Countdown to Reunion 2018
Reunion 2018 is just a few days away, and as part of the festivities, alumni can get back into the classroom with educational lectures offered by faculty and community members. Explore how faculty are taking the classroom off campus, dig into your own art project, and relax with Tibetan bowls sound healing. Other traditional and favorite activities returning for Reunion 2018 include a Corning Museum of Glass tour, a tour of the health sciences facilities in Cowles Hall, and Wine Fest featuring tastings of Finger Lakes wine, beer and spirits. Register online today.
Watkins Glen International is offering special ticket rates to EC alumni for its 2018 events, including Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen, Finger Lakes Wine Festival, Go Bowling at The Glen, Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix, and Ticket Galaxy Beer Festival. To buy discounted tickets, visit theglen.com and use coupon code WGIEDU.
Special Watkins Glen International Offers for EC Alumni
SAC Supports Southern Tier JDRF OneWalk
On May 20, the Elmira College Student Alumni Council (SAC) partnered with the Clarke Health Center to coordinate the logistics and decorations for the annual JDRF OneWalk held at Elmira College. Students and community members participated in the annual walk, which raised more than $30,000 in support of research to cure, prevent, and treat Type 1 diabetes and its complications.
The Stand Energy Prize was presented to Marissa Isaacs '18, a criminal justice, psychology, and human services major from Baldwinsville, New York. The Prize, established by Stand Energy Corporation, recognizes an Elmira College student who, in the course of performing an internship with regional businesses or community organizations, has demonstrated outstanding leadership, initiative, creativity, and responsibility. Marissa was nominated by her supervisor for her internship with the Legal Division at Chemung County Department of Social Services.
Isaacs was a member of Elmira College's Cheerleading competition team, which was often involved in many community service activities, like volunteering to work different events, benefits, and races throughout the area. Marissa is also a criminal justice and human services tutor and has served as an Elmira College Orientation Leader. During her four years at Elmira, she was inducted into Psi Chi National Psychology Honor Society, Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society and Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honor Society. Following Commencement, Marissa plans to continue her education by attending either graduate or law school.
The President's Council Award was presented to alumnus Art Field '83. The Award recognizes outstanding Elmira College graduates who have distinguished themselves and the College by exemplary service in the College's greater community, and who, by giving generously of their time and talent, has improved the quality of the community.
Field retired as president of First Heritage Federal Credit Union after more than 20 years with the organization. Over the course of his extensive career, Field served on the boards of many organizations, including the Corning Community College Foundation Board, United Way of the Southern Tier, Corning-Guthrie Hospital, Corning Chamber of Commerce, and Three Rivers Development. In addition, Field has volunteered with organizations such as the Southern Tier Library Association, Southern Tier Hospice, and St. Mary Our Mother Church in Horseheads.
"Wherever I've worked, my company and bosses always encourage and supported me to participate in events and activities that helped change lives," said Field. "That's what Elmira College does everyday - educate and improve students' lives. Then students can go out into the workplace and communities and do the same."
Elmira College celebrated the graduation of 297 students during its 160th Commencement on Saturday, June 2 at the Murray Athletic Center, Pine Valley. The exercises included 270 undergraduate and 27 graduate students.
Following a welcome and award recognitions by Elmira College President Charles Lindsay, Mr. A. Scott Welliver, Elmira College Board of Trustees, joined Dr. Lindsay to confer Mr. Guy Vickers, president of the NYC-based PVH Foundation at PVH Corp., with the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for his extensive philanthropic work and long-standing support to Elmira area organizations.
Throughout Vickers's extensive career in community affairs, he worked closely with many associations such as Millennium Promise and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project, where he served as vice chair of the Board and currently serves as the chair of the Memorial Foundation, Inc. In addition, Vickers serves as a board member for Economic Opportunity Program, Inc. in Elmira, New York. He has also demonstrated a dedication to young people and was recognized for his guidance and positive influence within the community. In 2016, Vickers was presented with the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation Annual Rush HeARTS Award for Outstanding Community Service.
