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Marfey Writes New Children’s Book
By Dan Kinne
Adjunct lecturer Anne Marfey of the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures has written a children’s book, The Ugly Carrot, (1stBooks Library, $14.95).

The author grew up in Denmark, where she was enriched by the culture of storytelling. She discovered how helpful listening to and creating stories was for people. In her new children’s book, the author used several old stories and adapted them, transforming them into new stories. Marfey found the real story from which “The Ugly Carrot” was adapted in a Danish newspaper. The journalist who wrote the article used to listen to and read these stories when she was a child. The first version of this story was told but never published more than 100 years ago by the Danish writer of fairy tales, Hans Christian Andersen. Inspired by Andersen’s writing, Marfey wants to create children’s stories that will “lift people up and give them new excellent ideas in life.”

The fourth story in her book is called “The Mystery of the Bell.” Marfey changed the story into a happier one than the original Korean folktale in which one of the characters had to be sacrificed at the end. The other two stories were both created by Marfey. All four stories appeal to the reader’s imagination. Marfey adapted the original stories to make them more enjoyable so everyone can read them. Marfey stated, “Creativity, imagination, and the ability to wonder, to dream, are very important in our lives, and also for learning a foreign language.”

Her ultimate goal was to have this book available to all ages. Marfey’s intent is to use it to make learning fun for children. In Denmark’s public schools, children are taught by reading stories like the ones in The Ugly Carrot, she said. A strong advocate for helping children around the world, Marfey is known for her published books about speed reading, learning Danish, and educating children. Her other books include The Miracle of Learning: How to Inspire Children. Marfey, who earned a degree in education and dyslexia, received her Ph.D. in early childhood education from Pacific Western University six years ago. She is a dedicated teacher of Danish and supporter of students.

Obituary
UAlbany Mourns the Loss of Former President Louis Benezet
The University at Albany family is saddened to learn of the death of former president Dr. Louis T. Benezet in Mill Valley, California, on January 23. He was a man who lived his commitment to higher education all his life, serving as president of three other schools (Allegheny College, Colorado College and Claremont Graduate School) prior to his appointment to the presidency of the University at Albany in July 1970.

Dr. Benezet led the University at Albany for five key years as the transition was completed to the new uptown campus and the groundwork was laid for UAlbany to become a major public research university. “In many ways, the University today is a reflection of the vision and commitment of past leaders like Louis Benezet,” notes UAlbany’s current president, Dr. Karen R. Hitchcock. “This community is truly indebted to him.” As president, Benezet faced a difficult challenge - New York State’s fiscal crisis in the early ’70s. The financial situation necessitated cuts across the State University system, including the University at Albany, but at the same time, Benezet led the development of a number of multi-disciplinary programs including Puerto Rican Studies (now Latin American and Caribbean Studies), Women’s Studies, and Judaic Studies, all of which used existing resources to build new strengths.

Born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the son of a Dartmouth professor, Benezet earned his bachelor’s degree at Dartmouth, a master’s in psychology at Reed College and a doctorate in college administration at Columbia University. He made a mark on the national scene as president of the Claremont Graduate School when he called for changes to college ratings systems in order to reflect the real impact of a college on the lives of its students. “A college,” he said, “is as good as the permanent improvements it brings about in the largest majority of its students.”

“Louis Benezet’s conviction that students must matter most at colleges and universities was precisely in keeping with the long tradition of the University at Albany,” said Dr. Hitchcock.



