Honoring Three Generations of Alumnae
John M. Walsh, III, and his wife, Martha Pfeifer Pierce ’63, were joined by family members and friends for the dedication of Walsh Lounge in honor of Pierce and in memory of Walsh’s mother, Celestia Frost Walsh, Class of ’30, and grandmother, Josephine Zimmerman Walsh, Class of ’06.
The Walsh Lounge in Cowles Hall, and a commissioned art quilt, were dedicated during a ceremony held Thursday, October 26, 2017.
The Lounge, named for Elmira College Trustee John M. Walsh, III, honors his wife, former Trustee Martha Pfeifer Pierce, Class of 1963, and the memory of his mother, Celestia Frost Walsh, Class of 1930, and grandmother, Josephine Zimmerman Walsh, Class of 1906. Walsh, who has a nationally recognized art quilt collection, felt the lounge would be enhanced by the addition of the commissioned work of art.
Robert Morris, chairman of the Board of Trustees, recognized Walsh and Pierce, and thanked Walsh for his support of and dedication to Elmira College.
“Love of art and beauty is manifest today as we look at this magnificent quilt,” said Morris. “The naming of this lounge and dedication to Jack, and his love of art, his love of this area, speaks for itself. On behalf on the Elmira College community, I thank you for your support, and I thank you for bringing this wonderful gift to the College.”
Walsh spoke of the significance of the quilt and the women in his life it honors.
“When thinking about tonight’s comments, I thought, how do I cover all that they mean to me,” stated Walsh. “I decided to identify three major traits of character, which I identify with them, and which I feel were influenced by their time at Elmira College. Those traits of character are: the ability rise to any occasion, a curiosity and desire to explore many facets of the world around us, and the sense of adventure and the courage that puts into action that sense of adventure. Through my years, I have come to associate those three traits with people who have attended Elmira College.”
Walsh continued to reflect upon how his grandmother, mother, and wife each epitomized the three characteristics before concluding with how their strength, resilience, and courage have touched his life.
“I am so grateful to these graduates of Elmira College, for the richness they have brought to my life, and to Elmira College for enriching their lives, and thus enriching mine.”
The artists commissioned to create the quilt, Gayle J. Fraas and Duncan W. Slade, both of Boothbay, Maine, provided a brief over view of the creative process and the significance of the various components of the quilt, titled “Above the Firmament.”
The central image is a painted view of the Chemung River, as seen from the end of the Mark Twain Trail at the Tanglewood Nature Center. Publicly accessible, the trail immerses a visitor in the natural attributes of the geological and biological location in the Southern Tier of the Allegheny Plateau. The location of the trail end is marked on the quilt with a small red stitched x.
The side and bottom panels map the topographical contours. This is not the contemporary satellite imagery, which now reveals where we are and where we are going, but rather a place defined by pattern and constructed from the elevation increments. It reveals the building of layers and the polishing down with time, an image created from accumulated data just below the “skin” of flora, history, and our own activity. In color and contrast, the included hydrography and roads can appear more akin to aboriginal pictographs or arteries and veins.
The squares of night sky anchor the composition and identify the spring and autumn stars to the west-northwest, the same direction as the central view, marking the academic year.
The artists have been collaborating since the mid-70s, and their work can be found in the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Baltimore Museum of Art, Peabody Essex Museum, Museum of Art and Design, International Quilt Study Center at the University of Nebraska, Fidelity Investments, Nuveen, Inc., and Hilton Corporation.
The Walsh Lounge in Cowles Hall, and a commissioned art quilt, were dedicated during a ceremony held Thursday, October 26, 2017.
The Lounge, named for Elmira College Trustee John M. Walsh, III, honors his wife, former Trustee Martha Pfeifer Pierce, Class of 1963, and the memory of his mother, Celestia Frost Walsh, Class of 1930, and grandmother, Josephine Zimmerman Walsh, Class of 1906. Walsh, who has a nationally recognized art quilt collection, felt the lounge would be enhanced by the addition of the commissioned work of art.
Robert Morris, chairman of the Board of Trustees, recognized Walsh and Pierce, and thanked Walsh for his support of and dedication to Elmira College.
“Love of art and beauty is manifest today as we look at this magnificent quilt,” said Morris. “The naming of this lounge and dedication to Jack, and his love of art, his love of this area, speaks for itself. On behalf on the Elmira College community, I thank you for your support, and I thank you for bringing this wonderful gift to the College.”
