12.07.2015 Views

Download the Fall 2008 print edition - Champlain College

Download the Fall 2008 print edition - Champlain College

Download the Fall 2008 print edition - Champlain College

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS
  • No tags were found...

Create successful ePaper yourself

Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.

<strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2008</strong>A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS OFCHAMPLAIN COLLEGEThey CallMe <strong>the</strong>WandererProfessor Alan Strackeshares tales fromhis Caribbeantravels—and inspires<strong>the</strong> next generationof wanderers<strong>Champlain</strong>’s International Initiatives • Celebrating 50 Years on <strong>the</strong> Hill


Calendar of EventsTuesdays & Thursdays During <strong>the</strong> academic year, <strong>the</strong> Boardroom Café, operated by <strong>the</strong> students of <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>’s HospitalityIndustry Management program and located in <strong>the</strong> Hauke Family Campus Center at 375 Maple Street, is open for lunch. Seatings are availablefrom 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Students create, prepare, and serve guests with a new daily menu each week. Members of <strong>the</strong> Burlingtoncommunity are encouraged to take advantage of this unique offering. Walk-ins are welcome, or call (802) 651-5988 to make a reservation.<strong>Fall</strong> <strong>2008</strong>volume 7, number 2EditorErik EsckilsenA MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI & FRIENDS OFCHAMPLAIN COLLEGEWednesdays Enjoy student weekly performances at The Grind Open Mic Coffeehouse during <strong>the</strong> academic year from 8:30 to 11 p.m.in <strong>the</strong> Fireplace Lounge in <strong>the</strong> IDX Student Life Center, 262 South Willard Street. Free. For more information, call (802) 865-6416.Art DirectorJulia CaminitiOctoberNovemberDecember15 Leadership American Style Lecture SeriesHistorian and <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> Professor Will Randall brings <strong>the</strong> dramatic past to life with his lecture “<strong>Champlain</strong>Names His Lake,” <strong>the</strong> keynote lecture of <strong>the</strong> yearlong Samuel de <strong>Champlain</strong> Quadricentennial and <strong>the</strong> third lecturein <strong>the</strong> series “When <strong>the</strong> French Were Here.” The series culminates with an international symposium at <strong>Champlain</strong><strong>College</strong> in July 2009. Alumni Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. Free.25 CHAMPLAIN ALUMNI EVENT: <strong>Champlain</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Vermont Symphony OrchestraEvent details to be determined. Information: alumni@champlain.edu or (802) 860-2785.13 CHAMPLAIN ALUMNI EVENT: Alumni at <strong>the</strong> Theater—A Chorus LineJoin us for a pre-<strong>the</strong>ater meet-and-greet reception followed by Lyric Theatre’s production of <strong>the</strong>classic musical A Chorus Line. Reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Drink, 133 St. Paul Street, Burlington;performance at 8 p.m., Flynn Center, Burlington. Cost: $25 (includes ticket and light appetizers).RSVP by Thursday, October 30: alumni@champlain.edu or (802) 860-2785.18 BYOBiz “Speaking from Experience” SeriesMichael Lane, cofounder and chief operating officer of Dealer.com, an innovative Burlington-based company,discuses <strong>the</strong> company’s amazing growth since its creation in 1998. Dealer.com creates Web-based marketingcampaigns and supports thousands of online marketing solutions for <strong>the</strong> automotive industry across NorthAmerica. IDX Student Life Center, 7 p.m. Free. Information: byobiz@champlain.edu.5 Festival of LightsPresented by Voices of Diversity and directed by <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> professor Eric Ronis, this event features<strong>Champlain</strong> community performers, musicians, storytellers, and artists from varied backgrounds coming toge<strong>the</strong>rto create a global holiday celebration. This family-friendly event is fun, informative, and thought-provoking. AlumniContributing WritersWarren BakerDanielle Frawley ’08Stephen MeaseJenica Norrish ’08Christopher Valentine ’05Ginger Vieira ’08Daphne WalkerPhotographersKathleen LandwehrleJordan SilvermanClass NotesElizabeth ScottVice President of Development &Alumni AffairsShelley RichardsonDirector,Foundation & Corporate SupportGreg MorganAssistant Director,Alumni Relations & Annual GivingElizabeth ScottDepartments2 From <strong>the</strong> President3 View from <strong>the</strong> HillPeer advisors LEAD <strong>the</strong> way … <strong>College</strong>earns a green rating … <strong>Champlain</strong> acquiresWoodbury <strong>College</strong> …24 Class NotesNews ... Alumni Lives & More33 Alumni VoicesFeatures10 50 Years on <strong>the</strong> HillPhotographs from a celebrationof <strong>College</strong> history andcommunity heritage.January ’09FebruaryMarchMay12 CHAMPLAIN ALUMNI EVENT: Alumni at <strong>the</strong> Final Exam DinnerJoin fellow alumni as <strong>Champlain</strong>’s Hospitality Management students present a delicious multicourse dinner as<strong>the</strong>ir final exam for <strong>the</strong> fall semester. Culinary <strong>the</strong>me to be determined. Limited seating. Hauke Family Center,6 p.m. Cost: $25. RSVP by Wednesday, December 3: alumni@champlain.edu or (802) 860-2785.20 BYOBiz “Speaking from Experience” SeriesRich Tarrant Jr. and Jerry Tarrant, serial entrepreneurs and cofounders of MyWebGrocer, a Colchester, Vermont–based company that provides e-commerce and e-marketing services to more than 80 retail grocery chains, talkabout <strong>the</strong>ir entrepreneurial experiences in creating several successful businesses. Aiken Hall Morgan Room,7 p.m. Free. Information: byobiz@champlain.edu.24 CHAMPLAIN ALUMNI EVENT: <strong>Champlain</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Vermont Symphony OrchestraEvent details to be determined. Information: alumni@champlain.edu or (802) 860-2785.3 BYOBiz Speaking From ExperienceJoin Rusty DeWees – aka “The Logger” and <strong>Champlain</strong> class of ’84. Rusty is an entrepreneur, entertainer,comedic artist, actor, producer, writer, musician and “master of duct tape.” Alumni Auditorium, 7:OO p.m. Free.21 CHAMPLAIN ALUMNI EVENT: <strong>Champlain</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Vermont Symphony OrchestraEvent details to be determined. Information: alumni@champlain.edu or (802) 860-2785.2 CHAMPLAIN ALUMNI EVENT: <strong>Champlain</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Vermont Symphony OrchestraEvent details to be determined. Information: alumni@champlain.edu or (802) 860-2785.ALUMNI, Stay Connected! To sign up for <strong>the</strong> Alumni e-Newsletter, go to alumni.champlain.edu,or call (802) 860-2785.Photographs by Jordan Silverman (top, second from bottom), Kathleen Landwehrle (second from top), Cyndi Brandenburg (bottom)Senior Development OfficersMoneer GreenbaumSusan MosesContact InformationSend letters andaddress changes to:<strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>, Alumni & Development Office163 South Willard St., P.O. Box 670Burlington, VT 05402-0670alumni@champlain.edu, 866-421-7170<strong>Champlain</strong> View is published twice a year(spring and fall) by <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>. Printingby Queen City Printers Inc., Burlington, VT.Founded in 1878, <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> is an EqualOpportunity Educational Institution.Printed with vegetable-based inks on Sappi Flow Dull, 10%post-consumer waste recycled paper. Please recycle this magazine.If you would like to read <strong>the</strong> issue online and would ra<strong>the</strong>r notreceive it through <strong>the</strong> mail, please contact <strong>the</strong> Development officeat (800) 570-5858 or alumni@champlain.edu.12 Traveling LightProfessor Alan Stracke looksback on <strong>the</strong> trails he’s troddenand <strong>the</strong> learning value ofcultural immersion.16 A World of OpportunityNew <strong>College</strong> programs andinitiatives open exciting routesto international study andglobal awareness.Cover: Veteran <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> Professor Alan Stracke; photography by Kathleen Landwehrle


