Volume 37. Spring 2011

THEtorchTHEtorch

IN THIS ISSUE

Campus News

Faculty/Staff Kudos

Alumni News

Alumni Events

FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF ST. THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGE“A 2011 US NEWS & WORLD REPORT TOP TIER REGIONAL UNIVERSITY”

PRESIDENT’S REPORT

Dear Friends:

The campus is vibrant withchange as we continuallylook for new opportunitiesto serve our students andalumni.

Our faculty has addedseveral programs andreconfigured others to keepup with change in a fast

moving world. There is a new online 15credit Teacher Leadership Certificate atthe graduate level that can be taken byteachers in New York or New Guinea!

We've also added new majors, such asSports Management, and TherapeuticRecreation, and a new pre-law track inPhilosophy -- all part of more than 100different programs for our students. Youcan review all of our programs on ournewly designed web site.

We've got a new building on the way (seethe cover photo and the artists rendering)and are amidst a short renovation projectin Aquinas Village as we continuallyupgrade this residence complex.

We manage to keep our tuition costslower than nearly all of our competitors inthe region while building our quality as a2011 Top Tier Regional University,named by US News & World Report’sBest Colleges edition. We are thankful forthe support of our alumni and friends aswe make these changes with your inputand financial support.

Once the new building is completed andoccupied, Marian Hall, our oldest building,will be retired and eventually removed.We'll honor Marian Hall with a celebrationnext year and we would enjoy seeingmany of you back on campus to share inthe vision for our future!

You are all in our prayers,

Dr. Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C.President

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Scheduled to open this Fall, the Academic and Administrative Building will be astate-of-the-art professional building showcasing the Divisions of BusinessAdministration and Teacher Education. The Division faculties will be housed togetherto invigorate discussion and planning for future professional initiatives. Four multi-faceted, technologically sophisticated classrooms will enhance the teaching-learningexperience. A Professional Resource Center will provide scholarly material andequipment to support the pursuit of knowledge and practice. A comfortable lobbyand lounge will encourage the engagement of students and faculty and supportindividual and team study.

The Business and Human Resources’ offices will be conveniently situated for day-to-day transactions. The President, as well as several Vice Presidents and their staff,will be housed in this building.

Stop by for a visit this spring and watch as we “build on excellence” at the College.

STAC APPOINTS NEW TRUSTEES

BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE

Mr. John M. Azarian and Mr. Peter F. Skae were recently appointed to the College’sBoard of Trustees.

Mr. Azarian is the owner of The Azarian Group L.L.C., a shopping centermanagement and development company with 18 properties in the New York/NewJersey area. He is also the owner of Azarian Realty Co., a commercial real estatebrokerage firm. He has broad expertise in the areas of real estate management andhas written several articles for professional publications. He holds a B.S. in BusinessManagement from Farleigh Dickinson University and is an adjunct professor at St.Thomas. An avid supporter of education, he founded a scholarship fund, named forhis father, which awards grants to underprivileged college students of Armeniandecent. He is also an Advisory Board Member of the Center for Holocaust andGenocide Studies at Ramapo College, New Jersey. He currently resides in NewJersey with his family.

Mr. Skae is the founder of Skae Mission Critical/Skae Power Solutions head-quartered in Orangeburg, NY. The company, which began as a one-person operation,has developed into a nationally recognized organization for its design, commissioningand maintenance of critical systems for companies who work with delicate electronicequipment. He holds a B.E. in Electrical Engineering from Manhattan College. Mr.Skae has been a member or supporter of a wide variety of local clubs and civicgroups throughout Rockland County. Born and raised in Haverstraw, NY, hecurrently resides in Old Tappan, NJ with his family.

WelcomeSPRING 2011

The construction of the new building is part of our on-going CapitalCampaign. For information about donations and naming opportunities,

contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at 845-398-4045.

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Campus NewsSPRING 2011

As we begin construction of the new Academic and Administration building and say goodbye to Marian Hall, wewill be writing an on-going series of articles about our Alumni’s thoughts, feelings and experiences surroundingthe iconic building.

Recently three dynamic, witty, perceptive and fun loving women were interviewed about life at STAC in the latesixties. Nancy (Shea) Bramante ’69 and Patricia (Nelson) Tallman ’69 were two of the first lay students to resideon campus. Their first dorm was the Sister’s “sewing room,” a two story bungalow with sewing machines on thefirst floor and five makeshift bedrooms upstairs. They ate dinner in the convent and had Sister Anita Marie towatch over them.

In its earliest days, Marian Hall was still an infirmary for the Sisters, but in the Fall of 1967, the hall wasrefurbished to become a dormitory. Nancy and Pat moved in and the “Sparkill Hilton” as Marian Hall cameto be known, was never the same!

“Curfew was at 10 p.m. but we found a way around that!” remembered Pat, who retold the story of pushingtheir car silently down the driveway until out of sight of “mother-hen”, Sister Ann Theresa. “Once there, westarted our journey to Dairy Queen!”

Linda (Feniello) Weyrauch ‘70, a commuter student, would join in the fun. “Linda was always at Marian Hallwith us, thinking up ways to…well, we don’t want to give any wrong impressions! After all, studying and gettinggood grades was paramount in our minds.”

The dress code at the College was quite different in the sixties. While girls could wear pants in most areas of thedorm and in the rear yard, they were required to wear a skirt in class and in the front room of the dorm and thereception area.

“We have very fond memories of Marian Hall, St. Thomas Aquinas College and all our teachers. STAC gave usopportunities, direction, career, future, lifestyle, friends and good times,” commented the alumnae in a collectivevoice.

“We’ve just visited the campus and Marian Hall – what a difference from 1969! We encourage our fellowalumni to visit the campus, see all the exciting changes and share your memories of Marian Hall.”

member of the College’s Board ofTrustees since 2002 and is Chairman ofThe Structure Tone Organization.Colleen serves as an independentconsultant to Food Matters NYC assistingin developing customized nutrition andwellness plan for families. The Donaghysalso serve on numerous national and localcommunity organizations.

