Union College Alumni

Alumni Council of Union College

Meeting Minutes
April 2, 2005

Meeting to Order
Council President Jason Oshins ’87 called the meeting to order at approximately 9:00 a.m. He announced upcoming Council meetings on October 22, 2005 (in conjunction with Homecoming) and on April 8, 2006. He noted that the Council members should have a 100% participation rate in the Annual Fund and stated that this would be written into the by-laws after a vote at the October 22 meeting.

Moment of silence for Deceased Members
The Council observed a moment of silence for
William Male ‘38
James Pinkston III ‘42
Robert Hickin ‘53
John Davidson ‘56

October Meeting Minutes
The minutes of the October Council meeting were filed as written with one change. Mention of Class of ’69 member Cushing should have his first name as George.

Presidential Search Report by Frank Messa
Union College Trustee Frank Messa ’73, chair of the Presidential Search Committee spoke on committee progress. The Presidential Search Committee was formed in January 2005 upon the announcement of President Roger Hull’s resignation. Since that time, the committee members have been interviewed and selected, the Presidential Search website has been developed, and Washington DC company, Academic Search Consultation Service, has been retained as the search firm.

The faculty members of the committee are Ann Anderson (Mechanical Engineering Department), Louisa Matthew (Visual Arts), Terry Weiner (Division of Social Sciences), and George Shaw (Geology Department). They were selected from names submitted by the Faculty Executive Committee and represent each division. Gillian McCabe ’05 was selected as the student member from names submitted by the Student Forum. Trustee members of the committee (in addition to Messa) are Estelle Cooke-Sampson’74 MC, David Henle ’75, John E. Kelly III ’76, Lawrence Pedowitz ’69, and Mark Walsh ’76. Board of Trustees Chairman Steve Ciesinski ’70 will serve ex-officio.

Seven search firms were interviewed prior to selecting Academic Search Consultation Service. A major reason for the selection of that firm was its specialization in academic searches.

The Committee is in receipt of many resumes already. The search firm will post ads in national journals and newspapers. There will be 10-12 candidate interviews during the summer. A smaller number of candidates will be brought to Union for campus visits in the fall.

Don Bentrovato ’69 asked if an interim president would be required. Messa said that decision would be made by the Board of Trustees.

Rex Moon ’44 said that there have been negative statistics in the last years that would show that the national recognition of Union is declining. He gave the US News and World Report rankings and the alumni giving percentage as examples. He feels that the Trustees have not done enough to stop the decline in the processes behind some of these indicators. Rex said that a member or officer of the Alumni Council should have been named to the Presidential Selection Committee. Messa noted that, due to the change in by-laws of the Alumni Council, Oshins will be President of the Alumni Council next year and he will be an incoming member to the Union College Board of Trustees. He also noted that many of the current Board members were not on the Board when the US News rankings were first declining and when annual giving was declining. Later, Moon said that our reputation in preparing students to become doctors used to be greater.

Whitney Merrill ’94 asked if Union is looking for a president who will be a CEO, or one who will emphasize academics. Messa said that a search that is done correctly will address the issue of academic reputation. In fact, the search itself will raise Union’s reputation across the country. Messa’s discussions with his counterparts at Colgate and Hamilton showed that a search will highlight Union in the college community. There will be an academic focus to the search.

Tad Knight ’68 cited Moon for his remarks, since Rex Moon has had an award-winning educational career for over 50 years. He said that Moon speaks for many alumni who are disappointed in the rankings and in alumni giving.

Andy Carlson ’66 said that 25% of the US News rankings are based on academic reputation and felt that the President should not be experimenting with academics at the college. He later noted that Union’s focus seemed to have changed from liberal arts and engineering to an emphasis on the liberal arts.

Messa emphasized that his goal is to find the very best person for the Presidential position, and that he will take people’s comments into consideration. People can send comments and questions to him via the new Presidential Search website. He also reminded everyone that the Capital Campaign to raise $200 million is fully underway in its public phase. There are two major kick-off events (April 27th in Schenectady and May 1st in Washington DC). Union has already raised $85 million of the $200 million. Oshins stated that since he will be on the Board and serving as President of the Council, he is in a good position for open communication with the Board and the search committee.

