Musician,
Professor Brady Dies

Janet Brady, an accomplished violinist and associate professor of music at Binghamton University, died Thursday, June 29, following a lengthy illness.

Brady received her BM degree from Bowling Green State University in 1971 and went on to Temple University to obtain her MM degree in 1973. She began her career with the New Orleans Philharmonic Orchestra in 1973 and a year later, began making appearances with the Audubon String Quartet, which won several international competitions and performed for President Carter at the White House in 1977.

Brady began her teaching career at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia. PA. She was then offered a Community Music Teaching Fellowship at Temple University before being featured as an Artist-in-Residence at Marywood College in Scranton, PA.

Brady joined Harpur College in 1981 as a part-time lecturer, advancing to a full time schedule in 1984. For a number of years, she had the sole responsibility for the operation and development of the string program in the Music Department. Not only noted for her caring and supportive teaching style, Brady also remained an active and distinguished performer, both nationally and internationally. She served as concertmaster of the Utica, Catskill, BC Pops, Tri-Cities Opera and Glimmerglass Opera Orchestras. During recent years, Brady had been the Principal Second violinist with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, performed with Solisti New York in their OK Mozart Festival each summer and both performed and recorded with the EOS Orchestra of New York City. Brady also delighted audiences on the Binghamton University campus, appearing regularly as a soloist or as part of numerous chamber music ensembles.

A tireless supporter of community arts and youth services, Brady served a variety of local organizations including the Youth Symphony and the Southern Tier Music Teachers Association, often performing at fund-raising benefits.

She was a champion of new music, premiering and performing new works not only on campus but also with the Syracuse Society for New Music and the Catskill Chamber Players. Brady was also very active in campus activities, serving on the Faculty Senate and the Harpur College Council for a number of years. She retired from full-time service in December 1999.

Brady is survived by her husband, Stephen Stalker and son, Andrew. TOP

Jack Kaminsky Remembered

Jack Kaminsky, professor emeritus of philosophy, died of a heart attack on July 3, 2000. He was 73 years old.

A decorated WWII veteran, Kaminsky served with the US Army, 78^th Infantry, receiving the Bronze Star for valor at the Battle of the Bulge. He was a graduate of City College of New York and went on to New York University from which he earned an MA in 1947 and a PhD in 1950. Kaminsky taught at New York University, the University of Akron and the City College of New York before joining the faculty at Harpur College in 1953. A noted scholar, Kaminsky was awarded several academic honors, including a fellowship from the American Council of Learned Societies and a distinguished research fellowship from the State University of New York at Binghamton in 1967. He was an active member of theCreighton Philosophical Club of New York, serving as its President in 1961.

Kaminsky was the author of six books including Language and Ontology, University of Southern Illinois Press in 1969 and Essays in Linguistic Ontology, Southern Illinois Press in 1982. He also wrote over 150 articles and reviews related to his career. Kaminsky served as Editor for the Philosophy series for Kennikat Press and was a member of the Editorial Board for International Studies in Philosophy (formerly Studi Internazionali di Filosofia).

During his years at Harpur College, Kaminsky served BU in a variety of capacities including Chairman of the Department of Philosophy from 1953 to 1965 and the Faculty Senate. Kaminsky retired in 1992.

Kaminsky was predeceased by his son, Eric, who died in 1980. He is survived by his wife, Alice Richkin Kaminsky. TOP

PAF Helps Return Ancient Remains
In Burial Ceremony

When the Public Archaeology Facility
(PAF) was called in to help the Town of Bainbridge, NY, with an archaeology survey, they weren't sure what they were going to find. Led by PAF Director, Nina Versaggi, the group thought that they might find some arrowheads and possibly some other artifacts. But what they did uncover was quite unexpected - the bones of a child that had died over 2,000 years ago.

