Fall 2009; Volume 73, Number 2 Remembering Brother George Brother George Larkin, O.S.F. ’60 March 2, 1934 – august 17, 2009 ST. FR A NCIS COLL EGE 2008 – 09 A N N UA L DONOR R EPORT PAGE 28 Terrier St. Francis College Terrier Board of Trustees Alumni Board of Directors Fall 2009 ChAIrMAN PrESIDENT Joseph M. Hemway ’84 Vol. 73, Number 2 John F. Tully, Esq. ’67 Terrier, the magazine of St. Francis VICE PrESIDENT TruSTEES College, is published by the Office of Robert L. Smith ’72 Hector Batista ’84 College Relations for alumni and friends Brother Michel Bettigole, O.S.F. of St. Francis College. DIrECTorS Brother William A. Boslet, O.S.F. ’70 James F. Bozart ’86 Linda Werbel Dashefsky Carolyn Callahan Brendan J. Cahalan ’92 Vice President for Government and Edward Constantino '68 Community Relations Brother Leonard Conway, O.S.F. ’71 John J. Casey ’70 Joan M. Coles ’94 Dennis J. McDermott ’74 Orville W. Dale Director of Alumni Relations Joseph F. D’Angelo Madeline Conway ’79 Michael J. Iadarola Mary Beth Dawson, Ph.D. Franey M. Donovan, Jr. ’68 Director of Development John E. Kiely ’76 William Dawson '86 Mary Anne P. Killeen ’78 EDITor: Vincent DeGiaimo ’72 Patricia A. Logan ’78 Brendan P. Considine Brendan J. Dugan ’68 Lorraine M. Lynch ’91 Director of Publications and Susan L. Huff Grant Development Leslie S. Jacobson, Ph.D. Michael A. MacIntyre ’97 James H. McDonald ’69 CoNTrIBuTorS: Gerard C. Keegan ’68 Martin T. McNeill ’63 Susan G. Messina Michael C. Koffler Patricia M. Moffatt-Lesser ’77 Writer Barbara G. Koster ’76 Robert A. Oliva ’04 richard relkin Jesus F. Linares ’84 Danielle Rouchon ’92 Director of Media Relations J. Christopher Mangan ’83 Theresa M. Spelman-Huzinec ’88 Vanessa o. De Almeida ’00 Lawrence A. Marsiello ’72 Assistant Director of Alumni Relations Victor J. Masi, D.O. ’89 Peter F. Spiess ’75 Joseph M. Szkutnik ’71 David Gansell Gino P. Menchini Director of Sports Information Denis J. Salamone ’75 PLEASE ADDrESS ALL LETTErS Richard Silverman ’64 To ThE EDITor To: Brother Kevin Smith, O.S.F., Ph.D. Brendan P. Considine Brother Robert Smith, O.S.F.* Terrier Magazine Sister Marilyn Trowbridge S.F.P. St. Francis College Thomas J. Volpe** 180 Remsen Street, Room 7304 Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201-4305 Charles E. Williams III, Esq. or VIA EMAIL To: *Trustee Emeritus [email protected] ** Chairman Emeritus Table of Contents: The opinions and viewpoints expressed in Design: mNovakDesign, NYC Terrier are not necessarily those of St. Francis Letter from the President 1 Photo Credits: Greg Armstrong: p.18; Charles A. College, its trustees or administration. Remembering Brother George 7 Bennett: p. 24; Brooklyn Cyclones: p. 20; Focus on Faculty 11 Ken Brown: pp. 3, 21, 22, 23; Wolfgang Freithof: Terrier Sports 16 p.25; Frederick & Catherine Furman: p. 20; Anthony Furia: p. 20; Peter Gonzales: p. 22; Alumni News 19 Marty Heitner: front cover, pp. 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 11; Class Notes 24 Joseph Hughes: p. 25; Lynne Jackson: p. 13; 2008 – 09 Donor Report 28 Bono Lee: p. 6; Edwin Mathieu: pp. 11, 12, 13; Richard T. Nolan: p. 24; Christina Bellini Portello: p. 25; Carl Quigley: p. 23; Jeanette Robertson: p. 25; Dr. Evelyn Rodriguez: p. 27; Audrey Tiernan: pp. 6, 12. MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT BRENDAN J. DUGAN ’68 At St. Francis College, 2009 will be remembered for many remarkable achievements and a profound loss that brought our community closer together. Shortly before classes resumed this fall, student activities, but a place for community St. Francis College was again named by gathering as well. That was Dr. Macchiarola’s U.S. News and World Report as one of the original vision for this building during its planning top Baccalaureate Colleges in the North. Forbes.com stages and it has clearly been realized. We are also included the College on its list of America’s honored to recognize the Macchiarolas for their Best Colleges. We are extremely proud that our remarkable devotion to St. Francis College and to efforts to provide an excellent academic experience demonstrate how important they are to the entire for our students are receiving such recognition. St. Francis community. All this positive attention is helping to attract This issue of Terrier also recognizes the many more students than ever to St. Francis. This fall individuals who supported St. Francis College we welcomed the largest incoming freshman class during the 2008-09 fiscal year. As always, the in the College’s history, exceeding last year’s record support of alumni and other friends help the College enrollment. We also received more applications than ever; make possible what sometimes seems impossible and we are deeply an