Eastern Magazine 2006 Spring by EasternCTStateUniversity

Volume 4, Issue 2

Spring 2006

magazine

Staff and Contributors

Table of Contents In This Issue From the President Dr. Carter Leads CSU A Teacher’s Gift The Living Quilt Spreading Hope Scholars. . . from Start to Finish A Lifetime of Inspiration Where Every Person is Valued Building Global Relationships Biology is in their Blood Annual Report of Donors Living Out a Dream Features Athletics Campus News Philanthropy Alumni News Class Notes Final Thoughts

Editor

Ed Osborn Graphic Designers

1 2 3 4 8 10 12 14 16 17 i-xii 18

Leigh Balducci Kevin Paquin Writers/Contributors

Robert Arpin ’06 Dwight Bachman Will Clifford ’06 Joy Goff Andres Hidalgo ’05 Ken Krayeske Lisa McRoberts Robert Molta Lana Pontbriant Lindsay Shafer LaToya Smith ’06 Melanie Williams ’06 Photos

19 22 24 26 30 32

Nick Lacy Proofreading

Bev Canfield Betty Seaver

Making Quilts

from the President

Quilting and quilting bees have been part of American life for much of this country’s history. This homespun hobby is still passed down through the generations and practiced to this day. I have to smile when I reflect on how much life at Eastern Connecticut State University resembles the quilting bees of old. Faculty, students, and staff at Eastern come from a multitude of backgrounds and cultures, bringing their traditions and personalities to campus to share with one another. They work together patiently, yet with tremendous spirit and purpose, just as the pioneers did. They share stories and experiences, growing in unexpected ways. And just as yesteryear’s quilters stuck close to the hearth, our Eastern campus community enjoys and is rejuvenated by the sense of family and friendship that is our hallmark. The result is a rich, colorful quilt of people, reflecting the diversity of opinion, race, culture, and individual spirit that is found here. At the same time that individuality and diversity are respected and supported at Eastern, this campus is a human tapestry stitched together by a common thread. Foremost is a commitment to engaged learning and discourse that reflects our liberal arts mission. At the center of everything we do at Eastern, you will find a focus on students — a common desire to prepare them to be citizens of our modern world. This spirit of enlightened scholarship is supported by faculty and staff who give students confidence to explore their own paths. Perhaps I am most proud of what this community does to make a difference in the world — giving its talents and time to serve others. The Eastern community demonstrates every day that, unlike the heirlooms of the past, this is a “living quilt.” This issue of EASTERN magazine presents a sampling of the rich diversity that makes up this community of learners. I hope these stories warm your heart and remind you once again why Eastern is a special place. I also ask you to take a moment to review the list of last year’s donors that we have inserted into this issue. Their generosity and support is fundamental to the ongoing vitality and life of Eastern. I am equally proud of the wonderful and generous response from individuals within and without our campus and of those businesses in our greater community that are so much a part of our fabric. By their commitment and support, our University is strengthened and made more enduring. We are indebted to them for making Eastern a priority.

Michael Pernal President

Dr. Carter Assumes New Leadership Role David G. Carter, president of Eastern Connecticut State University since April 1988, was named chancellor of the Connecticut State University System on Dec. 16, 2006. Carter succeeds William J. Cibes, Jr., who retired on Feb. 1, 2006 after serving as chancellor for the past 11 years. Carter becomes the fourth chancellor of Connecticut’s largest public university system. “With his decades of experience in education and a reputation for thoughtful, creative leadership, David Carter is a superb choice as chancellor of the Connecticut State University System. I commend the CSU Board of Trustees for its diligent search,” said Governor M. Jodi Rell. “I am honored that the Board of Trustees has entrusted me with stewardship of the Connecticut State University System,” said Carter in accepting the new appointment. “The system’s Other highlights of progress made at Eastern during Dr. Carter’s administration: • 10-year reaccreditation by New England Association of Schools and Colleges • Establishment of Arthur L. Johnson Unity Center to promote diversity and multiculturalism four universities have a long and rich tradition of serving the educational needs of Connecticut students and residents, and I am proud to have been asked to continue that tradition. I look forward to working closely with the presidents of our four institutions and the Board of Trustees to advance the role of higher education in improving the quality of life and economic vitality of the state of Connecticut.” During Carter’s tenure at Eastern, the University has been a model of growth and development. The most visible sign is Eastern’s physical plant, which has doubled in size and features a state-of-the-art library, and new classroom and residential facilities. This growth in facility space is in direct response to enrollment growth of more than 40 percent during the past 10-15 years. During this same period, Eastern’s academic reputation has been enhanced, with a more focused liberal arts mission approved by the state in 1998, membership in the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges in 2004, and an updated General Education Core developed by the faculty.

EASTERN

spring 2006

• Won both national baseball and softball NCAA Division III championships in 1990 • Master Plan approved by Board of Trustees • Major private fundraising efforts, highlighted by annual FUN*DING event • Creation of the Institute for Sustainable Energy and the endowed chair in Sustainable Energy Studies • Accreditation of teacher preparation programs by National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education • Board-approved refinement of mission to focus on the liberal arts • Alumni ambassador program established in Massachusetts, New York, California, and Sri Lanka

yeske By Ken Kra

Students stream into Julie White’s eighth grade language arts class at Mansfield Middle School, and one by one, slide into desks arranged in a circle. White often plays songs by James Taylor, Cat Stevens, and Peter Gabriel in her classroom, which creates a good atmosphere for writing, according to 14-year-old student Chelsea Flower. “We can all see each other when we talk,” Flower says. “That’s good because we are always talking. Mrs. White’s is the only class I have that uses a circle. I feel like I am a better writer because of it.” White earned her master’s degree in elementary education at Eastern Connecticut State University in 1996. Her creative, nontraditional educational strategies, combined with her dedication to professional development, earned her the prestigious National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation this past November. The recognition includes a $25,000 cash award. White says she thought the surprise school assembly at which she received her award was because President Clinton was addressing the students. “Our principal had just met Clinton the month before. Then I thought perhaps Kofi Annan, the UN secretary general, was at our school. They said it was somebody big and they couldn’t tell us.” Then, when the award was announced, she didn’t believe she had won it. “There’s another teacher in school named Kathy White, and I kept thinking that it was she,” White explains. “I had no idea it was I who had won the award. I work with incredible teachers here who humble me every day.” When White first started working at Mansfield Middle School a decade ago, she says she felt out of her league because of the great teachers around her. Two other teachers at the school had earned Milken awards. “I challenged myself to rise to their level and be inspired by my contemporaries,” she states. Now, White is the one leading her peers and motivating students, says Mansfield Middle Principal Jeff Cryan. “She knows instruction well. But more than that, she creates an atmosphere in which kids trust her and write for her. It is apparent in looking at her students’ writing portfolios that they write what they know for her.” White was nominated for the award by her coworkers at the Connecticut Department of Education, where two years ago she was the state’s language arts teacher-in-residence. Cryan explains that the Mansfield Middle School missed her for that term, but that her service mentoring second-year teachers was invaluable. “She has been recognized by her colleagues across the state as a leader.” White will travel soon to Washington, D.C., for the official ceremony. She says she will donate a portion of the $25,000 to charities working in Haiti, and the rest will go toward her four-year-old daughter Isabelle’s college fund. EASTERN

spring 2006

By Ed Osborn, Ken Krayeske, and Andres Hidalgo ’05

nternational students come from all over the world to study at Eastern. In fall 2005, students from 32 countries graced the Eastern Connecticut State University campus, learning side-by-side with students from New London, Hartford, Boston, and many other New England towns. But where do Eastern faculty and staff come from? Most were born and raised in the United States, yet the number of foreign-born faculty and staff parallels the international contingent of students who come to Eastern each year, bringing a rich cultural diversity to campus. Reading the personal stories of Eastern faculty and staff — be they from Stonington, CT; Iran; Hungary; Australia; China; Colombia; or Ghana — helps provide a sense of the bright and uniquely patterned fabric of Eastern’s “living quilt.”

Joyce Wong, director of athletics, says Chinese New Year is her favorite holiday. She was born in China’s Canton province, but has spent her life in the United States.

Wong’s parents raised her and her eight siblings as traditionally Chinese as possible. “We still follow the customs,” she says. “As children, we attended Chinese school every Saturday, learning the language and customs. At the time, we asked, ‘Why do we have to go to school on Saturdays?’” Growing up in Worcester, MA, exposed Wong to American concepts that her parents never grasped, such as college and sports. “My parents did not accept it,” she says of her chosen field of coaching. “Education was valued, but a woman’s place at that time, as in most cultures, was in the home. They never understood that coaching athletes was a career choice.” That’s because, Wong remarks, traditional Chinese family activities lean more toward gambling and mahjong. “I don’t think my father ever saw me play or coach a sport. But now I

EASTERN

spring 2006

appreciate that we got to keep our cultural heritage and become aware of why our beliefs are what they are.”

An astute visitor to Sociology Professor Dennis Canterbury’s office would guess that Canterbury was Guyanese. A small Guyanese flag hangs from a bookshelf and a map of Guyana is tacked onto the wall. Canterbury, 53, came to America in 1997. “I came here because it is the land of opportunity,” he declares. He obtained his Ph.D. from SUNY-Binghamton, and applied to teach at Eastern after finishing his degree in 2000. “It was a unique opportunity to teach about the Caribbean and to teach what I know — globalization, labor, and development.” Growing up on the tropical Atlantic coast in New Amsterdam, Guyana, Canterbury swam

and played outdoors. “It was beautiful,” he says. “There was sunshine, and never any snow.” As do many immigrants, Canterbury dreams of returning to his country. “I miss the fruits, the papaya, breadfruit, mangoes, guava, sapadillas,” he says. “And the French cashew — it smells beautiful. But I have never seen that here.” Canterbury uses cantaloupe and honeydew as substitutes. His friends ask for invitations to sample his wife’s Guyanese fusion cooking.

Associate Professor Darren Robert, Department of Health and Physical Education, is a proud Eastern alumnus, graduating in 1992 before eventually receiving his Ed.D. from West Virginia University. “It’s been a thrill to return here after getting my doctorate to teach. As a student, I had Dr. Raouf Mama as an English professor. He got me to read my first book cover to cover — he made

it come alive.” Now Robert brings his own children to campus to watch Mama tell stories. A native of North Stonington, Robert still lives there with his wife and three daughters. “It’s not uncommon for me to ask students, ‘Is everything alright? You weren’t in class this morning.’ Or, ‘Did you get your paper done?’, whether it’s for my class or another professor. We care as much as parents do; we see these students more than their folks do, so to say we are their second parents is true.”

the age of 16. Chan’s parents were born in China, and he was born in Hong Kong. When he was two, the textile factory that employed his parents in China reassigned his father to a new plant in Buenos Aires. The family liked Argentina and decided to stay. At home, Chan’s parents taught him Cantonese, and in Argentina, he picked up Spanish. As a teenager, Chan says, he didn’t pay much attention to the strikes and problems in the streets in Argentina. But he had a hunch he would be coming to the United States, because his parents sent him to English classes starting at age 10. “For two and a half hours a week, I learned English,” Chan recalls. When life in Argentina grew dangerous, the family headed for the United States. Studying romance languages, Chan earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Pennsylvania before coming to Eastern in 1997. Chan’s favorite language? It depends, he ventures. “If I’m dealing with business or work, I like English. If I’m joking around, I like Spanish.”

