Communicator: Summer 2016

KEVIN JOSLYN ’12

Coming in 2017: Our New Dining Hall

This stunning student destination will rise four stories on the Sleith Hall lawn side of the St. Germain Campus Center and feature a rounded façade and a soaring glass atrium for a bright and welcoming entrance.

The pedestrian mall will offer easy access “storefronts� to browse and select dining options.

Large windows will give the dining hall a light and airy feel.

The existing St. Germain Campus Center will be renovated and transformed into a more vibrant and engaging gathering place.

Stay tuned!

Western New England University

THE COMMUNICATOR SUMMER 2016

In this Issue CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY 2

President’s Message

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Investing in Students

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Campus Update

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Student Spotlight: Transfer Accounting Major Catherine Anziano

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Retiring Faculty and Staff Leave Lasting legacy

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Faculty Profile: Chair of Physical and Biological Sciences Dr. Alex Wurm

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Alumni Receptions

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Graduate Studies Launches Master’s Programs in Civil and Industrial Engineering

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Alumni News

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Sports Update

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Polling Institute: Election Year!

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Class Notes

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Remember When

COVER STORY SKOOKUM MILLENNIALS PAY IT FORWARD BY GIVING BACK Just a few years after graduation, these Skookum Award recipients are continuing the tradition of service by giving back.

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COMMENCEMENT 2016 Ready for the World!

Our 2016 graduates are ready to take on new challenges as they apply their educations to make a positive impact on their professions, communities, and in our increasingly interconnected world.

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ALUMNI FOCUS Pam Keough ’85/G’91

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.

With a major career change from insurance industry executive to president and CEO of Make-a-Wish Connecticut, Pam Keough has made wishes come true for herself and the amazing children she serves.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

ONE OF THE MOST FULFILLING ASPECTS OF MY POSITION AS PRESIDENT is meeting our proud and enthusiastic alumni and friends at various regional President’s alumni receptions and dinners. In my latest travels, I reminded attendees that our most recent entering class will graduate in 2019, the centennial year of Western New England University. To be sure, it is thought provoking to reflect upon our exponential transformation and growth since our modest beginnings nearly 100 years ago.

And dramatic improvements of the University continue. For example, the University will build a spectacular new dining hall in 2017. Please take a look in this issue at the artist’s rendering of this facility. It is sorely needed: because more students have been living and eating on campus over the years, the student population has outgrown the present dining area. This new dining building will provide students with not only a more spacious area to dine, but also a more comfortable place to socialize and study.

This summer, construction began on the Business Analytics/SAP Technology Center in D’Amour Library. SAP stands for Systems Application and Products. All business students may pursue SAP certification, one of today’s most sought-after information technology certifications. We are among only three schools nationwide to offer SAP certification to students in any business major at the undergraduate level.

The University is also continuing its long history of offering new programs to meet the educational needs of our students and the workforce. Next fall we will offer Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering and in Industrial Engineering.

In addition, the University has also joined forces with New England College of Optometry (NECO) to establish a Doctor of Optometry dual-degree program. Through a 3+4 accelerated undergraduate program partnership, students will be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree from Western

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New England University and a Doctor of Optometry degree from New England College of Optometry.

We have also added a 3+3 Law combined bachelor’s/law degree program in collaboration with the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

We have been deepening our commitment to research as well. To that end, we recently received a $365,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, one of the most important and powerful analytical tools available to chemists and biologists. This instrument will enable Western New England University and other greater Springfield area colleges to study the structure of molecules.

It will greatly enhance the research productivity of students and the collaborative scholarly endeavors of faculty and students.

These developments greatly benefit current and future students. Because we rely on gifts and grants to help provide students with the best living and learning environment possible, we are grateful for your continued support.

Thank you for all you do for your University.

Sincerely,

Anthony S. Caprio President

YOUR GIFT MAKES A WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY EDUCATION POSSIBLE FOR MANY STUDENTS—INCLUDING THE LANDER SISTERS

BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16

M

ORE THAN 98% of Western New England University students require some form of financial aid. In fact, without institutional or scholarship aid, many would be unable to afford a University education.

“Receiving financial aid is what makes it possible for me to attend Western New England University,” says Sarah Lander. The same is true of her sister, Samantha.

They come from a single-parent household and are paying for their educations on their own—and with the help of generous University donors.

Student aid is one of the many areas supported by gifts to The Fund for Western New England University.

Samantha and Sarah Lander Sarah, a sophomore, chose Western New England because it had what she wanted Strengthening academic and in a Pre-pharmacy program—small cocurricular opportunities for class sizes and “highly qualified “My financial aid removes students is the beauty of the professors” with the added bonus of Fund for Western New Engattending with her sister. Receiving a huge burden off of me, so I’m land University: aside from financial aid solidified her decision. able to focus on my academics, providing financial aid, unreSamantha, a sophomore majorrather than worrying about stricted funds also enable ing in Business Analytics and the financial aspect the institution to allocate reInformation Management, is maksources to multiple areas that ing the most of her opportunities. of my education.” contribute to students’ overall Her many activities include being a —SARAH LANDER University experience. Donors member of the Accounting and Speakcan also direct their gifts to speers Club, and she was treasurer of the cific areas, such as Athletics or the Residence Hall Association last year. Her D’Amour Library. sister is also actively engaged in the life of the The importance of The Fund for Western New University as a volunteer for the Golden Bear for a Day England University to students strikes home with Sarah program, in which accepted students shadow current students. She is also an Admissions Open House ambas- and Samantha. The sisters also work as phonathon callers, encouraging alumni to provide students with the sador and a student assistant in the International same opportunities they have. The Landers are successStudent and Scholars Office. ful callers because they truly believe in what they are In addition, the sisters who stay together by choosing the same University also play together on the intramural raising money for: providing students like themselves with the opportunity to fulfill their potential. coed volleyball team.

You can make a gift to The Fund for Western New England University online at wne.edu/giving/thefund, by calling 1-800-325-1122, ext. 1335, or with a check payable to Western New England University.

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MAIL CHECKS TO:

Western New England University Advancement Division 1215 Wilbraham Road Springfield, MA 01119-2684

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BY ALEX LYMAN ’12/G’16

Past Skookum Recipients Continue the Tradition of Service Western New England University celebrates a tradition of excellence in its students every day, but it is a special group that is honored each year with the Skookum Award of Excellence. Established in 1989 by the Alumni Association, the Skookum Award recognizes 15 standouts in academics, student leadership, community service, athletics, and cocurriculars. But this award isn’t just a one-time honor. Many past winners will say that once you win, you’re a Skookum for life. That is because honorees are committed to upholding the legacy of excellence that the award and the University represent.

Chris Chew ’12, Hannah Marvin ’09, and Kevin Joslyn ’12 are past Skookum recipients who have accomplished many goals in the short time since graduation. From furthering their education, to serving others on a global scale, and supporting children in our own backyard, these alumni are outstanding examples of millennials living up to the Skookum legacy.

Chris Chew ’12

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Hannah Marvin ’09

Kevin Joslyn ’12

“Excellence, in my opinion, is taking it upon yourself to further your mark on the world…It is taking it upon yourself to be the best person you can possibly be in every aspect of life and to excel in anything you decide to partake in.”

Community Involvement Drives Chris Chew’s Career in Medicine A WELL-ROUNDED SKOOKUM WINNER, Chris Chew ’12 was best known on campus as an outstanding football player, dedicated volunteer, and conscientious Biology major. In each of these distinct pursuits, Chris stood out for his selfless attitude and determination to improve life for others.

Chris spent much of his time performing community service as a member of AmeriCorps’ Student Leaders in Service Program. This included service at Mercy Medical Center, as well as being a threetime participant in Alternative Spring Break, and even leading a trip in his senior year. For Chris, these experiences not only provided him with cherished memories, but also reminded him of the importance of helping the community.

Academically, Chris was equally as engaged. He assisted other students as a Freshman Seminar Assistant, Biology lab assistant, and as president of the Pre-Med Club. He also conducted animal behavioral studies, as well as using fight-or-flight hormones to test force generation by muscles.

All of these accomplishments displayed Chris’ passion and focus, something he says has set him up for success in life.

“At Western New England, I was beginning to be the person I wanted to be seen as,” he said. “My involvement on campus and in the community made me the person I am today.”

After graduating, Chris focused all of his efforts into getting into medical school, which included graduate school at New York Medical College and working in its microbiology research lab.

Those efforts paid off, and Chris began medical school at American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. He finishes his coursework in December, when he will return to the U.S. for the U.S. Licensing Medical Exam (USMLE) Step 1 Board exam and his clinical rotations. Ultimately when he is done with medical school, Chris plans to obtain an internal medicine residency at a large hospital, and be accepted into a critical care fellowship.

After finishing his residency he would

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like to work in a large inner-city hospital intensive care unit.

As he finishes his studies and starts his medical career, Chris’s pursuit of excellence still focuses on helping others around him.

“Excellence, in my opinion, is taking it upon yourself to further your mark on the world,” he explained. “While the achievements of celebrities are displayed for everyone to see, your impact isn’t any less important. It is how you affect those around you and how those around you view you. It is taking it upon yourself to be the best person you can possibly be in every aspect of life and to excel in anything you decide to partake in.”

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“I try to embody excellence by reviewing new clinical trials and evidence-based practice, listening to medical podcasts on my daily commute, choosing new diagnoses to further research on a nightly basis, attending local conferences, and by actively listening to and learning from my patients.”

Hannah Marvin Pursues Excellence on a Global Scale

ROYAL SKOOKUM ’09 WINNER HANNAH Marvin majored in Biology, with the intention of continuing on to medical school, a pursuit that not only paved a way for her career, but helped her carve a distinctive role in volunteering in Honduras, something she has been doing with her mother since with age of 13 through medical mission organization Cape Cares. She continued these volunteer trips throughout high school and college through several organizations, with Western New England even getting involved.

“The University has contributed to my success in so many ways,” Hannah said. “My education in science helped create the foundation that I built my knowledge of medicine upon. I was lucky to have many professors who challenged me in my education, while staying flexible in order to accommodate my frequent volunteer trips. I still remember when Dr. Gail Fletcher, my first year seminar instructor, engaged

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our entire class in a fundraising effort to help afford my volunteer trip to Honduras that year.”

Hannah also used her involvement with the Pre-Med Club to cultivate relationships with the local Red Cross and Medical Reserve Corps to learn more from them and collaborate on future volunteer missions. She was also selected to be a Student Leader in Service in AmeriCorps which gave her the opportunity to volunteer locally with medical organizations while earning a scholarship.

After graduation, Hannah spent a year traveling with international volunteer organizations, and then enrolled in a three-year accelerated program for a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Nursing at Regis College. She graduated this past May as a Family Nurse Practitioner with a specialty in Hematology and Oncology, and is working at an internal medicine practice on Cape Cod. Hannah also continues to volunteer in Honduras through different organizations, including Helping Honduras Kids, a nonprofit that runs a children’s home and school for abandoned and abused children. She has worked with this program on several trips mostly to teach English and Biology at their school in the jungle of La Ceiba. After graduating

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from Regis College, she began work as a nurse practitioner with Community Health Partnership-Honduras where she treated hundreds of patients in the clinic as well as on home visits. She also worked on and developed health promotion and prevention programs by educating local health representatives from surrounding villages on common illnesses and ways to prevent and manage them.

Hannah plans to stay involved in progressive international NGOs that are making an impact in the world. She feels the more she can travel to help those in need, the happier she will be.