| VIEW FROM THE HILL |PRESIDENT’S LETTERHello from <strong>the</strong> hill,Dave Finney stands in front of <strong>the</strong> new Dublinacademic center with <strong>Champlain</strong> studentsJohn Brayshaw ’10 (right) and Justin Gabriel ’10(left), who are currently studying <strong>the</strong>re.ACTCLASSFrom where I sit writing to you this season, my office window commands amore expansive view than ever before. On a clear day, I believe I can see as faras Montreal, Canada—even Dublin, Ireland.These two global locales are now very much a part of <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>.The current semester witnesses <strong>the</strong> first anniversary of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Champlain</strong> Abroadcampus in Montreal and <strong>the</strong> official opening of <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> Dublin. Iwas delighted to be in Ireland for <strong>the</strong> momentous September occasion whenDr. Stephen Robinson, director of <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> Dublin, heraldedthis new venture from <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong>’s academic center—a charming, historicGeorgian building in <strong>the</strong> heart of <strong>the</strong> city.The Dublin and Montreal campuses are important steps forward inpositioning <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> students for success. Increasingly, today’s careers call on individuals tothink and act globally—whe<strong>the</strong>r working internationally or interacting with people from around <strong>the</strong>world. Opportunities to live, study, and engage with o<strong>the</strong>r cultures offer students an edge in entering <strong>the</strong>competitive, highly globalized career marketplace of <strong>the</strong> 21st century. To provide such a relevant educationin such dynamic times—that is <strong>the</strong> <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> signature. Study abroad programs also offer uniqueopportunities to experience <strong>the</strong> joys of world travel and to know <strong>the</strong> feeling of “o<strong>the</strong>rness” that often setsstudents on <strong>the</strong> path of true global citizenship.As an article in this issue of <strong>Champlain</strong> View illustrates, <strong>Champlain</strong>’s new international campuses arejust one facet of <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong>’s multifaceted effort to bring <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> more boldly into <strong>the</strong> world.This past summer, roughly a dozen faculty members traveled to <strong>the</strong> Middle East to research courses on <strong>the</strong>region to be delivered as <strong>the</strong> third year of <strong>the</strong> Core curriculum starting in fall 2009. As <strong>the</strong> current academicyear progresses, I anticipate that o<strong>the</strong>r initiatives will emerge, fostering a culture of global awareness thatwill soon become a distinctive feature of <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>.Elsewhere in <strong>the</strong>se pages, you will read about one of <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong>’s most inspirational globe-trottingteachers—and <strong>the</strong> scholarship that he has established to help students experience cultural immersion andglobal learning. As always, <strong>the</strong> magazine shares news of notable achievements and initiatives among ourstudents, faculty, staff, and alumni. A photo spread in this issue tells <strong>the</strong> story of an accomplishment thatdrew multiple generations of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> community to a recent celebration of <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong>’s50 years as a neighbor in Burlington’s Hill section.Whe<strong>the</strong>r looking back with fond nostalgia or looking ahead to our bright future, I find <strong>the</strong> viewamazing. To be sure, challenges loom on <strong>the</strong> horizon, but I am energized by our many successes andinspired by <strong>the</strong> new avenues <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong> is exploring.For your continued support on this remarkable journey, I thank you.Dr. David F. FinneyPresident<strong>2008</strong>Board of TrusteesRobert W. AllenGeorge F. Bond ’73Robert D. BotjerDawn D. BugbeeScott D. CarpenterApril CornellJames H. Crook Jr.Laura P. DaganStaige DavisHea<strong>the</strong>r DwightDr. David F. FinneyJames B. FosterJoan GignouxSusan Willey Lamaster ’88Diana McCargoMary E. McLaughlinMichael M. MetzDr. Robert B. MooreAmbassador John O’KeefeTrey PecorMary G. PowellDavid A. ScheuerDr. Peter SternMichael J. Sullivan Jr. ’90Dawn Terrill ’88Leandro A. VazquezLisa VentrissArthur E. WegnerPhotographs by Jonathan Sherling (left) Julia Caminiti (right)Leading by ExampleBy Jenica Norrish ’08In <strong>the</strong> fall <strong>2008</strong> semester, <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> launchedan innovative new program designed to help studentsdevelop important skills that are not typically <strong>the</strong> focusof academic courses, such as community building,financial planning, and career management. Dubbed<strong>the</strong> Life Experience and Action Dimension, or LEAD, <strong>the</strong>program is <strong>the</strong> third dimension in <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong>’s signature“Education in Three Dimensions,” which integrates professionalmajors; academics, including <strong>the</strong> new Core division (see “CoreValues” in <strong>the</strong> fall 2007 issue); and, now, life-skills development.As a full report in <strong>the</strong> spring 2009 issue of this magazinewill illuminate, LEAD is one of <strong>the</strong> most ambitious initiativesever undertaken at <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong>—a required, four-year programthat adds new rigor to students’ experiences outside<strong>the</strong> classroom. As LEAD has found its stride in its inauguralsemester, students have benefited from a heightened level ofpeer-to-peer support. This support is no accident. Peer guidanceis built into LEAD’s structure.“We needed to do everything we could to get studentsinterested in and excited about <strong>the</strong> program,” Shelli Goldsweig,director of LEAD and <strong>the</strong> Community Book Program co-chairsays. “What better way than by having o<strong>the</strong>r students deliver <strong>the</strong>programs? Students listen to o<strong>the</strong>r students. We also wanted thisprogram to have a leadership component, an opportunity forstudents to hone <strong>the</strong>ir presentation and people skills as part of alarger leadership package.”Meet LEAD’s first peer advisors (PAs), 42 students from <strong>the</strong>classes of 2009, 2010, and 2011 representing 14 <strong>College</strong> majors.They were recommended by <strong>College</strong> faculty and staff membersand <strong>the</strong>n screened for LEAD. As Goldsweig notes, her teamwas looking for students possessing a range of qualities, such as“<strong>the</strong> ability to adapt to new situations and definitely be flexibleenough to understand that <strong>the</strong> program was going to grow andchange,” she says. “We also wanted students with a positiveoutlook, a can-do attitude—a student that o<strong>the</strong>r students couldfeel comfortable with.”Those criteria made Alicia Ferrell ’09 a natural choice to bea PA (see “Student View Q&A” on page 7). “I’ve had so manyinfluential people advise and mentor me at <strong>Champlain</strong> thatI want to be that for someone else,” Ferrell says. “I’m uniquebecause I’m not your typical loud, outgoing, leader-typeperson—I’m more of a silent-type leader. [Being a peer advisor]is important to me because I see so many people like me, andI want <strong>the</strong>m to know that <strong>the</strong>y don’t have to be that loud,outgoing type just to be involved in campus activities.”Each LEAD PA is assigned to 10 to 15 first-year studentsthat <strong>the</strong>y will guide throughout <strong>the</strong>ir first year at <strong>Champlain</strong>.Each PA is also paired up with a resident assistant, with whom<strong>the</strong>y will collaborate in organizing LEAD activities. They receivetraining to support incoming students in managing <strong>the</strong> socialand academic challenges of college life. Goldsweig has beenvery pleased with <strong>the</strong> first PAs’ performance. “I was blown awayby <strong>the</strong> initiative, excitement, and overall enthusiasm that I’veseen on <strong>the</strong> part of <strong>the</strong> PAs,” she says. “Their participation andprobing questions have already elevated <strong>the</strong> program.”With <strong>the</strong> PAs’ help, all first-year students will cap off<strong>the</strong>ir first year with a community service project. “I hopethat <strong>the</strong>y learn a lot about <strong>the</strong>mselves on an individual leveland on a larger scale,” says Hea<strong>the</strong>r Conover ’11, LEAD PAand Electronic Game major from Sharon, Massachusetts.“Fostering ideas that go beyond <strong>the</strong> individual will help makeeach <strong>Champlain</strong> student into a global citizen. This step in <strong>the</strong>ireducation reaches beyond teaching <strong>the</strong>m about <strong>the</strong>mselves asindividuals. It’s about how <strong>the</strong>y fit into <strong>the</strong> world.”<strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 3


| VIEW FROM THE HILL || VIEW FROM THE HILL |New Deans at<strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>In <strong>the</strong> fall <strong>2008</strong> semester, <strong>Champlain</strong>welcomed two new deans to <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong>’slearning community.Emergent Media Center CreatesSerious Games for a Better World inCapetown, South Africa<strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>’s Emergent Media Center (EMC) affirmed its goalof “taking learning way beyond <strong>the</strong> classroom,” as EMC Director AnnDeMarle says, with two recent electronic game projects designed to createa positive global impact.Established in 2007 as a laboratory/studio where students develop electronicgames for private, public, and nonprofit clients, <strong>the</strong> EMC works primarily on“serious” games, or games with an educational purpose. Earlier this year, <strong>the</strong> EMCteamed up with <strong>the</strong> University of Vermont <strong>College</strong> of Medicine to develop a gameto help cystic fibrosis patients manage <strong>the</strong>ir condition. Funded by a grant from <strong>the</strong>Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, <strong>the</strong> game uses a breath controller and gamesoftware to be developed by a team that includes <strong>the</strong> EMC and Peter Bingham,M.D., UVM associate professor of neurology and pediatrics.A second project with far-reaching impact launched this past summer when <strong>the</strong>EMC received a grant from <strong>the</strong> United Nations Population Fund to help preventviolence against women worldwide. Working in collaboration with <strong>the</strong> PopulationMedia Center, based in Shelburne, Vermont, a team of 15 students—representing<strong>the</strong> Game Design, Marketing, E-Business Management, Software Engineering, andEducation programs—traveled to Cape Town, South Africa. For 10 days <strong>the</strong>re,<strong>the</strong>y conducted research through focus groups and interviews with a wide range ofpeople, including children, teachers, abuse victims, aid workers, media specialists,and political figures.DeMarle credits her students’ professionalism and skills with <strong>the</strong> success of <strong>the</strong>seand o<strong>the</strong>r ambitious EMC initiatives. “The success of <strong>the</strong>se projects is built on <strong>the</strong>students,” she says. “It’s what is driving this along. Their talents and strengths arebeing shown to <strong>the</strong> world. That’s <strong>the</strong> mission we support.”Visit <strong>the</strong> South Africa team’s blog postings at <strong>the</strong> EMC Web site:http://emergentmediacenter.blogspot.com. —Danielle Frawley ’08, with additionalreporting by Stephen MeaseDr. Renée Florsheimnow helms <strong>the</strong> Businessdivision, bringing to<strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong> expertisein marketing as well asextensive internationalbusiness teachingexperience. Florsheimholds a B.S. in hotel/Dr. Renée Florsheim restaurant managementfrom California StatePolytechnic University Pomona, an MBA from<strong>the</strong> University of California at Los Angeles, a J.D.from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, and aPh.D. from Northwestern University’s KelloggSchool of Management. Florsheim’s most recentposition was at Loyola Marymount University inLos Angeles, where she taught marketing andbusiness law, among o<strong>the</strong>r courses, while alsoserving for eight years in various administrativecapacities. She has also taught at TempleUniversity, Loyola University, NorthwesternUniversity, <strong>the</strong> University of British Columbia,and <strong>the</strong> University of Regina (Saskatchewan). Heroverseas teaching posts have spanned Asia andEurope, and she has also taught in undergraduatestudy abroad programs in Mexico and Germany.Dr. Ali Rafieymehris <strong>the</strong> new deanof <strong>the</strong> InformationTechnology &Sciences division.Rafieymehr holds aB.S. in ma<strong>the</strong>maticsfrom <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong>of Ma<strong>the</strong>maticsDr. Ali Rafieymehr and EconomicManagement inIran, an M.S. in computer engineering from<strong>the</strong> University of Lowell (Massachusetts), and aPh.D. in Computer Science from <strong>the</strong> Universityof Massachusetts, Lowell. He brings to <strong>the</strong><strong>College</strong> a combination of academic and industryexperience, including teaching posts at, mostrecently, Western New England <strong>College</strong> andSaint Anselm <strong>College</strong> and professional positionswith such organizations as Harvard BusinessSchool, Digital Equipment Corporation, CompaqCorporation, and Avici Systems. —Staff reportPhotographs: page 4, Ann DeMarle (top left), Kathleen Landwehrle; page 5, Jordan Silverman (main photo and inset at right), Kathleen Landwehrle (inset center)<strong>Champlain</strong><strong>College</strong> DedicatesSchillhammer HallWhen Richard W. Schillhammergraduated from <strong>Champlain</strong><strong>College</strong> in 1934, he was wellpreparedto make his way in <strong>the</strong> business world.And he did—founding Queen City Printers, ahighly reputable enterprise that thrives today inBurlington, Vermont.As Queen City Printers earned its respectedplace in <strong>the</strong> business community, two generationsof Schillhammers became members of <strong>the</strong><strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> community. FollowingSchillhammer, now a trustee emeritus, wereson John and daughter-inlawAnna—1960 and 1962grads, respectively. Richard’sgranddaughter Shari and herhusband, Randy, also attended<strong>Champlain</strong> and earned degreesin 1983.This spring, <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong>honored <strong>the</strong> Schillhammer legacy—and Richard’scontributions to <strong>the</strong> institution—by dedicating astudent residence hall in his name. SchillhammerHall, formerly East Hall, is located at 109 SummitStreet in a building erected in 1894 and acquiredby <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> in 1994. —Stephen Mease4 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08<strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 5


