This column celebrates the publishing success of Oswego alumni authors, illustrators and recording artists. Please keep us informed about new books and audio recordings by requesting that your publisher or distributor send a copy for the Oswego Alumni Bookshelf at King Alumni Hall.

Nancy Whitlock Adragna ’35 of North Syracuse passed away Dec. 19. She was employed by the Syracuse City School District for many years, retiring from the Franklin School. Nancy is survived by two sons, Richard and Robert “Mac” ’64; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several stepchildren and stepgrandchildren.

Professor Emeritus of Education Raymond Bridgers Jr. readily admits that if someone had told him as a high school student that he would become a teacher, he would have laughed. “School was not a particularly happy place for me,” he says. But once he started teaching, Bridgers came to love the classroom.

“I literally enjoyed going to work every day, walking into the classroom,” he says, his voice brimming with excitement. “I hope the students enjoyed it as much as I did.”

With a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and a master’s in elementary education, both from the College of William and Mary, and a doctorate of education from Duke University in curriculum and instruction, Bridgers decided to teach school “until I decided what to do.”

He found he loved it, and wanting more classroom experience decided to take an opening at Oswego’s Campus School. He told the college he would stay only three years – he wanted to experience a northern climate. Their first night on campus, he and his wife, Carolyn, watched gentle, fluffy snowflakes fall against a streetlight outside their house window, and Bridgers thought it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. The wonder he felt must have changed his plans, because he spent his entire career at Oswego.

“I feel fortunate to have spent 35 years at Oswego,” he says.

Although he spent his early career teaching ninth-graders and serving as a principal in Virginia, he found he loved the middle grades the most. “I liked the creativity of the junior high student. Their intellectual capacity was always exciting and interesting,’ he says.

After seven years in the Campus School, he taught in what is now Oswego’s School of Education.

“One of the main things I used to tell [students] was, ‘The most important thing you carry into the classroom is not your knowledge of physics, languages, etc. It’s you as a person and how you help those kids explore life,’”
he says.

Bridgers developed two courses at Oswego: “Teaching Culturally Different Children” – his basic theme was we’re all culturally different – and “Play and Playfulness,” about the importance of play in the lives of the young and old.

Professor Emeritus of Education Raymond Bridgers Jr. and his stained glass artwork titled, “The Old Road Home,” which won second place at the 1990 New York State Fair.

Bridgers always tried to learn students’ names from the first day in the classroom, and he refreshed the courses by periodically throwing away all his notes and developing his lectures anew.

He became a familiar figure on campus, with his boisterous laugh and fringed leather jacket. An avid runner, he completed several marathons. He served as adviser to Kappa Delta Pi (which he had served as president at Duke and William and Mary) and the sorority Alpha Sigma Chi. A member of Phi Delta Kappa education honorary, he received a federal fellowship in 1968-69.

In retirement, he loves spending time with his family, including Carolyn ’78 and their six children (Cynthia, Michael, Bradley M ’05, Katherine, Holly and Lori ’87), 12 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

He also enjoys making stained glass, a skill he learned at Oswego to craft doors for his kitchen cabinets and taught for several years at the Art Association of Oswego.

And while he enjoys retirement with his typical gusto, he still professes his love for Oswego and its students, saying, “If I had my druthers, I would have stayed and taught until they threw me out.”

—Michele Reed

Ed. Note: We are saddened to report that Dr. Bridgers passed away Feb. 21. This story is published posthumously with the permission of his family.

Matthew Pond ’08 and Kristin Amone ’09 were married in October in Rochester. Alumni in attendance included, from left: Jimmy Lacagnina ’10, Joe Ferrari ’10, Nicole Lafe ’09, Chris Caputo ’09, the bride, the bridegroom, Don Heagle ’09 and Kelley Kowalczyk ’12. Matthew is earning his MBA and currently works for Enterprise Holdings. Kristin recently earned her master’s in school psychology and works as behavioral specialist for Hillside Children’s Center. The couple resides in Rochester.

