Winter 2005

Seen Around Geneseo...a look back at the fall 2004 semester

back to Table of Contents

U.S. Sen. Clinton Visits Campus, Launches Initiative at Geneseo

U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) visited the SUNY Geneseo campus Sept. 20 to announce the launching of the Finger Lakes Trading Cooperative, a program that will merge local businesses, education and community leaders to create employment and economic opportunities in Livingston and Wyoming counties. She spoke to a packed Alice Austin Theatre in Brodie Hall.

The program, modeled after a successful pilot program in the North Country, will link small businesses in these two counties to the world marketplace on eBay, the buying and selling Web site.

The trading cooperative is an expansion of the Microenterprise Assistance Program for Livingston and Wyoming counties, led by program coordinator Kathleen A. English and housed in Holcomb Hall on campus. Throughout the year, 20 local entrepreneurs will attend eBay University to learn how to start or grow an eBay based business. The skills learned will include photography, writing descriptive listings, setting pricing, marketing, packing and shipping tips, and using the on-line PayPal payment system.

"We must do all that we can to tap into the entrepreneurial spirit of the Finger Lakes. E-commerce is one of the most effective vehicles in today’s economic environment to raise knowledge, sales and profits for small businesses," said Clinton.

Some of the business owners were on hand to show samples of their products to Clinton. Some of the participating businesses include Davis Woodworking Designs, LLC of Attica, which makes custom hardwood combination storm and screen windows and doors; Coltsfoot Confections of Dansville, which makes gourmet foods sold at wineries and other tourist destinations in the region; and Mt. Pleasant Quilting Company in York, which makes quilts.

President Christopher C. Dahl, who praised Clinton for fostering the relationship between businesses and educational institutions, and the women’s cross-country team presented gifts on behalf of the College to Clinton.

In addition to Clinton, the trading cooperative is made possible through the efforts of SUNY Geneseo, the Small Business Development Center at Geneseo, Eastman Kodak Co. and HSBC Bank.

Sen. Clinton arrives on campus and is greeted by President Dahl.

Faculty and staff were also on hand to greet Clinton.

Clinton greets Dean Johnston, chair of the Geneseo Foundation board of directors.

Provost Kate Conway-Turner welcomes Clinton to campus.

Clinton, with student ushers.

The cross-country and track team presented Clinton with a Geneseo jacket and travel mug during her visit.

Photos by: Ron Pretzer

Annual Lecture Honors the Late Walter Harding

An annual lecture in honor of an internationally famous late faculty member who was an expert on American literature has been established at the College, and the first lecture was held on campus in September.

The Walter Harding Lecture is named for the English professor who was the world’s leading scholar on 19th century author Henry David Thoreau.

This year’s lecture featured American literature scholar Joel Myerson, and his presentation was titled "Not Instruction, But Provocation: Ralph Waldo Emerson on the Pursuit of Knowledge."

A distinguished professor emeritus at University of South Carolina, Myerson served on that institution’s faculty from 1971 until his retirement last year, and chaired its English department from 1987-1990. He is an authority on Transcendentalism and textual and bibliographical studies, and has written, edited, co-authored or co-edited numerous books.

Harding, a distinguished professor emeritus of English at SUNY Geneseo, died in 1996 at the age of 78. Harding joined the faculty in 1956 after teaching at the University of Virginia, Rutgers University and the University of North Carolina. He served as chair of the English department for six years and was designated a University Professor in 1966 and a Distinguished Professor in 1973. Harding retired in 1982 and a year later became the first faculty member in SUNY to be awarded a SUNY Honorary Doctor of Letters degree.

Harding’s extensive research, writing and teaching earned him international recognition and respect as an expert on Thoreau. Author of more than 25 books and numerous articles on the life and work of Thoreau, Harding was the founding secretary and former president of the Thoreau Society, the oldest and largest international organization devoted to the study of any American author.

Harding’s biography on Thoreau is considered the definitive account of his life and was reprinted in 1992. Harding’s work is still "rich and vital" to the classroom today, said Richard Finkelstein, chair of the English department. Harding’s wife, Marjorie Brook Harding, created an endowment to make the lecture series possible.

"I’m very excited, for the tribute it pays to Walter Harding and for the continuing support of his family, but also for the education it provides for students and faculty and the distinction it brings to the College," said Finkelstein.

Harding’s family donated his extensive collection of more than 15,000 books, pamphlets, articles and other Thoreau memorabilia to his beloved Thoreau Society at Walden Woods in Concord, Mass. The collection includes all Thoreau first editions and first printings. The family generously ensured SUNY Geneseo’s Milne Library was able to make copies of Harding’s works. The Walter Harding Collection consists of writings about Thoreau and Transcendentalism.

Rita Gollin, distinguished professor emerita of English, participates in the introduction of the inaugural Walter Harding Lecture.

Marjorie Brook Harding, Walter Harding’s wife, created an endowment to make the lecture series possible.

Joel Myerson delivered a presentation on Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Photos by: Ron Pretzer

Integrated Science Facility Construction on Target

According to Jeffrey Kaplan, director of facilities planning and construction for the College, the construction of the Integrated Science Facility remains on track.

"The project is progressing nicely," he said. "As you can see, the erection of the structural steel is near completion." The crane was dismantled last week, and was removed from the site.

Other work scheduled for this semester is the placement of concrete for portions of the third floor, according to Kaplan. The contractor is also working on completing the work at the Blake Patio and the adjacent walks so that area can be opened to the campus. Kaplan anticipates that this work will be completed by the end of the year.

For more information on the construction of the facility, along with a proposed timeline for completion, see http://www.geneseo.edu/~pplant/Science/genisf.html.

Photos by: Ron Pretzer

Geneseo 360 Program Highlights Migration and Discovery

The November "Geneseo 360" presentation featured material from the African American Migration Narrative (English 237), taught this semester by Beth McCoy, and a dialogue took place among participating students, faculty and staff.

According to Edna Chun, assistant vice president for human resources and organizer of the program, the dialogue was unique since it involved the application of the concept of migration to the students’ own journeys. "The staff and faculty present were asked to participate in the discussion by sharing relevant parts of their own stories," she explained. "In discussing the African American migration narrative, the students have engaged in their own process of discovery relative to their roots and families, and described this experience as very meaningful."

The Undergraduate Alumni Association sponsored its annual Chipwich Day at the beginning of the semester.

The Geneseo Alumni Association and Undergraduate Alumni Association welcomed students, faculty, staff and community members to its annual Founders Day celebration this fall.

Photos by: Ron Pretzer

Annual Lockhart Gala Draws College, Community Members to McClellan House

Music by the Geneseo String Band made for a festive welcome to the event.

Kathleen Jones (communicative disorders and sciences) attends the gala with Philip Jones and their granddaughter Camiren Mehlenbacher.

Geneseo Foundation Board Member Beth VanVliet is greeted by President Dahl, while Professor Emeritus of Art Paul Hepler looks on, at left.

From left: Patty Hamilton-Rodgers, associate director, alumni and parent relations, Mark Denaci (art), Wes Kennison (English) and Tom Rodgers chat during the event.

Liz Porter, chair of the Friends of Art committee, addresses those gathered at the gala.

Harry Wadsworth, member of the Art Gallery Collection Committee, speaks to the crowd.

Photos by: Ron Pretzer