Communicator: Summer 2017 by Western New England University

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY

SUMMER 2017

Communicator The

INVESTING IN EDUCATION

Trustee Janet Johnson Bullard ’69 Janet Johnson Bullard talks about her educational journey and why she has chosen to establish the University’s first endowed chair.

Kwasi Amofa ’17 Named a FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR Biomedical Engineering graduate Kwasi Amofa ’17 has been accepted to participate in research as a Fulbright Scholar. Kwasi will spend next year in the Netherlands at the MERLN Institute for Technology–Inspired Regenerative Medicine. There he will work on a new project to bioengineer a cornea—research that could have a major impact on ophthalmology. “The support that I received from my professors was tremendous,” said Kwasi. “My education at Western New England prepared me to dive into the research environment, and my advisors helped me find out what I wanted to pursue and achieve my goals.”

(L-R) Kwasi plays defense for the Men’s Soccer team. College of Engineering Dean S. Hossein Cheraghi presents him with the Biomedical Engineering Research Award. He gets a congratulatory hug at commencement.

For Trustee Janet Johnson Bullard ’69 Curiosity Leads to a Lifelong Investment in Education Read about her journey from a young immigrant to manager of a highly successful investment firm and her $3 million planned gift to establish the University’s first-ever endowed chair.

contents SUMMER 2017

The True Value of an Innovative, Integrated Liberal and Professional Education

also in this issue

Alumni Profile Dr. Adrienne Smith ’81/G’84

President’s Message

Athletics Reunions: Women’s Soccer, Field Hockey, and Bowling

Faculty Profile: Professor of Mathematics Jennifer Beineke

Alumni Receptions

Student Spotlight: Mechanical Engineering Major Logan Carlson ’17

Graduate Studies: New MS in Sport Leadership and Coaching and MS in Law

Campus Update

Alumni News

Sports Update

Class Notes

In Memoriam

Remember When

14 Community Unites for Commencement 2017

Visit The Communicator’s alumni magazine online at wne.edu/alumni

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

THE CLANG AND CLATTER OF CONSTRUCTION on the new Dining Commons has been the background music on campus this summer, reminding us just how exciting it is to be a part of this University during an important time in our great history. The Dining Commons project and the upcoming renovation of the adjacent St. Germain Campus Center will transform our campus by providing the University with a spectacular hub for student life.

Great students deserve ﬁrst-class facilities. Accordingly, in the past decade we have built the Center for the Sciences and Pharmacy, Southwood Hall, and the Flynn Family Golden Bear Pavilion. We have also renovated and expanded Sleith Hall and the Blake Law Center, and renovated Herman Hall. However, our prudent investment in our physical plant—to provide the best living and learning environment possible—is just part our recipe for success. Also essential, obviously, is the outstanding teaching and research that takes place within the walls of our buildings, enabling Western New England University to attract and retain the very best faculty and students. The vast majority of our faculty have earned the Ph.D. or other doctoral/terminal degrees, and they are well-suited to prepare students for success in the classroom and in their careers. Our rise in excellence over the years was recently recognized by The Economist magazine, which ranked Western New England University in the top 3 percent of the colleges and universities among the top 1,275 public and private U.S. institutions it reviewed. The rankings analyzed which institutions offered the “best value” for the education received. The Economist’s ranking formula utilized data from the U.S. Department of Education and factored in how much college students are projected to earn after graduating versus what they actually earn. Of 114 colleges and universities in Massachusetts, the report placed six institutions from our state in the top 3 percent of “best

THE COMMUNICATOR

value” universities, including Harvard, MIT, and Western New England University. To be sure, today’s students are looking for a measurable return on their significant investment in higher education, and it is no secret that our graduates are thriving in their fields. In this magazine, just read the cover feature on Trustee and investment firm president Janet Johnson Bullard ’69—and take a look at the Class Notes as well—and you will see why we are so proud of our alumni and their accomplishments. In this edition you will also read a feature about our unique blend of integrated liberal and professional learning and how this combination of theoretical and applied knowledge helps our talented students flourish in the workforce of today and tomorrow. Indeed, the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Pharmacy and the School of Law have created multidisciplinary and experiential learning opportunities that are normally found at large institutions. Our students, who enjoy the kind of personal attention that has come to define Western New England University (a 12:1 student to faculty ratio), develop critical thinking skills that last a lifetime. They are superbly equipped for the fast-paced changes of the job market. In the past 10 years we have built Western New England into a university with a wide range of programs that provide opportunities for collaboration and creative cross-pollinations. While we have become a more comprehensive institution, we have not sacrificed any of the distinguishing qualities that characterize us, including an emphasis on faculty and student relationships and an atmosphere of collegiality on campus. Your gifts remain essential to the remarkable momentum we are building at the University. I am very grateful for your loyalty and generosity. We are accomplishing great things, and I thank you for playing an important role in our advancement.

Sincerely,

Anthony S. Caprio President

SUMMER 2017

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 A. Brodowski 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 EDITORIAL OFFICES:

The Fund for Western New England University supports the University’s most urgent priorities. When you make a gift to the Fund for Western New England you join thousands of alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends who support the University annually. The Fund for Western New England helps the University deliver the highest quality educational experience in the most cost effective way possible. Your gifts directly affect our ability to innovate, grow, and assist students to realize their educational and career dreams.

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

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.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

For Janet Johnson Bullard ’69 Curiosity Leads to a Lifelong Investment in Education BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10

n the morning of March 9, 2017, New Yorkers awoke to find a new visitor in their midst. Overnight, a Wall Street firm had installed a new bronze statue of a calm and confident little girl standing across from the iconic “Charging Bull” State Street statue. Hair blowing, arms at her hips, the “Fearless Girl” installation by State Street Global Advisors was meant to send a message to boards of directors across the country and around the globe of the need for and value of giving women a seat in their boardrooms and in leadership positions.

When you meet Janet Johnson Bullard ’69, you can’t help but imagine her as once a similar little girl whose curiosity about the world gave her the quiet confidence to believe in her own potential. Named to the Western New England University Board of Trustees in 2016, she is an advocate for the value of education and a prime example of what it could do for a young immigrant who wasn’t afraid to work hard, make her own opportunities, and reach for the American Dream. Today, that dream includes heading an investment firm that manages accounts totaling nearly $50 million. Janet is the owner, president, and Registered Investment Advisor of A.T. Whitehead, Inc., an investment management firm headquartered in Tampa, FL, with offices in Watertown, MA, and Bristol, R.I. She earned her BBA in Management from what was then Western New England College, her MBA from Northeastern University, and com-

pleted the Investment Management Program at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst.

FROM CHILDHOOD CHALLENGES TO A NEW BEGINNING AT WESTERN NEW ENGLAND Janet’s success is most remarkable given her challenging beginnings in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. “Unlike the U.S., Canada became involved in World War II almost immediately in 1939,” Janet explains. “My father had cancer and died when I was one-and-a-half, and my mother had to go to work because we were poorer than dirt. She worked in an ammunition plant and got poisoned by something used in the ammunitions, so she couldn’t work. Her ﬁrst cousin and her husband didn’t have any children and offered to take me in. That’s how I was adopted.” As an only child, Janet was hungry for knowledge and most happy social-

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izing and learning at school. After secondary school, she began a nursing program, but quickly realized that “Nursing was really not suited to my personality and vice versa; I realized I wanted to run the hospital,” she laughs. Soon after, Janet met and married “the All-American Boy” as she called him, her ﬁrst husband, alumnus William Johnson ’69. She left Canada and moved with him to settle in Chicopee, MA. He enrolled in the Evening Division of Western New England in the Accounting pro-

GIVING BACK—JANET RECENTLY PLEDGED A LEGACY GIFT OF $3 MILLION TO THE UNIVERSITY TO ESTABLISH THE JANET JOHNSON BULLARD ENDOWED CHAIR IN FINANCE.

“

gram, studying at the University’s original home, the Springfield YMCA. Janet went to work at Monarch Life Insurance as a secretary to alumnus Richard Linton ’52. Richard recognized potential in Janet’s bright mind and suggested that she too study business at his alma mater. But it would take a few years and a pivotal moment to convince Janet that a college degree was right for her. When a restructuring at Monarch Life eliminated her division, Janet went to work as a secretary to the head of the Trust Investment Department at Third National Bank in Springfield, MA. There she found her professional passion. Janet quickly became fascinated with the field of investments and one day approached her new boss eager to learn more. “I thought ‘What a fantastically interesting business this is’,” she recalls. “I didn’t know a stock from a bond, but I learned the lingo. One day I sat down next to my boss’ desk and said ‘Someday I would like to do what you do.’ He said, ‘The board of directors would never have a woman managing money.’ So I got up from his desk, went back to my Selectric typewriter, and said to myself, ‘I’m going to show you.’” And show him she did. Janet enrolled in the Evening Division in the Management program at Western New England. “When I graduated, my boss left the bank and I was managing his portfolios,” she says. “That same year, I became an assistant trust officer of the bank.”

A STANDOUT STUDENT IN A CLASS BY HERSELF

The growth of the campus today is marvelous and a testament to the management of the University and also the alumni. So many have made big contributions. This gift fits my wishes because Western New England was my first academic love.” —JANET JOHNSON BULLARD ’69

Janet wasn’t just the only woman when she walked into her ﬁrst Management class, she was the only female in the entire program. But she was typically unfazed. “I wasn’t intimidated; I saw it as a challenge,” she explains. “I still had a very heavy French accent. I wanted so much to be the best in the class. I would raise my hand and ask questions. I thoroughly enjoyed the environment; I couldn’t wait

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"Mrs. Bullard is an inspiration and role model. She is humble, devoted, and incredibly intelligent. Every time I meet with her, she teaches me something new about business. As a recipient of her scholarship, I am honored and inspired to give back to the people and institution that paved the way for success—just like Janet." —Alona Kornberg, Senior, Finance Janet Johnson Bullard Endowed Scholarship recipient to go to school, even on the nights when we didn’t go,” she says. It was a heady time to be at Western New England in the 1960s—the new Wilbraham Road campus was in development and exciting opportunities were emerging in business. “We had one of the early computers: the IBM 360. It’s amazing—we were in the infancy of coding. “I also took statistics and thought, ‘What am I going to do with this?’ And I use it all the time,” she says. Janet most appreciated the broadbased curriculum, particularly courses in the humanities. Two professors from those disciplines had some of the greatest impact on her: Professor of English R. Joseph Racine and Professor of History Cornelius Hannigan. “Both introduced me to things I would probably not have gotten interested in until later in life, including art, history, and music—the humanities,” she says. “That was important because in the investment business I meet people from all walks of life, so I am able to talk, not in-depth, but at least proﬁciently enough, about a lot of things to ask some relevant questions.”

AVON CALLING—A CREATIVE CRASH COURSE IN THE ART OF SELLING Her next position was at Bank of New England in Boston. “It was the ’70s and they gave us quotas to bring in new business,” she recalls. “I had never sold anything before and didn’t want to. I thought ‘How am I going to do that?’ So I became an Avon Lady at night. Then I began selling at the bank in earnest!” Janet was next recruited by Citizen’s Bank in Providence, RI, as vice president in the Trust Department. After 10 years, she moved on to Shawmut Bank in Boston, where she was responsible for high net worth business development.

“It was a very attractive job and I was very successful at bringing in new business, but I wasn’t managing money anymore,” she says. After six months at the bank, Janet decided she missed her clients and managing their portfolios. She decided to open her own ﬁrm: A.T. Whitehead, Inc., named for several now deceased family members (her father, adoptive father, and daughter). She relocated with her second husband, Robert Bullard, to Warren, RI. With ofﬁces in several locations and clients worldwide, she had the freedom to work anywhere.