Walsh spoke of the significance of the quilt and the women in his life it honors.
“When thinking about tonight’s comments, I thought, how do I cover all that they mean to me,” stated Walsh. “I decided to identify three major traits of character, which I identify with them, and which I feel were influenced by their time at Elmira College. Those traits of character are: the ability rise to any occasion, a curiosity and desire to explore many facets of the world around us, and the sense of adventure and the courage that puts into action that sense of adventure. Through my years, I have come to associate those three traits with people who have attended Elmira College.”
Walsh continued to reflect upon how his grandmother, mother, and wife each epitomized the three characteristics before concluding with how their strength, resilience, and courage have touched his life.
“I am so grateful to these graduates of Elmira College, for the richness they have brought to my life, and to Elmira College for enriching their lives, and thus enriching mine.”
The artists commissioned to create the quilt, Gayle J. Fraas and Duncan W. Slade, both of Boothbay, Maine, provided a brief over view of the creative process and the significance of the various components of the quilt, titled “Above the Firmament.”
The central image is a painted view of the Chemung River, as seen from the end of the Mark Twain Trail at the Tanglewood Nature Center. Publicly accessible, the trail immerses a visitor in the natural attributes of the geological and biological location in the Southern Tier of the Allegheny Plateau. The location of the trail end is marked on the quilt with a small red stitched x.
The side and bottom panels map the topographical contours. This is not the contemporary satellite imagery, which now reveals where we are and where we are going, but rather a place defined by pattern and constructed from the elevation increments. It reveals the building of layers and the polishing down with time, an image created from accumulated data just below the “skin” of flora, history, and our own activity. In color and contrast, the included hydrography and roads can appear more akin to aboriginal pictographs or arteries and veins.
The squares of night sky anchor the composition and identify the spring and autumn stars to the west-northwest, the same direction as the central view, marking the academic year.
The artists have been collaborating since the mid-70s, and their work can be found in the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Baltimore Museum of Art, Peabody Essex Museum, Museum of Art and Design, International Quilt Study Center at the University of Nebraska, Fidelity Investments, Nuveen, Inc., and Hilton Corporation.
NYC Alumni Host President & Mrs. Lindsay
President and Mrs. Lindsay attended two recent events in NYC. On November 1, Arri Burrows ’08 hosted a gathering of alumni at the Norwood Club. Beth Panasci Leventhal ’78 hosted an intimate reception honoring the Lindsay’s at her splendid apartment on November 2. President Lindsay shared a college update with alumni at each event. Click here to see photos.
Perkowski ’17 and Lathrop M.S. ’11 Share Look into Health Professions
Deeann Perkowski ’17 and Roger Lathrop M.S. ’11 recently participated on a Health Professions Panel hosted by the Office of Career Services. Each of the panelists shared their career story, educational experiences, and advice for future pharmacists, nurses, and healthcare administrators.
A young, special-needs patient is rushed to the emergency room.
Not far behind was EC alumna Deann Perkowski '17. She looked after the child at her daycare business and kept a detailed timeline of his condition. After he was stable, the doctors and nurses shared that Deann's diligence gave him a fighting chance.
“That’s when I knew I wanted to be a nurse,” said Deann, now a registered nurse at Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, New York.
Julie Fielding, director of Career Services, with Sarah Lynch, Roger Lathrop, and Deann Perkowski.
Deann, along with Roger Lathrop M.S.’11, senior director for internal audit and compliance at Guthrie, and Sarah Lynch, director, skills education & clinical assistant professor, pharmacy practice at Binghamton University, recently participated on a healthcare professionals panel, hosted by the Office of Career Services.
The panel, offered as part of the national Health Professions Week 2017, provided a look into the various careers found within the health industry. Each panelist shared their unique career story, educational experiences, and advice for future pharmacists, nurses, and healthcare administrators.
Here is just a sampling of their insights:
“Be flexible, adaptable, and open to different opportunities. Ask your potential employers, ‘where do you need me?’ Before requesting where you want to be.” – Deann
“Don’t put the work aside. Do the tough research and tough projects. Don’t just write a paper on something you already know about. Always be learning.” – Roger
“While some healthcare systems or pharmacies may refer to patients as customers, no matter what, they are people who need your help to navigate their healthcare choices.” – Sarah
“Take time to relax. It actually helps you take better care of your patients.” – Deann
In addition, when asked what they look for in potential interns or employees, Roger responded with what he calls, “The Three D’s.” These include drive, dependability, and depth.
