Armand V. Feigenbaum ’42 has been awarded the 2007 National Medal of Technology and Innovation, the highest honor for technological achievement bestowed on America's leading innovators.
Feigenbaum and the other seven recipients will be honored at a black tie dinner Sunday, Sept. 28, and receive their awards from President Bush the following day at a White House ceremony.
Donald S. and Armand V. Feigenbaum
The award is “given to individuals, teams and/or companies/divisions for their outstanding contributions to the nation’s economic, environmental and social well-being through the development and commercialization of technology products, processes and concepts; technological innovation; and development of the nation’s technological manpower,” according to the medal’s Web site.
Armand and his brother, Donald S. Feigenbaum ’46, of Pittsfield, Mass., are longtime Union benefactors. Armand was worldwide manager of manufacturing operations and quality control for General Electric, and Donald had major management responsibilities in GE’s jet engine business when they founded General Systems Company in 1968.
The Pittsfield-based international systems engineering firm designs and implements integrated management systems for major corporations throughout the world.
Armand Feigenbaum is the originator of Total Quality Control. His book on the subject has been published in many languages and is the basic text on quality systems and improvement. It was first published in 1951, and a 50th anniversary edition was released in 2002.
Union President Stephen C. Ainlay and his wife, Judith, along with Donald, have been invited to Washington for the dinner and awards ceremony.
“We are proud and thrilled to join the Feigenbaums for this special occasion,” Ainlay said. “Union has a history of producing and nurturing creative minds, and Armand embodies this innovative Union spirit.”
Since 1996 the College has hosted the annual Feigenbaum Forum, which brings leaders from the academic and business worlds together at Union to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern. This year’s forum is Oct. 21.
In 1997, the College's administration building was dedicated in honor of the Feigenbaums, who supported the extensive renovation of the building, which dates to 1871.
[bjm_danse], a modern dance company from Montreal hailed for its passion, verve and ingenuity, comes to campus next week for a dance residency that includes a master class and lecture-demonstration and culminates in a performance at The Egg in Albany.
The master class for advanced students will be held Wednesday, Oct. 1, 7-8:30 p.m., and the free lecture-demo is Thursday, Oct. 2, 6-8 p.m. Both will take place in the dance studio in the Visual Arts Building.
Sponsored by the Theater and Dance Department, the residency was made possible by a gift from Sue Davis and Dr. Gus Davis ’59 in memory of their daughter, Stephanie C. Davis, a dance lover.
[bjm_danse] began as Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal in 1972. Founded by Eva Von Gencsy and Genevieve Salbaing, it included work by many celebrated Canadian and foreign choreographers. Since 1998, Director Louis Robitaille has expanded the company’s artistic horizons by promoting contemporary choreography that mixes modern, jazz and balletic styles with the avant-garde.
[bjm_danse] will open the 2008-09 dance season at the Egg Center for the Performing Arts, Friday, Oct. 3 at 8 p.m. At 7:15 p.m., the Egg will host a pre-show dance talk with Robitaille, moderated by Union Dance Program Director Program Miryam Moutillet.
bjm danse – Ballet Jazz de Montreal – logo
The program includes the signature “Les Chambres des Jacques” by acclaimed choreographer Aszure Barton, set to a score that features classical music, Québécois folk tunes, and klezmer, gypsy and Yiddish melodies. Also on the bill is Barton's companion piece, "Jack in a Box." Born in Canada and based in New York City, Barton has created works for Mikhail Baryshnikov and The Juilliard School, among others.
Union students, faculty and staff are invited to attend the Egg performance free of charge. A limited numbers of tickets are available on first-come, first-serve basis with a Union ID. They may be picked up at the Yulman Theatre Box Office weekdays 1:30-2:30 p.m. and at the Visual Arts Building Office, 3-4 p.m. Free round-trip transportation will be provided, with buses leaving for the Empire State Plaza from the Nott/Seward parking lot at 6 p.m.
