HARPUR HOTLINE
Contents

Undergrad Education,
Fund-raising on Mileur's Agenda

Faces of the Future - Graduates 2000

Freshmen! Start Your Engines!

Alums Say "Yes" to Saying "No"

Share Your Memories
Online

Plans Afoot for September NYC Reunion for the Classes of
'89, '90 and '91

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Dean of Harpur College, Jean-Pierre (Peter) Mileur.

With 10 years of experience building the Graduate Division at the University of California, Riverside, Mileur can certainly relate to BU's initiatives to become more research intensive and focused on graduate programs. Yet as the new dean of Harpur College, Mileur also relishes the opportunity to devote his attention to an area that he feels is facing an equally demanding future: undergraduate education.

"I think undergraduate education is facing some of the more exciting challenges in higher education today," he said. "Especially in the areas of curriculum, budgeting and recruitment. BU still has the opportunity to preserve its undergraduate education as it becomes a more research oriented institution and the campus has made the commitment to do so."

For Mileur, part of the reason why BU can reconcile the profile of a modern research university with a strong tradition of commitment to liberal education is its research-oriented infrastructure in undergraduate teaching and learning. "BU's current campus-wide initiatives include not only expansion of graduate education and research but also a four-fold increase in the size of the honors program for our best incoming students. We also have a best-practices-based Discovery program for all undergraduates, and a curricular enrichment option in Global Studies for students in any major or school who want to make the most of BU's strength in languages and cultures and in multidisciplinary research of global scope." Mileur went on to note that the existence of the residential colleges will also help to preserve the focus on undergraduate education as BU continues to change. "It's an exciting time for BU and its part of the reason I took the job. I hope my experience both as a scholar and as an administrator will allow me to offer a unique perspective to the University's future."

Among the challenges Mileur sees ahead are in preserving and rebuilding Harpur's current programs in order to safeguard the College's academic quality. "Harpur's rich intellectual atmosphere is one of its trademarks," he said. "I think the institution has done remarkably well given the challenges that it has faced in recent years. But I think there is still a lot of work to be done." Part of Mileur's answer to this issue will be to develop a strong academic plan. "I think it is very important for Harpur's departments and divisions to develop a vision for the future. I have already begun to meet with department chairs and program directors as a first step. I hope to draw a broad cross-section of the faculty and undergraduate and graduate students into this effort as it progresses."

Another effort that Mileur sees as a prime objective is the development of an aggressive fund-raising strategy. "I think we can do more to raise money for support of both undergraduate initiatives and faculty training and education," he said. "Whether that is to support faculty members in seeking new sources of funding or to urge students to apply for more grants. We need to encourage people to pursue basically every opportunity inside and outside the College. I also see myself playing a useful role in the Campaign for Binghamton, which is an important initiative for the future of Harpur College and the University."

In welcoming Dean Mileur to Binghamton, Provost Mary Ann Swain noted: "I am looking forward to working with Dean Mileur in advancing Harpur's traditional programmatic strengths while also building in other areas. His background in graduate education will be good experience in balancing the interests and needs of Harpur's departments and programs as we continue to establish points of intersection among the disciplines and with other schools and colleges."

Name: Karen Fedczuk

Degree: Studio Art major in the BFA program

Plans: To get reacquainted with her family, work with a local co-operative art gallery and teach art to children through a local organization.

Since childhood, Karen Fedczuk has been passionate about art. And although her career as an adult took off in a very different direction, via a nursing degree from Hunter College in 1982, Fedczuk never really lost sight of her true calling. 18 years and a career change later, she finally answered the call and during Commencement ceremonies in May, graduated summa cum laude with Highest Honors from the Art Department.

For many non-traditional students, being back in the classroom can present unique challenges. This certainly was not the case for Fedczuk who delighted in the opportunity to work with younger counterparts. "I did not feel out of place with the other students nor did I feel that they treated me any differently," she said. "In fact, I made some really close friends. Over the past four years, we have given each other encouragement, emotional support and inspiration from which all of our work has grown."

If anything, the only thing Fedczuk found different about being a student again was her relationship with faculty. "I did feel that in some cases I could relate to the faculty on a unique level," she said. "I wasn't treated differently but I could relate to them differently because of my age. Several of my teachers have helped me a great deal and have gone beyond what was expected of them. Their friendship and that of fellow students will be my most cherished memory of this time in my life."

In turn, Fedczuk's generous spirit and positive attitude was certainly apparent to faculty member, Linda Sokolowski, professor of art. "Karen was always highly motivated and a dedicated problem-solver," said Sokolowski. "She found the time to help everyone and yet was one of my most prolific students, producing a body of prints and drawings. She was also this year's recipient of the Art Department's Printmaking Award for her outstanding work. And she won mainly because she asked the difficult questions and over time, solved them in her own unique voice which was backed with a thorough understanding of the history of printmaking and painting."

