If you’ve been kicking yourself for missing the world premiere of Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve: the First Hundred Years of Keene State College, you can stop later this month. The KSC Film Society will be showing this excellent film by Larry Benaquist and Lance Levesque every night at 7 p.m. from November 28–December 3 in the Putnam Arts Lecture Hall. The film chronicles the College’s rich history through rarely seen footage and photographs, with interviews from some of the earliest alumni, and with a sound track of music with regional connections.
Don’t miss this chance! Free and open to the public, of course.
Harold E. Nugent ’58, age 77, died suddenly on October 14, 2010, at his home in Gainesville, Fla. Dr. Nugent taught English and linguistics at KSC from 1965–1989 and helped start the Center for Writing while he was here. As a proponent of developmental studies, he helped design and deliver a course on critical thinking and supported the assessment of all incoming freshmen for placement in English composition. He was also a dedicated environmental educator who earned several awards and citations for the conservation work he did in Florida.
The Gainesville Sun published a nice obituary for him. Dr. Nugent touched many lives while he was at KSC. If you were one of those lucky lives, please use the “comments” link to let us know.
Alice Herz Sommer, who turns 107 this month. Happy birthday, Ms. Sommer!
Alice Herz Sommer isn’t an alum – in fact, she has probably never set foot in New Hampshire. But her story is an incredible inspiration and testimony to the power of the human spirit to triumph, forgive, and soar—and to the spiritual power of music. She turns 107 this month and is the oldest living Holocaust survivor, having lived through the Theresienstadt concentration camp. Watch this video clip from the new documentary on her, Alice, Dancing under the Gallows. The world needs more special souls like Ms. Sommer.
There are two pieces to this month’s mystery photo: First, where is this building, and second, do you know its historic significance? That’s the most interesting part. Be the first to send in your answer! (Actually, we’d love to receive lots of historical info on this—so keep the comments coming.)
This, and other images as we add them, are on display in our Where’d I See That? gallery. If you think you’ve solved this mystery, insert your answer into a first edition of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, and mail it to Newsline, Alumni Center, Keene State College, Keene, NH, 03435-1502, or use the “Comments” link below.
REDiscover Homecoming 2010 was a BIG success! The noble 600 who attended the world premiere of Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve: the First Hundred Years of Keene State College loved it; later that night, the comedian in the Night Owl Café had the audience bursting with laughs; O-staffers, Phi Mu Delta, & the CDC held wonderful affinity gatherings; and alumni from several sports teamed up again for a little friendly competition. The weekend wound up with a big bang on Saturday, starting with a tailgate party at the athletic complex, an exciting men’s soccer game that the Owls won in overtime, and awesome fireworks!
The biggest “thank you” to everyone who helped make the weekend what it was. We sure hope we’ll see you back soon. Mark your calendar for KSC’s Winter Carnival on February 4 & 5! To stay up-to-date with KSC Alumni events and happenings, find us on Facebook at “Keene State College Alumni” or follow us on twitter via “kscalumni.” And, of course, you can always depend on Newsline.
KSC Archivist Rodney Obien demonstrates one of the Archives & Special Collections' reading stands. Photo by Al Karevy
The Wallace E. Mason Library held a grand opening for its new Archives & Special Collections Center on October 2, 2010, as part of Homecoming Weekend. President Helen Giles-Gee, Library Dean Irene Herold, and Archivist Rodney Obien welcomed visitors and spoke about the importance of this facility. Student staffers Laura Ruttle, Brittany Arita, and Ryan LaLiberty also spoke about their work in the Archives & Special Collections.
Theater & Dance Prof. PeggyRae Johnson read a selection of poems from Then, Something and Duties of the Spirit by N.H. Poet Laureate Patricia Fargnoli, who was in attendance. Ms. Fargnoli recently donated her papers and manuscripts to the Archives & Special Collections.
KSC also recently received the papers of Edith Newlin Chase, a recognized children’s author and poet from Alstead, N.H., perhaps best known for The New Baby Calf (Scholastic). Margaret Perry and Ellen Chase, the author’s daughters, did a special reading of their mother’s prose and poetry, including The New Baby Calf.
The Center displayed the Chase Papers and books from the Robert Hubbard-Edward Gorey Collection.
If you were one of the approximately 600 audience members who attended the premiere of Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve: The First Hundred Years of Keene State College over Homecoming Weekend, you know what a hit it was.
The film touched many hearts. One of the film’s creators, Larry Benaquist, had a doctor’s appointment a couple of days after the premiere. When the nurse came into the waiting room and called for “Larry Benaquist,” three other people there leapt to their feet and applauded him. They told him that they saw the film on Friday and loved it. It’s that kind of film.
If you weren’t able to make it that weekend, don’t despair. There are lots of plans to make the film available later, including as part of the KSC Film Society’s offering next month. The public is invited to any of the free showings at the Putnam Arts Lecture Hall at 7 p.m. from Sunday, Nov. 28, through Thursday, Dec. 2. Don’t miss it!
KSC senior and student archivist Ryan LaLiberty was in the Colonial for the premiere and was so impressed that he wrote a review:
We had a picturesque New England weekend in Keene, September 24–26. The leaves were just turning, and the sun shone brightly as hundreds of parents and family members flocked to KSC to visit students they hadn’t seen since school began in August.
