Issue 27
Summer 2017
Connecticut’s Public Liberal Arts University
The Arts are Alive at Eastern!
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The SBM Charitable Foundation
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Commencement 2017
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Eastern Celebrates!
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Veterans Reclaim Civilian Lives
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President’s Leadership Awards Luncheon
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The Arts Come Alive!
From the President’s Desk
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The Church Farm - see inside back cover
Staff and Contributors Executive Editor Kenneth DeLisa Editor Edward Osborn Associate Editor Michael Rouleau Designers Kevin Paquin | Leigh Balducci Contributors Dwight Bachman | Meghan Carden | Robert Molta Photographers Tom Hurlbut | Linda Ouellette ‘89 EASTERN Magazine is published by the Division of Institutional Advancement for the benefit of alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of Eastern Connecticut State University.
From the President’s Desk
EASTERN Magazine is printed on coated paper that is certified by three environmental groups and manufactured with 30 percent post-consumer recycled fiber.
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Five Minutes with Chief Rosado
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Philanthropy
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Endowed Scholarships
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Making a Splash in Windham
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Matches Made at Eastern
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Buddies for Life
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Emeriti Enjoy Life After Eastern
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Alumnae Support Local Artists
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Warriors Highlighted
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Behind the Scenes with “Smitty”
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Class Notes
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Final Thoughts
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Zaring’s Gift Changed Eastern
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In this issue
Issue 27| Summer 2017
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On the cover: The Fine Arts Instructional Center has come alive in 2016-17. See page 17 for details! (Photographs courtesy of Robert Benson Photography)
hen we started working on Eastern’s Strategic Plan in 2007, our research showed that students who are fully engaged on campus earn better grades and have higher graduation rates. In response, we significantly enhanced engagement activities such as internships, undergraduate research and service learning to provide students with more opportunities to apply their liberal arts education. A decade after we started these initiatives, our efforts to engage students are gaining momentum. For instance, through the leadership of the faculty and the determination of our students, Eastern is making a name for itself as the premier public university for undergraduate research in Connecticut. As one example, for the fourth year in a row and the sixth time in 11 years an Eastern student represented Connecticut at the annual Council for Undergraduate Research “Posters on the Hill” conference in Washington, DC. In the past 18 months, among the many internships and paid co-ops that Eastern students have received, two Eastern students were awarded prestigious Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarships from the U.S. State Department to intern/study in Japan and South Africa. Through the Center for Community Engagement (CCE), Eastern students volunteer thousands of hours of time each year to support local nonprofits and social services, including having a significant presence in our local schools. While the CCE has won state and national awards, the greatest reward for the work our students perform in our local community is seeing the grateful faces of the people they assist. I began this letter by noting that students who are engaged in active learning opportunities get better grades and graduate at higher rates. And increasingly, they are graduating “on time” — in four years. All Eastern freshmen must complete a four-year academic plan by the end of their first semester. In concert with our focus on student engagement, this “Eastern in Four” program is paying off. Almost half our students are graduating in four years, a figure more than double that of other public institutions like Eastern in the United States. Eastern alumni tell us all the time how important their liberal arts education has been in their careers and their personal lives. By providing students the tools and motivation to graduate on time, Eastern is giving alumni a competitive edge and enhancing the University’s academic reputation. Every alumnus can participate in this success story in some way — by donating financially, supporting internships, returning to campus to counsel students or through some other means. I am confident that with such support, Eastern can continue to prosper in the future, contributing to the success stories of its graduates.
Elsa M. Núñez
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On the receiving end of the foundation’s philanthropy are students like Jacob Castillo ’17, an East Hartford native and recipient of the SBMCF Academic Excellence Scholarship. This new and ongoing initiative will send 60 high-achieving Manchester High School (MHS) and Manchester Community College (MCC) students to Eastern over a four-year period. A two-time recipient of the scholarship, Castillo transferred from MCC after earning his associate's degree, and in May 2017 graduated from Eastern with a bachelor’s degree in new media studies. “If not for the scholarship from the SBM Charitable Foundation, I probably wouldn’t have been able to go to college,” said Castillo. Coming to Eastern as a junior in 2015, Castillo scoured the campus for opportunities to be involved. He joined the leadership- and service-focused clubs OLAS (Organization for Latin American Students) and MALES (Men Achieving Leadership, Excellence and Success). As a member of ETV, Eastern’s student-run television program, Castillo helped produce live newscasts. And as a resident assistant (RA) in Constitution Hall, he further developed his leadership skills.
Doreen Downham and Kelley Gunther
the sbm charitable foundation: making a world of difference for local students
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s a public university primarily serving students from Connecticut — many who come from families of modest means — Eastern often partners with local foundations to support students with unmet financial needs. No partner has been more supportive of Eastern and its students than the SBM Charitable Foundation (SBMCF). Over the past 15 years, the Manchester-based foundation has stepped up in a number of ways; from providing students with scholarships, to helping local families in the Windham area send their toddlers to the Child and Family Development Resource Center, Eastern’s top-notch preschool in which aspiring teachers work and study. “We have been very pleased with our ongoing and successful partnership with Eastern,” said Doreen Downham, SBMCF’s executive director, who works closely with Scholarship Director Kelley Gunther to make scholarship awards. “One of our funding categories has always been education; this partnership with Eastern stays true to the goal of our foundation — to better the lives of individuals who live and work east of the Connecticut River.” With past gifts and planned support to Eastern approaching $1.4 million, the SBMCF has made the dream of a higher education a reality for more than 200 Eastern students. 2 • Summer 2017 • EASTERN
“These clubs and jobs have opened the door for me to meet new people as well as pushed me to try new things,” said Castillo, who aspires for a career in television, behind the scenes on the production team. “Without the SBMCF scholarship, I probably wouldn’t have had the wonderful experiences I’ve had, and sometimes I think how different my life would be if I never came here.”
Jacob Castillo ’17
South Windsor-native Jennifer Wolff ’12 is already in the field making good on her investment from the SBMCF. While at Eastern, she received the foundation’s Early Childhood Education Scholarship, a longstanding endowed scholarship that advances the education of aspiring teachers. Wolff works at Cook Hill Elementary School in Wallingford, CT, teaching preschoolers with and without special needs. As an undergraduate, she used her SBMCF scholarship to pursue a double major in early childhood education and sociology. “Thanks to the support of the SBM Charitable Foundation, I’ve been able to better the lives of many children,” said Wolff. Since graduating from Eastern, Wolff has obtained a master’s degree in special education with a certificate in autism spectrum disorders and is working toward a sixth-year degree in educational leadership. “I believe that with love and support, every child can grow and develop emotionally, mentally and physically to their fullest potential,” said Wolff. “As an educator, my role is to scaffold children in building on their prior knowledge and foster a lifelong love of learning.”
Jennifer Wolff ’12 EASTERN • Summer 2017 • 3
“As an educator, my role is to scaffold children in building on their prior knowledge and foster a lifelong love of learning.” — Jennifer Wolff SBMCF Board Chair Laurence Rubinow; Former SBMCF Executive Director Sheila Flanagan; and Ken DeLisa, Eastern’s vice president for institutional advancement
Cy Colon ’17
Nicole Hess ’18 Cy Colon ’17 graduated this past spring thanks to the life-changing opportunity to attend college through the Dual College Initiative (DCI) — funded in part by the SBMCF. The Manchester native and visual arts major has been accepted into the master’s in architecture program at Florida International University. “I wasn’t planning on going to college; I was planning on picking up a trade like carpentry,” he said. “A week before graduating from high school, I was walking down the hallway and a teacher came up to me and said ‘Congratulations!’ That’s how I found out I was accepted into the program (DCI).” Colon aspires to design eco-friendly, sustainable buildings. “I’ve always been interested in working with my hands, that’s why I’m an artist. Architecture goes hand and hand with art. The Dual College Initiative opened a lot of doors for me.” Nicole Hess ’18 came to Eastern straight from Manchester High School, thanks to the SBMCF Academic Excellence Scholarship. She’s a business major who aspires for a career in marketing so she can work on creative advertising campaigns. “I'm the first one in my family to go to a four-year university,” said Hess. “I didn’t receive any FASFA money and even though my parents financially help me as much as they can, this scholarship makes money not as tight.”
This summer she’s interning at Aetna. “Thank you so much to the SBM Charitable Foundation for making dreams like mine possible!” Ken DeLisa, vice president for institutional advancement, had begun his relationship with the SBM Charitable Foundation before arriving at Eastern in 2003, serving on several nonprofit boards with former SBMCF Executive Director Sheila Flanagan. Reflecting on Eastern’s wonderful relationship with the SBM Charitable Foundation that continues with current Executive Director Doreen Downham, DeLisa said, “I would call it a meeting of the minds and a meeting of missions. We both felt the same way about helping students who had the capacity to succeed in college but perhaps didn’t have the resources or the family support to make it happen on their own. “We also share a common belief that keeping our young talent in the state of Connecticut is critical to the state’s economy. “Both institutions felt it was conducive to work with each other,” concluded DeLisa. “And it has turned out to be a wonderful, joyful experience. Hundreds of students have graduated thanks to this ongoing and supportive relationship.”
Last year Hess interned with Enterprise Rent-A-Car and was the number one sales intern in Connecticut and Massachusetts. 4 • Summer 2017 • EASTERN
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Commencement Exercises Mark New Beginnings for Eastern Graduates
Former Washington Post Publisher Donald Graham told the graduates at Eastern Connecticut State University’s 127th Commencement Exercises to “treasure this college. Eastern has given you a wonderful education … once you are making a living, give something back so that you can help Eastern continue to be great in the future.”
The annual graduation ceremony was held at the XL Center in Hartford on May 16, with more than 12,000 family members and friends cheering on 1,180 undergraduates and 58 graduate students who received their diplomas. Graham told the graduates, “Throughout our history, America’s leaders have stood up in times of peril — during the American 6 • Summer 2017 • EASTERN
Revolution, during the Civil War, confronting Hitler, standing up to Communism, and advancing civil and women’s rights. At some time in your life, you will be asked to stand up for what is right, and I know you will answer the call.”
The commencement speaker also received an honorary degree from Eastern in a special hooding ceremony during the graduation exercises. Graham is chairman of Graham Holdings Co., formerly the Washington Post Co. In 2013, he and his wife, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Amanda Bennett, co-founded TheDream.US, a national scholarship fund that helps undocumented immigrant youth get access to a college education. Since its founding, TheDream.US has raised $91 million in scholarship funds, providing financial support to 1,700 college students nationwide. Eastern President Elsa Núñez told the graduates she was confident they would impact the world as professionals in the workforce, equipped with “… a highly desired set of skills” sought by the majority of American employers — “analytical thinking, teamwork and communication skills, the broad intellectual and social competencies available through a liberal arts education.”
Senior Class President Abigail Caselli presented the Senior Class Gift to President Núñez — an annual Class of 2017 scholarship — and thanked her classmates’ families, friends and faculty for supporting the senior class in its journey.
