News From Fort Schuyler

March 7, 2003 - Volume 7, No. 8

ANOTHER ANSWER ME THIS - "The other night on 'Biography' they had a show on Colin Powell," writes GARY RAFFAELE, Class of 1960. "During that they noted the impact of the Pershing Rifles on his career choice. They show a video of him and some other army cadets and, who should be walking behind them, but one of our Pershing Rifle group from Schuyler. It was in 1958 or 59. We were the only navy group in the Pershing Rifles at the time and I remember going to the competition. The question I have is, who is it in the film?" [Ed. After all, it was only 45 years ago.]

THANKS SHELLEY, WELCOME TOM - Long-time college supporter, CAPT. FRANK SHELLENBARGER, stepped down as President of The Marine Society of the City of New York at its recent Annual Meeting. His successor is Fort Schuyler graduate, CAPT TOM FOX, Class of 1962. Also serving with Tom Fox as Marine Society officers are 1st Vice President CAPT. JAMES McNAMARA, Class of 1964; and Treasurer, HAROLD A. "HAP" PARNHAM, Class of 1948.

The Marine Society is one of the oldest organizations in New York. According to its website, it "....was formed in colonial days, and formally chartered by King George III in 1770 to '...improve maritime knowledge and relieve indigent and distressed shipmasters, their widows and orphans...' Among the early honorary members of the Society was President George Washington." [http://www.marinesocietyny.org]

Frank writes: "I served in various capacities, including the editor of 'Captains Quarters' for 20 years. Was president for 9 years from 1994. Was time to get some new blood in the Society. My oral history has finally been sent back to the US Naval Institute for final indexing, etc., and Paul Stillwell called last week and said it should be in print later this year. All this since entering the US Navy in 1938 and retiring as a Master with American Export in 1979. Then a private contractor with EXXON till 1998. Think I told you how, if things had been different, I would have been at the NY State Maritime College in 1938, instead of joining the Navy." [See - NFFS 4:37 'Next best thing' at http://www.fsmaa.org ]

NOTE: The records of The Marine Society, dating back to 1769, are housed in the Luce Library Archives Collection.

CAPACITY CROWD FOR READING - They expected a crowd but got a sell-out for former PROF LOUIS PHILLIPS on 3 March for a reading featuring his new Fort Schuyler Press book of short stories, 'The Bus to the Moon.' According to Librarian JOHN LEE, Head of Readers Services, there were so many students in attendance at this event held in the library that "...many went upstairs to the balcony and some sat on the tables which we put around the room." No news on how many books Prof. Phillips signed, but you can still order copies from the Fort Schuyler Press. [http://www.sunymaritime.edu/fsp ]

RECOGNITION - Prof. DENNIS FREDERICK, Class of 1969, and former Chairman of the Marine Transportation Department, has been selected for inclusion in 'Who's Who Among America's Teachers 2002.' According to the publisher of WWAAT, the honorees "...were selected by their former students who themselves are currently listed in "...the 'National Deans's List' which recognizes the top 5% of the student body. "Students were requested to nominate the one teacher from their entire academic career who 'made a difference in their lives' by helping them shape their values, inspiring interest in a particular subject, and/or challenging them to strive for excellence." [Well done Dennis, now hang that plaque up in your office.]

COLD MUGS - Recent items about a cold winter in the 1970's prompted JIM MALONEY, Class of 1980, to write:"I remember that winter very well. It was the winter of 1976 -1977, which happened to be my mug year. We all talked about our bad timing at having to do our corner-squaring and long walks to the Fort during what was the coldest winter in many years. The wind seemed to have had a nasty talent for blowing right up our convoy coats from underneath." [BTW -Jim's web page is http://homepages.nyu.edu/~jmm257 ]

RUMBLES FROM THE CAPE - Articles in the 27 February editions of the Cape Cod Times and the Chronicle of Higher Education both reported that the Governor of Massachusetts has proposed the phase-out of Mass Maritime as a publically supported college in his forthcoming austerity budget plan. Critics say such a privatization move will raise tuition from $11K to $33K at the academy and jeopardize federal support in regard to such thing as the provision of a training ship and student subsidies. Meanwhile, back in New York State, there are budget woes, too. For example, how will the new Cadet Appointment Program fare? The statewide allocation of 284 full-tuition CAP scholarships is scheduled to go into effect with the 2003-2004 academic year. [Stay tuned and be ready to help your college with a visit to your local Assemblyman, Senator - or Governor.]

FOR THE RECORD - The numbers for the 16 January Winter Graduation ceremony were: Associate - 1; Bachelor of Engineering - 7; Bachelor of Science - 7; Master's - 21.

SIGN OF THE TIMES - One item on the lists of subjects on the Maritime College homepage has been changed recently - from 'News" to "News & Security Bulletins." [http://www.sunymaritime.edu]