| VIEW FROM THE HILL |<strong>College</strong>WelcomesAfrican Writerin ResidencePierre Mujomba joined<strong>the</strong> <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>learning community thispast fall as <strong>the</strong> institution’sfirst City of Refugevisiting writer and <strong>the</strong>second recipient of <strong>the</strong>Roger H. Perry endowed chair. The City of Refuge program is anational initiative that offers writers facing persecution in <strong>the</strong>irhome countries a sanctuary where <strong>the</strong>y can continue to work.O<strong>the</strong>r Cities of Refuge include Ithaca, New York; Las Vegas;and Pittsburgh.Mujomba, a playwright of international acclaim, is from <strong>the</strong>Democratic Republic of <strong>the</strong> Congo (DRC), which he fled in2003 after <strong>the</strong> French-language publication of his best-knownwork, La Dernière Envelope (English title, The Lost Envelope).The play, which concerns <strong>the</strong> regime of former DRC presidentMobutu Sese Seko, has been translated into English, as hasKalemba’s Year without Pay.During his residence over <strong>the</strong> <strong>2008</strong>–2009 academic year,Mujomba will write plays, visit classes as a guest lecturer, presentreadings of his work, and possibly teach in <strong>the</strong> spring semester.Being away from <strong>the</strong> DRC, he says, allows him to express himselfmore freely. “In Congo we have <strong>the</strong> system of censorship,” hesays. “When I’m writing in Congo, I’m censoring myself. [Here]you’re freer to write what you want. You have freedom to write allyou can write … Also, when I’m here, I am not only a Congolesewriter. I am an African writer. It is important because whenI’m writing, I’m no longer writing for a very small group. I tryto write as an African who wants to let people know here whathappened in Africa.”Prior to coming to <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>, Mujomba was avisiting fellow in <strong>the</strong> Africana Studies department at BrownUniversity in Providence, Rhode Island. He also recently workedas a consultant on African linguistics at <strong>the</strong> MassachusettsInstitute of Technology and Boston University and has presentedhis work and lectured widely in North America, France, Belgium,and his native country. He holds a master’s degree in French andAfrican linguistics from <strong>the</strong> National Pedagogic University inKinshasa, DRC. —Staff report<strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>Expands Offerings withNew Woodbury InstituteIn a strategic move that surprised many in <strong>the</strong> regionalhigher-education community, Woodbury <strong>College</strong> ofMontpelier, Vermont, became part of <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>just before <strong>the</strong> start of <strong>the</strong> <strong>2008</strong>–2009 academic year.As <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> President David Finney told<strong>Champlain</strong> faculty, staff, and administrators at an August 25Town Hall Meeting, <strong>the</strong> union was initiated by Woodbury<strong>College</strong> President Larry Mandell, who contacted Finney with aninvitation to combine <strong>the</strong> institutions’ programs at Woodbury’sMontpelier campus. Although extending <strong>Champlain</strong>’s campusfoot<strong>print</strong> to <strong>the</strong> state’s capital city did not mesh with <strong>Champlain</strong>’snear-term plans, Woodbury’s academic programs held appeal.The solution: <strong>the</strong> Woodbury Institute at <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>.“Woodbury <strong>College</strong>’s unique academic assets and expertisewill enrich <strong>Champlain</strong>’s curricula and improve our own abilityto enroll students in an increasingly competitive environment,”Finney wrote in an email to <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> communitymembers.Woodbury, in turn, will reap benefits from some of<strong>Champlain</strong>’s recent initiatives to open collegiate doors to specialpopulations. “<strong>Champlain</strong>’s highly regarded programs willcomplement Woodbury’s existing offerings perfectly,” Mandellsaid. “In addition, <strong>Champlain</strong>’s mission to offer higher educationto single parents, refugees, and first-generation students dovetailswith Woodbury’s long-standing commitment to community.”—Stephen MeaseWhat <strong>the</strong> Woodbury InstituteBrings to <strong>the</strong> Hill• Woodbury <strong>College</strong>’s reputation as a progressiveinstitution dating back to its founding in 1975• Two graduate programs—<strong>the</strong> M.S. in Mediation andApplied Conflict and <strong>the</strong> M.S. in Law• Approximately 125 students, with <strong>the</strong> majority of <strong>the</strong>ircoursework online• A small number of adjunct faculty and staff members• Little to no impact on <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong>’s campus foot<strong>print</strong>—a plus for <strong>Champlain</strong> during a time of expansionand renovationPhotograph by Julia Caminiti (left), Kathleen Landwehrle (right)StudentView Q &AAlicia Ferrell ’09Creativity and leadership go hand in hand for Alicia Ferrell. TheMultimedia & Graphic Design major from Chittenden, Vermont, hasdistinguished herself as a design student with a distinctive styleand as a campus leader with three years’ experience as a residentassistant (RA). With <strong>the</strong> launch of LEAD in <strong>the</strong> fall <strong>2008</strong> semester(see “Class Act” article on page 3), she stepped forward as a peeradvisor, supporting students in designing a meaningful collegeexperience. Here she reflects on her own path to <strong>Champlain</strong><strong>College</strong> and what she sees on <strong>the</strong> LEAD horizon.How would you describe your design aes<strong>the</strong>tic?I would say my aes<strong>the</strong>tic style is clean, unique, and somewhat traditional.I bring a lot of traditional art into my graphic work on <strong>the</strong> computer. I like toincorporate all types of mediums to create one piece of work.Why did you choose to attend <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>?For its technology. In my junior year of high school, I attended <strong>the</strong> Governor’sInstitute here at <strong>Champlain</strong> and fell in love with it <strong>the</strong>n. <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>had by far <strong>the</strong> best technology of all <strong>the</strong> schools I looked at.What’s more important, campus leadership oracademics?My time spent as an RA and with o<strong>the</strong>r leadership roles I hold on campus isjust as important to me as my major. It provides for a well-rounded education.What will LEAD mean to <strong>Champlain</strong> students?It’s an opportunity for students to have a well-rounded experience, notjust an education; it’s important to develop as a person and not justintellectually. The LEAD program allows avenues for all different types ofpeople to do that.What aspects of LEAD excite you <strong>the</strong> most?All of it speaks to me. It’s a well thought out and comprehensive programthat’s going to provide for a lot of people to become familiar with <strong>Champlain</strong>at an earlier time in <strong>the</strong>ir experience. I didn’t get really involved until mylate freshman, early sophomore year, and I wish I had been more involvedfrom <strong>the</strong> start. It’s also great that students have <strong>the</strong> opportunity to do <strong>the</strong>community service in <strong>the</strong>ir first year, even just a couple of hours. … Asa senior RA, I found that <strong>the</strong> idea of a Safe Zone in <strong>the</strong> dorms, an ideabrought by Lara Scott and Faith Yacubian, is an amazing community builderthat recognizes different identities … gay, low-income, wealthy, religious,whatever. I don’t want to be discriminated against because of where I comefrom or of things beyond my control. Safe Zone allows a majority of people toreally own who <strong>the</strong>y are for <strong>the</strong> first time.What are some common misconceptions aboutLEAD, which is so new?There might be <strong>the</strong> misconception that <strong>Champlain</strong> is trying to pry intopeople’s lives too much and direct <strong>the</strong>m and mold <strong>the</strong>m in ways that<strong>Champlain</strong> wants to, ra<strong>the</strong>r than [in <strong>the</strong> way] that students want. On <strong>the</strong>o<strong>the</strong>r side, <strong>Champlain</strong> has done so many focus groups and studies to learnthat [LEAD] is really what students want. LEAD also might seem like a lot ofadditional work, like <strong>the</strong> Core appears to be. I plan to help [address] <strong>the</strong>semisconceptions by being positive, amping up <strong>the</strong> program, and talkingabout it.How do you think students will respond to <strong>the</strong>program?I think that, as of right now, <strong>the</strong>re are [students] who are involved ando<strong>the</strong>rs who just come to go to school. They don’t take advantage of all that<strong>Champlain</strong> offers o<strong>the</strong>r than <strong>the</strong> classes. This program could lessen <strong>the</strong>divide. I have personally grown from all <strong>the</strong> opportunities here, and it wouldbe unfortunate if o<strong>the</strong>rs didn’t know <strong>the</strong>y exist. —JN6 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 7