Sr. Maureen Bradshaw, O.P. ’78 was therecipient of the 2010 Founders Award.Sr. Maureen has been associated withThorpe Senior Center in Sparkill, NYsince it opened in 1975. She started asa volunteer and since 1978, has servedas Director, reaching out to all seniorsand their families, visiting those home-bound and in hospitals, and workingtirelessly to enhance the lives of eachperson she encounters.

Proceeds from the dinner will benefit theJames and Colleen Donaghy andDominican Sisters of Sparkill scholarshipfunds.

Approximately 300 family and friendsattended this year’s Annual TributeDinner on October 15, 2010 at theHilton Pearl River, which featured theawarding of the College’s two most pres-tigious awards.

James and Colleen Donaghy received the2010 Aquinas Medal. Jim has been a

REMEMBERING MARIAN HALL

ANNUAL TRIBUTE DINNER HONORS JAMES & COLLEEN DONAGHY, SR. MAUREEN BRADSHAW

Nancy Bramante, ‘69

Patricia Tallman, ‘69

Linda Weyrauch, ‘70

James and Colleen Donaghyreceiving the 2010 Aquinas Medal

Sr. Maureen Bradshaw, O.P., receiving the 2010 Founders Award

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Campus NewsST. THOMAS AQUINAS COLLEGE’S PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL

Phillip C. Landrigan, EsqElizabeth B. Lavin ’78Michael LaValleyRobert Lem ‘81Dr. Barry LewisPhilip R. LiebmanBill Madden ’81Robert Maestri ’90Marie ManningMichael J. Monahan ’74Bernard J. Nicolosi ’86Rudy Nolfo ’98Daniel O’Kane, Jr. ’79James C. PattersonHarold J. PetersonMatthew RandDonna G. RileyDr. Jose RodriguezJames Schneider ‘86Leslie SkaeLeon Steinberg ‘81Peter Unanue ’90Richard D. VillariJohn R. Viviani ’96Barbara Wallenstein ‘90Brig. Gen. Robert Winzinger

demand excellence and they receive it!”commented Howard, who serves asChairman.

“It is critical for a company to give backand to make the community a betterplace,” he continued. “Philanthropy isjust plain good business and makes sense!There is no greater pleasure than helpingan organization or institution in the greatwork that they do.”

Howard Hellman and All Bright Electrichave made an immense difference forcountless not-for-profits, including St.Thomas Aquinas College.

SPRING 2011

The President’s Council is a dynamic andtalented group of alumni, businessprofessionals and community leaders whoprovide thoughtful counsel and leadershipto help St. Thomas Aquinas College fulfillits educational mission.

This is a group of outstanding individualsin the local community who give of theirtime, expertise, talent and energy to aCollege that they want to see succeed forgenerations to come.

The President’s Council functions underthe guidance and leadership of Dr.Fitzpatrick, in conjunction with the VicePresident of Institutional Advancement,to endorse and support the College’smission, to advise on and to implementfundraising goals and objectives, to promote and develop awareness of theCollege and its programs, and, each year,to lead and drive the College’s golftournament whose proceeds benefitstudent scholarships.

It is a great pleasure to introduce our2010-2011 President’s Council members:

Vincent AbbatecolaJoseph Allen Scott BairdDr. Robert Baumgartner ’80Beth BleckerFrank Borelli, Jr.James Bovino’99Daniel M. CastrillonThomas CollinsDr. Robert M. Conenello, DPMTimothy P. Connolly ’75Stephen DeGroat ’76Vincent DeLucia ’87Anthony DiPillaKen DonnMary L. Duffy ’82Lauréne Gros-DaillonJames Hanley ’79Br. Michael J. Harlan, OFM ’78Donald H. Hazelton, Esq.Howard HellmanLynn Kerrigan ’93George Kopac

Howard’s parents have been a majorinfluence in his life. “Saying what youmean, meaning what you say and returning every phone call before end ofthe business day” is something helearned from his parents and some keybusiness colleagues he’s met along theway. These key traits have moldedHoward’s successful career and business,All Bright Electric, which he founded in1969. All Bright Electric is a recognizedleader in the electrical industry. Theirphilosophy is to provide the finest qualitywork at the most competitive cost to itscustomers.

“The company prides itself in completingevery project, no matter how demanding,on time and within budget. We do it rightthe first time. All Bright Electric and itstalented, dynamic team are committed toquality, performance and professionalism.Our client list, both residential andcommercial, speaks for itself – our clients

SPOTLIGHT ON: HOWARD HELLMAN, PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL MEMBER

Passionate, loyal,intense commitmentto integrity andexcellence, makes adifference, astute,witty, smart, funny,down to earth –these are just a fewphrases that describe

Howard Hellman.

A member of the College’s President’sCouncil, Howard gives his time, expertise,talent and energy to steer the Collegetoward a successful future. He lives hislife by the mantra “to get up each dayand do a little bit better than the daybefore – knowing that for every person Imeet each day I can make a difference intheir lives, shaping that person andadding another layer to them. Conversely,each person I meet adds a dimension tome both personally and professionally.From everyone I meet I learn somethingvaluable.”

Howard Hellman

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Campus NewsSPRING 2011

REFLECTIONS FROM AN HONORS PROGRAM GRADUATE

The program required a seriouscommitment to my studies and thecourses challenged me to reach evenfarther than I had tried before. I enjoyedthe challenges and was inspired by thefaculty who guided me through the rigorsof the program.

As I look back on my days at STAC, Itruly appreciate the opportunity to havebeen a student at such a wonderfulinstitution. The Honor's Scholarshiphelped me attend college and preparedme to achieve my dreams. As a believerin charity and being thankful for what weare given, I am inspired to give back andsupport future students in their academicendeavors. I can't pay it back, so I willpay it forward!

