Entire Magazine - SUNY Orange

Learning A liveThe Academic AffairsMagazine of SUNY OrangeDr. Catherine ChewVice President for Academic AffairsMike AlbrightEditorNihal MahawadugePhotographyDon HamermanSupplemental PhotographyCreative Graphics by Marc TolenGraphic DesignOn the CoverFrom left, Dr. Joe Zurovchak(ornithology), Monty Vacura (botany)and Dr. Shelly Paradies (neuroscience)demonstrate the breadth of diversitythat members of the College’s BiologyDepartment bring to the classroom.WelcomeTeamwork is a critical element in the success of any organization, business or college.To prosper as a group, individuals must be able to work in harmony with others, bothinternally and externally.I’m proud to say that the staff and faculty at SUNY Orange excel in their ability tocollaborate with one another, unite their resources and strive toward a common goal. Theyalso have demonstrated a willingness to embrace innovative ideas from outside the Collegewhile creatively teaming with business and civic leaders, and community members, toenhance our students’ educational opportunities.In this edition of Learning Alive, you’ll read about our outstanding Biology Department,under the direction of Dr. Frank Traeger. This talented and creative group of educators andadministrators is at the forefront of several exciting new initiatives on campus.You will also learn about how our Continuing and Professional Education staff isexpanding the College’s outreach in business training, professional development programsand non-credit education. You’ll see that a group of faculty sought to develop several“humanities initiatives” that sharpened their focus on classroom teaching, and you’lldiscover how a wide cross-section of campus personnel developed a model “learningcommunity” aimed at assuring a positive “first year experience” for selected students.We have young, energetic faculty who are bringing new ideas and backgrounds to theCollege, and seasoned professors who are enhancing their expertise with contemporaryteaching methods. In the end, their wonderful efforts are keeping learning “alive” atSUNY Orange. Vice President for AcademicSincerely,Dr. William RichardsPresident, SUNY Orange115 South StreetMiddletown, New York 10940845-344-6222www.sunyorange.eduDr. William RichardsPresidentOrange County Community Collegeis an equal opportunity/affirmativeaction institution. In accordance withFederal regulations, the New York StateHuman Rights Law and Section 504 of theRehabilitation Act of 1973, Orange CountyCommunity College does not discriminateon the basis of age, color, religion, creed,disability, marital status, veteran status,national origin, race, gender or sexualorientation in employment or in theeducational programs and activitieswhich it operates.Learning Alive welcomes your ideasfor future articles. Topics shouldfocus on academic initiatives and thestudents, faculty and staff who aremaking learning come alive.E-mail the editor atmike.albright@sunyorange.eduHuman beings need community, that sense of belonging and contributing to somethinglarger than oneself. Community Colleges adopted the term as their unique descriptorduring the 1960’s and 1970’s—their era of greatest expansion. The term “community” atSUNY Orange includes activities in the classroom; in the department, within the College asa whole, or in relation to local, national and international society.In an academic year in which we faced a variety of stressors that affected our dailyroutines, it seems important to be reminded that community building and teamwork areever present and bountiful at SUNY Orange. Within the pages of this third issue of LearningAlive are stories about people and departments who individually and collectively aremaking significant contributions to the College community, and beyond.For example, read about the First-Year Experience “movers and shakers,” a team thatis connecting the curriculum and helping students bond through a unique learningexperience. Or read about the Biology Department, an “awesome” team of extremelytalented and gifted faculty involved in anything and everything from environmentalsustainability and ecological conservation to technological innovation and campusbeautification.Learning Alive is intended to showcase colleagues in Academic Affairs and this issuesurely hits the mark. As you peruse the pages, I am certain you will be impressed byour activist community—a community that shares a common interest in learning andprofessional involvement. When we collaborate, work as a team and move beyondindividual perspectives into the realm of common understanding, the possibilities arelimitless. Enjoy your read!Sincerely,Dr. Catherine ChewVice President for Academic Affairs2 Learning Alive The Academic Affairs Magazine of SUNY Orange