When I
was a student at Union, three people in particular helped me to change the way
I saw the world: Clare Graves, my psychology professor; Bill Huntley, the dean
(back then there was only one dean); and Bill Ketz, coordinator of student
activities.
Adding
to the richness and pleasure of those four years were roommates, fraternity
brothers, and the people I worked with on The Idol, WRUC, and the Student
Council. There were also the all-night bull-sessions (and still going to class
next morning, alert and wide-eyed) and the joke in the Concordiensis about the
food served by Dining Room Manager Bill South: “The garbage truck is
here, Mr. South.” – “Good! Tell them I'll take six barrels.”
I'm
sure there are people who touched you in some way when you were at Union.
And
there was Union itself – serene, stately, but also exciting and energizing – sending
me out into the world more assured and more purposeful than when I had come in.
Clare
Graves, Bill Huntley, and Bill Ketz have passed on, and I can't tell them how
valuable were the gifts they gave me. But I have found a way to pay them back,
and to pay back my classmates, and Union.
The
current expression for that way became the title of a good movie that came out
last October. “Pay it Forward,” starring Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt, makes the
point much better than I can hope to make it in these remarks to you, but let
me try.
To me,
paying it forward means supporting the Clare Graveses, Bill Huntleys, and
Bill Ketzs at Union today. It means supporting the students here now, and
helping them awaken to their potential, as I awakened to mine. It means helping
a young man or woman, who may not have the resources, get the same great
education and experiences I got.
The
amount of the tuition check I wrote to Don Holmes, college bursar, would have
had to be twenty percent larger if not for the fact that some alumnus, back in
1953, was also writing a check – to the Annual Fund. That alumnus is likely
gone, but I don't want to break the chain, so I'll take his place and write a
check to the Annual Fund, to help keep down the cost of tuition to current
students.
Lest
you think I'm being altruistic, let me confess that I've discovered a great
satisfaction and fulfillment from paying it forward, and if you have supported
the Annual Fund, I'll bet you've experienced that feeling, too. If you're not
yet a supporter, it is not too late. I hope you'll join me, and your
classmates, so you can get that same satisfaction and fulfillment.
You may
have noticed the banner we are now using at the top of Annual Fund letters we
send you:
The
Purpose of the Annual Fund
To provide Union with the financial resources needed
to give students the knowledge, skills and values that will help them develop
to their fullest, and make a positive contribution to the world.
Paying
it forward not only helps me to say “thank you” to Dr. Graves, Dean Huntley,
and Bill Ketz, it also helps me to make a positive contribution to the world.
With
the first term in the books, we are well into both the academic year and the
Parents Council calendar. We hope that your experience is proving as satisfying
and energizing as ours!
As
co-chairs of this year's Parents Council, we have become much more familiar
with the programs, activities, and support available to the Union parent
community. In fact, in the past two months, we've learned much more than we
absorbed in the first two years of our daughter's Union experience. In the
spirit of disclosure, and in an effort to get everyone on the same page, we'd
like to highlight some of what has been going on, and what there is to look
forward to.
This
year all parents of current Union students are welcome to join us on the
Parents Council. This is both a new and inclusive concept, allowing for much
greater and more fluid communications between the College and the parent
community.
The
Fall Homecoming and Family Weekend was an enormous success, with more than
2,000 alumni, parents, and friends in Schenectady for the shindig.
Debbie
Denefrio has already sent out the first appeal for this year's Parents Fund. We
encourage you to participate – and if possible, increase your gift. We are
going to.
We have
sent out this year's first e-mail newsletter communication. While the Parents
Council has no interest in clogging up your e-mail box, we are intent on
keeping you up to date. We also encourage you to make any inquiry regarding
Union information, policy, or suggestion to Parents_Council@union.edu. We will
see that every e-mail receives immediate attention and a timely reply.
