Scene SUM

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2013

For Friends and Alumni of Rockland Community College

Students Create ePortfolios to Help with Transfer, CareersInternational student Hiroyuki Watanabe has a flair for crafting fast-paced videos with colorful images and graphics on Japan and its rich cultur-al heritage. As a Computer Information Systems major at RCC, he is honing the technical skills needed to showcase his multimedia displays to four-year colleges and, eventually, potential employers.The new ePortfolio project at RCC has given Watanabe a valuable new tool for exhibiting his work and pursuing a career in the computer field.“It is like an agent that works for me 24 hours, 7 days a week,” said Watanabe, a native of Fukushima, Japan. The ePortfolio’s digital format allows a much truer representation of his work than paper-based portfolios, he said. “For me, ePortfolio goes hand-in-hand with obtaining employment. I can use it as a tool to realize my dreams.”E-Portfolios are online collections of materials such as assignments, essays, resumes, photos and blog entries, assembled and managed by a user. These materials are saved and made avail-able electronically to other students and instruc-tors for their feedback, and users then reflect on

their work. For example, a student might revise a written assignment based on comments from classmates. or may write a reflective essay on goals fulfilled and unfulfilled in a course.“The emphasis on reflection is meant to improve students’ critical thinking abilities,” said Martha Rottman, Division Chair of Humanities, Social & Behavioral Sciences, who initiated the project with Stephen Burke, Coordinator, Reading and Writing Center, as part of a redesign of the English 101 curriculum. “Developing habits of reflective practice encourages deeper learning and greater control over one’s learning,” she said.

The project is part of a SUNY-wide ePortfolio initiative. Cathy Roche, Division Chair, Business & Technology, serves on the SUNY task force that developed the plan for implementing ePortfolios SUNY-wide. She and eLearning specialist Amie Gardner gave pre-sentations and led a series of training workshops to promote the use of ePortfolio at RCC. Students from various disciplines participated: Art, Business, Criminal Justice, Communication Media Arts, English, Paralegal Studies and Teacher Education. During the Spring semester, 551 students, 35 faculty members and 12 alumni maintained ePortfolios. The RCC pilot was funded by a federal Title III grant. Project coordinators hope to continue the program in 2013-2014 with fund-ing from that grant.

Hiroyuki Watanabe, a Computer Information Systems major, reviews his ePortfolio with Professor Martha Rottman.

COMMENCEMENT 2013 Elected Officials

Advocate for Students

BY THE NUMBERS SUNY Purchase @ RCC

10 = years of SUNY Purchase’s extension center at RCC

144 = number of students who have earned

their bachelor’s degree from SUNY Purchase on campus at RCC

Commencement ’13

1,065 = Total graduates (August ’12, December ’12 and May ’13)

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Around Campus

SCENEEditor: Tzipora Reitman,

Director of Communications

Staff Writers: Jamie Kempton

MaralinRoffino

Lisa Saunders

Photography: Collette Fournier

Design: Ginny Apostolides

zreitman@sunyrockland.edu

(845) 574-4595

www.sunyrockland.edu

www.facebook.com/sunyrcc

Have you heard the news? More than 1,000 students graduated since last year!

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (third from left) visits RCC to advocate for a plan to prevent the doubling of interest rates on federal student loans. She is joined by President Cliff L. Wood; recent RCC gradu-ate Junior Pierre and Nursing student Rossano Merino.

State Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski announces NY DREAM Act legislation at RCC’s Haverstraw Center. Joining him are students from RCC’s Dream Club and North Rockland HS ASPIRA. The DREAM Act passed by the NYS Assembly increases access to college aid opportunities for immigrant students.

Elected Officials Advocate for Students

RCC Expands Popular Green Building Technology Program Green construction—the practice of erecting buildings that are capable of conserving water and energy—has grown dramatically over the past few years. Last Fall, RCC began offering an AAS in Green Building Maintenance and Management. This degree prepares students to efficiently and effectively maintain modern commercial buildings.  Students who complete the program can obtain positions as energy and indoor air quality audi-tors, HVAC operations and maintenance tech-nicians, solar and wind energy technicians and green building, renewable energy and energy efficient consultants.RCC will receive $82,200 over the next three years from New York State to support student

training in green building technology, which has been identified as a high-need career.“The grant will enable us to meet the needs of an increasing number of students by hiring an-other faculty member and offering more classes at times conducive to students’ schedules,” said Kristopher M. Baker, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biology, and Chair of Math, Natural, & Health Sciences. RCC, winner of the Rockland Business Association’s Green Council Award, is rec-ognized for its comprehensive sustainability efforts, including reducing waste and saving water, electricity, paper, and money. Students experience a green building first hand at the Technology Center, the first certified “green” building constructed in Rockland County. To learn more about earning your Associate in Applied Science degree in Green Building Maintenance and Management, call 845-574-4143.

