Communicator: Winter 2018 by Western New England University

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY

WINTER 2018

Communicator The

You’re Hired! O ur HR alumni executives offer the tips you need to successfully navigate today’s complex hiring environment.

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 3

1/5/18 4:17 PM

UPCOMING ALUMNI EVENTS

You’re Hired!

Save the Date

Our HR alumni executives offer the tips you need to successfully navigate today’s complex hiring environment.

Connect with fellow alumni, expand your social and professional network, or advance your career through our programs. For more information and for our complete schedule of alumni events, visit wne.edu/alumni or email alumwne@wne.edu.

Career Development Webinar Networking on LinkedIn Monthly series beginning February 15 (Online)

WNEgives Community Giving Event March 6 – March 7 (Online or On Campus)

Brew & Gold Alumni Beer Tasting Private event exclusively for WNE alumni March 21 at Iron Duke Brewing (Ludlow, MA)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets featuring The Hartford Symphony April 13 at The Bushnell with pre-show alumni reception

ALUMNI 106960_WNE_Winter.indd 4

Carol Fitzgerald G’92 Vice President of HR, Center for Human Development

1/5/18 4:17 PM

es d e

contents WINTER 2018

Giving the Gift of Education— Mark Berthiaume ’78 and Betsey Thompson

also in this issue President’s Message

New Name of College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Reflects Expanded Mission

Campus Update

Incoming Class of 2021

Homecoming 2017

Faculty Profile: Professor of Philosophy Burton Porter

Student Spotlight: Criminal Justice Major Shayla Foley

22 Alumni News

Entrepreneurial Mindset Inspires 29 Engineering Undergraduate Success Sports Update

Class Notes

In Memoriam

Remember When

Alumni Profile: Top 10 Copywriter Dan Flora ’13

ment

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

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 1

1/5/18 4:18 PM

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

WHILE WE ARE REGULARLY IN TRANSFORMATION AT THE UNIVERSITY, our new four-story, 70,000 squarefoot Dining Commons in the heart of the campus is a striking representation of dramatic improvements we have the joy of experiencing daily. This dining and social destination, with its rounded façade and soaring glass atrium, will open this year. This facility will fulfill a purpose far beyond food: it will change the way those who live and work here connect and collaborate. The Dining Commons will provide an opportunity for students to continue their learning experiences from their classrooms and labs into a beautiful building with large spaces to study and interact. It is a place where a professor and a student

can share a meal, or a cup of coffee, and talk about a lecture or expand on an idea—a place to unite the social and intellectual aspects of our University. The adjacent St. Germain Campus Center, which will undergo a renovation in the near future, will feature a stateof-the-art Career Development Center, as well as vibrant spaces for students to assemble for clubs, activities, programmed events, and other cocurricular activities. With the redefined Career Development Center in close proximity to the new Advising Center and the First Year Office, these three offices will be strategically positioned to work with students on their academic achievement, leading to professional achievement. Now, more than ever, prospective students and their families are focused on the job market value of a college degree, and are taking a hard look at schools’ internship and career development opportunities. With this renovation project, we are well-positioned to take our already effective advising and career services to the next level. Getting students career-ready has been a longtime priority for Western New England University. Accordingly, the high return on our students’ tuition investment was

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 2

THE COMMUNICATOR

recently recognized by U.S.News and World Report, which named our institution a “Best Value” school based on our academic quality and cost of attendance. The effectiveness of our unique blend of liberal and professional education has also been reflected in our student recruitment success. To be sure, college-bound students have been taking notice of the high-caliber programs that we offer. This past fall we welcomed a total of 884 new students from an applicant pool of 7,033—the largest in the history of the University. Our full-time undergraduate enrollment is now over 2,600: an all-time high. And what a quality incoming class we have: 147 of its students were members of the National Honor Society in high school, which is another record-breaking number for us. The Dining Commons and St. Germain Campus Center projects, along with innovative programs we have recently implemented, follow our history of responding to the needs of our students and to the marketplace. Indeed, our new Doctor of Occupational Therapy program, the Master of Science in Sport Leadership and Coaching, and the Master of Science in Law (for non-lawyers) all fill important niches in the workforce. With your help, we will continue to increase the breadth and depth of our academic offerings, providing more unique opportunities for collaborations and combined degrees. Your gifts for student financial aid also remain vital to the ongoing success of the University, especially as we respond to the need to ease the financial burden that students’ families face. Financial aid is essential for us to attract and enroll the best and brightest students—many of whom would otherwise not be able to pursue their education at our great University. With your support, we will continue to build and to assure a great future for generations of Western New England University students. Please consider a gift that will make a meaningful impact: our students deserve the highest level of educational excellence possible, and we strive to offer this every day.

Sincerely,

Anthony S. Caprio President

WINTER 2018

1/5/18 4:18 PM

The Communicator is published for alumni, parents, and friends of Western New England University. PRESIDENT OF THE UNIVERSITY Anthony S. Caprio VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT Beverly J. Dwight ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR MEDIA AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS Barbara A. Moffat DIRECTOR OF DONOR RELATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Cheryl A. Larkin DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT Katie DeBeer ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS Brian Fitzgerald G’16 EDITOR Mary McLean Orszulak G’10

Save the date for WNEgives! March 6 and 7, 2018

WRITERS Ken Cerino Judy Curran Brian Fitzgerald G’16 Pat Gagnon Alex Lyman ’12/G’16 Mary McLean Orszulak G’10 CREATIVE DIRECTOR Deborah Chappell DESIGN AND PRODUCTION MacKenzie Design PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Schnaittacher PRINTER AM Lithography EDITORIAL OFFICES:

Join us for our community giving event—spanning 1,919 minutes in honor of the University’s founding year—and support the area of WNE that is most meaningful to you. We can’t wait to see the impact our alumni, friends, parents, students, and employees can make on programs all across campus. Want to get more involved? We need volunteers to be social media ambassadors! Learn more and sign up now at wnegives.com. Deidre Swords ’05, Associate Director of Annual Giving 413-782-1335 deidre.swords@wne.edu

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 3

The Communicator Division of Enrollment Management and Marketing Western New England University 1215 Wilbraham Road Springfield, MA 01119-2684 Telephone: 413-782-1346 Fax: 413-782-1779 Address and email changes should be sent to the Office of Alumni Relations at alumwne@wne.edu. Every effort has been made to contact copyright holders of any material reprinted in this magazine. Any omissions will be corrected in subsequent issues if notice is given to the Division of Enrollment Management and Marketing, Western New England University. The University reserves the right to make editorial changes prior to publication. Western New England University is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, genetics or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Assistant Vice President and Director of Human Resources, Western New England University, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA 011192684. Inquiries concerning the application of nondiscrimination policies may also be referred to the Regional Director, Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, J.W. McCormack P.O.C.H., Room 222, Boston, MA 02109-4557.

1/5/18 4:18 PM

You’re Hired! BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10

Our HR executives weigh in on navigating today’s complex job market.

Whether you are a new grad eager to put your Western New England University degree to work for the first time, an experienced professional seeking a new opportunity, or an employer looking for great hires or internship talent, knowing what human resource experts on the other side of the table want can make all the difference. Here’s what three Western New England University alumni Human Resource executives had to say to help you navigate today’s complex hiring environment. HR Veteran Talks Recruitment Transitions and Trends Cheryl Kozak had a singular focus as an undergraduate—she wanted to work in HR, which was then a major at Western New England. She was fortunate to have three professors who not only taught courses in the discipline, but were also practitioners: Dr. Russ Fanelli, Dr. Peter Hess, and Dr. Tony Chelte. With their guidance, Cheryl gained practical experience that opened the door to her first post at Travelers in Hartford. A lot has changed in the two decades since Cheryl joined the insurance giant, and while technology has dramatically transformed employers’ recruitment techniques, Cheryl says two recruitment strategies remain tried and true: tapping employees’ referrals and networking. “Social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.) is a great recruiting tool and can be used to brand your company and market open positions,” she says. “Let your employees help you; they’re your best advocates to spread the word. The other piece of advice is to spend time building relationships before the need arises—networking is key to attracting top talent.” For job or internship seekers, Cheryl recommends keeping your online profile active by continuously expanding your network, updating your profile, and ensuring the information that you post reflects your professional image. “It can also help to keep your profile fresh by sharing and liking professional posts, which will push your profile to the feeds of those within your network,” she says. “Also use your LinkedIn network to connect with others; you will be surprised how much your network will grow.”

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 4

THE COMMUNICATOR

“

Human Resource professionals are strategic partners who help ensure the company has the right talent strategies in place for the business to achieve its goals. Talent strategies help to organize a company effectively and efficiently, while ensuring that top-tier talent is being attracted, retained, developed, and rewarded— building a strong workforce for today and for the future.

”

— CHERYL KOZAK ’88 VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES TRAVELERS

WINTER 2018

1/5/18 4:18 PM

The Changing View on Changing Jobs While Cheryl has stayed at Travelers and risen through its ranks, job-hopping is now a more commonly accepted career advancement strategy for younger workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average worker currently holds 10 different jobs before age 40, and this number is projected to grow with future generations. In fact, Forrester Research predicts that “today’s youngest workers will hold 12 to 15 jobs in their lifetime.” For people in their forties and fifties who have been less mobile in their careers, getting back into the job search game can be a bit intimidating. To avoid culture shock, Cheryl says fit is very important for older job seekers. “When transitioning to a new job,” she says, “it is important to ensure that the company you choose is aligned with your values—that’s critical to your success and happiness. Also remember that you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.” Cheryl says Millennials and Gen Z workers have different views on benefits and rewards; they seek positions where they feel their contributions have value and make an impact. She says success will come to such candidates or interns who are continuously challenged and open to learning. Her advice to them: “Apply analytical thinking to everything you do, surround yourself with intelligent people to continuously learn, think of feedback as a gift, and always have a good network.”

You’re In—Onboarding to a New Corporate Culture In your transition to a new position, Cheryl says, “Your first 90–120 days are the most important.” She suggests developing your own onboarding plan, which should include understanding the culture, success factors for the role, challenges, and expectations of your leadership. Even for seasoned professionals, she advises: “Take time to listen and learn before sharing perspective, and surround yourself with mentors who will provide you with feedback as you transition into the role.”

Matching Positions to Talent in the Tech Sector Robert Chamberlain ’06 has been on both sides of the hiring table in the past year. After launching into corporate recruitment with such organizations as GE, Robert Half Technology, High Point Solutions, and Pegasystems, Rob joined IBM as a senior talent acquisition partner in Boston last year. Describing his role, Rob says, “I partner with strategic hiring managers across multiple divisions, so my job is to build relationships with those decision makers both as a strategist and through a consultative approach, making sure they understand the market, the candidate pool, and the changes that are occurring in the marketplace. I put together a strategy for us to hire the top talent and get their opportunities filled.” Continued on page 6

TOP 3 RÉSUMÉ TIPS TO MAKE YOU STAND OUT

“

I love interacting with candidates, building relationships, and helping them find a great job that would hopefully help them improve upon where they are. There is a lot of satisfaction in helping people find great opportunities.

”

— ROBERT CHAMBERLAIN ’06 SENIOR TALENT ACQUISITION PARTNER IBM

1. Keep it simple and easy to read. Proofread! Proofread! Proofread! 2. Help recruiters find you by customizing with keywords (human resources, analytics, etc.) several times within your résumé.