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			Big Purple Growl and Ferocious Feast Lend Excitement By Dan Kinne Photos by Bob Ewell The Recreation and Convocation Center (RACC) was filled with University at Albany spirit and pride during the school’s fifth annual Big Purple Growl and Ferocious Feast on Sunday, Feb. 10. The Ferocious Flapjack Feast, held in the Hall of Fame Room, began the second day of the Big Purple Growl. During a breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and bacon, Athletic Director Lee McElroy gave an introduction to the Big Purple Growl. He then presented President Karen R. Hitchcock with a basketball displaying Albany’s first win against BU. Hitchcock gave her thanks to all the people who made the festival happen, and thanked everyone for the gift. Since it was also her birthday, the men’s singing group, the Earthtones, sang “Happy Birthday” to Hitchcock, and then the group presented her with its own little gift. Providing the breakfast with some extra school spirit, the Earthtones finished off the morning by singing our “University at Albany fight song.” The Big Purple Growl now shifted over to the men’s basketball game, where UAlbany went up against conference leader Vermont. Pre-game activities included going down courtside to the Puppy Pound, where kids played in a bouncy bounce and also had the chance to putt golf balls on the putting green. Adding to the fun was the Amazing Mr. Twisty, who inflated balloons for kids and twisted them into different shapes. At this time UAlbany students poured into the RACC, prepared for the game with face paints, banners, and huge flags cheering on the University at Albany. Students were also given a gold Big Purple Growl T-shirt as they entered the student section for seating. The RACC was a sea of people wearing gold shirts and other supporters bearing huge UAlbany flags. The students settled in as the game got started, and drew upon the performance of the men’s team during the game. The pep band rocked and students cheered loudly. The student attendance on the day was the highest ever this year; overall attendance was 2,712, also the most this year at a home game. Many attended because it was the UAlbany men’s team’s first game in the RACC that was carried on regional television. Other attractions included many prizes, which were handed out to the students during the game and at halftime. The efforts by the fans seemed to help propel the men to victory, as UAlbany downed Vermont. “The Big Purple Growl really was an awesome experience, because it made me feel so close to everyone else from UAlbany. Being a junior I really didn’t know people, but coming out to events like the Big Purple Growl I got to meet many fellow students from UAlbany, plus I got to cheer on a fabulous game,” said Greg Narvas, a junior from Long Island. Having all the students in the RACC for the men’s game showed how much support there is for the sports program here at the University at Albany, and doubles the excitement. McElroy said, “The breakfast was a huge success! The Big Purple Growl provides alums, faculty, staff, students, and the community with an opportunity to have fun and learn more about the University.” The event also gave University at Albany alumni the opportunity to visit and support the school and its current students. “It’s wonderful that the alumni are included in this kind of event. It’s great to be back and see the young people keeping the spirit alive here at the University at Albany,” said Carol Slater, now a teacher and an alumna of the Class of 1976. Having the men’s team beating conference-leading Vermont sure did put a great weekend to rest, and rounded out another successful Big Purple Growl classic.


			Marfey Writes New Children’s Book By Dan Kinne Adjunct lecturer Anne Marfey of the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures has written a children’s book, The Ugly Carrot, (1stBooks Library, $14.95). The author grew up in Denmark, where she was enriched by the culture of storytelling. She discovered how helpful listening to and creating stories was for people. In her new children’s book, the author used several old stories and adapted them, transforming them into new stories. Marfey found the real story from which “The Ugly Carrot” was adapted in a Danish newspaper. The journalist who wrote the article used to listen to and read these stories when she was a child. The first version of this story was told but never published more than 100 years ago by the Danish writer of fairy tales, Hans Christian Andersen. Inspired by Andersen’s writing, Marfey wants to create children’s stories that will “lift people up and give them new excellent ideas in life.” The fourth story in her book is called “The Mystery of the Bell.” Marfey changed the story into a happier one than the original Korean folktale in which one of the characters had to be sacrificed at the end. The other two stories were both created by Marfey. All four stories appeal to the reader’s imagination. Marfey adapted the original stories to make them more enjoyable so everyone can read them. Marfey stated, “Creativity, imagination, and the ability to wonder, to dream, are very important in our lives, and also for learning a foreign language.” Her ultimate goal was to have this book available to all ages. Marfey’s intent is to use it to make learning fun for children. In Denmark’s public schools, children are taught by reading stories like the ones in The Ugly Carrot, she said. A strong advocate for helping children around the world, Marfey is known for her published books about speed reading, learning Danish, and educating children. Her other books include The Miracle of Learning: How to Inspire Children. Marfey, who earned a degree in education and dyslexia, received her Ph.D. in early childhood education from Pacific Western University six years ago. She is a dedicated teacher of Danish and supporter of students.

