NEW COLLEGE

A publication of the New College Alumnae/i Association

New College President: Optimistic on Independence

Gordon E. Michalson, Jr. President, New College of Florida

In the midst of the confusion and political turmoil surrounding New College's journey to independence last year, one thing stands out: at no point did any party to the debate over independence raise any questions about the quality of what we do here. This fact is important to note-and not only because it insures the value of the degree held by members of the Alumnae/ i Association. For it also reflects an unspoken consensus (the best kind) that the quality of life at New College is indeed worthy of the designation as the Honors College of the state system-the entire debate concerned the question of whether the college should continue its administrative connection with the University of South Florida. The irony, of course, is that a political process largely blind to genuine educational considerations produced the right educational result.

There will, to be sure, be some short term costs associated

with New College's independence. The rules of our accrediting agency, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, require that an institution--even a long accredited and much honored one--seek new accreditation if its governance structure changes significantly. While we continue to be accredited during the interim under the umbrella ofUSF, we face a much more challenging application process than if we were simply seeking the renewal of our existing accreditation. The Association has put us on a fast track, allowing us to bypass the "candidate" stage, but the process is time-consuming and expensive, and will be a major focus for the next two-three years.

We also face budget­building challenges, in light of the many administrative functions traditionally provided by USF that New College must now provide on its own. Examples include a controller's office, an office of institutional research and planning, and a range of functions associated with the production of required federal and

Volume 45, Winter 2002

state reports. The total budget for New College during fiscal 2001-2002 is between $15-16 million. The more realistic figure to support our autonomous status-without continuing shared services agreements with USF-is closer to $20 million. Consequently, our dual strategy of building strong support in the state legislature while emphasizing the increased importance of private fund­raising will become a familiar theme in the years ahead. The budget-building process naturally becomes all the more critical if we pursue our goal of enrolling 800 students later in this decade, with 75-80% of them living on campus.

Still, I am confident that these are short-term, manageable challenges, compared to the long­term and permanent gains

See Optimistic, Page 2

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: -Fundraising News

John Hansen ('76)

NCAA Treasurer and Chair of FinancefFundraislng Committee

The good news is that in 2001, we achieved two major milestones for the NCAA and the College:

- We successfully met a $300,000 challenge grant from an anonymous donor to establish the Soo Bong Chae Chair in Mathe mat­ics. Over 200 donors contributed to this memorial to our teacher, mentor and friend, Soo Bong Chae (NC '70-'94) This is by far the larg­est fundraising challenge ever undertaken by your Association, and we are grateful to those of you who helped to make it a success. Including the anonymous match, $605,000 has been contributed to date, and the New College Foun­dation has already applied to the State of Florida for matching funds of $423,500, which we hope to re­ceive by the end of 2003.

- We also successfully met a $20,000 challenge grant issued in 2001 by an anonymous donor. This donor pledged up to $20,000 in funds to match flrst-time gifts and increases over a donor's previous highest gifts.

Thus, alums can take great pride in funding a faculty position and in meeting a challenge to be­gin increasing the donor base.

The bad news is that, even with

$20,000 in unrestricted matching funds, we are still roughly $20,000 under budget for our unrestricted fundraising this year. dearly, un­less this shortfall is addressed soon, some ofthe NCAA's core ac­tivities (student grants, alum fel­lows, Nimbus, web site improve­ments, ... )will need to be cut back. Knowing the contribution that these programs make to the col­lege and its alums, we would rather not do so.

Finally, the ugly news is the fact that our current alumnaefi donor participation rate is only 14%. That is, fewer than 530 of our roughly 3800 alums have made a donation to the NCAA in the last year. This low participation rate not only hinders our programs, but also may hinder the college's overall ability to raise grant money (fund-raising participation is often one component of the grant application).

The bottom line is that the NCAA and the College need your help and support. Please do con­tribute by calling in a credit card donation to our Executive Direc­tor, David Bryant (941-359-4324), or, alternatively, by mailing a check (made out to the "New Col­lege Alumnae/i Association") to David Bryant, cfo NCAA, 5700 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34243. Thanks in advance for your support.

Optimistic, From Page 1

associated with independence. As Dean and Warden from 1992-97, I know at first hand some of the very real difficulties associated with conveying a clear, crisp image for New College as long as it was administered by USF. With independence, we have a terrific opportunity to raise our profile in a way that we control, and to do so at a time when small liberal arts colleges have never been so important. I have suggested in the past that we at the college have perhaps allowed New College's strong sense of doing things a bit differently to keep it from playing a stronger leadership role in the national discussion concerning the aims of a liberal arts education. Independence positions us to play this leadership role while also controlling our institutional identity. Not incidentally, independence has also been a significant factor in the high campus morale we seem to be enjoying this year, despite the difficulties of the day ... and the occasional veto or tropical storm.

So if New College were a literary work, it could be characterized as existing in a transitional stage between a coming-of-age novel and a morality play. It is assuming an autonomy that it has earned through honest, hard-fought effort, together with the institutional self-confidence that will enable it to make the next step forward in pursuit of its mission. Of course any time at New College is an interesting time, but there are good reasons for claiming that there is something particularly interesting about the current moment. Come back for a visit.

Students Learn the Value of Pines on Campus Renee Maxwell ('00)

Catalyst Reporter

The week of November 12, 2001, five students took time to participate in a dendrochronology workshop by jean Huffman ('79), a New College alumna who is doing her doctoral research for the plant ecology program at Louisiana State University. Dendrochronology, essentially tree ring analysis, may be used to date trees and acquire data for such fields as historical ecology, archaeology, and paleo­climatology. This workshop focused on teaching students the methodology, with the hope that they will use the skills to pursue related projects on campus in the future.

Thesis student Gabriela Yates told the Catalyst, "I feel like I've gotten a whole lot out of this because ... right now I've got this wonderful job with Florida Fish and Wildlife. I'm researching an endangered species, the red­cockaded woodpecker. They live inside live pine trees, so one of things that's vital for us is to be able to age the pine trees so we know how old a tree has to be to support the red-cockaded woodpecker .... So this could affect a statewide research program by me taking this one workshop."

Collecting data for tree analysis essentially involves taking core samples from live trees using an increment borer. Cross-sections are an important source of

information, since they illustrate a variety of factors that affect tree growth, indicated by fire scars and "cat faces" left by turpentine harvesting. These methods do not harm the trees, since cross­sections are only taken from dead trees and stumps, and the holes left by increment borers quickly fill with resin.

Huffman expressed some regret that the timing of the workshop was such that students had to participate in conjunction with other classes, so there was not enough time to do justice to the full scope of the project. "To do in­depth and a lot of other aspects, these students will have to do ISPs and continue the work themselves," said Huffman. "It's basically an introduction to how you can sort out a lot of different events that happened in the lives of trees from the rings."

In a presentation on Friday, November 16, 2001, Huffman lectured on the applications of dendrochronology, and students presented the preliminary findings of their work. In her lecture, Huffman explained that many of the pine trees on campus are much older than most of the pines in Florida, since practically all of the original old-growth trees in the state were cut between the late 1800s and 1950. Some trees are between 120 and 200 years old, and were here long before the Ringlings and other wealthy landowners started buying up coastal property in the 1920s.

" ... this could affect a statewide research program," says student Gabriela Yates of Alum Fellow jean Huffman's NCAA-sponsored worksh~

Yates was also impressed by the uniqueness of the pines on campus. She said, "I learned that we have very old pines on this campus, and that's unusual and exciting, and it's shown me the importance of pine trees, which don't get a lot of attention. They're sort of dealt with as trash trees and not nearly as revered as the oak hammocks. But they're so vital to our ecosystems and it gives us a look at what this place was like before humans really started affecting the landscape."

This dendrochronology workshop was sponsored by the New College Alumnaeji Association and the Environmental Studies Program. In addition, biology professor Elzie McCord donated the use of his laboratory space. Huffman was also grateful for the enthusiasm ofbiology professor emeritus John Morrill, who Huffman said "is really interested ... and he's willing to sponsor related ISPs."

Copyright© 2001, The Catalyst. Reprinted with permission

Litigation is not an option~or is it? Renee Maxwell ('00}

Catalyst Reporter

David Smolker is not your typical lawyer. Why? Because as New College's newly-appointed General Counsel, he's working at a substantial discount. This charitable bargain is not just an act of altruism on Smolker's part. As a New College alumnus, he is motivated by a genuine affection for the school.

