Alicia Pakusch a “Tremendous Asset” to Two Divisions
By Amanda Harrison ’12
Editor’s Note: This is the sixth 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.
Alicia Pakusch, a senior adolescent education major, has received numerous awards and recognitions during her four years at Keuka.
Now, she’s being nominated for another: Student Employee of the Year.
Pakusch, who works for the education and social work divisions, was nominated for the award by her supervisor, Paulette Willemsen, secretary in the education division.
According to Willemsen, Pakusch is “a tremendous asset to the education and social work divisons,” and said she is “dependable, reliable, hard-working, and [comes] to work on time and with a positive attitude. She has excellent communication skills, is extremely organized, reliable, and computer literate.” (more…)
The Great Communicator
By Amanda Harrison ’12
Editor’s Note: This is the fifth 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.
Ashley Larimore ’13 is a superb communicator, which is one reason she was nominated for the Student Employee of the Year Award by her supervisor, Kristen Harter, admissions counselor.
Larimore has worked in the Office of Admissions for three years, and according to Harter, has grown during this time into an excellent and dependable worker.
“Ashley is able to learn what admissions material we have and introduce it to new students in a very effective way,” said Harter. “She is able to communicate via phone, email, and in person with all prospective students.”
Larimore also uses these communication skills to help prospective students and their parents feel at home at Keuka College.
“Her personal communication stands out to our students and even more to our students’ parents,” said Harter. “Ashley has the ability to connect with all types of families and make them feel at home at Keuka College.”
Around the admissions office, Larimore is seen as a leader and a hard, dedicated worker.
“She is always willing to help any of our staff members to complete a project and cover when a staff member may be out of the office,” said Harter. “She volunteers many extra hours to the admissions office to help any of our staff members meet deadlines or complete important projects.”
As an admissions counselor, Harter is out of her office recruiting students approximately five months of the year. During this time, Larimore’s job becomes even more important, and she has met that expectation with exemplary work.
“She has the ability to start new projects, answer emails and phone calls professionally, and represent Keuka College,” said Harter, who added that her nominee also trains student employees in the admissions office.
According to Harter, Larimore completed a Field Period with the admissions office in 2010 to “learn more about our office and the admissions process for prospective students.”
“I believe that Ashley will not only continue to succeed, but will also continue to make our institution an even better place,” says Harter. “She understands the importance of self-motivation, and has the confidence and ability to learn and adapt to new things in the work environment. She believes in herself and has full support of those in the campus community who know her.”
College Well Represented at Graduate Student Research Conference
OT grad students Megan McGowan (left) and Melissa Schlegel.
Three alumni of Keuka College’s Master of Science degree program in criminal justice administration and two students pursuing master’s degrees in occupational therapy (OT) were selected to present papers at the SUNY Brockport Graduate Student Research Conference Saturday, April 14.
Class of 2011 members Danielle T. Harrington and Sherry L. Hunter will present their Action Research Projects (ARP) at the conference, which will showcase the work of master’s level students from colleges and universities in Upstate New York and southern Ontario, Canada. Another member of the Class of 2011, Stephanie Caloren, was selected to present but is unable to attend. Also scheduled to present papers are fifth-year OT students Melissa Schlegel and Megan McGowan.
College Honors Veterans, Those Serving Now
Keuka College honored current military servicemen and women and those who served in past wars and foreign conflicts Friday in a ceremony marking Veterans Day.
Members of the Yates County VFW perform a Presentation of Arms during the Veteran's Day service Nov. 11.
“Today, we pay tribute to the veterans of World War II, Korea and Vietnam, including those nurses who were trained at Keuka College. The College’s nursing program was created in response to the need for nurses in World War II,” said President Jorge L. Díaz-Herrera in a welcome at Norton Chapel.
