Harpur College's Political Science Department Ranks 19th in World
by Sarah Lifshin

As the United States prepares for the upcoming presidential election, Harpur College's Political Science Department has been marked as a leader in preparing the world's future political leaders.

The department has been named 19th leading political science department in the world based on the number of scholarly publications in scientific journals, according to a published report by the London School of Economics and Political Science, released in January.

"This is a huge accomplishment," said Patrick Regan, professor and director of graduate studies in the political science department. "What they are pointing out is that you can be a good department and not have a large faculty. This really makes Binghamton University stand out among the other leading academic institutions in the world."

The report, which also ranks schools on a five-year rolling average, uses the content and quantity of publications in scientific journals to determine the rankings. More than 200 academic institutions worldwide were part of the ranking.

Binghamton's current ranking proves that the department has improved throughout the past decade, while the number of faculty in the department has decreased. The University ranked 21st over the five-year period from 1997-2001 and 117th based on the five-year average between 1993-1997.

In the current ranking, Binghamton tied with Australian National University and the University of Oxford. Columbia University's political science department ranked first, followed by Harvard University second and Stanford University at third.

Two main methods have been used to rank the colleges and universities: the importance of the placement of a department's publications and the number of publications. The ranks were produced by measuring the research output of institutions in the main journals in the field in a given period and controlling for the number of full-time staff in the department.

Regan credited the publications by the department's faculty for helping it receive the prestigious ranking. Among recent publications in top journals are "Insider-Outsider Politics in Industrialized Democracies: the Challenge to Social Democratic Parties," by David Rueda, which will appear in a forthcoming American Political Science Review.

Other publications include, "The Sum of the Parts Can Violate the Whole," by Donald G. Saari and Katri K. Sieberg, which appeared in American Science Political Review, along with Regan's "Choosing to Intervene: Outside Interventions into Internal Conflicts as a Policy Choice," which appeared in the Journal of Politics.

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Harpur Student Named Truman Finalist

While many Harpur College students spent last summer working at jobs or internships, Ravi Gupta `05, joined the Global Routes Program and taught English and science to children in Ghana while raising money to build a school there.  Hoping to continue helping his new friends in Ghana receive an education, he founded Binghamton Students for Students International, an SA-chartered group which raises awareness and funds for students in Third-World countries, and Atuu International, a New York state registered charity which raises scholarship funds for students in Ghana.

For his volunteer efforts and the many other ways he leads his classmates in campus activities, the Truman Foundation has named Gupta a finalist for the Truman Scholarship.  Established by Congress in 1975 as the federal memorial to America's 33^rd president, the Truman Foundation recognizes college juniors with exceptional leadership potential who are committed to careers in government, the non-profit or advocacy sectors, education or elsewhere in the public service.  Out of 212 finalists from 135 institutions, the Truman Foundation is expected to select 75 - 80 scholarship winners.

If Gupta receives the scholarship, it will pay $2,000 towards his senior year at Harpur College and $24,000 towards graduate school.  He will also be eligible to participate in the Truman Foundation's Summer Institute, a ten-week public service internship in a variety of settings, such as the White House, the Department of Justice, and Capitol Hill, and gain a behind-the-scenes view of policymaking, advocacy and the political process.

Gupta is a resident assistant in Cayuga Hall.  He volunteers at Red Cross blood drives and was a student volunteer for Howard Dean's presidential campaign. He is a member of BU's College Democrats and serves as a project leader for NYPIRG.  He tutors his classmates at the Center for Academic Excellence and donates all of his wages to Atuu International.

Gupta is captain of the BU Policy Debate Team, and was recently ranked the 3^rd best debater at a national tournament.  "He has been absolutely critical in helping coach the largest incoming wave of novice debaters BU has seen in the history of the team," said debate coach Joe Schatz `01, `03 `06 (Ph.D.), who was impressed how Gupta made time in his hectic schedule to meet with the new members individually to practice and help them become more accustomed to competing.

Gupta plans to earn both an M.D. and M.P.H. (Master's of Public Health) and serve people in inner cities where medical care is scarce. During breaks from college, he volunteers at the Shine Center in Staten Island, a homeless shelter for people who are HIV-positive.  Gupta hopes to eventually run for Congress so he can work for policy changes related to HIV infections among drug users.

Meanwhile, Gupta has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout his entire education at Harpur College.  Looking beyond a traditional major, he developed his own major in Science and Public Policy through Harpur College's Individualized Majors Program (IMP), double majoring in Philosophy.

In her recommendation to the Truman Foundation, Assistant Dean of Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, Janice McDonald, called Gupta "intelligent, action and result oriented, confident, and socially aware, especially regarding those less fortunate at home and abroad."

A panel of judges will interview Gupta in New York City on March 17.

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Harpur Professor Gives Students Critical Look at History Through Literature

By reading novels and essays from the two decades following World War II, students in the assistant professor of English's classes learn not only literature, but also how American culture is profoundly shaped by its connection to the rest of the world.

