Communicator: Winter 2015 by Western New England University

Doctoral candidate Mahshid Ghaemmaghami works with a child in her research on comparative analysis of delayed tolerance procedures.

BY BRIAN FITZGERALD

LYMAN AND LESLIE WOOD: MODELS OF GENEROSITY It is not only the University’s largest lecture hall, but also the setting for public speakers, movies, plays, meetings, and other events. And yet until recently, the room—one of the busiest and most important spaces on campus—was known simply as a number: 100. However, at the rededication of Sleith Hall on December 9, the University gathered in this spectacularly renovated venue with a new look and a new name: the Lyman and Leslie Wood Auditorium. The story behind this naming gift from two local philanthropists is one of generosity—and deep appreciation. The auditorium, according to the plaque outside the door, was given in honor of the couple’s friend, President Anthony S. Caprio, “for his leadership in expanding the facilities and educational offerings at Western New England University and for creating meaningful impact in the greater Springfield community.” The Hampden, MA couple explained that their charitable interests focus on giving back to area nonprofits, especially organizations where their donations will have long-term value and impact, including the Springfield Museums, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and CityStage. Lyman and Leslie with granddaughter Makenna

Lyman and Leslie Wood are interviewed by WWLP TV 22 News about Sleith Hall.

They are true philanthropists at heart, whether it be boosting the arts, strengthening the Springfield community, or taking in a homeless person and helping him get back on his feet—something they recently did. “We’re just as proud of the one-on-one efforts that no one hears about,” said Leslie. Another example: following a trip to Acapulco, they provided financial assistance to a man they had met there after he lost everything to Hurricane Manuel in 2013. Indeed, much of their support takes place behind the scenes, with off-the-record contributions to organizations throughout the Pioneer Valley. Both say their parents’ generosity fueled their philanthropic principles, and supporting higher education is an important element in Lyman and Leslie’s giving philosophy. “The colleges and the universities have done so much for the area,” said Lyman. “They are economic generators, they produce educated workers, and Western New England University has been a significant contributor to the economic health of the region. The University’s growth over the years, with its new buildings and programs—and more students—has been phenomenal, thanks to Dr. Caprio’s vision and hard work, and we wanted to show our appreciation.”

Read about the Rededication of Sleith Hall on page 4.

Western New England University

WINTER 2015

THE COMMUNICATOR

Contents

COVER STORY Behavior Analysis Programs: Helping Families Find Strategies for Success Learn how Western New England University’s graduate programs in Behavior Analysis are making an impact on research and interventions for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, including Asperger’s Syndrome, as well as sleep disorders, and ADHD. _______

PAGE

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Van Nguyen A focus on Big Data has led to big opportunities for senior Van Nguyen at UTC Aerospace Systems. _______

PAGE

President’s Message

Sleith Hall Rededication

Master’s Degrees Celebration

University Welcomes New Appointees to President’s Staff

Campus Update

Graduate Studies: Online Learning Helps Dual Degree Alumnus Balance Career and Family

Michael LeCuyer ’88 Supports Mathematical Sciences Program Through Scholarship

Snapshot: The Class of 2018

Golden Bear Athletics Reunions

Alumni News

HOMECOMING 2014

Sports Update

Generations of Golden Bears returned home for a weekend of fun, family, and friendship. _______

Class Notes

Marriages

New Arrivals

In Memoriam

Remember When: Sleith Hall 1973 Dedication, That Seventies Duo, Homecoming 2003

PAGE

FACULTY PROFILE Dr. Jason Seacat

ALUMNI FOCUS Ashley Skeete ’10/G’12

His research exploring the psychological impact of the social stigma surrounding obesity has begun an important dialogue in academia and the mass media. _______

Going for her third Western New England University degree, PhD candidate Ashley Skeete ’10/G’12 brings her aerospace industry experience back into the classroom. _______

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CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY

PAGE

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Alumni Association of Western New England University is to communicate with and bring value to the alumni body and to support actively and financially the goals of the University as detailed in its Mission Statement.

22 1

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

AT THE REDEDICATION OF SLEITH HALL LAST MONTH, which you will read about in this magazine, the University community celebrated the remarkable transformation of this building, which consisted of a complete renovation and a two-story 8,600 square-foot addition. As a result of this impressive project, Sleith Hall is providing a premier home for our excellent engineering programs and increasing our research capabilities.

There is much exciting news coming from our College of Engineering, which in August was awarded $282,000 from the Kern Foundation. This grant is allowing the Engineering faculty, led by S. Hossein Cheraghi, Dean of the College of Engineering, and Professor of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management Thomas K. Keyser, to further integrate entrepreneurship into the curriculum across the entire College. In the same month, the National Institutes of Health awarded a $350,000 grant to the College of Pharmacy for research in food allergy prevention by Assistant Professor of Pharmacology Clinton Mathias. Indeed, in accordance with our Strategic Plan, we are deepening our commitment to research: featured in these pages is an inﬂuential study on problem behaviors of children with autism led by Professor of Psychology Gregory P. Hanley, Director of our PhD in Behavior Analysis. Another vitally important feature of our Strategic Plan is encouraging the development of our graduate-level academic offerings, and in the past year we have added three new master’s degree programs, one each in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business, and the School of Law, respectively: the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, and the Master of Science in Estate Planning and Elder Law. If you have been on campus lately, you undoubtedly saw our latest construction project, the Golden Bear Pavilion, a much-needed addition to our outdoor sports complex. To be sure, new and renovated facilities enhance the Western New England University experience and inﬂuence the recruitment of future students. Although our students enjoy the educational and cocurricular opportunities usually offered only at much larger universities, we will never lose sight of the kind of personal attention— inside and outside of the classroom—that characterizes this institution. Your gifts have gone beyond the necessary brick and mortar projects that serve our students. Because of many generous donors, we now have 233 donor-funded scholarships, enabling more students than ever to take advantage of the individualized approach to education we have to offer. It is your continued support that makes Western New England University affordable and accessible, and I am grateful to you for that. Sincerely,

Anthony S. Caprio President

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The Communicator is published for the alumni, parents, and friends of Western New England University. PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY

Anthony S. Caprio VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT

Beverly J. Dwight VICE PRESIDENT FOR MARKETING AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Barbara A. Moffat DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

Katherine M. Pappas G’98 ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS

Brian Fitzgerald EDITOR

Mary McLean Orszulak G’10 SPORTS UPDATE EDITOR

Ken Cerino CAMPUS UPDATE EDITOR

Judy Curran WRITERS

Your Gift Matters Your investment in The Annual Fund for Western New England University is critical to the success to our students, helping us provide them with the best education possible. The fund enables the University to meet a variety of needs, including scholarships, which assist those who may not have the financial resources to attend. More than 70% of our undergraduates require financial aid, and many of them are graduating with heavy debt. That’s why your gift matters: it helps shape the future for Western New England University students. TO MAKE A GIFT, visit www.wne.edu/giving, call 800-325-1122, ext. 1335, or send a check, payable to:

Western New England University Advancement Division 1215 Wilbraham Road Springfield, MA 01119

Read the Honor Roll of Donors at www.wne.edu.honorroll and see how your generous gifts are making a difference at Western New England University.

Brian Fitzgerald Mary McLean Orszulak G’10 Brendan Payne L‘12 Alex Lyman ’12 CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Deborah Chappell DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

MacKenzie Design PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHERS

Paul Schnaittacher Brian Zelasko PRINTER

AM Lithography EDITORIAL OFFICES:

The Communicator, Office of Marketing and External Affairs, Western New England University, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA 01119-2684 Telephone: 413-782-1561 Fax: 413-782-1779 Address and email changes should be sent to the Office of Alumni Relations at alumwne@wne.edu. Every effort has been made to contact copyright holders of any material reprinted in this magazine. Any omissions will be corrected in subsequent issues if notice is given to the Office of Marketing and External Affairs, Western New England University. The University reserves the right to make editorial changes prior to publication.

Western New England University is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, genetics or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Assistant Vice President and Director of Human Resources, Western New England University, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA 01119-2684. Inquiries concerning the application of nondiscrimination policies may also be referred to the Regional Director, Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, J.W. McCormack P.O.C.H., Room 222, Boston, MA 02109-4557.

SLEITH HALL REDEDICATION CELEBRATES CREATIVITY, INNOVATION, AND A PASSION FOR DISCOVERY! BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10 After more than two years of renovation and expansion the College of Engineering was ready to show off the $12.8 million investments in Sleith Hall with a Rededication Celebration held on December 9, 2014. From members of the Board of Trustees to retired faculty—members of the University community came out to show their support of the latest modernization project to elevate the learning environment. In the past three years, more than $60 million have been invested in improvements to academic buildings.

The event began with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony in the newly renamed Lyman and Leslie Wood Auditorium. “My ﬁrst thought when I came in was ‘wow!’ I’ve seen a lot of auditoriums and this one was beautifully done,” said Mr. Wood. “Being able to build this hall puts you on the map. Western New England is really a nucleus school that cares about the important things: the students and the education.”

Guests were then invited to tour the new labs, studio classrooms, offices, and facilities for doctoral students. The Biomedical Engineering Suite (pictured at left) was a popular tour stop, where guests were introduced to the simulation mannequin that enables students to learn how the projects they work on are applied in a clinical setting. Lab tours included meeting with Dr. Neeraj Magotra, chair of the Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering (pictured at right). There, guests, including project benefactors and Trustees Steven Kitrosser ’66/G’70 and John Brennan ’71, heard about the growing field of Mechatronics. Throughout the day, attendees were impressed by the scope and variety of student and faculty research taking place within Sleith Hall. With access to the latest in technology and facilities, the potential for innovation is unlimited. Those opportunities are the direct result of the project’s many fi-

nancial supporters, University administration and staff, and the tireless commitment of Dean S. Hossein Cheraghi and his faculty. “Our success would not be possible were it not for the generosity of the many benefactors to this project,” said University President Anthony S. Caprio. “In fact, over the last two years, 403 donors gave $2.6 million in support of the College of Engineering, its students, and this endeavor.” n

WELLEN DAVISON LAB DEDICATION Prior to the Rededication, a celebration of the new Wellen Davison Lab was held. Professor Davison taught Mechanical Engineering for nearly 40 years. In 1989, the University established the Wellen Davison Seminar, now an annual professional development event for faculty. Many faculty emeriti were on hand for the dedication of the lab “It’s wonderful to see how far the University has come,” Dr. Davison’s daughter, Deborah Antinori told attendees. “It’s an incredible honor and my father would have been humbled. He’d be saying ‘Let’s get in the lab and do something!’”

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Dr. Wellen Davison’s daughter, Deborah Antinori, with College of Engineering Dean S. Hossein Cheraghi

MASTER’S DEGREES CELEBRATION

THE ULTIMATE ACHIEVEMENT BY BRENDAN PAYNE L’12

Joining the ranks of the more than 43,700 alumni of Western New England University, the members of the graduate student Class of 2014 celebrated their great accomplishment with family, friends, and faculty during the Master’s Degrees Celebration on August 23, 2014 at Rivers Memorial Hall. The Master’s Degrees Celebration is the yearly capstone event for our graduate students from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Engineering. Advanced degrees were awarded to teachers, engineers, and business professionals.

Theodore James Fatse G’14

President Anthony S. Caprio opened the ceremony with a brief history of Western New England’s commitment to graduate education. Joseph Chilala G’14

“The University’s mission has evolved and broadened significantly, but we have remained committed to our special calling to facilitate the education of adult students and professionals,” he explained of our institution, which was founded nearly 100 years ago to provide higher education options to full-time workers. “Our future, as we move toward our Centennial in 2019, just a few years away, will be marked by a continued dedication to excellence, visionary thinking, flexibility and entrepreneurial spirit,” he said. The honor and responsibility of the Celebration address was bestowed upon Alumnus of the Year Colonel Timothy P. Alben G’01 (pictured above with President Caprio). Alben, a 30-year veteran of the Massachusetts State Police and 2001 graduate of the Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration program was also presented with the President’s Medallion.