Working under contract with the US Department of Agriculture, PAFproject directors, John McGregor and Laurie Miroff, along with six staff members unearthed the tiny remains late last year during a fairly routine survey of a 35-acre piece of land slated for wetland restoration. "Most of the bone fragments were found in what seemed to be a cooking hearth," said Versaggi. "And that would have been consistent with how meals were prepared and consumed back then. But my gut instinct told me we had something more than just animal bones."

And she was right. After bringing the remains to the PAF's on-campus lab, Versaggi asked Professor Peter Stahl, who runs a Zoology lab, to take a look at them. Stahl confirmed that they weren't animal. But to be absolutely sure, anthropology professor, Philip Rightmire examined them and agreed with Stahl's assessment. The bones were human - and a very small one at that.

To determine their age, charcoal associated with the bones was then sent to a laboratory for carbon testing, which revealed that they had probably been cremated somewhere between 20 and 30 BC. "For us, the project suddenly took on a very unique quality," said Versaggi. "In most cases, our archaeological surveys tend to find sites that have no human remains and we would prefer not to disturb sacred burial grounds. Most human remains that are discovered are from settled agriculturists that lived in this area after AD 900. But the Bainbridge site, although not the earliest that we have ever found, dated back even further and we were able to fill a gap in our understanding of this community - a glimpse into a time period about which we know very little."

Versaggi and PAF staff were also able to draw parallels between their find and remains excavated in and around Adena/Hopewell burial mounds found mainly in the mid-West. "The Adena/Hopewell culture was very powerful and influential in North America during the period 500 BC to AD 400," said Versaggi. "And although they used burial mounds to lay their people to rest, they also used cremations with their elements of fire and burning as a way to reach the after-life, much like the cremation we found in Bainbridge."

With testing completed and the findings documented, Versaggi and PAF staff, working closely with Florence Swartz, Cultural Resource Coordinator for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, then began organizing the reburial of the remains. In consultation with Iroquois tribal representatives from the Oneida and Onondaga Nations, Chief Paul Waterman of the Onondaga Turtle clan presided over a traditional Iroquois reburial ceremony. Using chants in his native tongue, Waterman placed the remains, now wrapped in ceremonial buckskin, into a shallow gravesite allowing his young ancestor to continue his or her journey to the after-life. For Swartz, who joined the 200 spectators to witness the ceremony, it was a culmination of months of negotiation between the Town of Bainbridge, PAF and the Iroquois.

"We have worked with Nina and PAF staff for many years," said Swartz. "And the relationship has always been a very positive one. In this particular case, it was invaluable. It was our agency's first experience at dealing with a reburial of Native American remains.

And we were very fortunate to have the guidance and expertise of PAF to allow us to pay proper tribute to this early inhabitant of the Bainbridge area. Nina and her staff as always, were quick to respond and were outstanding to work with."For Versaggi and her staff, their role in the proceedings was to a certain extent, helping to complete a process that began when the bones were first unearthed. "The Iroquois believe very strongly that when a person is buried, their journey to the spirit world may take a very long time, " said Versaggi. "And if that journey is interrupted, whether accidentally or intentionally, the break can have a very negative impact on the living. So, by offering our guidance we were able, in our own way, to help the Iroquois with a facet of their spiritual needs which to us was very important. It was merely a case of doing the right thing."

Next on the agenda for PAF is the completion of a number of reports on recent major excavation projects as well as the facilitation of the Community Archaeology Program (CAP), a popular summer program for non-archaeologists and young, aspiring archaeologists. "Part of our mission has always been about educating the public," said Versaggi. "And whether through reburial ceremonies like the one in Bainbridge, summer programs, presentations to local schools, travelling exhibits or publishing our excavation reports, it would be selfish of us as professionals to hide what we find and
not share it."

Established in 1972, PAF specializes in archaeological surveys and research and is one of the few university-sponsored archaeological facilities in the US. It conducts between 50 - 75 individual projects each year, working closely with state and federal agencies as well as planners, engineers and construction managers to offer guidance and site evaluation. For more information on PAF, visit their website at http://paf.binghamton.edu.

