New Hartford High School sophomore Jeremy Philipson attended the Junior Jump Start Monday, May 26, 2008 with his father, '79 alumni Gary Philipson to check out engineering at Union.
Hundreds of prospective students and their families spent their Memorial Day holiday on campus trying to get a jump on the college admissions process.
The annual "Junior Jump Start," sponsored by the Office of Admissions, included meetings with faculty, staff and current students, a tour of the campus and an up-close look at the College's selling points.
“As juniors, you need to realize that time passes quickly and begin to think about closing out your high school careers and thinking toward your futures,” said Miles Kueffner ’09. "You need to realize you’re an integral part of the selection process. Just as colleges are figuring out if they want to choose you, you need to determine if you choose them.”
Therese McCarty, the Stephen J. and Diane K. Ciesinski Dean of the Faculty and Vice President for Academic Affairs, pointed to the success of Union seniors such as Stephen Po-Chedley and Naazia Husain, in helping prospective students understand their options.
“As you’re choosing your institution,” McCarty said, “think about what you want to accomplish in your short time there and be sure the colleges you’re visiting will allow you to achieve those goals.”
Monday's event wasn't limited to juniors, either. Sophomore Jeremy Philipson traveled from Utica with his father, Gary '79, to explore the engineering program.
Junior Merilyn Baby and her father, Yohan, travelled from Rockland County to attend the Junior Jump Start Monday, May 26, 2008, and explore the LIM program.
"A class in computer-integrated manufacturing interested me and I wanted to see what Union had to offer," said Philipson.
The deadline for early decision is Nov. 15; regular decision applications are due by Jan. 15, 2009.
Postcard from the collection of photo pairs (diptychs) by Charlotte Messervy ’08 featured in the Senior Art Exhibition May 20-June 1, 2008 in the Burns Atrium Art Gallery.
Top: Max and Friend Sunbathing On Steps, c. 1986 Jamaica Plain, Boston, MA Vinta
Through June 1
Visual Arts Building
Burns Atrium Art Gallery
Senior Art Exhibition
Works by Ben Lehrer and Charlotte Messervy
“Untitled,” a plaster sculpture 3 ft. high by 2 ft. diameter by artist Molly Rebecca Freeman ’08 is part of the her multi-media exhibit entitled “My Inner Self-Portrait” on display June 3 through 15 in the Senior Art Exhibition in the Burns Atrium Art Gal
June 3 through 15
Visual Arts Building
Burns Atrium Art Gallery
Senior Art Exhibition
Works by Molly Freeman and Clare Stone; reception set for Saturday, June 7, 2-4 p.m.
Through June 12
Humanities Gallery
Aesthetic Divisions
Works from former Union artist-in-residence Arlene Baker's “Silk Spaces” series
“The Human Machine,” January 2008, digital print, 30″x21″ by Rachel Start ’08, art major, is one of 21 pieces in “Layers: Exploring the Human Structure,” her Senior Honors Thesis project dealing with various aspects of the human anatomy.
Through June 15
Mandeville Gallery
Nott Memorial
Senior Invitational
Featuring the work of Ben Atkins, Robbie Flick, Jen Libous, Kaitlin Pickett, Amanda Silvestri, Rachel Start, Clare Stone and Walter Yund; closing reception set for Saturday, June 14, 2-4 p.m., at the Nott Memorial.
“Chandi Chowk,” Old Delhi, 2007, 11”x14” digital photograph is one of 16 in the exhibit “My Trip to India: Photographs by Sara Jacobson ‘10” taken during winter break 2007-08. The exhibit will be on display May 22 through June 16, 2008.
Through June 16
Wikoff Student Gallery
Nott Memorial
My Trip to India: Photographs by Sara Jacobson ‘10
Featuring the work of Sara Jacobson ‘10 taken during winter break
“Halong Bay, Vietnam, 2007,” photograph, Meggie Moriarty ’10, is one of 20 photographs in the “Photographing Another Culture: Vietnam 2007” exhibit on display in the Global Visions Gallery, Grant Hall. The photos were made by 19 students that participate
Through August
Global Visions Gallery
Grant Hall
New Eyes: Images of Daily Life in Vietnam
Features 20 photographs by students from Union and Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Geneva, N.Y., taken during the fall 2007 color digital photography class in Vietnam. Nineteen students from the two schools spent 97 days armed with cameras and immersed in the language and culture of Vietnam. They came away with nearly 1,200 images. This show was curated by Jen Libous ’08 and Martin Benjamin, professor of Visual Arts and director of the Vietnam term abroad.
“Pendulum Labyrinth, installation shot” for the “Pendulum Labyrinth” exhibit, by artists D. Shayne Aldrich ’98 and Tina Tacorian ’01, is on display in Jackson’s Garden on the north side of the Hans Groot’s Kill through Nov. 29, 2008. Its faceted perimeter
Through November 29
Jackson's Garden
North side of Hans Groot's Kill
Pendulum Labyrinth
The labyrinth is a mystical design of unknown origin, rich in universal symbolism. Today, all over the world, people work with this ancient symbol in a variety of ways, yet no one has unlocked its mystery. The walk-able design, created by D. Shayne Aldrich ’98 and inspired by the movement of a pendulum, is a reference to the passage of time. Its faceted perimeter echoes the deeply symbolic architecture of the Nott Memorial. A reception will be Saturday, May 31, 3-5 p.m., in Jackson's Garden.