COMING FULL CIRCLE FROM STUDENT TO EDUCATOR TO BENEFACTOR While working in Boston, Janet earned her MBA from Northeastern University and completed the Investment Management Program at Stanford. She joined the board of the Boston Society of Financial Analysts and taught a “lunch and learn” type series to individuals who interacted with portfolio managers to help them understand the industry language. She was then approached by the now defunct American Management Association to write two textbooks: Principles of Investment Management (1980) and Personal Financial Planning (1984). Janet then lectured at Northeastern University, the University of Massachusetts, Brown University, and the New England School of Banking at Williams College, all the while running her highly successful ﬁrm. Beyond her afﬁliations with those institutions and professional organizations, she has served on the Board of the Lown Cardiovascular Research Foundation and chaired its investment committee. In recent years, Janet joined the Western New England University Cupola So-

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ciety of benefactors and reconnected with her alma mater through President’s Receptions with Dr. Anthony S. Caprio. She established the Janet Johnson Bullard Endowed Scholarship available to a returning College of Business student majoring in Finance. She also became a member of the College of Business Portfolio Management Advisory Board. “I love to ask the students a lot of questions and see what they’re interested in,” she says. “Their final presentation really shows how much they have learned in so little time.” As she rekindled her relationship with the University, President Caprio reached out to Janet to see if she would like to become a member of the Board of Trustees. Thrilled and deeply honored by the invitation, she was eager to say yes. “He had no idea what fond memories I have of those six years here,” she says. In appreciation for the education she received, Janet wanted to make a significant gift to the University. She decided to establish The Janet Johnson Bullard Endowed Chair in Finance, the first such endowed chair at the University. As part of her estate planning, Janet has pledged a planned gift of $3 million, designated to support the salary and benefits of the chair holder and enable the individual to engage in innovative scholarly research related to finance. For now, in her role on the board, Janet enjoys having a greater impact helping our students to succeed. Her advice to this year’s graduates as they embark on their careers is this: “Develop your people skills. I was not born with people skills,” she claims. “And always be prepared, even if you don’t think you’ll use this knowledge in a certain field; you never know when it will come into play. Just be eternally curious.” n

ATHLETICS REUNIONS

ONCE A GOLDEN BEAR,

ALWAYS A

GOLDEN BEAR BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16

“Family” is a word often used to describe the Golden Bear athletic experience, and the family that plays together as undergraduates also cherishes its special bond at postgraduate get-togethers. Of course, these events are inevitably compared to family reunions—and for good reason. There were numerous alumni Golden Bear reunions this past spring term: women’s basketball on January 28, women’s lacrosse on February 18, baseball and bowling on April 1, field hockey on April 8, and women’s soccer on April 9. Megan Gilbert ’06 enjoyed her field hockey reunion because her fellow players meant more than just a team. “It became a family that has always had a special place in my heart no matter how many years pass,” she says. “While we may not be blood related, our hearts are always on the field, reliving our glory days.” Gilbert and fellow alumni played a scrimmage game, and while she was sore for several days, it was worth it. “I still get that game day feeling when I set foot on the turf, even though it has been almost 12 years since I played in an official game.” Women’s soccer coach Kristin Hensinger ’07 also says that her teammates are akin to family members. “And like many families, you lose touch with people when they move away,” she says. That’s why, points out Kristin, athletics reunions are so enjoyable. “They provide me with the opportunity to reconnect with former players that I have coached, as well as former teammates.” The women’s soccer alumnae played a scrimmage game with the current varsity squad. “I like to see when connections are made between current team members and former players,” says Kristin. “A few alumni offered up internships and post-graduation advice to this year’s team. The players were very receptive to this.” The 9th Annual Coach Burns Bowling Scholarship Tournament drew alumni from not only all over New England and New York State (including Syracuse), but also Colorado, as Rick Scott ’80 flies in from the Mile High State every year. “It’s not just about the bowling, even though we all want to win,” says tournament organizer Tony Mancini ’95/G’02. “It’s all about catching up and joking with one another.” n

VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF ATHLETICS REUNIONS IN THE COMMUNICATOR’S WEB EXTRAS ON THE ALUMNI WEBSITE: WNE.EDU/ALUMNI.

wne.edu/alumni

Women’s soccer, front row (L-R): Jonna Gath ’16, Sara McMurray ’12, coach Kristin Hensinger ’07, Danielle Savoie ’16, Sarah Marois ’16, Brittney White, Alli Stokowski ’11, and Becca Merceiri. Back row: Lilliam Tarantino ’01, Briana Kubik ’16, Andrea Almeida ’12, Erica Parlavecchio ’15, Jessica Burke ’16, Abby Hunt ’16, Kaitlyn Cummings, Heather Mortell ’11, and Sarah Stevens ’15. Bowling (L-R): Tony Mancini ’95/G’02, Bob Harper, Brian Stromwall ’98, Scott Davis ’76, Dave Mastropasqua ’01, Beau Highfill ’99, Andrew Bellotti ’92, Jeff Schlosser ’94/G’03, Gary Lopresto ’94, Rick Scott ’80, Tommy Kumlin, and Mark Wing ’93/G’16.

Former field hockey cocaptain forward/midfielder Cori Eggert ’08

The True Value of an Innovative, Integrated Liberal and Professional Education

BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10

“In today’s complex world, a broadbased education is key to helping college students develop lifelong skills to discern fact from fiction, think critically, analyze data, and synthesize ideas to make informed decisions,” says Dr. Saeed Ghahramani, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “A liberal arts foundation supported by discipline-specific coursework and experiential learning is key to preparing Western New England University graduates to be well-rounded professionals and responsible leaders in their local and global communities.” According to the Western New England University’s mission, the institution is “positioned well to accomplish these goals as a truly comprehensive institution whose faculty and staff have historically collaborated in offering an integrated program of liberal and professional learning in the diverse fields of arts and sciences, business, engineering, law, and pharmacy.”

MORE THAN A LIVING, MAKING A LIFE One of University President Anthony S. Caprio’s fondest sayings is that “We educate our students not only in how to make a living, but in how to make a life.” While it is a common argument that an understanding of the humanities opens minds to appreciate the arts and literature, the beneﬁts run much deeper. In an age of rapidly evolving technology, exposure to world religions, philosophy, history, cultures, and literature is essential to becoming individuals who are forever questioning, curious, and learning about the world and their place in it. It is through the humanities that we are exposed to other cultures and come to appreciate them. This understanding must be learned and valued by each

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SUMMER 2017

successive generation; and today—more than ever—considered in the context of how our humanity can be impacted by the powerful forces of technology. Cognitive of the intersection of technology and human endeavors, the University has been expanding its offerings in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) related programs such as Actuarial Science, Civil Engineering, Forensic Biology or Chemistry, Occupational Therapy, and Pharmacy in anticipation of growing employment opportunities in these ﬁelds. “Our programs are really about taking STEM and applying this understanding to human need,” says Dr. Linda Jones, provost and vice president for academic affairs, who is also an engineer.

In a survey of the Class of 2016,

90% were employed/offered employment within six months of graduation. Others were enrolled in graduate school. CONTEXT INFORMS UNDERSTANDING In recent years, as parents in particular seek to steer their children toward academic programs they see as having a direct correlation to specific career paths, the value of liberal arts has been under scrutiny. Yet imagine a world where college-educated engineers, journalists, scientists, executives, politicians, educators, and criminal justice professionals are asked to function without an academic grounding in ethics, justice, or history. Understanding guided by context is key. At Western New England University, undergraduates campus-wide take a common core curriculum providing students with perspectives in English, science, mathematics, psychology, economics, history, philosophy, cultures, and sociology. On this foundation, they then acquire discipline-specific knowledge of their majors, programs, minors, and concentrations. Classroom theory is then applied in practice in experiential settings such as internships, fieldwork, or capstone Senior Design Projects. Cocurricular experiences provide a thread from academic and career interests to personal avocations and passions. Study abroad brings cultural awareness. “We want to educate students and teach them how to ask hard questions,” says Dr. Jones. “and to be able to voice who they are and what they value.” Courses such as Philosophy of Science offered this fall do just that. “What makes scientific research distinct from other human endeavors? Can science be clearly distinguished from pseudoscience? How does evidence confirm

scientific theories? What roles do our values play in science?” are some of the questions the course will ask students to probe. Communication skills are practiced through a focus on “writing across the curriculum” and an emphasis on the development of individual and team presentation skills. First-year English composition courses tie writing to an understanding of rhetoric so that all students develop tools to skillfully articulate their positions and provide the research to support their ideas. The undergraduate programs not only connect classroom to experiential learning (now a requirement at the College of Business), they demand every graduating senior to reflect on the value of that connection. The Learning Beyond the Classroom requirement and its reflection paper help students to see the importance of the integration of the theoretical and practical through internship, cocurricular, service, or leadership experiences in personally meaningful ways.

“Connecting the component of the humanities to every educational discipline is essential because technology impacts humankind.” —DR. LINDA JONES PROVOST AND VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

TAPPING THE POWER OF SOFT SKILLS In an article in the Wall Street Journal entitled, “Employers Find ‘Soft Skills’ Like Critical Thinking in Short Supply,” companies nationwide say it is “increasingly difﬁcult to ﬁnd applicants who can communicate clearly, take initiative, problem-solve, and get along with coworkers” (WSJ, August 30, 2016). Fortunately for our graduates, gaining these soft skills is a hallmark of a Western New England University education. When you look at topresume.com’s list (Continued on next page)

wne.edu/alumni

“The University’s commitment to experiential education provides an outstanding platform for students to enhance these skills through numerous avenues, including academic internships, research, Alternative Spring Break, student leadership, and study abroad experiences.”

1,000+ INTERNSHIP SPONSORS

—ANDREA ST. JAMES, DIRECTOR, CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER

of the Top Six Soft Skills Employers Are Looking For: Strong Work Ethic, Communication Skills, Creative Problem Solving, Time Management, Teamwork, and Leadership, our educational experience ticks off every box. “The University takes concerted measures to integrate and enhance the soft skills of our students, within the academic curriculum, as well as by leveraging experiential and cocurricular activities,” says Andrea St. James, director of the University’s Career Development Center. “Commencing in the First Year Seminar and continuing through extensive programming, such as Sophomore Career Connections and the Golden Bear Career Certiﬁcate, as well as through events like ‘Dining Debonair: How to Meet, Eat, and Compete in Business’ and the annual Board of Trustees Career Conversations and Reception, opportunities abound for students to practice and strengthen these skills in a genuine environment,” says St. James. She adds that as a result of these opportunities, “In the interview environment, students are able to articulate their experience, demonstrate their ability to excel, and communicate in a way that not only establishes rapport, but also sets them apart from the competition.”

COMMUNICATION SKILLS BURST THE TECHIE BUBBLE While technical know-how distinguishes our students in science and engineering programs, soft skills help them close the deal. “Here at Western New England University the students in the technical majors are taught useful skills outside of their desired discipline,” explains rising senior Mechanical Engineering major Joseph Letendre. “We are taught to be multifaceted and willing to interact with others in our work space. We’re required to take courses that prepare us for making proper decisions in our careers. Great examples of this are the philosophy and ethics courses. As engineers, we are going to be making huge decisions that ultimately affect the safety and well-being of others.” Joe has experienced ﬁrsthand how developing nontechnical skills has already opened professional doors. “The summer in between junior and senior year is crucial for engineering students to participate in an internship,” says Joe, who interviewed in January for a summer engineering internship with Jacobs Vehicle Systems in Bloomﬁeld, CT. Joe was surprised when the director of engineering asked him to stay on after his interview.

