Posted on Oct 4, 2004

The You Are Union Campaign has already received gifts and pledges of more than $80 million. Here are some of the many ways those gifts are helping the College:

Creating Unique Opportunities in Converging Technologies

Thanks to a recent gift from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the College will change the way biology students learn and introduce students from other disciplines to biological problems. Main components of the grant include the creation of a center for bioengineering and computational biology, expanded opportunities for summer interdisciplinary research, new laboratory modules based on application of engineering and/or computing to solving biological problems, and a new course in bioinformatics.

Two years ago, three senior vice presidents of IBM-all alumni-came to campus to talk technology. The three-John E. Kelly III '76, Steven A. Mills '73, and Robert W. Moffat, Jr. '78-were kept busy with events ranging from a panel discussion to individual meetings with faculty members. At the end of the day, they announced that IBM would give Union $1 million in technical support aimed at helping undergraduate students gain access to leading-edge technology. The gift included both software and hardware, such as an atomic force microscope for a nanotechnology materials lab.

Fostering a Commitment to Community

On Aug. 8, 1993, Mohammad Omar, a mechanical engineering major, drowned in a canoeing accident while doing summer research. He was a member of the Pi Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, the first inter- collegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African-American students. To remember Mohammad's commitment to community service, the fraternity established a community service internship that awards $2,500 annually to outstanding undergraduates who volunteer for nonprofit community organizations.

Energizing Athletics

Two alumni who graduated within three years of each other have changed the face of Union's intercollegiate athletic program.

Frank Messa '73 and his wife, Colleen, made possible the renovation of Messa Rink at Achilles Center. The rink, now with the capability for year-round ice, is the home of the men's and women's varsity hockey teams as well as intramurals and a number of community hockey and figure skating programs.

David Viniar '76 and the Viniar Family Foundation made possible the construction of the Viniar Sports Center, a multi-use facility that will be the new home of the men's and women's basketball teams. The building has seating for 1,000 and relieves the congestion in adjacent Memorial Field House.

Supporting and Strengthening FACULTY

Widely known for his expertise on the Holocaust, Russia, and the Middle East, Professor Stephen Berk has long been one of the College's most popular lecturers. Now, thanks to a gift from the H. Schaffer Foundation, he is the Henry and Sally Schaffer Professor of Holocaust and Jewish Studies. Accepting the honor, he said, “The chair will help subsequent generations of Union students become cognizant of the Holo- caust and the role played by Jews and Judaism in world history.”

Nathan and Romana Obenzinger, parents of Mark M. Obenzinger '65 and the late Ronald M. Obenzinger '61, established a charitable lead trust that makes yearly gifts to provide awards to premedical students (Ronald died shortly after entering the Albert Einstein College of Medicine; the award is the Ronald M. Obenzinger Memorial Premedical Scholarship). Before they passed away, the Obenzingers also created a ten-year charitable remainder trust that eventually will establish the Ronald M. Obenzinger Professorship in the health sciences.

Reinvigorating RESIDENTIAL LIFE

One of the most significant initiatives at the College in years is the new Minerva House system, an innovative approach to social, residential, and intellectual life that already is attracting attention from other colleges. A gift from Phil Beuth '54 made possible the renovation of the former Psi Upsilon fraternity (his fraternity), and Beuth House opened this fall as one of seven new centers for student social and academic activity.

Attracting EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS

The $20 million commitment from Jane and John Wold '38 -the largest gift in the College's history-will provide endowment support for a number of programs, including the Minerva Houses (Wold House is named in memory of his parents). Also benefiting from the Wolds' gift is the College's extensive scholarship program. More than sixty percent of Union students receive financial aid, and the average financial aid package is more than $20,000. Each year hundreds of scholarship recipients and donors get together at the College's annual scholarship luncheon.

