Field Period Sets Drumm on Capitol Hill Path
Drumm and Sen. Charles Schumer
By Amanda Harrison ’12
Freshman Thomas Drumm wants to follow in the footsteps of U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y).
He’s already taken an important first step, thanks to Field Period.
The political science and history/organizational communication major from Oswego conducted his first Field Period at Schumer’s Central New York regional office in Syracuse during January. The senior senator from New York’s office was a logical choice for Drumm because he “shares Schumer’s Democratic platform” and they “relate on a lot of things.” (more…)
Eleanor Roosevelt Focus of April 17 Talk
Historic photo of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt meeting with Keuka College students in 1938.
Christopher Brick, director and editor of The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Project at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., will speak at Keuka College Tuesday, April 17.
Brick will discuss “Eleanor Roosevelt and Israeli Nationhood, 1945-1962” at 6:30 p.m. in Hegeman Hall 109. It is free and open to the public.
Roosevelt was not only an ardent champion of human rights, but also one of the century’s most prolific journalists, publishing more than 8,000 columns, 580 articles, 27 books, and 100,000 letters. She also delivered more than 1,000 speeches, and appeared on more than 300 radio and television shows.
Since 2000, The Eleanor Roosevelt Project has worked to return her voice back into the written record and train approximately 6,000 teachers, 500 civil society leaders, 100 policymakers, and countless citizens around the world to study and apply her writings, knowledge, and strategy in their various arenas.
It was founded in 2000, with strong support from the National Archives, National Endowment for the Humanities, the George Washington University, a host of private donors, and an advisory board chaired by Hillary Rodham Clinton and Arthur Schlesinger Jr.
Keuka College’s connection with the first lady dates back to Feb. 16, 1938, when she visited campus to deliver a lecture and meet with students.
Two years later, College President J. Hillis Miller wanted Keuka to contribute to the war effort should the country be drawn in. But how? The answer came from Roosevelt.
Miller wrote Roosevelt and she replied by urging the College to set up courses in nursing and work with the Red Cross. Three years later, during World War II, Keuka’s nursing program was born.
“Ambassador” Burd
Editor’s Note: This is the second of six profiles of nominees for the 2012 Student Employee of the Year award that will be presented at the Annual Student Employment Awards Luncheon April 16.
According to Kathy Waye, executive director of alumni and family relations, the Office of Alumni and Family Relations at any college or university plays an important part in the success of the institution.
So it is “vital” that the students who work in that office are great ambassadors for Keuka, she said.
There is no doubt in her mind that senior Ron Burd fits the criteria. That’s why she—along with Terry Finger, office manager for the Office of Alumni and Family Relations and Eva Moberg-Sarver, admissions event coordinator—nominated Burd for the Student Employee of the Year award.
Burd, a political science/history major from Penn Yan, has worked for the alumni and family relations office for two years.
“Our alumni, families, and community members really enjoy their interaction with Ron,” said Waye. “He is great at multi-tasking projects which is necessary in our office. He always gives 110 percent to any project that he is given.”
Burd is responsible for answering questions, running reports, typing, filing, planning and working special events, and contacting alumni, families, and community members.
“When his projects are complete, he doesn’t hesitate to see if someone else in the office needs assistance, a true sign of a team player,” said Waye.
“What makes Ron even more special is he also works for admissions,” said Moberg-Sarver. “Ron originally started working for admissions over his January break in 2010 as a student ambassador, helping us with special events, and evening and weekend visits. During that time he became far more than an employee for six weeks. He was hired as a summer employee last year and has been asked to return again this year.”
While working in admissions, Burd’s primary responsibilities include answering questions, making phone calls, giving tours, and sending mailings. But most importantly, says Moberg-Sarver, he helps students feel comfortable during their campus visits.
“He is always willing to help in any way that he can,” said Moberg-Sarver. “He is a dependable and wonderful resource for students who are looking at Keuka.”
Fingar says she “can’t emphasize enough that Ron is a congenial and reliable person. He wants to make a difference with his life, and you can sense his confidence and genuine expectation to succeed.”
Waye agrees.
“He is committed and willing to give his best in everything in which he participates,” she said. “He shows great drive and initiative, he delights in the work he does, and he completes the work in a highly professional manner.”
According to Moberg-Sarver, Burd is considered a valuable member of both staffs.
“Not only is he remarkably prompt and reliable in performing his various duties as a student assistant and student ambassador, he goes beyond his job descriptions in many ways,” she said. “He doesn’t hesitate to make suggestions to make the projects in each office a success.”
Waye says Burd takes challenging courses and excels in them.
“He has made the Dean’s List, and values learning for learning’s sake,” she said. “He is an excellent student who is always willing to help a classmate when needed. His demeanor makes him very approachable.”
In addition to his academics and work-study positions, Burd is active in several extracurricular activities including Student Senate, the Political Science and History Club, and the Multicultural Student Association (MSA), which he serves as vice president. He is a starter on the men’s soccer team and is a member of the Health and Fitness Club, Intramural Advisory Board, and the Sociology, Criminology, and Criminal Justice Club.
