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Woolsey S. Conover named Chair of the Museum of the White Mountains Advisory Council

December 4th, 2013 by Lynn

    Woolsey S. Conover

    PLYMOUTH–Civic leader, volunteer, artist and philanthropist Woolsey S. Conover has been named chair of the advisory council for the Museum of the White Mountains by Plymouth State University President Sara Jayne Steen.

    “Woolsey has graciously agreed to lead the Museum’s key volunteer group toward the realization of the Museum’s mission to preserve and promote the history, culture, and environmental legacy of the White Mountains region. PSU is fortunate to have a leader so well-respected throughout New England as its advocate and advisor,” President Steen said.

    “This is quite an honor for me,” said Conover. “The Museum encapsulates many of my primary interests, the making of art, the scope and beauty of the White Mountains, the importance of museums in our society, which capture the past and celebrate the future. Further, I am highly impressed with the outreach efforts Plymouth State is making under Sara Jayne Steen’s inestimable leadership to include residents of our region in its work and outcomes.”

    Conover is a trustee of the Lakes Region Conservation Trust and former trustee of New Hampshire Public Radio, an advisor to The Northern Forest Center and several other New Hampshire non-profit organizations. He and his wife, Bea, are also involved with the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

    These and other involvements have been typical for Conover and his wife since he retired from the employee benefits industry in Massachusetts and they moved north to Holderness.

    Prior to retirement, Conover was founder and principal of Consolidated Group Trust, an 800-employee business in Framingham, Mass. He served as a director of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, president of the Board of Governors for the Copley (Art) Society of Boston, a director of the Appalachian Mountain Club, and a trustee for the Danforth Museum of Art and the Rivers School. In 1993 he convened a group that led to the formation of the Foundation for Metrowest, a community foundation serving 30 cities and towns west of Boston.

    “Woolsey has deep devotion to the White Mountain region and experience in the non-profit sector that includes both museums and higher education,” according to the Museum’s founding director, Catherine Amidon. “He understands the strategic importance of building the Museum’s reputation and audience in these early years,” she added.

    A graduate of Princeton University, Conover is also an artist, a painter whose oil works featuring landscapes of the Lakes Region have been exhibited throughout New England.

    The Advisory Council of the Museum of the White Mountains is charged with advising the museum director and the wider University on the strategic direction of the new museum and assisting with developing a strong base of visitors, members, donors, and organizational supporters. Current members of the advisory council are: David Govatski; Dick Hamilton; P. Andrews McLane; Rebecca Weeks Sherrill More; Victoria Noel; John W. Small and Bryant F. Tolles, Jr.

    A native New Englander, Conover also enjoys travel, hiking and golf in his spare time.

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    Plymouth State to host Ray Burton memorial service

    December 4th, 2013 by Heather

      Plymouth State to host Ray Burton memorial service

      PLYMOUTH — The public memorial service for First District Executive Councilor Raymond Burton of Bath will be held Saturday, Dec. 14 at 1 p.m. in the Courtroom of Plymouth State University’s Hartman Union Building.

      Scheduled speakers include PSU President Sara Jayne Steen, Gov. Maggie Hassan, former Governor John Lynch, Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Kelly Ayotte, state Senator Lou D’Allesandro and former Burton intern Trevor Chandler.

      The Plymouth State University Chorale will provide musical accompaniment and the event will be live streamed by PSU and WMUR-TV.

      The event is expected to be well-attended and carpooling is strongly encouraged.

      Parking for the general public is located at the University’s P.E. Center on Route 175-A in Holderness, with shuttle busses available to transport attendees to the service.

      The parking lots will open at 9:30 a.m.; all attendees are asked to be seated by 11:30 a.m.

      Burton died Tuesday, Nov. 12 after a period of failing health. He was a longtime member of the New Hampshire Executive Council, serving 35 years representing New Hampshire’s First District, making him one of the Granite State’s longest-serving and most recognized political leaders.

      Burton, a 1962 graduate of what was then Plymouth Teachers College, began his career as a school teacher and principal. He later became an adjunct faculty member in Plymouth State’s Department of Social Sciences. After becoming a member of the Executive Council in 1977, he established an internship program for New Hampshire College students to learn more about the workings of state government.

      Plymouth State University has established the Honorable Raymond S. Burton ‘62 Public Service Scholarship, an endowed scholarship for PSU students from New Hampshire who aspire to public service.

      In addition to the scholarship, Plymouth State is establishing a Raymond S. Burton Collection in the Lamson Library’s Spinelli Archives and Special Collections, which will house Ray’s papers and memorabilia.

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      Conover named chair of the Museum of the White Mountains advisory council

      November 30th, 2013 by Heather

        Conover named chair of the Museum of the White Mountains advisory council

        PLYMOUTH — Civic leader, volunteer, artist and philanthropist Woolsey S. Conover has been named chair of the advisory council for the Museum of the White Mountains by Plymouth State University President Sara Jayne Steen.