The
College is constantly looking for new ways to keep parents and alumni connected
with the campus. The most recent is About U – an e-mail newsletter containing
news headlines and story summaries from Union. If you are interested in finding
out more about this and perhaps subscribing, take a look at www.union.edu/aboutu.
Finally,
parents who would like to become actively involved in the Parents Council are
invited – more to the point, encouraged – to join The Steering Committee. We
can certainly use your help! Would you like to participate in a job fair? Does
your company offer internships to college students? To register your interest
in getting involved in an area that interests you, click on this link: Parents_Council@union.edu.
If you'd
like to actually speak with someone about one of the many ways you can
participate, please call Lis Bischoff-Ormsbee, director of the Parents Program
at 518-388-6601 or send her an e-mail at bischofe@union.edu
The
Alumni Relations Office hosted an informal gathering on the banks of the
Charles River on Sunday, Oct. 22. Approximately forty alumni, parents, and
friends visited the Union table near the Weeks Footbridge, which had
refreshments and snacks for the Union guests. And on Saturday, Oct. 21, the
Dutchwomen rowing team raced during the day and, during the evening, a group of
about thirty alumni gathered casually at Kitty O'Shea's near Fanueil Hall. A
special thanks to Evan Grace '91 for helping to organize this event!
Networking
and Social Reception
About
thirty people gathered for a networking and social gathering before the
Thanksgiving holiday. During the day on Nov. 16, a select group of current
seniors attended “The Boston Recruiting Day,” which consisted of a career fair,
as well as one-on-one interviews with Boston-based employers. After the day of
interviewing, the seniors joined the larger group of alumni and current
students who gathered to mingle and network. Susanna Ryan '99 and Kelly Schrade
'99, members of the Boston alumni club executive committee, were on hand to
share some of the plans for Boston-area alumni events for the upcoming year – and
draw the winner of the raffle prize. If you are interested in becoming involved
with the Boston alumni club, please contact the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@union.edu.
Dallas alumni event, October 23, 2001
Dallas
Lee
Schepps '62 and his wife, Barbara Cottrell, hosted the “Union Today and Union
Tomorrow” presentation by President Roger Hull on Oct. 23. Alumni enjoyed
delicious Southwestern fare and an informative presentation highlighting the
Plan for Union. Thank you, Lee and Barbara, for your warm welcome.
Union vs. Coast Guard Academy, New London
New
London, Conn.
Union
vs. Coast Guard Football
Approximately
100 alumni, parents, and friends joined together before the Union vs. Coast
Guard football game in New London for a pre-game tailgate picnic. The
weather was perfect for a fall football game and picnic – sunny and warm! The
picnic was held on the Coast Guard Academy's campus with great views of the
Thames River. The Dutchmen beat the
Bears, 38-14.
New
York City
Holiday
Reception in New York City – Dec. 5
President
Roger H. Hull hosted a holiday reception and presentation at the University
Club in New York City in early December. President Hull spoke on the topic of “Union
Today and Union Tomorrow” to a group of more than 100 alumni, parents,
students, and friends. Guests also had a chance to mingle with classmates and
friends and watch the Union College admissions video. A good time was had by
all!
The
Alumni Relations Office is in the process of putting together the New York City
alumni club board. If you are interested in becoming involved with the board,
please contact the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@union.edu.
Alumni and friends at Fox Run Vineyard, Penn Yan
Penn
Yan, N.Y.
On Oct.
20, alumni and friends gathered at Fox Run Vineyard on the western shore of
Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. The group went on a guided
walking tour of the vineyard, learned about the harvesting of grapes and the
process of winemaking. Following the tour, the group tasted a delicious variety
of wines offered for sale at the winery.
San
Francisco
A group
of San Francisco-area alumni gathered at The Monkey Club on Oct. 2. The
highlight of the evening was the creation of the unofficial alumni drink of
Union College, the Nott Easy. Beth Lifson '95 (and bartender) led the “testing
team” in devising many versions, but the following
recipe is what won our hearts:
The
Nott Easy
Fill
glass with ice, then add one shot of
vodka (or bourbon, depending on geographical
inclination). Then pour 1/3
cranberry juice, 1/3 Coca Cola, and 1/3
grenadine. Top off with a cherry. Drink
and enjoy!
