Seven were inducted to the Athletics Hall of Fame on Sept. 30, 2006. They are Susan Bassett, former head swimming coach; Joe Cardany ’81, Bob DeMichele ’66, Kim Mangino ’86, Scott Remillard ’86, Dick Roberts ’50 and Dennis Walker ’74. They join 24 other members inducted since 2002.
Susan Bassett is director of athletics at Carnegie Mellon University. Before that she served for 10 years as athletic director at William Smith College. As head coach of swimming and diving for eight years at Union, she mentored 92 All-Americans. She was named the 1993 College Swimming Coaches Association of America Co-Coach of the Year, and the NYSWCAA Swimming Coach of the Year in 1993 and 1994. She chaired the NCAA Division III Management Council and was elected to the board of directors of the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators in 2003. She is a 1979 Ithaca College graduate and received her master’s degree from Indiana University in 1980.
Joe Cardany ’81 ranks third in all-time Union men’s basketball scoring with 1,790 career points. A mark that still stands 25 years after his illustrious playing career was completed. He held the points record for the Dutchmen until 2001. The recipient of the 1981 Jaffe Medal for male athlete of the year, he was an NCAA Division III All-American in his senior season. He was a three-time captain, and earned ECAC all-star honors for four seasons, including the ECAC Division III Rookie of the Year award in 1977-78. His 316 points in his rookie season set a Union freshman scoring record. The three-point shot was not in effect during his career.
Bob DeMichele ’66, an All-American lacrosse and football athlete, is considered one of the best linebackers in Union football history. During his lacrosse career, he earned third team and honorable mention All-American honors. He played in the prestigious 1966 North South All-Star Classic. On the gridiron, he was a two-time All-American and All-East selection. He received Union’s Pike Award and the 2001 Union Alumni Gold Medal. He is president and CEO of Strategy Asset Managers in New York City.
Kim Mangino ’86 was a pioneer of the women’s athletic program. She played basketball, softball and volleyball, and served as captain of the 1985-86 basketball team in her senior season. She led the softball team in RBIs in her junior and senior seasons, and hit .346 in her senior year en route to the team’s MVP award. She later coached the softball team to a top four finish after stepping in as the interim head coach.
She served as an umpire in the community for 17 years, including at the collegiate level. She was a charter member of the Union Athletic Hall of Fame Committee.
Scott Remillard ’86 was a national champion and four-time NCAA Division III All-American during a track and field career at Union. He won the 1986 national title in the 35-pound weight throw, and was a two-time All-American in both the 35-pound and hammer throw events. He held Union records for the discus, hammer and 35-pound weight, and earned Union Field Events MVP honors all four seasons. He won the Upstate New York Colleges State Championship in discus, hammer and 35-pound weight, and was the Upstate Most Valuable Track Athlete in 1986. He was one of 12 selected from all three divisions for a 1986 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. Only four Union athletes have earned this honor.
Dick Roberts ’50 contributions to Union athletics were remarkable and continued long after his playing days for the Dutchmen. He was known for his excellent defensive skills and assists on the basketball court of Alumni Gym. He was co-captain and the recipient of the Bailey Cup for leadership after his senior season. He was a legal advisor to the College, a member of the Board of Trustees, an Athletic Advisory Committee representative, a fund raiser, athletic booster, and an ambassador of Union College. (He passed away Nov. 16, 2006. See the obituary in this issue.)
Dennis Walker ’74 was two-time lacrosse All-American for the Dutchmen, a remarkable achievement for a student who never played the sport in high school. His senior season featured 67 goals, which led all three NCAA divisions and earned him “Faces in the Crowd” recognition in Sports Illustrated. He was named the Jaffe Award recipient for outstanding male athlete in 1974. He helped lead Union to victories over many lacrosse powers, including Division I Syracuse University. He ended his career as the all-time leading scorer, and is still ranked second all-time.
Whether fans of Monty Python or connoisseurs of Italian cuisine, now they can get together. That's thanks to the Marketplace of Ideas, a virtual emporium that connects faculty, staff and students through talents, skills and expertise on a wide range of subjects.
“The marketplace is Union,” said Professor of Economics Eshi Motahar, who spearheaded the effort to create the interactive Web site. “Any member of the College community can exchange ideas and learn something that may not be a part of their everyday experience. The goal is to connect the campus through our interests and our spaces.”
Many Marketplace activities will take place in one of Union's seven Minerva Houses, tying in with the spirit of the Minervas as campus gathering places.
“The site is easy to use and has a lot of potential for students who share a common interest, who are looking to start a band, book group or TV or movie night and might not know where to go,” says Ross Marvin '07, an early customer. “Now there is a new space, a campus-wide message board that connects people. It beats posting fliers.”
