EASTERN THE MAGAZINE OF EASTERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
Volume 2, Issue
Fall 2004
In this issue
Eastern’s 114th Commencement
Cecile Allen ’32 and her great grand-daughter Alison Blanchard ’07
Fall 2004 Volume 2, Issue 1
Eastern’s Bowlathon on March 13, 2004, at Willi Bowl raised more than $12,000 to support scholarships for area students. Ten ECSU Foundation Community Scholarships were awarded for the 2004-2005 academic year to students from Dayville, Norwich, Middletown, Marlborough, Hampton, Columbia, Mansfield, Coventry, Manchester, and Lebanon.
Students, staff, alumni, area businesses, and friends gathered donations and donned bowling shoes to compete for donated prizes. Kellie Schimmelpfenning, a local student with family ties to the Eastern staff, again raised the most donations, collecting $500.
In this issue:
Departments:
Cecile Lafreniere ’32 ....... 2-4
New Majors .................12-13
Campus News ..... 14-16
Lorraine Weil ’79 ...............5
Humanics Program .......... 17
Athletics ...............22-24
Qimin Liu ..................... 6-7
Adams & Martinez .... 18-19
Philanthropy .......25-26
Commencement 2004 ........ 8
Media Graduates ........ 20-21
Alumni News .......27-30
Craddock ’04 & Gómez..... 9
Marilyn Lowney ..............30
Class Notes ................31
Visual Arts ...................10-11
The Last Word .......... 32
Editor’s Note
I hope you like this second issue of Eastern magazine. Although we certainly want you to enjoy reading the magazine, you can participate more actively if you would like. For one thing, if you are an alumnus, I encourage you to update friends on your activities and achievements by sending in information for Class Notes, in care of Joy Goff in the Office of Alumni Affairs. If you are aware of the accomplishments of other Eastern alumni, faculty members, staff, or current students and think they deserve some “ink,” let me know and we will consider the story for future publication.
We also love to get photographs, current or historical, of Eastern family members and ⁄ or of the campus. Be sure to include caption information, and feel free to send us either color prints or digital images. You can be part of telling the Eastern story! We look forward to hearing from you.
Edward Osborn Director, Office of University Relations (860) 465-5043 osborne@easternct.edu
Staff and Contributors Editor
Edward H. Osborn
Carla Francis
Andres Hidalgo
Publication Manager
Joy Goff
Photographers
Director of University Relations
Patrick J. Johnson
Coordinator of Design and Publications Writers ⁄ Contributors
Dwight Bachman Public Relations Officer
Kenneth J. DeLisa
Vice President, Institutional Advancement
University Associate, University Relations Director, Alumni Relations
Pauline T. McDougall
Director of Institutional Advancement
Robert Molta
Student Employee, University Relations
Nick Lacy
Photographer, University Relations
Ken Sayers
Student Employee, Campus Lantern
Sports Information Director
Lana Pontbriant
Associate Director, Alumni Affairs
Fall 2004 • 3
Cecile dressed for a party while a student at the Willimantic Normal School (circa 1930).
A Walk rough Time
Cecile Lafreniere Allen ’32 returns to campus as the family keeps the teaching tradition alive. by Pauline T. McDougall; photos by Nick Lacy and from the collection of Cecile I. Allen
Speaking with alumni is often like taking a trip back through time. Recently, I was fortunate to take just such a trip with Cecile Lafreniere Allen ’32 through the past of northeastern Connecticut and Eastern Connecticut State University. The Lafrenieres were one of many French-Canadian families who lived in northeastern Connecticut in the early 900s, working in the region’s textile mills. Moise, a mule spinner who later became a supervisor in the local cotton mills, and his wife, Dorilla, a homemaker, settled in Occum with their three children, Ernest, Cecile, and Jeanette. Quick-witted and intelligent Cecile skipped two grades in the Occum elementary school. In an era when many children went only as far as the sixth grade before they went to work, Cecile and her siblings completed high school, receiving diplomas from Norwich Free Academy. Cecile clearly remembers the vitality of the small mill towns and the strong French-Canadian presence when she was growing up; many people spoke only French. She happily 4 • Fall 2004
recalls the family gatherings, church outings, and “May Basket” parties of her youth. It was at a May Basket party that a 3-year-old Cecile met her future husband, Donald Allen. Imagine life in 930. Herbert Hoover was president, the country was just entering the Great Depression, unemployment topped 8 percent, the average annual salary was approximately $,300, and Cecile Lafreniere first graced the halls of what was then known as the Willimantic Normal School (WNS). Cecile was the first in her family to advance beyond high school. With her passion for learning and her love of children, she decided on WNS — now Eastern Connecticut State University — to achieve her dream of becoming a teacher. Her earliest recollection of wanting to teach was as a five-year-old playing school with her dolls and other youngsters on the back steps of her family’s home. Cecile and her contemporaries were afforded the opportunity to attend two-year normal schools free of tuition if
Cecile (left) with friends, taking some time for extracurricular activities.
The residents of Burr Hall along with Dean Gerald, the school nurse, and nutritionist. Cecile is the young woman sitting directly behind the ‘Please keep off the grass’ sign.
