June 25th, 2009

Keene State hosted the 2009 Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) annual Meeting June 19–21, bringing 100 guests from 20 national institutions to campus. Two keynote speakers, Carol Geary Schneider, president of the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), and Stephen J. Reno, former chancellor of the University System of New Hampshire, addressed the gathering. Concurrent sessions on the theme for the three-day program, “The Value of a Liberal Arts Education,” filled the schedule.

“The COPLAC conference showcased the many areas where Keene State College has become the aspirant institution for a number of our peers: town/gown relationships, facility planning and implementation, integrative curriculum, and the SODEXO dining staff,” said President Giles-Gee. “Many institutional leaders are coming back to visit the College and bringing their partners to learn how to improve. I am proud of the College’s achievements, and I am especially proud of the people who work to make the College perform better each year in support of our sense of community and students.”

Twenty of the 27 COPLAC member institutions were represented at the meeting, and on Friday, video conferencing connected two other COPLAC campuses to the preconference activities. KSC faculty and staff presented at the following sessions:

• “The Enduring Value of a Public Liberal Arts Education” (Nona Fienberg, Irene Herold, Gordon Leversee, Melinda Treadwell)

• “Sense of Place” (Mary Jensen, Bud Winsor, Dee Denehy, Joe Britton, Bert Poirier)

• “Differentiating COPLAC Institution Costs from Those at Other Colleges and Universities” (Jay Kahn)

• “Save the World on Your Own Time” (Nona Fienberg, Mark Long)

• “The Place of Continuing Education on a COPLAC Campus” (Bob Baker)

• “Marketing the Liberal Arts” (Peggy Richmond)

• “Making the Case for a Liberal Arts Education in a Global Economy” (Christine King, Gordon Leversee)

• “From Conversation to Commitment” (Phyllis Benay, Robert Kostick, Mark Timney, Sara Hottinger, Mark Long, Jeff Halford)

Many guests stayed in the Pondside III Residence Hall during their visit.
“Keene State College has so much to be proud of,” said Provost Mel Netzhammer. “Our guests were thrilled with the hospitality and with the program. Clearly this was a COPLAC meeting to remember.”

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Dr. Susan Herman (photo by Mark Corliss)

From Mark Reynolds, College and Media Relations: We are saddened to learn that Dr. Susan Herman, professor emerita of Management, passed away on June 24th. She was also a professor of Management at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and cofounder of Interlocken Center for Experiential Learning (now Windsor Mountain International) in Windsor, N.H. Dr. Herman was an energetic and engaged teacher, professional, volunteer, traveler, outdoorswoman, and cook. The KSC Human Resources office uses her 1994 book, Hiring Right, as a sound basis for the College’s recruiting protocols. Dr. Herman was also an important catalyst in the evolution of the Cohen Center for Holocaust Studies, which established the Susan J. Herman Award for Leadership in Holocaust & Genocide Awareness this past April to honor her vital contributions to its work.

Dr. Paul Vincent, professor of Holocaust studies and history, mentioned a meeting with Dr. Herman in early spring, when she was still undergoing tests for pancreatic cancer in Boston. He recalled a statement she made that summed up the strength of her character: “You know, Paul, I want to live. But if that’s not to be, I’ve had a wonderful life.”

“The world is a dimmer place without the magic of her life,” Dr. Vincent said.

Dr. Herman is survived by her husband, Gary Kofinas; her three children, Melissa, Thomas, and Sarah; her five spectacular grandchildren, Tia, Felix, Simon, Miriam, and Joshua; and her three sisters, Ellen Switkes, Marjie Crosby, and Barbara Virchick. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Susan’s life Thursday June 25th from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Virchick residence, 32 Mill Street, Dorchester, MA, 02122. A second gathering will be Saturday in N.H. from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m at the Carmel residence, 4 Pheasant Hill Road, Keene, NH, 03431. A memorial service for Susan will be held Sunday starting at 2 p.m. at the Keene synagogue, Congregation Ahavas Achim, 84 Hastings Avenue, Keene, NH, 03431. The family will sit shiva following the service at the Carmel residence.