I encourage other Honors Programgraduates to invest in future STACstudents and give them the opportunityto reach their dreams. Come back for avisit to see the growth or join us at analumni event and reconnect with yourSTAC Family! We'll always be Spartansat heart.

~ Sandra (Hughes) Wirchansky '95

When I was a student at STAC, I knew Iwas in a good place. My professors werepassionate about their subjects andsupported my learning by challenging myideas and encouraging me to do more.But, it wasn't until recently that I trulybegan to reflect on my time at STAC andunderstand the gravity of the gift I wasgiven.

I was always a "B" student and my parentsthought that was great. It wasn't untilhigh school that I realized that I could dobetter. I started to study more and pushmyself to extend my thinking beyondwhat was expected and was invited tojoin the National Honor Society. It was amoment that made me so proud ofmyself and my accomplishments.

When the day came to begin theinduction process, I made one of thebiggest mistakes of my life. Walking intothe library where the other Honorsstudents were waiting, I was overcomewith an intense feeling of insecurity. I feltout of my league. I didn't belong there.I turned around and walked out.

When graduation day arrived, I realizedthe gravity of my mistake. As the otherHonors students proceeded down thewalkway, with such pride and joy, Inoticed the Honor Society medals theywore around their necks. I felt a terriblepang of sadness and disappointment. Ididn't have the medal that I had earnedbecause I gave up on myself and walkedout on my chance to be recognized formy academic achievements.

My redemption came in the form of ascholarship to attend St. ThomasAquinas College's Honors Program. Lifegave me a second chance to prove that Iwas worthy of academic recognition.

Sandra Wirchansky, ‘95

VERIZON, MAJOR CORPORATE SPONSOR OF LITERACY EXTRAVAGANZA

St. Thomas Aquinas College hosts an Annual Rockland LiteracyExtravaganza under the direction of Dr. Michael Shaw, Professorof Education and in collaboration with the Rockland Teacher’sCenter Institute. Major corporate underwriting for the event wasprovided by Verizon through a $5,000 grant for the Fall event.

Verizon believes in supporting the communities in which theylive, work and do business, and focuses their corporate socialresponsibility toward education and programs that have a proventrack record of success. John Butler, Verizon’s Director ofGovernment & External Affairs, who recently retired, stated,“Literacy is the bridge to understanding cultures, habits and ideasthat students can benefit from and apply in life’s journey.”

This year’s Extravaganza’s theme “Transformational Teaching ofReading and Writing for 21st Century Literacy Success” focusedon using technology to support motivation, engagement andlearning. The professional development conference was awonderful success that offered more than 20 workshops acrossthe literacy curriculum for educators, future educators, andlibrarians including two workshops on using Verizon’s Thinkfinitywebsite. In addition, the conference featured two nationallyrecognized keynote speakers, Pam Allyn, Executive Director ofLitLife and LitWorld and Patricia Vitale-Reilly, President of Litlife,

Westchester. Over 250 teachers and students attend theconference annually.

Other event co-sponsors were Rockland Teachers’ CenterInstitute, Rockland Reading Council, Palisades Association for theEducation of Young Children, Rockland 21st Century Collaborativefor Children and Youth, William Paterson University, TeacherInstitute of Mamaroneck, Mid-Hudson Teacher Center, EastRamapo Teachers’ Center, and Nyack Teachers’ Center.

Dr. Michael Shaw receiving $5,000 grant from John Butler of Verizon

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Campus NewsSPRING 2011

CALLING ALL GOLFERS TO STAC’S 39TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNEY!!

Chris LaMantia – Schultz Ford LincolnMercury

Alex Marsiglio – Prestige BMW

The 2010 Results are in…Men’s Low Gross Champion:

Christopher Fitzpatrick Ladies Low Gross Champion:

Christine MarkhamMen’s 1st Low Net: Scott DonahueLadies 1st Low Net: Margaret FitzpatrickMen’s Longest Drive: Christopher

FitzpatrickLadies Longest Drive: Sandy HelmerMen’s Straightest Drive: Bill Mooney, IIILadies Straightest Drive: Madelyn Medici

Nearest to the Pin: George Cook (Hole #2), Mark Spano (Hole #10),

Christopher Fitzpatrick (Hole #8) andEugene Winters, ’82 (Hole #15).

Alumni Division Champions: MichaelMonahan ’74 and Soky Winters ’82

We invite you to “Champion” a goodcause and have great fun at the sametime. We look forward to seeing youon June 6, 2011! For moreinformation, please contact Judy Perrin,Director of Development at 845-398-4045 or jperrin@stac.edu.

Can you beat Soky Winters ’82 and MikeMonahan ’74 as they defend theirAlumni Division Championship titles?

Join us, on Monday, June 6, 2011 forour 39th Annual President’s CouncilBenefit Golf Tournament at theRockland Country Club.

It is never too early to sign on as atournament partner & sponsor, or toregister a foursome, twosome or as asingle player!

We extend a heartfelt thank you to allour sponsors, car dealership partners,silent auction partners and our manywonderful and generous participants andvolunteers who supported the 38thAnnual Tournament this past June:

38th Annual Tournament MajorSponsors:President’s Partnership: CapgeminiPresident’s Tournament Reception:

Dr. Charles and Pat Poggi & ThePoggi Press, Inc.

President’s Tournament Reception:Dr. James Mooney and VirginMedia, Inc.

President’s Brunch:Donald Hazelton & Friends

Green’s Fee’s: GOYA FoodsGolfer’s Duffel Totes: Liberty Mutual

Insurance

Golf Balls: Phillip C. Landrigan, Esq. &McCarthy Fingar, LLP

Golf Balls: TD BankGolf Shirts: Provident Bank18 Tournament Flagsticks: Dr. James &

Gloria Costello Golf Carts: Anthony DiPilla & Quality

Communications Inc.Halfway House: Dave Wemmer ’82 &

Korn Rosenbaum, LLPTournament Beverages: Aramark, Inc.Tournament Beverages: Vincent

Abbatecola & Abbey Ice & SpringWater Co.