April 18 School of Business and School of Communication, Media and the Arts Networking event in New York City*

April 27 Fun Day at the Zoo, Syracuse, N.Y.*

May 2 Alumni and Friends Reception with President Stanley, Naples, Fla.*

May 3 Oswego College Foundation Board Meeting**

May 17 Commencement Eve Dinner and Torchlight Ceremony*

May 18 Commencement

May 22 Lunch & Learn Webinar

June 6-9 Reunion 2013*

June 8 Annual Business Meeting, Oswego Alumni Association, Inc.*

July 25-28 The City of Oswego’s fantastic Harborfest! On-campus housing available to alumni*

August–October GOLD Welcome
to the City parties*

August 2 Brew at the Zoo, Syracuse, N.Y.*

August 5 Emeriti Luncheon**

August 23 Welcoming Torchlight Ceremony*

September 20-22 Baseball Alumni Reunion Weekend*

September 27-29 Return to Oz IV Alumni
of Color Reunion*

October 5 Communication Studies
Alumni Dinner*

October 10-11 School of Business Alumni Symposium*

November 2 Oswego Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions

November 6 Dr. Lewis B. O’Donnell Media Summit**

MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW:

June 5-8, 2014 Reunion 2014

* Alumni and Parent Relations, 315-312-2258

** University Development, 315-312-3003

This column celebrates the publishing success of Oswego alumni authors, illustrators and recording artists. Please keep us informed about new books and audio recordings by requesting that your publisher or distributor send a copy for the Oswego Alumni Bookshelf at King Alumni Hall.

Ella Lindsley Arnold ’33 of Fulton passed away Aug. 11 at the age of 99. She taught in a one-room country school near Bowens Corners and in Schroeppel. She was the first kindergarten teacher at the Cleveland Elementary School. Ella is survived by a son, a daughter, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Anna White Howell ’34 of Port Byron passed away May 29, 2011. She taught in the Port Byron School District for more than 40 years, retiring in 1975. Anna is survived by a daughter.

Merva Martz Walasek ’37 of Camden died July 4. She taught for several years before raising a family. After her children were all in school, she tutored homebound students. Merva is survived by two daughters and four grandchildren.

Helen Williams Cornell ’40 of Jamesville died June 17. She was a teacher for 26 years. She taught in California and Monroe County, and retired from the Fayetteville-Manlius School District. Helen is survived by a daughter, a son and two grandchildren. She was predeceased by her sister, Verna Faulkner ’36.

Dorothy Kiola Williams Gantt ’41 of Arlington, Va., died March 11. During World War II, she worked as a secretary in the War Department, office of the quartermaster general, in Washington, D.C. In the summer of 1944, Dottie returned to Oswego and worked at the Emergency Refugee Shelter at Fort Ontario. Dottie retired from the U.S. Court of Military Appeals in 1972. She helped to establish the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics in 1982. She and her husband, Charlie, participated for 18 years, winning gold medals in dance, tennis and walking. Surviving are a son, two daughters, nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

Howard Mumford ’46 of Fayetteville, Ga., died April 29. He served with the U.S. Army during World War II. Howard was a teacher, counselor, assistant principal and principal in the Atlanta Public Schools for 42 years. Surviving are his wife, Barbara; two daughters and five grandchildren.

Norman Gurley ’48 of Niagara Falls passed away April 18. He is survived by three children, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

William Jewett ’48 of St. Augustine, Fla., passed away Dec. 19, 2011. He was predeceased by his wife, Agnes, on Jan. 13, 2011.

Robert Sweet ’48 of Phoenix, Ariz., died July 9. In 1965, Bob founded Universal Technical Institute in Phoenix with 11 students and two classrooms. Today the company has 11 campuses across the country and more than 16,000 students. Bob retired from UTI in 1991. He is survived by his wife, Bobbie; 10 children; and 18 grandchildren.

Betty Henderson Kenyon ’49 of Freeville passed away June 25. She earned a master’s degree at SUNY Cortland. She was an elementary school teacher and later a mathematics coordinator during her 41-year career, with the majority of it spent in the Groton Central School District. Betty retired in 1991. She is survived by two brothers, Bernie and Allen.

Elizabeth Kettel Vomacka ’49 of Largo, Fla., passed away April 12. Prior to raising her family, she taught third grade in Valley Stream. She returned to the workforce as a teaching assistant at Garden City Preschool, and went on to become a lead teacher in Nassau County’s first day care facility. Elizabeth then worked as a recertification classifier until she retired. Her husband, John ’49, predeceased her Feb. 8. Surviving are two sons, a daughter and a grandson.

