Essay Winner

Gerald Zahavi of the Department of History has been awarded the 1997 Ray A. Billington Award from the Western Historical Association for his essay "`Who's Going to Dance with Somebody Who Calls You a Mainstreeter': Communism, Culture, and Community in Sheridan County, Montana, 1918-1934," published in the Great Plains Quarterly.

Richard "Doc" Sauers of Guilderland, 67, retired men's basketball coach at the University, and recently named coach of the women's golf team, has been selected as one of the winners of the Senior Services of Albany Foundation's second annual "Third Age Awards."

In an effort to recognize the distinguished contributions that seniors make in the communities of the Capital Region, Senior Service this year selected nine award winners, who are over 60 and are currently active and making a distinct contribution in the fields of arts and culture, athletics, business, education, government, health and human services, medicine and outstanding leadership.

Sauers coached the Great Danes to more than 700 basketball victories, placing him among top five NCAA coaches in all-time wins.

Ann DiSarro, executive director of Senior Services of Albany, said "The `Third Age Award' program offers an opportunity to recognize those older people who are continuing to make a difference. We believe our winners are an exceptional group who represent achievers in their 60s, 70s, and 80s.''

Award winners will be honored at a dinner Thursday, Nov. 20, at 6:30 p.m. at The Desmond, Colonie. For information on the awards or dinner, contact Christine Sisto at Senior Services of Albany, 465-3322.

Lilian Borop Brannon, faculty member of the Department of English, was honored by Texas A&M University-Commerce during its homecoming festivities on Nov. 1, receiving a Distinguished Alumnus Citation for professional achievements.

Brannon has served as a consultant on teaching writing and English to colleges, universities, secondary schools and elementary schools. She serves as director of the University at Albany Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

Brannon was among five A&M-Commerce graduates who were so honored this year.

At the Nov. 12 meeting of the Committee on University & Community Relations, Commander Robert Wolfgang of the Albany Police Department will be honored for his exemplary service.

Commander Wolfgang is one of the founding members of the Committee on University & Community Relations. Active since the committee was created in the fall of 1990, he was largely responsible for the active participation of the Albany Police Department, specifically the Community Services Unit, as the goals expanded to not just improve University-community relations, but also improve safety and security in the traditional student neighborhoods - Pine Hills and Beverwyck - as well as address alcohol and other drug prevention issues off campus.

His new position as commander means he is no longer a member of the Committee.

Department of Political Science faculty member Helen R. Desfosses cruised to victory in the Nov. 4 general election in the City of Albany, becoming the first female president of the City's Common Council, winning nearly 80 percent ofthe vote from Republican Rocco Pezzulo and Liberal Party candidate and incumbent Robert J. Van Amburgh, whom she had defeated in the Democratic primary.

Professional Development Program instructor Denise Brucker made her first run for office for City of Schenectady Council, and, along with two other Democrats, swept three open seats in the Nov. 4 election, retaining the party's 7-0 hold on the governing body.