As the recession continues to negatively impact colleges and universities across the country, President Stephen C. Ainlay updated members of the campus community on the steps planned by the College to deal with the worsening economy.
The update, which follows the president’s message he delivered in December, summarized the challenges faced by the College.
To read the President’s message, click here.
Read MoreHello from a snow covered campus!
Well the Farmer’s Almanac certainly wasn’t wrong this year when predicting a cold and snowy winter! January seems to have slipped by without our typical January thaw. Enough about the weather. We’re finishing week five here on campus, and students are either preparing for, or have already taken, their mid term exams. This can be a stressful time of year as students juggle exams, thesis work, research, sports and other activities.
As was recently announced, Paul A. Volcker, one of the world’s top economists, will be the featured speaker at this year’s Commencement in June. Volcker, the former chairman of the Federal Reserve during the Carter and Reagan administrations, serves as a special adviser to President Barack Obama. He oversees a new advisory panel created to deal with the current economic crisis. Volcker has been honored as the commencement speaker at some of the nation’s top universities, including Harvard, Georgetown and American, and we are excited to have him visit our campus June 14. We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Paul Volcker’s stature as our guest and look forward to his words to the Class of 2009.
To read the official announcement go to: http://www.union.edu/N/DS/s.php?s=8202
As the end of the school year is mentioned, I am proud to say that my son Sebastian is graduating this June. Looking back at my 2 children's stay at Union, my husband and I are delighted with the quality of the schooling Sebastian and his sister, Vanessa'07, received here; at the small class sizes, at the environment they evolved in. We marvel at how much Union contributed to their becoming better individuals – thanks to our financial and emotional support, of course!
We – as parents – learned to let go of our kids as they moved forward with the skills we empowered them with through their formative years. We trusted that they could determine right from wrong, in all situations, and that the Dean of Students would know how special each of them was. There is no Dean of Parents for that first year when we all go through the learning curve. And yet, as Sebastian graduates on Commencement day, we will also. Wow, what a ride. Bottom line, my husband and I both wish that we had attended Union. We feel part of the Union family regardless, even if we cannot claim to be Alumni.
That said, after 6 years and 2 children at Union, I am seeking a parent to replace me as Parent Association Chairperson. For more information, e-mail me at kmdumonet@hotmail.com, or call Lisa Mason at (518) 388-6601.
Also needed is a parent to replace Vivian Falco as her son Peter graduates alongside Sebastian. She spearheads the Parents’ Fund. For more information, please call Elizabeth Epstein, Assistant Director of The Union Fund, at (518) 388-6142.
We both thank you, in advance, for getting in touch with us.
Campus News…
Student Activities
Winter Term has been and will continue to be a busy one in Student Activities. Ski Club seems to be more popular than ever, with many students lining up to sign up for either the weekly trips to Jiminy Peak or the weekend trips to larger mountains such as Gore, Mt. Snow, and Okemo. Jason Mraz, national recording artist and a top nominee at this year’s Grammy’s (including a nod for Song of the Year, “I’m Yours”) will be on campus on February 14th. Tickets for Mraz sold out in less than 2 days! UProgram has brought back their annual “10-10@10 Comedy Series” featuring comedians such as Louis Ramey (“Last Comic Standing”), Kyle Grooms (“HBO Def Comedy Jam”), and Owen Smith (“Everybody Hates Chris”) every Wednesday at 10PM. They also continue to sponsor weekend programs like a free bus trip to RPI to watch the Union Dutchmen take on their rivals, a magician, professional break dancers, and more! Frank Lucas and Richie Roberts, the men who “American Gangster” was based on, will be on campus to speak to the Union Community about what really happened. And the FREE weekly film series continues with titles such as “The Changeling”, “Quantum of Solace”, and “Frost Nixon”. And these are just some of the things that happening thanks to our approximately 100 clubs and organizations, which are run and organized by your students!!!
ATTENTION PARENTS OF SENIORS: Senior Portraits will be taking place February 9, 10, 11, 17, and 18!!! Please encourage your students to get their photos taken. Otherwise they will not appear in the 2009 Garnet Yearbook. They will be taken by Carlyn Studios and are free. Information about purchasing a package, if you would like, will be sent later. Note: these are different from the photos that are taken for Departmental Composites.
