Oswego Alumni Magazine » authors

Alumni Bookshelf

Staff Report — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:25:53 +0000

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.

Dwight Logan ’59 teaches how to study, take exams and speed read in Essential Learning Skills. The book includes practice tests, tools, definitions and tips on useful subject matter. Insight Publishing 2009.

Gary Fuller ’64 uses trivia to teach his readers about practical geographic concepts and explanations in The Trivia Lover’s Guide to the World: Geography for the Lost and Found. Fuller asks questions like, “What continent contains at least 75 percent of the world’s fresh water?” and then provides answers in full detail, complete with illustrations and background information. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2012.

Don McNamara ’77 instructs preschoolers how to do American Sign Language through easy-to-follow illustrations and instructions in the Fun with Abby and Alyssa series. There are six books with themes such as: breakfast foods, zoo animals, colors, bedtime activities, school and family members. Second Printing, 2011.

Chris L. Brock ’83 shares a collection of humorous short stories of small-town life along the St. Lawrence river in Those Carp People: and Other Tales of Life Along the St. Lawrence. The book includes 10 stories inspired by Brock’s life along the river in Waddington, and his career as a journalist. Laughing Carp Publishing 2012.

Jennine Wright ’83 shares her personal collection of recipes and family traditions in the cookbook Meals That Make Memories: Recipes My Mother Never Wrote Down. Wright gives instructions on how to make many of her family’s recipes and also includes personal memories. Morris Press Cookbooks, 2012.

Lisa Carletta-Vieites ’94 illustrated the children’s book And I Thought About You. This book talks about the unbreakable bond between a working mother and her child, and the different ways working mothers show their love. Mascot Books, 2012.

Deirdre Maloney ’95 offers strategies for nonprofit organizations in The Mission Myth. She uses examples from her experience as a consultant to debunk the “mission myth,” the false belief that nonprofits should focus all of their time and resources on their missions alone. Business Solutions Press, 2012.

Alumni Bookshelf

Staff Report — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:30:10 +0000

Bert-Mary Brady ’55 tells her own story in Bert-Mary Who? The memoir covers the life of the industrial arts major and longtime teacher.
RealTime Publishing, 2011.

Anna Bellantoni Napolitano ’60 tests the limits of mathematical knowledge with Algebra Cross Number Puzzles. The book includes 20 puzzles intended to entertain and educate. AuthorHouse, 2012.

Jon C. Whalen ’66, M ’68 and his son, Bernard, co-wrote Justifiable Homicide. After the New York City mayor is assassinated, his brother — an NYPD cop — a detective and a rookie officer seek justice in this fictional thriller. Self-published, 2010.

Paul Ferguson ’69 tells the story of a delusional serial killer and the detective determined to catch him. Ferguson adds some twists to his first novel, Killing the Dead. 2QT, 2011.

After a violent nationalist uprising in 1950s Puerto Rico, two men conspire to assassinate “Give ’em Hell” Harry Truman in To Kill a President by George L. Colon ’71. The thriller interweaves the story of the aspiring assassins with two officers on the side of law and order. iUniverse, 2011.

Michael O. Logusz ’77 captures the terrain, tactics and terror of colonial-era battle in his historic text With Musket & Tomahawk Volume II: The Mohawk Valley Campaign in the Wilderness War. Logusz attempts to capture the feel of the campaign as American citizens on the rough frontier form themselves into an army in this follow up to volume one, which covered the Wilderness War’s Saratoga campaign. Casemate, 2012.

Diane Staehr Fenner ’91 and co-author Natalie Kuhlman offer guidance in Preparing Effective Teachers of English Language Learners: Practical Applications for the TESOL P-12 Professional Teaching Standards. The book includes step-by-step applications using the five domains of language, culture, instruction, assessment and professionalism. TESOL International Association, 2012.

Alumni Bookshelf

Staff Report — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:29:16 +0000

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.

Joseph Boskin ’51 is back again with the “comical journey” of Corporal Boskin’s Cold Cold War, which takes the readers through the adventure of Corporal Boskin’s challenges during the war. With a sense of humor, this book provides a look into the fictitious Transportation Arctic Group on a journey in Greenland. Syracuse University Press, 2011.

John Vaszko ’64 continues his mystery novel writing with his second book, The Reunion, a novel about Bob Harkins who is anxious and nervous about returning home to New York for his 40th high school reunion. However, when a former classmate is found dead, Harkins finds himself trying to solve the murder. Sir Speed Printing, 2011.

