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MAGAZINE

President Mark Zupan
takes the wheel!

SPRING · 2017

Letter to the Editor ByWarrenSutton
My first “contact” with Mark Zupan was via an
email in early July requesting Alfredians to vote I realized, then, that my time at Alfred was over. I had to
for the Alfred mascot, Li’l Alf, in a national get out of the situation. Immediately after the game, the
contest for best college mascot. Alfred in was in the top ten team manager drove me home to Chester, Pennsylvania.
at the time. A week or so later Alfred was in the top five
and emails from Mr. Zupan became a daily routine: “Vote.” National Incident / Public response
I was curious about who this Mark Zupan person was. The story doesn’t end there. The young lady in question
In the latest Alfred Magazine, it was announced that Mark and I continued to communicate with each other. In
Zupan was the newly appointed President of Alfred February of 1960 we met in New York City, where she was
University. He had just taken on the job and already en route to Florida with her mother. The trip was planned
become the head cheerleader for the University. I was to help her forget me. After her disappearance from her
impressed. So, of course, I started voting to show my hotel room, her mother reported her as missing. The story
support. I thought “a good start on the new job.” became front page news in the New York newspapers:
Two weeks later, I was to become personally involved “Negro basketball star forced to leave University because
with Mr. Zupan. On July 21, I received a hand-written of relationship with white coed.” The story went nation-
letter from him. Apparently, he had been reviewing some wide, being picked up by several national magazines.
of the history of Alfred. Someone had made him aware of It was an embarrassment for the University; there was a
a racially-related incident involving me in the 1960s. He lot of negative press directed toward my coach and the
wanted to apologize on behalf of the University for how I administration.
was treated. I received a number of letters from all over the country.
To be honest I was hesitant to open them, but I did.
Some History However, out of the 15 or 20 letters, I did not receive a
My name is Warren Sutton, an African-American member single negative letter. They were all supportive of us and
of the Class of ’61. I was a basketball player and received our relationship. Keep in mind this was the early 1960s.
All-American Honorable Mention in my first two years at On the other hand, the University and Coach Smith did
Alfred. In my third year, I started dating a blonde, blue- not fare as well, being harassed by reporters, who were now
eyed coed, who happened to be the treasurer’s daughter. on campus looking for a story. Coach Smith was further
I had previously dated a few white girls on campus and it victimized and harassed by certain members of the Athletic
was never an issue. Department for “not controlling me.” Sometime later, Pete
However, behind the scenes, the treasurer was not told me his life had become a nightmare.
happy. Pressure was being applied to me, indirectly It became obvious that Pete’s days at Alfred were also
through my coach, Pete Smith, and several members numbered, even though he had done a tremendous job of
of the administration to end the relationship. Tension re-building the basketball program. A bid to Division III
was building all over campus as people were becoming NCAA championships was not out of the question for the
aware of the situation. I was holding on for the start of team at that time.
the basketball season to relieve some of the pressure. Pete and his family and I have maintained a close
However, in our first exhibition game, I got involved in a relationship for over 50 years, until his death. His children
fight on the court, something completely out of character refer to me as Uncle “Sut,” a nickname he used for me.
for me. Pete was instrumental in getting me back to school. His

Continued on page 6

MAGAZINE Editor Design/Photography Alfred Magazine, copyright 2017,
Susan Goetschius Rick McLay ’89 is mailed free of charge to alumni,
[email protected] [email protected] current parents, and friends of
Alfred University.
Contributing Writers Additional Photography Circulation: 14,746
Rob Price Peter Mangles 1 Saxon Drive
[email protected] Brian Oglesbee Alfred, NY 14802
Rick McLay ’89 Telephone: 607·871·2103
[email protected] Email: [email protected]

We reserve the right to edit all letters and articles submitted for publication in Alfred Magazine.

MAGAZINE

SPRING · 2017

Commencement took place on Saturday, May 13, 2017.

What’s inside...

2 Fiat Magicae Artes! 14 Alfred News Digest

President Mark Zupan, the 14th in Alfred University’s Major happenings on campus

181-year history, took office with a conviction – that 20 Saxon Athletics Highlights
he readily shares with alumni, students, faculty and
staff, parents and friends – that there is “real magic” at 22 Dr. K: Alumna takes a walk on the wild
Alfred University in its ability to transform lives. He’s laid side

out an ambitious plan for advancing the University in 23 Transitions: Alfred University appoints

the years to come. three new trustees

6 Righting a Wrong 24 Class Notes
One of only six African-Americans at Alfred University
Cover photo: Since his official
at the time, Warren Sutton ’61 was forced to leave mid- arrival on campus in the summer
way through his junior year when her parents became of 2016, President Mark Zupan’s
aware he was dating their blue-eyed, blonde-haired style has been one of energetic and
daughter. At Commencement, Alfred University will right enthusiastic engagement with the
the wrong done to Sutton by awarding him an honorary entire campus community, not the
degree. least of which are the students. Our
cover image shows him guiding a
9 A Lower East Side State of Mind group of students on the unique
Mark Russ Federman ’66 earned a law degree after seven-person bicycle that is used for
campus tours.
graduating from Alfred, but found the lure of the family
business, Russ and Daughters, drew him in. He spent
30 years growing the business into a New York legend.

12 A Vision Fulfillled
The Alfred Ceramic Art Museum, a spectacular addition

to the campus, opened Oct. 28, 2016, fulfilling a vision
that began in the early 1900s when the founder of the
New York State College of Ceramics, Charles Fergus
Binns, began his “study collection.” A gift from Marlin
Miller Jr. ’54 gave substance to the dream.

THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF ALFRED UNIVERSITY 1

Fiat

Mark Zupan
celebrates
the magic
of Alfred
University

By Rob Price

Mark Zupan at his October, 2016 inauguration

Mark Zupan is fond of observing that a university president’s reputation is fleeting. “No one
remembers the 14th president of Harvard University,” he says in interviews with media, in
conversations with Alfred University faculty and staff, and even in his inaugural address, as
Alfred University’s fourteenth president.

“It’s not about any individual,” identity, embedded in the lives. When you look at all the
President Mark Zupan explains University’s motto, “Fiat Lux” – colleges and universities that try
later in his office in Carnegie Let there be light. to create that sort of environment,
Hall. “It’s all about the ongoing Light is illuminating, warming, Alfred University just jumps from
success of an institution.” and composed of diverse the pages. That’s what we do
Settling into his first official underlying hues, Zupan says. well.”
year as president, Zupan has been Combine those three qualities in a It’s easy for a university
immersing himself in the history single entity – a university called president to disappear into the
and culture of Alfred University. Alfred University – and you have demands of the office. But if
The University’s Board of Trustees an institution that enriches the you’re walking across the Alfred
named him successor to former lives of people who are privileged University campus early in the
President Charles Edmondson to pass through it. morning, don’t be surprised to
in February 2016. By the time he “There is no other place,” see Mark Zupan jogging along
was inaugurated in October, he Zupan says now, “where you so a university road or pathway
had developed a vital appreciation consistently hear from alumni that (He looks like he can run a six-
of Alfred University’s unique a faculty or staff member took an minute mile; he insists he can’t).
interest in them and changed their He describes himself as an early
2

magicae artes!

riser who likes getting in several running AIG and Met Life. The halls of the White House, the
hours of work before anyone else chief technology officer of another Smithsonian, and the Victoria and
is awake, then going for a run or a Fortune 500 company was with Albert Museum of London. We
work-out. And then going back to us only one year, but he says need to keep in touch with these
work. it changed his life. There are people and promote a sense of
“It’s good for the health,” he more Alfred University alumni ownership. We need to start paying
says. “As administrators, we tend at Corning Incorporated than more attention to them. They’re
to spend a lot of time sitting. from any other university. The our biggest asset.”
When I was a dean, I sometimes creative works of the graduates His conversations with Alfred
went to two dinners in one night. of our top-ten School of Art and University alumni have helped
You have to take care of yourself.” Design have graced the walls and Zupan hone his own sense of
Jogging around the campus, he what he calls “the magic” taking
adds, is a great way to let Alfred “There’s a real magic at place on the University campus.
University soak into the muscles In speeches and emails, Zupan
and bones. “It keeps you grounded Alfred University. A lot of other has tried to distill the essence of
in the pulse of the campus,” he that magic, and he keeps returning
says. “You may get some stares, schools say they have it, but we to a fundamental value: “We
but you’ll also notice some window gain strength from diversity….
frames on a residence hall that really do it.”
could use a new coat of paint. Or Continued on page 4
people will notice that for you, so Mark Zupan
the next time you jog down that
byway, you’re on the look-out.” Mark Zupan Biography
When Zupan accepted the
presidency last winter, he Mark Zupan is a son of immigrants. His father immigrated to the U.S. from Slovenia, settling
acknowledged his familiarity in Rochester, N.Y., where he initially lived in the downtown YMCA. His mother later joined
with Alfred University’s excellent him after being awarded a scholarship at the University of Rochester.
academic reputation. Now that As a young man, Zupan says, he considered a career in politics, but an undergraduate
he is completing his first year class in economics at Harvard proved to be a life-changing event, with the professor, Joseph
on the job, he is committed to Kalt, inspiring Zupan to focus on the study of economics and a career in teaching.
sharing not only his sense of Alfred After graduating from Harvard, Zupan enrolled at Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
University’s academic excellence, where he received his PhD in economics – while teaching the same introductory economics
but also his appreciation of the course at Harvard in which he had met Professor Kalt. His first full-time teaching position
unique culture in which that was at the University of Southern California, where he was also appointed the associate
excellence thrives. Ask Mark dean of master’s programs.
Zupan about the value of an Alfred He joined the University Arizona, serving as dean and professor of economics at the
University education, and he’s University’s Eller College of Management. He then joined the Simon School of Business at
ready to roll. the University of Rochester in 2004, where his accomplishments included spearheading an
He may begin with the largest $85 million fundraising campaign. One of the many fruits of that campaign was the creation
single group of University of nine endowed professorships.
stakeholders: the alumni As a scholar, Zupan has co-edited two textbooks on economics and authored numerous
community. “My hunch is that articles in juried scholarly journals. He has written op-ed pieces for national newspapers
on a patents-per-capita basis, including The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, and he has served as co-editor of
we’re probably in the top ten in the journal Economic Inquiry, as well as on the editorial boards of Public Choice, Journal of
the country. We’ve had alums Business Economics, and Research in Law and Economics.
His book Inside Job: How Government Insiders Subvert the Public Interest was published
recently by Cambridge University Press.
He is the father of two sons, William and Walker.