“I’m humbled and honored to be here,” he said. “Western New England University means so much to me. Over the course of my career, the time I spent here, and what I’ve taken away from that experience has all been very, very positive.” In addition, Outstanding Graduate Student awards were presented to the following:

Master of Business Administration Anthony Bender ’13/G’14 Master of Science in Accounting Theodore James Fatse G’14 Master of Science in Engineering Management Joseph Chilala G’14 Master of Arts in English for Teachers Allison J. Kannus G’14 Master of Arts in Mathematics for Teachers Geraldine A. Fimognari G’14

Allison J. Kannus G’14

Geraldine A. Fimognari G’14

www.wne.edu/alumni

BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS PROGRAMS Help Families Find Strategies for Success

BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10

Several nights a week, the halls of the Center for the Sciences and Pharmacy echo with the voices of children and their families. They are coming to meet with students in Western New England University’s graduate programs in Behavior Analysis (BA). As part of the students’ research on the assessment and treatment of behavioral issues associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders, ADHD, sleep interference or other disorders, they work with area families to help their children find strategies for successful negotiation of day-to-day living.

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“All of the students’ interventions are skills based, so they’re always teaching children skills. They follow the research on diagnostic expansion and the reason why kids are getting the diagnosis in the first place. However, when children have autism, our group’s focus is determining which skills to teach to help them be the best they can be.” —DR. GREGORY HANLEY, DIRECTOR OF THE PHD IN BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS PROGRAM

The children range in age from one to eighteen years old. A typical family comes to the Center three times a week for an hour over the course of six to twelve weeks. Parents may actively participate in the sessions as children learn skills to replace their problem behavior or watch them work with graduate students through a two-way observation mirror. At the end of the program, the sessions are moved to their homes to help transition the skills learned in the lab to the familial environment.

A Good Year for the Doctoral Program in Behavior Analysis Welcoming its first six candidates in fall 2008, the PhD in Behavior Analysis was the inaugural doctoral program to be offered by Western New England University. Today the program admits 7-10 students per year, all of whom have previously completed master’s degree programs and are Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) or eligible to become BCBAs. Thirty-seven students are enrolled in the program, and 19 candidates have completed all doctoral program requirements. Now these graduates are on the frontlines of behavior analysis education as they find solutions to help children and their families. One of just 20 doctoral programs in Behavior Analysis worldwide, the Western New England University program provides a valuable resource for educating future educators, researchers, and scientist-practitioners. In May 2014, the doctoral program gained an important credential when it was accredited by the Association of Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).

That fall Dr. Hanley and three doctoral students published an article titled “Producing meaningful improvements in problem behavior of children with autism via synthesized analyses and treatments” (Hanley, Jin, Vanselow, & Hanratty, 2014) in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA), considered by many to be the leading journal in the ﬁeld of applied behavior analysis. According to Tim Vollmer, JABA editor, “The feedback from readers of this article has caused quite a sensation. It is one of the most practically useful and thoroughgoing articles ever published in the journal.” Vollmer found the paper “so interesting that I invited Greg to give the inaugural ‘video abstract’ for the journal, in which Greg gave a brief video presentation of the work.”

In 2010, Western New England University again partnered with the prestigious Center to offer the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis. Located in Southborough, MA, the Center and its residential group homes serve 483 children with Autism Spectrum Disorders through a faculty and staff of 1,000. It also has a school in Abu Dhabi. Dr. Allen Karsina PhD’10, BCBA-D, who serves as director of professional development at NECC, has a unique distinction. Not only was he the ﬁrst graduate of the doctoral program in Behavior Analysis, he was the University’s ﬁrst-ever PhD graduate.

NECC—A Partnership for Educating Educators The doctoral and master’s programs owe their genesis to the Department of Psychology, which developed undergraduate internships at the New England Center for Children (NECC) in the 1980s. As the Department of Psychology grew and its faculty became more diverse in specialization and research, Chair Dennis Kolodziejski and College of Arts and Sciences Dean Saeed Ghahramani got the support of President Anthony S. Caprio to expand the NECC relationship to develop the doctoral program. Working with NECC CEO Vincent Strully Jr. and Dan Gould, chief clinical ofﬁcer for the Abu Dhabi campus, they forged a unique partnership to enable NECC faculty and others to gain advanced study in Behavior Analysis.

Dr. Allen Karsina PhD’10, BCBA-D

“Being a member of the ﬁrst cohort means a great deal to me,” said Allen. “As the ﬁrst cohort, we were in a position to see the program develop before our eyes, and were keenly aware of all of the hard work, hopes, and dreams that were put into creating the program by so many people. So to see the program develop, grow, and succeed, and to (Continued on next page)

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“The quality of the faculty as a whole is almost unparalleled among PhD programs in Behavior Analysis. That and the particular attention to scholarship in teaching sets this program apart from others.” —DR. NICOLE RODRIGUEZ PHD’10

Beyond the U.S., as Autism Spectrum Disorders continue to grow in worldwide diagnosis, word of the programs at Western New England University are getting around and attracting an increasingly international enrollment.

(Continued from previous page) be a part of that development and success, was quite an honor.” As the director of NECC’s professional development programs, Allen sees firsthand the impact the Western New England programs have on his faculty: “This partnership helps the students identify faculty who are interested in the same lines of research as they are and to discuss the research with the advisor before joining the program.” Few disciplines can offer such immediacy in application as BA—called evidence-based educational services. “NECC is very open to incorporating the latest research findings into the classroom, whether on an evaluative basis for newer research findings or on a wider basis for more established findings,” said Allen. “For example, Greg Hanley gave several workshops on the procedure developed from his recent research to the clinicians at NECC, and the clinicians, many of whom are faculty or graduate students themselves, implemented the procedures with their students and presented their findings at the most recent annual conference of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy [BABAT]. This is a nice example of research informing classroom practice informing research.” Allen’s colleague, Dr. William Ahearn, the director of research at NECC, teaches in the Behavior Analysis graduate programs. In addition to teaching for more than 25 years, Bill has worked with BABAT since 1996. This group is the largest membership organization of BAs in the Commonwealth and the oldest. “Following the passage of the Autism Insurance

Reform Legislation (ARICA; BA is the only treatment for autism with sound empirical support) in Massachusetts, there was a push within and outside of the community of BAs to establish a state license,” he explained. “As BABAT’s chair of public policy, I helped to organize the effort to pass a licensing bill that aligned with the industry standards of BA. BABAT, other BAs, parent advocacy groups, and others joined together to support a bill sponsored by Rep. John Scibak of South Hadley. Rep. Scibak was able to champion the cause and with Dr. William Ahearn, director of research at NECC strong support by Mass BAs a licensing bill was signed into law by and treat problem behavior in an outGov. Patrick in January of 2013. The patient model for an average of $7,000 regulations should be promulgated any over a two-three month span transiday now and licensing applications will tioning into the home,” said Dr. Hanley. be processed as of January 1, 2015.” “The average cost of raising a child As a result of his involvement in dewith such a diagnosis is $3.2 million veloping the regulations, Bill was apmore than for a typical child.” Without pointed to the Allied Mental Health and the alternatives offered by hiring liHuman Services Professions board of censed BAs, he said, “Many of these registration by Governor Deval Patrick, children are on the doorstep to residenwhich oversees several disciplines and tial care in Massachusetts, which costs developed the insurance reform law up to $300,000 a year.” that provides consumers access to BA services and licensing. “It is helpful in protecting the consumer by identifying To learn more about the Master clearly qualiﬁed BAs and also providing of Science in Applied Behavior professional BAs with a clear right to Analysis and the Doctoral in practice with access to reimbursable services,” he said. Behavior Analysis programs, visit Access to resources that are covered www.wne.edu/msbehavioranalysis by insurance is vital for families raising and www.wne.edu/behavioranalysis. children with behavior disorders. “A recent article showed that you can assess

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GRADUATES EXPAND PROGRAM REACH— AROUND THE GLOBE AND THROUGH THE WEB AS AN UNDERGRADUATE IN ICELAND, Asa Ingimarsdottir G’14 knew she wanted to study Applied Behavior Analysis, but at that time there was no master’s program offered in that country. At a meeting of ICEABA, she heard good things about the quality of programs offered in the U.S. and began to investigate her options. “I knew that I wanted to focus on individuals with autism and when talking to people in ICEABA there was really one school and place that I could go to: Western New England,” she said. While the number of master’s programs in the U.S. in the discipline are growing, the partnership between Western New England and the New England Center for Children remains unique. “I don’t know of a lot of programs that offer both the classes and the practicum in the same setting,” said Asa. “Working at the New England Center for Children while you study and get your practicum at the same time is in my opinion a huge beneﬁt. The professors are all very knowledgeable and respected in the ﬁeld and bring in years of experience to their students.” Today, Asa has brought her new skills and research back home. She works as a consultant to teachers and staff at Klettaskóli, a school for children with special needs. It enrolls about 110 students and with a variety of disabilities, but about 65% of students are diagnosed with autism (and often some other disability as well). “I observe the student in his or her Asa Ingimarsdottir G’14 classes. Then I meet with the teachers and the staff of each class and together we come up with guidelines for working with the student. I also look at the data that the teachers collect on the students’ behavior and evaluate if our interventions are working and affecting the students’ behavior,” she said.

HERE IN THE U.S., Dr. Nicole Rodriguez PhD’10 already had both an impressive academic background and extensive experience in the assessment and treatment of severe problem behavior when she enrolled in the doctoral program. Today she is the coordinator or the Early Intervention program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Munroe-Meyer Institute. The caliber of the PhD faculty was critical in her decision to study at Western New England. “On a personal level, what attracted me most to the program was the opportunity to work under the mentorship of Dr. Rachel Thompson,” she explained. “Aside from being someone whom I admire professionally and who is highly respected in the field, she is very skillful in her approach to cultivating the necessary skills in her students.” The opportunity for Faculty Fellowships at Western New England was also important to Nicole. “Fellowships enable graduates of the doctoral program to learn how to bring scholarship to teaching and directly influence students who are the future of the field,” she said. Currently, Nicole’s research is focused on verbal behavior (language development) and restricted and repetitive behavior in autism. In the rapidly developing field of Behavior Analysis, she said sharing best practices is essential. “Sometimes the procedures we use are unique or expand on current research in the area of addressing skill deficits and excesses in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders,” said Nicole. “Publishing our findings is one way of doing that and it helps ensure that we continue to grow as a field, making the biggest impact we can on the children we work with and their families.” Nicole’s husband, Dr. Kevin C. Luczynski PhD’11, shares her passion for helping people with behavior disorders. Kevin is an assistant professor in the Applied Behavior Analysis Doctoral Program and director of the Virtual Care program at the Munroe-Meyer Institute. The Virtual Care program is an innovative initiative that uses the Web to provide parents with access to intervention techniques. Dr. Kevin C. Luczynski PhD’11 “Without individualized and intensive programming, the long-term goal of integrating children with an ASD into public educational and vocational settings is, unfortunately, discouraging,” said Kevin. “Although these children require specialized services, there is a shortage of trained, certified providers in ASDs, and many families are not receiving the necessary care.” He said the effects of the shortage of therapists is compounded for families who live in rural communities and for socioeconomically disadvantaged parents who cannot afford the services or the loss in wages associated with transporting their child to specialized treatment centers. “The goal of our Virtual Care program at the Munroe-Meyer Institute’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders is to overcome geographic barriers by leveraging web-based technologies to efficiently and effectively teach parents to implement behavior-reduction and skill-acquisition programs in the convenience of their home,” he said. Kevin’s research also includes continuing research begun with Dr. Hanley to understand and help improve pediatric sleep disturbances. In his role as educator at the Munroe-Meyer Institute, he is seeking to replicate the training model he experienced at Western New England. “The implications of providing quality training to master’s and doctoral students who work with children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and related disabilities is profound because they become more capable and confident in delivering habilitative services that change the lives of those children.” n