“Excellence is defined as being very good at one thing and to me, excellence is achieved in the act of constant pursuance of the term,” she explained. “I do my best to try to embody excellence by committing to furthering my education and clinical knowledge on a daily basis. I try to do this by reviewing new clinical trials and evidence based practice, listening to medical podcasts on my daily commute, choosing new diagnoses to further research on a nightly basis, attending local conferences, and by actively listening to and learning from my patients.”

“When I think of how I personify the meaning of Skookum in my life today in what I do, I know there is no other choice.

My students deserve educators that give nothing but excellence every day.”

Kevin Joslyn Exemplifies Mentorship and Leadership as an Adjustment Counselor

KEVIN JOSLYN ’12, WHO MAJORED IN Communication with a concentration in Public Relations, spent much of his time on campus as a student leader and mentor.

Foreshadowing a career in education, Kevin was a teacher’s aide and student mentor in the Springfield Public School system, including a neighbor to Western New England: John J. Duggan Academy. He also held an executive board position for the student volunteer group Community Action Rewards Everyone (CARE), and dedicated much of his service around senior citizens and the homeless.

Kevin also spent considerable time serving the University by mentoring incoming students as a Bear Tracks leader, giving tours to prospective students as an Admissions Associate, and working as a student interviewer and supervisor at the University Polling Institute.

His time at Western New England solidified his attraction to the city, and he knew early on that he wanted to live in and work here in Springfield. After graduation he pursued a master’s degree in School Counseling at Springfield College.

He continued to build on his undergraduate education both in and out of the classroom. This included becoming more connected to the Springfield community so that he could apply his skills to provide the support to help young residents maximize their full potential.

Kevin is now an adjustment counselor in the Springfield School System, an experience that has been rewarding for his compassionate nature and mentoring mindset.

“Every day I am energized and inspired by the students and families I work with, who work tirelessly to build strong lives and strong communities, despite the extreme poverty and oppression many of them were born into,” he said.

Kevin credits his professors for helping him to be the best educator possi-

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ble for his students. In the classroom he learned the value of thinking critically and applied those skills in leadership positions on campus and in the community. Examples of these critical courses were Mass Media with Professor Doug Battema, Professor Mindy Chang’s Intercultural Communications course, and Professor Jean-Marie Higiro’s East Africa Cultures course.

Kevin says that as an inner-city educator, he works with students to become higher order thinkers, and in those teaching moments, he is often reminded of these classes and how they changed his perspective and allowed him to be a more effective and stronger professional.

Kevin is committed to pursuing excellence both in his career and in everyday life, as Western New England instilled in him a sense of purpose and drive.

“When I think of how I personify the meaning of Skookum in my life today in what I do, I know there is no other choice,” he noted. “My students deserve educators that give nothing but excellence every day.” n

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C O M M E N C E M E NT 20 16

BY MARY MCLEAN ORSZULAK G’10

FOR THE

This year’s Commencement Weekend united members of the University community to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and welcome their families and friends to campus. With their degrees in hand, our graduates are ready to take on new challenges as they apply their education to make a positive impact on their professions, communities, and in our increasingly interconnected world.

SENIORS HONORED AT AWARDS CELEBRATIONS On Friday, May 20, 2016, faculty and students from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Engineering gathered for Senior Awards celebrations, recognizing outstanding graduating seniors. Dean’s Awards for Excellence were given to Jake T. Picard (Arts and Sciences), Dawn Heideman (Business) and Edward Franskevicz and Jared Oleksiak (Engineering). The College of Engineering also held its Order of the Engineer Induction ceremony. That evening, the University’s Minuteman Battalion of the U.S. Army ROTC held its Commissioning Ceremony.

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Professor Emeritus Eric Haffner (pictured with his family) returned to campus to personally award his daughter, Lauren Haffner ’16 (Biology), her diploma.

Seyed Cheraghi ’16 (Health Sciences) stands with his proud father, Dean S. Hossein Cheraghi, and family.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE CONFERRAL CEREMONY Saturday afternoon saw seniors proudly process to the Alumni Healthful Living Center where family and friends gathered to share in their achievements.

In his address, University President Anthony S. Caprio expressed his hope that the graduates would continue to remain connected to the University. “To each of you, whom I will greet shortly on this stage, I hope I will meet Roland Merullo with you often as alumni in many different places,” he said. “We are members of the same family, of the same tribe of Golden Bears. The bonds between us all, between you and me, between you and all the faculty and staff who feel such affection for you and who are so proud of you as if you were our own children—the bonds that hold us together are strong and permanent.”

Author Roland Merullo served as the Commencement speaker and was honored with a President’s Medallion.

Mr. Merullo is the author of 20 books, including 12 novels, two memoirs, and numerous essays that have appeared in such publications as The New York Times, Yankee Magazine, Good Housekeeping, and Forbes. His 2003 novel: In Revere, In Those Days was a Booklist Editor’s Choice and Maria Thomas Award Winner.

Breakfast with Buddha (currently in its 19th printing) was nominated for the Dublin IMPAC International Literary Award; and American Savior, which won the Honor Award in fiction from the Massachusetts Center for the Book. Revere Beach Boulevard was recently named one of New England’s top 100 essential books by The Boston Globe.

“What I try to do in my books is to ‘provoke,’ Merullo stated. “By that, I don’t mean to provoke to upset people or make people angry, I mean to provoke people to think about the big questions that we don’t usually have time to think about.”

He spoke about the inspiration he found in Massachusetts native son and undefeated boxing champion Rocky Marciano, whose photo Merullo keeps close as an inspiration for his writing.

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College of Business Dean Julie Siciliano '81/G'84 will be retiring from her position after a decade of service and nearly two as a member of the faculty. Under her administration, the College developed a stronger focus on international programs and travel courses, saw the receipt of its largest ever gift turn into the Cohen Trading Room and Scholarship program, introduced new graduate and combined degree programs, was re-accredited by AACSB International, arranged for the KPMG Community Relations Professorship, and worked with faculty to create the Business Analytics and SAP Technology Center.

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C O M M E N C E M E NT 20 16

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY CLASS OF 2016 Dr. Robert T.T. Gettens, director of the Engineering Fundamentals program and associate professor of Biomedical Engineering, pictured here with his family, was the recipient of the Teaching Excellence Award.

THE

FACTS

Total who graduated: 1,003 470 women, 533 men Total number graduating with an Undergraduate Degree: 607 264 women, 343 men Total number graduating with a Ph.D.: 6 4 women, 2 men Total number graduating from School of Law: 120 (105 JD, 15 LLM) 65 women, 55 men Total number graduating with a Pharm.D.: 66 39 women, 27 men Total number graduating with a master’s degree: 204 98 women, 106 men

He talked about Marciano’s limitations as a boxer and his ability to overcome those obstacles through determination.

He suggested that when the graduates face their own challenges and moments of self-doubt, they should realize that they are not alone. “In those times, it’s absolutely essential to remember that every single person you’ve seen in any walk of life has had that, and think about Rocky and get up off the mat and go forward.”

Retiring faculty were also honored and awarded the status of Professor Emeriti. These included long-time business faculty Dr. Marilyn Pelosi and Dr. William Ferris. Read more about their contributions to the University on page 18.

Secondary Education/English major Alexandria Escribano served as the student speaker. “Four years have

passed by in a flash, and while the expectations never lessened, we always rose to the challenge,” she told her classmates. “What’s more, in hurdling over every obstacle and never giving up, we’ve managed to define ourselves.

We came to Western New England as a group of timid freshmen, unsure of what tomorrow would bring. Today, we prepare to leave this University as confident individuals, all graduates, with a stronger sense of who we are and what we want out of life.”

The usual pomp and circumstance of commencement was enlivened by a flash mob composed of seniors and faculty who joined together for an impromptu song and dance number about living and learning at Western New England University.

Top 5 fields of study for Undergraduates: 1. Accounting 2. Psychology 3. Mechanical Engineering 4. Criminal Justice 5. Sport Management 17 states represented by undergraduate students: California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Vermont. Also, U.S. Virgin Islands.

31 states represented by graduate students: Alaska, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.

Also, Puerto Rico.

These figures represent August and October 2015 and February and May 2016 graduates.

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Doctoral, Law, Pharmacy, and Master’s Degrees Conferral Ceremony Western New England University conferred Doctoral, Law, Pharmacy, and Master’s degrees during its 2016 Graduate Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 22. Degree candidates received their diplomas and master’s students were given their traditional degree hoods.

Lisa Bachmann ’83/G’90 served as the keynote speaker and was the recipient of a President’s Medallion. Ms. Bachmann is executive vice president and chief merchandising and operating officer for Big Lots, Inc., a non-traditional discount retailer operating more than 1,400 stores in 47 states.

She began her career in accounting and finance at Casual Corner. Lisa rose through the ranks to vice president of Planning and Allocation, overseeing the Casual Corner, August Max, and Petite Sophisticate brands. She later served as a senior vice president for Ames Department Stores.

She spoke about creating opportunities in one’s life and career and making bold moves to differentiate herself, including taking the jump from accounting to merchandising at Casual Corner and later spending eight years as Chief Information Officer at Big Lots, both nontraditional career trajectories for someone with an accounting background.

“My message to all of you: don’t be afraid of the big idea,” she said. “ I encourage you to push yourselves, to step outside that comfort zone, and lean into opportunities that will help you create your personal happiness.”

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Chairman of the Board of Trustees Michael Serafino ’77, Keynote Speaker Lisa Bachmann ’83/G’90, and President Anthony S. Caprio

President Anthony S. Caprio took the opportunity to speak about the University’s origin as an institution created to serve adult learners and the amazing evolution which continues today. The 2016 ceremony saw the first-ever students graduate from the MFA in Creative Writing, the MS in Organizational Leadership, and the PhD in Engineering Management programs.

“You have sacrificed and worked hard,” President Caprio told the graduates. “I congratulate you. Today you will certainly reflect upon your experience here at Western New England University, and I hope you feel pride in all that you have accomplished through your own efforts and the fine guidance and teaching provided by our excellent faculty. I hope you will look back fondly and with appreciation for all you have learned here and for all those whom you have met here and learned from here—faculty, staff, and fellow students.” n

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A CAREER CHANGE Three years ago, after a successful career with several Connecticutbased insurance companies—a commitment that included long hours and much travel that culminated into a senior vice president role—Pam Keough decided that it was time for a change. “I had come to a point in my life where I was looking to give back and make a difference,” she recalls. Because she always had a passion for kids and family, she was interested in getting involved with Make-A-Wish Connecticut.

This charity group is dedicated to granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions “to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy,” according to its website.

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A WISH COME TRUE

BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16

ALUMNI FOCUS

As President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Connecticut, PAM KEOUGH ’85/G’91 pursues a new passion: bringing hope and joy to ill children.

Pam approached Make-A-Wish Connecticut about putting her skills to use as a potential board member. However, this turned into a full-time offer as chief operating officer. After a year in that position, the Board of Directors asked her to consider taking on the president and CEO role. The decision by Pam, who had found a calling, was an easy one. “It came at the right time in my life, and I humbly accepted,” she says.

Make-A-Wish Connecticut’s 14 staff members, aided by more than 500 volunteers, grant more than 200 wishes a year. Wishes come in generally one of five categories: to go somewhere (Disney World, etc.), to meet someone (typically a celebrity), to get something, to “be” someone, and to give back.

The program was originally for children who are terminally ill, but now includes children who have other life-threatening illnesses. Many of them go on to live fulfilling lives after their Make-A-Wish experience, including one 13-year-old Wish Kid who, years later, runs a thriving business and recently joined the foundation’s board of directors, according to Pam.

MAKING DREAMS A REALITY The kids’ wishes vary greatly, and are sometimes surprising: one child wanted to meet the Pope. It was granted. Pam says that she and her staff continue to see creative wishes like this one every year. Kids have wished for puppies, to meet movie stars, to go to awards shows, or something as simple as having a party with her dolls and school friends.

