all Union in the Media Archive

For decades, some believe the ghost of Alice Van der Veer reappears in Jackson's Garden on the first full moon of summer.

WAMC's Listen With The Lights On is a podcast dive into the strange, mysterious and occult.

The latest episode examines the possibility of a ghost haunting Jackson's Garden.

WAMC, Northeast Public Radio is a member of National Public Radio serving parts of seven northeastern states. These include New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania.

Sydney Paluch '17 and David Olio '17 are the latest recipients of a summer research fellowship program offered through the Kelly Adirondack Center.

To read about their projects in the Sunday Gazette, click here.

To read a story on Union's news site, click here.

Students participating in Union’s annual EDGE camp helped adapt some toys for kids with special needs at the Langan School in Albany.

To watch a news clip on WTEN-10, the local ABC affiliate, click here.

Since 2002, the College has hosted a two-week summer program, “Educating Girls for Engineering.” With a dearth of women enrolled in undergraduate engineering programs, the camp encourages high school juniors and seniors from across the country to consider careers in engineering.

This summer, the College is restoring a monument dedicated in honor of John Howard Payne, who attended Union between 1806 and 1808. Payne is the author of the popular ballard, "Home, Sweet Home."

Built in 1911 and dedicated at the College’s 115th commencement, the 67-ton monument is the centerpiece of Payne Gate, a 90-foot-wide gateway that replaced the Blue Gate as Union’s main entrance. It was designed by George B. Post & Sons, the architect of Alumni Gymnasium.

To read a story in the Times Union, click here.

To read about the project on the College's news site, click here.

Union alumni Rich and Mary Templeton (both from the Class of 1980) were the commencement speakers at Southern Methodist University.

Rich is the CEO of Texas Instruments, and Mary is a financial analyst and computer scientist. The couple, who are dedicated philanthropists and civic leaders, shared their inspiring story. Mary was paralyzed two years ago in a swimming accident.

Chad Orzel, associate professor of physics, appeared on the popular NPR program, "Here and Now," to talk about Americans’ basic science understanding, and how much it matters.

A live production from NPR and WBUR Boston, in collaboration with public radio stations across the country, "Here and Now" reflects the "fluid world of news as it’s happening, with timely, smart and in-depth news and conversation."

The interview was part of the program's weeklong series on the state of science in America.

To listen, click here.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker was the featured speaker at Union’s 222nd Commencement on Hull Plaza Sunday. It was one of Union’s largest graduating classes, with 550 members of the Class of 2016.

More than a two dozen media outlets mentioned the ceremony, including the Associated Press and the Boston Globe.

View a photo gallery in the Times Union

Jennifer Hutchins '90 was recently featured in the Portland Press Herald. The story focused on her new job as executive director of the Maine Association of Nonprofits.

At Union, Jennifer was involved in Gamma Phi Beta and Mountebanks, and a spent a term abroad in France. Read the story here.

Dr. Patrick O’Connor '78, a professor of medicine at Yale School of Medicine and a past president of the American Board of Addiction Medicine, was recently quoted in The New York Times. The story focused on the death of Prince and the pop star’s struggle with pain and reliance on opioids – something that resonates with thousands of patients who have endured similar battles to manage pain.

During his time at Union, O'Connor was involved with student government.

Read the story here.

More than 2,000 alumni and guests came home to celebrate the Union community at ReUnion 2016.

Besides the traditional class dinners, Alumni Parade, convocation, picnic and fireworks, this year featured a panel on journalism with three generations of Wall Street Journal reporters. Barry Newman `67, Matthew Futterman `91 and Joanna Stern `06 have more than a half-century of experience reporting for the Journal. They shared their experiences at the nation's largest newspaper and discussed the rapidly changing landscape of journalism.

At the Alumni Convocation, President Stephen C. Ainlay remarked that the sense of community at Union, as evidenced by overflow crowds at events both on- and off-campus, has never been stronger.

Citing top rankings, record applications and strong alumni support, Ainlay said that perhaps the most important measure of the College’s strength can be seen in the students, particularly the Class of 2016.

“Talk to them about what they have accomplished,” he said. “When other colleges across this country were brought to their knees over issues related to diversity, this College stood together to affirm the values of diversity and to oppose persecution and harassment wherever it occurs and whatever form it takes.”

He also cited the commitment of student organizations to sustainability through organizations like U-Sustain, Octopus’s Garden, Green Grants and the recycling program.

“This is a community that has come together around issues that matter and has made a difference,” he said.

The president recalled a note from an alumnus who referred to the campus energy as “lightning in a bottle.”

“That is about you,” he said. “It’s about the Class of 2016. It’s a great institution, one you can be proud of, one that is worthy of your support, one that is worthy of your membership. It is lightning in a bottle.”

Peter Durkin ’16, senior student trustee, cited a number of student accomplishments including the establishment of Zipcar on campus, a march of solidarity against discrimination and a revised motto to include the word “soeurs” (sisters) to reflect the College’s co-educational mission.

Mark Webster ’88, co-chair of the Annual Fund, announced class gifts totaling more than $10 million, with the Class of 1976 giving a total of $6 million.

Andrew Kelly ’46, the oldest participant, celebrating his 70th ReUnion, got a standing ovation.

Susanna Ryan Berger ’99, president of the Alumni Council presented Alumni Gold Medals to James Taylor ’66, president and CEO of Taylor Made Group; Kelly Williams ’86, senior advisor to GCM Grosevnor; and John Sciortino ’81 (posthumously), founding partner of law firm Segar & Sciortino. Ann Fleming Brown, director of Admissions, received the Faculty Meritorious Service Award.

"ReUnion 2016 was a great success with alumni and friends back to celebrate Union and reconnect,” said Marna Redding, director of Alumni and Parent Engagement. "The weekend celebrated all that makes Union special and offered time for
classmates to remember and reflect. Thanks to those of you that came
home, we look forward to welcoming you back next year.”

The 50th ReUnion Class of 1966 received the Anable Cup for the greatest participation and the McClellan Cup for greatest class percentage. The Class of 1956 received the Van Voast/Class of 1941 Cup for best costume. The Class of 1991 received the Class of 1943 ReUnion Award for greatest ReUnion effort.

To view a photo gallery, click here.

ReUnion 2017 will be held May 19-21.