How do gender imbalances affect women who teach college sciences, technology engineering and math – the STEM disciplines? Why do the imbalances exist? And what can be done to recruit and retain female professors in these fields?
Brenda Johnson
These are some of the issues Union and Skidmore college researchers will delve into during the next three years, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.
“We’re hoping to learn more about where gender imbalances exist and why,” Johnson said. “Although it is hard to separate the personal from the systemic, our hope is to learn more about the systemic issues and make improvements,” said Brenda Johnson, Union professor of mathematics.
Johnson and Alice Dean, Skidmore professor of mathematics, are co-principal investigators of “Skidmore Union Network (SUN): Supporting Women Faculty in STEM at Liberal Arts Colleges.”
Work begins this fall on both campuses.
The two were the only liberal arts colleges to receive grants from the NSF through this round of its Advance Partnerships for Adaptation, Implementation and Dissemination. awards program. The program seeks to increase representation of women in academic science and engineering careers by encouraging the use of existing innovative materials and practices.
Union and Skidmore scholars will consider how successful programs at some larger, research-oriented universities could be adapted for use and also make recommendations specific to the unique concerns of female faculty at smaller, liberal arts colleges.
Union and Skidmore mirror national trends, which show that women are underrepresented as STEM teachers and scholars, while men continue to dominate the higher faculty ranks.
Cherrice A. Traver, dean of the Division of Computer Science and Engineering. September 2007.
At both colleges, women constitute slightly more than one-third of tenure-track and tenured faculty in the STEM disciplines. One-third of STEM full professors at Union are women; Skidmore’s percentage of female full professors is 25 percent.
The SUN project will target women faculty in these disciplines at two specific career stages: tenure-track (early career) and tenured associate professors, who have been at the rank for seven years or more. A central goal is to give women resources and support to achieve tenure and promotion.
Other key goals are to learn more about the climates and biases that affect hiring, development and promotion of women in these fields, and to develop environments that will eventually result in a more balanced gender ratio for STEM faculty.
Gender issues, said Dean, “are more of a problem in some areas than others. However, there are certain responsibilities, including child care and family issues, which fall primarily on women.”
The researchers plan to develop a structure that includes such tools as mentoring, collaboration, advanced training and other supports to enable new faculty to succeed in meeting the challenges of juggling family and work responsibilities.
“Building relationships with another college through mentoring will offer opportunities for everyone to gain professionally,” said SUN committee member and Union Dean of Engineering Cherrice Traver.
Martin Jay '65, the Sidney Hellman Ehrman Professor of History at the University of California, Berkeley, wrote an essay about Joseph Finkelstein, a history professor who influenced him greatly at Union.
Jay's piece was published Sept. 21 in a special issue of the New York Times Magazine devoted to teaching.
Of Finkelstein, Jay wrote that "he had the gift of making connections between what he taught and who we were, conveying the sense that we, too, were part of the story and not merely spectators of someone else's history."
Finkelstein '47, whose teaching career at Union spanned nearly five decades, died in November 2006.
To read Jay's essay, click here (registration may be required).
A $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation will support a three-year study by Union and Skidmore college researchers on recruiting and retaining female professors in the fields of science (including social science), technology, engineering and math – the STEM disciplines.
Brenda Johnson, professor of mathematics at Union, and Alice Dean, professor of mathematics at Skidmore, are co-principal investigators for the project, titled “Skidmore Union Network (SUN): Supporting Women Faculty in STEM at Liberal Arts Colleges.”
Work begins this fall on both campuses.
Brenda Johnson
The two were the only liberal arts colleges to receive grants from the NSF through this round of its Advance Partnerships for Adaptation, Implementation and Dissemination. (PAID) awards program. The program seeks to increase representation of women in academic science and engineering careers by encouraging the use of effective existing innovative materials and practices.
Union and Skidmore scholars will consider how successful programs at some larger, research-oriented universities could be adapted for use and also make recommendations specific to the unique concerns of female faculty at smaller, liberal arts colleges.
