Troy, NY—The Sage Colleges softball program has announced the 2010 team captains for the coming year. The Gators will open the season next week when they travel to Clermont, Florida to compete in the Spring Training Trip at the National Training Center.

Head Coach Lindsay Sawyer announced that the 2010 team captains are junior Allison Bishop (Troy, NY/Lansingburgh), sophomore Ashley Eberle (Delmar, NY/Bethlehem), graduate student Kellie Jones (Troy, NY/Troy), and sophomore Meghan Welcome (Cohoes, NY/Cohoes).

Now in her third season with the Gators, Sawyer returns seven players that earned letters a year ago and helped the 2009 team to a 7-29 record, while producing a 3-11 mark in Skyline Conference play.

A year ago, Sage produced five players that earned a spot on the 2009 National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) girls got game/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete Team. Three of those honorees are among the 2010 team captains as Bishop, Jones and Eberle were all honored.

Bishop, who is a member of Sage’s Student Athlete Advisory Committee, is a business and communications major at Sage. She batted .291 a year ago with 13 extra-base hits and started all 34 games for the Gators. She is a returning team captain, having served as the co-captain a year ago, while also earning a spot on the 2009 Skyline Conference All-Academic Team.

Jones is a two-sport student-athlete for the Gators, having also excelled as a member of the Gator women’s volleyball team. A two-sport team captain, she is a returning captain in softball. She is majoring in physical therapy and also honored by the Skyline Conference with a spot on the 2009 Softball All-Star Second Team after batting a team-leading .400 with a .695 slugging percentage with 26 RBI.

Eberle is a math education major at Sage and batted .250 last year with 26 starts and returns this season with experience under her belt as she is plays in the outfield for the Gators. She added four doubles and was a perfect 4-4 on stolen bases last season.

Welcome added a .286 average last spring with 31 starts at third base and drove in 13 RBIs in 2009 with seven extra-base hits. She had 22 hits with 10 runs scored and had a .390 slugging percentage.

Among the key returnees looking to also make an impact for the Gators on the diamond is sophomore infielder Jennifer Ahearn (Cohoes, NY/Cohoes). As a rookie, she batted .333, which was second on the team, She had 31 hits and 21 RBIs, after adding nine extra-base hits. She was the co-leader on the squad with Jones as the pair added four homeruns each in 2009. She had a .527 slugging percentage and was 12-13 on the base paths.

Look for depth for the Gators with a talented pitching staff that will be lead by sophomore Kristen Knights (Chatham, NY/Chatham). Knights made 23 appearances as a rookie and finished the season with a 5.5 ERA in 121 innings of work with 46 K’s. She will be joined by a talented incoming class that includes Nichole French (Harrisville, NY/Harrisville Central), Olivia Sullivan (Copenhagen, NY/Copenhagen), and Gabriella Skillen (Milford, NY/Milford Central).

The 2010 Gators will face some tough competition on their spring training trip as they will take to the diamond eight times before returning to the confines of Robison Softball Field in Troy for their home opener on March 24 when they host Green Mountain College in a doubleheader at 3:00 p.m.

Sage opens the 2010 season on Monday, March 8 facing Simmons College. Among the 2010 opponents the team will face in Florida are Simmons College (MA), Northwestern College (MN), The College of New Jersey (NJ), Penn State Behrend (PA), Wisconsin Lutheran College (WI), Dominican University (IL), Northland College (WI), and Muskingum College (OH).

Sage alums and students are welcome to

join us for an

Alumni Panel and Reception

Wednesday

March 3, 2010

Sage College of Albany

Kahl Campus Center, Room 224

Lecture: 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Networking reception: 7:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Admission is free

Please RSVP to Alicia Pepe

pepea@sage.edu; (518) 292-1915

Sage alums and students are invited to listen to fellow Sage alumni share their success stories. Networking reception to follow -admission is free!

