Dr. Marie White,
Associate Professor of Education, NYC Campus

What I did over summer vacation: I was able to connect with three friends on Cape Ann in Massachusetts who I met almost thirty years ago. I also was able to see the woman who introduced me to my husband. Later in the summer, I spent time with family in Ohio where each year we enjoy the lazy days of summer in a house without cell phones or internet. We play games, walk, do water sports, and have great conversations. Any time in between was spent with my three precious granddaughters. Lastly, I collaborated with a colleague from another university to complete a research project which has been submitted to a major educational research conference.

What's on my Ipod playlist: A new Amy Grant song "Better than a Hallelujah Sometimes" and "Unredeeemed" by Selah. I also have Coldplay, "Viva La Vida," Andrea Bocelli "Romanza," and Hillsongs United "Stand."

Latest interesting reading: I now have a Kindle--this has made reading a new and exciting experience. The first book I downloaded was the NIV Bible. Also, Amy Carmichael's devotional, I Come Quietly To Meet You: An Intimate Journey in God's Presence and Jason Barger, Step Back From The Baggage Claim. Lastly, my daughter-in-law, daughter, my mentor from college, and myself are beginning an online Beth Moore bible study, Believing God. This is my first attempt at an online Bible study because we don't have the time to meet weekly.

Favorite food: The Vivanno--a smoothie from Starbucks which includes a whole banana, chocolate, and some type of protein. I also enjoy grilled salmon, green salads, and fresh fruit.

Unknown talent: I asked my thirty-one year old son, and he said I am a good cook when I want to be. I attribute my growth in this area over the years to Julia Child and more recently to becoming a fan of Top Chef. When I have time I like to restore furniture, do folk art applique, and sew. When I did not live in NYC I had a garden, canned my own jellies and vegetables, baked our bread, and made candy.

Why I'm at Nyack: I believe that Nyack College is where God has called me to use the gifts He has so richly bestowed on me. It is through Him and for Him that I live, work, and breathe. To be a part of a growing and vital Christian community is a privilege. My time and efforts are devoted to being available to students who desire a Christian education, faculty who desire to serve them, and an administration who is mindful of the purpose God has called this great institution to fulfill. 

College of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Vilma Balmaceda
Dr. Balmaceda led a workshop on Christian Principles for Organizational Leadership for chairpersons and board members of national associations of Christian lawyers in Latin America. The workshop took place on May 26-27 in Acapulco, Mexico, as part of the 9th Latin American Conference for Christian Lawyers.

Dr. Balmaceda, along with Rebecca Noss, ATS Registrar, visited Haiti in July to take a donation to an interdenominational NGO that works on disaster prevention with local communities. The NGO "Action Secours Ambulance" received $3,000 USD from the fundraising efforts carried out at Nyack College and ATS last year. The funds will be used to carry out workshops to help Haitian families prepare for the hurricane season in four locations in the West of the country. They also visited several orphanages bringing donations to the children thanks to the Haiti Solidarity Fund.

On August 16, Dr. Balmaceda led a workshop in Lima, Peru, for an interdisciplinary group of human rights defenders who work with the Christian organization "Peace and Hope." The session explored the relationship between the defense of international human rights and the promotion of human capabilities in the search for development in the global South. 

Professor Brad McDuffie
Prof. McDuffie's article on Hemingway and Salinger, "For Ernest -- With Love and Squalor: The Influence of Ernest Hemingway Upon the Life and Work of J.D. Salinger," was excerpted by the Kansas City Star. The essay will appear in the Spring 2011 issue of The Hemingway Review. 

Dr. Steven L. Ware
Dr. Ware, professor of historical theology, NYC, and his wife Rebecca traveled with a group from their church on a mission trip to Ecuador in July, where they participated in evangelistic, educational, and physical construction activities. Dr. Ware also investigated a recently discovered Native American astronomical observation site which will be included in his upcoming manuscript, Redeeming the Time: Christianity, Chronology, and the End of the World.

