NEWS@NAZ July 2008 - Vol. 7, No. 7
We want to hear from you. Drop us a line at alumni@naz.edu.
News and Updates
- Nazareth College Is One of Nations' Best!
- New Veterans Scholarship
- Alumnus Michael Park Joins RCT Joseph Cast
- Nazareth College; Fundamentally Different
- College Announces Revised Rlan for Arts Center Renovation
- Rennes Poster Exhibition
Photos of the Month
- Golden Flyers Take Flight!
- A Nazareth Summer Sky
Spotlights
- Alumni: Tracy Hay Lian '00 Named Women's Lacrosse Coach
- Faculty/Staff: Benvenuto Allison Beebe '07
Alumni Notes
- 2009 Golden Flyer Challenge
- Nazareth Reads
Events
- Celebrate Naz
Educational Opportunities
- Teaching, Learning and Technology Conference, August 6
- National Board Certification-Summer Institute, August 18
Athletics
- Summer Update
- Golden Flyers Golf Tournament
| News and Updates |
Nazareth is one of nation's best!
We shared this great news with you back in March, but now it is officially in print as Nazareth College is one of the nation’s best institutions for undergraduate education, according to The Princeton Review. The New York-based education services company known for its test-prep courses features Nazareth in the just-published 2009 edition of its annual book, "The Best 368 Colleges" (Random House / Princeton Review, July 29, 2008, $21.95). 
Nazareth is one of only four colleges in the nation added to this year’s list, and the Nazareth College Arts Center is on the list of Best College Theater at #9, in the good company of universities like Yale and Vassar. Only about 15% of America’s 2,500 four-year colleges and two Canadian colleges are in the book. It has two-page profiles of the schools and student survey-based ranking lists of top 20 colleges in more than 60 categories. The Princeton Review also posts the book's ranking lists on its website www.PrincetonReview.com .
In its profile on Nazareth College, The Princeton Review quotes extensively from Nazareth students surveyed for the book. Among their candid comments on the college: "Nazareth College is a very personalized school” and “professors care about how you are doing, you are not just a number." Nazareth earned its #9 ranking for Best College Theater with student comments like “all of their (music and theater) productions are always spectacular,” and “I constantly feel like I’m watching a Broadway show whenever I go see one.”
Click here for more information on Nazareth featured in the Princeton Review.
New Veterans Scholarship
Nazareth College is proud to show its support to veterans by announcing the Nazareth Veterans Scholarship, which supplements the newly expanded federal G.I. Bill, by awarding up to $7,500 per year for a total of four years (possible $30,000 total) to any honorably discharged veteran (post 9/11) who has served six months active duty and is enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student. Along with the Nazareth Veterans Scholarship, that takes effect this fall, most veterans who qualify for increased benefits from the G.I. Bill could essentially come to Nazareth with tuition covered. The Veterans Scholarship is one piece of a whole package that Nazareth is offering veterans by working with several local veterans’ organizations.
“Nazareth College is proud of our returning troops, and our college community is behind the veterans as they prepare for the next step of their lives and careers,” said Nazareth President Daan Braveman. “The new G.I. Bill gives veterans a much-needed boost in their college aid, and Nazareth wants to take it a step further, to allow the veterans a choice of a private education.”
The Nazareth Veterans Scholarship is garnering support from a former commander of the First Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, retired Major Gen. John Batiste. “It doesn’t matter what your views are concerning the war in Iraq, we need to support our troops,” said Batiste. “In fact, the way we support our returning veterans defines our national character. What Daan Braveman and Nazareth College are doing for veterans is tremendous and sets a very high standard for the rest of Rochester and Upstate New York. Nazareth College is walking the talk in supporting our veterans by providing a head start on a quality college education.”
Learn more about the Nazareth scholarship.
Alumnus Michael Park '90 Joins RCT Joseph Cast
As the World Turns actor and Nazareth alumnus, Michael Park ’90, will guest star in RCT’s fully-staged, professional production of the hit Broadway musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, under the “Big Top” at Nazareth College. The Emmy Award-nominated actor, who has played Detective Jack Snyder on the CBS daytime drama since 1997, will perform as Pharaoh during the show’s opening weekend for two performances: Saturday, August 2 at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 3 at 4:00 p.m.