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BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10 AND BRIAN ZELASKO

UNIVERSITY WELCOMES NEW APPOINTEES TO Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Linda Jones A national expert in structural ceramic materials and glass, Dr. Linda E. Jones most recently served as vice president of statutory affairs at Alfred University. “I look forward to working closely with Dr. Jones as we continue to develop new academic programs and to advance the University,” commented University President Anthony S. Caprio. As provost, Dr. Jones is the University’s chief academic officer and oversees the academic integrity of all its Colleges. The provost is responsible for working with the deans and faculty to advance the mission of the University. She also oversees the academic appointment process. Previously Dr. Jones headed the New York State College of Ceramics, which is composed of the School of Art and Design and the Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering, as well as of the Scholes Library and the Schein-Joseph Museum. While the College of Ceramics is a unit of the SUNY system (public), it is administered and housed by Alfred University (private). Prior to her post at Alfred University, Dr. Jones was the director of the Picker Engineering Program and the Rosemary Bradford Hewlett Chair at Smith College. She received her Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in fuel science, materials science, and engineering from Pennsylvania State University, and a B.S. in Chemistry from Mary Washington College.

How is Western New England unique in our understanding of our students and their various needs transitioning to college?

We have over the years developed a learner-centered approach to student engagement. In other words, we work to understand the experiences and strengths of our students as they walk into our classrooms, labs, studios, and practice fields. Each one of us is a coach guiding students through this educational experience. There is enormous power in a collaborative engagement between those of us working to deliver the curriculum and those of us who are engaged in all aspects of student life and learning outside of the “classroom.” I think we work well collaboratively to support all of our students. This connection between the curricular and cocurricular communities on campus is one I would like to continue to build upon.

What makes this university special in terms of our heritage of liberal arts education mixed with our professional programs?

There are very few institutions our size that have liberal and professional colleges and schools on the same campus. We have rich disciplinary offerings in the humanities, arts, and social sciences. There is power in coupling this liberal educational experience with the study of business, engineering, the law, and pharmacy. This academic pathway provides educational depth in the discipline and breadth or range of knowledge needed to understand and take reasoned action in an increasingly complex world.

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PRESIDENT’S STAFF

In July 2014, Dr. Linda Jones was named provost and vice president for academic affairs and Bryan Gross became vice president for enrollment management.

Vice President for Enrollment Management Bryan Gross Bryan J. Gross joined president’s staff as vice president for Enrollment Management, following a nationwide search. “With his broad experience in student recruitment strategies and retention programs, I’m confident Bryan will make a significant contribution to the University as we approach our centennial anniversary,” said President Caprio. Gross has already begun to engage the University community in conversations about enrollment and retention priorities and galvanize faculty and staff around common enrollment goals. He most recently served as the associate vice president of enrollment management at St. John’s University. His previous positions include serving as the associate vice president of admissions and dean of admission for the University of Bridgeport, where he also served in several other capacities during his tenure there (2004-2012). He received his M.Ed. from Springfield College and a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Pennsylvania State University. Gross serves as an external reviewer for the American International Recruitment Council (AIRC) and has presented at conferences internationally on best practices in international student recruitment.

What is it about Western New England University that made you want to accept this new role?

It was clear to me as soon as I stepped foot on this campus that there was something special about the way in which the faculty, students, and administration work together to support student success. I felt there were so many strong programs already in place, yet at the same time, there was openness to new ideas and ways in which we can make our campus community even stronger.

When speaking with parents at Open Houses, what do you tell them makes Western New England University unique?

While our academic and residential hall facilities are outstanding, and clearly present our campus in a positive light, I most often find myself talking to parents about our faculty members as being our most special unique differentiator. Our faculty members really go out of their way to get to know their students and are invested in their success. While most schools will state this in their marketing materials, it is most often the parents who point out to me that we really seem to “walk the talk” in this area.

What are some of your main goals in the year ahead?

I want to work with members of the University community to help them understand the connection between enrolling the “right fit” students and how that leads to success in student retention. I also want to help my colleagues understand the critical role we all play as brand ambassadors and the ways in which they can help promote our brand in a way that is consistent with our mission. This allows them to convey their personal experiences through their own unique lens. www.wne.edu/alumni

BIG DATA= BIG OPPORTUNITIES FOR VAN NGUYEN

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

BY ALEX LYMAN ’12

With the increasing focus on Big Data, content so large it must be analyzed differently than general data, major corporations have used the constant flow of numbers to their advantage in such diverse fields as cancer research and sports performance. Big Data is generally gathered from cloud, mobile, and social technologies, and has driven the traditional analytic software model to evolve, and has also offered unparalleled opportunities to expand and improve the standard business plan. Senior Van Nguyen has also seen the opportunity in Big SAP expertise gives graduates a competitive advanData to launch a fast-paced career in business analytics. tage because it is expensive for companies to provide As a Marketing major, with a minor in Enterprise Renew hires the broad training required to become fluent source Planning (ERP), Van’s academic and career interin the software. Even if a company uses a program other ests synthesized to give him a versatile background. This than SAP, our students are better equipped to adapt and helped him to land a prestigious summer internship at quickly learn a different program. UTC Aerospace Systems in North Carolina. The company “Since UTC has recently adopted SAP as its main busiwas so impressed with his expertise that it offered him ness information system, I quickly became an asset,” he a part-time position with the UTC explained. “By utilizing my Aerospace Systems’ location in Windknowledge in SAP, I was able “One important lesson learned from sor Locks, CT, while he completes his to immediately generate acmy internship at UTC Aerospace senior year. curate reports and instruc“To me, the most interesting eletions to help to my colleagues Systems is to think and execute by ment of Big Data analysis is that you with their assignments. This looking at the bigger picture.” can understand exactly how a comknowledge was a big factor in pany is performing by simply paying the success of my internship.” attention to the details and the trends of the data,” Van As a marketing analyst at UTC Aerospace Systems, said. “Big Data analysis is extremely practical and can Van said his coursework prepared him to learn to navibe applied to every aspect of life.” gate various analytical software programs such as StaVan took advantage of courses that integrated the entistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and SAS terprise resource planning software SAP into the College (Statistical Analysis System), as well as advanced Miof Business curriculum. crosoft Excel techniques. SAP is used worldwide to maximize efficiency through“One important lesson I learned from my internship at UTC Aerospace Systems is to think and execute by looking out the various departments within an organization. at the bigger picture,” Van said. “Western New England Western New England University is one of only 10% of University provided me with a tremendous amount of schools in the nation that include SAP in its curriculum. resources to prepare me for this industry. The best part Last year, about 40% of Business graduates received ceris that my skills are also transferable to other fields.” n tification in SAP.

www.wne.edu/alumni

HOMECOMING 2014

Tucker Schumitz receives some blocking help from Kevin Cook during the Golden Bearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 17-14 victory over Westfield State University.

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Karoline Sperber fights for a position against an Eastern Nazarene player during the Golden Bearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 1-0 overtime victory.

Alumni, Family, and Friends Reconnect at Homecoming 2014

Catch more of the festivities >>>> www.wne.edu/alumni

Midfielder Corey Caster battles with an Eastern Nazarene Lion during a 2-1 double-overtime win for the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer team.

BY BRIAN FITZGERALD

ALUMNI, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS RECONNECT AT HOMECOMING

HOMECOMING 2014 FUTURE GOLDEN BEARS?

Homecoming, held on September 13, was a great day for catching up with old friends—and catching some comedy from the University’s Improv on the Rocks troupe, as well as enjoying exhibitions by the Martial Arts Team on Golden Bear Boulevard. Fans also witnessed victories by the football team and men’s and women’s soccer teams—and the rain that was forecast that day held off until the late afternoon! Homecoming Weekend featured comedy performances by T.J. Miller and Thomas Middleditch, children’s activities, tours of campus—including the expanded and renovated Sleith Hall—food and hospitality tents, and various reunions, including the wrestling team’s 40th Anniversary “Family” Reunion Weekend, and the U&ME/MGA Reunion Dinner Dance.

THE MARTIAL ARTS TEAM

Events on Friday included the Golden Grads Luncheon and the Career Development Center Walk-in, where alumni had the opportunity to meet with career advisors, have their resumes reviewed, and talk about career strategies. On Friday evening, the following athletes were inducted into the Downes Hall of Fame at a dinner celebration: Steve Sugermeyer ’78 (wrestling), Gary Crowley ’84 (men’s cross country), Mike Raymond ’02 (men’s tennis), Elena Massa ’04 (women’s swimming), Kristy Kehoss ’06 (softball), and Adam Cherry ’06 (men’s lacrosse). On Saturday, participants who registered for Homecoming online took advantage of the chance to spin “the wheel of prizes.” Events held on Sunday included the men’s soccer alumni game and the Brandon Turbet Memorial Homecoming 5K to honor the memory of the 2006 graduate and to raise money for the Brandon Filip Turbet Memorial Fund.

View the Homecoming video, as well as photos of the festivities. Look for The Communicator’s “Web Extras” on the alumni website: www.wne.edu/alumni.

IMPROV ON THE ROCKS

Nancy Bazan Fenton ’92/L’95, Dave Fenton, and daughters

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Andrew Roberts ’13 and Patrick Cameron ’13

GOLDEN BEAR SPIRIT

Army ROTC cadet and senior Glenda Hernandez

THE “WHEEL OF PRIZES”

Malik Champlain ’07 and daughter

THE ROTC PUSHUP CHALLENGE

Dominic Seguro ’13 greets Talia Mosley ’13 and Renise Washington ’13.

www.wne.edu/alumni

FACULTY PROFILE

BY BRENDAN PAYNE L’12

COGNITIVE BENEFITS PROFESSOR JASON SEACAT’S RESEARCH PROJECTS EXPLORE THE IMPACT OF THE SOCIAL STIGMA SURROUNDING OBESITY

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Professor Seacat’s Daily Diary Assessment of Weight Stigma program, now in its fourth year, has received coverage in New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, the London Globe and Mail, US News, Salon.com, and an interview on NPR.