| VIEW FROM THE HILL || VIEW FROM THE HILL |<strong>Champlain</strong>’s Digital InvestigationsHelp Crack Criminal CasesIn less than two years since its official launch, <strong>the</strong> <strong>Champlain</strong><strong>College</strong> Center for Digital Investigation (C3DI) is provinga vital partner to state and local law enforcement agencies.With its focus on examining evidence contained in such digitalapparatuses as computers, servers, cameras, PDAs, and cellphones, C3DI brings to criminal investigations expertise intechnologies that are evolving rapidly—often to criminals’advantage.<strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> Professor Gary Kessler, who is also C3DI’sdirector, reports a high level of center involvement in <strong>the</strong> firsthalf of <strong>2008</strong> alone: performing forensic examinations of digitalevidence in 44 cases, offering technical support in ano<strong>the</strong>r 18cases, participating in 12 law-enforcement training sessions, andpresenting four public awareness sessions.According to Professor Jonathan Rajewski, who has beenworking with C3DI for almost a year while teaching in<strong>Champlain</strong>’s Digital Forensics program, <strong>the</strong> ability to readdigital evidence is an important crime-fighting tool in an era oftechnologically sophisticated crime. “With <strong>the</strong> growing crime<strong>Champlain</strong>Student WinsVermontCampusCompact PublicService AwardJeremy Ellis ’08 of Old Mystic,Connecticut, concluded his<strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> careerby receiving <strong>the</strong> MadeleineM. Kunin Public Service Award at <strong>the</strong> annual Vermont CampusCompact (VCC) gala and awards ceremony.VCC is a statewide coalition of 22 colleges and universitiespromoting civic engagement at higher education institutions.Every year, <strong>the</strong> Madeleine M. Kunin Public Service Awardrecognizes one student within <strong>the</strong> VCC for his or heroutstanding public service responsibility and leadership.on <strong>the</strong> Internet and with cell phones, <strong>the</strong>re are a lot of cases towork on,” Rajewski says. “Forensics is ever changing, and we canbe a huge asset for <strong>the</strong> [law enforcement] task force.” Rajewskicredits C3DI’s work on <strong>the</strong> tragic recent kidnapping and murderof Vermonter Brooke Bennett, a case that involved <strong>the</strong> Internetand social-networking sites.Kris Carlson, coordinator of <strong>the</strong> Vermont InternetCrimes Against Children Task Force, praises <strong>the</strong> relationshipbetween <strong>Champlain</strong>’s forensics team and <strong>the</strong> Burlington PoliceDepartment. “The relationship with <strong>Champlain</strong> serves as a modeljoining of civilian examiners with law enforcement officials,”Carlson says. “The investigators have played key roles in somebig cases.”With <strong>the</strong> number of cases on <strong>the</strong> rise, creating backlogs inpolice departments nationwide, Carlson anticipates that <strong>the</strong> taskforce will grow and that career opportunities will emerge forstudents in <strong>Champlain</strong>’s Digital Forensics program—because, asshe says, “<strong>Champlain</strong>’s course development is based on realworldstuff.” —DFWhile at <strong>Champlain</strong>, Ellis was an active and foundingmember of <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong>’s branch of <strong>the</strong> DREAM (Directingthrough Recreation, Education, Adventure, and Mentoring)program, in which he mentored a boy, now 13, for four years.He also organized and led three Alternative Spring Break tripsto New Orleans to rebuild houses after Hurricane Katrina,cooked at <strong>the</strong> Salvation Army every week, and tutored kids atBurlington’s King Street Youth Center, among o<strong>the</strong>r efforts.For Ellis, service efforts like <strong>the</strong>se were something that camenaturally. “I chose to be a part of something that I enjoyed,” hesays. “DREAM was <strong>the</strong> first step, and <strong>the</strong>n I had to do more. Itwas very enjoyable.”Lara Scott, assistant director of Residential Life, worked withEllis on several endeavors and praises not only his strong workand leadership but promising future as well. “I have no doubtthat Jeremy will have great success in anything he does,” shesays. “He has so much heart and passion for this world and <strong>the</strong>people in it. I know he will be a cornerstone in o<strong>the</strong>rs’ lives. Hewill touch people in very meaningful ways as he makes his waythrough life.”Ellis was also a finalist for <strong>the</strong> Vermont Teddy Bear StudentCitizen Award, recognizing exceptional volunteer leadership.—Christopher Valentine ’05The <strong>College</strong>Makes<strong>the</strong> Green GradeEnvironmental initiatives at<strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> are havinga measurable effect on <strong>the</strong>institution’s carbon foot<strong>print</strong>—andearning accolades in <strong>the</strong> process.According to a study conducted by Spring 4 -Hill Solutions, a carbon management and 2 -energy solutions consulting firm based0 -in Burlington, Vermont, <strong>Champlain</strong>’sgreenhouse gas emissions per studentare among <strong>the</strong> lowest for colleges in <strong>the</strong>nor<strong>the</strong>rn U.S.The study inventoried emissionsrelated to such energy uses as facility heating; student, faculty,and staff commuting; travel to study abroad locations; and wastegeneration. On a per-student basis, <strong>Champlain</strong>’s emissions aresome of <strong>the</strong> lowest calculated for <strong>the</strong> nor<strong>the</strong>rn U.S. Factorsin this performance include a compact campus with a lowbuilding-to-student ratio, fewenergy-intensive labs, use of lowemissionsenergy sources by <strong>the</strong>Burlington Electric Department,and proactive energy andtransportation managementinitiatives.Artwork by <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>student Jessica PicirilliStudy results showed thatnearly half of <strong>Champlain</strong>’scarbon foot<strong>print</strong> comes fromtransportation-related emissions,which <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong> has beenworking to address through arange of transportation options, such as free access for facultyand staff to <strong>the</strong> Chittenden County Transportation Associationbus system.The study will become a guiding document for improving<strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong>’s energy efficiency and environmental impact.According to Michel George, vice president of Capital Planning& Auxiliary Services, those next steps include establishing carbonreduction goals and a management plan; continuing to integratecost-effective energy efficiency, conservation, renewable energy,and sustainable design into new construction and renovationprojects; and broadening <strong>the</strong> team of students, faculty, and staffworking to promote changes in campus policies and operations.“We hope that our partnerships with Burlington ElectricDepartment, Chittenden Solid Waste District, and CampusArea Transportation Management Association, coupled with ourown initiatives, will enable us to reduce our carbon foot<strong>print</strong>even more and to become a collegiate and community leader inaddressing climate change,” George says. —Staff reportWhat CAn you do? The following tips come from Gabe Calvi, member of Sustain <strong>Champlain</strong>:Screw in a CFL (compactfluorescent light): For a couple ofyears now, <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> students havebeen switching out incandescent lightbulbs forCFLs, which use up to 75% less energy.On your Way out <strong>the</strong> Door… Turn off<strong>the</strong> lights!Tons of CO2e/student20 -18 -16 -14 -12 -10 -8 -6 -Tufts University<strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>’s Emissions compared to those ofo<strong>the</strong>r institutions2.5 2.7 3.4<strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>Lewis and Clark <strong>College</strong>Drive Less: The daily commute of <strong>Champlain</strong><strong>College</strong>’s faculty and staff produces 20% of ourcarbon foot<strong>print</strong>. Could your commutenot pollute?4.6University of New HampshirePlan a Staycation: Stay close to homeduring time off, read a book for an adventure, ortravel by train, which will produce one-tenth <strong>the</strong>carbon per mile than a flight of <strong>the</strong> same distance.9.0Connecticut <strong>College</strong>10.0Harvard University12.7Smith <strong>College</strong>14.4Middlebury <strong>College</strong>Unplug: Phantom load or vampire power fromappliances and electronic gadgets waste electricitywhen <strong>the</strong>y aren’t even on. Studies estimate thatunused appliances are responsible for 5% to13% ofour domestic electric consumption.Put on a Sweater When You’reCold: Accept that this parental frugaladvice was sound. Turn down <strong>the</strong> <strong>the</strong>rmostata few degrees.17Oberlin <strong>College</strong>8 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08<strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 9


Photographs by Jordan Silverman| VIEW FROM THE HILL | | VIEW FROM THE HILL |Nostalgiaand great optimismcharacterized <strong>the</strong> mood at recentcelebrations of <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>’s 50-year residence in Burlington’s historic Hillsection. Scores of <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> communitymembers — past and present — marveled at <strong>the</strong>institution’s growth: from one building and 60 students in1958 to 42 buildings today — and counting — and more than2,000 students earning undergraduate and graduate degrees.“It is a remarkable example of stewardship of<strong>the</strong> land and <strong>the</strong> architectural integrity of itsextraordinary location. The <strong>College</strong> is visionaryin its continuous improvement in <strong>the</strong> quality ofeducation, caring for students and extendingresources to enhance <strong>the</strong> community at large.”“I have had <strong>the</strong> good fortune to have been involved with <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>for 42 of its ‘50 Years on <strong>the</strong> Hill.’ First as a student from 1961 to 1963, <strong>the</strong>nas a faculty member. In May <strong>2008</strong>, I retired as a faculty member after 40wonderful years working with remarkable students and dedicated colleagues,many of whom have become lifelong friends. Good luck, <strong>Champlain</strong>.”—Walt Luchini, CPA—Gretchen MorseWe met during our sophomore year at <strong>Champlain</strong>.Unfortunately for us it was at <strong>the</strong> end of <strong>the</strong> springsemester and we were both going to be going home ina couple weeks and would be separated by a thousandmiles (I was moving back to Chicago, and he was movingback to Franklin, Vermont). Thankfully, through mutualfriends at <strong>Champlain</strong> and a little luck, we reunited onChurch Street in 2006 and have been inseparable eversince. If it hadn’t been for <strong>Champlain</strong>’s MMG programand our mutual love for <strong>the</strong> Web, we never would havemet. Thanks, CC!”Leslie Haasch & David Rheaume (class of ’05)“My bro<strong>the</strong>r and I are proud graduates of <strong>Champlain</strong> and areboth hoping our children will be <strong>the</strong> third generation to attend<strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>! My fa<strong>the</strong>r retired a few years ago, a fewyears before I started working here at <strong>Champlain</strong>. I am sureI will be here until retirement as well, because when I startedmy job at <strong>Champlain</strong>, it felt like I was coming home.”—Deana Higgs (class of ’89)““Although <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong> haschanged its technolosome beautifullybuildings, thas benaI received my A.S. in Business in ’89. Then, after working for a few years, Idecided to go back and get my B.S. and graduated ’97. I love <strong>Champlain</strong><strong>College</strong> and all of <strong>the</strong> memories it has for me. ” —Alison (Smalley) Johnson (class of ’89/’97)10 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08<strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 11


LightTravelingWritten by Jenica Norrish ’08Photography by Kathleen LandwehrleIllustration by Julia CaminitiVisit Alan Strake’s blog at:www.champlain.edu/News-and-Events/Magazine.htmlCaribbeanadventurerand ProfessorAlan Stracke reflectson <strong>the</strong> educationaltreasures awaitingdiscovery throughAculturalimmersionjourneyof a thousand miles may indeed beginwith a single step. To <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>Professor Alan Stracke, that first step is<strong>the</strong> belief that exploration is possible. Inhis 33 years of teaching at <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong>, hehas inspired student-wanderers to embracethat possibility. His sociology classes havebeen famously full of anecdotes from threedecades’ adventures in <strong>the</strong> Caribbean, hislectures sometimes scored by island music.Having grown up in working-classWood River, Illinois, however—far awayin geographic, economic, and culturalterms from <strong>the</strong> balmy isles of his latertravels—Stracke has long understood thattravel inspiration is fruitless without <strong>the</strong>means to pay <strong>the</strong> fare. That understandingwas <strong>the</strong> impetus for establishing,with Director of <strong>Champlain</strong> AbroadRecruitment Lynda Reid, <strong>the</strong> Stracke/ReidCultural Immersion Scholarship this year.Designed to provide financial assistanceto <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> students interestedin studying abroad, <strong>the</strong> scholarship iswell-timed with <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong>’s expandedglobal learning initiatives (see “A Worldof Opportunity,” page 16). Although <strong>the</strong>scholarship was only recently established,it actually extends Stracke and Reid’sdecade-long effort to create travelopportunities for students who o<strong>the</strong>rwisewould not be able to afford <strong>the</strong>m.The program also coincides with amajor crossroads on Stracke’s personaljourney—his fight against cancer, withwhich he was diagnosed in November2006. His battles with T-cell lymphomahave, at times, seemed epic. Now on <strong>the</strong>road to recovery, he is enjoying renewedstrength to reflect on what traveling <strong>the</strong>world has meant to him, and he is moredetermined than ever to share thatwith o<strong>the</strong>rs.Mission:PossibleWhen he wasgrowing up in<strong>the</strong> industrialheartlandof 1950sAmerica,young AlanStracke’swindows on <strong>the</strong>world didn’t offermuch of a view—justsmog and smokestacks from<strong>the</strong> oil refineries of his community25 miles north of St. Louis. Daily lifewas blemished in o<strong>the</strong>r ways that Strackeremembers vividly, including movinginto a housing project for financiallydisadvantaged families and “gettingbeaten to a pulp every day because Iwas a scrawny little kid.”Against that backdrop, Strackenaturally began to ponder <strong>the</strong> prospect ofgetting out of Wood River. As he recalls,however, this kind of thinking ran counterto conventional local wisdom. “All <strong>the</strong>sepeople were telling me how wonderfulit was to just be able to get a job <strong>the</strong>re,” hesays. “The labor movement was so strongthat people made really decent wages forjust having a high school diploma, likesweeping floors for $12 an hour in <strong>the</strong>1950s. It was an incredible standard ofliving for such a lack of education.”Unconvinced that hisfuture lay in that community,where noxious sulfurdioxide pumped intohis backyard 24 hoursa day, Stracke fed hisdreams of a better lifewith <strong>the</strong> television seriesI Spy, starring RobertCulp and Bill Cosbyas two globe-trottingsecret agents who foiledinternational crimes under<strong>the</strong> guise of a professionaltennis playerand his trainer,respectively.Strackewatched<strong>the</strong> showreligiously.“In eachepisode, <strong>the</strong>ywere all over<strong>the</strong> world—inIstanbul, Rome,Venice—and eachepisode I got to see, in color,<strong>the</strong>se incredible things from thisstinky little town I was in, which had threeoil refineries, one of which was at <strong>the</strong> endof my street. I’m seeing this and thinking,‘You don’t have to live here.’”Beyond <strong>the</strong> show’s exotic locales,Stracke picked up on ano<strong>the</strong>r importantway in which <strong>the</strong> world of agents KellyRobinson (Culp) and Alexander Scott(Cosby) differed from his own. WithI Spy, Cosby became one of <strong>the</strong> firstAfrican-Americans to costar on a televisionshow. This image was at odds with <strong>the</strong>entrenched racism of Stracke’s hometown—aplace where, in his memory,African-Americans couldn’t securehome loans, despite <strong>the</strong> illegality of thisdiscriminatory practice. His curiosityabout cultural diversity and inequalitieswas also fueled by an example closer tohome: <strong>the</strong> family of his neighbor and bestfriend, Buzzy. Buzzy’s mo<strong>the</strong>r was PimaIndian and Mexican, and Buzzy’s dad wasIrish—an improbable combination fora town <strong>the</strong> likes of Wood River. Strackeremembers wondering, “Why isn’t anyoneelse like this? Why is everyone I see likemy parents?”Spending time with Buzzy’s familyexposed Stracke to <strong>the</strong> riches of <strong>the</strong>ircultural blend—<strong>the</strong> Spanish <strong>the</strong>y spokeat home; <strong>the</strong> Irish and Mexican musicthat was always playing; <strong>the</strong> music<strong>the</strong> family members performed onaccordion, guitar, and harmonica; and,12 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 13