increase of nearly 18 percent over last year. Most impressive is grateful for such generosity. the fact that 60 freshmen—more than 10 percent of the class— Finally, we are sad to share the news that Brother George Larkin, were admitted into the Honors Program, indicating the caliber O.S.F. ’60, passed away in August after a brief illness. Brother of student that is choosing St. Francis College. George, who was dean of Admissions for nearly 40 years, touched The College’s sponsorship of the third annual Brooklyn Book the life of every student, faculty member, administrator and staff Festival in September set the stage for the inaugural presentation member who passed through our doors. His demeanor was gentle of the St. Francis College Literary Prize, an award designed to but his impact was powerful. His spirit will be with us always. encourage accomplished authors in mid-career to continue Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous their work. This award, along with our recently established Walt New Year! Whitman Writers Series, is part of the College’s ongoing effort to honor the scholarship and contributions of well-known and Sincerely, emerging writers, many of whom for generations have called Brooklyn their home. Late September marked the dedication of the Frank J. and Mary Macchiarola Academic Center. Since its completion in 2006, Brendan J. Dugan ’68 the Academic Center has become a hub not only for learning and PreSiDe NT St. Francis College Terrier Fall 2009 1 Volpe Lecture Series Sets the Stage for World Premiere of A Distant Love: Songs of John and Abigail Adams Nearly 300 people filled Founders noted economist and author of Hall on October 19 for the world John Adams: Party of One, set premiere of A Distant Love: Songs the stage for the performance. of John and Abigail Adams by Terry Quinn, His talk, “John Adams: Junk adjunct professor of english, for the latest Bond Salesman,” cast Adams as presentation of the Thomas J. Volpe an unpolitical politician whose Lecture Series. This event culminates the drive and determination inauguration of this production, initiated prompted one British dignitary in 2005 with the presentation of its first to characterize him as “the most half at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam ungracious man i ever saw.” with Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands Adams’s job was to rally support in attendance. for a not-yet-unified collection Librettist Quinn, a noted author, of colonists against the world’s playwright and poet, collaborated with greatest military power. in composer Gary Fagin to express the passion accomplishing that task, he of the Adams’s romance as well as the paved the way for the funding of subtleties of a society on the verge of a America’s revolutionary War. major cultural shift. Baritone Peter Clark Guest speakers of the Volpe and soprano elizabeth Dabney interpreted Lecture Series, which is sup- the long-distance and long-term love of ported by a generous gift from John and Abigail Adams during the 11 Thomas J. Volpe, chairman years John spent overseas prior to being emeritus of the College’s board Soprano Elizabeth Dabney portrayed Abigail Adams in the world elected the second U.S. president. A string of trustees, offer an international premiere of A Distant Love: Songs of John and Abigail Adams in Founders Hall. quartet composed of Broadway veterans, perspective on a variety of topics which included Karl Kawahara, violin; to the St. Francis community, hero of the real-life Hotel rwanda; Sean Carney, violin; Liuh-Wen Ting, viola; from business leaders to world leaders. Lech Walesa, former president of Poland and Ted Mook, cello, gave life to the Past speakers have included author Salman and Nobel laureate; and George Mitchell, accompanying musical arrangements. rushdie; Mariane Pearl, widow of slain former U.S. senator and Nobel Peace An introductory lecture by James Grant, journalist Daniel Pearl; Paul rusesabagina, Prize finalist. SFC TV Premieres on College’s Website StudentS Producing newS and Feature StorieS For the web recently, when nearly 200 youngsters sionals use in most entertainment fields.” from east New York Prep Charter Past stories include profiles on the School spent a day at St. Francis College, Women’s NCAA Division i water polo a camera and two Communications Arts team and Serbian basketball player students captured the experience, turning Stefan Perunicic, as well as an interview the video and interviews into a story similar with visiting author Salman rushdie. to any seen on a local newscast. it was the New for the 2009-10 academic year are latest effort of SFC TV, a burgeoning a series of new spotlights on students, collection of news and feature stories