Expanding INTERNATIONAL STUDY

The College offered its first courses about China and Japan more than twenty-five years ago, began terms abroad in the two countries in the 1980s, and now, thanks to a gift from the late Robert '37 and Margaret Everest, will significantly expand its presence in Asia. The Everest Far East Study program will provide fellowships for undergraduate study in Japan, Malaysia, and the Philippines and scholarships for students whose homes are in those countries. Mr. Everest held a number of executive management positions for Esso in Malaysia, Singapore, and Bangkok.

Expanding the ARTS

Historically, the Performing and Visual Arts Departments have been small, given the significance of their role in developing liberally-educated individuals. To support the renovation and expansion of the arts facilities, the Fred L. Emerson Foundation, Inc., has awarded a $500,000 grant to the College. The grant includes a challenge-the College must raise an additional $2.5 million by December 2009.

Expanding UNDERGRADUATE ADVISING

A highlight of ReUnion 2002 was the dedication of the Stanley R. Becker '40 Career Center. Originally known as Old Gym Hall, the modern career center provides students with access to career advisors, individual counseling, written and electronic career resources, and technology to assist them and alumni in career planning. In addition, for more than twenty years Mr. Becker has provided scholarship support to five students per year who are majoring in political science.

Posted on Oct 4, 2004

Supporting and Strengthening Faculty

Since its founding, Union has had a tradition of great teaching. Indeed, every alumnus can name a professor who had a profound influence on his or her life. Our goal is to continue this tradition in the face of strong competition for the best faculty members. And, once these outstanding teachers join our faculty, we must support them by offering competitive research, sabbatical, and teaching opportunities. Union must provide a teaching environment of the highest quality, a diverse curriculum, increased student research, strong faculty scholarship, and faculty involvement outside the classroom.

Faculty: $33.5 million

• Increase the number of permanent faculty by 6 and endow 15 current positions.
  
• Reduce the student-faculty ratio to enhance Union's educational experience.
  
• Create a Speakers Fund endowment.

Attracting Exceptional STUDENTS

The Union Scholars Program has demonstrated the power of excellent students to enhance the intellectual tone of the institution. Increasing and strengthening such programs will allow us to attract and retain greater numbers of top students, who can become a force in changing the academic ethos of the College. Since almost all colleges use merit aid, we need to supplement our Scholars Program with merit aid to attract these top students.

Students: $39.14 million

• Enrich the the Union Scholars Program to attract a growing percentage of top-caliber students.
  
• Develop a competitive merit scholarship program to attract an increased number of academically talented students and to continue to reach out to underserved students.

Promoting UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Student involvement in creative and scholarly activity comes in several ways in addition to classroom and laboratory work-the thesis in the liberal arts and senior design projects in engineering, independent study, summer research, and internships. The overwhelming majority of our faculty feel that such activity encourages students to see and think differently, broadening their horizons and ultimately preparing them for life beyond college. Union is at the forefront of this important national trend, and we must encourage and enable more of our students to participate in this highly-positive activity.

Undergraduate research: $8 million

• Increase opportunities for summer campus research.
  
• Increase opportunities for students to present their work with faculty at professional meetings.

Expanding INTERNATIONAL STUDY

One of the distinguishing pillars of a Union education, international study is perhaps the most broadening experience that most Union students enjoy outside of the classroom. Students report that study abroad motivates curiosity, enhances independence of mind, and contributes to their maturity. Furthermore, students who have been abroad make important contributions to the intellectual and cultural life on campus upon their return. We must continue to prepare students' abilities to thrive in a diverse world.

International study: $11 million

• Support current and add new terms abroad.

Creating unique opportunities in CONVERGING TECHNOLOGIES

One of Union's defining characteristics is the presence of engineering within a liberal arts curriculum. This distinctive strength presents numerous opportunities for a unique program that will continue to attract top students who value and benefit from a broad education. We have made a significant start in such areas as bioengineering, mechatronics, and nanotechnology. Still, there is much more to do to ensure that our students are ready for a technologically-sophisticated world, and to provide faculty with appropriate technology to enhance their teaching.

Converging technologies: $24.9 million

• Continue to expand a program whose excellence derives from its unique position in a liberal arts college.
  