A Canandaigua native, Park was a lead in Rochester Children’s Theatre’s very first show, as The Lion in Androcles & the Lion, at the Memorial Art Gallery in 1991.“Michael definitely contributed ‘star quality’ back then, and I am thrilled to have him shine in Rochester again,” says RCT Producing Artistic Director Deborah Haber, who co-founded the company 17 years ago.
Park joins several other Nazareth alumni involved in the musical: the show’s director, Deborah Haber ’78, its musical director Don Kot ’87 (who is also director of Nazareth College’s Musical Theatre program as well as musical director at Geva Theatre Center) and its lead, Jason Mincer ’07 (Joseph). Cast member Paul Ianniello ’08 (Dan) is a Musical Theatre graduate, and Audra Cramer ’09 (Issachar’s Wife) is currently enrolled in that program. Joseph Choreographer Lorraine Person is an Assistant Professor in Nazareth’s Theatre Arts program. Rochester Children’s Theatre has been Nazareth College Arts Center’s theatre-in-residence since 2003.
“Michael appeared on our college stage in both Guys and Dolls and Chicago. His talent, energy and joy in theatre have always been hallmarks of his work. We couldn't be prouder to have him as an alum,” says Nazareth College Arts Center Director, Lindsay Korth.
Tickets are $15 and are available in person at area Wegmans’ That’s the Ticket! locations or by calling Rochester Children’s Theatre at (585) 385-0510.
Nazareth College; Fundamentally Different
With your support Nazareth offers an unparalleled educational experience. It’s one that is “fundamentally different,” says Andrew Opett ’01, an adjunct professor of physical therapy quoted in the spring 2008 issue of Connections.
For instance, students in the physical therapy program lead group exercises, design therapeutic programs, examine clients, and prescribe interventions. “These are things you probably wouldn’t be getting in a normal course,” explains Opett, “and you start to get them early in your education (at Nazareth).”
Because of you, Nazareth provides students with opportunities for learning that extend beyond the classroom walls. In doing so, our students receive a rich educational experience and are able to make a difference in the lives of those around them.
Thanks to all whose gifts this past fiscal year (June 30, 2007 - July 1, 2008) helped make the Nazareth experience “fundamentally different.”
College Announces Revised Plan for Arts Center Renovation
Nazareth College is excited to announce a revised plan that will produce a state-of-the-art mid-size theater with even more flexibility than in the original design. Last spring Nazareth College began a much-needed renovation of the Arts Center. The renovation has recently encountered some challenges, which have caused a temporary delay. “It is not uncommon to experience such delays with large-scale renovation projects,” said Nazareth College President Daan Braveman. “A revised plan has been developed during the construction hiatus to fulfill the requirements of Nazareth and its constituents as well as to hold down costs.”
Read more about the project, including tentative plans for the Gala opening in the Fall 2009.
Rennes Poster Exhibition
In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the sister city relationship between Rochester and Rennes, France, Nazareth College presented Amendments: A Look at the U.S. Constitution. The exhibit, which opened in the lobby of Nazareth College’s Lorette Wilmot Library on Tuesday, May 13, was designed by students of LISAA (L’Institut Supérieur des Arts Appliqués – The Higher Institute of Applied Arts) in Rennes, France.