Robert says the close-knit professional relationships that Eastern faculty members enjoy “make coming to work every day here a joy. I have so many friends and colleagues throughout the college, far beyond just my own department. Sharing resources and solving problems together is how we get things done.”

Political instability in Argentina brought Professor Kin Chan, the chair of Eastern’s Department of Modern and Classical Languages, to the United States in 1979 at EASTERN

spring 2006

Professor Sarah Tasneem, a first-year professor in computer science, is serious when she discusses her native language, Bangla.

On Feb. 21, 1952, the government of East Pakistan sparked a revolt by declaring Urdu the state language, this in a country where the majority spoke Bangla. Tasneem’s father and mother joined the many people who were marching and protesting, but fortunately her parents weren’t among those massacred by the military. “People gave their lives for this language,” she says. Tasneem and her husband left Bangladesh two decades ago to become graduate assistants at Clarkson University. She then interrupted her career to raise her children after her husband accepted a position at UConn. “I taught my children Bangla,” Tasneem comments. “We speak it at home, and they are very proud of that.” Tasneem earned her Ph.D. from UConn in 2000. Although she misses her family in Bangladesh, she is enjoying her first year at Eastern. “Computer science is a very competitive field,” she states. “The cream of every society from around the world is joining U.S. universities like Eastern.”

Professor Jaime Gómez of the Department of Communication, is an award-winning documentary filmmaker. Born in Colombia, he earned his B.A. in photography at San Francisco State University and his doctorate in broadcasting and electronic arts from the University of Utah. After graduation,

EASTERN

spring 2006

Gómez returned to Colombia where he served as producer for Television Caribe, a regional television station. The most celebrated of his documentaries is Perija: the Route of the Maleteros, which won the Simón Bolivar Award, the most prestigious award in Colombian television. The documentary traced the path of smuggler maleteros (literally, “people who carry suitcases”) during the 1960s and ’70s. The film almost wasn’t finished; Gómez and his crew became lost during its filming and spent eight days wandering the mountains — much of the time without food or water — before finally emerging from their jungle ordeal. At Eastern, Gómez sends his students on less dangerous assignments, asking them to research a community issue and create a video about it as part of their learning. “That’s what I think learning is all about — growing your skills while doing something you love. And that’s what Eastern is about — fostering that passion and showing students how it can sustain them personally while reaching out and serving others in the community.”

On any given Thursday night, you will find Assistant Professor of Psychology Margaret Letterman dishing out dinner to as many as 75 students at the Arthur L. Johnson Unity Center. Since early 2004, she has hosted the Thursday night meals, seeing attendance grow as students from all backgrounds eat together elbow-to-elbow. “It’s been a success beyond our wildest dreams,” says Letterman, thanking the dean of students and the Women’s Center for their support. The weekly meal provides social opportunities for students, especially those from the minority community. “The research suggests that when minority students have

positive social interactions on campus, retention rates skyrocket,” says Letterman. She maintains that the same effect occurs when faculty and administrators show up to break bread with students. “When students interact informally with faculty and administration, they are more inclined to seek those people out when they need help or have a question.” Letterman, a California native who spent her early adulthood raising a family in Montana, is a latecomer to higher education. After farming for years, she went back to college, earned her degree at age 50, and began teaching at Eastern in 1998.

Specializing in printmaking, Puerto Rican-born Imna Arroyo has an MFA from Yale University, and also has studied in China, Australia, and Africa. “Art is a tremendously important aspect of learning,” she declares. “It is impossible to comprehend the world around us through a single medium. Art serves as a way to integrate knowledge, for us to be able to see the world through the eyes of different cultures with vastly different experiences.” Arroyo’s mixed heritage — Puerto Rican, African, indigenous American, and Caribbean — is a huge part of her work. “Imna’s art encapsulates the spirit of the Orishas (the deities of Africa who traveled from Nigeria to Central

and South America as guardians of nature),” wrote Gail Gelburd, professor of art history, in describing Arroyo’s art. “Her ancestors call out to us — her grandmother, who made lace, and her mother, who taught her how to sew, are present in these fabrics. The simple power of Professor Arroyo’s imagery creates a universal environment of empowerment.” Arroyo also promotes art globally; she is past president of the National Women’s Caucus For Art and was a delegate at the Fourth U.N. World Conference on Women in Beijing, China. In February 2005, she received Eastern’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award in the faculty category.

These faculty members are just some of the interesting people who have come to Eastern from diverse backgrounds to share their life experiences with students and colleagues. In doing so, they enrich the University, helping to celebrate the uniqueness of each member of the campus community, while forging a common love of learning and a commitment to personal and institutional growth. EASTERN

spring 2006

Warming Hearts Spreading Hope

By Melanie Williams ’06

This past September, Houston’s renamed Reliant Astrodome became the temporary home of thousands of Hurricane Katrina survivors while they desperately searched for their loved ones and a sense of hope. They named their new home “Reliant City,” which eventually housed more than 27,000 evacuees and had its own zip code. Amanda Barry ’03 was there helping the cause.

Barry, who graduated with a degree in sport and leisure management, received an email from her employer on Aug. 31 requesting volunteers to help in Houston. “I thought immediately that this was something I would like to do. My only concern was whether or not I had enough money to pay for my plane ticket and housing. Once I found out the Red Cross would pay for my expenses, I went to the training classes the Red Cross provided. “While at one of the training sessions, I was helping teach the class because I am a certified instructor. Halfway through the class my instructor came up to me and said, ‘Amanda, you’re leaving tomorrow.’ I had no warning. My boyfriend was in Canada and wouldn’t be back by the time I left. But I knew I would see him when I got back and realized going to help was important for me to do.” The night before Barry left, she was “flooded with emotions. I didn’t know if I should be happy, sad, or scared. That whole night I was wondering, ‘Is this happening?’”

EASTERN

spring 2006

Barry arrived in Houston on Sept. 4. The next morning while serving juice, soda, milk, and water to Katrina refugees, she noticed a six-year-old girl walking alone. The young girl approached her but didn’t say a word. After Barry offered her some fruit juice, they walked together and eventually found the girl’s sisters. “We began to read a book, and the little girl, with her bathing suit still under her dress, began to cry. Her sister kept telling her to stop, and that she didn’t need to cry. I told her that I am 23 years old and if I had been through what they had been through, I would probably cry too.” Later that night, it was hard for Barry to erase the image of the young girl’s tears from her mind. She realized that what most of the victims longed for was simply “a warm face, a smile, a hug and someone to talk to.” Barry is no stranger to aiding flood victims. While attending Eastern she was involved with Habitat for Humanity during her freshman year. “I didn’t really know many people, so I joined Habitat to meet new people. We went to Georgia to help build houses for flood victims, but that was on a much smaller scale than Katrina.” Since her return to Connecticut, Barry has a newfound appreciation for her life. “My appreciation for things has grown so much, even for the little things. While I was there, being able to use my cell phone to call my family

when I needed to was big because some people weren’t able to contact anyone. I appreciate the apartment I have that I used to complain wasn’t big enough. I realize now that a bad day isn’t as much of a bad day as I thought.”

* * * * * Andrew Nilsson, professor of social work, also had a remarkable experience in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. As a member of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Nilsson spent two weeks in

Alexandria, LA, working in a special needs shelter for people with serious medical, physical, or mental disabilities. “The conditions were really difficult. Everyone, including the relief workers, slept on cots. There was constant turnover of residents and volunteers, and even some of the public health officials working on site were hurricane evacuees. It was chaotic, but everyone did their best — we replaced organization with goodwill and spirit. Despite the stress, people held up remarkably well.”

Eastern Pitches in for Hurricane Relief Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina this past August, the campus community at Eastern Connecticut State University undertook a series of fund-raising events in support of relief efforts for the Gulf Coast area. In addition to drives during September to gather and send food, clothing, blankets, and personal hygiene items, a number of fund-raisers held this fall raised a total of $17,500 for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. The Student Government Association acted as the coordination point for the campaign, with all proceeds earmarked for Katrina Relief and split evenly between the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. Separate events and their sponsors included: • Lemonade sale (student athletes) • Bake sale (Gelsi-Young staff and administrators) • Bowl Away the Blues (Student Activities and Alumni Affairs) • Benefit Concert (Performing Arts faculty) • President’s Charity Games (Department of Athletics) • Art Auction (Visual Arts faculty and Akus Gallery staff) • Benefit Concert (Ski Board Club) • Open-ended appeal for donations (Student Affairs)

“Truly this was a total effort by the Eastern community, and I am proud of all who participated or contributed,” said Eastern President David G. Carter. EASTERN

spring 2006

Scholars . . . By Will Clifford ’06

Although the experiences of entering freshmen and outgoing seniors differ, Eastern students share common traits — they are focused on their studies, committed to personal growth, and aware of their responsibility to the community-at-large. Two of Eastern’s scholars tell of their daily lives.