• Renovate the engineering complex and create an endowment to keep the facilities current.
  
• Increase the number of electronic classrooms that provide state-of-the-art Internet connections, audio and video capabilities, projection systems, satellite feeds, cable access, and other technological advances.

Fostering a commitment to COMMUNITY

Each year during orientation, first-year students give hundreds of hours to community improvement projects. For many students, community service continues through their years at Union, an invaluable part of the process of becoming responsible citizens.

Community: $2.06 million

• Expand Kenney Community Center opportunities for students to be involved in service activities.
  
• Create a pre-orientation service program for incoming first-year students.
  
• Establish service programs during the summer and winter breaks that provide students with a stipend similar to summer research grants.

Expanding the ARTS

To become a more balanced college, Union must provide the opportunity for students to take a broader spectrum of courses in dance, music, the studio arts, and film, and we should explore the ever-increasing links between technology and the arts. Opportunities in the arts, both for study in the classroom and participation outside the classroom, appeal to a diverse student population and have an important positive impact on the life of the campus.

The arts: $5.7 million

• Renovate North Colonnade to create an expanded performing and visual arts facility.
  
• Create an endowment fund to keep the arts complex current.
  
• Expand the dance program.

Supporting a 21st century LIBRARY

The recent renovation and expansion of Schaffer Library have done much to enhance our students' ability to do first-rate course work and research. However, the library acquisitions budget, a significant statistic in the rankings of national liberal arts colleges, continues to lag. To bring our acquisition of books, microfilm, periodicals, and electronic resources into the top quartile of our comparison group means increasing the library budget by $1 million annually.

Library acquisitions endowment: $4.6 million

Expanding undergraduate ADVISING

A key attribute of the small college is the close relationship that can develop between student and mentor. Advising is also a important tool in increasing our retention rate and raising our success rate in admissions to graduate and professional schools, winning graduate honors and fellowships, and job placement. A variety of studies has indicated that Union's advising system must be restructured.

Undergraduate advising: $900,000

• Make the existing advising and registration systems technologically current and effective.
  
• Double the number of corporations recruiting at Union.

Reinvigorating RESIDENTIAL LIFE

The College must ensure that our residential and social life experiences contribute vigorously to the intellectual and personal development of our students. As a residential college, this commitment is a defining aspect of our style of undergraduate education, and students find that their intellectual life is more directly enhanced by the provision of a wide variety of smaller housing options with their own community and social space. The new Minerva House system is designed to promote community, living/learning opportunities, and faculty interaction in residential life.

Residential life: $33.5 million

• Continue to enhance the Minerva House System to promote community and offer a range of living and learning opportunities.
  
• Systemically improve student residences.
  
• Renovate and expand the West College and Reamer Campus Center dining facilities.
  
• Create College Park Hall.

Energizing ATHLETICS AND FITNESS

From varsity athletic programs to recreational and fitness activities, our students place a heavy demand on our athletic facilities-so much so that even those considered “new” are rapidly showing their age. Since one-third of our students are engaged in intercollegiate athletics, and almost all students want fitness opportunities, we need to address this issue.

Athletics and fitness: $11.7 million

• Enhance, expand, renovate, or replace aging facilities, including Memorial Field House, Achilles Rink, playing fields, and fitness facilities.
  
• Create an endowment fund to keep facilities current.

The Union fund

Each year, alumni and friends provide invaluable support for ongoing programs through their support of the Union Fund.

Union Fund: $25 million

Posted on Oct 4, 2004

Creating a model for Liberal Arts Collegs

From its earliest days, Union has been determined to make its curriculum relevant to the contemporary world. It is this application of knowledge-the turning of theory into practice-that is the spirit behind such recent innovations as Converging Technologies and the Minerva Houses. To continue to build on this tradition of innovation, the College this fall launched the You Are Union Campaign, a $200-million fundraising effort scheduled to end June 30, 2009. The result of two years of strategic planning, the campaign will enable the College to:

• Continue to attract and retain the best possible faculty in the face of growing competition from other colleges and universities, and support them at a level that will enable them to do their best creative work.