			Faculty & Staff Bayley, Wittner receive MacArthur Foundation grants Two UAlbany faculty members have received research and writing grants from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation through its Program on Global Security and Sustainability. Distinguished Professor David Bayley of the School of Criminal Justice was awarded a $69,000 grant to support his work developing “A Policy for Democratic Police Reform Abroad.” A specialist in international criminal justice, Bayley has a particular interest in policing. He has done extensive research in India, Japan, Australia, Canada, Britain, Singapore, and the United States. His work has focused on strategies of policing, police reform, accountability, and the tactics of patrol officers in discretionary law-enforcement situations. Department of History Professor Lawrence Wittner received a $25,000 grant to support his writing and research as he completes the third volume of his trilogy, The Struggle Against the Bomb. A past president of the Peace History Society and outgoing chair of the International Research Assoiciation’s Peace History Commission, Wittner has written extensively about the nuclear disarmament movement and peace efforts. He teaches courses on American foreign policy and international history Schuler Heads Rensselaer County Regional Chamber Associate Vice President for Research and Director of Technology Development Eugene K. Schuler, Jr., has been named to chair the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Schuler, a 30-year resident of the Capital Region, chaired the chamber’s Economic and Government Advisory Committee in 2001. In his New Year’s message to the Chamber, he noted: “This will be a year of cooperation between chambers of commerce, between government agencies, and between individuals as we work to make Rensselaer County and the Capital Region a better place to work and live.” March 15 Deadline for Affirmative Action Grants President Karen R. Hitchcock has allocated $15,000 for a special program of competitive grants in order to promote the goals of affirmative action at the University. Proposals are being sought for creative, innovative, and results-oriented projects aimed at recruiting, retaining, and supporting protected class persons at UAlbany. “Protected class” persons include people of color, women, people with disabilities, and Vietnam era veterans. Any department, program, office, committee, group, or individual may apply. Particular attention will be given to proposals that come from academic units; are directed toward African American, Asian, Latino, and Native American students and faculty; and originate in areas of the University that do not serve protected class persons as their primary assigned responsibility. Typical awards range from $500 to $1,000. These grants are intended to encourage new ideas and projects. The funds cannot be used for scholarships or refreshments. Deadline for applications is March 15. Award recipients will be announced late in the semester. The funds are to be used between July 1, 2002, and June 30, 2003. Applicants are to submit two copies of the proposal, which should include: a narrative no longer than two pages, single-spaced, that describes the project; a statement of how it will further affirmative action goals; a time frame; lists of individuals involved and their qualifications; lists of in-kind services, if any; and guidelines for evaluation and submission of a final report. Applicants are also required to submit an itemized budget noting when funds will be spent. Proposals may be submitted to the Office of Affirmative Action in UAB-330. The University Commission for Affirmative Action will review proposals and make its recommendation to the president.

