50-year career as a steel business consultant. An active member of his community, Robert was a member of the Elks, Eagles, Shriners, Wakeman Gibson Masonic Lodge and the Scottish Rite. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Susan; children, Cheryl, Kathy, Robert, Jack and Kelly; and 11 grandchildren. Martin A. Jacobs ’56 died on Feb. 12, 2000 in Valley Village, Calif. As a Hobart student, Martin took part in the lacrosse team, Rifle Club, band, WEOS, Herald, Echo, Intramural Board and the ROTC. He volunteered for his alma mater as a Career Counselor. He worked as a sales supervisor and buyer in the apparel industry.

Edward C. Laun ’57 died Feb. 10, 2010 in East Washington, Pa. At Hobart, Edward participated in Little Theatre, Chimera, Phi Beta Kappa, the Herald and the College Quiz Bowl. He earned a degree in English and went on to receive a master’s degree in English from the University of Connecticut and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Wisconsin. He was a retired professor of English at Washington & Jefferson College where he taught for more than 35 years. In his retirement he worked as a freelance TV, movie and book critic. He is survived by two sons, Max and Peter; seven grand-children; and companion, Myra Hatfield. He was predeceased by his wife, Ellen Rosenberg Laun ’58.

Rocco J. Polimeni ’58 died on Feb. 23, 2010 in Canandaigua, N.Y. Rocco earned a B.S. in chemistry and held a career as a chemist and administrator, retiring from the Cornell Experimental Station after many years of service. He also served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. He is survived by his daughter, Louise; three grandchildren; a great grandson; four brothers, John ’52, Russell ’58, Joe and Albert. He is predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Betty. Charles S. Gruber ’59 died on Aug. 7, 2005 in Sun City Center, Fla. The Colleges were recently notified. An American history major, Charles was a member of Phi Phi Delta, WEOS, International Relations Club, Echo, Rifle Club, Temple Club, Herald and the lacrosse team. Charles served in the U.S. Army. He worked as a real estate and securities broker and an investment advisor and also served as president of the Cam-bridge Capital Corp. Charles is survived by his son, Andrew; and two grandsons.


H66378_32_61.indd 60 4/15/10 16:03:58

Phone BoothHow many HWS students can t in a phone booth?? While phone boxes and booths were a familiar sight for much of the 20th century, today not a single one exists on campus. Instead students rely on cell phones.

ASSOCIATIONS

Association Leadership 62

Upcoming Events 62

Club Event Photos 63

Snapshot 64

The Last Word: Justice 65

HWS | ca.1970


H66378_32_61.indd 61 4/15/10 16:03:58

The Hobart Alumni Association and

the William Smith Alumnae Association will be welcoming new presidents and vice presidents this summer. Elected during the spring of 2008, they will serve a two-year term effective July 1, 2010. Susan Flanders Cushman ’98, incoming president of the William Smith Alumnae Association, and Chrissy Bennett-West ’94, incoming vice president of the Association, are both looking forward to encouraging other William Smith women to get involved with their alma mater. “I would love to see our proposed regional framework for volunteer leadership come to fruition and to set an example of strong leadership at the volunteer level,” says Cushman. “I’m excited to promote the interests of William Smith, to strengthen the bonds between the College and its alumnae and to enhance our volunteer recruitment through outreach and development,” agrees Bennett-West. “I want to help William Smith women create strong, life-long bonds with their classmates and the College.” Edward Cooper ’86 will assume the role of Hobart Alumni Association president, while JB Robinson ’96, former historian of the Association, will succeed Cooper as vice president. Both men are looking forward to the start of their term. “The upcoming year will see a focus on creating and maintaining opportunities for Hobart alumni to connect with the College and their fellow alums,” says Cooper. “Our challenge is to nd new, creative ways to take our shared experiences and values and encourage alumni to connect.” “I am excited to continue to build on the many accomplishments of the current Association leadership,” says Robinson. “Over the past two years, our leadership has taken on a host of issues, but there is still a lot of work to be done.”

Cushman is an assistant professor of biology at her alma mater. A biology major at William Smith, she was a member of the swim team, studied abroad in Australia and graduated with Honors. She received her M.S. from Johns Hopkins University and her Ph.D. from the University of Maryland. Cushman is the current vice president of the William Smith Alumnae Association and will succeed Kate MacKinnon ’77. Bennett-West is a special education consultant teacher at Canandaigua Academy in Canandaigua, N.Y.