        “Woolsey has graciously agreed to lead the museum’s key volunteer group toward the realization of the museum’s mission to preserve and promote the history, culture and environmental legacy of theWhite Mountains region. PSU is fortunate to have a leader so well-respected throughout New England as its advocate and advisor,” Steen said.

        “This is quite an honor for me,” said Conover. “The museum encapsulates many of my primary interests, the making of art, the scope and beauty of theWhite Mountains, the importance of museums in our society, which capture the past and celebrate the future. Further, I am highly impressed with the outreach efforts Plymouth State is making under Sara Jayne Steen’s inestimable leadership to include residents of our region in its work and outcomes.”

        Conover is a trustee of the Lakes Region Conservation Trust and former trustee of New Hampshire Public Radio, an advisor to The Northern Forest Center and several other New Hampshire non-profit organizations. He and his wife, Bea, are also involved with the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

        These and other involvements have been typical for Conover and his wife since he retired from the employee benefits industry in Massachusetts and they moved north to Holderness.

        Prior to retirement, Conover was founder and principal of Consolidated Group Trust, an 800-employee business in Framingham, Mass. He served as a director of the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education, president of the Board of Governors for the Copley (Art) Society of Boston, a director of the Appalachian Mountain Club and a trustee for the Danforth Museum of Art and the Rivers School. In 1993 he convened a group that led to the formation of the Foundation for Metrowest, a community foundation serving 30 cities and towns west of Boston.

        “Woolsey has deep devotion to the White Mountain region and experience in the non-profit sector that includes both museums and higher education,” according to the museum’s founding director, Catherine Amidon. “He understands the strategic importance of building the museum’s reputation and audience in these early years,” she added.

        A graduate of Princeton University, Conover is also an artist, a painter whose oil works featuring landscapes of the Lakes Region have been exhibited throughout New England.

        The advisory council of the Museum of the White Mountains is charged with advising the museum director and the wider university on the strategic direction of the new museum and assisting with developing a strong base of visitors, members, donors and organizational supporters. Current members of the advisory council are David Govatski, Dick Hamilton, P. Andrews McLane, Rebecca Weeks Sherrill More, Victoria Noel, John W. Small and Bryant F. Tolles Jr.

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        Employers committed to employing people with disabilities receive state recognition

        November 30th, 2013 by Heather

          Employers committed to employing people with disabilities receive state recognition

          SODEXO PSU General Manager Chris Mongeon (Center) accepts a 2013 Employment Leadership Award presented by NH Vocational Rehabilitation in October.

           LACONIA — New Hampshire Vocational Rehabilitation recently announced the 2013 Employment Leadership Award recipients.

          Sodexo PSU, which partners with Lakes Region Community Services and PlymouthState University to offer an internship for individuals with disabilities, was named a Top 10 Employer. All Top 10 businesses were honored for making recruiting, hiring and retaining people with disabilities a top priority. The awards ceremony was held in October, commemorating National Disability Employment Awareness month. The ELA Awards program also recognized a number of nominees from throughout the state, including Café Déjà Vu in Laconia.

          In the summer of 2012, LRCS Associate Director Laurie Vachon approached Sodexo PSU General Manager Chris Mongeon to establish an internship program for adults with disabilities interested in foodrelated businesses. Four interns, Haley, James, Ann and Jeremiah, were selected and began training that September. The 15-week ceremony concluded with a graduation ceremony. Sodexo’s ongoing commitment to the interns is evident as three of the four were offered jobs. STRIDE graduates have been working between 15 and 25 hours a week. The first STRIDE program was so successful that Sodexo and LRCS are offering another 15-week internship program currently in progress.

           

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          Memorial for Councilor Burton planned

          November 30th, 2013 by Heather

            Memorial for Councilor Burton planned

            PLYMOUTH — A service and celebration of life in honor of late New Hampshire Executive Councilor and Grafton County Commissioner Raymond S. Burton will be held on Dec. 14. The event will take place at Plymouth State University in the Court Room of the HUB at 1 p.m. There will also be a reception following the service inProspect Hall. Many dignitaries will be on hand, with tributes to the life and times of Burton.

            There will be shuttle transportation provided to and from the parking lots for attending guests. Once all of the details and logistics regarding this event are in place and confirmed, PSU will be releasing a general notice to the press that should provide everyone wishing to attend all the information they will need.

            Burton’s family and friends reiterate their thanks to all of those who have sent memories and remembrances of Burton by e-mail, through Facebook, or through the mail. It has been heartwarming to feel so supported in grieving such a wonderful man and great friend to so many. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Raymond S. Burton Scholarship Fund, PO Box 17, Bath, NH 03740. This scholarship fund was created by Burton’s will, and will be used to support North Country students who are pursuing higher education.