Doug Bartow ’90

Principal and Design Director :: id29

Doug Bartow is an award-winning art director and designer

with more than 15 years experience working with a variety

of national and international clients. As director of design

at MASS MoCA for eight years, he helped put the country’s

largest arts center on the world’s cultural map by designing

the museum’s identity system, exhibition and wayfinding

signage, print collateral, catalogs and web presence. He

left MASS MoCA in 2003 to co-found id29 in Troy, N.Y. Since

opening its doors, id29 has collaborated to build power-

ful brands, campaigns and marketing strategies for Pitney

Bowes, Litespeed Bicycles, The Steve Case Foundation, The

Travel Channel, and Revolution Money, and was the agency

behind Scholastic’s national campaign for Harry Potter and

the Deathly Hallows in 2007. He is an active member of the

UPSTNY Chapter of the AIGA.

Paul Hook ’86

Director of Marketing :: Zone 5, Inc.

Paul’s vast experience in the communications industry helps him

assist clients with all aspects of their projects. He has worked on cam-

paigns for numerous not-for-profit organizations, financial and higher

education institutions, arts organizations, and corporate and retail

clients. He is also an internationally published illustrator, with work

appearing in magazines, scientific journals and travel publications.

At Zone 5, his duties include business development, public relations

and project management. Paul also assists with copywriting, design,

and video production for Zone 5’s clients, and is in charge of Zone 5’s

own marketing efforts. He holds an advisory role on The Albany Ad

Club Association of Professional Communicators Board of Directors as

a past president and serves on the Board of Stewards of the Society of

the Friends of Saint Patrick. In 2005, he was recognized by the Albany

Business Review as one of “40 under Forty” business leaders of the

Capital Region.

Diane Conroy LaCivita SGS ’06

Owner::Harmony House Marketplace

Harmony House Marketplace began in 2006 as part of the effort to

revitalize historic downtown Cohoes, N.Y. The properties house four

businesses: The New York State Wine Seller, The Bake Shop, R & G

Cheesemakers, and Remsen Street Studios, as well as several apart-

ments. In addition to her work in Cohoes, Diane is employed by the

City of Watervliet as its director of recreation and cultural affairs. She

is active with several community organizations, including the Pruyn

House, Siena College’s Creative Arts Committee, the Albany-Colonie

Regional Chamber of Commerce, The Business Council of Cohoes, the

Town of Colonie Small Business Advisory Council and the Regional

Food Bank.

Michele L. Vennard ’68

President and CEO :: Albany County

Convention & Visitors Bureau

As president of the Albany County Convention & Visitors Bureau,

Michele directs all bureau operations, which focus on promoting

Albany as a convention, group tour and leisure travel destination. She

previously served as deputy commissioner for tourism development

at the New York State Department of Economic Development, Division

of Tourism. Before joining the Department of Economic Development,

she was associated with New York State Destinations, a tourism

destination marketing firm, and was the first director of tourism for

the Albany Convention Bureau. Michele has served on the executive

committee and board of the National Council of State Travel Directors

and Travel Industry Association of America. She has also served as a

member of TIA’s Discover America Implementation Task Force; was a

member of the US Travel Data Center’s industry review panel for the

economic travel impact model and was a member of the Appalachian

Regional Commission marketing planning committee. Locally, she

is a member and past chairperson of the Albany Local Development

Corporation and past president of NYS Association of Convention &

Visitors Bureau. She is a member of the Albany Convention Center

Authority, past chair of the Board of Trustees of The Sage Colleges,

and currently serves on the boards of the Albany-Colonie Regional
Chamber of Commerce and the Palace Theatre.

Courtesy of http://prod.campuscruiser.com/q?pg=home_news&tg=News-detail&id=114038&cx=22.98

When entering college, some students have an idea of what they want to do; but even that idea can change. When students start at Russell Sage College (RSC), they are adapted into a family and brought through traditions. Most students are here for four years. When they leave, they have a better understanding of who they are and what they can do in the world. It is the same thing for transfer students, who did not start at RSC, but somewhere that prepared them to be introduced to Sage.

This is the story of two graduating seniors, Allison Friers and Lyndsay Ruffels. I interviewed both Lyndsay and Allison who transferred to RSC for the 2008 fall semester. They were both planning to live on campus, and found each other as roommates. Coincidently, they were also in the same program; Health Science and Occupational Therapy.

Lyndsay Ruffels (Left) and Allison Friers (Right)

Allison Friers

Allison started her college education at Adirondack Community College. She earned her associates degree in Liberal Arts Humanities, and Social Sciences. Allison liked that Russell Sage College was close to home, and the program was very appealing to her. “By going to Russell Sage I had the option to start taking my masters classes for Occupational Therapy my senior year of undergrad,” explained Allison.