Mark Ojakian, president of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System, also spoke to the graduates. “You have come a very long way since the first day you arrived at Eastern,” said Ojakian. “Life will take you in many different directions after you leave here tonight. The road in front of you is undefined. But I am hopeful that our state and our nation will be in a better place — as you become our future.”
“At some time in your life, you will be asked to stand up for what is right, and I know you will answer the call.” Donald Graham EASTERN • Summer 2017 • 7
w Priscilla (Mercer) Bennett ’67 models her Willimantic State College beanie that she wore as a freshman in 1963. v Longtime friends enjoying Eastern Celebrates! Front row: Ruth Swift ‘64, Carol (Weber) Colvin ’65, Elizabeth (Paradis) Henseler ‘64. Back row: Eleanor (Burton) Sutton ’63, Larry Colvin ’64, Robert Henseler ’64 s President Núñez visits with seniors Justin Ahern, Adam Shepherd, Kiera Forstell, Tielar Brown and Katie Tomascak.
r Class of 1967: Front row: Priscilla (Mercer) Bennett, Mitch Pietras, Diane (Kruger) Cohen. Back row: Judith DelGaizo, Ron Valuzzi, Jim Vitagliano and Barbara (Hibbard) Schreier
r Jen (Mueller) Tigeleiro ’93, Tony Tigeleiro ’94, Wendy Ernst ’93 and D.J. Fowler enjoy a night at Blarney’s
v Class President Mitch Pietras ’67 offers remarks on behalf of his classmates. w Class of 1962: Front row: Anna (Stankewich) Alfiero, Ellen (Haggerty) Tambornini, Judith (Block) Verttefeuille, Nancy (Hart) Allyn. Back row: Donald Cohen, Carol (Sexton) Cohen, Victor Ferry, Brenda (Winakor) Holmwood, William “Bill” Diffley and Elizabeth (Kodym) Heckler. s Alumni and faculty from the Master of Science in Organizational Management program. Front row: Greg Petranek ’06, Mike Wolter ’04, M’09, Taylor Hammond ‘13, Raymond Brown ’09, M’11, John Lane ’09, M’16, Elizabeth Scott. Back row: Tom Clark ’06, M’09, Peter Bachiochi, Niti Pandey, Olugbenga C. Ayeni and David Marcial ’12
Hundreds of Eastern alumni and guests came back to campus for the 12th Annual “Eastern Celebrates” Reunion Weekend on May 12-14. The weekend kicked off on May 12 when a packed house of young alumni gathered at Blarney’s for the Eighth Annual “Bash for the Past” reunion. More than 300 alumni came together for the best reunion party of the weekend, which featured dance music, plenty of food, and of course, the adult beverages Blarney’s is famous for. The classes of 2007 and 2012 celebrated their 10th and fifth reunions and were joined by young alumni going back to 2006. On May 13, the Class of 1967 celebrated 50 years since their graduation from Eastern Connecticut State College. Great memories were shared as the group toured familiar Burr and Noble Halls, as well as the rest of the campus, which was only beginning to move “up the hill” during the mid to late ’60s. Joining the Class of ’67 for lunch were alumni from the classes of ’62 and ’57 celebrating their 55th and 60th reunions, along with many other alumni from the ’50s and ’60s.
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v Jean (Banas) Fishbone ’57, Morris Fishbone ’57, Celeste (DesSureault) Jakubowski ’72 and Susanne (Rondeau) Leuck ’72
One of the highlights of the day was the Alumni Reunion Reception hosted by Vice President Ken DeLisa in the beautiful Susan Sukman McCray Foyer of the Fine Arts Instructional Center (FAIC). The Class of 1967 received their Golden Diplomas, symbolizing the golden jubilee of their commencement, and class president Mitch Pietras offered remarks, marveling at the changes to Eastern’s beautiful residential campus. The Classes of ’72 (45th Reunion) and ’77 (40th Reunion) were
also welcomed, in addition to alumni who had arrived earlier in the day. Geraldine (Shea) Spillane ’57 received special recognition for her generous gift to establish the Dr. Robert “Buddy” Spillane ’56 Memorial Endowed Scholarship (see related story on page 21.)
al Management program; the hooding ceremony for this year’s graduate degree recipients; and the annual reception for this year’s Honors Program graduates.
By late afternoon, alumni from the Classes of ’82 (35th Reunion), ’87 (30th Reunion), ’92 (25th Reunion), ’97 (20th Reunion) and ’02 (15th Reunion) began arriving on campus. All of the alumni gathered outside the FAIC as the Class of '67 led the grand “Alumni March” into the Big Tent Barbeque, where they were greeted by a cheering crowd of more than 300 Eastern seniors from the Class of ’17 and their families!
Sunday closed the weekend with a new event, the “High 5 Appreciation Party.” Seniors and young alumni who have kept up with their High 5 annual gifts to Eastern were treated to a special “thank you” party in the Student Center Café.
Following the Big Tent Barbeque, older alumni made their farewells, while alumni from the ’80s and ’90s headed down to Blarney’s for the “Back in the Day” Reunion Party.
The tradition and popularity of Eastern Celebrates continues to grow, and we’re already looking ahead to the 13th Edition, from May 11-13, 2018!
Other events taking place on Saturday included a reception for alumni, students and faculty in the Master of Science in OrganizationEASTERN • Summer 2017 • 9
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Alyssa Pieper ’17 and family (Cassie Pieper, Nadine Pieper and Jack Pieper) s (Left to right) Top row: Brianna Faustini, Nick Groccia, Shawn Tierney, Ryan Wieczorek, Amanda DeMaio, Andrew Girard, Kayla Tenore, Kyle Kranich. Bottom row: Justin Piretti, Kylie Foldy, Amanda Meade, Jesse Schulze, Christina Rossomando, Allyson Gyarfas
r Class of 1972: Front row: Judith (Law) Flynn, Susanne (Rondeau) Leuck, Paula (Honeyman) Weber, William Campbell. Middle row: Barbara (Samokar) Boucher, Kathleen (Brown) Fabian, Carol (Seaton) DesSureault. Back row: Mary Jane (Larson) Traska, Bonnie (Davis) Merrill, Jennifer Malone, Almyra (Tefft) Hornberger, Celeste (DesSureault) Jakubowski.
r Judy Frankel ’12, Ben Foran ’12, Jaime O’Connor ’12 v Ian Malik McKissick ’17 and family (Wallace McKissick, Gail McKissick and Alice Rookard)
s The Class of 1957 celebrates 60 years since graduation from WSTC. Front row: Marie (Insalaco) Long, Annette (Marino) Murphy, Marilyn (Barnes) McFarland, Joan (Lema) Grabowski. Back row: Anita (Totire) Mansfield, Jean (Banas) Fishbone, Morris Fishbone, Shirley (Doyle) Shepard, Geraldine (Shea) Spillane.
v Friends from the ‘80s make new memories at Blarney’s! Front row: Darlene Folan ‘82, Shirley Mitchell ’88, Lisa (Boutot) Proctor ’82, Carol Stierle ’82. Back row: Lisa (Ruggeri) Scagos ‘82, Patty (Greenwood) Fogle ‘82, Jack Cassada ‘82, Jerome Furlow ‘82, Norm Lavigne ‘82 and Tony Delgado ’82.
r Anne (Pisarko) Mahalawich ’43 has established an endowed scholarship named for her and her late husband Nicholas.
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At the age of 18, Ashley Leighton ’17 deployed to Iraq as a gunner on a military police convoy. After a tough seven years in the service, she was discharged in 2012. “I was the most exposed during convoys,” said Leighton. “As the gunner, I would hang outside the turret on the Hum V when driving between destinations.” Being a woman compounded her challenges. “I had to constantly prove myself,” said Leighton. Nonetheless, she became the best 50-caliber gunner in her battalion, and was proficient in all the weapons systems. Leighton’s transition to civilian life has not been easy. Suffering from anxiety and feeling disconnected from society, she dropped out after her first semester at Eastern in 2013. If not for repeated encouragement from Provost Dimitrios Pachis, then an economics professor, Leighton says she probably would not have re-enrolled. “It took a bit of caring from people to get me back on track,” she said. “I feel so empowered and grateful now.”
Veterans Return to Civilian Life at Eastern Returning to civilian life and advancing their careers are more than 220 veterans at Eastern. The number is larger if you count the servicemen and women who are on active duty or members of the military reserves. For a variety of reasons, they have landed at Eastern, and each is finding success in their own way. 12 • Summer 2017 • EASTERN
While Pachis convinced her to come back to Eastern, the Veteran’s Center is where she found community. Despite her challenging times in the military, Leighton admitted, “I feel most comfortable around veterans.”
as the epitome of a gunfight, a nasty street battle,” said Denardi. “That’s exactly what it was like. I was one of the lucky ones who went the whole 15 months relatively unscathed.” He medically retired from the military in 2015 — after taking 14 pieces of shrapnel to his right thigh from an enemy rocket — and moved his wife and kids from Colorado Springs, CO, back home to Connecticut. This past semester was his first at Eastern, but already Denardi is well known at the Veteran’s Center. “If I’m on campus and not in class, I’m here,” said Denardi. “Meeting my social needs, doing schoolwork; this is the hub.”
Over an 11-year military career, Gerry Denardi ’19 deployed twice to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan. The first time, in 2006–07, he went to Baghdad where his company and platoon lost a number of soldiers. “Baghdad was thought of
A Willimantic native, Gutierrez is pursuing a degree in criminology at Eastern in hopes of becoming a police officer. Pending his military obligations, he plans to graduate in a year or two. “I don’t want to sit down one day and realize I can’t get a job because I don’t have a college degree,” said Gutierrez. “After I got my associate’s degree, I looked into Eastern and loved it.”
While his military service was a defining experience, Denardi is ready to move on. “Being a veteran is only one part of your life as an American. You have to be a part of society and move on. The first step for a lot of us is going to college and joining the workforce. And that’s what you see among the veterans at Eastern: the drive to self-advance.” Denardi double majors in secondary education and history and social sciences, and aspires to become a history teacher.
Rebekah Avery on her last day in uniform, with her children Jesse-Lyn and Jacob, who is an Eastern freshman and an equipment mechanic in the Connecticut Army National Guard.
Like many vets, she made her way to the center after attempting to navigate the GI Bill with the Financial Aid Office. Beyond help with paperwork, the center has become an all-encompassing resource for Leighton, offering a study area with computers and printing, resources and information, and social opportunities. Leighton graduated this May with an economics degree and a minor in pre-law. She resides in Woodstock with her two children and husband — a fellow veteran whom she met while in Iraq. Leighton hopes to attend law school and become a lawyer.
taught soldiers how to use weapons and explosives. Eventually he found his way to Quinebaug Valley Community College.