• Attract and support bright, energetic, and committed students, and ensure that they are properly taught, advised, and given a variety of social options.


• Support academic programs founded on the philosophy of lively students working closely with professors who are both dedicated teachers and productive scholars.


• Keep our classrooms, laboratories, residence halls, library, and athletic facilities in condition to meet the demands placed upon them.


• Marshal new financial resources to guarantee our continued progress through the growth of our endowment and annual giving.

Posted on Oct 4, 2004

Creating a new model for the liberal arts college

To those of you returning, welcome back. And to those of you who are new to Union, welcome to the country's most beautiful campus. You have arrived at an exciting time. Our new Minerva Houses are unique among America's liberal arts colleges, and you and your professors have the wonderful opportunity to create a whole new living and learning environment.

The impetus for the new houses-our willingness to build innovatively on tradition-goes back to the man we are honoring tonight. Two hundred years ago, Eliphalet Nott became the fourth president of this historic college. His three predecessors served an aggregate of nine years; he was president for sixty-two. Aside from longevity, Nott, among many other things, was an inventor, the most influential college president this nation has produced, and a minister who came to national prominence when he spoke on the evils of dueling at the funeral of his parishioner, Alexander Hamilton.

To Nott, a college must “never be stationary, but always progressive.” For most of the time, since our founding in 1795, we followed his advice. Like the 16 colleges that preceded us, we believed that teaching and scholarship were fundamental. However, it was the application of knowledge-the turning of theory into practice-that distinguished (and continues to distinguish) Union. The College introduced a number of academic innovations that would eventually appear elsewhere-a planned campus, French readings for Greek, increased attention to the sciences, and, of course, engineering. To an extent unmatched by other early colleges, Union adopted a broad view of education, determined to make the curriculum relevant to the contemporary world.

Today, we continue in that tradition, finding new ways to help our students see and think beyond the perspectives of a particular discipline or specialty, for how else will they be prepared to deal creatively with the new problems and opportunities they will face throughout their lives? That spirit is the foundation for such initiatives as:

• the General Education Curriculum, which enables students to further the acquisition of the skills and knowledge that they will need;
  
• Writing-Across-the-Curriculum, which makes writing an integral part of every student's academic program;
  
• undergraduate research, including our own Steinmetz Symposium in which 300 students participate annually and the National Conference on Undergraduate Research, to which we routinely send one of the largest delegations from any college or university;
  
• dozens of international programs;
  
• community service, engaged in by more than 60 percent of our students through our Kenney Community Center, which builds on Union's $26 million community investment; and
  
• Converging Technologies, which recognizes that knowledge increasingly occurs at the intersection of disciplines, and which encourages innovation among faculty and students to bridge those disciplines.

The Union tradition of innovation has had numerous proponents in addition to Eliphalet Nott. One was the General Electric Company's Charles Steinmetz, the father of electrical engineering and a longtime member of our faculty, who taught students that education should combine a knowledge of history, languages, literature, science, mathematics, and engineering and who believed that education should be a harmony of the classical and technical traditions. In Converging Technologies, we can attain the harmony sought by Steinmetz and every Union president beginning with Nott.

We believe that Converging Thought, specifically designed to bridge disciplines, will give students an understanding that goes beyond that provided by a traditional major. Already at Union, biologists and engineers are seeking ways to strengthen hearts. Chemists and engineers are working on stronger airplane wings. Students in political science and computer science are trying to use computers to advance the independence movement in Tibet. And philosophy students are examining technology and how it affects human values. Not a bad start. Now we have to engage further the arts, humanities, and social sciences. It is easy to foresee the day when the major as it has existed for generations will be replaced by new ways of learning, such as we are promoting through Converging Thought.