“We are currently working on a wish for a young boy who wants a screenedin porch at his house so he can spend time with his dad,” she says. “A wish to meet a unicorn was one of the most challenging wishes, but in true MakeA-Wish fashion, we made it happen.”

Most of Pam’s work days are spent engaging people in her organization’s mission, whether it’s going to children’s hospitals, meeting individual or corporate donors, volunteers, and civic organizations, or spending time with some of the wish families. Needless to say, the impact a wish has on a family is lifelong: the organization enters the lives of the Wish Kids at a difficult time and it has the opportunity to give them something extraordinary to think about and dream about. “That is a real gift that our families cherish, and so many of them continue to be involved with our organization years after their wishes are granted. I find that remarkable and inspirational to my entire team,” says Pam, who lives in Wilton, CT, with her husband, Mark, and her teenage daughters: Kendal and Kerry.

Pam Keough ’85/G’91 is pictured with several Wish Kids, including her new friend, a blond charmer with blue glasses named Connor.

A REWARDING COLLEGE EXPERIENCE Pam earned her bachelor’s degree at the University in Quantitative Methods, as well as her MBA in Information Management Systems. Her career has focused on delivering information technology solutions for companies, but now she has one overriding goal: taking her Make-A-Wish Connecticut one step closer to its vision of reaching every eligible child in the state and making his or her one wish come true.

Involved with student government, as well as varsity softball, field hockey, and women’s soccer as an undergraduate, she credits her alma mater with shaping her not only as a professional, but also as a person. “Western New England turned an average high school student into an honors BA/MBA graduate,” she says of her college experience.

“Classes were small enough that I received personal attention and the support I needed. The internships I had were instrumental in getting me my first job at the Aetna, which led me on the path to the role I am in today.” n

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A KID WITH CHARISMA Over the past nine months, Pam has gotten to know a Wish Kid named Connor who has endured 13 heart surgeries in his seven short years. “But you would never know it when you meet him,” she says.

“His energy, his positive attitude, his smile, and his enduring charisma catch you and stop you in your tracks.”

That is one of the most profound pleasures of her new career: helping bring the healing power of a wish to ill children and witnessing their enthusiasm, excitement, and gratitude. “Connor is a shining example of the courage our Wish Kids show every day, and having had the chance to get to know him as we’ve prepared to grant his wish to go on a Mediterranean cruise has been an incredible one,” says Pam. “Everyone Connor meets is moved by him, his story, and above all else, his bravery.”

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CAMPUS UPDATE

BY JUDY CURRAN

FLODESIGN SONICS, INC. PRESENTS GROUNDBREAKING ACOUSTIC TECHNOLOGY AT THE WHITE HOUSE WATER SUMMIT

Global Outreach Continues to Grow International Student Population

FloDesign Sonics of Wilbraham, MA, was invited to present the results of its groundbreaking acoustic research at the White House Water Summit in March 2016. FloDesign Inc. employs numerous alumni, including its chair and University trustee Stan Kowalski III ’92.

FloDesign Sonics representatives discussed the company’s newly developed technology to use sound waves to isolate and remove particles. The technology was developed at Western New England University by Dr. Bart Lipkens, professor of Mechanical Engineering, and chief technology officer of FloDesign Sonics, and his students through a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The technology can be used to clean the world’s water resources and has applications in oil and gas industries.

The Summit was held on United Nations World Water Day and featured presentations by innovative companies, which have partnered with the NSF to make contributions to solve critical water issues facing the global community.

“This technology developed in the NSFfunded research grant made to Western New England University represents a significant technological step forward in the use of acoustic waves as an elegant and efficient way to achieve challenging separations in a broad spectrum of manufacturing and production processes,” said Dr. Lipkens.

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CTO of the United States Megan Smith receives a demonstration from Jason Dionne ‘07/G’15, senior engineer at FloDesign Sonics.

The Office of International Admissions is pleased to report that the number of international students attending Western New England University continues to grow with 160 international students now enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.

Of the 160 international students on campus, 124 were returning students and 41 were new students. The University enrolls students from 33 countries including Gabon, Ecuador, Colombia, Afghanistan, Italy, Nigeria, Egypt, and Ghana, with the largest populations coming from Saudi Arabia, India, China, and France.

New Business Analytics/SAP Technology Center to Give Students Competitive Edge Business professionals certified in SAP are in demand. SAP is an Enterprise software used by successful companies such as SunPower for Talent Management, the San Francisco 49ers to enhance fan experience, Proctor & Gamble for Real-Time Analytics, and Under Armour to design athletic apparel.

While many colleges offer SAP certification to their students studying Analytics, Western New England is one of just three schools nationwide to offer the opportunity to students in any business major.

This fall, the College of Business will unveil the Business Analytics/SAP Technology Center, which will provide students with the latest SAP Software for both ERP and Analytics. Courses in Analytics will be taught there through state-of-the-art technology.

Students will use the Center to work on team projects and to make project presentations in the upper level courses.

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Trustees Share Personal Insights with Students at Career Panel The Trustees of Western New England University are integral to the success of the institution. In March, several members brought their professional insights directly to students in the first ever Board of Trustees Career Panel. Participating trustee panelists included Carmel A. Caramagna, Esq. L’84, Alexander M. Corl ’84, Stan Kowalski III ’92, and Michael A. Serafino ’77, who were supported by several trustees in attendance.

The event offered an opportunity for the trustees to share with students their experiences in the evolving job market and discuss decisions they had to make as they progressed in their careers.

MFA Winter Residency Heads to Ireland Twelve students in the University’s MFA in Creative Writing program completed a six-day winter residency in Dublin last January that was “life-changing,” according to student Ryan Crowell ’13/G’16.

The residency featured courses led by noted Irish writers Michael O’Loughlin, Mia Gallagher, and Sean O’Reilly at the Irish Writers Centre, adjacent to the Dublin Writers Museum.

Pictured with a statue of James Joyce on Earl Street are (L-R) Ryan Crowell, Megan Granger, Alan Sincic, Baylea Jones, MFA Program Director Pearl Abraham, Jasmine Kearse (holding “Flat Golden Bear”), and Amy Ma. The others were Andrew Mondry ’14/G’16, Tyler McQuillan ’13, Mike Oberly G’15/’16, and Brian Fitzgerald G’16.

University Website Gets Extreme Makeover Western New England University recently unveiled a brand new website with dynamic changes to its look, feel, and functionality.

The design’s primary focus is to provide prospective students and their families with the information they need throughout the college search process. Prospective students are now able to choose one or more areas of academic interest, and be presented with a list of programs that align with that focus.

We invite and encourage everyone to visit and explore the site to experience the full spectrum of services now available, including the brand new Alumni website.

For more information on the MFA Program which graduated its first class this past May, visit wne.edu/mfa.

Visit: wne.edu

wne.edu/alumni

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

BY PATRICIA GAGNON

TAKING OFF AND LANDING

A

FTER A YEAR AT A LIBERAL ARTS WOMEN’S COLLEGE, Catherine Anziano realized that her interests were in business and transferred to Western New England University to study accounting. “The College of Business is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business—AACSB International, so I knew that I was going to get a top of the line business education from this institution,” says Catherine.

Catherine grew up in Belchertown, MA, and loves working with numbers. Both her father and brother attended Western New England University and she says with her family ties and the University’s stellar reputation, it was a perfect fit.

Along with receiving a Merit Scholarship, Catherine says she received exceptional support during the transfer process from Western New England University. “They made it so easy for me.

There was a one-day orientation over the summer when I met with a faculty member of the College of Business,” Catherine says.

“I sat down with her, told her I wanted to be an Accredited Accounting major, and we set my schedule together. I knew exactly which classes I was going to take and no question was left unanswered by the end of the day.”

Her decision to transfer to Western New England led to some exciting experiential learning opportunities and ultimately to a job offer even before she started her senior year. “During my sophomore year, I attended Meet the Firms Night networking event where I met with multiple accounting firms,” she says. “I got into the Discover Program with KPMG, one of the Big Four

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accounting firms. That led to an internship and a full-time job offer as an audit associate with KPMG to start in 2017.”

Catherine says her classes at the University have prepared and provided her with a strong foundation for her post-graduation position at KPMG. She is grateful to all the faculty at Western New England, especially Professor Ausher Kofsky, who taught her Fundamentals of Individual Tax class.

“He really showed an interest in all of his students. He was always available during office hours, and was very open to hearing students’ thoughts and concerns. His priority was teaching us the information, and it really showed,” she says.

Catherine is grateful for that pivotal decision she made to transfer to Western New England and says the College of Business faculty have mentored and guided her with the personal attention she needed to achieve her goals. “They are always available whenever you need help. I never worked with a faculty member who was not willing to help a student who was in need. They have an open door policy, so if you need anything at all, whether it is a specific question or just to talk, they are there, willing to listen and help in any way possible,” says Catherine. “I utilized my professors’ office hours frequently.

It helped me to build relationships with them and allowed me to further my career based on their past experiences.”

As to the future, Catherine looks forward to earning her MBA degree at the University, taking and passing the CPA exam, and starting her career at KPMG. n

THE JOB

Transfer Student Catherine Anziano Finds Opportunity and Success at Western New England

GREAT NEWS FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS! With an Associate’s Degree from a community college, transfer students automatically qualify for our Transfer Distinction Award scholarship.

For the 2015–16 academic year an associate’s degree guaranteed transfer students our highest transfer scholarship of $13,000 a year through our Transfer Distinction Award.

Phi Theta Kappa recipients can receive an additional $2,000 per year, guaranteeing a total award of $15,000 every year they maintain the GPA specified on their offer of admission from Western New England University.

Visit wne.edu/transfer for the latest scholarship amounts.

wne.edu/alumni

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BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10

UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO STUDENTS MARKS LEGACIES OF RETIRING FACULTY AND STAFF Several long-serving members of our learning community retired at the close of the fiscal year in June. These individuals have helped to shape the University during a time of great growth and change, and their contributions in our classrooms and behind the scenes are immeasurable.

Inspiring Aha Moments Dr. Marilyn Pelosi The College of Business will lose a valued faculty member with the departure of Dr. Marilyn Pelosi, director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, and now professor emerita. On the faculty since 1981, Dr. Pelosi has a knack for turning quizzes into games and using music to inspire creative problem solving making her a favorite with students and sought after by alumni to catch up with at Homecoming.

A 1997 recipient of the University’s Teaching Excellence Award, Dr. Pelosi was originally hired as an instructor in Industrial Engineering.

She is unique at our institution in having taught courses in Arts and Sciences, Business, and Engineering. Most recently, she has served as the director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, providing an important resource for continued faculty development workshops and cross-disciplinary sharing of best practices. She served as assistant dean of the College of Business from 2006-14. Dr. Pelosi focused on teaching for 12 years prior to that as a professor and assistant professor, and eight years as a department chair. She took a sabbatical as a visiting scholar at Cambridge University in 2007.

When asked by students in the College of Business’ Cohen Scholars program what inspired her to teach, Dr. Pelosi responded, “I teach to instill a love for data driven decision making; to encourage students to discover their passion and gifts; to see the Aha Moment in their eyes; to establish close relationships with students and to have a sparkling day, no matter the circumstances.”

With her cross-disciplinary experiences, she has chaired many Faculty Senate Committees, helped shepherd the reaccreditation by AACSB International, and coauthored the Polling Institute Business Plan. Her scholarship focuses on the teaching of statistics for business students and her textbooks have been translated into Italian and Chinese.

