Legendary History Professor bids Farewell to WestConn

Grant McGuire
Staff Writer

    For the past few years, history professor Herbert Janick has been a unique fixture to the WestConn community. Now, as he departs WestConn for permanent retirement, Janick is embarking on a new project: a comprehensive book covering the history of Danbury since 1900, with a concentration on post-WWII. The book, with the working title of “The Third Century,” looks to be published on WestConn’s University Press.

  Born in Rochester, NY, Janick first served in the U.S. military Cover Intelligence division from 1953-55, before earning an undergraduate degree in American History from Holy Cross.

   “I just missed serving in the Korean War,” said Janick.

   In 1968, Janick earned his PhD from Fordham University, where he began to teach history. A year later, Janick began his nearly four decade teaching career at WestConn. He reflected that “the 70s and 80s were the golden age for the history department.” It became touching when his former students became his most trusted collogues. He has traditionally found textbooks to be an archaic method of teaching, preferring more vibrant tools, such as replications of primary sources, slide presentations and historical novels.       

   In 1998, urged on by an attractive offer from the state, Janick retired from full-time teaching. However, his desire to teach still burned, leading him to stay on as a part-time professor. For the past decade, Janick has taught only two 300 level classes per year, both in White Hall 026. In the fall, he teaches The American City, which follows America’s history of urban development, focusing on the cities of New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Then, in the spring, it’s History of American Architecture, which chronicles America’s architectural history, and it’ reflections on the nation’s attitudes and values.” Both classes had been introduced by Janick when he taught full-time.

  By teaching only these two classes, Janick had been able to “concentrate [his] energies” and “focus more on these specialized areas.”

   “The two courses are indeed connected in their content,” said Janick.

   Many students enroll with Janick for the full year by registering for both classes.

   “Those students are my favorites,” Janick said, “You really get to know who they are.”

   The old professor has certainly done his homework for his new book; he has read “every issue of ‘The News-Times’ from 1900 to 1968.”

   In the 1970s, Janick was instrumental in initiating The Danbury Preservation Trust, at one point serving as President of the Association for Study of Connecticut History. A resident of the state since 1962, and currently residing in Ridgefield, he says he has “always been active in researching and writing Connecticut’s history.” 

  Previously, Janick wrote a detailed history of WestConn’s first 100 years, titled “A People's University: The Centennial History of Western Connecticut State University, 1903-2003,” a work spanning the early years of the Danbury Normal School through the installation if the “centennial gate.” Having been a faculty member for a third of that time, he declared the work “the most enjoyable research I’ve ever done.” It was a very intimate project which “revealed just how rich the school’s history is.” These days, everyone knows Warner Hall, but Janick personally knew Dr. Truman Warner. 

   After four decades of teaching at WestConn, Janick grew quite fond of the school, claiming that “WestConn is a very good school, [but] its qualities are hidden,” and “The students are very hard-working; they do not feel privileged.”

   “Take advantage of the opportunities that you have at WestConn and beyond,” said Janick.  

Living History Comes to WestConn

John Coleman
Staff Writer 

   Two Tuskegee airmen lectured concerning their service to America during the Second World War. The well-attended event was held in the Student Center Theater at 6 p.m., with guest lecturers Col. Spann Watson and Flight Officer Connie Nappier, on Monday, April 28.

   The Tuskegee Airmen were a unit of black soldiers who fought for the US Army Air Corp during World War II. After Congress enacted several laws liberalizing the segregationist policies of the US military, the Tuskegee Airmen were formed as a fighting unit in 1941. They flew bomber support missions over North Africa and Germany throughout the war. Eventually, the flying group earned a considerable number of awards and commendations for their heroic actions during their time of service.

   “I felt that the success of our event would depend on what people were able to take away from the night,” said Event Organizer Joshua Leslie. “One of the things I took away was while these gentlemen suffered massive indignities during their service, they do not hate anyone for it.”

   Leslie was quick to thank the many individuals who contributed to the events success such as John Norman, Bryon Samuel, and Shannon Doherty who “did much of the behind-the-scenes work.”

   In addition to talking about wartime experiences, the lecturers both spoke at length concerning the hardships that they endured under segregation prior to the war. Whether it was unjust grammar school teachers or distrustful schoolmates, both men said they were adamant that they bore no animosity towards those who had treated them unjustly.

  “[The Tuskegee Airmen] focused on events which happened earlier than World War II which gave a good background. You could really see how they were fighting two wars,” Shannon Doherty said.

   “Based on comments from people who were there, I think it was a successful night. I was floored when Lt. Col. Watson and Flight Officer Nappier thanked me for arranging the event,” said Leslie.

   “I feel grateful for the opportunity to have experienced a piece of history which would not have happened had WestConn not organized this event,” said Melissa Dunn, a junior history major.

   Following the talk, there was a light reception where both Watson and Nappier were available to talk.

   “I was really inspired,” said senior Jennifer Burkes.

WasteConn

Jared Sturges
News Editor/Circulation Agent

   Apparently, WestConn students don’t give a hoot.

   On Thursday, there was a large collection of trash accumulated on the quad. This trash was a week’s worth of litter from the Midtown campus. Its removal cost was $2,103.12, and Roots and Shoots want students to know that this money is tacked on their bill.

   “It’s helpful for students to show the impact on students directly, in terms of tuition costs,” said Zachary Storey, junior and president of Roots and Shoots. “The main goal was to make students aware of how much litter there is.”

   The quad’s pile of trash took two pickup truck loads to remove, according to Storey. The 72 work hours it took to clean the trash were contracted out, costing students a pretty penny.

   “This is completely appalling,” said Thorin Jacobs, a sophomore Earth & Planetary Science major, as he took a disgusted look at the pile of trash. “I don’t litter myself.”