“I need to know that you have the drive and motivation to do the work; the dependability to come to work; and the depth or skills and knowledge to get the work done,” shared Roger.
While the panel may be done, the learning opportunities continue at Elmira College. The College offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs for those interested in a career in health, including pre-med, pre-dental, pre-occupational therapy, pre-physical therapy, pre-pharmacy, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and a Master of Science in Health Services Management.
Online non-credit health courses are also available, such as pharmacy technician, clinical medical assistant, electronic health record management, dialysis technician program, ECG/EKG course for nurses, and Spanish for medical professionals.
A young, special-needs patient is rushed to the emergency room.
Not far behind was EC alumna Deann Perkowski '17. She looked after the child at her daycare business and kept a detailed timeline of his condition. After he was stable, the doctors and nurses shared that Deann's diligence gave him a fighting chance.
“That’s when I knew I wanted to be a nurse,” said Deann, now a registered nurse at Thompson Hospital in Canandaigua, New York.
Deann, along with Roger Lathrop M.S.’11, senior director for internal audit and compliance at Guthrie, and Sarah Lynch, director, skills education & clinical assistant professor, pharmacy practice at Binghamton University, recently participated on a healthcare professionals panel, hosted by the Office of Career Services.
The panel, offered as part of the national Health Professions Week 2017, provided a look into the various careers found within the health industry. Each panelist shared their unique career story, educational experiences, and advice for future pharmacists, nurses, and healthcare administrators.
Here is just a sampling of their insights:
“Be flexible, adaptable, and open to different opportunities. Ask your potential employers, ‘where do you need me?’ Before requesting where you want to be.” – Deann
“Don’t put the work aside. Do the tough research and tough projects. Don’t just write a paper on something you already know about. Always be learning.” – Roger
“While some healthcare systems or pharmacies may refer to patients as customers, no matter what, they are people who need your help to navigate their healthcare choices.” – Sarah
“Take time to relax. It actually helps you take better care of your patients.” – Deann
In addition, when asked what they look for in potential interns or employees, Roger responded with what he calls, “The Three D’s.” These include drive, dependability, and depth.
“I need to know that you have the drive and motivation to do the work; the dependability to come to work; and the depth or skills and knowledge to get the work done,” shared Roger.
Online non-credit health courses are also available, such as pharmacy technician, clinical medical assistant, electronic health record management, dialysis technician program, ECG/EKG course for nurses, and Spanish for medical professionals.
Alumni Board Starts Year
Alumni Spotlight: Casie Frederick ’16
For new alumna Casie Frederick ’16, her freshman-year trip to Australia sparked a love of hiking that led to a challenge: hiking the entire Appalachian Trail. Read Casie’s story to hear how her Elmira College experiences inspired her and helped her become an Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker.
Thru-hiker of the 2,189 mile long Appalachian Trail, the longest ‘hiking only’ path in the world.
"“Elmira offers so many opportunities to develop skills and interests that a student may not have explored before."
Thru-hiker of the 2,189 mile long Appalachian Trail, the longest ‘hiking only’ path in the world.
"“Elmira offers so many opportunities to develop skills and interests that a student may not have explored before."
Casie Frederick ’16 has recently become a thru-hiker of the 2,189 mile long Appalachian Trail, the longest ‘hiking only’ path in the world.Casie graduated from her high school in Hermon, Maine as Valedictorian. She chose Elmira College because it offered her the ‘out of state’ experience, while still allowing her to be a part of a close knit community.
Other than being an English Literature and Childhood Education major, Casie participated all over campus. She was on the EC Cheerleading Game Team, involved in the equestrian club, a large part of Orchesis, member of the Chiclettes, treasurer of the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, a member of the Omicron delta Kappa Leadership Society, Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society, and Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. Her time at EC soars with experience in and outside the classroom, as Casie had the opportunity to travel to Australia as a freshman. “It truly was one of the highlights of my college experience.” Her time in Australia allowed her and other students opportunities to explore city life in Sydney and snorkelling on Moreton Island, to learning about the indigenous culture in camping tours of the outback. However, it was sleeping under the stars, hiking, and learning about the land that piqued Casie’s interest the most.