“Dr. Pelosi has worked tirelessly throughout her career to bring statistics and operations management to life for students,” said Julie Siciliano, dean of the College of Business. Throughout her career of teaching and administrative duties, her attention to detail and her process orientation resulted in outstanding service to students, faculty, and staff.”

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A Partner in Student Success Dr. William Ferris “I will look back fondly on my Western New England experience for the rest of my life,” said Dr. William Ferris, who was named professor emeritus at the Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony.

Dr. Ferris began his career in education as a high school principal and English teacher before joining our faculty in 1986 as an associate professor in the Department of Management. He served as assistant dean of the then School of Business and was tenured in 1994.

He appreciates the opportunities he has had to watch the institution evolve through a period of unprecedented change.

“I have really enjoyed the students and faculty here at Western New England over the past 36 – 38 years (counting my Evening MBA years before I began full-time in 1980),” recalled Dr. Ferris. “I got to watch as well as participate as the University came of age over those years. I have had over 4,000 students in class and got to know most of them at least a little bit. I even had some of my students’ parents before them. That was a little crazy, too.”

He enjoyed leading his students in “many experiential exercises and hundreds of spirited class discussions. I also got to pioneer

The Man Behind the Commencement Curtain Rod Pease ’77/G’88

some courses, like ‘A Humanistic Approach to Leadership and Management,’ both to undergrads and grads. It was a class in which we discussed lessons in leadership learned by characters in great literature and analyzed them through the lenses of various leadership theories. Many students told me in their evaluations that the course should be required by all business majors, and I wrote a very successful article about it in the academic press.”

“Professor Ferris devoted his life to education, first in secondary schools as an English teacher and then for the next 30 years as a management professor at Western New England University,” said Dean Siciliano. “He has been an incomparable mentor to both students and faculty, and through his extensive professional and business networks, he has elevated and enhanced the reputation of the College of Business.”

While it may seem seamless, Commencement Weekend takes months of careful planning and coordination. For more than two decades, orchestrating this tradition behind the scenes has been the responsibility of Executive Director of Student Administrative Services (SAS) and dual alumnus Rodney “Rod” Pease. With Commencement Weekend 2016, Rod will have overseen 59 Commencement exercises!

Yet Rod’s connection to students begins long before graduation, when he and his staff help them and their families navigate the admissions financial process.

Rod joined the staff in 1988, after having earned his B.S. in Sociology and an MBA here. First as bursar (1994) and later as director and then executive director of SAS (2010), he has helped the University streamline service to students and families through the pragmatic adoption of new technologies and careful attention to the value of the human factor in making even the financial interactions with his dedicated staff representative of the University’s highly personal approach to higher education.

“Rod is a professional manager who built the SAS team from the ground up,” said Bryan Gross, vice president for Enrollment Management. “His staff respects him immensely because he is the type of boss who is always there for his team, yet who has created systems to allow them to achieve success by supporting each other. Rod is able to see this institution through a unique lens, as he has an understanding and respect for our past, yet has never shied away from trying to move the institution forward.”

Rod’s service to the University was recognized with a President’s Medallion on June 16 at a department breakfast in his honor.

Rod credits his “great supporting cast” for “making SAS work.” While he acknowledges that his job was very demanding, “I was able to do a lot of different things,” he said. “I was also able to work with many great people during my 28 years here at Western New England. I also enjoyed being an adjunct member of the College of Business.”

En français, s’il vous plaît? Frances Abrams Changes Our Campus Culture If you passed a French exam at Western New England and can hold your own reading Le Monde online, you probably have Frances Abrams to thank. Frances Abrams has spent three decades as an adjunct at Western New England University where she taught various courses ranging from Conversational French to Advanced French.

“In the last 33 years, Ms. Frances Abrams has played a pivotal role promoting French language and culture at Western New England,” said College of Arts and Sciences Dean Saeed Ghahramani. “She is devoted to her students and does an excellent job making them understand the benefits of knowing another language and culture as well as the harmfulness of a xenophobic atmosphere.” n

wne.edu/alumni

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FACULTY PROFILE

BY PATRICIA GAGNON

PROFESSOR ALEX WURM Inspires Exceptional Learning Opportunities in Department of Physical and Biological Sciences WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY enjoys a unique reputation: to some it is renowned as a leader in business education, to others it is a top school for engineering, others think of us for legal education, but today it is the expanding programs and research in the sciences that is putting Western New England on the map.

Heading this high growth academic area is Professor Alex Wurm, chair of the Department of Physical and Biological Sciences and associate professor of physics. Dr. Wurm oversees this expanding department that provides unique learning experiences for students.

The Department has 26 full-time faculty members in Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Forensic Science, and four (full-time and part-time) laboratory technicians. Its faculty advise nearly 350 students who are majoring in Biology, Chemistry, and Secondary Education Biology and Chemistry, those in one of the interdisciplinary majors of Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, and Health Sciences, or students enrolled in the pre-health programs of Pre-pharmacy, Pre-physician Assistant, and Pre-optometry. In addition, the department offers introductory courses in Physics and Chemistry for the College of Engineering and other science courses for the rest of the campus to fulfill general University science requirements.

“I am very grateful for my fantastic faculty and laboratory technicians whose help and dedication makes running such a complex organization possible,” says Dr. Wurm.

Born in Münster, Germany, Professor Wurm attended the Julius Maximilians Universität Würzburg in Germany, where he earned the “Diplom in Physik” (Master of Science in Physics). He received a Master of Arts in Physics and a Ph.D. in Physics for his work on the application of renormalization group methods to models in relativistic quantum field theory and dynamical systems from the University of Texas at Austin. After graduation, he was appointed to the U.S. Department of Energy Fusion Energy Postdoctoral Research Program and conducted research at the Institute for Fusion Studies. In 2005, Professor Wurm joined the faculty at Western New England University and since 2014 has served as department chair.

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RECENT FACULTY-STUDENT RESEARCH PROJECTS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES Professor Wurm’s research is in the field of plasma physics, specifically the modeling of plasmas that are used in the pursuit of controlled nuclear fusion. Using mathematical models and numerical simulations, he studies the behavior of charged particles moving in toroidal magnetic fields. Since 2011, he has served as an elected member of the Executive Committee of the International Sherwood Fusion Theory Conference, including a year as chair in 2014/15.

The Department of Physical and Biological Sciences is located in the Center for the Sciences and Pharmacy, which boasts stateof-the-art teaching labs, research space, instrument rooms, and a greenhouse. “Students and faculty have been very happy with the new facilities,” says Professor Wurm. “In addition to our remarkable research facilities, the atrium and the gathering spaces in front of the classrooms have become very popular study spaces for our students and have fostered a sense of community.”

Professor Wurm emphasizes his faculty’s dedication to student learning and success. The faculty have developed numerous research projects that provide undergraduate students the opportunity to enhance their laboratory skills and gain valuable chemical or biological research experience. “These research experiences give students an edge in their application to graduate school,” notes Professor Wurm. “Some of these faculty-undergraduate research projects are focused on pedagogical development, including the design and testing of novel laboratories for chemistry laboratory courses.”

The department also provides opportunities to work as a student laboratory assistant. Under the careful guidance of their faculty mentors, these students learn how to safely prepare laboratory reagents, utilize sophisticated instrumentation and equipment, and help out effectively in the teaching laboratory.

“These faculty-mentored projects encompass a broad range of chemistry and biology sub-disciplines and forensic science.

Many of these research projects have led to presentations by students and faculty at local and national meetings and/or publication in a scientific journal.”

Professor Wurm says faculty also encourage students to pursue internship opportunities, especially in Forensic Biology or Chemistry, where internships are an important part of the program. Recent internships sites have been the Massachusetts State Police DNA Unit and the Trace Analysis Unit; the Connecticut State Police Major Crime Unit West, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in New York City; the Prosecutor’s Office Crime Scene Unit of Essex County, New Jersey; and the Maine Department of Public Health.

With such experience, and the support of Professor Wurm and his faculty, these students are well prepared to contribute to their fields and the growing reputation of Western New England University as a leader in forensic science. n

wne.edu/alumni

John Drawec, associate professor of Forensic Science, conducted research with recent Forensic Chemistry graduates Karoline Sperber ’16 and Colleen Walsh ’16 on the osmolality of commercially available drinks (in conjunction within Monroe County, NY Crime Laboratory) and on the osmolality study to reduce incidence of drug facilitated sexual assaults. The students presented their findings at the Annual Meeting of the Northeastern Association of Forensic Scientists in October 2015.

Dr. Dawn Holmes, associate professor of Biology, conducted research with Biology honors alumnus Steven Dixon ’15, whose work was presented in a poster session at the Annual Eastern New England Biology Conference in April 2015 and was reported in his honors thesis.

Dr. Anna Klimes, associate professor of Biology, together with Biology student Sanah Bibi ’16 and Health Sciences student Thinh Nguyen ‘16, studied genes that may be involved in the production of resistant resting structures in a fungus that causes plant disease. Because the resting structures make it difficult to eradicate the fungus from growers’ fields, they are interested in understanding how the structures are produced at the molecular level so that, ultimately, effective and sustainable control methods can be designed.

Dr. Keri Lee, assistant professor of Chemistry, has worked with Chemistry alumni Rachel Collette ’15 and Alan Kovacs ’14 on the development of organic polymers as scaffolding materials for tissue engineering. Continuing progress made on this research project was presented at both the 2013 and 2015 American Chemical Society National Conferences; and resulted in a 2015 publication in the Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research.

Dr. Sean McClintock, assistant professor of Chemistry, conducted a research project with recent Chemistry graduate Daniel Wolf ’16 to develop small molecule fluorescent sensors for the detection of organophosphorus pesticides. A second research project with junior Forensic Chemistry student Jeffrey Massicott focused on the development of an undergraduate organic laboratory experiment based on the 2010 Nobel Prize chemistry involving palladium metal catalyzed coupling reactions. Both of these research projects were presented this spring at the 2016 American Chemical Society National Conference in San Diego.

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ALUMNI RECEPTIONS

BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16

Alumni and Friends Gather with President Caprio in Seven Cities

There was plenty of Golden Bear spirit among alumni, friends, and other members of the University community who joined President Anthony S. Caprio at presidential gatherings in New York, Boston, Hartford, Florida, Springfield, and Rhode Island last fall, winter, and spring.

©DELLM60/BIGSTOCK.COM

Scott Jacobi ’06, Shannon Montgomery ’06/L’09, and Carla Jannetti ’05 in New York City

New York host Rich Cassata ’80, President Anthony S. Caprio, and Robert Ziomek, assistant vice president for development at the University

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The President’s Alumni Reception in New York City on November 5 at The Terrace Club in Midtown Manhattan was hosted by Rich Cassata ’80.

President’s Alumni Receptions were also held in Boston and Hartford over the winter. Matt Pantera ’99 hosted Boston event at the Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common on February 26, and the gathering in Hartford on March 3 was hosted by Trustee Amy Lewis ’88/G’00 at The Society Room of Hartford.

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In Hartford: Chris Lewis, Trustee and Host Amy Lewis ’88/G’00, Peter Irzyk G’96, Mark Irzyk ’00/G’09, and Kat Wisniewska

David Bartley L’05 and Chairman of the Board of Trustees Michael Serafino ’77

©SEANPAVONEPHOTO/BIGSTOCK.COM

President Caprio reached out to the University community in Florida at President’s Alumni Dinners in St. Petersburg, FL, on March 15 and in Delray Beach, FL, on March 16. Barbara and Len McCue L’82 hosted the dinner at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and the event at Sundy House in Delray Beach was hosted

by Byrnes Guillaume L’06.

