Dr. Lindsay Begins Term as President
Dr. Charles “Chuck” Lindsay began his term as fifteenth president of Elmira College on July 1. Dr. Lindsay’s long-term goals include a renewed focus on the liberal arts and sciences, strengthening academic and student life connections, and updating the College’s long-term strategic plan.
Dr. Charles “Chuck” Lindsay begins his term today as the fifteenth president of Elmira College. Previously serving as Dean of Academic Affairs and Provost at Elmira, Lindsay plans to draw on those experiences as he assumes the presidential role.
“I look forward to this next chapter in the history of this great college,” said Lindsay. “I believe in providing students from all walks of life with the opportunity to reach their full potential through Elmira’s commitment to academic excellence and the liberal arts and sciences. A renewal of these core subjects with a stronger integration of academic and student life programs will give our students the skills they need and that employers want – the ability to think critically, communicate clearly and solve complex problems.”
Lindsay, who follows two interim presidents, also looks forward to building a long-term strategic plan and deepening connections with alumni and friends of the College as well as the broader community.
“We will continue to build an Elmira College that is deeply connected to the city of Elmira, the Southern Tier and the world,” said Lindsay. “Our students not only learn in the classrooms, studios, and laboratories; they also learn from those with different life and cultural experiences; they learn through athletics, performance, and other student life activities; and they learn through community service and internships.”
Prior to arriving at Elmira College in 2012, Lindsay served in multiple positions at Bryn Athyn College in suburban Philadelphia. Those roles included Assistant Professor of Economics and Mathematics, Dean of Students, Dean of Strategic Planning and Finance, and Dean of the College. He continues to serve as a trustee and chair of Bryn Athyn’s Board Finance Committee.
A graduate of Lafayette College (PA) and Lehigh University (PA), Lindsay earned his Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania where he also did post-graduate work in Finance and Accounting at the Wharton School of Business.
On a personal side, Lindsay is a keyboardist who enjoys running and biking. He and his wife, Janna, have three grown daughters.
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Reunion 2017
Reunion 2017
What a fantastic weekend we had for Reunion 2017. The weekend celebrated the 50th Anniversary Class of 1967 and drew alumni from the Class of 1942 through the Class of 2017. Be sure to check out the photos online. [Click Here]First Martha Klayf Everett ’77 Scholarship Awarded
Reunion 2017 was full of fellowship and fun, but one event in particular held special meaning to the Class of 1977, as they gathered to honor the legacy of one of their own and present the first-ever Martha Klayf Everett ’77 Scholarship.
Classmates, former professors, and friends gathered in Tompkins Lounge during Reunion 2017 for a memorial service to remember and honor the life of Martha Klayf Everett ’77, a special alumna who positively impacted their lives.
Classmates remembered Martha as one of the “most charismatic and complete individuals” they knew. All mentioned her positive spirit and her highly distinctive voice. Armand Battisti ’77 remembered that she arrived with so many belongings that they would barely fit in the federated jet that brought her to campus. He recalls learning from her, the importance of being enthusiastic. “She just knew how to put a positive spin on everything,” he said. “I thought that was a sign of leadership. I learned that you could motivate people by being positive. She always chose the high road… She was fearless and confident.”
Her professor, Dr. John McLaughlin, sent a note that they had exchanged Christmas cards for more than thirty years. Her psychology professor, Dr. David Mandelbaum, knew the Class of 1977 for only one year, yet significantly remembers that Martha stood out and recalled, “I remember her like yesterday. (Her) hair, freckles and, oh, that voice still resonates in my senses and memories as does her passion, humor and enthusiasm.” Andy Talbert remembered her “not just as a friend, but working with her and enjoying great conversations.”
In her honor John McHugh ’80, the Everett family, and classmates from the Classes of 1976-1980 raised funds to endow The Martha Klayf Everett ’77 Scholarship to provide financial support to students who exhibit the same leadership qualities and involvement that Martha exemplified. Martha served as president of the Finance Board and as an executive officer on the Judiciary Board during her time at Elmira College.
Martha's Elmira College yearbook photo
John McHugh ’80 noted that what made this Reunion “that much more special is that on this year, the year of (Martha’s) reunion, we are able to award this scholarship for the first time.” The first recipient is Destiny Safford ’18, for whom this financial aid made an enormous difference.