3

If we’re going to narrative, Alfred

grow as human University’s culture

beings, colleges provides a moral axis

and universities that connects both

should be the individuals.

places where you Fuentes was an

bring different Alfred University

backgrounds, sophomore and

different thoughts, varsity football player

and think through when he suffered

what maybe a paralyzing spinal

doesn’t hold water injury on opening day

in your arguments. of the 2006 season.

That’s what His physicians told

we really do at him he would never

Alfred University. walk again, but on

And we become the opening day of

strengthened as a the 2016 season, as

result of being in Fuentes served as

this crucible.” honorary team captain,

Zupan is ready he rose from his
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4

racial incident that had occurred really matters,” Zupan, says, “is (Because, after all, nobody
almost 60 years before Zupan identifying your passion and then remembers the 14th president of
joined the University. Then Sutton developing the perseverance and Harvard University).
responded to Zupan’s outreach the confidence to follow through.” But ask Mark Zupan what makes
with his own extraordinary letter: Zupan is not shy about listing Alfred University special, and
“As America seems to be reaching the considerable challenges facing he answers you with a direct call
out to correct some wrongs and the University. They include: to action that summons the best
injustices that have happened enhancing student enrollment; of Alfred University’s 180-year
over the years, I was especially refining and implementing a five- history. “There’s a real magic at
touched by President Zupan, who year strategic plan; establishing Alfred University,” he says. “A lot
reached out some sixty years later a compelling Alfred University of other schools say they have it,
to apologize for the wrongdoing of brand/identity for marketing; and but we really do it.”
others. … Thank you, President improving alumni engagement
Zupan. This simple and sincere and University advancement Mark Zupan Career
gesture is appreciated and only activities. Working with Summary
further enhances my love and relevant stakeholders, he has
appreciation of my experiences at methodically been installing a new 2014-2016: Director, Bradley Policy Center
Alfred.” administrative team to achieve and Olin Professor of Economics and Public
those goals: Jason Amore, a 1997 Policy, Simon Business School, University of
(Editor’s note: Alfred University’s graduate of Alfred University, is Rochester
now the new vice president of 2004-2014: Dean, Simon Business School,
Board of Trustees in the fall voted University Relations; Charles University of Rochester
Scheetz is the University’s new 1997-2003: Dean and Professor of
unanimously to award Julio Fuentes director of Financial Aid; Beth Economics, Eller College of Management,
Ann Dobie is the new dean of University of Arizona
a full scholarship, and Fuentes the College of Liberal Arts and 1991-1996: Associate Professor, Marshall
Sciences; and Kathy Woughter, School of Business University of Southern
has announced he plans to: (1) get a ’93 alumna and vice president California
of Student Affairs, will oversee 1995: Visiting Professor Amos Tuck School
married and (2) return to Alfred student retention activities. of Business Administration, Dartmouth
Meanwhile, Zupan continues College
University and finish his college emailing faculty, staff and students, 1992-1994: Associate Dean Masters
and closing his message with a Programs, Marshall School of Business,
education. In February, Zupan celebratory “Fiat Lux.” He is University of Southern California
also the first Alfred University 1986-1991: Assistant Professor: Marshall
announced that the University would president to use Twitter. In August School of Business, USC
2016, he tweeted what exactly the
award Warren Sutton an honorary significance of “Fiat Lux” holds for Education
a modern Alfred University. “The
degree in the spring commencement motto guided Alfred University’s 1981: B.A. (Economics) Harvard University
past, and it can help shape its 1987: PhD. (Economics) Massachusetts
ceremony, upon the recommendation future.” Institute of Technology
Ask Mark Zupan how he hopes
of the chairman of the Board of his presidency will be remembered Selected Publications:
by future generations of Alfredians,
Trustees, Les Gelber, and with the and he likes to quote the Chinese • Inside Job: How Government Insiders
Buddhist Lao Tsu: “With the best Subvert the Public Interest, 2017,
unanimous support of the Board. leaders, when the work is done, the Cambridge University Press
task accomplished, the people will
Sutton will return to his alma mater say, ‘We have done this ourselves’” • Microeconomic Theory and Application,
12th edition, (with E.K. Browning), 2016,
in May for his robe and hood.) John Wiley and Sons, New York
Zupan extracts two lessons from
those stories. Number One: Speak • Microeconomic Cases and Applications
from the heart, others will follow. (with A. M. Marino and T. W. Gilligan),
Number Two: Respect the power 1992, Harper Collins
of hard work and grit.
“Talent is over-rated,” he says. • “The Virtues of Free Markets,” Cato
He likes to cite the example Journal (2011) 31 (2) 1-36
of Angela Lee Duckworth, the
author of Grit: The Power of Passion • “An Economic Perspective on Leadership,”
and Perseverance. Duckworth’s Handbook of Leadership Theory and
childhood included growing up Practice, 2010, 165-280, Harvard
with a father who continually University Press
advised her, “You’re no genius.”
In 2013, she won a MacArthur
fellowship, popularly known
as a Genius Grant. “What

5

A Degree
for a
Difference

By Sue Goetschius

Left: Warren Sutton ’61 reviews
his treasured memories of
Alfred preserved in several
scrapbooks.

It was a simpler, perhaps Her father was the treasurer of the And while the late ’50s may have
more innocent time on the University. Warren, recruited to play been a simpler, more innocent time
Alfred University campus basketball, worked in Alfred during on college campuses, racial tension
the fall of 1959. Men were the summers, and he and Dorothy across the nation was ratcheting up
not allowed above the first had mutual friends. “We would get and two young adults on the Alfred
floor in The Brick, the together for a soda and we would all University campus were caught in
women’s residence, and hang out together for the afternoon,” the maelstrom swirling the country
women were not allowed Warren said. at the time. In spite of Alfred
in men’s residence halls. It was not until she enrolled in University’s egalitarian roots – It was
Alfred University as a first-year the first institution in the country to
There were curfews, and people nursing student in the fall of 1959 educate women in the same academic
checking to make sure they were that they began dating. Through her program as men, among the first to
followed. roommate, they made arrangements admit African-Americans and Native
And it was in this time that junior to meet at Herrick Library for study Americans – the administration began
Warren Sutton met Dorothy, a young dates. “Nobody knew we were exerting pressure to break up the
woman who caught his eye. She dating,” said Warren at his home in young relationship.
was a local resident, had attended Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, during a Among the first to feel it was Pete
Alfred-Almond Central School. recent visit. “We kept it quiet.” Smith, the men’s varsity basketball
But someone found out, and told coach who brought Warren to Alfred
6 her parents. “All of a sudden, it University. Smith, in his very first
escalated, all out of proportion,” head coaching job at Alfred, recruited
Warren said. Warren, knowing that he came out

of a highly regarded high school though she was 18, and a warrant across the country picked it up.
program in Chester, PA. Smith was was issued for her arrest. Warren Warren went on with his life. The
told by the athletic director and other and Dorothy were found in a movie following fall, with Pete Smith’s help,
coaches at the time to “control” theater; they had spent hours walking, he enrolled at Acadia University in
Warren. “Pete was really between a visiting restaurants, going to movies. Nova Scotia, and played basketball
rock and a hard place,” Warren said. When Dorothy was “apprehended,” there, too. He laughs at the
Warren was not only a stand-out the story became national news. The similarities between the two schools,
player, but he and Pete were friends. New York Times and US News and both located in one-stoplight towns, a
The two remained close until Pete’s World Report covered it, as did the far cry from the more populated area
death a few years ago. Associated Press, which put it out on where he grew up.
Most faculty and students – even the wire so that hundreds of papers
Warren’s teammates – were unaware Continued on page 8
of what was happening in his life,
but they started to see the effects. Sutton to receive Honorary Degree
Warren said he was angry, and it
showed. (See Warren Sutton’s letter Alfred University will award an honorary degree to Warren Sutton ’61,
to the editor, inside front cover) He at its May 13 commencement ceremony in McLane Center. Bestowing
doesn’t recall getting a scholarship, a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, on Sutton helps to right an
per se, but he knew he depended institutional wrong that occurred over a half century ago.
on his job in The Brick dining hall “Awarding an honorary degree to Warren Sutton helps heal a wound
for room and board, and he felt his suffered in 1959 by one of its greatest all-time student athletes” said
employment might be in jeopardy. Alfred University President Mark Zupan.
He feared expulsion might also be a Sutton arrived in Alfred from Chester, PA, in 1957. He enrolled in
consequence. the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and excelled not only in the
Finally, he left school part-way classroom, but also as an All-American player on the basketball court.
through the fall semester and went Under Alfred University coach Peter Smith, he became one of the
home to Chester. Dorothy withdrew country’s leading rebounders, once scoring 39 points and 34 rebounds
as well. in a memorable game against Upsala College in East Orange, NJ. He is
a member of the Alfred University Hall of Fame although he only played
While the late ’50s may two full seasons as a Saxon.
have been a simpler, more Sutton transferred to Acadia University in Canada and became the
innocent time on college first player from a Canadian university ever drafted into the National
campuses, interracial Basketball Association. Following his basketball career, Sutton became
tension across the nation a computer systems analyst for the City of Kitchener, Ontario. He also
was ratcheting up and two coached women’s university junior varsity and varsity teams.
young adults on the Alfred But Alfred University honors him in 2017 not for his extraordinary
University campus were basketball skills, but for his character and his history.
caught in the maelstrom Alfred University History Professor Gary Ostrower, a former classmate
swirling the country at the of Sutton, recounted the story to Zupan shortly before Zupan became the
time. University’s 14th president in July 2016. Because the tale was so at odds
with Alfred University’s history–Alfred University had been the first college
But that was not the end. in the nation to admit women on a fully equal basis with men, and
They arranged to meet in New among the first to admit African-Americans and Native Americans–Zupan
York City one weekend. She was wrote an apology to Sutton on behalf of the university.
accompanied by her parents; her Sutton’s reply “brought tears to my eyes,” Zupan admits. Sutton noted
mother and she were supposed to be that “this simple and sincere gesture is appreciated and only further
going to Florida for a vacation to help enhances my love and appreciation of my experiences at Alfred.”
Dorothy recover. She snuck out of her From the perspective of nearly 60 years, said President Zupan, “we
room in the middle of the night and judge our university’s role in this affair to be inexcusable and something
met Warren. Her parents reported her that cannot be swept under the proverbial rug.”
missing as a “wayward child,” even


