ALUMNI WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY
WINTER 2017
Communicator The
Game Changer: The Evolving Role of Athletics Exploring greater integration of athletics, academics, and affinity initiatives
Up, Up, and Away‌ Family and Friends Weekend 2016 Lifts Campus Spirits Family and Friends Weekend welcomed members of our extended campus community on October 29 and 30 for one of our longest-standing traditions. At the balloon-themed gathering, guests enjoyed fun-filled activities while reuniting with their Golden Bear. From the Residence Hall Bed Race to the meeting of the Parents Association, children’s activities to sharing a meal, it was a weekend to remember for our students, families, and friends.
Game Changer: The Evolving Role of Athletics
contents WINTER 2017
Nearly 20 years after the release of The Athletics Report, a new University self-study is underway to explore even greater synergies between athletics, academics, and affinity initiatives.
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Dr. Colin Collins ’82 Genomic Oncology Research Scientist
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18 Golden Bears Go for Gold at Homecoming 2016
also in this issue PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
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WHO’S CALLING? OUR STUDENT PHONATHON TEAM
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CAMPUS UPDATE
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CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON NEW DINING COMMONS
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MERIT PAGES SHOWCASE STUDENT SUCCESS
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MEET THE CLASS OF 2020
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: SAMANTHA DiGIOVANNI
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FACULTY PROFILE: DR. ROBERT GETTENS
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GRADUATE STUDIES: NEW DOCTOR OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY PROGRAM
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STUDENTS CELEBRATE WORLD FEST
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ALUMNI NEWS
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SPORTS UPDATE
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CLASS NOTES
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IN MEMORIAM
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REMEMBER WHEN
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24 Dean Robert Kleine III Appointed to Lead College of Business
Visit The Communicator’s alumni magazine online at wne.edu/alumni
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
AT THE GROUNDBREAKING FOR THE NEW DINING COMMONS LAST SEPTEMBER (which you will read about in this magazine), the University community came together to celebrate the beginning of an important building project that will provide a premier destination on campus. Complete with a pedestrian mall, a wide array of dining options, and a designated faculty and staff dining area, the four-story facility will also have meeting and conference rooms to accommodate large and small groups.
The Dining Commons is being built next to the St. Germain Campus Center, which is set to undergo a renovation in the near future. This two-phase project will provide a spectacular student life complex and indelibly change the Western New England University experience for every person who visits, works, lives, and learns here.
It is remarkable to consider how much the University has changed since the St. Germain Campus Center was built 50 years ago. At that time, there were only six buildings. The University had opened its first dormitory building just five months earlier. We continued to grow, transforming in size, in quality, and in vision. In these 50 years, we have evolved considerably—from a fine commuter school to the nationally recognized University we are today. We have become a great university because we develop new and innovative programs and top-notch facilities—all to make the student experience the best it can be. The multifunctional Dining Commons and the reconfigured, renovated Campus Center will reinforce the notion that we are truly the “Miracle on Wilbraham Road,” as we were referred to when the University began its development at our current site in the late 1950s.
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Indeed, the new Dining Commons follows our history of responding to the needs of our students: this past fall we also opened the Business Analytics Center in D’Amour Library. SAP (System Applications and Products) is one of today’s most sought-after information technology certifications in business. In addition, this year we began offering Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering and Industrial Engineering. The national need for professionals in both of these fields is increasing. Next year, we will begin a doctorate program in Occupational Therapy as well. (You can read about our upcoming program in this issue.) While Western New England has matured over the years to become a more comprehensive institution— from a college to a university—we have retained the key attributes that have come to define our unique brand of education. We still pride ourselves in our high-quality teaching and research, and in our personal attention to students as we develop each one to his or her personal and professional potential. We have blossomed as a result of the loyalty, dedication, and hard work of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends—and the generosity of our donors. To be sure, the entire University community has had a hand in the “Miracle on Wilbraham Road.” As we approach our centennial in 2019, it will be with your support that we keep providing unprecedented opportunities and experiences for new generations of students. For Western New England University, the best is yet to come, and I hope you will continue to be a part of our miracle in the making!
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Sincerely,
Anthony S. Caprio President
BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16
WHO’S CALLING? Our Student Phonathon Team: Connecting Alumni and Undergraduates
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Attitude is everything,” reads the sign. The Student Phonathon callers for The Fund for Western New England University are reminded of this adage every time they look at this message on the wall. But there’s no need for an attitude adjustment for this crew. They have the right stuff. The 20 callers really believe in how fundraising helps all students, and their sincerity shows in every call.
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“It is really satisfying to be able to raise money to help my fellow students,” says Emma Thomas, a sophomore Pre-pharmacy major. “I myself am one of the more than 98% of undergraduates on campus who receive some sort of financial assistance, so I understand the importance of the money raised and I am extremely thankful each time I receive a pledge.”
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Indeed, caller John Allen, also a sophomore Pre-pharmacy major, says that it is a special feeling “to have an impact on the University I attend, since I am directly affected by the success of our project.” But self-interest isn’t the only reason for their success. Allen also mentions a wonderful working environment in which everyone gets along well. “Although we call alumni individually, we really feed off the energy that each of us bring to work every day,” he says.
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The callers emphasize that gifts of any size— large or small—directly impact our students. In fact, donations of all sizes have a value beyond their dollar figure, because increasing the University’s participation rate helps secure grants from corporations, foundations, and the federal government. Allen values the alumni he calls not just for their gifts, but also their friendliness. “I have a lot of great conversations with alumni who have walked the same grounds I do, and have taken the same classes in the same building and with the same professor,” he says. “Those alumni tend to give the best advice when it comes to academics, relaxing, and even life after college.” Phonathon Coordinator Diane Swanson says what makes her callers so successful “is their ability to really connect with alumni. We have a truly incredible group here.” Sir Walter Scott once said, “For success, attitude is equally important as ability.” Fortunately for the University, our Phonathon callers bring both qualities to the job. n wne.edu/alumni
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GAME CHANGER THE EVOLVING ROLE OF ATHLETICS
Nearly 20 years after the release of “The Athletics Report,” a new University self-study is underway to explore even greater synergies between athletics, academics, and affinity initiatives. BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10 IN 1996, WhEN DR. ANThONY S. CAPRIO became the fifth president of what was then Western New England College, he undertook a detailed analysis of the institution to determine where its greatest areas of potential may lie. Beyond the depth and diversity of academic offerings, he saw one area in particular as offering untapped opportunity to attract new students, build campus pride, and solidify alumni connections: Athletics. Two decades later, a new self-study is in development that will take the integration of athletics, academics, and affinity to a whole new level. When President Caprio commissioned the original self-study of Athletics, he looked to a new faculty member in the Sport Management program, Dr. Sharianne Walker, to lead it. Internally, the study would come to be known as “The Walker Report.” “The committee consulted with 10 industry experts and developed 30 recommendations to advance the Athletics enterprise,” said Dr. Walker, who is also heading the new self-study.
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The first Athletics Report Committee was charged with 1) examining the intercollegiate athletic program; 2) the intramural program; 3) compliance with Title IX and equity of opportunity for male and female athletes; and 4) management of the Alumni healthful Living Center. The study concluded that Western New England was “well positioned to enhance its intercollegiate athletic program and related athletic programming and services. . . and that the College had excellent facilities in the AhLC.” It was also the opinion of the study team that “the current position was unacceptable; yet they recognized that their recommendations had financial implications. Additionally, the Committee emphasized that intercollegiate athletics should be an integral part of the educational experience for all students” (Western New England from College to University, a Retrospective, 1919-2011). In 1998, the “Athletics, Intramural, and Recreation Continuation Plan” was submitted by the Athletics Advisory Committee, which endorsed its recommendations that “set forth a blueprint for the continued elevation of the Athletic Department and its allied programs and services.” That blueprint has guided the development of a wide array of projects and programs in what has been termed “The Building Years” for athletics that have made Western New England a rising powerhouse in the Commonwealth Coast Conference and bridged new alliances among sports, academics, and student life. As the University continues to grow, it looks to new ways to meet the needs and interests of future students. With that intent, the new report is titled, “One University. One Vision. Together We Achieve.” “Students today have a much higher interest and expectations in wellness and physical engagement, which has implications for recruitment,” says Dr. Walker. “Now it is time for another look at Athletics to see what a Division III program should look like five to 10 years down the road.”
BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURE, VISION, AND PARTNERSHIPS On the surface, it is easy to see how Athletics has changed the face of the campus, bringing Golden Bear pride to an all-time University high. Since the original report, prudent and strategic investments in facilities have resulted in the construction of Golden Bear Stadium, George E. Trelease Memorial Baseball Field, WNEU Softball field, Suprenant Field, Volvo Tennis Courts, enhancements to the Alumni healthful Living Center, and the recent addition of the Flynn Family Pavilion. Such facilities have advanced recruitment efforts of varsity and intramural athletes and attracted generations of new student and alumni fans.
OUR GOAL—CREATING VALUE IN THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE Beyond capital investments, “The Athletics Report” looked at how Athletics programming could add value to the player and fan experience. The report resulted in the development of new alliances on campus and with the community, such as the LifeSkills mentoring program, the Academic Mentoring program that has resulted in 60% of student-athletes holding GPAs of 3.0 or higher, the Faculty Fellow program that pairs teams with faculty supporters, four new varsity programs, and service opportunities that bring student-athletes into area schools and the local community. The new self-study outlines strategies that will usher in a new era focused on “Educational Directions,” beginning in 2016. According to the report, “Emphasis is on viewing athletics through an educationally purposeful lens as is consistent with NCAA D III philosophy—and viewing all components of athletics, sport and recreation as an opportunity to advance academic knowledge, facilitate personal growth, and bring value to the campus community.”
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BUILDING GOLDEN BEAR PRIDE In 1998, Dr. Michael Theulen was named director of Athletics. In nearly two decades, he has contributed to the elevation of the institution’s 19 varsity sports and intramural program and spearheaded numerous initiatives that contribute to a positive studentathlete experience for our players and strong alumni affinity. The Golden Bear teams have made 52 NCAA Division III Tournament appearances. Coaches Nicole Chaszar (women’s basketball), Keith Emery (football), Bill Downes (men’s golf), Lori Mayhew (softball), Dan Gomez (baseball), John Klepacki (men’s lacrosse), Jennifer Kolins (men and women’s tennis), and Aimee Klepacki (women’s lacrosse) have garnered numerous coaching accolades. Our student-athlete experience has become a model Division III program.
