The Da Capo Vocal Band

"A sense of pitch, performance and drama" -- that's what it takes to be a member of an a cappella group, according to former Binghamton Crosbys member Jim Fowler '96, who is now a member of the a cappella group da Capo (made up of Binghamton University alumni). "You have to do more than sing," he said. "Binghamton's a cappella groups incorporate choreography, skits and changing formations."

Of course, sound is of paramount importance, and the interest and intricacy of arrangements play a big role in the quality of a group's sound. Binghamton's groups have been lucky in this area. "Some of the best a cappella arrangements are done by alumni who send songs to the Crosbys," said Fowler. Among the award-winning arrangers of a cappella music are Dave Kern '93, now a member of the alumni group The Exboyfriends, and Mike Van Allan '96, who holds a jazz degree from New York University and has played with the Harvard Jazz Ensemble.

In case you haven't noticed, the popularity of a cappella groups is booming. The number of collegiate a cappella groups in the United States grew from about 100 in 1991 to more than 700 in 1999, Jane McIntosh '96 noted in her master's thesis on the growth of collegiate a cappella. "Collegiate a cappella experienced its first explosion about 20 years ago, and doubled again about five years ago," said Fowler, who has a day job as marketing coordinator and senior assistant director of admissions for Binghamton University.

That rise in the popularity of a cappella has penetrated popular culture in the form of boy bands like 'N' Sync and Boys II Men. "They're a natural extension," Fowler noted.

"A lot of boy bands began as a cappella groups." Now, a cappella groups are so numerous that comprehensive websites such as The Contemporary A Cappella Society and Primarily A Cappella compile information about the phenomena and the bands.

A cappella has prospered at Binghamton University, which now has seven on-campus groups (see box), including the much-celebrated Crosbys. In addition, Binghamton alumni have formed or joined six professional groups. Fowler, who regards himself as "the keeper of a cappella lore" for Binghamton, thinks Binghamton has proven so fertile because of the style of university that it is. "Universities that have large a cappella communities -- like Yale, Tufts and Cornell -- are selective schools with independent students," he said.

The repertoire of the various campus and alumni groups varies widely. Some groups have a specialized repertoire, like the Jewish group Kaskeset. Da Capo, on the other hand, likes to be as diverse as possible. "We do everything from classic rock to pop -- the Beatles, Doobie Brothers -- to contemporary music," said Fowler.

Joining an a cappella group can be tough. Fowler auditioned for the Crosbys countless times between 1992 and 1994, when he was finally welcomed into the group. "It's so competitive," he said. "Groups aren't just looking for people who can sing well; they're looking for someone specific, who can fit the group's needs at that point in time." Once a member is in, a cappella groups require a big time commitment -- they practice anywhere from 6 to 12 hours a week, sometimes more when they're preparing for competition.

But if a cappella is your bliss, it's all worth it. "I love to sing, to perform," said Fowler. "If I had it my way, I'd do it full time. I love the style of music. When I'm not performing regularly, part of my life is missing."