John Vomacka ’49 of Largo, Fla., passed away Feb. 8. He served in the U.S. Army. John was an educator in the New York City Public School System for more than 25 years. John was survived by his wife, Elizabeth Kettel ’49, who passed away on April 12. Surviving are two sons, a daughter and a grandson.

Henri Floch ’50 of Phoenix, N.Y., passed away July 3. He was a veteran of the Korean War. Henri taught in the Phoenix Central School District for more than 38 years. He is survived by his wife, Doris Burkle ’52; three daughters; a grandson; and two great-grandchildren.

Leland Salsbury ’50 of Brewerton died Aug. 19. He served with the Army Air Force during World War II. Leland earned his master’s degree at New York University. He taught at Spring Valley High School and worked 38 years as an electrical engineer at General Electric. Surviving are his wife, Johanna; a son; three stepchildren; and four grandchildren.

Kenneth Jahelka ’52 of Melbourne Beach, Fla., died Feb. 13. He earned his master’s degree at Hofstra University. Kenneth worked in the Levittown Public School District for 30 years, beginning in 1957 as an industrial arts teacher. He retired in 1987 as the director of industrial arts and vocational education. Surviving are his wife, Mary Thomson ’52; three children, Judith Kur ’74, Laura Fleming, and Kenneth; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Arthur Rogers ’52 of Denver, Colo., passed away Sept. 3. He received his master’s degree from SUNY Buffalo in 1962. Arthur started his teaching career in Canastota from 1952 to 1954. He taught in Newark from 1954-1956. He taught in the Niagara Falls City School District from 1956 until his retirement. Surviving are his wife, Gertrude Rochelle ’54; two daughters; two sons; and five grandchildren.

Rosalyn Reeves Snow ’52 of Memphis, N.Y., died Aug. 17, 2010. She was a substitute teacher for many years in the West Genesee and Baldwinsville School Districts. She was co-owner of Snow’s Egg Farm in Warners. Rosalyn is survived by her husband, Gerald; a son; a daughter; and three grandchildren.

Margaret LeRoy Ellis ’53 of Oswego died Aug. 9. She taught in Baldwinsville for three years and was a substitute teacher in the Oswego City School District for more than 30 years. Surviving are two daughters; two sons; a sister, Marilyn Kindle ’52; a brother; and six grandchildren.

Henry Straub ’53 of Penn Yan died March 23, 2009. He served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. Henry taught industrial arts at Penfield High School for 35 years. In retirement, he worked as a general contractor. Surviving are his wife, Clarinda; a son; a daughter; and two grandchildren.

Lyle Allen Boyce ’54 of Valatie died Feb. 15. He attended Syracuse University and The University at Buffalo, earning master’s degrees in school administration and special education and a doctorate in audiology. Al was instrumental in developing the program for the deaf in the Guilderland School District where he taught science and was department chair, and later became assistant principal of the Junior High School. From 1967 to 1999, Al served as superintendent of schools of the Menands School District. He is survived by his wife, Regina; three sons; a daughter; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.

Albert Skinner ’54 of Colorado Springs, Colo., died July 2. During the Korean War, Al served in the U.S. Naval Reserves and later spent two years on active Navy duty in the Mediterranean. He earned graduate degrees from Iliff School of Theology and Long Island University. Prior to seminary, Al was a social studies teacher and worked in the National Parks ministry. He was ordained in the United Methodist Church in 1966 and spent the majority of his ministry as a chaplain in the U.S. Army. Al served in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969. He is survived by his wife, Ann; two daughters; two granddaughters; and three great-grandchildren.

Doris Houser Tilton ’54 of North Syracuse died Dec. 18, 2011. Dorie taught in the North Syracuse School District for several years. She later embarked on a new career, working with deaf children, becoming an expert in sign language. Dorie was predeceased by her husband, Robert. Surviving are a son, a daughter and two grandsons.

Donald Thomasson ’57 of Elma died June 22. He is survived by his wife, Grace; three children; and four grandchildren.