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Senior Mechanical Engineering major Joseph Letendre

“He told me that I was one of the most well-spoken candidates to interview for the position,” says Joe, “and that I stood out against the other students from different universities because I am not reserved or shy and seem eager to take on new challenges. He was also very interested in the projects that I have been a part of at the University.” He adds, “Within a few days of interviewing, I was offered a summer position at the company.” Joe believes his program’s emphasis on formal presentations gave him the conﬁdence to make a great impression. “Prior to college, I did not have a lot of public speaking experience,” he explains. “However, every semester engineering students participate in a minimum of one major presentation on a project or research topic. These opportunities help build leadership, teamwork, and conﬁdence skills. Because of all of my presentation experience here at Western New England, public speaking is now just like tying your shoes every morning for me.”

COLLABORATION IS THE MOTHER OF ON-CAMPUS INVENTION One of the university-wide initiatives advocated by Dr. Jones is to help students in all programs develop an “Entrepreneurial Mindset.” To cultivate this, students and faculty from the various Colleges are provided numerous avenues to participate in collaborative learning and research. Students can take crossdisciplinary courses, pursue inter-College combined degree programs, or major or minor in Entrepreneurship. The University hosts networking events, “Shark Tank” type competitions, and the annual Emerging Engineers Expo, while participation in the Entrepreneurship Club is growing. The cross-disciplinary Product Innovation and Development course teams business and engineering students to invent, prototype and market new products. In a national program called the 3-Day Start-UP (3DS), students spend a weekend in a mini-Shark Tank type competition to create, develop, and pitch a project (see more about its ﬁrst success on page 23). Demand for the Product Innovation and Development course has grown so large that four sections were offered last fall to 120 students. Recent Marketing graduate Katelyn O’Brien ’17 and her teammates invented a product called Eazi Park, a parking management system designed just for colleges, which took ﬁrst place in the course’s project showcase competition. “In the course, I learned the importance of being able to work effectively in a group with vastly different perspectives and working styles,” says Katelyn. “As business students, we are accustomed to working on one task at a time, all collaborating at once. However, it was more common for the engineers to divide up tasks and work on them inde-

Katelyn O’Brien ’17 makes her product pitch at the Product Innovation and Development Showcase

decade and it will continue to do so, as it tries to adapt to the modern Internet world,” says Peter, who earned his bachelor’s degree in 2015 and MBA this May. “Being multidimensional with as wide a variety of skills as possible is key—not only to standing apart from the competition—but also because journalists are now having to wear many different hats at their companies. “Knowing the fundamentals of business and being familiar with its terminology helps you to understand what people in management are talking about, better relate and understand asCOMBINED DEGREES CAPITALIZE ON signments or stories that lead you into the corporate world, and UNIVERSITY’S STRENGTHS always helps bolster your The University’s strength as a résumé.” small, yet comprehensive instituWith the foundation laid tion, gives the administration the in liberal studies enhanced flexibility to develop exciting by professionally-focused cross-disciplinary dual and comlearning, students like bined degrees that further disPeter have the skill set not tinguish our graduates in the job only to handle specific market. These include opportuchallenges today, but also nities for all qualifying under- Peter Spotts ’15/G’17 to solve problems and graduates to pursue combined bachelor/master’s in business or law de- work in jobs yet to be imagined. Indeed, we stand at a crossroads grees, combined bachelor/master’s degrees in specific disciplines, or dual today. Technology is changing the world professional/master’s degrees such as at an unprecedented rate. New jobs are emerging and some career paths are the PharmD/MBA. Peter Spotts ’15/G’17, who chose to becoming obsolete. As we look to the fuearn his undergraduate degree in ture, Dr. Jones says we must continually Communication at the College of Arts ask: “What do we as an academic comand Sciences, saw the benefit of pairing munity do that prepares our students that degree with an MBA to position for 20 years from now?” himself to be a well-rounded journalist For the answer, you’ll have to read or advance into executive roles. The Communicator in 2037. n “Journalism as a field has undergone many transformations in the past

pendently. Out of all of the group projects I’ve worked on in my college career, this group was by far the most effective, as well as enjoyable.” She believes the course has become so popular because it gives students a glimpse into the real world, where employees often have to collaborate with those from other departments. She adds, “It was also a change of pace working with an engineering professor, and I was able to meet and work with engineering students I never would have met in the College of Business!”

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ALUMNI PROFILE

Dr. Adrienne Smith ’81/G’84, the first African American woman to graduate from the College of Engineering, is working to increase the number of women scientists and engineers.

CLOSING THE STEM GENDER GAP BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16 DRIENNE SMITH ’81/G’84, the dean of the School of Engineering Technologies and Mathematics at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC), is on a mission to encourage more women to enter science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Why? She insists that the United States’ economic competitiveness in the future depends on it. “This may sound surprising, but there are not enough engineers and scientists in the U.S. right now in order for our country to maintain the lead in the global economy,” she says. This is because our current education system isn’t producing enough graduates in these fields to fill the need, explains Adrienne. “We need more people in the STEM fields, period,” she says.

“Women comprise just over half of the U.S. population, but few are pursuing careers in these professions.” Indeed, women make up only 39% of chemists and material scientists, 28% of environmental scientists and geoscientists, 8% of electrical and electronic engineers, and 7% of mechanical engineers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Adrienne points out that this gender gap means fewer female role models, mentors, and educators are in our classrooms and conducting research. The underrepresentation of women has its consequences: we lose out on valuable talent, knowledge, and creativity. She’s adamant that this has to change, and much of her career in higher education has been dedicated to attracting

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SUMMER 2017

women to STEM ﬁelds. Adrienne says this path should start early in girls’ lives. At STCC, among her initiatives, she created a program that provides hands-on opportunities for middle- and highschool girls for activities in electronics and computer engineering technology. And for the past eight years, she has also conducted summer engineering camps for urban female students of color. These and other activities earned her the Community Builder Award from the Urban League of Springﬁeld in 2015. When she was an adjunct professor of electrical engineering at Western New England University from 1999 to 2001 she was involved in middle school outreach efforts to students interested in engineering careers. Her endeavors contributed to our University’s long history

39%

Chemists and Material Scientists

28%

Environmental Scientists and Geoscientists

Electrical and Electronic Engineers

Mechanical Engineers

“This may sound surprising, but there are not enough engineers and scientists in the U.S. right now in order for our country to maintain the lead in the global economy. Women comprise just over half of the U.S. population, but few are pursuing careers in these professions.”

GENDER GAP: U.S. Women Employed in the STEM Fields ACCORDING TO THE U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

of STEM outreach programs in area schools, which include hosting the weeklong summer engineering camp for students in nearby John J. Duggan Academy, as well as hosting our 33rd annual high school computer programming contest this past February.

DIVERSITY EQUALS INNOVATION Science and technology solutions, says Adrienne, have historically been shaped and molded through a masculine lens. For example, when voice recognition systems were first designed, they were calibrated to men’s voices—women literally went unheard. “Similarly, when the first automobile air bag systems were designed, they were made according to men’s specifications, not taking into account they physical differences between the sexes,” says Adrienne. This resulted in avoidable deaths of women and children. Artificial heart valves were sized to the male heart. The list goes on. Adrienne sees her job as the perfect opportunity to introduce not just women—but all students—to the STEM fields, letting them know of the myriad possibilities, wide and varied employment opportunities, and high salary potential, with the promise of helping others improve the quality of their lives. “Community colleges are an excellent place to start a career trajectory, whether our students go directly to the workforce or on to a four-year institution,” she says. She is especially enthusiastic about her school’s joint admissions engineering program with Western New England University. In that program, students take courses in STCC’s Engineering/Science curriculum for two

years, and then transfer to the University’s College of Engineering. “These students save a lot of money and get a great education,” she says. “I always say, it’s a win-win-win situation—for the student, STCC, and the University.” Adrienne feels that many young women will not consider a career in engineering unless they have someone in their immediate sphere of inﬂuence to guide them in this direction. When Adrienne was a teenager, this person was her guidance counselor at Springﬁeld’s Technical High School. “I loved mathematics, and I took calculus, and she saw something in me early on and encouraged me to enroll in a summer residential engineering program at UMass,” she said.

MORE THAN JUST A NUMBER After graduating, she attended a large university in eastern Massachusetts, but soon transferred to Western New England, where she enjoyed the personal attention she received from professors. “At that university I was just a number, but at Western New England I was a person,” she says. Adrienne will always have a soft spot for Richard Grabiec, now assistant dean, as well as for former Electrical Engineering Chair James Masi, and especially Ronald Musiak, now an adjunct professor of electrical engineering. She remembers Dr. Musiak giving copious notes so quickly on the blackboard that his students struggled to keep up with this chalk-wielding whirlwind. She’ll never forget the day Dr. Musiak came into class with a cast on his right arm. “We were all sure this would slow him down, but it turned out he was ambidextrous,” she laughed. “He didn’t slow down at all.”

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—DR. ADRIENNE SMITH ’81/G’84

Adrienne was the first African American woman to graduate from the College of Engineering, earning a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and a master’s in Engineering Management. She also earned a doctoral degree in education at UMass. Her message to young women and others who are considering an engineering career: “It’s fun, vibrant, and ever-evolving,” she says. “My education has afforded me the opportunity to be flexible in my career choices.” She served in various engineering roles at Digital Equipment Corporation in Shrewsbury, MA, from 1981 to 1990, ending up as engineering operations manager at the company, and she has held faculty positions at Western New England, STCC, and Quinsigamond Community College. Adrienne has been dean of the School of Engineering Technologies and Mathematics at STCC since 2005. Because women continue to make strides in fields like law and medicine, Adrienne feels confident that their numbers can grow in the STEM professions if more colleges and high schools partner with local businesses and community stakeholders to get the word out. To be sure, as more women get involved in any field historically dominated by men, she says, the general knowledge of that field tends to expand. “Diversity is important,” she says. “Men and women think differently. They look at problems differently, so adding a different set of lenses results in better problem definition and problem solving. It leads to idea generation. If we encourage our young women to migrate toward STEM fields today, we’re helping to ensure economic stability in our country for the future.” n

COMMUNITY

UNITES TO CELEBRATE COMMENCEMENT

2017

BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10 AND JUDITH CURRAN

Commencement Weekend 2017 was a celebration of our shared community. Parents, friends, alumni, administrators, and faculty mentors came together to express their pride in the achievements of our newest graduates. The undergraduate ceremony was held on Saturday, May 20, in the Alumni Healthful Living Center. Approximately 600 students received degrees and several ROTC Cadets were commissioned as ofﬁcers. On Sunday, May 21, the University conferred degrees to nearly 400 graduates receiving master’s, law, and doctorate degrees from its Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Engineering, Pharmacy, and School of Law.