Alumni choose a singing life The Binghamton a cappella community has spawned a number of professional groups and sent members on to established professional groups. A listing of these includes: The Exboyfriends -- a seven-man contemporary group founded by Binghamton alumni Dave Kern '93, Dave Curry '95 and Xerxes "Rex" Eclipse '95. They won the New York Harmony Sweepstakes last year and have been named audience favorite three times. They were named audience favorite at the Harmony Sweepstakes national finals last year. Their recent fame has resulted in their invitation to host the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella finals this year, so it will be an all-Binghamton evening. The Ex's have been featured on VH-1 and Nickelodeon and are Howard Stern's Christmas carolers. Their first album has received critical acclaim, and they are in the studio recording their second. Five O'Clock Shadow -- the five-man vocal band in Boston recently welcomed Roopak Ahuja, a Binghamton Crosbys alumnus. This group is extremely well known amongst those that follow a cappella and were cited by VH-1 as a group to watch for. They were featured in a VH-1 special on up-and-coming bands. The West Side Sounds -- a co-ed group in New York City composed of Binghamton alumni from University groups: the Crosbys, the Binghamtonics and Rhythm Method. They perform at a number of private parties each year and are organizers of a new annual alumni a cappella event that takes place in Central Park around Memorial Day each year. One of the group's founders, Jane McIntosh, wrote her master's thesis for Columbia University on the growth of collegiate a cappella, "In Harmony: A Look at the Growth of Collegiate A Cappella Groups and the Future of the Movement." You may read it at the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America website at http://www.casa.org/publications/thesis.shtml. Take Note! Take Note! -- a five-person, Washington, D.C.-based vocal jazz group whose founding membership includes Barry Astro, an original member of the Crosbys. They recently competed in the Mid-Atlantic Harmony Sweepstakes Competition. 4NX-Change 4NX-Change -- a barbershop quartet based in the Buffalo area, founded by Dr. Gary McBride, an original member of the Crosbys. A barbershop quartet based in the Buffalo area founded by Dr. Gary McBride, an original member of the Crosbys. Gary's website has won many awards. The da Capo Vocal Band -- a seven-man contemporary vocal band based at Binghamton University. Da Capo formed in the fall of 2000 under the direction of Crosbys alumni Jim Fowler, Al Orbinati and Roopak Ahuja, as well as Kaskeset member Mike Boxer. The initial formation didn't last long; Ahuja left to join 5 O'Clock Shadow in December. The current formation includes Fowler, Orbinati and Boxer plus Chris Sheppard (current Crosby), Kevin Doherty (currently in Rhythm Method) and Charles Howard (currently in the Binghamtonics). Da Capo recently competed in the Boston Harmony Sweepstakes -- an evening that marked the band's third-ever performance -- and placed second in the "audience favorite" category. (The da Capo website is under construction.) All these groups except Five O'Clock Shadow have their roots on the Binghamton University campus. — Jim Fowler '96, marketing coordinator and senior assistant director of admissions for Binghamton University, is also Binghamton's keeper of a cappella lore.

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Pulitzer Prize-winning author joins faculty

Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Herbert P. Bix, who was awarded the 2001 prize in April for general non-fiction, joined Binghamton University's faculty in May with joint appointments as a full professor in sociology and history. A graduate of Harvard University, Bix earned a PhD in history and Far Eastern languages and has taught Japanese history at a number of American and Japanese universities, including Harvard. Bix previously instructed at Binghamton University as a visiting associate professor in history in1988-89 and is currently a professor in the Graduate School of Social Sciences at Hitotsubashi University in Japan.

Bix was recognized for his book Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan, which explores the decades-long debate on whether the emperor was the mastermind behind the war in the Pacific or merely a puppet. The book was also recognized earlier this year as the 2000 winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for Biography and Autobiography.

"I'm absolutely giddy with delight," said Bix. "My phone has been ringing off the wall with well-wishers. The realization that I have won this prestigious award is slowly starting to sink in."

Institute of Global Cultural Studies hosts conference on Islam and Africa

The Institute of Global Cultural Studies hosted a four-day conference, "Islam and Africa: Global, Cultural and Historical Perspectives," April 19 through 21. The keynote address was given by Sulayman Nyang, former Gambian deputy ambassador to Saudi Arabia and currently the lead developer for the African Voice Project at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History, who spoke on "The Prophet Muhammad in the African Imagination." Ali A. Mazrui, institute director, spoke on "Islam and Cultural Globalization in Africa".

For more news about Harpur, see Harpur Hotline.

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Decker hosts second annual Visiting Scholars presentation

Decker School of Nursing and the Mary E. Mahoney Nursing Support Group held the second in a series of Visiting Scholar presentations, Preparing for a Career in Nursing in the 21st Century, May 6-8. Dr. Mel Chevannes, CBE, FRCN, and Professor Donna P. Young, MA, came to Binghamton University from DeMontfort University in Leicester, England, for the spring event.