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“We’re asking questions such as: ‘What are our unique opportunities? What synergies are here? And how can we move them forward?’” —DR. SHARIANNE WALKER
Here are some examples of how new Strategic Directions are already being put into place. LEADERSHIP EDUCATION— ON AND OFF THE FIELD Leadership development offers a natural connection uniting athletics, academics, and cocurricular experiences to address Direction 3 and personal development of student-athletes. Professor Emeritus Robert “Bob” Klein served on the faculty of the Department of Education for 20 years. his groundbreaking research on leadership development led to the creation of the Klein Group Instrument for Effective Leadership and Participation in Teams, used in conjunction with Myers-Briggs Type Indicator assessment to help organizations worldwide. Based on his research, he developed a course for student leaders, which expanded to student-athlete team cap-
Dr. Klein observes a student presentation
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tains to help them develop their potential to lead on and off the field. he has worked most closely with the captains of the football team, which has just completed back-to-back undefeated regular seasons. Last year, Dr. Klein’s student Stephen Melino ’16 (Mechanical Engineering) captained the defensive line of the football team. Initial testing with the two instruments showed Steve to be very clearly introverted. “But his coaches and professors thought he had a lot of good ideas, a lot of potential, and they encouraged me to help him,” explained Dr. Klein. he met with Steve several times, giving him step-by-step guidance on how to become a more effective leader, showing him how to gain buy-in from his players in practices and games, and, most importantly, on how to apply what he was learning in multiple contexts, including his work in engineering teams. Steve gained a battery of new leadership skills that paid off in an unexpected way. Upon graduation, Steve was interviewed for a position at Lockheed Martin (LM). In his responses to a series of questions, he applied what he had learned from the Klein and MyersBriggs materials. The personnel committee was so impressed, he was invited to interview for a different position as a part of an elite leadership development program. And so he sat for a second interview. Today, he is part
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of that program, which also includes the pursuit of a master’s degree. When he concludes his studies, he will become a project manager at LM and will have the opportunity to climb to even higher levels of leadership. “Our student-athletes want to win with their teams. They show dedication in practicing their new leadership skills on the field. Once they graduate, they now have very concrete group skills for their future careers—from business, to social work, to engineering, education, and criminal justice,” says Dr. Klein. “With our training, they have a leg up, just like Steve. he’s ‘Exhibit A’ on how much this can help our students once they graduate. While he may have been on the football squad, he stepped up and hit a home run.”
CRASH COURSE–CONCUSSION DISCUSSIONS TAKE TO THE CLASSROOM Coursework, new programming, and collaboration between athletics and academics are initiatives under Direction 5. Research into preventing and recognizing concussions due to sport-related injuries has been the focus of study on campus for several years, including cross-disciplinary collaborations by engineering and business students to develop headgear monitors and apps. Dr. Sheralee Tershner, chair of the Department of Neuroscience, and Dr. Dennis Kolodziejski, chair of the Department
The Report lays out five key Strategic Directions: DIRECTION 1 Advance commitment to excellence in intercollegiate athletics and academic achievement of student-athletes through the delivery of a quality student-athlete experience. DIRECTION 2 Develop programs and services to deliver quality fitness and recreational sport opportunities to the campus community. DIRECTION 3 Identify and create opportunities to facilitate personal development of student-athletes. DIRECTION 4 Create partnerships with key stakeholders both on campus and in broader arenas to represent the institution positively and professionally and to add value to the University as a whole. DIRECTION 5 Seek and establish opportunities to be innovatively linked with academic programming through the establishment of athletics as a learning laboratory for educational programming and research.
pathology caused by closed head injury (acute and chronic effects of head trauma on the brain), as well as brain imaging techniques. Dr. Kolodziejski will address clinical assessment methods for identifying concussions (on the field and off), the reliability and validity of these methods (baseline measurements, repeated testing etc.), courses of treatment, and policy relating to “return to play.”
learning sites, our athletic programs provide valuable hands-on learning and professional development opportunities for our students. Simultaneously, our athletics programs benefit and are strengthened by engaging the creativity, disciplinary competencies, and energy of our students.” Last year, Sport Management students in the Senior Seminar were challenged to develop ideas to grow both alumni affinity for varsity athletic teams and plant seeds to attract future players and fans. Among the eight great ideas proposed, a Golden Bear Kids Club was selected. The club will offer programming and personalized communications geared to children of alumni to invite them and their families to attend varsity games and participate in fun activities. Participants will receive t-shirts, birthday greetings, and newsletters. These examples are only the beginning of the many ways Athletics will continue to impact the future of Western New England University. With the completion and implementation of the new “Athletics Report,” the University will become a change agent for the role Athletics can play in Division III programs nationwide. n
A WIN–WIN—NEW SYNERGIES AT THE INTERSECTION OF BUSINESS AND ATHLETICS Dr. Sheralee Terschner with students
of Psychology, will be collaborating to co-teach a course to members of the women’s soccer team this spring and later this summer as they travel through Italy in preseason competitions. In the future, the course will be offered on campus and online and will also explore non-sports-related injuries. “The incidence of concussions in female soccer players is very high,” says Dr. Tershner. “It is not clear what the contributing factors are exactly, but there is a lot of research taking place on this subject.” Dr. Tershner will focus on teaching the players about head and brain anatomy, localization of behaviors with respect to specific brain areas, brain
The Sport Management program has benefitted from a longstanding history of collaboration with the athletics programs, through which its students have enjoyed numerous opportunities to gain hands-on experience with internships and the Intercollegiate Athletics Management course, enabling them to shadow professionals, attend conferences, and organize events. Under Direction 5, the new study sees even greater opportunity for Athletics and the College of Business in particular to build new synergies. “The abundance of experiential learning opportunities is a distinguishing feature of the College of Business,” says Robert Kleine III, its new dean. “Collaboration between academic and athletic programs creates a win-win situation. By serving as experiential
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Golden Bear high-fives Ryan Sargent
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ALUMNI FOCUS
Colin Collins ’82
TARGETING CANCER CELLS Research conducted by renowned prostate cancer expert Dr. Colin “Chip” Collins ’82 is at the forefront of genomic oncology—the study of how cancers develop on a genomic level and the development of drugs that attack diseasecausing gene mutations.
BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16
Many children argue with their parents when they are told to stop watching television and go to sleep. But when Dr. Colin Collins was a kid he eschewed TV stars for the real stars—the ones in the night sky—until he was reluctantly ushered to his bedroom by his mom. Indeed, he knew from a young age that he wanted to be either an astronomer or biologist. Fortunately for the field of cancer research, Colin is now one of the world’s leading authorities in oncogenomics—the application of genomics and computer science to understanding cancer and ultimately its treatment, using personalized approaches. Colin is a professor of Urologic Sciences at the University of British Columbia and the Vancouver Prostate Centre, one of the top translational prostate cancer research centers on the planet. he and his collaborator, Dr. Yuzhuo Wang, recently made the news when they used a patient’s prostate tumor growing in a mouse “avatar” to determine how a novel form or resistance to therapy develops. This is the only model for this kind of resistance in existence. “It is important because this mechanism of resistance is now seen in roughly 30% of prostate cancer patients,” he said. Prior to this, prostate cancer re-
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searchers were limited to growing the tumor cell lines in plastic dishes. The new procedure provides unprecedented levels of accuracy in seeing how patient-specific prostate tumors respond to drug therapies or develop drug resistance. These breakthroughs are the latest in a career of accomplishments for Colin and his research teams. In 2003, when he was an associate professor in residence at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), he invented, and was awarded a patent for “pairedend sequencing,” the method on which almost all genome sequencing is currently based. It allows one to determine both genome sequence and structure. Colin and his team were the first to sequence tumor genomes using this method, which has been credited with fundamentally transforming the way in which tumors are studied.
A “World Class” Education For Colin, a native of Springfield, the journey that led to his pioneering work began as a Biology major at Western New England. “The University provided me with a great foundation,” he said. “I received a truly outstanding world class education at Western New England. I am grateful for the small classes and outstanding professors I had there, especially Biology Professor Robert holdsworth, who taught developmental and cell biology. Walter Coombs, another biology professor, was really phenomenal and I have carried his lessons on evolution into all of my thinking on cancer.” Colin also remembers the human Physiology class taught by Associate Professor of Physiology and Pharmacology Zalmon Pober as being “incredibly difficult, but well worth taking.” Colin went on to earn a certificate in Genetic Engineering at San Francisco State University and a PhD in Medical Genetics at the University of British Columbia. he has worked at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and at University of California San
Francisco, where he was awarded a patent not only for paired-end sequencing, but also for his laboratory’s discovery of the ZNF217 breast cancer gene. he and his colleagues demonstrated that ZNF217 makes breast and brain cancer cells resistant to a chemotherapy. This suggests that abnormal levels of this gene may predict the therapeutic usefulness of certain drugs. Also at UCSF, he developed a panel of genome-based biomarkers (GEMCaP) that can stratify men with prostate cancer—that is, they can determine which patients need therapeutic intervention—as opposed to those who would benefit from active surveillance alone. he continues this work today and said that he will soon publish exciting new data. Because of such scientists as Colin Collins, who has published 200 scientific papers, oncology is in the mist of a revolution in the detection and management of cancer. Distinct subtypes of each cancer are being delineated, leading to the identification of numerous biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Personalizing Prostate Cancer Treatment Colin is now employing “next generation” sequencing—the use of recent technologies that allow him and his colleagues to sequence DNA and RNA from tumors much more quickly and cheaply than ever before—to make personalized oncology a reality for prostate and other cancer patients. “We can test our drug predictions in patient avatars for efficacy without exposing the patient to unnecessary toxicities,” he said. A major focus of his group right now is trying to understand how prostate cancer becomes resistant to the therapy. “This will enable us to identify and therapeutically target novel ‘drivers’ that will slow down the onset of resistance,” he said. “Moreover, we have developed a blood test or ‘liquid biopsy’ that allows us to inexpensively and safely monitor the evolution of thera-
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peutic resistance from a Colin Collins ’82 has simple blood draw and been lecturing in predict the next course of China extensively since 2005. On his treatment.” last trip, he was Back in the 1980s, in made a professor in the early days of gethe Think Tank Divinomics, little did Colin sion at BGI (Beijing know how far the field Genomics Institute), would progress in three the world’s largest decades. “But I knew gegenome institute. He nomics was the future of is pictured with BGI biology and I wanted to be founder Wang Jian. a part of it,” he said. Of course, it’s impossible to tell what Colin would have accomplished if he had chosen to pursue astronomy. he still has an interest in stars and planets, and on a clear night, he can be found in the mountains gazing upward. “Now I’m just a biologist with too many telescopes,” he laughed. But fortunately he found his true calling. In the rapidly developing field of precision oncology, the sky is the limit when it comes to unraveling the genetics of prostate cancer, and his team is at the forefront of it. he and his colleagues hope to lead the way in combinatorial therapeutics, which he described as “the elusive holy Grail” of oncology. “Just as with hIV, which requires a cocktail of drugs,” he said, “cancer will similarly require a combination of therapeutics to contain it by impeding its evolution.” n
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CAMPUS UPDATE
UNIVERSITY NAMES NEW TRUSTEES
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY SIGNS ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS
Janet Johnson Bullard ’69 (Management) 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, RI. Bullard has established the Janet Johnson Bullard Annual Scholarship, and the Janet Johnson Bullard Endowed Scholarship Fund. She also serves on the College of Business Student Managed Investment Fund Advisory Board, and has supported the Cohen Trading Room Technology Maintenance Fund.
Philip “Bud” C. Beaudry has worked in the aerospace/defense sector for more than 30 years. Over the past 13 years, he has been the president/owner of BTP systems, an engineering firm located in Ludlow, MA, which he started and has grown into a multimillion-dollar company. Bud and his wife, Jill, have established the BTP Systems Endowed Scholarship for College of Engineering students to help increase awareness in the career field of Radio Frequency/Microwave Engineering, and to encourage students to pursue studies within this growing specialized discipline.
