Harpur Hotline Returns
April 19, 2006

Letter from the Editor

Dear Readers,

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Jaclyn Boushie and I am the new Assistant Director of Development for Harpur College. I am pleased to announce that as part of my position, I will re-establish and maintain Harpur College’s online newsletter, the Harpur Hotline. This endeavor will involve researching, writing, editing, and publishing noteworthy Harpur news.

To that end, I need your help! If you are an alumnus, faculty member, staff, student, or community member, please share your news or story ideas for the Hotline. Feedback will be greatly appreciated. It is my goal to publish a newsletter that helps readers identify with Harpur College’s past, present, and future. With such a rich and respected history and promising future, your contributions will be welcome additions.

I look forward to growing in this position while providing readers with informative, interesting, and worthwhile Harpur news.

Thank you,

Jaclyn Boushie

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"Up for Grabs" Event Held in NYC

Who knew Barry Bonds hitting his record-setting 73rd home run would raise questions of property rights that date back two centuries? Martin Triano ’76 did.

Triano, legal counsel to one of the parties who claimed the ball Bonds slammed to set a new single-season home run record, discussed the case at a legal seminar and screening of the award-winning documentary film Up for Grabs hosted by the Harpur Law Council and the Binghamton University Alumni Association in February.

Triano and legal scholar Paul Finkelman were faculty presenters at the event, which was sponsored by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP.

Up for Grabs depicts the legal struggle saga between Alex Popov and Patrick Hayashi, one of whom caught the record-setting ball and the other who ended up with it. Triano represented Popov. “We are grateful to Marty for sharing this unique and extraordinary story and providing us with an important forum to share it with our NY Metro law alumni,” said Lisa Court, Director of Development for Harpur College.

Jeffrey Tanenbaum '73, Michael Wranovics (Director), Martin Triano '76, Paul Finkelman, and Raymond Russolillo '80

A native of Binghamton graduated from Harpur College in 1976. He earned his J.D. from New College School of Law in 1980. He is admitted to the California and U.S. District, Northern District of California; U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth District; and the U.S. District Courts, Eastern and Central District of California. Mr. Triano is the principle of a litigation and transactional firm in San Francisco, California. He is a former president of the Binghamton University Alumni Association.

Finkelman is currently the Chapman Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of Tulsa College of Law, where he teaches constitutional law and American legal history. He was an expert witness in the famous Alabama Ten Commandments monument case and in the Popov-Hayashi lawsuit.

Proceeds from this event will support the Martin F. Triano Scholarship at Binghamton University.

 

For more information on the film Up for Grabs, click here.

For more photos of the event, click here.

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Alumnus shares perspective on Mideast
 Inside BU, Volume 27, No. 25

Charles Kestenbaum ’75, second from right, speaks March 30 with members of the Harpur Forum at the Binghamton Club after he gave a speech about his experiences in the Middle East.

Charles Kestenbaum ’75 found the inspiration that has driven his life during a year off from college. The Scarsdale native took time to travel through Europe and the Middle East after his freshman year. When he returned, he was a different, more motivated person.

Kestenbaum, who grew up in a Jewish environment but without a sense of activism, determined after visiting Israel and Lebanon that he needed to be personally involved in the causes of co-existence and peacemaking.

That motivation led to a bachelor’s degree in Arabic studies at Binghamton and a master’s degree in mass communications from the American University in Cairo.

Kestenbaum did a three year stint with NBC News in Cairo and Beirut before beginning a 24-year career with the U.S. Department of Commerce. He was an international travel specialist, a country officer and a regional director. He supervised the Rebuild Kuwait effort after the Desert Storm campaign.

Most recently, Kestenbaum took a job as director of business development with Diligence Middle East.

Kestenbaum addressed the Harpur Forum on March 30th and visited campus to speak in several classes.

His Harpur Forum talk focused on his belief that Americans need to do more to understand the Middle East, its history and its politics.

While there are no easy answers to the problems faced by countries and people in the Mideast, Kestenbaum believes America should cultivate friendly relationships through efforts such as inviting more students from the Arab world to study at U.S. universities.

“We need to open our borders, not close them,” he said. “I don’t believe we’ll ever be safe by making the world our enemies.”

Kestenbaum lived and worked in the Middle East for much of his career. He has been shot and was once held hostage in Syria.

“The weight of experience either makes you dogmatic or flexible and tolerant of how things are,” Kestenbaum said.

He counts himself among those with very open minds and thinks it’s better to engage someone with whom you disagree than to withdraw from the conversation.