Destiny expressed her appreciation to the class, “Growing up no one in my family ever mentioned college, because we did not believe it was a financial possibility. Elmira College has allowed me to build a future through participation in clubs like Student Alumni Council, Campus Activities Board, Active Minds, the Pre-law Club, and Orchesis. I have had the privilege of serving Elmira College and my fellow students as vice president of my freshman class, vice president of Twin Towers Hall Council, an Orientation executive, and, for the second year in a row, as volunteers executive chair for Reunion. Now, I am preparing to go to law school to become a guardian ad litem. I would like to thank all of you…scholarships like this one have opened doors for me, and I am truly grateful for all that I have experienced.” Destiny was grateful to be following in the footsteps of Martha who inspired all who knew her by the way she lived. The generosity of Elmira College alumni makes college a reality for many students like Destiny.
Martha’s daughter, Lauren, who could not attend the ceremony, sent this note: “I wanted to extend the deepest thanks and gratitude for the formation of the scholarship fund in my mother’s name. A lot of you were fixtures of the stories she told me as a child about her time at Elmira. And, believe me when I tell you, she told those stories with joy and admiration of her time there. If there was one thing my mom would fight for, it was education and scholarship. There is nothing more aligned with her legacy, memory, and love than the creation of this scholarship. With hope, it will remain a testament to her and a way to keep her in all our hearts for years to come.”
John noted that the journey to this scholarship was “long, emotional and at times confounding, but from its beginning during a lunchtime conference call to its fruition earlier this year, it has been nothing if not a labor of love for a munificent human being and a valued friend. So thank you to all of you who helped make this possible.”
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Preserving the Past By Planning for the Future
Preserving the Past By Planning for the Future
John Pascal has nurtured a lifetime passion for literature, especially that of famed author and humorist, Mark Twain. Together, with his wife Patty, John is ensuring the future of the Center for Mark Twain Studies for generations to come, through an estate gift.John and Patty have noted how every gift to the Center is wisely used to continue the rich heritage and relevancy of Mark Twain, his works, and his world for present and new generations to come.
Mark Twain Scholar John Pascal and his wife Patty have made plans to leave a quarter of their estate to the Center for Mark Twain Studies at Elmira College. Inspired by his late parents, John has a lifelong interest in literature, but has a special appreciation for Mark Twain. John has presented about Twain at two International Conferences on the State of Mark Twain Studies at Elmira College, at a lecture for the Park Church Lecture Series in Elmira, and at two Inaugural Samuel Clemens Conferences in Hannibal, Missouri.
In 2009, at his first International Mark Twain Conference at Elmira College, John met the late Dr. Thomas K. Meier, president of the College at the time, who suggested that John apply for a Mark Twain grant to conduct his research. John took advantage of this suggestion and the results culminated in a chapter written for a new book, Mark Twain and Youth: Studies in his Life and Writings published in 2016. In it John describes in vivid detail how he teaches Mark Twain and his works to secondary school students in the twenty-first century, a topic he has lectured on frequently and from personal experience. He has also reviewed works for the Mark Twain Forum.
However, John was not always a Mark Twain Scholar and teacher. After eighteen years in the corporate world working managerial positions at Bell Telephone, Macy’s, and as a NASDAQ special investigator with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Attorney’s Office, John decided to pursue teaching. For the past 17 years he has taught English at the oldest Catholic boys’ school in New Jersey, Seton Hall Preparatory School. There he works with ninth through twelfth grade students instructing them on literature, writing, communication, and sharing his fondness for all things Twain.
In recognition of his contributions to Mark Twain Studies, Seton Hall Preparatory School supported John in creating a new elective: Writings of Mark Twain. This class may be the only one of its kind in the United States on the secondary school level, and possibly the world. Now in its second year, John shares the life, world, and works of Mark Twain to a full classroom. The class has visited the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, Connecticut, and with other Twain Scholars around the country in John’s network developed through conferences at Elmira College.
Outside the classroom, John was the recipient of Seton Hall Prep’s Annual Salvatore N. Caprio Award. This award is given to “A teacher, moderator, and counselor who is generous in time, patience, and concern.” He is the moderator of the Student Council, Future Lawyers Club, Medical Leaders Club, Business Leaders Club, and Museums Club.