"I love New College and I want to see it succeed, and this is a time when it's definitely challenged," Smolker told the Catalyst. "It's also a professional challenge for me." Smolker's area of expertise is in property rights litigation, as well as environmental law, a subject he is teaching this semester as an adjunct professor. Smolker said, "When you become 'instant university,' you also become instant university law expert. So that's what I'm working on. My objective is to become an expert in the next 60 days."

As if that weren't enough to keep him busy for the next two months, Smolker is also responsible for all the legal matters relating to the operation of the college in the meantime. According to Smolker, "the next challenge has been trying to prioritize the tasks that need to be done and to essentially lay out a short-term plan to get the infrastructure in place."

Smolker compares this to dealing with the legal issues of a small city, and he ought to know: he served as the City Planner of Bradenton for four years. He was also the Chief Assistant County

"When you become 'instant university,' you also become instant university law expert. So that's what I'm working on."

Attorney of Pasco County for three years and the Assistant County Attorney the year before. This was essentially a diverse local government law practice involving civil and adminstrative litigation, with an emphasis in zoning, land use and environmental law. He also served as the legal advisor to the Planning Commission and Board of County Commissioners.

As New College General Counsel, Smolker puts his previous experience and legal knowledge to good use. He works on certain issues in conjunction with the General Counsel of USF as well, in order to work out agreements in shared services. Smolker did point out however, that "we have to be careful about what sorts of things we contract for with USF in providing legal services, but there are some areas where there is no real issue of conflict of interest: workers' compensation claims and things of that nature."

The legal matters that concern New College as a newly­independent entity create unique complications for Smolker. While New College has been endowed with all the responsibilities and

duties of a university, it cannot start exercising all the authority it has due to the practical matters of redefining its relationship with USF, both administratively and physically. "It's actually like a motorcycle with a sidecar, and you're trying to rewire the sidecar so it can be a separate motorcycle, while you're also driving it down the road," said Smolker.

Meanwhile, Smolker's job is to establish a legal safety net for New College. As Smolker stated, "We live in a highly regulated society. Universities are very highly regulated within that framework, and so what you find is that just about everything a university does, maybe with the exception of the actual academic teaching, is in some form or another regulated by something. It's my responsibility to make sure that to the extent that there are legal requirements imposed on New College as an institution, we're following them."

Incidentally, Smolker enrolled at New College while it was a private college in the '70s, and a year later the merger occurred with USF. Therefore, he has seen both sides of the process of independence for New College. He also served as President of New College Alumnaefi Association Board of Directors for four years .. Finally, he served on the New College Foundation Board of Trustees as well. Since he certainly did not take this job for the money, Smolker's dedication to New College is obvious.

Copyright© 2001, The Catalyst. Reprinted with permission

---------------------------------·-------------------------~

High Marks for NCF on Student Engagement Survey

What's the measure of a good school? Size, wealth, public reputation, difficulty getting in? Not according to a new survey that puts a student-centered yardstick to the task of quality assessment in higher education.

The National Survey of Student Engagement, now in its second year, measures educational effectiveness at the source - by asking students to judge their school's academic environment and commitment to five key areas of student learning. The survey's bottom line: The best schools are the ones best able to get students intensely involved in their own education.

"A school's academic reputation as judged by others says very little about the extent that active learning, student-faculty interaction and a supportive environment characterize a campus," says George Kuh, director of the NSSE project at Indiana University which compiled 155,000 responses of freshmen and senior students from 4 70 different four-year colleges and universities nationwide. The NSSE 2001 Report is co-sponsored by the Pew Forum on Undergraduate Learning and The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

New College of Florida was one of those schools and responses from its students place Florida's liberal arts honors college in the top 7 percent of all schools

surveyed -in all five benchmark categories: 1) level of academic challenge, 2) active and collaborative learning, 3) student­faculty interaction, 4) enriching educational experiences, and 5) supportive campus environment.

"These results clearly indicate that New College is successfully translating its mission into practice," said New College President Gordon E. Michalson, Jr. "We have always been a student­centered place, with the goal of giving our students a sense of ownership of their learning process. We understood from the start that active student engagement is the key to producing lifetime learners."

Survey results are based on aggregated data from 4 70 institutions compare with 276 schools in the survey's first year. In all categories, New College mean scores exceeded national benchmark numbers as well as those from the subset of peer institutions within the Carnegie classification of Baccalaureate Liberal Arts schools.

"I think those numbers reflect the devotion of our faculty to one­on-one instruction - which is harder and takes longer, but gives us the best possible results," said Provost Charlene Callahan. "Our faculty members are all full-time, 98 percent hold a Ph.D., and we have no graduate teaching assistants. Our students benefit from all those things."

The NSSE survey was launched with a $3.3 million grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts with the goal of measuring educational best practices and countering the drawbacks of popular college ranking guides which can reduce institutional performance down to a single number and fail to measure the quality of student experience.

Instead, through student polling, the survey focuses on how well schools arrange their curriculum and aim their resources at promoting participatory education- through student-faculty interaction, peer collaboration, community service and the like - which research consistently links to high levels of learning, personal growth and student retention. All are key issues for Florida as voiced by Secretary of Education Jim Horne at the recent State University System Retention Task Force meeting.

"It's more appropriate to focus on student success than on the much-debated and sensitive matter of admissions," said Horne.

Check the NSSE website for additional information on the nationwide survey at http:// www.indiana.eduf-nsse.

For information on New College performance on the NSSE benchmark statistics, go to http:/ fwww.ncf. e d ufPu blicAffairs f Documentsfnsse%20stats.htm.

Alull1llae/i Reach $600,000 Goal for the Soo Bong Chae Metnorial Professorship

The campaign to pay tribute to a dedicated, inspirational professor, mentor, and special friend has now succeeded with $600,036 in contributions. The amount raised qualifies for a 70 percent state matching grant, thereby creating an endowment in excess of $1,000,000 for the professorship.

The funding project began in 1995 with a challenge grant of $300,000 from anonymous donors for whom Soo Bong Chae was the paradigm of a Man for All Seasons-an inspirational teacher, gentle mentor, and modest leader, totally committed to his students and his college. When the campaign concluded in December 2001, 266 gifts had been received. Special credit goes to the top nine donors, who accounted for 85 percent of all gifts received, amounting to $509,550.

Gregory Dubois-Felsmann ('77) remembers Soo Bong with these words: "It was a great experiment, and Soo Bong guided me through the very difficult adjustments of the first year, pointed me in the right direction when I was a little bit lost, and supported me. He was able to make students believe they were doing all the work themselves, as if he were, in some way, invisible. He left so much of the work to the student, that when you accomplished something, you learned so much and felt it was yours."

New College Mathematics Professor David Mullins ('81) added his thoughts about Soo Bong. "He was deeply devoted to his family, to his neighborhood, the church, to the community. The community (in general) was extremely important to Soo Bong; he loved being the peacemaker and mediator, the one who

brought people together as a community. He was the most selfless person I know.

One of Soo Bong's former students, James Foster ('73), wrote a tribute and remembrance to his great teacher in 1994. Some of James's observations are reprinted below:

"Soo Bong did not have an easy life. He was born in Manchuria in what the Chinese term 'interesting times.' The family was dispossessed in their land by Mao's troops, which led to a forced migration through Korea at the height of the Korean War.

"Soo Bong once recounted without any resentment the time that bombs from the U.S. knocked him senseless and broke his jaw. The injured child eventually made his way to Seoul and, in time, found himself in the top of his class in the best university in Korea-Seoul National University.

"But his studies were interrupted by student protests and revolutionary activities of which he was a part. It would be many years before Soo Bong would feel safe about returning. When he did, he received red carpet treatment and an offer from Seoul National. His friends of his student days had become the new leadership in Korea.

"At New College, Soo Bong's excitement about our new adventure was infectious. He made us feel like anything was possible. From our first day in class, we would see that Soo Bong was simply a great teacher. He would studiously avoid lecturing to us in class; it was more of a conversation between equals. He made us understand the meaning of the old Chinese proverb he frequently invoked: 'I hear and forget; I see and I remember; I do, and I understand.'

"Soo Bong's interests extended

Soo Bong Chae 1939-1994

beyond mathematics to 'soft subjects' like photography and gardening and 'hard subjects' like computers and investments. He willingly gave tutorials on any topic that was interesting to him, treating the 24 hours of his day as if they were infinite. He seemed always available.

"The Chae residence introduced many students to the pleasures of rice wrapped in heated seaweed paper dipped in soy sauce, or the flavor explosion of Korean barbecue, or the all-powerful heat of pickled bok choi and chili buried for a month and served as a salad. All vestiges of homesickness were removed by the warmth of Soo Bong's family in the little house on Acacia Drive.