7

Even today, more than 50 years The 1958 and 1959 Kanakadea yearbooks have that he was African-American. And
later, Warren admits to being baffled numerous photos and statistics documenting he has found that to be true of most
by the media furor. He has not talked Sutton’s illustrious Saxons basketball career. Canadians over the years. “They
to any media, until now, about what accept you for who you are.”
happened at Alfred, although many He remembers being invited to In spite of saying once a phase of
people claimed to know what had a woman student’s house while he his life is over, he moves on, Warren
happened. was a student at Acadia. “I met her has a collection of mementos from
While he says he is not particularly mother and father. It was no big deal” Alfred University – photos and
retrospective, that he separates his newspaper clippings of his basketball
life into distinct phases, and moves career, of course, but a birthday card
on once one is finished, still he muses two of his friends made for him, a
about what might have happened to crown he received as king candidate
his relationship with Dorothy had at a dance, and yearbooks from the
the Alfred University administration time he spent at Alfred.
not intervened. “I was 20, she was He remains friends with some of
only 18,” he said. “Who knows? It the people he met at Alfred, and
might have ended two weeks later” he and Dorothy have reconnected,
without interference. exchanging phone calls and emails on
He does not regret the path he has an occasional basis. He is touched, he
taken in his life, even though some of said, by the response from his Alfred
the changes were forced upon on. “I classmates when they learned Alfred
came out on top,” he said. was awarding an honorary degree to
The move to Canada was a good him.
one, he said. “Chester, where I grew Warren studied biology at Acadia,
up and went to high school, was very but he developed an affinity for
(racially) integrated,” and the kind computers early on. He retired as a
of tensions evident elsewhere. Had computer systems analyst for the City
he stayed in the United States, he of Kitchener, Ontario, where he still
feared, he might have been drafted lives.
for the military, or ended up in jail.

Warren Sutton’s letter to the editor continued from inside front cover

contact with a coach at a summer course, Alfred was included. During A Sign of the Times
camp led to my attending a university my research, I found that Alfred As America seems to reaching out to
in Canada, Acadia University. University was one of two Universities correct some wrongs and injustices
in America to admit African- that have happened over the years, I
Campus Life Americans and Native Americans, as was especially touched by President
Race relations were not an issue at far back as the 1860’s Zupan who reached out some 60
the University. Of course, there were years later to apologize for the wrong
only about six African-American Reach Out doing of others. I wanted to publicly
students out of a population of about The University has reached out in the acknowledge his efforts. I think it
1200 students at the time. I was well- past to me. In 1986, I was inducted shows the kind of gentleman that
received and accepted by the majority into the Alfred University Sports Hall Alfred University has been blessed
of the students. I never felt any racial of Fame. Coincidentally, perhaps, with: a sensitive, enthusiastic and
pressure or tension on campus. In all the principal members of the responsible leader.
fact, in my sophomore year, I was administration at that time had passed One of his comments in his letter
nominated by the Brick as their on. Pete Smith presented me to the was that Alfred is and always will be
representative for Winter Carnival Hall of Fame. committed to the ideal of full racial
King. I still have my crown and scroll. and gender equality.
I recently made a picture book Thank you, President Zupan.
of my basketball career and, of This simple and sincere gesture is
appreciated and only further enhances
8 my love and appreciation of my
experiences at Alfred.





Interruptions are frequent when Mark lunches at the Russ & Daughters Café, and he enjoys every irresistible, so he returned to the
single one. Lower East Side to immerse himself
in building upon the family legacy.
As Mark says of his grandfather “he Mark’s high school counselor Mark hasn’t been back to Alfred
was no feminist, believe me, but he recommended three liberal arts since he left in 1966, and he admits
had no sons and he wanted a family universities to consider as he began he isn’t really “one who looks back. I
business. His decision to name his thinking of how to “do better,” one of tend to always be looking for what’s
growing enterprise as such was not which was Alfred University. next.”
just unusual, for that time in New Nonetheless, for our luncheon
York it was unique!” meeting, I had brought along a 1966
Regardless of the reasons, Mark’s Kanakadea yearbook as Mark had
grandfather’s decision to establish a “(Alfred) was a great place requested.
feminine presence to his business The opened book nearly spanned
“brand” was incredibly prescient, and it to start to grow up, and even our tiny lunch table, and he began
has served the business very, very well. turning the pages (back to front, since
One of those three daughters, though I went on to Georgetown the senior photos are in the last part
Ann, was Mark’s mother. Yet, in of the book). The memories started
spite of what may seem like a typical for my law degree, Alfred is the coming back, and Mark began talking
family business legacy that was about the different friends he knew
pre-determined, Mark’s path took a place I remember fondly. “ well, girls he dated, his involvement
couple of interesting turns before he in ROTC, the classic campus
committed himself to those special Mark Federman ’66 buildings.
and rewarding 30 years at the Store. When he got to the yearbook’s
From an early age Mark had heard After what he calls an unpleasant faculty section, Mark’s page turning
from both his mother and father that college visit to an institution in slowed and finally stopped. He
the kids should aspire to “do better.” the midwest (ironically due to a had reached the pages that had the
As Mark explained, the romance that heavy snowfall), Mark decided that English faculty.
people have with food nowadays is Alfred just sounded “right,” and As an English major, Mark’s
nothing like it was when his parents never having set foot on campus recollections of writing classes with
slogged through every day “selling beforehand, he applied, was accepted David Ohara and Melvin Bernstein
herring, and salmon... you know, and enrolled in 1962. were of particular significance. The
cheap protein for Jews,” Mark laughs. “It was a welcoming environment... legacy of those professors spanned
He continued, “So, ‘better’ meant cloistered. A beautiful campus, really. decades, and their impact upon
breaking out of that environment, It was a great place to start to grow thousands of young students, and in
getting a job where you didn’t come up, and even though I went on to particular writers, was immeasurable.
home exhausted and smelling like Georgetown for my law degree after Mark acknowledged how even after
fish. I was told ‘You should go to graduating from AU, Alfred is the all those years since Alfred, he drew
school, get a job in an office sitting place I remember fondly.” upon those priceless Alfred influences
down, be a doctor, be a lawyer.’” Mark spent a few years successfully while writing his memoir.
practicing law, yet it was not a fit for For Mark, there is a bit of irony
him. The lure of the family business that for 30 years he “sold fish,” as he
that he participated in during his very proudly states it, then found the
childhood and adolescence proved time to draw upon the lessons learned
over a half century ago at AU and to
bring forth a wonderful story about
family, about history, and about life in
general.
Of “Russ & Daughters” and of
Mark Federman, Professors Ohara
and Bernstein would be proud.

11

A Vision Fulfilled

After years of planning, the Alfred Ceramic Art Museum opened officially October 28, 2016,
completing the vision of Professor Charles Fergus Binns, who began assembling a pottery collection
on the campus more than 100 years ago.

With nearly 8,000 ceramic – business, history, culture. So for to the International Museum of
objects in its collection, me the mission is also about how Ceramic Art, then The Schein-Joseph
including an outstanding ceramics is a touchstone for all International Museum of Ceramic
collection of graduate thesis work by elements of the mind.” Art at the New York State College of
Alfred University-educated ceramic The museum opened with a Ceramics at Alfred University.
artists, the museum joins a network of ribbon cutting ceremony attended by In 2014, with Miller’s support,
western New York art institutions that President Mark Zupan and Trustee construction of the new building
includes Rochester’s Memorial Art Marlin Miller, whose financial support began under the architectural
Gallery, Buffalo’s Burchfield Penney made the project possible after years supervision of Kallman, McKinnell
Art Center, The Corning Museum of discussion and planning on the and Wood of Boston. The Board of
of Glass and Cornell University’s campus. Trustees formally named the new
Johnson Museum of Art. It was in 1991 – nearly 90 years building The Alfred Ceramic Art
“The mission of the museum has after Binns assembled the university’s Museum in 2015.
to be educational,” said Director and first collection of ceramic art – that Higby noted the museum collection
Curator Wayne Higby. “But what’s the Board of Trustees formally includes ceramic art from Binns’s
significant is how ceramics has a established the Museum of Ceramic original collection, plus works by
footprint in all areas of education Art at Alfred. The name changed U.S. and international ceramic artists,

12

An important component of the new Museum
is as an educational venue. Above, assistant
Professor of Ceramics Matt Kelleher conducts
an informative tour of the history of ceramic art
with his junior pottery students.

Core Sample, the opening exhibition, featured a wide variety of dynamic ceramic art from alumni, many trained at Alfred University.
faculty, and current students. “These folks have changed the face
of ceramic art in the 21st century,”
From left, Wayne Higby, Marlin Miller, Ginger Miller, and AU President Mark Zupan cut the ribbon at Higby said. “They represent the
the inaugural opening reception for the Alfred Ceramic Art Museum on October 28, 2016. arc and evolution of ceramic art – all
of these people who have become
major names, and teachers, all across
America.”
Miller said his interest in
supporting the development of a
ceramic art museum emerged in part
from his business trips as co-founder
of Arrow International and co-founder
and director of Norwich Ventures. “I
could be in any country in the world,
and people practicing ceramic art
knew all about Alfred,” he said. “We
really just needed a place where we
could put this collection in the public
eye.”
The museum is open from 10am
to 5pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and
Fridays; 10am to 7pm Thursdays; and
10am to 4pm Saturdays and Sundays.
www.ceramicsmuseum.alfred.edu


13

You can find additional details to these articles,
and many others, by visiting the Alfred University
homepage at www.alfred.edu. Scroll to the bottom
of the homepage and under “Explore AU” you will
find links to AU E-News and Press Releases. There
are continuous updates on all campus activities in
both of these areas.

