Posted on Apr 7, 2009

Emily Zehngut will arrive as a first-year Union student next fall and continue the legacy of her father, Marc Zehngut ’81. For Emily, the road to Union began at last May’s Legacy Reception, a special event for the relatives of Union alumni held each spring.     

"While attending this event, I had a chance to connect with current students and members of the Admissions staff in a quiet and comfortable setting, and learn more about academic and extracurricular life at Union," Emily said.

The 2009 reception will be held Sunday, May 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. and the College’s all-inclusive The Junior Jump Start Open House, aimed at helping prepare students for their upcoming college search, will take place the following Monday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Alumni and relatives who are interested in the Legacy Reception can read details and to register, here: www.union.edu/legacy.

“For prospective students with family ties to the College, this is a wonderful way to experience a personalized Union Admissions event,” said Marc Zehngut. “The legacy reception really made Emily feel special as a child of a Union alumnus, and it ultimately helped influence her decision to apply early decision for the Class of 2013."     

Incoming first-year student Alexa Campbell also attended the 2008 Legacy Reception, accompanied by her sister Tara, who graduated from Union in 2007.  

“I was very impressed with how the Union Admissions deans paid close attention to all the prospective legacy students, making them feel comfortable and really allowing them to get to know the College,” Alexa said. “I learned a lot about what Union has to offer, personally connected with the women's soccer coach, and eventually decided to apply early decision. I can't wait to start in the fall.”

Posted on Apr 6, 2009

Dear Union Parents,

With the final trimester of the academic year now under way, Union students are in the full swing of things. Classes, research, student activities, speakers, sports and clubs, our organic Octopus’s Garden… everything is beginning to bloom. Some spring term highlights:

Career Planning

The Becker Career Center is more committed than ever to helping students assess their goals, explore, reflect and focus on life after Union.

In these unsettled economic times, there are many ways in which students can be proactive. As early as possible, students should begin to prepare their resumes; research employment and internship opportunities; and, if appropriate, prepare for graduate or professional school. Networking, always an important part of career development, is now vital for securing a first job and managing careers for a life time.

The Becker Career Center can help students access jobs in its database as well as assist them in developing a variety of skills. This month, workshops are set for interviewing skills (April 15, 5 p.m.), effective resumes and cover letters (April 16, 12:45 p.m.) . and the etiquette of business dining (April 22, 5 p.m.)

Among the employers holding information sessions on campus in the next few weeks are Target (April 14, 5:30 p.m.), the New York State Office of the Attorney General (April 15, 1 p.m.) and the U.S. Marine Corps (April 28, 4:30 p.m.). There also will be several workshops geared toward identifying and securing internship opportunities (April 7, 17 and 23, 1 p.m.).

Union’s career counselors routinely check in with employers about what they are looking for in their college hires. Their response is remarkably consistent: They want smart students who can communicate effectively, work well with others and are genuinely interested in their jobs.

In this regard, Union students have what it takes to make the grade, even in this tough job market. Our students, no matter what their major, leave campus well-prepared for the world, with extensive know-how in writing, critical thinking, research, communications and other skills that are essential for today’s marketplace.

As the Becker Career Center continues to update its jobs database, it would be happy to post internship or full-time employment opportunities provided by Union parents and friends. In addition, our Alumni Jobs Bulletin contains job openings that require experience. Please call Laura Leib at (518) 388-6176

Steinmetz Symposium

Students and faculty are preparing for one of the highlights of the term, Steinmetz Symposium. If you haven’t already marked your calendar, the date is Friday, May 1, with Prize Day to follow on May 2. Parents are always welcome. A noted mathematician and electrical engineer credited with fostering the development of alternating current, Charles Proteus Steinmetz taught at Union from 1902 to 1923 while employed at General Electric in Schenectady. To keep up-to-date on Steinmetz events, visit www.union.edu/steinmetz.  

Student Life

This month is packed with events that are both educational and entertaining, including the Annual Thruway Concert, which showcases Union’s own a cappella groups and other talented groups from nearby colleges. Former presidential candidate Howard Dean comes to campus Monday, April 13.  Other spring term highlights that keep students active and engaged include International Culture Week and Earth Week. And a variety of sports, clubs and other activities – from Ultimate Frisbee, to men’s and women’s rugby, to a new Union community bike program – keep our campus hopping.   

Note for parents of seniors

This week (April 7-10) isthe final opportunity for your student to get his or her portrait taken for the Garnet Yearbook (at no cost). Sign-ups are located outside of the Yearbook Office on the 4th floor of Reamer Campus Center. Please encourage your student to participate; those who don’t often regret missing out later. Students can also purchase yearbooks and will be given information about how to do this by the Yearbook staff.  

The Parent Fund Corner

Thanks to all of you who helped us “March Forward” with our Trustee Challenge. This three-phase campaign has been extremely successful. To date, we have received $100,000 from the Trustees as a result of securing 1,200 donors in four weeks. We are now in the final phase of this exciting challenge, with an additional 1,300 donors needed to receive a gift of $200,000 from the Board before April 15. Because the challenge focuses on participation, gifts of any size count –  which means all gifts make a huge impact. These gifts, combined with the other donors and the money raised from the Trustees, greatly enhance students’ experience and education.

