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What Does It Mean to Be an American?
What does it actually mean to be an American? Day to day, we may not think about this much. Yet it’s a crucial question, one that each generation in this country is called upon to answer for itself. Despite our differences, there are some traits that I think we and our predecessors would recognize — […]
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What does it actually mean to be an American? Day to day, we may not think about this much. Yet it’s a crucial question, one that each generation in this country is called upon to answer for itself.
Despite our differences, there are some traits that I think we and our predecessors would recognize — characteristics to being an American that resonate with most of us, regardless of our age or our political beliefs. For instance, I believe the aim of our representative democracy is to enhance the liberty of free people, and to offer them the opportunity to make the most of their talents.
Perhaps the most eloquent expression of this view is the awe-inspiring Declaration of Independence, which remains a core inspiration both for our political values and our shared identity. The notion that all people are created equal, that we possess God-given inalienable rights, including to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — these are beliefs that undergird our democracy.
They suggest that our country can be an example to the world of what a government of liberty can mean in the lives of citizens. And that we should never stop trying to make the world a better place. Bringing these values into our policies and our politics depends on all of us.
Often people ask, “Where are the Jeffersons or Lincolns in this time of need?” They understand that the quality of our elected leaders makes all the difference, and that bold, decisive, thoughtful leadership is essential for our country’s success. While I recognize that, I believe ultimately our success as a nation rests on the strength and capabilities of our citizens. The Founding Fathers spoke often of the need for citizens of virtue and talent, for people capable of governing themselves.
We do so through our political institutions, within a framework set out in our Constitution. While our system is not perfect, it has provided us with the tools to meet our challenges — and in a better fashion than any likely alternative.
Politics as it is practiced in our country can bring despair and crushing defeat. But it can also produce splendid achievements. If you enter politics, you have to be prepared for both. I know that a lot of people view politics with disdain and disapproval, yet over the course of a long political life, I never felt the desire to escape it. Just the opposite, in fact. I knew a lot was at stake in the battles, and I embraced them.
To be sure, I pursued them at a time when it was possible to find common ground across partisan divides, and when respecting one’s opponents did not bring immediate censure from donors and primary voters. The atmosphere is different now. Yet the basic need — for using the political system to resolve fundamental challenges — has not changed.
Nor has one of its most basic features: a permanent tension between the preservation and expansion of individual freedom on the one hand, and the stability and strength of the nation on the other.
Government must have enough power to protect the national interest and to be capable of addressing deep-seated problems. It must secure and enlarge personal liberties while maintaining order and stability. It must provide the national security necessary for the preservation of freedom.
These are not contradictory goals, but they do rub against each other. How we interpret them — how far in one direction or the other we go as our national circumstances change — is a constant challenge. Being an American means not shying away from that task, but instead embracing it as part of our birthright.
Lee Hamilton is a senior advisor for the Indiana University (IU) Center on Representative Government, distinguished scholar at the IU School of Global and International Studies, and professor of practice at the IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Hamilton, a Democrat, was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for 34 years, representing a district in south central Indiana.
CAITLIN ESPOSITO has been named the new chair and program director for the Le Moyne College Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (OT) program. She will also teach as an assistant professor. Prior to being named chair, Esposito has been involved with Le Moyne’s OT program in a number of ways, including serving as an
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CAITLIN ESPOSITO has been named the new chair and program director for the Le Moyne College Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (OT) program. She will also teach as an assistant professor. Prior to being named chair, Esposito has been involved with Le Moyne’s OT program in a number of ways, including serving as an academic fieldwork coordinator from 2015 to 2018, teaching several courses, and student advising. She spent more than a decade in clinical practice in the areas of community-based mental health and sub-acute rehabilitation. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Quinnipiac University and her doctorate in OT from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions.
Mohawk Valley Community College
Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) announced several personnel moves. DOMINIC DIMAGGIO transitioned to head coach/athletics specialist. He has led the MVCC men’s soccer team and served as a physical education faculty member since 2017. DiMaggio previously worked as part of the Southern New Hampshire University men’s soccer staff as an assistant coach, was the director
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Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) announced several personnel moves. DOMINIC DIMAGGIO transitioned to head coach/athletics specialist. He has led the MVCC men’s soccer team and served as a physical education faculty member since 2017. DiMaggio previously worked as part of the Southern New Hampshire University men’s soccer staff as an assistant coach, was the director of Goalkeeping for Seacoast United, and an assistant coach for the U18, U16, and U14 U.S. Soccer Development Academy teams. DiMaggio coached in the state of New Hampshire for six years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Southern New Hampshire University and a master’s degree in finance with a concentration in investments with securities. MARYROSE EANNACE was named VP emerita, in recognition of her “many outstanding years of service” to MVCC. NICHOLAS EVANOFF was appointed head coach/athletics specialist and will serve as the men’s lacrosse coach. He previously was a volunteer assistant boy’s lacrosse coach for Whitesboro High School, assistant lacrosse coach for men’s and women’s lacrosse at Utica College, and supervisor at the Syracuse University Lacrosse Camp. Evanoff holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Syracuse University and a master’s degree in childhood education from Utica College. MICHAEL HENNINGSEN has transitioned to coordinator of University Partnerships and Transfer Center. He has worked at MVCC since 2010 and also previously served as a residence hall director at Broome Community College and an assistant hall director at the University of Buffalo. Henningsen holds an associate degree in human services from Broome Community College, a bachelor’s degree in social work from SUNY Brockport, and a master’s degree in college student personnel administration from Canisius College.