importantly, Buzzy’s mo<strong>the</strong>r’s stories ofbeing treated differently for her non-Caucasian appearance. “They were sucha happy family,” Stracke remembers.“I was learning about culture in a verypersonal way.”In his own home, Stracke was alsolearning lessons that would form <strong>the</strong>foundation of his cultural explorations.“My mo<strong>the</strong>r played an important part innot being satisfied with <strong>the</strong> status quo,” hesays. “Her lesson to me was that everyoneis worthy of respect. My fa<strong>the</strong>r’s lesson tome was to not take life too seriously; life’sjust way too short, so have fun with it.”By <strong>the</strong> time he received his high schooldiploma in 1964, Stracke was ready toventure toward those broader horizonshe’d been imagining since boyhood.TICKET TO RIDEStracke received his bachelor’s degree insocial science in 1967 and his master’sdegree in cultural history in 1968, bothfrom Nor<strong>the</strong>rn Michigan University.Although his pursuit of higher educationdidn’t lead him very far from home inliteral miles, <strong>the</strong> subjects he studied—inparticular, medieval history and culture—inspired him to take to <strong>the</strong> open road.He took out a $10,000 bank loanand spent <strong>the</strong> summer travelingaround Europe. He rode on<strong>the</strong> last run of <strong>the</strong> originalOrient Express from Istanbulto Budapest before it became<strong>the</strong> glamorous luxury train it isknown as today. He also rented acar and drove through France, Italy,and Greece, where he ran a lap around<strong>the</strong> original Olympic track in <strong>the</strong> ancientstadium in A<strong>the</strong>ns. “I thought I was BillCosby from I Spy,” he says. “It was anamazing adventure.”Stracke arrived in Burlington in 1973and began teaching at <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>.Aware that Vermont’s long, cold, darkwinters could dampen his wanderer’sspirit, he made plans to get away tosunnierclimesduringcollege breaks.He soon took his first tripto <strong>the</strong> Caribbean, visiting <strong>the</strong> Bahamas,drawn <strong>the</strong>re, in part, because it had been<strong>the</strong> film location for <strong>the</strong> first James Bondfilm, 1962’s Dr. No. On this exotic islandadventure, however, Stracke was finallyplaying <strong>the</strong> lead role.Like <strong>the</strong> worldly spies of his youthfulfantasies, Stracke was not content tolounge on beaches, sipping cool umbrelladrinks. His scholarly interests in culture,which grew out of his inquisitive years asa kid in Illinois, led him to seek deeperimmersion in <strong>the</strong> islands to which he’dbeen escaping. “It was reallyabout <strong>the</strong> people,” hesays of what drewhim back to <strong>the</strong>Caribbean at everyopportunity. “Icouldn’t believe howmuch happinessand joy <strong>the</strong>re was in<strong>the</strong>ir lives. I grew upin a place where folks hadmaterial things, and <strong>the</strong>y were unhappyas hell. They, too, were working folk in<strong>the</strong> Caribbean, and <strong>the</strong>y did not havematerial possessions, [yet] <strong>the</strong>y werehappy because <strong>the</strong>y had a joy to <strong>the</strong>irspirit.” By venturing off <strong>the</strong> tourist track,he met local people whose daily lives andwork illuminated something au<strong>the</strong>nticand unique about island culture. One ofhismorememorableencountersoccurredonJamaica,duringhis thirdtrip to <strong>the</strong>Caribbean,when he made<strong>the</strong> acquaintance ofa coral diver, a man whocould dive as far as 80 feetinto <strong>the</strong> ocean without any breathingapparatus, just a machete tucked into hispants. “He was telling me, ‘You know,<strong>the</strong> deeper you go, <strong>the</strong> darker you get,’”Stracke remembers. The diver was referringto <strong>the</strong> color of <strong>the</strong> coral, <strong>the</strong> darker being<strong>the</strong> more valuable but also <strong>the</strong> moredangerous to collect. Stracke couldn’t helpbut sense a metaphor at work as well—asubtle commentary on what it meant tobe an indigenous islander and how muchcloser to an au<strong>the</strong>ntic experience onegets <strong>the</strong> more deeply one is immersed in<strong>the</strong> culture. “My trips became very littleabout <strong>the</strong> beach and everything aboutmeeting and writing about <strong>the</strong> people andincorporating that into my courses,” he says.Experiences such as his conversationwith <strong>the</strong> coral diver came to profoundlyinfluence Stracke’s teaching style. Asstorytelling was an integral part ofCaribbean culture, so it became in hisclasses. He began sharing anecdotes withhis sociology students that were basedon his journals and travel experiences,eventually collecting <strong>the</strong> tales in hisbook Why Ask—a Cultural Explorationof <strong>the</strong> Caribbean, which uses case-studymethodology in applying sociological<strong>the</strong>ories. He also kept on island-hopping.At <strong>the</strong> time of this writing, he had visited50 or so Caribbean islands—from <strong>the</strong>well-traveled Jamaica to Anegada, Bonaire,and <strong>the</strong> Tobago Keys.NEW HORIZONSWith <strong>the</strong> Cultural Exploration ScholarshipProgram in place, Stracke and Reid set<strong>the</strong>ir sights on bringing <strong>Champlain</strong><strong>College</strong> students into <strong>the</strong> endeavor. Theyorganized <strong>Champlain</strong>’s inaugural CulturalImmersion Cohort Experience (CICE), inwhich 10 students would travel with <strong>the</strong>mto Carriacou for a semester to completecommunity-building projects while taking afull semester of courses.A year and a half in <strong>the</strong> planning,<strong>the</strong> program was derailed by <strong>the</strong> newsof Stracke’s cancer. Not only was CICEReid turned to o<strong>the</strong>r resources to keep <strong>the</strong>CESP alive. Stracke secured funding from<strong>the</strong> Rotary Club of Charlotte–Shelburne,with which he’d shared some of his islandexperiences during a talk at a club meetingin 2003.With funding for <strong>the</strong> Carriacouscholarship now secure, Stracke and Reidapproached <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> aboutstarting a separate endowment fund for<strong>Champlain</strong> students (see sidebar below).They jump-started <strong>the</strong> program by makinga $10,000 contribution. “Now we cangive back to an institution where we’vemade our careers and create a legacy,”Reid says. “We hope to inspire studentsby supporting <strong>the</strong>m to go abroad in a<strong>Champlain</strong> Abroad program.”For Stracke, whose thoughts are onhis own journey back to good health—and back to <strong>the</strong> classroom—<strong>the</strong>scholarship is both a way of openingdoors to cultural understanding and adeeply personal gesture. “The scholarshipis <strong>the</strong> next step, my legacy,” he says. “It’sme saying to students, ‘Look at <strong>the</strong>world. You can do this. It’s your owncanceled, but <strong>the</strong> revenue from <strong>the</strong>story. You don’t have to watchA CHANCE ENCOUNTERWhy Ask sales, which hadsomeone else’s story,In 1997, while on sabbatical on Tortola in <strong>the</strong> British Virginfunded <strong>the</strong> scholarship,and you don’t haveIslands, Alan Stracke met Lynda Reid, who was teaching at a private school <strong>the</strong>re.was also severed.As <strong>the</strong>y explored <strong>the</strong> islands toge<strong>the</strong>r, <strong>the</strong>y discovered a mutual desire to share <strong>the</strong> joys of to be stuckStracke andcultural immersion with o<strong>the</strong>rs. As <strong>the</strong>y say, “Living and immersing yourself in ano<strong>the</strong>r culture provides anywhere.’” 1you with a unique opportunity to reflect on who you are, what you believe, and why you believe as you do. It isan opportunity to live consciously and not simply on cruise control. These are essential experiences for building globalleaders.” • Their first initiative, which is still under way, helps island schoolchildren fur<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong>ir education (see main article).Their most recent effort to inspire <strong>the</strong> next generation of global learners is <strong>the</strong> Stracke/Reid Cultural Immersion ScholarshipFund, a permanent endowment to provide financial assistance to <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> students studying at a <strong>Champlain</strong> Abroad campus fora semester or more. • This aid is especially welcome to <strong>the</strong>se students, who often find that <strong>the</strong>y must become more self-reliant in <strong>the</strong>ir newsurroundings—distant from familiar support networks. For some, financial aid is <strong>the</strong> deciding factor in whe<strong>the</strong>r or not to study abroad. “As manystudents work in order to make ends meet,” Reid notes, “<strong>the</strong> added cost of a semester abroad is an enormous burden.” • Preference in distributingaid is given to students who participate in service projects in <strong>the</strong>ir abroad community and/or who have demonstrated involvement in community serviceprograms before <strong>the</strong>ir semester abroad. As a permanent endowment fund, <strong>the</strong> Stracke/Reid Cultural Immersion Scholarship can only be tapped for 5percent of its value, making <strong>the</strong> program a foundation upon which to build a larger resource. • If you would like to help this endowment grow through a gift,please contact Shelley Richardson, Vice President of Development & Alumni Affairs at (802) 860-2714 or email her at Shelley.richardson@champlain.edu.14 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 15