Admissions Report by Admissions Vice-President Dan Lundquist
There are steady increases in quality, quantity, and diversity of students who apply to Union and who are enrolled. This year produced a record high number of applications; there were 4222 applicants and 45% were accepted. Our competitors for our admitted students are schools like Middlebury and Colby, making it necessary to admit a greater number of applications. The average SAT for admitted students is 1300 and 75% are in the top ten percent of their class. Our applicants and enrolled students are from across the country; we are no longer a regional school. When Don Bentrovato ’69 asked about the number of science majors, pre-med students, and pre-dental students, Lundquist said that the largest single group of admitted students (28%) are saying that they will major in the sciences.

Robert Sussman ’67 said that even people in affluent Bergen County NJ (where he has been doing college fairs for twenty years) don’t know about Union. He suggested that Union work on having guidance counselors recognize the school. Lundquist says that Union does work with counselors, even bringing them to visit Union. Our admissions staff provides counselors with mugs and other promotional material. He left us with the thought that “The students are great, the competition is fierce, the stakes are high, please help us”.

Annual Fund Report
Annual Giving Director Gail Dexter and Patrick DiCerbo '88, National Chair, The Union Fund spoke about progress of the 93rd Union Fund. Last year we had 40% alumni participation and have a goal this year of 42% participation. They thanked all who had committed to the Union Fund and who had given capital gifts. They would like Council members to identify individuals who are capable of major gifts. There will be a recognition program for those who give consistently (with recognition when the first gift is received, when there is a second consecutive annual gift, a fifth, a tenth, etc).

Dick Killeen ’51 noted that while many events have happened at Union over the years, the vast majority of them have been positive. He also said that we should applaud Moon for all he has done over the years, culminating in Moon recently being named to the Hall of Fame of the national College Board.

College Resources Report by Vice-President Tom Gutenberger
Tom thanked all the volunteers and thanked DiCerbo for all the work done for fundraising and for ReUnion. He noted that there will be about 65 regional alumni events conducted this year. There have been over twenty clubs formed over the last five years. He cited the $200 million ”U are Union” campaign for all the money raised thus far. He suggested that the Council have a specific goal of money to be raised for the campaign. The new video for the campaign was shown.

Report from President Roger Hull
President Hull said that the transformation of the Alumni council over the fifteen years of his presidency has been fantastic. He talked about his presidency, saying that the decision made will pay dividends in the future and that Union will move up in the rankings. The decision to remove the Civil Engineering program reflected the fact that we can’t be all things to all people. The last time there were equal enrollments in the liberal arts and in engineering was in the 1920’s. A disproportionate share of resources went to the engineering programs. Today we have Converging Technologies, where inter-departmental courses contain liberal arts and engineering components. He cited the fact that the Nott Memorial was restored during his term. The fraternity system has been complemented by the house system. He said that so many have been so supportive of Union College over the last fifteen years. He is frustrated that not every graduate donates; everyone should be donating because we all have an obligation to the institution. Other colleges come to Union to study the Minerva system and to study the Converging Technology program because we are doing the right thing.

Don Bentrovato asked President Hull to talk about the new Athletic Director. The new AD is Jim McLaughlin, a graduate of Union.

Rex Moon said that President Hull has done a great job here in the changes he brought to Union. There were also tributes from Ted Vinick ’43, Carl Klarman ’44.

President Hull closed by saying he feels good about his work here at Union. He has moved the institution forward. This was not done on the backs of the employees with layoffs. Resources are an issue here, and we have to remember that 75% of the US News rankings are resource-driven. He looks forward to working on his foundation and helping the community.

Committee Reports
Mike Newell ’74, out-going Treasurer, presented the Treasurer’s report.

Karen Huggins ’77, out-going Senior Alumni Trustee presented the annual Senior Alumni Trustee report. Following her report, Moon suggested that academic reputation should be a pillar of the college along with Community Service, the Minerva House System, Converging Technologies, International Study, and Undergraduate Research.

Sonia Pearson ’75, chair of the Nominations Committee presented reported the following from the Committee (made up of Pearson, Dick Killeen ’51, Louise Dunn ’76, Paul Rieschick ’74, and Michele DeSimone-Shellard ‘83:

Nominations for Alumni Council Officers for 2005-2006
President: Jason Oshins ‘87
First Vice President: John Vero ‘97
Second Vice President: Charles Roden ‘60
Treasurer: Cal Welch ‘62
Secretary: Karen Huggins ‘77
Note that Rob Danziger ‘89 is the immediate past president.
These nominations were moved, seconded, and approved unanimously.

