Manhattan Magazine Fall 2010

M A N H A T T A N C O L L E G E

FA L L 2 0 1 0

A Long Way From Home

FrontCover.SHIP.Fall2010.indd 1 12/17/10 10:04 AM

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editorial

Lydia Gray,

Director of College Relations

Kristen Cuppek, Editor

Annie Chambliss, Assistant Editor

Contributors

Joe Clifford

Liz Connolly

Dorothy Conigliaro

Amy Coppe

Stephen Dombroski

Amanda Ferrarotto

Dylan Horowitz

Molly Pekarik

John Sandrowicz

Lonny Unger

PhotograPhers

Ben Asen

Bleacher + Everard

Matt Carr

Joshua Cuppek

Marty Heitner

Christopher Pope

design

Charles Hess, chess design

Published by the office of college relations,

a division of college advancement,

Manhattan College, Riverdale, NY 10471

2 on campusThe College receives recognitions in

ratings and accreditation, new grants

and new staff, Lasallian Look, lectures

and more.

12 sportsA Jasper returns home to coach, plus

news and recaps of the spring season.

20 From Baghdad to the BronxOn a quest to pursue her college

degree, an Iraqi student leaves the

Middle East to attend Manhattan, as

part of the Iraqi Student Project.

24 serving those whoserved our countryWith the number of veterans enrolled

at the College doubling since the Post-

9/11 GI Bill, Manhattan is doing its part

to educate these brave students.

30 commencementThe College celebrates recent grads at

its Commencement ceremonies.

34 advancementAlumni give back through scholarships,

energy chairman will receive the De La

Salle Medal and new announcements.

38 alumniReunion weekend brings alumni back to

campus, alumnotes and Jasper profiles.

50 oBitsIn Memoriam, Brother Leo Michiels,

Leon Chen

52 parting shot

M a n h a t t a n C o l l e g e

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vo luMe 3 6 • nuMb e r 2

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o n c a m p u s

2 N FALL 2010

John p. connolly ’73

and ’75, Ph.D., former

Manhattan College

environmental engineering

professor and alumnus, and

senior technical advisor at

Anchor QEA, LLC, in Mont-

vale, N.J., was elected to the

National Academy of Engi-

neering (NAE) this year. Be-

cause NAE election is among

the highest professional

distinction an engineer can

receive, the College’s school

of engineering honored

him with a plaque unveiling

ceremony in the William J.

Scala Academy room in June.

He is among 15 other distin-

guished engineering alumni

elected to the NAE and

recognized with plaques

displayed throughout the

Scala Academy room.

At the ceremony, Con-

nolly was asked to present

his research that the NAE

cited in his election — his

development of integrated

water-quality models used

for remediation and man-

agement planning for large,

contaminated water bodies.

“Dr. Connolly continues

a long line of Manhattan

College graduates who have

gone on to distinguish them-

selves in engineering,” said

Tim Ward, Ph.D., P.E., dean

of the school of engineering.

“His work on Hudson River

contamination is interna-

tionally known and grows

out of his education as an

environmental engineer at

the College. The school of

engineering and Manhat-

tan College are proud of

Dr. Connolly’s election to

the National Academy of

Engineering, once again

demonstrating the potential

of a Jasper engineer.”

In addition to his work

at Anchor QEA, LLC, an envi-

ronmental consulting firm,

Connolly has conducted

research and consulted in

the areas of contaminant

fate and transport and

bioaccumulation. He holds

a B.S. and M.S. in civil and


from Manhattan College,

and a Ph.D. in civil and


from the University of Texas,

Austin. A faculty member at

Manhattan for 14 years, he

worked for the U.S. Environ-

mental Protection Agency

in the late 1970s while

pursuing his Ph.D.; served

as a partner at HydroQual,

Inc. for five years; and was

president of Quantitative

Environmental Analysis, LLC

from 1998 to 2009.

Prestigious Academy Elects Another Alum

Dominic Di Toro ’63 (left), former professor of environmental engineering,

and James Mueller ’62 (right), professor emeritus of civil engineering,

join National Academy of Engineering inductee John P. Connolly ’73 (center)

at the College’s plaque unveiling ceremony in his honor.

shawn ladda, Ed.M., Ed.D., associ-

ate professor of physical education

and human performance and chair of

the department, attended the launch

of the President’s Council on Fitness,

Sports and Nutrition on June 23, hosted

by first lady Michelle Obama. As part

of Ladda’s role as president of the Na-

tional Association for Girls and Women

in Sport (NAGWS), she was invited to

attend the event along with current

and former professional athletes.

In addition, Ladda was asked back

one week later to bring a group of eight

Northeast-area girls’ soccer players to

the White House to meet President Ba-

rack Obama. The invite was part of the

championship celebration of the New

Jersey-based Sky Blue FC, which won

the inaugural Women’s Professional

Soccer (WPS) title in 2009.

Dr. Ladda Goes to Washington

OnCampus.SHIP.Fall2010.indd 1 12/17/10 10:04 AM

MANHATTAN.EDU N 3

BenefactorsClohessy joins a small

group of nominees from

the New York District (in

the past 40+ years).

H. Stephen Christenson

(1992)

Brian Clemente (1985)

Thomas Clemente (1985)

Ann Clohessy (2010)

Luba Corso (1995)

Louis Corso (1995)

Charles DeFeo, M.D. (1995)

Michael Dominczak (1997)

William Edwards (1995)

Lena Ewasutyn (1996)

Kathleen Fahey (2000)

Michael Fleming (1995)

Joan Franz (2005)

George N. Glass (1969)

James and Nolan Higgins

(2007)

Katherine Houlihan (1997)

John Johnson (1983)

G. Richard Lewis (1995)

Mary Lyons (2002)

Msgr. Thomas G. Madden

(1989)

Robert Mansfield (2002)

Joan Mossner (1995)

John Potvin (2002)

Vivian Strain (2008)

Dolores Sullivan (2009)

Valaire Torrence (1986)

Dante M. Torrese (2006)

George Unis (2006)

Anna Uva (2002)

Dorothy Welch (1985)

Judith White (2008)

John Yanas (1983)

With only a select number of other

members, Ann Clohessy, special advisor

to the president, has become one of

a distinct group of people honored by the Chris-

tian Brothers. In recognition of her service to the

Brothers and Manhattan College, the Institute of

the Brothers of the Christian Schools conferred the

Diploma of Benefactor upon Clohessy at a Mass and

reception on May 15.

“Benefaction recognizes a person who has

contributed in an extraordinary way to enable the

Brothers to achieve our Lasallian mission of provid-

ing a Christian and human education to the young

men and women entrusted to our educational care

here at Manhattan College,” said Brother Thomas

Scanlan, F.S.C., Manhattan College president emeri-

tus, whom Clohessy served for more than 20 years.

After Brother Robert Berger, F.S.C., associate

professor of religious studies, Brother George Berrian,

F.S.C., associate professor emeritus of education, and

Br. Scanlan jointly proposed her name to the commu-

nity, the Brothers of the Manhattan College Commu-

nity unanimously nominated Clohessy for the honor

of Benefactor to the Institute of the Brothers of the

Christian Schools. They then petitioned Brother Den-

nis Malloy, F.S.C., provincial of the District of Eastern

North America, on the recommendation of his council,

to approve the community’s nomination and forward

her name to Brother Alvaro Echeverria, superior gen-

eral in Rome, for his approval. His confirmation was

received on Feb. 20.

In addition to contributing to the life and work

of the Brothers, a nominee has to exemplify, in

his or her own life, the two spirits of the Institute:

faith and zeal.

At the Mass on May 15, the Feast of Saint John

Baptist De La Salle, Br. Scanlan spoke highly of Clo-

hessy’s devotion, faith and work ethic.

“Zeal is defined as enthusiastic devotion to a

cause and tireless diligence in its furtherance,” Br.

Scanlan said. “Now, that is Ann in a nutshell. Ann

is absolutely unequaled in her efficiency and the

amount and quality of her work, and I guarantee she

will not be replaced by any one person.”

In her remarks, Clohessy thanked everyone

involved in this honor and expressed how blessed

she is.

“I am truly honored, proud and humbled on

this the feast day of St. John Baptist de La Salle to

officially be made a member of this Institute, the

Brothers of the Christian Schools,” she said. “This is

a celebration I shall never forget.”

Being a benefactor brings the benefit of being

included in the Brothers’ daily prayers and remem-

bered by name on the anniversary of the recipi-

ent’s passing.

Clohessy, who was also named Distinguished La-

sallian Staff Member in 2006, has served the College

for 40 years and will retire in January.

Brothers Honor Devoted Colleague

did you Know?

Among Manhattan’s graduates are two Cardinals of the

Catholic Church, Patrick Hayes of New York and George

Mundelein of Chicago, classes of 1888 and 1889, respectively.


o n c a m p u s

4 N FALL 2010

EnginEEringThe New York City Department of Environmental Protection

(DEP) recently awarded Manhattan College with $661,000 of

the $2.6 million Flushing and Gowanus Green Infrastructure

Grant Initiative to support the installation of a modular

green roof for the New York Hospital Queens in Flushing,

N.Y. Out of the five grant recipients, the College received the

highest amount of grant funding to back a green project.

The DEP grant program was created in order to integrate

the use of green infrastructure projects to regulate and cap-

ture storm water runoff during wet weather. The project’s

goal is to decrease the amount of storm water and wastewa-

ter being diverted into New York City’s adjacent waterways.

DEP currently manages New York City’s water supply and

supplies nine million residents with one billion gallons of

water each day.

Scott Lowe, Ph.D., associate professor of environmental

engineering and lead investigator for the project, is partner-

ing with HDR Engineering, an architectural, engineering and

consulting firm, to design and install 20,000 square feet of

modular green roof. Manhattan engineering students will

be involved in every stage of the project, and, once the roof

is installed, they will gather and analyze data during a four-

year period to determine how much water is being captured.

EducationThe New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE),

Bureau of Nonpublic School Reimbursable Services (BNPS)

presented Manhattan College with a grant for $1,250,000 for

the school building leadership graduate program. The grant

program serves nonpublic school principals and teachers

who work in one of the five New York City boroughs and

want to advance their leadership skills and/or acquire New

York State certification in school building leadership. The

program can certify education professionals as: grade level

coordinators, subject areas coordinators, heads of schools,

assistant principals and principals.

The College offers both a Master of Science in education,

school building leadership, and professional diploma in

school building leadership. Starting this fall, new and exist-

ing school building leadership students meeting the grant

guidelines and approved for enrollment by the BNPS will

receive free tuition. The total funds will be dispensed annu-

ally throughout five years.

Grants and Grads

Fall FoliagE EnvElops FoundErs bridgEStudents coming from and going to the O’Malley Library enjoy one of those

last perfect autumn days and take advantage of the warm weather.

five stars

Eatin’ good in thE jaspEr hoodThere are lots of foods to choose from these days in

the College’s cafeterias, but the top five most popular

purchases in Dante’s Den are:

1- shakes

2- salsa Rico burritos

3- smoothies

4- chicken tender wraps

5- salad


MANHATTAN.EDU N 5

Michael carey, Psy.D., was named dean of

students in July. In his new role, Carey acts

as the chief judiciary officer for the campus

and supervises the areas of residence life and

student development.

Since 2006, Carey has served as the direc-

tor of counseling and health services at the

College. While reporting directly to the vice

president for student life, he supervised

both departments and helped to integrate

enhancements to key policies, including

improving the model of services in the coun-

seling center and adhering to Middle States

Evaluation standards.

During the past four years, Carey has

demonstrated his leadership and strong

commitment to Manhattan’s student body

by providing direct counseling services,

teaching and mentoring graduate students

as an adjunct professor and launching the

campus club Peer Educators to increase

outreach among students.

Carey, a Bronx native, began his career

as a religious studies teacher at his alma

mater, Fordham Preparatory School, after

graduating from Vassar College with a B.A.

in religious studies. He went on to graduate

from San Francisco State University with

an M.S. in clinical psychology. With nearly

20 years of psychology experience, Carey

first worked as a counselor and eventually

became a psychologist. He earned a Doctor

of Psychology in clinical psychology from

California Institute of Integral Studies.

nEw vicE prEsidEnt For Mission

NEWFACES nEw dEan oF studEnts

Top: Michael Carey, Psy.D.,

Bottom: Brother James Wallace, F.S.C.

Brother JaMes Wallace, f.s.c., became

vice president for mission on July 1. He suc-

ceeds John Wilcox, Ph.D., who is now director

of Lasallian studies. The vice president for

mission assists the president and Manhat-

tan community in its understanding and

realization of the College’s mission and

Lasallian Catholic identity.

Br. Wallace previously served as assis-

tant vice president for mission and, before

that, as auxiliary provincial of the Lwanga

District of the De La Salle Brothers, Africa. In

this capacity, he visited 19 schools in Kenya,

South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Eritrea to

provide assistance in the form of workshops,

evaluation and encouragement.

Prior to his role as auxiliary provincial,

Br. Wallace spent many years in the field of

education throughout Africa. He served as

headmaster of LaSalle College in Johannes-

burg, South Africa, and dean of studies at

Christ the Teacher College in Nairobi, Kenya,

where he was responsible for hiring teach-

ers, presenting workshops on instructional

strategies and meeting with individual

teachers before and after classroom visits.

From 1990 to 1996, he was an assistant

professor at Manhattan College in the

school of education. Among the many

courses he taught were: School Administra-

tion and Supervision; Learning and Teaching

Styles; Educational Decision Making and

Change; and Teaching Reading to Exception-

al Students.

Br. Wallace earned his B.A. in American

history and M.S. in guidance and counseling

from Canisius College, as well as an Ed.D.

in teaching and curriculum from Syracuse

University. He also holds a Certificate of

Advanced Studies in Reading Education and

Anthropology.

did you Know?

The department of physical education and human

performance celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.


o n c a m p u s

6 N FALL 2010

This yeaR, the center for ca-

reer development launched

the College’s first Senior

Career Week, from Sept. 11–17. This

program was filled with activities

and events that helped students of

different backgrounds learn what

it takes to find employment after

graduation, a critical concern for se-

niors. Events were hosted by experts

in each field, including members of

the administration and other busi-

ness professionals who were invited

to share their insight with students.

The workshops covered all objec-

tives of career development, from

securing an internship to manag-

ing personal finances as a working

member of society.

Internship, presentation and

interview training workshops were

offered at various times throughout

the week. Résumés were critiqued

and vital information was provided

for students on finding employment

in their field of study. In addition, a

workshop held by Columbia Univer-

sity’s Center for Career Education,

“Finding a Job or Internship Using

Social Media,” instructed students

on the use of new, digital outlets

to create and maintain networking

opportunities. The career athlete

presentation was added for student-

athletes who wish to excel in the

workforce by utilizing their athletic

abilities. Perhaps the most informa-

tive event was presented by David

Goldwasser, a financial planner for

MetLife, titled “Life After Gradua-

tion: Budgeting for Real Life,” which

enabled students to learn not only

about gaining employment but also

following through and nurturing the

monetary responsibilities that will

accompany these jobs in the future.

Senior Career Week proved to be

a success, with strong attendance

and positive feedback.

“All of the events were well-

attended and big hits,” says Mar-

jorie Apel, director of the center

for career development. “Students

found them to be informative and

interactive, and recommended that

all the workshops be repeated in the

coming years for future seniors.”

Cramming for a Career

jaspErs hElping jaspErs

are you looking for a job or do you want

to make a career change? conversely, do

you need to hire someone? then check out

Jaspers helping Jaspers.

Jaspers Helping Jaspers, brought to you

by the alumni relations office and center

for career development, is a four-pronged

program that offers:

• Networking — with other alumni

• Job listings — both part-time and full-time,

from other Jaspers

• Connections — Alums act as point people in

their companies to alert the career develop-

ment office of job opportunities

• Volunteering — to reach out to companies

for openings

In addition, the program includes access

to JasperLink, a job board open 24/7, and

inclusion in the LinkedIn network of alumni.

For more information, please contact Ber-

nadette Hicks, recruitment coordinator, at

[email protected] or (718)

862-7965.

School of Ed Earns An A+ the teacheR education accRedi-

tation council (TEAC) awarded

national accreditation to Manhattan

College’s teacher education program

for 10 years with no weaknesses or

stipulations earlier this summer. The

U.S. Department of Education, the

Council for Higher Education Accredi-

tation and the New York State Educa-

tion Department recognize TEAC as a

national accreditation organization.

The College’s teacher education

program joins more than 110 ac-

credited programs in 21 states with

TEAC-accredited education prepara-

tion programs.

To be accredited by TEAC, a teacher

education program must have solid, in-

dependently verifiable evidence of its

graduates’ competence. In particular,

the program must show that its gradu-

ates understand the subject matter

they are certified to teach, understand

the process of learning and teach-

ing, and possess teaching skills that

lead students to appropriate levels of

achievement. The program must also

have an ongoing process for reviewing

and improving itself and must demon-

strate that it has the capacity to offer

quality education.


MANHATTAN.EDU N 7

manhattan college topped the list

at No. 17 in the best regional universities

(North) category for the second year in a row

in U.S. News & World Report ’s annual 2011

America’s Best Colleges survey. In addition,

the College’s chemical engineering program

was selected as the fifth best in the na-

tion — a standout in an already top-ranking

engineering school, which received an

overall ranking and tied for 38th out of 190

engineering schools that offer bachelor’s

and master’s degrees.

According to cnnmoney.com/payscale.

com’s 2010-2011 College Salary report, Man-

hattan College ranked 30th out of 999 schools

in the mid-career median salary category.

The report demonstrated how the median

salary of Manhattan alumni nearly doubled

from entry level to mid-career ($55,300 to

$105,000). The starting salary employee

information was compiled from full-time em-

ployees who had five years of experience or

less in their careers; whereas, the mid-career

figures came from employees with at least 10

years of experience in their fields.

The Bloomberg Businessweek/payscale.

com survey, entitled Which Colleges Are

Worth Your Investment?, indicated a high

return on investment for a Manhattan Col-

lege education. Manhattan ranked 37th out

of 554 schools surveyed, with a 30-year net

return on investment in excess of $1 million.

In addition, Manhattan College was listed

on Forbes’ America’s Best Colleges 2010 list

as No. 149 out of 610 of the best public and

private colleges and universities from the

student’s point of view.

College Scoresin the Ratings

a Declaration of concentration

what’s your Major?With more than 40 major programs of study, these five

majors, in order of popularity, pack the classrooms:

1- civil engineering

2- communication

3- psychology

4- mechanical engineering

5- Finance

gathEring by thE grottoStudents get together by the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, which originally

was located where Thomas Hall is today. Brother Angelus Gabriel Cashin,

F.S.C., professor of English, designed and supervised its construction in 1935.


o n c a m p u s

8 N FALL 2010

Catholic RelieF seRvices has partnered with campus

ministry and social action (CMSA) to bring awareness of

fair trade to the Manhattan College community. Fair trade,

the practice of transparent trading partnerships that seek greater

equity in international trade, is one of the issues Catholic Relief Ser-

vices has identified as an important social justice movement.

The College has received several grants from Catholic Relief

Services to create programs that educate the community about fair

trade, what it is and why it is important.