A World ofOpportunity<strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> inspires globallearning on its new campuses abroadand cutting-edge courses on <strong>the</strong> Hill.Article by Erik Esckilsen(Opposite page)Duomo, Florence,Italy—photographed byToni-Lee Sangastiano(Right)Daily work in <strong>the</strong> RifMountains, Morocco(Below)Imazighen women inDayet Aoua souk (bazaar),Morocco—photographedby Michael LangeLake Effects:Cyndi Brandenburg and Michael Lange in MoroccoCore Professors Cyndi Brandenburg and Michael Lange didn’tcross paths on <strong>the</strong>ir research trips to Morocco this past summer,but <strong>the</strong>y’ll work shoulder to shoulder when <strong>the</strong>y team-teach acourse in <strong>the</strong> Core’s third year. The course will study <strong>the</strong> effects ofenvironmental change on communities and <strong>the</strong> influence of cultureon solutions to environmental problems. b Brandenburg, abiologist by training, traveled to Morocco by way of Spain, Tangiers,Rabat, <strong>the</strong> Rif Mountains, and <strong>the</strong> city of Chef-Choen. Along <strong>the</strong> way,she met scholarly experts as well as local people who invited herinto <strong>the</strong>ir homes. “Once I got <strong>the</strong>re, I became completely immersedin studying <strong>the</strong> culture,” she says, adding that she was struck by<strong>the</strong> variation in ways that people thought about such environmentalissues as dwindling water resources. Her observations led her toIt was three years ago that <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> PresidentDavid F. Finney told <strong>the</strong> audience at his inaugural addressthat, in his view, “Students graduating from <strong>Champlain</strong>must understand how <strong>the</strong> world of today came to be.”After a murmur of assent, he added, “But <strong>the</strong>y must alsobe equipped to dream of a better world—a better tomorrow—because that is where leadership begins.”Reflecting on this excerpt, one hears a call to launch anambitious set of initiatives that would chart a new course for<strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong> on <strong>the</strong> high seas of higher education. One of <strong>the</strong>seinitiatives, <strong>the</strong> Core curriculum, set sail in fall 2007 (see “CoreValues” article in <strong>the</strong> fall 2007 issue) and now prepares studentsfor success in a career marketplace that values critical thinking,skillful communication, and broad-based knowledge. Alsoimplied strongly in Finney’s address is <strong>the</strong> urgency of preparingstudents to live, work, and lead in <strong>the</strong> global economy. It’sa message to which he hews tightly today: “In <strong>the</strong> case of<strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>, <strong>the</strong> driver is career,” he says. “If we’re reallyserious about setting a student up to have a successful career,it’s incumbent on us to think about what our students mightencounter over <strong>the</strong> next 40 years. Students are going to spend asignificant part of <strong>the</strong>ir careers dealing with and interacting withpeople from all over <strong>the</strong> world.”Understanding that no single program, or even a sequence ofcourses, could fully prepare students to meet <strong>the</strong> challenges on<strong>the</strong> horizon, Finney has catalyzed what he and o<strong>the</strong>rs hope willamount to a transformation in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> culturewith respect to global engagement. It’s a transformation thatcultivates what he calls a “global and embracing” attitude.In true <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> fashion, that transformationis now under way on several fronts simultaneously. Onefront is on campus: third-year Core courses designed tofoster international awareness. Ano<strong>the</strong>r front is off campus:study abroad opportunities at <strong>Champlain</strong> Abroad sites inMontreal, Canada, and Dublin, Ireland, and through thirdpartyprograms spanning <strong>the</strong> globe. A third front combineson-campus study and international field experiences. All <strong>the</strong>while <strong>the</strong>se initiatives have been taking shape, Professor GaryScudder has cultivated <strong>the</strong> online Global Modules program,which brings toge<strong>the</strong>r students taking <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>examine how cultural attitudes frame issues. She sees an importantlesson for students: “As a Westerner, you can’t walk in with yournotion of how to solve problems, and your models of how you’regoing to solve this in <strong>the</strong> U.S., and impose that on a culture,” shesays. “You do what’s right in context.” b Understanding contextis Lange’s expertise as an anthropologist. In <strong>the</strong> rural Moroccanvillage of Dayet Ifrah (population approx. 900), he explored <strong>the</strong>community’s response to <strong>the</strong> diminished volume of an importantlake. With <strong>the</strong> help of an interpreter, he interviewed locals—mainlyBerbers, an indigenous ethnic group speaking <strong>the</strong> Tamazightlanguage—and heard of myriad adverse effects: less grazing landfor sheep; minimal snowfall, which has hurt <strong>the</strong> ski industry; andless contact among community members, for whom <strong>the</strong> lake wasa social hub. Lange recalls a farmer’s story about missing wakingto <strong>the</strong> sounds of frogs and birds. To bring <strong>the</strong> point home to hisfuture students, early one morning Lange recorded <strong>the</strong> vibrantsounds at ano<strong>the</strong>r healthier lake. “I’m sure that <strong>the</strong> students in myclass have never heard a Moroccan lake in <strong>the</strong> morning,” he says.b In collaboration with Brandenburg, Lange anticipates that <strong>the</strong>issue of global climate change may help students connect to coursematerial on <strong>the</strong> environment and culture of a land remote from <strong>the</strong>irexperience. Surely <strong>the</strong> professors’ travel tales will enliven classdiscussions—like <strong>the</strong> signature spices of <strong>the</strong> region where <strong>the</strong>y<strong>the</strong>mselves were eager students just recently.16 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 17


North by Nor<strong>the</strong>ast:<strong>Champlain</strong>’s Montreal and Dublin CampusesIrish eyes were smiling on <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> on September 22when Finney and a delegation of <strong>Champlain</strong>ers cut <strong>the</strong> ribbon ona new campus in Dublin, Ireland’s capital city. The Dublin site,which features an academic center located in a historic Georgianrow house, with students living in an international dormitoryaround <strong>the</strong> corner, becomes <strong>the</strong> second <strong>Champlain</strong> Abroad campus,<strong>the</strong> first being <strong>the</strong> Montreal site, which opened in <strong>the</strong> fall of 2007.According to Gail Stevenson, <strong>Champlain</strong>’s director of internationalprograms, Dublin’s allure as a <strong>Champlain</strong> Abroad site comesfrom <strong>the</strong> company that <strong>the</strong> city keeps—it is home to offices of suchestablished global firms as Dell, Google, Intel, and Microsoft—aswell as its lively urban character and thriving economy. “It’s a small,livable city,” Stevenson says. “It has had this tremendous economicboom since joining <strong>the</strong> E.U. [European Union] and is now a centerof technology for nor<strong>the</strong>rn Europe.”Opportunities to connect with <strong>the</strong> region’s businesses, shenotes, are an important facet of <strong>the</strong> Dublin experience, just as<strong>the</strong>y have been for <strong>Champlain</strong> students in Montreal. Althoughregulations concerning foreign students complicate <strong>the</strong> internshipprocess somewhat at both <strong>Champlain</strong> Abroad sites, Stevensonand her team have been working hard to create professionalopportunities for “each and every student in Montreal andDublin,” she says.From an academic standpoint, <strong>Champlain</strong> Abroad sites offera unique way for third-year students to connect courseworkto a place through classes with a distinct regional focus, suchas a Dublin campus science course that studies <strong>the</strong> uniqueenvironmental impacts of peat bogs and a Montreal campuscourse on bilingual graphic design with alternative urbanmessages. “Because we’re career oriented, we want [courses] tobe relevant,” Abramson says. “When I take a marketing class inDublin, that class is going to have a Dublin flavor, and I’m goingto learn about marketing in Dublin or certainly learn about howit compares to marketing in <strong>the</strong> U.S. It’s not going to be <strong>the</strong> sameclass I would’ve taken here because what’s <strong>the</strong> value added if weoffer <strong>the</strong> same class overseas that we offer here?”Each <strong>Champlain</strong> Abroad site may hold special appeal forstudents in specific majors—Business, International Business,Information Technology, and Digital Forensics for Dublin andElectronic Gaming in Montreal, home to industry heavyweightsElectronic Arts and Ubisoft—but Abramson sees both sitesoffering meaningful global learning experiences for <strong>Champlain</strong><strong>College</strong> students of varying interests and degree objectives. Thefundamental benefit, she notes, is an intimate encounter witha different culture, a chance “to know what it’s like to not becompletely comfortable with your surroundings,” as she puts it.Such a profound personal experience has important professionalbenefits for students preparing to enter today’s global careermarketplace. “We think <strong>the</strong>y need that in order to be successfulBird by Bird:Tim Brookes in EgyptLike o<strong>the</strong>r professors who traveled to <strong>the</strong> Middle East last summer,Tim Brookes made unanticipated discoveries in Egypt that willshape <strong>the</strong> course he teaches. b The Professional WritingProgram director and cofounder of Writers without Borders (www.writerswithoutborders.org), an organization that helps public healthofficials in <strong>the</strong> developing world share stories and news with anEnglish-speaking/reading audience worldwide, Brookes set out tocultivate contacts in <strong>the</strong> public health field who would be interestedin Writers without Borders writing workshops or in working withhis <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> students. After giving a workshop to <strong>the</strong>Ministry of Health, he pursued contacts in a field he’d written aboutextensively as a journalist: avian influenza. b He had a startlingrealization: “In this country [<strong>the</strong> U.S.], we’ve done <strong>the</strong> classic thingof ei<strong>the</strong>r completely ignoring <strong>the</strong> subjector being in an absolute panic about it,”he says. In Egypt, however, where bird fluis more prevalent, public health officialshave run thousands of workshops, Brookesestimates, on responding to intermediatestages between contamination andepidemic. “What this does is put usin an interesting situation of learningfrom a Middle Eastern country in a verypractical way,” he says. b His new goalis to guide <strong>Champlain</strong> students in writingprotocols for those intermediate stages.They would become educators in <strong>the</strong> eventthat avian flu reached <strong>the</strong> U.S. “Wouldn’tthat be something really unique to haveat <strong>Champlain</strong>,” he asks, “that informedleadership?”(Opposite page)Al Akhawayn Mosque inMorocco—photographedby Michael Lange(Top)Street sign inCairo—photographedby Tim Brookes(Middle)A street market in Cairo(Bottom) The Monastery inPetra, Jordan, a tombfacade dating back to1 BC—photographsby Jennifer Vincent20 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 07 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 21