Chevannes is head of the School of Nursing and Midwifery at DeMontfort University. In June of 1999 she was awarded a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to multicultural nursing, a commitment that is also reflected in her extensive research and publications. Chevannes is also the director of the Mary Seacole Research Centre, which is named after a Jamaican nurse and heroine of the Crimean War, Mary Jane Seacole, who was a contemporary of Florence Nightingale.

Young is a principal lecturer with the School of Nursing and Midwifery at DeMontfort University. In addition to teaching, she holds several leadership roles at the university to ensure quality management in both the university's education program and in clinical practice. She has worked in England, Zambia and Central Africa.

On May 7, Chevannes and Young joined the faculty and students of Decker for a Visiting Scholar Dinner. They spoke on the importance of developing a professional nursing practice that is distinguished by cultural sensitivity and competent care. In noting issues that are affecting the nursing profession on both sides of the Atlantic, they asked that nurses share strategies they found that work to address the crisis in staffing, healthcare costs and the politicization of health services. Young emphasized that nursing is "more than knowledge and research. It is people and practice." Chevannes spoke directly to the need to understand that "real work in nursing is not neat or linear: You need a degree of reflection, you need to confer with your colleagues."

There are two paths in England to becoming a nurse: the degree and the diploma program. Both of them require that students study for three years, attend school for 45 weeks and complete 4,600 hours equally divided between theory and practice. One of the differences between the programs is that in the third year, degree students participate in a nursing research and inquiry module. In the English system, nurses specialize at the baccalaureate level. They may specialize in adults, children, midwifery, mental health or and learning disabilities. In the U.S., baccalaureate-prepared nurses are trained as generalists and then specialize at the master's and doctoral levels.

Both Chevannes and Young agreed that the opportunity to meet with their U.S. and Canadian colleagues was invaluable, and extended an invitation to Dean Collins and the students of Decker School to explore and develop the professional collaboration of our two universities.

-- Karen Keefe Guzikowski, Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) Intern and Sharon A. Bryant, Assistant Professor and CSTEP Project Director

Nursing students work with local authorities to conduct disaster drill

An annual disaster drill for Decker School of Nursing students, held from 2-4 p.m. May 4, also pulled in responders from Harpur's Ferry, the on-campus volunteer ambulance service that is staffed by NYS certified student volunteers. Additional respondents came from Wilson Memorial Hospital's emergency room and from Vestal fire and ambulance crews.

The drill simulated a chemical explosion in the Fine Arts building, affecting the building's grand concourse and sculpture garden. "Victims" of the explosion were transported to the East Gym on campus, where nearly 75 nursing students evaluated their injuries. Counselors were also on hand to work with "victims" and others who witnessed or were affected by the explosion.

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School of Education and Human Development News

Liberty Partnership students "Make a Difference"

Middle school and high school students from the Susquehanna Valley School District's Liberty Partnership program came together to paint a mural on the wall of a utility building at Julius Rogers Park, with people of all ages from the surrounding neighborhood, April 28. The mural, Inspiration, which the students designed and sketched out in advance, is divided into six blocks depicting an activity you engage in at a park, with an inspirational word above it.

"They wanted to give something back to their school community on

Make a Difference Day," said Sasha Fassett '90, Liberty Partnership coordinator for the Susquehanna Valley Middle School and High School. Many of the students brainstormed ideas about the needs of the community and what they could do to address those needs.

"They talked about the summer, that some of the parks don't have much going on and don't look good," said Fassett. "So students wrote to Conklin Town Supervisor Tim O'Hearn to ask if there was a need to beautify a park." O'Hearn, who also works for the school district, brought the idea to the town board, who requested a copy of exactly what the kids wanted to do and voted yes on the project.

The children learned to write professional letters to area businesses as well. They requested and received gifts of supplies, including paint and food, from local businesses.

Other activities Liberty Partnership students engaged in on Make a Difference Day included planting trees, playing games and singing songs with senior citizens at a nursing home, and cleaning up a yard belonging to an older woman.