RCC Offers Program for Students with Special NeedsRCC is helping students with disabilities get ready for college in a new program called CORE (College Readiness). CORE, which will be held on RCC’s main campus beginning Fall ’13, offers basic academic courses, social growth opportunities and college readiness experiences.In addition to courses in basic English, Math, and Computers, students will learn how to navigate a college environment and will get help preparing for the college placement exam. They

will experience campus life by participating in many college-wide activities. CORE will be held Fall (September-December) and Spring (February-May), three times a week (M, W & F), 9 am-3 pm. The cost is $3,000 per year, including all materials. CORE is non-credit bearing and not eligible for financial aid.To qualify, a student must have a high school diploma (IEP Acceptable) or GED and

appropriate disability documentation. For further information about CORE, contact Accessibility Services at 845-574-4541. Students interested in the program will need to complete a CORE application, submit disability documentation and take the Ability to Benefit Entrance Exam.

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Congresswoman Nita Lowey (third from left) visits RCC to advocate for a plan to prevent the doubling of interest rates on federal student loans. She is joined by President Cliff L. Wood; recent RCC gradu-ate Junior Pierre and Nursing student Rossano Merino.

State Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski announces NY DREAM Act legislation at RCC’s Haverstraw Center. Joining him are students from RCC’s Dream Club and North Rockland HS ASPIRA. The DREAM Act passed by the NYS Assembly increases access to college aid opportunities for immigrant students.

Talking About STEM Education

Rashid Ferrod Davis, Principal of P-TECH High School in NYC, addresses the Stakeholders Summit in K-16 STEM Education held at RCC in May. The event was funded by the National Science Foundation.

Dr. Kris Baker shows Science students Alberto Fuentes and Esau Cruz the campus Beta Shed, which generates solar power energy.

Students Receive Full Transfer Scholarships

Full scholarship recipients Brianna Kousin (Mount St. Mary College) and Nikoo Shidfar (Pace University), display their certificates at the RCC Foundation’s Scholarship Award Ceremony in May. They are joined by Matt Deminsky of Mount Saint Mary College, RCC President Cliff L. Wood and Michelle Delaney of Pace.

Jason D’Amore, holding his son, is the recipient of the Richard B. Texler Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of a Rockland County educator and designated for an adult student pursuing a math or science teaching career.

Dear Dr. Wood,

During today’s Commencement ceremony, I realized that ever since my wife

(Kristin Doolittle Ellingsen ’05) and I started at RCC as students in Fall 2003

until today, a member of my family has been enrolled in classes every year.

Today, my mother-in-law (Kari Doolittle) graduated from the OT program, and

the family connection continues with my brother-in-law (Sam Dolittle), who just

finished his freshman year.  Only at RCC will you have an 18-year-old freshman

helping his mom with her algebra in the Library!

RCC has been much more than just a school to all of us, and one constant during

our time here has been you. When I left my other teaching job for a chance to work

at RCC, I did so without hesitation because of the experience I had here as a stu-

dent and for a chance to work for you and the newly renamed Exercise and Human

Performance department (formerly Physical Education). My mother-in-law says

it was easier coming to back to school when you know the president of the college

truly cares about you.

The Ellingsen and Doolittle families thank you for all that you do!

Erik Ellinsen ‘05, Instructor, Exercise & Human Performance

Prior to working at RCC, Ellingsen was Instructor of Physical/Health Education for Harrison Central School District. He earned a BS in Education in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland and an MSEd in the Health Education Masters Program at Lehman College, CUNY.

Matthew D. Dubin ’88, M/TS Honors, was recently named one of the top 100 trial lawyers in the State of Washington by the American Society of Legal Advocates. Dubin, the founder and principal attorney at the Law Offices of Matthew D. Dubin, has been practicing personal injury law in Seattle since 1995.Dubin, a graduate of Clarkstown North, came to RCC as an Early Admit student. After graduating, he was accepted for transfer by Penn, Columbia, Princeton, Duke and Yale. He earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University and his JD from the University of Washington. 

He has tried hundreds of cases, including major medical malpractice and wrongful death cases.  He lives in Seattle, WA with his wife Elizabeth and his son Abraham.