Rebekah Avery, a 22-year veteran of the Connecticut Army National Guard, is the coordinator of the Veterans Center. She first started at Eastern in 1992, but postponed her studies after being called up for active duty before completing her associate’s degree in 1995. She is now taking Eastern’s master’s program in organizational management. A year into her job as coordinator of the Veteran’s Center, Avery is focused on increasing awareness of its services. “Some veterans don’t want to talk or don’t want a place; they don’t feel they need to connect,” explained Avery. “But when we meet them and get them in here, they realize this is just a community of like-minded people.” Ismael Gutierrez ’17 has seven years in the military and two deployments under his belt — both in Afghanistan — with a third coming up this August. As an explosives specialist, he’ll be stationed in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Gutierrez was promoted to specialist after his first tour in Afghanistan from 2010–11. As a combat engineer specializing in explosives, he explained, “We lead the infantry; we do route clearance and disable any roadside IEDs (improvised explosive devices) so that the infantry doesn’t get blown up.” After his initial contract concluded in 2013, Gutierrez was assigned to the National Guard, where he assisted with combat training and
In addition to space for study and relaxation, the center offers walking, running and workout groups; social occasions like paint nights; and a new program called “Veteran’s Coffeehouse” — spearheaded by Leighton — in which veterans are invited to campus for networking and to learn about resources. Eastern is invested in engaging and supporting its military students, and the community at large stands to benefit from their assimilation into campus life. “They bring a no-nonsense approach to the classroom,” said Avery, speaking to the rigorous military experience that molds soldiers, marked by self-discipline and teamwork. “They’re here to learn, to get jobs, to better themselves. Military students have the integrity to do a job well.”
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I The annual President’s Leadership Awards Luncheon was held on March 17 to honor the University’s leadership level donors. The luncheon is the premier donor appreciation event of the year; in addition to recognizing Eastern’s top donors, the event also honors several distinguished Eastern alumni. An appreciative crowd of Eastern faithful enjoyed this year’s event in the new fine art center’s Susan Sukman McCray Foyer, named after a major donor to the University’s Theatre Program.
EASTERN RECOGNIZES
OUTSTANDING DONORS AND ALUMNI
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Ken DeLisa, vice president for institutional advancement, spoke to the fundraising achievements of the past year. Total giving to the ECSU Foundation exceeded $2 million for the fifth straight year, and student scholarship awards totaled $1.7 million over the past three years. The number of leadership donors — those giving more than $1,000 — grew 35 percent. “I know I speak for our students, many of whom are able to remain in school only through your generosity, when I say that we cannot thank you enough for your support.”
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n her remarks, Eastern President Elsa Núñez told the audience that their philanthropy was contributing to Eastern’s improved reputation, noting that the University jumped seven places in last fall’s U.S. News and World Report “Best Colleges” rankings. Eastern was also the only public four-year institution in New England named a “Great College to Work For” by the Chronicle of Higher Education, and was named a Green College by The Princeton Review for the seventh year in a row.
n applauding the leadership award recipients, Núñez said, “These distinguished alumni and friends of the university are not only proof of the power of a public liberal arts education, but also evidence of the power of what can be accomplished when all of us come together to support Eastern’s public liberal arts education with our personal philanthropy.” Following the luncheon service, Núñez was joined by Ellen Lang ’81, president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors and Justin Murphy ’98, president of the ECSU Foundation Board of Directors, to announce the awards.
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olanda Négron ’99, a longtime community leader in Willimantic and the first Latina elected to the town's Board of Selectmen, received the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award. A non-traditional student while at Eastern, Négron hosted a Spanish-language show on WECS-FM radio, was a leader in the Organization of Latin American Students, and graduated magna cum laude. She has also served on the boards of Windham Hospital and the Windham Textile and History Museum.
Martha and David Yutzey received the Distinguished Donor Award for their support of music students. David’s longtime relationship with Eastern includes playing tuba and trombone in the Concert Band.
Noting that she wished she could share the special occasion with her parents, who have both passed, Négron said, “I learned about community service from my mom and dad. I remember when I was a child and traveling to the airport to pick up Puerto Ricans who were being recruited for jobs in Willimantic. We would bring them coats and hats to wear as they had no idea of how cold it was in the winter here. That was how I learned about service to others.”
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itan Energy, New England received the ECSU Foundation Board of Directors Award. John Kearney ’75 founded Titan in 2002, and built it into a highly successful energy broker and consulting firm before passing away in 2012. Since that time, Kearney’s widow Laura and Titan have created the John F. Kearney Memorial Endowed Scholarship for political science majors with financial need. The fund has grown to $60,000 and Titan hopes to continue to grow the scholarship. “It’s very important to us that we endowed this scholarship in honor of our founder John Kearney, so that this would be a lasting scholarship,” said Chris Ramm, Titan’s vice president and general manager. “We look forward to a long relationship with Eastern.” The ECSU Foundation Distinguished Donor Award was given to David and Martha Yutzey. David, retired now from a 30-year career as a psychology professor at the University of Connecticut, began his relationship with Eastern as a tuba and trombone player in the Eastern Concert Band. His friendship with Music Professor Emeritus Robert Lemons resulted in the creation of the David
Yolanda Négron ’99 (front) with President Núñez, Justin Murphy ’98 and Ellen Lang ’81. Négron received the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award for her years of service to the Willimantic community.
Chris Ramm and Laura Kearney with President Núñez. Through Ramm and Kearney’s leadership, Titan Energy, New England is supporting the John F. Kearney Memorial Endowed Scholarship. EASTERN • Summer 2017 • 15
A. Yutzey Endowed Music Fund, now renamed the David A. and Martha R. Yutzey Endowed Music Fund. In addition to their financial support, the couple has been on hand for many concerts at Eastern. In his acceptance remarks, Yutzey recognized Lemons and current music faculty members David Belles, Jeff Calissi and Stacey Dziuk. “Thank you for accepting me as a collaborator. I am happy to share this award with all of you!”
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usan Hidler Wilson ’73 was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award. A transfer student, Wilson majored in English but was told she should also minor in secondary education as a backup. After starting her career working for a bank, Wilson moved to Martha’s Vineyard and began to focus on her writing.
The Fine Arts Instructional Center, which opened in January 2016, came into its own this past academic year. A full array of performances took place in the stately Concert Hall, including “Jazzin’ it up at Eastern,” a series of four concerts sponsored by philanthropist David Foster to raise scholarship funds.
! e v i l A e m o C ts r A e h T
Her first novel, “Beauty,” was made into a CBS television movie in 1999. A passing comment from her agent turned her attention to writing fiction about dogs, and among her 10 novels are “One Good Dog (2010), which was on the New York Times Best-Seller List, and “The Dog Who Danced,” which received the Maxwell Medal for Fiction in 2012. "I am in such good company," said Wilson when receiving her award. “I am enormously honored to be joining alumni such as Jeff Benedict ’91 and Marc Freeman ’93 who have received this award. I started my college career at Middlesex Junior College. I chose Eastern to transfer to, and I never looked back. ‘A Liberal Education. Practically Applied?’ Absolutely.”
Two major theatrical productions marked the opening of the Proscenium Theater — Cervante’s “Pedro the Great Pretender” and a musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Two Gentlemen of Verona.” Across the hallway, the spacious Art Gallery was host to student, faculty and guest exhibitions ranging from “Guardians of Nature,” curated by Art Professor Imna Arroyo to the annual Senior Exhibition.
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he Hermann Beckert Friend of the University Award was given to retired Eastern administrator Michael Pernal. Pernal came to Eastern in 1969 as a counselor and education instructor, and was later promoted to assistant professor. Over the next 35 years, he served as Director of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs, Dean of Personnel Administration, Acting Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Executive Dean, Interim Vice President for Finance and Administration, and Executive Vice President, where he served as Eastern’s chief operating officer from 1998-2006. He also served as interim president from February to August 2006.
The center’s new instructional spaces were also bustling with activity, as students and faculty practiced their craft in a variety of visual and performing arts studios, labs and rehearsal rooms. The future is bright for the Fine Arts Instructional Center and the faculty and students whose artistic talents are on display there!
“F
riend is defined in the dictionary as someone who shares a mutual bond with you based on mutual support and affection," said Pernal. "I am proud of such a designation where Eastern is concerned, and it means that I share that same friendship with all of you — for you are friends of Eastern as well!”
Mike Pernal and President Núñez 16 • Summer 2017 • EASTERN
Susan Wilson and President Núñez
Photographs courtesy of Robert Benson Photography
EASTERN • Summer 2017 • 17
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Roberto Rosado ’16 Commanding Officer, Willimantic Police Department Bachelor of General Studies with concentrations in Sociology and Criminology Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Meriden, CT, Chief Roberto Rosado started with the Willimantic Police Department in 1998, fresh out of the Army National Guard. From patrolman to detective to lieutenant, after nearly two decades in Willimantic, Rosado was sworn in as chief of police in 2016.
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Your goals as chief of police? With all the negative attention surrounding police in the media, my goal is to highlight the positive relationships we have in the community, and to foster those relationships. We want to let people know that we are here for them, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity or social background. We are one community.
What was your experience as a nontraditional student at Eastern?
WITH MAJOR GIFTS Ken DeLisa, vice president for institutional advancement, with Robyn McCullough (left) and Eileen Ossen (right) of the Jeffrey P. Ossen Foundation
Meeting younger students with an interest in law enforcement was pretty neat. I was able to see how they act, if they’re good students. It was like having an outside perspective looking in. I found myself thinking, “Oh, that person would make a good police officer.” I made some contacts and introduced myself to certain students and tried to help them out.
While the Annual Fund continues to be the core of the ECSU Foundation, Inc.’s fundraising efforts, a number of new gifts from individuals and foundations have provided a significant influx of more than $500,000 in new funds.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: • $150,000 from the Spillane family to support the Robert “Buddy” Spillane ’56 Memorial Endowed Scholarship • $100,000 anonymous gift to fund scholarships and support the Annual Fund • $80,000 from Professor Barbara Tucker to support students and faculty in the History Department • $75,000 from the estate of Robert Burgess ’64
Law enforcement and the liberal arts.
• $70,000 from David Foster on behalf of the Lester E. & Phyllis M. Foster Foundation for the Kevin Crosbie Memorial Endowed Scholarship (through “Jazzin’ it Up” Concert Series)
If you’re in a place like Willimantic, which is very diverse, sociology is an important field. You learn about the history of people and cultures and how they evolve, which is something everyone should know. Every culture, every group of people has a different way of thinking, so as law enforcement we need to be understanding of that.
• $25,000 from the estate of Rosalie Savarese ’53. Rosalie taught in Griswold schools for 25 years.
Bob Burgess ’64, lower left, pictured here at his 50th Reunion in 2014; Bob passed away in May 2015.