In 2015, Vickers and Tommy Hilfiger received the prestigious Trumpet Award, which honors African American achievers and those who support the African American experience. In 2013, Vickers was presented with The King Legacy Award for International Service for his work with The Millennium Villages Project, an organization dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.
Following the conferring of the honorary degree, Dr. Charles Mitchell, provost, introduced the 2018 Valedictorians, Marisa Bernardi '18 and Emily Bush '18, and then presented the 2018 undergraduate and graduate candidates to Dr. Lindsay for conferral.
"Today, as we celebrate your achievements and hard work over the past few years, we also share in your excitement and anticipation for the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead," reflected Dr. Lindsay. "Elmira College has a history and tradition of graduating women and men who make a difference in this world, and as you leave Elmira's 'fair halls' to join the ranks of those distinguished alumni, know that this is your place - the College where you made friends, shaped your future and came of age. The College that will be part of you forever."
During ceremonies prior to Commencement, members of the graduating class were recognized with multiple honors and prizes, including induction into Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest national honors organization, and officer commissioning with the United States military. The Class of 2018 also included more than 140 honor graduates receiving summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude honors.
Photos from the Commencement exercises are available on the College's Flickr account.
We continue our Alumni Board Spotlights this month with Laurie Kelechava ’73, current board secretary, who began her term as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors in July 2012. After retiring from a rewarding career in education, Laurie knew she wanted to give back to EC. [Read More]
What have been the highlights and milestones of your life’s career?
“I loved every day of my teaching career and never regretted my career choice. I spent my entire career working with high-risk children - most of them entered school not able to speak English. The challenge was right up my alley and watching those children blossom and grow was so very wonderful.”
How did your experience at Elmira College prepare you for your career? Any specific experiences, courses, faculty that made a significant influence on your career?
When I was at Elmira, you majored in education and had a concentration in another area. Since I am a lifelong lover of history (yes, the Mark Twain connection was very intriguing to me), I concentrated in history. I was able to take many history courses, in addition to my education courses. I always felt that my horizons were broadened twofold because of the structure of the education department.
I took two semesters of British history with Dr. Joel Rodney my junior year. I then spent my third term in London with him and about thirty other EC students. That experience was outstanding. We took art history courses at a college in London and traveled throughout the country. My love of travel today came from that trip.
We had to take liberal studies for two semesters freshmen year. It was a six-credit course and all the usual freshman courses were part of the course - writing, literature, history, philosophy etc. A small group of students met with the same professor three mornings a week for two hours. My professor was Dr. Middlestat. As I look back, I now realize that all the skills needed for a successful life and career were learned in that course: reading, writing, thinking, speaking, organizing, working in a group, just to name a few. I thought the course was so innovative at the time, and I still do.
Alumni Board members lead the way as ambassadors of the college. What motivated you to serve EC on the Board?
A few years before I retired I met with Peggy Arnesen ’63, who asked me to join the Alumni Board. I told her that we should talk again when I retired. We did and I joined the board. I wanted to give back to Elmira. My wonderful career was due to what the college gave to me. I love seeing how the college has changed through the years and I love meeting and working with the students.
What advice would you give a prospective student?
Take advantage of every opportunity you can during your college years. Develop your writing and thinking skills. Learn how to work with others. Learn about different cultures. It will enrich your life.Student Spotlight: Madison Carolus ’18
Madison Carolus ’18, an accounting and finance double major, credits her Term III internship with Valicenti Advisory Services in Elmira, NY, with preparing her for a full-time job post-graduation.[Read More]
Summer is quickly approaching and many students are preparing for Commencement and the world beyond college. This week’s #SoaringToSucess features Madison Carolus ’18, an accounting and finance double major, who is confident and ready to tackle a Customer Relationship Specialist position with Farm Credit after completing a spring internship with Valicenti Advisory Services.