Lauren Smith earned her Bachelor of Arts in History, Summa Cum Laude from Fairleigh Dickinson University, earning a 4.0 GPA for her final semester and graduating with a 3.85 GPA. She received the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award in History. “I attribute a large portion of my academic success at Fairleigh Dickinson University to the M/TS Honors Program.” Michael Santiago ’12 has been awarded $1,000 for his photograph, Hipster Frida, 2012, currently on view at the Best of SUNY Student Art Exhibition at the NY State Museum, Albany, NY. Michael is currently completing his BFA in Photography at San Francisco Art Institute.

RCC: A Family Affair

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Alumni News

AND

Thursday, October 17, 4:00-11:30 pm,

$75 includes show tickets and deluxe bus transportation Contact the Alumni Association

to purchase your tickets 845-574-4576

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

SUNY Rockland Community College Alumni Association

COMEDY NIGHT

Thursday, November 14, 5:30-8:30 pm Slattery’s in Piermont

$15 in advance, $20 at the door, includes buffet dinner, drinks and show! Featuring two of the four famed “Italian Chicks”

Gina Scarda, retired NYPD – Cop to Comedian

Mary Dimino – called “riotously funny” by the Wall St. Journal

“Magic Dave,” who combines amazing sleight of hand with fast-paced comedy,

RSVP with the Alumni Association 845-574-4576. Over 21 only.

Alumni Events

AND

WICKED BROADWAYON

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Alumni SpotlightMODEL AND ACTRESS RISES ABOVE SETBACKS

Actress, model and former Orangetown fire-fighter Lauren Dellolio ’02, has appeared in films such as The Devil Wears Prada and in ads for clients like Bare Escentuals makeup. Now living in Marina del Rey, CA, Dellolio is grateful she can support herself doing what she loves.The highlight of her time at RCC was a paid, credit-bearing internship with Academy Award-winning director Jonathan Demme. Her work with Demme (The Silence of the Lambs) later resulted in her acceptance into SAG (Screen Actors Guild) as well as a yearlong stint as his personal assistant.

Behind her impressive cre-dentials lies a bumpy path to fulfillment. Despite be-ing an honors student and star athlete at Nyack HS, Dellolio was not accepted by her first choice college. She tried SUNY New Paltz, but feeling unchallenged, she moved to Manhattan to attempt a career in modeling.Just when she realized she needed to go back to college, her father was di-agnosed with an aggressive form of cancer. “RCC was

the logical choice. I could live at home, help my parents and commute to school. I was thrilled to be accepted into the Honors Program. From that platform, I began to execute my plan to be ‘the best college applicant ever.’”Determined to take advantage of everything RCC had to offer, Dellolio played vol-leyball, worked with Habitat for Humanity, performed in plays, and studied Shakespeare at Cambridge University, England. She won several academic and athletic awards at RCC.Dellolio credits her success not only to her determination, but also to amazing mentors

and professors. She was ultimately accepted to a top school in her field—New York University’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Feminist Theater. “As fantastic as my education at NYU was, the education I received at RCC was equally strong, if not stronger. Professors like Drs. Hazelton, Pirone and Krasilovsky made a huge impact on me, opening intellectual and academic doors. They are top-notch professors who more than rivaled what I encountered at a major, $42,000-a-year university.” Dellolio remains open to new possibilities in the future and feels well prepared. “When it’s time to move on to something new, I feel like I have infinite options due to my education and degrees.”

Lauren Dellolio at the opening of Iron Man 3 with Serdar Kalsin, who played “Sacred Instrument”

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Alumni Trustees

Wilbur Aldridge, AAS, of Haverstraw, was appointed by the County Legislature in 2001 to complete the unexpired term of Larry Clay Dillard, who resigned earlier that year. Aldridge brought a background in social work, multicultural advocacy and education to his board position. As a trustee from 2001 to 2003, he worked to reestablish a staff position dedicated to attracting and retaining staff members of diverse back-grounds. Aldridge also helped push for installation of the traffic light.Aldridge was born and raised in

Greensboro, NC, where he developed a passion for advancing civil rights. As an RCC student, he was founder and president of the Diversity Human Service Organization, and later helped found the college’s Alumni Association, serving as president for 14 years. After RCC, he earned a BA

in social work from Fairleigh Dickinson University and spent 25 years at Letchworth Village Developmental Center as associate personnel director and assistant to the facility’s director. He then moved on to Mid-Hudson Psychiatric Center as director of multicultural affairs and affirmative action administrator. He later served in the same position at Rockland Psychiatric Center, overseeing all aspects of multiculturalism, diversity training and affirmative action for 1,600 employees and 700 patients, until retiring in 1994.Community service is important to Aldridge. He is Mid-Hudson/Westchester Regional Director of the NAACP; serves on Rockland’s Rental Guidelines Board and Town of Haverstraw Zoning Board; was board president of Head Start of Rockland; and has served as board presi-dent and founder of Rockland Big Brothers Big Sisters. He is a 45-year Rockland resident and lives in West Haverstraw with his wife, Margaret, a 1976 RCC graduate. They have two children and two grandsons.