How do the students feel about their gifts to the community? "They're very proud of their accomplishments," said Fassett.

The Liberty Partnership program provides academic year programming for middle and high school youth-at-risk in a partnership between Binghamton University's School of Education and Human Development and area public school districts. The program includes case management, tutoring/mentoring, interpersonal and family counseling, conflict resolution training and summer enrichment.

SEHD hosts Leadership Recognition Ceremony

SEHD welcomed 14 new graduates to the Leadership Skills Development Program's growing list of alumni during a recognition ceremony and dinner April 25. Guest speakers included Dean Ernest Rose and Karen Matson, class representative from HealthNow.

Developed in 1982 as a joint venture between the University and local industries, the program provides participating students with basic conceptual and practical skills in leadership through a series of four modules. The modules have a workshop format and cover topics such as communication, presentation techniques, team building, project planning and personal development. Workshop trainers are executive practitioners from corporations and firms such as BAE Systems, Inc.; ENSCO, Inc.; and Lockheed Martin Systems Integration.

High-stakes testing is topic of SEHD forum

SEHD sponsored a public forum on high-stakes testing in New York state May 10 in the Broome County Library's Decker Room. The forum provided an opportunity for parents, teachers, students and other community members to discuss what is happening in homes, classrooms and schools as a result of the state's assessments. New York now tests at grades 4 and 8 and requires passing several Regents examinations for high school graduation.

"The Rhythm of Compassion: A Museum of Social Advocacy as Art"

Students in this semester's Social Action as Curriculum class, a graduate course taught by Professor Barbara Regenspan, produced and performed "The Rhythm of Compassion: A Museum of Social Advocacy as Art" April 29 at the Artco Building in downtown Binghamton.

The performance piece/temporary museum installation featured representations of the social justice-focused community activist projects the students have pursued this term, numerous opportunities to take a small step toward community activism and a drum circle. Focus issues included children's quilting to celebrate and monetarily support the survivors of the El Charcon earthquake; exposes of unfair labor practices in this country and globally; poetry as "wake-up" call; and the promotion of a musical composition "playable by ear" to more readily include blind children in young people's orchestras.

The program was funded by a small grant from the Southern Tier Service Learning Institute, in partnership with the Binghamton City Schools.

Community activist artists Jolaine Gee and Maria Dibble '80 served as consultants for this project.

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School of Management News

School of Management Lobby Dedicated to John Walker at TAU reunion 2001

– submitted by Ken O'Brien ’77, School of Management alumnus and TAU pledge class of ’73

On Saturday April 21, 2001, the School of Management (SOM) lobby was named after SOM alumnus John Walker ’78. Walker was surprised by the honor and morning reception. A plaque was presented and will be displayed in the Lobby. Walker's parents, sister and nieces traveled from their home in Farmingdale Long Island to be part of the surprise, who as well as over 100 fellow Tau Alpha Upsilon Fraternity brothers from the past 40 years attended the dedication. President Lois B. DeFleur and School of Management Dean Glenn A. Pittman addressed the group.

Walker's successful career has been in the financial world as an analyst for Burlington Mills (1978-1980), financial consultant for Merrill Lynch, Binghamton (1980-1984) and Vice President of Shearson/Lehman Brothers NYC (1984-1991). Since 1991, Walker has been President of his own proprietary trading firm, Waterford Asset Management. He lives, works and enjoys all that is offered in NYC. Walker was recently featured in New York Magazine's "50 Most Eligible Bachelors" issue. Walker has been extremely generous with his success and has shared his good fortune not only with Binghamton University but, with many charitable organizations, church and family. In fact, he has arranged for his two nieces to attend college with his fine generosity.

While at Binghamton, Walker was a brother of the Tau Alpha Upsilon Fraternity and served in several offices, most notably as President during the fall 1977 semester. Walker spent many hours volunteering at the Newman house and as social director at the Campus Pub.