“Our involvement with Catholic Relief Services is a very practical way

for the College to hook into what we talk about in the mission about

reflection on faith and values, and commitment to social justice,” says

Lois Harr, director of CMSA.

This June, CMSA organized a workshop to show faculty how to in-

tegrate discussion of fair trade into their curriculum. Nine members

of the faculty, from various programs, attended the workshop. The

concept of fair trade touches on a wide variety of important issues

that translate to classroom studies, such as those in economics,

politics and ethics.

Then in September, Harr, along with several faculty members

and students, attended the Fair Trade Futures conference in Boston.

The conference had several breakout sessions that examined topics

such as advocacy and community involvement. There was also a fair

trade marketplace featuring fair trade vendors offering information

about how to distribute their products.

On Sept. 15, the College hosted a lecture featuring Pedro Ascencio

from Las Colinas Coffee Cooperative in El Salvador, who spoke about

fair trade practices and the impact fair trade farming can have on a

community. More than 120 people attended the lecture.

To celebrate October being Fair Trade Month, CMSA hosted screen-

ings of The Dark Side of Chocolate, a documentary about the violence

and virtual slavery surrounding chocolate grown in West Africa. It

also sponsored a handcrafts sale showcasing fair trade products.

In addition, Sodexo, the campus food services company, has

become involved by selling fair trade coffee on campus and cater-

ing desserts that feature fair trade chocolate and bananas. CMSA’s

Lasallian Outreach Volunteer Experience (L.O.V.E.) program also has

been selling fair trade coffee, Jasper Java, with proceeds benefiting

the group’s annual service trips.

In the future, the College hopes to continue working with Catho-

lic Relief Services on fair trade projects, including grants for faculty

research projects that will explore various fair trade issues.

All’s Fair in Social Action

Beginning this Fall semesteR, students in the school of arts have the option of majoring in art history. The new

major, the first for the College’s fine arts department, will examine art and architecture created from the ancient to

the contemporary worlds within broad historical and cultural contexts.

By developing a visual vocabulary, multiple perspectives on key monuments, and an understanding of the cross-

disciplinary nature of art history, students learn to analyze visual materials, organize ideas, and write and speak

persuasively about representational issues. Through an emphasis on historical research, written analysis and

observational interpretation, the art history major helps prepare students for careers in museum and gallery cura-

torship, marketing and new media, teaching, as well as professions that require visual analysis, such as creative art,

international relations, law and medicine.

Art history majors will be required to take courses in both the earlier (Ancient to Renaissance) and later (Ba-

roque to Modern) periods, as well as courses in world arts and art history methodologies. Electives ranging from

ancient to American art can also be structured to emphasize museum studies and to take advantage of the numer-

ous opportunities for internships in the New York area. Majors will study the world-class architecture, galleries,

libraries and museums in New York City. The newly introduced course in Monasticism and the Arts will draw heav-

ily on the collections of the Cloisters, just as the course on the New York City Skyscraper focuses on buildings in

midtown and downtown Manhattan.

A Renaissance for Arts

Programs sPotlight

LASALLIANLOOK


MANHATTAN.EDU N 9

Manhattan college presented its 18th

annual Lasallian Convocation this past

September. The lecture, Our Lasal-

lian Heritage in Action: Helping Children in Crisis,

featured a presentation by Skip Gaus, director of De

La Salle in Towne, St. Gabriel’s System, and Brother

Raymond Blixt, F.S.C., CEO of the Martin de Porres

Schools and Group Residence. Their presentation ex-

amined the history of the Lasallian mission to help

underprivileged children, how a worldwide system

of schools developed from Saint John Baptist de La

Salle’s first school in France, and how many of the

troubles that 17th century impoverished children

faced are the same issues we still face today.

“The Convocation was just what we hoped for,”

said Brother James Wallace, F.S.C., vice president

for mission. “It dealt with the origins and history

of Lasallian work with young people in crisis, De La

Salle’s motivation in embracing this mission, the

founding of the Catholic Protectory, and the estab-

lishment of our current apostolates to help troubled

young people. The entire program honored the tradi-

tions upon which all Lasallian ministries, including

Manhattan College, have been founded.”

After Br. Wallace welcomed the audience with an

invocation, Gaus began the presentation by speak-

ing about the founding of the first Lasallian school

in 1679 and what a radical innovation this was at the

time. His presentation followed the historical time-

line of the development of Lasallian schools through-

out France in the 18th century and then in North

America throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

“The conditions of poverty haven’t changed much

from the 1600s to today,” Gaus said. “The conditions

of poverty that many of our children live in present

home situations where parents often leave their

kids to their own, and it’s up to our child care institu-

tions to take up that role just as it was taken up by

De La Salle.”

Br. Blixt’s portion of the program focused on the

current state of modern Lasallian schools, and the

crucial services that these schools are providing

to underserved communities and kids who face

difficult hardships. He showed a video highlighting

the work of the Martin de Porres Schools, which

included interviews with school administrators,

as well as students whose lives have been turned

around due to their participation at the school.

“We are engaged in a mission that goes back to

the founding roots of De La Salle, but it’s also a

mission that evolves over time in response to very

specific needs of kids,” Br. Blixt said. “There are

many levels of service we provide. It’s beyond the

classroom, we’re going into family’s homes, doing

outreach service, providing psychological and psy-

chiatric counseling.”

Br. Blixt has had a long career in youth services

that began in 1964, when he began his ministry at

Mater Christi Diocesan High School and served as

teacher, department chair and vice principal. In

1972, he founded the Martin de Porres Ministry for

troubled and at-risk youth, where he has worked in a

number of capacities throughout the years, includ-

ing principal, executive director and CEO. Br. Blixt

recently celebrated his 50th anniversary as a De La

Salle Christian Brother.

Gaus has worked in the field of youth services

for more than 30 years and has been the director

of De La Salle in Towne since 1989. The center is a

component of St. Gabriel’s System, a service of the

Juvenile Justice Division of Catholic Social Services.

St. Gabriel’s System serves more than 2,000 court

adjudicated clients annually in residential, reinte-

gration services and day treatment programs.

Exploring History and Mission

Brother Raymond Blixt, F.S.C.,

and Skip Gaus discuss the his-

tory of the Lasallian mission at

the annual Lasallian Convoca-

tion in September.

lectUre circUit


o n c a m p u s

10 N FALL 2010

In septemBeR, the College launched the inaugural

Newman Lecture to celebrate Cardinal John Henry

Newman’s beatification, which occurred on Sept. 19

in Birmingham, England, at a ceremony presided by Pope

Benedict XVI. Michael Baur, Ph.D., associate professor of phi-

losophy at Fordham University, presented the lecture: What

Cardinal Newman Really Said About the University, and Why

it Really Matters.

“People who champion Vatican II, people who are deeply

suspicious of Vatican II, people who call themselves tradi-

tionalists or progressives, conservatives or liberals, anti-

moderns or pro-moderns, thinkers today find something

that is appealing and attractive in Newman,” explained Baur,

as he started the lecture.

Baur is a founding member of the Society for the Study of

Cardinal Newman, which is designed to promote “thought-

ful dialogue and genuine understanding regarding the life,

work, and legacy of John Cardinal Newman.” A specialist in

German idealism, 19th century continental thought, and phi-

losophy and law, he is the editor/co-editor of 14 books. He

has also published more than 30 articles, presented almost

50 papers and has spoken at several professional confer-

ences and universities.

“In my 23 or so years working in Catholic higher educa-

tion, I have met few scholars and teachers who work as

effectively or as passionately in that ethos and spirit as

does Mike Baur,” said Brennan O’Donnell, Ph.D., president of

Manhattan College. “As a scholar, a teacher and a colleague,

I think he is someone whom Newman would recognize as a

companion on the journey.”

Baur used key themes from Newman’s most famous

works, The Idea of a University and his autobiography, Apo-

logia Pro Vita Sua, to discuss the nature of liberal arts educa-

tion, its contemporary significance and social consequences

through Newman’s eyes. For example, Baur described how

Cardinal Newman was a radical thinker, especially when

he was asked to start the Catholic University of Dublin. By

recruiting educated lay people, establishing the University’s

medical school and appointing a professor of engineering,

Cardinal Newman helped to advance and shape university

education within the liberal arts tradition.

Cardinal Newman was named cardinal in 1879 by Pope

Leo XIII and continued his work as a prolific scholar of early

Christianity. With the launch of the new annual lecture and

Baur’s inaugural discussion, the College community has

the opportunity to learn not only about Cardinal Newman’s

tremendous impact on university education but also about

others who have shaped liberal arts in higher education.

celebrating a cardinal with a New lecture

Fordham University

professor Michael

Baur, Ph.D., gives

the College’s first

Newman Lecture, a

new annual event.

cardinal john hEnry nEwMan

A few dates in the life of the noted theologian,

philosopher, writer and saint

Born: Feb. 21, 1801, London

Died: Aug. 11, 1890, Birmingham, England

Matriculated: 1816, Trinity College, Oxford University

Ordination: May 25, 1825 (Anglican priest)

May 30, 1846 (Catholic priest)

Named Cardinal: 1879 by Pope Leo XIII

Beatified: Sept. 19, 2010

Feast Day: Oct. 9 (Roman Catholic Church, the date of

his conversion to Catholicism in 1845)

Aug. 11 (Anglican Church)

lectUre circUit


MANHATTAN.EDU N 11

FRench Revolution scholar

Suzanne Desan, Ph.D., profes-

sor of history at the Univer-

sity of Wisconsin, Madison, delivered

the ninth annual Costello Lecture, a

lecture named in memory of Brother

Casimir Gabriel Costello, F.S.C., former

chair of Manhattan College’s history

department and dean of the College.

The author of several books, Desan

presented Foreign Activists in Revolu-

tionary France: The Politics of

Territory and Identity.

Each year, the

College invites a

remarkable historian

to educate Manhat-

tan’s community in

honor of Br. Costello,

who played an instru-

mental role in shaping

the history depart-

ment. In fact, Br. Costello’s

former student, Roger Goebel ’57,

professor of law at Fordham University

and director of the Center on European

Union Law, sponsors the yearly event

to remember his professor and mentor.

At the start of the event, Jeff Horn,

Ph.D., professor and chair of the his-

tory department, introduced Desan to

the Manhattan community and sum-

marized her experience and expertise

in the French Revolution, including the

publication of her books:

• The Family on Trial in Revolution-

ary France (2004)

• Reclaiming the Sacred: Lay Religion

and Popular Politics in Revolution-

ary France (1990)

• editor of Family, Gender

and Law in Early-Modern

France (2009).

Desan began the pre-

sentation by describ-

ing her current project

and how it focuses on

foreign activists, espe-

cially Anacharsis Cloots

and Helen Maria Williams,

and their influence on French

politics and political culture as

they tried to spark revolution in their

home countries.

She described Cloots as a tireless

Prussian radical, “who envisioned

the French Revolution as a canvas for

reinventing himself alongside creat-

ing a universal republic.” Williams was

called an undaunted British poet and

author who lived in Paris during the

French Revolution and published mul-

tiple books on behalf of the republic.

“Cloots and Williams each lent

their pens, their politics and their

personas to the cause of cultivating

revolution, recording revolution and

making it into a cosmopolitan cru-

sade,” Desan explained. “They tied

their freshly made identities to their

international visions.”

Desan’s lecture reinforced the

importance of fighting for a cause, and

how Cloots and Williams tried to make

a change during the French Revolu-

tion. Thanks to her talk and Costello’s

memory, the lecture allowed others to

not only learn but also have a prime

example of how to take a stand and

make a difference.

Activism and the French Revolution

staRting in the Fall of 2011, the school of business will introduce a new graduate M.B.A. program for qualified

students. The program will give undergraduate students the opportunity to complete both a bachelor’s degree and

an M.B.A. in five years.

The University of the State of New York approved the 36-credit M.B.A. on Aug. 19 and confirmed that the degree

meets the state’s educational requirements for the CPA (Certified Public Accountancy) license. The new M.B.A. pro-

gram is designed to increase students’ awareness of the multifunctional aspects of business and enhance their abil-

ity to integrate business knowledge in decision-making.

In addition to the 36-credit requirement, undergraduate candidates for the M.B.A. program will be required to

take prerequisites typically fulfilled in the undergraduate business and accounting majors. The business school is

in the process of finalizing all courses and admission details for the new program.

getting ahead in business

Programs sPotlight

lectUre circUit


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Rebounding

A fter finishing her career

as one of the most prolific

scorers that the women’s bas-

ketball program has ever seen, caitlin Flood

’08 knew that there was more basketball in

her future. With that in mind, Flood headed

to england, where she played professionally

for two seasons. During a trip home early

this summer, however, things changed. the

chance to become an assistant coach at her

alma mater presented itself, and she jumped

at the opportunity to return to the college.

“i stayed in england for two straight

years,” she says. “i definitely wanted to

come home over the summer, but i had

every intention of going back. however,

the question was in my mind. i thought my

[playing] career was ending. my body was

getting tired. then this opportunity came up,

and it was the perfect situation.”

When she returned to the United states

in may after her second season in england,

Flood called women’s basketball head

coach John olenowski to see if he could use

her help at the team’s summer camp. mid-

way through the conversation, olenowski

asked Flood if she would be interested in

interviewing for the lady Jaspers’ vacant

assistant position. she hadn’t been thinking

about coaching until that point, but she was

definitely interested. and the interest was

mutual. When the job was offered, Flood

made the difficult choice of leaving her play-

ing career behind.

“i did some coaching in england,” Flood

says. “We were successful, and i enjoyed it,

but Division i coaching is very different. i’m

still getting my feet wet and still learning.

it definitely would’ve been harder to go

somewhere else, but here everyone knows

me and feels comfortable with me. Being at

manhattan gives me a little more pride and

a reason to work harder.”

the decision to bring Flood back to

manhattan was a little easier because ole-

nowski and women’s basketball associate

head coach sonia Burke were both familiar

with her as a player. Burke recruited Flood

to come to manhattan and was her posi-

tion coach for all four years. Under Burke’s

tutelage, Flood earned First team all-maac

honors as a senior in the 2007-08 season,

when she averaged 17 points per game.

olenowski’s relationship with Flood goes

back even longer. he was her aaU (amateur

athletic Union) coach for four years while

she was growing up in new Jersey.

“caitlin’s one of those players who was a

coach’s dream,” Burke says. “she did every-

thing she was asked and had a great work

ethic. she was competitive but also a leader

from the start. it was an absolute pleasure

to coach her.”

Perhaps the one thing that has made the

transition easiest for Flood is her familiarity

with the team. current seniors alicia marcu-

litis, nadia Peters and abby Wentworth were

freshmen during her senior year, and many

of the underclassmen had the chance to get

to know her while they were being recruited.

While the coach-player dynamic is definitely

different than the one between teammates,

Flood thinks that those pre-existing relation-

ships have actually been a help.

“in fact, i think it makes things a little

easier,” Flood says. “Rather than trying to

learn what type of players i’m dealing with,

i already know what they like to do, which

Former women’s basketball star player, Caitlin Flood ’08, returns to her alma mater as an assistant coach. By Joe Clifford

Career

Sports.SHIP.Fall2010.indd 1 11/22/10 9:49 AM

MANHATTAN.EDU N 13

Caitlin Flood ’08 joins the College’s sports staff as the

new women’s basketball assistant coach. Flood in 2007,

during her last season as a Lady Jasper, was one of the

basketball program’s leading scorers.

makes it easier to help them. they respect

me, so the transition’s been easy.”

“i was a little surprised at first, but i’m def-

initely happy and excited to have her back,”

says Wentworth, who started 21 games as a

freshman and is one of the captains of this

year’s squad. “i definitely think it helps that

she played with us. We can relate to her; that

makes the connection between the players

and the coaches a little easier.”

if not for the opportunity at manhattan,

Flood most likely would have returned to eu-

rope for a third professional season this fall.

Flood, who concedes she probably had only

about two years of competitive basketball

left in her, was considering resigning with

the nottingham Wildcats, her 2009-10 club,

or taking an offer to play in germany before

deciding to hang it up.

“i wasn’t sure [about coaching] at first,”

says Flood, who graduated with a degree

in finance. “But now i definitely see myself

coaching long-term.”


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New Faces

the manhattan men’s basketball program added assistant

coaches scott adubato and scott padgett to its reconfigured

staff in July. adubato, a former nBa and Big east assistant,

most recently served as an assistant coach at seton hall for

the past three seasons. Padgett played eight years in the nBa

after enjoying a decorated college career at the University

of Kentucky, where he helped the Wildcats go to a national

championship. he spent the 2009-10 season at his alma mater.

new lady Jaspers’ soccer head coach Brendan Lawler

completed his first season in Riverdale after stepping to the

helm in June. lawler has eight years of coaching experience,

which includes collegiate stints at the United states military

academy and marist college. soon after his appointment,

lawler named former college standout alicia tirelli as assis-

tant coach on his staff. tirelli finished her career at Florida

atlantic University with 66 points on 27 goals and 12 assists.

she has played professionally during the past four years

within the Usl W-league and brings collegiate, high school

and club coaching experience to Riverdale.

alums claim TiTles aNd medals

manhattan college had two of its former track and field

athletes win national titles in their respective countries this

past summer. Malin Marmbrandt ’10 won the triple jump

at the swedish national championships, and Jake freeman

’03 won the hammer throw at the United states national

championships. marmbrandt set a personal-best jump of

41 feet, 9 and half inches (12.74 meters). Freeman won his

competition with a second-round throw of 76.51 meters (251

feet), which was 20 centimeters more than the silver medal-

ist, Kibwe Johnson.

Lisa Daley ’93 also found success in competition dur-

ing the summer. Daley took home three gold medals at the

United states masters championships held at sacramento

state University. Daley finished first in her age group in both

the 200-meter dash and the 400, and she was a member of

the 4x400-meter relay team.

Jaspers shiNe aT empire sTaTe Games

six manhattan college student-athletes represented their

hometowns at the 2010 empire state games, new York’s

olympic-style amateur sports festival held in Buffalo in late

July. three athletes, softball player junior Melissa Donnelly,

men’s basketball player junior Liam Mccabe-Moran and

pole vaulter sophomore Melissa Yap, took home silver med-

als, while long jumper Jamie spataro ’10, men’s basketball

player senior nick Walsh and former manhattan softball

player Kiera fox ’06 also participated in the games. Donnelly

was part of the long island team that finished with a 4-2 re-

cord and won the silver medal. mccabe-moran was a

member of the hudson Valley team that went a perfect 3-0

in pool play but settled for the silver after an 86-81 loss to

Western in the gold medal game. Yap claimed the silver

medal in the women’s pole vault for Western as she cleared

3.19 meters (10 feet, 5 and a half inches) to place second in

the competition.

Jaspers hoNored aT ecac BaNqueT

Former manhattan college men’s basketball player, coach

and athletic director Jack powers ’58 received the James

lynah Distinguished service award, and current men’s

basketball sophomore Kevin Laue earned the award of Valor

at the annual eastern college athletic conference honors

Banquet on sept. 28 at the Resort and conference center in

hyannis, mass.