She was a double major in religious studies and economics at William Smith, a student trustee and member of the sailing team, William Smith Congress and Senior Gift Committee. Bennett-West succeeds Cushman as VP and has served the William Smith Alumnae Association since 2000. Cooper is president of Highland Stone Associates, LLC, an independent public affairs, public relations and grassroots communications rm in Bethesda, Md. He majored in history at Hobart College, played golf, was the general manager of WEOS, and was a head resident assistant and a student trustee. The current vice president of the Hobart Alumni Association, Cooper has served the Alumni Association since 2001 and will succeed Dr. Bob Gilman ‘70 in the role of Association president. Robinson is the senior director of tax for compensation and bene ts for Tyco Electronics in Berwyn, Pa. The political science major was a member of the Druid Society, crew team, Hobart Student Association and Hobart Student Court, in addition to serving as a resident assistant and admissions tour guide. Robinson has served the Alumni Association since 2003.

To contact your Alumni or Alumnae representative, e-mail Cushman: [email protected]; Bennett-West: [email protected]; Cooper:[email protected]; or Robinson:[email protected].

Incoming Association Leadership Announcedby Jessie Meyers ’10

Summer EventsGet into the swing of summer with your HWS family!

July 12Northeast Harbor, Maine

July 13Beverly Farms, Mass.Hosted by Chris ’84 and Rene Whitney ’83 Welles P’12

July 14Edgartown, Mass.Hosted by Alan Worden ’87

July 15Duxbury, Mass.Hosted by Robert ’73 and Elizabeth Loring P’06

July 16Westerly, R.I.Hosted by Stephen and Amy Sills P’11

July 17Mantoloking, N.J.Hosted by Pamela Lucas Rew ’81

AugustLong Island, N.Y.Hosted by Keith and Mary Ellen Fell P’12

For more information about these and other upcoming Summer Gatherings on Long Island and in Black Point, Conn., visit www.hwsalumni.com or call Alumni House toll free at 877-497-4438.

Associations

ww

w.h

wsa

lum

ni.co

m

SUSAN FLANDERS CUSHMAN

CHRISSY BENNETT-WEST

EDWARD COOPER

J.B. ROBINSON


H66378_62_65.indd 62 4/15/10 15:59:54

ASSOCIATIONS

Connect with alums in your city by attending an HWS Club event! Visit www.hwsalumni.com for upcoming event information.Club Events

Dr. Harry Coover ’41, P’66, pictured here with his family, was awarded the Hobart Alumni Association Medal of Excellence.

President Mark D. Gearan stands with (from left) Herbert McCooey Jr. ’76, P’04, P’09, Dr. Howard Martin ’59, Dr. Robert Keppler ’52 and Trustee Chair Emeritus L. Thomas Melly ’52, L.H.D. ’02 during a brunch in Palm Beach, Fla., at The Breakers Hotel and Resort. Dr. Martin and Dr. Keppler received honorary degrees during the event.

Alums gather in the home of Kathleen and Tom ’81 Connor for a New Year’s Eve celebration in Greenwich, Conn.

Field Hockey Coach Sally Scatton P’02, P’06 (front, green shirt) is joined by athletes, coaches and supporters for her induction into the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame in Richmond, Va.

HWS alums gather for a photo at the Fork Restaurant in Philadelphia during a New Year’s celebration. Special guests included Field Hockey Coach Sally Scatton P’02, P’06 (front left) and William Smith Director of Athletics Deb Steward (center).

Peter Gregory ’07, Professor of Political Science Iva Deutchman, Jeremy Cooney ’04 and Emily Durki ’03 catch up during an HWS Club of Albany event at Albany Law School. Later, Deutchman led a spirited discussion about Obama and the Democratic Party.

Edward Cooper ’86, Jacqueline Wrubel Savits ’57, P’82, P’87, P’90 and Joel Savits ’56, P’82, P’87, P’90 enjoy a New Year’s Gathering at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington D.C.


H66378_62_65.indd 63 4/15/10 15:59:57

Gallery

SNAPSHOT

Maritime PhotographerPhoto by Amory Ross ’06

“I showed up to the Maxi World Championships in Porto Cervo with a new water housing for my cameras. First chance I got, I jumped over the side of the press boat. I swam towards the largest and fastest boat there and quickly realized I might be too close. They passed within 15 feet of me at speed while their keel passed directly under my feet. It was both exciting and terrifying.”

To learn more about Ross, his photography and his career as a freelance maritime photographer or to see more photographs from HWS photographers, visit www.hws.edu/alumni/pssurvey.