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David Foster
• $20,000 from Theresa Kalber ’70 for students in the Education Department
• $20,000 from Mimi Greenberg and the Todd Greenberg Foundation to establish the Todd Greenberg Memorial Endowed Scholarship for economics majors with unmet financial need • $15,000 in matching funds from the Jeffrey P. Ossen Family Foundation for six scholarships in the arts (three for music students, two for theater students and one for an art/art history student) • $10,000 from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut in support of the Kevin Crosbie Memorial Endowed Scholarship • $10,000 from Branko and Aleksandra ’99 Cavarkapa for the Andrej Cavarkapa ‘09 M’12 Memorial Scholarship • $5,000 from Katherine Anderson on behalf of the Dr. Thomas P. Anderson Memorial Prize in History EASTERN • Summer 2017 • 19
KENNETH
BEDINI
THOMAS PATRICK
Established
Memorial Scholarship
S c h o l a r s h i p When Vice President Ken Bedini retires from Eastern on Aug. 1, his legacy of making Eastern a strong institution will continue on. From his start as Director of Student Activities in 1978, to his roles as Director of Housing and Residential Life, Dean of Students, and finally, Vice President of the Division of Student Affairs, Ken has consistently made Eastern students his personal priority. Our students have been better off because of his values, leadership and dedication. To honor this legacy, the ECSU Foundation, Inc. has created the Kenneth M. Bedini ’78 Scholarship Fund. Your donations will honor Ken’s four decades of dedicated service to Eastern and help ensure that his tireless efforts to support Eastern students continue well into the future. Thank you! To make a donation, visit www.easternct.edu/development/bedini/
ANDERSON Established Thomas Patrick Anderson, professor emeritus of history at Eastern, passed away on Feb. 1, 2017. A native of Chicago, IL, and Omaha, NE, Anderson earned his B.A. from St. Louis University and received his Ph.D. from Loyola University in Chicago. After beginning his teaching career at Wheeling College in 1964, Anderson joined Eastern’s History Department in 1969. An outstanding scholar and a gifted teacher, he published numerous articles and three books on Central American history, including “Matanza: El Salvador’s Communist Revolt of 1932.” He made frequent trips to Central America, including a fact-finding mission with former U.S. Rep. Robert Drinan of Massachusetts. Chair of the History Department at Eastern for many years, Anderson was also a fellow and visiting lecturer at Yale University. He was named a Connecticut State University Professor in 1990. Following his retirement in 1994, he received emeritus status.
Anderson will be remembered for his humanitarian work with Amnesty International and the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and by those who loved him for his remarkable intelligence and wit and for his many kindnesses. “Tom and I founded the American Studies program and team-taught a different course each semester for years,” recalls Professor Emeritus Jim Lacey. “He told many stories about his activities in Central America, many of them hairraising, and exercised his sharp wit at informal get-togethers with faculty, administrators and some students in The Clark’s lounge on late Thursday afternoons.” Sara Dean ’17 is the first recipient of the Anderson Memorial Scholarship, graduating summa cum laude and admitted to a graduate program in public history at Northeastern University. Contributions in Professor Anderson’s memory may be made to help endow the recently established Dr. Thomas P. Anderson Memorial Prize in History. Please make checks out to the ECSU Foundation, with “Anderson History Prize” on the memo line, and send to the attention of Joseph McGann, Director of Institutional Advancement, Eastern Connecticut State University, 83 Windham Street, Willimantic, CT 06226.
ROBERT “BUDDY” SPILLANE
Memorial Endowed Scholarship Established Geraldine (Shea) Spillane ’57, her brother-in-law John “Jack” Spillane and her nephew Sean Spillane, have made major gifts to the ECSU Foundation, Inc., to establish the six-figure Robert “Buddy” Spillane ’56 Memorial Endowed Scholarship. Scholarship recipients must have financial need and be from Windham or Tolland County. Robert “Buddy” Spillane ’56 passed away on July 20, 2015. He began his career as a fifth-grade teacher in Storrs, CT, later becoming the youngest principal in Connecticut at age 25. He went on to become superintendent of schools in Glassboro, NJ: Roosevelt-Long Island, NY; New Rochelle, NY; Boston, MA; and Fairfax County, VA. He received national attention by instituting management standards in Boston and by promoting merit pay for teachers, longer school days for children and more rigorous performance standards for both. Buddy was named National Superintendent of the Year in 1995 by the American Association of School Administrators. After working with the U.S. State
Department as a regional education officer overseeing American schools in Europe, he left in 2006 to become vice president and director of the Center for Education at CAN Corp. in Alexandria, VA. He met Geraldine while they were students at Eastern, and they married after she graduated in 1957. After an early career at Proctor & Gamble, John “Jack” Spillane purchased National Purity, Inc., in 1968. Since its founding in 1924, National Purity has moved from selling soaps and detergents for the dairy industry to producing home and industrial laundry and wash products, to manufacturing pressure washing solutions and specialty chemicals. Jack’s son Sean purchased the company from his father in 2002.
“Buddy was truly a role model for engaged alumni,” said Ken DeLisa, vice president for institutional advancement. “He and his wife Gerry, also an alumnus, attended class reunions regularly and have been great ambassadors for Eastern. Buddy also served as an active board member of the ECSU Foundation. In 1969, his service to the University was acknowledged when he was awarded Eastern’s first ‘Distinguished Alumni Award.’ The establishment of a memorial scholarship in Buddy’s honor reflects the special place Buddy and Gerry had in their hearts for Eastern and the generosity and philanthropic spirit of the Spillane family.”
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Jack and Sean Spillane
EASTERN • Summer 2017 • 21
The Special Olympics and Eastern:
Making a Splash in Windham By Michael Rouleau
When the Windham Invitational Special Olympics Swim Meet began in 1979, it had 40 swimmers. Now, 38 years later, more than 200 swimmers compete from seven teams across Connecticut and four from Massachusetts. More than 350 volunteers were on hand this year at the March 11 meet held at Windham High School, with nearly one-third of the volunteers being members of the Eastern campus community. Students, alumni, faculty and staff were either paired with Special Olympics athletes as they navigated the day of competition, volunteered as lifeguards, or helped out with sports clinics and other activities.
Matthew Sanetrik ’20
Being a lifeguard on the pool deck all day, Sanetrik sees the most intimate moments of the athletes, before, during and after competition. “You see them step up, excited or nervous, and after the race, you see immediately how proud they are of their efforts as they receive high-fives on their way to the awards.”
The Windham Invitational is a regional qualifying meet. Those with the best times move on to Connecticut’s Special Olympics summer games. But winning and qualifying is not what the Special Olympics is about. The official oath reads: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” “That really says a lot,” said Chemistry Professor Charles Wynn, meet director for 23 years. “Not everybody wins, at any level, with any kind of ability. But what we should expect of ourselves is the best we can do, and we should be proud of reaching the level that we are capable of. That, I would say, is an important message for all athletes.” Much of the day’s fun occurs outside of the pool. For the past several years, Eastern’s Greg Kane, professor of kinesiology and physical education, has had his students lead sports clinics in basketball, bowling, volleyball and more. “We want to provide a fun atmosphere in which participants can interact without the pressure of competition,” said Kane. Speaking to the educational impact for his students, he added: “Working with individuals who are different from ourselves can be intimidating. It forces students to adapt their knowledge of leadership and sport to populations that they may never have
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Of all the feel-good moments that happen during a Special Olympics competition, something that stands out for many is the audience. “The athlete who finishes last gets the loudest applause,” said Sanetrik, “because what truly matters is the attempt.”
worked with in the past. This is the nexus of critical thinking, content knowledge and experiential learning. This Special Olympics swim meet remains a highlight of the year for my students.” Volunteer lifeguard Matthew Sanetrik ’20, a social work major, is drawn to the local Special Olympics for a personal reason. “I made the decision to start volunteering because I have a twin brother with a disability,” he said. “Often times when you grow up with a sibling in a wheelchair, you find ways to incorporate their ability level and adapt activities to allow them to participate.”
“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” The official Special Olympics oath.
Photographs courtesy of Linda Ouellette ’89
EASTERN • Summer 2017 • 23
Jessi ’04 M ’12 and Andy ’05 Bessette
Paula (Farley) ’04 M ’06 and Ian Sullivan ’07
Jessi and I met in Noble Hall in 2002. She was a junior and I was a sophomore. Her roommates and mine became close friends celebrating birthdays and holidays, and even starting a “friends-giving” that we still continue to this day. Jessi worked in the library four nights a week and I would go there to study just to see her. After I graduated in 2005, we went our separate ways and lost touch.
I met Ian in “Sociology of Religion,” an evening class held off-site at Rockville High School. I needed the class but didn’t want to go to Rockville. My mother made me, and now she loves to say she is responsible for me finding Ian. It was a Tuesday night in fall 2004. I noticed Ian right away, and as the class took its inevitable break halfway through the three-hour class, people were awkwardly milling about. It was unlike a lot of my other classes. Perhaps because it was off-site, it had a lot of continuing education students: a nurse, a police chief and others. For some reason people weren’t chatting among themselves, and finding someone to talk to seemed daunting.
During Labor Day weekend in 2009, Jessi sent me an email to see if I wanted to grab dinner one night after her night class. She was working on her master’s degree at Eastern. We met up at Willimantic Brewing Co. and reminisced until closing. We even made a pit stop to our old stomping grounds, Blarney’s. Since that night we’ve been inseparable!
Then I looked down the hall, and there was Ian, chatting with a bunch of people — a whole circle around him. He still is every bit as gregarious as he was then. I remember telling myself, “I have to meet him.” I made sure we were in a group together for a project, and the rest is history. We fell in love in Sociology of Religion!
We welcomed our son Collin into the world in June 2013, and a little more than two years later and six years to the day when we met up again, we married at Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington in front of close friends and family.
Today we own a home in Willimantic, have been married for six years and have a beautiful three-year-old son named Nolan. I teach in Coventry and Ian works at the nuclear power plant in Niantic.
Jessi is an Early Intervention Teacher at Kennedy Donovan, and I am a Glaucoma Sales Specialist for Alcon Laboratories.
he called his parents and they agreed to take a puppy. My parents brought it to the dorm with a red bow on its head for Joe’s parents to take home. At that time I wasn’t all that attracted to him. I was a runner on the track team, two years older and he was working to become a CPA. Years later in 1999, I decided to bike across the country to raise money for the lung association, but needed $7,000 to participate. I wrote everyone I knew, including Joe, and we started talking via email.” The couple eventually started dating, and in 2008 they were married a few days before Elise’s 45th birthday. “A year and a half ago we adopted our son Jimmy from China. Life is good!”
Elise (McKay) ’86 and Joseph Lee ’87 “Joe and I first met in 1984 when he was living on the second floor of Winthrop Hall and I was a junior, living on the first floor. He asked me to play on his intramural floor hockey team and I joined in.
Later I shared with him that my parents’ dog had a litter of puppies. His family’s dog had died recently, so
Matches Made at Eastern 24 • Summer 2017 • EASTERN
EASTERN • Summer 2017 • 25
In July 2015, Brown helped Schoolnik move back to Connecticut, where he lives in Vernon (a mile away from Brown!) and works as the Health Care Regulatory Affairs Manager at UnitedHealthcare.
and his two Eastern friends matched wits with students from much larger Division I schools. “We ended up being seen as leaders at the Atlanta conference,” recalls Brown. “It made me feel good about being from Eastern.” Referencing his two friends and himself, Brown says, “Eastern made us the people we are today.” Like so many Eastern graduates, Brown met his wife at Eastern, and it was fitting that they were introduced to each other by Schoolnik. Also active on campus, Christina (Martinez) Brown ’04 was the senior class president.