Peter Reinhold Peter Reinhold ’09 of Windham is still a relative newcomer to Eastern, but he already likes what he sees. “I went to high school at St. Bernard’s, so I am very comfortable in a small-school environment. Going to college for the first time is a big adjustment, regardless of what school you go to, but I’m having a great time here.” A biology major, Reinhold plans to attend medical school after completing his bachelor’s degree at Eastern. He considered UConn and several private institutions before settling on Eastern for his undergraduate studies. He also says he likes living on campus. As a resident of Constitution Hall, Reinhold appreciates the balance of meeting new friends while having some privacy. He enjoys as well the sense of freedom that prevails at Eastern, and is working on forming an intramural floor hockey league on campus. Reinhold is on an academic scholarship and in the Honors Program. As an honors student, he is already recognizing the special nature of Eastern’s liberal arts emphasis. “I just finished my first honors course with Professor [Barbara] Liu, and it was a great experience. We were exposed to the kind of writing we are going to have throughout college. I’ll be taking other courses with the same group of students, and we already have had some great discussions in class. Everyone contributes — it’s a lot of fun.” Reinhold works on campus in the Student Employment Office — another way to meet friends. Perhaps the greatest influence on Reinhold so far has been Biology Professor Phillip Elliott, director of the Honors Program. “Professor Elliott is my advisor, but he’s gone well beyond being just my advisor. He has helped me in so many ways. I can see why he is Eastern’s Distinguished Professor for this year. He is so involved on campus. And he’s already encouraging me to think about the (tropical biology) course in Belize later during my studies here. That’s where they study marine life and conduct underwater experiments. I hear it’s an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

EASTERN

spring 2006

. . . from Start to Finish LaToya Smith When you speak with senior LaToya Smith, you are struck by how productive and enthusiastic she is. In addition to taking 17 credits this spring as a double major in communication and history, Smith also works in the Department of History. “I never liked history in high school and just got C’s for grades. When I came to Eastern, I took a class in African-American history with Professor Stacey Close, and I found it fascinating. It’s history I had never known before.” At first, Smith was only going to minor in history, but she enjoyed the research aspects so much she decided on pursuing the double major. Her senior thesis is on immigration patterns in Willimantic. A bright, warm, funny woman, perhaps Smith is most impressive for the grace in which she carries herself. She is proud that she will be the first person from her immediate family to have graduated from college. In addition to being a scholar, Smith is active in campus activities. She is a member of the Communication Honor Society and the History Club, serves as senior class secretary, and is the editor of the “Seniors” section of Eastern’s Yearbook. The Campus Lantern student newspaper also proudly lists her as a staff writer and copy editor. This semester, Smith is enjoying her time as a Nutmeg Big Sister for Kaysha Costillo, a seventh-grade student at Windham Middle School. As does Reinhold, Smith lives on campus. “Living on campus has allowed me to be more active in cocurricular activities.The Nutmeg Big Sister Program, my work with the senior class — all these have been possible. I encourage other students to live on campus; it opens so many doors of opportunity. Friendships, activities, leadership roles — it’s been a big part of my life here and has made me a better person.” In addition to receiving scholarships based on academic performance and financial need, Smith recently was honored with the 2006 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award for her campus and community service. This coming fall, Smith will be in graduate school somewhere, honing her skills as a budding journalist. An internship at Hartford magazine has helped her narrow her interest to magazine writing. “It’s small, handson, and I am developing my portfolio there,” Smith explains. No matter where she ends up, bet on her bringing her talents, her winning smile, her giving personality, and her energy and enthusiasm to whatever she does. EASTERN

spring 2006

Inspiration

By Ed Osborn

After starting college at Ohio State University 30 years ago, Richard Wells ’80 moved east to live with his father in Columbia, CT. Later that summer, he visited Eastern Connecticut State University to see how he might restart his college career. “Dean Betty Tipton suggested I take some history classes and maybe try something in business. She also mentioned some of the economics faculty — Ken Parzych and others.”

Wells registered for macro- and microeconomics, taking classes with Parzych and John Lombard. “John first sparked my interest. He had a folksy, relaxed approach, but he also was very organized. He knew exactly how much time he needed to teach each lesson, but always had time budgeted to be a regular person with his class. “On the first day of the week, he would scribble down the lesson, chalk all over his hands and coat and then put his thumb on his chin. “‘Did you see 60 Minutes?’ he would ask. And then the whole class would start talking about the show with him as he stood there with chalk all over his chin. Everyone was cracking up.” Wells says that Parzych, on the

EASTERN

spring 2006

other hand, was intimidating. “At first I sat in the back of the class. But his enthusiasm was infectious and I soon moved to the front. He was always professional in appearance, always prepared — no notes, an entire lecture in his head. He exploded with energy. He recognized my own personal interest and I was able to connect with him as a person. The turning point for me was when we debated free trade vs. protectionism in class. I took the free trade position against a panel of other students who were arguing for protectionism. “I tried to use Dr. Parzych’s same style – in your face, aggressive, authoritative. He told me, ‘Richard, that’s exactly what I am looking for, someone with confidence. I want to offer you an internship.You have to do this.’ He was constantly coaching me. I felt like an elephant being pushed into a phone booth. He would push, push, push to help you in any way he could. He saw his students’ success as his own.”

Lasts

When Wells wasn’t learning the intricacies of economics and business, he was developing an interest in racquetball. One of his favorite court partners was Don Fusari ’78 of New Britain, an Eastern baseball player who later played for the Philadelphia Phillies. “John liked to

play me. My buddy Larry Skaff, Don Pike from Hampton, and the YMCA Athletic Director Jack Fruin were other top players.” One day Skaff told Wells about a racquetball tournament for students in Wallingford. “He said, ‘Let’s go. There’s no entry fee.’ So I went, and I won the “B” bracket. The real story of the tournament? I played a woman in the quarterfinals and married her three months later.” Wells came back to campus recently to visit his former mentors and to tell them the impact they have had on his life. What does he think of Eastern today? “Twenty-five years ago, Dr. Parzych would say, ‘Richard, I want you to know this is a fine school. I believe in this place.’ That was 25 years ago. Look at it now! “It blows my mind the way the campus has grown. The buildings that have been added are magnificent, as nice as any I have seen elsewhere. It tickled me that we had to get into a car to see the athletic complex. You have a tremendous track, and the baseball stadium is nicer than most minor league fields around the state. Eastern used to be contained in one neighborhood. Now it’s bursting at the seams.”

And Drs. Parzych and Lombard? “I was delighted to see they were still here. I had run into Nancy Tinker (director of facilities management and planning) at a Yale football game and she set up a time for me to come back to campus to have lunch with Dr. Parzych. He was typical Ken. I found him counseling a student. He is constantly encouraging students to take advantage of the opportunities they have. “As I have gotten older, I realize what a major impact he has had on my life. It’s not just about your career. I have two sons, and I want them to become gentlemen and citizens who contribute to the common good. I told Ken I wanted him to know how much impact he has had on me as a person.” Speaking of Dr. Lombard, Wells chuckles that, with dry markers, “There’s no chalk anymore. It’s not quite the same John Lombard without chalk on his chin.” There’s no chalk on Wells’ chin, either. He works for Menasha Corporation as a successful sales professional in their high-end packaging and display division. He also just won the 2006 Connecticut State Men’s Singles Racquetball Championship. The inspiration continues.

a Lifetime

EASTERN

spring 2006

hen Kevin Pratt ’06, a student with a disability, wanted to do an internship in the Office of University Relations, I wondered how in the world he would pull it off. Kevin uses a wheelchair and has limited use of his hands. How would he hold the phone to do interviews, how would he take pictures or type up stories? I quickly found out. Kevin rolled into our office that first day like a wave rushing to shore. With him was Amy Buick, his notetaker. One of my questions was already answered. Kevin was using his best natural resource — another cheerful Eastern student — to gather information. Kevin finished his first assignment more quickly than any previous student intern in our office, and his story appeared in the (Willimantic) Chronicle two days later. When I showed it to him, he thought nothing of it. “What did you expect? This is me you’re dealing with!” By Dwight Bachman

disability. He or she is not a victim, not ‘crippled’ or ‘handicapped.’” Nearly 50 million Americans have impairments — physical, mental, hearing, speech, or visual impairments; cerebral palsy; epilepsy; HIV and AIDS; learning disabilities; ADHD; brain injuries . . . the list goes on. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) describes someone with a disability as a person whose condition “substantially limits one or more major life activities.”

Acceptance The message is simple, and Pam Starr, director of AccessAbility Services at Eastern, says it best: “People need to understand that a person with a disability is a person first and not their

EASTERN

spring 2006

One of the major challenges facing persons with disabilities is the attitude other people have about them. Starr says that education is the key to preventing discrimination and harassment of people with disabilities. She cites an

example of a professor who expressed concerns about a student with a disability who was taking her 400 level class. The professor called Starr, wondering if the student could complete the course and asked for the student’s SAT scores. “The professor was shocked to learn the student had a combined SAT score that was in the 1400–1500 range.” Starr is trying to increase understanding and knowledge about disabilities among the Eastern campus community. Her major hands-on education program began six years ago with students in Professor Charlie Chatterton’s Sport and Leisure Management class, and has spread to include resident assistants, student orientation counselors, and other faculty and staff.

“Imagine yourself in a wheelchair having to navigate your way across campus to get a book from the library. I have students figure out how to retrieve the book from the top shelf of the library without getting out of the wheelchair! To become more sensitive to people who are visually impaired, I blindfold students and direct them to the computer lab, where they send me an email. I get a lot of gibberish in those emails. Though this experience may not change their attitude, it gives them a greater awareness.”

Etiquette People need to learn disability etiquette, Starr maintains, in order to be more sensitive to people with disabilities. For instance, “You shouldn’t touch a person’s wheelchair, cane or scooter. That is the person’s personal space and that privacy should be

“Long before I arrived, Dr. Carter was advocating increased public awareness on this issue. And Nancy Tinker and her crews always respond swiftly to concerns from students with disabilities.” An example Starr cites is the double doors on the ground level of the library and the paddles that assist opening. “These paddles are not required, but the University added them anyway.”

Kevin is going to make his move after he graduates this coming May — nothing he does in the future will surprise me.

Starr says more students without disabilities are bonding with students with disabilities, getting involved as note-takers and helpers. And her program that focuses on fun for students with disabilities is a big hit as well. Every year she works with students to host a talent show showcasing poetry, songs, dance, gospel, movies, and more. Starr’s office also hosts movies that have disability themes. “In the

“People need to understand that a person with a disability is a person first and not their disability. He or she is not a victim, not ‘crippled’ or ‘handicapped.’” respected. If you talk to someone in a wheelchair, grab a chair and sit at his or her level.” Starr says not all disabilities are apparent, including AIDS or HIV, learning disabilities, and psychological disabilities. “This requires different ways of coping. It is critical to respect the person’s needs. Persons with HIV or AIDS and psychological disabilities need to know they are accepted.”

Access Acceptance and etiquette are important, but access to facilities is critical for students with disabilities to live normal lives. Starr says Eastern is in good standing with federal and Connecticut laws. She credits former Eastern President David G. Carter and Nancy Tinker, director of facilities management and planning, for Eastern’s commitment to accessibility.

past, we have shown First 50 Dates, and Secret Window. They were quite illuminating. This year, we will host Ray and Rory D’Shea Was Here.” In spring 2005, Starr shared her strategies for expanding on-campus awareness of disabilities at the International Conference on Education, held in Hawaii and attended by more than 1,000 educators and professionals in related fields. They learned from Starr that people with disabilities also have many abilities. She showed her workshop audience, through collaborative, interactive modules, that professionals in higher education can make persons with disabilities feel welcome on campus and in the workplace. This past summer, I saw Kevin Pratt rolling down Route 32 going about 20 miles an hour. He was “making that move,” as he likes to say. I know

(Above) Donna Snell, CSU administrative assistant, learns hands-on what it is like to work without her eyesight. (Below) Planning & Institutional Research Assistant Director Brian Lashley maneuvers his way through the halls during Eastern’s Disability Awareness Day. EASTERN

spring 2006

lent to a two-year associate’s degree in the United States. Regulations implemented by Jamaica’s Ministry of Education now require that all Jamaican teachers have a bachelor’s degree.

