Arts AchieverMeet Art Gallery DirectorCraig Manister

Where Are They Now?Catching Up with Someof CSI’s Recent Grads

A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND • SPRING 2012

ALUMNI PROFILE

VP Operational Risk Rabobank

Peter Bonici ‘74

CSI faculty atthe vanguard ofspinal cordinjury research

Many families share this perspective when itcomes to the lasting value they find in a CSIeducation. It becomes the impetus for children tofollow in the footsteps of their parents and earliergenerations of relatives. Because of this proudtradition, we established the CSI Legacy Society.

WHAT IS A CSI LEGACY?A Legacy is an alumnus/na or student in a family that has one ormore generations of College of Staten Island or its predecessorinstitutions, Richmond College, or SICC graduates (living and/ordeceased), including alumni and students who are related bymarriage.

ABOUT THE CSI LEGACY SOCIETYThe CSI Legacy Society, launched in 2011, honors the familieswhose members have attended the College. It recognizes thesefamilies for their continued support and facilitates connectionthrough special events and programs.

ARE YOU A LEGACY?Are you one of the many CSI, Richmond College, or SICC alumswho have continued this great family tradition through thegenerations? If so, please take a moment to tell us more aboutyour Legacy family to ensure that you are included in thisimportant program, by contacting us at the Alumni RelationsOffice at 718.982.2290 or via email at alumni@csi.cuny.edu.

AN EXTRAORDINARYEDUCATION ISWORTH REPEATING

The College of Staten Island is accelerating its efforts to protect the environment and develop sustainable and responsiblepatterns of development in accordance with CUNY Chancellor Dr. Matthew Goldstein’s University Sustainability Council,which is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from all campus buildings by 30 percent over the next decade.If you would prefer to receive an electronic version of this publication or future editions via email instead of a hard copy,please contact the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@csi.cuny.edu.

FEATURED ARTICLES

Where are They Now?Page 3

Faculty Focus: Dr. ZaghloulAhmed, Assistant Professor ofPhysical TherapyPage 6

Craig Manister ’74: A Life in ArtPage 8

College ReadinessPage 10

DEPARTMENTS

Faculty FocusPage 6

Around CampusPage 12

Alumni NewsPage 14

Keeping TabsPage 16

Scholarly AchievementsPage 17

EventsPage 18

Club NewsPage 19

Foundation NotesPage 20

Sports Highlights Page 22

Featured Alumnus: Peter Bonici ‘74Page 25

Volume 3, Number 1Spring 2012

EYE ON CSIIs Online

csitoday.com/publication

Please let us know your thoughtsat alumni@csi.cuny.edu regardingEye on CSI.

Eye on CSI catches up with some of our recent alumni.

COVER STORY

Restoring ConnectionsDr. Zaghloul Ahmed

Page 6

Tomás D. Morales, PhDPresident

Barbara EshooVice President for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs

Ken Boyden, JD, EdDAssistant Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Affairs

Enrica ChretienDirector of Development

Maryann LauriaDirector of Corporate and Foundation Relations

Jennifer LynchAssociate Director of Annual Giving

Donna GaramboneAlumni Affairs Coordinator

Ken BachDirector of Communications and Marketing

Terry Mares Chief Editor and Writer

Janice AwerbuchDirector of Design Services

Anita MrozinskiArt Director

Andrew FinnelBarbara LeskowiczAnn RodbergGraphic Designers

Kellie CarnevaleTerry Mares David PizzutoNanette SalomonStaff Writers

Kellie CarnevaleBill HigginsAnn RodbergPhotographers

CSI Alumni AssociationBoard of DirectorsExecutive Committee, 2011 - 2013

Arthur Merola, DPM ’85President

Theresa Marro ’89 First Vice President

Vullnet Kolari, Esq. ’98Second Vice President

Phyllis Minacapilli ’91Treasurer

Linda Dianto ’74Assistant Treasurer

Marietta DeLuca ‘74, ‘85Recording Secretary

James Raggi ’70Corresponding Secretary

Created and produced by the Office of Design Services.

Eye on CSI is a publication of the College of Staten Island,provided to alumni and friends of the College of StatenIsland and its predecessor institutions, Staten IslandCommunity College and Richmond College.

It is the policy of The City University of New York and theconstituent colleges and units of The University to recruit,employ, retain, promote, and provide benefits to employeesand to admit and provide services for students withoutregard to race, color, creed, national origin, ethnicity,ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, genderidentity, marital status, legally registered domesticpartnership status, disability, predisposing geneticcharacteristics, alienage, citizenship, military or veteranstatus, or status as a victim of domestic violence. Sexualharassment, a form of sex discrimination, is prohibitedunder the University’s Policy Against Sexual Harassment.

If you have any comments, suggestions, or informationfor “Keeping Tabs,” please contact the Office of AlumniRelations at 718.982.2290, alumni@csi.cuny.edu, or2800 Victory Boulevard, Building 1A, Room 111, StatenIsland, NY 10314.

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to share with you that the tradition of Access and Excellence is thriving at the College ofStaten Island. While across the nation, college readiness is one of the most talked about pedagogicalchallenges higher education institutions face today, CSI is making great strides toward that endeavor, asour faculty, staff, students, and alumni participate in more than one dozen local high school accessprograms designed to better prepare students for transition to college, to succeed academically, and toachieve all their aspirations. Elevating student success, increasing professional development for facultyand staff, and strengthening the bonds between College and community—the three cornerstones of ournew Strategic Plan, Many Voices, One Vision drive our commitment to add to the legacy of ourstudents’ success.

Examples of that legacy are on display in this issue’s “Where Are They Now” feature, which gives youthe opportunity to see what some of our more successful students are doing.

We will also spotlight faculty excellence by introducing you to Craig Manister, a Richmond Collegealumnus who is the Director of the Gallery of the College of Staten Island, an instructor, and an integralpart of the Visual Arts Program on campus.

CSI alumni have realized cultural, scholarly, and service recognition for their prolific contributions to ourlocal communities and broader citizenry. Congratulations to all.

Tomás D. Morales, PhDPresident

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

EYE ON CSI WHERE ARE THEY NOW? PAGE 3

Recently, Eye on CSI had the opportunity to talk with some of the College’s recentgrads who have moved on to prestigiousacademic programs or careers. Some ofthese alumni, like Benjamin Hui andSaadyah Averick, who have both gone on to

Carnegie Mellon University, you havealready met when they graduated. You’llalso be meeting other alumni for the firsttime. However, the common denominator is that they have all found success after theygraduated from CSI.

Michael, who was also known for his role asfounder and editor of the humor magazineOperation Three-Legged Dolphin, iscurrently a Fulbright Scholar, working as anEnglish Teaching Assistant in Spain until theend of June 2012. “My placement is InstitutoClara Campoamor in Móstoles,” Youngexplains, “which is part of the Madrid regionof Spain. This is the first year that the schoolhas become a part of the bilingual program,which means that some students at the‘Primero’ level (11 and 12 years old) getEnglish education in all of their classes exceptfor Math and Spanish. As an ‘auxiliar,’ I ampart of English, Art, Science, PhysicalEducation, and Technology classrooms,where I serve as a resource to students andteachers as a native speaker of English. I doeverything from designing lessons, teachingand correcting spelling and grammar, toleading conversation groups. It’s broadenedmy abilities as someone who relates tostudents and as a thinker as well. In my

classes I am reminded of my own educationand feel a great sense of gratitude for all of theteachers who have led me to being here. I oftentell my students that I started studying Spanishwhen I was their age, and because I studied inmiddle school and continued to study throughhigh school and college I was able to have theopportunity to come teach in Spain.”

Although he began his study of the Spanishlanguage at an early age, Young says, “MyCSI education has prepared me well for thisrole. My Spanish minor has helped metremendously, as it gave me a level of Spanishproficiency on which to build during my timehere. My American Studies major has beenuseful as I explain to students various aspectsof American culture, such as our music, art,geography, and sports. Fulbright was startedto promote cultural understanding andcommunication between people of differentcountries and what better way to share myculture than to draw upon what I have been

taught in college? And my Studio Art minorcomes in handy as I work in Art classroomsand incorporate visuals into a lot of mylessons. I have drawn upon all of myexperiences at CSI as a toolbox for being aneffective teacher who brings something intothe classroom. Also, CSI faculty were key inhelping me prepare my application for theFulbright, so I owe a lot of credit to them.”

After his Fulbright appointment is over,Michael notes that he “can see myselfcontinuing down the road of education insome capacity.”

Eye on CSI catches up withsome of the College’s successfulrecent grads.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

“I have drawn upon all of myexperiences at CSI as a toolboxfor being an effective teacherwho brings something into theclassroom.”