"He was steadfast in his commitment to New College. He found even more time to devote to convincing students, faculty, administrators and trustees of the newly formed foundation that before long all would indeed be well-even better than before.

See Soo Bong, Page 13

Visi ·ng Professor McGee Young: Wo ld-be Fitzgerald Substitute Ryan McCormick Price, Esq. ('98)

Catalyst Reporter

Almost every New College student has idly daydreamed of one day, in the far-flung future, returning to sylvan Sarasota to become a member of the revered faculty of their dear alma mater. Many students do indeed return and teach here, but few have made the trip back so quickly as McGee Young.

Young graduated in 1996, majoring in political science and economics. He wrote a thesis on "The Politics of Sugar" for Dr. Eugene Lewis, Dr. Richard Coe, and Dr. Keith Fitzgerald. Thereafter, McGee Young entered the graduate program at Syracuse University, where he became a teaching assistant in his second semester and began writing his dissertation on interest group politics under the sponsorship of Dr. Kristi Anderson.

"I swore I was never going to do anything with interest groups again after I finished my thesis," lamented Young, "and now I'm writing my dissertation on them and I'll be teaching a class on them

"The most beautifu..l thing about New College is that there IS no undifferentiated mass ... there's no blob of face­less students without direction or inspiration filling the classroom."

[in the Spring] semester. It just goes to show that you can never tell."

The circumstances behind the return of one of New College's prodigal sons to the fold of the political science faculty is an intriguing one. During the early stages of reorganization last year, during the first throes of independence, Dr. Keith Fitzgerald was appointed to the position of Associate Dean and Warden, in place of Dr. Malena Carrasco. Fitzgerald called McGee Young at Syracuse after accepting the position and asked him to teach Fitzgerald's classes in his place.

"One day Dr. Fitzgerald called me and said, 'Do you want to come teach at New College?' and I thought about it for about three seconds and said, 'Yes, actually I would, yes."'

Young moved down to Sarasota from New York, after making arrangements to work on his dissertation down here, and waded through the morass of paperwork that one must ford to teach at a state school. He was all prepared to begin teaching [in the Fall] semester when disconcerting news arrived.

"Over the summer, when the independence thing was really going into full swing, Dr. Fitzgerald's position was sort of dissolved, so he returned to the teaching faculty ... and they were stuck with me, having hired me to teach the classes of someone who was now going to be teaching his own classes."

Fortunately for Young, who had already completely arranged his life in order to come teach at New College, the reorganization

McGee Young ('92)

which had been such a chaotic influence also provided him with salvation in the form of President Gordon "Mike" Michalson.

"I was lucky. Dr. Michalson, being the extraordinarily conscientious person that he is, decided not to screw me. He hired me on for the year and now I get to teach two classes while Dr. Fitzgerald also gets to teach his own classes."

Young is teaching Introduction of American Government and a course on the Politics of Congress. "It's just halfway through the [Fall] semester and I haven't flunked anybody yet, so they still like me," Young said with a grin, "but I'm having fun with it. I'm taking advantage of the quality of New College students as a way to design good courses and interesting assignments. What's best is that I don't feel that I have to dumb it down at all. I can explore issues on a much more intellectual level than I could [as a teaching assistant] at Syracuse."

See McGee, Page 20

Tribute to Robert C. Westerfeldt (1963-2001) researching his chosen subject,

Robert taught a course in National capt. Adam Oler ('86) Security. It was my first class at

u.s. Air Force New College, and I introduced

Robert C. Westerfeldt ('79) passed away last june in Washington, D.C. Over Veterans' Day weekend, Robert's wife Terri, along with Robert's law finn, put together a wonderful memorial service not too far from where Robert and Terri had bought their first house shortly after they moved here from New York. The wonderful thing about Robert's service was the presence of people from what Robert's father called each stage of his son's life. Robert was my dearest friend, and indeed closer to me for a longer period of time than any friend I think I shall ever have.

Anyone who knew Robert was instantly impressed by his amazing, incredible mind. Even people who just met him in passing were struck by how his mind worked. That was the first thing I noticed about him when, exactly fifteen years ago, I enrolled in the class he was teaching. Robert had already been at New College for longer than usual -both his health and a series of special opportunities stretched out his tenure. During that time, however, he'd impressed the faculty so much that they approved his plan to teach an entire course in lieu of writing a baccalaureate thesis. After spending the better part of a year

myself to Robert right after its first session. We began talking about politics and the ways of the world. In a lot of ways, for Robert and me it was a conversation that didn't end until last summer. He and I immediately became best friends.

I suppose one reason we got to be so close so fast was because Robert was a military brat. His father was a West Pointer who took Robert and his mother on a multi-continent tour between the time Robert was born in 1963 and Lt. Col. Westerfeldt's retirement from the Army right around the time Robert started New College. By the time he was a teen, Robert had lived at West Point, accompanied his parents on two tours of duty in Europe, and lived at his grandparents while his father served in Vietnam. Robert's exposure to so many different places doubtlessly led to his interest in history, politics, economics, and the classics, in which he was so well versed.

By the end of my first semester, I didn't think New College and I were the right mix. I planned to transfer, but Robert tried to talk me out of it. Over the summer, I changed my mind and called him to discuss it. During the course of the conversation, we talked about rooming together. In part because of his health, Robert had never had a roommate. Early on

in our friendship he confided in me that he had cystic fibrosis. It was only when we started sharing the Westerfeldt's townhouse over at Sunridge that I really realized just what a challenge CF was. Although few knew about it, Robert underwent a very uncomfortable daily therapy that would leave him exhausted. At the same time, in 14 years, my friend never complained.

In many, many ways, that year was for me the most important in my life. Thanks to Robert I learned how to study and I learned how to think. Although it doubtlessly would seem strange to most people, our idea of a good time was watching continuous cycles ofCNN and watching earlyC-Span tapes of the '88 campaign debates from New Hampshire. That also let us catch the inside jokes on Saturday Night Live. For me, Robert was a central figure in my college experience, and not just because of what I learned from him. In a lot of ways, many of us were in a social circle with Robert at its hub. In the dozen years that have passed since I graduated from New College, much of what I know about my fellow alumnaeji came for Robert, who endeavored to keep in touch with many of them.

Robert left New College that summer and went to his family's home in Alabama. He needed time to build up his strength and prepare for law school. Robert's family and I both wanted him to

stay nearby. A full ride to FSU was his to take, but Robert elected to move to New York where he attended Columbia. He spent his first year in the School for International and Public Affairs (SIPA). That fall I got to see him several times. He was obviously doing well and loved his immersion in such an international place. He had friends everywhere and was nailing the academics. Those of us who loved him worried that he would overdo it, especially when law school started the following September. Nonetheless, Robert excelled in New York. I can remember having lunch with Robert and Professor Peggy Bates up around Lincoln Circle not long after my graduation. It was the first time I felt like we were grown up. We were both in graduate school. At lunch that day the three of us talked at length about his future, my future. and everything that awaited us. It was also during one of those summer visits that I realized the incredible group of friends Robert had made up in New York. Later on that summer,

them in Florida. Up to that point, I think his plan had always been to return to the state and work his way into Florida politics. A couple of years before I had met him, Robert served as student regent under Florida's old university governing system. Essentially, there was no greater honor in the state for someone who aspired to a life in politics. Robert was New College's first student regent. So when he applied to most if not all of Florida's top law firms, Robert did so in the hope of coming home. However, after months of trying, nothing was working out. He would interview in various places, and then nothing. Robert and I both knew his academic record was superior to many who were joining the big firms. At the same time, we knew that any firms who were cognizant of Robert's physical condition wouldn't take a chance on him.

Robert's concern, however, wasn't limited to his treatment by the Florida law firms. Up to that point, Robert had met a number of potential girlfriends. But for the first time that fall, Robert

in 1991, we made it over to Europe expressed his concern to me that for a slightly delayed, post-college he would not be able to find a soul trek. mate. He feared that his battle

Within a few months, however, things changed a bit for my friend. That fall, Robert came down to see me in Florida. For the first time, indeed the only time, I could tell that he wasn't happy. As both he and I were learning, working hard wasn't always going to reap deserving results, especially in the legal field. By that November, Robert had applied to a huge number of law firms, many of

with CF would preclude a chance to marry someone and experience the security and completeness that would follow.

So when he visited me that fall, I was -for the first time -worried about Robert. 1\ovo years in New York battling his way through law school had, by itself, taken its toll.