about faculty and alumni. Among those featured the College, reported, shot and produced are Diana Greene, who works part-time by students for the website. with adults with Down Syndrome while “This is a great opportunity for students studying to become a special education featured on a page devoted to films to get real-world experience and build up teacher, and Yolanda Singh ’00, who left a and videos created in their production their resumes before graduation,” said career directing television programs such as classes. The videos come from the student Dr. Lynne Jackson, chair, department of “Good Morning America” and “Nightline” film festivals scheduled at the end of Communications Arts. “They’re using to start her own food company. each semester. state-of-the-art high-definition studio and in addition to news and features, the To view student work on SFC TV, go to editing equipment, the same tools profes- work of students from all disciplines is www.stfranciscollege.edu/about/sfctv. 2 St. Francis College Terrier Fall 2009 Walt Whitman Writers Series Brings Author rick Moody to SFC On October 20, rick Moody, “The work of writers such as author of Garden State rick Moody and Darcey Steinke and The Ice Storm offered a sneak resonates with our students peek at his forthcoming novel because of their willingness to and also read from his short story write about important subjects collection, Demonology, as the like family and religion, which are latest lecturer for the College’s important to our student body,” Walt Whitman Writers Series. said Dr. Timothy J. houlihan, He answered questions from vice president for Academic audience members prior to a Affairs and academic dean. reception and book signing. “They certainly can sense that Moody is the third author to intelligent, successful people appear on campus for the series, consider these topics in named for Whitman, a long-time On hand to participate in the third annual presentation of the Walt Whitman a thoughtful way.” Writers Series with author Rick Moody (2nd from left) were faculty members Brooklyn Heights resident who rick Moody’s other works Athena Devlin and Ian Maloney. An interview by student Noel T. Jones often featured the then-city of include: Purple America, (2nd from right) is available at http://www.youtube.com/stfrancisny. Brooklyn in his work. Moody’s The Diviners; two collections collaboration with author Darcey Steinke, last year’s Walt of stories, The Ring of Brightest Angels Around Heaven and Whitman presenter, titled Joyful Noise: The New Testament Demonology; and a memoir, The Black Veil, winner of the Revisited, offers an anthology in which 21 prominent American PeN/Martha Albrand Award. He has also received the Addison writers look at the New Testament with a fresh eye toward its Metcalf Award, the Paris Review’s Aga Khan Prize, and a meaning for them today. Guggenheim Fellowship. Author Aleksandar Hemon Wins inaugural St. Francis College Literary Prize Aleksandar Hemon, a novelist raised The jury for the award is a literary all-star in Sarajevo in the former Yugoslavia team featuring Pulitzer Prize winner and who wrote his first book in english Michael Chabon (The Amazing Adventures in 1995, is the recipient of the first ever of Kavalier & Clay), National Book Critics St. Francis College Literary Prize. The Circle Award for Fiction winner Jonathan prize was awarded on September 12 during Lethem (Motherless Brooklyn), author the gala opening night party of the third and co-editor of The Believer magazine Dr. Timothy J. Houlihan congratulated author annual Brooklyn Book Festival. The Heidi Julavits (The Uses of Enchantment: Aleksandar Hemon upon being named recipient of purpose of the prize, which is among the A Novel), author and professor at the MFA the first St. Francis College Literary Prize. most generous of its kind in the United writing program at Columbia University States, is to honor mid-career writers, Ben Marcus (Notable American Women) they need to continue their work. We’re all offering encouragement and significant and New York Times bestselling author very excited that Mr. Hemon’s writing financial support. Ayelet Waldman (Bad Mother: A Chronicle reflects an experience so close to that of so “i was going to quit after this book; of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities and many of our students.” now it turns out i’m mid-career,” said Occasional Moments of Grace). Hemon moved to Chicago shortly before Hemon in his modest and humorous Hemon will conduct a short fiction his home city came under siege in 1992. acceptance speech. “Thank you all for workshop for a group of students and His collection of short stories, Love and coming tonight and exposing me to this perform a