September 17, 2004: Volume 62, Number 2

Two '04 grads join admissions team

Geoffrey Bowman and Teran Tadal join the College's Admissions Office as assistant deans of admissions.

"We're thrilled to have Geoff and Teran back at Union, this time to help in recruiting students who will follow in their footsteps, making the most of the boundless opportunities at Union," said Dan Lundquist, dean of admissions. "As recent graduates who were heavily involved in the academic, social and athletic spheres, they can convey to our prospective students the challenge and excitement at Union."

Tadal graduated from Union with a bachelor's degree in environmental studies and a minor in English.

While at Union, she studied water resources during a term abroad in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She also conducted research with Professor Peter Tobiessen on Eurasian Milfoil in Collins Lake, which became the basis for her senior thesis and a presentation at the College's annual Steinmetz Symposium, an exposition of student scholarly and creative achievement.

"Studying in Brazil and with Professor Tobiessen gave me a chance to really experience all that Union has to offer," she said. "I am proud and honored to have taken part in those programs."

She played defense and midfield on Union's women's soccer team, which last season compiled a school record of 19-2-1. Last year, the team also won its fourth consecutive conference championship and earned its fifth consecutive invitation to the NCAA tournament. She also participated in indoor and outdoor track. Her introduction to Union came from Brian Speck, head coach of women's soccer, who, during her junior year of high school told her that Union would be a great fit.

While playing sports, she participated in many other aspects of the Union Community: she was a career assistant at the Becker Career Center, treasurer of the Gospel Choir and member of the Senior Class Committee.

Tadal, who hails from Webster, N.Y., is a 2000 graduate of Our Lady of Mercy High School.

She will be representing Union College in school visits in Rochester, Buffalo, Baltimore, Washington D.C., western Massachusetts and northern Virginia.

Bowman graduated cum laude with a bachelor's in history and a minor in French.

Bowman, who has a longstanding interest in European and military history, recalls his first visit to Union: He was taken with the Nott Memorial, Union's historic centerpiece building. But what "sealed the deal," he said, was an impromptu half-hour meeting he had with Stephen Berk, professor of history.

"I was blown away that a professor would spend that much time with a prospective, that one of the best professors at the College was willing to just sit and talk," Bowman recalls. At Union, Bowman took two of Prof. Berk's popular classes – History of the Holocaust and History of the Middle East.

He did his senior thesis on the experience of Irish soldiers during World War I.

He was president of his fraternity, Theta Delta Chi; a representative on the Interfraternity Council; a DJ at WRUC, the College radio station; a member of the Dutch Pipers, the men's a capella group; a Gatekeeper (tour guide) for Union's admissions office; and a member of the College's Alcohol Policy Task Force. He was also a member of Phi Alpha Theta, the national honor society in history.

Bowman, a native of Boalsburg, Pa., is a graduate of State College Area High School.

He will be representing Union College in visits to schools in Boston and Colorado.

<< Previous Story Prof. Smith to publish book...

Next Story >> More new faculty introduced