News From Fort Schuyler

October 20, 2008 - Volume 8, No. 36

A PLUG AND MORE - In the wake of seeing his old classmates at his 50th Reunion FRANK NICKELS '58 writes "...when I first met them again at the reunion it was as if we had seen each other only a few days ago. I attribute this to two things. First, it was because we had such great camaraderie during our four years at the Fort. Second, we were able to read each other's career bios a few weeks BEFORE the reunion. For future 50th reunion classes, the first will come naturally, but they ought to take steps to implement the second."

REUNION PLANNING - An opportunity for other classes to plan for their reunions was available at Homecoming, but few took advantage of the 'Preserving our Heritage: Eight Bells and the End of the Watch - Recent Works Using Digital Media' workshop provided by PHIL DILLOWAY Oct '46 and Frank Nickels. Phil writes: "One could not ask for better facilities [at a Fort classroom] for my two sessions at homecoming... The one element that was not cooperative was the weather. The main reunion events were moved indoors to the Gymnasium. As a consequence, the main body of attendees was at the other end of the campus. RON FIELD '68, PETER BACI '69, JOHN ANTWEILER '68 and ROLAND PARENT '68 did come to the morning session....My hope is that someone in attendance will have the inspiration to do something similar for their classes. We both agree that we will help any Alum who wants to undertake a digital project." Frank Nickels adds, "Classes need to realize the need to start early if their history is to be substantial....In lieu of the failed workshop effort, I will prepare a document that describes my modus operandi and send it to any alum who asks for it." (You can contact them at pd268@columbia.edu and franknickels@ca.rr.com )

FOREIGN AFFAIRS - The college's international students are not forgotten by their home governments. Taking advantage of the gathering of heads of state attending the current U.N. General Assembly, a large delegation of Bahamian cadets were able to meet with their country's Prime Minister, Hubert Ingraham at the Bahamas Mission. Likewise nine Turkish cadets met with President Abdullah Gul at a private reception at the Turkish Consulate. These Turkish cadets are enrolled in a dual diploma program with Fort Schuyler and the Istanbul Technical University Maritime Faculty. (www.bahamaislandsinfo.com and www.sunymaritime.edu)

BRISK DAY FOR SAILING - Eleven alumni sailors turned out on October 5 for the postponed Homecoming sail races that were delayed by the remnants of Hurricane Ike. This report was sent by MARY DONOHUE and MALCOLM MILLIGAN '56. "Participants [including JAMES LYNCH '54 and CARMINE PIZZARIELLO '70] were greeted with bagels and coffee prior to the race. They enjoyed talking to HOSS MILLER '53, former President of the College. He raced for the second year in a row. The tables were decorated with framed photos from the 2007 Race, which were given to the recipients at the end of the day."

"The dark skies and prediction of 3-5 knot winds by Weather NOAA did not dampen the spirits of these sailors. ROB CRAFA, Director of Waterfront Programs, and BLAINE PEDLOW, Head Sailing Coach, coordinated crew arrangements for the alumni to each have two cadets from the sailing program on board to rig the J-24's, and to join alumni racing in five mini-races. The participants had an exciting time as the wind did come up to about 12-15 knots for the early afternoon races. The races were very close, with boats being points away from competitors."

"Following the races, there was a barbeque of chicken, steak, hot dogs and hamburgers on the dock. It was fun being with the cadets on board the J-24's and getting to know them. Rob Crafa said that the cadets are doing well in intercollegiate races being held this fall."

AMERICA'S CUP REDUX - "More on GARY JOBSON '73," writes PAUL LOBO, '69. "Every time I have run into Gary, like at the Big Boat series in San Francisco, I remind him how seasick he got on the Annapolis to Newport Race in 1969. He doesn't think it's so funny, but looking on what a great career he has it must have been worth it to continue on the Sailing Team. He was not a cadet when we sailed together, but came along as crew on what proved to be an interesting race. We got knocked down flat after we exited Chesapeake Bay at least once and the chronometer got smashed. (Remember those quaint time pieces?) With my fine navigation we finally got to Newport but did not win. DICK CORSO '69 was also aboard. He was later lost at sea. He was master of a tanker at the time. I was on the Sailing Team for four years and that experience always helped me in my career as a San Francisco Bar Pilot, which I retired from in January after 31 years."

MIKE MORRIS '81 wrote: "I believe JEFF CONNOLLY '80 sailed aboard the 12-meter ENTERPRISE during the summer of 1977 and am guessing that a few other SUNYMC students may have as well. ENTERPRISE was the newest Sparkman and Stephens 12-meter that summer. She lost out of a modified COURAGEOUS (with Ted, Gary, and company) in the trials to pick a defender. But she was a good-looking boat.

FRANK NICKELS adds, "Although not an America's Cup sailor, I did have a very small part in designing the joint between the CONSTELLATION's aluminum and titanium sections of her mast when I was at S&S in 1964."

Final comment from Paul, "I did not see Gary broadcasting in the last America's Cup and he was sorely missed by me and a lot of other viewers."

SOME WENT ON TO OTHER ENDEAVORS - There was an obituary for LAWRENCE WUENSCH in the Staten Island Advance which noted that he had attended the Maritime College before he enlisted in the Army at the age of 21. A Staten Island native, he was a long-time information systems technology executive in Connecticut. Although he did not graduate from Fort Schuyler he apparently felt it to be a formative influence. He died at the age of 71 on October 8th in Pownal, VT. (www.silive.com/obituaries/)

ALT- CONTROL - DELETE - The exhibition that Dr. JULIE WOSK curated was held at the New York Hall of Science, not the Queens Museum of Art.