To find out more, visit www.union.edu/marchforward.visit ch Forward,"bout the specific details of ", 2,500 donors are needed for the Trustees to donate $300,000 phase! Thank you  Or e-mail Carol Shotzbarger ’08, Parent Fund manager, at shotzbac@union.edu.

Commencement and other year-end news

The schedule for final exams has been posted.

Commencement for the Class of 2009 will be held Sunday, June 14, at 10 a.m. on Hull Plaza. Approximately 500 students will receive their degrees during the ceremony. Paul A. Volcker, the former chairman of the Federal Reserve and current leader of President Obama’s economic advisory panel, will deliver the keynote address, and Martin L. Perl, winner of the Nobel Prize in physics, will receive an honorary doctorate of science.

This year will mark the College’s 215th Commencement.

As always, if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at Parents_Association@union.edu. For complete coverage of Union activities throughout the year, please visit www.union.edu/News.

And for a look at campus life via our newest video, click here.  

Best regards,

Karen Dumonet, Vanessa ’07 and Sebastian ‘09

Chair, Parents Association

Posted on Apr 6, 2009

Thursday, April 9, 4:30 p.m. / Reamer Campus Center Auditorium / “Dynamic Equilibrium” exhibit lecture on “Physics and Art” by Thomas B. Greenslade Jr.
Thursday, April 9, 5:30 – 7 p.m. / Nott Memorial / “Dynamic Equilibrium” artists’ reception and gallery talk
Friday, April 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. / Reamer Campus Center / Book drive to support “Building Up Ghana,” organized by Mike Clarke ’11. Books in all genres suitable for a primary and secondary school needed to help stock a library in Africa
Friday, April 10, 2 p.m. / Central Park / Baseball vs. Skidmore; field dedication at 4:30 p.m. (between games)
Friday, April 10, 7:30 p.m. / Olin Center Auditorium / Film: East Asian Studies presents “Nausicaä,” an animated film about a princess’ attempt to save warring nations from destroying one another
Saturday, April 11, 2 p.m. / Women’s lacrosse vs. University of Rochester
Saturday, April 11 – Monday, April 13, 8 and 10 p.m. / Reamer Campus Center Auditorium / Film: "Cloverfield,” about a monster attack in New York, as told from the point of view of a small group of people
Monday, April 13, 7 p.m. / Memorial Chapel / Lecture by Howard Dean, former Vermont governor and Democratic presidential candidate. Doors open at 6 p.m. Free and open to the public, but seating is limited, with priority for members of the campus community.
Monday, April 13, 8 and 10 p.m. / Reamer Campus Center Auditorium / Film: “Confessions of a Shopaholic”; a college grad lands a job as a financial journalist in New York City, where she nurtures her shopping addiction while falling for a wealthy entrepreneur
Wednesday, April 15, 3:30 p.m. / Alexander Field / Softball vs. Middlebury
Wednesday, April 15, 8 p.m. / Memorial Chapel / Chamber Concert Series presents Jonathan Biss, piano
Thursday, April 16, 12:40-1:55 p.m. / Reamer Campus Center, Sadock Women’s and Gender Studies Lounge, Room 301 / “Feminisms for the 21^st Century,”the Valerie J. Hoffman ’75 2008-09 Lecture Series presents Laurie Naranch of Siena College on “Really, Aren’t Women Human Yet? Rhetoric of Women’s Human Rights”
Thursday, April 16, 4 p.m. / Tennis courts / Men’s tennis vs. RPI
Thursday, April 16, 4:30 p.m. / Schaffer Library, Phi Beta Kappa Room / Philosophy Speaker Series presents: Sarah Buss of University of Michigan on “Autonomous Action: Self-Expression in the Passive Mode”

Friday, April 17, 5-9 p.m. / Mandeville Gallery and downtown Schenectady establishments / Art Night Schenectady   
Friday, April 17, 7:30 p.m. / Olin Center Auditorium / Film: East Asian Studies presents “Tokyo Story,” a film dealing with strained parent-offspring relationships 
Saturday, April 17, noon / Central Park / Baseball vs. RPI

Posted on Apr 6, 2009

The last time 28-year-old Jonathan Biss played in the Chamber Concert Series, he appeared with the Musicians from Marlboro in 2001. On Wednesday, April 15, the accomplished pianist returns to Union College for a solo performance at 8 p.m.

The show is free to members of the Union community. General admission tickets cost $20,  $10 for area students.

Biss will play portions of Mozart’s Sonata No. 14 in C minor, Kurtag’s Jatekok and Schubert’s Sonata in C. He will also present selections from Chopin’s Barcarolle, Three Mazurkas, Nocturne in E and Ballade No. 4 in F minor.