First known as Armistice Day, the nation marked the laying down of arms that took place on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, following the signing of the armistice that ended World War I. President Woodrow Wilson, feeling the weight of his decision to send American “doughboys” into battle in Europe, asked citizens a year later to honor the sacrifice of their fellow countrymen with solemn pride, said Chris Leahy, associate professor of history.
“Wilson envisioned that every Nov. 11 from that point forward would see parades throughout the small towns and big cities of the United States, and a brief suspension of business at 11 a.m.,” Leahy said.
In 1938, it became a federal holiday, but not until 1953 was a name change proposed, Leahy said. After Kansas shoe store owner Al King began a campaign to recognize all veterans, not just those from World War I, a Kansas Congressman introduced a federal bill, which was signed into law in 1954 by President Dwight Eisenhower. Thus, it officially became known as Veterans Day.
Professor of History Sander Diamond described the stately precision with which the 22 domestic and 24 overseas cemetery battlefields or memorials are kept in tribute of those who gave their lives. In 1921, one more tradition, that of placing a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, was begun when Sgt. Edward Younger first placed a spray of white roses on the third of four caskets of unidentified American soldiers placed in a row at a city hall not far from the Meuse-Argonne cemetery in France. The casket Younger chose was taken by ship for burial at Washington’s Arlington National Cemetery, where other unknown soldiers have been buried alongside it, he said.
Diamond noted that the last two World War I veterans, American Frank Buckles and England’s Harry Patch, both died at age 110 this year. Since America’s first war, the War for Independence, some 2,489,335 men and women have given their lives for their country, including 3,542 in Iraq and 1,425 in Afghanistan, where military conflicts are not yet resolved. And many who serve come back home with horrific wounds, both physical and psychological, from disfigurement to mental problems once called “shell-shock” but known today as PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), he added.
“It is now up to us and our government to see to it that our most recent veterans have their needs met, no matter what the cost, even in this era of cost-cutting,” Diamond said, drawing parallels between the Keuka mission, which stresses “service above self,” and the mindset of many veterans and family members who wait for their return home.
“We are mindful that American service men and women are still fighting and dying in Afghanistan. This gives Veterans Day more immediacy, more poignancy,” said Leahy, adding that it was important to honor and remember the brave women, as well as men, who have served.
The event closed with a prayer of remembrance, led by College Chaplain Rev. Eric Detar and a Presentation of Arms by an honor guard from the Yates County VFW, Post 745, at Keuka’s World War II monument, which stands near Lightner Library.
“We cannot fully repay those who gave up two lives, the life they were living and the life they would have lived,” said Detar.
Check out more photos from the service.
Moving Mountains By Climbing One
Like most people, Troy Cusson, instructional design manager in Keuka’s Center for Professional Studies, knows someone who has faced the challenges that a cancer diagnosis can bring.
He has seen friends and relatives fight with every last ounce of energy in an effort to defeat the disease. Some succeeded. Others have not.
Cusson found a way to fight alongside those facing the ultimate challenge. He decided to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro – the tallest free-standing mountain on earth – as part of a February 2013 expedition known as “Journeys of Inspiration” that raises awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society. The Journeys of Inspiration program provides access to professional training, an unparalleled community of support, and inspiration. Through it, the American Cancer Society helps striving athletes achieve their personal goal of climbing a mountain and changing the course of cancer forever. The victories change athletes’ lives, but the finish line is just the beginning.
Message to New Students: Embrace Change
While acknowledging that most people resist change, Rita Gow, the 2010-11 Professor of the Year, urged the College’s incoming class today (Aug. 30) to embrace it.
Rita Gow
Gow, the keynote speaker at Keuka’s academic convocation, said that change “pushes us outside our comfort zone.
“But it’s good to step outside that box,” she explained. “You are excited to be here at Keuka and you are wondering how this new experience is going to work out. We all feel a bit of anxiety at some point—this is not necessarily a bad thing. It can motivate you.”
The associate professor of accounting told the Class of 2015 and new transfer students that they came to college to make changes in their lives.