Then everything changed. From my own life I've learned that a mere second in time can turn

night into day, and for Robert is was no different. Not six months later, in the spring of 1992, I got a phone call from Robert who told me how his world had changed in just such a moment. In one of his SIPA classes that week, a student named Terri had walked up to him and suggested they get together. Robert, being Robert, never assumed any motive other than academics. "Adam," he said, ''I'm not so sure. She took me to the Russian Tea Room and Carnegie Hall." They were privately engaged within weeks. I immediately raced up north to meet Terri, Robert's soul mate, the person he had always hoped would be there for him. Robert and Terri married in the fall of 1993.

That spring, Robert also got a break on the job front. The DoD's general counsel hired him to work at the Pentagon that summer, and Robert performed, as always, brilliantly. That fall when the interviews started, he pursued positions with firms in D.C. One of this nation's great and storied firms, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson, offered my friend an associate's position and he and Terri moved to D.C. right after they graduated from Columbia.

During Robert's memorial service, several senior attorneys from his firm paid tribute to him. Among them were David Biernbaum, a senior partner whom Robert admired enormously, and a previous boss, Harvey L. Pitt, now Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. All of them spoke of

See Wester(eldt, Page 13

NCF Board of Trustees Update The New College of Florida

Board ofTrustees now has its own website: http:ffwww.ncf.edu/ BoardOfrrustees. Future board meeting are coming up on February 8, April 26, and May 25, 2002.

The Board also now has six standing committees:

Academic Affairs Committee Members: Ken Misemer ('64), Chair, Robert Blalock, Vice-Chair, Rev. Jerome Dupree, Meg Lowman, Alexis Simendinger ('75), Charlene Callahan {Provost), Katherine Walstrom (faculty)

Buildings/Grounds Committee Members: Meg Lowman, Vice Chair, Robert Blalock, Jono Miller ('70, staff), John Martin (staff), Richard Olney (staff), Mike Campbell ('87, staff/alumnus)

External Affairs Committee Members: Alexis Simendinger ('75), Chair, Ken Misemer (64), Vice­Chair, Jane Smiley, Steve Schroer

(staff), Gilda Saakes Dennis ('89, alumna)

Finance and Audit Committee Members: Vicki Raeburn ('65), Chair, Col. Mickey Presha, Vice Chair, Gen. Heiser, Robert Johnson, John Cranor ('64), John Martin (staff)

Strategic Planning Committee Members: John Cranor('64), Chair, Gen. Heiser, Vice Chair, Rev. Jerome Dupree, Robert Johnson, Ken Misemer ('64), Col. Mickey Presha, Vicki Raeburn ('64), Gene Lewis (faculty), Rick Coe (faculty), Glenn Cuomo (faculty), Sandra Gilchrist (faculty), John Hansen ('76, alumnus)

Student Affairs Committee Members: Meg Lowman, Chair, Jane Smiley, Vice Chair, Andrew Hossack, Mark Blaweiss (staff), Heidi Harley (faculty), Catherine Heath ('97, alumna)

Keys to the Future Program For 13-year-oldJasmine, college

and middle school aren't so different anymore. "I learned that not only kids go to school, but grown ups go, too," said the Sarasota teenager after attending the Keys to the Future mentoring program at New College of Florida.

For the last two months, Jasmine and a dozen of her classmates have gotten a glimpse of college life in the after-school project bringing kids from Sarasota's Boys and Girls Club to New College for computer

training, homework help, and a chance to roam the campus and imagine themselves in college one day.

"One of the main goals of this program is to raise aspirations about attending college," said Keys director Konnie Kruczek

Special committees of the Board :

Presidential Search Committee Members: Lt. Gen. Rolland V.

Heiser, Chair, Ms. Emmy Acton ('73), Mr. Robert N., Allen, Jr. ('74), Dr. Gordon Bauer, Mr. Robert Blalock, Dr. Michael H. Campbell ('87), Dr. Malena Carrasco, Dr. Arland F Christ-Janer, Dr. S. P. Clement, Mr. John M. Cranor III ('64), Mr. Philip A. Delaney, Jr., Mrs. Karin Gustafson, Mr. Andrew Hossack ('99), Mr. Tramm Hudson, Mr. Robert Hutchison, Ms. Debra Jacobs, Mr. Robert M.Johnson, Ms. Charlie Lenger ('78), Mr. John Martin, Maj. Gen. Raymond E. Mason, Jr., Ms. Elizabeth McCain ('80), Ms. Emily Meade, Dr. Stephen Miles, Mr. Kenneth R. Misemer ('64), Ms. Rachael Morris ('96), Dr. David Mullins ('81), Mr. Mike Peters, Mr. J. Robert Peterson, Mr. Gene Pillot, Colonel Mickey Presha, USAR {Ret.), Ms. Molly Robinson ('98), Dr. George Ruppeiner, Dr. Suzanne Sherman, Mrs. Jane T. Smiley, Dr. Frederick R. Strobel, Dr. Larry R. Thompson, Ms. Cally Waite ('82), Mr. Lonnie Ward, Jr., Mr. Norman A. Worthington, III ('77).

('91). "We also teach the kids basic computer skills, help them with their homework, and just hang out and try to have some fun."

The 10-week program is staffed by New College student volunteers and meets four afternoons a week for three hours a day. The program recently won a Golden Gavel public service award from the Sarasota Herald­Tribune. Keys to the Future is now in its second year and will continue in the spring.

For information, call program director Konnie Kruczek at 941-359-4548 or send e-mail to kruzcek@banshee.sar.usf.edu.

Board of Trustees Report

Bob Johnson Chairman, New College of Florida

Board of Trustees

New College of Florida has weathered its first six months of autonomy and is proving its worth as a viable institution.

First and foremost to our credit is our people. Our administration, faculty, staff and students are each comprised of remarkable people who have shown their willingness to sacrifice and who have worked exceptionally hard to prove the value of New College of Florida.

• We are most fortunate to have Mike Michalson, john Martin, and Char Callahan as our administrative leadership in this critical time.

• New College of Florida has been praised as a "best value" and a leading liberal arts college in four national publications over the last six months.

• Our faculty has maintained its high standards in adding new people and our students are proving to be, as always, up to the task.

The issues we face both immediately and long range are as follows:

• Developing an adequate budget and insuring its funding through state and private resources.

• Evolving into a truly

•

•

•

autonomous New College of Florida wherein we are in control of the historic New College campus while recognizing and serving our sister institution in the utilization of the library and any other necessarily shared services.

Achieving accreditation. This ur. dertaking is moving forward and we fully expect to achieve our goal.

Selecting a permanent President. General Rolland V. Heiser has held several excellent meetings of the presidential search committee and we are now at the point of having a major national search organization, A.T. Kearney, serve as a consultant to the Board. The New College Foundation has graciously agreed to fund this search procedure. Our goal is to have a permanent president in place by june 2003. In this regard, we are seeking the best possible individual who is available to lead New College of Florida into the future.

The most important aspect of our Board energy over the next year is going to be spent on strategic planning and financial stablility. In that regard, John Cranor ('64), our newly elected Vice-Chairman, and Vicki Pearthree Raeburn ('65) held an excellent joint meeting in which

the master planning for the future was commenced. We are developing a five- to ten-year plan and the incremental steps required to reach each new goal year by year. The State Board of Education and Legislature expects New College to increase its enrollment while maintaining its standard of excellence. Increased enrollment requires capital facilities, faculty, staffing, and support services. Each of these elements will be considered by the strategic planning and finance committee with assigned target dates and anticipated costs of each increase .

There are many issues on the table, all of which cannot be covered in this report.

I would like to close with an expression of great appreciation for the work of General Heiser and the New College Foundation. Without the growth of the Foundation over the years of Heiser's leadership, New College of Florida would not exist today. That growth has continually assured the excellence of New College and the Foundation has now stepped up to fund the presidential search and a lobbying position for support ofNew College. I never cease to be amazed at the wonderful people who work and volunteer for the New College Foundation. They all deserve our continuing, deep gratitude.

Everyone on the New College team is pulling in the same direction and that has been very, very helpful in our doing so well. I commend the New College Alumnaefi Association for its support and fully anticipate that the future leadership of New College of Florida will continue to come from your membership.

Book Notes

On the Downhill Side: The Collected Poems of William Hedrington (ISBN 0-967-9728-1-7, $19.95) is now available from Shambling Gate Press, a small publishing company run by Lawrence Paulson ("65) and Cheryl White Hoffman {'65). The softcover book features 84 poems by Bill Hedrington ('66).