“You must create light around you and not darkness. With this attitude, you will be the leader in your family, your community, your place of work, and in your country.” —PRESIDENT ANTHONY S. CAPRIO

UNDERGRADUATES CHALLENGED TO LEAD THROUGH SELF-DETERMINATION Golden Bear pride shone brightly as Western New England University welcomed its newest members to the alumni family. In his remarks, President Anthony S. Caprio challenged the graduates to use their educations for positivity: “You must choose to make a difference. You have responsibility for yourself.” Graduating senior Rachael White (Communication) gave the Class of 2017 student address, reminding her fellow graduates that “This wonderful University has taught us that the best way to succeed is to ﬁrst ‘show up’ and then never give up. If doors close in your face, choose to build your own doors.” Robert Stein Jr. ’79, was the keynote speaker. With a B.S.B.A. in Accounting from Western New England, Stein has enjoyed a remarkably varied career in business, rising to the posts of chairman, president, and CEO of Dairy Mart Convenience Stores, Inc. in the U.S. before moving on to his current post as president and CEO of Kalibrate Technologies, a London-based company with ofﬁces in the U.S. and

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Class Speaker Rachael White ’17

ROTC Students are sworn in.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees Michael Serafino ’77

Undergraduate Ceremony Speaker Robert Stein Jr. ’79

throughout the world. His success stands as an example of the value of foundational business skills in preparation for advancement into leadership roles. In his address to the graduates, Stein used some fun props—from Sponge Bob Square Pants® to a cardboard box—to illustrate key points of life advice he shared with students, “I detest labels,” he said. “I’m referring to people labels. Labels keep us in a box, even when it’s a good label. And I know each and every one of you has the ability, and creativity, to change the world for the better. So don’t let other people deﬁne who you are, and restrict your dreams. Always deﬁne yourself and reach high as you build a better world for your children.” Stein was awarded the President’s Medallion for his exceptional achievements and inspiration to all University students. (Continued on next page)

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The weekend celebrations kicked off with Senior Honors and Awards Ceremonies for the Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Business on Friday afternoon. The Senior Awards & Order of the Engineer Induction Ceremony took place on Saturday morning. The College of Pharmacy Hooding Ceremony and Law Awards ceremonies were held on Saturday night.

Alumni Award recipient Olivia Korell ’17

About the Undergraduate Class of 2017 The top five fields of study for undergraduates in 2017 were: Mechanical Engineering, Accounting, Pharmacy Studies, Criminal Justice, and Psychology.

Daniel Hernandez ’17 with his proud mom Nydia Burgos

Dr. Steven Northrup, professor of Electrical Engineering, received the 2017 Teaching Excellence Award.

The graduating class hailed from 22 states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Vermont, Wisconsin, plus the U.S. Virgin Islands.

RETIRING FACULTY LEAVE THEIR MARK Two faculty members from the College of Arts and Sciences were recognized for their years of service at the undergraduate ceremony: Dr. Denise Gosselin and Dr. Molly Munkatchy. Dr. Denise Gosselin served the University from 1997 to 2017. She began in 1992 as an adjunct faculty member while working as a Massachusetts state trooper, bringing practical experience to her students. During her 20 years at the University, she served as chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology, and a member of the Program Review and Assessment Committee and the Faculty Senate Program Review Board. Dr. Gosselin also served for five years on the Curriculum Committee in the College of Arts and Sciences. Her numerous honors include the Academy of Criminal JusDr. Denise Gosselin tice Sciences Award, the Marion and Jasper Whiting Foundation Fellowship, and the NEACJS Emerging Scholar Award. She was also the recipient of the Gerhard O.W. Innovator Award, an award presented annually to a member of the NEACJS whose work as a practitioner has had direct, positive, and significant effect within the criminal justice system. Dr. Molly Munkatchy brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to Western New England when she joined the faculty in the Department of Education in the fall of 2004. Molly taught the methods course and served as the field placement director for elementary education majors. She built strong relationships with several local schools offering workshops for local teachers, organizing a Family Math Night at Glickman Elementary every spring (done collaboratively with the ED 375 students), and identifying teaching mentors. Dr. Munkatchy was a contributing member of the team that designed the online master’s coursework, served as the director for the program, and also regularly taught for the Department of Computer Science. Additionally, she served on many committees, including as the Senate secretary, and most recently was a memDr. Molly Munkatchy ber of the Peer Review Committee.

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Graduate Students Reflect University’s Broadening Reach A total of 30 states were represented by graduate students: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC. Graduates also hailed from China, France, and Iceland.

GRADUATE CEREMONY INSPIRES PROFESSIONAL COURAGE From the emotional rendition of the National Anthem sung by local performer Vanessa Ford to the moving example of professional activism set by keynote speaker Dr. James Withers, the Graduate Ceremony inspired the Class of 2017 to turn the day’s “Moment of Triumph” into a determination to change the world through their values and advanced educations. In all, 396 graduates of the University’s doctoral, law, pharmacy, and master’s programs in behavior analysis, business, communication, creative writing, education, engineering, English, and mathematics were conferred degrees. President Caprio shared with the graduates the important role they have played in the history and mission of the University, which was founded in 1919 initially to serve an adult population of students. “Our mission has evolved and broadened significantly,’ he said. ”But we have remained committed to our special calling for the education of adult students in the professions.” As he congratulated the graduates in joining the more than 45,400 alumni of the University, he spoke of their enduring connection to the institution. “You are an integral part of the Western New England University family,” he said. “So do not hesitate to ask us questions, talk to us, get involved, and engage with us.” Much of the ceremony’s inspirational messaging came from Dr. WithGraduate Ceremony Speaker Dr. James S. Withers ers, a physician, educator, innovator, and 2015 Top 10 CNN Hero. In 1992, Dr. Withers took to the streets of Pittsburgh dressed as a homeless person to make nightly “house calls” to the street dwellers. A powerful video of his story screened during the Graduate Ceremony chronicled his journey from that day to the founding of Operation Safety Net, the first full-time, comprehensive medical service of its kind. Today, the service is replicated and studied by cities around the world through the Street Education Institute. Dr. Withers was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. Dr. Withers encouraged the graduates to aspire to “be the people we want to be in our professions.” Sharing a moment of introspection, he said, “I didn’t go in the streets to save other people; I went on the streets to save myself and the profession that I loved.” He concluded, “You’re really at a sacred moment. Go into the world in that spirit and find a deeper meaning in your career.” n

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Anthony Huntley L’17, president, Student Bar Association

Farbod Khaleghi PharmD’17

FACULTY PROFILE

IN THE

JOY MATHEMATICS,

TEACHING, AND RESEARCH PROFESSOR JENNIFER BEINEKE FINDS A COMMON DENOMINATOR BY PATRICIA GAGNON

“My area of research is called number theory, and I especially enjoy teaching students about special properties and patterns you can find in numbers. Sometimes students tell me that their car odometer was ‘palindromic’ that day (read the same forwards and backwards). Or when students celebrate their 29th birthday, we can say they are moving from being perfect (28) to being in their prime (29). One student found a magic square on the side of a church. Another found the Fibonacci sequence along a tram route.”

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others, like Pam Omer G’03 and Christine Selig G’04, have Professor Jennifer Beineke says she was born into a life become colleagues at Western New England.” comfortably surrounded by math. Professor Beineke’s faProfessor Beineke also became involved with STEM edther, at the age of 77, is a full-time mathematics professor ucation when she applied to the Department of Elementary at Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne. “Dad and Secondary Education in Massachusetts to work on the loves what he does,” she says. “Growing up, he had fun givnext version of the Massachusetts Mathematics Curriculum ing my brother and me math puzzles to work on in our Framework. “I was honored to be placed on the panel, spare time, even writing them on napkins at restaurants. I composed of teachers and administration at all levels,” she loved the excitement of doing math and grew up enjoying says. “I learned a great deal about K-12 education and how it and having confidence that I could do it.” university faculty could (and should!) share their knowlArmed with that confidence, Professor Beineke doubleedge and expertise with teachers and school districts. majored for her undergraduate degrees in Honors MatheThrough the panel, I became involved matics and French at Purdue Univerwith the Springfield and Holyoke Pubsity and earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in lic School Districts, running profesMathematics from the University of sional development workshops for California at Los Angeles. She discovteachers at all levels.” ered her love of teaching while workWhat Professor Beineke most ening toward her Ph.D. “I was one of 12 joys is sharing her love of mathematgraduate students named to the UCLA ics with the students at Western New Collegium of Teaching Fellows, and England University. She says she each of us had the opportunity to offer wants them to experience the joy of a UCLA course of our own design and discovery, and the satisfaction of solvchoosing. I chose to do mine on introing challenging problems. ductory graph theory,” says Professor “My area of research is called numBeineke. After graduation, she worked ber theory, and I especially enjoy teachas a visiting assistant professor at Trining students about special properties ity College in Hartford, CT. In her last and patterns you can find in numbers,” year at Trinity, she won the Arthur H. she says. “Sometimes students tell me Hughes Award for Outstanding Teachthat their car odometer was ‘palining Achievement. At Western New Engdromic’ that day (read the same forland University she has received two wards and backwards). Or when grants from the National Science FounProfessor of Mathematics Jennifer Beineke students celebrate their 29th birthday, dation for her research. we can say they are moving from being A book Dr. Beineke coedited with perfect (28) to being in their prime (29). One student found Jason Rosenhouse of James Madison University, The Matha magic square on the side of a church. Another found the ematics of Various Entertaining Subjects: Research in Fibonacci sequence along a tram route.” Recreational Math, received positive reviews from the LonProfessor Beineke says she both teaches and learns from don Mathematical Society and the American Mathematical her students and notes the wonderful collaboration between Society, and earned a 2016 CHOICE Outstanding Academic the faculty in the Department of Mathematics. “I wouldn’t Title Award from the American Library Association. She have been able to accomplish much of what I’ve done withand Rosenhouse are currently editing a second volume and out the support, ideas, and creativity of my colleagues. I feel plan to have it published for the next Museum of Mathevery lucky to be working with such amazing, inspirational matics conference this summer. teachers and researchers,” she says. Professor Beineke also teaches in Western New England No matter what math or statistics class she’s teaching, University’s Master of Arts in Mathematics for Teachers ProProfessor Beineke hopes students leave her class and gradgram, a mathematics graduate program designed specifiuate with a deeper appreciation of the usefulness of mathcally for secondary and middle school mathematics ematics and the benefits of logical thinking. “My goal is to teachers. “These teachers want to learn mathematics at a train the students to be good thinkers by deepening their deeper level, and at the same time, I benefit from learning analytical reasoning skills,” she says. “I also really hope about their teaching experiences,” she says. “Over the years, we have had many interesting and important discussions in they develop an appreciation for the mathematics that they the graduate classes, and I still keep in close touch with will encounter in all walks of life—both the numerical some of the teachers, even from my very first class. Some of skills, and an appreciation of the beauty of numbers and our graduate students have moved on to leadership posilogical proof.” n tions in mathematics with Springfield Public Schools, and

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ALUMNI RECEPTIONS

At the Pioneer Valley reception: Andrew Talbot ’99 and David Lipson ’99/G’03

In Holyoke: Anthony Parisi ’69 and Robert Pacitti ’87

Trustee Neville Bogle ’75/G’81 and Donald Moriarty ’98 in Holyoke

Alumni and Friends Reconnect at Receptions in the Pioneer Valley, Hartford, and Boston BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16

Western New England University pride was running high at Blue & Gold Alumni Receptions in the Pioneer Valley, Hartford, and Boston this past spring. The atmosphere was lively and upbeat as guests took advantage of the opportunity to mingle, catch up with one another, and network. The Pioneer Valley reception was held on March 2 at the Delaney House in Holyoke, MA. The Hartford, CT, event took place on April 6 at The Society Room of Hartford. The Boston Marriott Long Wharf was the setting for the Boston gathering on May 4. View more photos of these events. Look for The Communicator’s “Web Extras” wne.edu/alumni/the-communicator-web-extras.cfm.

Stephen Vicencio’79/G’90, Alumni Association Board of Directors Member-at-Large Tim Conrod ’11/G’13, and Sean Hickey ’06 in Hartford 20

THE COMMUNICATOR

At the Hartford reception: Jahmel Rollins ’14 and Daniel Dillon ’13 SUMMER 2017

In Boston, Sport Management alumni marked the 20th anniversary of their program in an “After Hours” celebration during the reception.