We believe that it is important to keep you updated on Greek involvement within the campus as well as the local community. It is our intention to underscore the Greek commitment to both community service in Schenectady and to promote an intellectual environment here at Union. We hope to continue to develop a stronger relationship with the college by promoting these ideals. Please feel free to email any of the three of us with questions or concerns. If you have any questions about becoming involved in an event sponsored by a Greek organization, please contact Steven Berlowitz at berlowis@union.edu.
On to the Fraternities:
AEPi
The brothers of Alpha Epsilon Pi had their most successful philanthropic term to date. On Wednesday February 13th AEPi held the “Buy a Pi” charity auction. Brothers allowed themselves to be purchased as dates to the highest bidder for a catered semi-formal dinner on Valentines Day. The auction raised over $1000 for a children’s hospital in Israel. The highest bid went to Andrew Fierman, who went for an astounding $165! The brothers of AEPi followed up on much of their good work from last year, as well. They continued to volunteer three times a week at the Kenney Center for the Homework Program and the America Reads program in addition to continuing their tradition of teaming up with Hillel to volunteer with local senior citizens at Snowball 2008. The chapter has also started giving monthly donations to UNICEF to help support children in need from underdeveloped countries. Lastly, the brothers of AEPi hosted an educational dinner with Professor Baum. Professor Baum discussed the history of Rastafarianism and its direction in Jamaica today over traditional Jamaican cuisine.
Sigma Chi
This past term the brothers of Sigma Chi ran their most successful blood drive in recent history. One hundred eleven units of blood were donated by one hundred thirty five students and faculty. Sigma Chi also began its sponsorship of Joseph Kalume, a six year old boy from Marafa, Kenya. The chapter has already received its first letter from Joseph, and they replied to him with a letter and a package of colored pencils. In addition, Sigma Chi is in the process of fostering a relationship with the 101st Airborne Division, which is currently on the ground in Iraq. Sigma Chi will be writing the troops as well as sending them care packages with supplies.
TDX
The brothers of Theta Delta Chi spread a lot of their philanthropic work around the local community this past winter term. The chapter held a can drive event to benefit the Schenectady City Mission. They also worked with the SAIL program in the Schenectady school system. Lastly, the brothers of TDX volunteered at the Maple Ski Ridge Race, which served to benefit the American Heart Association, and they also volunteered to help clean up Vale Cemetery.
Delta Kappa Epsilon
On February 27th the brothers of Delta Kappa Epsilon hosted dinner with professor Chad Orzel, and they discussed physics and politics. On March 8th the chapter participated in two community service events with City Mission of Schenectady. The brothers helped install improvements to transition houses on Lafayette Street and they also worked at a local soup kitchen. Two days later Delta Kappa Epsilon hosted Michael O’Connor and Bob Soules from the Becker Career Center. They discussed resume writing and the job market over dinner. Lastly, this past term DKE began to support a young child from Kenya, and they will continue to do so in the months to follow.
Alpha Delta Phi Alpha Delta Phi continued their work on the Union sponsored Habitat House this past winter term. The brothers also worked with the World Vision Organization to adopt an impoverished Ugandan child named Gideon Kisakye. AD is also working towards weekly grilling events on Wednesdays. The proceeds will go to cancer research.
Psi Upsilon
The Psi Upsilon fraternity assisted Habitat for Humanity on 1124 Barret Street in installing the foam insulation and dry walling throughout the house. The brothers of Psi U were the first students involved in renovating the house that Union generously donated, and as the project approaches completion they all feel very fortunate to be a part of the process.
Sigma Phi
This winter term, the Sigma Phi Society has prepared several admirable philanthropic events. Through the World Vision organization, Sigma Phi has actively sponsored a four-year-old Rwandan child named Jonathan Kwizera. Jonahan, his parents, and his two brothers live in a community struggling through the HIV/AIDS crisis. Donations will help sustain substantial prevention and care programs that are otherwise unavailable in many areas of Africa. The brothers of Sigma Phi also constructed an exhibit in the Nott Memorial which helped bridge the gap between Greek organizations and independents, professors, and administrators. The display featured artwork, music, and documents that highlighted the history and traditions of the Sigma Phi Society and how Greek life has shaped the Union College Campus. The event also honored those brothers that served in the armed forces, and the brothers who were professors here at Union College. Finally, Sigma Phi upheld its recently established tradition of “tea-ologies.” This winter Timothy Dunn, the newly appointed Director of Greek Life, was invited to discuss his role in Greek life at Union College as well as his future goals for the program. Timothy Dunn’s enthusiasm and positive approach has reinvigorated the ambition of Greek organizations to shape Schenectady by striving for academic excellence and through the use of philanthropic events.
Chi Psi
The newly re-colonized Fraternity Chi Psi has worked with a range of organizations to help better our local community. The brothers have worked closely with Culinary House, and each member has helped plan and run several events. Chi Psi also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, many of the brothers have chosen volunteer organizations to work with on an individual basis. Organizations such as SAIL tutoring, the Wildlife conservation in Schenectady, DARE, and the Zollar school program have greatly benefited from their volunteer work.
We hope you have enjoyed reading about all the great work the Greek community has contributed to Union College this past winter term. More new and exciting philanthropic events are in store for the upcoming spring term. Again, please contact me with any questions, comments or concerns, or if you are interested in having a fraternity organize an event, provide a forum for discussion, or if there is anything else we can help you with.
Thank you for reading!
IFC Vice President of Philanthropy
Steven Berlowitz, ‘09 berlowis@union.edu
Rich Templeton ’80, president and chief executive of Texas Instruments, was recently interviewed in USA Today about the role of colleges and universities in research and development.
To read the story, click here (registration may be required)