Twenty posters designed by French students from LISAA were on display, each poster depicting a different amendment of the U.S. Constitution through a typographic approach to present their views and discoveries of democracy. Nazareth alumnus pictured to the right, Steve Bertalli ’85, is the director of the LISAA in Rennes, France.
| Photos of the Month |
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| The alumni office staff (Kerry Van Malderghem, Kerry Gotham, and Mimi Wright) bids farewell to the fleet of flyers for the 2009 Golden Flyer Challenge. Visit www.flightoftheflyers.com to track the flock. |
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| The sky serves as a gorgeous canopy over the Golisano Academic Center on a beautiful July day. |
| Spotlights |
Alumni Spotlight
Traci Hay Lian '00 Named Nazareth's New Women's Lacrosse Coach
Traci Hay Lian '00, the head women's lacrosse coach at SUNY Brockport for the past six seasons, was named the women's lacrosse coach at Nazareth in early July. A native of Cortland, Lian replaces Sue Behme, who was recently appointed the head coach at Fresno State. "It is a great honor to be able to return to Nazareth as the new head women's lacrosse coach," said Lian. "I have a lot of pride in Nazareth and am excited to be back in the purple and gold."
Lian helped spearhead dramatic improvement in the women's lacrosse program at Brockport. Her six-year record of 62-31, included school records for victories in 2007 (13) and again in 2008 (14). She was named State University of New York Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2007. She followed that up by guiding the Golden Eagles to, perhaps, their best season ever in 2008. Brockport finished 14-4 overall, including 6-2 in the SUNYAC. The Golden Eagles lost 14-13 to Cortland in the conference championship game, but regrouped to score decisive wins over Utica and St. John Fisher to claim the ECAC Upstate New York championship.
“We think that Traci will be a great fit for us,” said Nazareth Athletic Director Pete Bothner. “She did a tremendous job at Brockport and we think she can pick up at Nazareth where Sue left off.”
As a student-athlete, Lian was a standout in field hockey and lacrosse at Nazareth. She was named defensive MVP in field hockey in 1999 and was team captain in lacrosse for three seasons. She was a second-team Empire 8 Conference lacrosse all-star in 2000 and helped Nazareth to its first NCAA Tournament appearance that season.
Faculty/Staff Spotlight
Benvenuto Allison Beebe '07
The Casa Italiana is delighted to announce that Allison Beebe ’07 is the new Assistant Director. Allison is not a stranger to anyone who has visited the Casa in the last four 
years. She completed her undergraduate studies in Italian at Nazareth College and was a student worker at the Casa until she graduated in 2007. Earlier this year as a graduate student, Allison served as acting director.
Growing up with her Sicilian grandmother, Italian language and culture have always been a passion for Allison, one she was able to further realize this past year while teaching seventh grade Italian in the Greece Central School District, and while teaching the second level of Casa Italiana’s La Scuola Italiana last winter. As an undergraduate student, Allison studied for six months at the Università di G. D’Annunzio in Pescara, Italy and traveled throughout Italy.
“We are thrilled that Allison has accepted a position at a place that holds so many happy memories for her, and in a field that is close to her heart,” says Director Stella Plutino-Calabrese.
To contact Allison Beebe, email abeebe6@naz.edu or call (585) 389-2466.
2009 Golden Flyer Challenge
The Golden Flyers are taking wing with an important mission: to spread school spirit to alumni being honored at Reunion Weekend 2009. Forty beaky birds are leading the charge in the Second Annual Golden Flyer Challenge, each with their own lovable personality. The challenge ends at Reuion weekend (May 29-31, 2009). Don't worry, even if 2009 isn’t your reunion year, you can still participate! Visit flightoftheflyers.com to print out your own Golden Flyer and join in the fun!
Meet one of our fine feathered friends who is visiting members of the class of 1959, pictured to the right. George enjoys working on his tan while lounging poolside. His hobbies include swimming, origami and playing shuffleboard. Check out the rest of the brood at: www.flightoftheflyers.com.
Nazareth Reads
Are you curious about what current Nazareth students are reading in the classrooms? Well, now’s 
your chance to find out! Alumni are invited to read the same book that is required for freshman summer reading, Autobiography of a Face by Lucy Grealy, as part of this year’s campus theme, Beauty. A primary goal of the campus theme is to foster a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff by focusing campus dialogue and events around a common topic. Join fellow alumni, staff, and students for a faculty-led book discussion on Wednesday, Sept. 3, in Colie’s Café, Elizabeth George Hall beginning at 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information and to RSVP, contact alumni@naz.edu or call (585) 389-2472.