HEN ASKED WHY HE PURSUED A CAREER IN PSYCHOLOGY, Associate Professor Jason Seacat said, “The field of psychology is about helping people in many different ways.” That is what he is doing with his research pursuits at the University. Professor Seacat is currently juggling four interdisciplinary and inter-institutional research projects. Three of these endeavors involve the critical issue of obesity and the social stigmas that surround it in our society. Since 2010 in his Daily Diary Assessment of 50 woman worldwide, called the Weight Stigma program, Professor Seacat’s team examined the different types of weight stigma and discrimination that overweight and obese women experience on a daily basis. “We found that these women experienced high rates of stigmatization [average of three events per day] and that these events are often perpetuated by strangers, doctors, and even close family members and spouses,” he explained. “The rates of stigma/discrimination experienced by women in this study were higher than has ever been published in the literature.” His student Sarah Dougal ’12 assisted in this assessment, which received coverage in New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, the London Globe and Mail, US News, Salon.com, and an interview on NPR. “As a result of this study, I am now collaborating with Dr. E-K Daufin at Alabama State University on a brand new project looking at the daily lives of overweight African American women to specifically assess the interactive effects of race and obesity stigma on exercise and diet,” he continued. “Fortunately, I have an excellent senior undergraduate psychology student, Rebecca Ludecke, who is collaborating with us on this project.” Closer to campus, Professor Seacat is working with Psychology students Alexander DeFelice and Nick Boileau and graduate Filip Novokoski ’14 (now at Columbia University) on a project to assess implicit forms of weight bias among undergraduate students. Additionally, he developed a project with Western New England’s own Dr. Jessica Carlson, along

with Dr. Amy Gorin, from the University of Connecticut, that assesses how experiences with weight stigma may impact such important outcomes as workplace satisfaction and organizational commitment. He also is spearheading a first-ofits-kind interdisciplinary project with Boileau and Sustainability student Jonathan Arvanitis to assess municipal recycling patterns in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He has long been a strong advocate for both learning in the classroom and through research. “Training in psychology is not only about learning important theories of human behavior and publishing empirical findings,” he said. “It is also about hands-on application of skills and creative ideas to addressing the most important issues facing humankind. Students involved in my research have their hands on every aspect of the research process—from using the scientific method to develop a topic and hypothesis, implementing a study, analyzing the findings, and writing up the research for presentation and/or publication. Not only does this process provide students with ample opportunities for critical skill development, it also allows them to ‘try on’ psychology as a profession and to network with other psychology experts from around the country.” These experiential learning opportunities that Dr. Seacat is coordinating help make our students attractive to many graduate schools and employers. Although students often pursue the field of psychology because of a strong desire to help others, he said it is important to note that “helping others can take many different forms, and while the more traditional routes in psychology involve students pursuing clinical or counseling professions, a growing number of students are also pursuing paths that involve education, public health, psychology in the workplace, and even supervisory roles in higher education.” Professor Seacat’s work exemplifies the University’s dedication to the individual, ensuring that every student has access to the personal attention and experiential learning opportunities necessary to get a jumpstart on future success. n

www.wne.edu/alumni

CAMPUS UPDATE

BY JUDY CURRAN

LAW SCHOOL HOSTS LEGAL INSTITUTE FOR LOCAL STUDENTS Western New England University School of Law partnered with MassMutual Financial Group and the Just the Beginning Foundation to bring the Summer Legal Institute to western Massachusetts for a second year. Forty high school students from throughout greater Springfield participated in the weeklong institute. The program involves a curriculum that is highly interactive and fun. Program activities are designed to motivate and encourage students on a path toward academic and personal success while immersing them in many aspects of the legal and judicial systems. At the end of the week, the students’ families joined them for a ceremony in which students were awarded certificates and prizes for their accomplishments and their mock-trial performances in the courtroom.

”Much of what young people know about our judicial system they learn from television, which can be quite distorted. This program helps demystify what attorneys really do and how our court system really works. It’s an eye opening experience for many of these young students.” —ERIC GOUVIN, DEAN, WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW

COLLEGE OF PHARMACY CELEBRATES FOURTH ANNUAL WHITE COAT CEREMONY The Class of 2018 was welcomed into the College of Pharmacy learning community on Monday, August 25, 2014. Throughout the ceremony, the recurrent theme was the “journey” that the members of the Class of 2018 had just embarked upon and the many memories, opportunities, and challenges they will experience along the way.

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WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY RECEIVES FIFTH GRANT FROM KERN FAMILY FOUNDATION The Western New England University College of Engineering has received nearly $450,000 from the Kern Family Foundation for five projects over the past three years. These grants are designed to bolster engineering students’ education, in order to better prepare our graduates for the demands of their field. In August 2014, the Foundation awarded the College of Engineering a grant of $282,260 that will allow the engineering faculty, led by S. Hossein Cheraghi, dean of the College of Engineering, to further integrate entrepreneurial principles into the engineering curriculum across all undergraduate majors. At the same time, these grants help to advance the goals of the Kern Entrepreneurship Education Network (KEEN)— a collaboration of U.S. universities that strive to inspire an entrepreneurial mindset in undergraduate engineering and technology students. The College of Engineering has been a participating member of KEEN since receiving its first grant from the Foundation in 2011.

Over the past year, the Foundation made three additional awards to individual members of the Engineering faculty totaling $86,865 for targeted initiatives aimed at further integration of an entrepreneurial orientation into the College of Engineering academic curriculum. Through these grants, Industrial Engineering Professors Julie Drzymalski and Tom K. Keyser, and Biomedical Engineering Professor Robert Gettens in collaboration with Marketing Professor Harlan Spotts, will strengthen the engineering curriculum to further enhance our engineering students’ preparation in their fields of study.

SHANDONG CHINA PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHED The Western New England University College of Engineering has recently begun a new academic and cultural partnership with Shandong University of Science and Technology in Shandong, China (SDUST). Nine Western New England University students and one faculty member, Dr. Kenneth Lee, professor and chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, arrived in China on May 17, for a month-long study abroad program that included a combined class of Western New England students and SDUST students. In addition to a rigorous academic schedule, students visited Beijing and the Great Wall of China, traveled on the Chinese bullet train at nearly 200 miles an hour, received martial arts instruction, and enjoyed several other cultural experiences.

www.wne.edu/alumni

ALUMNI FOCUS

BY BRIAN FITZGERALD

Three Degrees of Preparation GOING FOR HER THIRD WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY DEGREE, ASHLEY SKEETE ’10/G’12 BRINGS HER AEROSPACE INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE BACK INTO THE CLASSROOM. As in the case of many engineers, Ashley Skeete ’10/G’12 loved to build with LEGO bricks and tinker with gadgets as a child in Monroe, NY. Her parents suspected she might just be a budding engineer when she meticulously took apart their electronics devices, much to their dismay. “But I always put them back together again,” she says with a smile. Her passion for manufacturing and industrial engineering, speciﬁcally, was sparked by her 2008 summer internship at Robertet Flavors in Piscataway, NJ. Her team designed and implemented software and revamped some manufacturing processes for the company, which supplies ingredients for Ocean Spray products. “It was a blast,” she says, “and I worked for this company every chance I could during school breaks.” Majoring in Industrial Engineering, she concluded her undergraduate education with honors, graduating magna cum laude and receiving the award for Outstanding Senior in Industrial Engineering. Professor Emeritus of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Eric Haffner, whom she worked with as a teaching assistant in his Introduction to Engineering course during her senior year, praises Ashley as a creative self-starter with a bright future. “As a problem solver, she has the personality, enthusiasm, and ability to jump in and be an immediate contributor, adding real value,” he says.

INTERNSHIPS WERE THE KEY It was Ashley’s drive and initiative, along with her participation in internships all four years as an undergraduate, that set her apart from other candidates to land her ﬁrst engineering job at Boeing, where she worked as a functional analyst, systems integrator, and programming analyst on projects for several airplanes, including the Boeing 787 and the C17 Globemaster III, a large military transport aircraft. When she earned her MBA at the University online, one of the most important things she learned was how to participate in and lead virtual teams—essential in today’s global workforce—in such courses as Marketing and Strategic Management. Her team leadership talent certainly helped Ashley at her next company, GE Aviation, as a program inte-

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grator for the CT7 helicopter engine, and then as the evaluations engineer for the GE38-1B helicopter engine. “One of my first job assignments at GE was to lead a team located in Santiago, Chile, while I was stationed in Lynn, MA,” she says. “I had developed different presentation skills and clear audio/visual communication that were a direct result of my MBA experience.” Ashley points out that at Boeing and GE, she faced daunting challenges every day, but her education and experience opened doors. “I learned the engineering mindset for problem solving—how to attack a problem systematically,” she says. “There is almost never a simple answer to why a machine like a jet engine is failing.” At GE, her positions focused on project management, with her proudest accomplishment being the hard-fought FAA certification of the CT7-2E1 engine maintenance and overhaul manuals. “It was an incredible challenge,” she recalls. “I blended both of my degrees together when I approached my work, and the certification process taught me teamwork, perseverance, and to never be afraid to ask for help.”

NEXT STEP: BECOMING A TRIPLE GOLDEN BEAR Now Ashley has left GE to join the Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management as a PhD fellow, with a goal of bringing her industry knowledge into the classroom and becoming a tenured professor. She enjoyed her work at Boeing and GE immensely, and she wouldn’t mind more time in industry “if that’s what life has in store for me,” she says. But right now she has set her sights on getting her doctorate and teaching. “I’m looking forward to diving into research and exploring industries other than aerospace,” says Ashley. “It will be fun to see how other industries compare and contrast, and where they can leverage ideas and best practices from each other.” If past accomplishments are any indication of future success, the sky is the limit for Ashley’s skyrocketing career, whether it’s in teaching, aerospace—or both. n

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STRONG CONNECTIONS TO U&ME AND GSA The multicultural student organization United and Mutually Equal (U&ME) was like a “second home” for Ashley and many of her classmates when she was an undergraduate, and she still participates as much as she can. She made lifelong friends from U&ME and calls Assistant Dean of Diversity Programs and Services Yvonne Bogle ‘83/G’91 her “second mother.” The Gay/Straight Alliance (GSA) is another important club to Ashley. “I think both U&ME and GSA exist for the same reasons: to provide students with a haven on campus and to promote growth throughout the whole student population. It’s important that current students hear stories from alumni in order to continue the forward progress that has been made,” she says. www.wne.edu/alumni

THE LeCUYER FAMILY ENDOWED MATHEMATICS SCHOLARSHIP

MAKING AN IMPACT TODAY AND TOMORROW AT THE UNIVERSITY

BY BRIAN FITZGERALD

MICHAEL LeCUYER ’88 LOVED MAJORING IN MATHEMATICS AS AN UNDERGRADUATE. Math, which requires you to think clearly,

Michael LeCuyer ’88 and scholarship recipient Sarah Vogel

Michael’s parents: Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Edward J. LeCuyer Jr. and Carol LeCuyer

precisely, logically, and critically, is among the most rigorous and demanding of all intellectual pursuits—and that is why it’s so intimidating for many people. “Let’s face it, most people hate math,” he says with a laugh. “But there are a lot of great things you can do with a math degree. I want to encourage more students to major in math.” Michael recently established the LeCuyer Family Endowed Mathematics Scholarship, which is awarded to a full-time undergraduate student majoring in Mathematical Sciences, beginning in the student’s junior or senior year. The student must have a GPA that, if continued, would qualify him or her to graduate magna or summa cum laude. His inspiration for the scholarship was to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of his parents, Dr. Edward J. LeCuyer Jr. and Carol LeCuyer. Dr. LeCuyer was a professor of Mathematical Sciences at Western New England from 1965 through his retirement in 1999. Dr. LeCuyer is known for being one of the first people to write a textbook on computer programming for college students. His pioneering book, College Mathematics With a Programming Language (APL), was published in 1978, when it was a revolutionary approach to use computers to teach math. “I’m grateful to my friends who have stepped to the plate and contributed to the scholarship,” says Michael. An endowed scholarship is a gift that keeps on giving: the fund will continue to earn interest and pay the scholarship each year. “It’s definitely a special feeling to help students this way—to know you are making a difference,” adds Michael, a real estate developer and investor in Florida. For Mathematical Sciences student Sarah Vogel, Michael’s “investment” in this scholarship helps her pursue her dreams. “I am honored to be the first recipient of the LeCuyer Family Endowed Mathematics Scholarship,” says Sarah. “I am very passionate about my studies in mathematics and it is nice to be recognized for my hard work.” n

If you would like to support the LeCuyer Family Endowed Mathematics Scholarship, or establish a fund of your own, contact Elizabeth Simpson ’02/L’07/LLM’09, assistant director of gift planning and stewardship, at 413-796-2108 or elizabeth.simpson@wne.edu.

