- August, 1982 Jackie Robinson College of the Atlantic Bar Harbor, ME 04609 ANSON, nkone AUG his 16 AM 1982 Heritage USA20c 04911 COA News Sam Eliot Accepts Job at Cornell Before he leaves, Sam is feverishly working on a history of COA. Spread out in his office are piles of folders and files collected since 1971. Included are notes that chronicle the After 11 years as Vice President of COA, Sam Eliot has college's development from a gleam in Father Jim Gower's eye accepted a position at Cornell University. Effective October 18, through the Kaelber era. A few enticing samples: Did you know he will become Director of Public Affairs for the Laboratory of that the original proposal for a college on Mt. Desert Island was Ornithology at Cornell. The job combines Sam's academic and for Acadia Peace College? Or that the subsequent idea for a administrative experience with his long-standing interest in birds. college of ecology came from a televised interview with lan "It's hard for me to think about leaving COA and Mt. McCarg viewed by Father Gower? This ecological focus was Desert Island, but I'm ready to move on to something else," reinforced by local concern over a 1969 proposal to build an Sam explained. "As Ed said last summer, 10 years in any aluminum refining plant and nuclear reactor just across the administrative post is probably enough." Trenton bridge. At Cornell, Sam will be responsible for preparing a five- As a tribute to Sam's efforts on behalf of the college, the year comprehensive plan for the lab, which has a full-time staff Board of Trustees has established a scholarship fund in his of 12 people. The lab's mission, like that of COA is to increase name. Initial contributions to the fund have totaled in excess of public awareness of the health of our environment, using the $12,000. Anyone wishing to contribute should contact Albie study of living birds as a focus. Smith in the Development Office. COAA Formed held. The meeting grew out of a desire among alumni to create a more formal structure for keeping track of each other, staying informed of events at COA, and showing support for the college. On Saturday, June 19, more than 80 COA alumni and John March '76 and Bruce Bender '76 drafted a constitution for friends met at the New England Aquarium in Boston for a approval by the meeting. reunion, an update on college activities and formation of a Under the terms of the constitution, the purpose of the College of the Atlantic Association. Appropriately, the event Association is the "promotion of the welfare of the college and was held on the Atlantic-in an aquarium reception room above the establishment of a mutually beneficial relationship between the floating dolphin and whale performing tanks in Boston the college and its alumni." Membership is open "to every Harbor. person who has ever matriculated as a student in pursuit of a The first order of business was a tribute to outgoing COA degree, every person who has completed a summer school president Ed Kaelber. Calling it "the last good chance to hear Ed course of studies at COA, all current and former trustees of the say 'the omens are good,' Bill Ginn '74 presented him with an college and all current and former members of the college L.L. Bean fly rod, a gift from the alumni, and asked him to faculty, staff and administration. Additionally, any persons make a few remarks. Ed reminisced about some of the concerns having demonstrated interest in the welfare of the college shall of his presidency: that a college with a mission might be be, upon application, members of this Association." humorless, that students have changed and no longer have Membership is specifically not limited to alumni, but broadened idealist concerns, and that a small college such as COA can't to include others who have been involved with or interested in survive in today's world. "Obviously, none of these things the college. materialized," he said. "And if COA can't make it with the Following approval of the articles in the constitution, a five- people it has attracted, no place can." He charged the alumni member Board of Directors was elected. Bruce Bender, Cathy with the responsibility of "keeping COA honest" and asked for Ramsdell, Dodie Jordan, Joan Feely and John March will serve their help in recruiting new students and directing the growth of initial one-year terms. Thereafter a program of staggered, the college. multiple year terms will be established. For the initial year, John Incoming president Judith Swazey explained that it was the March will serve as secretary and Bruce Bender as treasurer. uniqueness of COA and the people involved with it that had Three committees were also set up for communication, caused her to "fall in love with the college." She joked that at a fundraising and admissions. Each committee will appoint a recent conference for new college presidents in Washington, chairperson to report activities to the Board of Directors. Over D.C., she was told that her biggest problem would be getting the next few months, the Board will draft by-laws for the people to share in decision making. "Somehow, I don't think I governance of the Association and the committees will meet to will have that problem at COA," she said. She also expressed define their roles. A mailing including minutes of the Boston her delight in finding out how many people around the country meeting and a welcome to Association members will be sent to know about the college and what an outstanding reputation it all former students, staff and trustees. Anyone else with an has. "I hope you'll come back to the college to visit frequently," interest in the college who would like to be a member of the she said "and keep us on our toes." Association should drop a card with name and address to Albie Following reports by Jim Frick on admissions and a Smith, COA, Bar Harbor, Me. 04609. There will be no initial presentation by architect Roc Caivano on the proposed membership fee. Suggestions about the organization or its role auditorium, an organizational meeting for the Association was are also welcome.