Although Fedczuk highly encourages anyone regardless of age, to pursue his or her passion, she also warns that it can sometimes come at a price. "Being a wife, mother and a student became a serious balancing act," she said. "And certain sacrifices had to be made. But I was fortunate in that my family was very supportive. I tried to set up special times with everyone - my husband and my two young sons - and made sure that those times were valuable."

Although she took the long way around, Fedczuk notes that her artwork has benefited greatly from her life experience. "Being a nurse gave me a sense of empathy that has directly affected my work with the human figure," she said. "And being a mom has allowed me to represent children in a special way. My BFA exhibition was the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice. But the greatest reward that I leave Binghamton University with is that I now view myself as an artist. Through creativity I have been able to learn more about myself. And after all these years, I'm pretty content with that person." TOP

Name: Taras Sak

Degree: Majoring in History, Philosophy and IPB-Asian Studies (Honors)

Future plans: To teach in Japan for one year and study more Kanji (Chinese characters) in order to read academic prose. Also plans to further his studies in interdisciplinary intellectual and cultural histories.

Taras Sak has this advice for Binghamton students thinking of applying for the National Security Education Program (NSEP) Scholarship: "It is very much within your reach. I won it and so can you." For many students, this type of scholarship can mean the difference between having the opportunity to study abroad and not going at all. It did for Sak, who spent his senior year in Japan, allowing him to make a return visit to a country that has had a tremendous impact on his life, academically, personally and career-wise.

The way Sak tells it, it all started as a love story. Armed with a BSc in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Sak headed off to Japan in 1994 to begin a career in international business. Two years and an ill fated romance later, Sak returned to the US not exactly sure what he was going to do next. But he did know it didn't include the business world. "I decided to return to school in preparation for graduate studies in history and chose Harpur College because of its strong liberal arts and sciences reputation," said Sak. "At my previous school, the Humanities were an elective option and consequently I only took one or two classes as such. An impoverished education, I would say."

With Japan still a strong influence in his life, Sak chose an academic path that included History, Philosophy and an IPB in Asian studies. "At first glance, it may seem as if they have nothing in common," he said. "But my philosophy is that these three fields are not separate endeavors and should not approached as such. I think any so-called 'difference' between the three is imagined and does little to advance the task of thinking. And anyone who has had the good fortune to take classes with professors Quataert (Don and Jean), Chaffee, Dillon and Fynsk who encourage this type of intellectual pursuit, can attest to that."

Although his feet were firmly set on US soil, Sak yearned for a return trip to Japan to study the language more intensely. He just didn't think he'd be able to pull it off while still a student. Thanks to encouragement and support from Katherine Krebs, Director of the International Studies Program, and Ira Tolbert, Assistant Provost of Academic Affairs, he got his chance via an NSEP Scholarship. Established by the National Security Education Act of 1991, the program provides resources for American undergraduates to acquire skills and experience in foreign countries. And since its first competition in 1994, only 1,000 students have been privileged to win these sought-after scholarships. "I think a major reason I won was the enthusiasm and support I received from my professors and mentors," said Sak. "Teachers like these are hard to come by and they have made my Binghamton experience what it is. If I stand out at all or even approach anything called 'thinking', it is because of people like them."

Studying at the Kansai College of Foreign Languages in Osaka, Sak's coursework included anthropology and postwar Japanese cinema, which provided him with a more 'hands-on' view of Japanese culture. "Japan possesses an incredible intellectual tradition that most non-Japanese speakers or readers have no idea of," said Sak. "It is a rich transcultural tradition that I was and continue to be anxious to explore."

Returning briefly to the United States to attend graduation ceremonies, Sak will spend the coming year teaching English at a private school in Japan. He will also be furthering his own scholarly pursuits by studying more Kanji (Chinese characters) in order to read academic prose. Then it's off to graduate school where he hopes to pursue interdisciplinary studies in intellectual and cultural histories, focussing on Germany and Japan. TOP

Harpur College welcomes Lindsay Trimarchi!

Joining over 1,700 incoming freshmen, Trimarchi participated in one of four two-day freshmen orientation sessions conducted in early July. Armed with a jam-packed list of events and a campus map, she was able to get her new student I.D photo taken, attend a tour of her residence hall and meet with faculty to discuss course options. "And I just can't wait to get started," she said. "I have a real desire to succeed in my career, whatever that may turn out to be. But I don't want to restrict myself at this early stage. Harpur College will offer me the broadest of experiences while allowing me to get to know myself. I'm ready to try everything!"

Fellow classmate, Gideon Zvulon, shared Trimarchi's excitement. "I've heard a lot of good things about BU from friends," said Zvulon, who hails from Long Island. "Financially, it's the best choice - a great education on a diverse and conveniently located campus." With a law career in mind, Zvulon will be pursuing majors in philosophy and history. "When I graduate from Harpur in four years, I know that I'll be looking at the prospects of a great job and a successful future," he added.