Donna Matteson ’83 M ’88 joins Deborah Kennedy and Stuart Baur in writing Civil Engineering & Architecture, a college preparation textbook that focuses on a successful career in science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM. The text uses architectural styles and illustrations that are used in today’s college classrooms. Delmar, Cengage Learning, 2012.

David M. Marshall ’92, M ’99, Brett Handley ’97, and Craig Coon ’01 worked together to write the textbook Principles of Engineering. With explanations of mathematics, engineering concepts, and scientific principles, the text is of great help to any non-calculus engineering course. Delmar, Cengage Learning, 2012.

Armando Rodriguez ’94 has written his first children’s book, titled Anything’s Possible: What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? With illustrations by Christina Siravo, the book takes young children through a journey to decide what they want to do now, rather than waiting until they’re older. Legwork Team Publishing, 2011.

Professor Emeritus Lewis Putnam Turco adds a companion to his previous books The Book of Literary Terms and The Book of Dialogue with his newly revised version of The Book of Forms. This edition shows the crafts of poetry and adding in new forms and examples by young and old contemporary poets. University Press of New England, 2012.

Alumni Bookshelf

Staff Report — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 22:29:12 +0000

Stan Levenson ’54 uses his memoir, When Brooklyn Was Heaven: A Memoir from Brooklyn to L.A. and Places In-Between, to provide accounts of those Brooklyn neighborhoods so rich in culture and history, and of his own rise from being a poor, fatherless kid during the Great Depression to becoming a renowned fundraiser helping schools around the world reap millions of dollars in grants and gifts. The book includes memories of Oswego times spent with classmates, including his Zeta Rho brothers and roommate Al Marini ’54; and emeriti, including the late Max Ziel and Erwin Palmer. Outskirts Press, 2011.

Joseph Cangemi ’59, Casimir Kowalski ’65 and Hilary S. Czaplicki write about the Solidarity movement in Poland in the late 1970s in their book, Heroes of Solidarity: Political, Philosophical, Psychological Perspectives. With 13 other scholars, the authors provide unique and multidimensional perspectives into the events that unfolded in Poland. McGraw-Hill, 2011.

Sandy McPherson Carrubba ’65 uses 21 poems to explore accepting change, finding the beauty in the everyday, being a mother, and art, among other topics in her chapbook, Brush Strokes. Finishing Line Press, 2011.

Alfred E. “Fred” Fergerson ’71 takes readers along on his journey through the Holy Land in His Footsteps Are Still Warm. The pilgrimage took Fergerson through Israel and Egypt with visits to the site of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem and tomb in Jerusalem. Blurb, 2011.

Barbara Gordon ’74 shares her story of breast cancer and journey through diagnostic testing in her co-authored book, Breast Cancer Recurrence & Advanced Disease, offering medical information about recurrence and late-stage breast cancer while addressing practical, emotional, spiritual and interpersonal aspects of dying and health. Duke University Press, 2010.

Robert Stundtner ’76 and Jennifer Cleland tell the story of Sage Hall, a Cornell residence hall built for women in 1874, in their book, Sage Hall: Experiments in Coeducation and Preservation at Cornell University. Through the book, they tell the story of their own courtship and the 1996 to 1998 renovation of Sage that replaced the dilapidated interior and retained the historic façade. PhG Publishing, 2011.

Jessica Godfrey ’06, M ’09> takes a look at historic cultural perceptions of senior women in Europe in her book, Attitudes Toward Post-Menopausal Women in the High and Late Middle Ages, 1100-1400. Xlibris, 2011.

Alumni Bookshelf

Staff Report — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:40:36 +0000

Stan Levenson ’54 uses his memoir, When Brooklyn Was Heaven: A Memoir from Brooklyn to L.A. and Places In-Between, to provide accounts of those Brooklyn neighborhoods so rich in culture and history, and of his own rise from being a poor, fatherless kid during the Great Depression to becoming a renowned fundraiser helping schools around the world reap millions of dollars in grants and gifts. The book includes many reminisces of Oswego times spent with classmates, including his Zeta Rho brothers and roommate Al Marini ’54, as well as emeriti, including Max Ziel and Erwin Palmer. Outskirts Press, 2011.

Edwina “Eddie” Foster ’62 makes her writing debut with Take a Hike! Walk Fire Island … Discover History, a guide inspired by her experience as an interpretive ranger with the National Park Service at Fire Island National Seashore. Xlibris, 2010.

In her debut novel, Jo Ann Butler ’76 weaves a tale of women’s lives in 17th-century Puritan New England. A Scandalous Life: Rebel Puritan centers on the true story of Herodias Hicks, married at 13, and compelled by harsh laws to either submit to an abusive marriage, or lose her children and be cast from her home. Neverest Press, 2010.