Tournament Beverages: GOYA Foods

Hole-in-One Prize Dealership Partners:Sponsorship is a “win- win” situationfor local car dealerships – they get thebenefit of promoting their dealershipbefore 250 people and the opportunityto sell a car – in fact a Volkswagen gotsold right on the golf course – and St.Thomas benefits from the excitementand drama surrounding four premiumautomotive prizes on the course! Thankyou to our participating sponsors!

Art Leiberman – All American Ford Mercedes Benz of Nanuet

John Nahass – Palisades Volkswagen Scott Senior – Three County Volkswagen

The men’s baseball team has won theconference and competed nationally at avery high level under head coach T. ScottMuscat and players have been signed inthe MLB draft.

The women’s softball team, under headcoach Barbara Vano, continues to play acompetitive schedule and travels eachspring to play southern teams.

The women’s lacrosse team starts a newseason under new head coach MikeLooney this spring.

Club sports are also on the rise withteams in bowling, ice hockey, equestrian,cheer-leading, dance, men’s soccer andwomen’s soccer. Several teams andindividuals have been honored for theiraccomplishments on the playing field,and in the classroom! Visit our athleticweb page for a complete schedule andfeature stories on our student athletes.

and moved into the national rankings andindividuals competed for national titlesunder coaches Lou Maturo, LorneMarcus and Andrew Gangemi. Thewomen’s basketball team rose in therankings while winning the regular sea-son East Coast Conference title undercoach Kim Lusk. Coach DennisO’Donnell continues to lead the Spartansin a very competitive conference.

The men’s tennis team has flourishedunder head coach Phil Baboulis and hasbeen noted in the rankings, while thewomen’s team has also continued to winunder coach Ronnie Horn.

The men’s golf team has won severalconference championships, been nation-ally ranked, and competed at the nationaltournament under head coach StephenFerrara.

EXCELLENCE ON THE PLAYING FIELD!

The St. Thomas Aquinas CollegeSpartans represent so much to ourstudents and our alumni as they competein over 350 contests annually in 16different NCAA Division II sports.

Our cross country teams run faster thanmost of our competition and thewomen’s team won the East CoastConference Championship for the firsttime and competed nationally beforeending their season with a high rankingunder head coach Nicole Ballou.

The men’s and women’s soccer teamswill both be coached by Graham Brownthis year and our men’s team won theirregular season conference title and endedthe season with a high ranking.

Our indoor and outdoor track & fieldteams put incredible times on the board

SPRING 2011Campus News

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MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION

St. Thomas Aquinas College offers existing teachers the opportunity to advance theircareers in a number of degree areas. The National Council on Accreditation of TeacherEducation programs (NCATE) has accredited our undergraduate and graduate educationprograms. We are proud to offer the following options for existing teachers:

• Advanced Certificate In Teacher Leadership (online)

• MSEd Educational Leadership (School Building Leader)

• MSEd Special Education (Grades 1-6)

• MSEd Special Education (Grades 7-12)

• MSEd Literacy Education (Birth - Grade 6)

• MSEd Literacy Education (Grades 5-12)

• Post Masters Professional Certificate in Literacy

• Post Masters Professional Certificate in Special Education

BECOMING A TEACHER AT THE MASTERS LEVEL

As Laura Woolgar (shown above) prepared to finish her undergraduate degree in May2007, she knew she wanted to find the best teacher education program to prepare herfor her future career. Her search led her to the Master of Science in Teaching programat St. Thomas Aquinas College. After meeting with Dr. Joan Beairsto, O.P., Director ofthe M.S.T. program, and speaking with M.S.T. graduates, she felt that the St. Thomasprogram was the perfect fit for her. Although she knew it would be a challenge, shewas ready for it.

St. Thomas’ M.S.T. program is for students who hold an undergraduate degree in amajor other than teacher education, but would now like to pursue a career in teachingat the elementary or secondary level. Laura concentrated in childhood and specialeducation.

By the end of her experience, Laura felt the program taught her how to become awell-rounded and knowledgeable educator.

ONLINE ADVANCEDCERTIFICATE IN

TEACHER LEADERSHIP

As a busy educator, you can takeadvantage of the virtual classroomsat St. Thomas Aquinas College tobecome a recognized leader inyour field. This 15-credit programwill provide you with thecredentials to pursue positions asa teacher leader including gradelevel leader, team leader,department coordinator oracademic coach. Courses areoffered online and all 15 creditswill be applied toward the MSEdin Educational Leadership, shouldyou decide to continue from acertificate to a degree—it’s yourchoice!

The program is divided into 5courses, 3 credits each, comprisedof 8 Learning Modules per course.Once the program is completed acertificate will be issued by St.Thomas Aquinas College.

SIGN UP FORYOUR PERSONAL GRAD ED INFOSESSION TODAY!845 398 4100

THEtorchSpring 2011

Campus NewsSPRING 2011

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ONLINE MBA OFFERED!St. Thomas Aquinas College offers its Master of Business Administration degreecompletely online! Busy professionals around the globe can take advantage of thevirtual classrooms at St. Thomas Aquinas College.

Participants in the Online MBA program can earn an MBA degree with a generalconcentration in as few as 33 credits. The program requires a total of 57 credits, butmany students earn up to 24 course waiver credits based on previous undergraduate orgraduate credits and may complete the program in one year on a full-time basis.

MBA PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMWe’ve partnered with numerouscompanies and organizations for a specialbenefit! The Online MBA PartnerProgram enables employees or membersto receive a discount on tuition. Ask yourhuman resources department if you’reeligible, or register your company today!