For Julia Miller, Harpur's Director of Academic Advising, freshmen orientation usually means long hours and endless questions. "But I'm always so impressed with their fresh perspectives and their willingness to take on something new," she said. "Their enthusiasm energizes me!" Miller and her staff were on hand for most of the two-day programs, offering information and friendly faces. "Advising is there to help students formulate questions and to respond to them," said Miller. "Whether it is to make them aware of opportunities that they may not have considered or to just reaffirm their confidence in themselves as successful students. We help build the bridge between their previous learning experiences and the one they are about to embark upon here at BU. Go, Class of 2004!" TOP

Harpur College
welcomes Gideon Zvulon!

We've all faced those dreaded situations where you've been invited to a party and you know it's going to be 'yawn city.' But because you can't think of a way out, you reluctantly say yes. Then as you expect, it turns into exactly what you dreaded…. a very boring experience. For Breitman and Hatch, it boils down to priorities. "We all have a limited amount of time and energy," says Hatch. "And we should devote as much of it as possible to things we really care about and enjoy - whether it's reading good books, spending time with your family, working in the garden, making art, or working on behalf of a cause you're passionate about. And in order to do that, you must be able to say no to some of the lesser priorities - like the unwanted invitations, excessive work, or favors you'd really resent doing. When you can reclaim some of that time and energy and decide for yourself how to spend it, life is going to feel a lot more satisfying."

As Breitman and Hatch point out, we often have trouble saying no because we’re afraid of hurting someone's feelings. Or because we think it's selfish or unkind. How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty offers practical tips to help readers navigate many familiar situations. For instance, one of the first tips is to never answer on the spot. Buy time. When they say, 'Can you do this Saturday?' answer, 'Let me check my schedule'. Then use the time to think about how you want to respond.

With a friendship built over endless Scrabble games during their years at Harpur, Breitman and Hatch have been long-time supporters of each others' work. How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty however, is their first collaborative effort. "Because I'm a writer and Patti's an agent, it was only natural that we'd talk about possible book ideas," said Hatch. "The topic really grew out of our own experiences and from realizing how saying no can actually be a very positive thing. By saying no to some of those unwanted commitments and setting limits on the amount of work we take on, we've both been able to improve the quality of our lives."

With Breitman based in San Francisco and Hatch in New York, How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty became a long-distance project. "It's been a great collaboration and remarkably free of conflict, probably because we're different people with different strengths," said Hatch. "Though we developed the content together, mostly over the phone via daily long-distance calls, Patti really honed the idea, while I did most of the actual writing. There's no way I could do what she does, and she'd say the same about me. And I think that's the secret of a perfect partnership!" And they knew they were on the right track with the book because whenever they mentioned the title to anyone, the response would be: "Boy, do I need that book!"

Sold to a leading publisher, Broadway Books, How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty went on the road with Breitman for a whirlwind 10-city tour in March and April, right after the book was published. Currently, a one-hour show based on the book is being produced for PBS stations and will air next March to coincide with publication of the paperback edition. And in addition to the US hardcover and audio versions, Hatch and Breitman recently sold the rights for 13 foreign editions and there are plans to translate it in 11 languages. Jack Canfield, co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul® series, says the book "is the bible on how to say no and still be seen as a nice person. It can change your life forever."

Saying no may be Breitman and Hatch's claim to fame right now but they both give Harpur College a big 'thumbs-up' for heading them in the right career direction. "As English majors, we reaped the benefits of Harpur's outstanding English department," they both said. "The best classes helped us cultivate our critical skills and appreciate all types of good writing. And it was a natural step for us to get involved in publishing after graduation, as we both did." TOP

Be sure to visit the new feature on Harpur's 50^th Anniversary page - the Harpur College Memory Book - and leave your mark. Share a favorite memory of your Harpur experience, whether as a student or as a faculty or staff member. Or, maybe you just want to wish Harpur a happy Anniversary. Memories will be listed and updated on a regular basis so put those thinking caps on and tell us about your favorite Harpur moment.

Plans Afoot for September NYC Reunion for the
Classes of '89, '90
and '91

All alumni from the classes of 1989, 1990 are 1991 are invited to the Binghamton University 10 year (give or take a year) Reunion scheduled for Friday, September 15th, 2000, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m..

This reunion is unique because it has been organized entirely by alumni of these classes, with the support and resources of the BU Alumni Association. And they've done a few things differently! For starters, they'll be bringing BU to Manhattan by planning the gathering for the Turtle Bay Bar and Grill, located at 987 Second Avenue, between 52nd and 53rd Streets. It's also going to be priced cheaper than a typical night on the town. Cost of the event is $40 for a 3-hour open bar with appetizers. BU will subsidize the event with an additional $10 per person for all alumni buying their tickets in groups of 5.

Send your checks for $40 ($30 if group of 5 or more) to:

Binghamton University Alumni Office, PO Box 6004, Binghamton, NY 13902. Check http://alumni.binghamton.edu/1990reunion.htm for updates.

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