Isidro Cancel, AA, Liberal Arts, the first Hispanic appointed to the board, served from 1991-2003, including a two-year term as Chair. While the college made many strides forward during his tenure, he cited two projects he is especially proud to have helped bring to fruition: the traf-fic light at RCC’s College Road entrance and the design and approval of the Technology Center, which opened in 2006. He was appointed by Governor Mario Cuomo in 1991 to fill the unexpired term of former Board President Fred Van Wort, and was reappointed to a nine-year term in 1992.After graduating from RCC, Cancel earned a BA in physical education from SUNY at Brockport and a master’s in guidance and counseling from Long Island University. He spent 36 years in the North Rockland School District as a physical education teacher, attendance officer and school counselor. He also coached football in the district all 36 years, was girls’ softball coach for seven years, and was recently elected to the North

Rockland HS Sports Hall of Fame.Cancel was born in Puerto Rico and came to Haverstraw with his family at age 2, at-tended local schools, and became deeply involved in the community. He is Deputy Supervisor of Haverstraw and a 14-year member of the Haverstraw Town Board; a 42-year volunteer firefighter and former captain of Rescue Hook & Ladder #1 of Haverstraw; a volunteer with local food bank, homeless and holiday toy drive pro-grams; and a member of St. Peter’s Parish Council and Board of Trustees. He and his wife of 32 years, Patricia, live in Thiells.

ALUMNI GIVE BACK TO RCC THROUGH BOARD SERVICEIn the 54-year history of RCC, only a handful of alumni have served as members of the Board of Trustees: Isidro “Papo” Cancel ‘71, Wilbur Aldridge ‘71, Joan Orazio ‘74, John Shankey ‘75, Diane Beljean ‘89, and Charles Wasserman ‘90. The members of this select group shared a commitment to give back to the College for providing a sound educational foundation and springboard to careers in their chosen fields.

Joan Orazio, AAS, of Ramapo, returned to school at age 42 to enroll in RCC’s Management Development (MgD) Business Honors program under the direction of Professor John Beers. “My education at RCC gave me a strong foundation in finance and management,” she said. After graduating summa cum laude from Mercy College in 1975 with a BS in finance/accounting, she became a certified financial planner. She worked for a local financial services firm for 14 years, becoming executive vice president in 1982, before teaming with her son Paul to form an

independent firm, Orazio Financial Services, in 1991. Paul still operates the firm in Suffern. Joan returned to RCC to teach financial management

courses for women in continuing education prior to her appointment to the board.Orazio was appointed by the County Legislature to the board in 1984 to replace Belle Zeck, an original trustee. Orazio served until 1994, the last two years as chair. Her financial expertise proved invaluable to the board. RCC’s student population expanded rapidly and diversified broadly dur-ing her tenure, and she was proud to support affordable education that met the needs of the community.Two of Orazio’s four children – Joanne ’75, a teacher, and Phyllis ‘76, an accountant, graduated from RCC. Her late daughter Louise took an accounting course at RCC while in high school. Orazio and her husband, Louis, a former educator in East Ramapo, are Bronx natives who now live in Suffern. They have seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Orazio also served on the RCC Foundation board for many years and earned the designation of Trustee Emerita in 1995.

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ALUMNI GIVE BACK TO RCC THROUGH BOARD SERVICE

John Shankey AAS, was well into a sales career when he enrolled at RCC as a part-time student in the late 1960s. He attended evening classes for seven years before graduating in 1975. He continued to advance within his company, the conglomer-ate Dart Industries, becoming northeast regional sales manager during a 20-year career in the plastics division. He later got involved in local politics and became Supervisor of the Town of Stony Point for six years. Earlier in his life he served as an air traffic controller in the Air Force, attaining the rank of sergeant.