Athletics
In 2008, the Union College women’s hockey team traded in their garnet and white for two games and donned pink jerseys as part of “Pink at the Rink”, a joint venture between ECAC Hockey and the American Cancer Society. The team raised more than $11,700, contributing to the conference’s total of over $55,000. The team is going Pink at the Rink again this year, encouraging Union fans to wear pink and support the cause at their games on February 20th and 21st. The men’s team will also join the fight against breast cancer, sporting their own black and pink jerseys for their home game against St. Lawrence on February 27th. For all Union Athletics scores, schedules and upcoming events, visit UnionAthletics.com. If you are interested in bidding on the game worn jerseys and sticks used by the Union hockey teams please visit www.ecachockeycoachesvscancer.com, as proceeds from the auction will benefit the 2009 Pink at the Rink campaign.
Health Services
A reminder that flu season is here and the number of cases is rising in New York State. Health Services has the influenza vaccine if any student is interested.
Parents: Want to send a “goodie” package to your son/daughter? Please include Kleenex, toothbrushes, throat lozenges, hand sanitizers (pocket size), tea, boxed soup; these are just a few items suggested.
Classics
In January, Bob Soules, Director of the Becker Career Center, offered a workshop for Classics majors. Many internships and jobs are available in fields not related directly to Classics. Employers look for the personal and intellectual qualities of the individual. Classics majors, Bob informed us, appeal because most people consider Greek and Latin hard. We think they are fun and interesting besides. Speaking of ancient languages, we look forward, in February, to recruiting new members for Eta Sigma Phi, the national honor society for students of Latin and Greek. Stay tuned for the results in a parents’ newsletter sometime soon…
Catholic Chaplaincy
Thus far, many students seem to appreciate the shift of Sunday evening Mass at St. John's Church from 7:30 p.m. to 5:00 pm, saying that it allows them to go to Mass (and, perhaps, the Catholic community dinner afterwards) and still have most of the evening available for studying.
We've started recitation of the rosary again, Thursdays at 6:00 p.m., in the College's new Prayer and Meditation Room on the second floor of the Reamer Campus Center.
February is usually a very active month for the Catholic Student Association–one way to break the mid-winter doldrums! Albany Catholic Bishop Howard Hubbard returns to campus Sunday, Feb. 15, for his annual visit, one of the highlights of CSA's year. He'll preside and preach at the 5:00 pm Mass at St. John's and then join us for dinner and discussion on campus. This year we've invited members of the Newman Club at Skidmore to join us.
The following Saturday we're having a Mardi Gras party, complete with Chaplain Tom Boland's jambalaya and a screening of the film Bella. Ash Wednesday evening there will be Mass and Distribution of Ashes in Memorial Chapel. Not surprisingly, this is one of the most well-attended campus liturgies of the year. That Friday, Feb. 27, we'll begin our Friday Lenten Simple Suppers, at which students can donate the cost of their regular Fri. evening meal to Catholic Relief Services’ Operation Rice Bowl, partake in a soup and salad meal, and discuss a different faith and justice issue each week. Our suppers have grown in popularity with each year. We'll close the month with our winter term community service day, working at Habitat for Humanity's nearby ReStore.
Check out the recent Albany Times Union article about our weekly Catholic Mass on campus: http://timesunion.com/ASPStories/Story.asp?storyID=760066&newsdate=2/2/2009&BCCode=MBTA.
Dining Services
Order a Special Treat for your Special Someone
An 8” Decadent Heart Cake
Available in either Chocolate or Vanilla Cake with your choice of filling- Chocolate Mousse, Strawberries and Cream or Bavarian Cream (Vanilla), Topped in Chocolate Ganache, White or Chocolate Butter cream with or without chocolate shavings. Include a special message on the cake!
Ganache cakes $15.99 (As pictured with chocolate shavings)
Butter cream cakes $12.99
Also available Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
In a black bowl with decorative wrapping
All orders come with a gift tag for you to personalize $9.99
To order: Call 518.388.6050
Email: union_dining@union.edu
Order in the Dining Office Room 202 Campus Center
Order forms also available online
Orders can placed until Monday, February, 9th
All orders will be available for pick up 9 AM- 4 PM on Friday, February 13th Reamer Campus Center 204
International Programs at Union
Union College considers its commitment to International Programs to be a central part of its identity. In addition to broadening their perspective and deepening their knowledge, study abroad often energizes and challenges students so they are motivated to a higher level of commitment to the enterprise of learning.
Terms Abroad Programs
The most extensive and popular of the Union College arrangements for formal study are the Terms Abroad Programs. Currently Terms Abroad are offered for study on nearly every continent. A Marine Term is offered biennially. During the summer, Union offers the opportunity for the study of National Health Systems in several European countries.