ANUews D I G E S T

Alumni to deliver commencement keynote Victoria said. The boat “changed the world,” carrying immigrants to

Victoria and Richard MacKenzie-Childs, founders of an eponymous and from Ellis Island as they entered the country. She was a troop-
carrier in both world wars and an excursion boat that cruised New
luxury home goods firm that is one of the most enduring brands
in what can be a mercurial field, will deliver the address at Alfred York harbor to allow the wealthy to “catch the breeze” in the days
University’s 181st commencement, to be held at 10 a.m. May 13 before air conditioning.
The metaphor does not escape
in the Galanis Family Arena at
Victoria and Richard. Just at
McLane Center.
the Yankee Ferry has adapted
As part of the commencement
and changed, so too have the
ceremonies, the University will
MacKenzie-Childses during the
award Victoria and Richard
course of their lifetimes.
MacKenzie-Childs Doctor of Fine
Victoria earned her baccalaureate
Arts degrees, honoris causa.
degree from Indiana University and
Both are graduates of Alfred
was taking graduate courses at
University’s top-ranked Master of
Harvard-Radcliffe when she made
Fine Arts program in ceramic art.
the decision she wanted to study
Victoria received her MFA in 1977
with Wayne Higby. Richard was
and Richard, who received his
a student at the Massachusetts
BFA degree from Alfred in 1975,
College of Art & Design prior to
earned his MFA a year later.
entering Alfred University’s School of
In 1983, while Richard was
Art & Design.
teaching ceramic art at Wells
Higby, professor of ceramic art at
College in Aurora, NY, the
Alfred and now director of the Alfred
young couple started selling
Ceramic Art Museum, has known
what they called “sketch pad”
Victoria and Richard since before
platters, designed by Victoria
they were graduate students.
and created by Richard, and the
Together, Victoria and Richard
firm MacKenzie-Childs, Ltd., was Richard and Victoria MacKenzie-Childs have what Higby calls “an amazing
launched.
vision,” along with “the skill and
“In choosing Richard and
ability to make unexpected things… they reinvented the home
Victoria MacKenzie-Childs as our commencement speakers and
décor landscape,” with objects that were not just hand-made, but
recipients of honorary degrees from Alfred University, we are
paying tribute to their creativity and their vision,” said Mark Zupan, had “an artist’s magic touch.” Their work convinced people not to
president of Alfred University. “Their vision launched a company that just buy a functional platter or cup, a footstool or an armoire, but
over the years has produced thousands of designs, created hundreds something that went beyond the simply decorative. “They brought
of thousands of objects, and established their company as a force in to home décor a highly unique, expressive style.”
And their success was “embedded in the education they received
the luxury home goods market.”
Since stepping away from their company more than 10 years ago, from Alfred University,” said Higby. The faculty in the MFA program
the two have been immersing themselves in their latest undertaking: impart technical knowledge, certainly, but they also encourage
restoring and transforming the Yankee Ferry, the last remaining Ellis students to find their own way in their work.
Island ferryboat, which has been their home, their studio, and now Victoria and Richard have a daughter, Heather, who is married to
Nils Chaplet, and two grandchildren, Wittika and Felix MacKenzie-
what Victoria calls the armature for their latest work.
Chaplet.
Transforming the Yankee Ferry has been a mission for them,

14





Rainford, Reed named 2017 Marlin Miller Outstanding Seniors news

Alfred University senior students Cheyenne Rainford and Quintin Reed, a resident of Hartford, Conn., is described by Professor
Reed have been named recipients of the 2017 Marlin Miller of Political Science Robert Stein as “engaged in the subject, open
Outstanding Senior Award. Both students will be honored at to new perspectives, constantly synthesizing class material with
Alfred University’s spring Commencement ceremony on May 13 experiences and with his other classes.” A Political Science major
and will address the graduating class, as well as Alfred University with a minor in Philosophy, Reed is credited with reviving the
faculty, administration, trustees, and guests. Political Science Club and helped cover the 2016 Election returns
Rainford, a resident of Sherburne, N.Y. and described in her for WLEA Radio in Hornell. He has served the Alfred University
nomination as “smart, savvy, accomplished, personable, ethical, community in myriad additional ways, including working as a
and hardworking,” is a Communication Studies major and resident advisor, serving as peer leader for a First Year Experience
has served as managing editor of Alfred University’s Fiat Lux course, and even winning a poetry slam contest.
since her second year. She loves the “tough stories,” according “What makes Quintin so special is how ubiquitous he is, but in an
to Professor of Communication Studies Robyn Goodman – unassuming way,” Stein writes. “From the time he arrived at Alfred,
stories “that have the promise of helping the Alfred University Quintin has taken advantage of all that college life has to offer. …
community deal with real issues in real ways.” He does not participate in all of these things to pad his resume. He
Alfred University Vice President of Student Affairs Kathy participates out of an interest in the activity itself – in contributing
Woughter seconds Goodman’s nomination of Rainford, noting to the community and in growing personally through that process.”
she has accomplished “the trifecta of experiences for students Reed is the son of Karin Reed of Harford, Conn., and James Reed
who really love Alfred University: tour guide, orientation guide of Plainsville, Conn.
and resident advisor.” Woughter notes Rainford also is a rider He says his education at Alfred University was marked by strong
on the University’s equestrian team and, for her senior capstone individual relationships with professors who encouraged him to
project, assisted Woughter in recruiting for the Alpha Kappa develop and follow his own interests.
Omicron leadership and social change awards. Winners of the Marlin Miller Outstanding Senior Award are
“I believe Cheyenne is about as well-rounded a student as we chosen on the basis of scholarship, extracurricular achievement,
have at AU,” Woughter says. personal character and conduct and nominated by faculty, students
Rainford says Alfred University presented her with a huge and staff. The award was established to honor Alfred University
range of opportunities for an undergraduate education. “AU alumnus Marlin Miller ’54, one of Alfred University’s most generous
packs so much opportunity into such little time,” she says. “It’s supporters. Miller has been a member of Alfred University’s Board of
like a good story: you get something new every time you come Trustees since 1972.
back to it.”
She is the daughter of Paul and Laura Rainford, also of
Sherburne.

17

The new outdoor kiln is located behind Harder Hall.

Art and Design dedicates new outdoor kiln building

Alfred University’s School of Art and Design formally dedicated its The new facility, constructed in post-and-beam style, shows off
new 3,900-square-foot kiln building in a celebration April 6, 2017. the warm reddish hues of Douglas Fir timber shipped to Alfred
Presiding over the ceremony, Gerar Edizel, interim dean of the from Tennessee. The building design allows for the easy flow of
School of Art and Design, noted the new building replaces a air, a critical issue given the chemical reactions taking place within
decades-old facility that evolved from a simple wooden building each kiln, while also providing necessary protection from the
constructed in the early 1970s. A photograph of the original kiln elements. There are currently four gas-fired kilns in the building and
showed a structure that looked more like a backyard shed than one wood-fired kiln. An additional kiln will be added in the fall,
a modern kiln facility. Edizel singled out Alfred University Kiln constructed by Alfred University students studying kiln design in the
Specialist Freddy Fredrickson – “legendary kiln builder Freddy School of Art and Design and supervised by Shawn Murrey, a kiln
Fredrickson” -- as an advocate through the years for an improved specialist in SOAD.
kiln building.

From left, William Heaney, representative of State Senator Alfred University dedicates McMahon Engineering
Catharine Young, engineering dean Alastair Cormack, and Building addition
Alfred University Trustee Tom Hinman ’79 at the McMahon
Building dedication ceremony. Alfred University dedicated an addition to the McMahon Engineering Building
that contains some of the most advanced analytical equipment in the nation on
18 April 6, 2017.
Located within the $9 million “infill” – it was built in the courtyard of the
existing building – the addition contains an array of analytical equipment
capable of characterizing materials while they are at elevated temperatures,
rather than after they’ve cooled, giving researchers better information
about how the materials function in at high temperatures. Collectively, the
suites of equipment make up the Center for High-Temperature Materials
Characterization.
Dedication of the new space and the Center mark the end of a journey that
began more than 10 years ago, when representatives from Alfred University and
Corning Incorporated approached State Senator Catharine Young with a request
for funding, said Thomas Hinman ’79, a trustee of Alfred University and a senior
vice president at Corning prior to his retirement. The University and Corning
believed the Center would have great value for industries in New York State,
and for the Inamori School of Engineering, part of the New York State College
of Ceramics at Alfred University, where the next generation of scientists and
engineers is being educated.

Cohens’ gift creates endowed dean’s position for School of Art and Design; provides for
applied-learning opportunities for students

Marty and Michele Cohen A $2 million gift from Michele and Marty Cohen will create an endowed dean’s position for the
School of Art and Design, and provide immediate funding for an applied learning program for
Alfred University students.
An endowment to support a dean’s position is a first for Alfred University and helps to advance
the University’s strategic objective of doubling the number of endowed faculty/staff positions over
the next decade.

The gift was announced April 20, 2017.
Alfred University president Mark Zupan says that “We are profoundly grateful to Michele and
Marty Cohen for their inspirational gift. Their investment in Alfred University will promote ongoing
excellence and leadership at our top-10-rated School of Art and Design through the Michele and
Marty Cohen endowed deanship. Furthermore, their generous support will allow us to expand our
applied learning program at Alfred University and to ensure that, effective with this fall’s entering
class, every student at Alfred will be able to benefit from an applied learning opportunity.”

Five students join prestigious Saxon Circle students accepted the initial challenge to support
their alma mater over the next five years.
When Mark Zupan became Alfred University’s 14th president, “I fully expect we’ll have at least 300
he brought with him the vision of enhanced alumni engagement members by June 30,” Amore said.
to support the educational mission of the University. One of the Alfred University historically has
results of that vision is the Saxon Circle, a leadership giving society encouraged values of community
comprised of dedicated alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff and involvement, service and support among
students. These supporters would commit to providing an example its students. Zupan’s vision for Saxon Circle
of donor leadership, with a five-year philanthropic commitment of builds on that tradition, Amore says.
discretionary support to Alfred University. “The basic idea is simple. Alfred University students and alumni
A key target for the Saxon Circle is to recruit 300 charter recognize the importance of giving back, whether they choose to
members by the end of June 2017. And so far, so good, according support a local community organization, such as a public library,
to Jason Amore, Alfred University’s new Vice President for University a religious institution, or any other mission-driven charitable
Relations. As of mid-April, Saxon Circle had grown to 274 members.
“We’re definitely on track,” Amore says, noting five undergraduate organization.
“We want alumni to think of Alfred

University when they’re making their
philanthropic investment decisions regarding
what organizations to support. First, we want
our alumni to be good citizens. Second, we
want their citizenship to include their alma
mater.”

For alumni who are out of school for ten
years or more, membership in the Saxon Circle
requires a minimum annual discretionary
commitment of $1,000 (and there are higher
annual giving levels beyond that base level).
There are lower annual giving levels for
younger alums and students.

To learn more about the Saxon Circle, visit
www.alfred.edu/alumni/giving/leadership-
giving.cfm, or call University Relations at
607-871-2144.