For a wealth of photos and information from Susan and her family, visit her Caring Bridges web pages.

If you remember this warm and wonderful teacher, please visit the Cohen Center for Holocaust Studies blog to leave and read memories.

Donations can be made in Susan’s honor to the Susan J. Herman Leadership Award in Holocaust and Genocide Awareness, Cohen Center for Holocaust Studies, Keene State College, 229 Main Street, Keene, NH 03435-3201.

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On Friday, June 26, President Giles-Gee will provide an update on the budget situation for the upcoming fiscal year at an all-campus meeting at noon in the Mabel Brown Room. Background information on the KSC budget is posted on the Budget Challenges website.

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Bert Poirier (Admissions) threw out the first pitch at the Keene State Night at the Swamp Bats Game on June 20 (courtesy photo).

From Stuart Kaufman, Sports Information: The rain began falling around the third inning, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of an enthusiastic crowd that came out to celebrate Keene State Night at the Swamp Bats’ game on June 20.

Throughout the evening, members of the KSC and Keene community made their way to a special Owl tent for a little reminiscing and to pick up Centennial t-shirts and bags.

The honor of throwing out the commemorative first pitch of the game went to former Owl soccer standout and coach Bert Poirier. “My knees were knocking a little bit,” confessed Poirier, who heeded the advice of Swamp Bat coach Marty Testo by keeping it simple and throwing a two-seam fast ball.

Many alums were on hand, including recent grads Karen Carr and Jocelyne Cummings, who are spending their summer working as interns with the Swamp Bats. While Carr and Cummings were busy coordinating many of the contests and give-aways, another alum was happy to take the night off. “I’m either coaching or scouting when I go to a game, so it’s nice to sit back and relax,” said KSC baseball coach Ken Howe, sitting behind home plate.

Unfortunately, the partisan crowd couldn’t reverse the Swamp Bats’ fortunes; they lost to the North Shore Navigators 12-4. It was the second year in a row that Keene State has sponsored a Swamp Bat game.

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From Mark Gempler, Student Center: In June, Keene State sent a delegation of nine faculty and administrators to the National Meeting of the American Democracy Project (ADP) in Baltimore.

ADP is a multi-campus initiative focused on higher education’s role in preparing the next generation of informed, engaged citizens for our democracy. The project began in 2003 as an initiative of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), in partnership with the New York Times. The goal of the ADP is to produce graduates who are committed to being active, involved citizens in their communities. Keene State is a participant in an ADP pilot program called America’s Future, which focuses on the issues of national debt, social security, and Medicare and their impact on America’s future.

Pat Dolenc (Economics) and Wes Martin (Political Science) presented papers on pedagogical issues that arise when teaching political and economic citizenship across disciplines. Ann Atkinson (Communications), Mike Caufield (CELT), Mark Gempler (Student Center), Anne-Marie Mallon (English and Women’s Studies), Mary McEntee (Student Center/Community Service), Anne Miller (Academic Affairs), and Melinda Treadwell (Professional Studies) surveyed the varied ways that 230 colleges and universities are developing opportunities for students to engage academic and community concerns concurrently.

KSC’s delegation to the ADP conference is now investigating ways that interested members of the college community can integrate educational experiences across disciplines and across the co-curriculum.

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Leaks in the water main that runs the length of Wyman Way have caused deterioration of the roadway, parking lots, and sidewalks. The water main must be replaced to prevent further damage, and to protect the safety of pedestrians, vehicles, and facilities in the area.

The replacement work is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 29, and will continue through Monday, July 13. Wyman Way from Main Street to the Tisdale Apartments will be closed during this period, but vehicles will be able to access the south side of campus from Winchester Street by turning into Butler Court and driving through the Whitcomb gate into the Spaulding parking lot from the west. This will provide access to both the Redfern parking lot and the Elliot parking lot (enter through the driveway nearest the Art Gallery). Signs will be posted to help with the traffic flow.