When I asked her what led her to Occupational Therapy, she told me that it actually wasn’t her first choice. “I have always been interested in the health field. I was originally looking at schools for Physical Therapy, but while searching I found Occupational Therapy. I also like that there are so many different fields that an Occupational Therapist can work in such as, psychosocial, pediatrics, or physical rehabilitation.I ended up speaking with people who have benefited greatly from it, and hearing how thankful they were for the services made the decision (to study Occupational Therapy) that much more concrete.”

Lyndsay Ruffels

Lyndsay attended SUNY Oneonta and Onondaga Community College each for a semester before transferring to RSC. “I chose RSC because they have a great Occupational Therapy (OT) program and I was able to transfer all my credits.  I also wanted a change in environment.  As you could imagine, moving from Oneonta to Troy is a big change,” said Lyndsay. She did admit that being closer to her boyfriend was also a positive part in the change. Lyndsay explained that she is a creative person and that Occupational Therapy let her combine her want to help people with creativity. “I always enjoy helping my older grandparents do things when they are unable and I think that also influenced my decision to study OT.”

We also discussed their life at RSC. They both live in German House, and love it! Allison described the space as their “own little apartment, with its own bathroom.” Lyndsay said she also loves German house; however, she misses living in Sage Hall because she loved looking over the park.

They both have a lot in common which makes living together that much more fun. “One of the best things about my roommate,” says Lyndsay, “is that we always know what the other is thinking. Allison also always knows how to make me feel better when I’m in a bad mood; she knows me very well,” Lyndsay laughed. They also encourage each other she said, “Because we are in the same classes, we give each other a lot of support which is very important when it comes to taking harder classes.” Allison agreed with Lyndsay and said, “I pretty much love everything about her. I really lucked out getting paired with someone who shares so many similarities with me. I have only known her for a year and a half, but I feel as if we have been friends forever. I really don’t know what I would do without her! If I had to pick just one thing about Lyndsay that I love best, it would be that she makes me laugh all the time.”

Both Lyndsay and Allison plan on keeping in touch after graduation, even though their lives may separate them. Their internships will take them anywhere they wish to go. Lyndsay will be going as far as England to a town where her father grew up. Then she hopes to travel to warmer climates, and find a place where she can settle down with her boyfriend. Allison, who is not thrilled about Lyndsay moving so far away, will stay close to home and do her internships in Saratoga and Glens Falls. Then Allison plans on taking a fun vacation, and finding a fun job.

My final question to them was: “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?”

Lyndsay answered:

“In ten years, I see myself being married and hopefully settled down in a southern state.  I will hopefully be working as an Occupational Therapist in a physical rehabilitation setting.  I also want to have at least two dogs!”

Allison answered:

“That is a hard question. Hopefully I will have a job as an Occupational Therapist in a setting that fits me. Beyond that I hope to be married and live in an area that will be close to where I currently live in Queensbury.”

Allison and Lyndsay are both dedicated students who have found their life path. They are excited for their future, and proud to call each other friends. Even if they no longer live together in German house, or attend RSC, they will succeed at everything they do. Lyndsay and Allison are a great example of “Women of Influence”. I am happy I had the chance to meet them and become their friend!

Congratulations Allison and Lyndsay, and good luck with your future endeavors!

Nicholas Sparks is the author of many well known novels, some that have been turned into movies. Maybe you have heard of some? The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, Nights in Rodanthe, Message in a bottle?

His latest love drama is called Dear John. The story takes place in North Carolina during the summer of 2000. This is where the main characters, John Tyree and Savannah Curtis, meet for the first time. John is on summer leave from the Army and Savannah is with a group of friends rebuilding homes that were wrecked in a hurricane. In a matter of two weeks, they fall in love. When John’s leave from the Army is up, they decide to have a long-distance relationship, by promising to write each other about their lives. This relationship goes through the test of time, and brings John and Savannah to places they never could have foreseen.

The book, now turned movie, attracted many young women (and unwilling boyfriends) to the theater for opening weekend. The book, no doubt, is better than the movie. However, it seems many young fans were impressed by the story line. The movie strayed from the original plot, but managed to keep an intensive love story alive.