St. Petersburg cohost Barbara McCue, President Caprio, and cohost Len McCue L’82

President Caprio briefed guests on the latest news at the University, including the University’s participation in the recent U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition in Irvine, CA, where our student team collaborated with students from universities in Panamá and Honduras to design and build a solar-powered house that tied for first place in the Affordability category.

In Boston: Michael Agbassi G’15 and President Caprio

Boston host Matt Pantera ’99, President Caprio, and Matt McGinty ’01/G’05

The President’s Alumni Reception in Springfield on April 7, hosted by Trustees Chairman Michael Serafino ’77, took place at the Student Prince Café. Guy Asadorian ’86 hosted the President’s Alumni Reception in Rhode Island at the Chapel Grille in Cranston.

Georgette LaFrance ’90 and Alyce Vincelette ’89 in Springfield

In Springfield, President Caprio singled out two guests who attended Springfield-Northeastern, the University’s predecessor: August Brus ’53, who started prior to Western New England receiving its own charter in 1951, and Richard Barrows ’74, who began his education here in 1940 and came back to earn his degree at the ripe young age of 52.

In Springfield: Christopher Wrona ’03 and Trustee Neville Bogle ’75/G’81

wne.edu/alumni

President Caprio and Rhode island host Guy Asadorian ’86

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GRADUATE STUDIES

BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10

Growing Interests in Engineering Fuels BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE: MS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING Demand for Civil Engineers is growing and with the graduation of its first students from the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program, Western New England University is expanding its offerings in this discipline at the graduate level.

The Master of Science in Civil Engineering program will help students prepare to take their careers to the next level.

Whether planning for the future, rebuilding after natural or man-made destruction of infrastructure, or modernization of antiquated systems, civil engineering projects worldwide are fueling an enormous demand for engineers who possess advanced degrees.

Offering full-time study or part-time options for working professionals, the graduate term structure allows students to accelerate their studies. The program can be finished in as little as one year studying full-time and as few as 18 months studying part-time. Classes will typically be offered once a week during the early evening to accommodate working professionals.

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“Civil Engineering has proven to be an excellent addition to the disciplines offered at the College of Engineering. We are pleased to be able to offer recent graduates of our first undergraduate class and those already working in the profession an opportunity to continue their studies at Western New England at the master’s level.”

Dr. Kenneth Lee Chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

SUMMER 2016

Two New Master’s Programs DESIGNED FOR VERSATILITY: MS IN INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING The Master of Science in Industrial Engineering program joins the Department’s widely respected BS in Industrial Engineering, and MS and PhD programs in Engineering Management. The program is a versatile advanced degree open to graduates from a wide range of engineering disciplines.

Whether students are interested in full-time study or are working professionals pursuing their studies part-time, the graduate term structure in this program allows them to accelerate their studies. Students can complete the program in as little as one year studying full-time and as few as 15 months studying part-time. Our flexible delivery model will allow students to complete their studies online or face-to-face in the classroom.

This program enables students with their foundation in this field or numerous other engineering disciplines to build upon it with advanced knowledge and skills in optimization, systems, quality and cost analysis.

The flexible Master of Science in Industrial Engineering program exposes students to the broad field of industrial engineering while studying under actively engaged faculty.

Students with an undergraduate degree in an Engineering discipline will further their skillset and develop quantitative and qualitative tools, which are used to make effective and strategic decisions. They will also be prepared for a career in industry, government, consulting or further academics.

“The addition of a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering opens up new opportunities for our alumni in IE and other disciplines. It is an exciting time for industrial engineers. There is application for industrial engineering in many diverse yet highgrowth areas such as healthcare, manufacturing, finance, consulting, and energy. This program will help prepare our students for those opportunities.”

Dr. Thomas Keyser Chair of the Department of Industrial and Engineering Management and Director of Ph.D. Program

Five-year Bachelor/Master’s Options These two programs are also available to undergraduates as combined bachelor and master’s degree options that enable students to save time and tuition.

Learn more about these programs and other Graduate Studies opportunities at wne.edu/graduatestudies. wne.edu/alumni

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ALUMNI NEWS

BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS MORE THAN $47,000 IN GRANTS TO STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS AND PROGRAMS

THE CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL SPORT BUSINESS

The College of Engineering’s Society of Automotive Engineers Baja Team (pictured), which designed, built, and races its offroad vehicle in international competitions, was the recipient of an Alumni Association grant—one of 26 grants totaling more than $47,000 awarded during the 2015-2016 academic year.

The grants are funded by income from the Alumni Association’s Liberty Mutual Western New England University Group Savings Program, as well as the Amazon Associates Program, which has a custom link on the main page of the Alumni Website at wne.edu/alumni. Students, alumni, and friends can help support students by making their Amazon.com purchases using the Alumni Website’s link: wne.edu/alumni.

In the spring term, the Center for International Sport Business (CISB) brought three distinguished visitors to campus for its “For the Love of the Games” series sponsored by the Alumni Association. Baseball writer and commentator Buster Olney delighted attendees on January 28. Pictured above, left: (L-R) Joe Bowker ’15 and Nate Russell ’15 talk with Olney after his presentation.

On February 17, CISB hosted International Swimming Federation (FINA) Vice President Dale Neuburger, the highestranking American in international aquatic sports, who is pictured above being presented with a University sweatshirt from Director of Alumni Relations Kathy Pappas G’98.

On April 5, NFL line judge Kevin Codey ’97 delivered a talk to members of the University in a jam-packed Wood Auditorium. Codey, who is seated on the right, talks with CISB Director Curt Hamakawa L’84.

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Honorary Chairmen: the Moriarty family (L-R) Dick Moriarty ’78/G’84, Steve Moriarty ’10, Jonathan Moriarty, and Don Moriarty ’98

48TH ANNUAL ALUMNI GOLF TOURNAMENT RAISES MORE THAN $18,000 FOR SCHOLARSHIP Under sunny skies, golfers at the 48th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament on May 27 started their Memorial Day weekend early at The Country Club of Wilbraham in Wilbraham, MA. Presented by People’s United Bank, the event raised more than $18,000 for the Alumni Association Golf Tournament Endowed Scholarship. Highlights included breakfast, a posttournament reception with hors d’oeuvres; a prize ceremony; a silent auction; and Hole-in-One, Closest to the Pin, and Longest Drive competitions.

PRESENTING SPONSOR People’s United Bank CART SPONSOR Michael and Janice Flynn

GOLD SPONSORS East Coast Tile Group FloDesign Sonics The Gaudeau Group Starburst Printing & Graphics

PLATINUM SPONSORS United Bank Westfield Bank

CAREERS-IN-SPORT SYMPOSIUM SPORT MANAGEMENT ALUMNI RETURN TO CAMPUS TO DISCUSS CAREERS IN SPORTS A standing-room only crowd of prospective students and their parents packed the School of Law’s largest classroom recently for the Department of Sport Management’s annual Careers-in-Sport symposium, featuring sport management alumni and current senior students who talked about their educational and industry experience.

Held in conjunction with the University’s Open House, the session drew more than 100 attendees. This year’s panelists were (L-R) Philadelphia 76ers intern Matt LaCoille ’16, ESPN Associate Producer Emily Savino ’13, Rentschler Field Operations Assistant Joe Bowker ’15, Boston Celtics Inside Sales Representative Nate Russell ’15, Town of Sudbury Youth Center Director Mark Simmons ’15, and Sport Management Association President Frank Grimaldi ’16.

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ALUMNI MENTOR AND COACH STUDENTS AT ANNUAL REALTEST EVENT

ANNUAL REALTEST EVENT

On March 4, senior Management and Leadership as well as Arts and Entertainment majors in the College of Business had the opportunity to network with alumni and receive guidance as they participated in managerial situation simulations during the College’s 9th annual RealTest Event.

Activities included a mock interview and a problem-solving scenario based on a real case study, with alumni serving as their coaches and mentors. Students also delivered PowerPoint presentations and received feedback from alumni. The event was organized by the Department of Management with support from the Office of Alumni Relations. Pictured giving a presentation are recent graduates Blair Cook ’16 and Alex Campanelli ’16.

wne.edu/alumni

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SPORTS UPDATE

BY KEN CERINO

FOOTBALL EARNS FIRST PERFECT REGULAR SEASON COACH KEITH EMERY HAD A STRONG FEELING that his team would have a successful year in 2015, and he was right. The football Golden Bears won their first 10 contests to complete the first perfect regular season in program history while ending the year nationally-ranked for the first time.

Western New England captured its second New England Football Conference (NEFC) title in five years with a thrilling 28-21 victory over Salve Regina in the title game and participated in the NCAA Division III Championship for the second Ken Vollaro time as well, falling to Johns Hopkins in a first-round contest.

With a 10-1 record, the Golden Bears tied the school record for wins in a season (previously set in 2011) and compiled a program-best 12-game winning streak over two seasons.

The final three weeks provided drama, excitement, and numerous big plays that won’t soon be forgotten.

Western New England prevailed over its toughest opponents who were all still in contention for the NEFC title: Endicott (19-13), Coast Guard (51-0), and Salve Regina (28-21). In the Coach Keith Emery addresses the team.

Salve game, the Golden Bears jumped to a 21-0 halftime advantage only to see the Seahawks tie the contest early in the fourth quarter.

Senior defensive rover Mike Stasiewicz intercepted the first pass of his career late in the fourth quarter, which led to the winning touchdown on a four-yard run by graduate student quarterback Tyler Ward with nine seconds remaining for one of the biggest victories in any sport at Western New England.

“The difference was being able to dig down deep for something extra,” said Emery. “It takes a little more to win a championship.

Our guys stayed up, stayed confident despite giving up 21 points in the second half. Their trust in each other showed in that they kept on fighting.”

Western New England was ranked first among New England Division III schools all season and finished 22nd in the final American Football Coaches Association Division III Poll after reaching as high as 19th for three weeks during the year.

Players earned numerous awards, including 15 players named to the All-NEFC Team and 20 who were named to the league’s All-Academic Team.

Emery was selected the NEFC, Gridiron Club of Greater Boston Division III, and ECAC Division III North Coach of the Year in 2015. He has guided his team to a 53-21 record (71.6%) the past seven seasons.

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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL ENJOYS BEST SEASON IN A DECADE The women’s basketball team celebrated its 40th Anniversary season by not only having one of the best teams in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) this past season, but also one of the best players in the region.

The Golden Bears finished with a 19-11 record for their best showing in 10 years and tied for second in the conference with a 13-5 mark. The 13 victories were the squad’s highest total ever since joining the conference in the 2007-08 season.

Coach Nicole Chaszar Coach Nicole Chaszar’s high-spirited group ended the year by winning 10 of its last 13 contests, including three of five post-season contests in placing second in both the CCC Championship and Eastern College Athletic Conference Division III New England Tournament.

Three players earned All-Conference honors. Senior forward Chelsea Vujs enjoyed her best season ever by being selected the CCC Player of the Year while making the honor squad for the fourth consecutive season earning First-Team recognition. She also was selected to the New England Women’s Basketball Association Division III Second and d3hoops.com All-Northeast Region Third Teams. Vujs, who was voted the team’s Most Outstanding Player, led the Golden Bears in scoring (15.6 avg.) and rebounding (8.3,) that both ranked third in the conference.

Junior forward Emily Anderson and sophomore point guard Dorothy O’Neill were both All-CCC Second Team picks. Anderson was second in scoring (12.3, 8th CCC) and first in three-pointers (46 that tied as the sixth best in team history). She was second in the conference in three-point field-goal percentage (38.6). O’Neill averaged 9.8 points with a team best 115 assists (3rd in the CCC). She averaged 3.8 assists a contest and was second among CCC players in assist to turnover ratio (1.9).