Powers has served as the executive director of the

national invitation tournament since 1988. he previously

spent nine years as the athletic director at his alma mater,

where he ranks in the top 25 in program history in scoring

(1,139 points). he performed on two manhattan teams that

advanced to the ncaa tournament, and his 28-point effort

in the 1958 tournament led the Jaspers to an upset of top-

ranked West Virginia. Powers served as the Jaspers’ head

coach from 1968-1978, where he compiled 142 victories dur-

ing his 10-year term. the James lynah Distinguished service

award is bestowed to an ecac athletics administrator who

has achieved outstanding success and has made significant

contributions to intercollegiate athletics.

laue, a 6-foot-11-inch center from Pleasanton, calif., is

believed to be the first one-handed player to earn a Divi-

sion i basketball scholarship. as a freshman, he appeared

in 19 games and grabbed a career-high eight rebounds at

Vanderbilt. the award of Valor honors ecac athletes whose

courage, motivation and relentless determination serves as

an inspiration to all.

hall oF Fame coaches come For cliNic

manhattan college played host to an annual coaches’ clinic

in september orchestrated by howard garfinkel, the found-

er of Five star basketball camp. the event featured sessions

instructed by naismith hall of Fame coaches c. Vivian string-

er (Rutgers); Jim calhoun (connecticut); lawrence Frank, the

nBa’s new Jersey nets franchise winningest coach; tom izzo

(michigan state), who has led the spartans to six ncaa Final

Fours and the 2000 national championship; and Jay Wright

(Villanova), former naismith college coach of the Year.

sportsshoRts


134

MANHATTAN.EDU N 15

FUNFACts

7Manhattan teams that have played NCAA

Tournament games (baseball, men’s basket-

ball, women’s basketball, men’s lacrosse,

women’s lacrosse, men’s tennis, volleyball)

31 years Brother Jasper served as head coach of

the Manhattan baseball team (1863-94), the

longest coaching tenure in school history

30years Manhattan has been a member of the Metro

Atlantic Athletic Conference (along with Army, Fair-

field, Fordham, Iona and Saint Peter’s, Manhattan

was a charter member of the MAAC in 1980)

17Olympic appearances

by Manhattan

track & field alumni

green banners hang in

Draddy Gymnasium

213members (individuals and teams) of the

Manhattan College Athletic Hall of Fame,

including the eight 2010 inductees

310victories for Ken Norton

(men’s basketball, 1946-68),

Manhattan’s all-time

winningest team

varsity Manhattan basketball games (men’s and

women’s) have been played in Draddy Gymnasium

since it opened in 1978, entering the 2010-11 season

791

1933 year of Manhattan’s only bowl

appearance (a 7-0 loss to Miami

in the Palm Festival, the

predecessor to the Orange Bowl)

1978-79 first varsity season for the women’s

basketball team, the first women’s

athletic program at Manhattan

tracK star racKs up race MeDaLsRepresenting her native Guyana, former Manhattan track &

field star and Athletic Hall of Fame member Aliann Pompey ’99

captured a silver medal in the 400-meter dash at the 2010 Com-

monwealth Games in Delhi, India, on Oct. 8. Pompey, who was

the Commonwealth Games gold medalist in 2002, ran a season-

best time of 51.65 seconds to take the silver.

The Commonwealth Games, one of the premier international

sporting competitions in the world, brings together athletes

from the Commonwealth of Nations (primarily former British

colonies and territories) every four years. This marked Pompey’s

third career Commonwealth Games appearance, and her silver

medal capped a very busy and successful season on the interna-

tional stage.

In February, Pompey competed at the World Indoor Champi-

onships in Doha, Qatar. She qualified for the final in Doha and

placed fifth in a time of 52.75 seconds. Her fifth-place finish

marked her best result at an Olympics or World Championships

(indoor or outdoor).

Then in July, she represented Guyana at the Central American

& Caribbean Games, in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Pompey claimed

the silver medal in the 400 and finished second in the final with

a time of 52.33 seconds. She also ran the 200-meter dash in

Mayaguez and reached the final in that event.

Pompey, who was the 2000 NCAA indoor champion in the

400 while at the College, is a three-time Olympian (Sydney 2000,

Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008) and qualified for the semifinals

at the 2008 Beijing Games. She has also participated in the last

five World Outdoor Championships and was a semifinalist at the

most recent edition, Berlin 2009.


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4 N FALL 2010

Men’s Lacrossethe Men’s Lacrosse teaM made its third-

straight maac tournament appearance in

2010 — the first time in program history the

team reached the postseason three years in

a row. manhattan got there in unusual fash-

ion — winning a random draw with marist

and canisius after all three teams finished

5-3 in the maac. the Jaspers fell to maac

champion mount st. mary’s in the semifinals

and finished with an overall record of 7-9.

after playing one of the toughest non-

conference schedules in school history, the

Jaspers opened maac play with an 11-8 win

over conference newcomer Detroit and then

convincingly beat Vmi. however, the high-

light of the maac season was a three-game

winning streak from april 21-28. after post-

ing home victories over Wagner and saint

Joseph’s, the Jaspers notched a 10-6 win

at marist. manhattan posted a perfect 4-0

record in conference home games, and two

of the three maac losses were by one goal.

offensively, senior James synowiez

paced manhattan for the second straight

season. synowiez finished with 38 goals and

50 points, the third-highest single-season to-

tals in program history, and was named First

team all-maac for the second-straight time.

he tied a school single-game record with

seven goals in the win over saint Joseph’s

and reached 100 career points in his 34th

game — making him the quickest player to

reach that milestone in school history.

Joining synowiez on the all-maac First

team was senior defenseman steve stern-

berg, who picked up 34 ground balls during

his final season in a manhattan uniform.

after the season, sternberg became just the

second player in program history to play in

the annual Usila north-south all-star game.

sophomore defenseman Kyle moeller

earned a place on the all-maac second

team, while senior defenseman Kyle ochwat

and freshman face-off man chace calkin

were both named to the maac all-tourna-

ment team.

in addition, 11 members were selected

to the maac all-academic team: seniors

sternberg, luke Dilillo, sal Perrotto and

Joe Variano; juniors Justin Jensen, John

llewellyn, mike llewellyn and Brett miran-

da; and sophomores moeller, steve harvey

and Joe lenihan.steve sternberg ’10

for the WoMen’s Lacrosse teaM, a key

highlight of the season was sophomore

chrissy gutenberger backing up her out-

standing freshman season with another

stellar year and being named to the all-

maac second team. nine of her teammates

also showed their prowess in the classroom,

as they were named to the maac all-aca-

demic team.

as manhattan’s offensive leader, guten-

berger led the lady Jaspers in goals this

season with 41 and in total points with 49.

she was third in the maac in goals per game

with 2.93 and fourth in the maac in points

per game at 3.50. she also stood third in the

conference in shots per game at 6.21.

gutenberger was one of three lady Jas-

pers to post more than 30 points during the

season, with graduate caralyn hickey rack-

ing up 38 points on 23 goals and 15 assists,

and junior Phelicia Vanoverbeke posting 34

points on 29 goals and 5 assists.

Defensively and in the midfield, the

team’s leaders were graduate Keri morrison,

sophomore Breana leonard, graduate helen

Kerrisk and junior Kristen Brenner. morrison

had 38 ground balls and 34 caused turnovers,

while leonard picked up 40 ground balls and

caused 20 turnovers. Kerrisk had 28 ground

balls and 22 caused turnovers, and Brenner

had 34 ground balls and 16 caused turnovers.

among the 64 maac players who received

this honor, nine lady Jaspers were named

to the 2010 maac Women’s lacrosse all-

academic team: hickey, Kerrisk; senior liz

Pfeiffer; juniors Brenner, Vanoverbeke, Julia

lavelle, ashley mchale, cristina tarulli; and

sophomore Brieanna spatarella.

Women’s Lacrosse

Julia Lavelle ’11


the WoMen’s tennis teaM was young in

2009-10. there wasn’t a senior on the roster,

and five of the six starters were either fresh-

men or sophomores. Perhaps as a result

of their inexperience, the lady Jaspers strug-

gled through a 4-13 campaign.

Freshman lili Johnson immediately

stepped in and played at no. 1 singles and

no. 1 doubles in all 17 dual matches. Johnson

led the squad with eight singles wins and

had a six-match winning streak during the

fall season. she also won seven doubles

matches with three different partners.

another freshman who played in all 17

dual matches was christina Puleo. Puleo tal-

lied seven singles wins and posted a 4-3 maac

record at no. 4 singles. she went 4-1 over a

five-match span from march 24-31. the third

freshman in the regular lineup was stepha-

nie tsao, who played no. 5 singles and was

Johnson’s primary partner at no. 1 doubles.

tsao ended the regular season with consecu-

tive singles victories at st. Bonaventure and

niagara, and she and Johnson also tallied an

8-7 doubles victory over the Purple eagles.

the “veteran” leadership was provided by

sophomore captains hilary Valenzuela and

christina ton. Valenzuela spent a majority of

the season at no. 2 singles and no. 2 doubles,

while ton occupied four different places in

the singles lineup.

the lady Jaspers won their first two dual

matches and opened the season with a 5-2

home win over monmouth. in their next

match, against Fordham on oct. 4, Valenzuela

clinched a 4-3 victory with a 6-4, 5-7, 7-5 win at

no. 3 singles in a match that took more than

three hours to complete. When maac play

began on march 24, manhattan posted an

easy 5-2 victory over Rider. the lady Jaspers

also notched a 5-2 win over maac rival saint

Peter’s on march 31.

the team was seeded sixth in the maac

tournament and took on third-seeded

loyola for the second-straight season.

Unfortunately, the lady Jaspers saw their

season come to an end with a 7-0 loss to

the greyhounds.

Women’s Tennis

MANHATTAN.EDU N 17

Lili Johnson ’13

after the Men’s tracK & fieLD team won its 14th straight maac

indoor championship, and the women claimed their 13th title in 14

years, the outdoor season got off to a successful start at the Baldy

castillo invitational in tempe, ariz., where sophomore heidy Palacios

claimed the gold medal in the women’s 400-meter dash. the Jasper

men also won three gold medals in field events at the meet: sopho-

more albert Johnson iii won the long jump, senior Kosta Randjic was

victorious in the triple jump and senior seid mujanovic claimed vic-

tory in the hammer throw.

then at the prestigious Penn Relays, senior malin marmbrandt

tied the school record with a long jump of 6.02 meters. a day later,

marmbrandt won the college Wom-

en’s triple Jump eastern section

with a leap of 12.38 meters. also at

that meet, Johnson took third in the

men’s college long Jump eastern

section with a mark of 7.71 meters.

at the maac outdoor champi-

onships, the team continued to

dominate. the women scored 234.50

points, 47.50 better than runner-up

Rider, while the men tallied 224

points, 35 more than Rider.

among the highlights on the women’s side was marmbrandt set-

ting a pair of meet records. after breaking the long jump record on

saturday, she posted a mark of 12.45 meters to break the maac record

and win the triple jump. another highlight was freshman ashley Bow-

man taking home four gold medals in the sprints. on the men’s side,

Johnson won the long jump and triple jump, as well as the 200-meter

dash. he was named the meet’s most outstanding Performer for Field

events. head coach Dan mecca was also named the maac outdoor

men’s and Women’s coach of the Year.

two weeks later at the ecac/ic4a championships, marmbrandt

won the long jump and triple jump and became the first woman in

manhattan history to pull off that feat. she long jumped 6.05 meters

and posted a mark of 12.65 meters to win the triple jump. after tak-

ing silver in the long jump, Johnson won the men’s triple jump with a

leap of 15.73 meters. Both marmbrandt and Johnson earned all-east

honors, as did freshman Brian mcgovern, who set a school record in

the men’s pole vault, sophomore alex hudak in the men’s 800-meter

dash, and the women’s 4x100-meter relay team of Palacios, Bowman,

junior Jackie hargrove and freshman cara Rostant.

the season concluded with five Jaspers heading to greensboro,

n.c., for the ncaa east Regional championships. marmbrandt just

missed qualifying for the national championships in the triple jump

and finished 15th at Regionals with a jump of 12.56 meters.

outdoor track & Field

Albert Johnson III ’12


s p o r t s

the goLf teaM had a successful year in both tour-

nament and match play.

starting the season on a high note, the Jaspers

won the golden eagle tournament sponsored by

st. Joseph’s college. the team was led by freshman

matthew creamer, who shot a two-under 70 to win

individual tournament honors by four strokes.

the following day, the team provided one of the

year’s top highlights and broke a 37-year-old school

record for the lowest competitive round. Junior

thomas Romano posted a six-under par 66 to lead

the Jaspers to a dual match win over Yeshiva Univer-

sity. on the par 72, 6,229 yard layout at glenwood

country club in old Bridge, n.J., Romano shot a

scorching 31 on the front nine and followed with a

35 on the back for his record-breaking 66. the score

superseded the record set in 1972 by george Fisher

at the leewood country club in eastchester, n.Y.

manhattan continued its fall season success by

taking first place overall at the 2009 susquehanna

Fall invitational. sophomore Robert Kehoe finished

in a tie for fifth individually, while creamer ended

in a tie for seventh. the Jaspers tallied a team score

of 306. in all, 14 teams took part in the tournament,

which was held at the susquehanna Valley country

club in hummels Wharf, Penn.

in october, senior nicholas la Banca’s score of

75 helped lead the college to a 308-322 dual match

victory over assumption college. in its next competi-

tion, the team took third place at the southern new

hampshire tournament.

highlights of the spring included a dual meet win

over saint Francis college and second-place finishes

at the susquehanna spring invitational (creamer 71)

and inaugural Jasper classic (Romano 73).

the team ended the year with an eighth-place

finish at the maac golf championships. held at the

celebration golf club in celebration, Fla., la Banca

topped all Jasper golfers and posted a three-round

score of 231 to tie for 13th overall.

toM parDaLis tooK over as head coach of the softball team in

2010 and inherited a squad that returned all of the key contribu-

tors from a 2009 team that won the first maac regular season title

in school history. Pardalis guided the lady Jaspers to 25 wins, their

most since 2006, and a return trip to the maac tournament.

manhattan started the season with its annual trip to Florida for

the Rebel spring games and had an impressive week. its 7-3 victory

over columbia on march 14 was the first of five the team would col-

lect during the trip. Junior erika sullivan was responsible for much of

the team’s early success. she tossed three shutouts, including a pair

of 1-0 victories and was recognized as maac Pitcher of the Week

twice during the season.

Junior Jaci Rahey belted the go-ahead grand slam in manhattan’s

victories at columbia and central connecticut, and the lady Jaspers

rallied for a number of late-inning wins. Junior center fielder Kristina

Walraven crushed a walk-off home run in a 2-1 win over Wagner on

april 7, while junior melissa Donnelly’s two-run shot beat niagara

on april 18. the lady Jaspers posted their third walk-off win of the

season when junior ashley Rampino drew a bases loaded walk in

the bottom of the eighth against monmouth on april 27.

solid pitching by sullivan, Donnelly and Rampino also propelled

manhattan to victories. the lady Jaspers snapped a 13-game losing

streak to canisius on april 17 behind sullivan’s one-run, three-hit

performance. she also got the win against niagara the next day and

threw another shutout, her fourth of the season, against albany

on april 13. Donnelly tossed

three shutouts, including

back-to-back blankings of

Rider and saint Peter’s on

may 1-2. Rampino, meanwhile,

recorded six wins and a save.

the trio had nine shutouts.

Rahey, who earned maac

Player of the Week honors on

march 29, was named First

team all-northeast Region

and First team all-maac after

one of the most prolific offen-

sive seasons in program history. she led the lady Jaspers in nine dif-

ferent offensive categories, including batting average (.409), home

runs (10) and RBis (58). her batting average was the eighth highest

single-season mark in program history, and she moved into second

place on manhattan’s single-season RBi list. she is the second player

in program history to belt double-digit homers in one season.

Donnelly joined her on the all-maac First team for her play as

the team’s shortstop, while sullivan was named second team all-

maac as a pitcher. also selected for the second team all-maac was

junior third baseman nicole michel. the maac Player of the Week

on may 3, michel ranked second on the team with a .352 batting aver-

age, eight home runs and 30 RBis.

Golf

Softball

Thomas Romano ’11

Jaci Rahey ’11


MANHATTAN.EDU N 19

Chrissy Gutenberger

Farewell To Freddy “sez”

manhattan college lost one of the

Jaspers’ biggest fans with the passing

of longtime supporter fred “freddy

sez” schuman. schuman died on oct.

17 at the age of 85. he was known for

his homemade signs and frying pan,

which he would bang with a spoon to

rally the fans. schuman was a staple at

manhattan college basketball games

for many years. he was also a common

sight at Yankees games and became a

famous figure at Yankee stadium.

hoT prospecT maTT rizzoTTi

Former manhattan standout Matt

rizzotti became the second Jasper to

be promoted to the triple a level of

minor league baseball last season, as

the slugger, who hails from long island,

finished the 2010 campaign with the

lehigh Valley iron Pigs of the Philadel-

phia Phillies organization. Rizzotti, who

led all of Double a ball in batting (.361)

prior to his promotion, joined former

teammate nick Derba ’07 and advanced

to the top tier of minor league baseball.

Derba had a stint with triple a mem-

phis Redbirds of the st. louis cardinals

organization in april. Rizzotti com-

pleted his season with a .343 batting

average, 17 home runs, 36 doubles and

76 RBis; splitting his 125 games played

in all three levels of the minor leagues.

he was a sixth-round selection of the

Philadelphia Phillies in the 2007 major

league Baseball Draft.

the BaseBaLL teaM enjoyed another memorable campaign as it went over the 30-win pla-

teau for the fifth-straight season and qualified for the program’s eighth consecutive maac

tournament. nearly unbeatable at home, the Jaspers won 15 straight games during the sea-

son at Van cortlandt Park and tied for the third-longest streak in ncaa Division i at the time.

the 2010 campaign also featured individual highlights as senior Kevin nieto (.257) shattered

the Jaspers’ all-time hits record and head coach Kevin leighton surpassed the 150-career-

win mark in just five seasons at the helm.

nieto earned all-maac honors for the fourth-consecutive season and was joined on the

First team by juniors mark onorati and chad salem. seniors anthony armenio, tom costigan,

junior mike mccann and freshman John soldinger were named to the all-maac second team.

in addition, the conference tabbed soldinger the maac Relief Pitcher of the Year for his

superb season out of the Jasper bullpen.

the Jaspers gave a preview of what was to come in 2010 when the squad picked up its first

win of the season at no. 10 miami and served the nationally ranked hurricanes its first loss

(12-7) on Feb. 28. the win marked manhattan’s first over a ranked opponent since 2006, when

the Jaspers defeated no. 6 nebraska and cornhuskers starter Joba chamberlain, currently a

relief pitcher for the new York Yankees, in the ncaa tournament.

manhattan proceeded to win six of its next seven games, including series victories at

Delaware and Big east member West Virginia. Five days later, the Jaspers defeated their

second Big east opponent of the year and knocked off seton hall, 3-2.

the Jaspers saved some of their superb play down the stretch run, as they won 14 of their

final 19 contests of the regular season. to qualify for the maac championships, manhattan

was forced to make one of the biggest comebacks in program history as it erased a 12-run

deficit in the final game of the regular season to knock off siena at Van cortlandt Park in a

19-18 extra inning triumph. the Jaspers carried their late inning heroics into the postseason

and used two ninth-inning home runs by onorati and nieto to defeat marist, 6-5, before the

season came to a premature end, when they were eliminated the next day by canisius.

manhattan graduated one of the program’s winningest classes in program history in

seniors armenio, costigan, mike gazzola, Zac goyer, tom moran and nieto, who compiled

131 wins and two maac Regular-season championships during their four years. moran and

costigan were also recognized for their hard work in the classroom and were named for the

third-straight year to the maac all-academic team.