Dr. Jacqueline Washington
Dr. Washington, department chair of biology and chemistry, was selected as vice chair of the American Society for Microbiology Conference of Undergraduate Educator 2011 and chair-elect for 2012. 

Dr. David Weir
Dr. Weir, professor of history, taught an intensive course on church history at Kobe Theological Hall in Kobe, Japan in July. He also serves on the Committee of Research and Prizes of the American Society of Church History.

School of Business and Leadership

Dr. Gerard F. "Jerry" Becker
Dr. Becker, Nyack's MBA program director, had two papers accepted for publication at the International Academy of Business and Economics Annual Conference in October 2010. "Instituting Organizational Change for Sustainability in a Global Supply Chain" and "Is Social Entrepreneurship Relevant for a Capitalistic Enterprise?" will be published in their proceedings.

Dr. Richard L. Gathro
Dr. Gathro, Nyack DC dean and assistant to the president, was a featured speaker this spring at the Army-Navy Club of Washington, DC luncheon on the topic of "Thoughts on the Nature and Significance of Friendship...Relationships Are All that Really Matter, Everything Else is Details." Dr. Gathro also traveled to Moscow, Russia to participate in dedication ceremonies for the new campus and Commencement exercises at the Russian-American Institute, a Christian liberal arts university, where he served as Secretary of the Board of Trustees. He has served as a trustee since its founding in 1995.

Dr. Gathro agreed during the past year to join the Board of Directors of Act One, a film school in Hollywood that trains screenwriters, producers, and directors to create movies and television programs that exemplify truth, goodness, and beauty. It is a collaborative Evangelical and Roman Catholic endeavor.

Earlier this fall, Dr. Gathro was invited to participate in a meeting of 17 educators with senior members of President Barak Obama's National Security Council staff. The advisory consultation focused on the situation in Iraq and Afghanistan. The meeting took place in the Roosevelt Room of the West Wing at the invitation of the White House Office of Public Engagement. "The meeting was candid and frank, and the President's team impressed me with their commitment to consider religious factors in foreign policy," Gathro says. 

Ed Green
Ed Green, adjunct professor in the Master of Science Organizational Leadership program at the DC campus, was named Graduate Faculty Member of the Year by Nyack DC students.

Ed brings over thirty years experience in senior management and executive positions in the U.S. Marine Corps and in the civilian business sector. Ed received his B.S. in education from West Chester University and an MLS from Johns Hopkins University. Mr. Green is also an executive coach, specializing in leadership development and organization improvement.

Sherrie Lawson
Sherrie Lawson, professor in the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management program at Nyack DC, was named Undergraduate Faculty Member of the Year by Nyack DC students.

Her professional background includes seven years in corporate finance, working for such companies as the former First Union National Bank, now Wachovia, Daimler-Chrysler Financial Services, and the Fannie Mae Corporation. She received her B.A. in English from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Nyack College. Sherry is currently working on her Ph.D. in leadership and organizational change in the School of Applied Management and Decision Science at Walden University.

School of Education

Dr. Sherry Jarrett
Each year the National Wellness Institute invites university faculty, staff, and students to submit poster proposals highlighting best practices and/or research related to wellness. A select few are invited to participate in The Poster Showcase at the annual National Wellness Conference. Dr. Sherry Jarrett, DHEd, department chair of early childhood education at Nyack College, presented a poster entitled "Holistic Wellness of Undergraduate Teacher Candidates" at this year's 35th Annual National Wellness Conference held in Stevens Point, Wisconsin July 17-22. Her poster received the 2010 Award of Excellence for the research category. Her research study provides a model for other universities involved in teacher education. The National Wellness Institute Poster Review Committee, chaired by Dr. John Munson, was greatly impressed with Dr. Jarrett's research and applauds her for reaching across disciplines to provide holistic wellness education for tomorrow's teachers, as they will be role models for the children they will someday teach.
 

