Harpur Professor's Book Explores Ethnic Roads to Feminism in America

When Benita Roth, associate professor of sociology at Harpur College, was an undergraduate student at Brandeis University, she noticed that very few women of color belonged to the feminist organizations she had joined.  Although their political beliefs were similar, she saw they worked for them in different venues. Curious about the reason for this, Roth researched the subject, which eventually became the topic of her doctoral dissertation at the University of California at Los Angeles. Through interviews and archival research, she learned that women of color are very much interested in feminism, but their interests encompass racial and ethnic equality as well.  This discovery led to Roth's first book, Separate Roads to Feminism: Black, Chicana, and White Feminist Movements in America's Second Wave (Cambridge University Press, 2004).

Separate Roads to Feminism begins with an interesting picture of how Black and Chicana women have connected the fight for racial equality with the fight for gender equality.  Roth quotes Dorothy King and Irene Blea, two committed feminists; King is Black, and Blea is Chicana.  Dorothy King tells Roth, "I wake up, and I don't like what they're doing to Black people, and I'm mad.  I wake up, and I don't like what they're doing to women, and I'm mad."  Irene Blea says, "I cannot separate the fact that I'm brown and I'm female.  I cannot do it physically to this body, I cannot do it emotionally, I cannot do it spiritually..."

In Separate Roads to Feminism, Roth explains that although Black and Chicana women shared a common interest in feminism with white women during the 1960's and 1970's, they pursued it apart from white women because of their distinct histories and cultures.  The three groups of women that Roth researched differed not only on a socioeconomic level, but also in the way that they organized their movements and in the ideologies that they embraced.  She also noted that Black and Chicana women were inclined to link their cause for gender equality with demands for racial and ethnic parity.

Roth challenges the public perception that "second wave" feminism, a movement that took place during the 1960's and 1970's, was a vehicle only for middle class and white women.  Her book chronicles the development of Black and Chicana feminist movements during this time period and notes the individual causes that gave birth to these movements; Black feminism, for example, grew out of the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's.

Roth also describes in her book how Black and Chicana feminists had to choose between organizing their movements on the basis of race or gender.  They tried to integrate a feminist perspective into their own ethnic movements, and this was an additional burden that white women simply did not face.  Roth finally makes the case in her book that it is impossible to discuss gender inequality as something that is separate from racial, ethnic, or class inequality, or heterosexism.  A Chicana woman, for example, cannot ask for gender equality without demanding ethnic equality as well.  As Roth states, "All of these things reinforce each other and mutually construct each other."

Separate Roads springs from many unique and interesting sources, including collections of "underground" publications from all three of the ethnic groups that Roth explores in her book.  Other scholars have studied the second wave of feminism, but Roth's book is the first to look at their movements comparatively. Separate Roads to Feminism is therefore a strong source of information for anyone who is interested in Women's Studies, racial-ethnic issues, and social protest movements, as well as this potent and unique time period in America's history.

Professor Roth joined the faculty of Harpur College in 1998 and currently teaches Political Sociology and Foundations of Social Theory.  She has written extensively on the subject of feminism, ethnicity, and social protest.

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The year after graduation doesn't have to be filled with anxiety over finding a job or starting graduate school. By spending the time in one of many professional volunteer services around the world, recent graduates can gain valuable work experience, travel extensively, establish a network of professional contacts, work towards a Master's degree free of cost, and most importantly, reap the many benefits of helping others. This was the advice of Harpur College alumna Kimberly Spring `92 and several students at "Take a Year ON," a panel discussion about their yearlong experiences volunteering for a variety of organizations on February 18 in UU West 324.

Spring, who is a research associate with the Office of Research and Policy Development for the Corporation for National and Community Service, explained that her organization oversees the federal volunteer programs such as VISTA and Teach for America. National service, she said, means "intensive volunteering:" full time, unpaid employment in exchange for a living stipend, health benefits, and tuition waivers. The government established these programs [when?] as an alternative to military experience for people who wish to serve their country.

Spring said spending a year volunteering is a "life changing experience," a sentiment the other student speakers echoed throughout the panel discussion. Each student described the year they spent engaged in professional volunteer work and answered questions from the audience.

Serena Bhavnani `05 (M.S.Ed) joined the AmeriCorps VISTA program, which sent her to Harlem for the 2000 - 2001 year to serve ABC, the Association to Benefit Children. She described working for "Baked in the 'hood," a catering service and job training program which connected New York City bakeries with interns from around Harlem who are preparing for careers in the food service industry.