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GRADUATE STUDIES

BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10

Online Learning Helps Dual Degree Alumnus Balance Career and Family Anthony Bender ’13/G’14 was honored at the Master’s Degrees Celebration this past August as the Outstanding Graduate Student of the MBA program. That same month, as a result of earning his MBA, Anthony was promoted to Area Manager NFSD Operations-International at AT&T in Atlanta.

Anthony Bender ’13/G’14, with his wife, Jennifer; and sons Anthony and Domenic

Anthony’s story is a shining example of how the flexibility acumen. My courses were always easy to schedule and were of Western New England University’s online programs can flexible for a good work/life/education balance.” enable students to achieve their educational and profesAnthony’s recognition of both the challenges and resional goals while working full-time. wards of part-time learning quickly made him a model stuMarried with two sons, Anthony put completing his undent. “Anthony was a delightful student to work with and dergraduate degree on hold while he pursued his career. so on top of his game,” recalled Kara. “He was one of the In 2012 he was ready to finish what he had started. “I most proactive students that I have ever advised. He did a knew from working in the technology sector that online lot of creative things and studied very hard.” degree programs were becoming more mainstream,” he When he completed his BBA degree, Kara felt it was a recalled. “After weeks of research, I began ‘interviewing’ natural next step for the rising executive to earn his MBA. a short list of online program advisors to assess their Anthony continued to flourish in the online environment, university’s online program. I desired a program that drawing praise from many of his graduate program prowas established and offered traditional elements, but fessors. When it came time to name the 2014 Outstanding I quickly discovered that not all online programs were Student in the MBA program, the faculty determined that equal. Western New England University offered an outAnthony’s academic standing and leadership abilities standing traditional program and after a long discussion made him shine above the rest. with Kara Kapinos [’87/G’89], “Earning an MBA at Western New director of business student servEngland University was not an easy ices, I knew the University offered task. It required hard work, dedicaa similar rewarding and challengtion, and most of all the motivation ing online program.” to succeed,” said Anthony. “Through Explore your options in Business, Anthony enrolled in the Univerthe support of my family, professors, Communication, Creative Writing, sity’s Online BBA (Bachelor of and advisors, my journey was an Education, Engineering, and LeaderBusiness Administration) program, experience that will not be forgotten ship at www.wne.edu/gradstudies. a degree completion program for and I am truly a better person prostudents who have already earned fessionally and personally.” 30 or more transferable undergraduate credits. As a result of earning an MBA, AT&T leadership reassigned Anthony to lead a department of 140 associates lo“Western New England University offers online academic cated in the U.S. and Brno, Czech Republic. “Western New programs that are flexible, challenging, and rewarding England University has prepared me for career opportuwhich made all the sacrifices worth the effort,” said Anthony. nities and growth, but also opportunities in life—and that “The courses are led by accomplished instructors who not is good for anyone’s future!” he said. n only understand the value of my sacrifices, but also the importance of earning a degree to strengthen my business

Are you ready to shine brighter?

www.wne.edu/alumni

! t o h s p Sn

THE CLASS OF 2018 A LOOK AT OUR NEWEST STUDENTS

THE INCOMING CLASS AT-A-GLANCE 890 first-year and transfer students Students represent 21 states and 10 foreign countries 133 transfer students mark the largest group in school history BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10

First-year students come from 488 public and private high schools 62 separate majors or concentrations have been selected A total of 215 students are pursuing a major in Engineering 60 students have been conditionally admitted into one of our five-year joint bachelor’s and master’s degree programs 86 have expressed an interest in our 3+3 Law Program 33 have a parent who graduated from Western New England Transfer students have attended 54 different colleges in 16 states 22% self-identified as African American, American Indian, Hispanic, Asian, or multiracial; or are international students 48% are from Massachusetts; 22% from Connecticut; and 15% from New York

The Class of 2018 was selected from the largest applicant pool in school history. Here’s a snapshot of this dynamic group. Since becoming a university in 2011, Western New England University has enjoyed a growing reputation for the quality of its faculty and programs and the highly personal educational experience provided to its students. Last year, the University received 6,200 applications to its undergraduate programs. “You follow 43,700 other men and women who have studied, grown, and matured at this institution,” said President Anthony S. Caprio as he welcomed the incoming class to the University community at Fall Convocation on August 22, 2014. “Now, you are part of our evolving history, and it is my hope that you will be inspired by all that has come before you and that you will recognize how fortunate you are—all of us are—to be in this place at this time.” Indeed it is an exciting time to be a student at Western New England University. The Class if 2018 has a wide range of academic options through 46 academic majors and programs. Its members and transfer students can also begin working on their master’s

degrees in their senior years through our accelerated Five-year Bachelor’s/Master’s programs or pursue law degrees through our 3+3 Law or Six-year Engineering/Law programs. The Western New England campus is thriving thanks to strategic investments in academic facilities and programs, residence halls, and programs aimed at improving student success. Prospective students and their families ﬁnd the campus modern and well-appointed, as well as warm and welcoming. Campus visits and personal contact with faculty remain among the most inﬂuential factors in attracting undergraduate students.

An Impressive Community of Learners During his convocation remarks, President Caprio noted the group’s impressive academic credentials. “Your average SAT scores are signiﬁcantly above the national average, and some of you earned a perfect score on the math section of the ACT or SAT test,” he noted. “And remember, it was your own accomplishments that brought you here in the ﬁrst place…and it is with a belief in your promise that we accepted you to Western New England University.” n

BY ALEX LYMAN ’12

Golden Bear Athletics Reunions Athletics alumni gatherings bring former and current players together to look back on school accomplishments and forward to a bright future. The reunions highlight the importance of staying connected to the Golden Bear family and continuing to support athletics at Western New England University.

WRESTLING HELD ITS 40TH REUNION over Homecoming Weekend. The celebration kicked off Friday, September 12, with a golf outing at Veterans Golf Course. Steven Sugermeyer ’78, professional educator known as the “pioneer of wresting at Western New England,” was inducted into the Downes Hall of Fame on Friday evening. On Saturday, September 13, there was a reception during halftime at the football game. To close out an action-packed weekend, a banquet was held at the Holiday Inn in Enﬁeld, CT, on Saturday night.

(L-R) Debbie Solomon, Sebby ’84 & Bonnie Amato, Aggie Solomon, and Janet and Don ’84 DellaGuistina Seated-Brian Solomon ’84 and Gary Solomon ’86

MORE THAN 40 MEN’S SOCCER ALUMNI also reunited over Homecoming. The annual alumni game was refereed by upperclassmen. Alumni also spoke to players about the importance of staying connected with the Athletic family. MEN’S LACROSSE REUNITED over the weekend of October 4 and 5. A golf outing was held on Saturday at Veterans Golf Course, and an alumni game took place on Sunday. A parent/alumni dinner wrapped up the weekend and celebrated the start of a new season. n

(L-R) Mike Gleason, Karl Monteiro ’82, Rick “Hawk” Hurley ’78, Professional Educator Steven Sugermeyer ’78, Ted Schwamb ’76, John Worthington ’77 Seated-Olga Monteiro, Tracey Sugermeyer, and Debra Schuss-Lampley ’77

www.wne.edu/alumni

ALUMNI NEWS

BY BRIAN FITZGERALD

THE 2014 SKOOKUM AWARD WINNERS: EXCELLENCE PERSONIFIED The word “Skookum” in the Chinook language means “excellence,” and on September 21, Alumni Association Skookum Awards were presented to 15 students who have demonstrated this quality in academics, cocurricular activities, athletics, volunteer work, and community service. PJ Nassar was presented with this year’s Grand Skookum Award. Phuong Ha and Mark Martinez received Royal Skookum Awards, the secondhighest accolade.

Pictured (L-R) bottom row: PJ Nassar, Christina Andros, Elizabeth O’Reilly, Aubrie Przybysz, Kevin Babcock, Danielle Johnson, and Grace Kucharski. Middle row: Samuel McLaren, Danyelle Bigda, Phuong Ha, Mark Martinez, and Dena Navarroli, Top row: Matthew Humerick, President Anthony S. Caprio, Erik Carlson, and Chad Woodrow.

Engineering Mentoring Program Kick-off Dinner a Success Sponsored by the Alumni Association, the 14th annual Engineering Mentoring Program’s Kick-off Dinner on October 9 afforded 180 first-year students an opportunity to network with 32 alumni mentors and ask questions about what to expect in their studies over the next four years and the various engineering careers available to them afterward. The mentors in the program provide insight into the engineering field, how engineering concepts apply in the real world, help students explore career paths and build professional and personal contacts, and give them an idea of what to expect after graduation. Contact College of Engineering Assistant Dean Richard Grabiec at richard.grabiec@wne.edu or 413-782-1271 to learn more about becoming a mentor.

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COLONEL TIMOTHY ALBEN G’01 AND RYAN TURNER ’08 HONORED BY THE UNIVERSITY FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS Massachusetts State Police Superintendent and Colonel Timothy Alben G’01, praised for playing a pivotal role in the Boston Marathon bombing investigation that resulted in the apprehension of a suspect, was presented with the Alumnus of the Year award at the President’s Society Reception on September 23. Ryan Turner ’08, who completed his Ph.D. work in neuroscience at West Virginia University and is working on his M.D. at the same school, received the Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award at a September 21 brunch ceremony that also honored the Alumni Association Skookum Award winners.

SWING INTO ACTION

COLONEL TIMOTHY ALBEN G’01 For more than three decades with the Massachusetts State Police, Col. Alben has dedicated his career to serving and protecting the people of our Commonwealth. A 2001 graduate of the Western New England’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration program, he has accepted the University’s invitations to come back to campus for speaking engagements. This past August, Col. Alben was also presented with Western New England University’s President’s Medallion Award. In the late 1980s, he was an investigator for the Hampden County DA’s office. In the 1990s, he managed the Western Massachusetts Organized Crime Unit of the State Police, where his tenacious efforts led to the indictments of more than a dozen criminals. In July 2012, Governor Deval Patrick promoted him to Superintendent and Colonel of the State Police. In this role, following the Boston Marathon bombing on April 15, 2013, Col. Alben helped spearhead one of the most intense manhunts in U.S. history, which ended with an arrest four days later. “Col. Timothy Alben, thank you for your remarkable service to the public,” said Chairman of the Board of Trustees Kevin S. Delbridge ’77. “We are proud of you and your courageous leadership. We salute you.”

RYAN TURNER ’08 Ryan, who graduated from the University with a degree in biomedical engineering, earned a plethora of awards as an undergraduate, culminating in the Marston Engineering Award—granted annually by the entire engineering faculty to the student judged to have the most mature understanding of the principles of professional engineering practice—as well as the Grand Skookum Award, the highest honor bestowed upon recipients of the Alumni Association Skookum Award of Excellence. Enrolled in the Medical Scholars M.D./Ph.D. program at West Virginia University, Ryan will have his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees conferred upon him this May. His Ph.D. work was focused on traumatic brain injury and he is currently applying for neurosurgery residency. He is the author of 25 peer-reviewed papers and four book chapters, and has delivered 28 professional presentations. Ryan’s ties to Western New England University remain tight as he has advised seniors on their capstone Senior Design Projects and is always willing to talk to students about pursuing medical school. “For your many accomplishments and how you so admirably represent the University, we honor you this afternoon Ryan,” said Interim Chair of Biomedical Engineering Robert Gettens, who is also chair of Engineering Fundamentals at the College of Engineering.

www.wne.edu/alumni

THE 47TH ANNUAL ALUMNI GOLF TOURNAMENT COMING MAY 22, 2015 For more information, contact Kristina Oleksak at kristina.oleksak@wne.edu or 413-782-1557.