MICHAEL YOUNG, ’10FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR

Michael Young ’10: Macaulay HonorsCollege graduate with a Bachelor’s inAmerican Studies with minors in Studio Artand Spanish

After her time at CSI, Janine LeChillgrienfound a career with a Web company thatmany of us use every day, Google. “Icurrently work with the Mobile Ad Salesdivision of the Display Advertisingorganization at Google,” she explains. “I workwith Fortune 500 clients in the Tech space,like HP, Samsung, Dell, Sony, Toshiba, andothers. As an Account Manager, it's my job tokeep the clients happy, and help them growtheir business through advertising on mobiledevices, like cell phones and tablets.”

Discussing what she likes best about her job,LeChillgrien says, “My favorite aspect isplaying the role of the problem solver. If myclient is looking to reach adults who likemovies, I can find specific sites and apps thatskew high among this demographic to helpthem sell their product and fulfill theirmarketing needs. Google has so many greatadvertising products that it makes it very easyto find custom solutions. I also love workingin a fun atmosphere with smart, interesting,and fun colleagues. Google creates a

Averick studied at CSI under AssistantProfessor of Chemistry Dr. KrishnaswamiRaja, who once called him “the bestundergraduate researcher I haveencountered in my career as a scientist,”adding that “he is full of creative ideas,which are workable, and is passionate aboutchemistry, a rare trait in an undergraduate.”

A self-described “science kid,” Averick beganmajoring in Biology at CSI with the hope ofbecoming a doctor. However, Dr. Raja’sGeneral Chemistry 1 course, and theresearch opportunities afforded to him in Dr.Raja’s lab, helped him to switch to Chemistry.

Averick is now a third-year doctoral studentat Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)studying under Professor KrzysztofMatyjaszewski. “My tenure at CMU hasthus far been fruitful and I have publishedfive papers in peer-reviewed journals (withmore in review),” he notes. “My research at CMU focuses on the preparation ofpolymer-based drug delivery systems.”

Looking back at his time at CSI, Averick saysthat “at CSI I was given a chance to conductexcellent research that prepared me to conductindependent research at CMU. Also, theeducation I received at CSI was excellent andprepared me to think on my feet at CMU.”

As for Averick’s future plans, he says thatafter he completes his studies at CMU, “Iplan to start post-doctoral studies in thedesign and delivery of biological therapeutics.I eventually desire to become a professor sothat I can teach and mentor to provide othersthe opportunities afforded to me.”

“The education I received at CSIwas excellent and prepared meto think on my feet at CMU.”

SAADYAH AVERICK ’09

“My degree had an interestingeffect—many people might beimpressed by a degree from anIvy League school, but smartemployers know that The CityUniversity of New York breedssuper-hard workers.”

JANINE LECHILLGRIEN ’05

Janine LeChillgrien ’05:Bachelor’s in Communications

Saadyah Averick ’09: Bachelor’s in Biochemistry/Chemistry

EYE ON CSI WHERE ARE THEY NOW? PAGE 5

wonderful work environment and really valueseach employee, which drives us all to workharder and have fun while we are doing it.”

Reminiscing about her time at CSI,LeChillgrien notes that her experience at theCollege “helped me really understand what itwas like to be in the corporate world. Themarketing courses I took helped prepare mefor presentations in front of clients, and gaveme the confidence to be able to speakintelligently on how the products I sell now fitinto my clients’ marketing mix. I also was in

charge of my college career—I got to choose mypath, and that really helped me shape my workcareer. I felt like I was ready to hit the groundrunning when I graduated. My degree had aninteresting effect—many people might beimpressed by a degree from an Ivy Leagueschool, but smart employers know that The CityUniversity of New York breeds super-hardworkers. CSI's large and diverse class schedulegave me the freedom to have an internship, apart-time job, and work at the campus radiostation. This experience outside of the classroommade all the difference in my career.”

What does the future hold? “I've currentlygot my eye on a promotion,” she says, “andam working toward taking on some moreresponsibility among my group of accountmanagers. I love working in Ad Sales, but Ialso have an interest in corporate training, sonext year I might start taking courses here atGoogle to help me develop those skills. In thenear future, I am looking forward to crushingmy end-of-year revenue goals, and takingsome time off in Mexico at the end of themonth to recharge for 2012.”

When Hui came to the U.S. from China atthe age of 17, he could barely speak English.Thanks to his U.S.-based cousin, AmyLeong, who took him under her wing andhelped teach him English, Benjaminflourished at CSI, working with AssistantProfessor of Chemistry Dr. Michal Kruk.After graduation, he went into the DoctoralProgram in Chemistry at Carnegie MellonUniversity (CMU).

“At CMU,” Hui reports, “I am in the samegroup as Saadyah [Averick], working withProf. Matyjaszewski. Our group is a polymerscience research group. We focused a lot onkinetic, mechanism studies as well asapplications of polymeric products. Myspecialty is to combine polymer andinorganic components together to optimizeboth chemical and physical properties. Suchmaterials retain the chemical advantages ofthe polymer and inherit thermal, mechanical,and optical properties from the additiveparticles. For example, we intended to makecommercially available polymer productsstronger while keeping their flexibility.”

Hui is glad to be a part of this program.“Being here gives me a great opportunity toget closer to science,” he says. “In this group,the majority of senior graduate studentsalready have a master’s degree and are veryexperienced; they are all very nice andhelpful. We also have a lot of collaborationopportunities with different companies, (e.g.,PPG, Dow, Air Force, etc.) This prepares usto work as professional scientists in the future.”

Hui recalls that he is thankful for the help of anumber of people at CSI. “First is myprevious research adviser Prof. Kruk. Thesecond is Mrs. Evans-Greene, the DiscoveryInstitute Director for Minority AccessPrograms. The third is Dr. Geoff Hempill, theCoordinator of Fellowships and ScholarshipsCareer at the Scholarship Center.”

More specifically, he notes, “The main thingthat brings me to this point is Prof. Kruk. He is a very nice person, who helped me inall dimensions of my development. When Iwas still fresh to America with not muchknowledge in chemistry, he taught meeverything, step by step, and asked me to go

further to graduate study. I also like everyprofessor I had when I was at CSI. When Ineeded recommendations to graduate school,I got very nice recommendation letters frommore than 15 professors.

Looking ahead to further research inenvironmental and energy issues aftergraduating from CMU, Hui says, “I will try tobecome a professor who is as helpful as Prof.Kruk to pass his spirit to the next generation.”

“When I needed recommendationsto graduate school, I got very nice recommendation letters frommore than 15 professors.”

CHIN MING “BENJAMIN” HUI ’09

Chin Ming “Benjamin” Hui ’09:Bachelor’s in Chemistry

Dr. ZAGHLOUL AHMED received the2011 NYC BioAccelerate Award for hisgroundbreaking research and Pathmakertechnology that have successfully helpedpatients with neural damage to walk again.

“Our research,” Dr. Ahmed explains,“focuses on finding new rehabilitativetechniques to treat patients following spinalcord injury, brain trauma, stroke, andcerebral palsy. We have two laboratorysettings: one for animal studies and anotherone for human studies. This arrangement isvery useful and unique in the research field,and allows us to do basic testing on animalsand then test its effectiveness on humansubjects. Four years ago, we tested an ideathat incorporates multisite electricalstimulation on augmenting signals from thebrain to the spinal cord. This methodincludes certain patterns of electrical signalsthat were able to change the excitabilitystatus of nerve cells located deep inside thespinal cord. The method works like a soundamplifier; it allows the spinal cord toamplify weak brain signals by hundreds oftimes. The method was first tested onnormal animals, which showed greataugmentation of brain-induced muscleactions…Next, we tested the method onanimals with a crushed type of spinal cordinjury. This type of injury is similar to spinalcord injury that affected humans (e.g., a caraccident). The method showed great resultsin the animals too. Then we took theinvestigation a step further by conductingsome trials on human cases, in which themethod showed remarkable results. Ofcourse, before trying human cases, weintensively tested the safety of the methodon animals. After consulting with theCUNY Office of Technology, it was decidedthat the method and the resulting devicemust be patented…Our method and device

FACULTY FOCUS:

Dr. Zaghloul Ahmed, Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy

NEW FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION

EYE ON CSI NEW FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION PAGE 7

were nominated for the BioAccelerate prizein 2010 by the CUNY Office of Technology,and it was selected as one of five to win thisgreat prize.”

Regarding how he feels about being selectedfor this honor, Dr. Ahmed says, “Becausethe BioAccelerate Prize selects the best ofthe best of projects from the greater NewYork City area, and, given the fact that NewYork City houses some of the most eliteuniversities in the United States, the Prize isan honor and signifies the importance of theresearch, not only to researchers in the field,but also to the public.”

Now that he has won the award, Dr. Ahmed’sresearch continues. “Currently,” he reports,“we are conducting a clinical trial to test theeffectiveness of our method on humansubjects with cerebral palsy and stroke. Thistrial is supported by funds from theBioAccelerate Prize…Furthermore, a largeamount of our research on animals is directedto find cellular mechanisms mediating theeffect of our stimulation method. One of thequestions that we are asking is what happensat the spinal cord that makes it able to amplifythe brain signals? We are trying to answer thisquestion using biochemical, anatomical, andmolecular techniques.”