 Storey said that he was happy with student’s response to the display, that the event was “successful” and that he fielded many questions from students. He confirmed that Roots and Shoots will be coordinating similar displays and events for next semester.

   “I was very happy with how it all turned out,” said Storey. “We’re planning on doing another display next year, maybe a couple.”

   As the McDonald’s wrappers fluttered in the wind, many students walking on the quad took a moment to investigate the trash pile. Signs, made by Roots and Shoots, detailed some of the more grisly consequences of littering, including carcinogens from cigarette butts leaking into the ground and, eventually, the water supply, and various detrimental effects that ground pollution has on wildlife.

   “It’s important to educate people about what the impact really is,” said Nina Martin, sophomore and vice president of Roots and Shoots.

   As for possible motives for student littering, Martin was frank.

   “I think that students are just lazy,” said Martin, who is also the school’s recycling coordinator. “I think they need to understand how to use a garbage can.”

   For now, Roots and Shoots are in the process of painting a model dog that, after being signed by Jane Goodall, whose eponymous institute is a parent of Roots and Shoots, will be auctioned off to benefit Green Chimneys, a welfare agency for abused children.

Darfur Day Informs, Entertains

Dena Esposito
Special to the Echo

    The WestConn Senior Social Work Class, in collaboration with Cartus/Save the Children Foundation, hosted Darfur Day on Wednesday, April 30 on the Midtown quad.

   Darfur Day was organized as a community class project. Their mission was to raise awareness about the conflict that is taking place in Darfur, Africa.  Aside from the senior social work class, many groups helped in the effort of making Darfur Day a success.

   BSA provided a dunk tank in which students and professors voluntarily agreed to be “dunked” into the large tank of water, despite the chilly weather.  Activities included a drum circle, putting green, pie throwing, a Jell-O eating contest, face painting, and a football toss. 

   Students and community members were allowed to make their own Frisbees, while they enjoyed food from the bake sale table and signed up for a chance to win a prize of their choice in purchasing a raffle ticket.  

   “Our goal is to raise $100,000 by 2010 to build a school in Sudan with eight classes and educational materials for Darfur Refugees,” said Doug D’Jay, a representative from Cartus/ Save the Children. “We felt that we should choose something that was going to help the most devastating issue and have the greatest impact by setting an example for the rest of the world.  If we could do it, then so can they.”

  Children in Darfur suffer from the loss of their homes and families.  People in Darfur face the everyday challenges of finding food and water and have a lack of adequate health care.  People supporting Darfur’s “Rewrite the Future” campaign believe that education will help the children in Darfur acquire the necessary skills in leading a successful future away from poverty.

 “Having worked on this project for a year, it really opened up our eyes to how bad it is down there, and how much America takes things for granted,” said student Lindsey Arcand. 

  The day concluded with a video presentation and a candlelight vigil to educate and show respect for those in Darfur.  Cartus/ Save the Children will continue their efforts in raising money for the school that they plan to build in Sudan by 2010. 

“It’s a serious issue that people should know about.  Even spreading the word helps,” said student Amanda Calandro.

Q and A with Dr. Murphy

Andres Sacrider

Special to the Echo

Sports and exercise are crucial to one’s health. Keeping in shape helps you stay healthy throughout your life. Many know the obvious physical benefits; but how about the psychological elements the average person faces? The Echo asked Dr. Shane Murphy of WestConn’s psychology department, who specializes in sports psychology. He has aided National and Olympic teams and won the Bruce Ogilvie Award for Outstanding Practitioner this year. 

Q: We know physically that steroids increase chances of stroke, heart attack, cancers, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and muscle and ligament breakdown. What are the psychological effects of steroids?

A: Steroids increase anger, irritability, aggressiveness and even depression as short-term side effects. Long-term psychological effects are inconclusive because of the difficulty of performing a long-term experiment.

Q: They say you must be mentally tough to be a professional athlete. What characteristics are they speaking about? 

A: The ability to concentrate on one’s job, one who has confidence in their own abilities and the determination to surpass any obstacle. These are the most common traits we see in great athletes.

Q: If you’re planning to run a marathon or run long distance, what are some thoughts or theories to improve mental capabilities and endurance?

A: Two thoughts emerge: association and dissociation. Dissociation means you take your mind off your surroundings. Instead of concentrating on running, start thinking about something completely different. Association is more common; listen to what your body tells you as you run, get a sense for when you need to hydrate, when you have excess energy that you may pick up your pace or if your reserves are low, slow down and recharge.

Q: Sometimes runners hit a mental wall and can’t press on; this may destroy your confidence and determination and you’ll give up. How can someone break through that wall when you hit it?

A: Focus on your goal; prepare a strategy or hook to get you going again when it happens.

Q: A student notices they’ve gained weight during the college year and want to lose it in the summer. How would you mentally prepare to get back in shape after a long period of inactivity?

A: Diet won’t burn off the calories alone; you need some type of workout. When you first start, you may not see results quickly, however if you focus on a set goal. Your result would be losing the pounds. To maintain motivation, reward yourself at the end of each week you succeeded in your goal. Treat yourself to the movies or go for a small shopping spree. Don’t reward yourself with high calorie treats like an ice cream sundae, or you’ve defeated the purpose.

Q: What are some of the mental side effects to keeping active?

A: You have less anxiety, anger, fatigue and depression, and more energy and concentration. It also can retain youth and memory.  

Q: Any last thoughts for the students of WestConn who may wish to tone muscle or lose weight?

A: Traits that make you a good student can make you successful in your workout; dedication, concentration, time and load management are perfect examples. Know your limits; listen to your body and hydrate. If ever in need before or during a program, seek medical advice.