The ties formed between three Eastern freshmen 17 years ago continue to thrive, creating an immutable bond while reminding the Eastern community why we call it “family!”
Buddies for Life!
Eastern is a great place to get an education — ask any alumnus about that! — but the University has also been the launching ground for many lifelong friendships.
Fred Gordon ’04, Jesse Schoolnik ’04 and Kevin Brown ’04 remain best friends 13 years after graduation. The time they shared on campus, the journeys they have taken since graduation, and the enduring nature of their friendship are all reminders of how Eastern helps people come together.
Fred, Jesse and Kevin met during their freshman year. Each majored in Public Policy and Government and were executive board members in the Student Government Association (SGA). Schoolnik and Gordon even ended up rooming together.
Gordon, who served as SGA president in his sophomore and junior years, met Schoolnik on a Political Science Club trip to Washington, DC, with Political Science Professor James “Jay” Cobbledick. They participated in a three-mile march to the National Mall, visited many of the District of Columbia’s monuments and museums, and met with Connecticut’s congressional delegation. Brown joined the duo at the same conference the following year. After graduation, Gordon moved to Washington, DC, in 2007 to take a job at the District of Columbia Fire Department; he was recently promoted to the level of “technician” and drives a fire truck. Gordon and his wife are enjoying their daughter Audrey, born on Dec. 2, 2015, and Fred is
Kevin Brown
graduation, he also moved to the Washington, DC, area, where he worked as a lobbyist for eight years at a downtown lobbying firm and at a non-profit in Reston, VA. He recalls interning with former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, who “treated me like a colleague,” an experience he remembered when working for the Senate Finance Committee in 2006-07. He also appreciated spending time with Gordon.
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“Eastern changed the course of my life,” says Schoolnik. “I originally planned to be a schoolteacher but then I got involved with politics through SGA at Eastern and it launched my career. What’s more, I met my best friends in life — my brothers! — and we remain close to this day.” Brown’s mother worked at Eastern, and he made a last-minute decision to attend the University — “the best decision I ever made,” says Brown. “I really think I would not have had the same type of leadership opportunities at a larger school. I can’t say enough about Eastern; I got a first-rate education there.” also active in the firefighter’s union. “My time at Eastern and in SGA has benefited me greatly with the work I do with the union,” says Gordon. He is shop steward on the union board of directors and runs its annual Operation Warm project, which raises funds to supply winter coats to less fortunate children in the District of Columbia. Schoolnik served as chair of the Budget and Management Committee and as SGA treasurer. After
Fred, Kevin and Jesse share a light moment at a friend’s wedding.
Brown is now a social studies teacher at the CREC Public Safety Academy in Enfield. He was involved with campaign politics right out of college and then began teaching political science at the high school level. Brown was also heavily involved in SGA, serving twice as vice president. In addition to the trip to the nation’s capital, he recalls SGA conferences in Orlando, FL, and Atlanta, GA, where he
“Eastern made us the people we are today.” Fred Gordon
Jesse Schoolnik
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n r e t s a E r e t f A e f i L y o j Emeriti En ? ent. Will it be enjoyable or frustrating rem reti r afte like be will life at wh r People often wonde y did cket list” will you accomplish? As the “bu r you of ch mu How rs? hou the How do you fill up sity ny Eastern Connecticut State Univer ma , pus cam on s gue lea col and s with their student ned to and having fun. They have transitio lthy hea ying sta g, rnin lea e tinu emeriti faculty con to the fullest. By Dwight Bachman retirement well and are enjoying life
Leslie Ricklin
Education Professor Leslie Ricklin retired in 2014 after 35 years of teaching. Local politics and volunteering have emerged as her new pastimes. Ricklin serves two town boards: the Chaplin Library Board, which is planning for Chaplin’s bicentennial in 2022, and the newly formed Community Economic Development Commission. In addition, she volunteers one day a week at the Interfaith Sewing Group at the Congregational Church on Walnut Street in Willimantic. “We make a wide variety of sewn items for school children (book bags), the soup kitchen (aprons and pot holders) and rehab centers (walker bags), as well as quilts for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Along with exercising and swimming, my weeks fly by. Retirement is great!”
Ann Gruenberg For Education Professor Ann
Gruenberg, who retired in 2015 after working 28 years at Eastern, life has remained busy. Ann’s lifelong interest in education has resulted in a leadership role as the president of the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) and involvement with the National School Boards Association. “As part of the team, I’ve advocated with statewide legislators, as well as our Congressional delegation in Washington, DC,” explains Gruenberg. “I’ve grown to appreciate the ways in which community-based implementation of best practices is contingent upon multiple factors, including legislative support and funding. Ongoing issues like equitable opportunities are crucial. My earlier interests in service learning are also finding a new focus. For me, ‘emeritus’ status has been, metaphorically speaking, like a continuation of the dance after the music ends.”
Bob Lemons For Music Professor Bob Lemons,
who retired in 2015 after more than 40 years at Eastern, music continues to be his muse. Lemons directed the Eastern Concert Band for 35 years. Some of the players, many from the community going back 30 or 40 years, are still active members. He helped to start several local and regional ensembles, including the Thread City Brass Quintet, the Willimantic Orchestra and Classic Brass, a British-styled brass band. “Since retiring, I’ve continued with the Concert Band as a trumpet player,” said Lemons. “I still perform with the Willimantic Orchestra on trumpet. And then there’s the Thread City group. It’s been around for 40 some years, still playing recitals, weddings, funerals and Eastern’s Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies.” Lemons also notes, “My wonderful wife and I continue to maintain our sanity by traveling to be together with friends we’ve loved and respected — some for 60 years. I’m fortunate to be able to stay active through many of the same activities I had been doing for so many years at Eastern.”
Jim Lacey For English Professor Jim Lacey, who retired after 45 years of teaching and directing the Honors Program at Eastern, writing has become his passion. Lacey just published his latest novel, “The Zazan Puzzle: A Jackson/ Ryan Mystery.”
Lacey says he began to appreciate light reading later in life, particularly crime fiction and cozy mysteries. Since some of the books he selected from local libraries proved to be disappointing, his wife Barbara encouraged him to write mystery novels himself in his retirement. Lacey was surprised to find his characters becoming so real that they did things he had not anticipated, and he became very upset when one of them had to die! “Writing novels is addictive,” Lacey says, as he is now working on his third novel, tentatively titled “Hidden Treasures,” about works of art stolen from museums. 28 • Summer 2017 • EASTERN
Tina Fu Library Services Director Tina Fu retired in Mike Gable
After teaching at Eastern for 36 years, Biology Professor Michael Gable retired nine years ago and has spent the past eight years in the Burlington, VT, area, where Gable enjoys the active entertainment and restaurant scene. “I taught an online course for five years for Eastern after retirement, and have taken some courses myself at the local community college which is just a block away! I have been enjoying visits from friends and family, and have taken many day trips in Vermont, upstate New York and Quebec. Trips further afield have taken me to Atlantic Coastal Canada, Russia, Croatia, Boznia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, Hungary, Poland, Spain and Italy. Retirement has been very enjoyable!”
2003, having served Eastern for more than 10 years, a time she calls “the best years of my professional life, albeit the most challenging.” These days, Fu enjoys life with her husband, Sherwin, in the greater Seattle area, where she volunteers at the Kent Public Library as a member of the Friends of the Library. “We do an annual book sale to raise funds for various programs,” says Fu. “As a former librarian, I was found to be quite helpful.” Tina and Sherwin stay fit by taking two-mile walks each day, and also like to visit local attractions — her favorite is the Dale Chihuly Garden in Seattle. Tina and Sherwin also love to travel, and take a trip to China most years. “We love traveling around China on the fast trains, which are called ‘bullet trains.’” EASTERN • Summer 2017 • 29
artists’ work, and both parties profit from sales of the art, which can be found in printed form, as well as on items such as mugs, t-shirts and cell phone covers. From the historic Pond Hill School House in Coventry, located on the same property as their home, Eza works with a heat press to reproduce artists’ work. She also tackles a variety of other projects, including publishing Testori’s book about gremlins and developing a new mobile application to promote the artists. Testori, who works by day as a finance director with a local law firm, is available to assist and serve as a sounding board. She also sets up payment structures and helps make sure ends meet. “It is something to look forward to when I’m at work.” Looking ahead, Eza will spend the summer and fall traveling to fairs to promote the company and to sell their various art works. Once the company is turning a suitable profit, Eza and Testori envision paying artists a salary that will enable them to focus on the creative process. BNE Publishing will also begin giving back to the arts and other causes close to their hearts, starting in Coventry and expanding their reach as the company grows. “There are things right in town that need help,” said Eza, who, along with Testori, has become more involved with the community since buying their property. This includes welcoming back a former student of the 1748 schoolhouse.
t r A l a c o L e t o m o r P e a n m u l A Two By Meghan Carden
Megan Eza ’08 and Melinda Testori ’07 have taken their shared love of art and created BNE Publishing, Inc., a benefit corporation located in Coventry that promotes local artists. Eza serves as the CEO while Testori is the CFO. Named after Eza’s late brother and incorporated as Brandon Nicholas Eza Publishing, Inc. in 2016, the two partners first conceived of the company while Eza was still an Eastern student. “I performed market research and created the prototype and business plan at Eastern,” said Eza, who continues to work toward her goal of creating a business that gives back. “Progress is slow but steady,” said Eza. “We currently have 10 artists on contract.” BNE Publishing promotes the
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“He had a spring in his step when he left,” said Testori of the approximately 85-year-old man who spent two years of his childhood attending the one-room school. They hope to get in touch with and interview more of the school’s alumni. Reflecting on their own education, Eza and Testori both loved Eastern. “It was a major influence on us,” said Eza. The couple fondly recalled attending classes during construction of the Science Building, and the occasional tremor felt in Webb Hall from the nearby commotion. Eza also remembers working for Theatre Professor Ellen Brodie to create advertisements and programs for events held in the Harry Hope Theatre, perfect work for someone whose passion is to promote the arts. “Art needs to be a part of our lives like everything else,” said Eza. “At the same time, those who create art should be able to make a living off of it.”
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WARRIORS HIGHLIGHTED
Student Athletes Honored Adrianna Mihalek of Woodbury and Lawrence McGill of New Haven were among the Eastern Connecticut State University’s Athletic Department award winners for 2016-17.
Eastern Salutes Nine former All-America players
Kristyn Ryan ’17
Jeffrey Anderson Memorial Award
From left: Doug Ryan, Annette Ryan, Kristyn Ryan, Mike Georgetti, Keith Anderson, Gina Georgetti, Diana Pepin ’92 (head coach), Dawn Walmsley Brolin ’92.
Eastern senior softball player Kristyn Ryan and Michael Georgetti of Milford — father of senior infielder Gina Georgetti — were selected as recipients of the Jeffrey W. Anderson ’84 Memorial Award, named in honor of the late Eastern athlete, coach and alumnus.