One beneficiary of Dr. Ahmed’s research isa 16-year-old Brooklyn girl with cerebralpalsy who, thanks to the Pathmakertechnology, is able to walk with crutches for

the first time. For her story, go towww.youtube.com/watch?v=n0znLKWgPFA&feature=channel_video_title.

Although he is busy with his research, CSIstudents are benefiting from Dr. Ahmed’s vastexperience and expertise in courses in“neuroscience, motor control, advanced medicalphysiology, and research seminars with PhysicalTherapy graduate students. Moreover, I teachcourses to students of the Master Neuroscienceprogram,” he says. Dr. Ahmed also teachessome doctoral-level neuroscience courses.

Whether he is restoring neural connections inpatients, or establishing academic connectionswith students, who represent the future ofphysical therapy, Dr. Ahmed’s positive influenceis being felt at CSI, CUNY, and beyond.

“Our research focuses on finding new rehabilitative techniquesto treat patients following spinal cord injury, brain trauma,stroke, and cerebral palsy.”

DR. ZAGHLOUL AHMED

Craig Manister ’74:

“I arrived at Richmond College as a Business major

but was quickly turned around, as my professors

in art, quite simply, changed my life.”

CRAIG MANISTER ’74

A LIFE IN ART

EYE ON CSI A LIFE IN ART PAGE 9

CRAIG MANISTER, the HigherEducation Officer (HEO) in the Performingand Creative Arts department and director ofthe Art Gallery, has had a long and meaningfulrelationship with the College. His career as agifted and accomplished painter began duringhis undergraduate years at RichmondCollege/CUNY, where he graduated with aBA in Art in 1974. “I arrived at RichmondCollege as a Business major but was quicklyturned around, as my professors in art, quitesimply, changed my life. [The late] Pat Passlof,in particular, was so inspiring and interesting,and although I could have continued on amore practical path in business, I was hookedand never looked back. I was encouraged tocontinue studying at other institutions afterobtaining my undergraduate degree.” He went on to study painting at the Studio Schooland to get his MFA at Brooklyn College.

Today Manister, in his turn, inspires his ownstudents, not only in the painting classes heteaches, but also as a caring and creativepresence for the Art majors who can beregularly seen discussing their work with him.

Manister has had a number of one-manshows in Manhattan, (one last fall at thePainting Center) and in Connecticut and he has been part of numerous groupexhibitions. He has, moreover, curated anumber of important exhibitions includingthe work of Sylvia Sleigh at Snug Harbor,Earl Kerkam at the Painting Center, andthe paintings and drawings of GandyBrodie at the College Gallery. He is alsoessential to all the shows in the Gallerywhere he collaborates with the Curator, Dr.Nanette Salomon, to bring museum-qualityexhibitions to CSI; coordinates the daily

operation of the Gallery; and supervises thestudent interns in the running of theGallery.

As a HEO in the PCA Department heoversees the PCA budget and all thepurchasing of supplies and services. He also supervises the visual art studios andphotography darkroom spaces, making surethat the classrooms are in good conditionand all of the equipment is kept in goodworking order.

He is actively involved in the life of art in theDepartment, in the College at large, and inthe general community of the Island. Whenhe is not making his own art into the weehours of the night, he is tirelessly engaged inspreading his infectious love of art.

The City University of New York (CUNY)has a number of programs in place at theCollege of Staten Island to ensure students’success, once they come to the campus.However, both CUNY and CSI takeproactive measures to work with studentswell before they enter college to give them thepreparation they need for their road to acollege degree.

All of these successful programs aredesigned to provide opportunities for StatenIsland’s middle and high school students tomeasure their readiness for college-levelwork, especially in the areas of English andthe STEM (science, technology,engineering, and mathematics) disciplines,and to facilitate opportunities for them toimprove their skills during their senior year.One of the top priorities of CSI’s leadershipis to have Staten Island high school

graduates enter the College of StatenIsland prepared to begin college-levelstudy. Current college readiness programsat CSI include:

Discovery Institute GEAR UP Project

The GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awarenessand Readiness for UndergraduatePrograms) project at CSI’s DiscoveryInstitute has focused on one high-needintermediate school and two high-need highschools in economically depressed StatenIsland neighborhoods. This project hassought to improve student achievement andraise student educational aspirations throughstudent visits to the CSI campus thatprovide scholastic and cultural enrichment,in an effort to excite them about college life;school-year enrichment programs, summer“Boot Camp” programs, and counseling forstudents and their families on preparing for

PREPPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF COLLEGESTUDENTS FOR SUCCESS, BEFORE COLLEGE

EYE ON CSI PREPPING THE NEXT GENERATION PAGE 11

and financing a college education; andtutoring and mentoring services by theInstitute’s “Teaching Scholars,” CSIstudents who provide classroom and after-school tutoring, often one-on-one, withstudents struggling with their English andmath courses. GEAR UP also attempts tohave a positive impact on student learningthrough Professional DevelopmentWorkshops for Teachers that providetraining in discovery-based inquiry.

Liberty Partnerships Program

This program, a collaborative effort of CSIand the Staten Island Branch of the NewYork Urban League, the local school district,and community-based organizations andindividuals, provides a broad range ofeducational, enrichment, and supportservices for academically disadvantagedstudents at four of Staten Island’s publichigh schools.

The Percy Ellis Sutton SEEK Program

The Percy Ellis Sutton SEEK (Search forEducation, Elevation, and Knowledge)Program is a higher education opportunityprogram offered through CSI/CUNY. It is aprogram designed for students who have thepotential to do well in college, but wouldbenefit from enhanced academic supportand financial assistance. The SEEKProgram at CSI provides access to college,and promotes academic success andpersonal achievement through an array ofcounseling and other support services.SEEK accepts between 150 and 200 newstudents per year.

Strategies for Success

Strategies for Success was created after theSEEK Program at CSI joined with thecommunity in an effort to help at-riskintermediate school children improveacademically. The overall goal of theprogram is to promote the development andapplication of effective learning strategiesand study skills essential to academicsuccess within the population ofeconomically disadvantaged college studentsat CSI, as well as for pupils in the after-school programs at several Staten Islandelementary and junior high schools.

Strategies for Success is atutoring/mentoring program in whichcollege students engage in a communityservice learning experience by offeringacademic and personal support toapproximately 120 disadvantaged youth per academic year.

College Success Initiative

The College Success Initiative is CSI’sversion of CUNY’s Black Male InitiativeProgram (BMI), which was designed toengage successful minority students in therecruitment and retention of other minoritystudents, especially males, at the college and high school levels.

The College Success Initiative is open to allacademically eligible students withoutregard to race, gender, national origin, orother characteristics. The program is acollaborative effort of parents, collegefaculty and staff, and high school principalsand teachers, as well as members of theStaten Island community.

C-STEP

The C-STEP Program is designed toincrease the number of historicallyunderrepresented and economicallydisadvantaged students who enroll in andcomplete undergraduate and graduateprograms leading to professional licensureor to careers in the fields of science,technology, and education at the College of Staten Island. Exposing our C-STEPstudents to research opportunities intechnology, scientific research, and teaching will help them to view themselvesas professionals. C-STEP students will, inturn, help to reshape the culture of theprofessional fields as they reach their desired career goals.

CUNY Start

CUNY Start provides intensive preparationin academic reading/writing, math, and“college success.” The program enrollsprospective CUNY students who have beenaccepted to college because they have a highschool or GED diploma, but are not readyfor college-level work based on their scoreson the CUNY Assessment Tests.

Students who have enrolled in CUNY Startre-take the required CUNY Assessment Tests.Past students have shown significant skillgains when they re-test; many have bypassedrequired remedial coursework entirely.

College Now

College Now is a free program designed toprepare New York City’s public high schoolstudents for college. A New York City publichigh school collaborates with CSI and/oranother CUNY college to create a CollegeNow partnership. The program then offerseligible students a number of ways to improvetheir high school performance and get a headstart on college, such as academic courses(both for high school and college credit);campus-based tours and cultural events, suchas theater or dance performances; andexclusive scholarship offers.

Although these programs are varied, theyserve local youth, engage and stimulatestudents academically, and they are makinga positive impact, as many participants notonly undertake a college education afterhigh school, but graduate and go on tosuccessful and meaningful careers.

All of these successful programs are designed to provide opportunities for Staten Island’s middle and high school students to measure their readiness for college-level work.

AROUND CAMPUS

New Phonathon Call Center ComingFor the past ten years, each fall and spring, CSI students have beenreaching out and calling our alumni to update them on their almamater and to request donations to the College’s Annual Fund. Alumnidonations help support scholarships, undergraduate research, Libraryand technology needs, and “fill a gap” wherever student need is greatest.

Until now, a small corps of students has used staff offices in theAdvancement and Alumni offices during evening hours to placethese important calls.

Now, as the College evolves and grows, so does our Annual FundPhonathon program with efforts that are underway for a new callcenter on campus, planned for spring 2012.

