philanthropy athletics campus news class notes
has also been active in the Town of Windham as a selectman and member of numerous committees and boards. “I am humbled by this honor,” said Vertefeuille. “I have enjoyed watching Eastern grow, and will continue to work on behalf of the University.” He remembered his time on campus 50 years ago when Eastern was Willimantic State Teachers College and had only four buildings, one of which housed the library where he met Judy, his wife of 48 years. Serra has served the people of Middletown for many years, as a teacher and coach and then assistant principal and principal at Vinal Technical High School; and as mayor and a member of the Common Council. He also serves
on the Board of Directors of the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce. “The education I received at Eastern was the foundation of my career,” said Serra. “Success is measured by the people who surround you,” pointing to his friends, his family — four of whom are Eastern graduates — and his former professors Ralph Yulo and Max Ferguson. The final award of the afternoon was given to author Jeffrey Benedict ’91, who received the Alumni Association’s 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award. Benedict’s career as a professional writer began while he was pursuing his law degree. Since that time, he has written 10 books, including a revealing review of sexual misconduct by professional athletes; an in-depth look at Foxwoods
Casino and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe; an inspirational study of the famous eminent domain Supreme Court case, Kelo v. New London; and his most recent book, “Poisoned,” a critical examination of the deadly e. coli outbreak that occurred in 1993. Benedict is also a frequent contributor to Sports Illustrated magazine. “This flashlight that was given to everyone today says, ‘A Liberal Education. Practically Applied.’,” said Benedict. “That’s what my Eastern education was all about. I was a history major 22 years ago. Last week I was in Compton, California, writing about inner-city youth there. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to research and write about stories that shape our lives.”
From left: Albert Vertefeuille ’60, Jeffrey Benedict ’91, Professor Emeritus Ralph J. Yulo, President Elsa Núñez and Thomas J Serra ’70
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