By LaToya M. Smith ’06

The unique aspect of the Eastern program is a residency that requires students from Jamaica to participate in a five-week summer program on Eastern’s Willimantic campus, taking three courses for nine credits. Grant saw the program as an excellent opportunity to advance her education and career goals. In addition, the program has made it possible for her to excel in

Imagine working as a schoolteacher for six-and-a-half hours each day, then attending college classes for four more hours. By then it is 8 p.m., yet you still have four more hours of homework, and must try to find time to develop lesson plans, grade papers, and get a little sleep. Such was the arduous schedule maintained by Tiffany Grant ’03, a teacher at Esher Primary School in Hanover, Jamaica, while she pursued her bachelor’s degree in sociology as a participant in Eastern’s degree-completion program for Jamaican teachers. “We were assigned lots of homework everyday!” she recalls. “There wasn’t a day we didn’t get homework.”

the classroom, in her community, and in her own personal development. “The program allowed me to learn exciting new theories about social behavior and enabled me to use these ideas to understand children,” she says. Robert Wolf, chair of Eastern’s Department of Sociology and Applied Social Relations and facilitator for the program, says that the program has benefited the Jamaican community and Eastern faculty alike. “The Jamaica program benefits the Jamaican community because students are being educated by people with higher levels of education. It benefits Eastern because the faculty is exposed to different types of people. I now use what I have learned in Jamaica in my classroom here.”

The inspiration for the Jamaica program came from the late Collin Bennett ’83. Bennett wanted to establish a mutually beneficial link between Eastern and Jamaica, so he encouraged Beverley Anderson, a Jamaican native and former dean of Eastern’s School of Arts and Sciences, to spearhead the effort. “Collin wanted to create a global village,” says Anderson, who is now the provost at Chicago State University. She teamed up with the Reverend Father Percival Lynch to work out the details. The program is offered through the School of Continuing Education in collaboration with the Hanover Education Foundation in Jamaica, which recruited 68 participants for the first class. A second cohort of 45 students will begin their residency requirement at Eastern this summer.

EASTERN

The goal of the program is to provide a bachelor’s degree completion option to teachers who have gone to teachers college in Jamaica, which is equiva-

spring 2006

Other faculty who have participated in the Jamaica program include Associate Professor of Biology Yaw Nsiah; Environmental Earth Science Professor Roy Wilson; Adjunct Professor of Sociology Richard Ratcliff; Associate Professor of English Miriam Chirico; English Professor Emeriti Celia Catlett; Biology Professor Martin Levin; and Economics Professor Ken Parzych.

Biology is in their

Blood By Lisa D. McRoberts

Eastern graduates reflect fondly on their studies as a foundation for their life’s work and professional development.

“The biology professors at Eastern have a knack for making biology come alive. They make it seem real — not just textbooks and lab work,” said Susan Herrick (above left), a 2000 graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University and a doctoral student at the University of Connecticut in ecology. “Eastern rocks when it comes to biology.” Nancy Lafleur ’98 (above right), another Eastern graduate in UConn’s doctoral program, credits Eastern’s faculty for encouraging students to engage in academic inquiry. “It’s the whole package; students don’t just read about biology, they are encouraged to think, talk, research, and explore science,” said Lafleur. “We were expected to be scientists, not just students.” While working for K-Mart as a manager, Lafleur realized that a career in retail wasn’t her destiny. “I was unhappy in retail,” she said. “While helping my son in Boy Scouts, I discovered I had a penchant for science.” She returned to college after her children were grown and she was able to devote more time to her education, and graduated from Eastern with a biology degree in 1998. Lafleur started her doctorate at the University of Connecticut in 1999 and now has almost completed her thesis, a study of European starlings and their influence on seed dispersal of invasive plants. Conversely, when Herrick finished high school, she went right to college. Her declared major was business administration because she was working in a bank. She soon dropped out. “It was too much for me. I had never learned to study, and UConn was such a big school,” said Herrick. “I wasn’t ready for it.” Several years later she returned to college at Eastern. With flexible schedules and smaller class sizes, the program accommodated her work and family. She continued to major in business but changed her mind after taking an introductory biology course. While sitting in the grass during a class lecture, she noticed a frog huddled near her feet. “I picked it up and Professor Gable, who was sitting next to me, stopped the lecture so we could look at this frog,” said Herrick. “He said it was a variety that was almost extinct. He wanted everyone to see it. From then on I was totally hooked.” She continues to study frogs, spending her evenings wading in local ponds to observe frog behavior, made visible by her headlamp. For both Herrick and Lafleur, the love of science instilled at Eastern has become a lifetime pursuit. EASTERN

spring 2006

Living Out

a Dream By Robert Arpin ’06

good that goes on here,” said Duvall. “People turn to drugs when they lose their dream. We wanted to show people how to get that dream back.”

Eastern Connecticut State University prides itself on providing a solid liberal arts education to its students. As a part of their liberal arts studies, many Eastern students take advantage of hands-on experiences available within their major. Communication major Jonathan Duvall ’06 has maximized his opportunities by creating and broadcasting his own radio show at Eastern. In the process, he has learned the ropes of the communication industry and realized a lifelong dream. Duvall is not a traditional college student. He graduated from high school in 1989 and was accepted at Heidelberg College, a small institution in Ohio. Like many incoming college students, Duvall had a hard time adjusting to college and left after one semester. He married and enlisted in the Air Force, serving until 1993. He became the proud father of three children and worked in a variety of job positions. Nonetheless, Duvall’s dream of working in the broadcast media was unfulfilled. Following a divorce in 1999, Duvall experienced several rocky years, both in terms of his career and his personal life. On Thanksgiving 2002, his family flew him back to Connecticut to take care of his sick grandfather. With the encouragement of his family, Duvall enrolled full time at Eastern in fall 2003. He made the Dean’s List in his first semester back at school and plans for his radio show were in the works soon after. “I was at a point in my life where I wanted to make things better for myself,” said Duvall. “I had the desire, and Eastern provided me with the

EASTERN

spring 2006

tools to be able to accomplish my goals through a variety of classes and the opportunity to do the radio show.” Duvall recalls sitting in a communication class in his first year at Eastern when he met Matt Mello ’06, a communication and performing arts major. The two students came from different backgrounds and gener-

Their radio show, Reality and Beyond, first aired in the spring ’04 semester and has been going strong ever since. Past guests include Windham First Selectman Michael Paulhus; Eastern’s President David G. Carter; and Raouf Mama, acclaimed storyteller and professor of English at Eastern. Guests also have come from beyond Willimantic. Ralph Nader, 2004 presidential candidate, appeared on the show along with author David Marsh and publicist Charlie Barrett, an Eastern graduate who was Johnny Carson’s publicist. “We want to bring people on our show who are living and pursuing their dream to talk about why they’re doing what they’re doing and, it is hoped, to inspire others to follow in their footsteps,” said Duvall. The show was also the first to cover Willimantic’s Third Thursday event. Duvall’s show can be seen on WECS, channel 22, and can be heard on 90.1 FM. The show airs on Mondays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Duvall sees his children often and maintains strong ties to his family. He will graduate in May and has managed to stay on the Dean’s List while maintaining Reality and Beyond. Upon graduation, Duvall plans to work in the field commercially and to own his own production company one day.

ations, yet joined together with a common interest in broadcasting to provide positive publicity for Willimantic. “I was disheartened by the infamous ‘heroin-town’ label and wanted to showcase all of the

“I knew that I had to find some way to apply the knowledge I was learning in the classroom,” Duvall said. “I have been amazed at the positive power that I have found within the walls of the radio studio.”

athletics

Rocheleau Named NCAC Coach-of-the-Year Former women’s lacrosse and field hockey letterwinner Kim Rocheleau ’01 was named women’s lacrosse Coach-of-the-Year in the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) last spring. Rocheleau is in her third year as head coach at Ohio Wesleyan University in Delaware, OH. A native of East Hartford, Rocheleau received the honor after leading the Battling Bishops to their first NCAC women’s lacrosse conference title.

Fleischer and Segura Receive Academic Honors Midfielder Carrie Fleischer ’07 of Tolland and forward Carl Segura ’06 of Amherst, MA, were named to ESPN Magazine’s College Division Academic All-District women’s and men’s soccer teams. Both were second-team selections to the District 1 team. A math major with an overall grade point average of 3.95, Fleischer was one of 22 district selections to the women’s team. A psychology major, Segura has a 3.81 grade-point average and is the third selection in six years for the men’s program.

Women’s Volleyball Team Wins Fifth Conference Crown Defensive specialist Marianna Capomolla ’07 (#2 in navy jersey) of Stamford sparked the top-seeded Warriors to a sweep of third-seeded Keene State College in the championship game of the 2005 Little East Conference tournament on Nov. 5 at Francis E. Geissler Gymnasium. The tournament title was the fifth for Eastern, which was participating in the final for the 10th time in the 11-year history of the event. Capomolla, a second-year transfer, was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

Wojick National Assistant Coach-of-the-Year Bob Wojick, veteran associate head coach for the Eastern Connecticut State University baseball program, was selected 2005 National Assistant Coach-of-the-Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association/Baseball America. Wojick becomes the first recipient of the award not to be selected from a Division I school. The award has been presented annually since 1999. “I’m very excited about winning the award, and my family is excited about the award,” noted Wojick, a native of Willimantic and long-time resident of Columbia, who embarks upon his 30th year as an assistant coach in 2006.

EASTERN

spring 2006

athletics

Lessons Learned on the Field By Lindsay Shafer and Bob Molta, Sports Information Office

Even as a freshman at Eastern Connecticut State University in the fall of 1998, Teresa Belling ’02, knew she wanted to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. She also wanted to play soccer. Today, following a four-year collegiate soccer career, three internships in the media industry, and a B.S. degree in communication, the Coventry native is a producer in the Original Entertainment Division of ESPN, Inc., a promotion she received recently after more than two years as an associate producer/ production assistant. Original Entertainment makes movies and sports documentaries, and produces TV shows such as Jim Rome Is Burning and Dream Job. Belling manages the Bristolbased work flow for all Original Entertainment shows, assisted by a staff of four production assistants. Right now the team is working on 10 shows concurrently — researching footage, finding photographs, making calls to radio stations, and other tasks.

While interning at Channel 30, Belling was introduced to the world of ESPN through her athletic academic advisor, Shirelle Jackson. She landed an internship in February 2002 with ESPN Classic’s SportsCentury, where she conducted interviews, did research, and arranged photo shoots. Following completion of her internship, Belling was hired as a production assistant and was later promoted to associate producer in 2004. “I think the best advice I can give to students is to be proactive and use the resources available to them to their advantage. The more you talk to people, get your resume out and get involved, the better your chance of landing something.” Although Belling looked at a number of colleges back in 1998, family ties (her older sister, Dawn, also is an Eastern graduate), proximity (her parents live in Coventry) and a long-term coaching relationship with Chris D’Ambrosio, Eastern’s head soccer coach, all made Eastern her top choice.

Following her freshman year at Eastern, Belling took an internship with WILI in Willimantic to find out if radio was for her. She drafted and aired community calendar events on the AM station and voiced commercials for the FM station. While she enjoyed the experience, she decided that she would rather study television.