Under the supervision of the Division of Institutional Advancementstaff, students will now be able to call more alumni from aprofessional call center. This next step is in keeping with College’sStrategic Plan to expand opportunities for direct giving and increasealumni engagement in the life of the College.

Jennifer Lynch, Associate Director of Annual Giving at CSI,commented, “Reaching more than 55,000 alumni is no easy feat,so the development of a dedicated call center will be a valuableasset for fundraising and connecting the current generation ofstudents to those who came before them.”

According to Lynch, increasing alumni participation in the AnnualFund is crucial to the life of the College since the participation rateis used in evaluating an institution’s strength and worthiness whencorporations and foundations consider awarding grants to CSI.

So, please take a moment the next time a CSI student calls and asksyou to consider a gift to the Annual Fund. Every donation makes adifference and goes a long way in helping our students achieve aquality education.

Meet Phonathon CallerAlmahdi HosangWhen your phone rings during the CSI Phonathon, one of thestudents with whom you might speak is CSI sophomore AlmahdiHosang. He’s been with the Phonathon since spring of 2011, he is aveteran who has been deployed twice in the Middle East, and hehas interned for Assemblyman Lou Tobacco.

Almahdi says that one of his more memorable calls occurred in thespring 2011 semester. “I was talking with a vet from Desert Storm.When I first started talking to him I could immediately tell that hehad no interest in donating or even hearing the rest of what I hadto say. He interrupted me and said, ‘I don't feel like donating today;try again later.’ I responded, ‘Will you at least give me a questionabout YOUR former college?’ He relaxed and said ‘How do you dealwith people like me all day?’ and I casually said ‘I've been deployedtwice; this is cake.’ After that exchange, we started to comparestories for a bit and he finally gave a donation with his credit card.”

CSI students like Almahdi will be reaching out to you this spring.Won’t you please answer the call and give as generously as possibleto provide support for the next generation of CSI graduates?

CSI Faculty Center Opens The Faculty Center for Professional Development, located in Room 202 of the CSI Library, was home to a virtual ribbon cutting lastSeptember during its inaugural Celebration and Open House.

CSI President Dr. Tomás D. Morales noted that “The Faculty Center for Professional Development represents a major element of our 2011-2016 Strategic Plan, entitled Many Voices, One Vision, in that several Strategic Directions identified the need for this type of resource oncampus. I am pleased to say that we have now made considerable strides in our Implementation Plan by opening the Center.”

President Morales described the Center as a resource for all full-time, part-time, and retired faculty that will house multifaceted programsfocused on such topics as faculty career stages, teaching-related issues, technology and pedagogy, and others.

EYE ON CSI AROUND CAMPUS PAGE 13EYE ON CSI AROUND CAMPUS PAGE 13

Convocation 2011Celebrates ManyVoices, One VisionCSI President Dr. Tomás D. Moralesunderscored the unity of the Collegecommunity as he celebrated CSI’s 2011Convocation last October.

Speaking to a near-capacity audience, thePresident mentioned that this year’saccomplishments were the result of thehard work, dedication, and, mostimportantly, unity of CSI’s faculty, staff,and students.

Dr. Morales noted that Many Voices, OneVision, the theme of this year’sConvocation, is also the title of theCollege’s new Strategic Plan. The StrategicPlan, and a self-study, which is part of theongoing Middle States Commission onHigher Education reaccreditation process,he pointed out, are significant examples oflarge numbers of College faculty, staff, andstudents uniting and working together forthe betterment of CSI.

As he concluded his comments, thePresident reminded those in attendancethat “Student success and achievement is acornerstone of our new Strategic Plan, andour greatest show of unity has—and alwayswill be—centered on our students.”

After Dr. Morales’s remarks, CSI Provostand Senior Vice President for AcademicAffairs Dr. William Fritz came to thelectern to recognize the contributions offaculty and staff members who havereached milestone anniversaries of service.

CSI Marks Tenth Anniversary ofSeptember 11, 2001A breezy, partly sunny day provided the setting for the College’s 9/11 RemembranceCeremony, last fall, as CSI students, faculty, staff, alumni, and family members of some ofthe 27 alumni lost on that day gathered in the Memorial Garden to mark the tenthanniversary of the tragic attacks on our nation.

Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. A. Ramona Brown, who served as the emcee of theceremony, introduced CSI President Dr. Tomás D. Morales, who offered welcomingremarks. “We will never forget those whom we lost and we will never forget their families,friends, and loved ones who continue to try and heal from this unspeakable tragedy,” hesaid. The President recalled where he was when he heard the news of the attacks andmentioned that he spent time as a high school student working in New York City’sFinancial District.

“Students come to the College of Staten Island to fulfill their dreams and aspirations,”President Morales added, “to pursue productive careers in the hopes of achieving betterlives. The stark realization that 27 CSI alumni, 27 of our former students, were takenfrom us on 9/11 is indeed especially painful. The names of these former students,engraved on a plaque in the Memorial Garden right here before us, serve as a reminder ofa great loss that continues to resonate with all of us.”

Following President Morales’s remarks, Music student Stephanie Geraci performed“Meditation” from Jules Massenet’s Thaïs on solo violin and English Professor CateMarvin read her poem, “On Trying to Write a Poem after 9/11/01.”

Representing the CSI student body, Cpl. Joseph McDonough, a member of the UnitedStates Marine Corps and the CSI Armed Forces Club, shared his feelings on 9/11, notingthat he was personally affected by the tragedy, having lost a family member and manyloved ones on that day.

Next, Arthur J. Merola, DPM ’84, ’85, President of the CSI Alumni Association Board,and Linda Dianto ’69, ’71, ’85, Assistant Treasurer of the Alumni Association Board, readthe names of the CSI alumni who lost their lives on 9/11.

Elaine R. Schenk, MId from Catholic Campus Ministry offered closing thoughts, callingon everyone in attendance to focus on forgiveness, peace, and kindness in an effort to heal.

President Morales and other membersof the College community gathered atthe 9/11 Memorial to remember thosewho were lost on that tragic day.

More than 400 CSI alumni, students, staff, and faculty had the chance toenjoy a new tradition, last October–the College’s first-ever Homecoming.

Homecoming began with a walkathon to benefit the Staten IslandBreast Cancer Research Initiative (SIBCRI). Con Edison was the leadsponsor of this event. Walkathon participants, many of whom donnedpink t-shirts, enjoyed a refreshing stroll through campus. The SIBCRIalso hosted a table where walkers could purchase handmade scarvesand other knitted goods to raise funds for the important research andwork that the Initiative conducts in the hope of combating breastcancer on Staten Island.

As no Homecoming would be complete without sporting events, themorning included a volleyball game between the CSI Dolphins and ateam from the Culinary Institute of America and a tennis match. Inaddition, there was career speed-networking, which gave members ofthe Class of 2012 the opportunity to connect with and get careeradvice from CSI alumni. This event was made possible thanks to theassistance of the Business Department, including ChairpersonProfessor Thomas Tellefson, and other faculty members such asProfessor George Stearn, who participated with his business students.

The afternoon’s offerings included an Oktoberfest luncheon at whichKen Tirado of Killmeyer’s Old Bavaria Inn gave a presentation on theorigins and history of Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany; a free gelatoparty and reception with a historic poster display on Italian heritage

that was organized by the professors and students from the ItalianStudies program to commemorate Italian Heritage Month; alumnireunion tables for alumni from the Classes of 1962, 1967, 1972,1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007; a meet-and-greetwith members of the Academy of Retired Professors and currentfaculty; a report on the College’s progress from CSI President Dr.Tomás D. Morales; and a guided campus bus tour.

There were also more athletic activities on tap as visitors enjoyed aWomen’s Soccer match featuring the Dolphins and John Jay, as wellas a Men’s Soccer game that pitted the Dolphins against the A-Teamof the NYPD.

An outdoor music performance and all-day events, like the WSIA Radiooutdoor remote broadcast, and children’s attractions, such as a pumpkinpatch and face painting, were scheduled throughout the day. The CSIAlumni Association Board was also on hand with an information table.

Summing up the entire Homecoming experience, which, of course,included the hard work and preparation that went into creating theevent, Homecoming Committee Chairperson and CSI AthleticDirector Vernon Mummert said, “The first-ever CSI HomecomingDay was a wonderful success! I was so pleased to have the great workof so many colleagues in putting together an event of this magnitude.It was through their spirit of enthusiasm and cooperation that wewere able to provide a wonderful experience for our alumni.”

ALUMNI NEWS

College Community Celebrates First Annual Homecoming

EYE ON CSI ALUMNI NEWS PAGE 15

Members of the Alumni Board at the 2011 CSI Celestial Ball

Calling All Alumni! Come Back to Campus for Reunion!Join alumni from every generation and each of our predecessor schools. This year, CSI will payspecial tribute to alumni class years ending in 2s and 7s (1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987,1992, 1997, 2002, 2007), as well as alumni from the Early Years (1958 through 1975). AtCommencement on Thursday, May 31, reunion classes are invited to join the Class of 2012 inthe academic procession. Then, in June, another special Early Years reunion will celebrate keyindividuals who played important roles in the lives of our alumni and in the life of CSI. Markyour calendars and come reminisce about your student days, reconnect with beloved professors,and commemorate your college years with friends and classmates.