Gil Harlow and the late Bill Huntley, longtime professors who championed the College’s arboreal assets, might have been pleased recently to see chainsaws dropping the trees they planted along North and South Lanes.
The cutting meant their plan had worked.
In the early 1970s, as Dutch elm disease had taken a heavy toll, it was Harlow and Huntley, with campus planner Jack Lytinski, who oversaw the replacement planting of about four dozen little-leaf lindens around the center of campus.
Theirs was a far-sighted plan. By the mid-1980s, with the last of the leafy-arched elms disappearing, the lindens were filling in to recreate what landscape architect Joseph Jacques Ramée had in mind in 1813 when he designed the nation’s first planned campus.
By this year, the lindens had grown so large that they had begun to crowd each other and to obscure the views of the North and South Colonnades. So in late November, members of the College’s grounds staff took out just under half of the lindens, in most cases taking every other tree in order to preserve the spacing. Some of the trees were deemed unsafe, said Tom Heisinger, manager of grounds.
To at least one observer, the thinning had the pleasing effect of raising the visibility of the College’s rich architecture. “The look now is reminiscent of early photos of the campus,” said Loren Rucinski, director of facilities.
The latest thinning project is also part of an ongoing effort to improve safety lighting on and around the campus, Rucinski added.
Harlow, who, out of modesty, assigns to Huntley most of the credit for the replanting plan, said the thinning validates the work the professors promoted decades ago. Besides planting replacements for the vanishing elms, they also sought to promote the diversity of plantings, adding non-native species like a dawn redwood (north of Reamer Campus Center) and paperbark maples (east of Social Sciences).
Harlow, who taught civil engineering from 1940 through 1993, received the Founders Medal last fall for distinguished service to the College. He was also the first recipient of the Alumni Council’s Faculty Meritorious Service Award in 1958.
Huntley, a 1934 Union graduate, served the College for more than 50 years in a range of capacities including professor of psychology, dean and unofficial groundskeeper. He received the Alumni Gold Medal and the Faculty Meritorious Service Award. He died in 1996.
Students return to New Orleans; report much to be done
Twenty-two Union College students and two faculty members who recently spent a week helping out in a Katrina-ravaged area of New Orleans say the rebuilding work has just begun.
“It seems unreal how fast this week went by and it’s tough to digest everything we saw and did,” said Bilal Mahmood ’08. “I hope we can spread the message of how much help is needed in New Orleans.”
Students experienced first-hand the difficulties facing New Orleans residents as they rebuild. Working side-by-side with AmeriCorps volunteers in the St. Bernard’s Parish region, they gutted buildings, moved refrigerators, hung siding, removed rubbish and repaired roofs. They often lacked appropriate tools and manpower to do the work.
“It’s tough to know where to start in the rebuilding effort when whole communities are devastated,” Mahmood said. “Even though gutting one house and working on a few new houses did [almost] nothing in the grand scheme of the rebuilding project, it seems like the only option is to start fixing things that one can fix.”
The days were long, with work beginning as early as 7 a.m. The nights were cold, as they soon found out. Camp Hope, a renovated elementary school in the parish, which served as their dorm and dining area, lacked insulation and heat. Getting enough sleep after long days of rebuilding was difficult in the 29-degree temperature in the sleeping quarters. Still, it wasn’t all work.
The group took one evening during their weeklong rehabilitation project to hit a bowling alley on Bourbon Street. The 1950s bowling alley afforded a fun evening of “Rock ’n Bowl” and the zydeco dance band allowed the students to cut loose.
Another treat was the promise of a warm bed and heat for their final night in the Big Easy. Laura Eyman ’08, of New Orleans, arranged with her parents for the group to spend their last night at the family’s home.
Union students were charged with documenting and recording their work to help recruit students to continue the effort next year. Accompanying them were Molly S. MacElroy of the Residential Life Department; Janet P. Grigsby, visiting associate professor of sociology; and Gribsby’s 23-year-old son, Matthew. Libby Johnson ’08 and Meagan Keenan ’09 volunteered for their second time.
The $12,000 funding for the Union trip was paid by the same anonymous Union alumnus who funded last year’s efforts. Lew Dubow, father of Risa Dubow ’07, donated safety goggles, masks, gloves and other essential equipment. Dubow’s hardware supply company donated equipment after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and he was eager to contribute to this year’s trip.
$500,000 National Science Foundation grant to support Union scholarships
The College will receive nearly $500,000 over the next five years to provide scholarships and other support for students in science, technology, engineering and math.