The considerable task of putting together a definitive edition of the poems (Bill constantly made changes, and kept all the versions) fell to Michael Smith ('67), who also wrote a revealing and moving biographical introduction. Bill was a superb poet who was just beginning to get national attention at the time of his death on Halloween 1971 in a car crash. He was also a very interesting guy, as Michael's introduction makes clear. For more information on the book, check out www.shamblinggate.com or send e-mail to sgatepress@aol.com.

Patrika Vaughn {'84) recently published the e-book, Selling to International Markets (ISBN 0-9656309-6-X, $29.95, A Cappela Publishing). Geared to CEOs and marketing and public relations practitioners, this book shows you how to gain the competitive edge in today's new global economy, using little-known aspects of communications to create business opportunities instead of problems in the 2Pt Century. For more information, see http://www.acappela.com/ IM DOORWAY.htm for details or e-mail acappub@aol.com.

Do your kids need to do better on the SAT I (so that they can get into New College)? The comprehensive material in Marcy Denmark Manning's {'71) new book Boot Camp for Your Brain-A No-Nonsense Guide to the SAT I (ISBN 0738861723, $24.99, PB) can help your child significantly improve his/her composite score. No gimmicks, just time-tested techniques that were previously available only to students ofThe World's Best Prep Course, Inc. Put them to work for you and achieve the score you need to get your child into the college of your choice! For more information, check out http:// www.bestprep.com or send e­mail to manning@bestprep.com.

New College Professor Justus Doenecke has published a new book entitled Storm on the Horizon: The Challenge to American Intervention, 1939-1941 {ISBN 074250784X, $39.95, HC). Between the 1939 and 1941, from the time Germany invaded Poland until japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Americans engaged in a debate as intense as any in U.S. history. In this book, Doenecke analyzes the personalities, leading action groups, and major congressional debates surrounding the decision to participate in World War II. Doenecke is the first scholar to place the anti-interventionist movement in a wider framework by focusing on its underlying military, economic, and geopolitical assumptions.

Doenecke addresses key questions such as: How did the anti-interventionists perceive the ideology, armed potential, and territorial aspirations of Germany, the British Empire, Japan, and the Soviet Union? To what degree did they envision Nazi Germany as a bulwark against the Soviet Union? What role would the U.S. play in a world increasingly composed of competing economic blocs and military alliances?

r

l

Westeifeldt, Cont. From Page 9 January I carne horne from Korea

Robert's incredible compassion, in order to see him. Despite his amazing mind, and his everything he was going through, dedication. Underlying all of it Robert was happy. We got to was his loyalty. Robert was one spend part of the day just as we of perhaps two people from his had spent most of them back at starting class that stuck it out New College. We watched CNN, with his firm. But for his health, and talked about politics and the Robert would by now have been a ways of the world. Robert and partner at "the Fried" as he and Terri's horne looked a lot like our Terri called it. He worked on the house did back at New College. most high-powered corporate law Stacks of books Robert had read issues, but reveled most of all in and planned to read filled the his pro-bono work for veterans. shelves. Although that was the

In 1999 my own life also last time I saw him, I left his house changed in a second when I met knowing that he felt secure no my wife Kate. Like Robert and matter how his latest battle Terri, we were engaged in a matter turned out. Robert passed away of weeks. We planned our 011e week before Kate and I wedding for December, and Robert returned to the U.S. was to be my best man. By the fall At Robert's memorial in of 1999, however, Robert was November, I spoke to Robert's missing more and more events assembled colleagues, family, and because of his health. In the days friends. I tried to offer a few fmal leading up to our wedding, he had thoughts about how I'll remember what we thought was a recurrence Robert. I first noted how it goes of an uncomfortable but passing without saying that those who problem. Of course, he had already knew Robert will remember him met Kate. He was the first of my by the way he lived, and not by friends or family to meet her. I the battle with cancer that would have it no other way. eventually took him from us. At

Within a week, we learned that the same time, Robert's courage Robert's condition wasn't just a in preparing everyone else for his passing thing, but in fact cancer. passing was truly remarkable. He Initially Robert's physicians were once told me that, because he had doubtful he'd survive until the CF, he had always had the outlook summer. They didn't know him, of an 80-year-old. That's why he and Robert vowed once again to pushed so hard to do so much, fight as hard as he could. For the even if it wasn't in the best next 18 months he fought a hero's interests of his health to do so. He battle and underwent a full range always let those closest to him of treatment. With Terri at his side, know that his time on earth would and his parents doing all they be short. could for him, Robert kept his I also think it's important to spirit up and continued to plan for remember how much Robert, for the future. He always did. Last all he prepared us, really wanted

to live. He fought CF tooth and nail. He fought cancer even more fiercely. About ten years ago when the gene that carries CF was discovered, Robert got very excited. The early news coming from this discovery gave all of us a huge amount of hope. Robert once told me he thought there was going to be a chance he would not need therapy one day. It was, of course, a false promise. At least it is one not yet realized. There is still a huge amount of work to be done before CF is finally vanquished. I hope more people will keep this in mind when choosing what charities to give to.

I would also offer this one, fmal thought about my friend. In my life, I have had the privilege of meeting a lot of courageous people. But among all of them, I shall never meet anyone as brave as Robert. His fearlessness will inspire me for the rest of my life. Which is how long I will also miss my dearest friend, whom I will always think of as my older brother.

Soo Bong, Cont. From Page 6

"But all was not well with So ong. Upon his return from athematics conference i anchuria, he discovered that h as gravely ill. He fought bac

rom his frail condition, regainin strength for a time, then sufferin

severe setback. The doctors sa y sheer willpower he survived t eturn home from a hospital i ittsburgh to bid fmal farewells ·

1994 to students, colleagues ·ends, and his family. Then it wa

over. At the age of 55, this brilliant selfless master teacher died.

"His memory and good deeds however, will live in perpetuity."

lcLASSNotes 64 Glenda Cimino was

included in the recent Anthology of 20rh Century Irish Women Poets (Salmon Press, Ireland), and was interviewed for a chapter in the The Grass is Greener: Immigrant Women in Ireland (Oak Tree Press). She also had a play broadcast on radio in Dublin and is currently writing a "Greek" play. Glenda recently met up with Frank Ceo ('66) and his three sons in Dublin, where they visited the megalithic site of Newgrange. They later got together in Rome and visited Pompeii and Olevano Romano, where Frank caught up with some long-lost relatives. Glenda's e-mail is glendacimin.o@oceanfree.net.

Carol Ann Wilkinson's "retirement" after leaving the NCAA was short-lived. She's the development director for Agape Flights, a Christian non-profit located at Sarasota-Bradenton Airport that provides support services-weekly mail flights, volunteer mission teams, community development projects, receiving and disbursing donated medicine and medical supplies, shopping, etc.-for nearly 300 missionary families in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Her e-mail is carolannwilkinson@worldnet.attn_et. Check out her company's website: http:JJ_www.agapeflights.com.

6 5 Robin Day Glenn continues to specialize in franchising, licensing, and distribution law at her firm, Franchise Law Team, in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Despite the fact that the last 12 months have been the busiest ever for the firm, in October 2001 Robin Day began a 3-year term as a member of the Executive Committee of the State Bar's very active Business Law section. She will serve as a liaison to the Franchise Law Committee and to the Cyberspace Law Committee for the coming year. Her website is www.franchiselawteam~o.m. and e-mail is

rdglenn@franchiselawteam.com.

6 6 Barbara Hanna's sister, Valerie Hanna, died in the World Trade Center atrocity on September 11, 2001. Valerie was a senior vice-president of technology for Marsh & McClellan, a commercial insurance company.

69 John Lentini won a 2001 Award of Merit from the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) for his leadership in the standardization of the fire debris analysis area of the forensic sciences . john is manager of the Fire Investigations Department for Applied Technical

I Services in Marietta, GA. He has conducted more than 1500 fire origin-and-cause investigations. His e-mail is fire@atslab.com.

j01in ]. Lentini ('69)

7 Q Margaret (Peggy) Pizzi Schaller is currently employed as director of facilities at ANC Rental Corporation in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, where she is responsible for off­airport real estate for Alamo and National car rental companies. She is also working on a masters degree in French Literature at Florida Atlantic University in her spare time. Peggy's 26-year old daughter, who holds a BS and MS in Sport Management from University of Florida, got married in November. Her 23-year old son is a senior at UF majoring in history. Peggy's e-mail is cjohnsonps@u.rom.