3. Your Qualifications Summary should be both qualitative and

quantitative—use data and numbers to demonstrate your contributions.

wne.edu/alumni

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 5

1/5/18 4:18 PM

TOP 3 NEGOTIATION TIPS TO GET THE BEST DEAL

1. Always let the recruiter present a number first—you can always push back. The worst they can do is to say “no.”

2. Do your research about compensation for the position. It’s better

to negotiate with competitive information rather than your personal financial need.

3. It may be easier to negotiate for important benefits like time off, professional development, and flexibility than traditional salary.

In the candidate matching process, Rob points out that fit is critically important for both IBM and the job candidate for long-term success. “I make sure that the candidate experience is the best experience and provides opportunities that fit their backgrounds and interests,” he says. Working in the highly competitive, fast-paced tech industry, Rob relies on many of the skill sets learned at Western New England. “The College of Business gives you a really strong understanding of many business concepts that we use in this field every day—we deal with communication, marketing, economics, finance, and work with numbers through salaries and compensations. There’s a lot of project management involved and also a consultative piece,” he explains. “You’re building out a strategy about hiring and going to market with specific opportunities, yet also building a pipeline with a candidate pool across the country.” While Rob is “selling people on opportunities” in the company, he is also an important liaison for IBM executives. “Managers today are so caught up in their day-today activities that it’s hard for them to understand what the market’s like, and how quickly things are moving,” he says. “You’ve got to be able to provide the insight and knowledge in that space to senior executives.”

Perks and Benefits—Appealing to Millennials Creating “an agile environment” is a hot topic in tech sector companies like IBM and it is also impacting other fields. “We focus a lot on agility at IBM right now,” says Rob. “It’s really taking off, allowing teams and individuals to work and collaborate better together through creating an environment that breaks down barriers. You’ll find many companies today catering benefits to attract the younger crowd such as unlimited time off and smaller perks such as having games and lounges. The market can be really competitive to hire top talent, so adding differentiators is key.”

KEY ATTRIBUTES THAT DISTINGUISH GREAT INTERNS • Strong leadership and analytical thinking abilities, communication skills, and the willingness to collaborate • Self-aware and execution-oriented • Initiative and willingness to be a part of a team

Keeping the Human Touch in Human Services Recruitment Carol Fitzgerald G’92 is the longtime vice president of human resources at the Center for Human Development (CHD), an organization that delivers a broad array of critical social and mental health services to more than 18,000 people in western Massachusetts and Connecticut. In this service-oriented field, the personal touch is equally critical when it comes to recruiting staff. As a rising executive, Carol earned her MBA at Western New England in 1992. She chose courses specifically related to organizational development and personnel management, which prepared her well for her leadership role that has spanned three decades. “The MBA provides a great foundation across business disciplines for someone in HR,” she says. “Human resources/talent management plays a key strategic role

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 6

THE COMMUNICATOR

WINTER 2018

1/5/18 4:18 PM

Carol Fitzgerald G’92, vice president of human resources, Center for Human Development

THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER—A LIFELONG ALUMNI BENEFIT in any organization and it’s important for HR leaders to have a strong sense of the business operations since everything from strategic planning to marketing and communications to financial performance impacts your ability to attract and retain employees.” For CHD and other human services organizations, the advent of job boards created new challenges for attracting talent while communicating their unique culture and values. “We use an online job application process at CHD and we thought a lot about whether that would be a barrier to recruiting staff,” Carol explains. “It really hasn’t limited our candidate pool and, in fact, our online presence with social media and external job boards, as well as our website, chd.org, really support and enhance our recruitment efforts.” The CHD website is a critical job portal, providing an opportunity for candidates to see and read about the agency and the mission-driven work that it does. “Every employer is challenged by getting the best people to work for them—our goal is to connect our mission to a qualified pool of candidates who then want to join our CHD family,” she says. “Personal stories about how we help people and create strong communities are highlighted on our CHD job board, Facebook page, and even our Indeed advertising.” Carol’s mission is to find candidates who are “highly committed to serving people who are experiencing very difficult circumstances,” she explains. “Our onboarding process is designed to engage new staff who genuinely support our ‘positively life changing’ culture. It encourages them to connect to the core values of CHD that they identify with. We also ask them to consider how their personal, unique strengths and attributes will enrich the agency, their team, and the lives of those we serve.” She sees her work (oversight of employment policies, benefits, compensation, training, recognition efforts, advancement opportunities, etc.) as having a direct impact on how prepared and engaged CHD employees are in their jobs. “Our staff members do a tremendous job every day,” says Carol. “I want them focused on that personal interaction and intervention with those they serve and not worried about whether they have the tools and resources to do their job and support their families.” n

wne.edu/alumni

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 7

Whether you are ready to make a career move or seeking great interns or employees, the Western New England University Career Development Center is here for you. Free services available to alumni include: • Career counseling • Individual and group career planning • Assistance with career objectives, résumés, cover letters, job search strategies, and interviewing T he Career Development Center Online allows you to: • Register with the Career Center Online and create a profile • Post résumés and cover letters • Search database for internships and jobs

Visit wne.edu/career to learn more or speak with Center staff members to discuss your goals and access relevant resources.

1/5/18 4:18 PM

Giving the Gift of Education Mark Berthiaume ’78 and his wife, Betsey Thompson, converted their Annual Scholarship into an Endowed Scholarship. Here’s why. BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16

MARK BERTHIAUME ’78 HAS ENJOYED QUITE A SUCCESSFUL CAREER , holding senior IT and VP positions at Monarch Life, MassMutual, Royal & Sun Alliance/Orion Capital/EBI, and Chubb Insurance. At present, he is the executive vice president, chief information officer, and chief innovation technology officer at The Hanover Insurance Group in Worcester, MA. But he remembers what it was like to struggle to pay for college. Growing up in a middle-class family in Springfield’s Pine Point neighborhood he remembers, as a student at Cathedral High School, sitting down with his father and going over their options. “He told me it was going to be really hard to put me through school with three other siblings in the family, so I paid for half of my way through school and he paid for half,” he says. A commuter student, Mark graduated from Western New England with the help of scholarships, grants, and loans. “It’s hard enough to figure out what major you want and where you think you want to go in life—never mind not being sure you can scrape together money for the next semester,” he says. “I experienced having money challenges getting through school, and that’s always lived with me as I’ve thought about helping other students.” In 2006, Mark and Betsey established the Mark Berthiaume and Betsey Thompson Scholarship for first-year students with demonstrated financial need. They recently endowed the scholarship because their education has served them well, and both of them feel strongly about giving back. They also point out the importance of scholarship aid for those who have the talent but might not have the resources to attend college. “It’s crucial—especially for lower- and middle-class families,” says Mark. Mark, who earned his bachelor’s degree in General Business, certainly appreciates his Western New England University education, crediting the curriculum in his major with giving him a broad view of the different components of business management. He also donates his time and talent to his alma mater, having served on the University’s External IT Advisory Board. He is currently on the College of Business Board of Advisors. Betsey, a native of Drexel Hill, PA, graduated with a degree in Business from the University of Pennsylvania and went on to have a varied career working for several companies, including the former insurance brokerage firm Alexander & Alexander Services (now Aon). She also sold group Medicaid plans and software to the insurance industry. She is currently the owner of Thompson Real Estate Services in Chatham, MA. Betsey says she appreciated not having to worry about the cost of her education, other than to work during the school year and summers to earn spending money. “Not having loans to pay off gave me a leg up in establishing myself after college, not to mention giving me a worry-free four years,” she says. “It makes us happy to be able to reduce the financial burden for the recipients of our scholarship. We hope it allows them to focus more on their studies and the overall college experience.” The rewards have been tremendous to Mark and Betsey, who enjoy reading thank-you letters from their scholarship recipients. “The letters always bring me back to my days at Western New England, and it’s wonderful knowing that this scholarship is helpful in getting them over that hump financially and, in some cases, keeping them in school,” says Mark. n

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 8

THE COMMUNICATOR

“Establishing a scholarship is a great way to help students achieve their educational goals.” —MARK BERTHIAUME ’78

If you are interested in establishing or contributing to a scholarship, please contact Cheryl (Brodowski) Larkin, director of donor relations and communications, at cheryl.brodowski@‌wne.‌edu or 413-796-2192.

WINTER 2018

1/5/18 4:18 PM

New Name of College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Reflects Expanded Mission BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10

“MORE THAN A NAME CHANGE , this evolution is a reflection of the continued growth and entrepreneurship within Western New England University,” says Dean of the newly named College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and Associate Provost Evan Robinson. “We are thrilled to expand our mission and academic offerings to welcome the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program as we broaden our academic mission into the health sciences.”

Cathy Dow-Royer

With the new program, Western New England is not only keeping up with national interest in the field, it is taking the lead by offering the first entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) in western Massachusetts. “Anticipating the recent mandate to upgrade the degree required for professional education in occupational therapy [ACOTE, 2017], the newly established OTD program is ahead of the curve in the professional evolution of occupational therapy,” says Cathy Dow-Royer, chair, and director of the Doctor of Occupational Therapy program. “The increased marketplace demand for occupational therapists is the result of a movement in health-

care to expand the scope of rehabilitation practitioners on primary care, acute care, and long-term care teams. This shift in the mindset of the medical community toward interprofessional practice affords occupational therapy an important collaborative role on the healthcare team.” Similar to the requirements for a PharmD degree, the entry-level OTD program does not require students to have a master’s degree. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is among the program requirements. The innovative program is designed to prepare students to work in clinical practice, administration, or academia. As graduates, they will be broadly positioned to impact populations, advance community health outcomes, and influence the development of future occupational therapists as members of collaborative inter-professional practice teams. The program’s focus and entry-level advantages resonated with applicants nationwide. While 30% of the inaugural Class of 2022 students has ties to New England, oth-

Evan Robinson

ers have arrived from the west coast (California and Oregon), the mid-west (Michigan, Minnesota, and Iowa), the south (Georgia and Florida), and the mid-Atlantic states (New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland). While the OTD program found its academic home in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, its physical home is in the Blake Law Center, tapping space no longer needed by the Law Library in the digital age. Members of the Western New England University community, local legislators, and healthcare professionals got a firsthand look at these impressive facilities, including children/ youth and adult/aging performance and participation laboratories, at an open house held in September. n

To learn more about the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the OTD program, visit wne.edu/phs.

g to act

wne.edu/alumni

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 9

1/5/18 4:18 PM

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 10

THE COMMUNICATOR

WINTER 2018

1/5/18 4:18 PM

ALUMNI COME FROM NEAR AND FAR FOR HOMECOMING 2017 1. “Fear the Bear,” Fans celebrate a touchdown 2. Running back Peter Hoff picks up yardage 3. The ROTC pull-up challenge was a big hit 4. Rita Abou-Francis ’16, Zane Zglobicki ’16, and Justin Sellman ’16 5. Children’s activities 6. A future Golden Bear hoopster

4 BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16

Under sunny skies and summer-like weather, hundreds of alumni, family, and friends returned to campus to celebrate, reminisce, and cheer on their Golden Bear teams at Homecoming on September 23. With the themes of “Bleed Blue & Gold” and “Fear the Bear,” Homecoming featured great food, the ROTC pull-up challenge, children’s activities, and several athletics contests, including a thrilling last-minute, come-from-behind football victory over Husson University, 21-14. The men’s and women’s soccer teams were also victorious against Salve Regina University.

wne.edu/alumni

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 11

1/5/18 4:18 PM

Homecoming Weekend also included a comedy performance by Ron Funches and various reunions, including the U&ME/MGA Reunion Dinner Dance, men’s soccer, women’s lacrosse, women’s volleyball, women’s basketball, softball, rugby, and the Women’s Athletic Alumnae Council Wine & Beer Tasting. Events on Friday featured the Golden Grads Luncheon and the Downes Athletic Hall of Fame induction.

