Academic Convocations usually take place early in the fall semester as a way to begin a new academic year, recognize colleagues who have been granted tenure and promotions and to award three "honors" to outstanding members of the faculty. The sad and tragic death of our friend and colleague John Reiss prompted the academic administration to rightly postpone that "celebration." It was held this past Friday and was dedicated to John's memory and a fitting tribute was offered by Prof. Nick Clary, John's longtime friend and colleague from the English department. President Neuhauser then offered welcoming remarks and Sara Dillon, J.D., Ph.D. '77 was inducted into the College's Academic Hall of Fame. Dr. Dillon then shared her appreciation for what she had learned in and out of the classroom during her time at Saint Michael's College. Members of our faculty who have served the College with distinction for over fifteen years and who are now retired were promoted to Emeritus Professor status and this year this included Fr. Richard Berube (SSE), Dr. Frank Nicosia, Dr. William Garrett, Dr. Bill Wilson and Dr. Kathleen Mahnke. Bob Kenny, Professor: Business Administration and Accounting was then awarded the Norbert A. Kuntz Service Award for his many contributions/service to this community. John Kenney was awarded the Scholarship & Artistic Achievement Award for his prolific writing and scholarly research. John's wife and son (class of 2012) were present to see John receive this award. Sue Kuntz was then awarded the Joanne Rathgeb Teaching Award and Will Marquess, last year's recipient read Sue's citation - he quoted several of her students whose comments on Sue's teaching were "spot on" as she IS an outstanding teacher/educator and role model. After a musical selection by Susan Summerfield who accompanied Gabrielle Mailoux's, ('10) solo Dr. Karen Talentino was introduced by Jeff Trumbower, Dean of the College who served as the Master of Ceremonies. Karen shared with all of us her perspective on "good teaching" as she too remembered John Reiss. Some years the College has invited outstanding scholars to address the Convocation and this year it was a pleasure to listen to one of our own as Karen is our new Vice President for Academic Affairs. Following the Convocation there was a reception in the lobby of McCarthy Arts Center. It was good to remember and pay tribute to John Reiss AND a time to recognize the accomplishments of our colleagues.
The new semester is in full swing and I am once again in my office grading papers. My three classes (Abnormal Psychology, Sports Psychology, Men & Masculinities) are all great so far with a high level of interaction already evident in each class. My students continue to reinforce my love of teaching at Saint Michael's College.
I went snowshoeing yesterday afternoon at Indian Brook Reservoir in Essex Junction, just a few miles up Route 15 from the College. Alex Canning and Rob Hasson, both captains of our swim team and students in my classes this semester had invited me to join them for an afternoon of "shoeing" - while the temperature was a bit chilly at 6 degrees, we were all bundled up and had a great time during the hour long "shoe" around the reservoir. I played racquetball on Thursday with Dave Vorozilchak, Brady Earle and an ice hockey recruit while I waited for Conor Fritz from our Admission Office to join me for some games. Once Conor got there Ronnie DiMasi and the "recruit" played against Conor and me. After playing four games of intense racquetball and computing that I am older than my three opponents combined age I called it quits for the day and went upstairs to the "running track" (or in my case, the walking track :)) and Conor and I walked around for a mile and a half. The women's softball team was down on the Tarrant floor practicing, several students were engaged in a pick up game of basketball and there was the usual level of engagement as students were lifting, riding, "treadmilling", stretching and working out - these are the times I love here. Spending time outside of the classroom with students is such an enriching experience. Whether that be on the r'ball court, out in the cold "shoeing" or simply walking and talking, it is these times that reinforce my perspective on the value of this College and the experiences it offers to ALL of us who work and live here. Our students are engaged in their academic pursuits, their personal fitness, and, from our discussions, clearly are engaged in what is going on in the world outside of Saint Michael's College. Definitely a good time with good people.
It it now MY time to get back to grading papers - have a wonderful weekend, stay warm, take good care and, as always, please keep all of our veterans and our troops in your thoughts and prayers.
Dave
