Category Archives: Uncategorized

Sharon Fantl Invited to Leadership Development Institute

April 9, 2012Uncategorized

Sharon Fantl, events manager at the Redfern Arts Center, will be among 14 professionals from the performing arts field chosen to participate in the Leadership Development Institute (LDI), facilitated by the Association of Performing Arts Presenters, and funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Express Foundation.

Sharon and her colleagues will work together using a facilitated collaborative inquiry process to investigate the topic of Knowing and Connecting with Community. Over the next eight months, and over the course of five sessions, the participants will meet in Austin, TX; Washington, DC; and New York.
Continue reading Sharon Fantl Invited to Leadership Development Institute →

Tom Kearney ’69 Inducted into New England Newspaper Hall of Fame

April 9, 2012UncategorizedAlumni achievers

Newspaper Hall of Famer Thomas F. Kearney ’69

The New England Newspaper & Press Association recently inducted Thomas F. Kearney ’69 into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame. Kearney, who spent much of his professional life as executive editor of the Keene Sentinel, is currently managing editor of the weekly Stowe Reporter.

Tom kept himself pretty productive while he was at Keene State, working full-time as a disc jockey, as a music director, and then as news director for WKBK, then the region’s only rock station. For his last semester, he was a full-time reporter for the Sentinel.

“The main thing I learned in college was that most of my preconceived notions about how the world worked were simply wrong, or very much in question,” Tom said. “That taught me to keep an open mind about nearly everything, and to challenge assumptions about the best way to do things.” That ability to look under the surface is a key ingredient to Tom’s success as a journalist.

To learn more about Tom Kearney’s distinguished career, read what the NE Newspaper & Press Assn. wrote about him for the awards ceremony. If you know Tom, drop him a comment.

Two KSC Profs to Attend Summer Institute in England

April 9, 2012Uncategorizedfaculty, history, Holocaust & genocide

Two representatives from KSC have been awarded fellowships to the first European Summer Institute on the Holocaust and Jewish Civilization at the Royal Holloway campus, Egham, Surrey in England, this summer: Dr. Nona Fienberg, who will be moving from her current position as dean of Arts & Humanities in June to teach in the Holocaust and Genocide Studies Department, and Economics Professor Patrick Dolenc. This intensive, two-week residential program is designed to broaden the background of postgraduates in Holocaust studies, early career academics, and educators in relevant fields. The curriculum consists of courses, lectures, and seminars taught by leading scholars on such themes as the history of Jews and Judaism in Europe, Holocaust history, the Holocaust in literature and film, and the Holocaust and modern thought.

In Memoriam: Norma Morissette Mallat ’52

April 9, 2012Mark Your Calendar, Uncategorizedobituary

The Keene State community lost a dedicated alumna and educator when Norma Morissette Mallat ’52 passed away Tuesday, April 3, while staying with family in California. Norma began her career as an instructor at Keene’s Wheelock School after she graduated and remained on staff there until she retired in 1995. She was the wife of Robert L. Mallat, Jr. ’58, former vice president for Resource Administration at Keene State College, retired senior manager for Capital Planning and Development, and former USNH Board Trustee, The Mallat’s commitment to education and Keene State has been demonstrated through their service, dedication, and participation at campus events and in the community. Generations of students who passed through Wheelock’s doors have been touched by Norma’s commitment to education.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, April 13, at 10 a.m. in St. Bernard Church, 185 Main Street, Keene. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery on Main Street. Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday evening from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Foley Funeral Home, 49 Court Street. The Knights of Columbus Council 819 will conduct a prayer service at the funeral home Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mrs. Mallat’s memory to the St. Joseph Regional School Scholarship Fund, 92 Wilson Street, Keene, NH 03431.

Concession Trailer Gets Face Lift

March 27, 2012Uncategorizedsports

After 16 years of hard service, the concession trailer at the Owl Athletic Complex was looking pretty shabby. So KSC athletic director John Ratliff struck a deal with Keene Auto Body’s Steve Piispanen, who gave the trailer an eye-catching facelift. Look for it when you attend a home game this spring.