Nominations for Members-at-large for 2005-2006
Mike Bruhn ’91
Tom Fallati ‘92
Joan Gould ‘76
Jessica Hayashi ‘74
Seth Ellis ‘92
Catherine Hedgeman’96
These nominations were moved, seconded, and approved unanimously.

Nominations for Alumni Gold Medal (to be awarded at the May Convocation)
Charles Roden ‘60
Peter Smith ‘70
Pat Seftel ‘80
These nominations were moved, seconded, and approved unanimously.

Nomination for Faculty Meritorious Service Award (to be awarded at the May Convocation)
Peter Tobiessen
This nomination was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously.

Veteran Member
Pat Seftel ’80 will be nominated by the Executive Committee for Veteran Member status. This honor is in recognition of significant service to the college and to the Alumni Council.

Keynote by Bill Schwarz, Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Bill discussed how his office is working to enhance Union’s reputation. He discussed how Union works to get the most important messages to the most important audiences. Professor Tom Werner is leading an Academic Reputation Committee studying the most effective ways to raise Union’s reputation. He cited several ways that Communications is getting Union’s name in the public eye. We are very excited because Union has just been awarded (along with SuperPower, Inc., and SCCC) a $5 million grant to develop a highly skilled workforce for SuperPower. Bill is on his way to a conference in Munich Germany with several NY State Companies, which will serve as excellent publicity for Union, since we are looking for companies to “invest” in Union.

Other Business
Our scholarship winner was announced. Our scholarship has a book value of $68,225, a market value of $400K, and provides a scholarship winner with $17,500 annually in funds.

Bryan Selchick ’06, chair of the Student Alumni Association spoke about SAA activities. He is also a student member of the Union College Board of Trustees.

Oshins closed by saying that the Alumni Council members are ambassadors for and leaders of the college. We should push for positive change and support the college.

Adjournment
The committee adjourned at approximately 12:15 p.m., following singing of the Alma Mater.