3 12

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 12

THE COMMUNICATOR

4 WINTER 2018

1/5/18 4:18 PM

1. Welcome back to campus 2. This beats walking

3. Lisa Murray ’04, Omari Murray, and family 4. The Dance Team catches some air 5. A speedster takes the driver’s seat in the College of Engineering’s baja vehicle 6. Midfielders Kory Caster (10) and David Goncalves (18) 7. Women’s soccer midfielder Shawna O’Neill takes the ball upfield 8. Brian Grohe ’17 and Kevin Brown ’17

s s

9. Ed Lindsay ’78 shares a Homecoming hug 10. Andy Roberts ’13, Maria Francese ’14, Elizabeth Walsh ’12, and Mike Salva ’13 11. Patrick Dooling, Hayden Dooling, and Amanda Dooling ’03

10 wne.edu/alumni

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 13

11 13

1/5/18 4:18 PM

FACULTY PROFILE

Professor Of Philosophy Burton F. Porter

Writer and Professor Burton Porter looks at the fundamental questions of human existence

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 14

THE COMMUNICATOR

WINTER 2018

1/5/18 4:18 PM

Renaissance Man BY PATRICIA GAGNON

“In addition to being a superior teacher, Dr. Burton Porter is a prolific author with a collection of splendid books. He is a philosopher with the utmost intellectual integrity and insightfulness,” says Dr. Saeed Ghahramani, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, describing the faculty gem the University has in Dr. Burton Porter, professor of philosophy in the Department of Arts and Humanities. “Because of his wide-ranging intellectual interests, Burton is one of the most versatile professors our University has. His many innovative, highly praised books, along with a very intense interest and rich background in diverse areas, have made him a prime example of a Renaissance Man.” Professor Porter earned his B.A. from the University of Maryland in the field of philosophy, receiving Special Honors in Literature. He earned his Ph.D. at St. Andrews University, Scotland, with graduate studies at Oxford University, England. Dr. Porter’s post-doctoral work includes the study of humanistic psychology at the William Alanson White Institute in New York. “I later returned to Great Britain where I lived for two years in London, teaching at the American Embassy and at surrounding bases and publishing my first book, Deity and Morality,” says Dr. Porter. “I have since published 12 more books and wrote a screenplay, which never made it to Hollywood.” Professor Porter has written books on philosophy, literature, and film as well as scholarly works, textbooks, novels, and children’s poetry. He has published books by presses such as Oxford, St. Martin’s, Harcourt Brace, Humanities, Rowman and Littlefield, and Sloan Publishers. In addition, he has six electronic books available on Kindle and Nook. Dr. Porter has presented a number of papers at professional meetings, and published numerous articles and book reviews. He is the recipient of University and national awards, including Outstanding Educator of America. “Of my various writings, I am most gratified by a book of children’s poetry called Black Swans and White Tigers,” he says. Among his other

books, Professor Porter notes some of his favorites in nonfiction, including Philosophy Through Film, The Great Perhaps, The Good Life, and a fiction work, African Metaphor. Professor Porter came to Western New England in 1991 and was Dean of Arts and Sciences until 1999. Describing his role, he says, “I was hoping to shape the educational program in terms of a liberal arts ideal; I wanted to bring Plato down to earth. I worked very conscientiously at the job, trying to be supportive of faculty and at the same time uphold academic standards.” As professor of philosophy, he has taught courses in Ethics, Critical Thinking, Philosophy through Fiction and Film, Philosophy of Religion, and Contemporary Moral Problems. Dr. Porter says in today’s culture, education in the humanities and philosophy is vitally important, enabling students to become individuals who ask questions, are curious, and interested in the world around them and their place in it. “I value philosophy as a rational investigation into fundamental questions of human existence. That sounds grandiose, but it is probably accurate,” he says. “People are less reflective today, more immersed in technology, money-making, and pleasurable distractions, but something valuable remains valuable even if it is no longer valued.” Technology, Professor Porter explains, tends to separate and distance people from one another, rather than enabling greater communication. “Nevertheless, students still have inquiring minds, and are hungry to find answers to the questions that philosophy poses. The classroom provides the richness of interaction with students about important ideas that provide preparation for a worthwhile existence,” he notes. “We live inside of our heads all of our lives, and it’s important to furnish that place well.” Professor Porter continues to write and is currently working on a novel. “At the moment I am writing a work of creative fiction entitled The Briefly Moving Lips of a Severed Head,” he says. “It sounds grim, but it is intended as a metaphor for the human condition.” n

wne.edu/alumni

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 15

“

I have an active mind, which is a vice as well as a virtue. It is satisfying to articulate ideas. In fact, writing makes us aware of our thoughts rather than being an expression of what we think.

”

1/5/18 4:18 PM

CAMPUS UPDATE

WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY NAMED TO TOP TIER IN ITS CLASS AND BEST IN VALUE BY U.S.NEWS AND WORLD REPORT U.S.News & World Report’s 2018 Guidebook has again ranked Western New England University among the “Best Colleges” in the North Region. The ranking is based on the quality of the University’s academic programs as compared to the net cost of attending the institution. The higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the value of the educational experience. The guidebook also names Western New England to its 2018 “Best in Undergraduate Engineering” list. “It is gratifying to know that others in our region and across the country recognize Western New England University’s excellence in providing integrated liberal and professional learning,” says President Anthony S. Caprio.

PROFESSOR OF LAW JENNIFER LEVI RECOGNIZED AS TRANSGENDER RIGHTS PIONEER “Jennifer Levi is a nationally recognized expert on transgender legal issues, a gifted teacher, a prolific writer, a skilled advocate, and a generous mentor. She literally ‘wrote the book’ on transgender family law,” said Mark Johnson Roberts, chair of the American Bar Association Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. “Levi has been instrumental in finding ways to use existing gender and disability laws to provide transgender people with the basic civil rights protections they would otherwise lack.” In February, the American Bar Association Commission on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity will honor Professor Levi with its Stonewall Award, which recognizes lawyers who have considerably advanced lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in the legal profession and successfully championed LGBT legal causes. In November 2017, the State of Connecticut’s Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) honored Levi with the Constance Baker Motley Award for Excellence in Business or Law. Professor Levi is a key contributor to the University’s Center for Gender and Sexuality Studies. She coedited Transgender Family Law: A Guide to Effective Advocacy, the first book to address legal issues facing transgender people in the family law context. She has spoken widely on her active role in litigating precedent-setting cases establishing basic rights for LGBT people, including the right of samesex couples to marry, a transgender student’s right to attend school, and the recent efforts to ban transgender people from serving in the military. She serves on the Legal Committee of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and is a founding member of both the Transgender Law & Policy Institute and the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition. “These awards are well-deserved. We are truly honored to have someone of Jennifer’s caliber on our faculty,” said Eric Gouvin, dean of the School of Law. “Our students benefit daily from Jennifer’s expertise and experience arguing precedent-setting cases in this rapidly-evolving area of the law.”

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 16

THE COMMUNICATOR

WINTER 2018

1/5/18 4:18 PM

BY JUDY CURRAN

ACCESS TO NEW NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROMETER GIVES STUDENTS AN EDGE ON RESEARCH CAREERS Through a $365,000 grant from the National Science Foundation’s Major Research Instrumentation program, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has acquired a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer. The grant was obtained through the collaboration with several member institutions of the Cooperating Colleges of Greater Springfield (CCGS): American International College, Elms College, Springfield Technical Community College, and Springfield College. Beyond Western New England University, which has seen an increase in the number of students enrolled in chemistry courses, the spectrometer will facilitate the research productivity of CCGS faculty and the students working with them.

JOHN J. DUGGAN ACADEMY ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH UNIVERSITY What began as informal collaborations between Western New England University and nearby Duggan Academy, a magnet school for students in grades 6-12, has blossomed into a strong strategic partnership which was made official on September 6, 2017. Duggan Academy Principal Michael Calvanese and University President Dr. Anthony S. Caprio (pictured above) along with other local and state community leaders celebrated the formalizing of this important three-year agreement bridging public secondary education and private higher education in an effort to help students see how they can advance themselves from Duggan to college and beyond. “The partnership between Western New England University and Duggan Academy demonstrates the value of creating a continuum of education,” remarked Dr. Caprio. “Duggan Academy students can discover that higher education is a viable option for them and our students can experience serving as role models for the young students, now and in the future.”

wne.edu/alumni

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 17

1/5/18 4:18 PM

OUTSTANDING FROM DAY ONE:

THE CLASS OF 2021

Members of the Class of 2021 broke University records before they arrived on campus. Here is a snapshot of our latest incoming class.

Western New England University is recognized as a: • College of Distinction in Business, Engineering, and Education. • “Best Value” in U.S.News and World Report’s 2017 Best Colleges based on academic quality and cost of attendance.

17 12

The impressive accomplishments of our incoming class include:

states

884

admitted undergraduates from

foreign countries represented

7,033

26%

diversity or international students

Equestrian Grand Champion

Professional Rock Climber

applicants

147

3.4

National Honor Society members

average GPA

students have a Golden Bear parent

240

athletic team captains

Motocross Racer

Artwork displayed at the Boston Museum of Fine Art

Trainer for service dogs with America’s VetDogs program 18

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 18

1/5/18 4:18 PM

University Community Shows Appreciation on First-Ever TAG (Thank-A-Giver) Day BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16

TAG, you’re it! October 17 was TAG Day at Western New England University—as in Thank-A-Giver Day. It was an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to show their gratitude by writing hundreds of thank-you postcards to donors. The campus was covered with signs and “tagged” with posters to visualize the impact of donors’ annual support to The Fund for Western New England University. Participants shared TAG Day photos —along with messages of appreciation—on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for a chance to win prizes. Postcards were written at four “TAG stations”: the St. Germain Campus Center, the Center for the Sciences and Pharmacy Atrium, the Alumni Healthful Living Center Lobby, and the Court Café in the Blake Law Center. This was the University’s first TAG Day, and it’s safe to say that this event will become an annual University tradition, according to Annual Giving Officer Rachel Griffin ’11. “It was an enormous success,” she said. “Everyone really spread the word leading up to TAG Day, and it showed.” Student volunteers for the Advancement Division also gave out 400 packages of Ramen Noodles with the TAG Day slogan, “Ramen, coffee, donors…they’re all helping us get through college. Now it’s our turn to thank our generous donors for their support.” The University community responded en masse, offering hand-written words of thanks to donors. Erin-Nicole Conti, a senior Creative Writing major, wrote on her postcard that the University has given her “the chance to grow and develop as a leader and into a confident young adult excited for life after graduation.” Czarina Sabitsana, a freshman Communication major, wrote that she is grateful for “the college experience I have dreamed of. This is such a great community of people. I love it here. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.” Maya Wick, a freshman Electrical Engineering major, said that TAG Day was a great idea “because when someone gives money to the University, that person may not consider how the gift might affect particular students. To be able to thank them makes it much more personal.” The impact of donors on campus often feels intangible, according to Deidre Swords ’05, associate director of annual giving. The idea of TAG Day is to remind everyone how much the University really relies on fundraising, and to show how grateful we are for donors’ contributions. “We were trying istant Ass ’11, ffin Gri hel to complete that circle of philanthropy in Rac Annual Giving Officer line que Jac ch ear a new, creative, and engaging way, and it Res Director of Prospect Caprio S. y hon Ant ent sid worked well,” said Swords. n Pre O’Sullivan ’09, and

wne.edu/alumni

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 19

Student volunteers gave out 400 packages of Ramen Noodles on October 17. Heartfelt thanks: students get into the TAG Day spirit.