| CLASS NOTES || CLASS NOTES |’86MarriageJudith L. Boomhover and David H.Virzi, August 18, 2007.’89NewsCheryl L. Jenks had a scientificposter presented at <strong>the</strong> RNA Society<strong>2008</strong> Annual Meeting in Berlin,Germany, titled “Analysis of premRNAFate in First-Step Splicing Mutants ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae.” Coauthorswere S. Fica, C. McDonold, andP. Hilleren.Niki (Beechwood) Curry, afterthree years as a stay-at-home mom,recently became a Tupperwareconsultant. She is also on multiplecommittees for <strong>the</strong> Bedford (MA)Family Connection (BFC), where sheruns <strong>the</strong> volunteer playroom and isorganizing <strong>the</strong> BFC’s booth for <strong>the</strong>townwide Bedford Day celebration.Niki’s husband, Michael, joined DraperLaboratory in Cambridge, MA, asa data mining engineer. Theirson Jacob recently celebrated hissecond birthday.In Memory of Our Fellow AlumniThe following members of our alumni family have passed onand will be remembered warmly by <strong>the</strong>ir friends, family, andalma mater.’32Helena R. Sullivan, Essex Junction,VT, April 3, <strong>2008</strong>’38Harry David Holden Jr.North East, MD, February 26, <strong>2008</strong>Artemas G. VondleSouth Burlington, VT, March 20, <strong>2008</strong>’43Robert J. Lambert, Essex Junction,VT, March 31, <strong>2008</strong>’44Edytha E. MilesBurlington, VT, May 24, <strong>2008</strong>’63Martha B. HoweCottonwood, VT, June 13, <strong>2008</strong>’64Joseph H. Gay Jr., South Burlington,VT, February 22, <strong>2008</strong>Thomas Murphy, Burlington, VT,August 20, <strong>2008</strong>Ellinor BeanHauke, who listedamong her manyaccomplishmentssewing or quiltinga blanket foreach of her 31grandchildren andgreat-grandchildren,died February 26 inBurlington. She wasborn in 1911 andraised in Greensboro and Randolph, Vermont. She graduated from <strong>the</strong>University of Vermont in 1934 and faithfully represented her class assecretary, reporting alumni news and events for <strong>the</strong> Vermont Quarterlyuntil her passing.Ellinor and her husband, William Hauke Sr., who died in 2000,were among <strong>the</strong> earliest supporters of <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> constructionprojects on campus. The William R. Hauke Family Campus Center islocated in <strong>the</strong> center of campus thanks to <strong>the</strong>ir generous gifts in<strong>the</strong> 1980s. <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> was named as <strong>the</strong> beneficiary of aretained life estate in <strong>the</strong>ir Burlington home.Their son, William Hauke Jr., served on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>Board of Trustees from 1989 to 2001. He served as chair of <strong>the</strong> Board ofTrustees from 1996 to 1997.In lieu of flowers, <strong>the</strong> Hauke family included <strong>the</strong> <strong>Champlain</strong><strong>College</strong> Single Parent Program in <strong>the</strong>ir suggested list of possiblememorial gifts.’65Carol-Lynn PlaceHinesburg, VT, May 9, <strong>2008</strong>’81Andrea (Brophy) CoolidgeDorset, VT, May 11, <strong>2008</strong>’84David R. Gauthier,South Burlington, VTMarch 19, <strong>2008</strong>’86Ina Mae Wendland, Monkton, VT,March 22, <strong>2008</strong>’87Michael E. Dooley, St. George, VT,July 4, <strong>2008</strong>’91Darla Mills, Tampa, FL<strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> graduate Thomas (Todd) Murphy ’64 died August20 in Burlington. The 65-year-old former <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> trustee assisted<strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> President C. Bader Brouilette with one of <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong>’s firstcapital campaigns to build <strong>the</strong> Joyce Learning Center in <strong>the</strong> 1970s.After graduating from <strong>Champlain</strong>, Murphy graduated from HarvardBusiness School (OMP, 1983) and went on to be president and owner ofBurlington News Agency, Daytona News Agency, Plattsburgh News Agency, andTodd Realty. He served on numerous boards in <strong>the</strong> community over <strong>the</strong> years.Murphy loved <strong>the</strong> outdoors, taught skiing at Stowe, and was an avid sailor,crewing on several Bermuda races as well as a Transatlantic discovery race. Hewas a helicopter and airplanepilot and a master shooterwith <strong>the</strong> National SportingClays Association.He is survived byhis wife of 42 years, JaneChristie Murphy, and <strong>the</strong>irthree children, Kara,Glenn, and Brian, all livingin Vermont. Kara has alsoforged a relationship with<strong>Champlain</strong>, most recentlyteaching classes in marketingand design.John Bankus and Todd Murphy (right)Malcolm LeVanway ’58 recently paid a visit tocampus and enjoyed a conversation with studentsErich Reich ’08 and Alex Ouellette ’09. Thestudents live at <strong>the</strong> Main Street Suites residentialbuilding in <strong>the</strong> suite that bears LeVanway’s namein honor of his generosity to <strong>Champlain</strong>.’64NewsJoseph M. Finnigan will be retiringas chief executive officer of <strong>the</strong> VermontFederal Credit Union in March. He willremain as treasurer of <strong>the</strong> credit unionboard of directors through at least his fullterm, which ends in 2010. He was CEOfor more than 30 years.Jackie (LeBlanc) Mathias and herhusband, Jim, recently celebrated<strong>the</strong>ir 40th wedding anniversary on aCaribbean cruise with <strong>the</strong>ir children andchildren’s spouses.Mary Jane (Trevithick) Stanleyretired from Vermont Commons Schoollast December and spent <strong>the</strong> winter inFlorida with her husband, William. Sheplans to spend lots of time with herdaughter, son-in-law, and two grandsons(2 ½ and 7 months) in Long Island,NY, in addition to her home in SouthBurlington.Connie (Bonney) Potter and herhusband, Quentin, will be celebrating<strong>the</strong>ir 44th anniversary in January and areenjoying spending time with <strong>the</strong>ir threechildren and three grandchildren. Theyare expecting a fourth grandchild aroundChristmas <strong>2008</strong>. Connie retired as alegal secretary in 2007.’67NewsLana L. Meunier retired from <strong>the</strong>University of Texas Medical Branch—Galveston after 25 years of service.’72NewsRonald J. Gosdeck has returned toUnisys as <strong>the</strong> vice president of globalrecruiting after living in Kuwait fortwo years.’77NewsGeorge Miller and wife Renee areproud parents of <strong>the</strong>ir daughter, DanielleMiller, who graduated from <strong>Champlain</strong><strong>College</strong> in <strong>2008</strong>.’78NewsJeannette (Mercier) Warn wasnamed director of payroll for <strong>the</strong> Stateof Vermont.’80NewsBradley S. Fortier was named directorof marketing operations for Co-operativeInsurance Companies and joined <strong>the</strong>company in June. He has spent 26 yearsin <strong>the</strong> insurance industry. Formerly, hewas director of marketing at VermontMutual Insurance Group, and prior tothat he was vice president of marketingat <strong>Champlain</strong> Casualty Co., both inMontpelier.’81NewsJean (Scott) Gardyne has beenworking at <strong>the</strong> Epilepsy Foundationof Eastern Pennsylvania as <strong>the</strong> campcoordinator since June 2007 andhas recently taken on additionaladministrative responsibilities.’90NewsRoland Palmer was <strong>the</strong> recipient of<strong>the</strong> 2007–<strong>2008</strong> <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>Staff Council Service Award on May 9,<strong>2008</strong>, for helping to establish <strong>the</strong> NewEmployee Mentoring Program.William R. Kaigle and his wife,Jennifer, own Ye Olde Sign Shoppe, asignage and graphics business locatedin Milton, VT, and recently launched aWeb site, www.yeoldesignshoppe.net.’91NewsChristina (McShinsky) Shakraand husband Tim have two daughters,Taylor Marie, 11, and Anna Rose, 8.’92newsJames I. McCarthy was named<strong>the</strong> <strong>2008</strong>–2009 American BasketballAssociation General Manager of <strong>the</strong>Year with <strong>the</strong> Manchester, NH, Millrats.Sarah A. Hammitt was promotedto front office manager at DoubleTreeHotel in South Burlington, VT.’94BirthsJason A. and Lisa Sturgis, adaughter, Lauren Kimberly Sturgis,October 25, 2007.Kerri L. (Elovirta) and John Timoney,a daughter, Kaitlyn Timoney, Pittsfield,MA, November 16, 2007.Rebecca (Osborne) Gray ’94 withhusband Andre at <strong>the</strong>ir April <strong>2008</strong>wedding’95engagementMarie A. Bergeron and SteveGonneville, summer of 2009.NewsMarie Bergeron graduated cum laudewith a B.S. in dental hygiene from <strong>the</strong>University of New England in 2006.Tera (Chicoine) O’Brien ’96 (left)and Sarah Carlough ’96’96ENGAGEMENTDanielle M. McMahon andNate Horst.’97newsMelanie P. Hague has joined WynnLas Vegas, working as senior cateringmanager. She also purchased a newhome in December 2007.’98birthBarry T. and Sarah (Rohde)Russell ’01, a son, Levi James Russell,April 24, <strong>2008</strong>.MARRIAGESara J. Ouellette and Brian K.Mattison, May 17, <strong>2008</strong>.NewsKatie C. Goodness is <strong>the</strong> front deskmanager at <strong>the</strong> Wingate by Wyndhamlocated in Lake George, NY.24 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 25


