Posted on Apr 21, 1999

Schenectady, N.Y. (April 21, 1999) – Perennial Capital Region favorites David Finckel and Wu Han return to the Schenectady Museum – Union College Concert Series for a performance on Wednesday, May 5, at 8 p.m. in Union College's Memorial Chapel.

This concert was earlier postponed due to inclement weather.

The program is to include Beethoven's Sonata in F, Op. 5, No.1; Alfred Schnittke's – Sonata (1978); and Franck's – Sonata in A. Husband and wife duo cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han have attracted international attention with their profound artistry and their unique musical synergy. As the Washington Post writes, “… what makes their performance particularly memorable is the degree of exquisitely intimate ensemble achieved by Finckel and pianist Wu Han.”

Born into a family of cellists, David Finckel began his musical studies with his father, composer Edwin Finckel, and made his debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the age of 15. A member of the Emerson String Quartet since 1979, Finckel has performed in virtually every music capital in the world.

Wu Han began her musical studies in Taiwan at the age of nine. A regular participant at the Marlboro Music Festival and other summer festivals, she made her debut with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

Together, David Finckel and Wu Han launched the ArtistLed record label a few years ago, the first musician-directed and Internet-based recording company. Their debut recording included sonatas of Chopin, Grieg, and Shumann's Adagio and Allegro. Additional releases include sonatas of Strauss and Franck and cello music by Edwin Finckel.

Memorial Chapel is located near the center of the Union campus. Parking is available on campus and on nearby sidestreets. Tickets, at $15 ($8 for students), are available in advance at the Schenectady Museum (518)382-7890 and at the door at 7 p.m. For more information, call 372-3651.

Posted on Apr 20, 1999

Schenectady, N.Y. (April 20, 1999) – What role should a college play in the life of a local community? Do students have a responsibility to contribute beyond the classroom? How do perceptions on both sides of the campus walls affect the relationship between a college and a community? What does the future hold for Schenectady and Union College, and how will current projects – US Initiative, Metroplex –impact the community? These issues and others will be explored during the lecture series, “The Union-Schenectady Relationship: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” from 7-9 p.m., April 21, 28, and May 3 in Union College's Nott Memorial.

“Union College and the city of Schenectady have coexisted for more than 200 years, and it's interesting and important to hear from all sides about how things were, are and will be,” Union student and lecture series coordinator Ed Lallier said. “We need to talk about the successes and failures of this relationship to understand what's possible in the future.”

The three-part series begins Wednesday, April 21 with a look at the past; “The Union-Schenectady Relationship: Yesterday,” features Union Professor of History Robert Wells, who will discuss the people and events that have shaped the relationship.

On Wednesday, April 28, a panel featuring local media, human service organizations, Union students, faculty and administrators, and elected officials will discuss “The Union-Schenectady Relationship: Today.” The panel will engage in dialogue and debate on such issues as the role of students in the community and the impact of Schenectady's tarnished image.

Finally, on Monday, May 3, Union President Roger H. Hull and Schenectady Mayor Albert Jurczynski will examine “The Union-Schenectady Relationship: Tomorrow.” The leaders will discuss current and future initiatives aimed at improving the college and the city.

A reception for panelists and audience members will follow each discussion at 9 p.m. at Wells House on Union's campus. All events are free and open to the public.

Posted on Apr 16, 1999

March 29, 1999

1. The minutes of March 8, 1999 were approved as corrected.

2. The recommendations of the Subcouncil on Courses and Program for approval of HST
118, HST 114, MTH 53, BIO 64 and ACC 011 were discussed and approved for course credit.
GMI 200 will be discussed by the AAC with the Acting Director of GMI.

3. The AAC will set up meetings for discussions of the calendar outline with students
and faculty and then proceed with drafting a proposal for “a semester plan” and
a time line for the consideration of the proposal.

4. Next week the meeting will be on Friday, April 9. The chair of Anthropology will
present the departmental external review.

April 9, 1999

1. The minutes of March 29, 1999 were approved.

2. Professor George Gmelch, Chair of Anthropology, presented the departmental external
review done in May, 1998. He responded to the points raised by the reviewers, including
some problems with adjuncts, course offerings that due to staffing are narrower than
students desire, the desirability of offering more theory, and students' request for
a yearly field program. The review proposed increasing the teaching load for the second
tenure line to 9 courses. The review also noted the increasing number of majors (34 at
present).

Gmelch pointed out that there are several models of anthropology programs and the Union
anthropology department has chosen a model that emphasizes field experience. He also noted
the limitation placed on offerings by the size of the faculty.

3. Bill Thomas, director of International Programs, came to discuss a term abroad that
would be done in conjunction with Hobart William Smith College. Funds from the Mellon
Foundation have supported the planning. The first term abroad under this consortial
relationship will be in San Cristobal in Mexico. It is an established program at Hobart
and William Smith and will be led by a Union professor, William Garcia.

If this consortial arrangement continues, the AAC must address the issue of granting
graded course credit for courses offered by another school. In any case, however, the
departments would maintain the right to accept courses for the major (as currently
applies).

Posted on Apr 16, 1999

Information and applications for Fulbright Scholarships for graduate study and research
abroad are available from Prof. Andrew Feffer in the history department. Applications are
due Sept. 30. For information, call ext. 6787.