I CLASSNotes 71 After 16 years ofworking

for the Florida Legislature, Robert Brunger is now working as an evaluator for the Ounce of Prevention Fund ofFlorida. He has a role in reviewing the operations and performance of several cutting edge social service programs in such areas as teeri pregnancy prevention, developing the parenting skills of non­custodial fathers , and keeping at­risk adolescents involved with school. Robert also works with another alum, Elizabeth Clark jensen {"92). Robert's e-mail address is rbr..unger@ounce.org.

Dr. john D. Corrigan was recently honored for his leadership in the field of brain injury at the 20th Annual Symposium of the Brain Injury Association of America. He was presented with the 2001 William Fields Caveness Award, which is presented to an individual who, through research on both a national and international level, has made an outstanding contribution to bettering the lives of people who have sustained traumatic brain injury. John is a professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Ohio State

73 Steve Petrica was awarded a master's degree in public health from Johns Hopkins in May 2000. In September 2000, he completed a research internship in Toronto at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. He began work with a behavioral health consulting firm in Chevy Chase, MD in November 2000. Steve met up with Bob Allen ('74) while in Miami for a conference in June 2001. Steve's e-mail is spetrica@cdmgroup.CQill.

George (Phil) Reno and his wife Sharon are living the motorhome lifestyle as they travel the backroads of North America. They avidly utilize emails to stay in touch with their children and close friends (who allow them to park the motorhome in their yards!). He writes, "As an alumnus who graduated from New College when it was a private institution, I am thrilled to tears of joy that NC has regained its independence. This news must be very comforting and reassuring to great numbers of alumni who saw the changes oc­curring to our alma mater after it joined with the University of South Florida in 1975."

Phil's e-mail address is University. His e-mail is backhaull @zdnetonebox.com. mrrig.anJ @osu.edu.

I Bob Watts is working as Re­

gional Environment Officer for Central Asia at the US Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan (bordering Afghanistan). His wife, Linda, is the Embassy Economic Officer. They and their two children, Sally, 6, and Zachary, 2, moved in August to Tashkent, which they thought would be a sleepy, but pleasant, assignment. He reports that it is still pleasant, with an interesting culture, and friendly people, but it isn't sleepy anymore, following Sept. 11. They are constantly be­set with high-level official visitors. They have a great guest house and invite any NC folks who can make it to Uzbekistan for a most inter­esting (and cheap) vacation. His e­mail address is boh@wattses.org, and his home page is ht.~ www.wans.~S~Qrg.

7 4 Stanley Herwitz, professor of biogeography and earth science at Clark University in Worcester, MA, has received a $3.76 million grant from NASA to lead a research mission that will benefit Hawaiian coffee growers. The mission will make use of a solar-powered, remotely piloted aircraft know as an "Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle" or UAV. The UAV will provide coffee growers with color images of their crops, so that the growers will know, down to the day, the best time for harvesting the beans, bringing the best flavor to consumers.

Stan's e-mail address is s.herwitz@vax.clarku.edu.

CLASS Notes CONTINUED FROM PRFIIOUS PAGE

L-to-R: Paul Hibbeln ('89), Tracy Eaton, Tricia Hopkins ('89}, and jennifer B. Williams ('89) celebrate Tracy's wedding in Ann Arbor, .Ml on May 5, 2001

7 6 Robert Hans, his wife Patti, and their four children returned from a long-term assignment in the Solomon Islands last year and are now living in Coral Gables, FL. Robert continues to work at lOS Partners (named after the island in Greece-lOS) doing international economic development work. The company's website is hllpJ/ www.ios_partn_e_r_s_._crun, and Robert's e-mail is rhans@iospartners.com.

Brenton Miller was featured in the November 2001 issue of Law Technology News. He currently works as director of knowledge management at Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton, an interna-

tiona! law firm with more than 750 attorneys in nine offices around the world. The firm's New York Office is located at One Lib­erty Plaza, across from the World Trade Center. After the Sept. 11 at­tacks, initial recovery efforts cen­tered on the firm's midtown cen­ter, and the firm is now operating in several temporary locations throughout Manhattan. In only two weeks' time, the company's LT. staff was able to build the com­puter infrastructure necessary to support a "virtual" law firm of ap­proximately 350 lawyers and 650 support staff. To read the complete article, go to

www.lawtechnews.com/ novem._berO lj snap_shQL__l2ll .. html.

Doug Schmidt continues to work as a realtor in Sarasota and would be delighted to help alums, faculty, and students with their real estate needs. When not busy, Doug takes to the road and con­tinues to take fantastic trips all over the world. Architecture, art history, and environmental biol­ogy continue to be his main inter­ests, and he's beenfortunateto ac­complish some great things. For instance, Doug was one ofthe first people ever allowed into Tibet without a guide, tour, or escort. He has photos of that adventure and he is happy to share them. Doug's e-mail is dschmidt1925@home.com.

Amanda Loos ('95} with Florida Governor ]eb Bush at a press conference for the Governor's Family Literacy Initiative.

7 8 jacqueline Shea McLaughlin, assistant professor of biology at Penn State Berks­Lehigh Valley College, was recently

CLASSNotes selected as the recipient of the 2001 Four-Year College and University Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award by the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) and Benjamin Cummings Publishers. Jacqueline currently teaches courses in biodiversity and evolution, human biology, physiology, development, and biotechnology. She would like to acknowledge NC Prof. Emeritus John Morrill for her success as a biology teacher. Jacqueline's e­mail address is jshea@psu.edu, and her website is http:// www.lv.psu.edujjxm57/.

7 9 jacqueline Marina and her husband Franklin Curtis Mason are pleased to announce the arrival of their third child, Gabriel Francis Mason. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 13 ounces. His siblings, Katie and Curtis (twins) are now 2-1/2 years old, so Jacqueline and Franklin are very busy! jacqueline's e-mail is marinaj @purdue.edu, and her website is http:!/ icdweb.cc.purdue.edu/ ~marinaj.

8 5 Samantha Kavky received her Ph.D. in art history from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2001. She is teaching courses at both Penn and Bryn Mawr while searching for an academic position. Her e-mail is skavky@sas.upenn.edu.

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Suzanne McDermott continues to perform as a folk singer and travels throughout the U.S. for concerts. She lives in Cambridge, MA. For more information on Suzanne's albums, visit her website as http:// www.rosemared.com. Her e-mail is suzanne@rosemared.com.

caroline Wampole and Kelleth Chinn ('84) have returned to the U.S. after a successful European tour with their band Big Soul. Their new album will be released in the states later this year. Caroline also has been working on her artwork for the last few years; check out her website at h_ttp;jj_ www.wampoline.com. Also check out the Big Soul website (http:/! www.bigsoul.com) for concert in­formation and recent tour photos. Caroline's e-mail address is wampoline@ aol.com, and Kelleth's is kelleth@aol.com.

8 6 Victor Viquiera wrote, "Although I am sometime returning to our Sarasota house; I guess my 'home' is 'islands'/ Philippines (way north Cebu City) where my wife and I 'homeschool' (in process) and so delighted my first baby due November [2001]! Love and always cheerish my New College dramas! X 0 --VJ"

Victor's e-mail address is fsarasota@yahoo.com.

Karen Williams is working as the Health Information Systems Analyst for the Klamath County Department of Mental Health in Klamath Falls, Oregon. Her e-mail is kwilliams@e.:isco.com.

8 7 After teaching at Harvard for a year, James Holland Jones, with his wife, Libra, and two kids (Calder, age 3, and Milan, age 8 months) moved to Seattle. James is currently doing a fellowship in infectious disease at University of Washington Medical School. The group that James has joined is working on developing mathematical models of sexually transmitted diseases and statistical methods for estimating sexual networks. He is also working on a project to quantify the demographic impact of AIDS in high prevalence areas of Africa.

His e-mail address is jameshj @u.washingtonLedu.

Karen Volkman's second book, Spar, won the Iowa Poetry Prize and will be published by the Uni­versity ofiowa Press in April2002. She is currently the Springer Poet­in-Residence at the University of Chicago. One of her students in Fall2001 was Amanda Loos ('95), who is pursuing an M.A. in Hu­manities at UC. Karen's e-mail is YJJlkman@uchicago.edu.

CLASS Notes CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

8 9 Ronald Christaldi signed on as a partner with the Tampa law firm de la Parte & Gilbert, P.A. Ron practices primarily in business law and transactions with a focus on health care, corporate, and real estate matters. Ron's e-mail is rchristaldi@hotmail.com.

