Heather Luhrs and William McAlister Receive CNA Insurance Scholarships

May 18, 2012UncategorizedStudent Standouts

Scholarship winners Heather Luhrs and William McAlister

Heather Luhrs and William McAlister, both Keene State juniors and Safety and Occupational Health Applied Sciences majors, each received $2,500 scholarships from CNA Insurance. Basia Caya, Risk Control Director with CNA Insurance, and Dr. Larry McDonald, Keene State College Professor of Technology, Design and Safety, presented the awards. The students were selected for their outstanding academic achievement, grade point average, leadership, and future career interest in a Safety related field.

“Both Heather and William are outstanding students—these scholarship awards are well-deserved and will no doubt contribute to their future success,” said Dr. McDonald. “I look forward to continuing my work with these two, and watching their progress in the classroom and the workplace for years to come.”

KSC Mourns the Passing of Vaughn West

May 18, 2012Uncategorizedfaculty, obituary

Long-serving adjunct faculty member and alum Vaughn West passed away unexpectedly on May 17th. He came to Keene State in 1992 and has taught in the Theater Department ever since. Professor West taught courses in acting and in integrative studies and directed many shows both at Keene State College and within the region. He received his bachelor’s degree from Ohio University, did graduate work at Brandeis, and earned post-baccalaureate teaching certification from Keene State College. He was ever able to bring his love of the theater, and his true-life experience from acting in New York, and make his classrooms come alive. Prof. West is married to Susan Ericson-West, the Grant and Contract Administrator in the Office of Sponsored Projects and Research. His sons are Evan and James.

It has been requested that in lieu of flowers, gifts be made in memory of Mr. West to the New Hampshire Dance Institute, 29 Center Street, Keene, NH. or to the Vaughn West Program Fund in Theatre and Dance at Keene State College. Gifts may be made payable to Keene State College with “West Program Fund” noted on the memo line and mailed to Keene State College, 229 Main Street, MS 2701, Keene NH 03435. Calling hours, a time to gather and remember, are scheduled for Wednesday, May 23, from 5–7 p.m. at the Fletcher Funeral Home in Keene (33 Marlboro St., 603-352-4541).

If you knew Vaughn, please submit a comment. And make sure you read the wonderful, heartfelt comments others have left. And there are more on the KSC Facebook page.

In Memoriam: Dr. Bob Hawes

May 18, 2012Uncategorizedfaculty, obituary

Dr. Robert (Bob) Hawes, Professor Emeritus of Industrial Technology and Safety, passed away on Tuesday, May 15. Dr. Hawes began his career at KSC in 1969 and continued until his retirement in 1998. He involved his students through active engagement in the learning process, an approach well adapted to Industrial Technology. But it was his manner—always approachable, always respectful, and always knowledgeable—that drew students to him. Professor Hawes earned his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern in 1960 and a doctorate of education from Penn State in 1980. Assistant Professor of Modern Languages Dr. Stephen Hawes said that the family will be holding quiet family-centered services.

Dr. Ferrucci to Attend International Congress on Mathematical Education

May 18, 2012Uncategorizedfaculty

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

May 18, 2012Uncategorized

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

May 15, 2012UncategorizedAlumni achievers

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

May 14, 2012Uncategorizedfaculty

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

May 10, 2012Uncategorized

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

May 9, 2012UncategorizedStudent Standouts

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

May 9, 2012Uncategorizedvolunteer

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).

Parents: Join Our Outreach Opportunity!

May 9, 2012For Parents

For those parents who love their student’s KSC experience: Please consider joining a welcome party to share that enthusiasm with incoming students and their families. By making phone calls over the summer and sharing your positive experiences with other families, you’ll help them make the transition, and you’ll enhance their experience—before they even get here! 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

May 8, 2012UncategorizedGolden Circle

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?

May 2, 2012UncategorizedWhere'd I See That?

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

April 11, 2012Uncategorizedaward, Student Standouts, writing

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!

April 10, 2012For 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

April 10, 2012UncategorizedAlumni achievers, theatre

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.