Independent Study Abroad (ISA)
Independent Study Abroad allows students, working with a faculty member or members, to design their own study abroad experience that can occur anywhere in the world. Examples of an ISA include internships, service learning, language study, or research on a subject of interest to the student. An ISA must take place during the winter and/or spring term. The International Programs Office will provide more information about this program, including how and when to apply.
Non-Union Programs
The Committee on Study Abroad will approve a limited number of non-Union programs, provided that they address curricular needs that cannot be met by a Union program and take place during winter and spring terms. Normally, programs take place in countries where Union does not have a program. The International Programs Office will be happy to supply more information.
Eligibility
· An overall cumulative average of 2.5 (Japan and Ireland, 3.0).
· Certification by the Dean of Students that the student is well prepared to participate in foreign study.
· In good academic standing at the time of departure for program.
Application
Students apply for international programs two terms in advance. All international programs are competitive, some highly so. Attendance at a program’s informational meeting is essential. Selection criteria include the student’s essay, GPA, faculty recommendations, course of study, certification by the Dean of Students, and the selection committee’s assessment of the student’s capability of adapting to the program’s social and academic environment. Should there be additional selection criteria, they will be announced at the informational meeting. The faculty selection committee seeks a group of students with varied academic and intellectual backgrounds and interests. The College urges students to seek advice from their academic advisors and from the international programs office to select programs appropriate to their academic and intellectual interests. While the College is very proud of the unusually high percentage of its students who study abroad, we must note that participation in all programs is limited.
Becker Career Center – February Events Calendar
Career Fair
Job, Internship, and Career Exploration Opportunities for First Years, Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors! PROFESSIONAL DRESS REQUIRED. Avoid the lines! Pre-register for this event and view the latest list of participating employers on eRecruiting. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 4:00-7:00 pm- College Park Hall
How to Work a Career Fair
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 1:00 pm- Becker Career Center
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 6:00 pm- Becker Career Center
Monday, Feb. 16, 6:00 pm- Becker Career Center
Employer Information Sessions
Teach for America — Mon., Feb. 2, 6:00 pm- Becker Career Center
Washington D.C. Internship Program — Wed., Feb. 4, 1:00 pm- Becker Career Center
Apogee Adventures — Wed., Feb. 11, 5:30 pm- Becker Career Center
NYS Department of Civil Service — Thurs., Feb. 26, 5:00 pm- Becker Career Center
Career Success with Nicole Williams
WORKS by Nicole Williams is dedicated to supporting young professional women in their quest for career success. Wednesday, Feb. 25, TIME AND LOCATION TBD
Co-Sponsored by Sigma Delta Tau and the Becker Career Center.
Funding for Non-Profit Summer Internships:
Prep Session
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 5:00 pm- Becker Career Center
Internship Search Workshops
Wednesday, Feb. 4, 6:00 pm- Becker Career Center
Monday, Feb. 9, 5:00 pm- Olin 306
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 1:00 pm- Olin 106
Thursday, Feb. 19, 5:00 pm- Becker Career Center
Thursday, Feb. 26, 1:00 pm- Olin 306
Monday, Mar. 2, 1:00 pm- Olin 106
Mock Interview Day
Practice interviewing and receive feedback from real employers! Space is limited. Sign up on eRecruiting or contact the Career Center. Friday, Feb. 27- Becker Career Center
Non-Profit & Public Service Career Fair: Prep Sessions
Learn how to compete effectively for opportunities with NYC based organizations. Event Date: Friday, March 6, Columbia University, NYC, Transportation provided.
Monday, Feb. 23, 5:00 pm- Becker Career Center
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 1:00 pm- Becker Career Center
Career Exploration 101: Finding Your Passion
Attend to learn tangible steps toward connecting with careers of interest and strategies for making effective career decisions.
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 5:30 pm- Becker Career Center
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 5:00 pm- Becker Career Center
The Parent Fund Corner
As outgoing Chairperson, I’d like to take a moment to talk about volunteering for the Parent Fund. Volunteering provides an opportunity to be involved in the College, meet new people, and (most importantly) support Union. It is a great (and not very time consuming) way to keep in touch and network with other parents. Speaking from my own experience, volunteering for Union as a parent is very rewarding.
Volunteers for the Parent Fund “reach out” to other parents throughout the year. You can call, email, or write other parents from your son’s or daughter’s class year to encourage participation and support.
This year, we hope to have parent volunteers for each Class. Please consider participating as a Parent Fund Volunteer for your student's class year. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please e-mail Carol Shotzbarger, Manager of the Parent Fund, at shotzbac@union.edu. For more information or to donate online, visit the Parent's Webpage at https://www.union.edu/Parents/. Thank you. Vivian Falco (Peter ’09) Parent Fund Chairperson
Before you know it you will be seeing your Union students at home for Spring Break. Do, please, get in touch with me concerning chairing the Parents Association.
