Fall/Winter 2012
Maria Stephanos Announced as 2013 Commencement Speaker Fisher College is pleased to announce Maria Stephanos, anchor for FOX25 News, will be the speaker for the 109th Commencement ceremony to be held on May 11, 2013 in the John Hancock Hall. Read more on page 3.
Inside Commencement Speaker, pg 3 Danza and Ramiro, pg 4 Fisher Forum Spotlight, pg 5 In Memoriam, pg 6 Snowflakes for Sandy Hook, pg 7 CLPS Criminal Justice Research, pg 8 Fisher Graduates Finding Success, pg 8 Decoding Dacia, pg 9 Honor Your Veterans, pg 10 Here’s the Deal on Smoot Marks, pg 11
“Honor Your Veterans” Celebration On November 16, 2012, Fisher held its annual “Honor Your Veterans” celebration. What initially began six years ago as a small window case display in the mall has turned into an all-day affair. Read more on page 9.
Around Campus, pg 12 Holiday Party at Maggiano’s, pg 13 Crossword Puzzle, pg 14
Contributors Alan Adams, Adjunct Professor Heather Carpenter, Director of Career Services Kristen Dvorsky, Assistant Director of Student Activities
Around Campus Check out our photo highlights from this past semester, including field trips, activities, and the holiday party at Maggiano’s. Read more on page 12.
Colby Gray ‘16, Communications Work Study Assistant Julissa Jimenez, Coordinator of External Relations Valerie McCleary, Assistant Professor, HIT Alexander Wagner, Director of Institutional Research Carol Wilcox, Program Director, BHSN
Editor Jennie Moore Director of Communications communications@fisher.edu pg. 2
Maria Stephanos Announced as Fisher College’s 2013 Commencement Speaker Fisher College is pleased to announce Maria Stephanos, anchor for FOX25 News, will be the speaker for the 109th Commencement ceremony to be held on May 11, 2013 at 11:00 am at the John Hancock Hall in the Back Bay Events Center in Boston. Maria Stephanos anchors FOX25 News at 10:00 am and 11:00 am, as well as FOX25 News at 6:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Maria’s Maria Stephanos versatility as a reporter and anchor has led to numerous high-profile assignments. She’s covered local, state, and national elections; democratic and republican conventions; and a variety of breaking news stories. Her political coverage has taken her from the halls of the Massachusetts State House to interviews with three U.S. Presidents. “We are all very excited to have Maria speak at this year’s commencement ceremony,” states Dr. Thomas M. McGovern, President of Fisher College. “She is a reputable icon in the New England community and we are confident that she will give an inspirational and memorable speech to Fisher College’s newest graduates.” Maria began as a general assignment reporter for FOX25 and later became the station’s main anchor. Born and raised in Groveland, Massachusetts, Maria’s connection with New Englanders goes beyond delivering the day’s news. She’s a popular emcee, narrator, and speaker. Maria came to FOX25 from WJAR-TV in Providence, RI where she covered spot news. Her career has also included reporting for WCBS radio, WABC radio, NPR radio, and WNBC radio. Maria received an Associated Press award in 2000 for her feature reporting. She holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communications from Emerson College.
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Tony Danza, Award-Winning Actor and Author, Visits Fisher College Fisher College hosted award-winning actor and author Tony Danza as a guest speaker on Thursday, October 18, 2012. Danza discussed his latest book, I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had: My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High (Crown Archetype, September 11, 2012), and how spending a year as a high school teacher impacted his life and what it’s really like today in America’s classrooms. A surprisingly poignant account, I’d Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had reveals the daunting struggles so many teachers face as they play out a myriad of roles in their students’ lives, alternately functioning as parent, counselor, friend, and social worker. Danza signed copies of his book for members of the Fisher and local community following the event.
Pictured from left; Melinda Cook, Chief of Staff; Tunde Turi-Markovic, Assistant Dean of the School of Social Sciences and Human Services/ Assistant Professor; Emily Banis Stoeher, Assistant Professor, Fashion; Tony Danza; Meridith Spencer, Assistant Professor, Criminal Justice; and Hollis Davis, Assistant Professor, Computer Information Systems
JAM’N 94.5’s Ramiro Torres Speaks About His Career in Radio Broadcasting On November 8, 2012, Ramiro Torres, host of The Ramiro & Pebbles Morning Show on Boston’s hip hop and hit music station JAM’N 94.5, was a guest speaker at Fisher. Ramiro spoke to the students about his career in radio broadcasting. Ramiro Torres is one of the nation’s leading radio personalities and is a respected TV personality in New England. Dominating the Boston radio airwaves for the past 12 years, he has recently gained national Top, Ramiro Torres on stage in exposure by joining the United Stations’ Radio Network as host of Alumni Hall and pictured with the Weekend Top 30. students
To watch the video of Ramiro’s visit to Fisher, please visit www.fisher.edu/speakers.