At age 33, Shankey was the youngest RCC board appointee when tapped by the County Legislature in 1979 to fill the expired term of Anne

Skahen, representing Stony Point. Founding trustee Dan Brucker was still chair when he came on board, and his tenure spanned presidents’ eras from Seymour Eskow to Thomas Clark to Neal Raisman. In terms of achievements, he points to the Cultural Arts Center; the founding of the Spring Valley Extension Center - the first center beyond the main campus; and the Auto Technology training center in Spring Valley as major initiatives.Shankey said he enjoyed serving on the board and loved the people he worked with. He called his undergraduate experience “grand” and eagerly touted the benefits of attending RCC. “It’s local, affordable, and can be a steppingstone to a four-year degree,” said Shankey, whose three daughters, Colleen ‘91, Jennifer ’96 and Deirdre ‘98, are all RCC grads. Shankey, a widower and lifelong Stony Point resident, was granted Trustee Emeritus status in 1997.

Charles Wasserman AAS, Business/Accounting, was appointed by Gov. George Pataki in 1997 and served until 2005, including a three-year term as chair from 2001 to 2004. Although he served during a challenging period of transition at the college, Wasserman said he and fellow board members kept the students’ interests paramount and the institution mov-ing forward. Wasserman points to the selection in 2004 of Dr. Cliff L. Wood as presi-dent as his board’s biggest achievement. “Dr. Wood provided stability and leadership at a time it was sorely needed,” he said. “Dr. Wood put a face to the college. He listened to people and made everyone feel welcome. Whether it took three days, three months or three years, he knew the issues would be resolved and put plans in place to do that.” Wasserman also expressed pride in his involvement with planning and approval of the Technology Center.As an RCC student, Wasserman served in the Student Senate. Like Orazio, he graduated from the MgD Business Honors program. He

transferred to Pace University and graduated in 1991 with a BBA in finance. Wasserman then decided to pursue a career in law and attended Brooklyn Law School, graduating in 1995. For the past 17 years, he has served in private practice with the Yonkers law firm of Novick Edelstein Lubell Reisman Wasserman & Leventhal, which specializes in real estate law. Wasserman ran unsuccessfully for State Assembly in 1996. A former New City resident, he lives in Plainview with his wife of 15 years, Jill, and their two boys, ages 9 and 12.

Diane Beljean AA, Liberal Arts/Human and Social Sciences, served as a trustee from 1973 to 1976, representing Orangetown. She was a mem-ber of the Rockland County Legislature and a staff member to former Assemblyman Eugene Levy. She also was an ombudsman at the Dr. Robert L. Yeager County Health Complex in Ramapo, and was a foster parent for 40 years. Beljean was a 41-year resident of Pearl River. She died in 2001 in Park Ridge, NJ, at age 72.

Faculty PassingsGeorge W. “Bill” Blake, retired Professor of English, died on June 25 at the age of 86. He taught at RCC from 1963-1985. Many of his poems and stories were published in the Kansas Quarterly. His story, “A Place Not on the Map,” was published in the 1967 edition of Best American Short Stories. In 1968 he won the O’Henry Award for his short story, “A Modern Development.” Blake was a resident of Block Island, RI.Moses Weintraub, 70, adjunct faculty, Social Sciences, passed away on July 1. He was a retired educator in the NYC schools and resided in Spring Valley. He taught at RCC since 2002.

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Awards

SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for ExcellenceExcellence in Classified Service

William (Bill) J. Carroll, Mail Clerk, is an RCC graduate and has been a dedicated employee for 25 years. When faculty and staff arrive at work in the morning, they can be sure of one thing-their mail will be waiting for them. Carroll arrives

earlier than scheduled to be sure of it, and will stay late if necessary. His service goes beyond delivering mail; he’s often seen helping staff move boxes and furniture in their offices and directing lost students. He played a major role in maintaining the College Records storage area by devising a system for retrieving records in a timely manner. Carroll speaks Spanish fluently and often helps Spanish speaking students and potential students, sometimes traveling to the College’s Haverstraw Center to help with translating. Carroll also volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and for ARC.

Excellence in Faculty Service

Melanie Rie, PhD, Assistant Professor/Chair, Science, joined RCC as an instructor in 2007, teaching all areas of biology. Dr. Rie is a committed environmen-tal scientist and educa-tor. With over 15 years of research in

environmental toxicology, Dr. Rie co-developed the first Environmental Science degree available in Rockland County. She also developed a new course in General Ecology and an interdisciplin-ary environmental presentation for all anatomy and physiology courses. She is co-advisor of the Environmental Club, offers public lectures about the effects of contamination on wildlife and human health, and has been interviewed by CBS News regarding elevated rates of thyroid cancer in Rockland. Dr. Rie earned a BA and PhD in Biology from Boston University and was awarded the Alden Macchi Award for Excellence in Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology. She received an NIH post-doctoral Research Fellowship to assess the effects of hormones on cancer markers in the male reproductive system, and has co-authored 14 publications and abstracts.