Baseball chad salem ’11


ISP Feature.SHIP.Fall2010.indd 1 11/22/10 9:48 AM

MANHATTAN.EDU N 21

From Baghdad

to the Bronx

Many people are faMiliar with the news and iMages of the iraq war: roadside bombings, soldier casualties, displaced families and rampant destruction. What

isn’t as widely discussed is the plight of Iraqi students. College students from Iraq, often

forced to stop their studies due to dangerous circumstances or the annihilation of their col-

leges, have had to flee their home country in search of safety and education.

It’s a situation Raghdah “Randa” Mohammed knows all too well. She grew up in Baghdad

and was attending college there while the conflict escalated.

“The situation was terrible, it was impossible to stay there,” Mohammed says. “And it was

not safe. What I decided was to go to Syria. It’s safer. The idea was just to stay there until the

situation was stable again and come back.”

But this stability never happened, and the war continues, so Mohammed needed to come

up with a plan B.

That’s when she learned about the Iraqi Student Project (ISP). Founded just a few years

ago, the ISP is a grass-roots effort to help young people who have studied in Iraq acquire the

education they need to participate in rebuilding their country. To this end, it seeks the help

of American colleges to offer these students an excellent undergraduate education.

For Mohammed, it meant an excellent, Lasallian education. A sophomore, she started at

the College this fall and enrolled in the school of business.

But the road to Riverdale wasn’t easy.

Like so many young people from Iraq, she fled to Syria in 2007 — by herself. It’s been

a common journey for them to go to Syria or Jordan to try to continue their education or

look for work.

“All these Iraqis, we left home because we couldn’t enter college, or we couldn’t continue,”

she says. “Some of us were actually in college, but we couldn’t continue there. I was in col-

an iraqi student’s journey to the united

states in search of education and with the

hope of helping her hoMe country at the end

By Kristen cuppeK • photos By Matt carr


22 N FALL 2010

lege. I finished two years, and after these two years, I had to leave because

the situation was really not safe. And my story is kind of similar to any Iraqi

student. We were in the middle of college, and we had to leave, displaced to

Jordan and Syria.”

But the universities in Syria are very expensive and exclusive for non-

Syrians, she explains, and it’s really difficult to find work there because they

are not citizens.

While in Syria, Mohammed heard about the ISP from a friend and applied.

The founders of the project, Gabe Huck and Theresa Kubasak, who are based

in Damascus, Syria, created the program in response to this situation and

to help the displaced students. Mohammed stayed in Syria for another year

with them, working on her English and writing skills and learning how to

apply to colleges.

“They work to sharpen our English, to help us culturally and economically,”

she says. “We had TOEFL courses with them, English classes, writing classes,

writing workshops. They help you through this year to help you get ready to

go the U.S.”

While the ISP is preparing students in Syria for American universities, the

organization also is working with colleges and universities in the United

States to secure tuition waivers or full scholarships, and with local com-

munities to build support groups for each student. It recommends students

from Iraq for tuition waivers based on their academic records, English lan-

guage ability, economic need and overall likelihood of success.

Before coming to Manhattan College, Mohammed first went to the Tech-

nical Careers Institutes-College of Technology in New York City and studied

there for a year. Wanting the opportunity to finish a four-year degree and lik-

ing what she heard about Manhattan College, she transferred here this fall.

Meanwhile, William Merriman, Ph.D., dean of the school of education,

had been approached about working with the ISP in 2008. A friend of his had

arranged a meeting with the ISP founders. He brought it to the attention of

the president and admissions office, but at the time, the 2008-2009 academic

year, the College was concerned about enrollment and, while interested,

couldn’t participate.

The ISP didn’t give up and called Merriman again while he was serving

as interim provost this past spring semester. This time around, even with

the College still concerned about enrollment, President Brennan O’Donnell,

Ph.D., made it happen.

“The idea of the project just struck me as a good fit with our mission — a

peaceful, constructive and personal act in response to the violence that

has displaced these young men and women,” O’Donnell says. “Lasallian

education has always been about attentiveness to students in vulnerable

situations, and the Institute has in recent years identified the situation of

immigrants and displaced populations as a focus of its ministry.”

So for the next three years, Mohammed will receive a full tuition waiver,

as well as a waiver for campus housing, from the College. The ISP, in return,

through its New York City support group, will provide for all of her other

The Office of the United

Nations High Commission-

er for Refugees estimates

that more than two million

Iraqis have been displaced

to neighboring Middle

Eastern countries.


MANHATTAN.EDU N 23

educational and personal needs, including food, books and a cell phone.

There are other support groups throughout the country, as more than 30

colleges have ISP students, including Dartmouth College, Fairfield University,

Holy Cross College and Wellesley College.

“At the time that we were negotiating this, the way the ISP works is that

each student has a support group, of local people, that helps with her living

expenses,” Merriman says. “They do fundraisers to help the students with

what they need.”

In addition, these local support groups offer advice and counsel and help

meet the emotional and social needs of the student.

“I have a big support group,” Mohammed says. “They’ve been supporting

me on all levels — financially, emotionally, and with any kind of problem.

They are like a second family here.”

Mohammed studies computer information systems management and

keeps herself busy with activities and clubs. She joined the international

club and outdoors club and is thinking about starting a Muslim club.

“What I like is that you can get yourself 24-hours busy,” she says. “I always

have to be active. That’s what I found here.”

The transition has been surprisingly easy for her. There has been a lot

of support from the College, from the international student adviser, Debra

Damico, to the writing center, to all of her professors. She also feels comfort-

able in the city and on campus.

“I lived in the city, and it’s diverse; I fit in there, and I loved it,” she says.

“It’s the same here on campus. It’s all multicultural, diverse, and everyone

here is nice and helpful. I’ve met a lot of really nice people.”

At the same time, Manhattan College benefits from having Mohammed as

one of its students.

“I think that our students benefit immensely by having an opportunity

to get to know someone from a place and a culture that is too often carica-

tured in our media and through our political rhetoric,” O’Donnell says. “It

reminds us that, while our country may be at war in Iraq, the people of the

U.S. and of Iraq can live in peace and can learn from one another.”

She not only adds a more global perspective to discussions but also

brings an authentic view of Iraq.

“If students get to know her, they would learn something about Iraq other

than what we read in the newspaper — from an Iraqi person,” Merriman

says. “I think for our students, she would add a lot to discussions and

to the understanding of what Iraq is about to whomever she becomes

friends with here. I think that’s part of the mission, for American students

to get to know their Iraqi peers, what their thoughts are about the U.S.

and world in general.”

While she misses home, Mohammed feels especially thankful to be at

Manhattan College and in the United States.

“I consider myself lucky to be here in the U.S. because I am doing some-

thing for my future,” she says. “I was excited when I joined the program

and came to the U.S., not just because it’s the U.S. or New York City, but

more because I’m going to enter the U.S. and do something for my future,

and I have something when I go back.”

And the plan is to go back and make a difference in Iraq.

“We try to get a degree, and then one day we can go back to our country

and try to help rebuild it and try to get a job there,” Mohammed says.

“That’s the whole mission of the program.” M

“I think that our students

benefit immensely by

having an opportunity to

get to know someone

from a place and a cul-

ture that is too often

caricatured in our media

and through our political

rhetoric.”—President Brennan O’Donnell


24 N FALL 2010

For nearly a century, Manhattan College has invested in the education

of veterans, spanning from World War I to the Iraqi and Afghanistan wars.

Most recently, the College is helping to support the education of 45 veterans

through the passage of the Post-9/11 GI Bill, which President Barack Obama approved last year.

Since the bill was passed, Manhattan has doubled the number of enrolled veterans.

An ever-growing number of young men and women in the United States joined the mili-

tary to fight for their country in the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, and to help others around

the world receive the same freedoms that U.S. citizens have. According to the 2009 U.S.

Census’ American Community Survey, nearly 1,670,511 veterans in the United States are be-

tween the ages of 18 and 34. But thanks to the Post-9/11 GI Bill, most veterans now will have

a better chance of receiving education benefits that, in most cases, pay for 100 percent of

their college degrees.

“Manhattan College is proud to welcome our veteran students to campus and honor these

men and women for their service,” says Brennan O’Donnell, Ph.D., president of the College.

“They not only bring skills, experience and values to add to our community but also contrib-

ute to the Lasallian education of placing service at the core.”

The Post-9/11 GI Bill was passed on Aug. 1, 2009, and allows veterans who served in ac-

tive duty on or after Sept. 11 to receive educational benefits from a college or university

approved for GI Bill benefits, such as Manhattan, and pays up to the highest public in-state

undergraduate tuition. In order to fund remaining tuition costs, the Yellow Ribbon pro-

gram was created as a provision to the Post-9/11 GI Bill and permits institutions of higher

education to voluntarily enter into an agreement with the Department of Veterans Affairs

(VA) to support tuition expenses that exceed the highest public in-state undergraduate

tuition rate. Because the College’s tuition rate does not exceed the highest in-state tuition,

Name: Shantel EvansYear: JuniorMajor: Peace StudiesHometown: Atlanta, Ga.Type of Military Service: U.S. Air ForceStationed: Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., and Misawa Air Base, JapanDeployment Countries: Iraq (two tours) — Balad Air Base and Talil Air BaseDates: 2002-2010

Why Manhattan?Before Evans was released from the Air Force in 2010, she was required to attend a transition assistance program, which is how she first heard of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Knowing she wanted to major in peace studies, Evans chose Manhattan College because of the program’s reputation and small student-to-faculty ratio. Once she started at Manhattan last January, Evans realized how different life in the Air Force was compared to college but has since transitioned to a full-fledged college student. She hopes to attend med-ical school after college and become a physician serving in developing nations.

“My experiences in the military and having been able to see the reality of war on two different oc-casions really forced me to come to grips with what I believe regarding my morals and the value of human life,” Evans says. “I wanted to learn how to achieve justice in the world, with struggle, but without violence or war. The Post-9/11 GI Bill affords me the opportunity to do what I felt I couldn’t while serving in the Air Force. Instead of attempting to bring about peace with the bar-rel of a gun, I made the journey from war to non-violent action against war. That’s what brought me to Manhattan to study peace.”

At the core of the College’s Lasallian mission is a focus on service,

and Manhattan is proud to honor and educate veterans who have

selflessly placed service at their core .

By Liz Connolly • Portraits by Bleacher + Everard

profiles in courage

Serving Those Who Served Our Country

GIBILLfeature.SHIP.Fall2010.indd 1 11/22/10 9:47 AM

MANHATTAN.EDU N 25


26 N FALL 2010

veteran students’ tuition can be fully covered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill. In addition to

veterans, the new bill allows active duty service members to transfer education benefits

to a dependant or spouse.

As a partner in the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Manhattan College veteran students are eligible

(based on length of service) for up to full tuition, up to $12,293 per term for student fees

(program fee, orientation fee, telecom fee, etc.) and up to $1,000 per year for books and sup-

plies. Undergraduate veterans also will receive a housing allowance of $2,751 per month. The

Post-9/11 GI Bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits, and benefits are generally

payable for up to 15 years following release from active duty.

“We are very proud of the increasing number of veterans who are pursuing their educa-

tion as part of the Post-9/11 GI Bill at Manhattan College,” says Richard Satterlee, Ph.D., vice

president for student life. “In my experience, these men and women are often some of our

most serious students and recognize in a unique way what a true privilege it is to be on a

college campus.”

Veterans currently participating in the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) are also eligible to

switch to the Post-9/11 GI Bill but may not receive benefits from both programs. The MGIB

is for veterans that served after July 1, 1985, and is a voluntary program in which active mili-

tary personnel can choose to pay $100 a month during their first year of service and, as a

veteran, receive tuition allowance and a monthly stipend for up to 36 months. One of the key

differences between the programs is that the Post-9/11 GI Bill recipients’ benefits are paid

directly to colleges and universities, whereas MGIB benefits are paid to individuals.

From the first day that veteran students express an interest in attending Manhattan, the

College strives to make the process as smooth as possible with assistance in admissions, fi-

nancial aid and residence life. Students work directly with Agnes Flynn, the College’s certify-

ing officer for veterans, who administers all of the paperwork for admission and registration,

as well as answers questions. In addition, student financial services meets with veteran

students, when they start, to explain the reimbursement process.

Manhattan’s student development and residence life teams are also dedicated to helping

students become acclimated to campus life and the overall transition process.

“Whether a veteran student chooses to live on or off campus, student development is

available to assist and support students with any questions,” says Michael Carey, Psy.D.,

dean of students. “From the start of the semester, we encourage students to join clubs and

activities and immerse themselves in campus life.”

Carey also added that as a way to welcome veteran students, student development

planned a dinner for them in November.

As an active Post-9/11 GI Bill supporter, the College’s admissions office hosted two infor-

mation sessions this semester on Nov. 22 and Dec. 6 to make others aware of the tremen-

dous benefits of the program.

“We at Manhattan are grateful for our veterans’ gift of service, and we are happy to

do our part to help these students to make the transition to the next stage of their lives,”

O’Donnell says. M

Name: Matthew CusackYear: SeniorMajor: Double Major in Accounting and Finance Hometown: Eastchester, N.Y.Type of Military Service: U.S. Air ForceStationed: Barksdale Air Force, La., and Lackland Air Force, TXDeployment Country: United Arab EmiratesDates: Feb. 2005-March 2009

Why Manhattan?After being released from the U.S. Air Force in March 2009, Cusack moved back to the state he grew up in — New York — and decided to follow in his family’s footsteps and attend Manhattan Col-lege. His father, two uncles and aunt all attended Manhattan College, and when his grandparents had emigrated to the United States from Ireland, they moved to Riverdale.

After starting at the College in fall of 2009, he attributes much of his transitional success to getting involved in campus life, including Lasal-lian Collegians and Beta Alpha Psi — the interna-tional honor society for accounting, finance and computer information systems.

“My experience in the Air Force gave me a much greater appreciation for the value of education,” Cusack says. “Serving in the Air Force, I learned the direction, discipline and drive needed to achieve my educational and professional goals. The Post-9/11 GI Bill has provided me with the amazing opportunity to earn a quality educa-tion from Manhattan College, which I otherwise would not be able to afford.”

Current Veterans: 45

Undergraduate Students: 27

Adult Degree Completion Students: 18

Male: 38

Female: 7Veterans from New York: 40

Veterans from the Middle Atlantic (NY, PA and NJ): 42

Veterans from New England (CT and MA): 2Veterans from Puerto Rico: 1

The college’s VeTeran Demographics

profiles in courage


MANHATTAN.EDU N 27


Name: Adam WhiteYear: SophomoreMajor: International Studies and Minor in ArabicHometown: Winchester, Mass.Type of Military Service: U.S. ArmyStationed: Fort Hood, TX (4th Infantry Division) and Fort Gordon, Ga. (202nd Military Intelligence Battalion)Deployment Countries: Iraq, Afghanistan and KuwaitDates: 2004-2009 Why Manhattan?White started exploring international studies programs and was attracted to Manhattan College after talking to the admissions office. Since beginning at Manhattan this fall, he is still transi-tioning to life in New York City but is pleased with how smooth the process has been. Attending a Catholic high school, he recognizes and values the College’s sense of community.

“I always approached the Army as a chapter of my life, and I know the importance of education,” White says. “The GI Bill has changed the landscape of my life and given me the ability to go back to school for free.”

Name: Michelle BoitelYear: Senior Major: PsychologyHometown: Edison, N.J.Type of Military Service: Her father has served in the U.S. Army Re-serves since he was 18.Stationed: Fort Dix, N.J.Deployment Countries: Kuwait and Iraq

Why Manhattan?Boitel, a dependant covered under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, started at Manhattan as a freshman in 2007 and picked the College because of its small student body and close proximity to New York City, which offers more opportunities for professional experience.

She found out about the Post-9/11 GI Bill through her father when she was a sophomore, and Boitel and her sister received educational grants that will have covered nearly 80 percent of their college education.

“The Post-9/11 GI Bill program is a wonderful gift and has tremen-dously helped me finance my education,” Boitel says.

profiles in courage

profiles in courage


MARCHING THROUGH THE YEARS

Manhattan College has a long history of educating and supporting veterans. The timeline, below, illustrates its enrollment of veterans throughout the decades.

POST-WORLD WAR I:• With the decreasing number of students during World War I, Brother A. Edward Saun-

ders, F.S.C., president of Manhattan College from 1912-1918, petitioned the War Depart-

ment to include Manhattan on the list of technical schools that had the privilege of

deferment from the military draft and the United States Civil Service. The College then

was placed on the prepared list and formed the Student Army Training Corps (SATC) on

Oct. 1, 1918 — and enrollment increased.

• Manhattan College’s enrollment also increased in 1919 after World War I, when more

than 100 hundred freshmen were accepted.

POST-WORLD WAR II:• With the passage of the GI Bill of Rights, 2,300 students were enrolled at the College in

the fall of 1946, versus 1,200 in the pre-war years.

• In this year, approximately 900 freshmen were enrolled, many of whom were veterans,

and the majority of the upperclassmen were men returning from service.

• According to the Survey of Veteran Enrollment, 1,485 veterans were enrolled at Manhat-

tan College during the 1948-1949 academic year.

• The 1946 President’s Annual Report stated that the College had experienced a 100 per-

cent increase in enrollment each semester since the fall of 1944. There were 508 veter-

ans in the school of arts alone.

• The same report notes that, at this time, 80 percent of the College was comprised of

veterans.

• The 1947 President’s Annual Report charts the growth in the enrollment at the school:

Year Enrollment

1944–45 250-350

1945–46 500-900

1946–47 2,100

1947–48 2,670

• Manhattan College was involved with the Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) and

the AST Reserve Program (ASTRP) after 1943. The ASTRP became available to 400 students

in the spring of 1944 and was created to provide 17-year-old men the opportunity to have

one to three terms of college and physical training before they reach the age of induction.

POST-KOREAN WAR: • The 1952-53 President’s Annual Report specifi ed that there were 202 veterans enrolled at

Manhattan College.

• The 1953-54 report noted the success of the Air Force ROTC program after its third year

at the College, as 900 students were registered in the program at the end of the year.

• In September of 1953, 180 veterans were enrolled in all schools at the College, of which

119 were in attendance under provisions of the Korea GI bill.

POST-VIETNAM WAR: • The class of 1976, entering as freshmen in 1972, had the largest percentage of veterans

enrolled at any college or university in the New York metropolitan area. The 868-body

freshmen class included 50 veterans.

• The 1973 President’s Annual Report shows that 260 veterans were enrolled at the Col-

lege, however, they were noted as a diminishing group.

MANHATTAN.EDU N 29

ders, F.S.C., president of Manhattan College from 1912-1918, petitioned the War Depart-

According to the Survey of Veteran Enrollment, 1,485 veterans were enrolled at Manhat-

Signed by the assistant secretary of

war on nov. 22, 1921, this certifi cate

recognizes the college for “loyal

service in connection with the World

War.” the army Specialized training

Program (aStP) unit stands for in-

spection on “the Hill,” where Draddy

Gym is located, during the early

1940s. at the aStP commencement

exercises in 1945, certifi cates were

given to those completing the basic

course. the college’s commence-

ment, sometime between 1953-1962,

recognized servicemen.