Richard M. Cassata ’80 (Finance) is managing director of public finance of Assured Guaranty Corporation. Assured Guaranty is a leading provider of financial guaranty insurance. Cassata played on the Golden Bear Baseball team, which was the first to win 20 games in a season. In addition to supporting Golden Bear Athletics, especially the men’s baseball team, Cassata and his wife have established the Richard M. and Catherine Cassata Scholarship for students in the College of Business.
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Dr. Evan Robinson, dean of the Western New England University College of Pharmacy; Dr. Wendy Samter, dean of Bryant University College of Arts and Sciences; and Dr. Kirsten Hokeness, associate professor in Bryant’s Department of Science and Technology
The Western New England University College of Pharmacy recently entered into articulation agreements with both Bryant University College of Arts and Sciences and Elms College. These agreements will provide a more efficient transition for Bryant and Elms students who minor in business to participate in the Western New England University College of Pharmacy combined degree programs (the Doctor of Pharmacy/MBA and the Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Science in Organizational Leadership programs) in collaboration with the College of Business. “Agreements such as these create unique opportunities to collaborate with programs regarding the path forward to becoming a pharmacist,” according to Western New England University College of Pharmacy Dean Evan T. Robinson. “We are excited about working with both Bryant University and Elms College.”
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BY JUDY CURRAN
Italy
Rio
SHORT-TERM SUMMER SEMINARS TAKE STUDENTS AROUND THE GLOBE Students had the opportunity to study in some amazing places last summer through short-term summer seminars. Business students traveled to the Olympic Games in Rio where they studied the historical, economic, political, and social significance of such global events, and the business aspects of staging these gatherings.
Spain
From engineering to psychology, global sustainability to multiculturalism, students in a multitude of majors expanded their worldview through a variety of courses taught abroad and often in conjunction with spring semester seminars. Once in country, they had opportunities to immerse themselves in the local culture and participate in experiential learning. In addition to Rio, destinations included London, Ireland, Spain, Guatemala, Italy, Iceland, China, Czech Republic/Poland, and Nicaragua. Exciting new opportunities on the horizon for next summer include seminars in Cuba, Australia, and South Africa.
Iceland
Guatemala wne.edu/alumni
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Dean Robert Kleine III Brings a Marketer’s Perspective and Entrepreneurial Mindset to Lead the College of Business BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10
It is said in business that marketing is a matching process between an organization and the consumer to achieve the goals of both parties. With the appointment of Dr. Robert E. Kleine III as dean, the College of Business has found such a match. WITH EXPERTISE IN MARKETING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL education, Dr. Kleine joined the College in July following the retirement of Dean Julie Siciliano ’81/G’84 after 30 years of outstanding service. He most recently served as associate dean and the James F. Dicke Professor of Marketing at Ohio Northern University for 14 years. While there, he collaboratively led the creation of several programs, including a whole campus entrepreneurial mindset initiative, the Pharmaceutical Business major, for which he served as coordinator for several years, and more recently a Risk Management & Insurance major. He previously served as Marketing faculty, with graduate faculty status, at Arizona State University, and as a marketing consultant to the U.S. Army Recruiting Command. He earned a Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Cincinnati and a B.S.B.A. from the University of New Hampshire. Dr. Kleine’s research, published in leading marketing journals, including the Journal of Consumer Research, Psychology & Marketing and the Journal of Personal Selling & Sales Management, is widely cited and influential. He received the Ferber Award for best interdisciplinary article based on a dissertation published in the Journal of Consumer Research. The Marketing Science Institute recognizes his work as “essential reading in marketing.” Arriving on campus this summer, Dr. Kleine was impressed to find the Business faculty not only “tremendously dedicated and capable, but also interested in evolution and change.” He looks to the College’s graduate offerings in particular as presenting both solid flagship programs and opportunities to expand upon areas of academic strength. Eager to engage with his undergraduates, Dr. Kleine organized a series of Meet the Dean events this fall, inviting not only student leaders, but also a cross section of students from all business majors and academic years. He has also encouraged faculty to support student entrepreneurial efforts by coordinating the December Faculty Meeting to coincide with the cross-disciplinary Product Innovation and Development course student project showcase.
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He cites that course as providing a “great foundation and also the opportunity to push entrepreneurial thinking to encourage its integration throughout the business curriculum wherever it makes sense.” He adds, “I view entrepreneurial thinking as a basic life skill and that some of the key learning opportunities come when business students are able to collaborate with others from elsewhere on campus.” His vision for the College aligns with Provost Linda Jones’ goals of helping our students to become more analytical and entrepreneurial thinkers. That perspective is “fundamental to how we approach business education as we are developing what I refer to as an analytical mindset, which is being able to derive value from data, and an entrepreneurial mindset, which is the ability to identify an opportunity and come up with compelling offerings,” says Dr. Kleine. Dr. Kleine encourages incoming undergraduates to explore our business programs. He feels what sets our business programs apart from public and private competitors is our “undecided friendly” approach to recruitment, focus on experiential learning, opportunity for all students to be certified in SAP software, and portfolio of undergraduate programs structured to be completed in four years. Looking toward the future, Dr. Kleine says, “I feel very fortunate to be inheriting a very strong foundation at the College of Business and the opportunity to work with faculty and the administration to continue to move the College forward.” Dean Kleine is eager to connect with our more than 19,500 business alumni on the road or on campus. He encourages alumni to reach out to the College of Business to speak to classes, mentor students, and recruit interns or employees. n
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Watch its progress at wne.edu/construction
A GROUNDBREAKING DEVELOPMENT:
CONSTRUCTION BEGINS ON THE NEW DINING COMMONS BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16 In an effort to improve the overall dining experience on campus—as well as provide the University with much needed meeting and conference rooms—a new four-story, 70,000 square-foot Dining Commons is being built on the green between Sleith Hall and the St. Germain Campus Center. A groundbreaking ceremony was on the site on September 27. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2017. The building will have a rounded façade and a soaring glass atrium for a bright and welcoming entrance, and a retail mall on the first floor that will include a Starbucks®, grill and sandwich restaurant, bakery, and lounge areas for students. “The construction of this facility is more than just simply creating expanded dining space,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Michael Serafino ’77. “It is an
acknowledgement that our campus community has evolved into one that desires—and requires—a diversity of dining options in an environment that encourages social interaction.” Indeed, the new Dining Commons is intended to be a vibrant campus destination by providing more inviting spaces to unite the social and intellectual aspects of our University. On the first floor, for example, will be dining and performance areas that will be used for a variety of purposes, including food preparation classes for students, poetry readings, and other performances. The second and third floors will contain the main student dining halls. The fourth floor will include adjustable conference and meeting rooms, as well as an outdoor terrace. “There is another aspect of this project that is equally exciting, and that is the
Be a part of this important project, which will greatly enhance student life on campus. Donate online at wne.edu/giving/thefund, call 800-325-1122, ext. 1335, or send a check payable to Western New England University to:
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renovation of the St. Germain Campus Center,” said President Anthony S. Caprio. The transformation of this building, which will begin in the near future, will accommodate an expanded Career Development Center, Academic Advising, the First Year Program, and additional student activities space. Student Senate President Tucker France pointed out that a University’s dining facility is so much more than a place to get a quick meal. “So much of the college experience is built around the time we spend interacting with our fellow students and the time spent sharing meals with those close to us. What makes Western New England University so amazing is the commitment it makes every day to creating a strong sense of community, and this building is an incredible investment in that community,” he said. n
Western New England University Advancement Division 1215 Wilbraham Road Springfield, MA 01119
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“Publicity that celebrates student academic success has always been a part of our tradition, and now with the help of Merit, we’re recognizing additional accomplishments.” — BRIAN ZELASKO Director for Media and Community Relations
BY ALEX LYMAN ’12/G’16
PUBLICITY THROUGH MERIT PAGES, INC. PROVIDES A DIGITAL PLATFORM TO SHOWCASE STUDENT SUCCESS Millennials frequently share their life updates with their followers on social media, and now Western New England University is helping students to create an interactive digital résumé to publicize the University and its students to potential employers and to the media, through Merit Pages, Inc. This initiative, developed through the Division of Marketing and External Affairs, strives not only to benefit current students, but also to highlight the value of a Western New England University education. Merit Pages, Inc. is a social media and hometown news program that allows students to share academic and cocurricular successes with family, friends, future employers, and their local media. Western New England University student accomplishments are highlighted on a verified online profile. If you’ve been seeing University students mentioned more often in your hometown newspaper, that’s because announcements are sent automatically to hometown news-
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papers for publicity via Merit Pages, Inc. ternships, and find other, similar stu“Publicity that celebrates student acadents based on their achievements.” demic success has always been a part Merit Pages, Inc. is a unique way of our tradition, and now with the help for students to promote themselves of Merit, we’re recognizing additional and gain valuable exposure, and also accomplishments,” explained Brian involves little to no maintenance on Zelasko, director for media and commuthe part of the student. Updates are nity relations. “We provide opIf you want to see what our current students are up to portunities for all of our students on Merit Pages, Inc., visit wne.meritpages.com. to perform in theater, engage in research, study abroad, assume leadership roles, and much more. automatic, and can be shared on social These too, should be shared.” media platforms including Twitter, FaceDanielle Valenti ’07, vice president book, and LinkedIn. Students also have of client success at Merit Pages, Inc., the option to customize their Merit prohas an exciting vision for the company, file with their biography, photo, and and a unique perspective on the benefits video. By having a curated profile of of utilizing the service. their experience and successes, stu“We want to continue to grow the dents will be able to market themselves types of stakeholders who can discover to potential employers and internship and share stories of student success,” sites in a new and forward-thinking way, she explained. “We’re working to more which will make them stand out in the directly bring employers into the Merit job search process. ecosystem so that they can promote students they’ve hired for jobs and in-
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READY FOR OUR SECOND CENTURY The Class of 2020
The Class of 2020 will be the first to graduate in the University’s second century. Here is a snapshot of our latest incoming class.
The Incoming Class at-a-glance • First-year students come from 420 public and private high schools. • Students represent 21 states and 10 foreign countries. • 21% self-identified as African American, American Indian, Hispanic, Asian, or multiracial; or are international students. • 51% are from Massachusetts; 22% from Connecticut; and 13% from New York. • 66 transfer students come from community colleges and 47 already have earned associate’s degrees. • Transfer students have attended 51 different colleges in 13 states. • 37 students have a parent who graduated from Western New England.