The Eastern Connecticut State University baseball program officially unveiled the refurbished All-America Walkway with a pre-game ceremony before the Warriors hosted its Little East Conference rivals from the University of Southern Maine on April 8. Head Coach Matt LaBranche welcomed nine former Eastern baseball players who earned AllAmerica status during their careers. “I’m thrilled with how the renovation of the walkway came together,” said LaBranche. “I think it honors our past in a first-class manner. It was very exciting for me and our current student-athletes to have some of the most decorated baseball players in program history back on campus.” Former All-America players in attendance for the morning ceremony were: Lenny Reed, the first AllAmerica in program history in 1970; Tom Irvine, an All-America pitcher during his junior season in 1984; Barrymore Greaves,
Describing Ryan, Head Coach Diana Pepin said, “Kristyn’s dedication and support for Eastern softball, its coaches and the program in general have been enormous…but her love for her team and passion for the game are shown every day thru her actions. She is extremely positive, dedicated and a true team player.”
Adrianna Mihalek ’17
an All-America outfielder during his sophomore season in 1985; Paul Martineau, an All-America designated hitter as a senior in 1985; Basilio (Bo) Ortiz, twice named All-America (as a sophomore in 1990 and as a junior in 1991) and the program’s first National Player-of-the-Year in 1991; Mike Susi, named an All-America as a utility player during his senior season in 1993; Joe Funaro, an All-America at shortstop as a senior in 1995; Morgan Thompson, an All-America at second base as a senior in 2003; and Dwight Wildman, an All-America outfielder as a senior in 2004.
On the heels of winning its second straight President’s Cup as the top academic institution in the Little East Conference (LEC) following the 2015-16 academic year, Eastern placed 68 studentathletes in six sports on LEC All-Academic Teams in 2016-17.
Julia DePoi ’17
Lawrence McGill ’17
Kneeling (from left): Dwight Wildman, Joe Funaro, Mike Susi. Standing (from left): Barrymore Greaves, Basilio Ortiz, Morgan Thompson, Len Reed, Paul Martineau, Tom Irvine
Student-Athletes
Georgetti, who became only the sixth recipient of the award not associated with the program as either a coach, player, alumnus, manager or scorekeeper, has been an avid supporter of the program for four years.
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A four-year volleyball player, Mihalek became the 19th recipient of the Bonnie J. Edmondson Senior Female Sportspersonof-the-Year Award. McGill, a four-year member of the track & field program, became the 19th recipient of the Senior Male Francis E. Geissler Male Sportsperson-of-the-Year Award.
Senior Chris Armstrong of Bolton qualified for the maximum third time in men’s cross country and indoor track & field, while senior Paige Schneider of East Lyme was a three-time qualifier in field hockey after earning the award in lacrosse in each of the past two seasons.
Atkind Award
Earn Academic Honors Each of Eastern’s six fall programs were represented by a minimum of four student-athletes. Women’s soccer led all conference teams with 13 representatives — out of a possible 19 qualifiers.
Peter W. Haddad ’99 (right) became the 23rd recipient of the Michael A. Atkind ’75 Service Award, which is presented by the E-Club Hall of Fame Committee for exceptional service and contributions to the athletic department. (In the photo above, Haddad is shown with committee chair Scott E. Smith ’92)
The women’s indoor track team led winter sports with nine qualifiers, while senior women’s basketball players Julia DePoi of Brookfield and Lexis Foster of Groton attained their maximum third conference academic honors in the winter. Chris Armstrong ’17
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Greetings from the ALUMNI ASSOCIATION This marks my last message as president of the Alumni Association. Not only have I had the honor of serving as president since July 2015, but I also served as president from 1999-2002. I cannot begin to describe the amazing changes I have witnessed as Alumni Association president and as a proud Eastern alumna! As I look back, I am struck by the wonderful experiences that I have had with students and fellow alumni. I have had the opportunity to speak with amazing students who have received Alumni Association scholarships, and who have served the greater Willimantic community through Eastern’s Center for
Community Engagement. And nothing will ever compare with the honor of speaking to hundreds of Eastern graduates and thousands of their family members at Eastern’s Commencement Exercises. Our alumni have given me special memories as well. Each year I have been proud to meet some of our oldest alumni during our annual “Eastern Celebrates” Reunion Weekend, and join them in the Alumni March that kicks off the Big Tent Barbeque with our senior class. I have met countless other alumni at receptions and other events. No matter where I go or who I meet, Eastern pride has never been more evident than it is now, as Eastern’s reputation as a quality public liberal arts institution continues to grow. Last year, nearly 2,500 alumni made gifts to Eastern. If you were among them, I hope you know how important you are to our Alma
Scott Smith ’92
with Smitty
Business Administration Major Athletic Equipment Manager and Assistant Baseball Coach
When reflecting on our college years, many of us remember the places on campus where we felt at home, where we were able to leave a mark. For Scott Smith, that place was — and still is — Eastern’s Sports Center. From working on the baseball coaching staff as a student, to his part-time job right after graduation, to his current roles with the Athletics Department, “Smitty” has been a fixture behind the scenes in Eastern athletics for nearly 30 years.
How did you first get connected with the Athletics Department? After playing on the baseball team for a year as a catcher, I was cut by the head coach. Even then, he asked me to work as a student assistant and join his coaching staff. Nobody wants to be told they’re off the team, but I jumped at the opportunity and it changed my life. I’ve been involved with the team in some shape or form ever since. As a student, I spent pretty much every waking moment in the Sports Center. If I wasn’t in class or in High Rise where I lived, I was in the Sports Center, helping out with events, volunteering my time. As a senior, I found out about a facility-coordinator job that had opened up. It was an opportunity to work at Eastern after graduation, and I took it. What do you love most about Eastern? There’s a family atmosphere here. You walk across campus and people know you. We’re not just a bunch of independent groups — everybody works together. The people have changed over the years, but the culture of the campus has remained the same. On coaching college-aged athletes: You never know what you’re going to get when you coach young adults and teenagers. I like to get to know the kids as more than just players. I like to help them off the field, which is much more important, because most of our athletes aren’t going to play professionally. Preparing them for their next step, seeing them develop from freshman year to graduation, that’s what I like. A lot of the athletes we get were the best player on their team in high school. They come here and the pond is larger; they are no longer the big fish. Once they understand that, they get more out of the sport than just playing. They learn about teamwork, responsibility and time management. That’s what is really rewarding about working with kids.
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Class Notes
’39 Dorothy (Shedd) Krause celebrated her 100th birthday in Manchester on April 13 with friends and family. Dorothy taught in Manchester schools for more than 20 years. She married Ward Krause in 1942. They enjoyed 54 years of marriage before he passed. Dorothy is a mother of five and grandmother to 12. She is a longtime member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and is active with the Bolton Seniors Club.
Jean Wolfe ’53, Pierre Wolfe and Rita Jackson ’53
’53 Rita Jackson visited her college roommate Jean Wolfe at her home in Denver. Jean’s husband Pierre was a well-known French chef, and has the longest running radio show on cooking in the country. Jean is in the process of having a cooking book published.
’59 Barbara (Fitts) Cairns taught in Seattle before working for the Department of Defense Dependents Schools in Canada, Germany and Panama. She retired as an elementary school principal in 1999 and now lives in Homosassa, FL, with her husband Ian. Barbara volunteers at the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park and is a writer. She has had six books published since retirement — a history of Florida, four picture books and her first novel, “Nettie’s Dream.” ’66 Elaine Dugas Shea, who is happily retired from serving
as a Head Start grantee specialist with American Indian Tribes, recently published her poetry collection “Dream Transfer and Wander.” The collection is available in print and e-book on Amazon and in local book stores. Elaine lives in Missoula, MT, with her husband Bill.
Mater, and how much Eastern needs you and every alumnus to give. There’s no better way to show your Eastern pride, and no better time to do it than now. Our students thrive, our graduates excel and Eastern’s future is brighter than ever, thanks to the involvement and generosity of our alumni — alumni like you! Thank you!
Ellen Lang ’81 President, ECSU Alumni Association (Alumni gifts support student scholarships, undergraduate research, clubs and organizations, varsity athletics and MORE! Contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at (860) 465-5302, or give online at www.easternct.edu/development/ making-your-gift).
’72 Paula (Honeyman) Weber is still operating the Marlborough, East Hampton and Colchester territory of Neighbor-to-Neighbor, a welcome service for people who move into these towns. Newcomers are given an information packet on local services and area businesses. ’73 After graduating from Eastern Connecticut State College in 1973,
Scott Rhoades went on to Central Connecticut State College to get his certification as an art teacher, and then taught art in Coventry for 35 years before retiring in 2010. He also taught Developmental Stages of Child Art at Eastern in the late 70’s as part of the Eastern Graduate Alternative Program.
’77 Laurens Smith, executive senior vice provost at Utah State University, is serving as interim provost while a national search is underway. ’81 Carolyn Kokoska and her husband Stanley celebrated
60 years of marriage in September with a surprise party thrown by their children and grandchildren. Now retired and living in Willimantic, Carolyn spent 25 years as the school nurse at William B. Sweeney School in Willimantic. Matthew Watson, an accomplished healthcare leader and entrepreneur with extensive clinical laboratory experience, was named chief executive officer of Westox Labs. Matthew received his MBA from the University of Hartford and completed the Executive Program in Leadership at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.
’83 Raymond Hill is a professor of operations at the Air Force
Institute of Technology where he leads a nine-university research consortium, teaches graduate courses, and advises master's and doctoral students. He recently earned the Air Force Science and Engineering Educator of the Year Award and was the recipient of the 2016 Dayton Affiliate Societies Council Outstanding Engineers and Scientists Award. Raymond and his wife recently celebrated 33 years of marriage.
’84 Thomas Hayes and Susan (Wain) Hayes ’85 were featured in The Hartford Courant’s Passages section last October. The couple met at Eastern and married on Aug. 16, 1986. With two daughters running cross country, Tom and Sue took up the sport themselves and EASTERN • Summer 2017 • 35
Weddings
LAURYN BONANNO ’12 to ALAN JOSEPH BRISSON ’12 on Dec. 10, 2016 LAURA KOLAR ’09 to Valentin Todorov on Jan. 14, 2017 NICOLE LEWIS ’09 to Antoine Stuppard on Aug. 22, 2016
now participate in several races a year, including the Eversource Hartford Half Marathon. Tom works in the wine business while Sue is a catering sales manager at the nonprofit Billings Forge Community Works.
’86 Robert Polito was elected to Masonicare’s Board of Trustees.
In addition, he is chairman of the investment committee, chairman of the information technology steering committee and vice chairman of the Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut. Robert works at Webster Bank as the senior vice president–director of government guaranteed lending. He earned an MBA in accounting/management from the University of New Haven and received a postgraduate business certification from the University of Connecticut.