1/5/18 4:19 PM

ALUMNI PROFILE

DAN FLORA ’13

A COMMERCIAL and then SUCCESS—some! BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16 Last April, a 15-second commercial made TV history. The spot depicted a Burger King server attempting to describe a Whopper sandwich. Since he was “running out of time,” he ended by saying, “OK, Google, what is the Whopper Burger?” Prompted by the phrase “OK, Google,” Google Home devices across the world started reading aloud from the Whopper Wikipedia page. It was a commercial that essentially barged into people’s living rooms, setting off a whopper of a debate about advertising using invasive technology—and also garnering much praise in advertising circles for being an ingenious way of getting consumers’ attention.

Dan Flora ’13, part of a creative team whose innovative Burger King ad went viral last year, has been ranked among the Top 10 Copywriters in the World! The commercial was developed by DAVID The Agency, where Dan Flora ’13 is a copywriter. Dan’s team was confident their ad would cause a sensation, but little did they know how viral it would go. When pranksters started editing the Wikipedia entry’s ingredients in outrageous ways, the ad received even more media coverage. Was there some apprehension at the agency as this unfolded? “Let’s just say that ‘100% medium-sized child’ and ‘cyanide’ were not Whopper ingredients we anticipated,” laughs Dan. The stunt received even more coverage when Wikipedia locked the page and removed the unauthorized edits. Then Google changed the product’s ability to respond to the ad’s specific voice. But Burger King responded by editing the ad with a different voice—twice. This finally forced Google to change its software to recognize no more than six household voices. “The news outlets wrote something new each time a part of the story unfolded,” says Dan. “So admittedly the hiccups worked out in our favor for going viral.” Within 48 hours of the initial launch, the commercial racked up 15 million online views—compared to the 700,000 Google Home devices it

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 20

THE COMMUNICATOR

WINTER 2018

1/5/18 4:19 PM

had targeted. It became the most talked about Burger King TV spot in history and nabbed the Grand Prix in the Direct category at the Cannes Lions—advertising’s biggest gathering—beating out State Street’s “Fearless Girl” statue on Wall Street. This success undoubtedly contributed to Dan being ranked the number nine copywriter in the world in the annual Cannes Global Creativity Report released last October.

BIRTH OF AN IDEA Dan says that like most advertising ideas, “Google Home of The Whopper” was the result of “a bunch of pieces and people coming together.” In 2016, when Dan was a copywriting intern at Apple in Cupertino, CA, his friend came out to visit. “We actually watched a commercial make my Amazon Alexa say, ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t get that.’ So, we knew that a TV could activate Alexa or Google Home and joked that someone was going to do an ad that would do it on purpose,” recalls Dan. Sure enough, it was Dan’s team that would make that commercial. “A few of the guys at DAVID were kicking it around, somewhat as a joke, and we were able to chime in that it would actually work,” says Dan. “From there the whole team started working on testing it with phrases that would make it talk about the Whopper.” When they first presented the idea to Fernando Machado, SVP of Global Brand Management at Burger King, the man “did a facepalm.” But then he “got that look in his eyes that we all like seeing,” says Dan. “It was a first, and also pushing the limits of personal tech, privacy, and advertising pretty far. We knew it would set the Internet off, but we didn’t know it would get that crazy.” Dan points out that to stand out in advertising, you have to be innovative. One of his favorite campaigns was the one his team did for Heinz called “Chicago Dog Sauce.” Chicagoans are notorious for their no-ketchup policy on their famous hot dogs, insisting that the offending condiment hides the frank’s flavor. “They hate ketchup so much they

put up signs that you’ll be harassed for using it,” says Dan. “We literally put a Chicago Dog Sauce label on ketchup and had people eat it on their beloved Chicago-style hot dogs, then listened to them detail the exact flavor profile of Heinz ketchup to describe what they liked about the new sauce. It goes to show a little name change can do a lot.”

OUTSIDE THE BOX As an undergraduate, Dan was an advertising intern at Price Chopper Supermarkets in his hometown of Schenectady, NY, during the summer of his junior year. However, he credits Associate Professor of English Ted Wesp, whom he had for five classes, with helping him harness his creativity. “When we got an essay assignment, I’d come to him with a direction I wanted to take it—one that seemed completely off the wall at first—but he’d always encourage me to take it there, as long as it would end up answering the assignment,” says Dan. “Today, that process is 100% what I do on a daily basis when we get a new brief from a brand.” He also has high praise for Marketing Professor Harlan Spotts for urging his students to push the envelope. “When we brought him ideas, he always pushed us to go for more,” says Dan. “He was pretty much my first ‘creative director.’” After graduating, Dan worked in advertising for several firms before attending the Miami Ad School in 2015. One of his internships there was at DAVID Miami, who hired him full-time. DAVID is an affiliate of Ogilvy & Mather, which was founded by the late David Ogilvy, often referred to as “the father of advertising.” At this stage of his career, it’s certainly a dream job for Dan. “We’re only three years old, so it’s still a little bit of the ‘wild, wild West,’ which ironically is what produces the best work,” he says. “We have a small group of incredibly talented people that just flat out care about producing great work. You can pay people to work, but you can’t pay them to care about doing that work. Caring enough to push everything to be the best it can be is our X factor at DAVID.” n

GOING VIRAL With 48 hours of the initial launch, the commercial racked up 15 million online views—compared to the 700,000 Google Home devices it had targeted. It became the most talked about Burger King TV spot in history and nabbed the Grand Prix in the Direct category at the Cannes Lions—advertising’s biggest gathering— beating out State Street’s “Fearless Girl” statue on Wall Street.

wne.edu/alumni

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 21

1/5/18 4:19 PM

GRADUATE STUDIES

Graduate Studies Make Careers MORE Energized…Inspiring…and Impactful BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10

MORE ENERGIZED

“Pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree is an important investment, affecting both your future and your work/life balance,” says Matthew Fox G’03, director of graduate admissions. “The Center for Graduate and Advanced Studies provides a onestop gateway to your total graduate experience with the University. It’s about more than simply earning a master’s or PhD. Clearly you’ll develop specific skills and expertise in your field of study, but more importantly, we feel you leave more energized, confident, and fulfilled as a result of your experience with our program.”

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 22

A few years ago Sam Bauduccio was at a career crossroads, trying to decide if he should continue in his current role at MassMutual or get back into a management track. A postcard sent by Western New England about the launch of the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership helped him to find his path. “During the week that I gave myself to make a decision and move forward, I fully changed direction after visiting my mailbox,” he recalls. “Receiving the postcard prompted me to jump online and learn more about the program.” Sam was drawn to the combination online/onsite program structure. “That had a lot of appeal to me, offering both flexibility for my work travel and the chance to engage in person for classes,” he says. “That flexibility is what made the entire process successful and enjoyable for me personally. Life demands surround us all, so enhancing the flexibility of the learning experience can make anyone feel like the balance is achievable.”

He also liked what the program didn’t include compared to a traditional MBA. “Finance and Accounting courses don’t fit into my career interests, which is what cemented my decision to apply for the MS program,” he says. The program helped Sam to become reinvigorated in the workplace he had become so invested in. “Having spent almost my entire career at one firm, my perspective on leadership execution and organizational culture is narrow in scope,” he says. I found it inspiring and enlightening to learn more about the theory, process, and variance that can and should occur when in a leadership role. Ethics, diversity and inclusion, change management, and transformational leadership are all topics that truly resonated with me, and my plan is to get into a role where I can mindfully put all this great learning into practice!” While many students pursue master’s degrees to change employers, Sam says his experience taught him to lead change from within. “I have recommended the program to a number of colleagues. The course content is so relevant across a variety of business functions. Leaders can emerge from any role, and this program can make those emerging leaders feel more confident and prepared when their opportunity presents itself.”

Eric Eng Ag

“I h ex at En Th en pr th hig th int cli an

Sam Bauduccio MS in Organizational Leadership Retirement Services Relationship Manager MassMutual, Springfield, MA

THE COMMUNICATOR

WINTER 2018

1/5/18 4:19 PM

MORE INSPIRED

Erica Schlaffer G’17 English Teacher Agawam High School

Erica Schlaffer G’17 is an English teacher at Agawam High School, where she teaches AP 12 Literature and Composition, English 10 Honors, Myth and Legend, and Literature in Film. She heard about the Master of Arts in English for Teachers program through colleagues and was drawn to the course topics. “I knew several people who participated in the MA in English for Teachers program, and they loved it,” says Erica. “I appreciated how the courses were offered as hybrid classes so that we were participating both on campus and online. Meeting online every now and then helped me balance having a full-time teaching job, a family, and a soccer team to coach while pursuing my degree.”

As an educator herself, Erica enjoyed the intimate classroom experience. “I felt I really connected with my instructors in a much more authentic and meaningful way than I had in other settings. My professors were approachable and encouraged a truly collaborative experience,” she says. Erica found immediate application of what she was learning to her own teaching and course subject matter. “I loved that every course, although rooted in literature and pedagogy, also centered on social progress. I have been able to bring an array of perspectives and strategies to my classroom that help me build community and empower all of my students,” she says.

MORE IMPACTFUL

David Greenslade ’14/’G’15 PHD Candidate Engineering Management

David Greenslade ’14/G’15 will soon be among the elite group of alumni holding three degrees from Western New England University. “It was the right choice for me because of the endless opportunities it provided. As a student, if you show an interest in any area or topic, the professors and administration will support you.” Realizing that an advanced degree is becoming an essential credential in engineering and that he had much more to learn about mechanical engineering, David decided to stay at the University to earn both his master’s and doctorate degrees. “I was offered a PhD fellowship in the Industrial Engineering/Engineering Management (IE/EM) department,” recalls David. “After a heavy dose of consultation from friends, family, and faculty, I decided that a PhD would bring my career to a new level. Although it required me to move away from hands-on mechanical engineering, I accepted the change

and am very happy with the decision as I work to finish my PhD dissertation.” As part of his teaching, David was able to utilize his mechanical engineering background to work with a diverse range of student groups, including the Baja Team, which he cofounded, the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), and the Robotics Club. “Managing these projects and teaching the students, both in and out of class, was truly gratifying, but it also tied directly to my dissertation, which focuses on Project Management. It was important for me to help grow the Baja Team and make it self-sustaining when I move on from the University,” he says. After graduation this May, David says he hopes to continue to play a role in “big picture and out of the box thinking in order to drive meaningful change throughout an organization.” With the inspiration gained from his three degrees, David is sure to be a make an impact wherever his career takes him. n

READY TO LEARN MORE?