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Fisher Forum Spotlight Speaker Series The Division of Student Life kicked off its Fisher Forum Spotlight Speaker Series this fall with three engaging guest speakers. Eric Stoller, social media educator and blogger for Inside Higher Eric Stoller surrounded by Ed, visited campus on students September 19, 2012 to discuss digitial identity. On October 17, 2012, Amanda Brown, Development Director for Rock the Vote, spoke about the importance of engaging the millennial generation in order to create social and political change. Margie Dillenburg rounded off the Amanda Brown with President Tom McGovern semester on November 7, 2012 when she spoke about civic engagement. Margie is one of the founding five members of Invisible Children and former Chief Operations Officer for the organization. To watch the full video of the October and November speakers, please visit www.fisher.edu/speakers.
Caroline Rende, Office Manager, Office of the President, with Margie Dillenburg
Spring 2013 “Spotlight” Line Up Spotlight On: Humanity Wednesday, February 27, 12:30 pm Alumni Hall
Featuring Al Letson, Host of State of the Re:Union, Critically Acclaimed Poet, and Playwright. Performances include a number of national, regional, and local stages, including such venues as HBO’s Def Poetry Jam and CBS’ 2004 Final Four Pre-Game. The Fisher community will be hosting a Poetry Slam at 12:00 pm directly preceeding the event. To sign-up, please contact Kristen Dvorsky at kdvorsky@fisher.edu.
Spotlight On: Health and Wellness Wednesday, March 27, 12:30 pm Alumni Hall
Featuring Denny Kolsch: Director of To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) University Chapters Program. Kolsch spends his time speaking on behalf of the organization, sharing his own story of addiction, depression, and recovery. To Write Love on Her Arms merchandise will be available for purchase. The Fisher community will have the opportunity to engage in an interactive activity that answers to two questions: What’s your biggest fear? What’s your greatest dream?
Spotlight On: Enrichment Wednesday, April 24, 12:30 pm Alumni Hall
Featuring Tim Bawmann: President and General Manager, Lowell Spinners. During his time in Lowell, Bawmann has overseen a number of record-setting attendance marks, including the team’s first season over 200,000 in 2010, as well as a sell-out streak of over 400 games and a number of corporate sales records. Bawmann’s staff has established pre-season marketing franchise records in 2004, topped in 2005, 2006, 2007, and topped yet again in 2008, added summer baseball camps, sleep-over camp-outs on the field, Yankees Elimination Promotion, and an annual “Spreadin’ The Love Tour” to the Spinners lineup. pg. 5
In Memoriam- Deb Gaudreau, Richie Walsh The Fisher community was saddened over the passing of two employees this past semester. Deb Gaudreau passed away after a long illness on November 19, 2012. Deb had been an employee at Fisher’s North Attleborough site for 12 years, working in a variety of different positions, including Sub-registrar, Admissions Counselor, and most recently as the Student Services Representative. “Deb was a very special person to me; she was a very close friend and gave fully of herself to others. Always there to help out and was caring of others. She made everyone smile even if you weren’t having a good day! Deb at her desk in North Attleborough Fisher was very lucky to have this special person with us....I think about her every day. She will always be in my heart and will be missed by everyone including myself,” said Phyllis Soares, Student Services Representative for New Bedford. Lisa Fey, Senior Online Education Academic Advisor, also shared her memories of Deb. “My fondest memory of Deb is hearing her laugh. You could hear her throughout the office and even if you didn’t know what she was laughing at, you had to laugh along with her. She just loved to laugh and I miss that.” “Deb treasured all that life had to offer, those who knew her treasured her as well,” said Sandi Quelle, Associate Director of Financial Aid for the Division of Accelerated and Professional Studies. “Deb: The best heart, smile, outlook, and friend.” On November 25, 2012, Richie Walsh, former Campus Police Security Officer, passed away. Richie worked the Saturday and Sunday shifts at Fisher College. “Richie was always a friendly face to see working the Campus Security Desk during the weekends, ” said Kristen Dvorsky, Assistant Director of Student Activities/Residential Director. Retired after working as a Boston Police Detective for 33 years, Richie was a graduate of Northeastern University and served in the Navy on Richie Walsh
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Collecting Snowflakes for Sandy Hook Elementary It’s been less than a week since the tragedy at Sandy Hook and our thoughts and condolences continue to be with those dealing with this heartache. Volunteers in CT are collecting paper snowflakes to create a “winter wonderland” for students when they return to school in a few weeks. The Office of Communications will be sending snowflakes
made by some of our stellar students. If you will be in the Boston area and would like to drop off snowflakes, visit us in room 116-15 by January 12, 2013. You can read more about the initiative at www.ctpta.org/SANDY-HOOKFUND.html.