Added Waye: “Ron is one of those students that you know will make a difference in the world. We are excited to see what he achieves. The sky is the limit for this young man.”
A Titanic Commemoration
By Sander A. Diamond, professor of history
On April 10, 1912, tugboats gently pushed the R.M.S. Titanic into deeper water as it began the first leg of its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City.
The Titanic was a sight to behold with its graceful lines; black hull with a graceful red trim just above the waterline and its camel-colored stacks. From bow to stern it was 882.9 feet long with four smoke stacks, one a dummy for appearance sake. From its keel to the top of the bridge, it was 104 feet or nearly seven and a half stories high and weighed 46,328 tons. It burned 600 tons of coal per day and was rumored to be unsinkable, a claim not made by the owners, banker J.P.Morgan’s White Star Line, nor the builders, Harland and Wolff of Belfast. (more…)
David vs. Goliath: Modern Israel and the Philistines 3,000 Years Later
An opinion piece by Sander A. Diamond, professor of history
The story of David slaying Goliath has echoed over the ages. David organized the ancient Israelites into an army and with amazing swiftness dealt a fatal blow to the Philistines, going on to create a dynasty that lasted four centuries. In the ages that followed, which witnessed the rise and fall of the Israelites and their progeny, he was hailed by posterity as the greatest ofIsrael’s rulers, “a man after God’s own heart.”
Modern Israeli history is also dotted with David vs. Goliath-like victories. During the War for Independence in 1948, the small Israeli army defeated well-organized Goliaths that tried to stamp out the new Jewish State. In 1956, the Israelis fought another war, with Egypt, during the Suez Crisis, siding with the British. But it was in 1967 when Israel had its greatest David-like victory. When it was over, the ancient boundaries of Israel were nearly fully restored, giving Israel control over non-Jewish populations. Today, there are 2.6 million Arabs or Palestinians on the West Bank, a handful of Druze in the Golan Heights, and 1.6 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza. As the world knows, what was considered a victory has turned into an international problem and, for the Israelis, a military challenge. (more…)
Is War with Iran Inevitable?
Oil-rich and with a population of 67 million spread over an area the size of Alaska, Iran aspires to be an atomic power and the leader of the Islamic world, a goal that Washington and Israel have promised to block, with force if necessary. Washington and Tel-Aviv have told Iran that it cannot cross two red lines. First, if Tehran closes the Straits of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of the world’s oil flows, we will use our military to keep the sea lanes open. The fleet is already in place. Second, if Iran fabricates an atomic bomb, we have threatened to employ “bunker busting,” deep penetration bombs to destroy its underground reactors.
While the exact timetable may still be up in the air, it has been reported that Israel is planning a spring attack, since it believes that Iran is just months away from realizing its goal. What we do know is that Israel has acquired four of the most advanced conventional submarines armed with cruise missiles from Germany and has drone aircraft the size of Boeing 737s. Israel’s prime minister has said over and over that Iran poses an “existential threat.” Steeled by a post-Holocaust mentality and an obsession for security, Tel-Aviv is not going to wait for the missiles to arrive. Israel has little faith in sanctions and far less in appeasement, believing Hitler could have been stopped at Munich in 1938 through timely action. (more…)
Barcelona Beckons Senior Soccer Player
Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of features on recipients of the Judith Oliver Brown Memorial Award.
Ron Burd
For the members of the men’s soccer team, August 2012 could be a month they will never forget.
And perhaps Penn Yan resident Ron Burd, a forward for the Storm, is looking forward to the summer month more than any of his teammates.
“I have been provided the opportunity to go to Spain as part of the men’s soccer team,” said Burd, a senior political science/history major. “I became interested in soccer after playing in the Yates County Soccer League as a child. It was something that I both excelled at and had a phenomenal time doing.”
According to Burd, the opportunity to go to Spain was brought up by Head Men’s Soccer Coach Matt Tantalo.
“After all, what soccer player doesn’t want to play in Spain?” said Burd, who totaled 8 points (4 goals) as the Storm posted an 8-5-3 mark in 2011. “Who wouldn’t want to step onto the pitch of FC Barcelona, the club that has seemed to perfect the game?”
And his interest in soccer goes beyond playing the game. Although Burd has seen the professional game on television and in magazines, “I can only imagine the depth, philosophical, and cultural undertones at play,” he said. “My favorite professional player is Andres Iniesta, center midfielder for FC Barcelona. His composure and ability to create chances for his teammates are out of this world.”
And Burd may get the chance to meet Iniesta, since part of the trip features a tour of the FC Barcelona stadium and its facilities. The team will also attend training sessions and soccer matches, and visit beaches and museums in Barcelona and Madrid.
“In my opinion, soccer is a culture apart, a true gem in the eyes of the world,” said Burd. “The Spanish have perfected the game, and the Spanish national team is the reigning FIFA World Cup champion.”
What makes traveling to Spain particularly beneficial, said Burd, is the ability to experience these things with his teammates.
“Coach Tantalo has taught me two very important things about the game of soccer,” said Burd. “First, he has made me understand that each day should be enjoyable. Every practice is one that should be looked forward to, and every game a chance for the team to show what it does in practice every day, as well as how much it loves the game.