30 N FALL 2010

c o m m e n c e m e n t

The class of 2010

celebrated the

end of its tenure

as Manhattan College stu-

dents with the Commence-

ment ceremony on May 23

and Spring Honors Convoca-

tion on May 20.

This year’s Commence-

ment ceremony marked a

return to a traditional gradu-

ation rite, as students were

individually conferred by

President Brennan O’Donnell,

Ph.D., while they crossed

the stage in Draddy Gym-

nasium. All in all, more than

700 students were awarded

bachelor’s degrees in all 40

majors from the schools of

arts, science, engineering,

education and business.

For its 168th Commence-

ment ceremony, the College

awarded an honorary

Doctor of Humane Letters

to Brother Louis DeTho-

masis, F.S.C., chancellor of

Saint Mary’s University of

Minnesota and president

of the Christian Brothers

Investment Services–Euro-

pean Union. In his speech

to the graduating class and

their assembled family and

friends, Br. DeThomasis took

a note from recent headlines

and urged students to ask

the tough questions and

help those in need.

“The reality today, the

reality for you, is that no

longer can faith and finance,

the sacred and the worldly,

be easily separated,” Br.

DeThomasis said. “Globaliza-

tion put an end to the wall

that once stood up between

faith and finance. And in this

globalized world, on this

our shrinking globe, if you

try to reconstruct that wall

then terror and hatred will

surely continue … Ethical

considerations, in how we

do business, in how we do

government, even in how we

do religion are more essen-

tial than ever before.”

Ethics in business are of

particular interest to Br. DeTh-

omasis, who is a senior fellow

at the Hendrickson Institute

for Ethical Leadership, an

academic resource and forum

for the exploration of ethical

issues. He has also written

several books on the subject

Class of 2010 Processes Toward the Future

“As students in the Lasallian tradition, we do not succeed for accolade but, instead, are compelled to do by our passions, our genuine interests, and our commitment to service.”

—MargaretDriscoll

The College’s 168th Commencement featured a return to a ceremonial custom and a send-off filled with sagacious advice from a worldly Brother and an astute student.

Commencement.SHIP.Fall10.indd 1 12/17/10 10:03 AM

MANHATTAN.EDU N 31

of business ethics including

Paradigms and Parables —

The Ten Commandments for

Ethics in Business, and Doing

Right in a Shrinking World,

which explains how corpo-

rate America can balance

ethics with profits for the

benefit of all.

Br. DeThomasis has

extensive firsthand knowl-

edge of the business world.

He has served as chair-

man of Christian Brothers

Investment Services, Inc., an

investment advisory firm

that manages assets of c.5

billion dollars. He was also a

director of the Galaxy Funds,

Boston, which managed

mutual funds with collective

assets of c.20 billion dollars.

The class of 2010 also

received some sage advice

from its peer, Margaret

Driscoll, who gave the

valedictory speech. Driscoll,

who received a bachelor’s

degree from the school of

arts, noted that in spite of

the sputtering economy and

bleak jobs forecast, Manhat-

tan graduates are uniquely

prepared to tackle the chal-

lenges of post-collegiate life

with grace.

“It is important to

remember that we are

Manhattan College gradu-

ates and soon to be Jasper

alumni,” Driscoll said. “We

have completed four years

of Lasallian education

and, thus, hardly recognize

our own accomplishments

because we don’t see them

as such. They are small

parts of our educational,

life pursuits. As students in

the Lasallian tradition, we

do not succeed for accolade

but, instead, are compelled

to do by our passions, our

genuine interests, and our

commitment to service.”

O’Donnell concluded the

ceremony with some inspir-

ing words for the newly

minted graduates.

“What you do with your

talents and your education

is obviously of extreme

importance,” O’Donnell said.

“If the work is God’s, and if

God works only in collabora-

tion with us, then it follows,

that God’s work is ours. The

work is yours, Lord, and the

work is ours become the

same thing. It’s a vision in

which each of us has work to

do, and in which the project

of a human life is to find that

work and do it.”

Three days earlier, more

than 250 of Manhattan’s top

students, along with their

proud family and friends,

gathered in the Chapel of De

La Salle and His Brothers for

the Spring Honors Convoca-

tion, a prestigious event

celebrating the academic

accomplishments of the Col-

lege’s best and brightest.

Students were inducted

into 33 honor societies that

recognize academic success

in specific courses of study.

The deans then awarded

41 medals and prizes to

individual students for

specific achievements in

their schools, and O’Donnell

awarded the top eight med-

als to the College’s most

exemplary students.

O’Donnell ended the cer-

emony with congratulatory

remarks and then invited

everyone to attend a recep-

tion in Dante’s Den.

Opposite page: Brother Louis DeThomasis, F.S.C., who was awarded an honorary doctorate, is hooded by trustee

Anthony Scala Jr. ’74 and Brother Augustine Nicoletti, F.S.C., associate professor of education, at Commencement.

Top left: President Brennan O’Donnell, Ph.D., presents Liaisha White ’10 with a certificate of her induction into the

Epsilon Sigma Pi honor society at the Spring Honors Convocation.

Top right: Valedictorian Margaret Driscoll ’10 addresses the crowd in Draddy Gymnasium.

PAST HONORED SPEAKERS

• 2010:Br. Louis DeThomasis, F.S.C.

Chancellor, Saint Mary’s University

of Minnesota, and President, Chris-

tian Brothers Investment Services−

European Union

• 2009: Br. Thomas Scanlan, F.S.C.

President, Manhattan College

• 2008:William Baker, Ph.D.

President Emeritus, Educational

Broadcasting Corporation

• 2007: Jan Crawford Greenburg

Legal Correspondent, ABC News

• 2006: John Fahey Jr. ’73

President and CEO, National

Geographic Society

• 2005: Monika Hellwig

President, Association of Catholic

Colleges and Universities

• 2004: Gwen Ifill

Moderator, Managing Editor, Wash-

ington Week, and Senior Correspon-

dent, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer


32 N FALL 2010

c o m m e n c e m e n t

It was a proud day for nearly 300

students in the graduate schools of

education and engineering, and the

adult degree completion program, as they

were awarded their degrees at the Spring

Commencement ceremony on May 26 in the

Chapel of De La Salle and His Brothers.

In recognition of her work and significant

career in education, the College awarded

Nel Noddings, the Lee L. Jacks Professor of

Education, Emerita, at Stanford University,

an honorary Doctor in Pedagogy. She is past

president of the National Academy of Educa-

tion, Philosophy of Education Society and

John Dewey Society. She has also written 17

books and more than 200 articles, and is a

three-time winner of the Stanford University

Award for Teaching Excellence.

In her congratulations to the graduates,

Noddings advised them to focus on finding

meaningful work and to avoid the excesses

and subsequent meltdown that created the

country’s current economic troubles.

“Some claim that it is wonderful to get

rich, and I will not argue that it is not,” she

said. “But there are riches more worthy than

College Celebrates Spring Commencement

Above: Students from the graduate

schools of education and engineer-

ing and the adult degree completion

program assemble for Spring Com-

mencement in the Chapel of De La

Salle and His Brothers.

Master’s candidates and students in the adult degree completion program gathered in the Chapel of De La Salle to receive their degrees and recognition at a Commencement ceremony of their own.


MANHATTAN.EDU N 33

Top: With College trustee Anthony Scala Jr. ’74 (left), President Brennan

O’Donnell presents Nel Noddings with an honorary Doctor of Pedagogy.

Bottom: Sean McCarthy ’10 gives the valedictory address.

money, riches found in warm relationships,

work that you love, and a constantly growing

intellectual life. Especially at this time, we

might take a pledge to live a life of economic

moderation. If we must have excesses, let

them be in love, learning and giving.”

The valedictorian, Sean McCarthy, also

addressed the graduates and their guests.

McCarthy, who earned both his bachelor’s

and master’s degrees from the school of engi-

neering, remarked that though the graduat-

ing students would be pursuing careers in

different fields, they should all be working

for a common good.

“None of [our] disciplines have operated

in a vacuum,” McCarthy said. “We are all, and

will be, reliant on each other to confront

the vexing problems facing the world. All

of us have exemplified the work ethic and

determination to succeed, and we are the

prescription for achievement. Our disciplines,

although distinct, are and will be inexorably

intertwined.”

The students then processed to the front

of the chapel to receive their diplomas from

President Brennan O’Donnell, Ph.D. Upon

conferring all degrees, O’Donnell gave con-

gratulatory remarks.

“This evening you have participated in

a rite of passage in which we reaffirm our

sacred charge here at Manhattan College

to carry forward the legacy of Saint John

Baptist de La Salle,” O’Donnell said. “For

more than 150 years, the College has prided

itself on educating people who will make a

difference in the world — people with the

intelligence, imagination, and know-how to

do hard work well; people with the desire,

dedication, compassion, and strength of

character to use their God-given talents for

the benefit of their fellow human beings.

People, that is, like you!”

And on that celebratory note, the graduates

and guests departed the chapel for a reception

in Dante’s Den.

spring commencement: the graduate schools at a glance

• Within the school of education, three master’s degrees and four profes-sional diplomas are recognized: Master of Arts, Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, Master of Science in Education; and Professional Diplomas in Consultant Teacher, Counseling, Administration, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

• The school of education inducts students into its Kappa Delta Pi honor society at Commencement, as well.

• The school of engineering offers six different master’s degrees: Chemical, Civil, Computer, Electrical, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering.

• Five medals and awards are given at the ceremony: Award for Excellence in the Study of Environmental Engineering; Fitzpatrick Family Medal; Sigma Xi Medal for Research in Science; Frank Derbenwick Award (chemical engineering); and James Strecansky ’63/Air Products Award (chemical engineering).


34 N FALL 2010

a d v a n c e m e n t

Paying it ForwardIn 1939, Warren donahue ’42, a senior

at Mount St. Michael Academy in the

Bronx, received a letter from Manhat-

tan College with the news that he was not

only accepted into the freshman class but

also a recipient of a full scholarship. Dona-

hue was thrilled.

He came to Manhattan and graduated in

three and a half years, after which he joined

the Navy’s war effort and was an officer on

a submarine chaser in the Atlantic. He was

promoted to executive officer and served

through 11 invasion landings. After the war,

he attended New York University Law School

and earned a J.D. in 1950; wrote for the New

York Daily News as a freelancer; and launched

an advertising career as the founder and

principal of Warren Donahue Associates.

As he attained many accomplishments, he

never forgot Manhattan College or his high

school. So when he began planning his estate,

he decided to give other young men a leg up in

the same way he was helped — a scholarship.

He established the Warren Donahue ’42

Scholarship to specifically provide support

to young men who graduate from Mount St.

Michael Academy and attend the College.

Donors have a great deal of flexibility

in the way that they set up and fund their

scholarships. They may define their benefi-

ciaries (students from Mount St. Michael,

in Donahue’s case) and fund it during their

lifetimes or set it up to become funded after

they pass away.

Basically, there are two types of scholar-

ships: endowed and restricted. Endowed

scholarships have a $50,000 minimum princi-

pal balance and will remain in perpetuity. The

principal remains untouched, and income

from the funds is disbursed to the defined

student(s). Restricted scholarships are funds

that are spent to benefit defined students,

and the principal is spent down.

Within those two basic categories,

scholarships can be testamentary (planned

during one’s lifetime and funded after one’s

death), memorial (established in honor of

another party), or current.

Donahue’s scholarship was established

as a testamentary scholarship, which

became fully funded after he passed away

earlier this year.

The Dr. Howard and Maxine Floan

Scholarship is also a testamentary scholar-

ship. Howard R. Floan, Ph.D., was professor

emeritus of English and World Literature

at Manhattan College, specializing in 19th

century American fiction.

“I always wanted to return something

to the College that provided me a teaching

opportunity while I was struggling in gradu-

ate school after completing World War II

service,” Floan had explained while planning

the scholarship.

Floan’s scholarship will provide tuition

assistance to Manhattan students in need

of financial aid in perpetuity.

Some scholarships, however, are designed

by family members or friends who wish

to memorialize a loved one. The Professor

Alfonse R. Petrocine Memorial Scholarship

was established by his wife, Mona, to honor

the popular business law professor after he

passed away in 2007. Petrocine was known

for his warm disposition, ready sense of

humor and eagerness to help. The endowed

scholarship was designed to provide assis-

tance to business students at Manhattan and

carry on his tradition of helping others.

Current scholarships are set up and funded

during one’s lifetime. Chris Hughes ’74, a proj-

ect manager at Con Edison, decided to create a

current scholarship during the Sesquicenten-

nial Capital Campaign.

Hughes was a scholarship recipient when

he attended Manhattan and designed the

Christopher F. Hughes ’74 Scholarship to aid

students in civil engineering, his field.

“If people look back at their college expe-

rience and have appreciation for that, and

have the ability to help, it’s always good to

give back,” Hughes says.

Alfonse Petrocine

Warren Donahue ’42

Howard Floan

Why a ScholarShip?

• Change many lives for the better.

• Ensure Lasallian education is available

in the future.

• Reap tax benefits by naming the

College as a beneficiary of excess IRA

funds.

• Pass on the help you may have

received from others.

• Honor a favorite professor.

• Memorialize a loved one in perpetuity.

Advancement.SHIP.Fall2010.indd 1 11/22/10 9:46 AM

MANHATTAN.EDU N 35

And the 2011 De La Salle Medal Goes to... Valero Chairman Bill KlesseBill Klesse, chairman of

the board, chief executive

officer and president of

Valero Energy Corporation,

will receive the 2011 De La

Salle Medal at Manhattan

College’s annual dinner on

Wednesday, Jan. 19 at the

Pierre Hotel.

The De La Salle Medal

Dinner honors executives

and corporations who exem-

plify the principles of excel-

lence, corporate leadership

and service to society. For-

mer honorees include: Anne

Mulcahy, chairman, Xerox

Corporation; Sy Sternberg,

chairman and chief execu-

tive officer, New York Life In-

surance Company; Rudolph

Giuliani ’65, former mayor

of the City of New York; and

Eugene McGrath ’63, former

chairman and chief execu-

tive officer, Con Edison.

Prior to his appointment

in January 2006 as CEO and

in January 2007 to chairman,

Klesse served as executive

vice president and chief

operating officer and was

responsible for all opera-

tions, including refining and

marketing for Valero Energy.

Klesse joined Diamond

Shamrock, now Valero, in

1969 as a junior process

engineer and worked in vari-

ous managerial positions in

engineering, petrochemical

feedstocks, planning and

development and marketing.

He was named vice presi-

dent of logistics and strat-

egy in 1982. Klesse subse-

quently was named director

of corporate development in

1984 and has held the posi-

tions of vice president of

planning and development

and group vice president of

planning and public affairs.

He was named senior vice

president in 1989.

Throughout his pro-

fessional life, Klesse has

remained committed to

supporting the communi-

ties in which he lives and

works. A board member of

the nonprofit San Antonio

Food Bank since 2002, he

works alongside Valero

volunteers on Habitat for

Humanity projects and is

an annual participant and

top fundraiser in the charity

Bike MS: Valero Alamo Ride

to the River. He also served

as chairman of the board for

the United Way of San Anto-

nio and Bexar County for the

2009-2010 campaign season,

among other efforts.

Proceeds from the dinner

provide discretionary re-

sources for the College and

are applied to a wide variety

of needs. For more informa-

tion about this event and

how you or your company

can participate, please call

Susan Bronson, director of

corporate and foundation

relations, at (718) 862-7837

or e-mail susan.bronson@

manhattan.edu.

Bill Klesse

de La SaLLe dinner MiLeStoneS

• The De La Salle Medal was established by Manhattan College in 1951, the year marking the tricentennial of the birth of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. It was established by Brother Bonaventure Thomas McGinty, F.S.C., president of the College from 1944-1953.

• It was deemed appropriate that this first medal be given to a layman who was involved in Catholic education.

• The Hon. John F. Brosnan ’11, chancellor of the Board of Regents, University of the State of New York, was the first recipient. In 1967, Brosnan also became the first lay chair-man of the board of trustees.

• The first woman to be honored with the medal was Sister Mary Emil, I.H.M., a leader in the Sister Formation Confer-ence, in 1957.

• The De La Salle Medal had been awarded 14 times to lay-men, religious women, members of the Catholic hierarchy and two Christian Brothers by 1966.

• In 1973, the board of trustees appointed a committee to reexamine the criteria for the medal, and it recommended the medal no longer be restricted to Catholics and be des-ignated as a means of recognizing significant contributions to the moral, cultural or educational life of the nation.


4 N FALL 2010

Manhattan college held its annual Presi-

dent’s Dinner on the Starlight Roof at the

Waldorf=Astoria. The black-tie event demon-

strates the College’s appreciation for its recognized donors,

whose generosity has funded many of this year’s cam-

paigns. Nearly 200 guests, including members of the Chair-

man’s Circle, Founder’s Forum and the President’s Council,

gathered in September to be honored for their dedication

to Manhattan.

Thomas Mauriello, vice president for college advance-

ment, welcomed everyone and extended his appreciation to

the loyal and generous supporters. He believed the best way

for the College to show its appreciation would be to have a

direct beneficiary speak on behalf of the student body and

introduced Michael Borger ’11. As student government vice

president, Borger spoke to the honored guests about how

Manhattan College has attributed to his growth as a person

throughout the past four years and emphasized the signifi-

cance of the Lasallian tradition within the community.

“Manhattan College has prepared me for my future, not

just by educating me in the classroom or allowing me to par-

take in many great events, but by enriching me as a person

the best way it could, through my faith,” he said.

William Chandler ’70, chair of the Fund for Manhat-

a common causeThe President’s Dinner recognized generous donors and offered guests a preview of the new capital campaign.

An initial rendering of the Student

Commons, though the structure is

still undergoing changes.

a d v a n c e m e n t


MANHATTAN.EDU N 37

Bottge Joins team Jasper

New Capital Campaign Director Pamela

Bottge isn’t a stranger to the Manhat-

tan College campus. In fact, she grew

quite familiar with Draddy Gymnasium

as an undergrad — an Iona undergrad-

uate women’s basketball player.

“We always looked forward to play-

ing at Draddy; we relished the rivalry,”

she says. “As a Lady Gael at Manhattan,

she admits, “We were beaten more

than we were victorious.”

Now she hopes to score one — a

big one — for the Jaspers in heading

the campaign to build the $40 million

Student Commons. She comes to Man-

hattan from the New York Institute of

Technology, where she served seven

years as the senior director of develop-

ment and headed a $30 million capital

campaign. Prior to that, she worked

in fundraising and event planning for

the YMCA of Central and Northern

Westchester.

Bottge expressed enthusiasm about

the College’s alumni, whom she had

the chance to meet during the Presi-

dent’s Dinner in September.

“It was absolutely fantastic to see

the turnout, the dedication and the

passion of Manhattan alumni,” she

says. “The scope and breadth and

history of the institution is remark-

able, and the fact that there are legacy

alumni — that’s the best verifying

statement about the huge value of a

Manhattan education.”

tan, and Thomas O’Malley ’63, chair of the

board of trustees, also said a few words

commending the efforts of all those

who have remained loyal to the College

and have helped Manhattan become an

outstanding institution operating in a

competitive environment.