Read all about it. …

Dr. Helen Giles-Gee to Become President of University of the Sciences

March 21, 2012Uncategorized

Dr. Helen Giles-Gee, Keene State College's ninth president

Spring is always a time of change in the academic world. Seniors graduate and go off into the rest of their lives, and most everyone else gears up for the transition to the summer break. And it’s the time when academic professionals make changes in their careers.

This spring has brought especially big changes to Keene State. After moving KSC boldly into the 21st century, President Helen Giles-Gee has accepted a position as president of the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. And Provost Emile Netzhammer is moving on to become Chancellor of Washington State University Vancouver. Read about that here.

At her inauguration on 2006, Dr. Giles-Gee became the first African-American president in Keene State history. When she takes the helm at the University of the Sciences next fall, not only will she be their first African-American president, she’ll also be their first female president. And the University obviously realizes that she’ll lead them to excellence, just as she did here at KSC.

President Giles-Gee will remain on campus until July 2012, and College leadership and the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) Board of Trustees and the Chancellor’s Office will be working diligently to find another dynamic president to take her place. As an insightful editorial in the Keene Sentinel pointed out, both Dr. Giles-Gee and Dr. Netzhammer have raised the bar for their successors, so the College can expect like excellence in its new leadership.

The University of Sciences knows what a great leader they’ve acquired. Read what they have to say about Dr. Giles-Gee. She was the perfect choice to lead a university that specializes in science. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychobiology, a master’s in science education, and a PhD in measurement, evaluation, and techniques of experimental research from the University of Pennsylvania. She also has a master’s in zoology from Rutgers University.

On a personal note, Newsline would like to thank Dr. Giles-Gee for her part in creating a campus that has so many good stories to tell!

Provost Netzhammer to Become Chancellor at WSU Vancouver

March 16, 2012Uncategorized

KSC's Provost—and soon to be WSU Vancouver's Chancellor—Emile Netzhammer

After six years as KSC’s dynamic provost, Emile Netzhammer is leaving Keene for an appointment as chancellor of Washington State University Vancouver. Provost Netzhammer, who came to Keene in 2006, will remain on campus until June 30, and then head for Vancouver (Wash.).

We’ll sure miss his excellent leadership around here. Read about some of the remarkable things he accomplished while he was in the provost’s office.

WSU is lucky to snag him, and they know it. Read what they have to say about their good fortune.

Where’d I See That?

March 15, 2012UncategorizedWhere'd I See That?

OK, this is obviously the planning meeting for next year’s Pumpkin Lobotomy, but where did it take place? That’s sure not the SAC office.

If you think you know the answer, please write it on a piece of paper and slip it carefully inside the brim of an ultrafino Casablanca Montecristi Panama Hat, size 7 ¼, and mail it to Newsline, Alumni Center, 229 Main St., Keene, NH 03435. Or use the “comments” link, below.

High Andean Adventures in Health Care

March 12, 2012UncategorizedAlumni achievers

J-Lynne Brown ’10, loving life in the Peace Corps in Peru

When J-Lynne Brown ’10 was at KSC, she majored in biology with minors in chemistry and Spanish, planning to go on to medical school and someday practice international medicine. But then she got sidetracked—or maybe she got fast-tracked. You decide:

Before she graduated, a friend told her about the Peace Corps and its programs in Public Health. With her background, which includes HIV/AIDS education, and the need she knew existed in several Latin American countries, she knew the Peace Corps was for her. “I wanted a part of this organization!” she said.
Continue reading High Andean Adventures in Health Care →

Brains + Brawn

March 9, 2012Uncategorizedsports

The Little East Conference has awarded Keene State College its 2010–11 Presidents Cup, honoring KCS as the top academic institution in the LEC. The Owls racked up a cumulative grade point average of 3.06. And it’s not all brains and no brawn, either. KSC has also captured the Little East Commissioners’ Cup as the top overall athletic department in the conference circuit for the past 11 years.

Read all about it.

KSC Students Make New England Intercollegiate Band

March 9, 2012UncategorizedStudent Standouts

KSC members of the New England Intercollegiate Band. Front row (l–r): Megan Fleagle, horn; Alyssa Comeau, clarinet; Gabe Belluscio, tenor saxophone; Kathryne Lundstedt, clarinet. Back row (l–r): Nathan Shower, trumpet; Kathryn Lanouette, clarinet; Kirk Bobkowski, euphonium; Josh Brennan, percussion; Rob Skrocki, trombone.