Marguerite Gartrell ’58 of Oakdale died Feb. 16, 2011. She received a master’s degree from Hofstra University. Marguerite taught fourth grade at Timber Point Elementary School for more than 45 years.

Mary Lynn McDonald Sincebaugh ’58 of Orlando, Fla., passed away Jan. 4, 2012. She taught in Auburn and Florida for many years. She served on the Auburn Board of Education for several years. Surviving are her husband, Gerald; a son; a daughter; and three granddaughters.

Charles Sixour ’58 of Lenoir City, Tenn., died May 18. He is survived by his wife, Jeanette; four daughters; 13 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

Joan Tompkins Mattison ’60 of Newnan, Ga., passed away Aug. 20. She earned her master’s degree at SUNY Potsdam. She taught in the Ogdensburg City School District for 32 years. Surviving are her husband, George ’58, a daughter; a son; and five grandchildren.

David Weisenburger ’60 of Rome passed away Feb. 27. David taught industrial arts at Rome Free Academy. He retired in 1992, but remained active with Rome Free Academy as a substitute teacher. David is survived by his wife, Nancy; a daughter and three sons.

Eleanor House Cali ’61 of Oswego passed away June 6. She taught biology at Gates Chili High School until her move to Oswego. Ellie worked as a secretary at Oswego Catholic High School before taking a job at the Oswego Hospital Laboratory, a position she held for 25 years, rising to the position of county laboratory supervisor. In 1972, she and her husband, Michael ’63, opened Cali’s Carriage House Florist. Ellie is survived by her husband, two sons, a daughter and 12 grandchildren.

Bonnie Pritchard ’62 of Cazenovia died June 7. She taught kindergarten for 34 years in the Jamesville-Dewitt School District, retiring in 1996. Bonnie is survived by two sisters and a brother.

Vincent Savona ’63, M ’70 of Oswego passed away May 31. Vincent taught chemistry in Central Square and then at Oswego High School for 29 years. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Evangelist ’64, and two sons, Michael ’91 and Andrew ’94.

Paul Scheno ’63 of Pawleys Island, S.C., passed away Aug. 11. Paul was a teacher and reading specialist for more than 40 years. Surviving are his wife, Susan Roach ’63; two sons; and two grandchildren.

Marjorie Tyler ’63 of Hannibal died Aug. 1. She taught physical education and English at Hannibal High School. She retired as a typesetter and editor at the Brown Newspapers in Baldwinsville and had previously worked at The Palladium-Times, The Valley News and Red Creek Herald newspapers. Marjorie is survived by two brothers.

Donald Capron ’64 of Gilbert, Ariz., passed away July 14. He earned a master’s degree at the University of Vermont and an MBA from San Francisco State University. Don worked for Dansk International Designs as vice president of Western Regional Operations, and as vice president of Securities Analysis at Smith-Barney Securities. After retiring, he spent three years as an associate professor of business administration at the University of Massachusetts.

Edward Finnerty ’65 of Camden passed away Aug. 25. He also earned a master’s degree at Oswego. Ed taught in the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill School District for 13 years. He then worked for Harden Furniture for 25 years, retiring in 2005. He is survived by a sister, Joyce Seubert, and his aunt, Doris Brown Allen ’42.

Helen Cianci Lavinio ’65 of Southampton passed away May 11.

Patricia Johnson Diehl ’66 of Rochester died Aug. 15, 2009. She began her career as an elementary teacher at Park Road Elementary in Pittsford and retired as a guidance counselor at Pittsford-Mendon High School. Patricia is survived by her husband, William; a daughter; and two grandchildren.

Russell Hasseler ’67 of Newark died Oct. 26, 2011. He is survived by his wife, Christine Doyle ’70; two sons; and two granddaughters.

Gail Goodman Wright ’71 of Hicksville died Aug. 29. She is survived by three children.

Mary Bucher ’74 of Canton passed away June 6. She earned master’s degrees from SUNY Albany and St. Lawrence University. Mary worked as a librarian at SUNY Canton for 35 years. She is survived by five brothers.

Bennie Lee Walker ’74 of Brookline, Mass., died July 17, 2011. He was a retired assistant headmaster at Snowden International High School. Surviving are three daughters, a son and three grandchildren.