Since he made his New York Philharmonic debut in 2001, Biss has appeared with the foremost orchestras of the United States and Europe. This season, he debuts with the Colorado Symphony, the Detroit Symphony, and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, among others.

Biss, who is noted for his intriguing programs and artistic versatility, won the Leonard Bernstein Award at the 2005 Schleswig-Holstein Festival. He has also captured other prestigious honors, including the 2002 Gilmore Young Artist Award, Wolf Trap’s Shouse Debut Artist Award, an Avery Fisher Career Grant and the 2003 Borletti-Buitoni Award.

Biss, who studied at The Curtis Institute of Music with pianist Leon Fleisher, represents the third generation in a family of professional musicians. His grandmother, Raya Garbousova, is a well-known cellist, and his parents, violinist Miriam Fried and violist/violinist Paul Biss, have achieved similar success.

Posted on Apr 3, 2009

A total of 49 photographs by 30 Union students were accepted into the 2^nd Annual College Photography Exhibition at the Photo Center in Troy, N.Y., designed to give students exposure to the Capital Region arts community and an opportunity to explore new ideas and techniques from their peers.

The juried exhibition drew 250 submissions; 104 were selected. In addition to Union, the exhibit also includes work by students from the University at Albany undergraduate and MFA programs; Bard, Russell Sage and St. Rose colleges; RPI; and other regional colleges and graduate programs.

“Union students had a very strong presence last year, during the inaugural event, and I’m glad to see it continue,” said Professor of Visual Arts Martin Benjamin. “Once again, they fared very well. Two photos by Union students have been purchased from the show, and 12 students had multiple entries accepted.”

There will be an artists’ reception at the Photo Center Friday, April 17, 6-9 p.m. with awards announced at 7 p.m.

The exhibition continues through April 19. For details, go to www.photocentertroy.org.

And to see more about photography at Union, visit www.union.edu/photo. This extensive site of student photographs shows students’ work over the last 10 years and includes international photography beyond the Union gates.

Posted on Apr 3, 2009

A paper by John Garver, chair of the Geology Department, titled “Transport of the Yakutat Terrane, southern Alaska, evidence from sediment petrology and detrital zircon fission-track and U/Pb double dating,” recently was published in the Journal of Geology. Co-authors are S.E. Perry and K. Ridgeway. The paper details the basin history of the Yakatuk block, a piece of continental crust that is currently in a collision with Alaska. This collision is what drives the uplift of the mountains and the spectacular scenery. Garver and his colleagues hypothesize that the crustal fragment started in British Columbia and collided with Alaska in the last 5 million years.
 

Robert Hislope, associate professor of political science, presented a talk at the Harriman Institute at Columbia University in March. His talk, “Theories of Corruption with Macedonian Illustrations,” will be published in a forthcoming Harriman Report. Hislope is also under contract, with co-author Anthony Mughan of The Ohio State University, with Cambridge University Press to write an introductory textbook in comparative politics.
 

Associate Professors Michelle Chilcoat and Cheikh Ndiaye have co-authored an article featuring an interview with prize-winning Cameroonian filmmaker Osvalde Lewat, scheduled to appear in “The French Review"  in December. Lewat has made several important documentaries, including “Black Business” (2007),  “A Love During the War ” (2005) and “Au-delà de la peine” (“Beyond Punishment," 2003). She focuses on issues such as unlawful imprisonment and government sponsored killings in Cameroon, and rape in Congo, showing at the same time how citizens of these countries courageously face the challenges that confront them. Chilcoat and Ndiaye have been asked to contribute a chapter on Lewat to a volume on new African cinema.

They are also writing an article featuring an interview with Léonora Miano, a celebrated Cameroonian author whose 2006 “Contours du jour qui vient”  (“The Shape of the Day to Come”) was awarded the prestigious Prix Goncourt des Lycéens. Miano presented a reading from her latest novel, “Tels des astres éteints”  (“Like Burnt Out Stars,”  2008) at Union in January. Chilcoat and Ndiaye have also received an IEF grant to develop a course they will co-teach, “Francophone Women Filmmakers from Africa and the Caribbean.”   

Martin Benjamin, professor of visual arts, was recently named in Metroland’s 30th anniversary issue as one of “the Capital Region’s 10 most significant artists of the past 30 years.” He was named in the number 3 spot. The list appeared in the Feb. 5 issue of the alternative newsweekly.
 

Valerie Angell ’10 has won one of 12 American Chemical Society, Division of Organic Chemistry Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowships to support her summer research. The highly competitive fellowships are collaboratively sponsored through the Division of Organic Chemistry and industry. Angell will conduct her research this summer and next year in the laboratory of Chemistry Professor James Adrian Jr. Her project is titled “Developing Methods for Preparing and Testing Libraries of Pyrrolidine-Triazoles: A New Class of Organocatalysts.” 
 

Paul Hebert ’10, a chemistry major, has received an Honorable Mention from the Goldwater Foundation. The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation annually awards scholarships to undergraduate sophomores and juniors from the United States based on academic merit in the fields of mathematics, science and engineering.