AREAS OF ACADEMIC INTEREST • 66 separate majors or concentrations have been selected • 129—physical or biological sciences majors • 51—Criminal Justice program • 38—Psychology program • 64—Sport Management program • 48—Accounting or Finance programs • 86 have expressed an interest in the 3+3 Law Program • 66 have been conditionally admitted into one of our five-year joint bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Business or Engineering. • A total of 205 students are pursuing a major in Engineering • 155 are entering the University as Undecided
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
SAMANTHA DiGIOVANNI USES LEADERSHIP TO CREATE A CONNECTED CAMPUS COMMUNITY BY ALEX LYMAN ’12/G’16
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hIS IS ThE FIRST SChOOL I ever looked at and I wanted to come here from the start,” says the Marketing Communication/Advertising major. “As soon as I walked on campus I knew I didn’t want to go anywhere else. My parents had to force me to apply to other schools.” That affection for the University led Sam to become an active participant on campus early on. From involvement in the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) and as a Life Skills mentor, to being a pitcher for the women’s softball team, Sam has truly made her mark on campus. As an orientation group leader, she guided incoming Golden Bears through their introduction to the University. She answered questions, offered advice, and helped members of the incoming class navigate their first on-campus experience as students. It was here that Sam discovered the leader in herself. She carried those newfound leadership abilities into her role as vice president of SAAC, which serves as the voice of student-athletes. It was important
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to Sam to help unite University athletics with the rest of campus life. She carried on this commitment by helping plan the annual International Dodge Ball Tournament with student group United and Mutually Equal (U&ME), as well as several new events in conjunction with other on-campus clubs. however, most rewarding to her has been her involvement as a mentor for the NCAA-implemented Life Skills program. All freshman student-athletes must participate in study hall sessions, which are lead by a Life Skills mentor.
A diehard New York sports fan, Long Island native Samantha DiGiovanni sometimes finds going to college in New England, home to the nemeses of her beloved Giants and Rangers, to be a challenge. however, sports rivalries aside, there’s no place she would rather be living and learning than at Western New England University.
Their role is to help plan out each student-athlete’s goals on and off the field, and direct them to services such as tutoring, as needed. Sam found crucial guidance and support from her mentor (and former teammate) Grace Kucharski ’15, and was inspired to be a similar role model to other students. Now a Life Skills mentor herself, Sam has had the opportunity to impact the experience of younger student-athletes. She is humbled by the fact that some of her mentees now want to become mentors themselves, which speaks volumes of her influence and encouraging attitude towards freshman athletes. In the same spirit of leadership and giving, Sam turned a one-time volunteer position into a three-year internship with Max Restaurant Group and helped coordinate many of their philanthropic events, such as the annual Teddy Bear Tea and Brunch and the Max Classic Golf Tournament, which benefit Baystate Children’s hospital, the Ronald McDonald house, and other children’s charities.
“I hope to be working in charitable event Sam’s roles have included planning, or somewhere that allows me email marketing, designing flyers and brochures adverto give back. My classes have taught me tising events, and esseneverything I need to get out in the world tially being the right-hand and to be successful in whatever I choose.” support system of her supervisor and alumna, Public Relations Director Anning relationships,” she explains. “I hope Marie harding ’79. This internship has to be working in charitable event plantaught Sam to be versatile and adaptning, or somewhere that allows me to able and has also put her in the comgive back. My classes have taught me pany of the key community players in everything I need to get out in the both Springfield and Connecticut, an world and to be successful in whatever invaluable opportunity for networking. I choose.” Sam is also a standout in the classSam hopes her next adventure after room, and a recent recipient of both graduation will entail following in the the prestigious Alumni Association footsteps of many of our alumni and Skookum Award and Who’s Who working at the most magical place on Among Students in American Colleges earth. She plans to apply for the Disney and Universities. her academic focus College Program because she loves paired with the contemporary curricueverything that Disney stands for, and lum of the College of Business has is excited to help visitors make special given her a solid foundation for her memories, just as she did at Western next big adventure after she receives New England University. n her diploma. “I love the communication side of business—talking to people and buildwne.edu/alumni
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BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16
HOMECOMING 2016
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GOLDEN BEARS GOING FOR GOLD
Alumni, family, and friends enjoyed fun of Olympic proportions at Homecoming on September 24. Sunny weather and a new location—the Pine Grove—provided a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends, as well as enjoy great food, the ROTC pull-up contest and climbing wall, pony rides, face painting, and several athletic contests: football, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, and field hockey.
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1. Olympics fever in the photo booth 2. Laron Gunderway carries the ball during the football team’s 59–28 victory over Curry, part of the team’s back-to-back undefeated seasons. 3. Campus Activities Board Publicity Chairperson Jon Metsack gets in the spirit. 4. The Women’s Soccer team defeated Gordon College, 2–0 5. Fans cheer on the Golden Bears. 6. At the College of Pharmacy tent: pharmacy students Harpreet Puri, Ahmad Kabbout, and Hameed Bello 7. The T-shirt toss during the football game
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View video of Homecoming, as well as more photos of he festivities. Look for The Communicator’s “Web Extras” at wne.edu/alumni.
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8. Freshman Cameron Clarke with parents Wendy and Doug ’87 9. Soccer midfielder Arcel Kobango-Ngoy 10. Gianna Albanese ’15, Stephanie Polukort ’15, Matt Woislaw ’15, Chelsea Miemiec ’15, and Rebecca Ludecke ’15 11. The College of Engineering’s mini-baja vehicle 12. The ROTC rock wall 13. The ROTC pull-up challenge 14. Peg Brown and Irl Brown Jr. ’57 join us every year!
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15. The pony rides were a big hit.
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Homecoming Weekend featured a comedy performance by Josh Wolf, children’s activities, tours of campus, food trucks, and various reunions, including women’s basketball, women’s swimming, and men’s soccer, along with the Sport Management program’s 20th anniversary celebration. The U&ME/MGA Reunion Dinner Dance was held Saturday night. Festivities also included a Skookum Social, and a wine and beer tasting presented by the Women’s Athletics Alumni Council. Those who registered for Homecoming online took advantage of the chance to “spin the wheel” for prizes, and children were greeted at the registration table with a free Golden Bear Olympic medal. Events on Friday featured the Golden Grads Luncheon and the Downes Athletic Hall of Fame induction. 15
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FACULTY PROFILE
Innovation, Prototypes, and Breakthroughs BY PATRICIA GAGNON
Dr. Robert Gettens, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Director of the Engineering Fundamentals Program
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING PROFESSOR ROB GETTENS HELPS STUDENTS TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING “Nothing gives me greater joy than seeing one of our students succeed or when I see that “aha” moment when they grasp something that you just taught them,” says Professor Robert Gettens, associate professor of Biomedical Engineering and director of the Engineering Fundamentals program at the College of Engineering. It’s that enthusiasm for his students’ success and his passion for their learning and development that makes him such a popular professor among his students. Students design, code, and prototype a robot in their first year.
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F
through the application of smart technology. The prototypes OR DR. GETTENS, working in biomedical engiare presented at the Emerging Engineers Expo at the end neering and teaching is living the best of two of the year.” worlds. he received his undergraduate degree Dr. Gettens notes the great collaboration of faculty in the in Chemical Engineering from Lafayette College first year program. “Each week the faculty get together to and his master’s and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engitalk about the course, teaching methods, and advising stuneering at Syracuse University, where he studied metallic dents,” he says. “As the director of the program, I inherited biomaterials. he was a Principal Engineer in the Medication a fantastic model that was developed from some legDelivery division at Baxter healthcare Corporation. Dr. Getendary emeritus faculty like Dr. Eric haffner and Dr. Ron tens also served in the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer Musiak. The studio-based approach we use gets students Company Executive Officer and Combat Engineer Platoon practicing what we teach Leader in the 4th Infantry right away, using real valDivision. “It’s surprising to ued engineering skills such me how similar teaching as C programming, electrical and being a platoon leader wiring and Computer Aided in the Army is,” notes Dr. Design in the first few weeks. Gettens. “In both capacities Just last week, we ran a bot you are mentoring and jousting competition that guiding groups of motiwas so fun we had to tell the vated young people. That’s students it was time to leave. what I loved about the I literally could not breathe I Army and also what I love was laughing so hard in the about being an engineering middle of the competition.” professor.” Students are encouraged to Dr. Gettens has received develop their interests in numerous honors and entrepreneurship through awards. his research inexperiences like the 3D terests include surface Student entrepreneurs and advisers confer at the 3-D Startup Startup, a weekend long interactions of medical event that has yielded device materials within award-winning new products with several ideas moving on the biological environment, blood contacting medical deto development. “The 3DS is a transformative experience for vices, corrosion of biomedical implants, voltage effects on students. It’s a true experiential learning environment,” exmedical implants, and medical device design. plains Professor Gettens. “Students start on a Friday afterThe Department of Biomedical Engineering oversees the noon with nothing more than a glimmer of an idea for a new ABET accredited undergraduate program in Biomedical business. Through the weekend they organically form teams Engineering. In an exciting and rewarding field, biomedical and develop and validate a business idea that they pitch to a engineers combine engineering principles with medical and panel of prominent entrepreneurs. It is amazing to see what biological sciences that enable them to work at the forefront these young people can accomplish in just three days.” of medical breakthroughs. From the development of artifiThis past spring, a team of Biomedical Engineering stucial organs to bionic limbs to medical imaging systems, their dents tied for first place at the Grinspoon Foundation work can improve the quality of life for millions of people Awards, which promote student entrepreneurship, for the worldwide. Dr. Gettens says students in his program are hemoflux, a pre-natal genetic testing start-up company. A prepared to take on such challenges through a rigorous cross-disciplinary team of engineering and business stucurriculum and experiential learning opportunities. dents took home second place in the Best Exhibitors cateThose learning opportunities begin in the first year and gory for their start-up business, AnyCafé, a travel mug that it’s what makes engineering education at Western New Engcan brew K-Cups. The students were also invited to particland University so unique. “I think the first year engineeripate in the Valley Ventures Accelerator Program and at a ing program at Western New England University is one of, 3D Start-up entrepreneurship conference in Austin, TX. if not the best in the country,” says Dr. Gettens. “Our first year engineering program teams students up to design, “It’s a real joy to be able to collaborate with an excepcode, and prototype a robot to compete in Bot Battles tional team of faculty and staff throughout Western New throughout the semester. Data acquisition and processing, England University, work with external clinicians and exethical standards, communication, and business skills are perts in the field, and educate such exceptional students,” developed. Student teams design a product to improve lives says Professor Gettens. “I feel very lucky.” n
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GRADUATE STUDIES
BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10
New Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program Prepares Leaders to Impact an Evolving Field The University will be enrolling its first cohort of students this fall. We’ve all heard references to the field of occupational therapy, but we may not be familiar with what occupational therapists actually do. Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are healthcare professionals who help people across their lifespan to participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Common occupational therapy interventions include helping children with disabilities to participate fully in school and social situations, aiding people recovering from injury to regain skills, and providing support for older adults experiencing physical and cognitive changes.
The Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) program at Western New England University offers an opportunity for practitioners to take on new roles as transformative leaders in this personally and professionally rewarding field.
AN ADVANCED DEGREE FOR TRANSFORMATIVE LEADERS
Cathy Dow-Royer Ed.D., OTR/L, Professor and Founding Director of the OTD Program
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With the aging of the population and advancements in the field it is an exciting time to be a part of Occupational Therapy. Consider the breakthroughs in information technologies, including telehealth applications, as well as the use of assistive technologies for improving life performance. In addition, research on population health and interprofessional practice are giving therapists new tools to help their clients actively function in THE COMMUNICATOR
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their homes and workplaces, enjoy leisure activities, and live fuller lives.