Irene Goldman Gilman ’75 of Oswego passed away Aug. 17. She worked at the Oswego Hospital Mental Health Unit, was director of the New York state Migrant Head Start Program and most recently was a substitute teacher in the Oswego City School District. Irene was predeceased by her husband, Kevin ’74. She is survived by a sister. Donations in Irene’s memory may be made to the P. Kevin Gilman ’74 and Irene Goldman Gilman ’75 Memorial Scholarship at 215 Sheldon Hall, SUNY Oswego, Oswego, NY 13126.

William Musacchio ’76, M ’78 of Oswego passed away March 19. He is survived by his wife, Janet, and a son.

David Bennett ’77 of Kalispell, Mont., passed away June 20. He worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a forest firefighter, and was a member of the Inter-regional Hotshot crew. David is survived by his wife, Becky; two children; and three grandchildren.

Ruth Nolan Mulford ’77 of Ronkonkoma died Sept. 12. She was employed at Oswego County BOCES from 1970 to 2000, and had been the regional vice president for the Long Island/Metro region of the Association of Builders and Contractors since 2000.

Regina Whiteside ’79 of Syracuse died May 10. She earned a master’s degree in deaf education and sign language interpreting at Gallaudet University. Regina was an American Sign Language interpreter, taught sign language at Onondaga Community College for more than 20 years and was an elementary school teacher of the deaf.

Jonathan Russell ’80 of Albany died Sept. 7, 2011. He worked as an analyst/software engineer for several brokerage firms. Jon is survived by two children.

Joseph Klapkowski ’83 of Highland Falls died March 3. He was a financial analyst with Valley National Bank in New York City. Joseph is survived by his wife, Mary Elizabeth; two sons; and two daughters.

Richard O’Brien ’83 of West Babylon passed away Sept. 29, 2010. He is survived by his wife, Katherine, and a daughter.

Joan Mathieu ’85 of Redding, Calif., passed away June 28. She is survived by her husband, Don Mathieu, Emeritus Professor of History.

Mario Caruso ’88 of Brewerton died Dec. 19, 2009. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Mario was a retired hair stylist and the owner of Caruso’s Imperial Coiffures at Imperial Gardens. He is survived by two sisters and two brothers.

Kathleen Deugaw ’97 of Colton passed away June 9, 2011.

Linda Day ’00, M ’10 of Sandy Creek passed away Sept. 12. She earned a master’s degree at Syracuse University. Linda previously taught at Immokalee High School in Immokalee, Fla. She is survived by two sons.

Chad Kelly ’05 of Fulton died July 23 at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar while doing contract work for the Department of Defense. Chad served with the U.S. Army from 2006 to 2010 and served in Iraq from August 2007 to October 2008. He was currently employed by MacAuley-Brown. Surviving are his parents, Herbert “Butch” and Donna, and his girlfriend, Lauren.

Edward McNally M ’05 of Syracuse passed away Oct. 20. He earned a bachelor’s degree at LeMoyne in 1988 and a master’s degree at St. Mary’s Seminary in 1995. Ed was formerly the chaplain at the Hall Newman Center.

Jonathan Rothwell ’09 of Fayetteville passed away May 13. He is survived by his parents, Dickson and Carol; a brother, Matthew; and a sister, Joy.

Brent Pangburn ’12 of Lisle passed away July 19. He is survived by his parents, Doug and Jody; a daughter; and a sister.

J. Michael Adams, professor of technology at Oswego from 1972 to1984 passed away June 21. He was the president of Fairleigh Dickinson University for more than a decade before his retirement in May. He was the president of the International Association of University Presidents. While at Oswego, Michael earned the Chancellor’s Award for Teaching Excellence. Michael earned his bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University, a master’s degree from the University of Illinois and his Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University. He is survived by his wife, Susan; two daughters; a son; and four grandchildren.

Kristen Nuzback ’01 and Brian Shoemaker were married Nov. 12, 2011, at St. Madeleine Sophie Church in Guilderland and The Mohawk River Country Club and Chateau in Rexford. Pictured from left: Eric “Chewy” Vaughn ’00, Allison Shoemaker Beauechemin ’09, the bride, the bridegroom and Colleen McGovern Zimmer ’01.