“Entering this season, our goal was to compete at a high level in each and every game. With a strong core of returning players, I knew if we worked hard and came together as a team that we could accomplish great things,” said Chaszar. n

Chelsea Vujs

Visit wnegoldenbears.com for more about these and other outstanding Golden Bear teams.

wne.edu/alumni

29

BY ALEX LYMAN ’12/G’16

POLLING INSTITUTE OFFERS LESSONS IN THE VOLATILITY OF PUBLIC OPINION IN AN ELECTION YEAR This year is an exciting one for the Western New England University Polling Institute. Not only is it a presidential election year, but there are also controversial questions that may end up making the ballot.

Because it conducts nonpartisan research on public policy issues at the local, state, and regional levels, the Polling Institute has become a trusted source not only for news media, but also for students and faculty on campus.

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is really confident and capable of thinking on his or her feet,” he said.

Students are trained in the computer program used to record data, good survey practices, and the reasoning behind the survey questions. Also included are the techniques needed to work with different survey takers, from the heated political junkie to those who are not willing to participate. Students role-play these scenarios in order to gain more experience.

Once the survey cycle starts, each shift begins with a debriefing. If there is a question that’s giving student interviewers a hard time, there will be discussion.

If someone had a noteworthy call, the group may discuss how to handle it differently next time. Vercellotti is always on hand to help students work through a challenging call.

“I can’t say enough good things about our students,” Vercellotti noted. “This generation is depicted as one that hates to talk on the phone. But they have a grace in public speaking and persuasion that belies the rap they get about communication skills.”

Not only is the Polling Institute a constructive training ground for students, but it is also a valuable resource for University faculty who want to gather data for their research. Instead of ap-

THE COMMUNICATOR

SUMMER 2016

“Students receive an introduction to polling and a grounding in American politics. They also learn to deal with the public, defuse difficult situations, and think on their feet.”

—PROFESSOR TIM VERCELLOTTI

plying for a grant to cover the cost of a statewide survey, their questions can be added to the Institute’s latest poll.

Much like the industries that are changing with the rise of new technology, the area of survey research will face new challenges and opportunities from inventions that have changed society, such as the Internet and smart phones.

“The Polling Institute will evolve along with the rest of the field of survey research,” said Vercellotti. “I think there will always be room for telephone surveys, but we have to consider hybrid approaches like an online supplement where we do surveys on smart phones and tablets. Our students will have a front row seat to these changes. It’s just one more element of their experience here they can draw on when they leave.” n

©BEARSKY23/ISTOCK.COM

Having conducted an initial survey about the presidential candidates last fall, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Polling Institute Tim Vercellotti felt it was important to resurvey some of those questions as the campaign progressed in the spring.

“We had begun looking at the 2016 election cycle with a poll in October and measured name recognition and did some match ups for the presidential election. It was so far away—people weren’t really tuned in. But now it feels like there’s a lot more attention being paid to the primary season,” he explained.

For example, Bernie Sanders wasn’t widely known early on in his presidential run, but has since made a name for himself, a change which was reflected in the spring results. Also, the name recognition of Ted Cruz wasn’t originally tested, as the field in the Republican Party was much wider.

Conducting these important phone surveys are Western New England University students from every major and level of education. Regardless of their career goals, each student takes away valuable skills from the process.

“It’s fun to watch them evolve from someone who might be nervous about making a phone call, to a student who

CLASS NOTES

Summer 2016

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? What have you been up to since graduation?

After graduation, I took a year off before starting grad school. I took this time to gain the experience and knowledge that allowed me to make a solid decision regarding my next steps academically and professionally. I did not want to go to grad school because I was expected to.

I wanted to choose a program that would satisfy my needs as a professional.

Now that I am finished with school and have a career I love, I’ve started to challenge myself in new ways. I travel often, play on competitive kickball and flag football teams, and bought my first home. In January 2016, I ran my first half marathon at Walt Disney World to raise awareness for Organ Donation.

This is a feat I never thought I would attempt, never mind complete.

You currently work at the New England Organ Bank. What is your role there, and what makes it fulfilling for you?

My title is Family Services Coordinator (FSC). The role of the FSC involves supporting the loved ones of individuals who have the opportunity to give life to others through organ and tissue donation. I use my skills as a therapist, along with my medical training, to assess the family’s understanding and acceptance of the patients’ condition, assist the medical team in conducting end of life conversations, assess appropriate time to discuss oppor-

tunity for organ donation, and communicating the needs of the family to the hospital and to my colleagues at NEOB. I meet these families on what is the worst day of their lives. The selflessness, generosity, support, and strength these families embody is the reason I go to work every day. It takes a very special person to register as an organ donor.

Those who support that wish or make the decision to donate for their loved one are just as heroic. While their loved one is giving the gift of life, they are giving the gift of hope to the over 100,000 individuals and their families waiting for life-saving transplants. It is a privilege to serve these families and be a part of an organization whose mission is to change and save lives.

How did Western New England support you to meet your career goals?

Psychology is a very broad field, and I wanted to break into a very specific area— Health Psychology. My goal was to bridge psychology and medicine and somehow create a career out of it. In my junior year, I decided to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. This path included a more science-based curriculum to round out my psychology classes. My advisor and the psychology faculty helped me to move mountains to obtain the science credits necessary by graduation. I could not have made all of these pieces come together without their guidance and support.

Erin Carroll ’09 PSYCHOLOGY Family Services Coordinator New England Organ Bank Waltham, MA

Stay Connected!

Send your class note to:

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

wne.edu/alumni

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1992 GERALD BURKE (MBA) was elected chairman of the Greylock Federal Credit Union Board of Directors. He has been a board member for 14 years.

He is also president and CEO of Hillcrest Educational Centers.

DONOVAN ’73

McCASKILL ’84

1973 PAUL DONOVAN (marketing) was promoted to vice president of engineering at CBS Radio. He was previously director of engineering for CBS Radio’s Northeast Region.

PETER STEPHEN BENTON (accounting) published his third book, a collection of short stories entitled Coming and Going. He is currently working on two new novels.

1982 MARK CISSELL (accounting) was nominated for the “Men Who Get It” Award through Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants. He is currently the president and CEO of KatzAbosch, an accounting firm in the state.

1983 FREDERICK TROTTA SR. (government) was selected for inclusion in the 2015 Super Lawyers list. He is an partner at Halloran and Sage LLP in New Haven, CT.

1984 KEVIN McCASKILL (mathematics) was named executive director of Madison Park Technical Vocational High School in Boston. Prior to this, he was an administrator in the public school system in Hartford.

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LESLIE ’95

GLENN S. WELCH (finance) was appointed president and chief executive officer of Freedom Credit Union in Springfield, MA. Prior to that he was executive vice president of Berkshire Bank.

STANLEY WILSON (management) was appointed executive director of the Greenville County Redevelopment Authority in South Carolina. He was most recently the executive director of the SalisburyRowan Community Action Agency, Inc., in Salisbury, NC.

1985 THOMAS P. BRITANIK (MBA) joined the advisory board at LiquiGlide Inc. as an independent consultant. Prior to this, he served as senior vice president-chief marketing officer at The Clorox Company and as marketing director at Proctor and Gamble.

CHRIS CROWELL (electrical engineering) is a managing director at The Gores Group, a Los Angeles-based global private equity company. He was previously chief operating officer of Extreme Networks.

1986 PHIL GONCALVES (finance/G’90 MBA) was promoted to senior vice president, commercial lending at Country Bank in Ware, MA. He was previously vice president and team leader at the bank.

THE COMMUNICATOR

MILLS ’07

1987 DOUGLAS CLARKE (mechanical engineering) is now a mathematics teacher at H.C. Wilcox Technical High School in Meriden, CT. He was most recently an educator at Connecticut IB Academy in East Hartford, CT.

1988 AMY LEWIS (marketing/G’00 MBA) is a marketing and business development executive at Kitchens To Go and Carlin Manufacturing.

Prior to her new position, she was director of marketing at SimplyThick, LLC. She is also a member of the Western New England University Board of Trustees.

SUSAN TEIXEIRA (marketing) was promoted to senior vice president of Country Bank in Ware, MA. She was most recently first vice president, operations, compliance, and security of the bank.

1994 KAREN RIBEIRO (MBA) is an energy consultant at Solar City in Amherst, MA. She is also an environmental consultant, supportive business coach, and author for Inner Fortune in Amherst, MA.

1995 DAVID LESLIE (healthcare administration) has been named to the board of directors of the Employers Association of the Northeast. He is the controller of Glenmeadow Inc., a senior living home in Longmeadow, MA.

1991

1996

DAWN FLEURY (accounting) was appointed senior vice president, chief risk officer at Country Bank in Ware, MA. She has been with the bank since 2012.

DENISE DUGUAY (criminal justice administration) was selected acting chief of the Holyoke (MA) Police Department—the force’s first female chief. She was previously the first female captain of the department.

KELLY FREDERICK (social work) was named assistant vice president/retail banking officer at the Chelmsford Center branch of Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank. She has been with the bank for more than 14 years, most recently as assistant branch manager at Chelmsford Center office.

SUMMER 2016

KEVIN CHRISANTHOPOULOS (government) was selected to the 2015 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list. He is an attorney with Robinson Donovan, P.C.

1997

2003

2007

MARK MURRAY (MS criminal justice administration) was appointed police marshal in the Newburyport (MA) Police Department. He was previously serving as the interim city marshal for the force.

JAMES E. MULLIGAN (MS criminal justice) took over as interim chief of police in Rowley, MA, during the process to find a permanent replacement. He served as the police chief in Georgetown, MA, before transferring to the Rowley Police Department.

THOMAS CANTIN (general business/G’13 MBA) was named senior manager materials and system integration at Kaman Precision Products, Inc. in Middletown, CT. He is also owner and founder of Cantin Management Group. He was formerly supply chain manager at Crane and Company in North Adams, MA.

JOANN PIEDRAFITE (MBA) was promoted to chief nursing officer at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester, MA. She has served as executive director of Musculoskeletal Services and Professional Services since 2008 and as executive director of the Cancer and Wellness Center since November.

1999 MARK R. MELLYN (MS criminal justice administration) was promoted to lieutenant of the Barnstable (MA) Police Department. He is a 20-year veteran of the force.

2001 ORLA BRANDOS (MBA) was named chief nursing officer and vice president of patient care services at Newport Hospital in Rhode Island. Prior to that she was associate chief nurse for maternal/child health and ambulatory nursing services at Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts.

JAMES P. MACHADO (mechanical engineering) was appointed president of St. Vincent’s Medical Center Clay County in Middleburg, FL. He was most recently CEO of Clearview Regional Medical Center in Monroe, GA. MATTHEW McGINTY (management leadership/G’05 MBA) was named vice president sales and marketing at Burst.it, LLC in Boston. He was previously chief operating officer at GTxcel in Boston.

THOMAS PLOCHARCZYK JR. (psychology) is a management consultant for Accenture, a global consulting and technology firm in New York City. He was previously a business consultant at The Hartford.

2005 HANNAH EVELYN READ (communication) After 15 years of reflection, Nathaniel Read ’05 began living as the woman she is. She now goes by Hannah Evelyn Read and resides in Cambridge, MA, where she pursues her musical passions and a web development education.

GRANT RITTER (communication) is a digital analytics consultant at MassMutual Financial Group in Springfield, MA. Prior to his new position, he was strategic and analytic design lead for the company.

JOHN J. SANTANGELO (law enforcement) was promoted to captain in the Mashpee (MA) Police Department. He has been with the force for 27 years.

2006 KEITH HENDERSON (MBA) has joined Panolam Surface Systems in Shelton, CT, as director of manufacturing accounting, overseeing the company’s six manufacturing facilities.

