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Staten Island Academy Welcomes New Trustees

October 2007 - Staten Island Academy announces the appointment of three new members: Dr. Victor Avis, Devorah Lieberman and Allan Weissglass, to its Board of Trustees. Parents’ League President Keith Barouch has been named a ex­officio trustee.

Board president John J. Fafian said, “We are honored to welcome such distinguished professionals to the Academy’s board. Each of them brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, which will greatly enhance the work of our board.”

Dr. Victor Avis, who graduated from the Academy in 1979, is a general dentist who owns a dental practice on Staten Island. He has a fellowship in Implant Dentistry and earned his dental degree from Georgetown University and a B.S. from Duke University. Dr. Avis and his wife, Kim, co­chair the New Leadership Group at the Staten Island Jewish Community Center and the Chai Society at Wagner College. He also serves on the board of Temple Israel and is the father of two Academy students.

Devorah Lieberman is provost and vice president for academic affairs at Wagner College. In this position she oversees all academic, curricular and student­related elements of the college with the goal of furthering the academic excellence at the school. As an academic and a scholar, Ms. Lieberman continues to publish in higher education literature and presents in higher education venues. Her recent publications have focused on academic institutions as learning organizations, issues of diversity in higher education and creating community­based learning opportunities locally, nationally and internationally. Prior to her current position, she was the vice provost and special assistant to the president of Portland State University in Oregon. Ms. Lieberman received her Ph.D. in intercultural communication from the University of Florida and concurrently received her certification in gerontology. She is the parent of an Academy student.

Allan Weissglass is the retired chairman of Magruder Color Company, Inc., a family­ owned pigments manufacturer. He holds a B.S. from Cornell University, an M.B.A. from New York University, and a Doctor of Humane Letters from St. John’s University. He has been very involved with Staten Island organizations and is currently serving on the boards of the Staten Island Foundation, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Staten Island Jewish Community Center. Mr. Weissglass has received many honors for his contribution to the community, including Distinguished Citizenship Awards from the Urban League and Wagner College, Snug Harbor Cultural Center’s Neptune Award, Award of Honor from the UJA­Federation of Jewish Philanthropies, and a Citation of Merit from the College of Staten Island. Mr. Weissglass’ granddaughter is an alumna of the Academy.

Keith Barouch, who is serving his first term as president of the school’s Parents’ League, is an ex­officio trustee. Mr. Barouch has a master of science degree in environmental science from the College of Staten Island. He is an environmental health and safety manager at Consolidated Edison. His son attends the Academy’s Middle School.

In addition to the three new members, the Staten Island Academy Board of Trustees includes John J. Fafian, president and a 1983 graduate; Steven W. Pasko, vice president; Vincent J. Dugan, treasurer and a 1983 graduate; Dina Marie Filippini, secretary; Suzanne Stirn Ainslie, a 1972 graduate; Jahnbaz Almas; Elissa Carpenter; Robert S. Cutrona, Sr.; the Honorable Charles J. D’Arrigo; Caroline Diamond Harrison, a 1982 graduate; Colleen Kelleher Sorrentino; Daniel L. Master Jr., a 1971 graduate; Lance P. Meaney; Dr. J. Geoffrey Pierson; and Dr. Carolyn Raia. Honorary trustees include Nancy Avis; Dr. Albert L. Patrick; the Honorable Francis H. Powers and Vito V. Sorrano. Diane J. Hulse, head of school, is an ex­officio trustee.

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Press Contact: Maureen McShane, 718-303-7805, communication@statenislandacademy.org