Although the night was filled with excit-

ing news of changes within the College com-

munity, including the introduction of new

administrators, the biggest announcement

was made by President Brennan O’Donnell,

Ph.D., who unveiled the plan to build a five-

story, 64,700 square-foot student center

on campus. O’Donnell explained that this

new building, the Student Commons, will

represent the College as the “front door” to

the community and will unify the students

within the College under one newly con-

structed roof. He described how the building

will serve as a “campus living room,” which

will help the student population grow and

develop around this central theme of unity.

The Student Commons will stand between

the northern and southern campus, in what

is now the Waldo Parking Lot, and is meant

to symbolize the College’s mission: it is a

single, close-knit community whose many

divisions share one common purpose.

“It will be the place in which we develop

new ways for students to bring together

their formal and informal or out-of-class

learning; that is, the kind of programming

that is commonly called integrated learn-

ing, and that is crucial for deepening and

sustaining the sense of community without

which we cannot fulfill the imperatives of

our mission,” he explained.

O’Donnell shared the state-of-the-art

building’s layout to the audience and re-

vealed that the structure will hold a wireless

lounge, bookstore, café, cafeteria, faculty

dining room, student government office,

staff offices, practice and meeting spaces,

and a band room that the

College community will be

able to access at any time.

This new showcase will be

designed using the latest

technologies available and

follow the Leadership in

Energy and Environmental

Design (LEED) practices in

meeting environmental

standards and benefiting

the neighborhood.

The Student Commons is estimated

to cost about $40 million, $15 million of

which has already been pledged by certain

donors in the silent stage of the campaign.

O’Donnell said that construction is expect-

ed to begin in 2012, with the intentions of

having it completed and opening in fall 2014.

When sharing his thoughts about these

new fundraising goals, the president af-

firmed, “We have a not insignificant way

to go here, but I am confident that the

extended community of Jasper alumni and

supporters will band together to make this

dream a reality.”

The night ended with a few closing re-

marks regarding future fundraising opportu-

nities and called for the continued support

to Manhattan College as it enters the begin-

ning of a new and exciting year ahead.

“it will be the place in which we develop new ways for students to bring together their formal and informal or out-of-class learning.”

—President Brennan O’Donnell


a l u m n i

38 N FALL 2010

From the Alumni Society THe alumni SocieTy has been very active in recent

months. Its work, along with that of the active members

of the Jasper clubs throughout the country, is the key to

the success of the Alumni Society. Please contact me to get

involved. We need you.

The primary alumni event each spring is the annual

reunion. This year’s event was a wonderful time for alumni

of every year to return to the campus but especially for

those celebrating their 25th and 50th anniversaries. If you

have not been back to the campus in a while, I encourage

you to do so.

During the summer, there were a number of exciting

alumni events. The 22nd Jasper Open, held this year at the

Knollwood Country Club in Elmsford, N.Y., was, after a rain

postponement, an outstanding success. I hosted the annual

Jersey Shore Jasper Luncheon in Spring Lake, N.J., which

grows every year. This year, we had 80 Jaspers in attendance.

The summer also brought our usual gatherings at the Sara-

toga and Monmouth racetracks and Shakespeare night at

Boscobel in Garrison, N.Y.

A spiritual highlight for alumni in the fall is the annual

men’s retreat. The committee provided an outstanding

retreat with speakers on the theme “The Breath of God.” The

retreat has been held since its inception 19 years ago at the

Passionist Retreat House in Riverdale but, unfortunately, it

is closing, and we will have a new location next year.

In these difficult economic times, the greatest service the

Alumni Society provides is in the area of jobs, specifically in

helping students and alumni find jobs. The annual Career

Fair in October, which is organized by many people but

spearheaded by Ken Kelly ’54 and Joe Dillon ’62, brings more

than 80 companies to campus for what is the best organized

career fair in the metropolitan area. For our alumni, we have

been at the forefront in organizing and supporting Jaspers

Helping Jaspers, the Web-based program to connect Jaspers

with employers (see page six for additional information).

More than 3,000 jobs have been posted since its inception.

Also in October, the Alumni Society sponsored a Mass and

brunch for alumni and their high school sons, daughters and

grandchildren. This is a prelude to the general open house

for prospective students organized by the admissions office.

At the beginning of basketball season, we had a season

preview dinner with the men’s and women’s head coaches

on Oct. 28. The Athletic Hall of Fame induction dinner

on Nov. 13 is one of the most exciting events of the year.

There were special recognitions of the 1930-31 basketball

and 1965-68 club football teams, along with the induc-

tions of eight new members.

Once again, I encourage all alumni to become involved

in the events. Please feel free to give me your thoughts and

feedback at [email protected]. Thanks and go Jaspers!

—Bill Harkins ’67

Exploring opportunitiEs in Croatia

While traveling in croatia in June, Brennan O’Donnell,

president, and Tom O’Malley ’63, chair of the board of

trustees (far right), took the opportunity to meet with

Don Hudspeth, dean and president of RIT’s American

College of Management and Technology (second from

left), in Dubrovnik. Edmund Hajim, chair of the board at

Rochester University (second from right), was also visit-

ing. The purpose of the meeting was exploratory, as the

College continues to look for opportunities to expand

international possibilities for its students.

Alumni.SHIP.Fall2010.indd 1 12/17/10 10:02 AM

MANHATTAN.EDU N 39

JaSper alumni from across the

generations arrived on campus June

4-6 for the annual Reunion Weekend,

where the class of 1985 celebrated its 25th

anniversary, and the class of 1960 toasted

its 50th anniversary.

The Reunion Weekend festivities kicked

off on Friday evening with a reception in

Jasper’s Tavern for all classes. Later, the

class of 1970 celebrated its 40th anniver-

sary with a dinner on campus, as the class

of 1985 gathered in Smith Auditorium for a

25th anniversary dinner dance. President

Brennan O’Donnell, Ph.D., presented each

of the silver anniversary celebrants with a

special award to congratulate them on this

milestone. Meanwhile, the class of 1960

celebrated its 50th anniversary aboard the

Klondike Princess, a dinner cruise that took

the Jaspers through the Long Island Sound,

down the East River and past the New York

Harbor, as it treated the crowd to spec-

tacular views of the New York City skyline

at twilight. Back on campus, young alumni

who have graduated in the past 10 years

were hosted at Gaelic Park for a party that

included karaoke and special salutes to the

five- and 10-year anniversary classes.

On Saturday, the class of 1960 was

honored with a special brunch and awards

ceremony, where O’Donnell presented each

alumnus with a special commemorative

medal. That afternoon, Jaspers could choose

from a variety of activities including a tast-

ing tour of Arthur Avenue, a wine tasting

seminar in the faculty dining room and a

special cabaret performance by the Man-

hattan College Players. The highlight of the

weekend was Saturday evening’s clambake

on the Quadrangle, which was attended

by more than 300 people from graduating

classes throughout the years.

“My 50th Reunion Weekend had me meet-

ing many fellow students whom I had not

seen in 50 years,” Jim Smith ’60 said. “That

was a rewarding experience. Of particular

significance were the 20-plus fellow liberal

arts graduates in attendance. Our conversa-

tions showed that the 1956-1960 Manhat-

tan College arts program had a significant

impact on all of us personally, profession-

ally and spiritually. For me in particular, the

program made me the person I am today.”

The 2010 Reunion Weekend concluded on

Sunday with a trip to the New York Botanical

Garden and lunch at the Garden Café.

Please save the date for next year’s

reunion, June 3-5, 2011. The weekend will

feature many of these same events, as well

as some surprises for anniversary classes

ending in 6 and 1. If you would like to join

your class committee, please call the alumni

relations office at (718) 862-7977 or e-mail

[email protected].

Reminiscing and Reuniting

Jubilarians come together for a class photo during

Reunion Weekend. Young alums gather at the Bar at

Gaelic Park for a party in their honor. Members of

the class of 1985 celebrate their silver anniversary at

a reception and dinner dance.


40 N FALL 2010

ALUMNOTES1941An article in the Sag Harbor Express

chronicled the stories of several surviving

WWII veterans living in that community.

Among them is andy neidnig, who while

serving with the Second Armored Division

at the Battle of the Bulge, had many narrow

escapes and managed to return to friends

and family. At age 91, he still thinks back to

these experiences.

1946FaTHer William murpHy celebrated his

60th jubilee at Saint Catherine of Sienna

Church in Franklin Square, where he assists.

He was ordained June 3, 1950.

1949andreW W. Barone was one of the roughly

130 veterans attending the National Purple

Heart Hall of Honor Tribute last June to

receive personal congratulations from Gen-

eral David H. Petraeus.

1951JoHn (Jack) Fruin, Ph.D., P.E., received a life-

time achievement award from the National

Institute of Standards and Technology, U.S.

Department of Commerce. It was given in

recognition of his contributions to “the field

of pedestrian movement that has estab-

lished the technical basis for building codes,

computer models and movement theory.”

1953JoSepH a. macdonald’s third book, Rig-

ging Equipment & Systems: Maintenance

& Safety Inspections Manual, was recently

published by McGraw-Hill. Currently, he is

writing a biography about Henry J. Gielow,

Naval Architects & Marine Engineers, design-

ers of some of the largest luxury yachts

built in American shipyards. During Gielow’s

presidency from 1925 to his untimely death

in 1935 at age 39, the firm designed more

than 30 classic luxury yachts, including J.P.

Morgan’s legendary Corsair.

1956george J. FluHr, former Shohola town

supervisor in Pennsylvania, presented a his-

torical society program on the story of the

1864 train wreck that occurred in Shohola

carrying Civil War prisoners.

1958don Bracken emerged from early retire-

ment and launched the History Publishing

Company LLC in 2007. Since then, he has

published a dozen books, including five

prizewinners in the independent and uni-

versity press category. Eight new titles are

forthcoming in 2011.

1959Celebrating 50 years since his ordination,

BroTHer edWard BreSlin, F.M.S., spent

his career as assistant superintendent of

schools for the Archdiocese of Newark, and

has had teaching assignments in Florida

and New York.

JoHn c. gallagHer was confirmed by the

SUNY board of trustees as chair of the Qual-

ity Assessment Review Board at University

Hospital, Stony Brook.

1963micHael carBerry has been appointed an

executive in residence at the Kogod School

of Business of American University, in

Washington, D.C.

In September, the Structural Engineers

Association of New York presented ricH-

ard TomaSeTTi with its Honorary Member

Award. Tomasetti’s long list of accolades

includes Technical Writing Award, Engineer

of the Year Award, Leader of Industry Award,

and a citation as one of Those Who Made

Marks. He is founding principal of Thornton

Tomasetti, and his 40 years of experience as

a structural engineer include such notable

projects as the design of the World Financial

Center in New York to Plaza 66 in Shanghai,

the tallest all-concrete building in China.

Tomasetti also is an adjunct professor at

Columbia University and an active author

and lecturer.

1966Bill Boerum was elected chairman of the

board of directors of the Northern Califor-

nia Health Care Authority, a multicounty or-

ganization of community hospital districts

north of San Francisco. He is also chairman

of the Sonoma Valley Health Care District.

1967Vitesse Semiconductor, a leading provider

of advanced IC solutions for Carrier and

Enterprise networks in Camarillo, Calif., an-

nounced that g. William laroSa will join

its board of directors. He is currently CEO of

G.W. LaRosa & Associates, a global technol-

ogy sales and business development firm

with more than 20 years of experience with

industry-leading companies.

1968laWrence H. cox, Ph.D., has been appoint-

ed assistant director for official statistics

at the National Institute of Statistical Sci-

ences (NISS).

SiSTer regina BecHTle, who is charism

resource director for the Sisters of Charity

of New York, sends these recent updates: “I

research, write, develop resources and give

programs and retreats about Sr. Elizabeth

Seton and the Vincentian spirit and heritage

of the Sisters of Charity.” She is co-editor of

a four-volume collection of Seton’s writings,

available from the Vincentian Studies Insti-

tute, Chicago, and has contributed essays to

two books on lay ministry.

Tom collinS has been honored many times

in his career as athletic director of Pearl

River High School, most recently last June.

The Valley Cottage native, who became

the youngest athletic director in New York

upon graduation from Manhattan at 21,

has helped countless kids get into colleges,

many of those into Manhattan, where he

played baseball.

a l u m n i


MANHATTAN.EDU N 41

1970neil lucey is senior vice president in the

New York offi ce of Parsons Brinckerhoff, a

global infrastructure in strategic consulting,

engineering and program/construction man-

agement organization. He is a member of

the American Society of Civil Engineers and

has just been inducted as chairman of the

American Council of Engineering Companies

of New York.

Early this year, construction engineer dan-

iel reddan joined STV as a vice president

to serve as project executive on the new

police academy for the NYC Police Depart-

ment in Queens.

1971roBerT c. BarreTT was elected chairman

of the board of Switchboard of Miami, which

provides the Miami-Dade County commu-

nity with comprehensive telephone crisis

counseling. He is also chief executive offi cer

of AlphaNet, working on behalf of those af-

fl icted with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Defi ciency.

During the last academic year, roBerT

o’connell was awarded a Fulbright Fellow-

ship to study engineering education prac-

tices at Dublin Institute of Technology in

Ireland. O’Connell is an electrical engineer-

ing professor at the University of Missouri in

Columbia, where he also received the 2010

Senior Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award.

A note from Bill oWenS, congressman

from New York’s 23rd district, reads: “I am

very proud to tell you that I have just been

appointed to the Agriculture Committee.

Now I will be able to expand my role serv-

ing New York’s farmers in addition to my

work on the Armed Services and Homeland

Security Committees. Upstate New York’s

strong agriculture industry helps to power

our diverse economy, producing dairy,

apple and maple syrup products, to name a

few … I am very happy that I will be able to

protect these interests.” He was re-elected

this past November.

1972cHarleS BarreTT, director of catering sales

at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York,

is one of the founding members of the NYC

Chapter of the National Association of Cater-

ing Executives and currently serves as vice

president on the board of directors.

The Brookhaven Town Ethics Board has ap-

pointed ron manning as chairman. He is

currently acting associate dean for planning

and operations for the College of Osteopath-

ic Medicine at New York Institute of Technol-

ogy in Old Westbury.

THomaS F. mcgoWan, president and

founder of Atlanta-based TMTS Associates,

an engineering and consulting fi rm, present-

ed a Webinar organized by Process Heat-

ing, focusing on “Minimizing Greenhouse

Gases with VOC Oxidizers.” The event took

place in October in a no-cost online seminar.

McGowan has had more than 35 years of ex-

perience in combustion, air pollution control

and industrial ventilation.

1973Frank Silvia was appointed executive di-

rector of the Ledgewood Rehabilitation and

Skilled Nursing Center of Beverly Hospital,

Newburgh, N.Y. Silvia is a healthcare execu-

tive with more than 37 years of experience in

that fi eld.

1974Saratoga National Bank & Trust has appoint-

ed JameS m. daWSey to its board of direc-

tors. Dawsey is president of MLB Construc-

tion Services of Malta, N.Y.

The FRIENNDS Foundation of Northport, N.Y.,

honors those who better children’s lives.

Among the honorees this year was JoHn

lyncH, who has served as guidance coun-

selor, chairperson of guidance, and assistant

superintendent of pupil services.

THomaS a. pepe, chief fi nancial offi cer of

Communications Strategies in Madison, N.J.,

was appointed to the board of trustees of

the County College of Morris. He was also

you noW Have THe opporTuniTyto have Google-powered e-mail, cal-

endars, document sharing, chat and a

host of ever-evolving cloud computing

applications — all from a free manhat-

tan.edu alumni account.

The College implemented Google

Apps for Education campuswide in

January 2009, and it has been a tre-

mendous success. We want to share

the benefi ts of this with our alumni.

If you register, here are just a few of

the features you’ll get:

• Web-based g-mail account with

7+ gB of storage. you can even

access your e-mail from most of

today’s data phones (e.g. Blackberry,

iphone, droid).

• google calendars to help organize

your life and share calendars with

friends to plan events. eventually,

you’ll be able to subscribe to public

calendars to stay on top of happen-

ings on campus.

• google chat to converse with family,

friends and classmates.

• google docs to create and

share documents, spread-

sheets and presentations on-

line from anywhere and even

download them to your favorite

desktop applications. This is

great for collaborative projects —

in and out of the classroom.

Sign up at www.manhattan.edu/

alum/email. You will need to use

the nine-character code listed on

your mailing label (for example,

M#r47nE56) to register. For questions,

please call the alumni relations offi ce

at (718) 862-7432.

Join JaspErs onlinE

did you knoW?

The College has alumni in every state, including fi ve in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

New York tops the list with the most Jaspers, while Alaska and North Dakota

tie for the fewest, with fi ve each.


42 N FALL 2010

elected president of the Patriots’ Path Coun-

cil, Boy Scouts of America.

lloyd Toone’s signature nontraditional

artwork was featured at the Flinn Gallery in

Greenwich, Conn., in its new exhibit Barns

and Farms: Iconic Rural Images. The exhibit

ran from Sept. 16 to Oct. 28.

1975American International Group’s board of

directors elected William n. dooley as

executive vice president, financial services.

GEI Consultants, a leading geotechnical, en-

vironmental, water resources and ecological

science and engineering firm, announced in

July that JoSepH engelS has rejoined the

firm as a vice president and senior practice

leader in its headquarters in Woburn, Mass.

1978micHael BacHynSky has been ordained to

the permanent diaconate for the Diocese

of Metuchen, N.J. He currently serves as a

deacon at St. Magdalen de Pazzi Church

in Flemington. He and his wife, Mary

(Thomann) ’80, have three children, Joan ’07,

Andrea and Joseph.

Two roommates from the class of 1978, cHriS

cuSack and Frank Tripoli, recently took a

200-mile bicycle ride along the Chesapeake

and Ohio Canal. The two roomies, friends

since 1974, spent three days riding along the

Potomac River at the end of June this year.

JoHn a. mirando was elected to the board

of directors at the Nassau County Firefighter

Museum and Education Center and was

recognized at a special reception in Garden

City on July 14.

Meet the Mayor

Philip Amicone ’73, mayor of the City of

Yonkers, visited the closing ceremony of

Manhattan College’s school of engi-

neering summer program on Aug. 12 to

offer congratulations to 16 high school

students from Yonkers Public Schools.

The mayor gave a speech and presented

students with certificates of completion.

The program offers rising juniors and

seniors the opportunity to learn more

about the engineering field through

guest speakers, experiments and class

lectures, as well as the college admis-

sions process.

Walter Saukin, Ph.D., associate profes-

sor of civil engineering at Manhattan

College, coordinated three high school

engineering programs this summer,

which included a program for minori-

ties and women and two Yonkers Public

School sessions.

1979The Rev. roBerT cozzini celebrated 50

years in the priesthood since his ordination

in May 1960.

Radioactive Air Sampling Methods, CRC Press,

2010, was co-edited by mark maiello. The

text fulfills a need for a single source of mea-

suring naturally occurring and industrially

related airborne radioactivity.

William oSTerndorF was one of three

Republicans to run for judge of probate for

the New Canaan-Darien Probate Court.