Faces of the Future -
Graduates 2000

In the third of our on-going Graduates 2000 series, meet a young man who took a while to get his education…and is very glad he did.

Name William Wolff

Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts, specializing in Sculpture

Future Plans: Will teach English in Korea for a year after which he plans on furthering his education.

Ten years ago, Bill Wolff entered Harpur College straight out of school. He was undecided about exactly what he wanted and expected to get out of college. But he took an assortment of liberal arts courses and a few drawing classes - he even dropped out for a while. But this May, Wolff graduated with a degree in Fine Arts. And although it might seem to have taken a while, for Wolff, the timing worked out just fine.

"After my first two years of full-time study, I decided to slow the process down a little and began to attend class on a part-time basis," said Wolff. "I was paying off loans and still didn't really know what I really wanted to do with my with my life. But during that time, I developed an interest for carving and I haven't looked back." Influenced by European late gothic carvings, Wolff decided to take a two-year study break and devote his time to honing his skills. He returned to Harpur, taking sculpture classes with Jim Stark. "It has been such a pleasure working with Professor Stark," said Wolff. "He has been my advisor, my mentor and at times, the relationship has felt more like an apprenticeship than that of a student and a teacher. It's been a good deal for me, in that I've been able to work with someone who shares my value of craftmanship, but whose specialty, metalwork, is very different from mine."

One of the things Wolff has enjoyed the most about Binghamton University is its diversity. And with post-graduation plans of teaching English in Korea, he is sure that his on-campus exposure to other cultural groups will serve him well. "I think the variety of people from different backgrounds I've met here will help me adjust to the different culture there," he said.

Wolff is also looking forward to applying his studies to the new surroundings by 'soaking up' as much Korean art as he can. "One of my major interests in traveling to Asia is to see and be influenced by the art and culture," said Wolff. " I know my work is going to be affected although on a different scale and in a different way. I won't have the luxury of a studio and so should only be able to do some small work in my apartment. And I will probably do more painting and would like to study ceramics, as the Koreans are famous for their skill in this area."

Setting these kinds of challenges for himself is nothing new for Wolff, says Jim Stark, professor of art. "Bill is the kind of student that not only relishes the opportunity to test himself but also his teachers," he said. "He is one of those students who 'pressure' faculty, by bringing their positive attitude, ambition and intelligence willingly to the learning experience, making it a beneficial relationship for both student and teacher. He stands out and I expect to see and hear much of him in the future." TOP

Bridges Program Links Students to Science

Rhondye Williams went from swinging a jackhammer on a construction site to swirling test tubes in the Onondaga Community College laboratory. And after spending 5 weeks in biologist Steven Tammariello's research laboratory on the BU campus this summer as part of the Bridges to Baccalaureate program, he is determined to make science and research an on-going part of his life. "My passion is science," he said. "And Bridges has allowed me to really assess what I'm good at and that I'm in the right place. It has given me the extra boost to continue learning."

Funded by a two-year grant from the National Institute of Health, the Bridges to Baccalaureate program is designed to increase the number of underrepresented minority students pursuing careers in science. A partnership between BU and four community colleges, the program identifies and supports up to 15 students a year in a science curriculum. And after graduation from their respective community colleges, students are encouraged to pursue a baccalaureate degree in a biomedical or biomedically-related field at a university, or more specifically, Binghamton University, where they will continue to receive assistance.

"Bridges uses a combination of mentoring, tutoring and financial support to keep students interested in continuing their education within the sciences," said Murnal Abate, the BU project coordinator. "And we work closely with co-coordinators at selected community colleges to ensure that we maintain year-round ties with participating students. This level of follow-up helps to encourage and motivate the students and makes choosing a career in the sciences just that much easier."

Key to the program is a 5-week Summer Research feature, which pairs students and faculty and allows for 'hands-on' laboratory experience. "I knew the experience was going to be a positive one for me," said Vladimir Leon, who hails from Rockland Community College. "I just didn't realize how impactful it was going to be. Not only was I able to work within my field of interest - organic chemistry - but I was also able to learn more about the world of biology and the interrelationship between the two areas. And this knowledge is going to be very helpful when I start makingserious career choices in the next few months."