Mark Zupan, center, is surrounded by students displaying their Saxon Circle pins. From left, Justin
Cerrato, Justin Fossum, Logan Gee, Beryl Torthe, and Caroline Burgos

19

athleticsH I G H L I G H T S

Tyler Johnson helped lead the Saxons to an unbeaten regular season Liz Thompson set the AU career record for homeruns.

Saxon football team makes history Softball team starts strong, eyes Empire 8 title

The AU football team recorded a year for the ages in 2016, The AU softball team competed for a berth in the Empire 8
winning a school-record 12 games and hosting three NCAA Conference tournament, the winner of which qualifies for the NCAA
tournament games before its season ended in the national championships.
championship quarterfinals. The Saxons would finish in fifth place in the league standings, just
The Saxons went 10-0 in the regular season and won their out of the four-team E8 tournament field. Still, the Saxons turned in a
third Empire 8 title, becoming the first team in E8 history solid season and with several talented players set to return, the team
to go unbeaten and the first AU team in 35 years to go can look ahead with optimism to the 2018 season.
through a regular season unscathed. AU hosted and defeated AU began the season by winning seven of 12 games played during
Bridgewater State and Western New England to reach the a challenging Spring Break trip to Florida. The Saxons would go
NCAA Elite 8, where they fell to visiting Mount Union in a on to finish with a 7-7 Empire 8 record, with one of the victories
shootout. coming at then nationally-ranked Stevens. The Saxons also swept E8
Several Saxons earned All-America nods, led by junior doubleheaders against Utica, Elmira and Houghton.
linebacker A.J. LiCata (Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Year) The Saxons’ roster boasted a solid mix of veterans – some holdovers
and senior quarterback Tyler Johnson (E8 Offensive Player of from the 2015 team that went to the Division III College World
the Year), and head coach Bob Rankl, who piloted the Empire Series in Salem, VA – and talented youngsters. Leading the way was
8’s Coaching Staff of the Year. The Saxons won the Lambert senior third baseman and All-American candidate Liz Thompson. An
Cup as the top Division III team in the East, the first time since All-American and E8 Player of the Year as a sophomore in 2015,
1971 an AU team has earned that distinction. Thompson set new career records for home runs, hits and stolen bases
this year.
20

Seth Spicer earned All-America track and field honors. Four inducted into AU Athletics Hall of Fame

Spicer flexes muscles at NCAA indoor Four former standout student-athletes were inducted into the
championships Alfred University Athletics Hall of Fame during Homecoming
festivities last fall. The 2016 Hall of Fame class included Chris
AU junior Seth Spicer, one of the top multi track athletes in the Tighe ’88 (men’s basketball), Jesse Hiney ’97 (men’s lacrosse),
region, became Alfred’s first indoor track and field All-American in Lisa (Valitutto) Rossi ’02 (women’s basketball) and Brian
22 years. Gotham ’06 (men’s swimming).
Spicer earned the accolades with his fourth-place finish in
the heptathlon at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Tighe was a four-year starter for the
Championships, held in March at North Central College in Saxons from 1984-88. He played on
Naperville, IL. His 4,969 points shattered his previous school record some of the best teams in the storied
of 4,859, as he became Alfred’s first indoor All-American since AU history of the men’s basketball program,
Hall of Fame hurdler Glenn Clinton in 1995. and ranks in the top 25 at AU in career
The NCAAs capped an outstanding indoor season for Spicer, who scoring and rebounding. He was on the
won a New York State championship in the heptathlon and was 1984-85 squad that earned the team’s
named Empire 8 Conference Field Athlete of the Year. first-ever berth in the NCAA championship tournament and
the 1985-86 team that went 25-3, again qualifying for the
Alfred University welcomes two new coaches NCAAs. The 25 wins in 1985-86 represent a school single-
season record.
AU Director of Athletics Paul Vecchio announced the appointment of
a pair of new coaches this year. Hiney, one of the most prolific scorers
in Saxon men’s lacrosse history, played
Tracy Blake was appointed head men’s for two NCAA playoff teams: the
soccer coach, replacing Matt Smith, and 1994 team that went 12-3 and the
Dakota Pruiss was introduced as head 1997 squad that went 10-4. He was a
women’s volleyball coach, taking over for Second Team USILA All-American his
Amanda Hubbard. senior season of 1997 and was also a
Blake is a veteran assistant, having served two-time Super Six First Team All-Star (1996 and 1997). He
on the coaching staffs of women’s teams at also played for the 1995 Saxons that went 13-4 and won the
SUNY Oswego and SUNY Cortland and the men’s team at Cayuga ECAC Upstate championship tournament.
County Community College, and also has several years’ experience
as a high school and club team coach. Rossi was a starting forward four
Dakota Pruiss comes to AU from SUNY seasons (1998-02) on the women’s
New Paltz, where she served as an assistant basketball team, finishing her career
the last three seasons. She has also served as one of the top post players ever at
as a coach for Iroquois-Empire Volleyball Alfred University. A two-time Empire
Association (IREVA) High Performance, a 8 Conference All-Star, she finished her
regional volleyball program run through USA career at AU as the school’s top scorer,
Volleyball, which covers Eastern New York with 1,368 points. She also pulled down 819 rebounds in her
and serves some of the top high school players in the state. career, third-most in program history, and holds career, single-
season and single-game records for free throws made.

Gotham was one of the most talented
breaststrokers to ever grace the pool at
Alfred University. In four seasons with
the Saxons (2002-06) he was a four-
time Upper New York State Collegiate
Swimming Association (UNYSCSA)/
Empire 8 champion. Gotham was a
freshman on the 2003 Saxon team that won the school’s
first-ever UNYSCSA/Empire 8 team title, and that season was
named the Empire 8 Conference Rookie of the Year.

21



Transitions: Alfred University Board
of Trustees names new members

The Alfred University Board of Trustees 3M in 2012. Ceramic Society; Sreeram was the award
Joel served
appointed three new members, and said as Ceradyne’s recipient for leaders in the Americas.
company
farewell to three veteran trustees at its president and Sreeram joined Dow in 2006 as vice
chairman of
February meeting. the board. president of core research and development
Joel was
Joining the board are Christine E. elected to and is a former global technology director
Alfred’s Board Ann Moskowitz
Heckle, a 1992 alumna of Alfred University, of Trustees and chief technology officer for DuPont
in 1983 and served on the board until
who also earned her master’s (1995) and he passed away in March 2015. Over the Electronic Technologies. He was also vice
years, Ann and Joel have been dedicated
Ph.D. (1998) degrees from Alfred University; to improving student life. Among other president of worldwide technology for
initiatives, they created two special interest
Ann Silverman Moskowitz, widow of the houses on campus: Joel’s House, a 22-bed Cookson Electronics, and was employed
residence hall constructed in 2004; and
late Joel Moskowitz, a 1961 alumnus; and Ann’s House, a 48-bed residence hall by Sarnoff Corporation early in his career
constructed in 2009.
A.N. Sreeram, who received a master’s The couple was recognized for their where he
generosity to Alfred when named to the
degree from Alfred University in 1990. University’s Society of Benefactors in 2005. led the
Most recently, Ann has committed support
Heckle is director of inorganic materials for renovating Reimer Hall, a residence hall electronic and
on the north end of campus constructed
research at Corning, where she has in 1962. In addition to their support flat display
of Alfred, their philanthropic priorities
worked since include the Ceramic and Glass Industry department.
Foundation, which Joel founded. Ann is a
1997. Prior current member of the board of trustees at Sreeram
Chapman University. She has a son, David,
to assuming and resides in Corona del Mar, CA. resides in

her current A.N. Sreeram ’90 earned a master’s Midland, MI.
degree in glass science from Alfred in 1990
position in and his doctorate from the Department Leaving the
of Materials Science and Engineering at
September Massachusetts Institute of Technology board are:
in 1995. He is a 1989 graduate of the
2015, she was ceramics engineering program from the Robert A.N. Sreeram ’90
Indian Institute of Technology – Banaras Daggett, a
the director Hindu University in Varanasi, India.
Sreeram is now the senior vice president
of crystalline and chief technology officer with Dow 1981 alumnus
Chemical Company. He holds over 20 U.S.
materials Christine Heckle ’92 patents and in October 2016 was one of with a degree in ceramic engineering.
the first two recipients of the Industrial
research, Leadership Award from the American Rob joined the Alfred University Board

leading the of Trustees in 1999, and was integral to

development of new products to support the building of the Bromeley-Daggett

both the environmental technologies and Equestrian Center at Maris Cuneo Equine

specialty materials segments. Park that led to the growth of Alfred

Heckle is the daughter of fellow Alfred University’s equestrian program.

alumni, Pamela Tinnes Lord ’68 and Harold John Gilbertson, former president and

W. Lord, Jr. ’69. She is married to alumnus chief executive officer of AVX Corporation,

Darryl Heckle ’96, who graduated with a subsidiary of Kyocera Corporation, who

a B.S. in ceramic engineering, a minor in joined the board in 2006.

math, and completed a master’s in ceramic Robert L. “Steve” Stephens, a retired

engineering in 1997. Darryl is a product line brigadier general in the U.S. Army, who

manager at Corning. The couple resides in earned his master’s degree from Alfred

Corning, NY and has two children. University in 1971 while serving as an

instructor in the University Reserve Officer

Ann Moskowitz earned a B.A. in Training Corps (ROTC) program. He
economics from Wellesley College in
1962. She was employed by I.B.M. as a served as a member of the trustee search
programmer/analyst. In 1964 Ann married
Alfred alumnus Joel Moskowitz ’61. In committee for the new vice president of
1967, Joel co-founded Ceradyne, Inc., an
advanced technical ceramic company which University Relations and was vice chair of
manufactured and marketed ceramics for
the industrial, aerospace, defense, medical two board committees. He was granted
and electronic markets until it was sold to
Life Trustee status at the February board

meeting.