Could an advanced degree from your alma mater help you to be more inspired, fulfilled, and confident in your career? Visit wne.edu/graduate-center to explore your options.

wne.edu/alumni

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 23

1/5/18 4:19 PM

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Criminal Justice Unscripted BY ALEX LYMAN ’12/G’16

SHAYLA FOLEY SETS SIGHTS ON LEGAL ROLE

Inspired by television shows like Criminal Minds and Law & Order, senior Shayla Foley chose to major in Criminal Justice, with an eye towards law school in the future. She enjoys the challenge of considering the facts of a case (real or dramatized) and creating hypotheses, and as her family says, her tendency to enjoy a good debate signals that she is a natural-born lawyer. One of her favorite courses with the Criminal Justice major thus far has been Criminal Law, which appeals to her future aspirations for law school. Outside of the classroom, Shayla also values the expertise and advice she receives from her professors. “I am fortunate to be able to study with and take courses from such knowledgeable professors,” she says. “I can go to them for direction and receive the most honest answers for my development.” Shayla says her professors have also been instrumental in helping her plan her next steps through networking and securing internships. “I interned with Bay State Law Group, a law firm of all female attorneys,” she says. “They took me to courthouse and client briefings and I sat alongside them during court sessions. The most valuable experience was being able to meet with a judge because she gave us an overview of her career and answered our questions.” While Shayla hasn’t decided which area of law she’d ultimately like to practice, her internship did introduce her to the idea of being a defense attorney. She worked with real estate, family, immigration, and criminal law, and enjoyed the idea that she might be able to practice in several areas at the same time. Shayla also recently applied for a spring internship with a district attorney to give her another perspective in the practice of law, and hopes to take and pass the LSAT this winter. From her early interest in procedural crime dramas to

her classwork and her ambitious participation in internships, Shayla has laid the groundwork for her career early on. Even her on-campus activities are setting her up for success. Her work-study position in the Career Development Center not only exposes her to a typical office setting, but gives her experience in listing and promoting job opportunities to students, which will leave her well-versed in the employment market when it comes time to look for her own job after law school. Plus, working so closely with our career counselors means that her résumé and cover letter are crisp and professional, and she is prepared to nail any job interview. Shayla is also a member of Student Senate, Alpha Phi Sigma (the Criminal Justice honor society), Criminal Justice Association, U&ME, and CAB. She also recently accepted the position of Social Events Chairperson for the National Society of Leadership and Success. “I like being involved on campus,” she says. “I enjoy going to Western New England and I believe that joining leadership groups and clubs will help other students excel and make more prospective students want to come here.” With her love of the campus and desire to stay connected, it’s no surprise that Shayla’s favorite campus tradition is Homecoming Weekend. Between the festive atmosphere and the anticipation of an exciting football match-up, she loves that it is a family affair. Her school spirit and hope for other students to have a great experience here are what make Shayla a true Golden Bear. n

WINTER 2018

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 24

THE COMMUNICATOR

1/5/18 4:19 PM

“

Western New England University has so much to offer students, with the wide range of degrees, the adept professors and administration, sports, clubs, and campus life. There’s something at the University for every walk of life. We’re not too big or too small of a school and there’s a close-knit feel on campus with all students and the faculty.

”

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 25

1/5/18 4:19 PM

ALUMNI NEWS

(L-R) Student Ligouri Fankhauser, mentor Al Dygon ’90, director of engineering at Barnes Aerospace Aftermarket, and student Colin Murchie

STAY CONNECTED— VOLUNTEER A key way to facilitate success is by sharing internship and job opportunities with the Career Development Center. To learn more about posting jobs and internships for Western New England students and alumni, contact the Career Development Center at (413) 782-1217 or email careercenter@wne.edu.

VOLUNTEERING IS A GREAT WAY TO STAY CONNECTED TO WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY. Across campus, there are countless volunteer opportunities for alumni to share their time and talents in ways that match their interests and availability. From recent graduates to retirees, Alumni Association volunteers work to keep alumni connected, informed and engaged while advancing the priorities of the university. Volunteers support social media efforts, coordinate signature events like Homecoming and the Alumni Golf Tournament, facilitate awards and honors, including the Skookum Awards and the Alumni Association Grants, and serve in leadership roles including on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. Each area of campus has opportunities for alumni to contribute to their success. Alumni-in-Admissions volunteers connect with high school students at college fairs around the country. Athletics volunteers help coordinate sport-specific affinity reunions and alumni games. Many alumni are interested in contributing to student success, and luckily there is no shortage of opportunities in that area. Alumni mentors help students prepare for career success through several targeted mentor programs, including Sophomore Career Connections, AlumniLinks for Career Success, College of Business Monday Mentors, Engineering Mentor Program, and more. Informal mentorship also takes place as alumni return to campus to speak in classes or participate in panels related to their professional discipline. Students appreciate learning about the career trajectories of alumni and they gain a competitive advantage when they have alumni actively supporting their success.

A HALF-CENTURY OF HISTORY—AND FUN The 50 th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament MAY 25, 2018

For more information: contact Kristina Oleksak at kristina.oleksak@wne.edu or 413-782-1557.

Pictured is last year’s tournament Honorary Chairman John Drost ’91 (right) along with (L-R) Trustee Rocco Falcone ’84/G’87, Jeff Hunt ’84, and Rudy D’Agostino ’85.

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 26

THE COMMUNICATOR

WINTER 2018

1/5/18 4:19 PM

BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16

KAYLYN SMITH ’10 RECEIVES YOUNG ALUMNA OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD the assistant to the athletic director Kaylyn Smith ’10, assistant director at Massachusetts College of Liberal of athletic facilities and operations at Arts, having earned the NCAA ethnic Wheaton College, received the 2017 minority and women’s professional Young Alumna Outstanding Achieveinternship, an effort by the NCAA to ment award at an October 15 cereprovide innovative opportunities to mony that also honored this year’s young professional women pursuing Alumni Association Skookum Award careers in athletic administration. of Excellence recipients. Successful candidates must demonKaylyn majored in Psychology strate outstanding work ethic and and Education while playing basketexceptional personal character to be ball all four years at Western New considered. Kaylyn is someone who England and field hockey for one Kaylyn Smith ’10 and Cyndi Costanzo is completely full of passion, and season. “As a student, she was an who “cares deeply and commits herexceptional ambassador for the Deself, both feet in, to a cause, a job, and most importantly, partment of Athletics. She represented the three pillars of her relationships,” Cyndi said. athletics, academics, and citizenship,” said Cyndi Costanzo, Following the two-year NCAA internship, Kaylyn the former assistant director of athletics at the University. was recognized as an Administrator of Tomorrow by Cyndi presented Kaylyn with the honor. the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic After graduation, Kaylyn went on to receive her Master Administrators. of Education in Physical Education/Athletic AdministraKaylyn offered this advice for the students. “Western tion from Springfield College in 2012. She served as the New England provided me with fond memories and a assistant commissioner and senior woman administrator strong foundation going into my career,” she said. “You’ve for the Commonwealth Coast Conference for two years been prepped for success. You just have to take the initiabefore joining Wheaton Athletics in 2015. Kaylyn began tive and go for it.” her professional career with an impressive appointment as

2017 SKOOKUM AWARDS HONOR THE BEST AND BRIGHTEST OF THE SENIOR CLASS The word “Skookum” in the Native American Chinook language means “excellence,” and on October 15, Alumni Association Skookum Awards were presented to 15 students who have demonstrated this quality in academics, cocurricular activities, athletics, volunteer work, and community service. Tiffany Robinson, a Biomedical Engineering major, was presented with this year’s Grand Skookum Award. Tucker France IV, an Accounting and Finance dual major, and Ryan Brault, a Business Analytics and Information Management and Finance dual major, received Royal Skookum Awards, the second-highest accolade. (L-R) Bottom row: Nilsa Salas (Forensic Chemistry), Kristina Altomonte (Health Sciences), Chas Figueroa (Sociology), Kathryn Jordan (Biomedical Engineering), Lexi-Amber Hassell (Neuroscience), and Gina Lanzano (Creative Writing). Middle row: Rachel Bolduc (Criminal Justice), Michael Spagnolo (Accounting and Finance), Tiffany-Rae Robinson (Biomedical Engineering), Iman Shehemi (Accounting and Finance), Ryan Brault (Business Analytics and Information Management and Finance), Hayley Johnson (Psychology), and Alexis McCrae (Criminal Justice). Top row: Michael Veronesi (Biomedical Engineering), President Anthony S. Caprio, and Tucker France IV (Accounting and Finance).

wne.edu/alumni

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 27

1/5/18 4:19 PM

ALUMNI NEWS

BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16

PRESIDENT CAPRIO MEETS WITH ALUMNI AND FRIENDS FROM COAST TO COAST AT BLUE & GOLD ALUMNI RECEPTIONS Warmth, excitement, and enthusiasm filled the air at Blue & Gold Alumni Receptions last fall in Providence, RI, San Diego, CA, and Albany, NY. President Anthony S. Caprio briefed guests on the latest news at the University. The guest speaker at the Providence reception, held on October 24, was Michael Rust, associate professor of Biomedical Engineering and cofounder of New England Breath Technologies, a Western New England University start-up company. He talked about his company’s development of the first glucose monitor that uses breath instead of blood for pain-free readings. Debra ’77, and her husband, Jim Lampley, hosted the San Diego area event on October 30 at their home in Del Mar, CA. The Albany, NY reception on November 16 featured guest speaker Justin Dion L’00, professor of Legal Skills and director of the Bar Admissions Program at the University’s School of Law, discussed the massive Equifax Data Breach. Justin, whose practice and expertise includes consumer protection, detailed the steps to take to avoid being victimized by the breach, which affected 143 million Americans. Guests at the receptions took advantage of the opportunity to network and reconnect with friends and classmates.

Ed Lindsay ’78, President Anthony S. Caprio, and Paula Lindsay ’77 at the Providence reception

At the San Diego reception (L-R) front row: Amy McAweeney ’99, host Debra Lampley ’77, Ninoska Gooden, Barbara Blanchart, Nicholas Varelas ’64/G’69, and Elsa Varelas. Back row: Saeed Shirzadi ’85, James Kohl ’85, Ryan McAweeney, President Caprio, cohost Jim Lampley, Andrew Gooden ’90, Bruce Blanchart. ’67/G’71, David Schuss, Assistant Vice President for Development Bob Ziomek, Eric Stinson ’16, and Susanna Wiggins.

In Albany: Melissa Washco ’06, Zachary Lacy ’98, Shawn Green ’08, Nicole Gemmiti ’06, and Dominic Gemmiti ’14

President Caprio, Alicia Jacobs ’16, and Dan Merkt ’97 at the Albany reception

WINTER 2018

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 28

THE COMMUNICATOR

1/5/18 4:19 PM

Entrepreneurial Mindset Drives Engineering Undergraduate Success BY MARY McLEAN ORSZULAK G’10 With a curriculum focused on the development of an “Entrepreneurial Mindset” aided through a recent $56,000 grant from the KEEN Foundation, engineering students are applying ingenuity and hard work in innovative ways.

STUDENTS MENTOR HIGH SCHOOL FIRST GLOBAL ROBOTICS COMPETITORS A team of 30 engineering students helped support international high school students competing in the FIRST Global Robotics competition held July 16-18 in Washington, DC. Some of the students traveled to Washington, DC, to volunteer their time and continue offering support to the international teams. The event is an annual international robotics challenge designed to ignite a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) among the more than two billion youth worldwide. This year’s competition included 170 teams from 160 countries who developed their robots from kits provided by FIRST Global Robotics. Last semester, under the direction of PhD candidate David Greenslade ’14/G’15, our students worked remotely with high school teams as technical mentors to offer guidance about robotics kits and engineering principles to prepare for the competition.