Upon graduation Casie picked up and moved across the country to Los Angeles, California where she nannied and worked on freelance writer, dreaming her thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Casie describes her completion of the Appalachian Trail as the highlight of her life post Elmira College. Having never really backpacked before, this seemed like an out of reach goal to be setting for herself, as thousands of hikers set out every year to hike the entirety of the trail, but only 17% complete it, and a third of those being women. Casie hiked up to 27 miles a day, with about 35 pounds of equipments and supplies in her backpack in order to become part of that small percentage to complete the trail. Overcoming mental and physical hardships, but becoming an official Appalachian Trail Thru-Hiker September 30th, 2017, truly has been the absolute highlight of her life thus far.
Casie is currently working as a long term substitute teacher, and following her dream to be a write, writing for The Trek. Casie’s mindset that “there’s nothing I can’t do” has pushed her in all aspects of her life, from becoming Valedictorian, graduating from Elmira College, and know completing the Appalachian Trail. Casie advises EC students to have an open mind and not to be afraid to try new things, “Elmira offers so many opportunities to develop skills and interests that a student may not have explored before. Exploring these opportunities in a safe and supportive environment, such as Elmira College will allow you to apply creative thinking and confidence beyond school. My experiences at Elmira helped me to dream big and to think outside the box.”
Alumnus Artwork on Display in GTL
A recent exhibit in the Gannett-Tripp Library featured original illustrations by Chris Bell ’00. The exhibit included work from comic books published in collaboration with fellow alumnus, Bill Giancoli ’98. On exhibit at the Gannett-Tripp Library, now through November 17, are original illustrations drawn by Elmira College alumnus and local artist, Chris Bell '00.
The illustrations provide an inside view of how Chris creates artwork for his Ashes, Gears, Earthbound, and other serial comic books that he has published in collaboration with writer and EC alumnus, Bill Giancoli '98. More information on their ongoing cooperative endeavor can be found at their Zero Comics Facebook page.
Chris received his Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Master’s degree in Education from Elmira College. During his time at EC, the digital world was just beginning to overtake publishing, forcing Chris to teach himself how to use image-editing programs to enhance his career. Chris reveals that one of his graduate school projects, an online children’s book called Casey at Bat, is still available for digital download.Although Chris made a successful professional illustration career working in journalism and public relations, he found himself sitting alone in front of a computer screen for hours, and soon realized this was not the way he wanted to spend his working life. He missed the element of human interaction, and eventually used his graduate degree to garner teaching jobs in the Horseheads Central School District. Today he teaches fifth and sixth graders, who each receive an original drawing from Chris on their birthday.
Recently Chris caught up with digital courses in graduate school, but he wished he had done more as an undergraduate. It is true that he refined his illustration skills by devoting himself to that concentration, but in retrospect, a broader experience in all the arts seems more logical to him now. Chris currently lives in Horseheads, N.Y. with his wife, Beth, and their sons, Dexter and Charlie. He continues to do freelance graphic design through, Bell Graphics. When not creating art, Chris spends his spare time with his family and still plays lacrosse for fun, the sport he played while an undergraduate at Elmira College.
Endowed Scholarship
Sandra Johnston McDougall ’61 decided “to establish
this scholarship to give back for my good fortune and to provide an opportunity for others to benefit as I did from a fine liberal arts education.” See how you can easily follow Sandy’s lead.Sandra Johnston McDougall ’61 Establishes Scholarship
Sandra Johnston McDougall ’61, an economics major, had a successful career as a Senior Systems Engineer and Senior Marketing Support Representative for IBM, traveling to the Far East, Australia, New Zealand, South America, and Canada. She remains actively involved with the Kiwanis Club and Old Presbyterian Meeting House in Alexandria, Virginia.
Sandy initially used her appreciated stock and her match from IBM to fund scholarships at Elmira College. In 2013, she decided to endow a scholarship in her name in perpetuity. The Sandra Johnston McDougall ’61 Scholarship provides financial support to academically qualified and financially deserving students in economics, accounting, business administration, and finance.