Michael Hartwell `06, a political science major in Harpur College, spoke about the 2002 - 2003 year he spent in Urbana, IL at the School for Designing a Society, which sent him throughout the Midwest to tutor students in inner-city high schools and assist teachers however they needed.

Ryan Klang `05, from the School of Management, spent last semester in Washington D.C. at Gifts in Kind International, the world's leading charity in product philanthropy. As a volunteer intern, he worked with the strategic planning director in helping the organization find new opportunities for businesses to donate to charities.

Melissa Killeleagh `04 (M.P.A.) spent the 1999 - 2000 year volunteering for AmeriCorps, which sent her to work with the San Francisco Citywide Tutorial Program (CTP)/The Community Involvement Center. The program connects academically challenged public school students with volunteer tutors. Killeleagh managed the program and also acted as a tutor when time permitted.

The panelists all agreed that volunteering helped focus their career interests. "I was one of those students who changed their major 17 times," Killeleagh joked. But after returning from San Francisco, she enrolled in BU's Master of Public Administration program, from which she will graduate in May.

Spring said people who join volunteer organizations generally get to choose the location and type of work they want to do, which is much more flexible and fulfilling than trying to find a job in a tight market. Many organizations allow recent graduates to defer paying their student loans while they serve.

The panelists described how volunteering granted them valuable experience they might not have had in traditional jobs. Bhavnani gained many creative teaching ideas and discovered a population she never would have known otherwise. Klang gained immeasurable work experience when he spoke to the boards of some very prestigious companies such as UPS and Federal Express. He also said volunteering taught him about the nonprofit businesses sector and was surprised to learn the wide availability of jobs in that sector.

They also spoke emphatically about how much their volunteer experiences matured them. "My life turned a whole 180," said Hartwell. "When you get involved, it feels wonderful to help out. You understand more and more how much you're needed."

Linda Rose, senior counselor at BU's Career Development Center, spoke to the audience about Harpur College alumna, Erica Spottswood `99, who joined the Peace Corps after graduation and spent 2 years in Togo, West Africa. Spottswood is now working for the Wildlife Conservation Society, developing tourism and science programs at a national park in Gabon, West Africa. She told Rose that volunteering sent her life and career in a direction she never would have gone otherwise, not to mention helped her get a job she probably would not have been able to attain so early out of college with only an undergraduate degree.

They also addressed the anxiety of arriving in a new city with no friends or place to live. Killeleagh said finding affordable housing in San Francisco was difficult, but she eventually shared an apartment with several other volunteers from her program. Bhavnani said she managed to live in New York City by house sitting for several people and staying with friends. Some organizations provide volunteers with housing and all of the panelists said they received free medical coverage.

Killeleagh said volunteers provide each other with friendship and strong support throughout the whole experience. Bhavnani, said, "When you're helping people and see how scared they are, volunteering is a lot less scary."

"Take a Year ON" was part of "Tap Your Passion," a week of alumni-led seminars about career and internship opportunities in government, human rights, social justice, environmental conservation, community development and national service. The week also included an Empty Bowl Dinner, a soup dinner which benefits the SOS Shelter in Broome County.

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Harpur Alumnus Remembers Faculty Who Inspired Him
Spotlight on Mark Leeds `81

Mark Leeds `81 said the totality of his experiences at Harpur College prepared him for the life he has today. An attorney, bank officer, active alumnus and father, he learned as much out of the classroom as a student as he did inside.

Leeds, who majored in economics and minored in management, said Economics Professor Robert "Bob" Lovejoy inspired him to work hard, continue his education, and become the success he is today. Lovejoy, who in spite of almost lifelong blindness, earned a Ph.D. and went on to become a prolific scholar, department chair, and one of Harpur College's most popular teachers in its history. He was also a national champion skier and established the Robert M. Lovejoy Adaptive Ski Center at Greek Peek ski resort in Dryden, NY.

Leeds said Lovejoy has been one of the most influential people in his life and believes he is not alone in this estimation. "There was no way anyone could study with Bob without being inspired both on a personal and professional level," Leeds said. "I remember when I was at Binghamton and wondering how I could ever repay the debt that I felt to him for helping me grow so much."

In light of that, Leeds has been an avid supporter of the Robert and Karen Lovejoy Scholarship, which the Lovejoys and their colleagues, family and friends established in 1998 in honor of Bob's retirement. The scholarship is awarded annually to either a senior honors student majoring in economics and pays for a one-year partial stipend to apply toward earning a master's degree at Binghamton, or to a matriculated graduate student in Binghamton's economics Ph.D. program who has an interest in teaching economics as a profession.