Thomas Foley II G’82, Scott Channell ’86, Tracy Channell, and Scott Massey ’12 at the Pioneer Valley reception

Guests heard firsthand about recent developments at Western New England University, including ongoing construction on the new four-story, 70,000-square-foot Dining Commons and the establishment of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree program. “The University has grown considerably over the years and continues to grow,” said President Anthony S. Caprio in Boston. “We’ve added numerous new programs, and there is a lot of interconnection between our programs.” He pointed out that this growth and diversity is offering students a variety of academic fields that are usually found at much larger institutions, as well as providing unique opportunities for collaboration. He also thanked alumni for being great ambassadors for the University in the professional world.

At the Boston reception: David McLaughlin ’08, Gerard McLaughlin ’80, President Caprio, and former Alumni Association President Dan McLaughlin ’96

In Boston: Samuel Regan ’14, Mark Martinez ’15 and Zachary Hamilton ’16

“Keep in touch, and keep spreading the great word about Western New England University.” —PRESIDENT ANTHONY S. CAPRIO

Jonathan Weiner ’03 and Christina Weiner ’04 at the Hartford reception

Assistant Director of Admissions Olivia Mazzarella ’10, Heather Kemp ’10, and Jordyn Peck ’10 in Boston

In Hartford: President Caprio, Alumni Association Board of Directors Member-at-Large Kevin McKiernan ’85, Jennie Quinn L’13, and Mary Quinn

wne.edu/alumni

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

If you observed him this spring, Biomedical Engineering major Logan Carlson ’17 was a typical Western New England student. He went to class each day, spent much of his time in one of the engineering labs, and even completed an internship and academic research. However, Logan is anything but ordinary. In fact, he was already the president and CEO of his own company, AnyCafé before he even received his diploma.

BY ALEX LYMAN ’12/G’16

REINVENTING ENGINEERING

LOGAN CARLSON CREATES HIS OWN CAREER THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP 22

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“We received amazing advice from tons of successful entrepreneurs in the Pioneer Valley. Our mentors have shaped AnyCafé into what it is now, and helped us develop our policy of being completely open, honest, and transparent with them, our employees, and most importantly, our customers.”

Like most entrepreneurial ventures, it all started with a problem. The catalyst for AnyCafé was a chilly classroom and a desire for a hot cup of coffee, which propelled Logan Carlson and his team onto the path of entrepreneurship in the midst of completing their college education. An idea was born—what if there was a travel mug that allowed you to brew coffee wherever you are? Immediately Logan went out and bought supplies to see if he could create a makeshift prototype. By taking a hacksaw to a travel mug and a coffeemaker, he found that the idea was feasible, and decided to pursue it. The first step was participating in the annual 3-Day Start-Up (3DS) program at Western New England University. This national organization holds events at colleges and universities throughout the country, putting students in an intense and hands-on environment. Over a long weekend, students get a crash course in a variety of entrepreneurial skills such as idea formation, market research, rapid prototyping, and pitching a final product. The AnyCafé team took its idea with them to 3DS and ran with it. By the end of the weekend, their vision was significantly honed and they were ready to seriously pursue building AnyCafé from a concept to a real company. Valley Venture Mentors (VVM), an entrepreneurial community that nurtures start-up companies, provided mentors to the 3DS program, and encouraged AnyCafé to apply for VVM’s Accelerator program, a start-up incubator that speeds up the development of entrepreneurial ventures, and allows them to compete for grant money to get their company off the ground. AnyCafé was accepted into the program and participated in a four-month bootcamp, essentially a deep dive in how to better the business and acquire customers. In the end, AnyCafé was awarded $6,000 in grant money, which was used to pay for incorpod ration and a quality prototype. e d Fun However, they say the best reh wit ward was becoming a part of the VVM community. “We received amazing advice from tons of successful entrepreneurs in the Pioneer Valley,” said Logan.

The journey to get AnyCafé off the ground hasn’t been without its challenges. From high production costs, searching for sourcing and assembly resources, on-boarding new team members, and the other endless details that come with creating a brand-new business, every success has been hard-won. While this process sounds fairly typical for most entrepreneurial ventures, keep in mind that the creators of AnyCafé were college students juggling classes, homework, and extracurricular activities, along with having their own business. Logan in particular had balanced academic research he did with with the College of Pharmacy on how curcumin suppressed food allergies, as well as a two-time internship with Corning Incorporated. He says that in between some sleepless nights and missed classes, his professors have been accommodating, but not overindulgent, and that he has found the right mix between being successful in academics and business, without sacrificing the college experience. The future of AnyCafé looks bright, between an official product delivery date scheduled for late 2017, an overwhelmingly successful Kickstarter campaign, partnership with a distributor, and even office space in downtown Springfield. AnyCafé is looking forward to not only changing the way people have their coffee, but also creating their own careers, and down the road, mentoring other new entrepreneurs themselves. They even have working ideas for their next products. Logan has seen personal growth and success throughout the process. This past fall, he had the opportunity to give a TEDx speech about the challenges AnyCafé faced as it started from the ground up, using an extended metaphor of the twists and turns of a road trip. As much of the AnyCafé team graduated this May, they will move on to their new office space, and pursue their business full-time, something Logan is looking forward to, although he admits that he will miss having access to Sleith Hall, and the benefits to being a student. “Western New England is good at opening doors,” he said. “There are so many people here, from alumni, to faculty, and the Board of Trustees, who are willing to help you. Western New England has built such a strong community. If you can tap into that, you can do pretty much anything you want.” n

To learn more about AnyCafé, visit anycafecoffee.com. If you’d like to view Logan’s TEDx Talk, it is available on YouTube.

GRADUATE STUDIES

TWO NEW MASTER’S PROGRAMS CAPITALIZE ON UNIVERSITY’S STRENGTHS Western New England is breaking new ground—again—with two new master’s program that play to key strengths: outstanding sport management and leadership programs, and our practically-focused legal education.

THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPORT LEADERSHIP AND COACHING The MS in Sport Leadership and Coaching is a game-changing program with an innovative cross-disciplinary curriculum. “Insiders know that the role and demands of the athletic administrator or coach have changed dramatically in the last decade,” says Dr. Sharianne Walker, program codirector and chair of the Department of Sport Management. “As sport organizations have become increasingly complex and financial stakes have risen, professionals in these roles must demonstrate much more than on-the-field and game knowledge. Leadership skills, business acumen, and the ability to get the most out of a team, are essential to success.” The program is ideal for students seeking to enter athletic administration (educationally-based sport organizations), athletic coaching, or managerial positions within any sport organization. It’s also a great choice for rising and mid-career sport industry professionals who are seeking to advance their skills in the areas of leadership, decision-making, revenue development, marketing, legal and compliance aspects, communications, and related functional competencies.

An Outstanding Roster of Sport Management and Leadership Faculty Our stellar faculty from the Department of Sport Management includes professors with years of experience in the industry. Their mentorship and professional connections make them a valued resource for both students and our highly connected sport industry alumni. Expert management faculty will offer extensive leadership expertise–they helped create the region’s highly regarded Leadership Institute. Program Codirector Dr. Bob Klein is a nationally respected leadership expert and the creator of The Klein Group Instrument (KGI®), an assessment tool designed to help people develop skills and strategies essential to maximizing performance in the team-based environment.

To learn more about the Master of Science in Leadership and Coaching program, visit wne.edu/mssport

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS • A 30-credit program focused on expanding your leadership capabilities, offering two cohort tracks—Athletic Administration and Athletic Coaching. • A unique online model with optional in-class sessions and two required one-week residencies. • Affordable Excellence—At $804 per credit*, students can earn their master’s for $24,120. * Does not include costs associated with the residencies.

BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10

THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN LAW (FOR NON-LAWYERS) The MS in Law is an exciting new program that brings our outstanding legal education to a wide array of non-lawyer professionals. The 24credit program, which can be completed full- or part-time, is designed for professionals who deal with lawyers and/or legal issues in their jobs, but who do not desire a JD degree or to practice law.

THE MASTER OF SCIENCE IN LAW IS IDEAL FOR: • Business executives and entrepreneurs • Compliance professionals • Contract analysts • Court employees • School principals and administrators • Engineers and tech professionals • Healthcare providers • Human resource professionals • Journalists and librarians • Mediators and labor negotiators • Nonprofit managers and fundraisers • Law enforcement professionals • Policy makers and lobbyists • Real estate professionals

“Knowing and understanding the law is not only integral to many careers, it is increasingly essential. From human resources to financial planning, banking to social work and numerous other professions, acquiring an in-depth command of legal knowledge is key to the success of many organizations and for their employees,” says Eric Gouvin, dean of the School of Law. After taking an introductory course to become acclimated to the process of legal education, students will attend the same classes with students in the Juris Doctor program and be taught by our outstanding law faculty. MS in Law students will not be required to take the LSAT or any other graduate admission test. As a master’s degree, this program may be eligible for tuition reimbursement with employers. At a cost of just $990 per credit, students can earn their degree for $23,760. n

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS • Affordable—24-credit ($990 per credit) program for non-lawyers • Convenient—students can complete their degree full- or parttime in one, two, or more years • Customizable—the program curriculum can be tailored to fit a student’s professional needs MS in Law students are not required to take the LSAT or any other graduate admission test.

For questions or to apply, visit wne.edu/ms-law

wne.edu/alumni

CAMPUS UPDATE

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: DINING COMMONS CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY The University community continues to watch with anticipation as the new Dinning Commons progresses. The four-story, 70,000 square-foot building will feature a mall area with a grill, a bakery, Starbucks, and Jersey Mike’s sandwich shop, as well as meeting, lounge, and performance space. Curious to see how construction is going? Check out its progress on our construction webcam at wne.edu/construction or see it in person at Homecoming.

SCHOOL OF LAW PRESENTS PRESIDENT TRUMP 100 DAYS SERIES The Western New England University School of Law presented a series of policy discussions that focused on the critical issues of the Trump Administration’s first 100 days. The programs began January 19 and continued through the spring. Led by experts on the issues being discussed, each session tackled an important topic such as the Electoral College and Inauguration, President Trump’s Inaugural Address, and Immigration. Professor Art Wolf, director of the Institute for Legislative and Governmental Affairs in the School of Law, moderated panel discussions. In February, the Institute also presented a forum on immigration.

THE COMMUNICATOR

SUMMER 2017

BY JUDY CURRAN

GROWTH OF INTERNATIONAL ENROLLMENTS EARNS UNIVERSITY U.S. PRESIDENT’S AWARD FOR EXPORTS United States Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross presented Western New England University with the President’s “E” Award for Exports at a ceremony in Washington, DC on May 22. The award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports. As an institution that “exports” higher education through the enrollment of international students, Western New England University was among just three colleges/universities and 32 U.S. companies and organizations nationwide so honored for “their role in strengthening the U.S. economy by sharing American ingenuity outside of our borders.” “Ten years ago, our international population at the University was very small, and we would only enroll about 10 new students a year,” said Michelle Kowalsky, director of International Admissions. “Looking to become a more international learning community, in 2016 we brought in 60 new international students, and our overall population has grown to about 5% of the total student population [4,000]. Getting here required a lot persistence and perseverance, and we are truly honored to be receiving the President’s ‘E’ Award.” Western New England University enrolls internationals students from 30 countries. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, University Director of International Admissions Michelle Kowalsky, and Undersecretary of Commerce Ken Hyatt

COLLEGE OF PHARMACY — A RESOURCE FOR THE COMMUNITY The College of Pharmacy promotes lifelong learning, community service, and leadership through its many programs offered to the community. The Continuing Pharmacy Education conference addresses issues such as Enhancing Medication Safety, bringing hundreds of pharmacists from New England to the University each year. The Golden Bear Pharmacy Summer Camp welcomes high school students interested in learning more about a career in pharmacy, while the student-run Out of Darkness Campus Walk is held in support of those struggle with depression and anxiety. The College also hosts a health fair during the spring Open House. Visit wne.edu/pharmacy to learn about upcoming events.

wne.edu/alumni

ALUMNI NEWS

College of Business Alumni Mentor and Coach Students at

10th Annual RealTest Event On March 3, senior Management and 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 10th annual RealTest Event. Activities included a problem-solving scenario based on a real case study, with alumni serving as their coaches and mentors (above photo). There were also mock job interviews, with students selecting a real job they would like to pursue and alumni acting as hiring managers for each student’s chosen company. In another activity, students delivered PowerPoint presentations on case studies and received verbal and written feedback from alumni. The event was organized by the Department of Management with support from the Office of Alumni Relations. “All the coaches really enjoyed the day,” said Jack Greeley, professional educator of management. “Students always place a high value on this activity.”

