Posted on Nov 1, 2000

The weather was hot and humid, and it was vacation time for many, but none of that deterred the Union alumni, parents, and friends who came from far and wide in Japan for an alumni gathering at the Tokyo American Club in early August.

Eli Benson '96, who works in Tokyo, and Professor Brad Lewis, newly appointed director of corporate relations, hosted the gathering of sixteen people.

Those attending indicated the depth and diversity of Union's ties to Japan. An international student at a time when Union had very few, Shinyu Kuniyoshi '55 came from Okinawa with his wife, Kiyoko. A more recent international student who returned to Japan after graduation, Takashi Hirono '90, attended with his wife, Ryoko, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Katsumi Hirono. Ira Stevens '87, Michael Chisick '96, and Eli Benson '96 all had studied on Union's term abroad at Kansai Gaidai University, near Osaka, and now work in Japan. Current Union student Shinichiro Yokota '02 was busy in Schenectady doing summer research, but Taisaburo and Keiko Yokota, his parents, were able to attend. Tomoko Terao served as Japanese language assistant at Union in 1995-96 and now works full-time for Kansai Gaidai. Guests of alumni included Zachary Liggett, Madoka Ota, and Aaron Forsberg.

The gathering was also a homecoming of sorts for Lewis, who taught at Kansai Gaidai and served as the Union term abroad advisor there three times beginning in 1989.

“The conversation was lively, the Japanese buffet was great, and everyone seemed to enjoy renewing friendships and meeting some new members of the Union family,” said Lewis, a long-time member of the Economics Department but recent addition to the College Relations staff. “Special thanks go to both to Eli Benson '96 and to Jim Mori '76 (who was traveling and unfortunately could not attend the event) for their indispensable help in making this gathering possible. We'll do another one in Japan, soon!”

Posted on Nov 1, 2000

Paul Wintrich '60, of Pelham, N.Y., has been elected to a four-year term as an alumni member of the College's Board of Trustees.

“Union College has been one of my great passions for many years,” Wintrich said. “It has provided me, and my daughters, Jennifer '91 and Elizabeth '93, with quality educations. All of the College's great strengths have been confirmed to me time and time again.”

As a student, Wintrich was active in varsity soccer and lacrosse, a member of the glee club, a class officer, and president of Kappa Sigma fraternity. As an alumnus he has served as head agent for the Class of 1960, a member of the Alumni Council and the Trustees Board of Advisors, and chairman of the Westchester County Alumni Admissions Committee. He received the Alumni Gold Medal for extraordinary service to the College in 1994.

Posted on Nov 1, 2000

Make your plans to come to Union's campus and take part in the ReUnion celebration.

Come early – stay late. We'll have something for everyone. Return to campus for an energizing, fun-filled weekend; renew old friendships, attend stimulating lectures, stroll through Jackson's Garden, talk with students and professors, and just enjoy Union!

We're working on planning more to ensure that your trip is worthwhile. ReUnion Weekend 2001 will be here before we know it, so mark your calendars, call your friends, and look for more details about ReUnion in the months to come.

Posted on Nov 1, 2000

<b<An evening at Tanglewood

More than eighty alumni, friends, and family members got together on Saturday, Aug. 5, for an evening at Tanglewood. The event began with a pre-concert reception featuring good conversation and tasty hors d'oeuvres. Following the reception, the Boston Symphony Orchestra performed a “Film Night at Tanglewood,” featuring music by John Williams; Aaron Copland's score for Lewis Milestone's The Red Pony; and a tribute to Stanley Donen. Accompanying the music were images from various films projected onto screens throughout the Tanglewood theater. A good time was had by all!

Union spirit

On Saturday, Sept. 2, more than sixty alumni, friends, and family came to the Yale Bowl to enjoy a pre-game picnic and cheer on the Dutchmen in a pre-season scrimmage against the Yale Bulldogs. Members of the football coaching staff and players from the team joined the Union group during the picnic. Unfortunately, due to a sudden – and persistent – rainstorm, the game was cancelled. Look for us at next year's scrimmage!

Hot dogs and baseball

The Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs played host to the Elmira Pioneers as more than eighty alumni, family members, and friends gathered on a hot, sunny evening at Heritage Park. Everyone enjoyed the all-American evening of hot dogs and a baseball game. It was Pokemon Trading Night, and the Diamond Dog hosts put on a fun-filled evening with lots of flying Frisbees, baseballs, and candies.

Breakfast and backstretch tour at Saratoga Race Course

More than 120 alumni, family members, and friends joined us trackside for breakfast and watched the horses take their morning workout. Following breakfast, we ventured onto the historic stable area for a guided walking tour. The weather was beautiful and the food tasty. Some stayed with smiles on their faces, waiting to place bets on a favorite horse.

Bon voyage, freshmen

Throughout the month of August, more than 260 alumni, current students, incoming freshmen, prospective students, and guests gathered throughout the country to wish the Class of 2004 well as class members prepared for their first year at Union. Many thanks to our gracious hosts, as these receptions would not be possible without them: Susan and Scott Muirhead '68 in Norwich, Vt.; Joanna and Victor Lerish '71 in Barrington, R.I.; Howard and Sherri Lippman (parents of Jordan '00) in Tenafly, N.J.; Ellen and Bill Mack '58 (parents of Katie '02) in Cheverly, Md.; Sondra and Dr. Robert Howe '58 in Wayzata, Minn.; Cara and Dr. Leonard Kagan '69 (parents of Michelle '02) in Dix Hills, N.Y.; and Jean and Dr. Al Mangold '69 in Rochester, N.Y. If you would like to host a Freshman Sendoff reception in your area next year, please contact John Carbone '99 in the Office of Alumni Relations at 1-888-THE-IDOL Ext. 6476 or carbonej@union.edu.

Posted on Nov 1, 2000

I am pleased to tell you about two changes we have made regarding our efforts to continually inform, thank, and showcase the alumni, parents, and friends of Union College.

First, you will notice the Report of Gifts that traditionally is included in the fall issue of Union College magazine is absent this year. That is because we have decided to dedicate an entire separate publication to say thank you to all of you who have been so very generous to the College last year. Watch your mailboxes because shortly you will receive the new Report of Gifts.

Second, the magazine will now feature an entire comprehensive section designed to keep you abreast of exciting news and events that have particular interest to alumni, parents, and friends of Union College.

I hope you enjoy the new format and find these changes beneficial.

Tom Gutenberger

Vice President for College Relations