Also, in recognition of the service providedby our Government employees at thelocal, state, or federal level, students whoare employed by the government at oneof the designated levels, can receive theMBA Partnership discount of 15% offtheir tuition.

The following is a sampling of companieswho have signed on as MBA Partners.Their employees are eligible for a 15%discount off of the St. Thomas AquinasCollege MBA tuition. Employees who areSt. Thomas Aquinas College alumni areeligible for a 20% discount:

Companies interested inbecoming an MBA Partnermay contact the MBAoffice at 845.398.4130.

ONLINE, ON CAMPUS, OR HYBRID: YOU CHOOSE!

St. Thomas offers a classroom based Master of Business Administration degree programfor graduate students with classes offered entirely on weekends. Both the online andtraditional MBA programs are split into four, nine-week sessions providing students withthe opportunity to sign up for a new session in September, December, March and June.Students can take courses online or in the classroom in order to complete their requiredcredits. “Many students find the hybrid works for them. Taking an online class and anon-campus class offers a good blend of efficiency and interaction.” said Vin Crapanzano,Vice President at STAC and a graduate of the MBA program.

All Bright ElectricAquinas High School The Azarian Group, LLC A&T HealthcareThe Brazilian American Chamber CapgeminiCSF Engineering, PE Ferguson and Cohen, LLP Marsh McLennan CompaniesProvident Bank Quality CommunicationsRand Commercial Realty The Ridgewood Savings BankTilcon New YorkSunshine Homecare Services Virgin Media, Inc.

SIGN UP FOR YOUR PERSONALMBA INFO SESSION TODAY!

845 398 4100

9 www.stac.edu

Faculty/Staff KudosSPRING 2011

Dr. Augusto Casas, AssociateProfessor of Computer Science, presentedin October his paper “Factors DeterminingAttitudes toward the Use of Technologyto Plan for Retirement: An EmpiricalAnalysis” at the 2010 meeting ofAcademy of Financial Service in Denver,CO. In July, he served in a review panelfor the National Science Foundation'sTransforming Undergraduate Educationin Science, Technology, Engineering, andMathematics (TUES) program inWashington DC.

Bridget Clark ’04, Associate Director,Enrollment Marketing of CampusCommunications, was honored inOctober as one of Rockland County’sdynamic “Forty Under 40” individuals.The annual event is sponsored by TheJournal News and the RocklandEconomic Development Corporation andwas held at the Hilton Pearl River.

Kevin P. Duignan '75, MBA '06,Vice President for InstitutionalAdvancement, was inducted into the AllHallows High School Alumni Hall ofFame at the All Hallows' President'sDinner ceremonies at the Union LeagueClub in Manhattan in October. Kevin isa 1969 graduate of All Hallows and acurrent member of the school's Boardof Directors.

In November, Kevin was the recipient ofthe 2010 Outstanding FundraisingProfessional award at the RocklandDevelopment Council’s 11th AnnualPhilanthropy Day Breakfast at theDellwood Country Club in New City.

Dr. Craig Martin, Assistant Professorof Religious Studies, signed a contract forhis second book, a volume on the conceptof 'religious experience,' which he isco-editing with a senior scholar in thefield of religious studies. In addition, hesigned a contract for his third book, anintroductory text titled A CriticalIntroduction to the Study of Religion.Both books will appear from EquinoxPublishing.

Dr. Martin and Rachel Golland, Directorof the Writing Program and VisitingInstructor of English, were voted FacultyMembers of the Year for the 2009-10academic year by the College’s StudentGovernment Association.

Gerald McCarthy, Professor of English,presented a paper on Hurt in WilliamGrimes’s The Life of William Grimes,The Runaway Slave at the Fall conferenceof the New York State College EnglishAssociation at St. John Fisher College inRochester, NY. In November, he was aVisiting Writer at Michigan StateUniversity’s Residential College in TheArts and Humanities; he led discussionsin several classes and gave a reading ofhis poetry.

Dr. Michael Murray, Instructional,Reference & Programming Librarian,presented in October the paper,"Intellectual Formality and Curiosity:Teaching Folklore in the WritingClassroom," as part of a panel on"Folklore, Disciplinarity, andUndergraduate Education" at the 2010American Folklore Society AnnualMeeting in Nashville, TN. He wasappointed a reviewer for Choice:Current Reviews for AcademicLibraries, which provides academiclibrarians and researchers with invaluablereviews of new scholarly books and elec-tronic resources.

Dr. Charles O'Neill, Professor ofEnglish, gave a talk on James Joyce'sUlysses for STAC's Banned Book eventin September. In addition, he delivered atalk entitled "Renewable Resources: TheEcopoetry of Eamon Grennan" at theannual meeting of the Mid-AtlanticAmerican Conference for Irish Studies inOctober.

Rabbi Daniel Pernick, JewishChaplain, and his wife Ruth Pernick,were honored in November by Beth AmTemple in Pearl River for their 25 yearsof service to the Temple and the commu-nity. Rabbi Pernick is also serving histhird term as president of the Pearl RiverInterfaith Council.

William M. Prior, Associate Professorof Communication Arts, and his son,William J. Prior completed a documen-tary We Remember about Prof. Prior’strip with the Nam Knights to the VietnamWar Memorial in Washington, DC. Thetwo-hour film was shown on campus onNovember 11 as part of a Veteran's Daycommemoration.

Dr. Carl Rattner, Professor of Art, hadthree of his sculptural works -- Embed,Embrace and Bubble -- featured in theJune VCS Gay Pride Rockland Exhibit.Dr. Rattner also had two works, In theDesert and Robes, on display at theTheresa Maloney Gallery of the College

Dr. Augusto Cassas

Dr. Craig Martin

Gerald McCarthy

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Faculty/Staff KudosSPRING 2011

communicate with genuine love.” Previous publications include Sick andTired of Feeling Sick and Tired (W.W.Norton, 1992, 2000) and Are YouReally Listening (Sorin 2005) co-authored with Paul J. Donaghue. Maryreceived her Masters and Doctorate fromthe Graduate School of Education atFordham University.