Besides English, Kestenbaum speaks French, Arabic and Indonesian well enough to carry on a conversation. He believes Americans should all learn to speak Spanish and that foreign language instruction should start much earlier than it does in most U.S. schools.

Kestenbaum and his wife, who now live in northern Virginia, have three children.

His work with Diligence Middle East focuses on helping companies and individuals do due diligence and gather intelligence on foreign markets as well as on anti-corruption and asset recovery initiatives.

He said he’s lucky to have found a way to do well by doing good.

Kestenbaum said he tells college students they must approach life with passion and realize that you never really know where life will take you.

He recalls his time on Binghamton’s soccer team with great fondness. Kestenbaum said he and his teammates weren’t as good as some of the other schools they played, but the Binghamton athletes were smarter and had good coaching.

“From that I learned you can achieve more than your potential if you try your hardest,” he said. “Your potential is more than your abilities.”

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Spotlight on John Vestal, Professor and Chair of the Theatre Department

One of the brightest lights in the theatre department isn’t hanging above the stage. It’s one of Harpur College’s most dedicated faculty, John Vestal, professor and chairman of the theatre department.

Harpur College currently has about 75 theatre majors and 30 minors. “That number has decreased,” said Vestal, “Students want jobs first and theatre as a hobby second.” However, he explained that in spite of the tight job market for actors, designers and technicians have many career options. Further, a theatre degree is not a recipe for flipping burgers. “People will hire a theatre major because they learn to meet deadlines. The curtain will open when it’s supposed to, no matter what,” he said. “theatre majors are team players. They learn to work well with different kinds of people. They always work well under pressure, too.”

Vestal came to Harpur College in 1973 after teaching at SUNY Geneseo and East Stroudsburg University. He studied art, dramatic art, and history at Western Carolina University in his home state of North Carolina. He holds a master of arts in design and technical production from the University of Washington. Vestal has been a scene designer for eighty-two productions and a lighting designer, his area of expertise, for two hundred and twenty. His hard work has clearly paid off. In 1999, Vestal received the American College Theatre Award for Merit in Lighting Design for the production Changes of Heart.

Vestal feels the best part of his job is watching students learn the craft of theatre. “I love the look on their faces when they design their first show!” The success they experience at Harpur College sometimes continues; Harpur College alumni are all over the silver screen and stage. Bernie Sheredy `73 has appeared in several plays and movies including Quiz Show and Meet the Parents. William Baldwin `85 has appeared in Born on the Fourth of July, Backdraft, Sliver, Fair Game, Virus, and The Squid and the Whale. Paul Reiser `77 is an award winning writer and star of “Mad About You.” Ruben Santiago-Hudson `78 wrote and performed his autobiographical one-man play, “Lackawanna Blues” before writing the Humanitas Award winning screenplay for HBO. Santiago-Hudson won a Tony Award in 1996 for his performance in August Wilson’s play Seven Guitars. Keith Hurd `88, is a successful marketer of Broadway musicals. A more in-depth list can be found here.

“You can see the talent, but you can’t tell who’s going to make it,” said Vestal, noting that actors face a lot of rejection. “You’ve got to have a thick skin.” Vestal takes pride in students’ careers outside of acting as well. “Many students have excelled in careers other than acting, and we have had some theatre majors pursue law degrees,” he explained. Students have used their technical background and panache for public speaking to their advantage.

Because of the long hours and closeness that is required while designing shows, the theatre department has formed close bonds with many students. It is not uncommon for Vestal to get phone calls or email from alumni seeking advice or just to chat. The relationships Vestal has made are a testament to his dedication, character, and the respect of his students, peers, and the community.

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Harpur College Student Profile: Dominique Zino

English Major, Dominique Zino

Even at a university known for its high achieving students, Dominique Zino ’06 is no average senior. She is an honors student who studied abroad at Oxford University, an active member of Catalysts for Intellectual Capital 2020 (CIC2020), and former assistant sports editor for Pipe Dream. Thanks to her outstanding grade point average (3.9) and substantial list of extracurricular activities, the English major is highly regarded among peers, faculty, and the community.

Speaking with Zino, her passion and enthusiasm are immediately apparent. While attending Manhasset High School on Long Island, she was first exposed to English teachers who motivated her to think analytically about literature. Zino decided to pursue an English degree and carried her academic motivation and passion for literature to Binghamton University.

“At Binghamton I've been impressed with the relationships I've been able to form with professors, namely people like Al Vos and Joseph Keith, who consistently extend themselves above and beyond what they are required to do to help motivated students,” Zino explained. The camaraderie within the English Department has allowed her to easily turn to professors as both mentors and friends.