School of Music

Dr. David Wallace
Dr. Wallace of The Juilliard School, presented a workshop in interactive performance on September 16 to the Freshman Music Seminar at NCMC. Dr. Wallace, a professional violist and an NCMC adjunct professor in viola, gives workshops on the subject of interactive performance all over the United States, most especially to members of the New York Philharmonic and other great orchestras. His spellbinding presentation, in which he drew students into the music as participants in the creation of a Passacaglia, offered excellent perspectives in both performance and in Christian witness to the class. The entire School of Music at NCMC will be invited to the next event featuring Dr. Wallace. His book, Reaching Out: A Musician's Guide to Interactive Performance, was chosen as the main text for the class.

School of Nursing

Dr. Elizabeth Simon
Dr. Simon, professor and director of nursing, was selected as the 2010-2011 fellow in the Leadership for Academic Nursing Program (LANP) sponsored by American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). The cohort of 40 fellows from 640 AACN member schools met in Kansas City, MO in August. The LANP fellows are selected to participate in this program through a competitive application process. The program, supported by the Helene Fuld Health Trust, is designed to prepare a more diverse, younger pool of leaders and to enhance the leadership capabilities of the chief administrator for nursing programs.

Dr. Simon's book, Critical Care Nursing Practice Guide: A Road Map for Students and New Graduates, was recently published by Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Alliance Theological Seminary

Dr. Stephen Bailey
Dr. Bailey, director of Alliance Graduate School of Mission (AGSM), serves as senior associate for the Institute for Global Engagement. He conducted a seminar in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) on Religious Diversity and Religious Freedom on July 12. In attendance were Lao government leaders from the Lao National Front and the Department of Religious Freedom. Also in attendance were leaders from the Catholic, Evangelical, 7th Day Adventist, Bahai, and Buddhist Communities. Prof. Bailey works regularly in the Lao PDR with the Lao Front in an effort to strengthen the environment for religious freedom. He worked in Laos from 1990 to 2001.

Dr. Janet Lerner
Dr. Lerner, adjunct professor for Alliance Graduate School of Counseling (AGSC), went to Nicaragua and to Liberia this summer to teach her "Counseling Survivors of Abuse" course to more than 200 pastors, pastors' wives, and other church leaders. In Nicaragua, Dr. Lerner worked with Sandra and Roberto Zapata (Roberto earned his M.Div. from ATS) along with two other trained leaders who helped in the implementation and work with the participants and their families.

In Liberia, the program was organized by a graduate of the AGSC program, Salena Brown, who works for the UN Mission in Liberia. In addition to the course she teaches at AGSC, three areas of trauma related to Liberia in particular were added to the program: civil war, rape and female genital mutilation, and early forced marriage. All of these one hour presentations were given by Liberians who work in the fields being covered.

She saw Africans and Nicaraguans talking about issues they had never been able to discuss before. They asked very intelligent, profound, and insightful questions, and the Holy Spirit provided answers which took them to the next step in their growth and development. In both places, some of the leaders were able to minister to the children who had come to the program with their parents. These children were able to receive healing as well.

Staff

Bob Dickson
Bob Dickson, freelance Nyack College/ATS journalist, had a story published in Chicken Soup for the Runner's Soul titled "Cross Country Isn't for Wimps." 

Joan Reed
Joan Reed, financial aid counselor, will have an article published in the November 2010 issue of Student Aid Transcript, a publication both online and circulated by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA). The title of the article is "The Marriage Game." For more information click here. 

Kim Scales
Kim Scales, payroll accountant, hosts a blog, The Sweet and Savory Kitchen, where she shares hundreds of fabulous and delicious recipes. Click here to check out Kim's blog. Try one of her creations!

Michele Blanck, Director of Conferences and Auxiliary Services, Rockland Campus

What I did over summer vacation: I visited family (especially grandchildren) and attended a reunion in the Midwest.

What's on my Ipod playlist: Beatles, Black Eyed Peas, Beyonce, Johnny Cash, Josh Ritter, Misty Edwards...so much more...too much to mention! I love music.

Latest interesting reading: The Life of A.W. Tozer: In Pursuit of God. I read it on vacation and was deeply challenged by Tozer's life.