Rob Holmes ’92

Executive Producer, Host and PhotographerFounder and President of Green Living Project www.greenlivingproject.com

You never forget your first gorilla. While we were producing a documentary on Rwanda’s exciting new sustainable tourism initiatives, we had to include the infamous mountain gorilla. Crouching down amid thicks of bug-infested bushes, we observed this beautiful beast and how innocent and delicate these human-like creatures really are. I wish I could return to that moment — right now.

Courtney Apple ’08

PhotographerOwner of Courtney Apple Photographywww.courtneyapple.com

I took this photo on a road trip to the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. I was having difficulty driving on the other side of the road, and I probably shouldn’t have pulled over on such a busy intersection, but I couldn’t help it. This abandoned home couldn’t have been more beautiful.

Neil Sjoblom ’75

PhotographerOwner of Photography by Neil Sjoblomwww.neilsjoblom.com

I took this photo in Venice, Italy, in 2006 when Professor Elena Ciletti and her students reunited in Italy 31 years after the Colleges’ first study abroad program. While walking through an alley, we came upon this rather foreboding scene. I entered the photo in the Professional Photographer’s Society of New York State’s print competition and won the Eastman Kodak Gallery Award.

Amory Ross ’06 An economics and public policy double major at HWS, Ross makes his living on the high seas as an internationally published sailing photographer.


H66378_62_65.indd 64 4/15/10 16:00:1

by Cynthia L. McVey

By about age four, Shireen Avis Fisher ’70 knew she wanted to be a lawyer. Growing up in a family of lawyers and judges, this

inclination was not surprising; what couldn’t be predicted, however, was just how large a career in law she would have. Fisher is currently in The Hague, sitting on the Appeal Chamber assigned to the war crimes trial of the former President of Liberia as Appeals Judge for the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL). The defendant, Charles Taylor, has been indicted on 11 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the conflict in Sierra Leone. (Watch the trial: http://www.sc-sl.org/) “The case is a landmark in international law because he was the sitting head of state when the Special Court for Sierra Leone indicted him,” explains Fisher. The SCSL has been the first court to speak on such legal issues as forced marriage, child soldiers, assaults on UN peacekeepers, amnesty for war crimes, and head-of-state immunity against prosecution for crimes against humanity. As such, their work has had an impact on international criminal law. “By combating impunity through the rule of law and the international community, the SCSL will potentially leave a legacy for the people of Sierra Leone by helping them come to grips with the conflict,” says Fisher. Prior to her appointment to the SCSL, Fisher spent three years as an International Judge of the War Crimes Chamber, Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), adjudicating cases that included war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. “I have always been interested in human rights,” says Fisher, “And I pursued educational and career paths that emphasized social justice and poverty law issues.” Having earned her B.A. in European history from William Smith, Fisher attended law school at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and then began her legal career in poverty law and as a public defender. She was appointed to the Vermont Bench in 1985 and was the first legal aid/public defender to be appointed to the Vermont Bench, as well as the second woman. After working as a trial lawyer for 10 years and as a general jurisdiction trial judge in Vermont

for almost 15 years, she thought it seemed a natural extension of her human rights interests to pursue an LL.M. in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law in an international setting. London became a logical place to do so as her husband Gregg Fisher ’70, a composer and sound engineer, had just completed a master’s program in theatre sound design at the Central School of Speech and Drama at the University of London and was hired as a senior lecturer and head of the Sound Design Department there. Justice Fisher began working toward a Ph.D. program in international law while also teaching international law part-time at the Law Faculty of University College London. It was this position, as well as volunteer efforts for the International Association of Women Judges and work on treaty monitoring and drafting at The Hague Conference on Private International Law that brought her into contact with the War Crimes Section of the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina. She was invited to apply for a position as an International Judge on that Court because of her experience as a sitting judge and training and experience in international law. The War Crimes Section of the Court of BiH was established to carry out the mandate of UN Security Council Resolution 1503, winding down the International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia at The Hague, and transferring cases to Bosnia. This new court was created to remain as the national court after the international judges left. As such, Fisher was involved in a variety of projects that became part of the practice in the newly-established national court. Among these projects was the creation of The Practice Rules for protection of victims and witnesses. “It took two years of consultations, trials, feedback and modifications, but upon presentation to the Plenum of Judges, the national and international governing body for the Court of BiH, it was adopted unanimously,” she explains. During her three-year mandate in Sarajevo, Fisher sat on several preliminary and appellate matters and tried to conclusion six major cases of war crimes, including genocide. Thereafter, she was invited to apply to become a Justice on the Appeal Panel of the SCSL and, following an interview process, was recommended by

SHIREEN AVIS FISHER ’70, APPEALS JUDGE FOR THE SPECIAL COURT OF SIERRA LEONE AT THE HAGUE.