Let’s hear more from Madison…
Term III I was able to intern for Valicenti Advisory Services in Elmira. Valicenti works with businesses and individuals and offers an array of financial services including, portfolio management, planning and consulting, estate planning, 401(k) administration/asset management services, tax services, and accounting services.
Being an accounting and finance double major, this internship exposed me to how an advisory service firm works with various aspects of businesses and individuals to help optimize their finances. I had the opportunity to work with an assortment of software assisting with tax returns, company books, along with other miscellaneous projects. Being able to work with so many companies highlighted the need for consistency in accounting for various transactions and occurrences within the business. This exposure also demonstrated how different companies use different methods to account for and categorize things within their business.
Assisting with the returns I got to work with portfolios and examine the tax consequences and possible benefits of investing. I also got the unique experience to see which stocks and markets performed well over the years by examining the dispositions. Being able to read investment reports is vital to understanding what goes on in a portfolio and how to account for those transactions come tax season.
Valicenti was able to challenge me to work on projects and find solutions that were not easy. This experience gave me the background and foundation needed to successfully start a career in finance and accounting after I graduate. I now feel confident entering into the workforce and look forward to starting a fulltime job in July!
The end of the academic year brings multiple award ceremonies, and again this year, the College was able to provide numerous endowed scholarships and prizes thanks to the generosity of alumni, family, and friends. Click here to learn more about this year’s recipients and our students’ other achievements.
The Athletics Award Reception, held May 21, capped a strong year for EC student-athletes - both on the court/field an in the classroom. Click here for a full list of the students and teams recognized and visit the Athletics Facebook page to view photos from the evening.
Megan Barney ’17, who recently completed her first year of graduate school at Northeastern University in Boston, had the humbling opportunity to work on the “Our Marathon” project, an online archive of the 2013 Boston Marathon, bombings, and aftermath that gripped the city. [Read More]
The project has had an impact on Barney, “While I was not personally affected by the tragic event, I currently call Boston home, and I've been both honored and humbled to be a part of this project as a small contribution to the Boston community.”
Our Marathon is an archive of pictures, videos, stories, and social media related to the Boston Marathon, the April 2013 bombings, and the healing process for the City of Boston. Geared to serve as a memorial, Our Marathon aims to preserve the records, giving all who were affected by the marathon, the world, and future historians an eye-opening view of the impact of the events surrounding the 2013 race, and the strength of the city to move forward.
To learn more about Our Marathon and to view the archive, click here.
The 2018 Park Church Lecture Series begins Wednesday, June 13, and features three Twain-related lectures at the historic Park Church on W. Gray Street, Elmira. [Read More]
President’s Council Award Presented to Art Field ’83
Alumnus Art Field ’83, retired president of First Heritage Federal Credit Union, was the 2018 recipient of the annual President’s Council Award. Field served on the boards of many Southern Tier organizations throughout throughout his extensive career. [Read More]
President's Council Presents Annual Awards
Category: Alumni
The Elmira College President's Council awarded its highest honors, The President's Council Award and the Stand Energy Prize, during a ceremony held May 17 in Peterson Chapel.The Stand Energy Prize was presented to Marissa Isaacs '18, a criminal justice, psychology, and human services major from Baldwinsville, New York. The Prize, established by Stand Energy Corporation, recognizes an Elmira College student who, in the course of performing an internship with regional businesses or community organizations, has demonstrated outstanding leadership, initiative, creativity, and responsibility. Marissa was nominated by her supervisor for her internship with the Legal Division at Chemung County Department of Social Services.
Isaacs was a member of Elmira College's Cheerleading competition team, which was often involved in many community service activities, like volunteering to work different events, benefits, and races throughout the area. Marissa is also a criminal justice and human services tutor and has served as an Elmira College Orientation Leader. During her four years at Elmira, she was inducted into Psi Chi National Psychology Honor Society, Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society and Phi Eta Sigma Freshman Honor Society. Following Commencement, Marissa plans to continue her education by attending either graduate or law school.