OUR PHARMACY ALUMNI often take advantage of the continuing education programs offered through the University. Following the seventh annual Continuing Pharmacy Education and Preceptor Development Conference on March 16, alumni joined Josh Spooner, assistant dean of Pharmacy student affairs, at Paddy’s for a chance to catch up. Pictured are (L-R) John Le PharmD’15, Nathan Harnois PharmD’15, Shane Martineau ’13/PharmD’15, Christine Galinski ’13/PharmD’15, and Cindy Howe ’14/PharmD’16.

THE COMMUNICATOR

SUMMER 2017

BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16

Alumni Association Sponsors Talk by Olympic Truce Foundation Diplomat Hugh Dugan, founder and president of the Truce Foundation of the USA, spoke to Western New England University students and faculty on March 8 about the significance of the Olympic Truce, which he was instrumental in receiving adoption of by the UN General Assembly in 1993 and his many years as a diplomat at the United Nations. The Olympic Truce is a tradition dating to 776 B.C. marked by the cessation of hostilities between nations in the period leading up to, during, and following the Olympic Games.

(L to R) Center for International Sport Business Director Curt Hamakawa L’84 and Hugh Dugan, founder and president of the Truce Foundation of the USA.

Dugan’s presentation, moderated by Center for International Sport Business Director Curt Hamakawa L’84 and sponsored by the Alumni Association, was the 27th event in the “For the Love of the Games” speaker series. During past study abroad trips to Olympic Games in Beijing, London, and Rio de Janeiro, Western New England University students served the Truce Foundation as student ambassadors and hosts at the Foundation’s gala awards ceremonies.

Alumni Art Sought for Campus Exhibit Do you enjoy being creative, working with your hands, and making things? If so, you are invited to participate in the National Arts & Humanities Month Exhibition in the University’s Art Gallery this October. Creative works, including painting, sculpture, photography, drawing, collage, papermaking, mixed media, ceramics, needlework or other crafts, will be accepted. Please contact Gallery Curator Patricia Jenks at pjenks@cox.net to receive a “Call for Entries” sheet with complete information and deadlines, along with a submission form.

wne.edu/alumni

SPORTS UPDATE

Football and Men’s Soccer Headline Outstanding Year in Sports BY KEN CERINO

There were numerous individual and team accomplishments for Western New England University student-athletes both on the playing fields and in the classroom during an actionpacked 2016-17 school year.

Troy Remillard

THE COMMUNICATOR

Football enjoyed its second consecutive perfect regular season (10-0) and repeated as New England Football Conference (NEFC) champions. Coach Keith Emery’s squad made school history by winning its first NCAA Division III Tournament game with a 44-27 victory over Husson (ME) before dropping a close 30-24 decision at Alfred (NY). Senior defensive back Obi Etuka led the list of All Stars by making the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division III AllAmerica Second Team. He received honorable mention on the D3football.com AllAmerica squad, and was a New England Football Writers Division II/III honoree. Senior running back Nick Connell, junior offensive lineman Dillon Martin, and junior defensive lineman

SUMMER 2017

Sam Edouard made the D3football All-East Team. Edouard also was the NEFC Defensive Player of the Year. In his first year as the starter junior quarterback Anthony Service earned a spot on the New England Football Writers Division II/III New England Team. Emery was the New England Football Writers Division and NEFC Coach of the Year while Jason Lebeau was named the New England Division III Assistant Coach of the Year by the Gridiron Club of Boston. Western New England set a school record with its 11-1 record and was 21st in the AFCA Division III poll.

MEN’S SOCCER COMES THROUGH IN CLUTCH Western New England captured its final three matches of the regular season to claim the fourth

Team and Individual Highlights In baseball, sophomore Paul Wetmore tossed a no-hitter at Old Westbury on March 5, and was named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers National Pitcher of the Week. Sophomore pitcher Bob Hamel gained D3baseball.com All-New England recognition.

Coach Keith Emery

The women’s basketball team (19-9) placed second in the CCC Championship for the second straight year. Senior basketball players Emily Anderson and Mike Gelineau passed 1,000 points in career scoring.

CCC SENIOR SCHOLAR-ATHLETES Baseball Daniel Morin (Salem, NH), Electrical Engineering

Field hockey (10-10) had its most successful season in a decade, and reached the CCC Championship final for the first time. Men’s golf won five of 10 tournaments and finished second in the CCC Championship by a single shot behind Endicott. Men’s lacrosse placed second in the CCC Championship and second in the conference with a 7-1 mark. John Klepacki coached the North Team in the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association North-South Game. Obi Etuka

seed in the Commonwealth Coast Conference with a 6-3 mark before capturing the CCC Championship with victories over Roger Williams (3-1), top-seeded Endicott (2-2, advancing on penalty kicks 5-3) and second-seeded Wentworth (4-1). Coach Devin O’Neill’s squad fell at Brandeis 2-1 in overtime in the NCAA Division III Tournament. Junior forward Troy Remillard was a repeat selection on the All-CCC First Team. He was third in the conference with 25 points (his 11 goals were second in the CCC). Western New England finished 11-10-1 for its fourth consecutive winning season. The Golden Bears have appeared in nine NCAA Division III Tournaments since 2004 and have captured six CCC titles in 10 years in the conference. n

Women’s volleyball (21-10) made it to the title match of CCC Championship for the second time in program history. Softball posted a 24-11 record and placed second in the CCC with a 13-5 mark. Freshman pitcher Aimee Kistner was the CCC Rookie of the Year. Junior Erika Sheinhait made the All-New England Team after a fourth-place finish at the New England Intercollegiate Swimming & Diving Association (NEISDA) Championship.

Emily Anderson

Mike Gelineau

Men’s Golf Matt Fontaine (East Longmeadow, MA), Accounting & Finance

Erika Sheinhait

Senior Brian Donovan made the All-Pilgrim League Wrestling Team. Freshman Davey Goodall was named to the New England Wrestling Association (NEWA) Rookie Team. Western New England finished high in the CCC All-Sports Trophy rankings with the men ranked third and women fourth in the 10-member league.

Women’s Tennis Joanna Glantz (Agawam, MA), Marketing

Twenty-five students were inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma National College Honor Society on March 7. Numerous students and teams received national academic accolades from their respective organizations. Community service remained a strong part of athletics with every team participating in a local or campus project, including Girls and Women in Sport Day.

Please visit the athletics website at wnegoldenbears.com for further information, statistics, and the fall schedules.

wne.edu/alumni

CLASS NOTES

HOPKINS ’83

Summer 2017

TARPEY ’90

TROTTA ’83

1980

1984

MARY BATES (general business) was promoted from vice president, underwriting research and development, to senior vice president, chief operations ofﬁcer, at Symetra Life Insurance Company in Bellevue, WA.

MICHAEL J. LYNCH (MBA) was promoted to senior vice president/senior commercial loan ofﬁcer at Florence Bank in Northampton, MA. He was most recently vice president at Easthampton Savings Bank.

LISA PATNODE (marketing) has joined the Employers Association of the NorthEast as a member engagement specialist. She was previously a sales representative at the Deluxe Corporation. DANIEL RELIHAN (marketing) was promoted to vice president of IT enterprise applications for ASSA ABLOY Americas division, headquartered in New Haven, CT. He joined the company as an IT director in 2007.

1983 JEANNE HOPKINS (marketing) was appointed executive vice president and chief marketing ofﬁcer (CMO) at Ipswich, an IT and software company in Lexington, MA. Previously, she was executive vice president and CMO of SmartBear Software. FREDERICK TROTTA (government) was named to the 2016 Super Lawyers list. He is a partner at Halloran and Sage LLP in New Haven, CT.

Rory M. Walsh ’78 (mathematics), a retired captain in the U.S. Marine Corps, was recently awarded the Korean Defense Service Medal for his service in Korea. He is pictured above on the right at his retirement from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1996. Rory is pictured below from tank recovery operations during the Gulf War in Iraq in 1991. “We were repeatedly covered in oil from the Kuwait oil field fires, and did not get to shower until the Seabees showed up with a shower unit after 45 days!” he writes.

1985 GARY HESS (electrical engineering) was promoted from Fellow to Discipline Lead in electronics at UTC Aerospace Systems in Charlotte, NC.

1986 DONALD A. KUCZARSKI (financial management) was promoted from vice president of commercial lending to senior vice president of commercial lending at Pittsfield (MA) Cooperative Bank. JEFF SELIGMAN (MBA) has joined the New Hampshire Small Business Development Center as a business advisor in the Seacoast Office. The Center is an outreach program of the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics at the University of New Hampshire. He is the founder and chief consultant at AimJo Management Services in Portsmouth, NH.

THE COMMUNICATOR

Robert Stein ’79, president and CEO of Kalibrate in Manchester, England, hosted Western New England University students and President Anthony S. Caprio for an informative visit to his company. The group also toured Eithad Stadium, home of the Manchester City Football Club. The students were participating in the Sophomore Experience Abroad program. Robert is pictured in the back row, second from right, next to Chair and Professor of Economics Herbert Eskot. President Caprio is pictured far left.

SUMMER 2017

1987 KENNETH ROSA (sociology) was appointed chief of police in East Hartford, CT. He was previously a lieutenant in the force. JAMES SULLIVAN (MBA) was elected president of O’Connell Development Group in Holyoke, MA. He will continue to serve as treasurer of The O’Connell Companies. Prior to his current position, he was also the general manager of New England Fertilizer Company, an O’Connell Development Group joint venture with Dunn Associates.

1988 ERIC B. REMINGTON (accounting) is now VP of government relations and communications at Kaman Corporation in Bloomﬁeld, CT. He was previously the company’s VP of investor relations.

1989 LORI NADEAU (ﬁnance/G’02 MBA) was named client services manager at Willis Towers Watson, a global professional services company in Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL. Prior to that, she was director, business development at Employee Family Protection in Glastonbury, CT.

1990 ANDREA TARPEY (psychology) was honored as a “Game Changer” for her efforts to help needy children receive gifts during the holiday season. The Center for Human Development, in partnership with the Springfield Thunderbirds hockey team, gave her the award during a February 10 home game at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Andrea is coordinator of student activities at Springfield Technical Community College.

Laura Madaio ’13 SPORT MANAGEMENT Marketing Manager Athletes of Valor Boston, MA

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? What is the mission of Athletes of Valor, and what is your role there? Athletes of Valor is a transitional program that connects active duty service men and women and veterans with college coaches and admissions professionals with the goal of helping veterans reintegrate into civilian life, get a degree, and ﬁnd employment through our corporate partners. Playing sports provides veterans the support structure and camaraderie they need when they return home, and veterans provide a maturity and level of competitiveness to teams. Athletes of Valor was recently selected to participate in MassChallenge Boston’s 2017 accelerator program, from over 1,500 local start-ups that applied for the four-month opportunity. As Marketing Manager, I am responsible for developing, implementing, and executing strategic marketing plans for the organization, including all brand marketing, online, social media, email, content, corporate partnerships, events, advertising, and PR outreach from strategy to execution and analysis.