Respectfully submitted,
Karen Huggins ‘77 – incoming Secretary

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Union College Alumni Union College Alumni	Alumni Council of Union College Meeting Minutes April 2, 2005 Meeting to Order Council President Jason Oshins ’87 called the meeting to order at approximately 9:00 a.m. He announced upcoming Council meetings on October 22, 2005 (in conjunction with Homecoming) and on April 8, 2006. He noted that the Council members should have a 100% participation rate in the Annual Fund and stated that this would be written into the by-laws after a vote at the October 22 meeting. Moment of silence for Deceased Members The Council observed a moment of silence for William Male ‘38 James Pinkston III ‘42 Robert Hickin ‘53 John Davidson ‘56 October Meeting Minutes The minutes of the October Council meeting were filed as written with one change. Mention of Class of ’69 member Cushing should have his first name as George. Presidential Search Report by Frank Messa Union College Trustee Frank Messa ’73, chair of the Presidential Search Committee spoke on committee progress. The Presidential Search Committee was formed in January 2005 upon the announcement of President Roger Hull’s resignation. Since that time, the committee members have been interviewed and selected, the Presidential Search website has been developed, and Washington DC company, Academic Search Consultation Service, has been retained as the search firm. The faculty members of the committee are Ann Anderson (Mechanical Engineering Department), Louisa Matthew (Visual Arts), Terry Weiner (Division of Social Sciences), and George Shaw (Geology Department). They were selected from names submitted by the Faculty Executive Committee and represent each division. Gillian McCabe ’05 was selected as the student member from names submitted by the Student Forum. Trustee members of the committee (in addition to Messa) are Estelle Cooke-Sampson’74 MC, David Henle ’75, John E. Kelly III ’76, Lawrence Pedowitz ’69, and Mark Walsh ’76. Board of Trustees Chairman Steve Ciesinski ’70 will serve ex-officio. Seven search firms were interviewed prior to selecting Academic Search Consultation Service. A major reason for the selection of that firm was its specialization in academic searches. The Committee is in receipt of many resumes already. The search firm will post ads in national journals and newspapers. There will be 10-12 candidate interviews during the summer. A smaller number of candidates will be brought to Union for campus visits in the fall. Don Bentrovato ’69 asked if an interim president would be required. Messa said that decision would be made by the Board of Trustees. Rex Moon ’44 said that there have been negative statistics in the last years that would show that the national recognition of Union is declining. He gave the US News and World Report rankings and the alumni giving percentage as examples. He feels that the Trustees have not done enough to stop the decline in the processes behind some of these indicators. Rex said that a member or officer of the Alumni Council should have been named to the Presidential Selection Committee. Messa noted that, due to the change in by-laws of the Alumni Council, Oshins will be President of the Alumni Council next year and he will be an incoming member to the Union College Board of Trustees. He also noted that many of the current Board members were not on the Board when the US News rankings were first declining and when annual giving was declining. Later, Moon said that our reputation in preparing students to become doctors used to be greater. Whitney Merrill ’94 asked if Union is looking for a president who will be a CEO, or one who will emphasize academics. Messa said that a search that is done correctly will address the issue of academic reputation. In fact, the search itself will raise Union’s reputation across the country. Messa’s discussions with his counterparts at Colgate and Hamilton showed that a search will highlight Union in the college community. There will be an academic focus to the search. Tad Knight ’68 cited Moon for his remarks, since Rex Moon has had an award-winning educational career for over 50 years. He said that Moon speaks for many alumni who are disappointed in the rankings and in alumni giving. Andy Carlson ’66 said that 25% of the US News rankings are based on academic reputation and felt that the President should not be experimenting with academics at the college. He later noted that Union’s focus seemed to have changed from liberal arts and engineering to an emphasis on the liberal arts. Messa emphasized that his goal is to find the very best person for the Presidential position, and that he will take people’s comments into consideration. People can send comments and questions to him via the new Presidential Search website. He also reminded everyone that the Capital Campaign to raise $200 million is fully underway in its public phase. There are two major kick-off events (April 27th in Schenectady and May 1st in Washington DC). Union has already raised $85 million of the $200 million. Oshins stated that since he will be on the Board and serving as President of the Council, he is in a good position for open communication with the Board and the search committee. Admissions Report by Admissions Vice-President Dan Lundquist There are steady increases in quality, quantity, and diversity of students who apply to Union and who are enrolled. This year produced a record high number of applications; there were 4222 applicants and 45% were accepted. Our competitors for our admitted students are schools like Middlebury and Colby, making it necessary to admit a greater number of applications. The average SAT for admitted students is 1300 and 75% are in the top ten percent of their class. Our applicants and enrolled students are from across the country; we are no longer a regional school. When Don Bentrovato ’69 asked about the number of science majors, pre-med students, and pre-dental students, Lundquist said that the largest single group of admitted students (28%) are saying that they will major in the sciences. Robert Sussman ’67 said that even people in affluent Bergen County NJ (where he has been doing college fairs for twenty years) don’t know about Union. He suggested that Union work on having guidance counselors recognize the school. Lundquist says that Union does work with counselors, even bringing them to visit Union. Our admissions staff provides counselors with mugs and other promotional material. He left us with the thought that “The students are great, the competition is fierce, the stakes are high, please help us”. Annual Fund