The President's Council Award was presented to alumnus Art Field '83. The Award recognizes outstanding Elmira College graduates who have distinguished themselves and the College by exemplary service in the College's greater community, and who, by giving generously of their time and talent, has improved the quality of the community.
Field retired as president of First Heritage Federal Credit Union after more than 20 years with the organization. Over the course of his extensive career, Field served on the boards of many organizations, including the Corning Community College Foundation Board, United Way of the Southern Tier, Corning-Guthrie Hospital, Corning Chamber of Commerce, and Three Rivers Development. In addition, Field has volunteered with organizations such as the Southern Tier Library Association, Southern Tier Hospice, and St. Mary Our Mother Church in Horseheads.
"Wherever I've worked, my company and bosses always encourage and supported me to participate in events and activities that helped change lives," said Field. "That's what Elmira College does everyday - educate and improve students' lives. Then students can go out into the workplace and communities and do the same."
160th Commencement Welcomes 2018 Grads to Alumni Ranks
The 160th Elmira College Commencement welcomed nearly 300 graduates to the alumni ranks on June 2. The College awarded its highest honor, the Honorary Doctorate, to Guy Vickers, president of the NYC-based PVH Foundation at PVH Corp. Vickers also delivered the Commencement Address.
Elmira College Celebrates 160th Commencement
Category: Academics
Following a welcome and award recognitions by Elmira College President Charles Lindsay, Mr. A. Scott Welliver, Elmira College Board of Trustees, joined Dr. Lindsay to confer Mr. Guy Vickers, president of the NYC-based PVH Foundation at PVH Corp., with the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for his extensive philanthropic work and long-standing support to Elmira area organizations.
Throughout Vickers's extensive career in community affairs, he worked closely with many associations such as Millennium Promise and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project, where he served as vice chair of the Board and currently serves as the chair of the Memorial Foundation, Inc. In addition, Vickers serves as a board member for Economic Opportunity Program, Inc. in Elmira, New York. He has also demonstrated a dedication to young people and was recognized for his guidance and positive influence within the community. In 2016, Vickers was presented with the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation Annual Rush HeARTS Award for Outstanding Community Service.
In 2015, Vickers and Tommy Hilfiger received the prestigious Trumpet Award, which honors African American achievers and those who support the African American experience. In 2013, Vickers was presented with The King Legacy Award for International Service for his work with The Millennium Villages Project, an organization dedicated to eradicating extreme poverty in sub-Saharan Africa.
Following the conferring of the honorary degree, Dr. Charles Mitchell, provost, introduced the 2018 Valedictorians, Marisa Bernardi '18 and Emily Bush '18, and then presented the 2018 undergraduate and graduate candidates to Dr. Lindsay for conferral.
"Today, as we celebrate your achievements and hard work over the past few years, we also share in your excitement and anticipation for the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead," reflected Dr. Lindsay. "Elmira College has a history and tradition of graduating women and men who make a difference in this world, and as you leave Elmira's 'fair halls' to join the ranks of those distinguished alumni, know that this is your place - the College where you made friends, shaped your future and came of age. The College that will be part of you forever."
During ceremonies prior to Commencement, members of the graduating class were recognized with multiple honors and prizes, including induction into Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest national honors organization, and officer commissioning with the United States military. The Class of 2018 also included more than 140 honor graduates receiving summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude honors.
Photos from the Commencement exercises are available on the College's Flickr account.
Alumni Spotlight: Laurie Kelechava ’73
We continue our Alumni Board Spotlights this month with Laurie Kelechava ’73, current board secretary, who began her term as a member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors in July 2012. After retiring from a rewarding career in education, Laurie knew she wanted to give back to EC. [Read More]
Laurie Kelechava ’73
Alumni Board Secretary
Elmira College’s Alumni Association helps establish and perpetuate fellowship between alumni and connection with the College and its students. In July, Laurie Kelechava ’73 began her term as Secretary of the Alumni Association’s Board. An Elementary Education/ History major, Lauriereceived her Master of Education from Lehigh University, in Bethlehem, PA. Laurie retired in June of 2012 from Allentown School District, Allentown, PA as a Pre-kindergarten Teacher and Principal’s Aide. Here is a closer look at Laurie.What have been the highlights and milestones of your life’s career?