Last spring, Zino spent six months at Oxford University through SUNY Brockport’s study abroad program. The one-on-one tutorial style at Oxford was illuminating and helped her to appreciate the value of class participation and discussion at Binghamton. The experience also allowed her to hone her writing and public speaking skills while taking on new responsibilities and becoming more independent.

“While abroad I realized the unique opportunity of sitting face-to-face with an Oxford lecturer and having to defend your work, but upon returning to BU I realized just how much I missed the debates that can arise in a classroom of 20 or so individuals, each of whom have something they want, sometimes absolutely need, to say.”

While overseas, she was encouraged by Harpur English faculty to apply to the honors program and was accepted. Zino enjoys the caliber of peers within the honors program and believes that the diversity, intelligence, and dynamic curriculum enable students to stay at the top of their game. This spring, she will submit a 50-70 page senior honors thesis on a topic of her choice. Zino has also taken some time to focus on applying to graduate school. She will be pursuing a combined MA/Ph. D. program in English literature at the CUNY Graduate Center in the fall.

In addition to her studies, Zino is passionate about community service. She is an active member of the student-led economic development think tank CIC2020. The mission of CIC2020 is to halt the “brain drain” in the Greater Binghamton area. Members provide a forum for discussion about economic progress, bridge the gap between the University and surrounding community, educate students about opportunities in the Binghamton area, enhance integrated university/community learning experiences leading to investment in intellectual capital development, and access and develop ways to expand career opportunities as to encourage young educated individuals to stay in the area.

By participating in CIC2020, Zino feels that she has been exposed to what she really needs to consider when looking for a job after graduate school. It has also allowed her the opportunity to connect with the community in a way she may not have otherwise through site visits to local businesses.

In her time at Binghamton University, Zino has laid the foundation for a prosperous graduate school experience and professional career. She has thoroughly taken advantage of what the University and community have offered and has, more importantly, given back.

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2006 Bergman Scholarships in Creative Writing Announced

The first-place award in the 2006 Andrew Bergman Scholarships in Creative Writing was given to Jasmine Sawers ’08 for her short story, “Almost English,” a look at the lives of a first-generation Caribbean American and her lesbian daughter.

In describing “Almost English,” the judges wrote, “It transports us into the lives of America’s newest immigrants with her fluent, rich prose and steady grace . . . A significant and important story, artfully told.”

A collection of poems by Greta Haney ’07 was awarded second place. The judges described Haney’s work is “lyrical, methodical, and a surprising antidote to the banality of contemporary popular culture—this is a voice with roots in the ground and a vision to carry us forward.”

The third-place submission is an excerpt from a short story titled “In the Tumbrel to Massillon” by Joel Davis ’06. According to the judges, Davis is not afraid to tackle the most complex stories, in structure, style, and off-beat characterization. The language in this story sings and singes across the page; a dynamic telling with quirky, memorable characters.”

Made possible through the generosity of Andrew Bergman ’65, the Bergman Scholarship in Creative Writing is awarded to Harpur College students who have demonstrated excellence in creative writing. Award recipients are selected through a writing competition that is stewarded by the Creative Writing Program, the Harpur College Dean’s Office, and the Binghamton University Foundation.

Bergman graduated with a bachelor’s degree in History with honors from Harpur College and earned his master’s and doctorate in American history from the University of Wisconsin. He was an honorary degree recipient and keynote speaker at the 1994 commencement ceremonies at Binghamton University.

Bergman is best known for his screenplays for such films as Blazing Saddles (1974), Fletch (1985), and Soapdish (1991). His directing credits include The Freshman (1991) and Honeymoon in Vegas (1992). He is the author of several books, including Sleepless Nights (1994).

For more information on Harpur College Undergraduate Scholarships, click here.

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Harpur Friends & Family

In response to your much-appreciated feedback, the Harpur Hotline has developed a regular feature of alumni news. Please send us anything you want: publications, promotions, marriages, babies, graduations, retirements, etc. Many thanks to everyone who shared their stories! Here's what some of your fellow Harpur alumni and friends are doing:


1972: Sheldon D. Dagen has been elected chairman of the board of directors of the Health Foundation of South Florida, a nonprofit public foundation that has awarded more than $58 million in grants and program support to critical health initiatives since 1993.