D’Ambrosio has known Belling since she was 10 years old, and was her soccer coach at Coventry High School, where she earned Class “S” All-State honors as a four-year letterwinner. As luck would have it, at the same time Belling was enrolling at Eastern in the fall of 1998, D’Ambrosio joined the Eastern soccer staff as an assistant coach.

Belling’s next internship opportunity came in the spring of her senior year, when one of her professors hooked her up with NBC News Channel 30. She was responsible for conducting field interviews, breaking news stories, and writing voice-overs for the news anchors.

By her sophomore year at Eastern, Belling had earned Little East Conference accolades as a second-team midfielder. As a senior captain in 2001, she started 16 games on a team which qualified for its first post-season tournament since 1994.

EASTERN

spring 2006

athletics For D’Ambrosio, Belling’s development is a source of pride, but not a surprise. “She had a vision and a goal, and she went out and did it. You knew that she was going to be successful in whatever she did, whether it was on the soccer field, in the classroom, or in her career.” As a senior, Belling received an ECSU/E-Club Outstanding ScholarAthlete Award for the second straight year, as well as an Academic Excellence Award and a Student Government Association Leadership Award. She also was a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. D’Ambrosio says Belling’s “leading by example” approach was a driving force in the development of Eastern’s soccer program. “She set the tone by being in the weight room, doing the running and off-season conditioning, doing well academically, doing internships, working on campus. She helped build the program to where we are now.” While it was Belling who made the most of the opportunities presented, she gives a lot of credit to Eastern for helping to guide her in the right direction. “I feel I made the most of my experiences and opportunities here, and it paid off.”

Women’s Soccer Captures Conference Title

Forward Jenn Orme ’06 of Centereach, NY, scored two first-half goals and the top-seeded Warrior defense limited third-seeded Keene State College to just four shots on goal as Eastern won its second Little East Conference title in three years, 2-0, on Nov. 5.

EASTERN

spring 2006

campus news

Eastern Confers Chase Medallion George Weiss, founder of the Say Yes to Education, was presented with the Chase Medallion at a fall 2005 luncheon in the Paul E. Johnson, Sr., Community Conference Room. Presenting the medallion to Weiss were Eastern President David G. Carter and David T. Chase, whom Carter called “a true humanitarian” for his philanthropic support of Eastern and other community organizations in Connecticut. Chase is the founder and benefactor of the David T. Chase Free Enterprise Institute at Eastern. In accepting the award, Weiss said he started the Say Yess program 18 years ago to demonstrate that “we can transform lives.” The program, which began in Philadelphia, provides funds to economically disadvantaged youths so that they may attend college or vocational school. Weiss explained the premise of Say Yes as one that combines strong academic intervention with a holistic approach that also provides educational opportunities as well as medical care and other support services to the parents and siblings of participants. “We even have a reading teacher and social worker working together to help the kids,” said Weiss. “It’s all about raising expectations.”

To date, 778 young people in four cities have gone through Say Yes, including students like “Jermaine,” who now works at NASA Control in Houston after a successful academic career that culminated in an M.S. in aeronautical engineering. The Chase Medallion is presented periodically to outstanding leaders who have excelled in the business community and who also have made major contributions to the betterment of society at large. Other recent recipients include Mark Warner, governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia; Harry Gray, former CEO of United Technologies; and Victor Kiam, the late chairman of Remington. From January to July 2006, Jones-Bamman will teach and conduct research at the Sami Studies Department at Umea University in northern Sweden, where he conducted his doctoral research in 1991 and 1992. Jones-Bamman also won a Fulbright grant when he was in graduate school to do his research. In 1995, he assisted in implementing a new graduate program at Umea University. “That was a real honor,” noted Jones-Bamman.

Jones-Bamman Selected as Fulbright Scholar Richard Jones-Bamman, professor of performing arts, has been selected as a Fulbright Scholar for the spring 2006 semester. The U.S. Scholar program, one of several grant programs administered by the Fulbright program, each year distributes grants to approximately one thousand American scholars and professionals who travel to more than 130 countries to lecture and/or conduct research in a wide variety of fields.

EASTERN spring 2006

“I have been working off and on for the past 15 years with a particular population of people who live in northern Norway, northern Sweden, northern Finland, and even parts of Russia — they’re called the Sami,” said Jones-Bamman. “I’ve been fascinated with their culture, specifically their music. To me it’s such a treat to be going back. I have strong familial roots there. My mother is from Sweden, and so are both of her parents. So I went there a lot when I was a young boy.” One of Jones-Bamman’s future goals is to bring Eastern students to Sweden. “I want to try to solidify some sort of an exchange relationship with Umea University. Ideally, I would like to take some students from here for a summer course and introduce them to a different region of the world to see a very interesting culture.”

campus news

Chinese Theater Arts Troupe Comes to Eastern The Eastern campus community and lucky members of the public were treated to a series of stunning performances of the Beijing Opera this past fall. Four performers, sponsored by the National Academy of Chinese Theatre Arts, wrapped up two weeks of exhilarating performances on Oct. 2 to rave reviews, combining different artistic forms — martial arts, song, dance, acrobatics, and a historical play — in two separate pieces at each performance. In turn, enthusiastic audiences responded with whistles, clapping, and even some stomping in response to the elegant choreography, singing, dancing, and display of martial art skills. The series was sponsored by the Department of Performing Arts.

Russell Appointed CSU Professor A reception honoring Sociology Professor James W. Russell was held in the Paul E. Johnson, Sr. Community Conference Room on Oct. 13, in recognition of his being named CSU Professor by the CSU Board of Trustees at its July 2005 meeting. Russell, an authority in the field of sociology, was honored for excellence in teaching and scholarship. In addition to his work as a professor, he also has written books in the field, including “Social Life: An Introduction to Sociology,” a text used by many Eastern students. Russell has been a professor at Eastern since 1986.

Spike Lee Tells It Like It Is Acclaimed filmmaker Spike Lee stepped into Francis E. Geissler Gymnasium to a standing ovation on Oct. 6, and then captivated an audience of more than 2,000 students,

faculty, staff, and visitors for an hour and a half with anecdotes of his own life experiences, some light-hearted and some more serious. Lee also addressed several topical social themes that are near and dear to his heart. He urged African-American young people not to “dumb down” their ambitions and behavior in order to be accepted. He referred to the offensive imagery of “gangsta rap” that permeates today’s youth culture as “genocide” and urged all the young people listening to reject its violent, misogynistic themes. Lee’s message also contained many universal truths. He said nothing should get in the way of accomplishing one’s dreams. He urged students to believe in themselves, but reminded them that nothing is accomplished without “elbow grease. Don’t wait for someone else to do it for you. Go out and create your opportunities.”

EASTERN spring 2006

philanthropy

A Friend to All…in Memory If it was Spanish, Tammy Schaeffer ’90 loved it. “She was a very good student,” Professor Emerita Lee Watts said of her student, mentee, and intern. “But the thing I remember most about her was her deep and abiding love for all things Hispanic — language, literature, and culture.” Long before her sudden death on Aug. 31, 2005, Schaeffer had mastered Spanish, according to Maribel Harper, her friend and colleague at the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service. “I’m embarrassed to say, but honestly, Tammy spoke, wrote, and read Spanish better then I did, and it’s my native language.” Schaeffer attended Norwich Free Academy before enrolling at Eastern. En route to her bachelor’s degree in Spanish, she took upper-division courses with Watts and Professor Pedro Rivas-Diaz, the former chair of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages. Schaeffer was pleased with her induction into the National Spanish Honor Society, Sigma Delta Pi, Watts said. “As with all our majors, Tammy adored Pedro. She told her family about owing so much to him.”

Schaeffer’s friendly nature touched people from Los Angeles to Sault Ste. Marie, MI. She traveled extensively in her job as a supervisory customs and border protection officer with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service. “When Tammy walked into a room, you just started to smile, because that was the way she was, a ‘make you feel good’ kind of person,” wrote Rob Bannan on mem.org. The last time Watts saw Schaeffer, her protégée was contemplating teaching Spanish in Connecticut. Instead, Schaeffer decided to teach Spanish at the Customs and Border Protection Academy on the grounds of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Brunswick, GA. “She was imbued with the spirit of most of our majors — to teach more and more kids the joy of Spanish language and culture,” Watts said. “She was very good with students, and I told her that she would make a good teacher.” Memorial donations in Tammy Schaeffer’s honor can be made to benefit the Pedro Rivas Diaz Scholarship Fund, which is managed by the ECSU Foundation in support of students in the Modern and Classical Languages Department. Contact Kyle Verona in the Office of Institutional Advancement, (860) 465-0003, veronak@easternct.edu.

A New Initiative: Eastern’s Alumni Ambassador Program

The Joy of Giving Noting that “the generosity of Eastern employees is remarkable,” Executive Vice President Michael Pernal reported in early December that this year’s State Employees Campaign was the most successful ever. A record $41,000 was pledged by 21 percent of the full-time workforce, also a record. “The response was overwhelming,” said Pernal, in thanking the campus community for its generosity.

EASTERN

spring 2006

Eastern Alumni Ambassadors are helping promote the growth and health of the University and its alumni network by providing information to the Alumni Affairs Office about alumni achievements, e.g., such as Class Notes, and by assisting the Admissions Office, e.g., volunteering at local college fairs, or responding to prospective students questions about the Eastern experience. Sharing career information with other alumni and being supportive of Annual Fund initiatives are two other ways these leaders are demonstrating that Eastern’s alumni network is alive and thriving! California Los Angeles Area David T. Branin ’98 Benjamin J. Pratt ’98 John Toolan ’90 Tony P. Riccio III ’99 San Francisco Area JoJo Farrell ’97 Lisa A. Hatt ’93 Joseph A. Parks ’90 Frank M. Rudnick ’75 Shannon E. Riley ’96

San Diego Area Marie K. Baer ’86 Patrick T. Cross ’99 Kevin T. Lemieux ’98 Mary E. Liu ’78 Andrew J. McRory ’95 Christopher W.Melingonis ’99 Cynthia I. Monter ’85 Nicole K. Monter ’99 Sigrid H. Nicholas ’84

Massachusetts Greater Boston Area Tony Cristi ’96 Veronica Beechwood Curry ’97 David Mullin ’98 Laila Siddiqui ’04

Rhode Island Providence Area Bonnie Bryden ’03

New York/New Jersey Metropolitan New York City Area Michael Moore ’90 John Stueck ’83

Sweden Poyan Shojaiyan ’04

Sri Lanka Dilini Gunasekera ’91

United Arab Emirates Natasha Husain ’01

philanthropy

Keeping a Memory Alive Sophie L. Jenkins ’43, an active member of the Eastern Connecticut State University family throughout her adult life, passed away on Jan. 20, 2006. Born in 1922, Jenkins earned her bachelor’s degree from Willimantic State Teachers College in 1943 and later received her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Connecticut. After a career as a teacher and principal in the public schools, Jenkins joined Eastern in 1962. During her tenure at the University, she was on the teaching faculty, served as director of student teaching, became associate dean of professional studies, and retired in 1989 as the associate dean of academic affairs.