“I loved every day of my teaching career and never regretted my career choice. I spent my entire career working with high-risk children - most of them entered school not able to speak English. The challenge was right up my alley and watching those children blossom and grow was so very wonderful.”
How did your experience at Elmira College prepare you for your career? Any specific experiences, courses, faculty that made a significant influence on your career?
When I was at Elmira, you majored in education and had a concentration in another area. Since I am a lifelong lover of history (yes, the Mark Twain connection was very intriguing to me), I concentrated in history. I was able to take many history courses, in addition to my education courses. I always felt that my horizons were broadened twofold because of the structure of the education department.
I took two semesters of British history with Dr. Joel Rodney my junior year. I then spent my third term in London with him and about thirty other EC students. That experience was outstanding. We took art history courses at a college in London and traveled throughout the country. My love of travel today came from that trip.
We had to take liberal studies for two semesters freshmen year. It was a six-credit course and all the usual freshman courses were part of the course - writing, literature, history, philosophy etc. A small group of students met with the same professor three mornings a week for two hours. My professor was Dr. Middlestat. As I look back, I now realize that all the skills needed for a successful life and career were learned in that course: reading, writing, thinking, speaking, organizing, working in a group, just to name a few. I thought the course was so innovative at the time, and I still do.
Alumni Board members lead the way as ambassadors of the college. What motivated you to serve EC on the Board?
A few years before I retired I met with Peggy Arnesen ’63, who asked me to join the Alumni Board. I told her that we should talk again when I retired. We did and I joined the board. I wanted to give back to Elmira. My wonderful career was due to what the college gave to me. I love seeing how the college has changed through the years and I love meeting and working with the students.
What advice would you give a prospective student?
Take advantage of every opportunity you can during your college years. Develop your writing and thinking skills. Learn how to work with others. Learn about different cultures. It will enrich your life.Student Spotlight: Madison Carolus ’18
Madison Carolus ’18, an accounting and finance double major, credits her Term III internship with Valicenti Advisory Services in Elmira, NY, with preparing her for a full-time job post-graduation.[Read More]
Long-Term Projections Look Good for This Grad
Category: Academics
Let’s hear more from Madison…
Term III I was able to intern for Valicenti Advisory Services in Elmira. Valicenti works with businesses and individuals and offers an array of financial services including, portfolio management, planning and consulting, estate planning, 401(k) administration/asset management services, tax services, and accounting services.
Being an accounting and finance double major, this internship exposed me to how an advisory service firm works with various aspects of businesses and individuals to help optimize their finances. I had the opportunity to work with an assortment of software assisting with tax returns, company books, along with other miscellaneous projects. Being able to work with so many companies highlighted the need for consistency in accounting for various transactions and occurrences within the business. This exposure also demonstrated how different companies use different methods to account for and categorize things within their business.
Assisting with the returns I got to work with portfolios and examine the tax consequences and possible benefits of investing. I also got the unique experience to see which stocks and markets performed well over the years by examining the dispositions. Being able to read investment reports is vital to understanding what goes on in a portfolio and how to account for those transactions come tax season.
Valicenti was able to challenge me to work on projects and find solutions that were not easy. This experience gave me the background and foundation needed to successfully start a career in finance and accounting after I graduate. I now feel confident entering into the workforce and look forward to starting a fulltime job in July!
Endowed Scholarships, Prizes Awarded
The end of the academic year brings multiple award ceremonies, and again this year, the College was able to provide numerous endowed scholarships and prizes thanks to the generosity of alumni, family, and friends. Click here to learn more about this year’s recipients and our students’ other achievements.