A certified public accountant, Dagen is president of the accounting firm Sheldon D. Dagen P.A. in Hollywood, Fla. He has served on the Health Foundation’s board since 1996. He is also a consultant for Junior Achievement in Broward County and is a consultant trainer. Originally from Brooklyn, N Y, He has two daughters and resides in Hollywood.

“Shelly’s decade of board service combined with his keen insight, knowledge and commitment to improving health for our residents will add special value to achieving our future goals, said Foundation president and chief executive officer Steven E. Marcus, Ed.D.

1988: Defense attorney Michael L. Mallow has joined the Los Angeles Office of Loeb & Loeb LLP. He is a general business litigator with significant litigation and trial experience defending consumer protection cases brought by governmental agencies and entities as well as class and representative plaintiffs. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Mallow was a litigation partner at Kirkpatrick & Lockhart Nicholson Graham LLP from 1998 to 2006. Please click here for additional information.
1991: On March 4, 2006, Robert Cotnoir was awarded the 2006 Golden Reel Award for Best Sound Editing in Television for Medium. Each year the Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) present the MPSE GOLDEN REEL AWARDS, in which they acknowledge the year's best work in the various areas of sound editing: Dialogue & ADR, Effects & Foley, and Music.

For more information on the award, click here.
For a list of nominees, click here.

1996: Dr. Katherine Barbieri, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of South Carolina and author of The Liberal Illusion: Does Trade Promote Peace? was featured as expert in Cybercast News Service Article:

(CNSNews.com) - The controversy over a proposal to give a Middle Eastern country control over some operations at six major U.S. ports is bringing renewed attention to the role trade issues can play in American efforts to combat terrorism.

Democrat and Republican administrations have supported free trade as a tool to alleviate the conditions that tend to encourage terrorists, but a university researcher believes free trade and fighting terrorism are, by definition, "competing interests."

"The U.S. has always stood up for a policy of free trade," said Katherine Barbieri, Ph.D., an associate professor of political science at the University of South Carolina. "We're encouraging countries around the world to reduce their barriers to trade, and that's been a key focal point of the U.S. policy in the post-World War II era." Click here for the full version.

Professor Barbieri received her Ph.D. in Political Science in 1996 from Binghamton University.
1999: Since graduating from Binghamton in 1999, Hal Jacobs has kept busy with many things, mostly golf related. After working as an Assistant Golf Professional and playing in various mini-tours, Jacobs was sponsored by 60 members of Gleaneagles Country Club in Delray Beach, FL to play professional golf full time. He was able to go to the PGA Tour qualifying school but, unfortunately did not make it past the first stage. Jacobs then went through the PGA of America's curriculum and was elected membership to the PGA of America in May 2005.

Since there are two PGA Tour events run in South Florida, the PGA Tour allows PGA of America professionals two spots in each event. The South Florida PGA holds a qualifier for each tour event, awarding the top two finishers in the field, the spots into each event. On February 10, 2006 Jacobs attempted to qualify for the Ford Championship at Doral and tied for second at one under par (71). He lost in a playoff and is currently the first alternate to that event for the South Florida PGA. On February 17th, Jacobs shot four under par (68) to qualify for the Honda Classic. Despite bogeying the first hole, he went on to make five birdies.

Currently, Jacobs works at The Old Course at Broken Sound in Boca Raton FL as Head Assistant Golf Professional. He runs tournaments, teaches lessons and manages a staff of 12. His career goal is to play full-time on the PGA Tour and this experience is a great step in that direction. On making it this far, Jacobs explained, “this is by far the biggest professional accomplishment of my career. Since it is so difficult and costly to play professionally, working at a club like Broken Sound makes it possible to further my playing career.”

Jacobs resides in Pompano Beach, Florida and is married to Alyssa (Cook) Jacobs ’99.

For more information on Hal Jacobs, and to keep up on his accomplishments, click here.

 

Harpur students Hye Jin Oh `05, Erica Weinstein `07 and Stephina Dansoh `06 kick back in Harpur gear.

Shop Harpur Online

Shop the campus bookstore from the comfort of your PC or Mac. Want to pick up a copy of the new Harpur history book The Cornerstone? Visit The Campus Bookstore.

For more Harpur College merchandise, such as hats, shirts and window stickers, contact the bookstore at 607-777-2745.

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Harpur College Development Team Mission Statement:

The Harpur College of Arts and Sciences Development Team encourages alumni, students, faculty and friends to identify with Harpur College's past, present and future by engaging them in events and programs that connect them to the college. We facilitate ways for our constituents to enrich Harpur College through their financial contributions and personal talents and resources.

 

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