For mentor, Peter Gerhardstein, who is an assistant Professor in the Psychology Department, this summer'sprogram was his second time around. "Having participated last year, I was interested in continuing for several reasons, but mainly because of the quality of the student applicants," he said. "And because they participate in the program full-time, I am able to be involved with a student's research experience at a level only possible with the most exceptional undergraduates. By encouraging these young people to continue their studies here at BU, I think the program will add to the diversity and the quality of the our undergraduate pool."

Besides Onondaga and Rockland Community Colleges, students from Monroe and Westchester Community College's were also accepted into this year's program. Thirteen students participated in the Summer Research program on the BU campus, which culminated in a poster and presentation session on Friday, June 30. Parents, friends, faculty and staff gathered in the Public Service Program Center to view the posters and witness the Bridges 'graduation' ceremony. Nebat Suker, proud sister of Mohammed Suker noted: "It's only been 5 weeks but I've noticed a real difference in my brother. He seems a lot more confidant and I am very proud of him. Bridges has been a very good experience and has really expanded his options."

Project Director, Donald Blake, was particularly pleased with how well the students responded to the program this year. "They bonded very well with one another," he said. "And although placed in different research areas, the students worked very hard at reaching their common goal - gaining hands-on, independent research experience. It is this kind of experience that we hope will encourage them to continue their education in the sciences. The ideal situation would be for program participants to attend BU. But even if they enrolled elsewhere, the program would still be a success."

Lacey Leads Tour to Mesmerizing Morocco, March 10, 2001

From the mosaics of the Roman city of Volubilis to the exotic 'Mellah' or Old Jewish Quarter, Morocco is a kaleidoscope of cultures, sights and sounds just waiting to be explored. And if you've ever wanted to see if Marrakesh really does have a rose-colored glow at sunset, join Professor Kevin Lacey on his tour of Morocco, scheduled for March 10 - 18, 2001.

The Binghamton University Alumni Association invites you and your guests to join Professor Lacey on a tour of a country that features a dazzling mosaic of cultures and infinite contrasts. With its northern shores basking in the Mediterranean sun and the vast Atlantic Ocean to the west, Morocco has been the crossroads of the world's major civilizations for thousands of years. And with Professor Lacey as your guide, you will get to experience the most unique points of interest Morocco has to offer. The tour will include stops in Rabat, Casablanca (and yes, a visit to Rick's Café of Hollywood fame), Meknes and Marrakesh.

As tour leader, Professor Lacey is a noted expert on the Arab Middle East and North Africa. He is associate professor of Arabic and Near Eastern Studies at Harpur College and is Chair of the Department of Classical and Near Eastern Studies. Lacey is founder and Director of the University's Morocco Program, which enables students to study and live in a new and fascinating environment. He has traveled throughout the Arab Middle East, in particular, Egypt and Morocco and is eager to share his knowledge of Moroccan culture and history with tour participants.

The price of this tour is $1995 per person from New York based on double occupancy. TOP

Physicians Advisory Council To Write Prescription for Students and Alumni Networking

Attention, Alumni Physicians! Dr Thomas Brown '61 invites you to join him in forming a Harpur College Alumni Physician Council.

With the initial goal of providing the Dean of Harpur College with advice related to the Pre-Health program and other development areas of the medical profession, Dr. Brown is eager to provide a forum for alumni physicians to network both within the profession as well as with students. "I think the very nature of a career in medicine is oriented to helping others," said Dr. Brown. "So, I think this Council is a natural progression. Not only will it be able to reconnect alumni physicians with one another but will also strengthen contact with undergraduates. I hope the Council will offer mentoring resources while helping the BU Pre-Health program grow."

The first project of the HC Alumni Physician Council will be the expansion of a preceptor program in the NYC area, which would include student internships, limited to the observation of physician's practices during the summer of 2001.