KELLY KEATING (psychology) started her own business in partnership with her sister. The company, Red Letter Resumes LLC, provides résumés, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile development services.

KAYTE MILLS (sport management) was appointed head women’s lacrosse coach at Post University. She spent the last three years as an assistant coach at Western Connecticut State University.

2009 NANCY ROBINSON (accounting) was named internal audit officer at PeoplesBank in Holyoke, MA. She joined the bank in 2012 and was most recently a financial analyst.

ALEX MAZZAFERRO (English) has been named by the American Council of Learned Societies as a 2016 Mellon/ACLS Dissertation Completion Fellow.

Selected from a pool of nearly 1,000 applicants, this year’s 66 fellows are advanced graduate students in their final year of dissertation writing, who have been recognized for excellence in research in the humanities and related social sciences.

Alex is a doctoral candidate in the English Department at Rutgers University, focusing on early American literature.

wne.edu/alumni

Bernie St. George G’02 (MBA) (left) was presented with the Sean Collier Award for Innovations in CommunityOriented Policing by the Massachusetts Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators. Bernie, an officer at Westfield State University, was nominated by Tony Casciano (right), director of Public Safety at Westfield State.

Eli Gardner ’08 (sport management) was named NCAA Division II Assistant Football Coach of the Year by the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston.

He is the assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Stonehill College. Eli is pictured at the awards ceremony with Golden Bear Football Coach Keith Emery, who won Division III Coach of the Year honors.

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Where has your education led you?

I started working at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Hartford, CT, immediately after graduating. While working full time, I earned my Masters in Accounting from Western New England in 2010. I worked at PwC until November 2012 at which time I accepted an offer with Sikorsky. I ended up getting two amazing Alaskan Klee Kai (mini-husky) puppies, Kali and Kobi, and in July 2015, married my amazing husband, Bill Olender, in my hometown of Martha’s Vineyard.

What is your role at Sikorsky and how do you feel you make an impact each day?

I started in the Controller’s Department for Financial Reporting and Cost Accounting, but I am currently a senior financial analyst on our Development Programs. Being an integral part of our development programs has allowed me to influence critical engineering schedules and designs by providing accurate financial information. While the core of our aviation business is built on engineering, the success of the business hinges on sound financial decisions and support.

How has your education at Western New England helped you become the professional you are today?

Brie (Sylvia) Olender ’09/G’10 ACCOUNTING AND MSA Senior Analyst, Accounting, Sikorsky Stratford, CT

I use the skills the communication and business classes taught me daily. A good working relationship is founded on good communication, which is how I have been successful in each industry that I have worked in. Understanding the key business objectives and effectively communicating them is the main reason for my success to date.

If you could give any advice to current students, what would it be?

Everyone says the real world isn’t like the classroom; however, what they neglect to mention is the fundamentals taught in every class are your building blocks for success. In my experience, the books that came from my introductory communications, economics, cost accounting, and business courses are never dusty.

LIBERTI ’10

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SMITH ’10

THE COMMUNICATOR

2010

2011

JAMES LIBERTI (sport management) was promoted to manager of ticket operations for the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers. He was previously assistant ticket operations manager.

MICHAEL BOOKER (sport management) was named an assistant men’s basketball coach at Westfield State University. He is also an account representative at deRenzy Document Solutions in West Springfield, MA.

KAYLYN SMITH (psychology) was hired as the assistant director of athletics facilities and operations at Wheaton College in Norton, MA. She was previously the assistant commissioner and senior woman administrator for the Commonwealth Coast Conference.

SUMMER 2016

TRICIA BREAULT (management) is now the athletics equipment manager at University of California Berkeley. Prior to this she was an athletic equipment intern for college athletics at Ohio State University.

JESSICA DiPIETRO (philosophy) was appointed an international trade specialist, and Presidential Management Fellow at the U.S. Department of Commerce. She was previously a student consultant at the National Innovation Office of Hungary.

DONNA HASKELL (psychology) is now an autism spectrum disorder teacher at Birchland Park Middle School in East Longmeadow, MA.

JAMES KOSTEK (industrial engineering/G’15 engineering management) was named the lead program engineer for the Nuclear Weapons Security Program at General Dynamics Mission Systems.

ASHLEY JONES (communication) is an administrative coordinator at Bose Corporation in Framingham, MA. She was previously an administrative assistant at Catskill Mountain Foundation in Hunter, NY.

MIKE OKEN (MBA) was named brand manager at BioSafe Systems, LLC in East Hartford.

Prior to this he was a product marketing manager at Transact Technologies.

COURTNEY FITZPATRICK (marketing) was named a digital marketing strategist at ThomasNet. She was previously a digital account executive at Colangelo Synergy Marketing.

was a public relations assistant at the hospital prior to her new position.

2014 JORREL BLAKE (industrial engineering) is a lean manufacturing coordinator at Sikorsky Aircraft in Bridgeport, CT. Prior to that he was a field industrial engineer at Lowe’s Companies, Inc. in Jennings County, IN.

TIMOTHY MERCIER (mechanical engineering) is a manufacturing engineer at Kongsberg Automotive in Hartford. He was previously a process engineer at Tell Tool in Westfield, MA.

2012 AMANDA STEBBINS (finance) is a derivatives analyst at SS&C Technologies in Springfield, MA. She was formerly a registered representative for MassMutual Financial Group.

BREAULT ’11

STEBBINS ’12

COWAN ’12

RICH ’12

WALSH ’12

TOMACK ’12

FRASER ’13

JONES ’13

FITZPATRICK ’13

MacDUFF ’13

DANIELLE L. COWAN (English literature) accepted a position with the U.S. Army JAG Corps.

She was previously an associate attorney with The Connor Group, PC, in southern Georgia.

DAN RICH (political science) is now an attorney for Clark, Campbell, Lancaster and Munson, P.A., in Lakeland, FL, after recently passing the Florida Bar Examination.

ELIZABETH WALSH (communication) was named assistant director of New Student Programs at Miami University in Ohio. She was previously the resident director and first year advisor at the university.

WILLIAM TOMACK (sport management) is a sales representative at The Sun Energy Group in Medford, NY. He is also a product merchandiser at Lowe’s Home Improvement.

2013 PATRICK FRASER (sport management/G’14 MBA) was promoted to business systems analyst II at Liberty Mutual Insurance in Cambridge, MA.

SEAN KYDD (communication) is a technical recruiter at Aerotek in the Greater Los Angeles area. He previously worked as a technical recruiter for the company in Woburn, MA. ERIC MacDUFF (criminal justice) has joined the Manchester (NH) Police Department as an officer.

He was previously a patrol officer at the Lyndeborough Police Department.

KRISTEN O’SHEPA (communication) was appointed public relations specialist at Shriners Hospitals for Children. She

wne.edu/alumni

2015 TESSA JORDAN (MS accounting) was promoted to manager at the accounting and tax firm Nicola Yester & Company, P.C. She joined the firm in 2011.

VAN NGUYEN (marketing) works for the operational rotational program at UTC Aerospace Systems.

CHRISTOPHER QUIGLEY (integrated liberal studies) is a salesman for Colonial Life Insurance. He was previously a salesman for Aflac.

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Marriages JESSICA SCANNAPIECO (communication) is now a lacrosse tournament director with Aloha Tournaments and The World Series of Youth Lacrosse in Baltimore, MD. JAY UPADHYAY (PharmD) was promoted to pharmacy manager at Rite Aid. O’SHEPA ’13

BLAKE ’14

MINDYLEIGH VAIL (MBA) was promoted to manager at the accounting and tax firm Nicola Yester & Company, P.C. She works with clients in the manufacturing and construction industries as well as with nonprofit organizations.

2016 BROOKE WISNESKY (management and leadership) is a production planner at Cartamundi USA, Inc. in Hartford, CT. She was previously a SAP Implementation Intern at UTC Aerospace Systems.

NGUYEN ’15

BRIE SYLVIA ’09/G ’10 and Bill Olender, July 18, 2015, in Martha’s Vineyard, MA ASHLEY LYNCH ’10 and MICHAEL MARTIN ’10, June 6, 2015, in Narragansett, RI JACQUELINE LAMBROS ’15 and NICHOLAS RICARD ’14, October 3, 2015, in Newington, CT KATIE GROGAN ’10 and SEAN STARON ’10, September 19, 2015, in Hancock, MA SMITHA THOMAS PharmD’15 and Sunil Joseph, July 25, 2015, in Garfield, NJ

AMANDA DECOSTA ’12 and JEFFREY WAGNER ’12, July 18, 2015, in Little Compton, RI

Landon Van Allsburg, April 12, 2015, to RYAN VAN ALLSBURG ’06 and Kimberly Van Allsburg

Miles Karsten, November 14, 2014, to Amanda Karsten and MATT KARSTEN ’14

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JENNY CATUOGNO ’10 and James MacKay, August 1, 2015, in Narragansett, RI

BRIANA CASHMAN ’15 and Michael Conceicao, August 22, 2015, in Higganum, CT

Baby Golden Bears

Ethan Joseph Fiedler, July 3, 2015, to STEVEN FIEDLER PharmD’15 and Allise Fiedler

JEFFREY TATE ’07 and Travis Moose, November 7, 2015, in Atlanta, GA

Aiden Edward Davis, September 22, 2015, to STEVE DAVIS ’03/G’06 and AMY DAVIS ’02/G’04

THE COMMUNICATOR

SUMMER 2016

LYNCH ’10 AND MARTIN ’10 (L-R) First row: groom Michael Martin ’10 and bride Ashley (Lynch) Martin ’10. Second row: Katelyn O’Brien (junior), Paul Cerrone ’10, and Bill Gilleran ’10. Third row: Jimmy Augustyn ’10, Scott Shaw ’10, Michelle Wiggett ’12, and Joe Gionet ’10. Fourth row: Mike Marino ’10, Kristin Marino ’10, John Broadwell ’10, Jenny Mancini ’07, and Amanda Martin ’07

TATE ’07 (L-R) Chris Purcell ’05, Stephanie Ganser ’08, groom Travis Moose, groom Jeff Tate ’07, Lindsay Furlong-O’Hara ’07, Jen Zapatka ’07, and Laura Franze ’07

GROGAN ’10 AND STARON ’10 (L-R) Front Row: Jojo Saluhuana, Marissa Massa ’11, Brian Krajewski ’10, groom Sean Staron ’10, bride Katie (Grogan) Staron ’10, John Welch ’11, Alison Castellano ’05, Cassandra Dias ’11. Second Row: Scott Panchisin ’10, Austin McComas ’10, Jacob Leslie ’11, Patrick Dwyer ’11, Victoria (Lospinuso) Beebe ’10, and Brett Castellano ’04/G’08

SYLVIA ’09 (L-R) Stephanie Ganser ’08, Jennifer Hunter (Morello) ’09, bride Brie (Sylvia) Olender ’09/G ’10, Golden Bear, and Laura Armstrong ’09 CASHMAN ’15 Michael Conceicao and Briana Cashman ’15

LAMBROS ’15 AND RICARD ’14 (L-R) Alyssa Caliguri ’13, Sara Alberalla ’14, Maria Francese ’14, Gabriella Lambros ’14, Andrew Roberts ’13, bride Jacqueline (Lambros) Ricard ’15, groom Nicholas Ricard ’14, Samantha Mulhern ’15, Jocelyn Agnelli ’15, Dominic Seguro ’13, and Tyler Forss ’15

THOMAS ’15 (center) bride Smitha Thomas PharmD’15, (third from right) Lori Spencer PharmD’15, and (second from right) Erika Altan PharmD’15

DeCOSTA ’12 AND WAGNER ’12 (L-R) Front row: Elizabeth Goldschein ’12, Allison Breen ’11/G ’15, Taryn Sidney ’12, bride Amanda (DeCosta) Wagner ’12, Ashley (Arpino) Drago ’11/G’12. Middle row: Danielle Remigio ’11, Becky Budynkiewicz, Nicole Gakenheimer ’12, groom Jeffrey Wagner ’12, Michael Salva ’13, Anthony Camardi ’14, Charles Drago ’12, Matthew Allen ’13, and James Frazitta ’12. Furthest back: Robert Guiry ’10/G’14

wne.edu/alumni

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In Memoriam The magazine has received the notice of the deaths of the following members of the Western New England University family.