“You hope to gain knowledge that will serve you well in whatever choice of major and career you contemplate,” said Gow. “Some of you came here with definite ideas in mind and others have no clue. College is a journey. You may take many different turns in the road to find out what satisfies you and makes you happy.”
Gow urged the newcomers not to be afraid of failure.
“We resist change because of the fear of unknown,” she said, “but it’s really a fear of failure. Students often don’t talk in class because they have a fear of failure—not getting things right. You can’t fail if you don’t try, but you can’t succeed either. Failure is the only way to learn how to succeed.”
New Board of Trustees member Carolyn Klinge '79 poses with students before academic convocation.
Gow cautioned that she was not talking about failure in terms of academics.
“It is not OK to fail your courses,” she stated.
Gow then combined academics with aspirations, saying that “whatever your perception of your abilities in high school, wipe the slate clean and change it now.
“When a student thinks something is hard in my class, I tell them they have the ability and they can do it,” she said. “They just need to try, by taking it step by step. Effort and practice will help you to be successful in anything you do.”
It was the first academic convocation for President Jorge L. Díaz-Herrera.
President Jorge L. Díaz-Herrera.
“I have been here about two months longer than you so, in essence, we’re all newcomers to Keuka Park,” he told the new students. “You will always be special because we came to Keuka together.”
Although he has only been president a short time, “I can honestly say that you made the right decision to attend Keuka College,” he said. “How do I know this? I did my homework before I applied for the job—just like you did. And, I’m pleased to say, all the good vibes I had about Keuka College have been reinforced in the short time I’ve been on campus. In the many conversations I have had so far, one thing resonates loud and clear: our community is passionate about this place and eager to help. You and I made the right choice. We made the right decision to come here and join the Keuka family.”
Díaz-Herrera praised Keuka faculty members for being “leaders in their fields. You will learn from some of the top educators in our country. But they also are superb advisers, consultants, and confidants.”
And like the faculty, Keuka staff members “are terrific at what they do and we all put the needs of our students first.”
More photos from Academic Convocation.
General Peter Pace Challenges Keuka Graduates
Pace
Thanks to his eighth-grade English teacher, General Peter Pace, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, learned that conduct was part of his grade in life. That teacher was the late Marion Cutler, a 1952 Keuka graduate.
“Ms. Cutler taught me the difference between capability and conduct,” said Pace.
Years later, serving as a Marine in Vietnam, pausing to consider his conduct prevented Pace from ordering an airstrike that would have decimated a village of innocent women and children.
“Take time to set your moral compass,” Pace urged Keuka graduates during the 103rd commencement Sunday. “You will be morally challenged when, emotionally, you are least prepared to deal with it. Decide for yourself what you and will not do … so that when a challenge does come, you take the three to five seconds to think through (it).”
After giving him a “D” in the first quarter of his eighth-grade English class for “always mouthing off with some kind of joke,” he said, Cutler’s face would pop into his head in later years when tempted to say something inappropriate.
Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Development Jim Blackburn and 2011 graduate Ben Gilligan share a laugh briefly before the 103rd commencement processional.
“The way you conduct yourself impacts everybody around you,” said Pace, who was awarded an honorary doctorate Sunday, along with the late Cutler, who died in March. Pace accepted his award “on behalf of the 2.4 million (soldiers) in our armed forces that make days like today possible.”
The Sunday ceremony was the final one for College President Joseph G. Burke, who is retiring after 14 years. Burke was awarded the title President Emeritus by Melissa Brown, Class of 1972, and chair of the College’s governing board.
Other commencement highlights included:
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Slocum, at podium, gives his acceptance speech shortly after being conferred the Doctor of Humane Letters degree by President Joseph G. Burke.
An honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree was presented posthumously to Marion Cutler. Cutler was one of General Pace’s favorite teachers growing up in New Jersey. The two exchanged letters often after Pace assumed his Joint Chiefs’ responsibilities and remained close up until Cutler’s death in March.