            Burton always supported the North Country residents and was a great supporter of education in all of its forms. He was a big advocate of the community colleges changing their structure a few years ago, and was insistent that the credits the students earned be transferable as granted to all NH colleges and universities.

            As a trained educator, he mentored over 140 student interns in his years in state government in addition to serving many years teaching, most recently on the faculty of Springfield College. It is most fitting that he be remembered in support of what he most loved.

             

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            Around the world at PSU’s Prospect Dining Hall

            November 28th, 2013 by Lynn

              From left, Nepalese native Radhika Niroula, a PSU first-year student, serves up dumplings to fellow first-year Emily Spaulding of Orford. Each international student “Global Chef” team produced 400 servings of their native cuisine to feed the throngs of fellow students who attended the competition.

              PLYMOUTH — Nearly 1,200 students jammed into Plymouth State University’s Prospect Dining Hall Nov. 21 for the popular “Global Chef” competition, pitting ten teams of international students creating foods from their native countries. PSU students sample the fare and then vote for their favorite, thus crowning the “Global Chef.” Teams included Slovakia, Japan, China, Italy, Nepal, Norway, Germany, Mexico, Brazil and the United States.

              PSU’s Dining Services vendor, Sodexo, helped organize the competition, now in its third year. Sodexo General Manager Chris Mongeon said the event is very popular with students because it offers them delicious food from countries around the world, literally providing a taste of a different culture.

              “I think it’s great, it gives the international students a great opportunity to showcase what they can do,” said Mongeon. “It’s a great way for the students to get a bigger picture of their world.”

              Nepal won the competition.

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              Barbara LaJeunesse of Campton receives 2013 Sara Jayne Steen Operating Staff Service Award from PSU

              November 28th, 2013 by Lynn

                Plymouth State University President Sara Jayne Steen, left, presents the 2013 Sara Jayne Steen Operating Staff Service Award to Barbara LaJeunesse of Campton at a Nov. 20 ceremony. The criteria for the award include exemplifying the spirit and values of the institution, being dedicated to providing a learning environment that supports development of the mind, body and spirit, being actively involved in University activities, and being engaged in service to the wider community.

                PLYMOUTH — A Campton resident who is a dedicated community volunteer is the recipient of Plymouth State University’s 2013 Sara Jayne Steen Operating Staff (OS) Service award.

                Barbara LaJeunesse, who is known as Babs, has been employed at PSU for seven years as an Administrative Assistant for University Studies and the Undergraduate Advising Center, but her work at the University and for the region goes far beyond her day job.

                Her volunteer efforts are extraordinary. She has been an enthusiastic volunteer for the past 25 years for Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue, which covers all of New England; she also volunteered for Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity, the Plymouth Senior Center and serves her local neighborhood district as Clerk. At PSU, she helps with the Festival of Trees community fundraiser, the OS Raffle Basket fundraiser, the University’s Convocation and Commencement events, spring clean-up days, the OS Welcoming Committee for new employees and the Student Employee of the Year Award Committee.

                “I am so honored, because volunteerism has been such a big part of my life, and it is very nice to be recognized for it,” LaJeunesse said. “It was the most special award I could have possibly received. I love the fact that this University promotes and encourages students to volunteer.”

                Plymouth State University President Sara Jayne Steen said in addition to her volunteer accomplishments, LaJeunesse has earned a reputation as an exceptional resource in helping students achieve their academic goals.

                “Babs is someone about whom I have heard about for years from students, whose help for them was so extraordinary that they want to tell others,” said Steen. “She reaches out to make others’ lives better and exemplifies the University motto of service.”

                The Operating Staff Speaker, Nikki-Ann Nunes, introduced LaJeunesse as the winner and described her as a role model, who truly cares for the students she serves.

                “Babs brings a unique perspective to her advisees trying to decide on a major, having 38 years of real world experience working in a variety of jobs, including office manager, account executive, supervisor, manager, and business owner,” Nunes said.

                The criteria for the award include exemplifying the spirit and values of the institution, being dedicated to providing a learning environment that supports development of the mind, body and spirit, being actively involved in University activities, and being engaged in service to the wider community.

                LaJeunesse said she was shocked when she was announced as the OS Service Award winner.

                “I felt like I was having an out of body experience because I was in such shock. It was completely and utterly unexpected,” LaJeunesse said.

                She and her husband Frank moved to New Hampshire in 2003; she began work at PSU in 2006. Babs has two stepchildren and five grandchildren. She and her husband have adopted eight Golden Retrievers in the past 30 years, most of them “seniors.”

                The Sara Jayne Steen Operating Staff Service Award winner was chosen by a seven member panel of faculty, staff, community members and students.