Leeds also fondly remembers the late Professor Emilio Roma, who started the Law and Society major which eventually became Philosophy, Politics and Law (PPL). He still thinks about Professors Ed Weisband of political science and Thomas Eapen of economics, for whom he was a teaching assistant. As a student, Leeds was involved with the Economics Honor Society. Today, Leeds gives his financial support to the economics department. He is also a board member of the Harpur College Economics Advisory Committee, which is a group of alumni who offer suggestions for the curriculum to meet the needs of the business world and provide financial support for departmental programs.

Another learning experience Leeds experienced outside the classroom was that he worked throughout his whole education. During the academic year, he ran the Old World Deli on Main Street in Binghamton and spent his summers teaching sailing for the Broome County Department of Parks.

After graduating from Harpur with honors, Leeds earned a J.D. Magna Cum Laude in 1984 from Boston University and an L.L.M in Taxation in 1990 from New York University. Leeds started off his law practice at Skadden Arps, a large, prestigious firm in Manhattan and honed his skills in tax law, which has been his specialty throughout his career. Eventually, he joined and became a partner at Deloitte and Touche, where he headed their capital markets tax practice between 1993 and 2000.

Today, Leeds is managing director and senior tax counsel at Deutsche Bank in New York City. He heads the Group Tax clients and products function, which entails reviewing, from a tax perspective, transactions that are presented to clients and approving new financial products that are offered to customers.

A self-described "hockey dad," Leeds and his wife, Mary, have a 9-year-old son and a 6-year-old daughter. Off the rink, the Leeds family also enjoys skiing.

"The entire experience at Binghamton helped me prepare for life," Leeds said. "I could give anecdotes, but it was the totality of the experience that made it so special."

If you are interested in participating in the Economics Advisory Council, please e-mail Professor Ed Kokkelenberg. If you wish to support the Lovejoy scholarship, please e-mail or call Rob de la Fuente `98, director of development for student affairs, at 607-777-4430.

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Attention NYC Area Alumni:
Join us on Park Avenue for Battle of the BU's

Join alumni of both BU's - that's Binghamton and Boston - on Sunday, February 29 at 12:00 noon to watch the Bearcats take on the Terriers on the 50 televisions and 16 giant screens at the Park Avenue Country Club, 381 Park Ave South, in New York City.

This event is jointly sponsored by the Alumni Associations of both Binghamton and Boston Universities. Throughout the game, they'll be asking fun trivia questions about both schools and giving away great gear and prizes to the winners.

Don't miss this great party, regardless of which BU ultimately wins the game! Please RSVP with your name and the number of people in your party to Kris Ahrend `92 at kahrend@earthlink.net.

p.s. Can't make the party? The game will be televised in NYC on Fox SportsNet.

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Harpur Alumn Developed Talents by Getting Involved on Campus
Spotlight on Michael O'Connell `03, `05 (M.P.A.)
by Will Duffy `04

Harpur alumnus and BU graduate student, Michael O' Connell `03, `05 (M.P.A.) has made the most of his Harpur College education by getting involved in as many activities as his schedule would allow and pursuing leadership positions wherever possible. O' Connell, who grew up in Binghamton, chose to attend Harpur College so he could pursue a local political career while earning his degree.  He arrived in 2000 and has made his presence known ever since.

As a freshman, O' Connell jumped right in to campus life, immediately joining WHRW, For 3 years, he hosted his own big band and jazz show, "Domestic Melodies," during which he always included historical information about the music he played.  "I'm interested in the culturally significant events which had their effects on music, and the musical events that had effects on culture," O'Connell said.  "I tried to describe those as I played music on my show."

Continued...

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We mourn the loss of Helen Pearl Beard, professor emerita of mathematics, who died January 8 at the age of 88 in Lynchburg, VA. She taught at Harpur College from 1961 until her retirement in 1982. Jerry Miller `67, this year endowed the Helen P. Beard Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Mathematics. Miller, senior instructor and assistant chair of economics at Miami University, Ohio, said his success as an academician is due, in large part, to the role models he worked with as an undergraduate at Harpur College. "High on that list of superb individuals was Professor Helen P. Beard," he said. "To me, she was the consummate example of a true teacher - excellence in the classroom and compassionate and sagacious advising."

1985: John and Anne (Dunham) Dieffenbach live in Pleasantville, NY, with their five children, Rosie, Megan, Jimmy, Matt and Emily. John joined the legal department of Accenture in December 2003.