			Thinking of Buying a Home? Albany HomeStore Offers Assistance By Greta Petry Faculty, staff, and students of any income level are eligible to receive financial assistance in purchasing a home in the city of Albany through The Albany HomeStore, 175 Central Avenue. With a mission of strengthening and stabilizing Albany neighborhoods by increasing the rate of homeownership in the city, the HomeStore offers many options. Its newest program -- the Albany Downpayment Assistance Program -- has no income restrictions and is not just for first-time home buyers. The Albany HomeStore may be contacted at (518) 434-5237. Georgette Steffens, director of The Albany HomeStore, wants UAlbany faculty, staff, and students to know that buying a home can be made easier. “We have, on site, with office hours, bankers who can prequalify and preapprove clients for a mortgage. We have first- time home buyer classes for people who have just begun the process of purchasing a home. And the financial assistance that we provide is a really great tool to get people into homes,” Steffens said. “We do post-purchase counseling as well. We teach home maintenance and repairs, with classes on plumbing, electrical work, how to season-proof your home, put up wallpaper and tile your floors. If you get behind on your payments, we can help you get back on track so you don’t become delinquent. We can take you all the way from ‘I think I want to buy a home,’ to closing, and then to ensuring you remain a successful homeowner.” Among the loan and grant programs offered are down payment assistance, matching savings programs, and home acquisition grants. The new downpayment assistance program offers loans of up to 8 percent of the purchase price of the house at 0 percent for 10 years. The client must put down 1 to 3 percent of the value of the house. If the house costs $100,000, for example, the client needs $1,000 to $3,000 of his or her own money, and may borrow up to $8,000 at 0 percent in order to cover the down payment and closing costs. The 0 percent rate is an introductory rate that is subject to change. Under a savings program called the Capital District Individual Development Account Program, the client will be given $3 for every $1 saved, up to $5,000 in grant money, for a total of $6,667 towards the purchase of a home. The client must save for a minimum of 10 months and a maximum of 30 months, and must purchase in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, or Saratoga counties. “The savings program is for the entire Capital Region,” Steffens said. The income limits for this program are quite high - a single person earning up to $46,700 may still qualify. While offering a broad range of city and community partners, assistance and information to clients, the HomeStore is a resource for the community in the promotion of neighborhood revitalization. “We are a one-stop resource center for home ownership within the city of Albany,” Steffens concluded.
			Obituary UAlbany Mourns the Loss of Former President Louis Benezet The University at Albany family is saddened to learn of the death of former president Dr. Louis T. Benezet in Mill Valley, California, on January 23. He was a man who lived his commitment to higher education all his life, serving as president of three other schools (Allegheny College, Colorado College and Claremont Graduate School) prior to his appointment to the presidency of the University at Albany in July 1970. Dr. Benezet led the University at Albany for five key years as the transition was completed to the new uptown campus and the groundwork was laid for UAlbany to become a major public research university. “In many ways, the University today is a reflection of the vision and commitment of past leaders like Louis Benezet,” notes UAlbany’s current president, Dr. Karen R. Hitchcock. “This community is truly indebted to him.” As president, Benezet faced a difficult challenge - New York State’s fiscal crisis in the early ’70s. The financial situation necessitated cuts across the State University system, including the University at Albany, but at the same time, Benezet led the development of a number of multi-disciplinary programs including Puerto Rican Studies (now Latin American and Caribbean Studies), Women’s Studies, and Judaic Studies, all of which used existing resources to build new strengths. Born in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the son of a Dartmouth professor, Benezet earned his bachelor’s degree at Dartmouth, a master’s in psychology at Reed College and a doctorate in college administration at Columbia University. He made a mark on the national scene as president of the Claremont Graduate School when he called for changes to college ratings systems in order to reflect the real impact of a college on the lives of its students. “A college,” he said, “is as good as the permanent improvements it brings about in the largest majority of its students.” “Louis Benezet’s conviction that students must matter most at colleges and universities was precisely in keeping with the long tradition of the University at Albany,” said Dr. Hitchcock.


			UAlbany In The News By Lisa James Goldsberry The January 21 issue of The Columbus Dispatch in Ohio mentioned Edward Mayer of the Department of Art. The article, “High on Hay: Dairy Barn Sculptures Provide a Treat for the Senses,” quoted a former student of Mayer who recalled working with him on a Dairy Barn installation in 1984. The January 26 edition of The Boston Globe discussed a study done by UAlbany’s Lewis Mumford Center for Comparative Urban and Regional Research. The article, “Menino Reverses on Base Excellence Stressed Over Income Levels,” mentioned a new study which shows that efforts to retain white and middle-class families in the Boston public school system so far have not been particularly successful. The figures from the Mumford Center show that Boston’s elementary schools are now 86 percent non-white, compared to 76 percent in 1990. The January 30 edition of the Los Angeles Times printed the obituary of Louis T. Benezet, who served as president of UAlbany from 1970-1975. The article stated that Benezet criticized the concept that a college should be valued for its age, endowments or the number of students it sends on to graduate school. Instead, he believed one should examine what a school accomplishes for the bottom half of its students. Prior to serving as president of UAlbany, he was president of Claremont Graduate School in California and a research professor and consultant for SUNY Stony Brook. [see obituary, p. 3] The January 31 issue of Newsday featured a profile of UAlbany alum Thomas Cunningham (M.S.’72). Now the principal of Townsend Harris High School in Queens, he recently accepted the “Let Freedom Ring” award given to his school by the First Amendment Center in Boston. It is one of only three schools in the country to have received the award twice.

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