Schenectady
On Oct.
2, nearly forty alumni and friends attended a dinner at the Mohawk Golf Club in
Schenectady. Warren Mitofsky '56, a nationally-known expert on elections and
political polls, delivered a fascinating presentation on Election Night
projections. He spoke on events surrounding many national and state elections
and entertained many questions from the audience, all of whom were delighted to
have the opportunity to hear about Warren's experiences as a news coverage
authority.
Two
weeks later, on Oct. 16, the club again gathered at the Mohawk Golf Club, this
time for a wonderful luncheon and to hear Athletic Director Val Belmonte. It
was most timely to hear a discussion of the Union college athletic program,
given this year's success on the football field, men's and women's soccer, and
volleyball.
On Nov.
13, the club met for a delicious pre-Thanksgiving luncheon at the Mohawk Golf
Club. Sixty-two people heard Chauncey Winters Professor of History & Social
Sciences Robert Wells speak on American folk music. He provided a very special
treat for all attendees by singing and playing guitar accompaniment of about a
dozen well-known American folk songs.
The
club is pleased to report a membership of 236, as of November 2001.
Union vs. Notre Dame Hockey Game
South
Bend, Ind.
On Oct.
12, alumni and parents gathered to cheer on the Skating Dutchmen as they took
on the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Garnet and white pompoms flew wildly as
our Dutchmen went on to win the game 7-4. Delighted alumni and parents mingled
with the hockey team at a post-game reception.
Japan event, November 2001
Tokyo
The
food was excellent – and the program and company even more so – at the second
annual Alumni Association Reception in Tokyo, Japan, as alumni from five
different decades joined parents and friends at the American Club. Winning the “distance and persistence” award
were Shinyu Kuniyoshi '55 and his wife, Kiyoko Kuniyoshi, who came all the way
from Okinawa! Others present included John Barber '69, Jim Mori '76, Ira
Stevens '87, Takashi Hirono '90, and Eli Benson '96. While their offspring were
busy preparing for exams, Mr. and Mrs. Hidemi Yasuda (parents of freshman Koji
Yasuda) and Mr. and Mrs. Taisaburo Yokota (parents of senior Shin-ichiro) joined
the festivities. Economics Professor Eshragh Motahar, who came with his wife,
Lana Cable, from the Osaka area, was the featured speaker. Quoth Prof. Motahar:
“The questions ranged anywhere from the proposed house system, to terms abroad,
to my assessment of the situation in Tajikistan and the rest of Central Asia.
The gathering went past 10 p.m., which presumably indicated people's interest
in the get-together!” Union owes a special thanks to Eli Benson and Jim Mori,
who organized the gathering.
D.C. Club Hillwood estate tour
Washington,
D.C.
On Oct.
6, the D.C. Alumni Club sponsored a tour of the Hillwood estate and gardens,
the former home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress to the Post cereal
fortune. Set in twenty-five acres of lush gardens and woods, the forty-room
mansion contains a priceless collection of Russian art as well as French
furniture and fine Indian art.
Wilmington alumni at Henry duPont's home
Wilmington,
Del.
Henry
duPont IV '90 opened his home to alumni and parents for an elegant evening of
cocktails and conversation on Nov. 16. President Roger Hull discussed the
exciting new changes at Union with more than 60 alumni in attendance. A special
thank you to Henry for hosting this event.
The
Pre-Health Society will visit Philadelphia on May 3-4 for its annual field
trip. The trip includes visits to area health care facilities and schools,
culminating in a dinner with alumni health professionals on Friday, May 3, at
the Clarion Suites Hotel. We are seeking alumni to give work place or school
tours. Please contact Carol Weisse (weissec@union.edu) or Rhona Beaton
(beatonr@union.edu) for further information about the dinner or tours.