In addition to these traffic changes, buildings on the south side of Wyman Way (Keddy House, Grafton House, and Tisdale Apartments) will experience water shutdowns for short periods of time. Notice of these shutdowns will be communicated in as timely a manner as possible to minimize disruptions. Please direct questions and concerns to Bud Winsor (Physical Plant) at 8-2702 or bwinsor@keene.edu.

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Jamie Chevalier ’09 in front of a classroom (Mark Corliss photo).

From Stuart Kaufman, Sports Information: As a middle infielder for the Keene State baseball team the past four years, Jamie Chevalier ‘09 was responsible for keeping his teammates on their toes, taking signs from the catcher, positioning the defense, and communicating who would take the bag on relays or steal attempts.

Chevalier will take his communication skills to a new level when he travels to South Korea in August to spend a year in Seoul, teaching English to Korean businessmen.
“I always wanted to travel and teach, and this is an opportunity to do both,” said Chevalier, who earned his degree in English literature in May. “I’ve always been intrigued with the Far East.”

Chevalier will live in the upscale community of Gangnam, not far from the bustling business district. A three-time All-Little East infielder and Gold Glove winner as a junior, he hopes to stay involved with the sport. “They love baseball over there and had a good showing in the World Baseball Classic,” he said. “I’m hoping to hook up with a team, even if it’s amateur ball just for fun.”

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From the IT Group: We all look forward to summertime for the warm weather, the bright sunshine, and vacation! But before you shut down your computer for the last time and run off to the beach or to play in your garden, don’t forget to let people know you aren’t going to be in the office.

The best way to do this is to set your Outlook out-of-office reminder. In Office 2007, go to “tools,” “Out-of-Office Assistant,” select that you are “currently out of the office,” and create a reply that will everyone who sends you an email will receive. Now people won’t think you are ignoring them and will be happy to wait until you return. Don’t forget to set a temporary voicemail greeting announcing you are away as well. Your bases will be well covered, and you can relax and enjoy your time away.

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From Irene Herold, Mason Library: The campus is invited to attend open forums for the two candidates for the position of Assistant Director of Alumni and Parent Relations. They will be on campus Monday, June 29, and Tuesday, June 30 (candidate cover letters and CVs are on reserve in Mason Library). The open forum on both days will be at 2:30–3:15 p.m. in the Mountain View Room:

• Monday, June 29: Scott White

• Tuesday, June 30: Sara Telfer

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More than 500 KSC alums gathered on campus for a weekend of nostalgia, celebration, and pride when the Alumni Grand Centennial Reunion festivities took over the campus June 5–7.

Patty Farmer ’92, director of Alumni & Parent Relations, reports that many faculty took the opportunity to connect with their former students this year (on Friday night more than 45 Emeriti Faculty were honored at dinner). “Every event – the special alumni screening of the Centennial Film, fireworks, parade of classes, alumni annual luncheon, music majors luncheon, “100 on the Quad,” and the Birthday Bash Dance – was a highlight,” she said. “At the President’s Brunch on Sunday Henry Parkhurst ’66 presented President Helen Giles-Gee with a “Keene Normal” pennant that we believe dates back at least 70 years!” Check out the reunion photos.

KSC alums pose for the “100 Years on Fiske Quad” photo at the Alumni Grand Centennial Reunion June 6 (photo by Annie Card).

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A tall and elegant new clock was installed between the Student Center and the Science Center  last week. The class of 1957 raised $26,421 and purchased the clock in honor of their 50th reunion (in 2007) and the College’s Centennial this year. Sean Gillery (Development) reports that class members wanted to give something to the College to symbolize the passage of time, as well as something physical to commemorate the College’s Centennial.