The Supporting Scholars in Science and Engineering grant from the National Science Foundation will provide about $500,000 through 2012 to students who take an interdisciplinary approach to their studies. During the next five years, scholarships will be offered to 20 incoming students based on need and merit.
The goal is to attract innovative students, especially from groups traditionally under-represented in science, technology, engineering and math. The program has been dubbed, Converging Technologies Scholars or CT Scholars.
“These students will be mentored and prepared for leadership roles and have the interdisciplinary team experience needed in today’s science and engineering workplace,” said Therese McCarty, interim vice president for Academic Affairs.
Cherrice Traver, dean of the Division of Engineering and Computer Science, and Doug Klein, dean of Interdisciplinary Studies and Special Programs, worked with Jill Salvo, associate professor of biology and director of the College’s Government Grants Program, on the successful proposal. The CT Scholars program will be directed by Professor Ann Anderson and Professor Christina Tonnesen-Friedman.
Seven inducted into Hall of Fame
Seven were inducted to the Athletics Hall of Fame on Sept. 30, 2006. They are Susan Bassett, former head swimming coach; Joe Cardany ’81, Bob DeMichele ’66, Kim Mangino ’86, Scott Remillard ’86, Dick Roberts ’50 and Dennis Walker ’74. They join 24 other members inducted since 2002.
Susan Bassett is director of athletics at Carnegie Mellon University. Before that she served for 10 years as athletic director at William Smith College. As head coach of swimming and diving for eight years at Union, she mentored 92 All-Americans. She was named the 1993 College Swimming Coaches Association of America Co-Coach of the Year, and the NYSWCAA Swimming Coach of the Year in 1993 and 1994. She chaired the NCAA Division III Management Council and was elected to the board of directors of the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators in 2003. She is a 1979 Ithaca College graduate and received her master’s degree from Indiana University in 1980.
Joe Cardany ’81 ranks third in all-time Union men’s basketball scoring with 1,790 career points. A mark that still stands 25 years after his illustrious playing career was completed. He held the points record for the Dutchmen until 2001. The recipient of the 1981 Jaffe Medal for male athlete of the year, he was an NCAA Division III All-American in his senior season. He was a three-time captain, and earned ECAC all-star honors for four seasons, including the ECAC Division III Rookie of the Year award in 1977-78. His 316 points in his rookie season set a Union freshman scoring record. The three-point shot was not in effect during his career.
Bob DeMichele ’66, an All-American lacrosse and football athlete, is considered one of the best linebackers in Union football history. During his lacrosse career, he earned third team and honorable mention All-American honors. He played in the prestigious 1966 North South All-Star Classic. On the gridiron, he was a two-time All-American and All-East selection. He received Union’s Pike Award and the 2001 Union Alumni Gold Medal. He is president and CEO of Strategy Asset Managers in New York City.
Kim Mangino ’86 was a pioneer of the women’s athletic program. She played basketball, softball and volleyball, and served as captain of the 1985-86 basketball team in her senior season. She led the softball team in RBIs in her junior and senior seasons, and hit .346 in her senior year en route to the team’s MVP award. She later coached the softball team to a top four finish after stepping in as the interim head coach.
She served as an umpire in the community for 17 years, including at the collegiate level. She was a charter member of the Union Athletic Hall of Fame Committee.
Scott Remillard ’86 was a national champion and four-time NCAA Division III All-American during a track and field career at Union. He won the 1986 national title in the 35-pound weight throw, and was a two-time All-American in both the 35-pound and hammer throw events. He held Union records for the discus, hammer and 35-pound weight, and earned Union Field Events MVP honors all four seasons. He won the Upstate New York Colleges State Championship in discus, hammer and 35-pound weight, and was the Upstate Most Valuable Track Athlete in 1986. He was one of 12 selected from all three divisions for a 1986 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. Only four Union athletes have earned this honor.
Dick Roberts ’50 contributions to Union athletics were remarkable and continued long after his playing days for the Dutchmen. He was known for his excellent defensive skills and assists on the basketball court of Alumni Gym. He was co-captain and the recipient of the Bailey Cup for leadership after his senior season. He was a legal advisor to the College, a member of the Board of Trustees, an Athletic Advisory Committee representative, a fund raiser, athletic booster, and an ambassador of Union College. (He passed away Nov. 16, 2006. See the obituary in this issue.)
Dennis Walker ’74 was two-time lacrosse All-American for the Dutchmen, a remarkable achievement for a student who never played the sport in high school. His senior season featured 67 goals, which led all three NCAA divisions and earned him “Faces in the Crowd” recognition in Sports Illustrated. He was named the Jaffe Award recipient for outstanding male athlete in 1974. He helped lead Union to victories over many lacrosse powers, including Division I Syracuse University. He ended his career as the all-time leading scorer, and is still ranked second all-time.