THE VALUE OF AN ENTRY-LEVEL DOCTORAL DEGREE The OTD program at Western New England University is responding to the national and international call for changing the way healthcare is delivered, and the way healthcare professionals are educated. Rapidly changing healthcare systems are demanding more of entrylevel practitioners. “Occupational Therapists have an impact on the lives of individual patients/clients, as well as populations such as veterans,” says Dr. Cathy DowRoyer, professor and founding director of the program. “As leaders in current healthcare settings and emerging
practice areas, our graduates will be equipped to contribute to the global healthcare workforce.” Western New England University is launching the only entry-level doctoral degree in occupational therapy in western Massachusetts. In our doctoral program, a master’s degree is not required—students go directly to earning a doctorate degree. Those applying to the program must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum GPA of 3.0, among other requirements. Students with degrees in any undergraduate major will be considered, however, all applicants will be required to successfully complete our prerequisite coursework prior to admission. “Our program will graduate practitioner-scholars who are ready to lead, and ready to contemplate the options of clinical practice, administration of a department, or academic work in higher education,” says Dr. Dow-Royer. Students pursuing the OTD to become practitioners rather than a master’s degree, won’t just take more courses. They also will have the opportunity to acquire a depth of knowledge about occupational therapy that is guided by research evidence and applied critical thinking. The experiential component of the doctoral program also differs markedly from traditional fieldwork. In the OTD
program, there are two levels of on-site practice experience (i.e. Level I & Level II Fieldwork). The program includes a Doctoral Experiential Residency. What is exciting about this customized doctoral experiential is that it exposes students to learning experiences framed around the concept of interprofessional practice with options for completing a project based upon advanced practice, policy development, advocacy concerns, education, administration, or leadership.
A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN A CHANGING JOB MARKET “Because graduates of OTD programs will have more to offer, they will be more in demand in a competitive job market. In addition, salary differentials in workplaces that are based upon highest degree earned will benefit those with an OTD degree,” says Dr. Dow-Royer.
CANDIDACY STATUS GRANTED The entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program has been granted candidacy status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).
Learn more about this exciting new opportunity at wne.edu/otd.
Ready to Explore All Your Options in Graduate and Advanced Studies? The Center for Graduate and Advanced Studies is a new gateway to accessing master’s, doctoral, certificate, and professional development opportunities and providing the support services students need to reach higher in their career. From Communication to Engineering, Creative Writing to the MBA, teaching programs to world-renowned offerings in Behavior Analysis, Western New England University offers nearly 30 pathways to earning your next degree.
Read more about the Center in our next issue. Explore your graduate and doctoral program options at wne.edu/grad.
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Program Highlights The OTD program is a three-year program completed over 9 consecutive semesters, including summer sessions. The 109-credit curriculum will include: • Level I Fieldwork (75-150 hours) • Level II Fieldwork (960 hours) • Doctoral Experiential Residency (640 hours) Graduates of the program will be prepared to: • evaluate patient/client needs and limitations using a variety of screening and assessment tools and outcomes measures; • design interventions using medical and technological equipment/materials, as well as evidence-based therapeutic, behavioral, or educational techniques or strategies; • adapt home, school, work, or leisure living environments using the latest in adaptive design principles, modification methods, and assistive technology supports; • conduct needs assessments and develop/evaluate programs to improve client care in healthcare facilities; and • develop research proposals and conduct scholarly projects that further a convergence of interprofessional education and interprofessional practice.
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BY ALEX LYMAN ’12/G’16
STUDENTS CELEBRATE CULTURAL DIVERSITY AT 16TH ANNUAL WORLD FEST The United & Mutually Equal club, better known to students and alumni as U&ME, held its 16th annual World Fest this past November. A popular campus tradition since 2001, World Fest celebrates the University’s diversity of represented cultures through a fun-filled evening of entertainment. Just as U&ME seeks to promote the value of diversity, the goal of World Fest is to help students connect with and learn about “World Fest explores the beauty different cultures, and to honor multiculturthat culture and diversity bring alism in a fun and respectful way. This year’s theme “The World Through to the world through fashion, Arts,” attracted a crowd of over 200, entertainment, and food.” including students from other colleges and —U&ME PRESIDENT KIARA DON universities in the area. International cuisine from a variety of countries, such as France, China, South Korea, Mexico, and Spain was served. Performances included the step group from the University of Hartford, a traditional Indian dance from the Triveni School of Dance, the Caribbean American Dance Company, Kahana Hula, salsa dancer Juan Lopez, a poi (fire dancing) performance by Sasha Gaulin, and Yang-style tai chi by The Center for Harmony. The evening’s finale was the Fashion Showcase put on by University students, who modeled traditional outfits from Peru, Cape Verde, Jamaica, Pakistan, China, and Venezuela. n
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ALUMNI NEWS
BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16
Blue & Gold Alumni Receptions in New York City and Washington, DC Bring Alumni and Friends Together Alumni and friends showed their true colors at Blue & Gold Alumni Receptions in New York City on October 27 and in Washington, DC on November 17. Guests took advantage of the opportunity to meet President Anthony S. Caprio, reconnected with friends, and made some new ones. New York City attendees gathered at India House in the Financial District. In Washington, DC, The Dupont Circle Hotel was the perfect setting in which to enjoy a beautiful sunset and mingle. President Caprio highlighted the latest news about the University, including construction on the new 70,000-square-foot Dining Commons, the planned renovation of the St. Germain Campus Center, the new Business Analytics Center in D’Amour
UPCOMING BLUE & GOLD ALUMNI RECEPTIONS:
Library, and the upcoming doctorate program in Occupational Therapy. President Caprio also briefed guests on a $389,000 grant awarded by the National Science Foundation to Heidi Ellis, professor of computer science and information technology, and Dr. Stoney Jackson, chair and associate professor of computer science and information technology. This grant, part of a collaborative grant with Nassau Community College and Drexel University, will improve computing education by developing a pathway through the computing curriculum that can help address key challenges of computing education by using active learning and also in small groups.
PIONEER VALLEY MARCH 2 THE DELANEY HOUSE, HOLYOKE, MA 5:30-8:00 P.M.
HARTFORD, CT APRIL 6 THE SOCIETY ROOM OF HARTFORD 5:30-8:00 P.M.
BOSTON, MA MAY 4 BOSTON MARRIOTT LONG WHARF 5:30-8:00 P.M. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING EVENTS, VISIT WNE.EDU/ALUMNI.
Stephen Nasiatka ’04, President Anth ony S. Caprio, and Jefferson Sharman ’14 in Washing ton, DC ’10, and Gennah Borg ’16, Valerie Romanello City York New in ’13 ing Berl Hannah
rdon ’11, e L’10, Justin Go : Spencer Naak d L’89 DC ai n, nc to Ki ng nn hi Ly as In W bron ’06, and He a ol oj Om e, Patrick Slan wne.edu/alumni
In New York City: Molly Higbie ’12 and Michael Salva ’13
(Continued)
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ALUMNI NEWS
TEE IT HIGH AND LET IT FLY THE 49TH ANNUAL ALUMNI GOLF TOURNAMENT COMING MAY 26 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT KRISTINA OLEKSAK AT KRISTINA.OLEKSAK@WNE.EDU OR 413-782-1557.
ENGINEERING ALUMNI JOIN STUDENTS FOR ANNUAL MENTORING PROGRAM DINNER The 15th annual Engineering Mentoring Program Kick-off Dinner on October 6 brought together 36 alumni and 183 first-year students at Rivers Memorial Hall. The event, sponsored by the Alumni Association, presents a forum for initial communication between engineering majors and their alumni mentors. The Engineering Mentoring Program, a component of the First Year Engineering Program, is a valuable resource that matches students with industry professionals to better understand the engineering field, explore career paths, build professional and personal contacts, and develop supportive relationships. The mentors provide insight into how engineering concepts apply in the real world, and what to expect not only in their studies over the next four years, but also following graduation.
Contact Assistant Dean Richard Grabiec at richard.grabiec@wne.edu or 413-782-1271 to learn more about becoming a mentor.
THE 2016 SKOOKUM AWARD WINNERS: EXCELLENCE PERSONIFIED The word “Skookum” in the Chinook language means “excellence,” and on October 16, Alumni Association Skookum Awards were presented to 14 students who have demonstrated this quality in academics, cocurricular activities, athletics, volunteer work, and community service. Chris Jurkiewicz, a Mechanical Engineering major, was presented with this year’s Grand Skookum Award. Samantha DiGiovanni and Frederickie Rizos received Royal Skookum Awards, the second-highest accolade. (L-R) Bottom row: Matthew Simmons (History), Morgan DiBacco (Psychology), Kayla Chapaloinis (Law and Society), Allissa Long (PharmD), Fredericke Rizos (Marketing), and David Briganti (Accounting). Top row: Chris Jurkiewicz (Mechanical Engineering), Sara Holland (Accounting and Finance), Kelly Clancy (Psychology), President Anthony S. Caprio, Patrick O’Brien (Political Science), Joeanna Glantz (Business Analytics and Information Management and Marketing), Samantha DiGiovanni (Marketing Communication/ Advertising), Danielle Chylinski (Communication), and Erin Carroll (Management and Leadership).
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Colleen Loveless ’84/G’93 and James Tierney ’08 Honored by the University for their Achievements Colleen Loveless ’84/G’93, president of Revitalize Community Development Corporation in Springfield, was presented with the Alumna of the Year award at the President’s Society Reception. James Tierney ’08, a lecturer of Economics at Pennsylvania State University, received the Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award at an October 16 ceremony that also honored the Alumni Association Skookum Award of Excellence winners. Colleen, who graduated with a B.S.B.A. in 1984 and her MBA in 1993, has headed Revitalize CDC for seven years, pulling the community together to make life in Springfield better for everyone. Her organization provides rehabilitation, modifications, and critical repairs to the homes of low-income families with children, military veterans, people with disabilities, and the elderly. Additional services include Small Business Technical Assistance for low- to moderate-income business owners and start-ups. In 2011, when a tornado tore through western Massachusetts, Colleen and her team rebuilt 25 homes in five days with the help of many volunteers, corporations, and citizens of the City of Springfield. Another feature project of the organization is GreenNFit, an annual event now in its fourth year. This past April, 1,200 volunteers and over 90 sponsors—together—rebuilt two full blocks in Springfield. Making homes “greener” include installing new heating systems that use natural gas and adding solar components. Colleen has worked closely with the University and our athletics teams in recent years to encourage community service participation.
Majoring in Economics and Mathematics as an undergraduate, James Tierney was recognized as Outstanding Student in Economics in his senior year, was Student Senate president, and received the Grand Skookum Award—this award’s highest honor. Since graduating from Western New England and earning his master’s degree in Economics from the University of California, Irvine, James has taught economics courses at Orange Coast College, Irvine Valley College, Chapman University, SUNY-Plattsburgh, and Penn State. He has published three refereed journal articles, coauthored two textbooks, participated in several academic conference panels, and presented at nine academic conferences. James was a member of Improv on the Rocks—and a founder of his own improv troupe as a graduate student— so it was a natural transition for him bring his presentation skills to the front of the classroom, according to Associate Dean of Students Maureen Keizer, who introduced James at the ceremony. “I had the opportunity to read some of his students’ evaluations, and many commented on how his course was challenging yet ‘entertaining,’” she said. “He has taken his Western New England roots on his personal journey and continues to emulate the principles of Service, Integrity, and Knowledge that are proudly displayed on the University’s seal.”