| CLASS NOTES || CLASS NOTES |Catching AirAlumna’s career choice keeps herprofessional and personalpursuits aloftBy Warren Bakeralumni livesWin a<strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>Sweatshirt!Sign up for <strong>the</strong> monthly Alumni e-Newsletterby sending us your email address, and you’llbe entered to win a <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>sweatshirt. Just sign up by December 15,and you’ll be included in <strong>the</strong> drawing.To sign up, you can email us atalumni@champlain.edu, or call us at(802) 860-2785, or fill out <strong>the</strong> update form found at:www.champlain.edu/Alumni-and-Friends/Stay-In-Touch.html.Alternatively, send us Class Notes by December 15,including your email address on that form, and you’ll also beentered to win: www.champlain.edu/Alumni-and-Friends/Stay-In-Touch.html.The Classof <strong>2008</strong>Joins <strong>the</strong><strong>Champlain</strong>AlumniFamily.The Class of <strong>2008</strong> set sail aboard <strong>the</strong> Spirit of Ethan AllenIII on Lake <strong>Champlain</strong> as <strong>the</strong>y made <strong>the</strong> journey fromstudents to alumni during Senior Week <strong>2008</strong>!For Nicole (Osakowicz) Andrzejczyk ’04, it’s alwaysbeen about seeking a personal and professional balancebetween adventure and challenge. As a Graphic Designand Digital Media major at <strong>Champlain</strong> and a regional rider forBurton Snowboards, she interned for Fuse Integrated SportsMarketing, worked at trade shows and on snow demos for<strong>the</strong> snowboard industry, and even had an article publishedin Snowboarder magazine. Now working in IT for SikorskyAircraft, which manufactures helicopters for military andcommercial use, Andrzejczyk spends half of her time workingon a project in Mielec, Poland, and traveling throughoutEastern Europe on weekends.“It’s a whole new challenge for me,” she says, “and it’s a newbusiness adventure for our company, which includes learninga different culture and working with language gaps.” Fluent inPolish, Andrzejczyk says, “you have to be ‘on’ all <strong>the</strong> time.”After graduation, Andrzejczyk spent two years consultingfor an aerospace software company. “I needed <strong>the</strong> experienceto open doors,” she says. “I was willing to work for free, but Igot a paid internship and fell into my career. I worked hard. Ifound a new direction and new talents.”Andrzejczyk has been able to see how an aircraft, whe<strong>the</strong>rheli-copters or <strong>the</strong> space shuttle, is built from concept to reallife. “It’s a different kind of innovation,” she says. “I started ingraphic design. Now I design systems. It’s <strong>the</strong> same conceptualprocess, and <strong>Champlain</strong> provided me <strong>the</strong> skill set for it.“Going to <strong>Champlain</strong> gave me so much in and outsideschool. It built my self-confidence,” Andrzejczyk adds. “Youjust have to go out <strong>the</strong>re and get what you want. I alwayswanted to work for <strong>the</strong> snow industry, and I did. Then, aftera few years, I wanted something different. It was hard torealize what I was looking for at that time. It was even moreintimidating to change. Eventually I found myself in a totallynew area where I could still snowboard but also pursue arewarding career path.“Life is about balance,” she continues. “I like that my careerand my hobbies are different, yet connected. You need to learnhow to merge your interests and still be <strong>the</strong> person you are.”Andrzejczyk continues her exploration of new territory—literally—by traveling to Eastern Europe in conjunctionwith her work in Poland. “It’s nice to be able to travel somuch professionally,” she says. “I wouldn’t have had thisopportunity before. But I never want to lose <strong>the</strong> passion forwhat got me started. It’s important to focus on growing, butat <strong>the</strong> same time to pursue your passions outside work. I’ll besnowboarding in Poland as soon as <strong>the</strong> first snow falls.”28 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08<strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 29


| CLASS NOTES || CLASS NOTES |alumni livesGameOnJoe Arcovitch ’02 lived in dead space for over a year—andloved every minute of it. The environmental artist forElectronic Arts (EA), considered <strong>the</strong> world’s largest videogame developer, just wrapped up more than a year of productionfor a new game titled Deadspace. Arcovitch and his teammatesare not at liberty to discuss details prior to <strong>the</strong> game’s fall <strong>2008</strong>release, but he notes that Deadspace is a third-person survivalhorror game and that his role was to work on objects andvehicles. For this work, his name will appear in <strong>the</strong> credits. “Thereis a lot of action and creepy baddies,” he says, “but <strong>the</strong> focus for a title like this is more on mood andtension, so <strong>the</strong> moments of action don’t always come <strong>the</strong> way you’d expect.”Arcovitch, an Essex Junction native who majored in Multimedia & Graphic Design (MMG) at<strong>Champlain</strong>, says he uses his artistic talents at work, but not always in art creation. “An environmentartist creates <strong>the</strong> surrounding world that <strong>the</strong> characters move and interact in,” he says. “On a dayto-daybasis, I could be doing anything from creating a fresh asset from scratch, modeling, textures,and all, to adjusting collision. It all depends on what <strong>the</strong> project requires. Creative problem solvingis also a big part of <strong>the</strong> day. My team is very good about putting creative trust in <strong>the</strong> artists’ hands,and oftentimes you’ll have <strong>the</strong> opportunity to pitch new ideas and experiment with solutions tocreative problems.”For many <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> students, Arcovitch’s work is a career dream come true. Theartist tells his story as a tale of hard work and good luckgrounded in a solid education, for which he acknowledges<strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> MMG professors Ann DeMarle andDavid Lustgarten.After graduating from <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>, Arcovitchstudied painting and drawing at a classical realist atelierin Toronto. When he returned to Vermont, he worked forArtists Mediums, a Williston art retailer, while teachingsmall private classes in drawing and painting, and sellinghis work. “I very much enjoyed <strong>the</strong> independence offreelance work and <strong>the</strong> environment of teaching,” hesays. “The thought crossed my mind at <strong>the</strong> time to tryand open a small freelance studio and offer classes anddo illustration work, but I felt like I wasn’t experienced enough yet.” Arcovitch enrolled in <strong>the</strong> filmand animation master’s degree program at <strong>the</strong> Rochester Institute of Technology. Two years into hisprogram, he connected with EA at an emergent media conference in Boston.Although finishing his master’s <strong>the</strong>sis from EA’s busy headquarters in San Francisco puts acrunch on his time, Arcovitch is pleased with <strong>the</strong> direction that his career has taken. “I just reallylove making games, and have a great time doing it,” he says. “It can be pretty fast-paced with sometight deadlines, but it’s well worth it.” —DWAlumns’Enjoy a RedSox GameApproximately 60 <strong>Champlain</strong> alumni andcollege president Dave Finney descendon Fenway Park to watch <strong>the</strong> BostonRed Sox vs. Toronto Blue Jays, afterenjoying a pre-game party at Bertucci’sRistorante. Watch for details of <strong>the</strong>Summer 2009 event in <strong>the</strong> spring.!It takes oneto know one.Bridget Baldwin ’92CPS Admission CounselorCall Bridget today!866-637-5325CHC-238-08 Winter Print_Careers; 7.2” x 4.637”; mlWe’ve both been at <strong>Champlain</strong>.Is it your time to come back?Update Updating your credentials, knowledge, and and skills skills to get to getahead in in your career—at <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong> that already that alreadyknows you. A A lot lot has has changed changed since since you were you in were your in yourteens—and your your career career interests interests may be may totally be totally different differentnow. We have an an abundance of new of programs, new programs, plus <strong>the</strong> plus <strong>the</strong>flexibility of of fully fully online online degrees degrees and certificates. and certificates.Readmission is is a relatively a quick quick process, process, too. too.With just one call, you could be on your wayto some promising possibilities.For more information or to register:• Call or see us online• Visit us in downtownBurlington at 212 Battery St.• Check out <strong>the</strong> <strong>Fall</strong> “ReturningStudent Open House” onNov. 13 — call for details!cps.champlain.edu 866-637-532530 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08<strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 31


| ALUMNI VOICES |Ciao Italia!The firstAccounting Excellence Scholarshipis AwardedSince <strong>the</strong> launch of <strong>the</strong> Accounting ExcellenceScholarship—a permanent endowmentfund that honors <strong>the</strong> tradition of teachingexcellence at <strong>Champlain</strong>—we have raisedmore than $75,000 in gifts and pledgestoward a goal of $100,000!Thanks to <strong>the</strong> generous support of our alumniand friends, we have awarded our first AccountingExcellence Scholarship to Zachary Manchester ’09.Manchester is a Vermonter, raised in Fairfax, and anaccomplished accounting student who has demonstratedgreat professional promise.The Accounting Excellence Scholarship invests<strong>the</strong> money raised and uses <strong>the</strong> interest to helpstudents. With your help, we hope to exceed our$100,000 goal by <strong>the</strong> end of December <strong>2008</strong>. Byreaching this milestone, we will be able to distributetwo Accounting Excellence Scholarships in <strong>the</strong> 2009–2010 academic year.As an added incentive, Dawn Terrill ’88,accounting graduate and <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong> trustee,has committed to a $10,000 challenge gift, whichmeans that she will match your gifts, dollar fordollar, up to this amount.We invite YOU to make a gift today and supportthis important fund—<strong>the</strong> key to our success is yourparticipation!You can make a gift online by using our securesite: https://secure.champlain.edu/annualfund/.You can give a gift by regular mail by sending to:Accounting Excellence ScholarshipDevelopment<strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>163 S. Willard StreetP.O. Box 670Burlington, VT 05402You can call and make a pledge or gift over <strong>the</strong> phoneat: (802) 860-2756 | Toll Free: (866) 421-7170163 South Willard StreetBurlington, Vermont 05401Of all <strong>the</strong> places in <strong>the</strong> world I could have picked to travel to, Italy was right at<strong>the</strong> top. I never thought I’d be able to get toge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> time or <strong>the</strong> money to go. Oneday, a study abroad opportunity was brought to my attention in <strong>the</strong> one place I hadalways wanted to see: Florence. With some good information and a helpful push fromprofessor Toni-Lee Sangastiano, I was completely inspired and ready to go. Her CiaoItalia class on campus was fun, and I felt well prepared for <strong>the</strong> trip, but it was always aticking clock—ticking away until we departed for Italy, ticking away even as we cruisedover <strong>the</strong> Atlantic toward our destination.Our hotel in Florence was beautiful and a typical European setup: My floor openedonto a balcony that wrapped around two sides of <strong>the</strong> hotel. Walking along <strong>the</strong> narrowcement edge, I turned <strong>the</strong> corner to come face-to-face with <strong>the</strong> symbol of Florence, <strong>the</strong>Duomo. This massive ca<strong>the</strong>dral with its awe-inspiring dome was literally just outside mydoor. At night, when it was calm, I could go out on <strong>the</strong> rooftop with some friends andjust relax under <strong>the</strong> gaze of this enormous structure.In June <strong>2008</strong>, Colin Ward ’08 traveled, along with six o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>Champlain</strong> <strong>College</strong>classmates and Professor Toni-Lee Sangastiano to Florence, Italy. Their 10-day tour was <strong>the</strong>culminating phase of <strong>the</strong>ir spring semester’s work in Ciao Italia, a course on Florentine arttreasures. To read more of Ward’s travelogue—and to see more sketches from <strong>the</strong> trip—log onto alumni.go.champlain.edu/view.Alumni Voices gives alumni a forum for written works. Send submissions toalumni@champlain.edu.32 <strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08<strong>Champlain</strong> View | <strong>Fall</strong> 08 33


163 South Willard StreetP.O. Box 670Burlington, VT 05402-0670Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDPermit No. 261Burlington VT

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!