Always keeping her connection to Eastern alive, Jenkins also served as president and vice president of the Eastern Alumni Association and served on the ECSU Foundation Board of Directors. Jenkins was the recipient of two awards from the Alumni Association — the Distinguished Alumni Award and the Hermann Beckert Friends of the University Award — and in 1984 she was honored by the State Commissioner of Education for her work as chair of the Connecticut State Professional Development Council. In 1989, she established the Sophie L. Jenkins Scholarship Fund. In April 2000, the University dedicated the Sophie L. Jenkins Living Room in Burr Hall, where she had lived as an undergraduate. Memorial donations can be made to the Sophie L. Jenkins Scholarship Fund by contacting Kyle Verona in the Office of Institutional Advancement, (860) 465-0003, veronak@easternct.edu.

“Celebrating Leadership” highlights Eastern’s fundraising efforts On March 23, 2006, the Eastern Connecticut State University Foundation sponsored its largest fundraising event of the year, featuring Billy Joel at the Hartford Civic Center. Prior to the concert, a special dinner was held at the nearby Hilton Hotel in recognition of David G. Carter, recently appointed chancellor of the Connecticut State University System and president of Eastern Connecticut State University from 1988–2006. More than $1 million has been generated by Eastern’s annual Fun*Ding event to support scholastic endowments, academic programs, and other key initiatives at Eastern. James Taylor and his band highlighted a very successful Fun*Ding this past spring. Over the years, Fun*Ding sponsors have enjoyed the celebrity talent of Fleetwood Mac, Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band, Sir Paul McCartney, the Backstreet Boys, Ricky Martin, the Dave Matthews Band, Tina Turner, Chicago, and Crosby, Stills & Nash.

Spirit of the Season Eastern student volunteers spent most of the day on Nov. 19 decorating 100 festive wreaths for the 2005-06 holiday season. Five different designs captured the gaiety and spirit of the season and the wreaths sold quickly to many members of the Eastern community. Net proceeds from the second annual ECSU Foundation Holiday Wreath Sale benefited two local nonprofit organizations providing food to families and holiday toys to children.

EASTERN

spring 2006

alumni news

In Service to Our Country

David G. Carter, Eastern president; Hilary Kearcher, Council of Student Alumni; 1st Lt. John Fage ’99, K. Umesh Vig ’01, vice president, Eastern Alumni Association.

On Oct. 13, 2005, 1st Lt. John Fage ’99 returned to the Eastern Connecticut State University campus to present Eastern President David G. Carter with a U.S. flag that had been flown aboard an F-15 fighter plane while Fage was serving in Qatar. Fage expressed his appreciation to the Alumni Association and the Council of Student Alumni, whose volunteers had written letters and sent him a gift package in spring 2005. “It’s amazing to see all the changes occurring here,” noted Fage, while enjoying a campus tour.

Regional receptions reconnect alumni and Eastern A series of regional receptions was held in 2005–06 to give alumni an opportunity to visit with Eastern officials and with other alumni living in their community. Staff members of the Office of Institutional Advancement were joined by other Eastern officials, ECSU Foundation Board members, and CSU trustees to greet and visit with alumni in Newton, MA; New York City, NY; and Malibu, San Diego, and San Francisco in California. “We couldn’t be more pleased with how these receptions turned out,” said Ken DeLisa, vice president for institutional

advancement. “We used a short video to update our alumni on the amazing progress and achievements happening back on campus, and the feedback was very enthusiastic. It was wonderful to see our alumni have an opportunity to start to create their own local networks, and the alumni in New York were able to visit with Dr. Carter shortly before he was named chancellor of the CSU System. Dr. Pernal, the University’s interim president, and his wife, Maureen, added a special touch to the reception in Malibu.”

Alumni Gather in Massachusetts A lively group of alumni and their guests gathered on Sept. 29, 2005, in the Newton Marriott for the first regional alumni reception. Alumni from class years 1960 through 2004 represented career fields ranging from law to education, recruiting, information technology, document management, small business, broadcast journalism, and corporate training. The group enjoyed a delightful evening of professional and social networking, lingering over delicious hors d’ouevres and a magnificent view of the Charles River. Through a brief video presentation, alumni and their guests were shown exciting changes in Eastern’s programs and facilities.

Front row, left to right: Patricia Bloom-McDonald ’97; Laila Siddiqui ’04; Bonnie Bryden ’03; Christine Knott ’79; Anthony Cristi ’97; his fiancée, Leah Duggan; Veronica Curry ’97; and Ken DeLisa, vice president of institutional advancement. Back row, left to right: Patricia Avery Morrissey ’60; David Mullin ’98; John Knott, (husband of Christine); Semih Uzuner ’75 and his wife Marilyn; and Charles (Chuck) Noel ’75.

Eastern in the Big Apple On Dec. 1, 2005, Eastern alumni and guests from the metropolitan New York City area were graciously hosted at the Hudson Heights apartment of George Kahkedjian, Eastern’s chief information officer. With sweeping views of the Hudson River and the sparkling lights of New York City before them, alumni and friends enjoyed speaking with President David G. Carter and socializing with fellow alumni from classes 1979 through 2004. With alumni working in such fields as finance and banking, education, advertising, real estate, acting, and screenwriting, and web design, conversation flowed freely and the evening in The Big Apple passed all too quickly.

EASTERN

spring 2006

alumni news Eastern Goes West

On March 11, 2006, Eastern alumni and friends were guests at the Malibu, CA, residence of television industry veterans and special friends of the university, Susan and Kent McCray. Joining Eastern alumni at the McCray’s home were President and Mrs. Michael Pernal and representatives of the CSU System and the ECSU Foundation. Alumni from classes ranging from 1967 to 1999 shared their experiences and viewed a video highlighting recent changes at Eastern. Los Angeles alumni represent careers ranging from film and radio production, to media and communications, public relations, and mortgage finance. Surrounded by the McCray’s memorabilia from Hollywood productions such as “Little House on the Prairie” and “Bonanza,” Eastern’s first ever California alumni reception was a big hit! Southern California alumni gathered at the San Diego Marriott Hotel & Marina on March 14 to share

experiences ranging from graduate school to being employed in fields as varied as defense contracting, social work, the red-hot Southern California real estate market, game programming, web design, and health insurance. The series of alumni receptions in California culminated with a dinner party in San Francisco on March 16 for Bay Area alumni, who shared stories about their work experiences in the areas of human rights, nonprofit management, biotechnology, winery distribution, leasing, and for “Star Wars” fans, a coveted spot in benefit management for Lucasfilm. “It was gratifying to meet so many smart and successful alumni and to hear their accounts of how their Eastern experience has impacted their lives and careers in such a positive way,” said Ken DeLisa, vice president of institutional advancement.

EASTERN

spring 2006

alumni news

Eastern Honors Alumni Leaders On Feb. 23, 2006, the Eastern Connecticut State University Alumni Association proudly recognized four members of the Eastern community for their leadership and service at the 2006 President’s Leadership Gala at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts. Roger B. Boucher, Jr. ’95, who graduated with a B.S. in biology, received the Distinguished Alumni Award for his work in the field of neuroscience. Boucher served in Desert Storm and has continued his service in the National Guard, recently training Iraqi military personnel on how to deal with medical emergencies. Boucher currently is the head of biopsies and autopsies in the Pathology Department in Roanoke General Hospital in Roanoke, VA. “This has been a whirlwind year — going off to war and becoming a first-time parent,” said Boucher. “But through it all, I know I would not be here before you this evening without the outstanding support of the faculty in the Biology Department.” The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Lauren Perrotti-Verboven ’91, who graduated with a B.S. in health and physical education. She has worked for Camp Horizons for 14 years and is currently its director of operations. “This award reinforces what Eastern has instilled in me since I came to campus in 1986 as a freshman — the value of service,

(left to right) Ed Giard, Alumni Association president; Laurne Perrotti-Verboven; Roger Boucher; Ann Marie Orza; and President Michael Pernal.

the value of community, and the incalculable value of teaching,” said Perrotti-Verboven. “I learned that everyone deserves a place at the table.” Ann Marie Orza and Ann M. Curran received the Hermann Beckert Friends of the University Award. Orza taught psychology at Eastern for 27 years. During her time at the University, she developed a course on the psychology of women and was an advocate for the establishment of a women’s center at Eastern. “I am passionate about Eastern and our students,” she said. “I am so proud of our alumni as well, for supporting Eastern so that future students can have the opportunity you have had.” Curran, who also received the Hermann Beckert Award, taught mathematics at Eastern from 1958-1986. Over the past few years, Curran has donated several gifts to Eastern in the memory of her family.

Shining Light on the Stars! It’s a far cry from Windham High School to the Johnny Carson Show, but Eastern alumnus Charles Barrett ’67 found a way. A native of Willimantic and a Windham High School graduate, Barrett went to college at what was then Willimantic State College because it was convenient and could be scheduled around his job as a correspondent for the Hartford Times. After graduation, Barrett went to work for Billboard magazine in New York City. He moved to Hollywood in 1975, working for a local trade paper for four years. In 1979, Barrett was offered a job at NBC in the publicity department, and worked on “Meet the Press,” “Today,” and “NBC Nightly News.” He quickly realized that “making a good first impression” was more important in entertainment than perhaps in any other business. “People like to hire other people who are ‘like’ them,” he explains.

EASTERN

spring 2006

Barrett became the publicist for “The Johnny Carson Show” in 1984 and remained in that role until Carson retired in 1992. “You didn’t have to twist my arm to jump at the chance to work on the Carson Show.” Barrett’s father owned the Capitol Theatre on Main Street in Willimantic, and he vividly remembers time spent in front of the screen. “I remember going down to the Capitol Theatre after school to see ‘The Thing.’ My dad would run the 3:05 matinee and then we’d walk home together for dinner.” Following his career with Johnny Carson, Barrett opened his own public relations firm —The Barrett Company (TBC) — which specializes in marketing and promoting clients in the entertainment and travel/leisure industries. Clients have ranged from television shows like “The Amazing Race” to movies such as “Million Dollar Baby” and “Tomorrow Never Dies.” Walt Disney World, Hilton Hotels, and Paramount Pictures are also numbered among TBC’s clients.

alumni news

Media and Communications Professionals Come Together Eastern’s Alumni Affinity Program — a new professional and social networking format based on shared professional interests — made its debut with a media and communications presentation at the Hartford Club on Nov. 17, 2005. Distinguished speakers Christian Renstrom ’93 and Jodi Chant Latina ’94 shared their professional experiences in the media and communications field with an attentive and enthusiastic group of alumni and students from the senior class who are employed or interested in these fields. “The reception was a hit and convinced us that alumni are not only comfortable visiting with their professional peers but also that keeping in touch with the faculty in their major is fundamental to their connection to Eastern,” said Joy Goff, director of alumni affairs.