Plans are underway to provide a memorable experience for you. Look for complete details in themail in the next few weeks or online at: www.csi.cuny.edu/alumni. For further information,please contact Donna Garambone, Coordinator of Alumni Relations, at 718.982.2290 or viaemail at alumni@csi.cuny.edu.

Alumni Association Board Supports the Celestial BallFor the third year in a row, the CSI Alumni Association (CSIAA) has supported the Celestial Ballwith a $5,000 sponsorship. CSIAA Board President Dr. Arthur J. Merola explained, “Support ofthe Celestial Ball by the Alumni Board serves as a means to ensure the success of our students.”Alumni Board member Donna J. Fauci ’96, ’03 once again served as a tri–chair for the event.

WSIA Celebrates 30Years with ReunionCSI’s 2011 Homecoming concluded with adinner in celebration of the 30th anniversaryof the College’s student-run radio station,WSIA, which honored former station GeneralManager, Greg Adamo ’86. The event gaveWSIA alumni a chance to catch up with oldfriends and colleagues, and meet with currentWSIA students, in a light-hearted atmosphere.

Among the speakers were Dr. Adamo, whoworked with students to get the station onthe air; former Program Director RonResnik ’82, who facilitated WSIA’s FCClicense; and Maurice “Buddy” Watson, aformer student and WSIA staffer. In hisremarks, Watson, who eventually went on tobecome Schenectady City School DistrictTeacher of the Year for the 2008-2009school year, gave a lot of credit for hisprofessional and personal success to WSIAand Greg Adamo.

KEEPING TABS

What’s New with You?

“Keeping Tabs” is always happy to hear the latest newsfrom our alumni! Do you have a new job or did youreceive a promotion? Are wedding bells in your future?Are you expecting or have you just had a baby? Have youreceived any recent honors? Have you moved or retired?

Please let us know so that we can share your exciting news.

Email your latest information to alumni@csi.cuny.edu.

Meet Legacy Society MemberAnn Rodberg ‘05

(L-R:) Jennifer Rodberg LeChillgrien, Ann Rodberg

2000sJOAN SEGUIN ’08 graduatedfrom Pepperdine University inJune with her law degree, sherecently passed the NY Bar exam.

ERICA SALZILLO ’07 and herhusband Frank welcomed ababy boy, Frank Richard Salzillo,on 11/1/11. He was 8 lbs, 5 oz.

ENGAGEMENTSKatrina Caroccia ’08 andCataldo Fracchiolla ’08, ‘10Jessica Centineo ’08, ’09 and Vincent LastellaMelissa DeMartino ’10 and Richard Prignoli ’09, ‘10Tara DiFanzo ’04, ’06 and Tyan WatsonKeith Entis ’03 and Catherine LoneckeAnn Ferrera ’06, ’08, ’10 and Jonathan Hamill ‘11Meaghan Gorman ’10 and Christopher MuleaTara Ketchel ’07 and Jason HalvorsenJennifer Monahan ’03 and Mark Barber

Robert Racano ’09 and Stefanie CarpenterJason Russo ’08 and Angela Barone

WEDDINGS

Joshua Krupitsky ’09 and Rachel Markowitz

50TH WEDDINGANNIVERSARIESAlice Burke ’74 and John BurkeJoanna Pizzolo ’77 and Natale PizzoloKathleen Roche DeMeo ’59, ’70and Donald DeMeo

IN MEMORIAMMitchell Ackerman ‘81Barbara Archipolo ‘99Tara Gianoulis ‘03Donna LaMendola ’88, ‘95Mary Ellen McGivney ’84, ‘87George Perretti ‘92Anna Spollen-Doyle ‘82Adeline Stevens ‘82Judy Welsh ’76, ‘79Dorothy Zarrilli ’73, ‘75

Although many CSI alumnihave a family member or twowho are also alumni of theCollege, Ann Rodberg, whograduated in 2005 with a BSin Communications with aminor in Publication Design,has five. Her brother, HarrisonBarritt, blazed the trail, gettinghis BA in English Literature in1992, and his MA in Englishin 1994.

“My brother was definitely aninfluence on my decision toattend CSI,” Ann recalls. “Hehad a positive experience as astudent and also was able toteach here for eight years as anadjunct English professor.”

All three of Ann’s children arealso connected to CSI: Thomasis an Engineering major in theMacaulay Honors College andDavid studied Cinematographyat the College. Ann’s daughter,Jennifer LeChillgrien, is analumna, having received a BS

in Accounting with a minor inFinance in 2009, and her husband Adam LeChillgrien(son-in-law) graduated fromCSI in 2010 with a BS inMarketing and a minor inEconomics.

As her brother influenced herdecision to attend CSI, Annsays, “I would like to think Ihad an influence on mychildren attending. They sawmy journey through collegefirst-hand as they were ages 6,9, and 11 when I started. Iknow they were proud to seeme finally graduate and get ajob in my field.”

Today, Ann reflects fondly onher time at CSI. “Myexperience at CSI has had apositive effect on my life. Asthe only member of my familywho didn't go to college, Ialways felt like something wasmissing. Now I feel a sense ofpride and accomplishment.”

EYE ON CSI SCHOLARLY ACHIEVEMENTS PAGE 17

Major Publications

Stream Ciphers by Using theMulti-Map Orbit Hopping Mech-anism – Designing, Implement-ing and Cryptanalyzing by XIAOWEN ZHANG, Lambert Academic Publishing, 2011

From Exclusivity to Exclusion: TheLD Experience of Privileged Par-ents by CHRIS HALE, Sense Pub-lishers, 2011

Teaching Mathematics and Sci-ence in Elementary School: ATechnology-Based Approach byIRINA LYUBLINSKAYA, WhittierPublications, 2010

Calculus Explorations withGeometry Expressions by IRINALYUBLINSKAYA, Saltire Soft-ware, 2010

Tomboys, Pretty Boys, and Out-spoken Women: The Media Rev-olution of 1973 by EDWARDMILLER, University of MichiganPress, 2011

Film Festivals: Culture, Peopleand Power on the Global Screenby CINDY WONG, Rutgers Uni-versity Press, 2011

Return Migration and Identity: AGlobal Phenomenon, A HongKong Case by NAN SUSSMAN,Hong Kong University Press, 2010

The State of Islam: Culture andCold War Politics in Pakistan bySAADIA TOOR, Pluto Press, 2011

Patents

Zaghloul Ahmed: Ahmed, Z. Electrical Stimulation Device forMotor Function Recovery.

Alejandra Del Carmen Alonso: Krishnaswami, R.; Alonso, A.; Banerjee, P.;Dolai, S.; Averick, S.; Corbo, C.; Debnath, S.;and Mogha, A. Synthesis of Water-SolubleCurcumin Derivatives as Potential Alzheimer’sDrug Candidates.

Jimmie Fata: Nirmalananada, S.; Krishnaswami, R.; Fata,J.E.; Sun, C.; Balambika, R.; Dolai, S.; Clero-dendrum Viscosum Formulations and Mole-cules Present There-in Synthetically Preparedor Isolated from the Plant as Medicines for thePrevention and Cure of Cancer. Patent Serial #61/376,772, Year of Filing 2010.

Alan Lyons:Lyons, A.M. High Aspect Ratio Carbon Ther-mal Interface Materials, U.S. Prov. Appl filedAugust 12, 2010 (61373051).

Lyons, A.M. and Salamon, T.R. Light-WeightLow-Thermal-Expansion Polymer Foam for Ra-diofrequency Filtering Applications. U.S.Patent 7,847,658 issued Dec 7, 2010.

Hodes, M.S.; Kolodner, P.R.; Kroupenkine,T.N.; Lyons, A.M.; Mandich, M.L.; Taylor, J.A.;Weiss, D. Reverse Cell-Array NanostructuredBattery. U.S. Patent 7,833,653 issued Nov 16,2010.

Basavanhally, N.R.; Hodes, M.S.; Kolodner,P.R.; Kornblit, A.; Krupenkine, T.N.; Lee, W.;Lyons, A.M.; Salamon, T.R.; Vyas, B. ThermalEnergy Transfer Device. U.S. Patent 7,832,462issued Nov 16, 2010.

Hodes, M.S.; Kolodner, P.R.; Kroupenkine, T.N.;Lyons, A.M.; Mandich, M.L.; Taylor, J.A.; Weiss,D. Reserve Cell-array Nanostructured Battery.U.S. Patent 7,785,733 issued Aug 22, 2010.

