Geneseo History Alum Finds Success as Museum Curator

Since 2013, class of 2009 alumnus Andrew Gustafson has been working with the Bryan Museum in Galeveston, to develop a public space for exhibiting a major private collection of materials related to the history of Texas.  Andrew completed a BA degree in History at Geneseo (with a department honors thesis on 17th century British politics) and an MA in History from the University of Houston.  You can read more about his work here.

Geneseo and Red Hook, Brooklyn

The History Department is excited about the possibilities for collaboration with SUNY Geneseo's new facility located in Red Hook, Brooklyn.  Thanks to the support of Geneseo alumnus Greg O'Connell, members of the SUNY Geneseo community will be able to engage in a variety of academic and service activities based in one of New York's most culturally-diverse neighborhoods.

The History Department is working on developing several activities in Red Hook, including a version our of annual Teachers' Day targeted to downstate secondary educators, an alumni learning trip focusing on Irish-American immigrant experiences, and a summer course on the history of immigration.  You can read about the Red Hook facility through the Geneseo and Red Hook Blog, and learn more about the opportunities available for the Geneseo community through an essay by class of 2006 History alumni Angela Workoff.

History Alum on Jeopardy

In mid-September 2015, Geneseo alumna Audrey Watkins-Fox (class of 2011) appeared on the game show Jeopardy and walked away with $33,000 in prizes after two winning nights.  You can read more about her experiences on the show here.

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Profiles Alumnus Bo Shoemaker

Geneseo alumnus (and Monroe County Assistant District Attorney) Bo Shoemaker was one of several area marathon runners profiled in an article in today's Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.  Geneseo students will have an opportunity meet with Bo later this semester and talk about his experiences as a lawyer when he returns to the college for our first ever Alumni Career Panel.

Tributes to NAACP Chair Julian Bond Organized by Professor Crosby

Emilye Crosby helped organize tributes for Julian Bond at the September meeting of the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History (ASALH) and the upcoming April meeting of the Organization of American Historians (OAH). Bond, who was a mentor and friend to Crosby, was a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, Chair emeritus of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and a well-known advocate for civil and human rights. He spoke at Geneseo in 1968 and gave the Wadsworth lecture in Fall 2007.

Julian Bond speaking at the Wadsworth lecture in 2007

Julian Bond in a seminar with Geneseo students in Fall 2007

Justin Behrend on Blues Musician Son House

Professor Justin Behrend was quoted extensively in this recent article about blues musician Son House in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.

Study Abroad with History Faculty

The History Department at Geneseo is committed to the study of global history.  Our curriculum stresses the importance of student engagement with issues of international importance and many faculty are engaged in teaching and research that explores global interactions and cross-cultural exchange.

This summer, the History Department supported two study abroad programs for Geneseo students.  Professor Tze-ki Hon and Professor Gene Stelzig (English Department) traveled with students for a four week Humanities II course in China.  Students spent much of the trip in Hong Kong, with a long excursion to Beijing and field trips to several sites of historical and cultural importance.

Professor Joe Cope and Professor Rob Doggett (English Department) also took students to Ireland for a four week interdisciplinary course on Irish Studies.  Students visited Galway, Dublin, and Derry, and had the opportunity to participate in the annual Yeats International Summer School based in Sligo.