VIEW MORE PHOTOS OF SOME OF THESE EVENTS IN THE COMMUNICATOR’S “WEB EXTRAS” AT WNE.EDU/ALUMNI.
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION TAILGATING Alumni and their families enjoyed tailgate festivities at the New England Revolution soccer game on September 10—as well as a 3–1 Revolution victory over New York City FC at Gillette Stadium.
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SPORTS UPDATE
“Throughout my 22 years we were always competitive and that’s a reflection of the players we had and being their coach was the best part of the job.”
BY KEN CERINO
HALL OF FAME COACH RON DIAS RETIRES AFTER 22 INSPIRING SEASONS
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HEN RON DIAS LOOKS BACK on his successful coaching career, he can take great satisfaction in knowing he made a dramatic impact on the growth of not only the women’s soccer program, but also women’s athletics at Western New England University. Dias, a native of Ludlow, MA, retired last August after compiling a 241-184-32 record in 22 seasons. His win total ranks 31st on the all-time NCAA Division III list. His teams captured five Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Tournament titles, placed second on four other occasions, and made four NCAA Division III Tournament appearances. Dias, who was a part-time coach for his first 14 years, took a lot of pride in his work and was always willing to take the extra step to ensure his players received a positive student-athlete experience. He gives them the credit for the success of the program. “Throughout my 22 years we were always competitive, and that’s a reflection of the players we had, and being their coach was the best part of the job,” Dias stated. “I’m grateful for all of the enduring friendships that our team members fostered together. I also had the pleasure of working with some terrific assistant coaches. I can’t express how much everyone meant to our program and to me personally.” Dias worked for 35 years in the Veterans Department for the City of Springfield before retiring in 2008. He then became a full-time member of the athletics department with additional duties first as the Equipment Room Supervisor and then as Work-Study Director.
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The Golden Bears captured the ECAC Metro Tournament and were the first women's team inducted into the Downes Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003.
(L to R), Jana Loper ’05, Molly Burke ’03, Kate Farry ’02/G’04 and Jacquie Bailey ’03 place their hands over their hearts during the pledge of allegiance after a moment of silence for those lives lost in the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.
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over Western Connecticut (3-1) and host Drew, NJ (2-0) for the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Division III Metro Tournament crown after entering the event as the fourth seed. That was the first-post season championship ever for the program and it had a ripple effect on the other women’s teams who began winning numerous league titles, many for the first time.
2006
1998
Women’s soccer made its debut at Western New England in 1984 and the Golden Bears had only one winning campaign (averaging just five wins a year for their first 10 seasons) until Dias took over a decade later. His first squad finished 8-10 in 1994 before reeling off eight consecutive winning seasons.
The Golden Bears captured their first GNAC title with a 1-0 victory over Simmons in 1995. After two straight secondplace showings in the Massachusetts Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women Tournaments, the team had a breakout year in 1998 with a 20-2 record that remains the school record for wins. Western New England won its last seven matches highlighted by victories
2001
GOLDEN BEARS COMEBACK
Coach Ron Dias with his six seniors that included captain Kristin Thornton Hensinger ’07 (3) who is now the Golden Bears head coach. The team won the GNAC Tournament title in its last season in the league.
PLAYERS GAINED SEVERAL AWARDS FOR THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS One of Dias’ greatest thrills was watching his student-athletes perform well on the pitch and in the classroom. Dozens of his student-athletes received awards for athletic and academic excellence. Seven of his players are enshrined in the Downes Hall of Fame, Joy Clark Sieklucki ’95 (2002), Kate Brunelle Roman ’99 (2004), Eileen Monaghan Brooks ’97 (2006), Kristen Ogulewicz Falcone ’02 (2012), Kristin Thornton Hensinger ’07 (2015), and Nicole Poli ’11 (2016). The 1998 team, captain by Roman, Jennifer Bonafede ’99, and Carrie Hoffman ’99, was inducted in 2003. “I can tell you that every day that I stepped onto the field at Western New England College with my team and Coach, I was happy!” said Roman. “Stepping into the program in 1995, Coach had a few seasons under his belt and had a clear vision of how he anticipated the program would grow. He gained the respect we needed in the soccer community to become recognized as a competitive program. When the final whistle blew as a senior I had no regrets and lots of memories. I was able to walk off the field proud to have played for Coach and Western New England.” According to Hensinger who succeeded Dias as head coach, “Coach Dias always expected the best from you and would hold you accountable when he felt there was more to give. “Coach Dias has developed a tradition of excellence both on and off the field. He has molded countless female athletes into exceptional soccer players and at the same time instilled many great values in them, preparing his athletes to be successful in whatever they pursue after graduation,” says Hensinger. n
Two former Golden Bear standouts joined the Western New England coaching staff last fall with Kristin Thornton Hensinger ’07 taking over the women’s soccer team and Samantha Shomo ’11 the women’s volleyball program. Brian Kabel joined the staff as the new director of recreational sports.
All-New England goalkeeper Jessica Covino ’10 now works for the United States Soccer Federation.
2015
Sophomore Heather Mortell ’11 was an All-New England selection for Western New England.
2008
2007
NEW ATHLETICS APPOINTMENTS
2014
Western New England enjoyed a 14-8-1 performance in 1999 and claimed the conference title with wins over Emerson (5-0), Southern Vermont (1-0) and Simmons (2-1). The Golden Bears then made school history by becoming the first women’s team to compete in the NCAA Division III Tournament. Dias’ squads claimed additional GNAC titles and NCAA appearances in 2001, 2002, and 2006. Dias guided the Golden Bears to a 13-6-3 record in their first season in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) in 2007 and a second-place finish in the CCC Championship in 2009. Known for his dedication and superior game strategy, Dias was named the Coach of the Year by the GNAC in 2001 and 2002 and the CCC in 2007. He was elected to the Western New England Downes Hall of Fame in 2008. “The Western New England athletics family would not be where it is today without Ron’s tireless efforts in his coaching and his commitment to the University,” said athletics director Dr. Michael Theulen. “The very start of this current era of excellence can be directly traced to the 1998 ECAC Championship team. They gave us legitimacy and inspired other teams to achieve greatness as well.”
The Golden Bears made their first-ever foreign trip visiting Italy for a series of exhibition matches, cultural exchanges, team building, and personal growth.
Ron’s final team that he coached. He had 15 winning seasons out of 22 years coaching.
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CLASS NOTES
Winter 2017
1972
MALLEY ’83
DON BARSALOU (MBA) is now a sales associate at ERA Laplante Real Estate in South hadley, MA. The former Trustee of Western New England University has retired as vice president of operations at the Stop and Shop Supermarket Company.
1977
JUSSAUME ’87
KEVIN S. DELBRIDGE (accounting) was named to the Board of Directors at FloDesign Sonics in Wilbraham, MA. Kevin is a Trustee of Western New England University, and formerly chairman of the Board of Trustees. he is also senior advisor at harbourVest Partners, LLC.
1978
WARD ’87
DOMINADOR MANIO JR. (MBA), a retired U.S. Army captain, was recently honored by the Filipino-American Association of Columbus, GA. Dom, a native of the Philippines, founded the Association in 1989. The Vietnam War veteran has received numerous awards over the years, including the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star, as well as many accolades in the community. he was a longtime teacher before becoming a school administrator.
1983 SARGENT ’96
DONNA HOOPER (MBA) has retired as chief information officer for the town of Lexington, MA. She worked for the town for 20 years— 18 as the town clerk and two in her most recent position. BONNIE MALLEY (accounting) is the new chief operating officer for the City of hartford, CT. Before being nominated for the position by Mayor Luke
Bronin, she was president and chief financial officer of The Phoenix Companies, Inc. Bonnie was Western New England University’s Alumna of the Year in 2013.
1985 DAVID NAPOLITAN (MBA) was named general manager of the Jefferson Valley Mall in Yorktown heights, NY. he was the general manager of Champlain Centre in Plattsburgh, NY, for more than a decade.
1986 MIKE COLELLA (MBA) has joined Broco Rankin in Ontario, CA, as the new vice president of sales and marketing. he was previously vice president sales and marketing at National Standard. Broco Inc. and Rankin Industries are manufacturers of products for underwater cutting and welding.
1987 RICHARD S. DANFORTH (engineering management) was named CEO of LRAD Corporation, a manufacturer of acoustic consumer electronic products in San Diego. he comes to LRAD after having served as group president of DRS Integrated Defense Systems and Services in Arlington, VA. ANNETTE JUSSAUME (mechanical engineering) has been appointed vice president of quality at Norsk Titanium AS. She was previously director, operations & aftermarket quality, at Pratt & Whitney in East hartford, CT. ROBIN OLEJARZ (accounting) was named United Personnel’s new CFO. Prior to her appointment she was chief financial officer
WHITE ’02
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THE COMMUNICATOR
WINTER 2017
at Specialty Bolt and Screw in Agawam, MA. BETH WARD (integrated liberal studies) is once again an anchor on WGGB-Western Mass News. She was at the station for a decade before leaving WGGB in 2004 to start her own public relations firm, which she continues to operate.
1989 CHRISTOPHER BURKE (law enforcement) was appointed acting commissioner of the Cambridge (MA) Police Department. Joining the force in 1984, he was, until recently, the department’s superintendent.
1991 WENDY KAYE (social work) has completed her Master of Science in health Education at Arcadia University in Glenside, PA. She took the Certified health Education Specialist exam last October. ANGELA LIEBEL (MBA) joined PeoplesBank in holyoke, MA as a mortgage consultant. She is a member of the Women’s Council of Realtors and serves as a trustee of the West Springfield (MA) Public Library. MIKE MCCARTHY (MBA) is now a client adviser for Marathon Capital Advisors in Wyomissing, PA. he was previously vice president of the Berks County (PA) Chamber of Commerce.
1992 THOMAS WARD (law enforcement/G’99 criminal justice administration) was promoted to lieutenant in the Brookline (MA) Police Department. he joined the department in 1983 and was most recently a sergeant.
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
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? After graduating with a degree in Sport Management, you started at ESPN as an associate producer for social media on SportsCenter. What was your role, and how did you tackle challenges in that role? Working at ESPN had always been a dream of mine, and it still blows my mind that I’ve been there for over two years working with SportsCenter. My journey to securing a job at the worldwide leader can be summed up in three words: perseverance pays off. My team and I work to produce creative content to post across all of the SportsCenter social media platforms. We also work closely with some of the shows to ensure the on-air talent is represented across our platforms. I meet the challenges I face with the same spirit that got me here in the first place: continuance, perseverance, and determination. I remind myself that I’ve made it this far and can only continue to grow and learn from this point forward. You recently started a new job within the greater ESPN company. What does this job entail and how much of a change has it been for you? This job entails mainly editing and news judgment. We work with our various reporters to determine what stories are newsworthy enough to be posted digitally on our site. The job requires a keen eye, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment, which I was used to after working in the social space. The job has been different in the sense that I’m able to mainly focus on one task on a daily basis: editing stories and making them digitally accessible. This gives me a chance to hone my skills and grow in another area that will help me further my career.