Pictured at last year’s tournament: (L-R) Eric Suther ’10, Nick Martino ’10, John Dominick ’10, and Steve Kearney ’10.

SPORTS UPDATE

BY KEN CERINO

SOCCER TEAMS COMPETE IN EXHIBITION GAMES AND STUDY IN EUROPE The Western New England men and women’s soccer teams both took preseason trips to Europe this past August that featured exhibition matches against many top area club squads, historic tours of cities, and cultures classes. Coach Erin Sullivan’s men’s squad visited Spain for the first time after previously taking similar trips to Austria, Germany, and Italy in 2004, 2008, and 2011. Coach Ron Dias’ women’s team made the program’s first ever foreign trip to Italy.

on the PAVILION UPDATE — Work continues

PHOTO BY PATRICK STEWART

is scheduled for new Golden Bear Pavilion that million project completion this spring. The $1.5 baseball, field will include new locker rooms for en’s lacrosse, hockey, football, men’s and wom softball. There men’s and women’s soccer, and ing rooms, also will be equipment and train ion stand. public restrooms, and a concess

To support this project, visit www.wne.edu/pavilion.

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WINTER 2015

Director of Athletics Mike Theulen and Men’s Athletic Program Director/ Senior Associate Director of Athletics Joe Sassi show off the Play4Jody T-shirts.

Jody Lemoi with his wife, Kristen, and PA Announcer/Official Hockey Scorer EJ Lafleur

Lemoi was a wide receiver for four seasons from 1998 to 2001 and a three-year starter who served as a team captain his senior season. He led the primarily running team with 26 receptions for 383 yards his final two years.

GOLDEN BEARS DEDICATE SEASON TO ATHLETICS ADMINISTRATOR JODY LEMOI ’02/G’04 The Western New England Department of Athletics ofﬁcially kicked-off its Play-for-a-Cause initiative on October 2, 2014 by dedicating the season to staff member Jody Lemoi ’02/G’04 who is battling leukemia. Jody, who serves as the Department’s business manager, returned to work in December after undergoing treatment. Each of the University’s 19 varsity teams is holding a special Play4Jody Day in his honor throughout the year. “My wife and I wanted to write to personally thank everyone for their support,” said Jody. “It’s been great to know that we have such a large support group in our corner. We’ve got, by far, the best support anyone can ask for. There are so many families on our side ﬁghting with me, my wife, mom, sister and brothers, my wife’s family, and of course, my Golden Bear Family.” Director of Athletics Mike Theulen told the more than 400 student-athletes who attended the kickoff event that “Jody is a special person and an important part of our Athletics Family. When one of our family members needs our assistance and support, we rally behind them.” Mike, his staff, and coaches presented the athletes with special T-shirts that featured the inscription, WIN OR LOSE! RESPECT YOURSELF, YOUR TEAMMATES, YOUR SCHOOL. GIVE IT YOUR ALL.

Those were the words former Golden Bears Coach Bill Downes used to encourage his men’s soccer teams. Bill, who is 77 years old and now coaching the men’s golf team, received the ﬁrst shirt from two of his former players, Eddy Lindsay ’78, and Gary “The Captain” LaPerle ’75. “Wear this shirt with pride and when things get tough, think of Jody Lemoi and what he’s going through,” Mike told the athletes. “All of us are Golden Bears and we’re always here for one another.” The Pottstown, PA, native also was a graduate assistant coach with the football program and worked as a Graduate Assistant Athletic Administrator at Western New England. For the past 10 years Jody has been the “Voice of the Golden Bears,” serving as the public address announcer at the men and women’s basketball games. Jody previously worked as a ﬁnancial advisor associate at Wells Fargo and director of operations at Look Park in Northampton, MA. He also was a lecturer in the College of Business from 2005 to 2010. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and Master of Business Administration. The Western New England football team wore a special decal with the number 2 (formerly worn by Jody during his playing days) on their helmets during their games this past season. n

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CLASS NOTES

BOWEN G‘79

BRYANT ’90

1979 DOUG BOWEN (MBA), president and CEO of PeoplesBank, was presented with the Community Bank Hero Award by Banker and Tradesman. The honor is for those in the banking industry who have gone above and beyond to better their organization and their community.

1982 TOM FLORENCE (ﬁnance/G’87 general business) was sworn in for a one-year term as president of the Massachusetts Collectors and Treasurers Association. Tom is the ﬁnance director/clerk, treasurer, and collector for the town of East Longmeadow, MA and a longtime Homecoming volunteer.

1983 JUAN CAMPBELL (government) was named sales manager at Consolidated Health Plans, a third party administrator of student health plans and selffunded employee beneﬁts plans in Springﬁeld, MA. He was previously vice president, sales, at Health New England.

1984 CHET WARAWKA (sociology) retired after 27 years with the Massachusetts State Police as

Winter 2015

EMPRIMA-MARTIN ’99

a lieutenant. He worked primarily with Troop B and was assigned to the Cheshire, Lee, and Northampton barracks, as well as the Canine Unit, Special Emergency and Response Team, and Community Action Team. Chet was last assigned to Troop B Headquarters in Northampton.

1985 BRIAN SURINER (management) joined the Keeney Manufacturing Company in Newington, CT, as director of marketing. He was most recently a national sales and marketing manager at McGuire Manufacturing.

PANTERA ‘01

GULLUNI ’03/L’07

1994 MICHAEL MORIARTY (MBA) was appointed senior vice president-western Massachusetts commercial banking team leader, at Farmington Bank. He was previously executive vice president-western Massachusetts commercial executive, at United Bank.

1995 JOSEPH KULIG (MBA) was named vice president, commercial lender, at Farmington Bank. Previously, was relationship manager TD Bank in Springﬁeld.

1996 1990 MAUREEN BRYANT (MBA) was named president of Delnor Hospital in Geneva, IL, as well as executive vice president of Cadence Health, the parent company of Central DuPage Hospital and Delnor Hospital. She was previously president and CEO of Morton Hospital in Taunton, MA. TIMOTHY STELZER (general business) is now executive territory business manager at Bristol-Myers Squibb. Prior to that, he was a neurology therapeutic specialist at Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. and a mentor to Western New England students.

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TODD MACK (management studies) was named director of ﬁnancial planning analysis at Cardinal Logistics Management in Concord, NC. He was previously manager of corporate ﬁnance at Ingersoll Rand in Davidson, NC.

1999 ANNIE EMPRIMA-MARTIN (general business) was appointed veterans coordinator at Vegas PBS in Las Vegas. As a member of the station’s Workforce Training & Economic Development division, she is responsible for connecting veterans to educational services and other opportunities. Annie, a staff

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HACKENSON ’04

sergeant in the Nevada Army National Guard, was previously an employment transition coordinator for the Department of Defense employment program, Hero2Hired.

2001 MATTHEW MCGINTY (management and leadership/G’05 MBA) was named vice president of sales and marketing at GTxcel, a digital, mobile, and website publishing provider in Southborough, MA. He was most recently vice president of sales strategy and client operations at RAMP Holdings, Inc. DAVID ROACH (education and history) was hired as assistant principal of Newtown (CT) High School. He comes to Newtown from Pomperaug (CT) High School, where he was a social studies teacher and football coach. JOHN PANTERA (business administration) founded Jack Sartori-Brooklyn, where he designs ties, pocket squares, and tie bars. He is also the owner of Pioneer Valley Wellness Inc. in East Longmeadow, MA. John is a frequent speaker and lecturer at the University, and spoke to students at last fall’s kickoff event of the University’s Sophomore Career Connections program.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? 2002 JOCELYN ZAKRI (psychology) started a new business: Little Lullabyes Family Sleep Consulting. She is a registered respiratory therapist, registered polysomnographer, and registered sleep consultant. “The family sleep consulting business was spurred following the arrival of my own children, when I realized there’s a whole new challenge of sleep with infants,” she writes.

Bill Greider ’11 FINANCE AND MARKETING COMMUNICATION/ADVERTISING

Social Media Engagement Officer: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Newton, MA

Social media is still a relatively new platform. How has it transformed into a viable career path that can benefit an organization like Dana-Farber? Think of social media as an extension of your overall communications or marketing message. If you were planning a national campaign, you would use social media to carry that campaign message just like you would print or radio and television. However, the way the message is delivered might be different on each of these channels. Within social media, each platform like Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest is looked at as a separate channel. The same messages may be delivered differently based on what type of demographic is following on each platform. For Dana-Farber, we use social media to echo our overall marketing messages and to deliver information from our blog or website to establish ourselves as thought leaders in cancer research and treatment. We try to educate followers on new research and treatments as well as what it’s like to be a patient at Dana-Farber, and why we feel our staff is the best in the world. How did Western New England University prepare you to be successful in your field? Western New England gave me the business education I needed to step into the workforce with conﬁdence. The University was also able to use its resources in the business world to help me apply and get hired for some really great internships, which paved the way for my current career. Did you have any particular mentors? I’ve had many mentors along the way. Professor Bosworth, my advisor, was always someone I was able to turn to for advice. I credit him with helping me decide to turn my Finance major and Marketing minor into a double major. This opened me up to other internship opportunities and eventually set me on my current path. What has it been like working for Dana-Farber, which has such a great mission and purpose? This is a new role for me and I can already tell you it is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done because of the mission. Every day I feel challenged because I work with so many smart people who push me to deliver at a high level. Additionally, there is a sense of urgency because the job I am doing affects lives, and when people are considering a cancer treatment center, picking the right place can mean life or death.

2003 ANTHONY GULLUNI (government/L’07) won the Hampden County District Attorney’s primary on September 9 by a landslide and unopposed in the November election. At 33, he is the youngest DA in the county’s history. Anthony was Assistant District Attorney under both William Bennett and Mark Mastroianni L’89.

2004 MICHAEL ALBANO (computer information systems) is the new associate director of operations, student ﬁnancial services, at Bay Path University. He was previously the associate director of ﬁnancial aid at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. ROBERT HACKENSON JR. (criminal justice) presented an “edutainment” lecture on the dangers of irresponsible social media use at the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s Charger Union Theater on April 7. Robert, who gives interactive presentations across the country, is also a hypnotist and was the “roving magician” at Western New England University’s 2013 Homecoming festivities.

www.wne.edu/alumni

ANTHONY SURRETTE (accounting/G’06 accounting), an entrepreneur and attorney, was named to BusinessWest magazine’s 40 Under 40 list, which showcases young business talent in western Massachusetts. Anthony, principal of Corbin & Tapases, P.C., is the co-owner of Sixteen Acres Coin-Op Laundry and The Nerdy Spoon, the frozen yogurt, dessert, and beverage shop that opened in 2013 in the Breckwood Shoppes near campus.

2005 AMY CAMEROTA (general biology) joined the practice of eye surgeon John Frangie in West Springﬁeld, MA. She is a doctor of optometry and her clinical experience includes the Family Eye Care Center in Westford, MA. TOM SKYPEK (government) was appointed a change manager at The Hartford in Hartford, CT. He was most recently a senior project manager at Carousel Industries after working as a lead associate at Booz Allen Hamilton in McLean, VA, for ﬁve years.

2006 JEFF LEONE (communication) joined Ayre Real Estate Co., Inc. in Agawam, MA, as a licensed real estate associate.

2007 MATTHEW MASCITELLI (psychology) is now a clinical psychologist for the U.S. Army in Fort Bragg, NC. He was previously a psychology resident at Fort Bragg, and prior to that, he was a psychology intern at the Army’s joint base LewisMcChord in Washington.