The beauty of this gift is that Sandy is able to add to it each year by taking advantage of IBM’s one-to-one match, and tax deductions and by giving her IRA Required Minimum Distributions to the fund. Sandy has also placed Elmira College in her trust. Her future gift will be added to this scholarship so that eventually it will benefit many more students.
“I decided to establish this scholarship to give back for my good fortune and to provide an opportunity for others to benefit as I did from a fine liberal arts education. Coming from a small town to Elmira College, I was exposed to the whole world of the arts and cultures. This gave me the basic foundation to further grow and to obtain and enjoy a wonderful career with IBM for 32 years,” she explained.
Elmira College has strong undergraduate programs in economics, accounting, business administration, and, since 2015, finance. The Robert and Doris Fischer ’64 Malesardi Finance Trading Room was built in the Gannett Tripp Library to allow finance students to simulate trading in real time.
Three students benefited from Sandy’s generosity this year: Mitchel Atkins ’18, Spencer Maclean ’20 and Anthony Lipp ’21.
Planned Giving
Cheryl Broomall Shallish ’71, and her husband, Rob, are benefiting from retirement income and tax relief now, and benefiting Elmira College and future students in their estate through a planned gift. Read their story to learn more about how planned giving can help you reach your goals.Cheryl Broomall Shallish ’71 established the Cheryl Broomall Shallish Family Trust to provide a future endowed scholarship gift for Elmira College.
When asked why she had decided to provide this generous estate gift for Elmira College, Cheryl noted, “My husband Rob and I wanted to diversify our portfolios and endow scholarships to our colleges. Exploring our options, we decided to establish two charitable trusts − one with Hamilton College and the other with Elmira College. These gifts allowed us to accomplish our financial and charitable goals, claim an immediate income tax deduction, save capital gains tax from the sale of shares of appreciated stock, receive quarterly payments from the trusts for life and provide educational opportunities for future students. More importantly, we are able to honor our colleges for the educational experiences that launched our careers.”
A member of the Elmira College Alumni Association Board of Directors, Cheryl serves on the Awards, Recognition, and Campus Events Committee. She is also Class Agent for the Class of 1971, effectively heading a fund-raising effort to establish a need-based or merit-based scholarship for future students.
Cheryl graduated with a bachelor of arts in psychology and elementary education and a master’s degree in education from Rutgers University in 1972. She also continued studies at Syracuse University over the years. Cheryl completed a 32-year career as a third-, fourth- and fifth-grade teacher, retiring in 2013. During her career, she mentored 42 student teachers, mainly from Syracuse University, through the teaching center. She is actively involved with the retired teachers from her school and meets with them monthly. Since her retirement, she and her husband Rob have enjoyed traveling and sailing locally on Lake Ontario. Rob Shallish ’70 from Hamilton College, recently retired from a career in accounting and many years as the chief financial officer of a New York State-based medical device manufacturer.
Cheryl already has decided the proceeds of her trust will be used for her scholarship. When her estate gift arrives, Elmira College will be able to follow her wishes to the letter.
Join Us in Giving Back This #GivingTuesday
Again this year, Elmira College will participate in the #GivingTuesday global giving event. On Tuesday, November 28, we’ll be sharing stories highlighting the many ways EC students give back to the surrounding community. We ask you to join us in sharing and giving, by making your donation to the Annual Fund on this day.
Alumni in the News
1. Michael VanPatten ’76Named Chief Financial Officer
2. Jody Wheeler ’74
Illustrates 50th Anniversary sequel to “Corduroy”
3. Jason Ruda M.S. ’06
Appointed director of patient experience at CareMount Medical
4. Deeann Perkowski ’17
Participates in Thompson Hospital’s RN Residency Program
Elmira College in the News
- Hoops Hysteria Hits Elmira College
- 20th Undergraduate Research Symposium shines a light on students’ diverse contributions to science
- “Operation Christmas Child” Officially Collecting Boxes
Follow EC!
1. Elmira College vs. Manhattanville Men's Basketball
12/9/2017 3:00 PM
2. NYC Chapter Event - EC vs. NYU Men's Basketball
12/10/2017 1:00 PM
12/9/2017 3:00 PM
2. NYC Chapter Event - EC vs. NYU Men's Basketball
12/10/2017 1:00 PM
Elmira College
One Park Place
Elmira, New York 14901, United States
Elmira College
Office of Alumni Relations
One Park Place
Elmira, New York 14901, United States
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