How did the Sport Management major give you the confidence, passion, and skills to pursue your career? The Sport Management program is unique in that business is at its core. My professors and peers challenged me to think outside the box, strive for excellence, and advocate for myself. The program also allowed me to develop strong public speaking and networking skills and broaden my sport knowledge and experience. Experiential learning opportunities ranged from a pitch competition in front of executives at the MassMutual Center, to traveling to London to attend to the Olympic Games. I stand apart from others in the sport industry because of these unique experiences and my business degree.

What else have you been up to? I’ve been traveling and focusing on professional development, personal branding, and mentorship. I recently traveled to Nashville, representing Athletes of Valor at the American Football Coaches Association Convention, and was featured in ESPNW this past fall. I’m currently working on heading a Sponsorship Activation project for Dr. Daniel Covell’s Sport Marketing course, and working with our CEO to prepare our organization for MassChallenge Boston, a global startup accelerator and competition.

wne.edu/alumni

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

1994

HOLMAN ’96

TING ’00

DENNIS GUTHINGER (government/L’97 JD) was promoted from senior assistant Commonwealth’s attorney to deputy Commonwealth’s attorney for the Newport News (VA) Commonwealth Attorney’s Ofﬁce.

1996 JOHN DOWNES (MBA) was hired as the North Brookﬁeld (MA) Savings Bank Business Center’s vice president/commercial loan ofﬁcer. He was most recently vice president/commercial lender at Berkshire Bank. SCOTT ’96

KEVIN LEONARD ’05

DIANE HOLMAN (MBA) was appointed chief people ofﬁcer at Athenahealth in Watertown, MA. She was previously vice president of global talent management at TE Connectivity in Berwyn, PA. ALEXANDER J. SCOTT (management studies) has been elected the 2017 secretary of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association. Alexander is a licensed funeral director/embalmer and director of community outreach at Duksa Family Funeral Homes in Newington and New Britain, CT.

1999 (L-R) David J. Clark ’00 (MS criminal justice administration was promoted from lieutenant to deputy chief of the Reading (MA) Police, and Mark Segalla ’00 (criminal justice administration) was promoted from deputy chief to chief of the Reading force.

THE COMMUNICATOR

ANNA DYRKACZ (accounting/’03 MBA) was appointed chief ﬁnancial ofﬁcer and vice president of administration at Path-

SUMMER 2017

light, a Springﬁeld organization that provides residential services for people with intellectual disabilities. She comes to Pathlight from Southgate at Shrewsbury (MA), a nursing home/retirement community organization. JANE F. SAKIEWICZ (MBA) was appointed personnel director for the town of Westﬁeld, MA. She was previously personnel director for the city of Easthampton, MA. KEVIN TURCO (history) was named head football coach of Lindenwood UniversityBelleville in Belleville, IL. Most recently, he was assistant head coach and offensive line coach at Urbana University.

2000 GABRIEL TING (MS criminal justice administration) was promoted to sergeant in the Amherst (MA) Police Department. He was previously a lieutenant on the force.

2001 ANGELA BELLEVILLE (psychology) is director of clinical consultation for the Adult Mental Health division at Eliot Community Human Services in Lynn, MA. She was most recently team leader of the intensive case management team at the organization. LAURA STURGIS BOULE (management/G’02 MBA) joined Nordblom Company in

Burlington, MA as vice president of residential asset and property management. She previously worked for 11-anda-half years at Equity Residential as the vice president of investments in Boston.

George Abdallah PharmD’15 PGY2 Critical Care Pharmacy Resident, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston, MA

2002 TIM KING (law enforcement) was appointed to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board of Directors. He is a detective sergeant in the Waltham (MA) Police Department. Tim also serves as president of the Massachusetts Police Association.

2003 DAVID THIBAULT (MBA) was promoted to ﬁrst vice president of cash management sales and support manager at PeoplesBank in Holyoke, MA. He was previously vice president of cash management sales and support manager.

2005 JONATHAN CROWLEY (finance) was named chief financial officer at Coder Camps, a national computer programming boot camp. Jonathan works at Coder Camps’ Phoenix, AZ campus. KEVIN LEONARD (business) was named varsity boys hockey coach at Chelmsford (MA) High School. The former Golden Bear hockey player was previously an assistant coach at Chelmsord High. STEVE PARASTATIDIS (finance) was promoted from assistant vice president and commercial loan officer to vice president for commercial lending at PeoplesBank. JOHN SCHMALBERGER (general business) was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant in the Avon (CT) Police Department.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? You are currently completing your second residency experience. What does that involve? A PGY2 critical care residency experience transitions PGY1 pharmacy residency graduates from generalist practice to specialized practice. Since starting this residency, I have become more equipped to make complex medication and nutrition support recommendations in fast-paced ICU environments. I have worked to integrate myself within ICU teams and have addressed medication related issues and provided therapy recommendations. I have also utilized my role to provide drug information by creating tools for providers, delivering multiple in-services, and teaching ICU residents and pulmonary fellows about the medication management during multidisciplinary ICU conferences. Lastly, I have served as a preceptor to pharmacy students completing Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs).

How did the College of Pharmacy prepare you to be a pharmacist? My education at Western New England University helped me cultivate my clinical skills, further my knowledge base in optimal disease state management, and sustain my passion for lifelong learning through various leadership and practice management experiences. It also provided me with exposure to quality improvement activities aimed at enhancing the safety and effectiveness of medication-use processes in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The excellent faculty mentorship shaped my understanding of leadership within departments of pharmacy practice, the profession of pharmacy, and the ﬁeld of healthcare. I would like to thank the faculty and staff for their continuous support in my professional endeavors.

How do you see the future of pharmacy evolving in the coming years? Pharmacists are an integral component of the healthcare team, working in partnership with physicians and other health care professionals. To provide optimal care, pharmacists must be able to function as independent healthcare practitioners. Therefore, pharmacy students will need to be challenged in a learning environment that is thought provoking and encouraging. They will then be more equipped to pursue post-graduate training, sit for board certiﬁcation, and be fully responsible for medication-related care of patients.

wne.edu/alumni

2006 JENNIFER (WROBLEWSKI) LOPEZ (English Literature) was appointed by director of marketing and communications for Pope Francis High School in Springﬁeld. She leads the marketing efforts of the high school and its legacy schools, Holyoke Catholic and Cathedral High School. She was previously a content marketing associate at Market Mentors, LLC in West Springﬁeld, MA, and an editor for Turley Publications, Inc., in Palmer, MA.

Dan Beavens ’00 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING Senior Engineer Integrated Test Solutions Springfield, MA

2007

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? What does your job as senior engineer at Integrated Test Solutions (ITS) entail? ITS is a small engineering company owned by Western New England University alumnus Frank Meunier ’84. A lot of our contracts come from the defense industry, such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Telephonics. We work on everything from missile control systems to radar platforms. I develop custom software to test and identify problems with expensive electronics hardware. One week I might be coding a tool to translate an old test language to C, and another I might be wiring up a hardware model to simulate the functions of a board we need to develop tests for.

What inspired you to start your “passion project” of designing pet prosthetics? I’ve always been an animal lover, and currently have a puggle and a foster dog. I’ve been interested in 3D printing since I was a senior in college, but it was out of reach ﬁnancially until around 2012, when the RepRap project (which developed self-replicating 3D printers) became popular. Since I couldn’t afford a commercial 3D printer, I got the DIY kit and assembled my own for about $800. I started blogging about my 3D printing process at 3dprintzothar.blogspot.com. Hackaday.com even featured some of my posts on their website. 3D printing created a lot of possibilities for my inventions. Making dog prosthetics was a natural path for me, but now I am looking to design custom prosthetics. If anyone is looking for low-cost prosthetics for a pet, contact me at danb@itsus.com.

How did Western New England prepare you not only for your career, but also to pursue your passions outside of your day job? I’ve wanted to invent things since the age of 12. Professor Jim Masi set me up with an inspiring work-study opportunity with his friend Emik Avakian, an inventor with cerebral palsy who invented a self-propelled wheel for wheelchairs. He instilled in me the desire to solve world problems. Once I graduated and settled into my career, I wanted to keep learning and innovating on my own. It led to job offers, but most importantly has led to me being able to bring my ideas to fruition.

THE COMMUNICATOR

SUMMER 2017

MALIK CHAMPLAIN (history), a former Golden Bear basketball player and coach, released a book: Passion Hunger Drive. It focuses on his rise from poverty and being a special education student to receiving his master’s degree. Malik is a motivational speaker and a teacher at Chicopee (MA) High School.

2008 ERICA (DODGE) BORNEMANN (political science) was appointed director of Vermont Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS). She was most recently chief of staff at DEMHS. DIANA (SIGONA) DODDRELL (sport management) is now the event manager at RFi Group in Sydney, Australia. She was previously project manager, FIRST @ Morgan Stanley in New York City.

JOHN A. ESPOSITO (ﬁnance) has joined the DiMatteo Group in Shelton, CT, as a paraplanner and tax professional.

LOPEZ ’06

SANTANIELLO ’14

NICOLE GACKENHEIMER (accounting) is now a senior consultant in the Connor Group’s ﬁnancial operations practice in New York City. Prior to that, she was a senior associate at PwC in New York City.

NAYLOR ’16

2013

SANTANIELLO ’13

PETRIE ’16

LOMMA ’15

BRITTNEY WILSON (general business) was appointed secretary of civil and military affairs on Vermont Governor Phil Scott’s senior staff. She was Scott’s campaign coordinator and spokeswoman during the 2015-2016 gubernatorial race.

2010 THOMAS KANTNER (general biology) joined the DartmouthHitchcock Medial Center in Lebanon, NH, as a perfusionist—a health care professional who monitors and operates equipment that oxygenates the blood. He was previously a perfusionist at Lenox Hill hospital in New York City. BRIDGET MCCABE (sport management) was promoted to assistant manager-marketing for the Frederick (MD) Keys baseball team in the Carolina League. She was previously director of marketing for the team.

J. MARCO (management), also known as Marco Cinti, recently released his ﬁrst music album, “Myth.” It is available at J-Marco.com. After working brieﬂy in property management in the Worcester, MA area, he moved to Nashville to pursue a music career.

MEGAN McNATT (political science) was promoted from contracts coordinator to sales compensation administrator at Wichert Realters’ Associate Services Department in Morris Plains, NJ.

2011 JANET M. LOPEZ (law enforcement) was promoted from detective to sergeant in the Amherst (MA) Police Department. She has been part of the force since 1999. DANIELLE REMIGIO (psychology) is now the associate director of residence life & housing at Suffolk University. She was previously a residence director at the university.

2012 PAULA BRAGA-KENYON (PhD behavior analysis) was named chief clinical ofﬁcer at Trumpet Behavioral Health in Lakewood, CO. She was most recently assistant director of clinical services at Trumpet.

NICO SANTANIELLO (finance), a financial advisor with the Zuzolo Group of Northwestern Mutual, has qualified for membership in the Million Dollar Roundtable, an international, independent association of nearly 19,000 leading life insurance producers.