1987: Mitchell Frankel and Ilana Tolins were married November 8, 2003 at the Sephardic Temple in Cedarhurst, NY. Mitchell earned a law degree from George Washington University and is a founding partner in Sussman & Frankel in New York City. Ilana is an executive assistant at the Metropolitan Opera. Source: The New York Times

1992: Kimberly Spring (see above story) is a research associate with the Office of Research and Policy Development for the Corporation for National and Community Service. She earned a Master's in Comparative Cultural Studies from Ohio State University and a Master's in International Development Studies from George Washington University.

1997: Andrea Pellettiere is the proud owner of Eleganza Event Planning Services Inc., a hospitality consulting company that offers a full range of meeting and event planning services. Her company also works with catering companies and restaurants to develop employee incentives, training programs and customized systems of service. Eleganza Event Planning Services Inc. is now teaming up with Sacca Tours to offer chauffer-driven tours of New York City. For more information, contact Pellettiere at eleganzaevents@yahoo.com or (718) 687-5376.

2000: Dorothy Mello and Jeffrey Laguzza were married August 30, 2003 at St. Ann's Episcopal Church, Amsterdam, NY. Their wedding party included Tanya Mohatt `99 and Bryan Keller `00. After earning a J.D. from Pace Law School, Dorothy is an attorney at Cole, Schotz, Meisel, Forman and Leonard, P.A. in Hackensack, NJ. Jeffrey earned an M.A. in English from Binghamton and is a literacy and social studies teacher at M.S. 302, New York City. Source: The Post-Standard

2001: Azuka Nzegwu has produced and directed a different world, a documentary about three people who left their countries in pursuit of higher education in the U.S. The film examines issues related to finding a job, attending school, and cultural beliefs within the context of their education experiences. In their own voices, they speak about overcoming the challenges they faced and the joys that came their way. The film's trailer is online at http://mypage.iu.edu/~anzegwu/adw.htm. Nzegwu is a graduate student at Indiana University. She is the daughter of Nkira Nzegwu, professor of Africana Studies.

2002: Justin Rudgick and Carrie Lynn Schoolcraft tied the knot on June 14, 2003 in Syracuse, followed by a honeymoon in St. Lucia and Barbados. Both are graduate students at Syracuse University. Source: The Post-Standard

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Binghamton University Seeks Director of Development for Harpur College

Current Harpur College Director of Development, Debby Scalet, has made the choice, for personal reasons, to move to a part-time position. She will continue to work with Dean Jean-Pierre Mileur in Harpur College, focusing on special fundraising projects for the Dean. Scalet will move to this new position when a new full-time Director of Development is hired this Spring.

Binghamton University is nationally recognized for its strong academic programs, distinguished faculty, and talented students. One of four doctoral granting institutions in the State University of New York (SUNY) system, the university enrolls more than 13,500 students and is ranked among the nation's best public universities.

The University has an opening for the Director of Development for Harpur College of Arts and Sciences. Harpur College enrolls approximately 75% of all undergraduate students.

The Director of Development is responsible for developing and administering a major gifts program including the solicitation of alumni, friends, faculty and emeriti, corporations and foundations. Responsibilities include: identifying major gift prospects; designing strategies for cultivation and solicitation of prospects; researching and pursuing opportunities with foundations; managing a portfolio of prospects assigned to this position; managing a budget; communicating regularly with prospects and donors and supervising staff. Extensive travel is required. The Director of Development works cooperatively with the University Foundation, Development Team, Alumni and Parent Relations Office and Harpur College faculty. Follow this link for a detailed position background and description.

Qualifications: Minimum of 5-7 years of fundraising experience preferably in higher education, strong interpersonal, writing and oral communication skills. Need excellent organizational abilities, experience as a supervisor, commitment to professional fundraising ethics, demonstrated abilities to solicit major gifts, work effectively in a team setting and the attributes necessary to build new programs. Travel, evening and weekend time commitments will be necessary. Bachelors required, masters preferred. Salary and benefits package are competitive.

Send cover letter, resume and three professional references to:

Marcia Steinbrecher, Chair, Director of Development for Harpur College Search
c/o Diane Ruocco - Harpur College Dean's Office
Binghamton University
P.O. Box 6000
Binghamton, NY 13902-6000

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Binghamton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

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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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Back Issues of the Harpur Hotline

Miss an issue? Want to read more? Check out: http://harpur.binghamton.edu/hotline

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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