In terms of his own educational background, John graduated cum laude from Villanova University in Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in English. He also earned two master’s degrees, business administration from Seton Hall University and English with a concentration in American literature from Montclair State University. He was awarded the Lawrence Conrad Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in the Study of American Literature by Montclair University’s English Department. In 2009, his thesis “Artemus Ward: the Gentle Humorist” was selected and published in book form by VDM Publishing House Ltd. John’s work demonstrates how Ward was arguably our country's first national humorist prior to the emergence of Mark Twain. He further argues that Ward instilled in Twain the possibilities of being a comedic writer as well as having a profound influence on Twain’s lecturing style, which Twain himself acknowledged in his essay “How to Tell a Story."
John’s wife, Patty, who fully supports his Twain connections, has an undergraduate degree in psychology and a master’s degree in Mesoamerican studies. She is currently finishing her Ph.D. dissertation in Colonial Mayan Medicine manuscripts at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
In late July 2013, John presented his peer-reviewed work at the Twain Conference about one week after they were married. The entire group of Twain Scholars welcomed Patty to their circle of friendship. On January 9, 2017, Patty fulfilled her dream of becoming an American citizen. John says proudly, “She was the only representative from Colombia and now she is a representative for all of us!”
Elmira College is the guardian of Quarry Farm and the Mark Twain Study, where Mark Twain, his wife, Olivia Langdon and their family, summered for decades in Elmira, New York. Quarry Farm was a gift from the descendants of Olivia Langdon, closed to the public, but open to scholars from around the world interested in doing Twain-related research. Quarry Farm is also where Mark Twain wrote some of his most famous novels including The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
The Pascals have supported the Center for Mark Twain Studies and will continue to do so throughout the coming years. Their future estate gift will provide much needed financial support to the ongoing research at the Center. John and Patty have noted how every gift to the Center is wisely used to continue the rich heritage and relevancy of Mark Twain, his works, and his world for present and new generations to come. It was only fitting when John and Patty considered their legacy that they would give generously to what has been the passion of a lifetime.
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Alumni Spotlight: Janay Pyfrom-Symonette ’08
Alumni Spotlight: Janay Pyfrom-Symonette ’08
Janay Pyfrom-Symonette ’08
Chief Marketing Officer of a financial services firm in the Bahamas
"Experience is king, EC offers many opportunities for experiences, take advantage of them including the ones about yourself. "
As an Elmira student Janay was passionate to learn how to make ideas come to life. Inspired by alumni and faculty she took every learning opportunity to make a goal, and make it grow with research and creativity. Outside the classroom, Janay fueled her creative and business passion through participation in several cultural organizations, dance, and Enactus; becoming the co-president her senior year. Janay credits the opportunities she had in academics, clubs, and travel with preparing her to be a professional. She notes “Experience is king, EC offers many opportunities for experiences, take advantage of them including the ones about yourself.”
Upon graduating Janay landed her first job through connections made in Enactus at the largest beauty and cosmetics company in the U.S., Coty, LLC. Since then, she has moved up the ranks to chief marketing officer of a financial services firm in the Bahamas, and is now also a licensed stock broker.Still seeking out new opportunities, Janay has extended her marketing experience and now hosts a daytime television show called “The Stew.” Her bubbly, bold, and brilliant personality keeps driving her forward and she plans to launch a print media and marketing firm in the Bahamas later this year.
As an EC graduate, and former Enactus member, community service remains important to Janay. She continues to embody the Enactus mission, aiding the agenda of self-sufficiency in the Bahamas among young women. Her efforts have included launching a blog called The Fab Frugal, which focuses on financial and career tips for women, along with a segment on “The Stew” with tips on how to be financially sound.
Today, Janay is realizing her vision for her future and highlights becoming an entrepreneur while still pursuing new experiences, like media, television, and community service, as highpoints in her career.
Learn more about Elmira College's Marketing and Management program
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Five Under Five: Sarah Thomassen ’12
Five Under Five: Sarah Thomassen ’12
It has been five years s
ince the Astonishing Class of 2012 celebrated their Commencement and transition to the status of alumni. In this “Five Under Five,” we hear about the experiences of Sarah Thomassen ’12, who is now living and working in Taipei, Taiwan.
