Herkimer College Grants Four Retirees Emeritus Status

At their meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2014, the Herkimer College Board of Trustees passed a resolution granting emeritus status to four recent retirees, effective January 1, 2015.

Ronald Carvin, of Waterville, NY, was appointed professor emeritus. Carvin was hired as an instructor of biology at the College in 1980. He devoted over 30 years to teaching and promoting the development of the College’s natural science programs. In 2005, he was named director of the College’s nature center and supervisor of the nature center in 2007. He made contributions to the design and development of the nature trail in both these roles. Carvin was promoted to professor in 1999 and served on the Sabbatical Leave Committee and was a senator on the Academic Senate.

Sally Durkee, of Herkimer, NY, was appointed associate professor emeritus. Durkee was appointed to the College in 1980 as a lecturer in English. Durkee provided 33 years of service to the College both in and outside of the classroom. Durkee was advisor to the College’s Drama Society and helped produce plays such as “Arsenic and Old Lace” and “The King and I.” She was promoted to associate professor in 1993 and was a member of the Campus Accessibility Committee.

James Bruce Schwabach, of Ilion, NY, was appointed associate professor emeritus. Schwabach was hired in 1978 as an instructor of fine arts. He provided 36 years of service to the College and was involved in developing activities and events associated with the arts. He served on the Cogar Gallery Committee and develop the Art Teachers Invitational Show, an exhibition of art work that gave staff an opportunity to have an exchange with art teachers from around the county. In 1998, Schwabach took a sabbatical leave to study and gain experience in the field of ceramic arts to develop new courses in both sculpture and pottery. He was promoted to associate professor in 1991 and was the art liaison for the College Now concurrent enrollment program.

Henry Testa, of Ilion, NY, was appointed associate dean emeritus. Testa was hired as a lecturer of business in 1979 and provided the College with over 34 years of service. In 1986, Testa was appointed to the title instructor and chairperson of the Business Division. He was promoted to assistant professor in 1987, and in 2011 was appointed associate dean of academic affairs in charge of the Business, Health, Science, and Technology Division. Testa served as the men’s basketball coach for 10 years and assistant men’s basketball coach for eight years. He received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service in 1990.

Emeritus status is an honor granted by the Board of Trustees to retired professional academic and administrative staff members who have demonstrated excellence and commitment to making Herkimer College the exceptional institution it is today.

Interim President Nicholas F. Laino said “In total, the four recipients of this honor have given more than 135 years of service to Herkimer College and have helped transform the lives of thousands of students during their tenure. Their hard work and dedication through the years is an inspiration to their colleagues who strive for that same excellence in their careers.”