Favorite food: Surf and turf

Unknown talent: Tap dancing

Why I'm at Nyack: My journey at Nyack started as a student in the late '70s and brought me back in 2000 when we moved here from Chicago. Over the past ten years I have remained at Nyack College because I care deeply for the students and enjoy being a part of their lives.

Keep us in the loop!

Please send your latest achievements including books published, research completed, honors received from professional organizations, fellowships awarded, oversight or development of service learning projects, and work with community organizations to Erica Videc at Erica.Videc@nyack.edu.  

Please provide details (who, what, where, when, why) and the significance of news in relationship to our core values, where possible. High resolution digital photos that you can share for publication are welcome. (Please note: copy may be edited for length).

Welcome to Nyack!

The Fall 2010 Faculty Roster includes 16 new faculty members:

Dr. Elizabeth Simon, Professor of Nursing and Director of the Nursing Program 
Dr. Michael Huster, Professor of Physics
Dr. Jeffrey Dueck, Associate Professor of Philosophy 
Dr. James Romaine, Associate Professor of Art History 
Dr. David Chun, Assistant Professor of Psychology 
Dr. David Emanuel, Assistant Professor of Bible 
Dr. Kimberly Huster (ABD), Assistant Professor of ESL and Director of the ESL Program 
Dr. Jennifer Kimble (ABD), Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice 
Dr. Jung Hang Lee, Assistant Professor of Mathematics 
Dr. Elizabeth Swanson, Assistant Professor of Music 
Dr. Wenbo Yan, Assistant Professor of Biology 
DeVonne Allen, Instructor in Social Work 
Mary Cloutier, Instructor in Intercultural Studies 
Johanna Dillenbeck, Instructor in Special Education 
Amy Flavin, Instructor in Psychology 
Deborah Spivey, Instructor in Developmental Education

Currently 72% of the instructional faculty hold a terminal degree as of this fall. With 19 additional faculty enrolled in doctoral programs, this percentage will increase substantially in the next three years.

Rockland and NYC Homecomings - A Great Success!

Nyack College, Rockland campus, welcomed home alumni, faculty, staff, family, and friends during Homecoming Weekend October 8-9, 2010. The weekend was packed with fun-filled activities, reunions, and reminiscing. Former faculty and staff members invited back as special guests-of-honor included: Dr. Jeff Cook, Dr. Richard Eldred, Dr. Marion Howe, Dr. Donal Nilsson, Dr. Ron and Mrs. Beverly Ruegsegger, Dr. Brad Stamm, and Dr. Eldon Woodcock.

Nyack College/ATS, NYC hosted their 2nd Homecoming Banquet on Friday, November 5, 2010 at S.P.Q.R. Restaurant in Little Italy. College and seminary alumni, faculty, staff, family, and friends filled the banquet room with laughter and fond memories. Department highlights were presented by Dr. Fernando Arzola, Jr., Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Luis A. Carlo, Associate Dean, ATS, NYC; Dr. Anita Underwood, Dean, School of Business and Leadership; Dr. Marcia Lucas, Director, Alliance Graduate School of Education; and Mrs. Miriam Velez, Professor, NYC School of Education. The ATS Alumnus of the Year award was presented to Rev. Dr. A.R. Bernard, Sr. and the Nyack College Alumnus of the Year award was presented to Rev. James D. Gamble, Jr. Minister Donna A. Baptiste, president of the ATS Alumni Association, was honored for her ten years of dedication and service to Nyack College/ATS.

Congratulations to Homecoming Road Race Winners!

Homecoming's early morning weather was gorgeous as a crowd well over 100 came out to enjoy the Nyack College Running Warriors 5K Road Race and 3K Walk. Cross Country team members acting as race marshals enthusiastically cheered on both serious runners and those who wanted to get a little exercise and join the fun. This year a new faculty/staff category was established with entrants vying for a free lunch for their department sponsored by the Office of Advancement. To promote a healthy working community, the Office of Human Resources sponsored the registration fee for all faculty, staff, and their family members who participated. Some of this year's movers were: Jim Muckell, Business Department; Michael D. Scales, Office of Advancement; Francis Mgabi, Business Office; Kevin Pinkham, English Department; Laban Moore, Athletics; Frank DeLalla, Biblical and Theological Studies; Karen Davie, Business Office; Amy Davis, Biblical and Theological Studies; and Siobhan Seaman, Admissions.