3 DAY STARTUP WEEKEND EXPANDS TO INCLUDE AREA COLLEGES Western New England University, in partnership with Smith College and Mount Holyoke College, held the third annual 3 Day Startup (3DS) event last fall. Held over a three-day weekend (October 20-22), 3DS is a series of intensive entrepreneurship workshops that give students real-life experience. In total, 41 student entrepreneurs from the sponsoring institutions, as well as from Springfield Technical Community and Hampshire Colleges participated in this event. Springfield-based Valley Venture Mentors (VVM) donated its headquarters as the workspace, and provided local entrepreneur mentors and facilitators. Among them were University Trustee Stan Kowalski ’92, chair of FloDesign Companies, and Logan Carlson ’17, who launched AnyCafé, a travel brewer developed at 3DS two years ago, which has raised more than $100,000 on Kickstarter. n

This Western New England engineering team included students from five countries left to right: Sergio Rojas from Bolivia, Muhanna Al Muhanna from Saudia Arabia, Joe Wetzel from the United States, Wojciech Kochanczyk from Poland, and Srutti Garrum from India. The team developed a petfeeding device.

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 29

1/5/18 4:19 PM

SPORTS UPDATE

MIKE THEULEN STEPS DOWN AS GOLDEN BEARS DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS BY KEN CERINO

Mike Theulen, the architect behind one of the most successful and respected Division III programs in the Northeast for nearly two decades, retired as Director of Athletics on July 2, 2017. “Without Mike’s enthusiasm, determination, and drive, the University’s athletics program would never have excelled in such a remarkable way. We were so fortunate to have had Mike as our team leader since 1998. He transformed athletics at Western New England,” stated President Dr. Anthony S. Caprio. Theulen’s philosophy was “to provide a student-athlete experience second to none” with comprehensive excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and service, known as the “Western New England Way.” He made the “Athletic Family” concept the central theme of his administration and adopted the slogan, “Once a Golden Bear, always a Golden Bear.” “It has been a great ride but it is time for me to step aside. President Caprio took a chance on hiring an athletic director who had no direct prior experience. I cannot thank him enough for his support. I am really going to miss our outstanding student-athletes. They have been great role models on the field, in the classroom, and in community service,” said Theulen. Western New England captured 63 conference crowns and appeared in 51 NCAA Tournaments during Theulen’s tenure. Fortytwo student-athletes earned All-American and 18 gained Academic All-American recognition. Hundreds earned accolades for their accomplishments both on the playing fields and in the classroom. Theulen and his staff started the Downes Athletic Hall of Fame, Girls and Women in Sports Day, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, Captains Council, and sports recognition banquets. The Keene, NH native played an integral role in the construction of Golden Bear Stadium, Trelease Memorial Baseball Park, Softball Park, and the Flynn Family Golden Bear Pavilion. He organized the Golden Bear Club and annual Golf Classic, which raised significant funds. Theulen served two stints as men’s basketball coach leading his 2006-07 squad to a 22-8 record that tied as the second highest win total in program history and the ECAC New England Tournament title, the program’s first-ever post-season crown. Former senior associate director of athletics Joe Sassi has taken over the position on a one-year appointment as Western New England conducts a national search for Theulen’s successor.

“Mike was exactly what the Western New England athletics program needed. He is such a high energy individual that his excitement and enthusiasm spread from coaches to students to staff, faculty, trustees, alumni, and friends of the school. Under his leadership, the program quickly became first class and was soon competing for division titles and NCAA championship berths!” — RICK DIRUZZA, FORMER VICE PRESIDENT OF STUDENT AFFAIRS AND DEAN OF STUDENTS

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 30

THE COMMUNICATOR

WINTER 2018

1/5/18 4:19 PM

HALL OF FAME BY BRIAN FITZGERALD G’16

Homecoming 2017 featured the induction of four individuals and a team into the Downes Athletic Hall of Fame.

The 2007 men’s lacrosse team

The 2007 men’s lacrosse team, longtime contributors Lisa ’83/G’90 and Bruce ’83/G’90 Bachmann, softball player Jackie Shedlock Kapusta ’05, and baseball and football player Justin Walz ’10 were honored for their contributions to Western New England Athletics at an induction ceremony and dinner event during Homecoming weekend at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow, MA. Following the induction, the University announced the establishment of the Downes Athletic Hall of Fame Society, which serves to further strengthen the connection of Downes Athletic Hall of Fame inductees to each other and to the campus community.

2007 MEN’S LACROSSE TEAM

JACKIE SHEDLOCK KAPUSTA ’05

The 2007 Western New England University men’s lacrosse team laid the foundation for a program that is now one of the most respected—not just in the region, but in all of NCAA Division III. The Golden Bears finished with a program-record 17 wins (17-1 overall), while their .944 winning percentage ranked second among 130 schools. They also finished fourth nationally in scoring defense (5.78) and sixth in scoring margin (7.39).

One of the most dominant pitchers in the history of the softball program, Jackie ranks in the top third of almost every career pitching category, including first in batting average against (.165), second in strikeouts (576) and earned run average (0.99) and third in wins (60). A three-time All-Conference and two-time All-Region performer, Jackie’s teams went 138-33-1, won four straight GNAC championships, and appeared in the NCAA Tournament each year during her four-year career.

DONORS LISA ’83/G’90 AND BRUCE ’83/G’90 BACHMANN The Bachmanns, who earned both their undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University, have been instrumental in their support of numerous athletic department initiatives over the years, including the construction of the Flynn Family Golden Bear Pavilion. Lisa and Bruce have also been tireless advocates for the advancement and growth of women’s athletics programs at the University, as well as crucial supporters of both the Golden Bear Club and the Athletic Department Golf Tournament.

JUSTIN WALZ ‘10 Justin excelled as a quarterback, as well as a second baseman on the baseball diamond. He earned All-Conference honors in both sports and was named Western New England’s Coca Cola Co-Male Athlete of the Year in 2008. Justin started 31 of the 34 games that he appeared in at quarterback, setting program records for passing attempts (1019), completions (581), yards (6911), and touchdowns (39). He was also a threat to run, racking up 989 yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground.

1. Lisa ’83/G’90 and Bruce ’83/G’90 Bachmann with President Anthony S. Caprio 2. Jackie Shedlock Kapusta ’05 (second from right) with interim Athletics Director Joe Sassi, Jackie’s former teammate Michelle Boss ’05, and softball coach Lori Mayhew-Wood ’95 (right)

3. Football and baseball standout Justin Walz ’10

Visit www.goldenbear.com for more information. wne.edu/alumni

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 31

1/5/18 4:19 PM

CLASS NOTES

GRAGNOLATI ’82

Winter 2018

SAGAR ’84

COUGHLIN ’88

PIN ’90

1977 GEORGE RUSSELL (management) was appointed CEO of the digital strategy company PureRED | Ferrara. He has previously held leadership roles at such corporations as The Gillette Company, Schick & Wilkinson Sword, and Duane Reade.

1979 Last spring John Paton ’66 came to the University to visit with his granddaughter Payton North ’17 and President Anthony S. Caprio. This was the first time John had been back on campus since his graduation! Payton is now an assistant editor at Reminder Publications in East Longmeadow, MA.

Craig Nakashian ’00 was elected the 2017-18 president of the Faculty Senate at Texas A&M University-Texarkana, where he has taught history since 2010. He is pictured at that university’s Commencement ceremony last May.

RANDY S. ECONOMIDY (marketing) has retired after a long and successful sales/ management career in the CPG & pharmaceutical industries. He spent the majority of his career with Johnson & Johnson and inVentiv Health. He and his wife, Laurie, reside in The Villages, FL.

1982 BRIAN GRAGNOLATI (MBA) was named the chair-elect designate of the American Hospital Association, and will assume the chairmanship in 2019. He is currently the president and CEO of Atlantic Health System in Morristown, NJ. FRANK WOLAK (mechanical engineering) was promoted to vice president of sales– Americas at FuelCell Energy. He previously man

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 32

THE COMMUNICATOR

NEE ’02

aged government affairs and business development for utilities in the U.S.

1984 SEBASTIAN AMATO (marketing) was inducted into the New Britain (CT) Sports Hall of Fame for his extraordinary high school, collegiate, and coaching careers in wrestling. He is a specialty pharmacy accountant executive at CVS Specialty. WILLIE DEESE (MBA), retired president of Merck’s manufacturing division, was honored by North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University with the dedication of a clock tower named for him and his wife, Carol. WILLIAM McGRAIL (MBA) was appointed the chairperson of the Hospitality Insurance Group’s Board of Directors. Prior to the appointment, he had served as director and vice chairperson since 1996. NAVIN SAGAR (MBA) was named the vice president and national director of transit systems, at AECOM, a transportation engineering firm in Houston. He previously was the associate vice president and national director at T.Y. Lin International in Houston.

WINTER 2018

1/5/18 4:19 PM

1985

1995

DOREEN COLE (accounting) was named vice president of finance at ICON Management Services, Inc. in Bradenton, FL. She recently moved with her husband to Florida from New York, where she was a certified public accountant.

THOMAS WALBRIDGE (MBA) was appointed the CFO of Community Health Programs in Berkshire County, MA. He is also the founder and operator of LuckBridge Sports, LLC, a company that makes baseball and basketball affordable and inclusive.

1987 MICHAEL LAUZIER (government) was appointed president and chief executive officer of the Serenity Foundation, Inc., which provides housing for homeless veterans. CARL STILES (mechanical engineering) was named the director of the Memorial Union at the University of Rhode Island. He was previously the dean of student life at Husson University in Bangor, ME.

1988 MATTHEW COUGHLIN (mechanical engineering) was appointed the Escambia County (FL) assistant county administrator. He previously served as the assistant director of the Pensacola International Airport. ERIC REMINGTON (accounting) was promoted from vice president of investor relations to vice president of government relations and communications at Kaman Corporation in Bloomfield, CT.

1990 ROXIE PIN (MBA) joined New England Public Radio as senior major gifts officer. She previously headed the Barrington Stage Company’s development department in Pittsfield, MA.

1996 CHERYL FASANO (accounting/ MBA G’04) is now president and CEO of the Board of Directors of Mental Health Association, Inc. (MHA) in Springfield, MA. She has been at MHA since 2013, serving as CFO and later COO. LAWRENCE ROONEY (MS criminal justice administration) was promoted from assistant commandant in the Office of Student Life at Norwich University to the chief of security. ALEXANDER SCOTT (business management) was elected the 2017 secretary of the Connecticut Funeral Directors Association. He is the funeral director and director of public relations and marketing at Duksa Family Funeral Homes in Newington, CT.

1998 COL. LYLE DREW (MBA) is now the wing commander of the 78th Air Base Wing of Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. He was previously commander of the 49th Maintenance Group at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.

Cassandra Waterhouse G’12/G’14 MASTER IN ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT/MBA Engineer ISO New England Springfield, MA

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? At ISO New England, your job involves working towards Forward Capacity Market changes. What goes into making sure you meet the future demand for electricity? “The purpose of the Forward Capacity Market is to ensure that we have enough capacity, the ability to produce electricity, in New England, three years in the future. To do this, we forecast out how much capacity will be needed and establish what is currently available. Then we determine what other resources, such as generators, imports, and demand resources, will be able to provide capacity in the future. We then hold an auction to determine what mix of resources will be able to provide us the needed capacity at the least expensive price.”

How has obtaining two advanced degrees been fulfilling both in terms of your career and your life? “I consider myself a lifelong learner and obtaining advanced degrees was important for my personal growth. It creates a sense of accomplishment and reminds you that you can do anything you set your mind to. Both degrees opened my mind to new possibilities at work and in life. It honed my problem solving skills and gave me the tools to handle whatever life throws at me in different and creative ways.”