"Literature often bears witness to formerly disavowed knowledges, such as colonial or imperial histories, that the nation would rather forget," said Keith who joined Harpur College's faculty last fall.

In Keith's classes, students learn how novels from throughout the 20th century, particularly during the Cold War era, reflect broader international discourses by reading them in tandem with political and historical texts from the same period. He recently assigned Graham Greene's 1955 novel, The Quiet American alongside Harry Truman's 2nd inaugural address to show how American "benevolence" and world policy of development was reshaping the entire Third World.

Keith's interest in global perspectives fits well at Harpur College, both from its student body and from its academic pursuits, such as the Fernand Braudel Center for the Study of Economies, Historical Systems, and Civilizations, the Global Studies Integrated Curriculum, or the Global Track recently implemented by the English department.

Through his assignments, students learn that the politics of American literature and culture during the Cold War were defined not only by the era, but also by the struggles of writers and intellectuals like W.E.B. DuBois, Richard Wright, Frantz Fanon and C.L.R. James to define "freedom" as the goal of struggle against racism and colonialism, rather than against the former Soviet Union.

Harpur economics and English major Shirley Yi Lin `04 took Keith's Modern British Literature class last semester where among the novels she read were The White Teeth by Zadie Smith, which is about the lives and friendship between an Englishman and a Bengali Muslim, The Enigma of Arrival , V.S. Naipaul's 1988 novel based on his own experience of emigrating from Trinidad to England.

Keith has also been working on a larger project called Cold War Cosmopolitanisms, which examines writers and intellectuals who find themselves politically, culturally or racially exiled from the United States during the early Cold War era. He strives shows how these people turn their displacement, both imagined and real, to forge new forms of identity and belonging that aren't tied to the nation.

Keith said his greatest reward lies in helping students make the connection between theoretical ideas and literature, where "they become more critical thinkers about literature, the world, and themselves."

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Romano Lecture to Explore "The Stuff Which Dreams are Made"

Dean Jean-Pierre Mileur and his staff invite you to the 2004 Mario and Antoinette Romano Lecture:

The Stuff Which Dreams Are Made:
The Phantasmagoric Imagery of the House of the Vettii, Pompeii
by Professor Barbara Kellum, Smith College

The lecture will focus on one of the most sumptuously decorated houses in Pompeii and present an interpretation of its seemingly bewildering myriad of imagery as a multifaceted celebration of its owners' transformation from slaves to wealthy freedmen.

Tuesday, March 23, 2004
6:00p.m.
Welcome by Dean Donald Blake

Introduction by Professor John Tagg
Chair, Department of Art History, Harpur College

Reception Immediately to Follow
President's Reception Room, Anderson Center

Barbara Kellum, professor of art history at Smith College, earned her BA in 1970 and MA in 1974 in History at the University of Southern California, a MA in 1976 in the History of Art from the University of Michigan and her PhD in 1981 in Art History from Harvard University. Her field of scholarly expertise is the visual culture of the ancient Roman world and her publications focus on everything from imperial building complexes to the shop signs and graffiti of Pompeii. Most recently, as a recipient of an American Council of Learned Societies fellowship, she has been completing a book on the visually complex monuments commissioned by wealthy, upwardly mobile former slaves in the roman world.

The Mario and Antoinette Romano Lecture Series was endowed in 1984 by Mr. and Mrs. Romano as a tribute to Mr. Romano's years as a Harpur College student. Each year, their endowment sponsors a lecture given by noted speakers in history, economics, art history and medicine.

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Harpur Student Spotlight: Libby Cudmore `05
by Will Duffy `05

Most aspiring writers don't expect to publish their work until after they've graduated from college. But Harpur junior Libby Cudmore's dream of seeing her work published came true earlier than she expected – twice in the last five months, in fact.

Cudmore, who transferred from SUNY Cobleskill in 2002, said she wanted to attend Harpur College because of the school's strong English and theater departments. One of the first courses she took was Creative Writing with noted crime author Scott Wolven, visiting lecturer in English. She enjoyed the class so much that she said it "sealed the deal" on her decision to pursue a career in writing.

Cudmore also took the writing course, "Mystery and Crime" with Wolven, who encouraged her to try to publish her fiction. Last fall, at his suggestion, she submitted her novella "Always the Bride" to Another Chapter, an online magazine that publishes the work of up-and-coming fiction writers.

While Cudmore was waiting for a response, she wrote a short essay, "Dark Child" detailing her experiences as a "goth" in a small town high school. Cosmo Girl! included in its November 2003 issue, which was Cudmore's first publication in a national magazine. "It was always my goal to become published while I was still a student," she said, "I was ecstatic!"

Her excitement doubled last month when Another Chapter contacted her with an acceptance letter and a contract to publish weekly installments of "Always the Bride" over six months. The novella is about a woman who finds love unexpectedly en route to halting her former boyfriend's wedding. Publication begins on April 1.

Cudmore is currently taking an advanced fiction workshop with Distinguished Professor John Vernon, himself an extensively published author. She has enjoyed using her creativity in other classes, such as performing scenes with her classmates during a lesson on Shakespeare.