1980The San Diego Union-Tribune featured an

article in June about Jim avery, “the man

responsible for keeping the lights on in San

Diego.” As senior vice president of power sup-

ply for San Diego Gas and Electric, he recently

demonstrated two innovative technologies

for turning sunlight into electricity. One uses

the heat of the sun to run a helium-filled

engine, and the other concentrates rays onto

tiny but efficient photovoltaic panels.

ricHard J. duggan has joined Granite

Springs Asset Management as principal and

managing director of fixed income portfolio

management.

For the last 29 years, pHilip a. romeo has

been senior principal for a software engi-

neering company in New Jersey.

1981Virtual Law Partners LLP has announced

an expansion of its intellectual property

practice with the addition of Jim markey as

partner. Prior to practicing law, he worked as

a design engineer.

carl WilliamS, on the Baldwin, N.Y., Board

of Education since 2009, works as an electri-

cal engineer for National Grid. Known as

an active community member, he was also

sworn in as a Baldwin Library trustee.

1982ricHard BacH is senior vice president of

Turner Construction, responsible for over-

City of Yonkers Mayor Philip Ami-

cone ’73, a student from the high

school engineering program and

Walter Saukin, Ph.D., associate pro-

fessor of civil engineering, during

the closing ceremony of the engi-

neering summer program.

a l u m n i


seeing the company’s Southwest region,

with offices in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

pHilip gorraSi, a longtime administrator

of Archdiocesan schools, has been named

associate superintendent for mission ef-

fectiveness.

Residents of Eastchester consider STepHen

Huvane a hero. For 16 years, he has volun-

teered as a coach for recreational baseball,

basketball, lacrosse and soccer. He also

volunteers with Swazi Legazy Inc., a not-

for-profit that raises money to help educate

children orphaned in Swaziland. The father

of two sons and two daughters, he has been

married for 23 years to wife Kathleen.

SiSTer mary Bernice murpHy has cel-

ebrated 60 years as a nun, having taught

at various schools in New Jersey, New York,

Minnesota and Georgia.

Harry J. WeBer stepped up to take the place

of the Republican candidate on the ballot for

Ramsey, N.J., council president after council

president Art Nalbanian announced his with-

drawal from the race.

1983Brigadier General William Bender was

a participant in Queens Borough Air Force

Week last August. A native of Albany, he was

commissioned in 1983 and is currently based

at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

paul HackeTT has joined U.S. Bank Equip-

ment Finance as account manager for its

technology group.

Jim malone, currently working at Middle

School 224 in the Bronx, attended the Na-

tional Institute for Urban School Leaders at

Harvard University last July.

1984The international law firm of Chadbourne

& Parke announced in May that STepHen

maneTTa has joined the firm’s intellectual

property group as counsel in the New York

Office. He comes to Chadbourne from Gen-

eral Electric Company.

edWard piccinicH, executive vice presi-

dent for SL Green, recently oversaw the

award-winning redevelopment of 100 Park

Avenue. In his position, he manages one of

the largest real estate portfolios in New

York, and oversees all redevelopment and

capital asset improvements.

1985For his work with students and as past presi-

dent of the Rockland Community College

Faculty Senate, peTer arvaniTeS has won

the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence

from the State University of New York. In ad-

dition to duties as math professor and chess

club advisor, Arvanites has been a leader in

setting policy for the college.

1986The American College of Physician Execu-

tives has awarded fellowship to Dr. paul

p. anToneccHia of Yonkers, N.Y. It denotes

one of the highest levels of achievement,

demonstrating significant contributions to

the advancement of medical management.

Antonecchia serves as vice president for

medical affairs for St. John’s Riverside Hospi-

tal and the Riverside Health Care Systems.

carmine loFaro is senior partner of the

law firm LoFaro & Reiser in Hackensack, N.J.

kaTHerine gill-cHareST was appointed

senior vice president and controller for

Viacom. In this role, she will have responsi-

bility for financial reporting, accounting and

financial compliance activities of Viacom

and its subsidaries.

1987Tom pirone is an assistant vice president-

manager at Moody’s Investors Service,

working with the public finance group.

He lives in Berkley Heights, N.J., with his

wife and children, and is a Boy Scout Merit

Badge Councilor in the district for Citizen-

ship in the Community, Nation and World.

In June, he ran for town council in the

Republican primary.

1988Staten Island resident daniel c. maroTTa

was appointed to the Executive Committee

of the Entertainment Arts and Sports Law

section of the New York State Bar Association.

1989eliaS dagHer manages and oversees the

designs of high-performance systems for

buildings. He is senior principal with Dagher

Engineering in New York.

edWard dai is the proprietor of Pristine

Industries in Brooklyn, N.Y., specializing in

custom closets and home organization.

maryann mccarra-FiTzpaTrick is a

contributor to a forthcoming anthology

presenting the work of Mount Vernon, N.Y.,

poets and writers. The book, Blood Beats in

Four Square Miles, is edited by James Fair.

1990For more than 20 years, vic Bozzo has

been instrumental in the creation and

growth of successful communications and

technology companies. In July, he joined

Pac-West Telecomm in Riverside, Calif., as

president of its newly formed emerging

technologies business.

1991anTHony mancino of Congers, N.Y., will

serve as the new general manager of Con

Edison’s Bronx gas operations.

Laser Spine Institute of Scottsdale, Ariz., has

named paul palma as an outside sales rep,

responsible for building relationships with

the medical community in the Phoenix area.

1992The Monroe-Woodbury School Board

recently appointed david BernSley as

its new high school principal. For a time

after his Manhattan graduation, Bernsley

played professional basketball in Israel

and returned to the States to begin a ca-

reer in education.

craig r. SmiTH has become a partner in

MANHATTAN.EDU N 43


44 N FALL 2010

a l u m n i

the firm of Lando and Anastasi in Cam-

bridge, Mass. Smith has been involved in

matters before federal district and appel-

late courts, as well as the International

Trade Commission and the European Patent

Office. He has been named a Massachu-

setts Super Lawyer – Rising Star by Law

& Politics magazine, and was previously

named one of 15 Up & Coming Lawyers by

the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

1993Barak Realty announced the return of Wil-

liam vilkeliS to its team as vice president,

where he was a top producer from 2006-2008.

1995NYPD’s 45th Precinct (Bronx) named ruS-

Sell green as its newest captain. At 36,

he is the youngest captain to serve this

local precinct. He has previously served as

executive officer of the 42nd, 43rd and 44th

precincts.

markel elorTegui, a resident of Ridgefield,

Conn., was promoted to associate of Mal-

colm Pirnie, Inc., an environmental consult-

ing firm. He will work from the firm’s White

Plains office to oversee the delivery of water-

treatment projects to clients in the U.S.

1997laWrence BarTelemucci was named a

shareholder in the New York law firm of

Anderson Kill & Olick. He practices in the

area of construction law and represents

clients in both transactional and dispute-

resolution matters.

Bianca Fernandez was married to Steve

Mulqueen on Aug. 6, 2010. They were happy

to share this day with many alumni friends:

including brother Sergio Fernandez ’01;

matron of honor JenniFer romero lani-

gan; maid of honor SHeila mccHeSney ’98;

bridesmaid ann marie Hanley ’98; and

groomsman erik doBranSky. Fernandez

currently works as a school psychologist in

Westchester, N.Y.

1998Jasper pole vaulter Sean mckenna, a veter-

an of 17 triathlons, finished the Nautica New

York City Triathlon in 2 hours, 19 minutes

and 17 seconds in July.

1999Vantage Properties of New York and New

Jersey appointed raquel BaTiSTa as vice

president for corporate responsibility and

compliance, with oversight of the real

estate company’s commitment to provide

residents with high quality affordable hous-

ing. She earned her J.D. from CUNY School of

Law at Queens College.

paTrick coSTello was appointed to the

Florida Chamber Foundation’s Six Pillars

Caucus System, a research and policy de-

velopment program designed to garner the

input of local and regional subject matter

experts. He is an attorney at the Naples of-

fice of Quarles & Brady.

2001Brianne devine and Christopher Penn are

engaged to be married in the spring.

Classmate louiS guglielmo will marry

Jamie Anne Porco next June.

Fort Lee, N.J., resident kyongaH HWang

has been named manager of South Nassau

Community Hospital’s Center for Compre-

hensive Radiation Services and Long Island

Gamma Knife Center.

2002HeaTHer o’connell has joined the faculty

of Maui Preparatory Academy. A math and

science teacher, she pursued biochemistry

at Manhattan. After analyzing pharma-

ceuticals for Pfizer and conducting sleep

research with Weill Cornell Medical College,

she returned to school and received her

master’s in education from Pace University.

JaneT ToBorg was named senior accoun-

tant at Goldstein Lieberman & Co., a New

Jersey accounting firm.

2003micHael conForTo was promoted to se-

nior accountant at Goldstein Lieberman.

The Irish Echo profiled caroline cumminS

dumonT, a special education teacher in

Flushing, Queens. She is the mother of a five-

year-old, attends graduate school, and in

her spare time she’s publicity chairwoman

for the Putnam Northern Westchester St.

Patrick’s Day Committee.

cHeryl SHaW graduated from the West

Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine

last May. Shaw plans to enter the family

medicine program at Harpers Ferry Family

Medicine clinic in West Virginia. She earned

Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and

psychology from Manhattan, and was a

member of Sigma Sigma Phi.

JoSepHine kaiSer is an associate, mechani-

cal engineering, at Dagher Engineering in

NYC. Upon graduation, she served for a time

as a Peace Corps volunteer in Panama.

Prairie View A&M University has promoted

Toyelle WilSon to head coach of the wom-

en’s basketball team. At Manhattan, she was

a four-year letter winner on the court.

2004gina SareTTo and Ryan Newsome plan to

be married in June 2011.

Former Jaspers pitcher mike pariSi is

recovering from a bone chip in his throwing

elbow, an accident that knocked him out

for the season as a starter with the Chicago

Cubs. Rehabilitating in Arizona, he hopes to

pitch in the Winter Leagues in either Mexico

or the Dominican Republic. He previously

pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals.

2005carl gianaTiempo has been promoted to

commercial portfolio manager at TD Bank

in Manhattan.

2006When mariSSa olivieri was interviewing

for a job teaching freshman English at Port

Richmond High School, she also mentioned

her eight years running track and field at

Notre Dame Academy and Manhattan Col-

lege. She ended up as head coach of girls’

cross country and track and field, and also

got the teaching position.

A new Turkish Cultural Center was created

in Albany and its executive director,


MANHATTAN.EDU N 45

BirtHs

ann rimey ’93 & Patrick Basil, daughter,

Morgan Aleksandra, 3/10/10

Patrick & mary ann minSon ’99, daughter,

Emma, 4/4/10

kriSTin SerapHine ’04 & kevin cavanagH

’96, daughter, Emma Rose, 6/30/10

MarriagEs

1995Hilary Phalen & JoHn Beirne, 8/7/10

1996Dr. Maite Del Carmen La Vega Delgado &

micHael S. maSSello, 7/31/10

1997Bianca Fernandez & Steve Mulqueen,

8/6/10

veySel ucan, hopes that it serves as a bridge

between East and West and that it will help

dispel misunderstandings about Turkey.

2007Currently working at the Rusk Institute in

Manhattan, ricHard BrookS earned a

doctorate in physical therapy from NYIT in

May of this year.

liSa d’elena is engaged to Timothy Fisher,

and the couple plans to be married next

September.

2008mariBeTH alBin has been hired as a

full-time probationary physical education

teacher with the Pelham Middle School.

JameS mazzucca has joined the Bronxville,

N.Y., police department and is studying for a

master’s in public administration from John

Jay College.

2010mike BienkoWSki has been accepted into

Teach for America, a highly competitive

program whose mission is to eliminate edu-

cational inequity by enlisting the nation’s

promising future leaders in the effort.

After a stellar career at Manhattan, riTa

WelSH has been hired as assistant vol-

leyball coach at La Salle University, where

she plans to pursue a graduate degree in

education.

TereSa m. moyniHan, anTHony cuccaro

and TimoTHy peTerS have been commis-

sioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air

Force. Moynihan will be assigned to the 91st

Operations Support Squadron at Minot Air

Force Base, N.D., and Cuccaro to the 14th

Operations Support Squadron at Columbus

Air Force Base, Miss.

JaSPer BooKSheLF

1. After a career in the insurance business, ken gorman ’54 made the transition to

writing novels. In his fourth novel, Compelled, which is due out in December, he writes

of a wounded soldier who copes with a compulsive disorder and becomes a magnet

for confrontation. His other books include The Atkinsen Ticket and In Honor of Justice.

2. In 2007, peTer quinn ’69 retired as a speechwriter, having worked for two New York

governors and the chairmen of Time Warner. Since then, he’s been writing novels. The

latest, The Man Who Never Returned, revisits the mysterious disappearance in 1930

of New York State Supreme Court Judge Joseph Force Crater. Quinn sets the novel 25

years later, when a detective named Fintan Dunne is hired to solve the case. Like his

fictional character, Quinn is an Irish-American who was born and grew up in New York

— the city he also used as settings for his previous novels, Banished Children of Eve

and Hell’s Kitchen.

3. roBerT murpHy ’70 has a new book, After Many a Summer: The Passing of the Giants

and Dodgers and a Golden Age in New York Baseball, which was released this May. It is

the first book that discusses both moves in tandem and offers a fresh perspective on

the characters involved. It is not only about baseball history but also New York history.

1999carolyn morriS & daniel SHeridan,

6/29/10

2000Erica Rustad & nelSon JoSe Ferreira,

8/7/10

2006danielle correale & maTTHeW andreWS,

10/24/09

cHriSTina Bergonzo & Daniel Roe, 6/19/10

Erica McCarthy & JoHn levendoSky,

7/17/10

iF you Have any neWS To SHare,

pleaSe Send iT To alumnoTeS@

manHaTTan.edu.


a l u m n i

46 N FALL 2010

alTHougH THe college does not

have a theater or music major, anyone

who has ever seen a Manhattan Col-

lege Players production can attest to

the abundance of sheer talent found

among Jaspers. Dozens of undergrads

are involved in the Players’ productions

each year, and now alumni can continue

their theatrical pursuits after gradua-

tion with PiPE DREAM theatre, a newly

formed theater company that is putting

on shows in off-Broadway theaters.

PiPE DREAM theatre is the brain-

child of Liz Muller, director of the

Players, and Collin Simon, the Players’

musical director. The two have worked

together at Manhattan College since

2006, and during that time they have

mounted more than 50 Players produc-

tions — an impressive number for a

school of Manhattan’s size. In 2007, the

duo started writing their own original

full-length works, with Muller taking

the lead on lyrics, and Simon writing

the score. In mid-2010, they officially

launched PiPE DREAM theatre in order

to have a theater company to show-

case their original works, as well as

other theatrical projects.

“Collin and I were sitting around

talking about how it would be cool to

have a theater company, so we could

do whatever we wanted to do, and we

joked about it being our pipe dream.

And then we were like, ‘well that’s kind

of cute,’” Muller says.

PiPE DREAM theatre has tapped

its Manhattan College community

resources for support, and about 85 per-

cent of the group is comprised of alumni,

current students or people otherwise

connected to the College.

Most of the Jaspers involved with

PiPE DREAM theatre don’t work pro-

fessionally in theater, which makes

their dedication and talent all the

more special.

“None of us really does theater

professionally, so it’s real dedication,”

says Brigid Martin ’07, who works in ad-

vertising sales, was involved in Players

during her undergraduate years and

is now a part of PiPE DREAM theatre.

“For me, this is really giving me that cre-

ative outlet that you don’t have when

you’re working 40 hours a week.”

PiPE DREAM theatre’s first produc-

tion was Briar Rose, an adaptation of

Sleeping Beauty written by Muller and

Simon, that played to sold-out houses

in a Times Square off-Broadway the-

ater earlier this year.

The company’s latest work is an orig-

inal musical retelling of Shakespeare’s

Macbeth that was written by Muller,

Simon and Juan Cardenas ’07. This new

version of the classic play is set in a

macabre retro-future world evocative

of the steampunk genre that fuses Vic-

torian and science fiction elements.

With its themes of murder, war and

revenge, at first glance, Macbeth may

not seem to be a likely candidate for

musical interpretation. But Martin, a

member of the show’s ensemble, says

that audiences will be pleasantly

surprised to find that Shakespearean

drama as a musical is a perfect fit.

“It really takes people by surprise

that we’re doing Macbeth the musical,”

Martin says. “It’s definitely not what

people think of when they think of

traditional musicals, but what’s great

about it is that it’s this modern retell-

ing, so it makes Shakespeare’s story so

much more accessible.”

Audiences who may find it difficult

to trudge through Shakespeare’s

iambic pentameter and Elizabethan

dialogue will appreciate this retell-

ing, which captures the essence of

Macbeth, but presents it in a relevant,

mesmerizing and modern format using

contemporary dialogue, captivating

music and choreographed fight scenes.

Muller and Simon were interested in

doing a musical adaptation because of

the story’s passion and drama.

“We’d always talked about doing

Macbeth because it’s so passionate,”

Muller says. “It has every human emo-

tion. And because it’s so focused on

wartime, the emotions are heightened,

so it lends itself to a musical really eas-

ily because music heightens emotion,

and when you can no longer say things

with words, you have to sing.”

As for the rest of 2011, the company

already has an entire season planned.

It’s not just a pipe dream anymore.

Pipe Dreams Coming True

WILL CaLLMacbeth opens Jan. 19, 2011 at Theater 80 on St. Mark’s Place in the

East Village. It runs through Jan. 23. Tickets can be purchased at www.

theatre80.net. For info on the theatre, visit www.pipedreamtheatre.com.


MANHATTAN.EDU N 47

NoT every neW

employee has the

chance to meet

The Who within his first few

weeks on the job or listen

to Pearl Jam, Stevie Wonder

and Paul McCartney at his

company’s big music fest in

London. But John Galloway

’89, Hard Rock Internation-

al’s new vice president and

chief marketing officer, met

these rock icons as part of

his job, the first before the

2010 Super Bowl and the

latter at Hard Rock Calling —

all in a day’s work.

As vice president and

chief marketing officer, a

position he has held since

January 2010, Galloway

oversees marketing initia-

tives across Hard Rock’s

portfolio of properties,

which includes 170 venues

in 52 different countries, the

majority of which are cafes.

The company, which turns 40

next year, has 135 cafes glob-

ally, a portfolio of 14 hotels

and casinos, and a number

of live musical venues.

It can seem like a lot

to manage in a typical

day, with brands scattered

across the globe. But Gal-

loway narrows down the

global span by focusing lo-

cally, and considers that his

job, in many respects, is to

support the local properties.

“While we are very much a

global brand, we’re a brand

that really wants to be lo-

cally relevant, so we spend a

ton of time working with our

local cafes, our franchise

partners on the hotel and

casino side and figuring out

how to take a global brand

strategy and leverage it

locally to connect with our

consumers,” he says.

And at the heart of this

locality, for Galloway, are

the people, the employees

of Hard Rock.

Although seeing rock leg-

ends in concert is definitely

a perk — “Probably the best

experience I’ve had yet is

listening to Paul McCartney

play for two and a half hours

in London and play just

about every Beatles’ song

I’ve ever wanted to hear” —

his biggest highlight at work

is the staff.