(Photo: Cheryl Martin)

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The Little East Commissioner’s Cup (courtesy photo).

From Stuart Kaufman, Sports Information: Keene State College has won its ninth-straight Little East Commissioner’s Cup. The Owls averaged 6.552 points to win the trophy in each of the nine years it has been awarded. Eastern Connecticut State University finished second for the fourth-consecutive campaign (5.897).

The Commissioner’s Cup measures an institution’s overall performance in the 19 sports sponsored by the Little East Conference. For sports in which the conference conducts in-season play (baseball, basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball), point totals are determined by the order of finish in the final regular-season standings with bonus points awarded to the champion of the ensuing postseason conference championship tournament. For sports that do not conduct in-season play (cross country, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, and swimming and diving), points are awarded based on the order of finish in the conference championship meet.

“I would like to once again congratulate Keene State College on continuing its run on Little East Commissioner’s Cup trophies,” said Commissioner Jonathan C. Harper. “It is remarkable, in a league so balanced and steeped in tradition, that one institution can claim the conference’s top overall honor nine years running. I congratulate President Dr. Helen Giles-Gee, Director of Athletics John Ratliff, his administrative staff, coaches, and – most importantly – the student-athletes for their commitment to the program as an integral part of their overall academic experience.”

Keene State consistently finished in the top tier of the final regular-season standings in 14 of the 17 (.824) championship sports they competed in. The Owls used a sensational fall season to take command of the eight-team standings, winning four of the six championships to average 7.317 points. Keene State captured the conference tournament crown in field hockey and volleyball, while also winning the men’s and women’s cross country championships. The Owls continued to pad their lead in the winter by finishing in the top-three of the regular-season standings in four of five sponsored sports, including winning the women’s swimming and diving championship. Keene State captured the program’s first women’s lacrosse championship in the spring and finished second in men’s lacrosse, men’s outdoor track and field, and softball.

“Winning the Commissioner’s Cup is an outstanding achievement,” said Ratliff. “The program’s ability to sustain this high level of accomplishment over an extended period is a tribute to our coaches and student athletes.”

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Dr. Candice Bosse, assistant professor of Spanish and Women’s Studies, has received a Marion and Jasper Whiting Foundation Grant to facilitate the writing of her second book, Voices of Honduran Women: Here Women Do Not Write. Her first book, Becoming and Consumption: The Contemporary Spanish Novel, was published in 2007.

In July, Bosse will travel to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, to conduct research in the Biblioteca Nacional, a key Central American national library, and to interview Honduran women poets. She will be completing work started in 2006, when she interviewed two Houduran poets, Lety Elvir and Claudia Torres. On this trip, Bosse will interview three more poets, exploring how each “articulates the creation of self” in relation to her role in Honduran society. She plans to use some of this material to create new courses in the Modern Language and Women’s Studies departments at Keene State.

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From Genny Alexander, Development: As the fiscal year winds down, I want to extend a huge thank you to the Keene State community for your generosity over the past year. This year, 148 faculty and staff members have given a total of $45,636.76 to various areas and programs at the College. We are so thankful for all the time, talent, and financial gifts you have given!

Part of the campus’ generosity has been to the Student Financial Aid Initiative. Last month we learned that a large portion of our students will find it difficult to return to campus next year because of financial strain. We asked alumni, friends, and the campus community to consider a gift to this emergency fund, with a fundraising goal of $100,000.

The great news is that gifts and confirmed pledges top $150,000; the bad news is that every day additional appeals flood into the financial aid office. So while the initial goal was met, more aid is needed.

Please consider giving a one-time gift to the Student Financial Aid Initiative. Your gift may be made online, or a check may be sent to the Development Office, Mailstop 2701. Any amount will help – gifts received from the campus community have ranged from $5 to $250 – and every donation will go directly to help a student in need.

Once again, thank you for your generosity this year!