Local analysis of national trend
Union and Skidmore mirror national trends, which show that women are underrepresented as teachers and scholars in the STEM fields, while men continue to dominate the higher faculty ranks.
At both colleges, women constitute slightly more than one-third of tenure-track and tenured faculty in the STEM disciplines. One-third of STEM full professors at Union are women; Skidmore’s percentage of female full professors is one-fourth.
The Skidmore-Union project will target women faculty in these disciplines at two specific career stages: tenure-track (early career) and tenured associate professors who have been at the rank for seven years or more. A central goal is to give women resources and support to achieve tenure and promotion.
“We’re hoping to learn more about where gender imbalances exist and why,” Johnson said. “Although it is hard to separate the personal from the systemic, our hope is to learn more about the systemic issues and make improvements.”
Key goals of the study are to learn more about the climates and biases on both campuses that affect hiring, development and promotion of women in these fields, and to develop environments that will eventually result in a more balanced gender ratio for faculty in the STEM disciplines. The researchers will share findings and recommendations with the larger community of liberal arts colleges.
Gender issues, said Dean, “are more of a problem in some areas than others. However, there are certain responsibilities, including child care and family issues, which fall primarily on women.”
The researchers plan to develop a structure that includes such tools as mentoring and other support to enable new faculty to succeed in meeting the challenges of juggling family and work responsibilities.
Those tasks include activities that will provide information and training on recognizing and combating bias, as well as initiatives that will foster relationships among STEM women faculty to increase opportunities for mentoring, collaboration and advanced training.
Project activities outlined
Cherrice A. Traver, dean of the Division of Computer Science and Engineering. September 2007.
This year, focus group interviews will be taken on both campuses, followed by climate surveys, training workshops for hiring and promotion, public events to raise awareness on each campus and educational activities for undergraduates. Since many female faculty members in the STEM professions begin their careers with their choice of undergraduate major, scholars agree that students need to be aware of these issues.
In addition, mentoring networks and research collaborations, which have succeeded at large universities, will be developed to enhance promotion opportunities for mid-career female faculty.
“This may be the best part of the project,” said committee member Cherrice Traver, Union dean of engineering and professor of computer engineering. “Building relationships with another college through mentoring will offer opportunities for everyone to gain professionally.”
The Campaign Trail banner from the summer 2008 Union College magazine. You are Union.
Moving ahead with a new campaign road map
The Strategic Plan for Union, adopted in 2007, is a blueprint for achieving the College’s educational mission. Implementing the plan requires the intellectual, physical and financial commitment of the entire Union community. The You are Union campaign provides the foundation for this collective effort.
In May 2008, the Board of Trustees approved an expansion of the campaign, setting a goal of $250 million and extending the campaign timeline to 2012.
This is a defining opportunity for the alumni and friends of Union College. We have a chance to shape the future of this historic institution and to ensure a continued tradition of excellence.
Today, we stand ready to usher in a new era, defined in the Strategic Plan, and led by the generosity and dedication of our alumni and friends.
“Our success hinges on the resources that we, the Union community, commit to the You Are Union You are Unioncampaign, which I see as the cornerstone of our support for the College,” said Frank L. Messa ’73, chairman of the Board of Trustees. “When I walk across campus, I am struck not only by its beauty but by the tangible impact of our efforts. Each of us has benefited from our unique Union experiences, and each of us can play a role in giving students the best possible education and in boosting the College’s profile among peer institutions.”
Your involvement and philanthropic support will make a critical difference for all those who pass through the campus gates.
The You Are Union campaign U-mometer as Sept. 1, 2008. Union College magazine, summer 2008.
