UCALL Newsletter July/August 2005
The 2005 UCALL Spring Program, though a success, ended sadly with the unexpected passing of our Dean of Faculty, Dr. Christina Sorum. The loss of Dean Sorum was deeply felt throughout the college community because of the persona that she was: leader, teacher, mentor, colleague and friend.
I had the pleasure of meeting Christie initially during the interview process in January for the position of director. After being appointed director, I worked with Christie and I always found her to be accessible, sensitive and extremely supportive of the UCALL Program. It was very clear to me from the start that she supported the importance of lifelong learning and the need for our program as it offered a balance to the educational options available at Union.
Our former director, Michaela French, worked with Christie for several years and offered the following letter and poem to help us remember Christie's support of our program:
Dear Reader,
I come to share my feelings with you today. As many of you know that Christie Sorum, well loved Dean of Faculty, Vice President for Academic Affairs, died after a short illness on May 16. You may not know how much we owe to her, in fact our very existence. In the years I was with you, I remember many times when I thought UCALL might be discontinued, and others thought that when I retired that might happen. We know it did not, and I would like us to give a special word of thanks that Christie was always our supporter. As I sat and listened to the tributes paid at her Memorial Service, May 19, certain words kept going through my mind, and though I did not speak them, I wrote them down. I knew what I wanted to share with you, and trust that you will approve.
In no way do I lack understanding of how much your new Director and Committees are responsible for our continued programs, but I believe they know I have great faith in them. What follows is not to negate them in any way. Their excellent efforts have made my retirement peaceful and I appreciate them all.
In friendship,
Michaela
UCALL Remembers Christie
So many said so much and all agreed she was the spirit of good: energetic creative, academic, generous. Memories of her kindness were all a few kept; that was enough, reaching as it did to the hearts and souls she touched.
For me, supportive, in personal trouble or professional problems. In her office she made me feel a special person, no rush, despite the towers of work waiting for her hand. All who felt her special charm had left refreshed, renewed.
She cared, and was the means we are still here. Were we a hair's breadth away from extinction? We so believed. Dare we call it magic? I do. Else how to leave her, my head high and waiting for the impossible task I knew could now be done.
Today we have UCALL: we are, because she was.
A donation was made from the Friends of UCALL Fund to the college in memory of Dean Sorum. The college is reviewing how the funds will be used to memorialize Christie. Once the decision is made I will provide an update in a future newsletter to keep you all informed.
The closing luncheon was held on May 11, and the guest speaker was Walter Auclair. The luncheon served as a culmination to the program and was well attended. We had the good fortune of a beautiful day as well as excellent food and service. I would like to thank Walter Auclair, Nancy Mancini, Dining Services and Facilities for their contributions in making the luncheon a success.
On May 19, a cultural excursion to Boscobel and Dia: Beacon was held. The excursion was truly enjoyed by everyone that attended. The Boscobel tour included an exposition of a collection of exquisite historic period furnishings and art dating back to the early 1800's. The restored neoclassic mansion overlooks the Hudson River and is about fifty miles from New York City. In sharp contrast, Dia: Beacon features a collection of contemporary art. Rich in both art and history of our region, I heard from so many of you about how much you enjoyed the trip. There were forty- five members and friends in attendance and it was very enjoyable getting to know each of you over our wonderful gourmet lunch on a gorgeous spring day. An excursion to the Metropolitan Opera is slated for November and I am looking forward to getting together again. Details will follow in the Fall Brochure.
I continue to be amazed at the talent pool available within our membership. Melinda Morris Perrin is an example of such talent. She published a book of poetry called 'Prairie Smoke: Writings from the Heartland.' In this collection, she uses the spiritual realm of nature and its interaction with the physical to discover nature's healing powers. It is her first book, but her poetry has been published in magazines, newsletters, journals and other book collections. A new volume will be out in the fall called 'Goldenrods: Love Poetry for the Old and Foolish.' Both of these volumes can be found at www.icecubepress.com. Having read some of her writings, I would highly recommend them as I found her poetry to be inspiring. I invite any member to contact me with an accomplishment such as Melinda's that we can all share in and benefit from.
An important element of our program is the use of member talent and I look forward to hearing from those of you who have a talent to share, as this will assist in keeping our program both interesting and diverse.
On June 10, a dinner was held to recognize Bruce Tatge as he concluded his three-year term as Chair of the Steering Committee. The members of the committee attended the event to thank Bruce for his leadership and support. The committee presented Bruce with a clock that was engraved on behalf of UCALL in appreciation for his years of service. We look forward to working with Bruce as an active member of the Steering Committee.
The Fall Brochure is under development and will be issued in mid -August. The Fall Program begins on October 4. Thanks to the work of our Curriculum Committee we can all look forward to a well-developed, interesting and diverse program. Have a safe, healthy and enjoyable summer.
Sincerely,
Valerie D'Amario