'78Brother Michael Ramos (B.S.,Mathematics) recently moved fromBrooklyn, New York to Jamaica Plain,Massachusetts. Brother Michael iscurrently a seminarian with the CapuchinFranciscans and has moved to theorganization’s house of study in Bostontemporarily. While in Boston, BrotherMichael will be studying philosophy andtheology at Boston College. He hopes tobe ordained in 3 years.

'79Mark Romano (B.S., Social Sciences)was recently featured on the OutdoorChannel with former Miss USA, KimberlyPressler, the host of Truck Academy.Mark assures us that it was, “all in theline of duty.”

'80Tom Kaechele (B.S., Criminal Justice) iscurrently the Director of Athletics/PhysicalEducation/Health and Drivers Educationat Northern Valley Regional High Schoolat Old Tappan, New Jersey (NVOT). Tomreceived his B.S. at STAC and his M.A atJersey City State University. DirectorKaechele recently paid a visit to his AlmaMater and spoke to Sport Managementmajors about the career choices he hasmade and the importance of networking.

Carl Rattner cont.of St. Elizabeth. Finally, Dr. Rattner'swork Then and Now, a sculptural chair,was displayed at the Rockland HistoricalSociety's exhibit, Through Your Eyes.

Dr. Michael Shaw, Professor ofEducation, was interviewed by NBC NewYork’s Darlene Rodriguez in Septemberas part of NBC’s “Education Nation,” aspecial week long series that focused onteachers who made a lifelong impact onstudents. Dr. Shaw was Darlene’s 4thgrade writing teacher at P.S. 108 inBronx, NY. She credits him for inspiringa love for reading and writing that led herto get her degree in journalism fromNYU and her success as a news anchor.

Dr. Shaw was reappointed as a memberof the Editorial Board of The ReadingTeacher, a professional journal of TheInternational Reading Association. Healso presented a session at the 2010Annual Conference of the InternationalReading Association entitled, "Reachingand Teaching Thoughtful Literacy:Increasing Motivation, Engagement, andAchievement."

NEW FACULTY/STAFF

- Rita Holmes, Advisor/Coordinator,West Point Program

- Dr. Michael Murray, Instructional,Reference & Programming Librarian

- Michael Viohl, Security Officer

Dr. Carl Rattner

Dr. Michael Shaw

Alumni NewsCompiled by Joanne Favata. See page 12 for submission information

'73Karen Dunn Randell (B.S., SocialScience) after graduating from STAC,went on to Rutgers University where shereceived her M.S.N.. Karen is currently afamily nurse practitioner at NorthernValley Anesthesiology. She is the motherof two children, Jared Randall andLauren Randall-Hegyi. Karen sends herbest to everyone at STAC and is veryappreciative of the firm foundation STACprovided for her lifelong journey oflearning.

'77Dr. Mary E. Siegel (B.A., English) hasauthored a new book entitled, We ReallyNeed to Talk (Sorin, 2010). Nobel Prizewinner Archbishop Desmond Tutu writesof the book, “It requires courage to behonest, but it also requires skill. Dr.Donoghue and Siegel teach in a deeplyhuman way the skills needed to

11 www.stac.edu

Alumni NewsSPRING 2011

Bernard ‘86 and Eve Nicolosi Joanne Ciriello’83

'83Joanne (Will) Ciriello (B.A., English) isenjoying her 5th academic year at WayneValley High School in Wayne, NJ. Shepreviously served in administration atWilliam Patterson College before movingto Montclair State University to teachadult learners. Joanne is happy to helpHigh School students choose the paththat’s right for them. She is married toPeter Ciriello and the couple has twochildren, Colleen, a college freshman andKerri Anne,, a junior at Pompton LakesHigh School in New Jersey.

'84Lynn Ramsay Lintner (B.S., ElementaryEducation) her husband, Jim, currentlyreside in Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey.They have three sons, Don, 22; Kevin,21; and Brandon, 18. Lynn has been a3rd grade teacher for the Barnegat Boardof Education since 1986.

'86Bernard J. Nicolosi (B.S., SocialScience) and his wife Eve recently cele-brated their 60th wedding anniversary.Friends and family from across the coun-try joined Bernie and Eve in celebratingthis momentous event. Bernie is a 2006Hall of Fame recipient and a long stand-ing member of our President's Council.Congratulations, Bernie and Eve.

'91Tammy Haladas Kelley (B.S., Ed.,Elementary Education; B.S., Psychology)has been teaching as an adjunct instruc-tor of psychology for the last six years atthe College of Albermale and was recent-ly hired as a full time psychology instruc-tor. She also teaches general and developmental psychology. Tammyearned her Masters of Arts in PsychologicalServices from Marymount University inArlington, Virginia. She resides inMoyock, North Carolina near the OuterBanks. She has been married for 13years to husband James and the couplehas two children, Connor, 8; and Erin, 4.

‘97Craig Zucker (B.S., Social Sciences)after receiving more than 60% of thevote, was elected to a four-year term inthe Maryland House of Delegates onNovember 2, 2010. Craig will berepresenting 112,000 people within hislegislative district along with two otherpeople, which is majority of the northeastern portion of Montgomery County.

'98Raymond Neubauer, CPA (B.S.,Accounting) was recently promoted topartner in the firm of Goldstein,Karlewicz & Goldstein, LLP, a full servicecertified public accounting and consultingfirm with offices in Chestnut Ridge,Newburgh and Poughkeepsie. Their web-site is www.gkgcpa.com.

'98 & ‘00Erica Kelly (B.S., Social Science; M.S.Ed.)resides in Edgewood, Maryland where sheteaches history at Joppatowne HighSchool. She is currently the assistant coachof the 2010 Maryland State Championgirls’ basketball team. This fall she plansto begin an Administration andSupervision program.