How would you describe your time here at the University? “My undergraduate degree was completed at a large university. It was very interesting to compare it to a small university like Western New England. My class sizes were small and I got a lot of personal attention from my professors. My classmates were also lifelong learners who were driven to better themselves, so it was really motivating to work with them. I enjoyed my time here and I would recommend the advanced degree programs to anyone who wants to advance themselves in a nurturing, creative environment surrounded by wonderful, like-minded people.”

wne.edu/alumni

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 33

1/5/18 4:19 PM

Kyle MacIlvain ’13

Keep Connected with Our Alumni Community

MATHEMATICS

Find us online @wnealumni

IM Software Engineer Senior Specialist Cigna Bloomfield, CT

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? You have held several different positions within Cigna. How has your perspective of the company changed as you’ve experienced different roles? “My current position is within Cigna’s Information Management organization working as a software engineer. I’ve also spent time in project management and have been in charge of building products for our national sales team to use in winning new business. As I’ve come to see the software development lifecycle through these lenses, I’ve grown to understand just how valuable IT is in bringing continual improvement and innovation within the healthcare business. Most of our business capabilities are highly dependent on the efficiency of our IT teams and products.”

How has Western New England prepared you to adapt to different roles and thrive in the company? “No matter the role, I think much of my success has come down to three key skills: being able to solve challenging problems, being able to communicate effectively, and being able to lead others. My coursework helped me approach problems analytically; and group projects, presentations, and campus activities helped kick start my growth in the other two skillsets.”

What advice would you give to students looking to use math and technology in their careers? “For two years in a row Glassdoor has labeled the data scientist as the top job in America. I can’t think of a better career path for those interested in math and technology, given this job is full of interesting and challenging problems. I recommend students get a foundation in probability, statistics, linear algebra, calculus, and computer science. For those new to programming, Python is a great place to start, as it’s beginner friendly and used heavily within the data science community. Likewise, Kaggle is an excellent resource that provides public datasets designed for data analysis.”

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 34

THE COMMUNICATOR

1999 KATHI DONAHUE (MBA) joined Polish National Credit Union as senior vice president of commercial lending. She previously held the same position at Westfield Bank in Chicopee, MA. COL. KERRY GILPIN (law enforcement) has been appointed Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police by Governor Charlie Baker. The 23-year veteran is the second woman ever to lead the 2,100-member force.

2000 LORIANN KILLORAN (psychology) was named Advocate of the Year by the Massachusetts District Attorneys Association and the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance for her 17 years of dedicated work as a victim-witness advocate in the Worcester, MA, District Attorney’s office.

MICHEAL STRATTON (political science/management) is now chair of the Faculty Senate at the University of North Carolina Asheville, where he teaches management and is an associate editor for the Journal of Management Education.

2001 DAVID GECOYA (criminal justice administration) was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2017 by the Saugus (MA) Police Department for his bravery in a police chase and shootout with a bank robber in 2012. The Horses and Heroes Foundation also named a police horse after the lieutenant detective.

2002 KELLY NEE (law enforcement) became the first female police chief at Boston University. Previously, she was deputy superintendent of the Boston Police Department Bureau of Intelligence and Analysis, where she developed training and deployment plans after the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.

WINTER 2018

1/5/18 4:19 PM

WYSTEPEK ’02

CHAMPLAIN ’07

PACUNAS ’08

DOHERTY ’11

POLI ’11

PRZYBYSZ ’15

Sam Orvis ’11, a manufacturing engineer and product developer at the Orvis Rod Factory in Manchester, VT, was recently featured by Bloomberg Media after his company unveiled what it claimed to be the finest fly-fishing rod ever made.

DANIEL WYSTEPEK (marketing) was promoted to director of recruitment at Bryant University. He was previously the associate director of admission.

2003 JOSEPH GWOREK (business/ sport management) converted a former school in Naugatuck, CT, into a new fitness club to expand his business, The Club Health & Fitness, which he founded in 2005.

2004 ANTHONY FONTAINE (marketing) was appointed vice president and regional manager at United Bank in West Springfield, MA. He was previously the senior vice president and director of retail banking at Florence Bank in Florence, MA.

2005 CHRISTOPHER PURCELL (government) completed his doctorate in higher education leadership and policy at Vanderbilt University.

2007

2009

MALIK CHAMPLAIN (history) was named to the Hartford Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty list. He is an author, adult parole officer, and motivational speaker with his own company, Community Bridge Builders, LLC, in Manchester, CT.

JESSICA JORALEMON (marketing) was named director of special events for the Meeting Professionals International Northeastern New York Chapter. She is currently the manager of events and marketing communications at Auto/Mate Dealership Systems in Albany, NY.

2008 KEVIN PACUNAS (law enforcement) was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant in the Belchertown (MA) Police Department. JAMES TIERNEY (economics) was awarded the 2017-2018 Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence Teaching Project Grant for his submission, with others, titled “Improving Pedagogy through Improv Theatre.” He teaches economics at Pennsylvania State University.

2011 ERIN DOHERTY (sport management/ MBA G’15) was appointed the head women’s lacrosse coach at Upper Iowa University. She was previously a case worker for the American Red Cross. MARISSA MASSA (marketing communication/advertising) was promoted from coordinator to production manager at Mustache TV, a content strategist company in Brooklyn, NY.

wne.edu/alumni

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 35

AIMEE O’CONNELL (psychology) was appointed assistant director of admissions at Bryant University. She was the assistant director of admissions for athletic recruitment at Mount Ida College previously. NICOLE POLI (psychology) is a player on the Boston Storm of the United States Women’s Lacrosse League. She also coaches the Mount Ida College women’s lacrosse and field hockey teams. BRITTANY RICHARD (sport management) was appointed associate director of annual giving at Connecticut College. She was previously the associate director of The Wesleyan Fund at Wesleyan University.

1/5/18 4:19 PM

At a celebration for David Jacobs ’15/G’17 earning his MBA last June: (L-R) Steve Day ’14, Jack Richards ’15/ PharmD’17, David Martin ’81, David Jacobs ’15/G’17, his dad Scott Jacobs ’81, John Sugrue ’15/ PharmD’17, Adam McKay ’16, and Anthony Smith ’16.

ARMSTRONG ’16

COLÓN-KWEDOR ’17

2012 CHRIS MASTRIANNI (criminal justice), deputy of the Richland County, SC, police force, is a recurring officer on A&E’s documentary series “Live PD” and became a fan favorite after saving a suspect’s two-year-old daughter from being used as a shield by the suspect during an arrest.

2013 JUSTIN LAVERRIERE (MBA) has joined Mechanics Savings Bank, Brunswick (ME) region as vice president and commercial loan officer. He previously was the assistant vice president and business relationship officer of The First Bancorp in Maine.

2014 EMILY EDDY (pharmacy studies/PharmD’16) is a clinical pharmacist in the outpatient pharmacy of the Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System. She has been working for the VA since graduation.

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 36

2015

2016

AUBRIE PRZYBYSZ (communication) was appointed the customer success manager at Drafted, a technology start-up company in Boston, that creates software to help companies hire through referrals. She previously was the senior community manager/membership program manager at Tablelist in Boston.

KELSEY ARMSTRONG (secondary education–English) was named assistant coach of the University of Hartford women’s volleyball team.

JESSICA SCANNAPIECO (communication) was named the women’s lacrosse head coach at Johnson & Wales University. She previously served as head coach of women’s lacrosse at Elms College.

2017 CANDICE COLÓN-KWEDOR (Ph.D. behavioral analysis) was appointed director of professional development and research at Behavioral Concepts, Inc. in Worcester, MA. She was previously the senior clinical director of the May Institute’s May Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities in Randolph, MA.

Stay Connected! Send your class note to:

THE COMMUNICATOR

PAUL HARRIS (sport management/marketing) is now the community relations coordinator for the Worcester (MA) Railers Hockey Club. He interned with the minor league team as an undergraduate. ANDREW MULVEY (finance) was appointed an investment analyst for the wealth management fund Rex Capital Advisors, LLC in Providence, RI. He was previously the auxiliary harbor master in Bristol, RI. CHARLES VENEZIA (sport management) was appointed an account executive in the front office of the Springfield (MA) Thunderbirds of the American Hockey League.

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

WINTER 2018

1/5/18 4:19 PM

Baby Golden Bears 1. William Angles, November 28, 2016, to VALENTIN ANGLES PharmD’17 2. Zion Acquah, January 3, 2017, to KWEKU ACQUAH PharmD’16/MBA’16 and Hanna Acquah 3. Abigail Elizabeth Martin, March 17, 2017, to ASHLEY (LYNCH) MARTIN ’10 and MICHAEL MARTIN ’10

In Memoriam

4. Parker James Lubas, April 23, 2017, to ELIZABETH (PLANTE) LUBAS ’09 and Nathan Lubas 5. Alexander Joseph Fratoni, June 5, 2017, to KRYSTAL FRATONI ’04 and BRYAN FRATONI ’04

Dr. John M. Coulter

6. Sara Brooklyn Wystepek, September 20, 2017, to CHRISTOPHER WYSTEPEK ’02 /G’09 and Heather Wystepek

It is with sadness that the University reports that Dr. John Coulter, associate dean of the College of Business and professor of Accounting, passed away on October 21, 2017.

Dr. Coulter, of Lee, MA, was an associate professor in the College of Business from September 1, 1997 until June 30, 2006. He was then director of the MSA Program and professor of Accounting from July 1, 2006 to July 5, 2008, and became the chair of Accounting & Finance and professor of Accounting from July 2008 to June 2017. On July 1, 2017, Dr. Coulter was named to his present post. The University held a memorial service on November 29. In lieu of flowers, his family asked that donations be made to Western New England University for the John M. Coulter Excellence in Accounting Award, or to the Berkshire Humane Society.

A life long advocate of learning and teaching, Dr. Coulter is remembered as loving, humorous, and kind—a son, brother, husband, father, friend, and a mentor to hundreds of students over three-plus decades of teaching. Born in Pittsfield, MA, he graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1981. He attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he received his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in Accounting, all with highest honors. For the past 20 years, Dr. Coulter pursued his passion of teaching and mentoring students from all walks of life at Western New England University. In 2005 he became a CPA, earning the designation’s highest exam score in Massachusetts that year. He traveled all over the country presenting on higher education topics, connecting with his peers, and tirelessly working to improve business education for students everywhere.

