Science Campaign Moves Toward $3.5 Million

As the Keene State College Science Center took shape in anticipation of its fall opening, the capital campaign continued strongly, passing the $3.35-million mark toward the $4-million goal. Businesses and other organizations contributing recently toward specific rooms in the building include:

• Banknorth, $50,000 for the Physical Chemistry Teaching Lab
• Cheshire Health Foundation, $50,000 for the Chemistry Department's Appian Way Overlook Room
• Engleberth Construction, $50,000 for the Physics Teaching Lab
• Hoffman Family Foundation, $50,000 for the Monadnock View Seminar Room
• Jane and Bruce Keough, $50,000 for the Greenhouse
• Stephanie '62, M'78 and Joseph Baute, $40,000 for the Herbarium and Geography Teaching Lab
• KSC Alumni Association, $30,000 for the Science Lobby Interactive Display Monitor
• Ocean National Bank, $30,000 for the Science Center Atrium
• Cheshire Oil, $15,000 for the Computer Science Hardware Teaching Lab
• Time Warner Cable, $15,000 for the Computer Science Classroom

Dr. Ferrucci is renowned in the United States and internationally in the field of mathematics education. She researches such diverse topics as mathematical pedagogy, algebraic reasoning, mathematical functions, mathematical modeling, and information technology. One of the research areas she is most passionate about is the integration of cross-cultural perspectives and ethnomathematics, the cultural anthropology of mathematics and mathematics education.

"This involves learning about a culture through its mathematics," she explains, citing an example. "An Asian country might be strong in mathematics and it could be valuable to find out why – what it is that they are doing that makes them consistently number one in comparative test scores."

Receiving the Sprague Drenan Award, for support of alumni programs, was Patty Farmer '92, who served as vice president of the Alumni Association for two years and president for two years.

Named for the Alumni Achievement Award for significant accomplishments in his field was Robert A. Baines '68, mayor of Manchester, N.H., and a long-time principal of Manchester West High School.

Patricia Rich M'91 was presented with the Outstanding Service Award for her role of many years as one of the College's most respected and sought-after academic counselors and for her work with the Orientation Staff.

Receiving the Alumni Inspiration Award was Jonathan Cooper '97, who, at age 23, became the youngest executive editor of a daily newspaper in Connecticut. He now edits Play, the weekly entertainment magazine of the New Haven Register.

Glenna Mize '65, M'71, professor of education, joined the faculty of the teacher education program in 1972, after earning both her bachelor's and master's degree from KSC. (She later earned her Ph.D. from the University of Connecticut.) Dr. Mize is an expert in literacy and language arts – reading, writing, speaking, and listening – and she was a leader in shaping KSC's teacher education program. Named the 1996 Alumni Association Distinguished Teacher, she was noted among many other qualities for her tireless efforts in advising students. "Her door is always open," was a phrase used by many students to describe her.

Dick DeSantis joined the KSC education faculty in 1970 after completing his Ph.D. at Michigan State. He became involved in grant-funded work in traffic safety and the preparation of driver education teachers, and he is credited with creating the College's Safety Center and serving as its director for 12 years. During this period, he turned his attention to the causes and treatment of drug and alcohol abuse, and he has since led Keene State to prominence in the field of chemical dependency. Dr. DeSantis retired as a professor of health sciences.

Dr. DeSantis worked for many years with David Buck '70 to create a formal program in safety studies for KSC. Dr. Buck joined the College faculty in 1980 after years teaching machine-tool technology at the N.H. Technical College in Nashua and serving as training supervisor at MPB, now Timken Super Precision. He completed his doctorate in occupational education at the University of Massachusetts in 1987. As a key figure in founding KSC's safety program, Dr. Buck was, among other projects, instrumental in the design of the NGM Safety Lab and in establishing the College's OSHA Education and Training Center in Manchester.

Janet Gross, vice president for academic affairs, is also stepping down to pursue new opportunities, including special projects at KSC. Dr. Y has taken on many of her duties and has asked that the newly named president next year organize the search for a VPAA.

"A president serves as a steward of place," Yarosewick said. "The life of a president on a campus has a beginning and an end, and it's time for me to step away. This has been a very difficult decision for Mary-Lou and me. We have a lot of friends here, and I'm going to miss both Keene State College and the city of Keene very much."

"Stan Yarosewick has made an enormous contribution to Keene State College," said Dr. Stephen J. Reno, chancellor of the University System of New Hampshire, of which KSC is a member. "He's an academic leader, truly student-oriented, and a wonderful exemplar of relations between the College and community. He's a true citizen of the University System, a fine colleague, and a dear friend to me."

"I'm very sorry to see Dr. Yarosewick leave," said Andrew E. Lietz, chair of the University System.

"He has served us very well as a president and helped shape Keene State College in ways that all of us will be thankful for in the future. He has been a strong academic and campus leader, and he personifies what a president can do for community and campus relations."

Mr. Lietz said that he and Dr. Reno will soon begin the search for a new president.

Yarosewick said he's looking forward to the process that will select the next leader for Keene State. "A new president always brings new ideas," he said. "A new president renews and recharges the campus. It will be an exciting time."

The winter issue of Keene State Today will feature an interview with Dr. Y about his 10 years at the helm.