Be one of the first to join and buy your book on-line today! Visit www.naz.bncollege.com and select "NAZ ALUMNI BOOK CLUB" for the Term. Select "ALUMNI" as Department, select "BOOK CLUB" as the Course, and select "AUG 2008" for the Section. Click Continue and then click View Textbook List. Complete the transaction as normal. The shipping & handling fee will be waived if you purchase this book online.
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| Events |
Celebrate Naz!
September 23-25, 2008
This year the College will host its Second Annual Celebrate Naz festivities to honor our alma mater and heritage. Events will feature Nazareth celebrities, student musical ensembles, and a he
althy dose of College trivia. If you live in the Rochester area, feel free to join us! If you live in any of the six chapter areas (Syracuse, Buffalo, Boston, DC, NYC, or Albany), get together with alumni and friends at events being planned in those areas. If you can't do either, gather other Naz grads at your local pub, coffee shop, or restaurant and celebrate by raising a toast to the College you love.
Regardless of your location, all alumni are encouraged to sport your favorite Nazareth gear and other paraphernalia: t-shirts, sweatshirts, key chains…or just wear purple and gold on September 24th! We will want to see photos of your spirit after the big day!
Need to update your Naz wardrobe? Order online at www.naz.bncollege.com.
Look for all of the details on campus and chapter events to Celebrate Naz in the next issue of NEWS@NAZ and on the alumni Web site.
| Educational Opportunities |
"Creating the Bridge to Learning Through Technology" Conference
August 6, 2008
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
When you hear the words wiki and podcast, are images from 2001: A Space Odyssey conjured up in your mind? If you are a teacher that would like to learn how to create bridges to learning through technology from K-12 we have just the conference for you. No matter what your comfort level with technology, this conference will help you and your students become skillful producers and consumers of quality, digital information. Click here to view the registration brochure.
For registration and fees see the brochure link above or access the on-line registration.
National Board Certification-Summer Institute
August 18, 2008
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
In support of teachers who are current National Board Candidates or those considering beginning the National Board journey, this retreat creates a collegial environment in which candidates may give time to their own professional reflection and portfolio-writing. Candidates from the Greater Rochester and Upstate region will discuss and listen to issues particular to their unique specialty area. The fee is $99 (including materials and meals).
Register by August 1st.
See more details on the NBC Summer Institute.
| Athletics |
Summer Update
Recent graduate Emily Lesher ’08, of the women's swimming & diving team, was named 2008 Empire 8 Conference Woman of the Year, the conference announced last month. Lesher will 
represent the conference in national balloting for the NCAA Woman of the Year award later this summer. The award is presented to a student-athlete who excels in academics, athletics, leadership and service.
A Communication Sciences and Disorders major, Lesher was also the 2008 recipient of Nazareth's Robert A. Kidera Scholar-Athlete award, presented annually to a Nazareth senior who has excelled athletically and academically. She was awarded a $7,500 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship and will use it to pursue a graduate degree in Speech Pathology from Ithaca College. Lesher was recently honored for the second year in a row as the local college Athlete of the Year by the Rochester Press-Radio Club.
Read more information on Lesher's award and achievements.
Sixth Annual Golden Flyers Golf Tournament
On Friday, September 26th the sixth annual Nazareth College Golden Flyers Golf Tournament will be hosted once again at Irondequoit Country Club. The tournament is organized through the cooperative efforts of the Nazareth Department of Athletics and the Office of Alumni Relations,
with all proceeds to benefit the Nazareth College Athletics Department. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or entering a team, click on the link below to print out the tournament brochure.
Golden Flyers Golf Tournament Brochure
Upcoming Alumni Games
Volleyball - September 6
Women's soccer - September 13
Women's basketball - September 27
Men's Basketball - September 27
Women's lacrosse - September 27
Men's lacrosse - September 27
Purple and Gold Swim Meet - October 18
Check out the Nazareth athletics web site to stay up-to-date with all the Golden Flyers action, including the upcoming fall schedules.
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Kerry Gotham '98 |
Mimi Wright '04 |
Nazareth College
4245 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618