See you soon,
Karen Dumonet
Vanessa’07 and Sebastian’09
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Union College will host the 2009 High School Regional Juried Art Exhibition this month, highlighting works from students in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer and southern Saratoga counties.
The art will be displayed in the Mandeville Gallery from Saturday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, March 1. The exhibit, which is free and open to the public, will feature artwork in all mediums.
“We’re delighted to have it back,” Mandeville Gallery Director Rachel Seligman said of the exhibition, which Union is hosting for the third time. “It’s such a great opportunity, not only for our community to see what high school students are doing, but for high school students to get a chance to visit campus.”
The show is modeled after a similar event developed by The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, and has evolved into an annual exhibit that rotates between Union, Sage College and the Emma Willard School every three years.
Now in its 10th year, the High School Regional Exhibition continues to fill a gap created by the cancelation of local access to the Annual Regional Scholastic Arts Competition, according to exhibit organizers. It also gives high school students the opportunity to experience a juried exhibit at an actual, local gallery.
Jurors for the upcoming show are Fernando Orellana, assistant professor of visual arts; Charles Steckler, professor of theater; and Seligman.
Each school is allowed to submit up to 25 works of art. The jurors will curate the submissions and the resulting exhibit will include over 100 pieces.
Awards will be presented at the show’s closing reception on March 1 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Normally, five Juror Awards of Excellence and one Tansky 3-D Award are given. The 3-D award is presented annually in memory of Lory Tansky, a founding member of the exhibit and an oustanding art educator from Schenectady.
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Union’s second annual Winter Ball is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7, 8 p.m.-midnight in the College Park Hall Ballroom, and once again, proceeds will go toward helping victims of HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Last year’s event was a huge success, raising nearly $6,000. With help from Robert C. Daly ’71, an executive at Toyota Motor Sales, and a boost from an anonymous donor, the money helped provide a new Land Cruiser for the Foundation for Hospices in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The foundation, co-founded by Phil Di Sorbo ’71, donated the SUV to a hospital in Tanzania on the front lines of the fight for palliative care. The vehicle is decorated with the Union logo and shuttles medical workers and supplies around a region devastated by AIDS.
Saturday’s ball is open to all faculty, students, Trustees, staff and other members of the Union community. Dress is semi-formal. There’ll be entertainment from the Ballroom Dance Club and the Union Dance team, dinner and a cash bar, raffles and a DJ.
Tickets ($7 for students, $15 for individuals, $25 for couples) are available in advance at Reamer Campus Center this week (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) and at the door.
Proceeds again will go to the Diana Legacy Fund, which works with the Foundation for Hospices. It is named after the late Diana, Princess of Wales, who supported AIDS causes.
Organizers hope to raise enough to help purchase a second vehicle for the region, which encompasses nearly 50 countries south of the Sahara.
“The great thing about collaborating with the Diana Legacy Fund is that a small amount of funds can have a positive effect on a large amount of patients,” said Shanique Kerr ’09, co-chair of UNITAS, who along with the Minervas, is a co-sponsor of the ball.
“Since the purchase of the first vehicle, we’ve seen the increase in hospice care in Tanzania. The SUV also provides encouragement for the victims and reminds them that they are not alone in their fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS.”
Through the efforts of Tom McEvoy, associate dean of students and director of Minerva Programs, and James Underwood, the Chauncey H. Winters Research Professor of Political Science, Union has developed a strong partnership with Di Sorbo’s foundation.
Jeremy Fritzhand ’10 and Sara Jacobson ’10 are spending the winter term on an Independent Study Abroad that includes an internship at South Coast Hospice in Port Shepstone, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Both students are trained hospice volunteers who are offering support to families enrolled in hospice. In addition, they will be conducting academic projects that include comparing hospices in the US with those in South Africa and working to strengthen the connection between this South African hospice with its community hospice partner in the U.S.
The College’s commitment to the global community has not gone unnoticed.
At a ceremony last summer presenting the Land Cruiser to Itete Lutheran Hospital, Brighton Kilewa, the secretary general of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania, thanked Union for its help.
“Nearly 90 percent of Lutheran hospitals are in the peripheral areas of the country, where transport is a major stumbling block, but also where palliative care is much needed,” Kilewa was quoted in the Guardian newspaper.
Those who would like to make a cash contribution can send a check made out to the Diana Legacy Fund to the Office of the Minerva Programs, Room 303 of the Reamer Campus Center.
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