In Misery to Ministry, Mary T. Sorrendino ’03 offers hope to those who have suffered from low self-esteem, anxiety, fear or anger management issues. She writes from personal experience that the answer is very simple, yet profound. Misery to Ministry Publications, 2010.

Alumni Bookshelf

Staff Report — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 15:29:36 +0000

Pennsylvania: Our People, Places and Past, 2010

Randall A. Pellow ’65 has authored several grade school textbooks about Pennsylvanian geography and history. His most recent titles include Understanding Pennsylvania: Our Geography, History, Economics, and Government; Pennsylvania Geography; and Pennsylvania: Our People, Places and Past. Pellow has also co-authored several titles, including The Western Hemisphere, The Eastern Hemisphere and Our Pennsylvania Story. Penns Valley Publishers, 2007-2010.

Nice Girls Just Don't Get It, 2011

Internationally renowned executive coach and author of the million-copy bestseller Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office, Dr. Lois P. Frankel ’73 teamed with negotiation expert Carol Frohlinger to write Nice Girls Just Don’t Get It: 99 Ways to Win the Respect You Deserve, the Success you’ve Earned and the Life you Want. The new book teaches women how to assert themselves to get what they want in any situation and across all areas of their lives. Detailed and practical, Nice Girls Just Don’t Get It provides women with seven critical strategies and dozens of tactics to use in the workplace and beyond. Crown Archetype, 2011.

Aunt Pig of Puglia, 2009

Patricia Catto ’74, M ’80 captures an intimate look at family life in her book Aunt Pig of Puglia. Recounting experiences from her own family, Catto’s book paints a moving memoir of the Italian-American experience. Jaded Ibis Press, 2009.

Basketball History in Syracuse, 2010

Mark Allen Baker ’79 has released his 15th book, Basketball History in Syracuse: Hoops Roots. Reflecting on the rich history of professional basketball in Central New York, Baker introduces readers to the city and the professional teams that have represented the area in various leagues. History Press, 2010.

No More Heroes, 2010

David W. Palmer ’80 tells the story of a world featuring a secret organization of government assassins in No More Heroes. The book revolves around an event that occurs that is so traumatic that it pushes humanity into the next phase of development. Dreamviu Publishing, 2010.

Counting Sheep: A Tale of 10 Sheep, 2010

Jessica E. Godfrey ’09 wrote and illustrated Counting Sheep: A Tale of Ten Sheep. The children’s book follows the various methods a group of sheep use to get over a fence that blocks them from the barn where they sleep. Xlibris, 2010.

Alumni Bookshelf

Staff Report — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 19:39:24 +0000

Modern Irish Drama: W.B. Yeats to Marina Carr, by Professor Emeritus Sanford Sternlicht ’53, helps readers understand the background to the modern Irish drama and the scope of artistic, cultural and intellectual achievements in Irish history. The book, an updated version of the 1988 original, features extensive new material and discusses the lives and careers of more than 50 Irish playwrights. Syracuse University Press, 2010.

Richard G. Aanonsen ’59 reflects on the power of encouragement and sharing it with others in The Power of Encouragement. In the book, Richard provides guidance to help readers apply four elements of encouragement. PublishAmerica, 2009.

Anna Bellantoni Napolitano ’60 mixes math with fun in Math Crossword Puzzles, a book designed to help young children learn math in a more entertaining way. The book features arithmetic problems that, once solved, help fill in the puzzle. 1stBooks, 2004.

Perry Zirkel ’66 and Zorka Karanxha elaborate on the legal rights and obligations of student teachers in their educational law book Student Teaching and the Law. The book helps provide the framework for the student teaching experience and explain the issues that schools and student teachers should anticipate. Rowman & Littlefield Education, 2009.

Nancy Fichtman Dana ’86, M ’88 and Diane Yendol-Hoppey explain the secrets of maximizing talent among educational staff in Powerful Professional Development. The book offers a variety of tips and tools to help promote job-embedded professional learning among teachers and administrators. Corwin, 2010.

Kellyann Gayer ’93 and Susan Ehmann team up to help educators find mentor texts for teaching young writers in I Can Write Like That. The two help provide examples of 27 authors’ craft while also providing activities and workshops on how to reinforce what students have learned. International Reading Association, 2009.

Writing under the pseudonym Wesli Court, Professor Emeritus Lewis Putnam Turco chronicles the ups and downs of the real world in The Gathering of the Elders. Renowned writer/poet X.J. Kennedy calls the book “an event calculated to shiver all literary seismographs.” Star Cloud Press, 2010.