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From Karen Crawford, Human Resources: The President’s Commission for the Promotion of Wellness (PCPOW) celebrated Walk NH Week 2009 and launched the KSC Moves program with a 2.25-mile campus walk on June 1. Twenty-three staff participated in the event, which is designed to promote walking and help keep New Hampshire residents on a healthy path. The KSC Moves program hopes to inspire participants to continue walking as part of a healthy lifestyle. For more information, contact Karen Crawford at 8-2487.

KSC Faculty and Staff gathered on a beautiful day for a campus walk on June 1 (courtesy photo).

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From Betsy Street, Monadnock Center for Successful Transitions: Job Fest 2009, a hands-on educational event for graduating high school seniors seeking employment in the Monadnock region, was held at Keene State College on May 21 in the Student Center and Rhodes Hall. Students attended job skills workshops (resumes, interviews, etc.) in the morning and an actual job fair in the afternoon. Eighty-nine students from Keene, Monadnock Regional, Fall Mountain Regional, Conant, Contoocook Valley Regional, and Wilton-Lyndeboro Cooperative Regional high schools participated, as well as 25 local employers or training programs. The event was organized by a coalition of social service agencies and high schools.

Job Fest, now in its fourth year, was created out of a challenge issued at the NH State Youth Vision Forum in October 2005. One of the speakers that day said employers wanted youth to “Show up, speak up, dress up, and respect work.” His words resonated with people from the Keene area, and out of the ensuing conversations was born Job Fest. Job Fest 2009 was funded by the Monadnock Center for Successful Transitions and the NH Charitable Foundation – Monadnock Region.

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Have a Facebook profile? Then become a fan of KSC and connect with alumni, current students, staff, faculty, and prospective students. Visit the official KSC Facebook fan page and share your comments, photos, and stories!

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Women’s Outdoor Track Runner of the Year Allison Chamberlain ’11 (courtesy photo).

From Stuart Kaufman, Sports Information: Keene State’s Allison Chamberlain ’11 was surprised when she was named the 2009 Little East Conference Women’s Outdoor Track Runner of the Year. But that shock didn’t come close to the emotion she experienced after a mandatory physical prior to enrolling at KSC this winter.

“It was just a random physical that all transferring athletes have to take,” said Chamberlain, who was coming to Keene State after competing at the University of Vermont as a freshman.

Doctors ordered additional tests, found a half-inch hole in her heart, and recommended surgery. Undaunted by the sudden setback, she was walking two weeks after the operation and back running with her Owl teammates four weeks later.

Chamberlain was a 400-meter and multiple relay state champion on a Scarborough High School team that captured consecutive indoor and outdoor crowns. Following her graduation, she was a member of the UVM Catamounts’ 4×800 relay squad. A desire to major in architecture and to continue her running career brought her to Keene State.

The Little East Conference also announced that Keene State senior Peter Najem was named the Track Athlete of the Year, and teammate sophomore Bryan Kolacz was selected as the Field Athlete of the Year.

Najem advanced to the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships for the first time in his career, qualifying for the 800-meter race. He captured the 800-meter titles at the New England Division III, New England Alliance, and Little East Conference Championships, while finishing seventh at the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III meet.

Kolacz became the 10th Keene State College student-athlete in men’s track and field to capture a national championship, breaking the Don Drumm Stadium and school record by throwing the hammer 61.48 meters at the 2009 NCAA Division III Championships hosted by Marietta College (Ohio). Kolacz swept each of the post-season meets he entered in the hammer throw, adding the ECAC, New England Division III, New England Alliance, and Little East Conference Championship titles to his mantle. He was also named the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Association New England Field Athlete of the Year. Kolacz was voted the 2008 Rookie Field Athlete of the Year by the conference coaches.

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Keene State’s Science courtyard, a peaceful campus refuge, was featured in the June 2009 issue of Landscape Architecture and Specifier News.