’91 Denis Kelly is chief operating officer of Sunstates Security in Raleigh, NC, a private security company where he has spent the last seven of his 25 years in private security, earning several promotions. Denis oversees all company operations including human resources, legal, compliance, training and safety. He played baseball at Eastern, where he was a member of the 1990 national championship team and was named a second-team All American in 1991. Denis and his wife Robyn and their three children — Elizabeth, Brendan and Noah — live in Raleigh, where he has coached his children’s sports teams. Elizabeth and Noah are now in their freshman years of college, and Brendan is a sophomore in high school. ’92 James Barrett is a Hartford police officer who is dedicated to
helping the city’s homeless. In 2016 he launched Footwear with Care, a program that has already provided more than a thousand pairs of shoes and boots to Hartford’s homeless. He has also helped individuals find jobs, get help for addiction and acquire day-to-day essentials. Stephen Trimper has become the head baseball coach at Stetson University in Deland, FL. Prior to this appointment Stephen spent 11 years as the head baseball coach with the University of Maine.
lation, development and implementation of all programs and policies affecting the Connecticut Army National Guard Warrant Officer Corps.
’96 Hendrik Deurloo is senior vice president, commercial engine
sales, marketing and customer support at Pratt & Whitney. He has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut. Joyce Gresh M was appointed by the Board of Directors of Charter Oak Federal Credit Union to serve on its supervisory committee, which has various oversight and audit responsibilities for the credit union’s seven-member Board of Directors.
’97 Michael Scott works for the Waterford Hotel Group as the vice president for information technology. He has been with the Waterford Hotel Group for more than 15 years. He manages brand standards, system security and technology infrastructure with a focus on improving workflow productivity. ’02 Jon Gorgone moved to Rhode Island from Boston to enjoy a better family life with his daughter Makayla, wife Michelle and their second child on the way. Jon is starting JMG Ventures, a property management company.
’03 Scott Dunstan is vice president for Computer Rescue, a computer
services company in Storrs/Mansfield that specializes in providing services to companies in the insurance business, a field in which he also has past experience. He is the second senior person in the seven-employee company. Scott and his wife live in Storrs/Mansfield with their daughter and two sons. He coaches a lacrosse team that includes his older son, and is also a Cub Scout leader. Justin Trzaskos was recently appointed to the Coventry Town Council. Justin received a master’s degree in business administration from the American Military University. He is an eligibility worker with the Department of Social Services and is president of the Coventry Arts Guild. Daniel Whelton is an actor who has had roles in “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past,” “Patriots Day” and “Drop Dead Drunk.”
’04 Kenneth Graziano is the vice president of sales at DSM Technology Consultants.
Shawn McQuillan is director of residence life and student activities at
Environmental
Message to Connecticut
Schoolchildren A zany cast of characters came to life when 13 Eastern Connecticut State University alumni shared their talents across Connecticut during a monthlong children’s theatre tour from March 27-April 21. Brought to audiences by eesmarts™, the performance “Earth Day, Every Day” was an Energize Connecticut
Back row (left to right): Aiden Eastwood (Bob the Director), Daniel Fernandez (Chadwick Composter), Kate Prozesky (stage manager), Shane Kegler (director), Calvin Gee (Elmer Energy), Jordan Merrill (Mr. Gas Guzzler), Diana McCarthy Bercury (Eversource eesmarts™ program administrator); Front row: Joseph Diaz (Roger Recycle), Olivia Florence (Scarlet Upcycle), Stephanie Madden (Kelly, assistant director), Alexis Kurtz (Penelope Precycle) and Deborah Stauffer (playwright)
initiative managed by Eversource and the United Illuminating Co. More than 10,000 schoolchildren in 38 elementary schools across the state were treated to a performance aimed at teaching children the importance of making smart and sustainable energy choices. “Earth Day, Every Day” was born when nontraditional student Debbie Stauffer ’16 enrolled in a scriptwriting class taught by Communication Professor Edmond Chibeau. Stauffer ended up winning the 2016 eesmarts™ Student Contest “Wright the World” college category. The play follows Roger Recycle, Penelope Precycle, Elmer Energy, Chadwick Composter and Scarlet Upcycle as they audition for a special Earth Day commercial broadcast. During their audition, they try to convince the director that they are the best solution for conserving energy and resources. By the end, the characters realize that each of them play important roles in conserving the planet, and that they need each other to make the world a better place.
’05 Tracy Roche works at the Stowe Family Resource Center as a social worker.
’06 Melissa (DeMarco) Manning
is a K-4 math specialist with Shelton Public Schools. She has two children.
’07
Ashley Gomes returned to campus to visit classes and share with Kinesiology and Physical Education students her experiences in South Africa and her volunteer work with United through Sport. Wayne Thrall is the new athletic director at Bunnell High School in Stratford. He comes to Bunnell from the New Milford School District, where he worked as a physical education teacher and varsity boys basketball coach. Wayne has an MA in Kinesiology from Fresno Pacific University, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration and Supervision from Southern Connecticut State University.
’94 Jennifer Lorenzo works as a catering sales manager at the
Providence Biltmore.
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is admitted to the Connecticut Bar. He is married to Marisa Esposito ’08 and they have one child. Cherielin Toporowski was appointed director of sales and marketing for The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, RI, where she took over the property’s day-to-day marketing strategy. Cherielin joins the Chanler team from Rhode Island Destination Management Company, Newport Hospitality, where she held the position of program manager.
Chatham University in Pittsburgh.
’93 Lisa Johnson works for the Waterford Hotel Group as the corporate controller. She is responsible for all accounting and finance for centralized properties including the preparation of the financial statements, cash management and accounts payable.
’95 Craig Churchill has worked in the engineering, operations and manufacturing fields for more than 25 years. In 2013 he joined the Arthur G. Russell Company as the operations manager. Prior to this role he held a senior engineering/operations role at Engineered BioPharmaceuticals, was the vice president of operations for Gaven Medical and was the vice president of engineering for Bio-Plexus. Craig is also a licensed plumber and certified welder. Mark Marini, the Command Chief Warrant Officer, Joint Force Headquarters, of the Connecticut Army National Guard, was a marshal at the 2016 Connecticut Veterans Day Parade. In his current position, Mark guides the formu-
Alumni Bring
Ashley Gomes ’07
’08 Melissa Blazejak M ’14 is a senior
web content editor at BLR. She has written articles for HR.BLR.com and the HR Daily Advisor websites and is responsible for the day-to-day management of HR.BLR.com and HRLaws.com. She has been with BLR since 2014. Paul Conti joined Filomeno & Company as a senior staff associate. He most recently served as a senior tax associate for Nicola-Yester PC. Brian Medeiros, the varsity girls basketball coach at Canton High School, led the team to its second straight CIAC Class S title, beating Thomaston 60-51 at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Brian Sullivan is president of Emerald Consulting. He founded the company in 2016 after building and managing innovative multi-family housing, solar and energy efficiency loan portfolios with one of Connecticut’s largest community development financial institutions. Brian earned his law degree from the University of Virginia and
’09 Ryan LaJoie, a real estate professional with Johnson & Associates in Thompson, was named by the Eastern Connecticut Association of Realtors as Realtor of the Year and Young Professional of the Year. Sulthana Sayed is controller at Julamcyn Theaters LLC. ’10 Sharday Alston is a commercial recruiter at Kelly Services. Carmen Chau is currently the weekday and weekend evening TV reporter for WTEN-TV/WXXATV, an ABC/FOX affiliate based in Albany, NY. She holds a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Quinnipiac University. Katelyn Ercolani joined Cronin, the Glastonbury-based marketing agency, as a brand manager. Matthew Manierre has been appointed assistant professor of sociology at Clarkson University. He received his master’s degree and Ph.D., both in sociology, from the University of Delaware. Matthew’s research is primarily focused on the relationship between social inequality and health outcomes. He will be teaching introductory courses in sociology, social research methods and medical sociology. Echo Montey has been promoted to finance manager of CorePlus Federal Credit Union. She will be responsible for the integrity and maintenance of the credit union’s accounting records, timely reporting to regulatory authorities, and managing the credit union’s investment portfolio. Echo started at the credit union in 2006 as part of the first Summer Internship Class program. She earned her MBA from the University of New Haven. Kendall Smith is working on an illustrated book about Connecticut’s state heroine Prudence Crandall. The book’s working title is “Amongst the Lilies–The Story of a Student Attending Prudence Crandall’s School for African American Girls.” As one of the Prudence Crandall Museum’s volunteer docents, Kendall has become familiar with the story of the educator. Kendall also works as an instructional assistant in Griswold High School’s special education department. EASTERN • Summer 2017 • 37
Amanda Trothier works at the Hartford-based Partnership for Strong
Jacquelyn Rosado is an officer with the Willimantic Police Department.
Communities as a development and communications associate.
She received her master’s degree in behavioral analysis from Simmons College in Boston. Kaci Smith has held the position of program coordinator in the office of career and professional development at Connecticut College since January 2015.
’11 Rachael Joy is a major market consultant with Runzheimer, a company that provides employee mobility management services for corporations and government agencies. Megan Pavia works for Laurel House, Inc. as the donor relations and event manager. Khrystyna Stefak is now working as a marketing specialist with Solidify Inc. ’12 Andrew Bedford works as the business sales manager with
Universal Aerospace.
Kylee Carbone is the director of human development and marketing for
Westminster Tool. Chase Cinquemani is enrolled in the Physician Assistant Studies program at the University of St. Joseph’s. This is a 28-month program that started in January 2017. Ellen Devlin is director of admissions at East Catholic High School. She earned her master’s degree in management and organizational leadership from Albertus Magnus College in 2016. Michael Hepple has signed with the New Britain Bees of the independent Athletic League. The right-handed pitcher is a non-drafted free agent. Theatre major Hilary Osborn is in the final year of her M.S. in Sustainability Management program at Columbia University in New York. As president of SUMASA (Sustainability Management Student Association), Osborn was instrumental in the group receiving the Most Innovative Student Association and Program of the Year recognitions at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies 2017 Awards. Andrew Sonnet is a firefighter with the Springfield Fire Department in Springfield, NJ. Brittany (Keegan) Wiltse works for Titan Energy, managing the correspondence between account representatives and third-party suppliers to ensure customers’ individual needs are being matched with the best supply option available. She also assists members of the sales team with monitoring current customer accounts to avoid gaps in service.
’13 Drew Accomando became a member of CrossFit Milford’s Reebok CrossFit Games team in 2015 and finished among the top 75 athletes in the Northeast region. He is in his third year working as a personal trainer at the Darien YMCA. Zainab Giwa is a constituent representative with the City of Providence. Kelly Paterson was hired as an assistant softball coach at Southern Connecticut State University. Prior to this appointment, Kelly served as the head softball coach for the Connecticut Eliminators, was an assistant softball coach at Berlin High School and worked as a hitting instructor at FastPitch Nation. Christopher Robitaille plays professional basketball with the Springfield Sting of the American Basketball Association. He has also played a few summers in the Greater Hartford Pro-Am League. He works as a project manager at Tilcon in New Britain. ’14 Lauren Fahey teaches third grade at Silver Lane School. In her free time she enjoys reading and loves to travel. Solinda Keth is a designer with ESPN.