Excellence in TeachingCatherine M. Roche, Professor/Chair, Business and Information Technology Division, has been teaching at RCC since 1991. She has taught 23 different courses, most of which she developed or updated. An early advocate in utilizing

internet technology for education, she created RCC’s first online Business course in 2000 and is a certified Quality Matters peer reviewer for online courses. Her student evaluations praise the individual attention she devotes to each student and Roche helps them create e-portfoli-os, use simulations, and engage in experiential learning. Roche is the co-author of “Teaching,

Learning, and Collaborating in the Cloud: Applications of Cloud Computing for Educators in Post-Secondary Institutions,” published in the Journal of Educational Technology Systems. She earned a BBA in Business Education from Pace University, and an MA in Business Education from New York University.

Excellence in Professional Service

Doreen Zarcone, Events Coordinator, has been organizing events and promoting RCC in a variety of ways since 1996. She has served as Presidential Staff Assistant, Board Secretary, Director of Liberty Partnership Programs, Assistant

Director of Communications, and adjunct faculty. For the past five years, Zarcone has focused on creating and organizing events at RCC. To introduce middle and high school students to the college experience she created “A Day in College Life,” an event where she leads student groups on their visit to campus. She organized a Foreign Language Conference, an Educational Summit, and a STEM Conference for 7th/8th grade girls. Zarcone earned an AAS in Business from RCC, a BS in Marketing from Ramapo College, and an MS in Human Resource Management from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. She also serves in leadership roles for the Tallman Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary.

Adjuncts Win President’s Award for Excellence in TeachingTeresa Osadnik has taught at RCC since 2000. She teaches college algebra and math for classroom teachers. About 30% of the latter class consists of professionals from other fields pursuing credit towards their teaching degree. Osadnik initiated a successful project allowing her students to demon-strate their teaching methods on a topic of their choice. Osadnik, a native of Poland, also teaches high school math in Lodi, NJ. An RCC alumna (AAS,

1996), she received masters degrees in Poland (engineering), at Iona College (computer science) and at Texas A&M (online math program).

Shari Silverstein has taught clinical nursing courses for RCC since 1988, first at Nyack and Good Samaritan Hospitals and, for the past decade, at Helen Hayes Hospital. She instructs and supervises two five-hour classes of 8 to 10 students each, assisting them in implementing care to rehabilitation patients and ensuring safe quality care. “It combines the two roles I love the most, teaching and nursing,” she says. Silverstein is the osteoporosis nurse

educator and co-coordinator of the New York State Osteoporosis Prevention and Education Program. She received a Nurse Excellence in Practice Award from Rockland County in 2006.

Student Government Association Executive Board(seated l to r): Maribeth Gundayao, Treasurer; Maritza Mendoza, President; Roxana Barahana,Secretary. (Standing) Brandon Tanis, SAB Chair; Mendel Taub, Student Trustee; Jhony Lema, Vice-President.

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Thomas P. Della Torre was appointed Dean of Academic and Community Partnerships. He previously served as Director of Academic Support Services. In his new position, he will focus on RCC’s relationships with local businesses and families. He assumes leadership of RCC’s Center for Personal & Professional Development, which provides customized business training, continuing education and professional development. His other responsibilities include the high school program; children’s summertime Sports Academy

and Kids College; University Center for students earning bachelor’s degrees at RCC’s campus through four-year colleges; and on-campus partners including the SBDC, SCORE, and RSVP. Della Torre is also ramping up Academic Travel, which will offer short, in-depth study trips to domestic and international sites.Prior to RCC, Della Torre held executive positions with Transamerica Corporation and managed business development for a division of First American Corporation. Within higher education, he served as Dean

of Humanities at Bergen Community College and Division Chair, Writing Program Director and Assistant Professor of English at Howard Community College (Columbia, MD). Della Torre earned his BA in Social Sciences and MAT in English at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

James (Jim) Robertson, Director of Institutional Research, leads the IR department, which provides accurate quantitative and qualita-tive information necessary for the College’s strategic planning, assessment, and institutional effectiveness. Robertson’s previous experience includes 15 years at the Community College of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, PA, where he served as Assistant Director of Planning and Research. Robertson earned a BA in Architectural Studies and a Masters in Urban and Regional

Planning, both from the University of Pittsburgh. He looks forward to his family relocating here and to learning more about the local Hudson Valley region. In Pittsburgh, Robertson was active in community service, working with his local school board and community development organizations.