CRISTINA HATEM has joined WCNY as VP & chief marketing officer. She brings more than 25 years of integrated marketing, sales, event, and community engagement experience to WCNY. She previously was marketing communications manager at JADAK; manager of corporate marketing communications, customer & market research at Preferred Mutual Insurance Co.; and held other positions at
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CRISTINA HATEM has joined WCNY as VP & chief marketing officer. She brings more than 25 years of integrated marketing, sales, event, and community engagement experience to WCNY. She previously was marketing communications manager at JADAK; manager of corporate marketing communications, customer & market research at Preferred Mutual Insurance Co.; and held other positions at Beard Miller Company, Mower, and Sage Marcom Inc. Hatem earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, and a master’s degree in teaching from Le Moyne College.
WILL LANDRY has joined WCNY as media sales account executive. He brings more than 14 years of sales and relationship development experience to WCNY. Landry was previously a media buyer and strategist at ABC Creative Group. He earned a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oswego.
MARTHA LEMONDES has joined WCNY as VP & chief people officer. She brings more than 20 years of training, human resources, and organizational development experience to WCNY. She has led teams of training professionals, partnered with senior executives, and managed projects that span all areas of human performance. She previously was a human resource business partner at Charter Communications, director of people development at AOL, and owner of a human capital solutions practice in the Washington D.C./Baltimore area. Lemondes earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and a master’s degree from American University.
CAROLINE MARRA has joined WCNY as associate director, education. She previously served as the lead universal pre-kindergarten teacher at Cayuga Seneca Community Action Agency. Marra earned a dual bachelor’s degree in childhood education and special education, with a concentration in French from SUNY Geneseo.
SHANNON HANRAHAN was promoted from director, individual giving to VP & chief development officer at WCNY. She was recognized for her commitment and donor-centric approach to propelling WCNY’s membership goals to new record highs. Hanrahan was previously a major gifts officer at sister station WSKG in Binghamton. She earned a bachelor’s degree in writing and art history from Ithaca College and a master’s degree in art history from the Courtauld Institute of Art.
Cumulus Radio Station Group has hired RICK NUZZO as local sales manager. He spent the last 14 years gaining broadcast sales and marketing experience as an account executive at NewsChannel 9. Nuzzo studied broadcast journalism at Onondaga Community College and attended the University at Buffalo for communications.
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Cumulus Radio Station Group has hired RICK NUZZO as local sales manager. He spent the last 14 years gaining broadcast sales and marketing experience as an account executive at NewsChannel 9. Nuzzo studied broadcast journalism at Onondaga Community College and attended the University at Buffalo for communications.
The YMCA of Greater Syracuse has hired DARNELL HAYES as the Eastern District VP. He will be responsible for the leadership of the Y’s East Area Operations, which includes the Hal Welsh East Area and Manlius YMCAs, as well as Camp Iroquois. Hayes comes to Syracuse with many years of distinguished service in the Y
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The YMCA of Greater Syracuse has hired DARNELL HAYES as the Eastern District VP. He will be responsible for the leadership of the Y’s East Area Operations, which includes the Hal Welsh East Area and Manlius YMCAs, as well as Camp Iroquois. Hayes comes to Syracuse with many years of distinguished service in the Y movement. He most recently served as a branch executive director with the River Valley Regional YMCA in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Prior to that, Hayes served as a branch director with the Ocean Community YMCAs in Rhode Island. He is involved on the national level as a YMCA of the USA member experience trainer.
KATHY KLOSNER has been promoted to chief program officer at Upstate Cerebral Palsy. She will oversee the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) & State Education Department-related programs. Klosner has spent the last 18 years at Upstate Cerebral Palsy leading its OPWDD services, which have grown significantly under her leadership. She joined Upstate Cerebral
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KATHY KLOSNER has been promoted to chief program officer at Upstate Cerebral Palsy. She will oversee the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) & State Education Department-related programs. Klosner has spent the last 18 years at Upstate Cerebral Palsy leading its OPWDD services, which have grown significantly under her leadership. She joined Upstate Cerebral Palsy in 1987.
CURT PEARSALL, JR. has been promoted to chief financial officer at Upstate Cerebral Palsy, after serving the last six years as controller. He joined the agency in 2008 and has successfully navigated the growth in the agency financial area as well as the growth of financial services for several affiliates under the parent corporation, Upstate Caring Partners, Inc.
LUCY RIZZO has been named chief administrative officer at Upstate Cerebral Palsy. She will add oversight of clinical operations in her newly expanded role. Rizzo joined the agency in 2016 as an executive VP and will continue her primary oversight of human resources and information technology.
October 29, 2018 Business Journal
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