Renstrom, vice president and general manager of Marketing Resource Consultants, Inc., (MRC), publishers of Hartford magazine and other Connecticut publications, related his experiences as a non-traditional student at Eastern. He described how he gained confidence at the University, not only through the close mentorship of his professors, but also through his on-campus radio show, Sportsline, which allowed him to interview such luminaries as Reggie Jackson, Walter Payton, and George Foreman. “The key is to be persistent, and it helps to have an atmosphere like the one we had at Eastern, which encourages you to think outside the box.” Latina emphasized the importance of the close-knit community and relatively small student population she experienced at Eastern, saying it offered her the opportunity to gain hands-on experience using TV cameras and editing equipment in the television studio, an experience that helped her thrive in her career. Latina is an award-winning reporter and anchor for News Channel 8 in New Haven. If you would like to suggest a possible affinity group, or want to volunteer to plan an alumni affinity group presentation, please contact the Office of Alumni Affairs at (860) 465-5238 or email us as alumni@easternct.edu.

Chasing the Story During his first year at “Inside Edition,” Robert Nieto ’96 broke the story “Home Depot Dangers,” where deaths were occurring in stores that were “high-stacking” their merchandise. “I had been following this story before I came to ‘Inside Edition,’” said Nieto, of the death of a Danbury man who was hit by a ton of falling landscaping timbers at a Danbury Home Depot. “I followed up on it as my first assignment with ‘Inside Edition.’ Then the story split wide open afterwards.” Hired by “Inside Edition” only four years after completing his communication degree at Eastern, Nieto was made a producer in the investigative unit. He earned the “Best Series in Investigative Reporting” from the New York City Chapter of the Deadline Club for the Home Depot story. Since then Nieto has flown all over the world chasing TV stories for the longest-running, top-rated, and award-winning syndicated TV newsmagazine. In one day he interviewed Ashton Kutcher and Leonardo DiCaprio. “That was a cool day,” said Nieto. Nieto planned to become a veterinarian after serving 10 years in the U.S. Navy as a sonar technician on a submarine, but

when he took his first class in radio and television at Eastern, “It was like a light went on in my head. I soon was anchoring Eastern’s cable-TV show and running the University’s radio station. It was an epiphany moment for me.” He looked at several schools around the country to find the best one that provided hands-on learning in media. Many of the other programs were too theoretical for his liking. “It’s one thing to learn by discussing theories and completely another to work with the technical aspect of media,” Nieto explains. He also encourages students to pursue internships, noting they often lead to permanent positions. EASTERN

spring 2006

class notes 1952

1978

1983

Dick Curland wrote and contributed 20 stories as an associate editor for the new book,“The Nine Mile Square,” published by Bill Stanley Books on Nov. 25, 2005, for the Norwich Historical Society; 4,000 copies were published. As an educator, Curland has had many articles published in various professional periodicals.

Vince Connors has recently been promoted to full professor of biology at the University of South Carolina Upstate and has also been named director of the new Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship.

Karen Smith Roveto is currently teaching kindergarten in East Hartford Public Schools. She resides in South Windsor with husband, Robert Roveto ’83, and their two children, Bill and Ashley.

1979

1966

Robert Casey attended the New York City alumni reception in December. He is managing director of Royal Bank of Scotland.

John Stueck attended the New York City alumni reception in December. After a long career in the telecommunications field, he is now a licensed real estate agent for Coldwell Banker’s residential real estate division. He lives in New Jersey with his wife Jill, their two sons, CJ and JJ, ages 6 and 5, and a very boisterous Labrador Retriever. He recently socialized with Pete Martin ’85 and his wife, and would love to hear from any of the old Eastern crowd. Please drop him a line at John.Stueck@coldwellbankermoves.com.

Arthur Glaude continued his education after graduating from Eastern and earned three master’s degrees in psychology, government, and health administration. Glaude is currently president of Medical Care Facilities Financing and Consulting Co. in Redford, NY.

1968 Carol Parmelee-Blancato retired as Middletown’s superintendent of schools after five years in the position. Carol has devoted 37 years to Middletown Public Schools. Beverly Clark Backstrom has been hired as the director of curriculum for Region 12’s Winchester Public Schools. She has been the curriculum coordinator for grades K-8 for Winchester Public Schools since 2003.

1972 Zygmunt F. Dembek received a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from the University of Connecticut in August. Dembek has been mobilized to active duty at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases in Fort Detrick, MD, since January 2005.

1975 Kathleen Peterson Lanzalotta has recently moved to a new home in Fort Myers, FL, from Columbia, MD, with a second home in Hilton Head, SC. Kathleen has been married to her husband, Peter, for 25 years, and still makes time to enjoy playing lots of tennis. Semih “Sam” Uzuner and his wife, Marilyn, attended Eastern’s recent alumni reception in Newton, MA. They reside in Lexington, MA, and have worked for Harvard University, Sam in the library and Marilyn as a faculty assistant, for a combined total of 38 years.

1976 Susan Peckham Fontaine was chosen as Tolland’s 2005-2006 Teacher of the Year. She has been a teacher at Tolland High School for 15 years. H. Scott Phelps '76 and his wife Daria reside in Old Lyme. They have four children: Katherine, a graduate of Burlington College; Meredith, a graduate of Wheaton College; Harrison, captain of the Springfield (IL) Jr. Blues of the North American Hockey League; and Jillian, an honors student at Old Lyme High School. Scott is the president of the Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau.

EASTERN spring 2006

Anthony Zaccaro also attended the New York City alumni reception. He recently performed with Debra Winger and her son, Babe Howard, at the Kennedy Center’s new Family Theater in Washington, D.C., in a live radio production of “The Emperor’s New Clothes.” Zaccaro and his theater group, The Night Kitchen Radio Theater, will perform children’s classics for XM radio monthly for the next year. Other celebrity guests slated to appear with the troupe are Betty White and Judy Collins. See www.nightkitchenradio.com for more details. Zaccaro also has finished a feature film with Cannes Film Festival Award-winning director Bruno De Almeida entitled,“The Collection.”The film features 24 short stories. Zaccaro wrote eight and appears in seven of the stories.

1980 Judy A. DeLeeuw has accepted a position as principal of the middle school in East Haddam. She has been principal of the Francis E. Korn School in Durham since 1999.

1981

1985 Christie A. Conte Bondos has been appointed the service unit manager for the Guilford Lighthouse Service Unit of Girl Scouts, an organization serving 500 girl scouts and their leaders. Bondos also serves on the boards of many regional committees, and attributes much of her success to her educational background in sociology/applied social relations while at Eastern. Christie and her husband, John Bondos ’85, currently reside in Guilford with their two daughters, Nicole, 9, and Britney, 4. Tom Guerra released his third CD with indie rockers Mambo Sons entitled “Racket of Three” on Guitar 9 /Omnicide Records. This CD is a follow up to their last album “Play Some Rock & Roll!” which was named Best Indie Release of 2003 by NYRock magazine.

Brian Gauthier recently celebrated his 20th wedding anniversary. Brian and his wife, Betsy, reside in Glastonbury and are busy raising their two children, Emily, 12, and Joe, 8.

1986

Ellen L. Lang recently wrote a fitness article called “Staying on the Path to Fitness and Weight Loss,” with personal trainer Gino Fiasconaro, which appeared in Horizons magazine for the towns of Willington, Ashford, Mansfield, and Coventry. She is also writing a four-part series on her fitness success story for the St. Petersburg Times’ special edition,“Seniority,” and in January she began writing a monthly column on Medicare coverage.

Mary Kay Scully Rendock was named state Teacher of the Year for 2005.

JoAnn Monarca O’Leary is a second-grade teacher at Spencer Elementary School in Middletown. She recently completed her sixthyear teaching degree after also receiving her master’s degree from Wesleyan University. O’Leary and her husband of 22 years, Kevin O’Leary ’82, reside in Higganum.

Joseph Hage was named Colchester’s Teacher of the Year. He is a science teacher at Bacon Academy.

1982 Class President Carol Stierle is looking for help with the 25th class reunion to take place in 2007. Anyone interested in helping to plan this reunion should contact: Carol Stierle, 660 Jennings Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. [day: (203) 291-8921; evenings: (203)335-2217; cbs6173@yahoo.com]

Dan White was recently appointed principal of Chaplin Elementary School.

1987 Peter Scalaro rejoined Mahoney Sabol & Co. in August 2005 as a senior tax manager in Glastonbury. Scalaro has been a practicing CPA for the past 18 years. He and his wife, Donna, reside in Berlin with their two daughters, Courtney and Gina.

John Prusak was recently appointed to serve as the town treasurer of Willington. Jim Burnham was just hired as the new body shop manager at Capitol Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Willimantic.

1988 Janis Anderson Larrabee, a second-grade teacher at Hurlbutt Elementary School, was named the Weston Teacher of the Year for 2006.

class notes 1989 Jill Correnty has accepted a position as principal of West Elementary School in New Canaan. Jill has been the assistant principal of Glenville School in Greenwich for the past seven years. Tracey Manigault Arnold has joined Heritage Health System as provider relations field director for the states of North Carolina and South Carolina.Tracey currently resides in Charlotte, NC, with her husband, Lester, and their three children.

1990 Robert McCain began his position as principal at Nathan Hale Middle School in Norwalk in July 2005. McCain was previously employed by Ledyard Middle School, with six years of experience as a principal, three years as assistant principal, and 11 years as a teacher. Michael Moore is employed as a webmaster and new technology architect at a large New York travel management company while freelancing as a new media consultant. Moore enjoys escaping New York to his home in New Jersey. He has been married for almost four years, has a 3year-old daughter, and enjoys working with computers, organic gardening, and ‘acting a fool’ with his daughter. After attending the recent alumni reception in New York City, he wrote that he is still very proud of his roots at Eastern and would like to make a positive contribution to the University in the near future.

1992 Charles Waidler became certified in financial management in October 2005 by the Institute of Certified Management Accountants. He is currently the controller for Tee’s Plus in Groton.

1993 Jacob Kaiser has completed his master’s of business administration degree from Averett University, and is now employed as a marketing/ communications director for the Kestler Financial Group, Inc. This is Jacob’s second master’s degree, having earned his M.S.S.L. degree from Mountain State University in 2003.

1995 Julie Anderson Dowling and husband, David, have two sons, Aidan, three, and Reid, six months. Julie and her family currently reside in Niantic. Donna Latincsics has been named Willington’s new business manager.

1996 Sharon M. Carman lives in Boston and is employed by Wachovia Securities. Julie K. White M’96 won the prestigious National Educator Award from the Milken Family Foundation. She is a teacher at Mansfield Middle School. (See article on page 3.) Niki (Beechwood) Curry and her husband, Michael, are celebrating the first birthday of their son Wesley, who was born Jan. 27, 2005. Niki spent the past five years as a Global Training Coordinator at Bain & Company in Boston, but

last June she happily gave up her career to stay home full time with Wesley. She enjoyed attending the Eastern alumni reception in Newton, MA, this past September. Michael is a systems engineer for Raytheon IDS in Andover, MA, and also is involved with the Masons. The Currys are eagerly awaiting the birth of their second child in late July.