Student Representative, Board of TrusteesMendel Taub is the newly elected student representative to the Rockland Community College Board of Trustees for the 2013-2014 academic year. Taub, from Spring Valley, is studying Liberal Arts in the M/TS Honors program at RCC and plans to continue his studies and pursue a career in the legal profession. Taub, who did not receive a secular education, attended RCC’s BOCES program to earn his GED. He quickly mastered the challenge of learning English as a second language, rising to become the valedictorian of his GED class and delivering an inspirational speech to his fellow graduates.Taub has a strong focus on finding simple solutions that improve people’s lives. As a Freshman Senator in the Student Government Association, he worked to have cell phone chargers for student use available in the RCC Library. “As the Student Rep to the BOT, I will strongly advocate for the student body and try to make our campus a better place. I think one of the ways we can accomplish that is by looking into constructing dormitories on campus. Providing student housing will strengthen the RCC community and create greater educational opportunities for prospective students.”

President, Student Government AssociationMaritza Mendoza was elected to serve as President of the Student Government Association for the 2013-2014 academic year. Mendoza is a Math and Science student in the M/TS Honors program, with plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in pre-med. She has a strong interest in study-ing correlations between physical and mental health and has conducted research into the relationship between physical exercise and improved performance of memory/recall tasks. As leader of SGA, she seeks to promote healthy lifestyle choices and to increase student participation in campus activities. She would also like to raise awareness of disability and accessibility issues, particularly for those with Asperger or other spectrum disorders. Mendoza also has a great love for nature and has taught religious school to 1st graders. While developing her leadership skills as an active member of Girl Scouts of America, she learned that, “Leadership is about unlocking potential, whether individual potential or that of a group or organization. It is not about telling people what to do, but inspiring them to see what they are capable of and helping them get there for their benefit.”

Appointments

RCC –TV VIDEO FESTIVALThe 6th Annual RCC-TV Video Festival held in May broke a record for both submissions and attendance. There were 103 videos submitted, with competition divided into three fields: RCC students, RCC alumni, and high school students. The festival has inspired many young video artists with the opportunity to share their work and compete for prizes that include an Apple iPad for the Best Overall Grand Prize, won this year by David Merino for his documentary video. Janice Goldstein ‘83, Director of the Multi-Media Production Center at RCC and the founder of the Festival says, “We have students who are passionate about digital media. Once they graduate, they transfer into wonderful colleges and are producing amazing work. Our alumni are working in the field directing, producing, writing and editing. High school students participate in our event each year, and their work is getting bet-ter and better.” High school students from Orange and Ulster Counties also submitted videos, as word has spread about the Festival beyond Rockland. The support of RCC’s Student Government Association, Alumni Association, and Performing Arts all help to make the evening a success, capped by a dessert reception prepared by RCC’s Hospitality students. New this year was live video streaming of the event for those unable to attend in person, produced by students from the Communications Remote Field Production Class led by faculty Beth Robinson and Jim Houston.

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Achievements of Note

STUDENT EXCELLENCEChrystal Thomas, an Early Admit student to the M/TS Honors Program, was awarded a highly competitive Gates Millennium Scholarship Award from the Melinda and Bill Gates Foundation and will be attending Carnegie Mellon University this fall to study biological sciences, with plans to continue with a PhD/MD program. She also received Stony Brook’s Chancellor’s Education Pipeline Biomedical Research Award to conduct research at SUNY Stony Brook this summer.Joseph Truglia has been accepted to participate in the Pace Cybersecurity Academic Partnership (PCAP) Student Summer Research Program at Pace

University’s Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems.

Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta) Honor Society

With their induction ceremony in April, RCC became one of only three community colleges nationwide to have an affiliation with the National Biological Honor Society, Beta Beta Beta (Tri-Beta). Pace University (Manhattan) is sponsoring the College, with RCC an affiliate of their Upsilon Iota Chapter. Advisors are: Kristopher M. Baker, PhD, Assistant Professor of Biology, and Chair, Math, Natural, & Health Sciences Division and Thomas J. Butler, PhD, RRT, Professor of Science. Inductees: Veda Balliraj, Patrick Busch, Nicole Cappa, Esau Cruz, Alberto Fuentes, Aaryn Goldstein, Christopher Tee, Chrystal Thomas, and Saneeta Monzy.