ReUnion
'02 May 30 – June 2
Alumni
from all classes are
invited to return to campus to reconnect with one another, make new friends,
see the wonderful changes on Union's campus, walk through Jackson's Garden, and
relax and enjoy themselves.
The
ReUnion 2002 schedule is designed to offer something for everyone. Highlights
will include faculty presentations, Minerva's 5k race, a theater performance, a
family picnic, Kids Carnival, Alumni Parade and class competition, and the
ReUnion Candlelight Dinner and Dance for all classes.
New
Class Officers
Class
of 1961
Jim
Reisman, Class President; vacancy for Class Vice President
Class
of 1966
Dick
Powell, ReUnion Co-Chair; Howard Clark, Secretary, 21 Ford Hill Road, Whippany,
N.J. 07981,
The
Parents Program volunteers and staff would like to extend special thanks to our
outgoing Parents Council co-chairs, Joanne and Bill St. Denis (parents of
Patrick '03). For two years, Joanne and Bill have encouraged us to reach out
more to our parents and have been great supporters of our Parents Program
Office in its infancy. We thank them for their enthusiasm and strong leadership
(and are very pleased that they plan to stay involved)!
Representing
Union
The
following alumni represented
the College at the inaugurations of college presidents in 2001:
Eric J.
Schmertz '48 at the Oct. 19 inauguration of Stuart Rabinowitz at Hofstra
University in Hempstead, N.Y.
Laura
Frey Horn '76 at the March 30 inauguration of John E. Bassett at Clark
University in Worcester, Mass.
David
J. Breazzano '78 at the October 12 inauguration of Lawrence H. Summers at
Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass.
Anton
Warde '64 at the October 27 inauguration of Barry Mills at Bowdoin College in
Brunswick, Maine.
Annual
Giving Staff : Ready
to Work With You
Have
you ever wanted to volunteer for Union, but didn't know how? Have you ever
promised to keep in touch with your classmates, but never been able to do it?
Do you want to do both, but not have a lot of spare time?
Well,
the Union College Annual Giving staff has the answers!
We've
got some great opportunities to get involved as a Head Agent or Class Agent
with your class. It doesn't require a huge commitment of time, you are able to
keep in contact with classmates and friends, and you help Union with its very
important fund raising efforts.
If you
are interested, please contact the Office of Annual Giving at 1-888-THE-IDOL
x6175. We're ready, willing, and excited to work with you.
Terrace
Council Reception
at Homecoming a Huge
Success
The
Nott Memorial is transformed into an autumn harvest for the Terrace Council
Reception at Homecoming.
Enjoying
the Terrace Council Reception at Homecoming is the Gaylord family, Meredith '02,
Karen, and Guilford.
Several
young alumni and current students enjoyed gathering at the Terrace Council
Reception. From left to right are Duncan Crary '00, Jeremy Dibbell '04, Cal
Crary '00, Phoebe Burr '00,
Jeremy Newell '00 and Erika Mancini '00.
More
than 2,000 alumni, parents, and friends returned to Union's campus for Homecoming
& Family Weekend! Many great activities were held for Union's guests,
including a Dean's Reception for the Class of 2005, Pep Rally & Cider
Social, Picnic and Carnival surrounding the football game, Duck Race in Jackson's
Garden, Harvest Reception and Dinner, Welcome Reception for young alumni,
Student Talent Night, and a Hearty Brunch on Sunday to send everyone home with
a full stomach.
The
weather was almost perfect – sunny skies (mostly) and a bit cool – and did not
stop anyone from having a wonderful weekend! The Union community was happy to
have so many alumni, parents, and friends participate in the weekend – and hope
to have more guests on campus next year.
Save
the date for Homecoming & Family Weekend 2002: October 11-13.