'99Marvin L. Hill (B.S., Liberal Arts &Sciences). He is currently enlisted in theUnited States Army as a Sergeant Major.The army has identified him as a U.S.Central Command Senior EnlistedAdvisor.

‘04Ryan O’Gorman (B.S., Psychology) wasrecently promoted to Director of ResidenceLife at Dominican College. He will alsobe overseeing the management of threeon-campus residence halls and one off-campus residence hall. Ryan is on theBoard of Advisors for the RocklandCounty Unit of the American CancerSociety and co-chair of Rockland CountyCollege Relay for Life. Ryan graduatedfrom Leadership Rockland in 2009, andwas the recipient of the 2006 REDC’sForty under 40 Award.

'09Noreen Sansun Russini (M.S.Ed.,Special Education for Grades 1-6) hasjoined the staff of professional salesassociates at Friedberg Properties. She isalso a speech teacher for students withspecial needs, as well as a member of theCouncil for Exceptional Children. Noreenreceived her B.S. in Speech Pathologyfrom Ithaca College.

Compiled by Joanne Favata. See page 10 for submission information

THEtorchSpring 2011

'98Dina Marie Pungello Sherwood (B.S.,Business Administration) was recentlymarried to Robert Sherwood.

'07Erin Kathleen Mulrenan Berthold(M.S.T.) received her B.A. in DigitalMedia from Marist College. She wasrecently married to Matthew Berthold atSt. Stephen’s Church in Warwick, NewYork. Erin teaches Math and GraphicDesign at Woodhouse Academy inMilford, Connecticut. She is also aZumba instructor.

Committments Class of 2032

'06 & ‘08Danielle (Fitzgerald) Cassidy (B.S.Ed.,Childhood Education; M.S.Ed., Literacy)and husband Shaun welcomed theirdaughter Megan Elizabeth on January29, 2011. She joins her siblings Kayleighand Shaun. The family resides in UpperNyack, NY.

'05Lauren (Menscher) Calcaterra (B.A.,English; M.S.T., Literacy) and husbandJustin welcomed their first son BenjaminMatthew on January 20, 2011. The family resides in Pearl River, NY.

'04Jonathan and Bridget (Fenton) Clarkcelebrated the birth of their daughter Madeline Elizabeth on February 11, 2011(just one month after her cousin Ryan). Bridget serves as associate director ofenrollment marketing and campus communications at the College. Jonathanis the morning drive producer for WCBS 880AM.

'01Christopher (B.S., History) and Nichole(Hakanson) Clark (B.S., BusinessAdministration) welcomed their son RyanChristopher Clark on January 20, 2011.He joins big sister Kaitlyn Rose. Thefamily resides in Yonkers, NY.

'97Adam Schiff (B.S., Accounting, M.B.A.,Finance) and wife, Stacey welcomed theirdaughter Riley Cooper on March 17,2010. The family currently resides inHartsdale, N.Y.

Riley Cooper

Ryan Christopher Clark

Madeline Elizabeth Clark

Benjamin MatthewCalcaterra

Megan Elizabeth Cassidy

ATTENTION ALUMNI

Photos and announcements forweddings, births or professionaladvancements should be submittedto the Office of Alumni Relations[alumni@stac.edu] within one yearof the event.

To have your photo submitted forpublication, it must meet theseminimum requirements:• Photos must be in color• We can only accept digital

photos. The original must be aat least 11 inches by 12 inchesor larger.

Alumni NewsSPRING 2011

12 www.stac.edu

THEtorchSpring 2011

Alumni NewsSPRING 2011

13 www.stac.edu

January 28, 2011, was the Feast Day of St. Thomas Aquinas and more than 300members of the STAC Community gathered to honor the best of the best. While finefood was being served, alumni rekindled their relationships and enjoyed reminiscingabout the old days in Marian Hall or Aquinas Village and of course they chuckled withformer professors and thanked them for the education they received at STAC.

As each of the honorees received their award, two pictures appeared on large screensbehind them. One from their days at STAC and another of them “today.”

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INDUCTS NEW HALL OF FAME MEMBERS

biology labs, TV studio and nationaltraveling exhibit on Abraham Lincoln,on display in the Lougheed Library.

New board officials were elected intooffice; President, Barbara Wallenstein’90, Vice President, James Russell ‘99and Secretary, Cassandra Farrell ’07.Congratulations to the Alumni Boardon such a valuable and dynamic day.

St. Thomas Aquinas College inductedeleven new members into the College’sAlumni Hall of Fame. Pictured here,front row from left to right; Ray andEileen Farrell, ’82, Dr. MargaretFitzpatrick, President of St. ThomasAquinas College, Mrs. Betty Lem,accepting the award on behalf of her sonWesley Lem, ‘77, James Russell, ‘99,and Jim Patterson, accepting the SpartanAward for The Rockland Country ClubFoundation. In the back row, from left toright; Michael Monahan, ‘74, SpartanAward recipient, John Vetta, representingthe International Brotherhood ofElectrical Workers Union Local #363,Robert Lem, ’81, Edward Lem ’86, andDaniel O’Kane, ’79. Not pictured is Sr.Eileen Barrow, ’61 who was inducted butnot able to attend.

Don’t miss next year’s Hall of Fameevent on Friday, January 27, 2012!

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CONDUCTS BOARD RETREAT - NEW ALUMNI BOARD OFFICIALS ELECTED

More than 40 members of the STACcommunity participated in an AlumniBoard Retreat in October, 2010 on theSparkill campus.

The day began with an address deliveredby Dr. Margaret Fitzpatrick to membersof the Board of Trustees, Cabinet,President’s Council, Alumni AssociationBoard and current students. Guestspeakers included Associate VicePresident, Victor Ramos, of St John’sUniversity and Donald Riley, a memberof the College’s Board of Trustees.