The SOM Lobby dedication was scheduled to coincide with the Tau Alpha Upsilon Fraternity 40th anniversary weekend reunion. (See "Alumni Gatherings" for TAU reunion story.)

NYSEG Challenge tests critical thinking skills, teamwork

It was an exercise in endurance. Or at least that's what this year's NYSEG Challenge Case Competition seemed like to second-year MBA student Dominic Bethel. Along with team members Jessica Boverio, Scott D. Brown, Ainagul E. Jumabaeva and Jan Walter, Bethel walked away with first place, bringing to an end two weeks of stress, hard work and camaraderie.

"What I enjoyed the most was the test of our teamwork skills," said Bethel. "By working together, we found that our strengths complemented one another, and we were able to develop a very convincing strategy. We were able to put to task all that we've learned from our respective academic and professional experiences, and it all came together."

But teamwork wasn't the only skill on trial. Students were also expected to fine-tune their critical thinking skills.

"As knowledge workers in today's age of information, students will be expected to use their brains to think critically," said Thomas Chandy, assistant professor in School of Management. "They'll be solving problems and making decisions either individually or as parts of teams. The development of these critical thinking skills is an integral part of School of Management's MBA program. The NYSEG Challenge Case Competition is a great learning opportunity because it gives the students the chance to turn their business ideas into reality."

The challenge was set in motion on March 22, when approximately 18 teams of MBA students were given a business case to review. After a week of preparation, the teams participated in first-round judging, which was conducted with support from 23 SOM faculty members. Three teams were selected to move forward to the final round April 6.

For the final round, a panel of judges was selected from the business community and included Ralph Tedesco, president and CEO of NYSEG; Michael J. DeStefano '87, partner in the Metropolitan Area eBusiness Advisory Services and Solution Group of Ernst and Young LLP; Dale McMarlin, controller of Raymond Corporation; Paul Reagan, manager of financial services for Lockheed Martin Federal Systems Division; and Teresa E. Webb '79, vice president for finance and CFO of Crowley Foods, Inc. and Kemps Foods, Inc.

"The presentations were truly outstanding," said Tedesco.

"The students can take enormous pride in how well they were able to present their findings. If what we observed during this final round is any indication, the future is indeed bright for employers, both in this community and further afield."

In selecting the winning team, judges considered three factors in ranking the presentations: content of the presentation, delivery and communication skills, and how well the team handled follow-up questions. The winning team was awarded a $500 prize, with the runners-up each receiving $250.

-- Gail Glover, Community Relations Specialist

Avolio elected Fellow of Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology

School of Management professor Bruce Avolio has been elected a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP), the society's highest honor. "Only a small number of people are recognized in this manner," said Dr. Nancy Tippins, president of the 6,000-member organization. "These are men and women whose practice in industrial and organizational psychology and whose research is considered exemplary. They have made unique and unusual contributions to the growing knowledge base in the field, and there is no greater acknowledgement of professional excellence in industrial and organizational psychology than to be elected a fellow."

According to the SIOP, Avolio's work in team development and leadership, as well as on age and work performance, has had a significant influence on both the research and practice of business and organizational leadership.

The SIOP was established in 1982. Its members are dedicated to applying psychology to people in the workplace.

Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science News

Feisel Critical to Watson's Success

By Susann Viafora

Twenty years ago, Southern Tier companies such as IBM, Lockheed Martin and Universal Instruments were clamoring for highly trained engineers. Community and business leaders joined with University administrators to mobilize support in the state legislature to launch an engineering school at the University. Then they all turned to Lyle Feisel to make it happen.

And make it happen he did.

As Feisel ends his 18 years as dean of the Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science this month, he leaves behind a top-notch school offering four-year and advanced degrees, high-level research and advanced technical expertise for the region's industry.

"Under his leadership, the school has attracted outstanding faculty and students, built partnerships with local and national industries and developed academic programs that are at once pragmatic and rigorous," said President Lois B. DeFleur. "This combination has helped the Watson School achieve national prominence ordinarily reserved for much older schools."

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