As Reunion weekend draws closer, we are continuing our “Five Under Five,” series featuring a question and answer session with an Elmira alumnus who graduated within the last five years.
Today, meet Sarah Thomassen who graduated Elmira with the Astonishing Class of 2012 with a bachelor of arts in history and adolescent education with a focus on social studies. In 2015, she earned her master of science education in literacy. Sarah currently lives in Taipei, Taiwan and is working as an English as a foreign language teacher.
What is your fondest memory of your time at Elmira?
My fondest memory academically was my student teaching experience in a seventh grade classroom at the Ernie Davis Middle School. It was an amazing and rewarding experience. My co-curricular involvement like playing field hockey and being a member of the dance clubs are also some of my favorite memories.
What is the most valuable lesson you learned in or out of the classroom at Elmira?
My junior year at Elmira, I was voted captain of the field hockey team. I entered college very soft-spoken; I never imagined I would one day be captain of my team. This experience really taught me what kind of leader I am meant to be. I will never be the captain yelling down the field, and that is okay. I am a leader by example, a mentor, a good listener, and a supporter.
How did your experience at Elmira impact your passions in your career and who you are today?
I was unsure about whether I wanted to pursue education or go down a different career path. The Term III field work in a junior high school during my first year at EC helped me to choose education as my future career. My philosophy of education, classroom management style, curriculum design, and much, much more have been shaped by every professor I had at Elmira.
What advice do you have for current undergrads or students considering attending Elmira?
Try new things. Ask questions. Make mistakes.
What is the best thing about being an Elmira alum?
I still own a lot of purple and I can usually be seen wearing my EC apparel. Being a part of the EC community did not stop after graduation. Elmira has an amazing alumni network.
College Recognized as a College of Distinction
Elmira College was recently recognized nationally for excellence in undergraduate-focused higher education by Colleges of Distinction, a national college resource program. The award is given to colleges that have distinguished themselves in each of the program’s Four Distinctions and have demonstrated dedication to enriching student outcomes through innovative learning opportunities.
National guide to colleges highlights innovative learning opportunities at top schoolsInnovative application of high impact educational practices at Elmira College earned the school recognition among the nation’s Colleges of Distinction.
Elmira College students earn college credit and valuable life experience while participating in study abroad programs in 10 countries, as well as through more than 15,000 hours of community service and participation in regional, national and international internships.
“We’re so happy to recognize Elmira College for developing skills relevant to graduates’ lives,” said Tyson Schritter, executive editor for Colleges of Distinction. “High student engagement in college is one of the keys to a successful undergraduate education. With an increasing emphasis on hands-on learning techniques, Colleges of Distinction applauds Elmira College for practicing methodologies that prepare students for their futures.”
Schools must demonstrate results across the program’s Four Distinctions — Engaged Students, Great Teaching, Vibrant Community, and Successful Outcomes. High school counselors and educators make nominations, and each school is evaluated on key indicators including student engagement, student empowerment, and curricular innovation. Colleges that have distinguished themselves in each of the Four Distinctions and that have demonstrated dedication to enriching student outcomes through innovative learning opportunities are then invited to join Colleges of Distinction.
“We are honored to be recognized as a College of Distinction,” said Dr. Charles Lindsay, president of Elmira College. “Elmira provides students with the life-altering experience of working closely with dedicated faculty members and of living in community with other students. Students attending Elmira learn in the classrooms, studios, and laboratories; they learn from those with different life and cultural experiences; they learn through athletics, performance, and other student life activities; and they learn through community service and internships.”
The annual process to select the nation’s Colleges of Distinction also includes a review of each institution’s freshman experience, as well as its general education program, strategic plan, and alumni success and satisfaction measures.
“Colleges of Distinction is more than an annual ranking of colleges and universities. We only include colleges that offer every student a holistic and valuable experience,” said Schritter. “The Colleges of Distinction have earned solid reputations for serving their students and nurturing success. Like Elmira College, our member schools provide the affirming undergraduate experience every student deserves.”
To view Elmira College’s profile or to find more information about the innovative learning experiences it offers, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.