23

AUS p r i n g
Class Notes

2017

1951Golden Saxons Skelly in Regensburg, Germany, and life 1956 Golden Saxons
with his late wife, Barbara, and first-
An article in the Winter 2015 edition born child, Scott, in housing off-base. At 81, novelist and Alfred University
of the Alfred Magazine about Mildred Bruce Conroe graduated with a B.A. in alumnus Robert Littell is back in
Cooper ‘42 caused Robert Hultquist mathematics and was a member of Klan the limelight with new book, his 19th,
to reflect on the parallels between his Alpine fraternity. His family includes published by Thomas Dunne Books/St.
life and hers. “Like Mildred, I was a several Alfred alums; his mother, father, Martin’s Press, New York City.
sports fan. Like Mildred, I especially aunt, brother, sister-in-law and grand- “The Mayakovsky Tapes” paints a
liked baseball. I played in a semi-pro niece attended AU, and his father was fictional portrait of a real-life Russian
league after Alfred days. Like Mildred, assistant dean of the faculty at AU poet who was crushed by Stalinism. Told
I majored in math. Like Mildred, I did when Bruce was born. Bruce completed through the eyes of the four women who
student teaching at Alfred and I too his master’s degree in education from were Vladimir Mayakovsky’s mistresses
was intimidated by the student teacher Alfred in 1954, and earned his Ed.D. and muses, the book pieces together
coordinator. Like Mildred, I worked in from SUNY Albany in 1975. He was a what in effect is a series of taped
education,” said Robert. “You can see high school math teacher and guidance reminiscences of a flamboyant poet and
why I read the story with some interest!” counselor prior to transitioning into intellectual who had once served as
Hultquist is a professor emeritus at Penn higher education at SUNY Potsdam, propagandist for the Russian Revolution
State. where he worked as associate dean of and later became an enemy of the Soviet
students, assistant vice president for State.
1953Golden Saxons academic affairs and retired as vice Littell, who graduated from Alfred
provost. Bruce joined the Alumni Council in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in
Bruce in 2014 and resides in Wilton, NY. English, is the author of 18 previous
Conroe has novels and the nonfiction “For the Future
released 1954Golden Saxons of Israel,” written with the late Shimon
“Memories Peres, former Israeli president.
of a Vern Fitzgerald played four sports Littell gave his tapes from the Peres’
Reluctant while at Alfred University, but football interview to Herrick Library; they have
Soldier: The was his favorite and his skills on the recently been made available online
Cold War field were so outstanding that in 1981, through the library for scholars and
Revisited,” he was named to Alfred University’s researchers to use.
a memoir of athletics Hall of Fame. He was able to He has been awarded both the English
his military see his beloved Saxons one last time Gold Dagger and the Los Angeles Times
service, when the Sharon M. Pepper Wish Upon Book Prize for his fiction. His spy novel
growth as a A Star program at the M.M Ewing “The Company” was a New York Times
young man and early family life during Continuing Care Center in Canandaigua bestseller later made into a television
the 1950s. The book was published in made it possible for him to attend the miniseries. He lives in France.
summer 2015 through www.lulu.com November 2015 games at St. John
and can be found at amazon.com. It is Fisher. Later, asked about his time at
illustrated with Bruce’s photos of Fort Alfred, Vern smiled and said, ‘”It’s a part
of me.”

Gold24 class years indicate Golden Saxons and honored years at Reunion 2017

AUC l ass Notes Spring 2017

1957Golden Saxons

East Islip, NY, watercolor artist Jeanne
Fields Rogers displayed “beautifully
vibrant winter landscapes and scenery
from across Long Island and New York
state” in a solo exhibition at the Islip
Town Hall, part of the “Art in the Hall”
series which features the work of local
artists. Her work was also featured at
the Riverhead Suffolk County Historical
Society Museum earlier this year.

1959Golden Saxons

Cy Berlowitz has published

“Sealights,” a memoir of the three years, F‘ innerty embodied the ‘best of Alfred University’

1967-70, he spent in the U.S. Merchant Carlton Blanchard submitted the following tribute to his classmate and friend, Frank
Finnerty, who died in 2015. The photo above is from the 1959 Kanakadea yearbook.
Marines, sailing under Norwegian, Israeli
Those were heady and exciting days in the late ‘50’s and early ‘60’s in Alfred University
and Sierra Leonean flags. Some of the sports. It was a period of extraordinary accomplishment for cross country and track
teams. With Frank Finnerty leading the way, those teams had the records to prove
ports he recalls are Durban, Massawa, excellence. Four undefeated teams in dual meet competition as well as four New York
State small college championships (cross country/track combined). Frank Finnerty was
Djibouti, Karachi, Bombay, Melilla, the undisputed leader on and off the track. Not only was he the best runner, but the
leader who was looked to for his integrity, selflessness and hard work. “Tiny Alfred
Barcelona, Marseilles and Saigon. These with Finnerty in 5th placed a creditable 9th (of 21) in the IC4 Meet,” wrote nationally
published Track and Field News in November 1959.
places and the people he met and Opposing college coaches always noticed Frank. A coach from Syracuse commented
that Frank not only beat all of his runners, but did so with class. Competing in New
worked with are vividly described, as it York City, Quantico Relays, three NCAA cross country championships all brought
national attention to tiny Alfred University and Frank Finnerty was the ambassador.
the sea itself. National competition requires a special talent, resilience and a seriousness of purpose.
For Alfred University athletes, it was a feeling that they were as good as the big
L. David Pye, dean and professor university athletes.
Frank took it all in stride with the tenacity and will to be the best he could be. In fact,
of glass science, emeritus, received the he thrived on the national exposure and relished being the underdog. At the IC4A meet
at Madison Square Garden in 1959, Frank turned the meet around by finishing second
2016 Toledo in the 1000-year run, thus disrupting the scoring for a major team (Manhattan) and
costing them the championship won by Penn State.
(Ohio) Glass With Doc Tuttle as cross country coach, Frank won the Middle States freshman
cross country title and was named most outstanding athlete. In later Alfred years, he
and Ceramic ran nationally recognized times in the 880 (1:51.6) and mile (4:12.2), was ranked
nationally in the top five for the 880 and he hoped to qualify for the 1960 Olympics in
Award, presented Tokyo.
Frank’s greatest thrill in track was the day that Coach McLane’s Saxons nosed out
annually by Hamilton College by one-seventh of a point for the NYS small college championship in
1959. Frank won the mile, 880 and anchored the winning relay team.
the Michigan/ In 1975 Frank was inducted into the Alfred University Athletics Hall of Fame. He was
accorded All-American status in 1961 or ’62 when the NCAA decided to recognize
Northwest some of the minor sports.
Frank embodied the highest and best stands of Alfred University as an athlete, as a
Ohio Section of student and as a man.

L. David Pye the American
Ceramic Society.

Pye delivered a lecture, “Glass Science,

Glass Art: Taking a Look Back,” during

the annual meeting of the Section. First

given in the mid-1950s, the award is

considered one of the most prestigious

in the international glass community.

It recognizes “distinguished scientific,

technical, or engineering achievements

in the field of glass and ceramics.”

Pye, an honored teacher, scholar and

researcher, has served as president of

the International Commission on Glass

and the American Ceramic Society. He

25







AUC l ass Notes Spring 2017

chaplain. 1981 works by Walter McConnell, professor
He and his wife, Kathy, are residents of ceramic art in the School of Art &
of Natrona Heights. They have two Dr. Laura Sulmonte Chesson was Design at Alfred University, will be on
daughters, Jessie and Maggie, and a son, recently appointed as Superintendent display at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Eli. of the Groton Dunstable Public School at the Freer/Sackler, The Smithsonian’s
system in Groton MA. Museum of Asian Art, through June 4,
1977Reunion Year 2017. It opened in July 2016.
1985 The exhibition “explores the West’s
Author/artist Wende Esrow has enduring obsession with Chinese blue-
released her second picture book, “If Dr. Lauren McIsaac-O’Hare is and-white porcelain,” according to a
You Listen to the Trees.” The book is dean of the School of Nursing at St. release from the gallery. McConnell
available through Barnes and Noble and Peter’s University in Jersey City, NJ. created two of his floor-to-ceiling,
Amazon, and is also found in several She is responsible for the oversight stacked porcelain “Stupa” sculptures
library systems, four major art gallery gift and program administration of the on site, and has re-designed the Freer
shops and all independent book stores baccalaureate, RN/BS, master’s and Sackler’s collection of blue and white
in the Buffalo, NY, area. “After spending doctor of Nursing Practice Programs. ceramics with his complimentary 3-D
so many hours walking through the printed objects.
woods, I am honored to share the spirit 1986 McConnell received his BFA from
of the forest with my readers,” said the University of Connecticut in 1974,
Wende. “After a long day of hiking and “Chinamania” an exhibition featuring and his MFA in Ceramic Art from Alfred
drawing, Gwendolyn warmed up by University in 1986. Well known for his
the woodstove,” reads an excerpt from
the book. “As the logs crackled and ‘Another good story for the books’t was another one of those “Alfred moments:” Nearly four years ago, Robin
sparked, forest secrets unfurled in the
colorful flames. Gwendolyn, a young Mazejka, who works for University Relations, visited Cheryl Blanchard ’86 and her
artist, spends a lot of time in the woods
that surround the cabin where she lives. Ihusband Ramsey Railsback, at their home near Fort Wayne, IN. During the course
She learns to hear the trees share their of the visit, Robin mentioned
favorite memories as they burn in the
woodstove and release their spirits. An two other Alfred University
old chestnut tree fondly remembers
watching playful otters on moonlit nights alumni – Benjamin ’65 and
slide over his roots, down the snow-
covered riverbanks and splash into the Sharon Klepper ’68 Eisbart –
water below. Each tree has a beautiful
story to tell for those of us ready to lived less than a mile away.
listen.”
The two couples met, and
1978
“We have not only become
Nancy Falk was one of 94 professionals
named as Fellows of The Gerontological friends, but Sharon runs
Society of America in June 2016. The
status of Fellow, the highest class a business that places art
of membership within the Society, is
bestowed upon those who demonstrate with corporate clients, so
“outstanding continuing work in
gerontology.” After receiving her degree she and Ramsey have been
in Nursing from AU, Nancy went on to
earn MBA and Ph.D. degrees. working together for the
past couple of years,” said From left, Sharon Eisbart ’68, Cheryl Blanchard ’86 and
Benjamin Eisbart ’65.
Cheryl. Sharon is also on

the board of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. The photo above shows the three Alfred

University alumni at a recent gala to benefit the Museum. Ramsey donated art work

and Sharon provided framing for two pieces that were auctioned during the event.

Ben was vice president of Human Resources and corporate compliance officer for

Steel Dynamics, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, until his retirement a couple of years

ago.

Cheryl, who was named to the Alfred University Board of Trustees in 2014, lives

in Fort Wayne, where their younger son is still in high school, and commutes to the

Boston area where she is chief executive officer of MICROChips, start-up company

working on implantable drug-delivery systems.