“JUSTICE”THE LAST WORD:

the UN committee for the judicial appointment. After consultation with and approval from the President of Sierra Leone, that recommendation was accepted by the UN Secretary General, who issued her appointment on April 4, 2009. Prior to relocating to The Hague, Fisher sat in Freetown on the SCSL Appeal Chamber that completed the last case to be heard in Sierra Leone. When the Taylor case is concluded, the Special Court will have completed its work. Fisher notes her work in both Sarajevo and Freetown was rewarding and sobering. “Both were beautiful places to live but, at the same time, it is sad to see that the effects of the wars, expecially as the causes of the wars continue to exist in both countries,” she explains. “Trials of alleged perpetrators of war crimes and crimes against humanity, though important, can only be truly successful in fostering reconciliation if they are recognized for what they are – only one part of a larger and necessarily long-term post conflict strategy partnering the international community and national leaders. To the extent that such strategies exist in either country, they seem, so far, to be short-sighted, uncoordinated and vulnerable to sabotage.” Justice Fisher already has projects and plans in the works after the Taylor trial, including continuing her career in law and travelling the world. “My advice to anyone starting out on a post-liberal arts career is to do the work you enjoy, take the risks that allow you to progress as a person and as a professional, and be flexible enough to recognize and accept new and challenging opportunities,” she says. “I credit my liberal arts education at William Smith for helping me appreciate the joy of continually learning about the world and re-evaluating my place in it.”


H66378_62_65.indd 65 4/15/10 16:00:4

1. What does being a team player mean to you? Rooting for each other.

2. What is your greatest motivation? Perfection. It drives me in everything I do.

3. What quality best describes a William Smith woman? Independent.

4. What do you hope to be doing five years from now? Travelling a lot more.

5. What is your favorite commercial right now? The Bud Light Real Men of Genius ads on the radio.

6. What quality do you most value in your friends? Acceptance.

7. What’s the word you most overuse? Awesome.

8. What’s most interesting about the desk where you do most of your work?

The view of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the hustle and bustle on Madison Avenue.

9. What makes a good athletic competition? Everything is left on the field.

10. Name two things you can’t live without? My Blackberry and Blistex.

11. What is the best meal you’ve ever had? Bruschetta and spaghetti in Florence with my mom.

HOBART AND WILLIAM SMITH COLLEGES300 Pulteney StreetGeneva, New York 14456

This publication was printed using FSC Certified paper which enables the environmental savings equivalent to the following:

• 15 trees preserved for the future• 43 lbs waterborne waste not created• 6,371 gallons wastewater flow saved• 705 lbs solid waste not generated• 1,388 lbs net greenhouse gases prevented• 10,624,320 BTUs energy not consumed

1. What does being a team player mean to you? Trusting your teammates in everything you do.

2. What is your greatest motivation? My teammates.

3. What quality best describes a William Smith woman? Independent.

4. What do you hope to be doing five years from now? Working in sports management or marketing. Maybe coaching as

well.

5. What is your favorite commercial right now? The Bud Light commercial where they’re stranded on a deserted

island.

6. What quality do you most value in your friends? Trust.

7. What’s the word you most overuse? Dude …

8. What’s most interesting about the desk where you do most of your work?

It’s a mess, so I actually do most of my work in my bed.

9. What makes a good athletic competition? A good opponent.

10. Name two things you can’t live without? My Blackberry and my i-Pod.

11. What is the best meal you’ve ever had? Pizza in Rome.

PAR

ALL

ELS

PAR

ALL

ELS

Non profit org. U.S. Postage

PAIDRochester, New York

Permit No. 357

Kaitlyn Hamilton ’10Harpursville, N.Y.• Major: Sports in Society• Minor: Psychology• Athletic Communications Intern

Alumna Donna Daniels ’86New York, N.Y.

• Vice President for Team Marketing and Strategic Planning, WNBA

H66378_CVR.indd 2 4/15/10 15:08:48

pulteney street survey

Documents

president edward

pulteney street survey

vice president garry

main street

worlds of experience

geneva16 worlds of experience

alumni house records

mary leclair