Erin Brennan ’06 and James Jacobsen were married July 13 at the Venetian in Garfield, N.J. Alumni in attendance included, front row, from left: Shane Hogan ‘06, Will Boylan ‘06, Kevin Pytel ‘06, Pam Lubowsky ‘06, Larry Clever ‘06, the bridegroom and bride. Pictured back row, from left, are: Michael Crowley ‘06, Kyle Kenny ‘06, Gregory Crandell ‘06, Valerie Kahn Meltz ‘06, Cassandra Beal ‘06, Jessica Leo Kenny ‘06, Nicholas Lotito ‘06, Jamie Messineo Hogan ‘07 and Stephanie Foreman Lotito ‘06. Erin is an event planner. The couple resides in Pearl River.

Shane Hogan ’06 and Jamie Messineo ’07 were married on Aug. 6, 2011, at the Surf Club in New Rochelle. Alumni in attendance included Ann Devine Farrell ‘70 and Ryan Braden ‘06 at far left. Pictured top row, from left, are: Kyle Kenny ‘06; Greg Crandell ‘06; Nick Lotito ‘06; Conor Hogan ‘09, M ‘10; Cassandra Beal ‘06; Kevin Pytel ‘06; CJ Theiss ‘06; Bill Gannon ‘06; Elizabeth Farrell Dunnigan ‘05; Chris Dunnigan ‘06 and Joey Farrell ’09. Pictured middle row, from left, are: Erin Brennan Jacobsen ‘06; Jessica Leo Kenny ‘06, M ‘07; Stephanie Foreman Lotito ‘06; the bride; and the bridegroom. From left, Ian Cella ‘07 and Michael Crowley ‘06 are pictured in the bottom row. Shane is an accountant and Jamie is an account executive. The couple resides in Hoboken, N.J.

Drew Schiavo ’07 and Allie Chervin ’08 were married July 20 at The Estate at Eastwind, Wading River. Pictured top row, from left are: Liana Herman ’06, Rob Rosenbaum ’10 and Lawrence Nadel ’06. The bride and bridegroom are pictured at bottom. Drew and Allie are special education teachers in Brooklyn. The couple resides on Long Island.

Jenna Marchetta ’08 and Christopher Mack ’08 were married Jan. 21, 2012, in Utica. They were joined at the reception by several alumni. Pictured top row, from left, are: Jeff Frenzel ’07, Scott Stevens ’08, Dan Wentworth, Brendan Lennon ’10, Dan Gatto ’07, Chris Mosca ’08, Colin Kennedy ’06, Greg Mastrianni ’09 and Josh Cornue ’08. Pictured middle row, from left, are: John Haugh ’96, Tony Thai ’10, Michael Griffin ’10, Michael Marchetta ’10, Jimmy Karl ’10, Mike Fernandez ’07, Josh Drumm ’08, Anthony Labozzetta ’08 and Phil Caban ’05. Pictured bottom row, from left: Maryl Haney ’08, Lindsey Colello ’08, Kate Fruscione ’08, Hillary Gally ’08, Christopher Mack ’08, Jenna Marchetta Mack ’08, Melanie Kane ’08, Alison LaRocca ’08, Kelli Mosca and Allison Kleber ’08. Jenna recently completed her master’s degree in school counseling and Chris is a designer for Four Seasons. The couple resides in Rochester.

Kate Rose ’08, M ’10 and Gary Sutton ’08, M ’10 were married June 29 at Rolling Greens at Dutchess Golf and Country Club. Several alumni attended, including, pictured top row from left: Carrie Roblee ‘08, Nathan Roder ‘08, Katie Maxwell ’97, M ’02, Kori Ayres, Sabrina Corn ‘08, Jennifer Ronnenberg ‘08, Robin McAleese ‘93, Erik Kahoon, Patrick Lesswing ‘08, Ron Slater ‘08, Darrick Fuller ‘10, Jeff Stevens ‘10, Patty Hollister ‘07, Jennifer Nolan ‘09, Jenna George ‘09, Jessica Zalesny Barber ’09 and Steve Akin ‘08. Pictured middle row, from left, are: Dominica Thornton ‘10, Annie Rose ‘10, the bridegroom, the bride, and Dr. Jay Button. Pictured bottom row, from left, are: Amanda Fajen Akin ’08, Jessica Czachowski ‘08, Jennifer Barrenger ‘08, Victoria Sivers ‘07, Andrea Tucker ’07 and Ford Barber ‘09. The couple resides in Charleston, S.C.