Emily Savino ’13 SPORT MANAGEMENT General Editor Universal News Group (ESPN) Bristol, CT
What is it like to work for a sports media giant like ESPN? It still amazes me how many different groups and departments there are at ESPN. You meet different people who can teach about their area of the company, and if it’s something you think you might want to try, that opportunity is always there. In fact, a lot of the people I cross paths with at ESPN have been involved in many different areas of the company. How did the University give you the tools to excel in your career? Looking back on my college experience, Western New England helped me to mature and grow into the person and young professional I am today. From the Career Development Center, to my basketball coaches, to the Sport Management professors, I was set up to succeed from the moment I walked on campus. All of the tools are there for you; it’s just a matter of utilizing them. I’m fulfilling a dream of mine, and it all started with the foundation I built at the University.
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1993 GRANT GEISLER (MS systems management) is the new business manager at the Montpelier (VT) Public Schools. he was previously executive director of finance at Chittenden (VT) Central Supervisory Union. GARDNER ’08
1994 CHARLIE HASELTINE (law enforcement) retired as the Andover (MA) Police Department’s executive officer. he began his policing career with the force in 1985.
1996 SHUGRUE ’08
WEITZMAN ’08 WITH PRESIDENT CAPRIO
PAULA DOWNER (MBA) was named town treasurer in Lenox, MA. She was previously executive assistant to the school superintendent. Paula joined the School Department in 1982. JOHN KING (MS criminal justice administration) was appointed police chief in Milton, MA. he was most recently deputy police chief and is an FBI National Academy graduate. he has been with the Milton force since 1995.
TODD McDONALD (government) is the director of sales for the Springfield Thunderbirds, the new western Massachusetts American hockey League (AhL) franchise. he was previously ticket sales manager for the AhL’s Springfield Falcons. CHRISTOPHER PRONOVOST (law enforcement) is the new police chief in Belchertown, MA. he was a police captain in Amherst, MA, for the past six years. STEVE SARGENT (law enforcement) was promoted to chief of the Worcester (MA) Police Department. he was most recently deputy police chief and has been with the department since 1986.
1999 THERESA JASMIN (MS finance management) was appointed vice president of finance at Big Y Foods, Inc. She was previously senior director of finance at the company.
2000 JOSEPH C. CORDEIRO (law enforcement/’03 MS criminal justice administration) was recently sworn in as chief of police in New Bedford, MA. Prior to that, the 30-year veteran of the department was commander of the downtown police.
2000
Joshua Brookman ’07 (accounting) is pictured graduating from The Salvation Army College for Officer Training in Suffern, NY. He was also ordained as a minister in The Salvation Army and appointed to a church in Van Wert, OH.
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THE COMMUNICATOR
THOMAS A. TURCO III (MS criminal justice administration) has been named commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Correction. he was most recently undersecretary of criminal justice within the Executive Office of Public Safety.
WINTER 2017
2002 JAY LaPAGLIA (criminal justice) is the new wrestling coach at Pequannock (NJ) high School. he was previously the assistant coach. Jay captained the Golden Bear team for two years as an undergraduate. SEAN MIGNONE (history) was hired as head baseball coach at Bunnell high School in Stratford, CT. Sean is a world studies teacher at Bunnell and is also the head football coach. MICHELE WHITE (MBA) was appointed senior vice president at Voya Financial in Windsor, CT. She also leads the company’s Enterprise Contact Center. Michelle comes to Voya from MassMutual Financial Group, where she served as vice president of client services.
2004 JEFFREY PINNEY (history) was appointed athletic director at Simsbury (CT) high School. he was previously assistant professor at henry James Memorial School in the same town.
2005 MATTHEW HUNTER (finance) was appointed assistant vice president at Waddell & Reed, Inc., an asset management group in Overland Park, KS. Prior to that he was an investment analyst at MML Investor Services LLC in Springfield, MA. ADAM TEAL (criminal justice) is now an attorney at Seattlebased family law firm Goldberg Jones. he comes to the firm after having his own practice in Tacoma, WA. CHRISTOPHER TRANT (marketing communication/advertising) was named director of member operations at MVP health Care in Albany, NY. he was previously associate
director, product implementation at the company. he also committed to a two-year term as cochair, Leadership Tech Valley, at the Capital Region (NY) Chamber of Commerce.
2008 STEPHANIE BARROW (management studies) is now a human resources manager at SAERTEX USA LLC in huntersville, NC. She was previously a district human resource specialist at Sears holdings Corporation in Kingston, Nh.
TIMOTHY CZERNIEJEWSKI (accounting) joined Easthampton (MA) Savings Bank as assistant vice president, credit analyst. he has served as a credit analyst for the last seven years at TD Bank.
SARAH SHUGRUE (communication) was appointed a program officer for the Greater Worcester (MA) Community Foundation. She was most recently manager of Western MA Partnerships at Mass Mentoring Partnership.
ELI GARDNER (sport management) was named head football coach at Stonehill College. he was previously the team’s assistant coach and in 2015 was named NCAA Division II Assistant Football Coach of the Year by the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston.
MICHAEL WEITZMAN (criminal justice) graduated from the New York Police Department’s Police Academy on July 1. President Anthony S. Caprio attended the ceremony, which involved 1,257 new officers, in Madison Square Garden. Speaker included Mayor Bill
de Blasio and Police Commissioner William Bratton.
2009 BEN CADWELL (communication) was promoted to senior account executive at Mintz + hoke, an advertising agency in Avon, CT. he joined the company in 2013 as an account executive. ROB MADRID (MBA) was named director of digital solutions at MassLive Media, a new digital marketing solutions company that operates in conjunction
(Continued)
WHERE ARE THEY NOW? You’ve engaged in two public service-oriented careers; how did your pursuits evolve over time? After graduating with a degree in Liberal Studies, I continued my military service at Fort Devens, MA, until my retirement in November 1989. After retirement, I relocated to Columbus, GA, and began a second career with the city as an Environment Code Enforcement/ Animal Control manager and later manager of Solid Waste Collection. I was promoted several times to acquisition and maintenance manager for all city vehicles, construction equipment, and lawn maintenance equipment as well as budget/finance officer for the Department of Public Services; deputy director of the Department of Public Services with primary focus on Solid Waste and Recycling Collection and Solid Waste Disposal; and eventually director of public services.
Rufus Riggs ’88 LIBERAL STUDIES Volunteer Brown Bag of Columbus, GA
You are now volunteering with a nonprofit organization. Tell me a little bit about the organization, your role, and how you got into volunteering for this cause. In 2003, while watching the evening news, I saw an ad soliciting volunteers for the Brown Bag of Columbus, which is a nonprofit that provides a brown bag of groceries to low income elderly in the community. Typically, they are provided a bag of groceries that will sustain them for approximately one week. I began delivering eight bags of groceries during my lunch hour to recipients without transportation. After I retired in 2007, I became a full-time volunwne.edu/alumni
teer, delivering groceries, maintaining the site, or handling any task that needs to be done. I also speak to local organizations and do interviews with the media. Many of the recipients’ net income after all living expenses is less than $150. At times we have had applications from individuals whose net income is less than $50 after all expenses. Can you imagine having only $50 to feed yourself for a month? That motivates me to do whatever I can to help reduce their food anxiety. How did Western New England prepare you for your professional career? My reading and writing skills out of high school were minimal. I was inspired by a literature professor to enjoy reading and work on my writing skills. With his encouragement and mentoring my writing improved and reading became fun. The ability to communicate orally and in writing cannot be overstated. A well-written paper drafted to make changes in the work environment will often get the attention of those with authority to make changes. A well-written document will also provide an opportunity to follow up with an oral presentation that will help seal the deal. Many of my successes were the result of recognizing how to improve the quality and delivery of services at a reduced cost, then writing a compelling document with a follow-up oral presentation. I thank Western New England University for inspiring me to become an improved writer. 35
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
with Masslive.com, a news and information website in Springfield. he was previously director of marketing and business development at Aerial Electric in Naugatuk, CT.
Kristin Hensinger ’07 PSYCHOLOGY
Head Coach, Western New England University Women’s Soccer Team East Longmeadow, MA
Recently you were promoted from assistant coach to head coach of the women’s soccer team. How have you taken on this new role? A new role brings new challenges. As a part-time assistant coach, my focus was to help where I was needed both at practices and with recruiting. There are so many more aspects involved with being a head coach that I had to work on finding the right balance. You pour your heart and soul into the season, hoping that the team will be successful and enjoy the season. Soccer can be a brutal sport, and sometimes it’s hard to move on, but as the head coach I have to put each game behind me and move on to the next match. How has outgoing Coach Ron Dias influenced you as a student-athlete, assistant coach, and now his successor? Coach Dias has had a tremendous impact on my life. I have never met a person more dedicated and passionate about a program than him. Over the years, I’ve seen him have great success as well as some down seasons, and he always stayed consistent in his approach. You could count on Coach Dias to push you harder as an individual and as a team. he taught me that to be a good coach at this level it’s important to care about the team members both on and off the field. How has Golden Bear Athletics evolved since your time as a student-athlete? What do you hope will be the future of soccer at the University? When I was here many of the programs were starting to be more successful. Every team was always competitive, but during my tenure as a student-athlete teams started reaching the next level of competition. It’s great to see so many of our teams consistently reaching post-season tournaments. I believe this is one of the reasons why our athletics remain relevant and competitive—we’re playing top competition, which pushes us to be better than the day before. I would love to see our programs continue to be among the best in New England. I think we are on the right track with the student-athletes, as well as the strong coaching staff leading the programs. What have you been up to since graduation outside of athletics? After graduation I went on to receive my Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Industrial Organizational Psychology. I also worked as an operations manager for a financial advisor based out of East Longmeadow. My husband, Rob hensinger ’07, a former men’s soccer player here, and I have two children, Brady (four) and Addison (one and a half) and we are currently living in East Longmeadow. Another highlight was being inducted into the Downes hall of Fame, which was a huge honor.
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THE COMMUNICATOR
WINTER 2017
KELLIE STANCHAK (psychology) is now assistant director for graduate education for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University at Buffalo. She was previously graduate education coordinator at the school. LINDSEY THOMAS (sport management) was named assistant athletic director for ticketing at the University of Northern Iowa. She had worked the previous two years at Iowa State University as an assistant director of ticket office business operations.
2010 PAM MCCRAY (communication) was appointed communications director at Real Living Realty Professionals in western Massachusetts. She was previously assistant director for sports communications at Springfield College.
2011 KATHARINA BOES (sport management) joined the NFL’s Cincinnati Bengals as manager, season ticket member services. She was most recently an account service representative for the league’s St. Louis Rams. LINDSEY STEWARD (history) is a greeter/guide at The historical Society of Greater Port Jefferson (NY). She was previously a museum educator at The Long Island (NY) Museum of American Art, history, and Carriages.
CADWELL ’09
JOSLYN ’12
LYMAN ’12/G’16
MALAGISI ’12/G’15
2012
2013
KEVIN JOSLYN (communication) is dean of school culture at Veritas Preparatory Charter School in Springfield. Prior to that he was an adjustment counselor for the Springfield Public Schools.
COURTNEY FITZPATRICK (marketing) joined ThOMASNET in New York City as a digital marketing specialist. She was most recently a digital account executive at Colangelo Synergy Marketing in Darien, CT.