48th Annual Athletics Awards Honors Student-Athletes
The Athletics Award Reception, held May 21, capped a strong year for EC student-athletes - both on the court/field an in the classroom. Click here for a full list of the students and teams recognized and visit the Athletics Facebook page to view photos from the evening.
17th Annual Purple & Gold Golf Outing
Thank you to the many alumni and sponsors who supported the 17th Annual Purple & Gold Golf Tournament on May 19 at the Mark Twain Golf Course. Photos from the event are available on the Athletics Facebook page.
Boston Marathon Memorial Project Impacts Alumna
Megan Barney ’17, who recently completed her first year of graduate school at Northeastern University in Boston, had the humbling opportunity to work on the “Our Marathon” project, an online archive of the 2013 Boston Marathon, bombings, and aftermath that gripped the city. [Read More]
Alumna Helps Develop Boston Marathon Memorial
Category: Alumni
Megan Barney ’17, who recently finished her first year of graduate school at Northeastern University in Boston, had the humbling opportunity to work as a digital scholarship group research assistant on the Our Marathonproject, an online archive of the Boston Marathon and the bombings and aftermath surrounding the 2013 race.
"Our Marathon launched in 2013 in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings as a crowdsourced digital archive aimed at healing and remembrance,” explained Barney. “In the past year, Northeastern University Libraries has worked to migrate the project from one digital platform to another. As part of the migration team, myself and another graduate student did 99 percent of the redesign on the new public-facing home for Our Marathon.” The project has had an impact on Barney, “While I was not personally affected by the tragic event, I currently call Boston home, and I've been both honored and humbled to be a part of this project as a small contribution to the Boston community.”
Our Marathon is an archive of pictures, videos, stories, and social media related to the Boston Marathon, the April 2013 bombings, and the healing process for the City of Boston. Geared to serve as a memorial, Our Marathon aims to preserve the records, giving all who were affected by the marathon, the world, and future historians an eye-opening view of the impact of the events surrounding the 2013 race, and the strength of the city to move forward.
To learn more about Our Marathon and to view the archive, click here.
2018 Park Church Lecture Series Announced
The 2018 Park Church Lecture Series begins Wednesday, June 13, and features three Twain-related lectures at the historic Park Church on W. Gray Street, Elmira. [Read More]
2018 Park Church Series Begins June 13
Category: Twain
The Center for Mark Twain Studies at Elmira College is pleased to announce the 2018 Park Church Summer Lecture Series. The lecture series features three lectures throughout June and July at the historic and cultural landmark, The Park Church, 208 W. Gray Street, Elmira.
The first lecture, "Fingerprints and Microbe Time: Mark Twain and Scientific Skepticism" James W. Leonard, adjunct English professor with The Citadel, is Wednesday, June 13. It is well known that Twain took contemporary social, political, and particularly racial beliefs to task through an incisive skepticism which outpaced many of his generation. A closer look at his literary portrayal of science reveals a visionary's understanding of how empirical facts - and the systems organizing those facts - would be increasingly scrutinized as social and political tools in literature of the 20th century.
The series continues on Wednesday, June 20, with "'…there is only one thing of real importance…': The Letters of Olivia Langdon Clemens" presented by Barbara Snedecor, retired director of the Center for Mark Twain Studies. The letters of Olivia Langdon Clemens reveal her deep emotion as well as the more ordinary impulses of her thought. In communications with friends and family, and with her world- famous spouse, Olivia exposes her intelligence, fortitude, gentleness, kindness, humor, love for husband and children-along with her anxieties, self-deprecation, and flaws. The presentation will summarize critical views of Olivia as well as highlight selections from her letters.
The Park Church Series concludes on Wednesday, July 11 with "Mark Twain and The Native Other," presented by Kerry Driscoll, professor of English at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut. In addition to numerous essays she has published on Twain's work, Driscoll is the author of Mark Twain among the Indians and Other Indigenous Peoples, the first book-length study of the Twain's conflicted attitudes toward, and representations of, Native Americans. This presentation explores the origin and evolution of Twain's attitudes toward indigenous peoples and probes the reasons underlying his animus.