Above, Stefani Viera ‘15 assists the Office of Communications with making snowflakes pg. 7
CLPS Presents at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology By Alexander Wagner, Director of Institutional Research
Faculty and staff from Fisher College presented highly regarded criminal justice research at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Criminology in Chicago. The research, conducted with research partners from several universities and public safety institutions, is funded by the National Institute of Justice. The presentation of initial results was very well received and conference attendees expressed substantial interest in the final results to be presented at next year’s conference. The initial results presented this year focused on the types and substance of forensic evidence in a sample of adult sexual assault cases reported to hospitals Above, Meridith Spencer and and crime labs in Massachusetts.
Alexander Wagner with members of the research team
The researchers also discussed differences in injury documentation and forensic evidence availability across victim and assault characteristics. The current and upcoming research on this project will link the hospital and crime lab records to respective police data to investigate criminal justice outcomes.
Fisher College Graduates are Finding Success! By Heather Carpenter, Director of Career Services
I have the extreme joy of celebrating each time one of our students or alumni tells me they got a job. I’m excited to share the job success news of Isabelle Baggetta, who worked in a number of different roles while here at Fisher. She was an RA, an OL, the receptionist, admissions tour guide, and communications office aficionado! Isabelle traveled to Australia to study abroad, and organized a trip for 31 students to Washington DC. She starred in and directed musicals, but most of all, she always had a huge smile on her face! I am so proud to share that she has a wonderful job in Waltham as a Web Production Associate for Commonwealth Financial Network. She started there as a temp right after graduation and was brought on full-time soon thereafter.
Isabelle and her Fisher College diploma
I know you all have connections to wonderful alumni like Isabelle. Please share their successes with me! Did they land an amazing job? Get accepted to graduate school? Traveling the world? I want to know! Please e-mail any updates to hcarpenter@fisher. pg. 8
Fisher Hosts Film Premiere of Decoding Dacia On Thursday, November 15, 2012, over 200 guests gathered in Alumni Hall for Fisher College’s premiere screening of Decoding Dacia: Romania’s Lost Heritage. Launched by documentary filmmaker and Fisher graduate Nicholas Dimancescu ‘07, it was the third in a series entitled “Romania at War.” Dimancescu had previously directed two prior feature films: Hill 789 on WW-I, and Knights of the Sky on WW-II. Decoding Dacia focused on a dramatic period in Romania’s history; the 2,000 years when it came into conflict with the Roman Empire under Emperor Trajan. Tragically, during the filming in May 2011, Nicholas died in an accidental fall from atop a cliff during a lightening storm. Inspired by his special passion for the subject, his film company colleagues and family committed to complete his work.
Nicholas Dimancescu ‘07
A $7,500 scholarship established by Nick’s family members in his honor was announced during the premiere. “We are grateful to the Dimancescu family for this generous and thoughtful gift. Nick touched many lives at Fisher. This gift is a testament to the impact one individual can make on a place and a person.” Stated President Tom McGovern. The scholarship is open to students in junior standing who intend to complete their bachelor’s degree at Fisher. If you know of any students who may benefit from the scholarship, please visit www.fisher.edu/meritscholarships for information on the terms and application process.