Laban Moore (20:10) won first place for faculty/staff men, and Amy Davis (27:52), egged on by Brice Walborn (also 27:52), took first place for faculty/staff women. David Gates finished first overall (18:44) preceded by four of our Cross Country Team's top men: Stuart Guild (17:13), Aaron Baldwin (17:45), Bobby LeFond (18:07), and Ben Wallin (18:41). Alumnus Joleen Butterfield '08 was our overall first place female (23:22), right on the heels of three of our top female Cross Country team members: Sharon Fetters (20:20), Allie Roma (21:53), and Deb McCarthy (22:34). Proceeds from this year's race will help the Cross Country team go to the Christian Nationals in Cedarville, Ohio.

Nyack Scholars Symposium

Nyack College Rockland campus hosted the Nyack Scholars Symposium on October 6, 2010. Dr. Martin Palous, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States, was the Symposium plenary speaker. Presenters from the college and seminary were: Dr. Vilma Balmaceda; Dr. Ronald Belsterling; Dr. Stephen Bennett; Dr. Amy Davis; Dr. Dion Harrigan; Dr. Stephen Maret; Dr. Lyndell O'Hara; Dr. Larry Poston with NC student, Elizabeth Rigotti; Dr. Martin Sanders; Prof. Linda Poston; Dr. Fran Chan; Dr. James Danaher; Dr. Brad McDuffie; Dr. Leonard Kageler; Prof. Scot Reitz; and Dr. Marie White.

Congratulations Rev. Dr. Luis A. Carlo!

Rev. Dr. Carlo, associate dean of Alliance Theological Seminary, NYC, was recognized on October 21 by The Council of Churches of the City of New York for outstanding theological academic leadership.

Congratulations Mr. Earl Miller!

Mr. Earl Miller, Executive Director of Community Relations, was recognized by the Spring Valley Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on November 5. Earl was named a 2010 Trailblazer for his work as a goodwill ambassador to the community, schools, and government.

Earl also received the following awards: citation from the New York State Assembly in recognition of his ongoing commitment and countless contributions to education in the community; Certificate of Achievement from the County of Rockland in appreciation for service to Rockland County, NY; Distinguished Service Award from Rockland County Clerk Paul Piperato in recognition of being honored by the Spring Valley Branch NAACP at the Annual Fall Membership Gala; and Certificate of Merit from the Towns of Ramapo and Clarkstown.

Alumni Chapel at ATS Observes Anniversary

ATS alumni and friends, come celebrate a major milestone--the 50th anniversary of Alliance Theological Seminary. On December 1 at 2:30 p.m. at the Rockland campus in Nyack, NY, the ATS Alumni Association will host a special alumni chapel service to commemorate the occasion. Please spread the word and invite others to celebrate with us.

Rev. Rob Reimer (M.Div. 1991), will receive an Alumnus of the Year award. You'll be blessed by soul-lifting worship and refreshing fellowship with former classmates and professors.

Can't wait to see you there!

The Hub

Betty Olsen House is the home of "The Hub," Nyack's new cafe-style student lounge. Though this is primarily a venue for students, the Nyack campus community is welcome. 

Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 6:00-11:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m.

Come check out our tribute in honor of Alton "Ernie" Armoogam, a 1997 alumnus and former Nyack College employee. Students are encouraged to submit paintings, photography, poems, and other work for Ernie's Wall of Inspiration.

Send your work via email to student.hub@nyack.edu or via campus mail to Cassandra Campbell or Erica Lara.

LOOKING FOR A CAMPUS VENUE FOR SPECIAL EVENTS??

The Hub can be reserved for events or club/group meetings on Sundays or weekdays and Saturdays before 5:00 p.m. Please allow one week's advance notice. Contact student.hub@nyack.edu to reserve a date. Click here to visit the Hub on Facebook.