Attendees divided into discussion groupsto explore topics such as student reten-tion, fundraising, academic affairs andstudent life. Alumni Association boardmembers took a full day to explore waysin which they could positively affect thebusiness objectives of the College.

The day’s agenda included a tour of thecampus to further appreciate the new

Dr. Barbara Klein, Dean of InstitutionalAssessment, leads group discussion on the

importance of evaluating our efforts.

The day-long retreat began with a paneldiscussion lead by Board of Trustee member

Donald Riley (far left)

SPRING 2011

14 www.stac.edu

For a listing of all campus eventsvisit our online calendar at www.stac.edu

APRIL

4 Thru 5/6AMAG Student Art Exhibit

845-398-4195

6 Annual Career Fair11:30AM-3:00PMAlumni Welcome!Career Services 845-398-4065

9 Defensive DrivingMcNelis Commons PDR8:00AM-4:00PMAlumni 845-398-4284

12 The Friends of the Library Series:Author Jan CheripkoLougheed Library, 4:00PM845-398-4220

16 5th Annual Bowling For Justin2:00PM-5:00PMHi Tor Lanes, Haverstraw, NYAlumni 845-398-4284

20 Life After STACStudent/Alumni DinnerMia Cucina Restaurant, 6:00PM845-398-4065

29 Alumni Weekend EventBBQ at McNelis Commons8:00PM – Midnight

30 Alumni Weekend EventYankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays Yankee Stadium 4:05PM

30 Undergrad Open House11:00AM-3:00PMAdmissions 845-398-4100

MAY

1 Alumni Weekend EventBroadway Matinees 2PMThe Lion King OR The Addams Family — Your Choice!

7 Baccalaureate MassSacred Heart Chapel, 4:00PM

11 Alumni Board MeetingAlumni Conference Room,Upper Level of Romano Center6:30PM

13 52nd Commencement Ceremony2:00 PM

JUNE

6 39th Annual Golf TournamentRockland Country Club

OCTOBER

14 Annual Tribute DinnerPearl River Hilton, 7:00PMAdvancement 845-398-4020

16 Undergrad Open House11:00AM-3:00PMAdmissions 845-398-4100

NOVEMBER

TBD 4th Annual Alumni FallHomecoming EventAlumni Affairs 845-398-4284

12 Undergrad Open House11:00AM-3:00PMAdmissions 845-398-4100

JANUARY 2012

27 15th Annual St. Thomas Aquinas College Hall of Fame & Reunion DinnerAdvancement 845-398-4020

Alumni Calendar of Events

On the cover:The new building under construction inMarch 2011. Photo by Kaitlyn Decker.

THE MAGAZINE OFSt. Thomas Aquinas College

(845) 398-4020

Vol. 37, Spring 2011

Dr. Margaret M. Fitzpatrick, S.C.President

Lanny CohenChairman, Board of Trustees

Editorial StaffJoanne Favata - Alumni NewsLois Jungman - Faculty News

Contributing WritersBridget F. ClarkVin Crapanzano

Kaitlyn Decker '10Judith Perrin

Some photos in this issue courtesy of:

Terry Lynch, Studio Eleven

Design - Universal Marketing, LLC

THEtorch

15 www.stac.edu

SPRING 2011Your News

WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU!Below is an opportunity to share your news with us. Use the envelope in this edition of The Torch to mail thiscoupon back to us, or fax it to The Torch at (845) 359-8136. Need more space? Send us an email with yourupdates to alumni@stac.edu. Photographs are welcome (jpeg format preferred).

What’s new with you?

■ Moving ■ New Job/Promotion ■ Engagement/Marriage ■ Birth Announcement

Name: ________________________________________________________________Graduation Year:_________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________

City:_________________________________________________State:___________________________Zip:______________

How would you like us to contact you?

■ E-mail Address (required): ___________________________________________________________________________

■ Home Phone: ( ) ___________________________ ■ Work Phone: ( ) _____________________________

Have an idea for The Torch? We’d like to hear your suggestions. Please call us at (845) 398-4020 or e-mail yourideas to alumni@stac.edu

3RD ANNUAL FALL HOMECOMING — U.S. MILITARY ACADEMY AT WEST POINT A record number of STAC Alumni & Family tailgate on the majestic Hudson River!

Spare ribs, cornbread soufflé, chili, pulledpork, you name it! There was no short-age of food and drink for our footballfans one chilly morning in November.STAC alumni gathered for the 3rdAnnual Fall Homecoming. The sun wasout, but the air was brisk. Hot chocolateand mulled cider were on hand to warmour sport enthusiasts.

As the bus pulled up to the riverside tail-gate site, sky jumpers rehearsed for thehalf time show. A traveling band ofarmy cadets sang and cheered our alumnias they set up their impressive lunch.Ring toss and flag football entertained thegroup until they were shuttled to the sta-dium where the words “Welcome St.Thomas Aquinas Alumni Association”appeared on the electronic billboard.

T-shirts were canon-balled out to the endzone where guests enjoyed an excellentvantage point of the exciting Army vs.

Air Force game. A prize was given tothe Alum wearing the most STAC colors.Congratulations Adeline Esposito, Classof 1975!

As the sun set, the bus was waiting for acomfortable and rather quiet ride home.Did Army win? I don’t think our guestseven noticed!

- Joanne FavataCassandra Farrell ’07, friend Kristen Rubino andLauren Beach ’07.

More than 50 STAC Alumni Friends & Familyenjoy pre-game food and drink with West PointCadets marching band in background.

THEtorchSpring 2011

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THEtorchSave the Date!Alumni Weekend

Events include: BBQ on April 29th

Yankees vs. Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on April 30th Broadway Matinees on May 1st

39th Annual President’s Council BenefitGolf Tournament

Monday, June 6, 2011 at the Rockland Country ClubIt’s never too early to sign up!

Call 845-398-4017

Annual Tribute DinnerFriday, October 14, 2011 at the Pearl River Hilton

Invitations to follow.