Report Annual Giving Director Gail Dexter and Patrick DiCerbo '88, National Chair, The Union Fund spoke about progress of the 93rd Union Fund. Last year we had 40% alumni participation and have a goal this year of 42% participation. They thanked all who had committed to the Union Fund and who had given capital gifts. They would like Council members to identify individuals who are capable of major gifts. There will be a recognition program for those who give consistently (with recognition when the first gift is received, when there is a second consecutive annual gift, a fifth, a tenth, etc). Dick Killeen ’51 noted that while many events have happened at Union over the years, the vast majority of them have been positive. He also said that we should applaud Moon for all he has done over the years, culminating in Moon recently being named to the Hall of Fame of the national College Board. College Resources Report by Vice-President Tom Gutenberger Tom thanked all the volunteers and thanked DiCerbo for all the work done for fundraising and for ReUnion. He noted that there will be about 65 regional alumni events conducted this year. There have been over twenty clubs formed over the last five years. He cited the $200 million ”U are Union” campaign for all the money raised thus far. He suggested that the Council have a specific goal of money to be raised for the campaign. The new video for the campaign was shown. Report from President Roger Hull President Hull said that the transformation of the Alumni council over the fifteen years of his presidency has been fantastic. He talked about his presidency, saying that the decision made will pay dividends in the future and that Union will move up in the rankings. The decision to remove the Civil Engineering program reflected the fact that we can’t be all things to all people. The last time there were equal enrollments in the liberal arts and in engineering was in the 1920’s. A disproportionate share of resources went to the engineering programs. Today we have Converging Technologies, where inter-departmental courses contain liberal arts and engineering components. He cited the fact that the Nott Memorial was restored during his term. The fraternity system has been complemented by the house system. He said that so many have been so supportive of Union College over the last fifteen years. He is frustrated that not every graduate donates; everyone should be donating because we all have an obligation to the institution. Other colleges come to Union to study the Minerva system and to study the Converging Technology program because we are doing the right thing. Don Bentrovato asked President Hull to talk about the new Athletic Director. The new AD is Jim McLaughlin, a graduate of Union. Rex Moon said that President Hull has done a great job here in the changes he brought to Union. There were also tributes from Ted Vinick ’43, Carl Klarman ’44. President Hull closed by saying he feels good about his work here at Union. He has moved the institution forward. This was not done on the backs of the employees with layoffs. Resources are an issue here, and we have to remember that 75% of the US News rankings are resource-driven. He looks forward to working on his foundation and helping the community. Committee Reports Mike Newell ’74, out-going Treasurer, presented the Treasurer’s report. Karen Huggins ’77, out-going Senior Alumni Trustee presented the annual Senior Alumni Trustee report. Following her report, Moon suggested that academic reputation should be a pillar of the college along with Community Service, the Minerva House System, Converging Technologies, International Study, and Undergraduate Research. Sonia Pearson ’75, chair of the Nominations Committee presented reported the following from the Committee (made up of Pearson, Dick Killeen ’51, Louise Dunn ’76, Paul Rieschick ’74, and Michele DeSimone-Shellard ‘83: Nominations for Alumni Council Officers for 2005-2006 President: Jason Oshins ‘87 First Vice President: John Vero ‘97 Second Vice President: Charles Roden ‘60 Treasurer: Cal Welch ‘62 Secretary: Karen Huggins ‘77 Note that Rob Danziger ‘89 is the immediate past president. These nominations were moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. Nominations for Members-at-large for 2005-2006 Mike Bruhn ’91 Tom Fallati ‘92 Joan Gould ‘76 Jessica Hayashi ‘74 Seth Ellis ‘92 Catherine Hedgeman’96 These nominations were moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. Nominations for Alumni Gold Medal (to be awarded at the May Convocation) Charles Roden ‘60 Peter Smith ‘70 Pat Seftel ‘80 These nominations were moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. Nomination for Faculty Meritorious Service Award (to be awarded at the May Convocation) Peter Tobiessen This nomination was moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. Veteran Member Pat Seftel ’80 will be nominated by the Executive Committee for Veteran Member status. This honor is in recognition of significant service to the college and to the Alumni Council. Keynote by Bill Schwarz, Director of Communications and Public Affairs Bill discussed how his office is working to enhance Union’s reputation. He discussed how Union works to get the most important messages to the most important audiences. Professor Tom Werner is leading an Academic Reputation Committee studying the most effective ways to raise Union’s reputation. He cited several ways that Communications is getting Union’s name in the public eye. We are very excited because Union has just been awarded (along with SuperPower, Inc., and SCCC) a $5 million grant to develop a highly skilled workforce for SuperPower. Bill is on his way to a conference in Munich Germany with several NY State Companies, which will serve as excellent publicity for Union, since we are looking for companies to “invest” in Union. Other Business Our scholarship winner was announced. Our scholarship has a book value of $68,225, a market value of $400K, and provides a scholarship winner with $17,500 annually in funds. Bryan Selchick ’06, chair of the Student Alumni Association spoke about SAA activities. He is also a student member of the Union College Board of Trustees. Oshins closed by saying that the Alumni Council members are ambassadors for and leaders of the college. We should push for positive change and support the college. Adjournment The committee adjourned at approximately 12:15 p.m., following singing of the Alma Mater. Respectfully submitted, Karen Huggins ‘77 – incoming Secretary
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Alumni Council of Union College

Meeting Minutes April 2, 2005

Meeting Minutes
April 2, 2005