“We cherish our developing friendship with the Eisbarts. It’s just another good AU

story for the books,” Cheryl said.

29

AUC l ass Notes Spring 2017

installations of moist clay and towering Xylem Inc., Rye Brook, NY named Colin his work was also featured in the
assemblages of cast porcelain, he is the Sabol as senior vice president and Pennsylvania College of Art & Design
recipient of grants from The Joan Mitchell president for analytics and treatment. In show, “Tesselation Phage,” where he
Foundation, The Louis Comfort Tiffany this role, he leads the global operations had a 10-by-21-foot wall installation.
Foundation, the New York Foundation for of the two business divisions. John, a Brunswick, ME, artist, became
the Arts and the Constance Saltonstall Colin previously served as senior vice enamored with work with nails while an
Foundation. McConnell’s work was president and president for dewatering. AU student. He started with tiny finishing
recently featured on the cover of the He will continue to serve on the nails, and he increased the nail size by
April issue of Sculpture Magazine with company’s senior leadership team. half an inch every year until he reached
an extensive interview with the artist Colin also serves as chairman of Xylem his current medium -- 12-inch spikes, the
inside McConnell has exhibited at the Watermark, Xylem’s corporate citizenship largest size nail commercially sold.
Denver Art Museum, the Philadelphia and social investment program. Teri Bump, a vice president of
Museum of Art, MASS MoCA, the Daum Xylem’s analytics brands deliver American Campus Communities, based
Museum, the CU Art Museum, Boulder, precise measurement for water and in Austin, TX, was named a Diamond
Colorado and at SOFA, New York. He has wastewater, environmental, and multiple Honoree for 2016 by the American
exhibited internationally in Sweden, the industrial applications and the firm’s College Personnel Association. Diamond
Netherlands, Taiwan, China and Korea. treatment business provides integrated Honorees are those who are “recognize
Represented by Cross-Mackenzie Gallery solutions that enable the reuse of water for their outstanding and sustained
in Washington DC, essays and reviews and wastewater. contributions to higher education and
on McConnell’s work have appeared Xylem is a leading global water student affairs.” Kathy Woughter
in World Sculpture News, The New Art technology provider, enabling customers ‘93, vice president for Student Affair at
Examiner, Ceramics: Art and Perception, to transport, treat, test, and efficiently AU, says Teri is “very highly regarded
The New York Times, The Washington use water in public utility, residential, in our profession.” Not only has she
Post and Ceramics Monthly. McConnell’s and commercial building services, been honored by the American College
academic appointments include: The industrial, and agricultural settings. Personnel Association, but she was also
School of the Art Institute of Chicago recognized by NASPA, the association of
and The University of Connecticut. 1990 Student Affairs professionals in higher
He is currently professor of Ceramic Art education.
at Alfred University, which has the top- For nearly three decades, John Bisbee Matthew McElligott has just
ranked MFA program in ceramic art in has welded and forged 12-inch spikes published a new children’s book,
the nation, according to U.S. News and under the mantra, “Only nails, always “Mad Scientist Academy: The Weather
World Report. different.” His work has recently been Disaster,” the second in his “Mad
featured in several venues. “Branded” Scientist Academy” science picture
1989 was on view at Walker Contemporary, book series, published by Crown. The
Waitsfield, VT, early this year, and “Academy” series combines scientific
facts and method with exciting
Keep us posted adventures. The first in the series,
Keep your Alfred University Family in your life. Make sure to let us “Mad Scientist Academy: The Dinosaur
know of all your family activities, professional moves and achievements, Disaster,” came out last year. Other
personal accomplishments, and entertaining photos! recent works include “Even Aliens Need
You can reach us in numerous ways: Snacks,” a picture book published
by Walker & Co.; and “Benjamin
Facebook Snail Mail – mail news and photos to Franklinstein Meets Thomas Deadison,”
Twitter Rob Price, writer, a middle-grades novel published by
1 Saxon Drive, Alfred, NY 14802 Putnam. His books have been published
in six languages on five continents,
Email – news and photos to and have sold over a quarter million
[email protected] copies around the world. A professor
at the Sage Colleges, Matt is chair of
the Art and Design department. He has
been a member of the Sage faculty

Gold30 class years indicate Golden Saxons and honored years at Reunion 2017

AUC l ass Notes Spring 2017

Liberal arts education powers White’s career

If you want a testament to the to get them comfortable speaking
power of a Liberal Arts education, to media in a local language. We
just talk to Kerry White ‘04. Since have foreign language social media

she graduated, her peregrinations feeds…. It’s different everyday, and

have taken her all over the globe, never boring.”

and onto a different career path A recent assignment took Kerry

than what she first envisioned. to Tbilisi, Georgia, to take part in

That path has been “convoluted,” the Jackal Stone military exercise.

she admits. “I worked at a radio Working with the Embassy, other

station in Ireland, got a master’s in State Department officials, and

creative writing in Northern Ireland, Department of Defense colleagues,

did Teach for America in Baltimore, the team “addressed various public

taught for a few years around affairs scenarios both within the

[Washington] DC, worked launching exercise and in the real world. I

test-prep programs in China, and did this as part of my volunteer

ended up writing proposals for membership in the Fly Away

international education programs Communications Team, a group

with a DC-based non-profit.” of State Department public affairs

As she was finishing her second professionals who get deployed

graduate degree,“on a whim I when embassies in crisis request

took the Presidential Management public affairs support,” whether it

Fellowship Test.” About 12,200 Kerry White ’04 is in response to natural disasters
recent graduates took the or a terrorist incident. “I am still

test; 1,600 were named semi- “Everyone I talked to said it was pretty green, though, and have not
finalists and invited to a day-long yet been on a real-world deployment
assessment. The field narrowed to an office in which I’d really grow as yet,” she said.

600, who competed for one of 300 a leader, and I mean I had created Kerry admits her current career
positions. path is “kind of hilarious, since I
Kerry had opportunities to do her an ‘international communications’ don’t think I ever took a political

Fellowship with the Department of concentration for my AU comm major science course in my whole college
Education and USAID (the United career… I was too busy with
States Agency for International waaaay back in the day. creative writing and journalism

Development), both of which would So I went for it.” courses. I couldn’t really say no to
have allowed her to do things similar the Fellowship, and I’ve gotten to do

to what she had been doing to some really neat travels, and meeting

that point, but it was an offer to join the International Media some fascinating people.”

Engagement Team at the Department of State that piqued She recommends the Fellowship Program to anyone who

her interest. “Everyone I talked to said it was an office in has recently completed graduate school. While the focus is on

which I’d really grow as a leader, and I mean I had created an leadership development, it also includes training and mentoring

‘international communications’ concentration for my AU comm and short-term “developmental rotations” which allow the

major waaaay back in the day. So I went for it.” Fellows to try out different jobs for a few months.

“Our goal is to get U.S. government voices into foreign “Over my two-year program, I got to spend five months as a

media. In conjunction with five media hubs around the world, social media manager at our media hub in Johannesburg, South

we connect foreign journalists to State Department and other Africa, and another five months as a political officer at our

government officials, and coordinated interviews, press briefings embassy in Baku, Azerbaijian,” she said.

and telephonic/virtual conferences.” “It’s been a pretty non-linear” path since she left Alfred

Another part of her job is to offer “advanced, on-camera University, she says, “But that kind of flexibility and critical

training to diplomats who are fluent in regional languages thinking are what you get from a liberal arts education, right?”

(Arabic, Urdu, Russian, Portuguese, Chinese, Persian and French)

31







AUC l ass Notes Spring 2017

of Contemporary Native Arts (Santa Squeaky Wheel Film & Media Art Center (MUST) where her advisor was Richard
Fe), Eastern Connecticut University in Buffalo, NY, a nonprofit serving K. Brow ’80. She is now a research
(Willimantic), Tribeca Film Institute (New Western New York State which promotes scientist at Guardian Glass in Michigan,
York City), National Museum of the innovation in media arts through as is her husband Ali Mohammadkhah,
American Indian (Washington, D.C.), access, education, and exhibition. At who also received his Ph.D. from MUST
University of the Creative Arts Farnham Squeaky Wheel, Jax has overseen major and is now a research scientist at
(England), and the University of Rostock expansion efforts, including fundraising, Guardian. They were married May 24,
(Germany). new jobs and media equipment, an 2015, in Miller Theater on the Alfred
updated youth media arts curriculum, University campus.
Courtney lives in Santa Fe and works as and relocation into new, upgraded
a professional artist and lecturer. facilities. 2007Reunion Year

2004 2005 Casey Cutting, who played on the
Alfred University women’s lacrosse team
President of Student Senate while Emma Buckthal received the Carol for four years, is starting a girls’ lacrosse
at Alfred, Matt Washington’s rise A. Condon Outstanding New Lawyer team at Salamanca Central School. It’s
to deputy borough president of the award for 2016 from the Western not Casey’s first time with a start-up
Borough of Manhattan may have been New York chapter of the Women’s Bar team. As a freshman at Union-Endicott
inevitable. Matt was named by Borough Association of the State of New York. The High School, she played on the first
President Gale Brewer as one of two award, presented annually, recognizes women’s team in that district.
deputy borough presidents, effective outstanding contributions by the next
Nov. 2, 2015. Matt’s responsibilities generation of attorneys. It is named 2008
include oversight of economic in honor of one of the organization’s
development initiatives for the borough. past presidents. Emma co-authored an Chaz Bruce was nominated for the
“I am honored to join Borough President article, “Finding Protection Under US Grammy’s Music Educator Award for
Brewer in tackling the problems facing Immigration Law -- A Guide to Remedies 2017.He is Western New York director
Manhattan,” said Matt when his for Undocumented Immigrant Survivors for the New York State Institute of Dance
appointment was announced. “I am of Violence,” for the spring 2016 edition and Education where he is responsible
proud to join her -- and Aldrin Bonilla -- of Criminal Justice magazine. for marketing and promotions that
as deputy borough president. Gale is one support the activities associated with
of the finest public servants I know, and 2006 cultural programs. He is also a music
has built a staff that is solutions-oriented education teacher for the Rochester
-- and government has never needed Kathryn Goetschius earned a Ph.D. (NY) City School District, founder of
solutions more. I look forward to rolling in materials science from Missouri the local improv and comedy team,
up my sleeves and getting to work.” University for Science and Technology LOL Superstars, and serves as personal
Prior to being named deputy borough
president, Matt was deputy director of Keep us posted
The Durst Organization. He had served
as a member of the board of directors of Keep your Alfred University Family in your life. Make sure to let us
a number of community organizations. know of all your family activities, professional moves and achievements,
He also served AU as a member of the personal accomplishments, and entertaining photos!
Alumni Council from 2010-13. You can reach us in numerous ways:

