MC’s First Lady Presented Poetry Reading

Sponsored by the College’s literary publication, Manhattan Magazine, Angela Alaimo O’Donnell, associate director of the Curran Center for American Catholic Studies a Fordham University, presented a poetry reading in the Alumni Room of the O’Malley Library on March 29. Professor, poet and wife of President Brennan O’Donnell, the first lady read from two of her collections, Moving House and Waiting for Ecstasy, as well as some of her new poems.

 

 

Dr. Brennan O’Donnell Named Honorary Member of Pen and Sword Society

Dr. O’Donnell was recently inducted into the Pen and Sword Society. The citation stated, “While Dr. O’Donnell has an impressive resume and many accomplishments under his belt, what is most remarkable about Dr. O’Donnell is his ability to make such an impression on our campus community in such a short amount of time. After only nine months of being an official Jasper, Dr. O’Donnell has proven to be an excellent leader, concerned with the students, Lasallian heritage, and future of Manhattan College. He has made a conscious effort to be a presence on campus … He has set an example for making change and we look forward to what he has in store for Manhattan. On behalf of the 80th Class of Pen and Sword, I think it is more than fair to say that we feel confident leaving Manhattan in the hands of a leader like Dr. O’Donnell.”

 

Junior Named Physical Education Major of the Year

Kaitlin Rodriguez, a junior in the school of education and resident of Warwick, N.Y., was recently honored as the Outstanding Physical Education Major of the Year from Manhattan College by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE).  NASPE, which has been setting the standard for the profession for more than 31 years, is the largest of the five national associations of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (AAHPERD). To read more click Here.

 

Grad Education To Host Open House

The school of education will host an open house for its graduate education programs on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the College’s O’Malley Library, Alumni Room (1st floor). The College recently announced a tuition assisted Master of Science Degree Program in Special Education – Childhood with opportunity for a Bilingual Education Extension/Certificate.  This program is open to teachers in the New York City Department of Education Districts 10, 11 and 12, Yonkers Public Schools and Archdiocese Non-Public Schools.  This program targets teachers interested in increasing their knowledge and skills for working with the “at risk” and special education students.   Preference will be given to teachers in Corrective Action Schools, as well as teachers who are teaching out of their certification area.  Minorities are encouraged to apply, as well as those teachers who have minimal background in special education.  This graduate degree program meets the requirements for a master’s degree in a related area for general education teachers holding provisional/initial NYS teaching certification. Read.

 

In Memoriam

Robert E. Beardsley, Ph.D., former chair of the biology department and founding member of the college’s Laboratory of Plant Morphogenesis, died on Feb. 21, 2010. He was 86 years old. A 1950 alumnus of the College, Dr. Beardsley also held a master’s and Ph.D. from Columbia University (1951 and 1960). He served at the College from 1951 to 1977 in a variety of positions in the biology department. With the rank of professor, Beardsley established his legacy at the College as a founding member and director of the Laboratory of Plant Morphogenesis. Prior to attending Manhattan, Beardsley served in the U.S. Army 86th Infantry Division from 1942 to 1946. After his tenure at Manhattan, he served at Iona College as dean of arts and science from 1977 to 1983 and a professor from 1977 to 1989. At that time he became a faculty emeritus in the biology department. Beardsley was a Guggenheim Fellow and worked as a visiting scientist at the Pasteur Institute in 1966 and 1967. He was also a frequent contributor of articles to professional journals. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Philomena; his three children: Luisa, Margaret and Robert; his six grandchildren; and his two great grandchildren.

 

In Memoriam

Stephen N. LePorisz ’06, M.E.,, died suddenly on March 15, 2010.  Friends remember Stephen as a dynamic individual who lived his all-too-short life to the fullest.  He loved engineering, photography, coffee and spending time with friends and family. Dr. Zella Kahn-Jetter, professor of mechanical engineering, remembers: “Stephen was a brilliant student who loved a good joke. He made everyone, faculty and students alike, laugh. He had wonderful sense of humor.” Stephen had a serious side, too.  After graduating with honors, he worked for Turner Construction and Collado Engineering. His leadership and zeal for his profession were recognized by colleagues at the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), a national professional association where he was the president-elect of the bi-state chapter. Erica Ross ’00, M.E., remembers: “how Stephen could light up a room just by walking into it.  He was a vibrant spirit, a wonderful friend and a devoted son and grandson.”  Giovanni Cerini '06, M.E., knows that “Stephen will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have know him.” Read