The Sentinel

Get Out the Vote!

Cynicism and apathy are the natural enemies of democracy: believing that positive change is impossible leads to the self-fulfilling prophecies of entrenched incumbency and incompetent leadership. We urge you, no, we beg you to get out the vote in the upcoming electoral cycle in whatever ways you can. Vote yourself, of course—thoughtfully, discriminatingly, carefully—but also encourage all those in your orbit to involve themselves by at least voting.

At our most recent Delegate Assembly, Ed Wesnofske and other local attendees were present as United University Professions endorsed Comptroller H. Carl McCall for Governor. We pass along this endorsement in the hopes that you will consider this fine man’s credentials as you prepare to cast your vote. But regardless of your personal choice(s), we applaud all of you who enact this most solemn act of citizenship on Election Day.

 

Veteran’s Day Events

Difficult times bring with them memories of others who have survived duress. As a country, we find ourselves at this odd moment in history involved in several rhetorical and actual “wars”—on drugs, on terrorism—and on the brink of a major international military engagement. Whatever your thoughts and ideological leanings, please take the time to remember those who have served our nation in past struggles. It is sobering to remember that the idea of Veteran’s Day—of Armistice Day—derives from the end of the “War to End All Wars.”

UUP President Bill Scheuerman recently distributed a memo endorsing the Delegate Assembly’s spring 2002 resolution “urging that each Chapter encourage all campuses to observe Veterans’ Day, and to recognize those who served their country in some appropriate manner.” SUNY campuses at Brockport, Canton and Geneseo have responded to UUP chapter calls for institutional acknowledgement of this somber day of remembrance—of which too few of our students seem aware.

 

Fall Outing

Over two dozen of the faithful had a great time at our gathering on the 17th of October. We met at the Cooperstown Brewing Company, in Milford, for a tour, and then we rode the rails on a picturesque ride to Cooperstown and back. Great food—supplied by Brooks’ House of BBQ—the odd beverage, and hearty comradeship meant a fine time for all. What made the train ride even more exceptional was the enthusiasm of the volunteers whose efforts are offered in the service of their delight in the idea of railroading and community. And speaking of volunteerism, our gathering would not have happened without the tireless efforts of Lorraine Tyler, who organized the event and hosted our journey. The work of dedicated volunteers like Lorraine is the finest example we can provide to those who watch our Union: membership means service and community, and Lorraine embodies those ideals in all she does. Thanks Lorraine! And thanks to those who joined us for a fine ride through our beautiful countryside...









 

Richie Lee: Sentinel Editor
By Bill Simons, Vice President for Academics

UUP faces significant challenges—political, contractual, and fiscal—in the year ahead. In this year of decision, our Oneonta chapter, in tandem with the other units that comprise our statewide union, will vigorously represent the interests of United University Professionals in lobbying and negotiations locally and in Albany. The Sentinel, the newsletter of our SUCO chapter, is essential to UUP’s campus presence because it informs, mobilizes, and unites our chapter. It provides an important voice that resonates throughout the campus and beyond. Last year, The Sentinel received statewide recognition for its commentary. The Sentinel, however, will be even better this year; as of our last issue, Dr. Richard E. Lee has assumed the position of editor.

UUP is delighted that Richie—despite his devotion to teaching, research, service, community, and family—has taken on the editorship of The Sentinel. He embodies the strong commitment of our chapter to fostering excellence and fairness at SUCO. Fresh from the sidewalks of New York City, Richie arrived on the SUCO campus as an undergraduate in the mid-1970s. He earned his B.A. (Political Science, 1980) and M.A. (English Literature, 1990) at SUCO. He received his Ph.D. from Rutgers University (Comparative Literature, 2000).

An Assistant Professor of English at SUCO with highly regarded courses in 19th- and 20th-century world literatures and composition, Richie is the first Sentinel editor overqualified for the position. A talented writer and editor, his writings have graced the pages of Phoebe, Exit 9: The Rutgers Journal of Comparative Literature, and several works of literary biography. Richie co-edited and introduced an edition of the Dictionary of Literary Biography: American Short-Story Writers since World War II (Series Three). Forthcoming publications include book chapters on Sino-American socio-linguistics and postmodernism. This profile is being printed over his objections; he did not want to be the focus of an essay, but acknowledged the postmodern irony of having to edit a piece on himself. He still works as a freelance editor. His most recent book-length project focused on the cultural effects of international franchising. And he has knowingly discussed the writer’s craft at numerous conferences, symposia, workshops, and sponsored lectures.

Richie is not simply an ivory-tower intellectual. While working as an intern to AFSCME’s District Council 37, he sat in on substantive meetings involving Hugh Carey and Mario Cuomo—then, respectively, Governor and Lieutenant Governor of New York. He worked as Director of Recruiting for a mid-sized, Manhattan-based corporation for a number of years. An observer of the ways of the world, he has studied, taught, and traveled in Asia and Africa. Although an excellent teacher, scholar, and advisor, Richie’s activities at SUCO are not defined exclusively by classroom, library, and office: he has rendered service as a SCALE Faculty Advisor to the Center for Social Responsibility and as an EOP Communications Instructor. He is also faculty advisor to the English Club and an active member of the Poetry Slam Council.

UUP does not forget that our Adjuncts render meritorious service, despite scant rewards. Like me, Richie was an Adjunct Lecturer before appointment to a full-time line. He taught as an Adjunct at SUNY-Delhi, Hartwick, and SUCO. He received the inaugural Simphiwe Hlatshwayo Award for Excellence in Teaching: the first teaching award for Adjuncts in the SUNY system.

Richie Lee is emblematic of the best of SUCO. In his more than quarter-century association with the college, Riche has brought a distinctive energy, idealism, and excellence, leavened by the Irish wit of the City, to a variety of tasks. Now, Richie will bring those same qualities to the Sentinel.



Contact Info

Norm Payne, President/Delegate (3390) PAYNENE
Bill Simons, VP for Academics/Delegate (3498) SIMONSWM
Tom Demeo, VP for Professionals/Delegate (2188) DEMEOT
Robert Compton, Secretary (3048) COMPTORW
Ed Wesnofske, Treasurer/Delegate WESNOFER
Peg Carney, Office Assistant (2135)
Rich Lee, Newsletter Editor (2493) LEERE
Other Delegates & Alternates:
Joe Baldwin (3517) BALDWIJC
Christine Bulson (2025) BULSONCE
John Carney CARNEYJJ
Fred Miller MILLEREW
Janet Nepkie (3425) NEPKIEJ