Jessica Zalesny ’09 and Ford Barber ’09 were married in June 2010 at the Dutchess Golf and Country Club in Poughkeepsie. Pictured back row, from left, are: Mike Symons ’10, Matt Peirson ’09, Dustin Quinn ’09, Steven Akin ’08 and Gary Sutton ’08. Pictured middle row, from left are: Amanda Fajen Akin ’08, the bride, the bridegroom, Jessica Barber ’09, Chelsey Hammond ’08, Jillian Johnson ’10, Jenn Barrenger ’08, Ryan Pregent ’09 and Nicole Bishopric ’09. Pictured front row, from left, are: Christine Lucas ‘09, Mariana Bartonicek ’09 and Katie Rose ’08. The couple resides in Pleasant Valley.

March 23
Oswego Alumni Board of Directors and GOLD Leadership Council meetings*

April 18
School of Business and School of Communication, Media and the Arts Networking Event in New York City*

May 3
Oswego College Foundation Board of Directors Meeting**

May 17
Commencement Eve Torchlight Ceremony*

June 6-9
Reunion 2013*

August 5 E
Emeriti Luncheon**

September 20-22
Baseball Alumni Reunion Weekend*

September 27-29
Return to Oz IV*

October 5 Communication Studies
Alumni Dinner*

October TBD
School of Business Alumni Symposium*

October TBD
Dr. Lewis B. O’Donnell Media Summit**

November TBD
Oswego Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions

November TBD
Lakers Hockey 50th Anniversary: Reunion Weekend

* Alumni and Parent Relations, 315-312-2258

** University Development, 315-312-3003

Invariably, they would laugh, and that was just what he wanted. “A burst of laughter is like an unexpected quiz, “ he says. “It shows they understand.”

Dr. Demidowicz

For Demidowicz, humor was the first of four ingredients essential in every class, followed by mastery of the subject matter, awakening students’ confidence and potential, and planting the seed of continuing with the language.

He believes the classroom is a two-way street. “You inspire the students, impart the knowledge, but they also have to inspire you,” he says. “Mutual respect is key.”

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Seton Hall University and a master’s from Middlebury College, where he studied abroad in Madrid. He earned a doctorate at University of Madrid followed by four years at the University of Paris.

Demidowicz joined the Oswego faculty in 1965 and taught for 32 years, retiring in 1997. And while the classroom was the center of his life, he served on a host of committees, including the departmental curriculum committee, where he developed Spanish 340-341, “Masterpieces of Spanish Literature.” A delegate to Faculty Assembly, he also served as chair of the Spanish department.

A highlight of his career was directing Oswego’s study-abroad program at Madrid, which he did for 10 summers. “It was a tremendous experience,” he says. “You saw the students in a whole different environment.”

Two unforgettable moments marked his teaching career. In April 1994, a group of students surprised him, presenting him with a plaque in appreciation of his teaching. Several years later, upon his retirement, a group would fete him at a party in the International Center, singing a song in Spanish. “It was a tender moment,” he says.

Retirement has allowed time to pursue his scholarly interests. In 2007 he presented a paper on the Spanish writer Conde de las Navas — the subject of his dissertation —
at the renowned Ateneo Library in Madrid. He was invited by the writer’s great-grandson. He also has published two articles in the literary journal, Isidora.

His pursuit of his passion for Spanish led to another important part of his life. He met his wife, Maria, in Madrid, and the two were married 50 years ago this year.

He cherishes his family, Maria and their son, Robert. The centerpiece of his life in retirement is their grandson, Eric, an avid golfer who spends his summers in Oswego with John and Maria.

The couple loves to travel and a highlight was a 2010 trip to Germany, Austria and Hungary, a cultural and religious pilgrimage which included the Passion Play at Oberammergau. They also travel to the Shaw Festival
at Niagara-on-the-Lake each summer.

Wherever their travels take them, they always return to Oswego and their home across the street from the college that was central to John’s career. “This was my life and it was a good life. There was laughter and tears, but I don’t regret anything,” he says.