Ronald Christaldi ('89)

Tracy Eaton was married in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on May 5, 2001. New College alums Paul Hibbeln ('89}, Tricia Dawn Hopkins ('89), and Jennifer B. Williams ('89) were on hand for the wedding.

Aaron Hillegass took a break from paying work to start a computer education company named Big Nerd Ranch. Check out the website: bllp_;JJ

~

www.bign.erdranch.com. Aaron and his wife Michelle are the proud parents of Walden Carter Hillegass, who was born August 17, 2001. On top of all that, Aaron recently wrote a book titled Cocoa Programming for Mac OS X (ISBN 0201726831,$44.99, PB) published by Addison-Wesley.

His e-mail address is a-.arQll@bignerdranch.com.

9 Q Danielle Chynoweth was recently elected to the Urbana, IL city council. She is also currently working at On the Job Consulting, Inc., in Urbana, where she is serves as a graphic design director. Her e-mail is danielle@onthejob.ne1.

91 Amoldo Bertoncini is working for IBM Global Services in Tampa. He is an e-commerce support analyst and primarily does support for IBM e-commerce products, including EDI messaging, B2B marketplaces, and small business web hosting. His e-mail is amoldob@yahoo..rom.

In August 2001, Raymonda Burgman accepted a one-year term appointment as a faculty member in the Economics and Management Department at DePauw University. She is an Economics Ph.D. candidate at University of Florida. Her e-mail is rburgman@depauw.edu.

9 2 Beth Eldridge is tutoring students in Boulder, CO, while researching other career options. This past summer, she's been hiking, swing dancing, learning about Buddhism, practicing some yoga, and traveling to exotic places for scientific conferences with her boyfriend, who lured her to come to Boulder.

After finishing her M.A. in Sec­ondary Social Studies Education, and teaching for 12 weeks in Florida, Beth moved to Boulder. She reports that "it is great to look out the window and see the mountains every day, with the clouds dancing through them, constantly altering their lighting and texture." Beth's e-mail is supersadie@hotmail.com, and her website is http:/! www.supersadie.com.

9 3 Lizzie Dobbins Agosto is an art coordinator for a large day treatment center for developmentally disabled adults in Tampa. She teaches artistic thinking and practice to a wide range of autistic adults and reports that this job is the best thing she has ever done.

Her e-mail is lizziedobbins@hotmail.com.

I CLASS Notes Ari Weinstein and Kari

Ellingstad ('94) were married at College Hall on the New College campus in September 2001. Among the many alums who attended the wedding: Rachel Corkle ('97), Brad Bryan ('96), Casey Mirch ('90), Joe Bauder ('92), Vijay Sivaraman ('97), Charlie Lenger ('78), Doug Perry ('80), Konnie Kruczek, ('91), Ian Hallett ('95), Erin Matthews ('95), Kari Debbink ('96), and Jesse Hardin ('97). Current students Maggie Davis ('98), Shannon Dunn (98), and Peter Brinson ('98) were also on hand.

Kari Ellingstad ('94) and Ari Weinstein ('93} celebrate their wedding at College Hall in Sept 2001

94 Jesse Abrams is living in Portland, OR, with two other alums: Suzanne Cohen ('94) and Kristin Benson ('94). He is also in contact with other Portland-area alums. Jesse's e-mail is jjfad76@yahoo.com.

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

Keith Bentele accepted an of­fer for admission at University of Arizona in Tucson. He 1s currently a graduate teaching assistant in the Department of Sociology. His e-mail address is keithb@email.arizona.edu.

Jessica Falcone is finishing an MA program in International Development at George Washington University. She just returned from India after one year doing field research and studying sociology at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. Her e­mail is jessfalcone~ahoo.com.

Aaron Gustafson and Kelly McCarthy ('96) were married on November 18th in Thompson, CT. They had a Medieval Celtic wedding, with Kelly in a period gown and Aaron in a full kilt. Kelly is finishing up her Master in Arts and Religion from Yale University Divinity School. Aaron is a freelance web designer with Aquent and has worked on sites for Deloitte & Touche, Dime Bank, Gartner, Guinness, and Spalding. They currently live in New Haven, CT. Aaron's e-mail and webpage: fritzma a aol.com, http:JJ ct.aquent.comfgustafson. Kelly's e-mail: tweet2you@aol.com.

Noah Teitelbaum returned to the U.S. from Croatia after 3 years of working on human rights and refugee issues for the United Nations. In Summer 2001, he began teaching srh grade in

I Harlem as a New York City Fellow. Among the many humbling realizations about education in the inner city, Noah was troubled to find that he doesn't remember how to fmd the area of a triangle! His e-mail is nQab.teitelbau a hotmail.com.

Kari Debbink ('96) and Jesse Hardin ('97) celebrate their wedding at Cook Hall in Man:h 2001

95 Wolff Bowden runs a successful art business in Manchester, GA. Since graduating from New College in 1999, he has sold tens of thousands of dollars in artwork and was named the ArtExpo Artist of the Millenium. For more information on Wolff's art, check out his website: http:// www.primordialist.com. His e­mail is wolffpoet@yahoo.com.

CLASS Notes Davina Rhodes and Jake Byrnes

('96) were married in Madison, WI in July 2001. The many alums on hand at their wedding include: Brad Bryan ('96), Amy Murphy ('95), Mollie Lee ('97), Emily Heffernan ('97), Trina Sargalski ('95), Doug Wahl ('96), Erik Maki ('96), Jamie Myers ('95), Ayla Samli ('95), Colleen Butler ('94), Jon Broad ('93), Matt Spitzer ('95), Julie Allen ('93), Rachel Corkle ('97), Andrea Saunders ('96}, Jim Baker ('96), Christie Crowell, Doug McDonald, Eric Piotrowski ('93), josh Heling ('93), Jim Moore ('94), Sarah Himmelhaber ('96), Ed Moore ('89), Caitlin Barry ('96). Mala Ghoshal ('93), Therese Kirsch ('95), and Matt Olson ('94).

Davina Rhodes ('95) and Jake Byrnes at their wedding in July 2001.

Davina and Jake are currently working as lab assistants for the University of Wisconsin. Davina's e-mail address is

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

davinarhodes@hotmail.com and Jake's e-mail address is is jkbyrnes @facstaff.wisc.edu.

9 6 Matt Aldrich is working as a film producer/ director in Little Silver, NJ. He is working as director of operations for the Red Bank International Film Festival in Red Bank, NJ, scheduled for early August 2002. For more information, check out the Festival's website: http:// www.fre edo mfilm.s o~iety. org. Matt's e-mail address is virtu78@yahoo.com.

Karl Debbink and Jesse Hardin ('97) were married on the bayfront in front of Cook Hall in March 2001. Jesse's e-mail address is jhardin@po_pmail.cQm.

97 Josh Grigsby has been generating attention and praise from the film industry. At New College, he created the B.A. major of Film Production and Direction. His thesis film, entitled Occam's Razor, has won several film awards, including the most recent at the acclaimed Houston Film Festival. It was recently picked up by Hypnotic, a division of Universal Pictures. Grigsby now lives in Santa Monica, CA, with Alexis Orgera ('95) and is currently working on a feature­length screenplay. Josh's e-mail address is jmgrigsby@yahoo.c.om.

McGee, From Pg. 7

Young began teaching courses at Syracuse University almost immediately, and found it to be a largely worthwhile experience, giving him a crucial background in designing courses, writing exams, and learning how to motivate students and lecture effectively.

"There were two programs I was in at Syracuse: the Future Professor Program and Preparing Future Faculty program. The FPP and PFF. They were a great help for me as a teacher because they gave me a good grounding in the really basic stuff which gave me that much less to worry about. That's important, because New College is one of the more challenging places to teach at as far as having to be at the top of your game for each and every class."

Young's experiences at Syracuse University have made him treasure his time at New College all the more. The greatest problem with teaching there, he said, was "not the smart students, since the smart students were just as smart as the smart students at New College. Nor were the distracted students really the problem." McGee Young's primary problem was the "the undifferentiated mass."

"They were the majority of the classes ... the boys wear hats and follow the sports teams and drink beer and plan to get into their father's business, and the girls are all heavily into the Greek lifestyle ... and they're not interested in learning so much as just graduating. The most beautiful thing about New College is that there IS no undifferentiated mass ... there's no blob of faceless students without direction or inspiration filling the classroom. That, along with many other things, is what makes teaching here such a privilege."