Best of SUNY Student Art Exhibition, NY State Museum, Albany

Artwork by RCC students was selected for display in government offices in Albany and Washington, DC. Ally Crum, Bedroom Decay, 2012, digital photograph Duong Do, Untitled, 2012, illustration Alumnus Michael Santiago ‘12, Hipster Frida, 2012, digital printGovernor Cuomo’s office in Washington, DC: Duong Do: Untitled, 2013, acrylic sheet painting and Untitled, 2013, digital illustration Annie Filippone: Untitled, 2013, digital print and Untitled, 2012, digital print Jean-Carlos Valme: Obstacles, 2013, digital collage and The Light Within, 2012, digital photograph

Winners of the 6th Annual Video Festival: Jolie Almodovar: Movie Trailer; Sienna Jeffries: PSA; Alec Biello: Comedy; Emmanuel Rodriguez: Animation, Commercial and Short Film; David Merino: Documentary, Promotional and RCC Best Overall Winner; Tyler Silver ’12: Alumni Best Overall; and Orlando Hurtado Jr.: Music Video. Janice Goldstein (front middle) is the Director of the Multi-Media Production Center at RCC.

Duong Do: Untitled, 2013, digital illustration

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CelebrationsHawks Win 10th Region XV Baseball Championship since 1993

HAITIAN HERITAGEJennifer Joseph and Haitian Club members celebrate Haitian Heritage Day in the Cultural Arts Center.

ASIAN PACIFIC HERITAGE MONTHAchok Ripoche, Tibetan Monk, discusses Buddhist principles with a student.

FOOD DRIVE YIELDS OVER TWO TONS

Students from the international business honor soci-ety Alpha Beta Gamma collect food donations from Shoprite customers in West Nyack during RCC’s county-wide Food Drive. Pictured are ABG President Chris Belotti, Ray Noh, Katie Turso and Tiffany Frasier.Tri Beta, the national biology honor society, as well as other RCC groups, participated as well at nine supermarkets through-out Rockland. Altogether, the drive yielded 4,123 pounds of food (valued at $10,719.80) which was delivered to People to People, along with an additional $423 in cash donations.

The Rockland Community College Baseball team captured their 10th Region XV Championship in 20 years after a thrilling 9-8 victory over arch-rival Westchester Community College on May 5. Under the direction of Head Coach Joe Zeccardi, the Hawks finished their season at 21-17 after losing twice in the NJCAA East District Tournament in Rochester, NY.  The team fell to host Monroe Community College (4-2) and UCONN-Avery Point (12-8) on May 11.

Awards abounded for the Hawks following the season. Highlighting the All-Region selections were: First Team: Anthony BarbettoSecond Team: Matt Kostalos, Dominick Kulbaba, Scott Peschiani All four were also named to the All-Mid Hudson Conference Team. Kulbaba, Anthony Auresto (North Rockland), and Billy Seymour (Suffern) were named to the Region XV “All

Defensive Team.” Barbetto was one of six recipients of the Region XV Sportsmanship Award and joined Nick Kulbaba (Suffern), Nick Thorgersen (Msgr. Farrell), and Victor Sanchez (North Rockland) on the Region XV All-Tournament Team. Zeccardi earned his third Region XV “Coach-of-the-Year” award follow-ing the tournament. In nine seasons, Zeccardi has recorded three Regional championships and three runner-up finishes.

UPCOMING EVENTS

SEPTEMBER6 ............. Fall semester begins7 .............. Penguin Rep Theatre 11 ...........9/11 Memorial Service18 ............ County Exec Arts Awards19 ............ Hispanic Heritage event21 ............ Penguin Rep Theatre 21 ............ POW/MIA Memorial24 ........... Freshman Convocation

OCTOBER5 ............. Penguin Rep Theatre8 ............. Hispanic Heritage event9 ............. Free Your Mind Week16 ............ Veterans Health & Wellness Fair17 ............ Alumni Association trip to Wicked 19 ............ STEM Conference21 ............ Hispanic Heritage Awards23 ............ College Night24 ...........Domestic Violence Procession26 ........... JCC Jazz Concert 29 ........... Hypnotist

NOVEMBER2 .............. Teacher Education Conference7 ..............Honors Open House 9 ............. Army vs. Kentucky Football Game11 ............ Veterans’ Day Services12 ............ Admissions Open House12 ............ Film on Veterans14 ............ Alumni Comedy Night21-24 ...... Performing Arts/Campus Players Production 27 ............ Dodgeball Tournament

Non-Profit US POSTAGE

PAID Monsey, NY 10952

Permit No. 302

145 College Road, Suffern, NY 10901Address Service Requested

For details, check calendar of events online at www.sunyrockland.edu or call 845-574-4032. www.facebook.com/sunyrcc LIKE

Tech Warriors CompeteJoseph Vogel of Nanuet HS readies his robot for the Rockland County Tech Wars Robotic Competition and Showcase, held in the Fieldhouse in May. The competi-tion was sponsored by RCC and the Robotics Club, whose members served as judges.