The weather couldn’t have been better, the activities and were packed to capacity, and everyone was raving about the special events. The magician Friday night, informational sessions for parents Saturday morning, and comedian Saturday afternoon were real crowd pleasers. The gym was packed for the Women’s Volleyball game (they won) and the stands out at Owl Stadium likewise were teeming with fans who cheered the men’s soccer team to victory over Eastern Connecticut.
Downtown Keene was awash in a sea of red and white as proud parents, grandparents, and siblings, sporting newly purchased KSC t-shirts and sweatshirts, cruised downtown to explore, shop, and feast on the city’s offering of delectable delights from around the globe – Thai, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Mediterranean.
Thanks to all the families for their outpouring of support and enthusiasm. More than once we heard parents remark they wish they could matriculate at KSC!
If you’re in town Saturday, Oct. 16, for Pumpkin Festival, stop by the Alumni Center on your way downtown. We’ll be here from 11 am.–4 p.m., offering a warm spot to sit, rest, share a little camaraderie, and enjoy a little snack and a drink, courtesy of the KSC Alumni Association, the KSC Parents Association, and the Alumni & Parent Relations Office
Most of the time, when KSC alums have a birthday, it’s not big news. Except to the alum having the birthday, of course. But once in a while, a birthday truly is newsworthy. In fact, three KSC alumnae just celebrated remarkable achievements.
Fast friends from the Class of 1940 (l to r): Dot Carruthers, Effie Torrey, and the birthday girl, Marion Thorell, who turned 92 on Sept. 23. Marion is holding her copy of a certificate that each of the surviving Round Robin friends received at a recent Golden Circle luncheon in appreciation of their loyalty to KSC and to each other.
Round Robin Reunion
Seven women from the class of 1940 had become so close when they were at KSC (then, Keene Teacher’s College), that they vowed to keep in touch as they each went off to seek their fortunes. And keep in touch they did, via a round robin letter that passed from friend to friend, each adding to it and passing it on – to this very day. Three of the original circle – Effie Wynn Torrey, Dorothy (Dot) Carruthers, and Marion Thorell – are still going strong and met at a Bedford, NH, restaurant on September 20 to celebrate Marion’s birthday. She turned 92 on September 23.
The Union Leader columnist, John Clayton, did an article on the round robin circle that appeared in the Fall 2001 issue of Keene State Today.
100
Dorothy Bailey '32, holding the certificate alums are awarded when they reach 100.
Dorothy Britton Kendall Bailey ’32 also celebrated a birthday on September 23 – her 100th! How many people, KSC alums or not, have achieved such a milestone? Pretty impressive. Mrs. Bailey taught reading at the Jaffrey Elementary School and now lives in Royalston, Mass. She received a certificate signed by KSC President Helen Giles-Gee for reaching that amazing century mark.
Claris Lacey '31, 102 years young and married 70 years. Now, that's staying power!
102
Claris Head Lacey ’31 turned 102 on October 3. She and her husband, William, took her friends out to dinner to celebrate. Claris lives in Portsmouth in the house William, now a mere lad of 97, built for them when they were first married. They lived in the basement for seven years while he finished the house. They must have built a strong foundation, because the couple have been married for more than 70 years. How many people, KSC alums or not, have achieved such a milestone?
Claris taught in one-room schools in Winchester, West Lebanon, and Warren, N.H. – the “Three Ws,” as she says. Just think of the amazing history she’s lived!
If you know any of these remarkable alumnae, or just want to cheer them on, drop them a comment.
Have fun, get some good exercise, hang with the best people, and support a worthy cause by joining Recreational Sports’ 6th Annual Pumpkin 5K Fun Run/Walk on Friday, October 15 at 2:30 p.m. We welcome all KSC faculty, staff, students, and alumni, and it’s an entry-fee free event!
Register at the front desk at the Rec Center on campus. You can register the day of the race, so come on down! We guarantee t-shirts for the first 125 sign-ups, once you complete the run.
Recreational Sports is promoting the Monadnock United Way campaign during the Fun Run sign up period and on race day, so bring in any spare change or make a donation to this campus-wide fundraising event. We’ll sure appreciate it! For more information contact Lynne Andrews.
Poet Mary Benson, recipient of the Eder Creative Writing Scholarship
KSC senior Mary Benson, of Chester, NH, has been awarded the Eder Creative Writing Scholarship, an impressive accomplishment. So impressive, in fact, that we thought we’d introduce her through three of her poems, a Newsline first. Let us – and Mary – know what you think. If you’d like to know more about her, and the scholarship, see the news story on the KSC news page.
If you’ve been kicking yourself for missing the world premiere of Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve: the First Hundred Years of Keene State College, you can stop later this month. The KSC Film Society will be showing this excellent film by Larry Benaquist and Lance Levesque every night at 7 p.m. from November 28–December 3 in the Putnam Arts Lecture Hall. The film chronicles the College’s rich history through rarely seen footage and photographs, with interviews from some of the earliest alumni, and with a sound track of music with regional connections.
If you were one of the approximately 600 audience members who attended the premiere of Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve: The First Hundred Years of Keene State College over 