ALEXANDRA LYMAN (communication) graduated with a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Western New England University. MARGARET MALAGISI (management/G’15 MBA) was promoted to regional office manager at Spartan Chemical Company Inc. in Maumee, Oh. She comes to Spartan from Source4Solutions in Cherry hill, NJ, where she was a client services manager. JOE MARTIN (finance) is now an assistant men’s lacrosse coach at the University of North Carolina. he was previously the team’s director of operations. TERESA SPAZIANI (marketing communication/advertising) was named executive director of the Gray house, a social services agency in the North End of Springfield. Prior to that, she was public relations and outreach manager at The Children’s Study home in Springfield.
MARISA HARRIS (marketing communication/advertising) is now a brand manager for GRACO baby strollers at Newell Brands in Atlanta, GA. She was previously associate brand manager for Newell’s baby jogger. JUSTIN LAVERRIERE (MBA) recently delivered a presentation, “Commercial Lending Made Easy,” for the Damariscotta Region (ME) Chamber of Commerce in Newcastle, ME. he is AVP, business relationship officer, at The First Bancorp in Damariscotta. BRANDON O’BRIEN (accounting) joined Pricewaterhouse Coopers in hartford, CT, as an assurance associate. he was previously men’s department supervisor for Kohl’s Department Stores in Enfield, CT.
2014 NANA ANYANE-YEBOA (sport management) was promoted by the New York Yankees to sales associate, inside sales. Prior to that he was a junior sales associate for the team.
MARTIN ’12
SPAZIANI ’12
KEVIN BABCOCK (communication) joined Travelers in hartford, CT as an advertising operations contractor. he comes to Travelers from Envision Marketing Group in Longmeadow, MA, as an account manager. AUBRIE PRZYBYSZ (communication) is the Boston operations manager and community manager for Tablelist, a nightlife booking app. She was previously top news writer for examiner.com in Boston. TYLER UNWIN (communication) accepted a position at Fox 25 in Boston as a news/sports photographer and satellite truck operator. he was previously a photojournalist at WPRI Media in Providence, RI.
BABCOCK ’14
PRZYBYSZ ’14
CHAD WOODROW (mechanical engineering) is a mechanical engineer at SharkNinja in Newton, MA. he is doing R&D for next generation coffee makers.
2016 FRANK GRIMALDI (sport management) is an account executive with the Springfield Thunderbirds, the new western Massachusetts American hockey League (AhL) franchise.
UNWIN ’14
JOSEPH REDER (criminal justice) is a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and recently attended the Engineering Basic Office Leaders Course in Fort Leonard Wood, MO.
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Marriages DEVIN PATRICK SMITH ’08 and Desiree Lynn Cyr, March 12, 2016, in Georgetown, MA NATALIE KOWALCZYK PHARMD’15 and James Crean, May 19, 2016, in Sandys, Bermuda STEPHANIE HOAGLAND ’06 and Mark Serafin Jr., May 21, 2016, in Waterbury, CT
HOAGLAND ’06 Stephanie Hoagland ’06 and Mark Serafin Jr. KOWALCZYK PharmD’15 Natalie Kowalczyk PharmD’15 and James Crean
DONOVAN ’13 Molly Donovan ’13 and Matt McGarry
STANCHAK ’09 Kellie Stanchak ’09 and David McBride
JUSTIN MORINI ’08 and Pauline Baron, May 21, 2016, in Westfield, MA ANDRE DUNCAN ’11 and KRISTI LABARE ’10/G’14, June 4, 2016, in Plattsburg, NY MOLLY DONOVAN ’13 and Matt McGarry, June 18, 2016, in New Bern, NC KRYSTAL HOMON ’04 and BRYAN FRATONI ’04, June 25, 2016, in New London, CT.
DUNCAN ’11 AND LaBARE’10/G’14 Alumni attendees included Tiffany DeRosa Cofrin ’08, Jennifer Dabrowski Hover ’08, Chris Hover ’09, Matt Maynard ’09, Kyle Fredette ’09, Kailah Al-Darraji Fredette ’10, Kaylyn Smith ’10, Caitlin Powers ’10, Loren Stock ’11, Taryn Belowsky ’11, Kelly McCormick ’11, Samantha Lozzi ’11, Michael Booker ’11, Ryan Harrison ’11, Marcus Allen ’11, Kevin Shaker ’11, and Jenna Rose ’13.
HOMON ’04 AND FRATONI ’04 (L-R) Katie (Jones) Bacon ’04, bride Krystal Homon ’04, groom Bryan Fratoni ’04, Jason Masi, Robin (Sikora) Masi ’04, Robert Bacon ’04, Cindy Koehler, and Edward Koehler ’04
KELLIE STANCHAK ’09 and David McBride, July 2, 2016, in Buffalo, NY
Baby Golden Bears
Brennan Joseph Swords, pictured with brother Colin, April 26, 2016, to DANIEL SWORDS ’04 and DEIDRE SWORDS ’05
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Thomas Joseph Purchase, June 27, 2016, to AMANDA SPEAR-PURCHASE ’07 and James Purchase
Colton Andrew Rourke, August 17, 2016, to ANDREW S. ROURKE ’09 and Ashley Rourke
THE COMMUNICATOR
WINTER 2017
Aleksandra Julia Gardner, September 7, 2015, to MONIKA MIETELSKA ’10 and Ryan Gardner
Carter William Mancino, pictured with brother Lucas, September 11, 2015, to MEGHAN MANCINO ’05 and Paul Mancino
In Memoriam
The magazine has received notice of the deaths of the following members of the Western New England University family. RAYMOND A. BRANDIOLI ’52 (engineering and business), South Windsor, CT; July 28, 2016 HENRY WILLIAM DUNWOODY G’54 (MBA), hampden, MA; July 27, 2016 WINSTON L. ELLENWOOD ’56/G’01 (accounting/honors), Oxford, MA; June 29, 2016 DONALD B. BUTTERFIELD ’57/G’60 (engineering/MBA), Wilbraham, MA; July 26, 2016 REV. THOMAS P. EDWARDS ’61 (engineering and management), houston, TX; June 22, 2016 WALLACE KERR MONROE ’61 (management), South hadley, MA; January 27, 2016 JOHN H. BARNA ’63 (mechanical engineering), Wilbraham, MA; May 13, 2015 AUGUST R. BRUS ’63 (engineering and business), Westfield, MA; June 8, 2016 GEORGE JOSEPH DESROSIERS ’63 (management), West Columbia, SC; February 16, 2016
KENNETH B. HOWE, SR. G’64 (MBA), Wales, MA; June 21, 2016
JOHN S. DONALDSON ’75 (law enforcement), Redondo Beach, CA; April 1, 2016
STEPHEN MICHAEL ANDREWS G’84 (MBA), Dallas, TX; March 26, 2016
GARY C. SAWYER ’65/G’77 (management/MBA), Vero Beach, FL; January 7, 2016
ALLAN R. LETO ’76 (industrial engineering), Ludlow, MA; August 16, 2016
KAREN LOUISE BEARSE ’84 (electrical engineering), Enfield, CT; July 9, 2016
ARNOLD DAVID WILSON G’67 (MBA), Longmeadow, MA; April 12, 2016
DANIEL JOSEPH BOYLAN ’77 (government), houston, TX; January 22, 2016
JEFFREY R. SMITH ’85/G’94 (accounting/finance management), Springfield, MA; February 28, 2016
DAVID CARL MENAKER G’69 (MBA), Enfield, CT; April 1, 2016
GEORGE R. MOREAU ’77 (management), Chicopee, MA; April 24, 2016
FRANCIS JOSEPH ASHMORE ’71 (management), East Granby, CT; June 24, 2016
CHARLES DAVID BARNEY G’78 (MBA), Canaan, Nh; February 11, 2016
GERALD KAVANAUGH ’71 (marketing), Vernon, VT; April 23, 2016
REV. PAUL BOMELY G’79 (MBA), Charlotte, NC; August 5, 2016
BERNARD F. WILKES JR. G’90 (MBA), Sunapee, Nh; June 22, 2016
HENRY L. MAROIS, JR. G’71 (MBA), St. Petersburg, FL; July 5, 2016
KEVIN T. SEDGWICK ’79 (government), Pittsfield, MA; May 9, 2016
SARAH DAVIS MATHEWS ’93 (biology), Astoria, NY; December 18, 2015
BRUCE BENJAMIN ALEXANDER ’73 (management), North Attleboro, MA; August 10, 2016
PAUL J. LANGEVIN ’80/G’84 (accounting/MBA), New Bern, NC; September 19, 2016
MICHELE OSHMAN ’05 (history), Millbury, MA; April 24, 2016
JOHN A. CASWELL ’73 (electrical engineering), Spofford, Nh; September 5, 2016
JONATHAN PAUL WOTTRICH ’81 (electrical engineering), Concord, Nh; September 14, 2016
STEVEN A. DYER G’89 (MBA), Greene, ME; July 20, 2016 DONALD F. GADDY G’90 (MBA), San Antonio, TX; April 28, 2015
AMANDA LEIGH CURRIE ’15 (mathematical sciences), Chicopee, MA; February 15, 2016
MICHAEL C. CORDI ’75/G’80 (chemistry/MBA), Suffield, CT; September 1, 2016
Look for the full obituaries on the Alumni Website: wne.edu/alumni.
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REMEMBER WHEN
BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16
STATUESQUE SNOW SCULPTURE The snow sculpture competition was one of the highlights of Winter Carnival Weekend, and sometimes snow had to be trucked in when the weather didn’t cooperate. We suspect that may be the case in this photo from circa 1970, judging from the exposed grass. Sigma Theta Chi made this work of art, and this same fraternity actually started Winter Carnival Weekend in 1966. The last snow sculpture contest, as far as we can tell, was in 1977.
SOARing IN 1988 Orientation Group Leaders (OGLs), who lead incoming students and families as the transition into the University community, are vital to the SOAR program (Summer Orientation and Registration). Can anyone identify the people in this 1988 photo? We can make out “Donna” in the nametag of the student on the right, but that’s about it. Email us at alumwne@wne.edu.
HOMECOMING 1990 Golden Bear sure was popular at Homecoming in 1990. Here, the Big Mammal on Campus was mobbed by (L-R) Heather (Congdon) Lippert ’91, Christina (St Denis) Taddeo ’91, and Michelle (Richardson) O’Malley ’91. Underneath the costume was Alicia Espeleta ’91. “Just Like Old Times” was the theme of Homecoming that year and the weekend featured a giant Trivial Pursuit game with the board taking up the entire floor at Rivers Memorial Hall, as well as dinner and dancing at the downtown Marriott Hotel.
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Upcoming Events Visit wne.edu/alumni JANUARY 2017 28-29 Great Wolf Lodge and Water Park Getaway FEBRUARY 18 Women’s Lacrosse Alumni Game MARCH 2 Pioneer Valley Blue & Gold Reception 3 RealTest–College of Business Senior Competition APRIL 1 Coach Burns Scholarship Annual Bowling Tournament 6 Hartford Blue & Gold Reception 28 Mark Coffey Memorial Golf Tournament MAY 4 Boston Blue & Gold Reception 20-21 Commencement Weekend 26 49th Annual Alumni Association Golf Tournament For details on alumni events, contact Kristina Oleksak at kristina.oleksak@wne.edu or 413-782-1557.
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