Dr. Coulter is survived by his wife, Lisa, of Lee: his daughter, Heather Kemp ’10; and son-in-law Jonathan Kemp ’08 of Holliston, MA.

wne.edu/alumni

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 37

1/5/18 4:19 PM

7 8

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 38

THE COMMUNICATOR

WINTER 2018

1/5/18 4:19 PM

Marriages ALYSSA OBIN ’12 and MICHAEL GITTLEMAN ’11, April 29, 2017, in Kingston, MA WENDY (UYEN) NGUYEN ’14/ PHARMD’17 and Robert Busse, February 2, 2017, in Medford, OR TERESA SPAZIANI ’12 and FRANK LIBERTI II ’12/G’13, May 7, 2017, in Middletown, CT KATY VOGL ’11 and SAM ORVIS ’11, August 5, 2017, in Cazenovia, NY NICOLE BIRCHENOUGH ’15 and PAUL MARCONI ’15/G’17, December 30, 2016, in Lowville, NY EMMA THOMSON ’09/G’12 and SCOTT HARRINGTON ’09, June 11, 2016, in Westfield, MA HANNAH FAULKNER ’14 and BRIAN CLARK ’14, May 27, 2017, in Bolton, CT STEPHANIE HART ’12 and BRIAN SCHULTZ ’13, March 19, 2017, in Plymouth, MA Not Pictured CHRISTINA FARESE ’10 and MICHAEL SCHAPP ’10, August 28, 2017, in Middletown, RI 1. (L-R) First row: Peter Zimmerman ’12, Amanda (Shom) Zimmerman ’12, Caroline (Bitters) Page ’13, Laura Wickson ’13, Mike Schapp ’10, Ben Favreau ’11, Ashley Tsalapatanis ’11, EJ Marchitto ’11, Matt Guiry ’11, Andrew Bickford ’11, and Dave Gay ’12/G’13. Second row: Kate Post ’10, Alyx Raffo ’12, Christina (Farese) Schapp ’10, Ashley Stolarik ’12, bride Alyssa (Obin) Gittleman ’12, groom Mike Gittleman ’11, Victoria (Lospinuso) Beebe ’10, Justin Gordon ’11, and Kelsie Walker ’12 2. (L-R) Bride Wendy (Uyen) Nguyen Busse ’14/PharmD’17 and groom Robert Busse 3. (L-R) Kevin Joslyn ’12, Monika (Rutana) Moccio ’12, bride Teresa Spaziani ’12, groom Frank Liberti II ’12/G’13, Jen Tempone ’10, Mike McManus ’12, and Frank Liberti ’76

4. (L-R) Front row: Spencer Shumway ’12/G’13, David Griffin ’11/G’16, Ian Fay ’11/G’17, groom Sam Orvis ’11, bride Katy (Vogl) Orvis ’11, Amanda (Viets) Mercier ’11, Matt Siok ’11, Megan (Olver) Siok ’11, Shannon (Doherty) Dowling ’11, Audrey (Faulborn) Feci ’11, and Jenna (Anderson) Lucas ’11. Second row: Andrew McGrath ’11, Bill Walczak ’11, Samantha Vigliotti ’11, Lauren Strick ’11, David Perley ’11, Kiera (Duffy) Gudmand ’10, Greg Pappas ’11, Melyssa Anderson, Rachel (Bradshaw) Griffin ’11, Aimee O’Connell ’11, and Kaela Jalbert ’11. Third row: Tim Conrod ’11/G’13, Andrew Fatse ’11, Christian Gudmand ’11, Tim Mercier ’11, and Mike Lawlor ’12 5. (L-R) Tim Pompa ’15, Jon Staruk ’15, Kaitlyn Bernard ’15, Nick Boileau ’15, Zack Chyra ’15, Danielle Beauregard ’17, Becca Ludecke ’15, swim coach Andrea Daley, Gianna Albanese ’15, Allison Ryan ’16, Brian McLaughlin ’15, Shane Mulcahy ’15, Nick Avery ’15, Todd Thompson ’15/PharmD’17, Erik Carlson ’15, groom Paul Marconi ’15/G’17, Chelsea Miemiec ’15, bride Nicole Birchenough ’15, Tyler Lesco ’15, Chad Woodrow ’15, David Venegas ’15, Alexa D’Errico ’16, Nick Chiasson ’15, and Kellyn Goldberger ’15 6. (L-R) Bride Emma ThompsonHarrington ’09 and groom Scott Harrington ’09 7. (L-R) Front row: Meagan Harrington ’14/G’16, Jessica Nowak ’15, Sarah Magner ’15, and Virginia Maldonado ’14. Second row: John MacGovern ’14, Taj Tallarico, Matt Dziekan, Jackson Maroni ’14, Keith Hill ’15, groom Brian Clark ’14, bride Hannah (Faulkner) Clark ’14, Dominic Facchini ’14, Tom Frisbie ’14, Ryan Bakes ’14, and Ashley Flood ’14 8. (L-R) Front row: Kara Beaulieu ’13, Patrick Pilkons ’13, groom Brian Schultz ’13, bride Stephanie (Hart) Schultz ’12, Jackie Buczkowski ’12, and Hannah Berling ’13. Second row: Stephen Rizzo ’13, Derek Beaulieu ’13, Chris Milanesi ’12, Michael Cialdea ’14, and Keith Lipinski ’12

wne.edu/alumni

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 39

Ronelson Lovaincy ’08 MARKETING COMMUNICATION/ADVERTISING AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Assistant Product Manager—Training Footwear New Balance Brighton, MA

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? What does your work at New Balance entail? “One of the most important aspects of my work is knowing who our target customers are. By gathering insight through focus groups and market shopping, as well as tracking consumer trends (in my case the training, lacrosse, and tennis athlete), I get a good picture of who the customer is and what they want. I collaborate with our design and development team to bring new concepts and designs of footwear to market and work with key internal merchandisers to ensure account requests and expectations are met. I also present future products to different accounts and buyers for their consideration.” How did your time at the University help you thrive and succeed at New Balance? “I graduated in 2008 during a really tough job market due to the housing and auto market crashes. It was my time with my basketball team that taught me the fundamentals of working through any type of adversity. Coach Mike Theulen always preached ‘control the things you can control,’ and that’s a motto I still live by. My job is team-oriented and I rely heavily on all parties to do their part to ensure a successful shoe launch. So constant communication and being transparent is a must, as is fostering strong relationships.”

You were also very involved with U&ME — how did that organization impact your time at Western New England? “I grew up in a very diverse city and U&ME was a connection to back home. Our advisor, Yvonne Bogle, is an amazing person and knew how hard of an adjustment it could be for anyone when they get to college, and was very supportive.”

1/5/18 4:19 PM

In Memoriam

The magazine has received notice of the deaths of the following members of the Western New England University family. GEORGE D. ROBINSON JR. ’47/H’01 (engineering and business), Agawam, MA; May 9 2017

PETER DENNIS TOWLE ’70 (business administration), West Springfield, MA; June 16, 2017

JOHN CHOPYK ’59 (engineering and business), Easthampton, MA; January 11, 2017

THOMAS PECK JR. ’71 (MBA), West Suffield, CT; January 24, 2017

FREDERICK F. GROLL ’61 (mechanical engineering), West Springfield; March 14, 2017

GERALD F. GOLDRICK ’71 (biomedical engineering), Suffield, CT; September 27, 2017

PAUL K. PREMO ’64 (MBA), Fitchburg, MA; February 23, 2017 EUGENE C. SOUTHWORTH ’64 (industrial engineering), Hendersonville, NC; January 17, 2017 WILLIAM CLARK ’66 (engineering and management), Jenson Beach, FL; February 16, 2017 MURRAY W. RANDALL ’66 (MBA), Berkley, MA; June 18, 2017 SALVATORE G. INGALLINERA ’68 (MBA), Palmetto, FL; May 31, 2017 JOHN S. RYS ’68 (accounting), Dalton, MA; February 26, 2017 WALTER W. FORBUSH JR. ’69 (mechanical engineering), Southampton, MA; August 25, 2016

CARMINO F. ALBANO ’72 (management), Springfield, MA; May 23, 2017 PAUL R. BRICKER ’72 (psychology), Easthampton, MA; April 4, 2017 ROBERT R. DRISCOLL SR. ’72 (MBA), Springfield, MA; February 5, 2017 ALAN T. TAUPIER ’72 (accounting), Holyoke, MA; July 25, 2017 MICHAEL C. CORDI ’75/G’80 (chemistry/MBA), Suffield, CT; September 1, 2016 DENNIS J. HAWRYLKO ’75 (MBA), Marlborough, CT; June 9, 2017 CARL W. ECKBLOM ’76 (MBA), Branford, CT; June 19, 2017

JANICE E. WRIGHT ’76 (sociology), Longwood, FL; April 8, 2017

CRAIG P. TRACY ’86 (accounting), Wilbraham, MA; April 15, 2017

PATRICK C. CONNOLLY ’77 (MBA), Hingham, MA; May 7, 2017

LOUIS F. HAUCK ’87 (engineering management), Bradford, OH; July 10, 2017

JOAN FOURNIER ’77 (marketing), Springfield, MA; July 14, 2017

PERLEY L. KENT ’87/G’89 (management/MBA), Groton, CT; January 31, 2017

WILLIAM G. IZATT ’78 (management), South Hadley, MA; February 21, 2017

EARL J. POTTER II ’87/G’96 (mechanical engineering/ engineering management), Ludlow, MA; July 15, 2017

MELVIN O. LISS ’78 (MBA), San Antonio, TX; October 1, 2016 DAVID B. CROSIER ’79 (MBA), Westborough, MA; February 11, 2017 FRANCIS J. REARDON ’79 (mechanical engineering), South Hadley, MA; April 28, 2016 WILLIAM GOMEZ ’80 (BSBA), Lewisburg, PA; July 7, 2016 JEANNE KERRIGAN ’82/G’85 (public administration/MBA), York Beach, ME; January 19, 2017 JOHN C. YEZEWSKI ’82 (accounting), East Longmeadow, MA; February 5, 2017

ELIZABETH (HANAWALT) ARMSTRONG ’89 (MBA), Altoona, PA; April 16, 2017

HARRY C. TOMINEY JR. ’91 (law enforcement), Milton, MA; July 27, 2017

CHRISTIAN M. QUATRONE ’95 (government), Agawam, MA; June 12, 2017

GARY E. HARRINGTON ’99 (MBA), Wakefield, MA; May 25, 2017

DAVID M. ANNIS ’00 (law enforcement), Dracut, MA; July 13, 2017

MICHAEL PAUL SWAIL ’04 (mechanical engineering), Middleboro, MA; May 28, 2017 NORMAN C. ZUK ’06 (law enforcement), Danvers, MA; January 13, 2017

JOHN A. TATRO ’76 (electrical engineering), Pittsfield, MA; December 16, 2016

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

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 40

THE COMMUNICATOR

F k

WINTER 2018

1/5/18 4:19 PM

REMEMBER WHEN

Millennial Bed Race Celebration The Hampden Hall Council won the annual Bed Race during the 2000 Family Weekend (what is now Family and Friends Weekend). Political Science Professor William Mandel donated the trophy that year and the coveted prize has been awarded annually since then. Team member Ethan Hodge ’04/G’05 thinks that this same bed won four years in a row. Is it true? Or is this a memory clouded by residence hall pride? The Bed Race was begun by students in 1983 as an activity strictly for residence halls, but over the years the event was expanded to include clubs and organizations.

Upcoming Events Visit wne.edu/alumni

JANUARY

APRIL

27 Hockey Reunion, Springfield, MA 27-28 Great Wolf Lodge and Water Park Alumni Getaway, Fitchburg, MA

13 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets featuring The Hartford Symphony at The Bushnell with pre-show alumni reception

FEBRUARY 15 Career Development Webinar Networking on LinkedIn Monthly series begins (Online) MARCH 6-7 WNEgives Community Giving Event (Online or On Campus) 9 RealTest: College of Business Senior Competition, Springfield, MA 21 Brew & Gold Alumni Beer Tasting Private event exclusively for WNE alumni at Iron Duke Brewing, Ludlow, MA

27 Mark Coffey Memorial Golf Outing, Westfield, MA MAY 19 Undergraduate Student Commencement, Springfield, MA 20 Graduate Student Commencement, Springfield, MA 25 50th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament JUNE 2 10th Annual Coach Burns Bowling Scholarship Tournament, East Longmeadow, MA

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

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 41

1/5/18 4:19 PM

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAI D 1215 Wilbraham Road Springfield, MA 01119-2684

Springfield, MA Permit No. 896

wne.edu

Alumni Outlook is Going Digital! Homecoming Save the Dates… alumni events in your area… exciting news from campus… get the need-to-know Western New England University information online with the new digital Alumni Outlook enewsletter coming this April! Don’t miss an issue—send your email address to Katie DeBeer, director of alumni engagement, at katie.debeer@wne.edu.

106960_WNE_Winter.indd 2

1/5/18 4:19 PM