Hodes, M.S.; Kolodner, P.R.; Kroupenkine, T.N.;Lyons, A.M.; Mandich, M.L.; Taylor, J.A.; Weiss,D. Reversibly-Activated Nanostructured Bat-tery. U.S. Patent 7,749,646 issued July 6, 2010.

Kolodner, P.R.; Krupenkine, T.N.; Lyons, A.M.;Pau, S.; Taylor, J.A.; Vyas, B. Graphitic Nanos-tructured Battery. U.S. Patent 7,678,495, is-sued March 16, 2010.

Hesselbarth, J.; Lyons, A.M.; Mahlandt. E.Structured Dielectric for Coaxial Cable. U.S.Patent 7,674,981, issued March 9, 2010.

Krishnaswami Raja:Raja, K.S.; Dolai, S.; Averick, S.; Corbo, C.; Shi,W.; Debnath, S.; Mogha, A.; Alonso, A.;Banerjee, P. Curcumin Derivatives. Patent Ap-plication # 61/308362 2010.

Raja, K.S.; Fata, J.; Sun, C.; Balambika, R.; andDolai, S. Clerodendrum Viscosum Formula-tions and Molecules Present There-in Syntheti-cally Prepared or Isolated from the Plant asMedicines for the Prevention and Cure of Can-cer, Swami Nirmalananada. Patent application# 61/376,772. 2010.

Nan Loh Yang:Yang, N.; Pirich, R.; Su, K.; Chu, I. MultiferroicNanoscale Thin Film Materials, Method of itsFacile Syntheses and Magnetoelectric Cou-pling at Room Temperature. (U.S.2010/0288964 A1); WO 2010/135265 A1)Nov. 2010.

Yang, N.; Su, K. Preparation of PerovskiteNanocrystals Via Reverse Micelles.20100171063, July 8, 2010.

Yang, N.; Su, K. Polymer Submicron ParticlePreparation by Surfactant-Mediated Precipita-tion 20100119827; May 13, 2010.

Yasha Yi:Koch, B.; Smith, T.; Yi, Y.; Guo, G. Optical Mi-croresonator. Issued by USPTO 2010,US7702202.

SCHOLARLY ACHIEVEMENTS

EVENTS

Scholars and Donors United at Scholarship Awards CeremonyThe Annual Scholarship Awards Ceremony, held on October 19 in the Williamson Theatre in CSI’s Center for the Arts, was an opportunity to recognizethe academic success and hard work of scholarship recipients, but also an opportunity for the College community, and particularly these students, to thankthe scholarship supporters for their generosity.

New FoundationCoordinatorCSI Alumnus Francisco M.Collado ’09 hasbeen selected as the new CSI FoundationCoordinator. Francisco has worked at theDivision of Institutional Advancement andExternal Affairs since 2008, where he startedas the Government Relations Intern during hissenior year at CSI. After graduating, Franciscowas welcomed as the Development Assistantwithin the same division. It was at this postthat Francisco assisted in the coordination offundraising events such as the CSICommunity Fall Festival. Additionally,Francisco has helped to bring in more than$500,000 of student support through corporateand foundation grants.

2011–2012 Alumni Association BoardConvenes Meeting Last SeptemberFront Row: Donna J. Fauci ’96, ’03;Marietta DeLuca ’74 ’85, Recording Secretary;Dr.Arthur J. Merola ’84, ’85, President; Patricia Carroll ’85 Second Row: Vullnet Kolari, Esq.’98, Second Vice President; Sumi Raj ’90; Fran D’Atria Romano ’68, ’70; Paula McKeown ’90,’96, ’00; Phyllis Minacapilli ’86, ’91, Treasurer Back Row: Francisco M. Collado ’09; RobertShullich ’76, ’85; ’88; Audrey Tesora ’02, ’06; Susan Pace ’03; Adam Silberlight ’98 Not inPhoto: Theresa Marro ’85, ‘89, First Vice President; Linda Dianto ’69, ’71, ’74, AssistantTreasurer; James Raggi ’68, ’70, Corresponding Secretary; Dr. Alan I. Benimoff ’67; DmitriyBykovskiy ’09; Numan Ejaz ’09; Anna Fiorentino ’03; Carole Gervasi ’02; Maria Hoffmann’93, ’07; Michele Karpeles ’08, ’10; Stephen Kaufer ’77; Lynne Libert ’03, ’06, ’09; James McBratney ’05; Sharmila Mohammed ’03.

EYE ON CSI CLUB NEWS PAGE 19

Green Thumbs ClubWorks to Make the WorldMore Beautiful andSustainableThe CSI Green Thumbs Club is on a mission to makeour campus more sustainable. One way that they areaccomplishing this goal is through the organic gardenthat they maintain by the Campus Center.

Club President Joseph DePaulo, says, “We've beengrowing lots of greens and delicious vegetables, liketomatoes, peppers, arugula, basil, and various otherherbs. We've had a few green markets in which we soldthe produce back to students and faculty for a really low price. We really want to spread our great and healthy food to the whole campus.We're uniting all ages through simple Mother Nature.” The Club has also given free basil plants and arugula seeds to the campus communityto share the wealth.

This spring, DePaulo reports that the Club hopes to augment the beauty of the garden by planting trees, flowers, and bushes to add moreplaces for visitors to sit and relax, including, possibly a hammock.

CSI Student Life Offers a Club for EveryoneStudents at CSI have a wide variety of clubs from which to choose, making their college experience richer and more rewarding. Here is thelatest list of clubs from the CSI Office of Student Life. Eye on CSI will be spotlighting these organizations in upcoming issues.

CLUB NEWS

A Reason to Write

Accounting Club

A.L.P.H.A. Club

American Chemical Society

American Sign Language Club

American Society of MechanicalEngineers

Armed Forces Club

Art Club

Asian Student Association

Autonomous Students United

Caesura

Campus Activities Board

Caribbean Students Association

Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship

Computer Club

CSI Business Innovation Club

CSI Macaulay Honors

Early Childhood EducationClub

Edge of Dance Club

Encouraging EqualityOrganization

Film Club

Gaming Club

Gay-Straight Alliance

Gospel Choir Club

Green Thumbs

Hillel

IEEE Club

International Business Society

Israel Club

Japanese Visual Culture Club

Legions of Historians

Love Your Neighbor Club

Marketing Association

Math Club

Operation Three Legged Dolphin

Photography Club

Pre-Dental Club

Pre-Medical Society

Psychology Club

Serpentine/Artifacts

Sri Lankan Student Association

Student Government

The Banner

Theta Phi Club

Third Rail

Upsilon Lambda Club

Viva L’Italiano

WSIA-FM

Young Americans for Liberty

FOUNDATION NOTES

CSI students were the beneficiaries on December 3, as the ThirdAnnual CSI Celestial Ball succeeded in raising more than $500,000for student scholarships and support.

A diverse group of nearly 250 people, comprising community andbusiness leaders, students, faculty, staff, friends of the College, thehonorees and their family members, attended the event at theRichmond County Country Club. Everyone at the Ball providedcrucial support to CSI students, as the scholarships and contributionsmade possible by this event provide students with the opportunity tocomplete their degrees, and gain the confidence and tools that theyneed to successfully enter the job market and affect positive changein their communities and beyond.

CSI President Dr. Tomás D. Morales presented the President’sMedal, with the assistance of Provost and Senior Vice President forAcademic Affairs Dr. William Fritz, to the Ball honorees who wereDenis Hughes (Hon. ’11), President of the New York State AFL-CIO; Dr. Mary O’Donnell, Associate Professor and Chair of theDepartment of Nursing; and Mrs. Rose Volpe, community activist,founder of the Friends of CSI, and widow of Dr. Edmond L. Volpe,the first President of the College of Staten Island.

Thirteen CSI scholarship recipients were on hand to show theirappreciation for the support that they have received, and to serve asexamples of the positive effects that scholarships have on students.Student Government President Kevin Storberg represented thestudent body, underscoring the importance of scholarships in hisremarks. In addition, following a beautiful rendition of “The StarSpangled Banner” from CSI alumna Marissa Pontecorvo ’11, whichbegan the program, attendees were treated to a video featuring otherscholarship recipients, who emphasized the critical need for fundswhich help them to stay in College and excel in their chosen fields.

This year’s Celestial Ball Chairs, Dr. Christine Cea ’88, New YorkState Regent representing Staten Island, President of the CSIFoundation and Scientist at the Institute for Basic Research; DonnaFauci ’96, ’03, Member of the Board of Directors of the CSI AlumniAssociation; and Joseph Ricciutti, Executive Director, UniversityEvent Management at Columbia University, graciously volunteeredtheir time and efforts to make this year’s event a success.

2011 Celestial Ball Boosts Student Scholarships and Support

L-R: CSI President Dr. Tomás D. Morales; Donna Fauci, event co-chair; CSI Provost, Dr. William Fritz; honorees Dr. Mary O'Donnell, Rose Volpe, and DenisHughes; and Dr. Christine Cea, event co-chair

EYE ON CSI FOUNDATION NOTES PAGE 21

Former Assistant Professor of History at CSIProfessor Michael Lutzker, who passed awayon May 9, 2011 at age 81, bequeathed hiscollection of more than 140 books to the CSILibrary in appreciation for the College givinghim his first opportunity to teach. He taught at CSI from 1968 to 1980, and spent theremainder of his career at New York Universityfrom which he retired in 2001.