reading from his novel later Obstacles, piece together to tell the story embarrassing pleasure. i will keep writing, in the 2009-10 academic year. of a young man coming of age and about i guess i have no other choice.” “St. Francis College is blessed to be to leave communist Sarajevo as the city is From nearly 40 submissions, Hemon’s situated in the middle of a remarkable reeling from war. in 2004, he was awarded Love and Obstacles (riverhead Books) was community of writers,” said a “genius grant” from the MacArthur selected for the $50,000 award. He was Dr. Timothy J. houlihan, vice president Fellowship Program of the John D. and chosen over finalists Chris Abani, Song For for Academic Affairs and academic Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Night (Akashic Books); Jim Krusoe, Girl dean. “it is our responsibility to insure in 2008 was named a finalist for both the Factory (Tin House Books); and Arthur that these artists, who engage, amuse and National Book Award and National Book Phillips, The Song Is You (random House). inspire our students, have the support Critics Circle Award. St. Francis College Terrier Fall 2009 3 Academic Center Named for Frank ’62 and Mary Macchiarola dr. Macchiarola’S ViSion haS becoMe center For college actiVity On September journey so wonder- 25, the ful, so meaningful.” Academic Center President that represented the Brendan J. Dugan ’68 centerpiece of the formally dedicated College’s Campaign the building in for Big Dreams and honor of his prede- primary capital cessor. Board of improvement when Trustees Chairman the building opened John F. Tully ’67 in 2006, was named emceed the event. for Frank ’62 and in attendance were Mary Macchiarola alumni, trustees, in honor of their students, elected remarkable devotion officials and friends. and commitment to Among them were Three generations of Macchiarolas were on hand to celebrate the naming of the Frank and Mary St. Francis College. Macchiarola Academic Center at St. Francis College on September 25. Brooklyn Borough Dr. Macchiarola, President Marty who was president of the College at the ing—that’s pretty neat. it has a library, Markowitz, Assemblywoman Joan time of the Academic Center’s design and a communications center. it is the heart Millman, and State Senator Daniel construction, addressed the crowd of more and soul of what this school is about. it is a Squadron, who each addressed the than 300 friends and visitors in attendance. facility for our students. That you named it audience. Assembly members Joe Lentol, “Today is a piece of heaven because i see for Mary and me is a wonderful honor.” Alan Maisel and Helene Weinstein and people i love, admire, respect and rely on,” “All of you have been an integral part City Councilman Eric ulrich ’07 offered he said. “You’ve been very generous to me of what’s happening today,” added Mary well wishes and congratulations. and the school. The naming of the build- Macchiarola. “You have made our life’s Over $125,000 raised For Scholarships at Annual Meadow Brook Golf Outing On August 3, more than 130 golfers helped raise nearly $126,000 for scholarships at the 11th annual Meadow Brook Club Golf Outing in Jericho, NY. For the second year, in addition to the more than 30 foursomes who played in the tournament, a number of alumni and friends were able to spend the afternoon at a golf clinic learning the arts of driving, pitching and putting from PGA profes- sional Jamie Kilmer and Meadow Brook Club staff. “Our alumni and friends of the College are a dedicated group who know the importance of giving back,” said Attendees included: Ed Travaglianti ’70, Ray Nash ’63, Joe DiMauro ’70, John Polera, Frank Franzino and Ed Travaglianti ’70, president of President Brendan J. Dugan ’68. TD Bank, Long island, and co-chair of the event. “After 11 years, we are well on scholarships. it’s a great feeling to be part and benefactors. At its core, this golf our way toward reaching the two-million of something that has such a positive and outing reflects all that is best about the dollar mark in total donations for transformational effect on both students Franciscan spirit.” 