DEWITT ’09

MICHAUD ’10

STEVE IERACI (MBA) was named director of physician services for the Sisters of Providence Health System. He was most recently director, provider recruitment, at Hampden County Physicians Associates.

2009 SETH DEWITT (sport management) was named manager of public and community relations for the Springﬁeld Falcons of the American Hockey League (AHL). He comes to the Falcons from the AHL’s Iowa Wild, where he was the team’s corporate activation specialist. SCOTT KUKIS (general business) was appointed an account executive for Southwest U.S. at the software company Unidesk in Marlborough, MA.

PECK ’10

Prior to that, he was a leasing and sales agent at Park Associates Real Estate Group of Boston, LLC.

2010 KYLE BAK (sport management) is now an assistant women’s soccer coach at Providence College. He was previously an assistant women’s soccer coach at the University of New Hampshire. JORDAN IANNUZZI (sport management) was named sponsorship sales manager, events, at Time Out North America, a worldwide guide to art, entertainment, food and drink, and other activities. He was most recently assistant general manager for the Melbourne Aces Major League International team in Melbourne, Australia.

KAYLYN SMITH ’10

BRIAN MICHAUD (management studies) was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for “exceptionally meritorious service” in support of Combat Operations while serving in the U.S. Army’s 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry in Afghanistan for eight months. Brian, a First Lieutenant, returned home to Fort Hood, TX, last March. JORDYN PECK (mathematical sciences) was appointed a stress testing lead analyst for GE Capital in Norwalk, CT, after completing the GE Capital Financial Management Program. “During my time on the program, I had the chance to work in four GE Capital business units, as well as work internationally in Luxembourg and France, and I was also part of a group of 30 buildOn ambassadors that raised 125K to build two schools

FONTAINE ’11

in Nicaragua and work on site for a week,” she writes. “Making a tangible educational impact on a less fortunate community was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.” CHRIS SCUDERI (economics) joined John Hancock Investments in Boston as an internal business consultant. He was previously an associate ﬁnancial advisor at Curtin and Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. in Danvers, MA. KAYLYN SMITH (psychology) received an Administrator of Tomorrow Award from the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators. She is the assistant commissioner for the Commonwealth Coast Conference.

Stay Connected! Send your class note to: 34

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Office of Alumni Relations Western New England University 1215 Wilbraham Road Springfield, MA 01119-2684 Fax: 413-796-2219 Email: alumwne@wne.edu

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Rob Guiry ’10/G’14 SPORT MANAGEMENT/MBA

Former Residence Manager and Head Rugby Coach, Western New England University Contestant on The Biggest Loser: Glory Days Springfield, MA

What made you try out for The Biggest Loser and what was the process like to get on the show?

KIRSCHNER ’12

NOGA ’12

WRIGHT ’12

EVANGELISTA ’13

I always told myself that when I got out of school I would spend more time on myself and get my weight under control. As my MBA program was wrapping up, I received an email about a Biggest Loser casting call in Boston, which was perfect timing—what an excellent chance to change my life and get on track before entering the “real world” of the workforce. I met a lot of awesome people at the casting call, but also a lot of sad ones. That moment was really special for me because I realized the severity of this opportunity. If I got on the show and didn’t take everything I could from it, then I was wasting an opportunity someone else could have had. I was mentally committed at that point. Inside, we had a group interview and were told if they were interested, we’d hear from them about an individual interview. I didn’t think I had a shot! Sure enough, I got the call back interview, and was then flown out to LA for the final interviews and testing. At the end of it, they sat 19 others and myself down and let us know we had made it, that one of us would be the next Biggest Loser. What has it been like knowing that you’ve had so much support from your Golden Bear family? I didn’t need to go on The Biggest Loser to know I had support from my Golden Bear family. Since I stepped on campus as a freshman, I felt supported. That’s why it’s such a special place. I knew my friends, Residence Life family, and my Rugby brothers, among others, would have my back, and it certainly showed. The letters, support, and care packages that I received while on the show kept me going and I could never thank the people in my life enough for helping me through it. What lessons will you take from the show back to your real life? It ranges from simple things like believing in myself to understanding proper nutrition. One lesson was from fellow alum and Athletics Business Manager Jody Lemoi ’02/G’04, who is battling leukemia. He urged me to “Win Today” and that’s what I’ve tried to do. Not get caught up in the big overwhelming picture, but just focus on each day and trusting that if I can win each day, success will come my way. What’s next after the show finale? Your guess is as good as mine! I’m looking forward to seeing what opportunities present themselves after the show. I have new fitness goals, like riding across America, hiking the Appalachian Trail, and competing in my first triathlon. Career-wise, I’d love to keep coaching rugby. Developing young student-athletes is my passion in life.

2011 ALEX DOS SANTOS (finance) is now a sales associate for The Rush Indoor Cycling Studio in San Diego. He was previously a member of the risk management team at Farm Credit East, ACA in Enfield, CT. CHRIS FONTAINE (accounting) is a senior consultant at Orchid Advisors, LLC in East Hartford, CT. He was formerly an internal auditor at Smith & Wesson in Springfield. JOE DEPTULA (finance) is the new head coach of the Billings (MT) Bulls Hockey Club of the North American three Hockey League. He was the Bulls’ assistant coach for two years.

2012 JAMIE KIRSCHNER (marketingcommunication/advertising) is a student in the M.S. in Advertising program at Boston

www.wne.edu/alumni

University and is a graduate assistant in the university’s College of Communication Graduate Services Ofﬁce. She was previously an admissions counselor at High Point (NC) University. “I attribute a great deal of my development and motivation from my four undergrad years at Western New England,” writes Jamie. She can be reached at Jamie.kirschner@icloud.com. ALEX NOGA (information technology) has been promoted from desktop support specialist to information security administrator at Boston University, where he is earning a master’s degree in Computer Information Systems. LASHAWNA WRIGHT (psychology) was appointed assistant director for student involvement and multicultural programs at Presbyterian College. She was previously an academic success coach

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Norma Ortega ’93 HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Manager, University Relations— Talent Acquisition Traveler’s Companies, Inc. Cromwell, CT Why did you choose to pursue Human Resources? Did anyone inspire you during your college years? MACDUFF ’13

NELIS ’13

I was the ﬁrst in my family to graduate high school and college, and I never had much of a role model. I taught myself how to dream big—it’s something I’m proud of, and something I’m sure others out there are experiencing. However, without someone to turn to for advice, I felt unsure about which career path to head down. I didn’t always know that Human Resources was what I wanted to do. I switched my major two or three times. It wasn’t until I took a business law course with Professor Harvey Shrage that I started down the HR path. Professor Shrage took the time to ask simple questions, such as, “What is it you like to do?” It helped focus my career aspirations, and between my response and his guidance, that jump-started my academic career.

WASHINGTON ’13

MERCER ’14

What does your day-to-day work entail?

and academic progress monitor at Western New England University.

2013 RACHEL EVANGELISTA (criminal justice) is a transportation security ofﬁcer at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, CT. She was most recently a registered pharmacy technician at Westown Pharmacy in Manchester, CT. ERIC MACDUFF (criminal justice) was sworn in as a fulltime patrol ofﬁcer for the Lyndeborough (NH) Police Department. He had been a security guard at Lowell (MA) General Hospital. MAUREEN NELIS (integrated liberal studies) traveled to the Dominican Republic several times with the Community Baptist Church in Manchester, CT for volunteer activities that have included building a church annex, delivering

water ﬁlters, distributing anti-parasite medicine, and handing out toiletries, blankets, and fresh food. RENISE WASHINGTON (psychology) is a teacher/dorm staff member at The Grove School in Madison, CT. She was formerly a graduate assistant of residence life at the University of Hartford.

2014 ALICIA GARCIA (management) is an electronic health records application specialist at Women’s Health USA in Avon, CT. She was previously a wholesale accountant at Brooks Brothers/Retail Brand Alliance in Enﬁeld, CT. ANNE MERCER (marketing communication/advertising) is the content manager at Titan Web Marketing Solutions in Murfreesboro, TN. She is also a freelance copywriter.

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My primary goals include building and enhancing the company’s college recruiting programs, managing the recruitment process for new college graduates and summer interns, and helping to develop strategies for attracting talent. A few of my favorite aspects are building relationships with professors and universities, as well as hosting student development sessions and providing career counsel. I enjoy working with the students to help them translate their academic strengths to future employment opportunities. How has your experience at Western New England helped you relate to the students you work with today? Western New England University’s professors, career services, and the Ofﬁce of Diversity Services all served as role models for me. They took the time to support and prepare me for the real world through key classes, assistance obtaining an internship, and providing career-related advice. Having the relationships with those areas was critical for my success and I now share their advice and have adopted their sincerity with the students I help now. Do you have any advice for students pursuing a career? Begin your career search during the ﬁrst year. The workplace is competitive and it’s important that you not only maintain a solid GPA, but take the opportunity to build a résumé early on and attend career events. Obtain an internship relatable to your major or gain exposure in a work setting that will help round your skills and prepare you for your chosen career path. Get involved with community and campus activities and organizations. Many major employers lead by example and are heavily involved in the community, and look for those qualities in prospective employees. Also, maintain key relationships. Whether it’s with professors, volunteer organizations, or past employers—they can help you prepare for your employment endeavors. WINTER 2015

Marriages KATIE MCDEVITT ’08 and KYLE MCGUIRE ’09, August 10, 2013, in Block Island, RI DANIELLE MATTE ’08 and MARC MURPHY ’08, September 1, 2013, in Waterville Valley, NH DANIELA CASTILLO ’06/G’13 and LOUIS CZERWINSKI ’03, April 11, 2014, in Prospect, CT JESSICA SMITH ’10 and DANIEL ROSCIGNO ’10, May 3, 2014, in LaGrangeville, NY ROBIN SALOMON ’01/G’04 and RICHARD FORZIATI ’07, July 27, 2014 in Portland, CT McDEVITT ’08 AND McGUIRE ’09 (L-R) Back row: Mike Kosinski ’06, Elizabeth Varachi ’08, Valerie (DelSalvio) Kingsley ’08, Kim Bryant ’08/G’12, Jessica Dickson ’08, Groom Kyle McGuire ’09, Chris Scuderi ’10, Bride Katie (McDevitt) McGuire ’08, Kate Kimball ’08, Ryan Sullivan, Ryan Poulsen ’08, and Henri DesPlaines ’69. Middle row: Neal Szulga ’08, Kevin Stevenson ’08, James Tierney ’08, Karla (Gentile) Quigley ’08, Kyle Douglas ’08, Christine Brovelli ’11, Amanda Ebel ’08, Kate Kimball ’08, Derek Blethen ’10, Jackie Card, and Ninielle Bushmich ’09. Bottom Row: Adam Rizzo ’09, Rob Silva ’09, Will Bouvier, Brian D’Amico ’07, and Greg Metro ’08.

CASTILLO ’06/G’13 AND CZERWINSKI ’03

MATTE ’08 AND MURPHY ’08 (L-R) Jon Matte, Candace Matte, Kyle Baker, Colleen Murphy, Billy Johnston, Stephanie Sewersky, Brendan Brown, Kristin (Thornton) Hensinger ’07, Brogan Matte, Bride Danielle (Matte) Murphy ’08, Groom Marc Murphy ’08, Stephanie Shepard ’08, Billy Murphy, Mikayla Murphy, Ryan Plante, Jenna Renaud, Brendan Loftus, Sarah Miller, and Riley Houk ’08 SMITH ’10 AND ROSCIGNO ’10

www.wne.edu/alumni

New Arrivals

Tyler Davis Fay, September 2, 2013, to Eric Fay and MELISSA (SOKOL) FAY ’04

Jacob Moussette, July 2, 2014, to ELIZABETH MOUSSETTE ’11 and DAN MOUSSETTE G’13

Emma Sophia Roy, March 12, 2014, to MOLLY (WOODFORD) ROY ’02 and ADAM ROY ’01

Robert John Pantera, May 22, 2014, to JOHN PANTERA ’01 and Allison Pantera

Michael Brayden Lavallee, August 7, 2014, to DANIELLE (DUNN) LAVALLEE ’05 and MICHAEL LAVALLEE JR.