Nine KSC students have been chosen to play in the New England Intercollegiate Band at Gordon College in Wenham, Mass., on March 30 and 31. Organized by the New England College Band Association, the Festival brings the top college musicians from across New England together for a weekend of music making with an internationally known guest conductor. This year, that is Ray Cramer, long-time former director of bands at Indiana University, President of the Midwest Clinic, and current guest conductor for the Musashino Academia of Music in Tokyo, Japan.

How Sara Tejada Fell in Love with Letterpress

March 9, 2012UncategorizedAlumni achievers

Sara Tejada ’06 with Bertha, her Chandler & Price letterpress. (Photo courtesy of Caesar Photography)

Sara Tejada ’06, owner of Inkprint Letterpress in Manchester, recently joined other alumni entrepreneurs in Centennial Hall to share their business expertise with students and other alums. But her journey to that panel took her a little farther than most.

Sara came to the US from the Dominican Republic a week after 9/11. She spoke very little English but took intensive English classes at UNH (and watched lots of American TV), and made her way to KSC, where she majored in Graphic Design, with a special interest in printmaking. She landed a job at Tree-Free Greetings, in Swanzey, a few months before she graduated. The company took her to the National Stationery Show, where she first saw modern letterpress—and fell in love.
Continue reading How Sara Tejada Fell in Love with Letterpress →

Chloe Edmonds Receives Research Fellowship at Brown

March 8, 2012UncategorizedStudent Standouts

Chloe Edmonds, a double major in Holocaust and Genocide Studies and American Studies, has been offered a paid research fellowship at Brown University for the summer. She’ll be working with Dr. Maud Mandel, associate professor of Judaic Studies and History at Brown. Chloe was also accepted to the Mellon Initiative, a program for undergraduates interested in pursuing doctoral study in the humanities and social sciences. She’s also being considered for similar fellowships at Harvard and NYU.

The Leadership Alliance Summer Research-Early Identification Program at Brown University provides nine-week summer research opportunities for outstanding undergraduates interested in exploring the nature of advanced graduate school study. The program was created to develop underrepresented students into outstanding leaders and role models in academia, business, and the public sector.

That’s quite an accomplishment! If you know Chloe, drop her a note of congratulations.

Dr. Ferrucci Honored for Teaching Excellence (again)

March 8, 2012Uncategorizedfaculty

The NH Department of Education recently honored Dr. Beverly J. Ferrucci, professor of mathematics, at a presentation honoring the state’s outstanding educators and schools. The New Hampshire College and University Council selected Dr. Ferrucci for her teaching excellence, particularly for her research in ethnomathematics, the study of how other cultures learn and use mathematics, and her efforts to promote and encourage women to pursue careers in the mathematical sciences.

More information.

Attention, Composers!

March 7, 2012Uncategorizedmusic

The KSC Music Department has issued its 2012 Call for Scores! And they’re offering a $500 cash prize to the winner. Composers of any age, residence, or citizenship are invited to submit works for SATB chorus. Hurry! Submissions must be postmarked by April 15, 2012. For more information, check out the Call for Scores page.

Composing for the Bird Song Project

March 7, 2012Uncategorizedmusic

Did you know that Keene State College has at least a dozen student composers and another half dozen faculty members who compose? They’re ready and willing to write music for anyone who needs it, and Stonewall Farm, a non-profit educational farm located in Keene, NH, has enlisted their expertise in an unusual way. Stonewall Farm has embarked on a project to teach the public about native birds, their habits, habitats, and songs, and they’ve asked KSC students and faculty to create original compositions which will help listeners to recognize and identify our native birds’ songs. The compositions will be housed in Stonewall Farm’s new Bird Center, where visitors will be able to watch, listen, and learn about birds. Each composition will help trigger an association with a bird song to help learners remember that song.

If you’d like more info on composers at KSC, contact Heather Gilligan, assistant professor of music (603-358-2327).