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Rhett Calvin Dennis

Rhett Calvin Dennis, an instructor of dance at Kirkland College (1971-74) and lifelong interpreter of American jazz dance, was born on July 7, 1931, in Coatesville, Pa., the son of the former Helen Sinka and Paul Dennis.

During the Korean War, he served as a medic in the U.S. Air Force. After his discharge in 1955, he moved to New York City to pursue his life’s passion — a career in dance and entertainment. Dennis earned a reputation as an important jazz dance master, his influence emerging during the Golden Age of Dance on Broadway. He danced in the original Broadway production of Let It Ride (opened October 1961) and Hot Spot (opened April 1963) and earned a role as a featured dancer on The Ed Sullivan Show and in cabaret stage productions. He most recently appeared as a cast member in the film trilogy Broadway: Beyond the Golden Age

Considered by dance educators to be a prime mover in the field of American jazz dance, Dennis developed his own style, which grew largely from his studies with legendary dance instructors Luigi, Jack Cole and Matt Mattox, among others. Besides teaching at Kirkland, Dennis was a faculty member at the world-renowned Luigi’s Jazz Dance Center on Broadway and the Carnegie Hall Studios and also served as a guest master teacher for numerous universities and professional dance organizations. “…Professional dancers filled Rhett’s classes to study his unique style, movement attack and energy,” a published obituary noted.

Dennis taught by example and remained a student throughout his life, the obituary added. He impacted the lives of many professional dancers, educators and dance aficionados. At the time of his death, he continued to study, teach and share his philosophy of jazz dance.

Lindsay Evans K’74 posted this tribute on a memorial website following Dennis’ death: “Rhett was a professor of dance at Kirkland College in the 1970s and I was lucky to be one of his many students. He was an inspiring teacher; his classes were demanding but so much fun. He will always symbolize for me the joy of dancing as well as the courage of an artist. Studying dance with him was one of the best experiences of my life.”

Rhett C. Dennis died on Jan. 27, 2017, in New York City. He was 85 years old. Survivors include a sister and three generations of nieces and nephews.

Thomas Douglas Phelan

Thomas Douglas Phelan, a lecturer of communication and a renowned expert in emergency crisis management, taught courses at Hamilton in crisis communication and public information and outreach, especially in virtual and digital formats.

Phelan earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at New Paltz, a master’s degree from SUNY Albany and an Ed.D. from Syracuse University. He also received a professional certificate in education from Harvard University.

In addition to decades of experience as a teacher and school administrator, he worked with FEMA and other national and international organizations. The author of Emergency Management and Tactical Response Operations: Bridging the Gap (2008), he traveled and spoke internationally about emergency preparedness and disaster recovery planning.

At Hamilton, Professor Phelan served as an evaluator for the annual drills conducted by the Hamilton Emergency Response Team and worked as a tutor for the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). He also assisted Utica College in developing crisis management protocol.

In a notice to the College community, Hamilton President David Wippman wrote, “Tom will be remembered for his warm personality, dedication to others and his commitment to assist with the safety of our campus and the many other communities he served.”

Thomas D. Phelan died at home from a heart attack on Jan. 17, 2017. In addition to his wife, Catherine Waite Phelan, professor of communication at Hamilton, he is survived by one son and four grandchildren.

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