Category Archives: Uncategorized

Dr. Ferrucci to Attend International Congress on Mathematical Education

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Dr. Beverly Ferrucci

The National Science Foundation has awarded mathematics Professor Beverly Ferrucci a grant to attend the 12th International Congress on Mathematical Education (ICME) in Seoul, Korea, this summer. ICME is held once every four years and is one of the largest international congresses in mathematical education, serving as a forum for mathematics educators, researchers, mathematicians, and practicing teachers from all over the world to present their latest research and to discuss trends in mathematics education from international perspectives.

A KSC Distinguished Teacher,  Dr. Ferrucci was selected from a pool of more than 500 applicants by a committee of representatives from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Mathematical Association of America, the American Mathematical Association of Two-Year Colleges, the American Mathematical Society, and the US National Commission on Mathematics Instruction. She will serve as the editor of the Congress’ international research publication that will be published jointly by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Mathematical Association of America.

KSC Adds Two Academic Departments

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KSC has established two new academic departments: the Department of Holocaust and Genocide Studies and the Department of Journalism.

Since the College offers the nation’s only baccalaureate degree in Holocaust and genocide studies, it was a logical next step to create a department to build on this successful and growing program. Dr. Paul Vincent will chair the department, which will also include Dr. James Waller (endowed chair of the program), Dr. Henry Knight, and Dr. Nona Fienberg as faculty members.

“I am very pleased to announce our new department. This move demonstrates the college’s commitment to educating students on the issues of genocide and the Holocaust, which continue to shape and challenge our world today,” Dr. Vincent said. “Students have chosen to attend Keene State specifically to take part in this program.”

Keene State College has been teaching journalism since the 1950s, and turning out journalism majors since the 1980s. It also offers New Hampshire’s only journalism degree program in the state’s public education system. The Journalism Department was previously part of the Department of Communication and Philosophy.

Dr. Rose Kundanis will chair the new Journalism Department. Additional faculty includes Julio DelSesto, Dr. Chad Nye, Dr. Marianne Salcetti, and Dr. Mark Timney, who bring a broad range of experience in newspaper and broadcast journalism, including news reporting, editing, anchoring, photojournalism, and multimedia.

Chris Pagliuco ’99 Publishes Tale from 17th Century New England

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Chris Pagliuco ’99 and his new book, The Great Escape of Edward Whalley and William Goffe

For a history writer, uncovering an engaging but forgotten story among dusty and long-untouched archives must be like the prospector who catches the glint of gold among the dirt in the bottom of his pan. And Christopher Pagliuco ’99 is one such history writer, with a new book, The Great Escape of Edward Whalley and William Goffe: Smuggled through Connecticut (The History Press), to show for his efforts.
Continue reading Chris Pagliuco ’99 Publishes Tale from 17th Century New England →

Prof Langford Teaches Manhattanville Students about Franco-American Experience

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Students in Professor Andoveloniaina Rasolofo’s French linguistics class at New York’s Manhattanville College, listening to Dr. Langford.

On May 1, French linguistics students at Manhattanville College in New York had their first encounter with Cheshire County’s Franco-Americans, via the wizardry of Skype.

From her office in Morrison Hall, Professor Margaret Langford delivered her interactive PowerPoint lecture, An Invisible Presence: The Franco-Americans in New England (Une Présence invisible: Les Franco-Americans de la Nouvelle Angleterre), to Professor Andoveloniaina Rasolofo’s students and guests at Manhattanville. Dr. Langford explained to her audience how more than 900,000 French-Canadians (Québécois) immigrated to the United States, primarily coming to New England and upper-state New York, from the mid 1800s to well into the 1930s, and that many of their descendants still abide there. Using the Franco-American experience in Cheshire County, New Hampshire as a model, Dr. Langford examined the question: “Why don’t we know more about the Franco-Americans today, despite their significant numbers and contributions?”

“My students and I learned a lot about a topic that is seldom discussed,” explained Professor Rosolofo.

Professor Langford found it “an exhilarating experience!”

Upward Bound Gets Funds to Prepare Students for College

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KSC’s Upward Bound program prepares high school students for success in high school and college by building the academic skills, motivation, and self-confidence necessary for success in college. Funding for the program comes from the United States Department of Education, so the Upward Bound experience is free for students from low-income families.