Bonnie Bryden received her graduate degree in broadcast journalism from Emerson College in Boston in May 2005 and has relocated to Rhode Island.

1997

Glenn Anderson is teaching English at Windham Tech High School.

Keith Holland is a third-grade teacher at West Stafford Elementary School. Anthony Cristi attended the Newton, MA, alumni reception in September. Tony is currently employed in Boston as the Adecco job program manager at the State Street Corporation. He also will be getting married to Leah Duggan on Aug. 11, 2006. Patricia Bloom-McDonald attended the Newton, MA, alumni reception in September. She owns her own law practice in Stoughton, MA, concentrating in elder law; real estate, including reverse mortgages; estate planning including wills, trusts, and advance medical directives; and probate.

1998 Patricia Goba-Churchill received her master’s degree on May 20, 2005.

1999 Stacey Guertin is a second-grade school teacher at Lisbon Central School. Monica Gallagher Lamoureux is employed at Comcast Spotlight as a marketing representative.

2000 Elissa Podd was voted East Windsor Teacher of the Year for 2005. Podd teaches physical education at Broad Brook Elementary School.

2002 Kevin Pescatello works for Pfizer. John Stinchon has been appointed to a residence hall director’s position at Quinnipiac University. He will oversee the Hill/Village residence halls, where more than 600 students live during the academic year.

2004 Cherise Bernier is teaching at The Friendship School in Waterford.

Joe Pereira is teaching second grade at Roaring Brook School in Avon. Warren L. Mocek, Norwich police deputy chief, graduated from the FBI National Academy in September. He has been a police officer for the past 27 years.

2005 Courtney Ligi is currently employed as an administrative assistant for the Naugatuck Chamber of Commerce. Richard Cotton is employed as an audit assistant for Deloitte & Touche LLP in Stamford. Mandy Guillemette is coordinator of the new One-on-One Mentoring Program hosted by Catholic Charities in Norwich.

MARRIAGES

1995 Lori Murray and William Andrew Ratchelous on Aug. 20, 2005

1998 Jennifer Mary Walling and Anthony Joseph Maurello on Sept. 4, 2005

1999 Monica Gallagher and Ray Lamoureux on Nov. 6, 2004 Kelley Ann Longo and David Michael Flammia on June 25, 2005 Antonio Napoleone and Ruth Whitney Ursone on Aug. 6, 2005 Rebecca J. Stoehr and Dr. Gregory Fauteux on May 7, 2005

2003

2000

Laura DuBois is teaching at Parish Hill High School in Chaplin.

Angela Maria DaCunha and Christopher George Hanlon on Aug. 20, 2005

Andrew Capasso is employed as a reporter at KTVM, the NBC affiliate in Butte, MT.

Earl Rex Henrichon, Jr. and Jane Mace-Painter on Oct. 1, 2005

Mike Hetherington, a sixth-grade teacher at Horace W. Porter School in Columbia, visited China as part of a Connecticut Educators delegation. During this 10-day trip he had the chance to teach at Porter’s sister school in Jinan.

2001

Bethany C. Holland is a certified school counselor at West Stafford Elementary School. Christopher Morgan teaches social studies at Windham Tech High School. Alicia Dunbar teaches First/Second Multi-age for the Madison School System.

Tracy Prete and Kenneth Peterson on Oct. 14, 2005 Adam Dalton and Heather Lynn Alfield on June 25, 2005 William C. Morehouse and Sarah E. Ives on Aug. 6, 2005

2002 Kevin Pescatello and Anna Chuda on July 16, 2005

EASTERN spring 2006

class notes 2003 Anthony Robert Lapia and Saralyn Ann Dastoli on July 16, 2005 Bethany Champagne and Keith Holland ’97/M’04 on July 8, 2005

2004 Douglas Haggan and Kristen Doyle on June 11, 2005 Erica Chenard M’04 and Matthew Bushior on Nov. 19, 2005

2005 Amber M. Parenteau and Andrew A. Gildersleeve on Aug. 6, 2005

BIRTHS

1994 Jodi Chant Latina and her husband, Anthony, announce the birth of their daughter, Zoe Francesca, on Sept. 9, 2005. Zoe joins her brother, Luke.

1998 Patricia Goba-Churchill and her husband, Chris, announce the birth of their daughter, Hanna, on May 9, 2005. Hanna joins her brother, Jared Michael. Kevin J. Paquin and his wife, Kim, announce the birth of their second son, Bode Moe, on Dec. 1, 2005. Bode joins his big brother, Cole Tyler.

1999 Jamie Marcuss and her husband, Francis, announce the birth of their daughter, Molly Ann, on Feb. 14, 2005.

2000 Crystal Morin Heft and her husband, Todd, announce the birth of their son, Noah Thomas, on Nov. 10, 2005.

IN MEMORIAM Dorothy C. Bennett ’25 (1908-2004) Alma J. Whitman Campbell ’36 (1915-2005) Zena Ariewitc Goldberg ’44 (1921-2005) Irene M. Ledwith Dinoto ’46 (1924-2005) Christine Beckwith Dubina ’46 (1924-2004) Faith Newbury Gorden ’49 (1927-2005) Clarence Colin “Coy” Edmondson ’54 (1932-2005) Lillian R. Klingberg ’60 (1911-2005) Sherburn Ellis Paradise ’61 (1932-2005) Judith “Judy” Kreyssig Willenbecher ’66 (1943-2005) Roy K. Broege ’67 (1942-2005) Marilyn Maderia Trebisacci ’77 (1955-2004) Mary Louise Gill Pickup ’81 (1925-2005)

final thoughts I hope you have enjoyed reading this issue of EASTERN magazine. I believe Dr. Pernal’s analogy of a quilt of many colors and patterns is an apt one. By now you have seen a representative sample of the rich array of people who study, teach, and work at Eastern. Each person is unique and makes a distinctive contribution to the campus community and the community at large. Yet as unique as each member of the Eastern family truly is, perhaps more impressive is the connection people make to the University’s vision. The quilt is made more special by the outpouring of generosity that is evident by the lists of our special friends — our donors who help to enrich the Eastern experience by sharing their time, talent, and treasure. Our fabric is made brighter and more durable by their participation, and we are truly grateful. As Connecticut’s public liberal arts university, Eastern is committed to preparing its students to be successful in whatever professional career they choose. But more than that, we want our graduates to be good citizens, contributing to the wellbeing of their local communities and to the world at large. This commitment to making a difference is the common thread that connects all of us who call Eastern “our university.” The Office of Institutional Advancement is finding new ways for Eastern alumni to reconnect with their alma mater. Although we know that each class of graduates shared common experiences during their studies at Eastern, we are finding that even closer connections exist within professional fields of interest. This past October, we launched what we hope will be a series of Affinity Receptions to bring together alumni in the same profession. The first reception was in the field of communications, and we hope to do more with other professions in the future. We also realize that reconnecting with Eastern needs to be convenient for alumni and that geographic proximity is another natural way for alumni across the country to get together. To that end, we held successful alumni receptions in Boston and New York this fall and most recently in California.

George A. Mello-Kidder ’82 (1958-2005) Patrick Alan Kane ’83 (1954-2005) Tammy Elaine Schaeffer ’90 (1967-2005)

IN MEMORIUM – Eastern Friends, Faculty, and Staff Andree Webb, wife of former president of Eastern Charles R. Webb (1922-2005)

Whether you are an Eastern graduate, a donor, a member of the faculty and staff, or are connected to Eastern in some other way, I encourage you to continue to seek ways to keep your connection with this University fresh and alive. In that way, we can ensure that the “living quilt” Dr. Pernal describes in his message is alive and well.

Harriet M. Mead, supporter and benefactor (1922-2005) Henry Roos, professor of biology (1922-2005)

EASTERN spring 2006

Kenneth J. DeLisa Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Attention Alumni: Have you moved, did you get married, have you taken a new job, or have you had an addition to your family? Please send your information to: Joy Goff, Director Office of Alumni Affairs Eastern Connecticut State University 83 Windham Street Willimantic, CT 06226 e-mail: alumni@easternct.edu Watch our website for alumni receptions and networking events in Connecticut and out-of-state. Interested in a new professional position, or looking to recruit a new graduate or student intern? For more information on the career/recruiting services available to alumni, contact the Office of Career Services at www.easternct.edu/depts/career or call (860) 465-4559. Willing to volunteer at college career fairs as an admissions ambassador? Call: Christopher Dorsey Assistant Director of Admissions phone: (860) 465-4398 e-mail: dorseyc@easternct.edu

Comments? Please send story ideas, â&#x20AC;&#x153;letters to the editor,â&#x20AC;? or questions to: Edward Osborn, Director Office of University Relations Eastern Connecticut State University 83 Windham Street Willimantic, CT 06226 phone: (860) 465-5735 e-mail: osborne@easternct.edu

SOCIAL HOUR, BBQ, & OUTDOOR CONCERT

! E T A D E H SAVE T

Come join us as we gather under one big tent to celebrate alumni returning to campus, seniors graduating from the university, and this special place that we know as Eastern! Alumni, parents of graduating seniors, seniors, faculty, and staff are invited to take part in the festivities. Help us acknowledge those classes reaching milestone anniversaries of their graduation from Eastern, in particular, class years ending in 1’s and 6’s. Join us as we welcome seniors as our newest alumni!

! E T A D E SAVE TH

Eastern Celebrates will take place at Eastern’s outdoor athletic complex, adjacent to the baseball stadium, on the Mansfield Campus. The activities begin with a social hour at 4 p.m. Tours will be available for the new Child and Family Development Resource Center, a state-of-the-art early childhood education facility that we can’t wait to share, particularly with alumni involved in education. At 5 p.m., enjoy a delicious BBQ with mouth-watering baby back ribs, Cajun chicken, chili,

6 0 0 2 , 0 MAY 2 corn on the cob, hot dogs, hamburgers, and delicious desserts! After reconnecting with classmates, meeting new friends, honoring special alumni groups, and congratulating the seniors and their parents, you’ll want to stay and listen to the great sounds of the Little Big Band. Spread out your blankets in our park-like atmosphere or settle down in a nearby chair and prepare to listen to some of the most people-pleasing songs you can imagine by this local favorite. Alumni can also catch up on Eastern’s progress by attending the ECSU Alumni Association’s annual meeting at 3 p.m. in Gelsi-Young Hall.

! E T A D E H SAVE T

For more information or to help us plan this celebration, contact Alumni Affairs at (800) 631-2070, (860) 465-5238 or email us at alumni@easternct.edu. Watch the website and your mail for more details. Don’t miss Eastern’s biggest celebration of the year!

EASTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY 83 WINDHAM STREET WILLIMANTIC, CT 06226

TE! A D E H T SAVE Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Willimantic, CT Permit No. 12