About Colleges of Distinction
Since 1999, the Colleges of Distinction website and guidebook have recognized and honored schools throughout the U.S. for excellence in undergraduate-focused higher education. The member schools in the Colleges of Distinction consortium distinguish themselves through their focus on the undergraduate experience. CollegeofDistinction.com provides dynamic college profiles, customized tools, and resources for students, parents, and high school counselors. For more information, visit CollegesofDistinction.com.
Commemorative Twain Coins Lead to Endowed Fund
Sale of the 2016 gold and silver Mark Twain Commemorative coins has come to an end, and the Elmira College Center for Mark Twain Studies is pleased to announce receipt of $425,937.50 from the Center’s share of the surcharges. According to Center Director, Dr. Joseph Lemak, the funds were placed into an endowed fund and will support Mark Twain research and CMTS educational programming.
On December 4, 2012, Public Law 112-201 instructed “the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of Mark Twain.” The $5 gold and $1 silver coins, which were available for purchase through the U.S. Mint, went on sale in January 2016. Surcharges from the sale of the coins were authorized to four Twain heritage sites: Elmira College’s Center for Mark Twain Studies; The Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, CT; the Mark Twain Project at the Bancroft Library of the University of California, Berkeley; and the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, MO.
More than a year later, the Center for Mark Twain Studies is pleased to announce that it has received its portion of the surcharge amount, totaling $427,937.50. The entirety of this money has been placed in an endowed fund. Interest drawn from the fund supports annual CMTS programming which includes, but is not limited to, supporting Mark Twain scholars, hosting school field trips to Quarry Farm, facilitating public Twain lectures throughout the year, and creating meaningful online educational content available, at no expense, to schools and teachers for use in the classroom.
“The College is honored to serve as steward of the Mark Twain Study and Quarry Farm," said Dr. Charles Lindsay, Elmira College president. “The surcharges will enhance our efforts to preserve the historical integrity and significance of these literary landmarks as well as provide long-term, vital support for increased scholarship and teaching related to all aspects of Mark Twain, including the upcoming quadrennial international conference hosted by CMTS.”
The entire staff of the CMTS extends a thank you to all who bought a coin and to those who continue to support the Center by contributing to its Annual Appeal. Dr. Joseph Lemak, Director of the Center for Mark Twain Studies, said “if it weren’t for the contributions offered to us by the Friends of the Center, we simply wouldn’t be able to offer all of our wonderful public services and programming. We are all deeply appreciative of everyone who has helped us out throughout the years and we look forward to that continued support in the years to come.”
Alumni in the News
Lou Fiorillo M.S. ’86
Appointed head coach of EC men’s and women’s cross country
Dr. Anne E. Killen M.S. ’05
Appointed vice president of academic affairs at NY Chiropractic College
David Furletti M.S. ’00
Named superintendent of York Central School District (NY)
Brittnee McGuire Mexico ’10
Appointed head softball coach at MVCC
Renae Rokicki M.S. ’09
Awarded 2017 Alumni Achievement Award from Leadership Greater Syracuse
Kyle Smith M.S. ’14
Named executive director of Penn College Foundation
Julie Plant M.S. ’02
Named assistant basketball coach at UMass Lowell
Elmira College in the News
Elmira College’s Twain programs boosted by coin sales
Elmira went all out for its diamond jubilee celebration
Two-thirds of private colleges opt out of tuition aid
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Lou Fiorillo M.S. ’86
Appointed head coach of EC men’s and women’s cross country
Dr. Anne E. Killen M.S. ’05
Appointed vice president of academic affairs at NY Chiropractic College
David Furletti M.S. ’00
Named superintendent of York Central School District (NY)
Brittnee McGuire Mexico ’10
Appointed head softball coach at MVCC
Renae Rokicki M.S. ’09
Awarded 2017 Alumni Achievement Award from Leadership Greater Syracuse
Kyle Smith M.S. ’14
Named executive director of Penn College Foundation
Julie Plant M.S. ’02
Named assistant basketball coach at UMass Lowell
Elmira College in the News
Elmira College’s Twain programs boosted by coin sales
Elmira went all out for its diamond jubilee celebration
Two-thirds of private colleges opt out of tuition aid
Follow EC!
Elmira College
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Elmira, New York 14901, United States
Elmira College
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One Park Place
Elmira, New York 14901, United States
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