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WINTER 2015

In Memoriam

HENRY F. HOPPE ’28 (applied science), New Smyrna Beach, FL; January 12, 2014. He worked in a war factory as a tool machinist during World War II and then bought a hardware store in Glen Ridge, NJ. Henry later expanded and moved his business, Hoppe’s Hardware, to Upper Montclair, NJ. He was predeceased by his wife, Myrtle. Henry leaves a son and a daughter. ANDREW PAVLOVICH ’60 (engineering and business), West Springﬁeld, MA; September 19, 2014. He was employed at the former Precision Tool Co. of Westﬁeld; and most recently at Whalley Precision in Southwick, MA. Andrew is survived by a son. LAURENCE W. DUCLOS ’61 (management), Longmeadow, MA; April 2, 2014. The Army Air Corps veteran worked at Shawmut Bank of Boston and then taught in Chicopee, MA schools. Larry was predeceased by a son. He is survived by his wife, Katherine; three sons; and a daughter. WILLIAM H. LINDNER ’61 (mechanical engineering), Huntsville, AL; July 25, 2014. An Army airman during the Korean War, he worked on NASA Saturn rockets in his

engineering career. William was predeceased by his wife, Jean. He leaves a daughter and two sons. EDWARD J. ROY ’65 (mechanical engineering), Chicopee, MA; April 5, 2014. A World War II Navy veteran, he was an engineering manager at James River Graphics in South Hadley, MA, and owned Roy’s Tropical Fish Store in Holyoke, MA. He was predeceased by a son. Edward leaves his wife, Lorraine; and two daughters. GEORGE W. PARDEE ’67 (management), Simsbury, CT; June 18, 2014. He was the vice president of Fossil Services Sales and Operations for Combustion Engineering in Windsor, CT, and later vice president and director of Combustion Engineering Americas, Inc. He leaves his wife, Millie; two sons; a stepson; and a stepdaughter. S. PETER GALLO ’68 (management), Wilbraham, MA; May 14, 2014. Peter was a Marine veteran of World War II, witnessing the iconic U.S. ﬂag raising in Iwo Jima. He also fought in the Korean War. He is survived by his wife, Doris; two daughters; and a son.

CLIFFORD W. PATINO ’69 (accounting), West Springfield, MA; July 30, 2014. He was an accountant for many years. Clifford and his wife, Pearl, also had an antiques and collectibles business. He leaves his wife, Pearl; three sons; and a daughter. SHIRLEY PRATT ’69 (English), Wilbraham, MA; September 16, 2014. The former teacher at Cathedral High School in Springfield, MA, received several teaching awards. She was predeceased by her husband, James. Mary leaves a son and two daughters. FLOYD N. ROBERTS G’71 (MBA), Springfield, VT; September 7, 2014. The retired Air Force lieutenant colonel had assignments in various US cities and overseas. He is survived by his wife, Mary-Jane; a daughter; and two stepsons. ROGER E. BRACH ’74 (accounting), Palmer, MA; March 29, 2014. He was the payroll manager at the former Tambrands factory in Palmer, and later the town collector-treasurer. Roger is survived by his wife, Alice; a son; and two daughters.

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DAVID B. PECOR ’74 (English), Milton, VT; July 18, 2014. David was the former owner and president of Bert’s Mobile Home Park in Milton. He leaves his wife, Barbara; a son; and a daughter. DAVID WOLKOWICZ ’74 (mechanical engineering), Colleyville, TX; June 14, 2014. He leaves his wife, Jessie; and two sons. THOMAS E. CAGAN ’75 (sociology), Chicopee, MA; September 13, 2014. Thomas was a mental health clinician for a number of years. He is survived by his wife, Laurel; a son; a daughter; and a stepson. JOSEPH J. DUNN JR. G’75 (MBA), Nellysford, VA; May 22, 2014. A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he had retired after a career in the Navy. He leaves his wife; Patricia; a son; and a daughter. ANN R. HADDEN ’75 (accounting), Easthampton, MA: June 29, 2014. She had recently retired as office manager from Airflyte, Inc., of Westfield, MA. Ann leaves her husband, William; and two sons.

In Memoriam

THEODORE G. EFREMIDIS ’75/G’77/G’88 (engineering and management/MBA/accounting), Springfield, MA; August 17, 2014. Theodore was an Industrial Engineer at Milton Bradley, an adjunct professor at American International College, and owned his own accounting business in Ludlow, MA. He is survived by his wife and a daughter. JOAN S. NOLAN-MORNEAU ’75/L’81 (management), Wilbraham, MA; August 12, 2014. She was a trust attorney at the former Valley Bank. Joan was predeceased by her first husband, Raymond. She leaves her second husband, Lawrence; a son; and a daughter. RICHARD NERONI G’77 (MBA), Hemet, CA; April 5, 2014. HENRY J. KSZEPKA ’79 (engineering and management), Wilbraham, MA; May 6, 2014. The Navy veteran of World War II was predeceased by his wife, Veronica; and a son. He leaves two daughters. JAMES M. MCCORMICK ’79 (law enforcement), West Springfield, MA; July 15, 2014. The Army veteran retired from the Massachusetts State Police in 1980, and then worked at the Western Mass Electric Company. He is survived by his wife, Winifred; a daughter; and two sons.

DONALD P. MCMAHON ’79 (MBA), Ludlow, MA; June 28, 2014. The Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War was an accountant for several years before making a career change to work in information technology. He is survived by his wife, Susan; and a son. FRANCIS A. MISULIS ’79 (law enforcement), Springfield, MA; March 30, 2014. The former Springfield police officer is survived by his wife, Marion; and two daughters. DONALD J. SILVERSMITH G’79 (general business), Santa Fe, NM; April 17, 2014. Among his positions were being a fellow at the State Department’s Bureau of Nonproliferation and at its Office of Nuclear Affairs, a program manager at the Air Force’s Office of Scientific Research, and Wayne State University’s associate dean of engineering. He leaves his wife, Karen; and two sons.

LISA G. BOZENHARD-FRONCEK ’89 (government), Robbinsville, NJ. She was an employee assistance coordinator for the New Jersey State Police in Trenton, NJ. Lisa is survived by her husband, Michael. THOMAS M. LACROIX ’89 (law enforcement), Waltham, MA; August 5, 2014. He was a sergeant, lieutenant, captain and eventually the chief of the Waltham Police Department. He leaves his wife, Andrea; and two sons. MICHELLE T. GIOVANINNI G’91 (MBA), Agawam, MA; July 4, 2014. She was a longtime employee of MassMutual Financial Group. Michelle is survived by her husband, Michael; a son; a stepson; and a stepdaughter. CHRISTOPHER D. LEWIS G’92 (MBA), Elkin, NC; July 7, 2014. He was a senior vice president at Bank of America. Christopher is survived by two daughters.

BARBARA J. WILLIAMSON ’80 (accounting), Hampden, MA; March 30, 2014. She is survived by her husband, Robert; a son; and a daughter.

FRANCIS C. MARINO ’94 (liberal studies), Rockland, MA; July 28, 2014. The retired Army colonel is survived by two daughters and a son.

BARBARA E. GRAY G’83 (public administration), Wellﬂeet, MA; March 28, 2014. First elected in 1972 as a state representative representing Framingham, MA, she retired from state politics in 1996 after a distinguished career. She leaves three daughters and a son.

WILLIAM B. ZIEMBA G’94 (engineering management), East Longmeadow, MA; May 25, 2014. He held engineering positions at Spaulding Company in Chicopee, MA, and Stanadyne in Windsor, CT. He is survived by his wife, Celeste; a son; and a daughter.

THE COMMUNICATOR

WINTER 2015

LEE W. PRENTICE IV ’96 (law enforcement), East Longmeadow, MA; May 26, 2014. Assigned to the Detective Bureau of the Springfield (MA) Police Department, he was nationally recognized for his expertise in forensics and fingerprinting. He is survived by his wife, Judith; and two daughters. MARY ANN MATROW ’97 (liberal studies), Palmer, MA; July 2, 2014. Mary worked in customer service at Columbia Gas. RICHARD SIEBERT SR. ’98/G’00 (law enforcement/criminal justice administration), Byfield, MA; March 23, 2014. The Navy veteran of the Vietnam War was a Massachusetts State Police officer whose assignments included the Mounted Unit, the 55Team, and the Motorcycle Unit. He is survived by his wife, Claire; a son; and five daughters. GREGORY T. MALONEY ’00/G’01 (law enforcement/criminal justice), Plymouth, MA; April 1, 2014. He was an officer in the Plymouth Police Department for 17 years. Gregory leaves his wife, Susan; and two sons.

REMEMBER WHEN

BY BRIAN FITZGERALD

THAT SEVENTIES DUO

SLEITH HALL IS DEDICATED IN 1973 The rededication of Sleith Hall on December 9 calls to mind the building’s namesake: then-Trustee William H. Sleith ’44/H’80 (left) and President Beaumont Herman are pictured at the original dedication of Sleith Hall on February 10, 1973. Sleith was a high school dropout who went on to become an academician, successful businessman, and inventor—of the electric portable food mixer. He credited Western New England with helping him accomplish all three.

HOMECOMING 2003 Cheerleaders root for the Golden Bears football team during their 2003 Homecoming game against Framingham State, which they won, 28-0, led by freshman quarterback Jim Kantany ’07, who passed for one touchdown and ran for another score. Some of the cheerleaders in this photo appear to be quite camera-shy. Can anyone name them? Send an email to alumwne@wne.edu.

The year was 1975, when sweater vests, big collars, sideburns, and docksiders ruled—and so did the Red Sox, until they lost game seven of the World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. Danine (Durgin) Swartz ’77 and Steven Hammerle ’76 stand on the side of Churchill Hall. If you check out the large version of the picture on our online photo archives at wne.edu/alumni, you’ll see that Steven is holding a programming book for then IBM 1130, which holds a place in computing history because it gave many people their first interaction with a computer. It was about the size of a desk and was extremely popular with educators and engineers because its price-performance ratio was good, costing around $41,000— IBM’s least-expensive computer at the time!

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www.wne.edu

Calendar of Events JANUARY

MARCH

Alumni and Friends Great Wolf Lodge Water Park Getaway

FEBRUARY

APRIL

12 13 14 26

President’s Alumni Reception in Boca Raton, FL President’s Alumni Dinner in Naples, FL President’s Alumni Reception in Tampa, FL Basketball Alumni Day President’s Alumni Reception in Boston

President’s Alumni Reception in Hartford, CT

7th Annual Coach Burns Bowling Scholarship Tournament Mark Coffey Memorial Golf Outing

MAY 16 17 22

Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony Law, Pharmacy, PhD, and Master’s Commencement Ceremonies 47th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament

Visit: www.wne.edu/alumni For more information, visit www.wne.edu/alumni or contact Kristina Oleksak at 413-782-1557 or kristina.oleksak@wne.edu.

Doctoral candidate Mahshid Ghaemmaghami works with a child in her research on comparative analysis of delayed tolerance procedures.