Dr. Lutzker’s area of expertise was diplomatichistory and peace studies. He exposed hisstudents to how, in some instances, war can beaverted and, in other circumstances, theopposite course occurs with long-lastingrepercussions. He never lost his enthusiasm forteaching and had a way of enabling students toopen their minds and actively participate inclassroom discussions.

Commenting on the gift, CSI Chief LibrarianWilma Jones says “The books from Dr.Lutzker’s estate fill gaps in the CSI Librarycollection. Money for book acquisitions hasvaried dramatically over the years and theLibrary has not always been able to buyimportant works as they were published.Fortunately, Dr. Lutzker was consistentlybuying books to support his research in peacestudies and foreign relations. Many of thebooks from his library, now out of print, wouldbe difficult to locate and purchase today. Onbehalf of the CSI Library, I would like to thankthe Lutzker estate for this generous gift.”

The Center for the Arts Recital Hall wasalive with the sounds of jazz, last fall, as CSI students and alumni, under thedirection of Professor Michael Morreale,treated an audience of students, faculty, and staff to a recital.

The event was held in celebration of a gift ofa music collection from the former StatenIsland Chamber Music Players to the MusicDepartment and the Library, made in honorof former CSI President the late EdmondVolpe and his wife Rose, who were two ofthe Chamber Players’ earliest and mostenthusiastic supporters. The gift wasfacilitated by Georgiana Di Mauro, theformer director of the Chamber Players.Although the gift of approximately 759chamber music selections was made in 2009,the event called attention to the fact that themusic has been cataloged and is nowavailable to CSI students and faculty inSpecial Collections.

When asked about the importance of the giftto the College, Prof. Morreale said, “It’s asignificant benefit because it provides awealth of music of various styles and genresfor the students to use.”

The program began with greetings fromMusic Program Coordinator Dr. DavidKeberle, who recognized Mrs. Volpe, whowas in attendance. Then, Prof. Morreale andthe student and alumni musicians took thestage to present a program of jazzcompositions, standards, and originalnumbers to an appreciative audience. Prof.Morreale also recognized Ms. Di Mauro.

Commenting on how he felt aboutreconnecting with some of his formerstudents, and playing with some of hiscurrent pupils, Prof. Morreale stated thatthe concert shows where [the Jazz Programhas] come and what we’d like to maintainand improve upon. “I’m so lucky to havethese young musicians, many of whom I’veplayed with professionally, in my life, as aresult of CSI.”

Joining Prof. Morreale were Alan Aurelia ’11,Rafael Calderon ’11, Casey Heuler ’09, DavidImmiti ’09, junior Joseph Lamanna, Ann MarieNacchio ’09, and Isidore Ramkissoon ’07.

Following the recital, Mrs. Volpe and thedonors visited the CSI Library to see the collection.

Library ReceivesLutzker Estate Gift

Jazz Recital Celebrates Music Collection Donation

DOLPHIN ATHLETESGIVE BACK AT P.S. 44AFTER-SCHOOLPROGRAM

Appreciating where you comefrom and giving back to that verysame community is a themeoften expressed by the Collegeof Staten Island’s Student-AthleteAdvisory Committee—a group ofstudent-athletes spanning eachof CSI’s intercollegiate programswho share their opinions anddiscuss concerns in the Athleticsoffice, and who take part incommunity service activities. Lastfall they hosted a Halloweenparty for P.S. 44’s United ActivitiesUnlimited After-School Program.

On Friday, October 28, 20 CSIathletes and staff, dressed incostumes, decorated the school’slunch room to welcome theafter-school program in for somefun. The group of more than100 students entered the roomwith high energy to get thefestivities underway.

Not only was the day about funand candy, it was about the future.“As soon as the kids came in the

room they started hugging theathletes and I immediatelyremembered being in theirshoes. You could tell right awayhow much these kids looked upto them just as I did to thosebefore me,” said IntramuralAssistant Ednita Lorenzo. “Thestudents were so engaging witheach of the athletes, askingquestions about their sport.Some of these students aren’table to get involved in sports andhearing the athlete’s stories cangive them a sense of hope.”

SAAC/AD HONORROLL CITES 89 DESERVINGSCHOLAR-ATHLETES

The College of Staten IslandOffice of Intercollegiate Athletics,together with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee,awarded its first-ever AthleticDirector Honor Roll citations in2011, recognizing a staggering78 student-athletes who hadachieved a 3.0 grade pointaverage or better during the fall2010 semester. The student-

athletes at CSI outdid themselvesyet again, as now 89 citationshave been handed out after thespring 2011 semester at theCollege. The students will behonored in a special Student-Athlete Day ceremony in April2012 at the College, when theDolphins host Student-AthleteDay in cooperation with thesame national initiative broughtforward by the NationalConsortium of Academics in Sport.

The Honor Roll, unique to theAthletics program at CSI, was thebrainchild of the CSI Student-Athlete Advisory Committee andCSI Athletic Director VERNONMUMMERT, who commented,“Many times our student-athletes have to balance part-time and full-time jobs with fullacademic class loads, varsityteam commitments, and familyresponsibilities at home,“Mummert said. “The institutionalrecognition shows these youngmen and women that we aretaking notice, and it willhopefully inspire them to greaterheights of academic achievementand athletic performance.“

The 89 athletes are a crosssection of CSI’s 13 intercollegiatesports and cheerleadingprogram. CSI boasted 201 totalstudent-athletes in 2010-2011,meaning that 44.3% of thestudent-athlete body is beinghonored, an impressive number.Of the 89 honored, 69 arecarrying overall GPAs over a 3.0(34%), while a select 23 have anoverall GPA of over 3.5.

“It speaks volumes about thebalance exhibited by our athletesand the tremendous academic

support they receive oncampus,“ Mummert said.

FALL SPORTS WRAP-UP SEES ANOTHERCHAMPIONSHIP FORWOMEN’S SOCCER

The College of Staten Island sportsprogram saw another CUNYACChampionship unfold at theconclusion of its Fall 2011season, as the Dolphins Women’sSoccer squad took home theirsixth title in early-November. CSIturned a 0-0 stalemate withCUNYAC-rivals John Jay Collegeinto a 4-2 win on penalty kicks,to send the team to the ECACMetro NY/NJ Postseasoncomplete with a program-best13-5-1 record.

CSI was dominating the entireseason in conference play. Theyfinished 6-0, outscoring theiropponents 24-0 during the year,before turning back York Collegein the playoff semifinals by a 6-0count. Sophomore DEMI-JEANMARTORANO won conferenceMVP honors by striking in aCUNYAC-best 18 goals on 97

SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS

Demi-Jean Martorano

EYE ON CSI SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS PAGE 23

shots. Freshman MELISSAGELARDI was among thenational leaders in assists with13 on the year to go with acouple of goals, earning herRookie of the Year honors.

CSI also had plenty of highlightsin its other fall sports. TheWomen’s Tennis squad finished7-9 overall, but 5-3 in conferenceplay, which merited them afourth-place standing in theCUNYAC, and the team whizzedby their playoff quarterfinal beforefalling to Brooklyn College insemifinal play. ILONA STOYKOand freshman ALENAVEDENNEVA both earned first-team all-CUNY honors for theirefforts.

ALFONSO CASTENEDA scoreda season-high six goals for CSIthis season on the Men’s soccerpitch, good enough to earn first-team honors for the Dolphins,who finished CUNYAC Quarter-finalists with a 3-11-1 record.

On the hardwood, CSI actuallyimproved in every singleoffensive and defensive categoryin Women’s Volleyball underfirst-year coach ATEF DOSSE.Unfortunately, the Dolphinsfinished just 4-18 overall, butoptimism is high as theextraordinarily young Dolphinsgraduate only one senior,DANIELLE PONSIGLIONE.

In the hills, both the CSI Men’sand Women’s Cross-countrysquads made great strides in2011. The Women’s sidefeatured a pair of anchoring all-stars in JOANNA VILLEGAS andAMINA HUSEINBEGOVIC, whohelped lift the Dolphins into afourth-place standing at the

annual CUNYAC Championships,which were held in earlyNovember. The CSI Men tookeighth place, and their entireteam is expected back in 2012ready to make longer strides.

WINTER SPORTSSHOW TREMENDOUSPROMISE IN 2011-2012

As the weather grows colderand the attention of sportsenthusiasts turns indoors, highhopes surround the Dolphins onthe hardwood and in the pool.Graduating only a lone seniorfrom a year ago, the DolphinsMen’s Basketball unit isreturning four out of five startersof a team that finished 17-11 ayear ago (10-3 CUNYAC) and all-but erased the memory of a pairof sub .500 years preceding it.

