Union in the Media

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.

Bob Soules, director of the Becker Career Center, recently shared his views on the job outlook for college grads.

To read the story in the Times Union, click here (subscription may be required).

The Kenney Center's annual UCARE Day, a free carnival for kids and their families, was held Sunday in Memorial Fieldhouse.

With over 100 students working to host a carnival for local kids and their families, UCARE Day is one of Union’s biggest volunteer events of the year. More than 500 local kids and their families came to campus.

UCARE, or Union Community Action Reaching Everyone, works to plan events that bring together the Schenectady and Union communities.

To read a story in the Daily Gazette, click here.

Seamus Galligan '02 was recently featured in the Providence Journal. The story focused on Galligan’s career as a singer-songwriter and his position as a finalist in the Performing Songwriter Competition at the Rose Garden Coffeehouse (Mass.).

As a student at Union, Galligan played hockey and participated in Block U Society.

Valerie Barr, professor of computer science and chair of ACM-W, the Association for Computing Machinery Council on Women in Computing, recently spoke at "A Call to Action for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment" conference at UN Headquarters in New York.

Dozens of media outlets nationally and internationally reported on the conference, including the Toronto Telegraph, Malaysia Sun and the Paris Guardian.

Taylor Music Center continues its Taylor Time! concert series with a recital of original works and other pieces by Max Caplan ’16 at 5 p.m. Monday, May 23, in Emerson Auditorium.

A composer and pianist, Caplan will perform four original compositions, including his newest piece, “Metamorphoses,” a quartet for violin, clarinet, cello and piano, with prominent professional musicians selected by Hilary Tann, the John Howard Payne Professor of Music. He will also perform a solo piece for piano, a piano duet and a piece scored for a large jazz ensemble.

To read a preview in the Times Union, click here (subscription may be required).