- George Slocum, who celebrated his 50th anniversary of employment at the College in April, also received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree and a standing ovation from students, faculty and staff. Though Slocum is “retiring” from the College, he will continue to hold down his part-time job cleaning at the U.S. post office in Keuka Park, where he has also worked nearly 35 years.
- Three students (Stephen Ingram, Elaine Bailey, and Michael Fenton) from the D.R.I.V.E. (Diversity, Responsibility, Inclusion, Vision, and Experiential learning) received an Award of Higher Education at commencement. In the program, Keuka College students serve as peer mentors to young adults with intellectual disabilities as they assimilate into the college environment and explore their personal goals. D.R.I.V.E. is a collaboration between Keuka College, Penn Yan Central School District, and Yates County ARC.
- Rita Gow, assistant professor of accounting, received the 2010-11 Professor of the Year Award.
- Retiring faculty members Diane Burke, professor emerita and chair of education, and Helen Clancy (nursing) were honored.
“Dr.” Slocum: 50 Years and Counting
Don’t expect George Slocum to settle in to a rocking chair anytime soon.
The Keuka College maintenance man may technically be retiring Sunday after 50 years of employment on campus but the word “retirement” is hardly in his vocabulary, let alone his character. He’s held his second job, a part-time shift cleaning the Keuka Park post office after working 7 – 3:30 daily on campus, for close to 35 years.
In fact, Slocum intends to keep his part-time job after he “retires” this weekend. He said he has plenty of projects to do on his own house, in addition to assisting his wife, Joyce, who underwent hip surgery in January. But taking it easy?
“I’ll see how my health goes,” he allows. “But yeah, if you don’t stay busy, you’ll get old in a hurry.”
Slocum does a lot of walking on the job – delivering mail and packages across campus, heading to his home on Assembly Avenue each day for lunch, and the multiple trips a handyman makes for tools and projects. But he’ll take a more imposing walk Sunday: to the front of the stage, to receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree at Keuka’s 103rd Commencement.
“It’s a very, very high honor for me,” said Slocum, whose formal schooling ended after graduation from Penn Yan Academy. “Back then, farm boys didn’t go to college.”
(more…)
Economy, not Osama, will Decide 2012 Election
From left: Robert Berkman, assistant professor of organizational communication and English; sophomore Robby Magee; COO/Executive Vice President Carolanne Marquis; and Mark Halperin.
The economy, not the killing of Osama bin Laden, will determine whether President Barack Obama is re-elected president, said Mark Halperin, senior political analyst for TIME magazine and MSNBC.
Halperin traveled to Keuka College to deliver the 23rd Annual Carl and Fanny Fribolin Lecture Friday evening. Prior to his talk, he conducted a question and answer session with students and members of the media.
“In all likelihood, the killing of bin Laden will not affect the 2012 presidential election,” said Halperin. “Getting bin Laden was good politically, but it’s done.” (more…)
Mazella Finds Purpose from Field Period
Editor’s Note: This is the ninth in a 10-part series on the 2011 Experiential Learner of the Year Award nominees. Nominees for the upperclass and freshman awards will be honored at a luncheon May 6; the winners will be revealed at Honors Convocation May 7.
The Keuka Field Period often confirms a student’s choice of major and future career. But sometimes, the opportunity to garner hands-on experience in a particular field can send a student in a different direction.
Four years ago, Chris Mazella was enrolled in the organizational communication program and hoped to try his hand at journalism. But a struggle to find an internship with a newspaper led him instead to his high school, where a former teacher suggested he observe how communication plays into teaching. After observing her 9th grade social studies classes for a couple weeks, Mazella asked if he could try teaching a lesson himself. Not only did Mazella enjoy it, but his supervising teacher told him he was a natural and could do well in the classroom.
Back on campus, Teri Spoor, who manages the IKON print shop at Keuka and supervised Mazella for four years as a work-study employee, remembers well the difference she noticed.
(more…)
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