Senior dynamos JORDANYOUNG, T.J. TIBBS, and DALETARANTO anchor the unit. Afour-year starter, Young could beonly the second player in CSIhistory to record 1,000+ careerpoints, 500+ career rebounds,

and 300+ career assists, whileTibbs comes in as the CUNYAC’sPre-Season Player of the Year.Sixth-man BLOOCHY MAGLOIREis expected to fit into a startingrole this time around, and theemergence of 6-foot-11 transferDYLAN BULGER makes theDolphins a power in the middle.

CSI fell just short of aconference postseasonchampionship when they lost toMedgar Evers College on theseason’s final day. The excellentseason, however, did feature atrip to the ECAC Postseason,and has the Dolphins squarelyfocused for a trip to thenationals this year.

The CSI Women have a longhistory of success, which madetheir 8-17 season a year ago ananomaly. Losing a host of talentto injury and with the loss ofgraduated 1,000-point scorerALLIE SHANAHAN, CSI has hitthe recruiting trail and haslanded a total of ten new facesthat will make the Dolphins avirtual new-look team in 2011-2012. The nucleus will continueto rest with juniors KATELYNHEPWORTH and OLIVIATIERNO, who returns after aseason-ending knee injury a yearago. Sophomore backcourttandem RACHEL ROSADO andJACLYN TOCCO are a year olderand wiser and should quarterbackthe team as CSI expects theemergence of players likeDOMINIQUE FABOZZI andJENNIFER COUGHLAN to paydividends.

In the pool, CSI is alwaysexpected to make a splash andthe same holds true on the

Men’s side again. SeniorVLADISLAV ROMANOVanchors the unit, whileemerging young stars likeDANILA NOVIKOV, YURYZIMAREV, and TIMURRAKHIMOV are always one raceaway from potentially settingNCAA and school records.Newest diver JOHN PIGNATELLIhas shown great strength on theboards as well, making CSI aworthwhile contender for localprominence and beyond.

On the Women’s side, CSI issmall in numbers but notstature. VASILIKI STERGIOULA,who doubles on the Volleyballsquad, is the leader, turning intop times that seem to improvewith every race. Fellowcompetitors PRISCILA ALVAREZand CSI Rookie of the YearLAUREN OVEREEM also return.

Look for STEPHANIE COLLYERto really be a sparkplug on thediving boards this year. Thefreshman could break schoolrecords if she keeps up her formfrom practice.

T.J. Tibbs

Vladislav Romanov

What do you think of our new look and focus?

Let us know what you like, where we can improve, or if there isanything that you would like to see in Eye on CSI.

Call the Alumni Relations Office at 718.982.2290, send in the formbelow, or complete the form online athttp://www.csi.cuny.edu/alumni/contact_info_form.php.

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IN OUR NEXT ISSUE...

• Inaugural Sports Hall of FameCeremony

• 2012 Undergraduate ResearchConference

• Alumni Profile: Leith ter Meulen ‘76President, Landair Project Resources, Inc.

COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLANDAlumni Relations Office2800 Victory BoulevardBuilding 1A, Room 111Staten Island, NY 10314

Telephone: 718.982.2290Email: alumni@csi.cuny.edu

Contact Eye on CSI:

�The Class of 2011 generously participated in makingthe first-ever Class Gift with a donation of a bench forthe campus’s Alumni Walk. Students had identified theneed for more seating on campus to gather, socialize,and discuss ideas.

The legacy continues with the Class of 2012 Gift.Graduating seniors and alumni are invited to supportthis new tradition with a suggested donation of $20.12or more. Please visit www.csi.cuny.edu/foundationand click on “Make Your Gift Now” and select “SeniorClass Gift” from the drop-down menu or call theOffice of Institutional Advancement at 718.982.2365for more information.

�

2012 Senior Class Gift - Building a Legacy

Peter J. Bonici ‘74

PETER J. BONICI, who received an AAS

from Staten Island Community College

(SICC) in 1974, holds the position of Vice

President of Operational Risk at

Rabobank, a global financial institution

specializing in the food and agricultural

business sectors. According to the

institution’s Website, “Rabobank Group is

a full-range financial services provider

that operates on cooperative principles. Its

origins lie in the local loan cooperatives

that were founded in the Netherlands

nearly 110 years ago by enterprising

people who had virtually no access to the

capital market.” Some of Rabobank’s

clients are people in developing nations

who are trying to make a living through

agriculture.

The bank’s Website also underscores

Rabobank’s commitment, not only to the

citizens of the world, but to the planet.

“We believe that sustainable prosperity

and well-being require careful nurturing of

our natural resources and living

environment. We respect the culture and

traditions of the countries where we

operate, insofar as these do not conflict

with our own objectives and values. We

aim to make a positive contribution to

social, economic and environmental

development in all our activities, always

focusing on our clients’ best interest.”

Bonici says that his role in this institution

“involves maintaining an effective internal

control oversight that is designed to

minimize operational risk throughout the

bank.” In addition, Bonici provides

“training to staff covering operational risk

and appropriate controls.”

As he looks back on his education at

SICC, Bonici recalls that he initially

needed some direction. “When I started

my education at SICC, like most students,

I wasn’t sure what my career path should

be. I took computer and business courses,

which allowed me to highlight my best

skill attributes. I was strong in math so

after taking a few accounting classes I

decided to pursue a career in the

accounting field. I graduated from SICC

with an Associate in Applied Science

degree. I enrolled at Baruch College and

graduated with a Bachelor of Business

Administration with a major in

Accountancy. My education at SICC

provided me with the confidence and tools

to further my education and follow a

career in the accounting field.

Bonici isn’t the only member of his family

to benefit from a College of Staten Island

(CSI) education. “Both my son and

daughter graduated from CSI,” he reports,

“and I am very proud of them. They

realized the importance of a quality

undergraduate education at an affordable

cost.”

He notes that his son and daughter are

“both currently employed in accounting

positions with good opportunities for

advancement, and they are considering

pursuing advanced degrees and

certification in the accounting fields.”

Bonici “encourages them to pursue their

dreams and goals, and by attending CSI,

they’re well on their way to careers that

will be as satisfying and successful as their

father’s.”

A CSI/CUNY CHARITABLEGIFT ANNUITY IS…Great for you! Great for the College of Staten Island!*

A charitable gift annuity (CGA) is a simple contract betweenyou and the College of Staten Island that offers a tax-advantagedway to provide for income during retirement. In the future, yourgift provides support for the College’s Mission.

You can begin to receive income right away, or at a predeterminedfuture date. You can also decide when the income payments beginwithin a future time frame, determined upon when you make yourgift. In any case, your income is taxed at a favorable blended rate.

You Receive Income for Lifethrough the CSI/CUNY Gift AnnuityProgram. With a charitable donation of$10,000 or more to the College of StatenIsland, you will receive high, fixedannuity payments that are unaffectedby economic downturns.

Your charitable donation is eligiblefor certain tax benefits and a portion ofyour annuity payments may be tax free.In addition, you will receive a lifetimesubscription to Eye on CSI.

For more information about the CSI GiftAnnuity Program, contact Ken Boyden,Esq., College of Staten Island, Office ofInstitutional Advancement, 2800 VictoryBoulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314;email kenneth.boyden@csi.cuny.edu; orfax to 718.982.2365.

*This is not legal advice. Any prospective donor should seek the advice ofa qualified estate and/or tax professional to determine the consequences ofhis/her gift.

UPCOMING EVENTS

For information on upcoming performances at the CSI Center for theArts, go to www.cfashows.com or call 718.982.ARTS. Receive a $2alumni discount off performances. Limit two discounts per performance.

Keep up with the latest CSI Athletics news at www.csidolphins.com.

Present your Alumni Photo ID for a membership discount at the CSISports and Recreation Center. Call 718.982.3161 for more information.

ALUMNI BOARDMEETINGJanuary 23, 2012 7:00 pmBuilding 1A, Room 308

ALUMNI BOARDMEETINGMarch 12, 2012 7:00 pm Building 1A, Room 308

SAVOR THE FLAVORS March 18, 2012 CFA Atrium

GRACE HILLARYBREAST CANCERAWARENESSBASEBALL GAMEApril 24, 20127:00 pm

UNDERGRADUATERESEARCHCONFERENCEApril 26, 2012

ALUMNI BOARDMEETINGMay 21, 2012 7:00 pm Building 1A, Room 308

COMMENCEMENTMay 31, 2012

CLASS REUNIONSTBAHonoring alumni class yearsending in 2s and 7s (1962,1967, 1972, 1977, 1982,1987, 1992, 1997, 2002,2007)See page 15

ALUMNI ASSOCIATIONANNUAL MEETINGTBA

EARLY YEARS REUNIONTBA

*If you would like to receiveemail announcements ofupcoming events please send your email toalumni@csi.cuny.edu

SINGLE LIFE

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70 5.1%

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TWO LIVES

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