Admissions effort yields more applications
Thanks in large part to help from alumni volunteers, the College has set a record for undergraduate applications. Union Admissions saw applications rise above 4,800, according to Steve Ciesinski ’70, chairman of the College’s Board of Trustees. That’s about 10 percent ahead last year’s total. The College got 8 applications per spot in the incoming freshman class, which is higher than the average 7.7 applications per class spot of Union’s top competitors.
“These good numbers are the result of years of College-wide efforts including expanded travel, communications initiatives, publications, and, of course, enhanced outreach by our proud alumni,” wrote Ciesinski in a February board report.
Last fall Palmer Fargnoli ’93 was named director of the newly created Alumni Admissions Program. The program connects alumni with prospective students to offer them a chance to discover our community beyond the walls of Union. Alumni volunteer opportunities include attending college fairs, conducting off-campus interviews, referring outstanding students, and donating frequent flier miles.
To reach Palmer, call him at: (518) 388-6112, or e-mail him at: fargnolp@union.edu. To be an alumni admissions volunteer, contact Admissions at (518) 388-6112 or e-mail lecceh@union.edu.
Twenty-two Union College students and two faculty members who recently spent a week helping out in a Katrina-ravaged area of New Orleans say the rebuilding work has just begun.
“It seems unreal how fast this week went by and it’s tough to digest everything we saw and did,” said Bilal Mahmood ’08. “I hope we can spread the message of how much help is needed in New Orleans.”
Students experienced first-hand the difficulties facing New Orleans residents as they rebuild. Working side-by-side with AmeriCorps volunteers in the St. Bernard’s Parish region, they gutted buildings, moved refrigerators, hung siding, removed rubbish and repaired roofs. They often lacked appropriate tools and manpower to do the work.
“It’s tough to know where to start in the rebuilding effort when whole communities are devastated,” Mahmood said. “Even though gutting one house and working on a few new houses did [almost] nothing in the grand scheme of the rebuilding project, it seems like the only option is to start fixing things that one can fix.”
The days were long, with work beginning as early as 7 a.m. The nights were cold, as they soon found out. Camp Hope, a renovated elementary school in the parish, which served as their dorm and dining area, lacked insulation and heat. Getting enough sleep after long days of rebuilding was difficult in the 29-degree temperature in the sleeping quarters. Still, it wasn’t all work.
The group took one evening during their weeklong rehabilitation project to hit a bowling alley on Bourbon Street. The 1950s bowling alley afforded a fun evening of “Rock ’n Bowl” and the zydeco dance band allowed the students to cut loose.
Another treat was the promise of a warm bed and heat for their final night in the Big Easy. Laura Eyman ’08, of New Orleans, arranged with her parents for the group to spend their last night at the family’s home.
Union students were charged with documenting and recording their work to help recruit students to continue the effort next year. Accompanying them were Molly S. MacElroy of the Residential Life Department; Janet P. Grigsby, visiting associate professor of sociology; and Gribsby’s 23-year-old son, Matthew. Libby Johnson ’08 and Meagan Keenan ’09 volunteered for their second time.
The $12,000 funding for the Union trip was paid by the same anonymous Union alumnus who funded last year’s efforts. Lew Dubow, father of Risa Dubow ’07, donated safety goggles, masks, gloves and other essential equipment. Dubow’s hardware supply company donated equipment after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks and he was eager to contribute to this year’s trip.
In late October the College dedicated the DeLoye-Fitzroy House at 203 Seward Place during a tribute to the late Roland V. Fitzroy Jr. ’43, known for his work with the Manhattan Project, and his wife, the former Nancy DeLoye, an accomplished engineer and aviator.
The renovated two-story residence is home to nine students.
“This house started out with Roland’s name alone, but at the encouragement of others, has morphed to include my name,” DeLoye-Fitzroy said at the ribbon-cutting.
“Roland set up a scholarship for students some years ago, but it seemed to me that naming a student residence for him would have pleased him. Roland loved everything about Union.”
DeLoye-Fitzroy cited her husband’s appreciation for “a solid education in electrical engineering” combined with “the civilized atmosphere” of a liberal arts college. Fitzroy’s friends and classmates, including the late Louis Loeb and Wally Macmillan, were remembered at the ceremony, and Ted Vinick ’43 was on hand for the dedication.
Roland Fitzroy earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He had a 41-year career with General Electric.