The article describes how landscape designers used geography as a unifying element, creating paving patterns that reflect geologic strata, using boulders to represent glacial activity, and incorporating a fieldstone wall to show “the layering of human activity on an ancient landscape.”

Courtesy photo.

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On April 29, 13 local high school students from Keene High School’s TNT program were given an opportunity to investigate possible careers by “shadowing” Keene State College faculty and staff in nine different areas around campus.

Betsy Street, with the Monadnock Center for Successful Transitions (MCST), located in the Education Department, and Heather McGreer (Human Resources) collaborated with other KSC staff and report that students and mentors alike found the experience rewarding and meaningful. They thank the following offices and staffers who hosted students: Sodexho – Paul Paltrineri; Child Development Center – Deirdre McPartlin; Physical Plant, Grounds – Joe Britton, Electrical Service – Richard Smith and Doug Adler, Plumbing and Heating – Dave Weeks and Tim Caspersen; College and Media Relations – Chris Justice; Education Dept. – Felicia Favreau; Human Resources – Valerie Hodge, Cathy Greene, Rosean Liimatainen; Radio Station – Aaron Potter, Larry Welkowitz.

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From the KSC Centennial Committee: Save Saturday evening, June 20, for a special night of wooden-bat baseball and KSC Centennial celebration. Keene State will sponsor the Swamp Bats game at Keene High Alumni Field, Arch St., at 7 p.m. Keene State will set up a large tent, and everyone is welcome to pick up free T-shirts and other souvenirs and hang out with their friends in the community.

Free tickets are available at Tuesday morning coffee and doughnuts, Thursday afternoon ice cream, and at the Information Desk in the Student Center. Take yourself out to the ballgame on June 20 for an evening of collegiate baseball and KSC Centennial fun.

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From Laura Seraichick, IT Group: Greg Scholz, director of Telecommunications, will be leaving his position at KSC on June 16th. Greg has accepted the position of director of IT at New England College. While we are sad to see Greg leave, we are excited for him and wish him luck in his new position.

Chuck Mobilia (cmobilia@keene.edu) will be serving as the interim director. Please feel free to contact him if you have questions and/or concerns regarding Telecommunications.

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Mark C. Long (English and American Studies) was a keynote speaker at the conference, “Conversations on Moving to Four-Credit-Hour Courses” at Lynchburg College, and he presented a paper, “American Literature, Disciplinarity, and the Environmental Humanities,” at the annual American Literature Association in Boston. Mark also traveled to the Eighth Biennial Conference of the Association for the Study of Literature and Environment in Victoria, British Columbia, where he was a contributor to a half-day workshop, “Approaching the Academic Job Search,” and a panelist in the session, “Finding Your Niche: Thoughts on Negotiating the Job Market.” As the coordinator of the ASLE Mentoring Program, Mark also designed and conducted a half-day workshop (with John Tallmadge) titled “Staying Alive: A Workshop for Academic Professionals.

During the spring, Jose Lezcano (Music) played solo guitar recitals at Hingam Library (Boston Guitar Society’s “Sunday Sounds”), Dartmouth College (Vaughan Series), Nashua’s Studio 99, and in Florida (Delray Beach and Sarasota). He also performed chamber concerts in New Jersey (Burlington Community Concerts) and in Pittsford, NY (Rochester Folk Art Guild), and was a guest speaker to high school students and families at Destination College in Manchester, NH, on the topic, “Preparing for College Music Auditions.”

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From Karyn Kaminsky, Human Resources: Please welcome the following newly hired staff members to KSC: George Quinn, information technologist, Office of Residential Life and Housing; Brett Amy Thelen, research associate, Professional Studies/TDS; Michael Caulfield, instructional designer, CELT Department; Carissa Barillaro, residence director, Office of Residential Life and Housing Services; Shannon Cross, residence director, Office of Residential Life and Housing Services; and Rosanne Faxon, business services assistant, Student Financial Services.

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Selected Events

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