4 St. Francis College Terrier Fall 2009 Fred Siegel Shares Panel Discussion explores New York expertise and experience State’s Political Future with St. Francis College Community On October 14, St. Francis College was the setting for an important political Fred Siegel, Ph.D., senior fellow, discussion relevant to all New Yorkers. Manhattan Institute; contributing editor “Can New York Government be to City Journal; and professor of History, Cooper Union for Science and Art, is a reformed?”, presented by a distin- visiting professor for the 2009-10 academic guished panel of economic and political year thanks to the generous contribution experts and moderated by Chancellor of an anonymous donor. Frank J. Macchiarola ’62, explored the reasons state government broke In addition to teaching while on campus, down during the current economic Dr. Siegel, who is currently on sabbatical from Cooper Union, will help organize events crisis and whether political reform is at St. Francis College that inform participants necessary for economic revival. about current local and national political and The panel included e. J. McMahon, economic trends and ways to address them. director, empire Center for New York These include the recent “Can New York State Policy; Gerald Benjamin, distin- State Government Be Reformed?”, as well as guished professor, SUNY, New Paltz; last spring’s symposium, “Keeping New York Tom Suozzi, county executive, Nassau in the Black“. County; and Fred Siegel, Ph.D., “St. Francis College is a warm and senior fellow, Manhattan institute welcoming place,” said Dr. Siegel. “It’s and contributing editor, City Journal, exciting to be a part of events that will who is a visiting professor at St. Francis connect students to the larger public life of College for the 2009-10 academic year. the city and country.” “New York has always been a leader The gift that supports Dr. Siegel’s visiting on the national and international stage professorship also funds the new St. Francis by facing challenges head on,” said College Literary Prize. The purpose of the Dr. Macchiarola. “This discussion contribution is to support high-quality arts provided a venue for honest debate and cultural opportunities at the College for about a subject that is vital to the the benefit of students and the community. sustainability of that role.” Fred Siegel, Ph.D. Help Make Big Dreams Happen! Support the Fund for St. Francis College For 150 years, St. Francis College has provided a bridge to a brighter You can make a contribution by check payable to St. Francis College tomorrow for generations of students from all walks of life who share a with the enclosed business reply envelope or on-line at determination to make the most of their talents and abilities. https://gifts.stfranciscollege.edu. While St. Francis’ tuition remains among the lowest of all private You may also make a gift to St. Francis College by: colleges and universities in the metropolitan area, in today’s economic – Credit Card climate many students are struggling financially, which threatens their – Wire Transfer ability to stay in school. Therefore, the Fund for St. Francis College has – Phone set a $1 million goal this year that will support student scholarships. For more information please contact Olga Macolino ’01, Your gift to the Fund for St. Francis College—regardless of the director of annual giving, at 718.489.5483 or via e-mail size—will go a long way toward making the dream of a college at [email protected]. education a reality for today’s students. All gifts to St. Francis College are tax deductible. St. Francis College Terrier Fall 2009 5 Today’s Terriers Bono Lee ’11 With the help of the Office of Student Activities and Leadership Development, i am helping to launch the international Students Association, an organization that provides students opportunities to learn about American and other cultures while having fun. We hope the association Double Major: will be operating in early 2010. Accounting (Combined B.S./M.S.) and Mathematics extraCurriCular intereStS: Since the age of 12, i have been a competitive speed skater, HoMetown: representing Hong Kong in competitions all over the world, Hong Kong, People’s including Beijing at the 2008 Olympic Games, which was republic of China an amazing experience. When i have the chance to go home, Current HoMe: i practice regularly, but here i concentrate on my studies. Brooklyn Heights wHat’S SPeCial about SFC: PatH to SFC: The personal attention is really outstanding. Administrators i came to the United States as an exchange student in and faculty really care about the students, making sure we Texarkana, TX for my final year of high school. After graduat- understand the material and have a chance to learn as much as ing, i enrolled in a local community college. The countryside we can. i am particularly grateful to Dr. Geoffrey horlick, was nice but i really wanted to experience American city life. chairman of the Accounting & Business Law department; After exploring colleges and universities in New York City, Dr. Fotios Paliogiannis, chairman of the Mathematics i was accepted to St. John’s University and New York department; and Dr. Erez Shochat, assistant Mathematics University as well as St. Francis College. Ultimately, i chose professor, for inspiring me academically and preparing me