For those who have read the book, beware! The movie may disappoint. The book and movie have different endings, and leave the viewer with a different message. The characters even take on different roles and have different personalities.

Although the movie took a different direction from the book, it wasn’t horrible. If you are looking for a reason to have a 105 minute sappy love-fest; this is the film for you. Take a girls-night-out and enjoy another tale from Nicholas Sparks. What would we do without him?

Not to worry! Nicholas Sparks will be back, and soon! At the end of March 2010 The Last Song, another Sparks novel will be introduced to the world via film. It stars Miley Cyrus, who spent time with the author, developing the main character, and even naming her! I recommend reading the book before seeing the film,  it’s one of his best!

Class of 2011

President: Katie Saulsbery

Treasurer: Carly Bennett

Historian: Ashley Brennan

Class of 2012

President: Kaitlin Strathdee

Vice President: Hillary Brown

Secretary: Allison Nutting

Treasurer: Cassie Jones

FCC’s: Kyle Byrer & Kate Maybury

Class of 2013

President: Brittany Beyus

Vice President: Cassandra Warbach

Treasurer: Aekangi Patel

Secretary: Morgan Mason

Historian: Courtney Dawson

Song Leaders: Sara Anderson & Erin Montrello

E-Board Officers

President: Sarah Rusch

Vice President: Mara Serven

Treasurer: Amanda Hillman

Secretary: Danielle Auspelmyer

Academic Chair: Kat Vargo

VP for SRA: Amanda Spring

C.O.E. Meaghan Cote

The Sage Colleges Black History Month Speaker and

Underground Railroad History Conference Keynoter

will be speaking twice this Friday, February 26

“Black Women and Black Power Politics” at 12:30 pm in Bush Memorial

“Railroads, Streets & Bridges — Black Women & Freedom Journeys” at 7:00 pm in Bush Memorial, with a reception to follow

Professor Rhonda Williams was named by the History News Network as “Top Young Historian” of 2008. She is an Organization of American Historians Distinguished Lecturer, a prize-winning author, and Associate Professor of History, Ethnic Studies, and Women’s Studies at Case Western Reserve University. And she is a rousing speaker!

Sponsored by the Sage Office of Cultural Enrichment and Diversity and the Underground Railroad History Project.

Supported by a grant from the New York Council on the Humanities.

A Free Conference on the Underground Railroad Movement

WHEN: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, February 26, 27 & 28, 2010

WHERE: Russell Sage College, Bush Memorial and Buchman Pavillion

FEATURING: Workshops, Speakers, Performers, Vendors, and tours of Troy’s Underground Railroad and African Heritage Sites.

Possible co-curricular and extra-curricular credit! No advance registration needed!

Organized by : Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region Inc.

Hosted by: Russell Sage College

In collaboration with Rensselaer County Historical Society

For a schedule of events please go to www.ugrworkshop.com

Sponsored by the Sage Office of Cultural Enrichment and Diversity and the Underground Railroad History Project

Supported by a Grant from the New York Council on the Humanities

Hear about internships from students who have done them!

How did they find their internship? How did they apply for it? Is it really work experience?

Also hear from an employer about what they look for when choosing an intern.

Enjoy a FREE pizza & salad lunch! (You must RSVP 244-2272 or schulk2@sage.edu)

Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Time: 12:30 – 1:50

Where: The Career Center on the second floor of the Vanderheyden Building – Hart Hall 2

The Panelists:

Jessy Willette, student – Interned at Schenectady County Court

Melissa Haggerty, student – Interned at the Rensselaer County Probation Department and with the Bethlehem Youth Court

Gabriel Piccione, student – Interned at STRIDE

Brandy Pascazio, Operations Recruiter, State Farm Insurance

Note: State Farm has an excellent internship program and we have liberal arts students who have interned and then were employed in the company.

Need more info?
Then contact:

Laurie Anderson

Senior Career Specialist

The Center for Academic Advising and Career Planning

Hart Hall, 2nd Floor

Russell Sage College

45 Ferry St.

Troy, NY 12180

Phone:  518-244-2272

Fax:    518-244-6865

http://www.sage.edu/rsc/resources/advisement/career/