Just as we believe that technology will play an increasingly important role in coming years, so we are also fairly certain that the world's peoples will come together economically, politically, and socially. And, just as knowledge of technology will be important in tomorrow's society, so, too, will knowledge of other peoples-not just people on the other side of the world, but the people down the block or at your office who have a different background. Clearly, we must provide the kinds of facilities and environment that encourage students to continue their academic explorations outside the classroom.

A number of steps have been taken in recent years. We have expanded our international programs to more than two dozen countries, and more than half of our students study abroad at some point during their time at Union-a figure that places Union among the country's leaders in this area. We have also sought to maintain and expand our on-campus opportunities for students to live and interact, from fraternities and sororities to theme houses. However, it is the Minerva System, now underway, that will provide both additional residential and social opportunities and exciting new ways to enrich the intellectual life on campus-and that will serve as a national model. By serving as everything from a focus for social activities to a vehicle for community service to the setting for a small concert, each house gives students a new outlet.

The Minervas will go beyond being merely a social outlet, though. Since all of our faculty members have a house affiliation, and since faculty will work with house members to plan and organize educational and cultural events, the houses will become a major academic force. Study after study has shown that a student's contact with faculty outside the classroom is one of the most important aspects of a college education. The Minerva Houses build on those experiences. Through formal classes in the seminar rooms built into the houses and informal conversations, the intellectual life of the campus will be enhanced.

Many people-faculty, staff, and students-have worked very hard over several years to make the Minervas a success. To each of them, I say “thank you” for bringing this option to Union, and, ultimately, to College America.

As a society and as a college, we face change on many fronts, and change characteristically engenders both uncertainty and opportunity. Uncertainty should not limit us in our thinking about what needs to be done; opportunity should be our inspiration to take action. To achieve our goals, we must engage both our resources and imagination, and we must take chances, something we have often done during the past two centuries. It is this willingness to evolve that allows us to meet our most basic duty, which is to provide the best possible environment for learning by challenging students to think, to question ideas critically, to come to their own conclusions, and to communicate those conclusions clearly, concisely, and convincingly. And for that environment to exist, I believe, we must continually seek to make the College a community willing, in turn, to challenge the ways in which it has been operating.

Thomas Jefferson, Nott's contemporary, said he preferred the dreams of the future to the memories of the past. We all should. Both men would, however, be quick to recognize the importance of tradition, and, from what I have read about Nott, he would welcome the innovative way we are building on tradition to create our educational model for the twenty-first century.

Union has a wonderful history. Now, we also have a wonderful opportunity. And by working together, we can make our latest dream become the model and standard for others.

Posted on Oct 4, 2004

Home: Albany, N.Y. and Palm Beach, Fla.

Degree: A.B., Union, chemistry, 1936

Profession: Retired president and chairman, Sealy Mattress Company

Professional/community involvement: Has taken a lifelong philanthropic role, particularly in the arts, with service on many national and local boards; charter
member, Saratoga Performing Arts Center; sponsor,
“I Have a Dream” scholarship program, Albany

Union honors: Served for many years as a Trustee, now Trustee Emeritus; Alumni Gold Medal, 1980; Founders Medal, one of the College's highest honors, 1988

Legacy on campus: In 1992 Mike and Helen Yulman made a gift to Union to construct the Morton and Helen Yulman Theater. This theater, dedicated in 1995, includes a performance center, offices, classrooms and production support space. The building is the College's first real
theater – a building designed and constructed for
theater. It is the home of Mountebanks and is currently used by local theater groups. “Helen and I are pleased to be able to help my alma mater in this way,” Yulman said. “Union means a great deal to us, and we are happy that students, faculty and members of the Capital District benefit from
the theater.”

Richard Yulman and Nedra Oren established
the Morton H. Yulman Annual Scholarship at
Union College more than 10 years ago in honor
of their father. This scholarship has provided
financial support to many Union students living
in the Capital District.

As an undergraduate: A member of Phi Sigma Delta, Chemical Society, German Club, Philomathean Society, Psychology Club and Varsity Debating

Hobbies: Golf, travel, reading