“The people here have

such a huge passion for the

Hard Rock brand,” he says.

“The neat part about it is that

the passion of the people re-

ally starts with our servers.

They take the credibility of

what they are as ambassa-

dors of the Hard Rock brand

and ambassadors of music

very seriously.”

Before coming to Hard

Rock, Galloway worked

for 13 years for PepsiCo in

various capacities, including

vice president of marketing,

Gatorade; vice president/

general manager, IZZE

Beverage Co.; vice president,

sports and media; and brand

manager, Mountain Dew.

Previously, he worked at

Tracey Locke Partnership

and Young & Rubicam.

With more than 20 years

of experience in the market-

ing industry, his jobs have

also crisscrossed the United

A Rockin’ Career

John Galloway ’89

in the Rock Vault,

a secret location

in Orlando, where

more than 73,000

pieces of Hard

Rock memorabilia

are stored.

States, as well as abroad.

Prior to his new move to the

company’s headquarters

in Orlando, Galloway has

worked in cities such as New

York City, Boston, London,

Boulder and Chicago.

In that time he also

crossed paths with another

Jasper, Denise Giordano

’89, whom he had met on

campus while a student,

but didn’t click with until a

chance meeting five years

later. The couple married

two years afterward.

When Galloway trans-

ferred to the College from

West Point during his sopho-

more year, he thought he

wanted to be a sports writer.

The communications major

and lacrosse goalie was a

sports editor for The Quad-

rangle. Yet, after his first

job in the public relations

field, he had a stronger bend

toward marketing, advertis-

ing and public relations.

“Eventually I realized I

wanted to be on the client

side because I just have a

ton of passion for anything

I’m working on, and I really

wanted to have not only the

passion for the brand that

I was working on, but I also

wanted to have ownership

of the results for the good

and for the bad,” he says.

He will need that pas-

sion for his new challenge

— making consumers more

aware of the Hard Rock

brand again — or in his case,

a new opportunity.

“The biggest opportunity

is keeping pace with culture,”

he says. “We are a brand

that is about music. We’re a

brand that is about memora-

bilia and all of those things

are infinitely within our

grasp to keep on pace with

culture if we’re just evolving

at the same pace as music.”

In the past few years, the

company has been evolving

its perspectives. Now, Gal-

loway is on board to make

sure consumers know about

these changes and drive

them into the cafes, hotels

and casinos. He looks for-

ward to this goal, both from

a professional and personal

perspective, as a chance to

make a difference and learn.

“To be running the hotel,

casino and café marketing

for a large brand is a chal-

lenge,” he says. “But it’s an

awesome one where I feel

like I’m getting as much out

of it as the company is. And

it’s helping build me from a

personal growth perspec-

tive as well.”


a l u m n i

48 N FALL 2010

aS a cHild, Sophia Rodriguez ’06, M.D., didn’t have many

career aspirations. The daughter of immigrants, initially, she

wasn’t even sure if education would be important in her life.

“I would have never foreseen going to medical school

when I was young,” she says. “Both my parents came to the

U.S. from El Salvador with nothing. No one in my family is a

doctor or anything that needed a college degree, so as I grew

up, I didn’t see education as important and actually believed

those positions were unattainable.”

Fast forward a decade or two and not only were those

positions attainable but also major achievements for her.

In June, Rodriguez became the first graduate of Albert

Einstein College of Medicine’s Hispanic Center of Excellence

Summer Undergraduate Mentorship Program (SUMP) to earn

a medical degree from Einstein.

Now a resident at Montefiore Medical Center, she at-

tributes much of what she has accomplished in her medical

career to this program.

“It gave me the faith I needed in myself to achieve any-

thing I wanted,” she says. “SUMP was a turning point in my

life and continues to be a positive part of my present.”

Founded in 2002, SUMP is a six-week undergraduate

program created to offer minority and economically disad-

vantaged students exposure to the realities of the medical

profession through shadowing with physicians, participa-

tion in workshops and lectures, and research experience.

Rodriguez learned about the program during her junior

year at Manhattan College from Irene Snitkoff, coordinator

of the post baccalaureate studies office, whom she credits

with giving her the confidence to persist in her studies. At

the time, the biology major, who has a minor in chemistry,

wasn’t sure about achieving her dream of medical school.

“The College helped me meet dedicated professors and

people like Irene Snitkoff, who went out of their way to help

someone realize their potential,” she says. “Honestly, in

undergrad, I had dreams but not a lot of willpower to reach

them. I felt like becoming a doctor would be too hard for me.”

Rodriguez started to aspire to become a doctor, more

specifically a medical examiner, in ninth grade. She then de-

cided to go to Gorton High School, a magnet school for the

medical and health care fields, in Yonkers, N.Y.

“It is still, until this day, one of the best decisions I have

ever made,” she says.

After graduating from Manhattan College, the Epsilon

Sigma Pi and Phi Beta Kappa member pursued her medical

studies at Einstein. Thanks to SUMP, she already knew a lot

about the school and liked the program.

A Path Well-Taken

The medical school also was appealing because of its

stipends for students who want to practice abroad and in

regions within the United States that desperately need help.

Rodriguez was particularly interested in doing a rotation in

a Native American reservation and had the opportunity to

do so in her fourth year.

Her fascination in pathology also stems from high school,

when she fell in love with law enforcement and biology.

In medical school, Rodriguez considered other specialties,

such as surgery. However, after her third-year rotations, she

didn’t have a passion for any one specialty, and there had

been little exposure to pathology. But she was still interest-

ed and took electives in pathology during her fourth year.

“I loved seeing medicine through the perspective of a pa-

thologist,” she says. “Aside from sometimes using laboratory

data like other specialties, pathologists are able to make

definitive diagnoses by actually seeing diseased tissue.”

One of her electives, at the medical examiner’s office

in Manhattan, also reassured her that pathology was the

right fit. So in the middle of her fourth year, Rodriguez had a

specialty and applied to pathology residencies.

“Now, every month I rotate between different subspe-

cialties of pathology, and needless to say, I really enjoy my

autopsy month,” she says.

For someone who wasn’t sure if she could have a profes-

sional career, let alone be a doctor, Rodriguez certainly has

exceeded in her field. She’s even picked up some awards,

including the Irving Ratner Prize for Excellence in Pathology.

So what’s next for this future leader? Definitely a forensic

pathology fellowship. Then maybe the FBI. But at this stage

of her career, she is still open to possibilities — and those

are limitless.

Sophia Rodri-

guez ’06, M.D., is

the first gradu-

ate of Albert

Einstein College

of Medicine’s

Hispanic Center

of Excellence

Summer Under-

graduate Men-

torship Program

to earn a medi-

cal degree.


MANHATTAN.EDU N 49

In January oF 2010, I watched in horror as the images and sto-

ries emerged from Port-au-Prince following the earthquake. The

days and weeks that followed were filled with tragedy and suf-

fering, and the world began to ask itself how it could help the Haitian

people. As an educator, I have both a great deal of experience working

with people and the luxury of having an extended period of time off

during the summer months. Coupled with that, I also have experience

in various forms of construction. Rather than simply writing a check, I

decided to find a way to offer them my time and talent instead.

After a few months of searching, I came across a nonprofit orga-

nization that had established ties in Haiti. The Colline Foundation

had been founded a few years ago in an effort to promote education

in the poorer districts of Haiti. Its first foundation, the Colline Acad-

emy, was built in Leogane in 2008. Unfortunately, it was short-lived;

the entire structure collapsed in the earthquake. The foundation

was now seeking volunteers to come to Haiti and join in one of three

missions: running a summer camp for the students, assisting in the

rebuilding of the school, or providing medical care for the students

and their families living in the surrounding tent cities of Leogane.

While I love my work in education, I am more than happy to

throw on my jeans, boots and tool belt and construct something.

So on Aug. 5, I packed some basic clothing, a few toiletry items and

enough mosquito repellant to fog the East Coast and boarded a

plane bound for Haiti. Having done missionary work before, I have

learned what to expect when I arrive in these countries. However,

very little could have prepared me for what I found waiting in

the streets of Port-au-Prince. The air hung thick with the smell of

exhaust, decaying trash and sewage. There was still a great deal

of rubble and debris left littering the streets from the collapse of

buildings. There, living and moving amidst this squalor, however, I

discovered Haiti’s greatest national resource: its people.

In the week that followed, I had the chance to work side-by-side

with and for the Haitian people. Our entourage left the compound

in the early morning hours each day and made the hour-long trip

from Port-au-Prince to Leogane. As a member of the construction

team, my task for the week was to reconstruct the wall surrounding

the academy, which allows the materials to be securely stored for

further reconstruction. Working with the Haitian construction team

initially was challenging, as there was a language barrier. Further-

more, the tools and techniques they use would seem antiquated

compared to what we use in the United States. Yet, once we were

able to get past these initial roadblocks, I found the workers to be

welcoming and appreciative of our efforts. I also developed a tre-

mendous appreciation for their methods because they showed real

craftsmanship and ingenuity. The many calluses and blisters on my

hands gave testimony to the strength needed for this type of labor.

Rebuilding a school, however, is a relatively easy task. The

greater challenge presented to us was assisting people in rebuilding

their lives. One of the things that makes us human is our ability to

hope and to dream, to see beyond what stands before us. For many

in Haiti, I fear, that ability is slipping away. All they see is suffering

and misery, with no end in sight. This was an obstacle apparent to

us from the first moments there, both in the adults and, even worse,

the children. And yet, though my team was only there for a week,

we saw something happen during that time. Through our interac-

tion with the people, the walls we built, the classes we taught, the

games we played and the medicines we dispensed, we saw smiles

beginning to emerge. Heads that initially hung low were now being

raised. Eyes that appeared empty began to shine again. It was in

those moments, I think, the real rebuilding of Haiti was taking place.

The principal of Colline Academy said that it was the first time since

the earthquake that he had seen the children laugh freely and fully.

Mother Teresa once said, “What we are doing is just a drop in the

ocean. But if that drop was not in the ocean, I think the ocean would

be less because of that missing drop.” My week in Haiti felt like that

in many ways, a mere drop in the ocean. As I was thinking about it

on the flight home, however, I realized that every drop also causes a

ripple effect in the same vast ocean. I am not sure what my contri-

bution to Haiti was, but I recognize and still feel its impact on me.

In turn, I have made it part of my mission to raise awareness of the

conditions there and to try to inspire ordinary people, like myself, to

do something extraordinary.

John Sandrowicz ’97 teaches ninth-grade mathematics in the Bronx.

Helping HaitiJohn Sandrowicz ’97 starts building the walls for a

school in Leogane. In Port-au-Prince, he works with

orphans during the evenings. Celebrating with the

Leogane community at the end of his week, Sandrowicz

plays with one of the children.


50 N FALL 2010

o b i t s

INMEMORIAMManhattan College records with sorrow the deaths of the following alumni:

1936John Peter Gildea, 5/26/10

1937William E. Haskell, 8/13/10

Edward F. Noonan, 6/13/10

1940William J. Burke, 7/26/10

Eugene J. Gormley, 6/14/10

Carlton G. Morgan, 6/2/10

Sr. Mary Jean Morrow, 9/29/10

Donald F. Sullivan, 5/23/10

1941Michael J. Kovach, 8/8/10

1943Daniel J. Wagner, 9/14/10

1946Richard T. Higgins, 7/18/10

1948Joseph M. Gibbons, 3/26/10

Donald F. Lord, 8/25/10

John W. MacEnroe, 8/7/10

1949John F. Havey, 9/28/10

Br. Claudius Anthony Lamb,

6/22/10

Lawrence F. Leonard, 7/8/10

Edward J. Maloney, 9/6/10

Bernard X. McGeady, 9/28/10

Anthony Pintauro, 7/2/10

1950Sr. Mary Virginia Brown,

6/16/10

Eugene A. Hamilton, 8/20/10

Donald M. Hand, 3/23/10

Elwood Hughes Jr., 6/9/10

Robert D. O’Brien, 8/2/10

Angelo D. Roncallo, 5/4/10

Salvatore R. Santaniello,

6/7/10

Joseph A. Thein, 6/16/10

John Toomey, 6/25/10

1951John J. Burke, 7/6/10

Daniel J. Keenan, 7/4/10

Frank L. Prewoznik, 8/12/10

1952James M. Doyle, 7/20/10

Gerard L’Heureux, 5/22/10

James Muldowney, 3/5/10

Edmund C. Schwartz, 9/5/10

1953Herbert A. Braun, 9/26/10

Joseph L. Ceccarelli, 7/19/10

Robert J. King, 7/3/10

Thomas A. Trainor, 7/22/10

Henry J. Weidner, 3/30/10

Richard S. Zurmuhlen, 6/2/10

1954Br. Frederic Altenburg, 6/2/10

Rev. Frank E. Cahill III, 5/6/10

1955Kenneth G. Berkley, 8/7/10

Sr. Dorothy Fowler, 7/12/10

Sr. Mary Virgilius O’Brien,

6/18/10

1956John D. Nagle, 5/10/10

1957James M. Doyle, 7/20/10

John Horan, 7/25/10

1958Donald R. Gettings, 6/9/10

John W. Halko Sr., 3/26/10

Edward J. Laux Sr., 9/19/10

John L. Mancini, 1/12/10

Jeremiah P. Murphy, 5/25/10

1959Thomas Michael Martin,

4/29/10

Thomas J. McCarthy, 9/8/10

Albert M. Vadon, 6/5/10

1960Gerald Matthews, 6/19/10

1961John A. Keough, 6/9/10

George J. Lissandrello, 6/4/10

Gerald C. McDonald, 7/16/10

1962Daniel P. Bohan, 8/5/10

1963Stephan F. Schady, 5/12/10

1964Joseph Adelhardt, 8/15/10

Michael F. Minozzi Jr., 8/1/10

1965Edward J. Doyle III, 7/17/10

Patrick Tynan, 12/31/09

1969Albert Charles Hall, 5/16/10

1971John J. McLoughlin, 5/19/10

Stephen Wuertz, 6/26/10

1972Dennis Franz Brooks, 6/8/10

1973Thomas A. Kerley, 6/29/08

Michael E. McGrath, 8/20/10

1974Br. Martin Joseph Fragala,

7/12/10

Mary P. Healy, 6/19/10

Sr. Agnes Carmel McKernan,

8/22/10

1975Diane Wanagel, 2/17/08

1976 Dolores Susan Cahill, 6/4/10

Msgr. Ralph V. Curcio, 5/9/10

1979Robert Rivera, 9/4/10

1982Kevin M. Roche, 8/9/10

1980Paul E. Schwerman, 7/23/10

1986Gary A. Aiello, 7/27/10

1992Genevieve R. Hemsing,

9/25/10

1994Jayne Von Hagen, 8/20/10

1996William J. Reel, 5/3/10

2002Paul Paris, 9/29/10

Correction:

In the spring issue, Joseph A. Mur-

phy Jr. ’56 was incorrectly listed as

deceased. We apologize for the error.

Obits.SHIP.Fall2010.indd 1 11/22/10 9:48 AM

MANHATTAN.EDU N 51

Brother Leo MiChieLs ’59, F.s.C., Ph.D.,

retired professor of chemistry, died on Oct. 9,

2010. He was 82 years old.

Br. Michiels was a Christian Brother for 64 years

and an educator in the Catholic school system for 51

years, including 27 years at Manhattan College.

“Leo Michiels was a great Brother. He was a man

of prayer, a dedicated teacher, one who found hap-

piness in helping others, and one who was always

willing to lend a hand to help others,” says Brother

Anthony Flynn, F.S.C. “He will be missed by all who

knew him.”

Br. Michiels was born and raised in Detroit, Mich.,

where he attended St. Joseph’s High School, a Chris-

tian Brothers school. Early on, he knew he wanted to

enter the Brotherhood and, at the age of 15, he en-

tered the Juniorate, followed by the Novitiate three

years later. He received the religious habit in 1946

and pronounced his perpetual vows in 1954.

After taking his vows, Br. Michiels attended The

Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.,

where he began coursework for a B.A. in chemistry

before moving to New York to teach at St. Raymond’s

High School. He completed his B.A. at Manhattan Col-

lege and began work on a master’s in mathematics.

During the next few years, Br. Michiels worked in

a number of different schools, including Christian

Brothers’ Academy in Syracuse, his alma mater St.

Joseph’s High School in Detroit, and De La Salle Col-

legiate in Detroit. While in Michigan, he completed

both his master’s and Ph.D. in chemistry at the

University of Detroit. In 1974, Br. Michiels came to

Manhattan College to teach in the school of science.

He was a member of the Manhattan College Singers

and traveled with the group to Rome, where they

met Pope John Paul II.

After retiring from Manhattan College in 2001, Br.

Michiels moved to De La Salle Hall in Lincroft, N.J.,

where he enjoyed listening to classical music and

following baseball.

Brother Leo Michiels ’59, F.S.C.

Leon ChenLeon Lung-Chen Chen,

Ph.D., retired associate

professor of mechanical

engineering, died on Sept. 18,

2010. He was 72 years old.

Chen was an accomplished

engineer who specialized in solar

energy technology. He was one

of the most beloved professors

in the engineering school and

was known for his friendly, out-

going manner.

He earned a B.S. from the Na-

tional Taiwan University in 1962

and then moved to New York City

and earned an M.S. in mechanical

engineering from the City College

of New York in 1965. Chen did his

doctoral studies at Polytechnic

Institute of New York, where he

focused on thermal engineering

and mathematical aerodynamics,

and received his Ph.D. in mechani-

cal engineering in 1976.

After finishing his studies at

City College, Chen worked as a

mechanical engineer for Eastern

Research Corporation, and then

as a design engineer for Allied

Chemical Corporation. He started

his teaching career at Polytech-

nic Institute, working there as a

teaching fellow and also a solar

energy consultant.

He joined Manhattan College’s

school of engineering in 1976 as

an assistant professor. While at

Manhattan, Chen made a name

for himself as one of the engineer-

ing school’s most engaging and

gregarious faculty members.

“Among the students, he was

one of the most popular faculty in

the department,” says Nand Jha,

Ph.D., professor of mechanical en-

gineering. “He was very friendly

and had very good relationships

with all of his students. Every-

body wanted to take his course.

He was kindhearted.”

Chen was the faculty modera-

tor for the American Society of

Heating, Refrigerating and Air

Conditioning Engineers, an inter-

national organization that seeks

to advance the technologies of

heating, ventilation, air condi-

tioning and refrigeration systems

worldwide. He was also involved

with the American Society of Me-

chanical Engineers.

After his retirement from Man-

hattan in 2001, Chen spent time

with his family in College Point,

N.Y., and worked on inventions,

including a patented solar power

electric generation systems for

use in residential homes. He is

survived by his wife and daughter.

Correction:

In the spring issue, Brother Kevin Hargadon’s date of death and surviving family members were incorrectly

listed. He died on Nov. 19, 2009. He was predeceased by a sister, Barbara Kepesky, and is survived by two

sisters, Margaret Conway and Eileen Hargadon Jones. We apologize for the errors.

Obits.SHIP.Fall2010.indd 2 11/22/10 9:48 AM

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PartingShotAndIBC.SHIP.Fall2010.indd 1 11/22/10 9:49 AM

Published by the Office of College Relations

Manhattan College

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