Jax Deluca joined the National Facebook Snail Mail – mail news and photos to
Endowment for the Arts as director of Twitter Rob Price, writer,
media arts beginning Jan. 11, 2016. Jax 1 Saxon Drive, Alfred, NY 14802
manages NEA grant-making in media
arts and represent the agency to the Email – news and photos to
media arts field. [email protected]
She has been executive director of

35

AUC l ass Notes Spring 2017

mentor to more than a dozen young Westfield High School in Westfield, NY 2016
men who are interested in pursuing the followed the creative direction of Chaz
creative arts as a career. for the schools choir festival. Chaz Erin Ethridge, who received her MFA
Ironically, in 2015 Chaz worked used this as an opportunity to promote in sculpture, received the International
alongside Kent Knappenburger, the first diversity and inclusion when he allowed Sculpture Center’s “Outstanding Student
person to win the Grammy’s Educator the youth group he manages, Exit Sign, Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture
Award. Knappenburger’s choir at to travel with him to the predominantly Award,” which “recognizes young
white school as a cultural experience. sculptors and encourage their continued
commitment to the field.” The 16 award
winners participated in the Grounds for
Sculpture’s fall/winter exhibition, which
was on view from October 2106 to
April 2017. Her work was also featured
in the October 2016 issue of Sculpture
magazine.

Shaminda Amarakoon on the steps in front of The Metropolitan Opera. Town “Dana” Kang was a 2016
winner in the “Best of SUNY” Student
Amarakoon to chair department at Yale Art Exhibition on view at the New York
State Museum in Albany from June-
To say Shaminda Amarakoon has a great deal of drama in his life is not October 2016. She was one of four
an exaggeration. The 2004 Alfred University theater major spent his time entrants to receive an honorable mention
on stage and backstage in several dramatic productions, singing with and a $500 cash prize. Dana submitted
the Chamber Singers and working with high school students during the “Fragments of Memory (2015), an
University’s summer theater camps. Until recently, he was the production earthenware and wood piece, for the
manager of the Second Stage Theatre in New York City, overseeing the exhibition. Two other School of Art &
development of scenery, props, lighting, sound, costumes and video. Design students also had work included
Working with directors, designers and crews, he made sure opening nights in the exhibition. Maxwell Mustardo
were a success. In addition, he has consulted on the renovation to the submitted a salt-fired stoneware piece,
new space at Second Stage: the Helen Hayes Theatre. As of July 2017, he “Qingbai Vase (2016)” and Margaret
will be leaving NYC with his wife, Carole, to head back to his graduate Schrecongost submitted “Self Portrait
school in New Haven, CT. He was appointed the next Chair of the Technical (2015), an oil-on-linen piece.
Design & Production Department at Yale School of Drama and Director of
Production of Yale Repertory Theater. In this new dual role, he will oversee Michael LaMarca accepted a job
recruitment, curriculum development, and alumni engagement in addition to with a Servepro franchise in Rochester;
overseeing the technical needs for each of their many productions. The TD&P the firm specializes in clean up and
Department at Yale School of Drama has produced some of the top leaders restoration of residential and commercial
in technical management, technical design, and consulting for arts and property after a fire that causes smoke
entertainment. Shaminda will look to continue and advance that tradition of or water damage, and can also do mold
excellent teaching and practice in the program. and mildew mitigation. While he had
other offers, Mike told President Zupan
in his note to him that the opportunities
provided by ServePro attracted him. In
the same note to President Zupan, Mike
gave credit to “my amazing professors
at Alfred, especially Prof. Lewis (Mark
Lewis, director of the School of Business).
He was there any time with his advice
and guidance. One of the main reasons
I was so successful at Alfred [is] the
high quality professors and how they

Gold36 class years indicate Golden Saxons and honored years at Reunion 2017

AUC l ass Notes Spring 2017

focus on the students. I could go to the James L. “Jim” Knapp, II, Nov. 5, 1948
fourth floor of Olin and walk into any 2015 Ruth A. Galloway Farr, Sept. 13, 2015
professor’s office just to talk!” Mike was Ernest H. Faust Jr., Nov. 12, 2016
one of the students recognized last June 1936 Dr. Edwin A. Gere, Jr., May 15, 2016
by the Rochester chapter of the Financial Marguerite J. Hyde Blundred, Sept. Dr. Harley D. Lindquist, Feb. 4, 2017
Executives International for their work Clara E. Worden McCann, June 5,
with Alfred University’s student-managed 9, 2016
investment fund. 2016
1938 Rodney E. Penny, Feb. 20, 2016
Births John A. Schake, Dec. 4, 2015 Miriam Louise Tooke Vogwill Polan,

2002 1939 Dec. 25, 2015
Bridgette (Henne) Elston and Evalyn J. Jacobson Paulson, April 11, Mae P. Harper VonPless, Feb. 29,

Michael, a daughter, Brooke, April 2016 2016
2015 Dr. Robert B. Sloane, D.D.S., May 10,
1949
2007 2016 Dr. Victor H. Burdick, M.D., Nov. 7,
Michelle (Antzak) Butzgy and John
1941 2015
F. Butzgy, a son, Henry Michael Wendell V. Cleveland, Nov. 19, 2016 Frances “Elaine” Gardiner Decker,
Butzgy, Dec. 22, 2015 Alan J. Friedlander, June 14, 2015
Kathleen M. “Kay” Kastner Oct. 28, 2015
2009 Dr. Frank N. Elliot, Sept. 23, 2015
Ralph Jackson and Abbey Jackson , a Hackett, March 19, 2016 Bernice Garber Harris, Aug. 17, 2016
Betty (Elizabeth) Kaiser Wheeler, Donna H. Wattengel Irwin, Oct. 1,
daughter, Lila Ann Jackson, Dec. 30,
2016. Sept. 6, 2016 2016
Barbara J. Hansen McCall, Sept. 21,
Marriages 1942
Margaret W. “Peggy” Pitman 2016
1962 William E. “Bill” Naum, April 16,
Grace (Bookheim) Burns and Capt. Wingate Rase, Oct. 3, 2016
Laur Don Wheaton, May 21, 2014 2016
William J. Burns, U.S. Navy, RET, May Alan B. Williams, Oct. 7, 2016 Madge A. Evans Smith, Oct. 21, 2016
27, 2016 Constance E. Snyder, Feb. 10, 2015
1943
1970 Robert B. Burdick, Dec. 18, 2011 1950
Barbara (Englert) Easterbrook and Richard L. Galusha, Dec. 19, 2015 Ivan Gerald Angel, April 27, 2016
Dr. Guy E. Rindone, Oct. 4, 2015 Edna M. Dimon Boyd, Aug. 29, 2016
Frank Easterbrook, May 12, 2013 Murray A. Schwartz, July 31, 2015 Burton A. “Burt” Corbett, Jan. 23,
Victor W. Skaggs, March 15, 2017
1992 Eugeinie G. Stanislaw, April 4, 2017 2017
Thomas P. Rock and Terry Consentine, Floyd W. English, Jr., Dec. 28, 2015
1944 Knowlton W. Farr, Aug. 25, 2016
Nov. 12, 2016 Leo Pozefsky, Aug 20, 2016 Daniel E. Foster, July 1, 2016
Margaret “Peg” Lord Wood, July 7, Lawrence Kopell, Feb. 20, 2016
1997 June A. Petri LaForge, Aug. 13, 2016
Mathieu J. Cama and Jennifer A. 2016 James A. “Jim” Parson, March 14,

Otenti ‘96, March 14, 2015 1945 2016
Jean M. Gardner Brady, May 27, Robert Prokopec, Dec. 25, 2016
2007 Charles G. VanWiggerer, Feb. 4, 2016
Michelle (Antzak) Butzgy and John 2010
1951
F. Butzgy, Dec. 2010 1946 Richard Alan Alliegro, Nov. 26, 2016
Cora M. Carson Burdick, Oct. 30, Robert P. Arnstein, May 21, 2015
Deaths John D. Bradley, July 25, 2016
2013 Eleanor C. Lockhardt Byrne, Aug. 18,
1935 Dr. Thomas B. Hill, June 1, 2013
Virginia M. Bardeen Bartlett, June Ada Egbert Rossin, Nov. 17, 2015 2015
Teresa A. Basso Clark, May 9, 2016
3, 2016 1947 Philip S. Hessinger, Aug. 4, 2016
Jack E. Phillips Sr., Oct. 14. 2016 Norma B. Miller Higgins, Dec. 24,
Jeanne K. Forscey Seamans, Aug. 28,
2015
2016
37
1947
Anne Garside Spratt, Aug. 16, 2016







Alfred University is hosting a golf scramble
as part of Reunion Weekend to benefit its

intercollegiate athletic program.

The 2017 ADPRO Sports Saxon Golf Classic will be held Friday, June 9, at
the Wellsville Country Club. All alumni are welcome to participate. Proceeds

from the four-person scramble tournament will directly benefit all 19 AU
intercollegiate athletic teams.

There will be a 10 a.m. shotgun start. Cost for the event is $100 per person
and includes greens fees and cart, a tee gift, continental breakfast, lunch
at the turn, beverages on the course, and post-event food. There will be

course prizes (closest to the pin, longest drive, hole in one) as well as
prize drawings afterward and a 50/50 raffle.of competing for Empire 8

championships.

To register online go to alfred.edu/alumni/reunion/
or call 607-871-2193, or email Dakota Pruiss at [email protected]

REUNION 2017

AlfredUniversity Non-Profit Indicia
goes here
1 Saxon Drive
Alfred, NY 14802

Address Service Requested

Save the date for

AlfredUniversity

REUNION 2017
ACR ΦEP KYU JUNE 8-11
AKA TΔΦ KS AKO

BSY ΘΘC ΔΖ KN

LΧA KA PAP SAM Nurses IVCF

SCNZBTΔSΦ Golden
Greeks Saxons

HONORED CLASS YEARS:
1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997 and 2002

For more information, contact the
Office of Alumni Engagement at 607.871.2144

or visit us on the web at

www.alfred.edu/alumni/reunion