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Fisher Hosts Annual Honor Your Veterans Celebration On November 16, 2012, Fisher hosted its annual Honor Your Veterans Day celebration. What originally began as a small display in the hallway of Fisher’s main campus six years ago has evolved into an all-day recognition of the service and dedication of US Veterans connected to the Fisher community. For two months leading up to the event, the college community collected donations to send off to two deployed soldiers as part of the college’s annual “Adopt a Soldier” initiative. The soldiers selected this year were 1st Lieutenant Chris Leonard of the US Army, who currently leads a scout platoon in Northern Afghanistan, and 1st Lieutenant Elizabeth Connors, a black hawk pilot currently posted at Ft. Campbell, KY. This year’s event also featured a luncheon, which included speeches by honored guests Matthew Bonner, Commander of the USS Constitution, Francisco Urena, Commissioner of Veterans Services for the city of Boston, and Coleman Nee, Secretary, Department of Veterans’ Services. Jeffrey Dulgarian, the recipient of the 2011 Adopt a Soldier drive, stopped by to express his gratitude for the donations received from Fisher College last year. Thank you to Kristen Dvorsky, Assistant Director of Student Activities, Caroline Rende, Office Manager, Office of the President, and Elaine McGovern for spearheading efforts for the events. Thank you letter from 1st Lieutenant Elizabeth Connors
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“Here’s The Deal” on Smoot Marks By Alan Adams, Adjunct Professor
Happy Holidays folks, this is Alan hisownself, with more Bostonian trivia. I learned about “Smoot marks” from a Boston bus driver, who informed me that every card-carrying Bostonian and Cantabrigian knows of them. “Smoot marks?” Here’s the deal: In 1958 some MIT students, as part of a frat initiation, decided to “measure” the Harvard Bridge by using freshman pledge Oliver Reed Smoot’s body as a unit of measure. Making paint marks as they proceeded, they flipped Oliver end-over-end (at first, then later carrying him as they grew tired), determining that the bridge was 364.4 Smoots plus One Ear long. In spite of bridge reconstruction, these Smoot Marks have been preserved, enhanced, and decorated over the years, but an original mark is still kept in the MIT Museum. The 5’7” Smoot refused to disclose how long his Ear was. A mark appears once every 10 Smoots, though others have been added as jokes. The Boston Police use the marks to report in locations of accidents on the bridge. Smoot himself became an attorney, and eventually the President of the ISO, and Chairman of ANSI (ironically, since his own body once served as a “standard”). His brother George is a Nobel Prize recipient. Ladies and Gentlemen, enjoy your holiday season and have a wonderful 2013! (…and of course, I have to say it… “Happy Festivus!”) All the best,
-AA
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Around Campus
This past semester as told through photographs
President McGovern visiting the Common Experience classes.
Professor Rich Metzger and his class on a field trip to Plimoth Plantation.
Channel 7 news reporter Susan Tran speaking to Fisher’s Intro to Journalism class.
Fisher College Falcon and Matty from KISS108’s Matty in the Morning radio show at the station’s annual Turkey Toss.
Fisher College students at the Veterans Day parade.
Fisher College cheerleaders and the Falcon Basketball Team.
Professor Dean Walton’s city classroom.
Professors Pauline Hatzikostantis, Karen Myers, and Carol Wilcox in Washington, DC for the Teaching Professor Conference this past June.
This semester’s Faculty/Staff vs. Student Kickball game sponsored by MARCO. Score Results? Tied 16-16. pg. 12
Around Campus
This past semester as told through photographs Members of the Fisher community showing their approval on National Boss’ Day. From left, Scott Dulin, Director of Athletics; Neil Trotta, Dean, Division of Accelerated and Professional Students/ Assistant Professor; Alexander Wagner, Director of Institutional Research; Jennifer Courtney, Director of Public Relations; Debbie Kamm-Pelles, Payroll/ Benefits Administrator; President Tom McGovern; Melinda Cook, Chief of Staff; Caroline Rende, Office Manager; Kyle Grenier, Student Conduct Coordinator/Resident Director; and Janet Kuser, Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Students helping out at Dress for Success, a non-profit that supports low-income and disadvantaged women by providing professional attire and career development opportunities. The philanthropic outing was organized by the Fashion Department and the Office of Career Services.
Resident Assistants/Orientation leaders jumping for joy at Fenway during September Orientation. pg. 13
Fisher Employee Holiday Party at Maggiano’s December 5, 2012
Katiti Kironde, Assistant Professor, Fashion Design and Merchandising; Dr. Michael Meadows, Associate Professor, Communications & Media; Jennifer Courtney, Director of Public Relations; and Jennifer Luukkonen, Corporate Recruiter.