Five key Strategic Plan objectives guiding the You are Union campaign:
• Enhance Union’s academic excellence and ability to attract the best and brightest students
• Develop an integrated approach to science, engineering, and the liberal arts
• Preserve and revitalize our beautiful campus
• Increase students’ abilities to contribute to
a diverse and globally interconnected world
• Cultivate students’ gifts, passions, and spirit of innovation
To meet these objectives, the campaign focuses on three priority areas:
• Campus revitalization
• Curriculum enhancement
• Faculty and student support
For more: Debra Geer, Campaign Manager, at 518-388-6749 or via e-mail at youareunion@union.edu
Building our Third Century
Scholarships:
Dr. Jay N. Cohn ’52 and Grayce Cohn Cohen established the Morris Mandel Cohn ’21 Endowed Scholarship in memory of their father. This financial-need scholarship will be awarded to Union students from New York’s Capital Region with an interest in studying environmental science.
The James W. Haviland ’32 trust established The Haviland Family Scholarship Fund.
Robert J. Henkel ’76 established the Robert and Roseanne Henkel Endowed Scholarship.
The Vernon D. and Florence E. Roosa Family Foundation established the Peter V. Roosa ’74 Memorial Scholarship. This financial-need scholarship will be awarded to Union students majoring in environmental science and/or biology.
Maureen Demar Hall established the Bernard H. Salad ’37 and Geraldine Demar-Salad Endowed Scholarship in memory of her mother. This financial-need scholarship will be awarded to Union students from Schenectady County.
Estelle Cooke-Sampson ’74 contributed to the Ebony Union Scholarship, a financial-need award for Union students of color.
The Schenectady Foundation established The Richard E. Roberts ’50, Esq. and Dr. John S. Morris Schenectady Foundation Scholarship Fund. This scholarship will support Union students who are Schenectady County residents and active in Schenectady community volunteer activities.
Student Programs:
Walter A. Spencer ’72 established the Walter A. Spencer, Jr., Class of 1972 Fund for Posse. The goal of this fund is to provide operating expenses for the Union College Posse Scholars program, which provides merit-based scholarships to an ethnically diverse group of Boston-area students. The fund will support faculty mentor training and support Posse events on campus.
Buildings and Grounds:
Union parent Penny Cohn made a contribution through the Kenneth W. Cohn Memorial Fund to the Travis J. Clark ’00 Varsity Strength Training Facility. This facility will provide a superior strength training site on campus for Union athletes. The dedication of this facility will occur later this year.
Geraldine Golub ’82 made a contribution through the United Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York to the Taylor Music Center.
The James W. Haviland ’32 Trust made a contribution to the Memorial Chapel Endow- ment. This fund ensures the chapel has funding for maintenance and upkeep.
Planned Gifts:
Unrestricted bequests were received from following members of the Union community: Martha Girling, Gerald E. O’Loughlin, Jr. ’52 and Othniel Pendleton ’33.
A bequest was received from the estate of Dr. Frederick S. Frank ’57. The funds are designated for Schaffer Library.
A bequest from the estate of Aaron Thal ’43 was received. The funds are designated for The Aaron Thal Endowed Scholarship. This financial-need scholarship will be awarded to Union students hailing from the state of Ohio.
A bequest from the estate of Alice M. Coggins was received. The funds are designated for the George F. Coggins ’31 Endowed Fund for Physics in memory of her father. This fund will be used to further research in the area of physics.
A pooled life income fund distribution was received from the estate of Steven Griffiths ’49.
Ronald Q. Jennett ’52 established a charitable gift annuity to benefit the Ronald Quentin Jennett ’52 and Margaret Anne Jennett Endowed Scholarship.
Paul E. Kummer ’43 established a charitable gift annuity where funds accumulated will benefit a scholarship fund.
Grant Support:
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation granted $800,000 to support several faculty positions.
New York State Council on the Arts granted $7,900 to support the Chamber Music Concert Series.
Davis United World College Peace Project gave $10,000 to support student projects. Specifically, this grant supported a project by Kara Lightman ’09 in Cambodia. (See story in the Across Campus section.)
The Hearst Foundation gave $100,000 to support scholarship endowment
