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Matzdorf’s lifelong dedication to metalsmithing recognized

Kurt Matzdorf (Professor Emeritus, Gold and Silversmithing) with the college mace and chain he designed. Photo by Eric Gullickson

Kurt Matzdorf (Professor Emeritus, Gold and Silversmithing) was presented with the 2006 Society of North American Goldsmith’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the organization’s annual conference in May.

The award is presented to an individual who has noteworthy achievements in the field of contemporary metalsmithing that have extended the impact or knowledge of the field. Matzdorf founded the SUNY New Paltz Metals Program and taught at the college from 1957 to 1985.

Matzdorf’s work includes 16 college and university maces, 20 presidential chains of office (New Paltz has two by Matzdorf.), and 10 presidential medallions, as well as religious ceremonial works on display in 52 synagogues and temples in the United States. His work has appeared in the permanent collections of several museums throughout the country and has been displayed in more than 125 national and international. His accomplishments include numerous awards.

Business professor earns grant

Surinder Tikoo (Business) was awarded a $33,759 grant by the U.S. Department of Education for his project, "Strengthening the Academic and Industry International Business Capabilities of the Hudson Valley." The School of Business, in partnership with the Council of Industry of Southeastern New York, will use the grant to enhance the international skills of the faculty, internationalize the business curriculum and provide international business expertise to the region’s business community.

Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament goes for the green

The Eighth Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament took place on Monday, June 19, at the Wiltwyck Golf Club in Kingston. Net proceeds from this year’s event – an estimated $31,000 – will be added to the Scholarship Golf Tournament Endowment, which supports recruitment scholarships. Ninety-eight participants, making up 25 teams, played 18 holes in a scramble format where team members tee off on each hole, then decide which tee shot is the best and mark the spot. An awards dinner and raffle drawing were held at the club banquet hall in the afternoon. Event sponsors included Anaconda Sports, Campus Auxiliary Services, Dell, Follett, and Sodexho.


Top left: John McEnrue (left) lines up his putt as John Shupe (both Facilities Management) looks on. Top right: Alan Dunefsky (Development) gets ready to tour the greens at Wiltwyck Golf Club. Bottom: Chris LaFave (l-r) (Campus Auxiliary Services) Steve Swanson, Scott Nelson and Jim Hinson playing for Follett Bookstores. Photos by Kristin Charles