NCAA President's Letter to Alums

Mike Campbell

NCAA President

Dear Alums: As I sit to write this letter, I

consider beginning with some reference to September 11 th to provide context for the latest issue of Nimbus. That tendency seems nearly reflexive in most publications I have read in the intervening months, and yet I am more inclined to write about the future than the past. Please understand that I do not wish to downplay the gravity of September 11 th or the profound changes that are its legacy. However, I want to use this limited space to make some observations about the future of New College at a pivotal point in our history.

Letters from Bob Johnson and Mike Michalson in this issue reflect two themes that suggest great optimism for New College's future. First, the mission and essential character of New College have been a source of strength as we have weathered change and uncertainty. The rest of the world recognizes the quality and unique contribution New College brings to higher education in Florida and nationally. For example, the College has been invited to participate in the Consortium for

Innovative Environments in Learning, a grant-funded organization designed to provide mutual support among innovative small colleges and to serve as an incubator for contributions to post­secondary education. The recognition New College continues to enjoy stems largely from the achievements of alums. In case we haven't said so lately, thank you to all who have secured our reputation through your professional and personal accomplishments.

Second, those who care about New College have pulled together to help take advantage of the opportunities independence presents. Highly regarded faculty Mike Michalson and Char Callahan have agreed to assume leadership positions to guide the College through critical transitions, including independent accreditation, resolution of campus ownership issues with USF, and securing necessary financial support from public and private sources. General Ron Heiser has agreed to lead the New College Foundation through the College's transition to independence, and Senator Bob Johnson has brought dogged political advocacy of New College to his position as chair of the inaugural Board of Trustees.

Your Alumnaeji Association has been an important part of these efforts. How? Our campus support programs-principally Student Grants and Alumnaefi Fellows­contribute directly to the intellectual and cultural life ofNew College. Our political advocacy, including our decision to retain a lobbyist for the College (we were the first organization to do so), contributes to a coordinated effort to protect the best interests of New College in the political arena. Alumnaeji contributions, though unfortunately

lagging in the last few years, provide not just demonstrable support but the funds to augment the unique educational experience the College continues to provide with distinction.

Perhaps most importantly, we foster continuing connection between alumnaefi and the campus. As we consider the most important roles the Alumnaeji Association should play in the future of New College, the discussion turns most often to the importance of promoting networks and connections. In fact, you ARE the networks , and the Association wants to improve our services to you and the quality of your relationship to the College. Communications and events are core components of this effort. In addition to the next few issues of Nimbus, we will publish an updated directory in the coming year. Our website has continued to develop in the last year, and you can expect improved information and functionality in the coming year. As we improve our old services, we will ask you for feedback about new ideas, including better reunions, and more frequent updates from the Association (probably via e~mail). Please let us know what you like and what you would like, and please also let us know about you and other alums for which we may lack current information. Updated addresses, at a minimum, are critical for the new directory. And New College truly needs to keep track of its friends.

I hope this issue of Nimbus fmds you happy and well in the New Year, and please let us hear from you. You are welcome to contact me directly at mcampbell@ncf.edu.

My best to all,

Mike Campbell President

Students new and old meet on the College Hall bayfront for the Orientation BBQ on 8/21/01

Paul Cebar ('75) and his band The Milwaukeeans return to New College for a live concert on February 9.

Tropical Storm Gabrielle swept through the campus on Sept. 15, 2001. The storm caused damage to several trees, like the one pictured here in front of Cook Hall.

Gregory Dubois-Felsmann('77) keeps up with New College news by reading the Catalyst.

New College Board of Trustees. L-to-R: Jerome Dupree, Michey Presha, Lt. Gen. Rolland Heiser, Robert Blalock, Vicki Pearthree Raeburn ('65), Ken Misemer ('64), Vice-Chairman John Cranor ('64), Alexis Simendin$er ('75), Chairman Bob Johnson, and Jane Smifetr (Not featured m picture· Meg Lo·wman)

NC Alum ('96) and Admissions Coun elor Brad Bryan (far left) :peak with prospective students and their parents during New College Open House Oil 11111101. 200 prospectives, parents, and friends packed Sudakoff Cmter.

L-to-R: Mike Campbell ('87), Carol Worby Holder ('64), John Peters ('64), and Jeanne Ro enberg ('64) celebrate NC independence during an alum gathering in Los Angeles on December 5.

Gen. Heiser, Elaine Keating (a Foundation trustee), and Clremi try Profes ·or Suzanne Sherman celebrate the unveiling of a bust of Heiser at the new R. V. Heiser Natural Sciences Complex. Students reportedly rub the General's nose or ood lt_1ck!

Profi. Rick Coe, Gordon Bauer, a;;d Doug Langston celebrate sweet vict01y after the I~ew College Bones won tlreir league ~5 softball championship. Is a dominant New College football team next?

L-to-R: Gregory Dubois-Felsmann ('77), Mike Campbell ('87), Kristine Adams ('90), and Dun Goldberg C68) at LA alum gathering.

Orientation BBQ behind College Hall 011 8121101

126

I New College Weekend: Feb. 9 & 10

Alumnae{i, students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends were on hand to celebrate independence at the first annual New College Weekend on February 9 and 10. Keep an eye out for the next issue of the Nimbus and the NCAA website (http:// www.newcollege.org) for pictures and news from this fabulous event. Mark your calendars for next year's NC weekend in early February!

10:00 am: New College Board of Trustees Meeting

1:30 pm: Welcome Address Dr. Gordon (Mike) Michalson,

President Senator Robert Johnson, Chairman

of the Board of Trustees

2:00 pm: Innovative Education: New College Faculty at Work

Natural Sciences Initiative: Prof. Sandra Gilchrist

Social Sciences Presentation Humanities Presentation: Prof.

Leslie Fry

New College Alumnae/i Association New College Foundation, Inc.

5700 N. Tamiam1 Trail

Sarasota, FL 34243-2197

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

3:00 pm: Celebration at the Bayfront Music, Food, Games Celtic Music from Emerald Rose,

featuring Brian Sullivan ('86) Plus several New College student

bands

7:00 pm: The Real "West Wing" Alexis Simendinger ('81) White House correspondent,

National Journal

8:30 pm: Students at Work Dance Tutorial and Original Plays

from NC students

10:00 pm: Paul Cebar ('75) and the Milwaukeeans in Concert

Sund~ Feb. lOth

9:00 am: Nature Walk and Campus lbur

Jono Miller & Julie Morris ('70) Co-Coordinators of NC

Environmental Studies Program

11:00 am New College Weekend Brunch

and Cruise

Nonprofit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid Permit #500 Monosoto Fl

~f. ~-·---• :~ .. -· -· ........._._.....,....._ . ._.,'A' Tu"'"""S-uiu1 >'!:lJo

Mary L. Elmendorf

535 S Blvd OfPres1dents Sarasota L 4236-2014

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NIMBUS Pub ost,ed by ew College AluiT'noe 1

Assoc10toor, 5700 N Tom of'lo Trool,

Sorosoto, FL 34243-2197, Telephone

94' -359-4324, ncolum c.-)sor usf edu;

http I /www newcollege.org, Product on/

d strobutoon cost os $1 50/copy

Editorial/Production Committee: Alex1s

S <nendonger ('75), Mike Campbell ('87);

John Honse ('76), lorry Vernogloo ('87);

Leslie Shaffer ('92), Ann Berget Tucker ('87),

Rober i..if'coln ('77), Colly Woote ('82), Austin

Works ('82), O'ld Rochoel Morros ('96).

Specool thanks to Suzanne Janney ond JilT'

Feeney for theor editonol help

layout and Design Rochoel Morros ('96),

Dovod Bryant ('91)

Unless otherWise noted, opinions expressed

are those of the authors and do not represent

official pohcy of the Alumnae{i association or

the opinions of the editors. In fact, the editors

rarely even agree with each other.

Photo and graphic credits: No'llbus logo

and desogn - Elo1ne Simmons, Pg. 1 New

College Publoc Affoors (NCPA); Pg. 6 - Dovod

Smolker, Pg . 7 - McGee Young, Pg 10 -

NCPA, Pg 12 • Shombl,ng Gate Press,

l1ghtnong Source, Rowmon & Littlefoeld, Pg. 14

- John J. lentino; Pg. 16 - Trocoo Hopkins,

Amondo Loos; Pg 18- Ronald Chrostold,; Pg.

19 • Ken Ellongs ad, Brad Bryon; Pg. 20 -

NCPA; Pg 22 - (Ciockwose from top left)

NCPA, Moke Campbell, NCPA, Paul Cebor,

NCPA Pg 23 - NCPA, Mike Campbell