Kristen Sherman, Director of Alumni Relations, Dr. Neil Trotta, Dean, Division of Accelerated and Professional Students/Assistant Professor, Jack Roche, Senior Director, Human Resources, and Steve Doherty, Interim Chief of the Department of Public Safety.
The Accounting Office: Ryan Donovan, Staff Accountant, Amy Cho, Staff Accountant, and John White, Accounts Payable Manager.
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Bob Melaragni, Dean of Enrollment Management, and Nancy Pithis, Dean of International Academic Operations and Curriculum Development, with guests of the College.
Amanda Matarese, Associate Director of Admissions; Tom Englehardt, Assistant Director of Admissions; Jesse Avalos, Records Manager; and Karen Dunton, Enrollment Operations Manager.
Heather Carpenter, Director of Career Services; Jennie Moore, Director of Communications; Julissa Jimenez, Coordinator of External Relations; and Kristen Dvorsky, Assistant Director of Student Activities.
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Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital School of Nursing (BHSN) instructors Mary Ellen Croft-LaFrance, Mary Herbowy, and Fisher College instructor Carol Wilcox will be poster presenters at the Elsevier Faculty Development Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 2-5. The presentation is a continuation of their analysis of the Peer Tutoring program at the BHSN site. Congratulations to Colleen (Burke) Woods, Director of Financial Aid, and Seth Woods, Enrollment Manager for the Division of Accelerated and Professional Studies, on their recent marriage! Jennie Moore, Director of Communications, recently served as a guest panelist at the Massachusetts Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (MASFAA). The presentation was titled Taking the Fear out of Facebook and was presented in conjunction with Sallie Mae.
Colleen and Seth Woods
Congratulations to Jennifer Mandolese, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, on the birth of her daughter, Evangeline. Jennifer Lame, MPH, RHIT and AHIMA-Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer and Adjunct Faculty for Fisher College is now also a published author. Jennifer has been the coding instructor for Fisher College since 2005 and has taught many students how to transpose the basic coding skills into real-life application. Jennifer has taken that approach and created a textbook focusing on these same skills. Jennifer spent the last year writing a Guided Approach to Intermediate and Advanced Coding to help ensure coding students, nationwide, have the opportunity to benefit from her explanations and hands on approach to teaching coding. Jennifer’s book will be published January 2013 by Pearson publishing and will have an accompanying learning lab to give the students more hands on experience.
Jennifer Lame
Katiti Kironde, Assistant Professor, Fashion Design and Merchandising, graces the cover of the current edition of Harvard Magazine. Katiti, who was the first African American Model on the cover of Glamour Magazine, was interviewed about her line of signature high end white shirts and blouses. Katiti Kironde pg. 16
Please welcome the College’s newest employees: Jack Roche, Human Resources
Christine Sullivan, Academic Advisor
Judy Garrick, Division of Accelerated and Professional Studies
Anthony Baker, Faculty/Academic Affairs
Rosa Mazzeo, Office of the Registrar
Hertencia Bowe, Faculty/Academic Affairs
Anne Grieves, Career Services
Peter Cassino, Faculty/Academic Affairs
Caroline Rende, Office of the President
Sean Collier, Faculty/Academic Affairs
Maura McNamee, Office of Admissions
Valerie McCarthy, Faculty/Academic Affairs
Josh Motroni, Athletics
Cara Chenes, Division of Accelerated and Professional Studies
Jennifer Courtney, Public Relations Bonnie Chuk, Health Services Nate Knight, Housing & Residential Life
Brian Kelly, Faculty/Academic Affairs Gregory Karas, Office of the Registrar
Have news you would like to share? Send it to communications@fisher.edu.
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Communique Fall/Winter 2012 Crossword Across 3. Fancy room in OAS 5. Intersecting street 8. Original Owner of 118 Beacon Street 10. Human Services Professor 11. Tutoring Center 12. Hospitality Professor 13. Career Services Director 14. Drama Club Advisor 16. Recent Celebrity Guest 19. Wooden animal in OAS staircase 20. Dean of Students 21. Nearby Street 22. Mascot 23. Communications and Media Professor 24. Total Number of Bachelor of Management Concentrations Down 1. Nearby river 2. Director of Center for Teaching Excellence 4. Dean of Enrollment Management 6. College President 7. Alumni Magazine (two words) 9. Location of School of Nursing 12. Librarian 15. Campus dining spot (two words) 17. A site location (two words) 18. Community-wide meetings (two words)
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