Now that Cudmore has published an essay and a novella, she has her sights set on an even bigger goal: she hopes to see her first novel, The Jazz Notes, on bookstore shelves by the time she graduates. It is a story about friendships in what she calls "the underground world of jazz." She is not sure about her career plans, but says one thing is certain: "I'm definitely going to continue writing."

Cudmore is the step-daughter of Harpur College alumnus Nathan Feldman `84.

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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:

Harpur College mourns Professor Emeritus of English, Arthur Clements, who died Sunday, February 22 at the age of 71. He joined the faculty of Harpur College in March 1964 as an assistant professor. Prior to coming to Binghamton, he taught at Syracuse University and the University of Connecticut.

A recipient of the University and Chancellor's Awards for Excellence in Teaching in 1990, Clements "was an utterly committed teacher, whose fierce dedication to his students and deep love of poetry moved generations of young writers and scholars," said Liz Rosenberg, professor of English.

Clements began his career in Renaissance Studies and Poetry, and according to Albert Tricomi, professor of English, Clements' "most enduring work was his book, John Donne's Poetry, which is a really fine text." Clements earned his bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Princeton University, his master's degree in English Literature from the University of Connecticut and his doctorate, also in English Literature, from Syracuse University.

A memorial service is being planned for later this semester. Details will be announced as they become available.

1967: Terry Kwan was Binghamton on February 26 for the dedication of the Life Sciences Learning Center at the Roberson Museum. She also visited campus for the first time since graduation to learn more about BU's teacher education programs and Center for Science, Mathematics and Technology Education. She enjoyed her trip back immensely and said, "As rigorous and excellent as was my student experience at Harpur, the University has grown to encompass so much more." A former middle school and junior high school science teacher and K-8 science supervisor, she now helps public and private institutions to develop science programs, train teachers, and design science facilities. She currently serves as a community representative for both the Institutional Biosafety Committee at Harvard Medial School and the Biohazard Control Committee for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. She is also a member of the NIH Recombinant DNA Advisory Panel and the Toyota Tapestry Environmental Panel. Kwan is a residential real estate sales associate in the Boston area. She has written extensively on safety issues in teaching science.

1988: Susan Burger and Michael Ranis were married November 29 at the Pratt Mansion in New York City. Susan earned an M.A. in speech and language pathology from Syracuse University in 1990 and works as a marketing and public relations consultant. Her husband is a trial lawyer for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in New York. Source: The New York Times.

1990: Andrew Weissberg is Director of Scheduling and Acquisitions for The History Channel. He and his wife, Suzie, and the proud parents of Sarah, who was born June 29, 2002.

1991: The Press & Sun Bulletin published a touching story about David Garcia on March 2. Garcia, who is a quadriplegic, hopes to receive his PhD in Spanish-American literature and Latino studies from Vanderbilt University this May. His dissertation advisor is William Luis `71, professor of Spanish. The article described how Garcia has not let his physical limitations stop him from finishing his education, raising his son, remaining close to his family, and realizing his goals.

1993: Janice (Kameny) Dohrman and her husband Scott celebrated their daughter, Jordan Lindsay's first birthday on March 1st. Janice is a Spanish teacher at Syosset High School. They live in Old Bethpage, NY.

2001: Jennifer Cuker and Vincent Rossi were married August 9, 2003 at Layfayette Golf and Country Club. The wedding party included Leah Pekarsky `01 and Matthew DuBord `01, Timothy Schlauraff `01 and Nathaniel Walker `01. Jennifer earned a Master's degree in Education from Boston University and works for the Natick Public School System. Vincent is employed by North Star Technologies. After a Caribbean honeymoon, the Rossis live in Acton, MA. Source: The Post-Standard.

2002: Rebecca Kirby and Eugene Michael Saladis `01 were married August 23, 2003 in Our Lady of Solace Church, Syracuse. Among the wedding party were Sarah Cartmill `02, Lisa Ghezzi `02, Peter Saladis `98, John Tobin `02, and Daniel Monopoli `02. After a cruise to the Bahamas, the Saladises live on Staten Island. Rebecca is a mathematics teacher at New Dorp High School and her husband is employed by the New York City Fire Department - Ladder 105 Brooklyn. 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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Join BU's New Alumni Online Community

The Binghamton University Alumni Association is pleased to announce its new Alumni Online Community.

The Alumni Online Community is password-protected in a secure environment and only Binghamton University alumni will have access to it. Students will have access to the Alumni Career Network, a mentoring program that brings you together with students or other alumni who are interested in your field of work.

Please take a minute to review and update your profile in the directory portion of the community. You can also sign up to volunteer for the Alumni Career Network. Search for long-lost classmates, network with others for career advice and make your annual gift on line all from the comfort of your own home or office via the Online Community. So B-Connected! Visit www.bconnectalumni.binghamton.edu today!

Questions related to the Online Community? Call 607-777-GRAD (4723)

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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.

Contact the Webmaster.

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