2014 KARA GRAVES (MS accounting) was promoted from audit and accounting senior associate to manager at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, PC in Holyoke, MA. She has been with the ﬁrm since 2011. BRIANA SANTANIELLO (PharmD/MBA ’15) is now a senior clinical project manager for Magellan Method. She was previously senior clinical project manager, Magellan Rx Management-Managed Market Solutions. Magellan is a pharmacy beneﬁt manager in Newport, RI.

wne.edu/alumni

2015 NATALIE KOWALCZYK (PharmD) is a pharmacist in outpatient pharmacy at Baystate Health Systems in Springfield, MA. Prior to that, she was a pharmacy technician at Baystate’s inpatient pharmacy. JEFFREY LOMMA (general business) joined the Springfield Regional Chamber as member services director. He was formerly a branch manager at Westfield Bank in Springfield.

2016 JESSICA ELLIS (psychology) is a media sales executive for Ink, the world’s largest travel media publishing company. CHRISTOPHER KUZIA (management & leadership) is a project manager for national accounts at Stanley Black & Decker’s security division as part of its Access Technologies branch in Farmington, CT. He had interned at the company as an undergraduate. MALISSA NAYLOR (business) was promoted from assistant branch manager to branch manager at PeoplesBank in East Longmeadow, MA. MCKENZIE PEZZE (sport management) is a member experience executive for the Boston Celtics. She was previously an inside sales representative for the team. REBECCA PETRIE (accounting) has been hired as a tax associate at Reynolds & Rowella, a tax and consulting ﬁrm in New Canaan, CT.

Baby Golden Bears

Marriages CORINNE PORTER ’07 and Ryan Taugher, May 29, 2016, in Dickerson, MD TRISH WILECZEK ’10/G’13 and ERICH GECKLE ’10, July 8, 2016, in Baltimore, MD ANDREW JAYSON ’10 and Katherine Keerdoja, August 27, 2016, in Westﬁeld, NJ CHRISTINA FARESE ’10 and MICHAEL SCHAPP ’10, August 28, 2016, in Newport, RI TARA MONZO ’08 and Brenton West, September 3, 2016, in Kittery Point, ME LEANNE FELLOWS ’08 and Jason Lake, September 10, 2016, in Union, CT ASHLEY QUITERIO ’11 and JUSTIN MARTINS ’11, October 1, 2017, Ludlow, MA BARBARA MEADEN ’13 and Eric Krupczak, October 8, 2016, in Chicopee, MA MIKE MELUCCI ’09 and Katie Kumphrey, October 8, 2016, in New Orleans, LA

Quinn E. Kubic, June 9, 2016, to ALISSA (ZUPNIC) KUBIC ’05 and JON KUBIC ’03

Eli Leonard Dulude, September 3, 2016, to SOPHIA PEROULAKIS DULUDE ’01 and Kyle Dulude

Nolan Thomas Watson, October 25, 2016, to JENNIFER CHEEVER PharmD’15 and Joshua Watson

FELLOWS ’08 (L-R) Billy Kann ’08, Amanda Kann, Brenden Cook, Ken Davignon ’08, Alison Davignon, groom Jason Lake, bride Leanne (Fellows) Lake ’08, Taylor McDonald ’09, Courtney (Donaldson) McDonald ’08, Tara (Monzo) West ’08, Brenton West, and Kevin Stevenson ’08

PORTER ’07 (L-R) Jennifer Shull, Ryan Porter, groom Ryan Taugher, bride Corinne Porter-Taugher ’07, Laura Franze ’07, and Kristen (Migliozzi) Johnson ’07

WILECZEK ’10/G’13 AND GECKLE ’10 (L-R) Steve Tolles ’09, Jessica (Francesconi) Tolles ’10, Joe Bois ’10, Lauren Popoli ’10, Michele Greyer ’10, groom Erich Geckle ’10, bride Trish Wileczek Geckle ’10/G’13, Hannah Marvin ’10, and Joe LaBounty ’10

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SUMMER 2017

MELUCCI ’09 (L-R) Front row: Nicole DeGasta ’09, Kara (White) Ormsby ’09, groom Mike Melucci ’09, bride Katie (Kumphrey) Melucci, and Meg McNatt ’10. Second row: John Botelho ’09, Ricky Adams ’09, and Bobby Bielsky ’09. Back row: Mike Ormsby ’09 and Pete DiNardo ’09

JAYSON ’10 (L-R) Kevin Carroccia, Danielle Vitucci ’09, Joe Petro, Natalia Tango ’09, Zachary Lacy ’09, groom Andrew Jayson ’10 (front), Josh Kirson ’09, bride Katherine Keerdoja, Michael Bekkenhuis, Michael Anderson (front), Alicia Mascia ’10, and Sean O’Keefe ’09

FARESE ’10 AND SCHAPP ’10 (L-R) Front row: groom Michael Schapp ’10 and Christina (Farese) Schapp ’10. Second row: Michael Lassoff ’10, Alyssa Obin ’12, Elyse Cannata ’10, Angela Monaco ’11, Angela Zguro ’10, Jennifer Scholler ’10, Katelyn Post ’10, Susan Lach ’85, and Aimee (Schapp) Greeley ’08. Third row: Michael Gittleman ’11, David McCarten ’11, Joseph Liverani ’10, Christopher Giudice ’10, Brian Brennan ’10, Victoria (Lospinuso) Beebe ’10, and Erika Johnson ’10

MONZO ’08 (L-R) Aaron Dodds ’08, Devin Smith ’08, Kim Bryant ’08/G’12, groom Brenton West, bride Tara (Monzo) West ’08, Steph Harris ’08, Courtney (Donaldson) McDonald ’08, Taylor McDonald ’09, Leanne (Fellows) Lake ’08, and Jason Lake

QUITERIO ’11 AND MARTINS ’11 (L-R) Front row: groom Justin Martins ’11, bride Ashley Quiterio ’11, Leigh-Ann Gomes ’10, and Marco Gomes ’10. Second row: Alex DosSantos ’11, Ashley Drago ’11/G’12, Erika Carmichael, Kelee Lawrence ’11, Shawn DaCruz ’13, and Michael Stewart ’09. Third row: Charles Drago ’12, Joseph Carmichael ’10, Brian Dill ’09, Brittney Lucibello ’11/G’14, Kevin Zimball ’09, Casey Schick ’09, Melissa Premo ’09, James Maples ’10, and Jason DaCruz

MEADEN ’13

wne.edu/alumni

In Memoriam The magazine has received notice of the deaths of the following members of the Western New England University family. JOHN F. PANDA ’49/’62 (accounting/mechanical engineering), Holyoke, MA; September 26, 2016 FRANCIS GASPARINI ’53/G’01 (engineering and business/Hon.), Runson, NJ; October 9, 2015 GEORGE F. SEYMOUR SR. ’54 (management), Holyoke, MA; March 31, 2017 THADDEUS R. WEGRZYN ’57 (accounting), Longmeadow, MA; December 24, 2016 ARMAND J. BOUTIN ’59 (accounting), Chicopee, MA; September 25, 2016 WILLIAM B. HOWE ’61 (mechanical engineering), Suffield, CT; March 31, 2016 STANLEY J. DYNIA ’62 (mechanical engineering), Enfield, CT; March 16, 2016 LAWRENCE T. DELAY ’66 (management), Springfield, MA; June 5, 2016 ROGER L. ST. GEORGE ’67 (mechanical engineering), Enfield, CT; October 10, 2016 EDWARD J. NAGY ’69 (mechanical engineering), West Hartford, CT; January 5, 2017

JAN L. SAYCKO ’69 (mechanical engineering), Berlin, CT; June 4, 2016

JOHN J. GRIFFIN ’77 (law enforcement), Holyoke, MA; April 5, 2016

GEORGE A. SERGENTANIS ’69 (management), Longmeadow, MA; January 26, 2016

JAMES M. MILLIGAN ’77 (electrical engineering), Westﬁeld, MA; May 27, 2016

JAMES S. CHRABASZCZ ’71 (electrical engineering), Ware, MA; December 5, 2016

RAYMOND F. MITUS ’78 (management), Gilbertsville, MA; November 12, 2016

J. EDWARD DARNEY JR. ’71 (business administration), East Longmeadow, MA; April 27, 2016

DAVID B. CROSSIER ’79 (MBA), Westborough, MA; February 11, 2017

JAMES I. SMITH ’71 (mechanical engineering), East Hampton, CT; January 19, 2016 GEORGE E. CUSSON G’72 (MBA), Roanoke, VA; November 14, 2016 PETER ANTHONY TROTTA ’72 (management), Mendon, MA; December 16, 2015 ROBERT L. SHEA G’74 (MBA), Plymouth, MA; December 16, 2016 JOHN N. WEINLE III ’75 (accounting), Agawam, MA; May 31, 2016 JOHN D. QUINN ’76 (MBA), Atwater, CA; February 11, 2017

ROBERT F. WOLOHAN (finance), Holyoke, MA; February 11, 2017 JAMES L. WAITKUS ’82 (law enforcement), West Hartford, CT; January 26, 2016 WILLIAM A. KING ’83 (sociology), Springfield, MA; October 8, 2016 DEBORAH L. GIARD-BELL ’84 (history), Agawam, MA; August 14, 2016 DIANE M. (STANEK) KENNEDY ’85 (MBA), Westfield, MA; February 13, 2017 STUART J. WHITTLE ’85 (electrical engineering), Suffield, CT; February 14, 2017

RICHARD T. SLOBODY ’76 (ﬁnance), Pompano Beach, FL; January 16, 2017

RICHARD KRETSCHMAR JR. ’86 (electrical engineering), Sufﬁeld, CT; November 6, 2016 ROBERT C. MCLAUGHLIN ’86 (law enforcement), Medford, MA; January 28, 2016 CHRISTOPHER L. KLECIAK G’87 (MBA), Westﬁeld, MA; February 13, 2016 GEORGE F. DILLON ’89 (law enforcement), Milton, MA; December 17, 2016 LUCIO LEFANTE ’91 (accounting), West Hartford, CT; October 3, 2016 KAREN M. LILLEY ’93 (business administration), Southington, CT; October 23, 2016 CRAIG A. STEVENSON ’97 (law enforcement), South Dennis, MA; January 9, 2017 JOSEPH D. MCCABE G’99 (MBA), Lowell, MA; September 30, 2016 ROBERT P. QUIGLEY JR. ’99/G’01 (law enforcement/criminal justice administration); May 19, 2014 FRANK A. CAMPANO III ’08 (molecular biology), South Glens Falls, NY; February 17, 2017

Look for the full obituaries on the Alumni Website: wne.edu/alumni. 40

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SUMMER 2017

REMEMBER WHEN

Stageless Players 1980 Michael Santoro ’83 (left) and Ed Sourdiffe ’84 perform in the Stageless Players’ 1980 production of “You Can’t Take It With You.” Michael, playing Paul Sycamore, effectively conveyed the character’s “innocent eccentricity,” according to The Westerner newspaper. Ed, portraying Mr. DePinna, delivered an “exceptional performance.” However, “the undisputed scene stealer” was College librarian and Stageless Players’ faculty advisor Glenn Johnson, playing Grandpa Vanderhof.

Upcoming Events Visit wne.edu/alumni AUGUST 11 Minor League Baseball: Hartford Yard Goats vs. Harrisburg Senators SEPTEMBER 22 Golden Graduates Luncheon Downes Hall of Fame Dinner 23 Homecoming Festivities Women’s Basketball Reunion Women’s Lacrosse Reunion Women’s Athletics Alumni Council’s Wine and Beer Tasting 24 Men’s Soccer Reunion APRIL 2018 27 Mark Coffey Memorial Golf Outing MAY 2018 25 50th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament For details on alumni events, contact Kristina Oleksak at kristina.oleksak@wne.edu or 413-782-1557.

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HOMECOMING 2017 You won’t want to miss a single minute of Homecoming festivities, including reunions, children’s activities, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with your old friends and professors.

SAVE THE DATES! SEPTEMBER 22-24