38 • Summer 2017 • EASTERN
’15 Nicholas Aconfora is a production assistant in the content associate program at ESPN. Ryan Bahan works at the Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies as a producer and digital media specialist. He received his MS in emergent media at Champlain College in 2016. Monique Dumaine was hired by Fordham University as a student organizations and engagement specialist. Allyssa Paradis is working as a special education teacher at High Road High School in Hartford, CT. “I love my job and thank Eastern for putting me on the path to success!” Kimberly Radcliffe was included in the fiber arts exhibit Women Arts and Fibers Contemporary Responses to Abolition and the Journey North at UMASS Dartmouth. Her quilt “Sankofa Journey” pays homage to the lineage and legacy of Venture Smith and was in a traveling exhibition with the University of South Carolina. Kimberly’s work will also be included in the 11th Annual African American Fiber Arts Exhibition in Charleston.
Sarah Froehlich is teaching first-grade English for the Compañeros
Bilingual program at North Windham Elementary School. She is also the head swim coach for Hale YMCA in Putnam. Christine Gaumond is the family financial stability program coordinator at The Village for Families and Children in Hartford. In this role she manages the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties. There are 23 sites that provide free tax preparation services to low–moderate income families. John Maura is a financial consultant at Citizens Bank. Anthony Piccione premiered his one-act play “The End of the Line at the End” in October at the Manhattan Repertory Theatre as part of the New
Theatre Celebration running from October to December 2016. Anthony’s work has previously been staged at Connecticut venues such as Playhouse on Park, Hole in the Wall Theater, the Windsor Art Center and Windham Theatre Guild. His essays and columns are frequently published in “On Stage.” Randy Rubenstein created and launched an app called Libro Books that helps students buy and sell textbooks. Fellow students Jeremy Battye and Ivan Riquelme worked on the coding to make the app as simple as possible. Libro Books is available through iTunes and Google Play. Dale Thompson worked for the Connecticut Democratic Party as a regional field organizer. In this role he worked alongside Congressman Joe Courtney, State Senator Mae Flexer and many others in coordinating field events. Daniel Wunderlin is a staff accountant at PKF O’Connor Davies, LLP.
Warriors at Work! The first official “Warriors at Work” alumni networking reception took place on Nov. 9, 2016, to help student-athletes translate their academic experience into successful careers. The reception was designed to give direction to studentathletes enrolled in the University’s most popular areas of study as they prepare for careers after graduation. Athletic alumni representing eight different majors shared their stories and personal experiences with current student-athletes during roundtable discussions. The alumni addressed concerns and provided insight into a broad range of topics from the real-life applications of their majors, to creating an effective resume, to the benefits of volunteering and identifying internships necessary to gain practical experience. Alumni guests included (top row, left to right:) Dawn Brolin ’92, who runs her own accounting firm; Tristan Hobbes ’09, associate director of athletic communications at Bryant University; Jeff Quamme ’88, executive director of the Connecticut Certification Board; and Darlene Folan ’82, vice president for quality for the Rhode Island Blood Center; (bottom row, left to right:) Laura Violette ’12, senior women’s administrator at Regis College; Kathleen Adams ’04, senior underwriter for Zurich North America; Tammy Schondelmayer ’90, athletic director for Bloomfield Public Schools; and John Rubano ’00, regional sales manager for Medtronic GI Solutions.
In Memoriam
Kimberly Radcliffe ’15 Kayla Smoragiewicz is an assistant coach with Manhattan College’s
mens and womens swimming and diving program. She is currently earning her master’s degree from Fordham University. Jordan Thompson accepted a position with Disabilities Unlimited, where he will advocate for children and adults with disabilities so they can live independent lives. Taylor Woronecki works with InterCommunity as an employment specialist.
’16
Mitchell Brooks joined the Cromwell Police Department in December 2016 and began the 22-week police academy course. Caitlighn Foley received three awards for her lighting design for Eastern’s production of “Pedro the Great Pretender.” She was first runner up for the Barbizon Award for Excellence in Lighting Design, was awarded a Stagecraft Institute of Las Vegas Award and won the USITT and BMI Design Technologies Meritorious Award.
MARGERY ANADORE ’90 THOMAS ANDERSON, emeritus professor of history BARBARA BALDOVIN ’82 RUTH BELL ’40 WALTER BINKOWSKI ’88 RUTH BLAKE ’60 POLLY BOGUE ’77 PAUL BUDNEY ’83 BARBARA CASTAGNARO ’54 ANDREJ CAVARKAPA ’09 M ’12 DAVID CHASE ’85 WENDY CIPARELLI M ’80 JOHN CLAUSEN ’79 ARTHUR COLLINS ’80 ANNE COSTA ’79 ARLENE COX ’56 HOLLY CRUZ ’12 GLORIA CUTLER ’73 GERALDINE DEGENOVA ’82 JENNIFER DESROSIERS ’14 PRISCILLA DORSEY ’95 NANCY DUMOND ’79 GLENN EIGABROADT ’82
ROBERT FAHEY ’64 DAVID FLIGHT ’51 VIRGINIA GIBSON ’84 BRYAN GILBLAIR ’08 CAROL GOLDSTEIN ’89 MARTHA GREENWOOD ’58 LINDA GREGORY ’71 ELIZABETH HADFIELD ’17 JANET HALL, Lifelong Learning instructor JOHN HINCHLIFFE ’01 GRANT HODGDON ’13 JUSTINE JOLIE ’51 ELSIE JOLLY ’45 LINDA KELLEY ’59 PENELOPE KINNEY ’73 BENJAMIN KLOTZER ’08 ROBERTA KOPLOWITZ ’73 MARGARET LAMB ’41 FRANCES LIPSKY ’95 ELENA LUPINACCI ’42 KATHRYN LUTKIEWICZ ’00 FREDERICK MAHONEY ’49 MILDRED MAINE ’85 THOMAS MAKELA ’72
ALEX MCCONNELL ’88 WILLIAM MCLAUGHLIN ’15 FRANK MCNABB, former faculty member BARBARA MOLETTE, English professor MICHAEL MORAN ’80 JACQUELINE O’FARRELL ’57 FLORENCE PALMER ’39 PENNY PERRY ’12 RUTH PHELPS ’41 NELSON QUINBY ’63 CHRISTINE RAIOLA ’98 JUNE RATHBUN ’63 CHELSEA RUSSELL ’15 JOSEPH SANTINI ’95 LEON SARIN, former history professor LLOYD SCHMIDT, former fine arts professor GARY SENKBEIL ’75 KIM SHIRER ’58 VIRGINIA STONE ’89 GERALDINE SWANSON ’76 EVERETT WATSON ’57 DONALD WEIDEMANN ’57 ALBERT WOJTCUK ’54 STASIA ZIOBROWSKI ’42 EASTERN • Summer 2017 • 39
Final Thoughts I hope you enjoyed this issue of EASTERN Magazine. It is especially gratifying to share wonderful stories about successful alumni, in addition to University accomplishments made possible by a dedicated faculty, engaged students and a supportive staff. We have also taken time in this issue to thank the many people whose generosity enables Eastern students and faculty to pursue academic excellence. I want to reflect for a moment on this support — without it, Eastern could not continue to prosper as Connecticut’s only public liberal arts university. The article in this issue about the donors and alumni honored at our recent President’s Leadership Luncheon demonstrates how the relationship that each honored donor has with Eastern is unique, and how everyone who contributes financially to the success of the University shares a commitment to our students and a common sense of pride. Very importantly, our leadership donors also inspire alumni and other supporters to give.
Dorothy (Church) Zaring of Washington, DC, passed away on March 3, 2017, at the age of 106. Mrs. Zaring and her husband Joseph Zaring were both career intelligence officers for the Central Intelligence Agency, with Dorothy retiring in 1971 and Joseph retiring in 1981. Eastern began its relationship with the Zarings in 2009 when the University acquired their country home in Ashford. Today, the Church Farm Center for the Arts and Sciences — complete with a stately colonial homestead built in 1821, a vintage barn built in 1895 and acres of woodlands, meadows and gardens — hosts Eastern performing arts students; biology and environmental earth science research; and other University and community functions.
Zarings’ Generosity Transforms Eastern
This is illustrated in the article about this year’s major donors and how we have received or are pledged more than a half million dollars in large gifts for the year! One of our largest single donors over time — the SBM Charitable Foundation (SBMCF) — was justifiably highlighted in another story on major giving. Over the years and with new commitments in place, the SBMCF will have provided Eastern and our students with $1.4 million in financial support through fiscal year 2019. This support has given hundreds of young people with unmet financial needs the opportunity for a college education. This would not happen without the concern and financial commitment of the SBMCF board and staff, and we truly are in their debt. Finally, I want to thank and acknowledge longtime Eastern supporter David Foster, whose family’s foundation has sponsored this year’s highly successful “Jazzin’ It Up Concert Series” in support of scholarships for local Windham students attending Eastern. I bring up these examples of donor generosity for two reasons. First, I want to acknowledge these donors and the impact that their sizable gifts have on our University. Secondly, I want to make the point that not all donations have to be five- and six-figure gifts to make a difference in the lives of our students. In fact, the vast majority of our 4,250 donors make more modest gifts through our Annual Fund, which totaled more than $2 million last year. As you can see, gifts of different sizes add up, as does the number of donors. As I have written many times, it is not the size of your gift to Eastern that matters most. One of the key factors in the U.S. News and World Report rankings is the percentage of our alumni who give. I am pleased to say that we have tripled that percentage over the past decade, and it contributed in part to seeing Eastern move up seven places in last year’s U.S. News and World Report rankings. Think what we can do if we can move the bar even higher! If you are already a regular Eastern donor, I want to thank you on behalf of our entire campus community. If you are considering joining the growing number of alumni and friends who contribute to the University in some way, thank you for supporting future Eastern students. Working together, we can continue to transform student lives while contributing to the well-being of our state.
Kenneth J. DeLisa Vice President for Institutional Advancement
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The Church family, which owned a chain of clothing stores in the mid- to late-1800s, used the farm as their summer home throughout the first half of the 20th century. Dorothy Zaring remembered her childhood summers at the farm as “my golden years.” In 1967, Mrs. Zaring became the sole owner of the Church Farm property and it was entered in the National Register of Historic Properties in 1988. Despite their age, the Zarings enjoyed and encouraged communications with University officials. President Núñez visited them several times in their Washington, DC, townhouse, and until recently, Ken DeLisa, vice president of institutional advancement, sent Mrs. Zaring annual newsletters and audio recordings to share student and faculty activities at the Church Farm.
Over the years, those activities have included music performances in the farm’s historic barn; biology and environmental earth science research; landscape art classes; and faculty retreats. In addition, special events at the farm have included fundraisers in support of the Ashford Library and a “family day” for families with young children. Joseph Zaring passed away on Sept. 17, 2012. An Idaho native who earned his master’s degree in public administration in 1943 from Harvard University, he spent almost 30 years in the CIA, retiring as the National Intelligence Officer for Western Europe. “The generous gift of the Church Farm has been transformational in the life of our University,” said DeLisa. “We will always be eternally indebted to the Zarings for this wonderful addition to Eastern.”
Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Willimantic, CT Permit No. 12
Eastern's Fine Arts Instructional Center Dance Studio