St. Francis because of the availability of a partial scholarship, to use what i’ve learned in class in the real world. i’ve been which was upgraded after the first year to a Presidential fortunate to have some unique opportunities; for instance, Scholarship, and the College’s proximity to everything in i was able to present material at a math conference last year. New York that i could possibly hope to experience. That’s a real resume builder. CaMPuS aCtivitieS: Career aSPirationS: in addition to serving as a tutor in the Academic My goals are to pass the CPA exam and work for one of the enhancement Center, i am also vice president of the leading public accounting firms or in the actuarial field. i can Math Club and treasurer for the Accounting Society. see staying in and working the U.S. at least for a while. Bono Lee ’11 in action 6 St. Francis College Terrier Fall 2009 Remembering Brother George Brother George Larkin, O.S.F. ’60 March 2, 1934 – august 17, 2009 Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier. — Mother Teresa St. Francis College Terrier Fall 2009 7 thiS Fall, For the FirSt tiMe Since 1971, StudentS arriVed For the FirSt day oF claSSeS at St. FranciS college without the legendary SMile and “welcoMe!” at the Main entrance FroM brother george larkin, o.S.F. ’60. JuSt weekS earlier aFter a brieF illneSS, the recognizable dean oF adMiSSionS, “the Face oF St. FranciS,” had PaSSed away. Brother George, or “B.G.” as many Following are just a few of the hundreds produced in all of our lives is a gaping and students knew him, has been of thoughts about Brother George, shared excruciating one. That is the pain that described as “the embodiment of by his friends, colleagues, and current and accompanies great love. the Franciscan spirit,” and “the first person former students: — BrO. GeOFFreY P. CLeMeNT, O.S.F. to greet me when i first came to St. Francis and the one to see me cross the stage at I remember Brother George from my days Brother George gave me a chance to earn my commencement.” He is remembered fondly at St. Bartholomew. He was caring and degree after almost two decades away from the as an adopted uncle, grandfather or father compassionate, loved and respected by teachers College. This opened doors to me that might figure by many of the thousands of students and students. When I misbehaved and was otherwise have been closed and gave me a sense he personally recruited to the College over instructed to see the principal, I was not afraid of accomplishment and completion that had the years. of the potential punishment as much as the been lacking in my life. Brother George “got it.” For nearly four decades, Brother George fact that I would disappoint him. The schools — MiCHAeL CrOWLeY ’92 was always visible on campus, accessible to of the world need more Brother Georges. students and proud of those he’d watched — GeOrGe BOUe Brother George handed me a stuffed St. Francis grow and learn. His boundless energy Terrier doll when I was a child, an admissions for helping others and commitment to Brother George set the standard for treating application as a teenager, an employment education resulted in changing countless others with kindness and respect. His infinite application as a young adult, and a lifetime lives for the better. impact lives on in the lives of all he has touched of insight, love and example. “Brother George’s greatest strength and inspired us to follow his example. — eLizABeTH eAMeS ’02 was what he will always be known for—his — GAiL GiLrOY CHiArOVANO ’90 one-on-one attention to every student,” From the moment I entered St. Francis College, said John McAuliffe, director of admis- I can still scarcely believe that he is gone... Brother George has been a friend, teacher, sions, who worked with Brother George but he’s not really gone, just temporarily absent mentor, and a great listener. Every Tuesday for the past nine years. “He was one of only awaiting the day when all who loved him and morning at the enrollment meeting he always a few admissions deans who still conducted who love God will be reunited. He was like a ended by saying, “This is the best year ever.” business in a personal way—he insisted on father and a brother to me, a font of wisdom, bucking the current trends that often make — irMA GArCiA ’80 strength, and solace. You are and were loved DireCTOr OF ATHLeTiCS the admissions process more anonymous— far more than perhaps you knew, and the void and his influence will remain with all of us as we go about our daily work.” A special tribute to Brother George will take place during the annual Alumni Memorial Mass on January 30, 2010. To RSVP please contact donna deSiena at 718.489.5471 by January 25. 8 St. Francis College Terrier Fall 2009