In these days of economic turmoil, funding for important programs such as this is uncertain, at best. When NH Senator Jeanne Shaheen was on campus in early May to discuss student-loan debt, Upward Bound staffers contacted her to express their funding concerns.  The following week, Senator Shaheen reported that the Dept. of Ed. announced renewed funding to the UB programs at both UNH and KSC. UNH will receive nearly $478,000, while Keene will receive nearly $422,000. According to UB’s Assistant Director, Beth Zinn, this will allow the program to serve 94 high school students and their families from eight local high schools in southeastern Vermont and southwestern New Hampshire—more students than it could serve before. “It’s exciting to know that we now have the money to continue to serve these awesome kids,” Zinn said.

Three Safety Studies Students Receive ASSE Scholarships

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Three KSC Safety Studies students have received scholarships from the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), a national organization that represents more than 34,000 safety, health, and environmental professionals. Travis Brenner, a Keene State senior, was awarded the Flatiron Construction Christopher Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $4,700. Keene State senior, Timothy Brinkerhoff, received the Greater Boston Chapter Leadership Award of $1,000, and Joshua Besnoff, Keene State graduate student, was awarded the New England Area Future Leadership Award in the amount of $1,000.

The money will be a big help in moving these students ahead in their career paths. “
This scholarship will be great support towards graduate school,” Brenner said.

Become an Alumni Admissions Ambassador

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Alums: Share your love of Keene State and encourage prospective students. The Admissions Office can really use your help. We’ll be offering a one-hour information and training session on June 2nd—the Saturday of Reunion Weekend. The session will offer important insight and prepare you to help out at a college fair and meet with prospective students and families. The session will take place at 4 p.m. in the Admissions Office in Elliot Hall. For more information or to sign up, please contact Peg Richmond, Director of Admissions (800-KSC-1909 or 603-358-2276).

A New Season of Golden Circle Luncheons

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If you graduated 50 or more years ago, you’re a member of the elite Golden Circle Society, and if you live in New Hampshire (or will be in the state at the right day this summer/fall), then it’s time to start looking forward to the Society’s famous luncheons. On select days from June through November, GCS members gather at various restaurants and locations throughout New Hampshire to keep in touch, catch up on news of the College, and share all those fond memories about life on campus. This year’s schedule has now been posted on the web:

June 21                 Concord – Makris Restaurant
July 19                  Keene – KSC Centennial Hall
August 7               Meredith – Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant
August 28            Portsmouth – Portsmouth Country Club
Sept 20                 Charlestown – Sumner House
October 18           Concord – Havenwood/Heritage Heights (residents only)
November 8         Rindge – J.P. Stephens

Invitations are sent in advance for each luncheon, so keep an eye out for yours. Spouses, guests, and care providers are welcome, too! If you’re a Golden Circle Society member (or know a member who might like to attend) and would like more information about the events, please contact Kirsten Camp in the Alumni Office via kcamp@keene.edu or 603-358-2369 or 1-800-572-1909 (option #6) or phone Norma Walker at 603-357-4089.

Where’d I See That?

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The fact that you’ve been around campus since there was a greenhouse on the Quad won’t help you with this one:

It’s not too hard to figure out what it is, but where is it? Actually, that’s not a very hard guess, either. Oh well, if you think you know the answer, please write it on a piece of paper and slip it carefully inside the brim of that same ultrafino Casablanca Montecristi  Panama Hat, size 7 ¼, that no one sent me last time and mail it (in time for summer, por favor) to Newsline, Alumni Center, 229 Main St., Keene, NH 03435. Or use the “comments” link, below.

Nathan Gray Wins Fred Fosher Excellence in Writing Award

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Nathan Gray, recipient of the 2012 Fred Fosher Excellence in Writing Award

The craft of writing well eludes many students—and adults—but newly minted KSC  alumnus Nathan Gray found the key to excellence when he approached writing as music. “I began to think of writing a page of prose as writing a page of sheet music,” said Nathan, also a musician and songwriter. “Each word can be a note, or each sentence can be a note. I kind of made it an art game, playing with the shorts and the longs. As in music, you choose a note and then you decide upon the most effective instrument to play that note. In the same way, you choose a concept and then you choose the best word or phrase to express that idea. As soon as I did that, my writing improved. Just as it’s not very interesting to have a bunch of quarter notes in a row, you don’t want a bunch of five-word sentences in your writing. You’ve got to come up with ways to add variety and present your ideas in interesting ways.”
Continue reading Nathan Gray Wins Fred Fosher Excellence in Writing Award →

Swing into Spring with the Latest Issue of Keene State Today!