WILLIAM J. RASCHI ’47 (engineering and business), High Point, NC; April 4, 2015

NORMAN R. SUAVE ’72 (marketing), Riviera Beach, FL; January 13, 2016

DANIEL FRIEDMAN ’54 (management), Springfield, MA; August 19, 2015

JEFFREY MARK KRAVITZ ’73 (government), East Longmeadow, MA; January 3, 2016

GEORGE H. RAMSDELL JR. ’56/L’63 (management/law), Pennington, NJ; January, 13, 2016

THEODORE G. EFREMIDES ’75/G’77/G’88 (engineering management/MBA/MSA), Springfield, MA; August 17, 2014

ROGER CANTIN ’59/G’61 (engineering and business/MBA), Chicopee, MA; September 28, 2015

JOHN H. KENNEDY ’76 (management), Holyoke, MA; November 8, 2015

ROLAND CORBEIL ’60 (accounting), Ludlow, MA; November 18, 2015 NORMAND VICTOR METHE SR. ’63 (management), West Dennis, MA; November 22, 2015 KENNETH J. NEARY SR. ’64 (management), Westfield, MA; September 30, 2015 AXEL H. ANDERSON ’65 (mechanical engineering), Somers, CT; October 28, 2015 JAMES D. SHEA ’66 (mechanical engineering), Ludlow, MA; October 2, 2015 THEODORE W. ROUKAS ’67 (management), Springfield, MA; January 31, 2016 JOSEPH W. GONYEA ’71 (mechanical engineering), Westfield, MA; September 22, 2015 CHRISTINE SHYLO GELINA G’72 (MBA), October 8, 2015

JOSEPH LEO GIBEAU ’76 (accounting), Hampden, MA; January 6, 2016 RICHARD J. BRIOTTA G’79 (MBA) Longmeadow, MA; September 12, 2015 STEPHEN J. CAWLEY ’80 (government), Manassas, VA; November 26, 2015 ANORA M. BLISS ’81 (human resources management) East Longmeadow, MA; December 6, 2015 ELIZABETH M. FLINK IRISH ’81 (social work), Melbourne, FL; September 21, 2015 THOMAS M. KELLY ’81 (law enforcement), Springfield, MA; June 14, 2014 REV. JAMES E. CLARK G’83 (MBA), Troy, NY; October 2, 2015

CATHERINE A. KELLY ’86 (human resource management), Westfield, MA; January 6, 2016 SANDRA M. THIBAULT-HURLEY ’89 (accounting), Charlestown, MA; May 26, 2014 SR. JOAN MULLEN G ’89 (MBA), Easthampton, MA; March 29, 2016 STEPHEN ANDREW CZYZ ’93 (marketing), Ellington, CT; September 16, 2015 JOHN PAUL DONOHUE G ’95 (MBA), Springfield, MA; December 6, 2015 CHARLES R. QUINN ’98 (criminal justice), Hudson, MA; April 29, 2015 KEITH E. HOPKINSON ’98 (marketing), Ludlow, MA; November 13, 2015 RICHARD A. POORE ’98 (law enforcement), Stoughton, MA; October 25, 2015 MARK STEVEN BUSHA ’99 (engineering management), East Longmeadow, MA; March 17 2016 SHAUN R. KRAFTHOFER ’03 (management), Newington, CT; September 28, 2015 CHRISTINA PORPORA ’08 (psychology), Phoenix, AZ; October 12, 2015

JAMES F. PETO ’85 (management), Clinton, MA; October 23, 2015 MICHAEL STANLEY GALE ’85 (accounting), New Smyrna Beach, FL; January 8, 2014

Look for the full obituaries on the Alumni Website: wne.edu/alumni.

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THE COMMUNICATOR

SUMMER 2016

©SWKUNST/BIGSTOCK.COM

Alumni Association Benefits— Are You Using Yours?

Many of the resources of Western New England University, which proved so valuable to its alumni as students, continue to provide important services after graduation.

Benefits of Alumni Association membership include: THE ALUMNI HEALTHFUL LIVING CENTER Alumni are welcome at all hours the Alumni Healthful Living Center is open with their Alumni Association card and photo ID. UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES When you check in with your alumni ID card, you can use the resources of the D’Amour Library or the Law Library—for life.

COURSE AUDITING Alumni may audit undergraduate courses for $15 per credit hour if space is available.

BENJAMIN F. JONES TRUSTEE EMERITUS Benjamin Franklin Jones, a trustee at Western New England from 1966 to 1996, died on January 14 in Stuart, FL, at the age of 93. He is the former president and CEO of Monarch Life Insurance Company in Springfield and the oldest paramedic at Ground Zero following the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City.

A graduate of Dartmouth College and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he joined the Monarch Life Insurance Co. in New York City, rising from field underwriter to managing his own agency in Cleveland, OH, in 1953. In the early 1960s he moved to Springfield as vice president of agency operations.

He ultimately became chairman of the board at Monarch.

Benjamin was heavily involved with civic organizations, including the Springfield Theater Arts Association and Wesson Memorial Hospital. He was chairman of the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and active in promoting the revival of Springfield’s downtown business core.

His civic awards included the prestigious Pynchon Award for good citizenship and outstanding public service and he was honored by the Boy Scouts of America as distinguished citizen of the year. In 1984, Benjamin carried the ceremonial Olympic torch on one leg of its trip to Los Angeles for the summer games.

After a 40-year career with Monarch, he began his second career as a first responder in Springfield and later in Shelter Island, NY, and Stuart, FL. He continued to serve as an EMT in Shelter Island and Stuart until about a year ago.

Benjamin is survived by his wife Betty Jane; a son; and two daughters.

ALUMNI WEBSITE Keep informed of the most current information about the University and Alumni Association is available on our brand new website.

SUBSCRIPTIONS TO ALUMNI PUBLICATIONS Learn about important news and events at the University and news affecting the Alumni Association through the The Communicator magazine and Alumni Outlook Newsletter.

Issues are also posted on the Alumni website.

LIBERTY MUTUAL INSURANCE DISCOUNTS The University has partnered with Liberty Mutual Insurance to offer exclusive savings on quality auto and home insurance to alumni. These may vary from state to state so learn more by calling 855-948-6267.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AMAZON ASSOCIATES PROGRAM Every purchase you make online supports student programs at Western New England University. Visit our website to enroll.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER The Career Development Center assists alumni with life-long career planning, occupational exploration, and job search strategies. Visit wne.edu/career-development to learn how.

UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE DIPLOMAS The University offers all alumni University and College replacement diplomas for $50.00. Contact Student Administrative Services at 413-96-2080.

TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS Your transcript is the official record of all coursework, grades, and degrees conferred at Western New England University. Visit our webpage for details on obtaining yours.

Learn more about your alumni benefits on our brand new website at: wne.edu/alumni/benefits-services.

To access services such as the libraries and Alumni Healthful Living Center, you will need your Alumni Association ID Card.

To order or replace your card, email alumwne@wne.edu or call 413-782-1327 or 800-962-6592.

39

REMEMBER WHEN

BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16

Honoring a Legend On Homecoming Weekend in 2005, former football players and students gathered with members of the Bazan family to dedicate a memorial to the father of Golden Bear football: the late Henry “Hank” Bazan. Hank, a professor of Management and Business, coached the team from 1970 (its first season) to 1979. The memorial, called “Hank’s Gate,” marks the entrance to Golden Bear Stadium. Pictured are (L-R) Hank’s wife, Josephine Bazan, ’79, his son Stanley Bazan ’87, and his daughters Nancy Bazan Fenton ’92/L’95, and Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Mary Vollaro ’83. His other daughter, Anne Bazan Jany ’85, lives in France and was unable to attend.

Recognize any of these peer advisors at fall orientation in 1986? Peer advising, which began at Western New England in 1974, is the centerpiece of the First Year program and has been recognized nationally as a mentoring experience of unique proportion.

Each first year student is assigned to an upper class student who is trained to serve as a source of information, point of first contact, and conduit to program and services. Peer Advisors coach each student in the formation of the personal success plan and act as an advocate for student success.

1986

1965 In 1965, 212 degrees were awarded at our Commencement ceremony in the Springfield Municipal Auditorium, now known as Symphony Hall. This historic building, built in 1912, hosted Commencement exercises from 1961 until 1970, when the event was moved to the campus green between Emerson and Herman Halls. Then, from 1974 to 1987 graduates received their degrees in graduation ceremonies in the Springfield Civic Center (now the MassMutual Center), except for 1982, 1986 and 1987, when Commencement was held in a tent on campus. The other exception was in 1991, when the festivities were moved to the Big E Coliseum in West Springfield. Since 1998 the University has held Commencement in the Alumni Healthful Living Center.

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 DONOR RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Cheryl Brodowski DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

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

Brian Fitzgerald G’16 EDITOR

Mary McLean Orszulak G’10 SPORTS UPDATE EDITOR

Ken Cerino CAMPUS UPDATE EDITOR

Judy Curran WRITERS

The Fund for Western New England University

A gift every year makes a difference every day.

Judy Curran Brian Fitzgerald G’16 Pat Gagnon Alex Lyman ’12/G’16 Mary McLean Orszulak G’10 CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Deborah Chappell DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

MacKenzie Design PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Paul Schnaittacher PRINTER

AM Lithography

The Fund for Western New England University helps enhance our students’ University experience, both academically and socially.

Support of this annual fund has never been more crucial. Gifts to the fund by alumni, faculty, staff, friends, parents—and even students, through the senior class gift—underwrite much needed student aid and help us maintain the highest standards in educational technology, library resources, faculty development, athletics, and student activities.

You can make a gift online at wne.edu/giving/thefund, by calling 1-800-325-1122, ext. 1335, or send a check, payable to: Western New England University Advancement Division 1215 Wilbraham Road Springfield, MA 01119-2684

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.

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAI D 1215 Wilbraham Road

Springfield, MA Permit No. 896

Springfield, MA 01119-2684

wne.edu

Save the Date—Homecoming 2016 September 23-25 Come back to campus and enjoy the fall festivities in our new location: the Pine Grove! Join the family fun, including entertainment, campus tours, great food, Golden Bear football, and other varsity athletic contests. Reconnect with old friends and professors and rekindle your Golden Bear spirit. For the details, visit wne.edu/alumni.

Upcoming Events SEPTEMBER 10

Major League Soccer: New England Revolution vs New York City Football Club in Foxboro, MA

23

Golden Graduates Luncheon Downes Hall of Fame Dinner

24

Homecoming Festivities Women’s Basketball Reunion

25

Men’s Soccer Reunion

NOVEMBER 19

Alumni Bus Trip to New York City

JANUARY 2017 28-29 Great Wolf Lodge and Water Park Getaway APRIL 2017 29

Mark Coffey Memorial Golf Outing

MAY 2017 26

49th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament

For details on alumni events, contact Kristina Oleksak at kristina.oleksak@wne.edu or 413-782-1557.

wne.edu/alumni