“Second, he has taught me to love both the game and my teammates,” said Burd. “From this, you are willing to do what it takes to help the team win—whether it is embracing a new role, playing a position you have never played before, and at times, coming off the field.”
Said Burd: “I like soccer because of the excitement I experience every time I step on the field. It allows me to have fun with people I enjoy being around, and more times than not, find success with them. That keeps me coming back.”
The Seasons of the Year in the Middle East
By Sander A. Diamond, professor of history
The seasons of the year have long been used to describe our passage through life, our alternating moods of joy and despair, and the state of affairs in which individuals, nations, and civilizations find themselves.
Somehow we often pass over summer and fall, using spring and winter as metaphors. One of Shakespeare’s most memorable lines says much about winter: “Now is the winter of our discontent.” In the Mel Brooks film and Broadway hit The Producers, “Springtime for Hitler and Germany….” said much about how the Germans applauded the arrival of the man from Austria.
Whoever coined the phrase “Arab Spring” surely had the seasons in mind after the long winter of repression in the Islamic world. Today, each of the states in the Middle East are moving through the seasons. Libya is somewhere between spring and summer. In Egypt, no one can say if spring is still with them and which seasons will be used to describe this ancient land if the Muslim Brotherhood comes to power. In Syria, the long winter is still extant under the rule of Dr. Bashar Al-Assid. In this crossroads of the Middle East, where a nation of 22 million appears to be descending into chaos, spring is very far off. (more…)
USPS: Return to Sender?
If you listen to the pundits on the radio and scan the print media, you may have concluded that when Santa arrives at the headquarters of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in Washington, he will find it sealed up like a tomb with a note affixed to the chimney:
Dear Santa and Your Helpers:
After 219 years of delivering the U.S. Mail to the American people, service personnel and friends and families overseas, this was our last Christmas season. What will become of our 574,000 employees and their grayish-blue woolen uniforms, their saddle leather carrying bags, countless buildings, and a fleet of 218,000 vehicles, I cannot say. All future mail will be stamped “Return to Sender” and after Jan. 1, 2012, please use UPS, Federal Express, e-mail, or other modern ways to deliver your mail, packages and gifts. I, as postmaster general and at one time the last in line in the Order of Succession, will move to New York City, where I will share an apartment with former Postal Worker Newman (of Seinfeld fame), who now works for Federal Express.
Santa, whose mail service has long been the envy of the USPS, would be the last person to be surprised by the news. After all, the U.S. Mail—as it used to be called—has been in trouble for years. New technologies and private delivery companies have eaten away at its reserves.
The news that USPS is on the verge of bankruptcy and will try to stave it off by closing half of its sorting centers, raising the price of first class stamps by a cent, and firing 100,000 people will have little impact on a generation that uses electronic devices to communicate and has never set foot in a post office. But when post offices are shuttered in rural areas and mail boxes in urban areas are removed, millions of Americans, especially the elderly, will find themselves confronted with a host of problems. Under the new plan, it will take three days for a first-class letter to arrive at its destination and a week for time-sensitive magazines. Late fees will be the order of the day.
But for all Americans, the very idea that the U.S. Mail will most likely declare bankruptcy is just another sign of the gradual decline of another American institution, less a victim of the Great Recession than the advent of a world no one could have imagined decades ago.
USPS may have to turn to Congress for a bailout, which is the last thing our representatives are inclined to do, all the more so in an election year with the bailouts of the Great Recession still questioned by millions. Technological advances in communication will only accelerate in coming years and fewer and fewer people will use stamps. In fact, revenue from postage stamps has declined 27 percent in just a few years. While stamps used to be the main source of revenue, today money is made in the shipping of parcels of all sizes.
Short of complete privatization, perhaps one solution to the ills of USPS is to use the massive fleets of military planes to carry the mail, since as a semi-governmental agency, Congress still has a major hand in the future of USPS. Some people have suggested that one way to raise revenues is to permit people to place their images on stamps for a price, but that would be akin to rearranging the deck chairs on the RMS Titanic. By the way, RMS (Royal Mail Ship) was a lucrative contract in its day.
A small and more efficient postal office may be at hand. We may see a very different institution that has caught up with the 21st century. A year from now, even Santa may be surprised.
A Third Party Candidate in 2012?
By Sander A. Diamond, professor of history
The 2012 presidential election is just one year away and the run-up to Election Day may be one of the most bitter in recent memory. Indeed, the venomous debate over health care reform and the raising of the debt ceiling were just a curtain-raiser to what is to come.
At the core of this acrimony are two visions of how best to restore the nation’s economic health. The president blames Republican inaction for making matters worse while the Republicans argue that Obama is a hollow person, an endless campaigner who never emerged as a national leader. They argue he is away from the Oval Office, trying to re-energize his base and merely issues executive orders that most economists believe will have little impact on the worst crisis since the 1930s. The president contends that Washington is dysfunctional, and for some observers he has washed his hands of them and is trying to effect compromises. (more…)
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