For Parents, Uncategorized

KSC prides itself on its longstanding motto, “Enter to learn, go forth to serve,” so you’ll find lots of stories in this spring’s issue of Keene State Today that reflect this commitment. There’s Will Wrobel’s (’08) inspiring story of personal transformation—a story that likely applies to many grads who have passed through the Appian Gates. And Josh Tuscher’s (’06) evolution from janitor to new media technologist for the VA. And Mark Newton’s (’87) path to become Timberland’s VP of Social Responsibility. And read how the campus’ new TDS Center will enrich our nation’s skilled workforce, or how the Cohen Center’s Civic Leadership Initiative engages civic leaders in a program that really makes a difference. There’s lots to be proud of at KSC; read some of those great stories in Keene State Today!

Gilly Moon ’09—off to CalArts for an MFA in Sound Design

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Gilly Moon ’09

Jon Gottlieb, who directs the Sound Design Program at California Institute of the Arts only accepts three students into the program a year. This fall, his first choice was Design/Technical Theatre major Gillian Moon ’09.

Gilly knows where she wants to go, and how to get there. After graduation, she worked as a sound intern for the Trinity Repertory Company. After that, she continued to work in audio, “Taking whatever gigs I could,” she said. “Besides theater, I have also done a lot of corporate and themed production work. Taking time off and actually working in my field I think helped me get accepted. I developed not only good technical skills, but I gained a lot of interpersonal skills and developed a clear vision of how I want to approach my goals artistically. I was also able to meet ‘sound guys’ who were up to date in the industry, and who also wanted to be my friends and mentors.

“The theatre profs at KSC taught me how to work and talk with people in a very creative, collaborative, and challenging environment. Which is what you often find yourself in in theatre!” Sounds like that’s a lesson she learned well. If you know Gilly, drop her a comment.

KSC Staffer/Student/Alum Seeks Your Vote

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Samantha Massahos—KSC employee, grad student, and ’10 alum.

Samantha Massahos is a KSC employee (with Campus Safety), a graduate student, and alumna of the Class of 2010. And she’ll be competing for the title of Miss New Hampshire at the end of April. She’s currently serving as Miss Capital Area with a  platform of Advocating for Survivors of Sexual Violence. And she’d like your help: Help her get into the top 12 at Miss NH this year by going to the Miss NH website AND the Miss NH Fan Page and voting for her. Make sure you open the confirmation email and clink of the confirmation link to complete the voting process.

Says Sam: “Thank you—it is very much appreciated! I look forward to representing the Keene State College community at this year’s competition!”

Noted Poet Skypes into French Seminar Class

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French/Algerian poet Patrice Aba

Last month, noted French/Algerian poet Patrice Aba visited Prof. Margaret Langford’s French 495 seminar via Skype connection as he wrapped up a week’s funded lectureship at Case Western University. He spoke about his life (and artistic inspiration); read selections from his book, Approches à Proches en Croche; and conversed with the seminar students in French. Prof. Langford and her students were duly impressed by this opportunity.

“His views on life and liberty were amazing and very thoughtful,” noted student Elissa Johansson.

Carol Jeffrey called Aba’s poetry “colorful and musical,” while Prof. Langford considered the event “inspirational.”

“Meeting a major contemporary poet is an experience I will not soon forget,” said Lindsey Ryder.

Patrice Aba lives in Chatillon, just outside of Paris.

Join Us for the Senior Family Dinner—& Dessert!

For Parents, Mark Your Calendar, Uncategorized

Celebrate graduation, gather with friends and family, and reminisce about the great times at KSC! The Senior Family Dinner starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 4, in the Zorn Dining Commons. After dinner, the group will proceed down Appian Way, through the Appian Gateway, and over to the Alumni Center to celebrate the transition from student to alumni! Attendees will join members of the Alumni Association for dessert, a cash bar, and the chance to learn what it means to be a member of the KSC community for life!

Please register online before Monday, April 30.

Continue reading Join Us for the Senior Family Dinner—& Dessert! →

Seeking Employment? We’re Here to Help

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We have seen an increase in job opportunities recently and want to make sure our alumni have access to all the ways KSC can keep you informed about these openings.

  • JobWISE through Academic and Career Advising has posts from local, regional, and national companies and organizations as well as private families who wish to recruit individuals for various openings. In addition to the job posting, ACA  has information on several events that could be useful!
  • Linkedin is a social networking site that allows you to build and engage your professional network, manage your personal identity, and explore insights and opportunities. The Keene State College Alumni Association has two active groups that can help you connect with your follow alums, current students, and recruiters.
  • On occasion, the KSC Alumni Association will send out emails to particular majors when relevant employment opportunities arise. If you want to receive these emails, be sure to update us!
  • Facebook can also be a great way to connect with your department and fellow alumni. For example, Safety Studies has a great discussion going around jobs and internships.