The Park Church Lecture Series is free and open to the public. Lectures begin at 7:00 p.m.
About The Park Church
Founded in 1846 by a group of abolitionists, The Park Church has been a strong presence in Elmira's history and some members of its congregation were close friends and family members to Mark Twain. Known for its striking architectural features, The Park Church contained Elmira's first public library and has a long history of charitable service to the Elmira community. Currently, it is an "Open and Affirming Congregation," welcoming all people to worship and participate in its communal life, regardless of ethnic origin, race, class, age, ability, gender, or sexual orientation.
About the Center for Mark Twain Studies
The Elmira College Center for Mark Twain Studies was founded in January 1983 with the gift of Quarry Farm to Elmira College by Jervis Langdon, the great-grand-nephew of Samuel Langhorne Clemens. The Center offers distinctive programs to foster and support Mark Twain scholarship and to strengthen the teaching of Mark Twain at all academic levels. The Center serves the Elmira College community and regional, national, and international students and scholars of Mark Twain.
The first lecture, "Fingerprints and Microbe Time: Mark Twain and Scientific Skepticism" James W. Leonard, adjunct English professor with The Citadel, is Wednesday, June 13. It is well known that Twain took contemporary social, political, and particularly racial beliefs to task through an incisive skepticism which outpaced many of his generation. A closer look at his literary portrayal of science reveals a visionary's understanding of how empirical facts - and the systems organizing those facts - would be increasingly scrutinized as social and political tools in literature of the 20th century.
The series continues on Wednesday, June 20, with "'…there is only one thing of real importance…': The Letters of Olivia Langdon Clemens" presented by Barbara Snedecor, retired director of the Center for Mark Twain Studies. The letters of Olivia Langdon Clemens reveal her deep emotion as well as the more ordinary impulses of her thought. In communications with friends and family, and with her world- famous spouse, Olivia exposes her intelligence, fortitude, gentleness, kindness, humor, love for husband and children-along with her anxieties, self-deprecation, and flaws. The presentation will summarize critical views of Olivia as well as highlight selections from her letters.
The Park Church Series concludes on Wednesday, July 11 with "Mark Twain and The Native Other," presented by Kerry Driscoll, professor of English at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Connecticut. In addition to numerous essays she has published on Twain's work, Driscoll is the author of Mark Twain among the Indians and Other Indigenous Peoples, the first book-length study of the Twain's conflicted attitudes toward, and representations of, Native Americans. This presentation explores the origin and evolution of Twain's attitudes toward indigenous peoples and probes the reasons underlying his animus.
The Park Church Lecture Series is free and open to the public. Lectures begin at 7:00 p.m.
About The Park Church
Founded in 1846 by a group of abolitionists, The Park Church has been a strong presence in Elmira's history and some members of its congregation were close friends and family members to Mark Twain. Known for its striking architectural features, The Park Church contained Elmira's first public library and has a long history of charitable service to the Elmira community. Currently, it is an "Open and Affirming Congregation," welcoming all people to worship and participate in its communal life, regardless of ethnic origin, race, class, age, ability, gender, or sexual orientation.
About the Center for Mark Twain Studies
The Elmira College Center for Mark Twain Studies was founded in January 1983 with the gift of Quarry Farm to Elmira College by Jervis Langdon, the great-grand-nephew of Samuel Langhorne Clemens. The Center offers distinctive programs to foster and support Mark Twain scholarship and to strengthen the teaching of Mark Twain at all academic levels. The Center serves the Elmira College community and regional, national, and international students and scholars of Mark Twain.
Alumni in the News
Sarah Boisonneault ’06
Elmira College in the News
- Elmira Students Get College and Career Ready with APEX Program
- Food Bank of the Southern Tier announces volunteer award winners
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