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                “Sketches Are Contagious: An Exhibition of Works by Hans Guggenheim” opens at PSU Dec. 2

                November 28th, 2013 by Lynn

                  PLYMOUTH — The Karl Drerup Art Gallery and Exhibitions Program at Plymouth State University will present “Sketches are Contagious: An Exhibition of Works by Hans Guggenheim” Dec. 2 through Feb. 28 in the Drerup Gallery’s Mini Gallery.

                  Hans Guggenheim is a world-renowned anthropologist, artist, teacher and humanitarian. For him, the practice of sketching is as basic and natural as the act of breathing. Each sketch in this exhibition is provides a sample of the thousands of sketches he has created over a lifetime and collected into sketchbooks of varying sizes, styles of binding and kinds of paper. All the sketches share qualities of heart and hand and the incredible capacity to closely observe the world and connect with others that is representative of Guggenheim’s work.

                  An event celebrating the opening of the exhibition will be held from 4–6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3. Professor Guggenheim will present “From Egypt with Love,” featuring images of famous drawings from the Caves of Lascaux and Altamira, the vase drawings of Greece, and drawings from the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. Sketches by Leonardo, Michelangelo and Picasso will also be considered, as will multi-sketch computer-video productions used by contemporary architects. Guggenheim’s talk is part of an ongoing lecture series on artists and war.

                  Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday 1-4 p.m. For hours during the winter holidays and the month of January, please see the Gallery Web site at Plymouth.edu/gallery. Contact: Karl Drerup Art Gallery, 535-2614.

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                  Plymouth State University honors veterans at Nov. 8 ceremony

                  November 28th, 2013 by Lynn

                    Plymouth State University’s ROTC flag detail stand at attention during the institution’s Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 8.

                    PLYMOUTH –– Calling on the public to recognize and respect the sacrifices made for our freedom, a variety of speakers highlighted PSU’s annual Veterans Day ceremony held Friday, Nov. 8 at Veterans Common.

                    Kathy Tardif of the Campus Ministry offered a prayer of thanks to those that have served in the military.

                    “Through their experiences of sacrifice, physical and psychological hardship, they exhibited strength, courage, discipline and integrity to become blessings to us all,” said Tardif. “We are grateful to have these veterans; students, faculty, staff, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers and friends in our midst.”

                    Jim Hundrieser, PSU’s Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, remarked that the institution owes a lot to those that have served.

                    “Plymouth State is so honored to work with veterans,” said Hundrieser. “I don’t know if there is a greater community service…we are so thankful for all that you have done.”

                    PSU student Dillon Bissell, an ROTC cadet, noted he has tremendous respect for those who have served and sacrificed.

                    “I am not a veteran, but this day holds a lot of importance for me…this is why I’m here today; to thank every person who has worn that uniform because I know heroes have worn that uniform,” Bissell said.

                    Army First Sergeant (ret.) Ron Cloutier reminded the crowd that Veteran’s Day is more than just a holiday.

                    “On Veterans Day, we give thanks to the 24 million Americans who have strengthened our nation with their example of shared sacrifice… all have contributed to the greatness of America,” Cloutier said. “We give thanks because the freedom we enjoy is due to their willingness to serve and stand up for freedom.”

                    Nearly 150 people attended the noontime ceremony at Veterans Common, adjacent to Hyde Hall. The Veterans Day ceremony was the tenth such remembrance held on the PSU campus.

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                    ‘Sketches are Contagious’ at PSU gallery

                    November 27th, 2013 by Heather

                      ‘Sketches are Contagious’ at PSU gallery

                      PLYMOUTH- The Karl Drerup Art Gallery and Exhibitions Program at Plymouth State University will present “Sketches are Contagious: An Exhibition of Works by Hans Guggenheim” Dec. 2, through Feb. 28, in the Drerup Gallery’s Mini Gallery.

                      Hans Guggenheim is ananthropologist, artist, teacher and humanitarian. For him, the practice of sketching is as basic and natural as the act of breathing.

                      Each sketch in this exhibition provides a sample of the thousands of sketches he has created during a lifetime and collected into sketchbooks of varying sizes, styles of binding and kinds of paper.

                      All the sketches share qualities of heart and hand and the capacity to closely observe the world and connect with others that is representative of Guggenheim’s work.

                      An event celebrating the opening of the exhibition will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec.3.

                       Guggenheim will present “From Egypt with Love,” featuring images of famous drawings from the Caves of Lascaux and Altamira, the vase drawings of Greece, and drawings from the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.

                      Sketches by Leonardo, Michelangelo and Picasso will also be considered, as will multi-sketch computer-video productions used by contemporary architects. Guggenheim’s talk is part of an ongoing lecture series on artists and war.

                      Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday 1-4 p.m.

                      For hours during the winter holidays and January, see the Gallery website at Plymouth.edu/gallery.

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