Current residents of Burr Hall along with Cecile and her great-granddaughter, Allison Blanchard ’07 (to the left of Cecile).
they agreed to teach for two years within the state upon graduation. If they wanted to continue teaching after the initial two years, they were required to obtain a bachelor’s degree. Cecile recalls that room and board cost $80 every ten weeks — which was a hefty sum for her family. Cecile resided in Burr Hall and during a recent visit to Eastern, she was able to identify the room that was her home away from home. Cecile was astounded by how much the school has grown since her days on campus. Policies regarding women students then were very strict: they could not walk about freely, and visitors, including family members, were not permitted beyond the living room.
Cecile with her 1932 diploma from the Willimantic Normal School.
“We were not allowed to leave Burr, not even to go to the library, which was in the old main building (a wooden structure on the site of the current Shafer Hall that has since burned down) without signing out with the proctor in the foyer and then signing in at the library with another proctor. My father did not worry about my safety.” Cecile told of the times when Donald would pick her up from school so she could go home. “He had to greet Miss Gerald, the dean, and she would escort him into the living room until I came down from my room.” Students were not to leave campus, even to visit family, for several weeks at a time because of the hands-on training they were receiving at the Noble School, which included Fall 2004 • 5
Fellow graduates from the WNS class of 1932.
The honorary Daisy Chain lining the way for the class of 1931 (walking through the middle). Cecile was among those chosen to be a part of the Daisy Chain. Commencement took place across the street.
cleaning classrooms and preparing charts on Saturday of what was to be accomplished in the upcoming week. The students could go to Mass at St. Mary’s on Sundays, walking in a group with an escort. On a few occasions, Nurse Stone would accompany students to Main Street so they could buy essentials, like silk stockings. Cecile also remembers the fun times — hot fudge sundaes on Wednesday nights, the musical gatherings in the living room with harp and piano performances by the students. Because they could not travel at will, several would save enough money to arrange for Hallock’s to deliver the sundaes. The cost of the taxi ride for the delivery man was part of the bill. She also told of the time that she repaired runs in silk stockings for 5 cents each as a fund-raising activity. Cecile’s academic excellence was instrumental in her graduating second in her WNS class in 932. She was honored as a member of the Daisy Chain during Commencement ceremonies. The day before graduation, the senior class walked up Hosmer Mountain to pick the daisies and weave them into the chain that they carried in the procession. Cecile was delighted to have a contract to teach in Versailles in the fall of that depression year. She taught the first through fourth grades, her favorite grades, for ten years there, initially in a one-room schoolhouse and then a tworoom schoolhouse. The schoolhouses were heated by a wood stove, and drinking water was brought into the school by a bucket and the students drank from dippers. In 935, teachers were allowed to marry and keep their positions. Cecile and Donald Allen, a contractor, married that year and eventually settled in Baltic. Except for taking time off to raise their two children, Donald Jr., and Susan, Cecile taught first through eighth grades for 36 years in 6 • Fall 2004
Lisbon and Sprague — sometimes all eight grades in one classroom! The early years of teaching were filled with long hours: the preparation of daily lesson plans for various grades; writing the lessons out on the chalkboard each morning; and then teaching. During their retirement years, the Allens traveled extensively throughout Europe and the United States and wintered in Florida with a group of friends. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage before Donald died, and their family has welcomed 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Cecile celebrated her 90th birthday in 2003 at a surprise party held at Mohegan Park in Norwich. Some 25 friends, former students, and family members attended. In lieu of gifts, the guests’ donations were used to establish the Cecile I. Allen Scholarship Fund at the ECSU Foundation to benefit Eastern students majoring in elementary education. Cecile remains active, spending time with family and friends, taking walks, and occasionally reading to youngsters in Sprague schools because “children are the passion of my life.” The Allen family’s ties to teaching and to Eastern do not stop with Cecile. Her daughter-in-law, Lorraine Allen, graduated from Eastern in 973 and taught in Sprague area before her retirement. And, one of her great-grandchildren, Alison Blanchard ’07, is a current Eastern student who plans to go into teaching, much to the delight of her greatgrandmother.
Her Day in Court Lorraine Weil ’79: From Student to Federal Judge by Ed Osborn; photo by Nick Lacy
Lorraine Weil ’79 was the first female member of the Hartford law firm of Hebb & Gitlin, P.C. She left the firm in 999 to become the first woman bankruptcy judge in the District of Connecticut. How did her history degree from Eastern Connecticut State University help prepare her to make such tremendous strides in the legal profession?
She enrolled at Eastern as a nontraditional student, and “with the help of very supportive faculty, I was able to take all but one of my courses at night.” She enjoyed the other nontraditional students. “They brought interesting stuff to the table, outlooks and skill sets” different from those traditional, “college-age” students.
“Writing a good historical paper with proper supportive information is not unlike writing a legal brief,” she remarked. “And I enjoy writing.”
“I can’t say enough about the history faculty — they were all extremely supportive, especially Professor David Roth.”
Observing that her classes at the University of Connecticut School of Law included engineers, music majors, and students from other diverse undergraduate programs, Judge Weil remarked that “any course of study that causes you to read a lot and apply analytical skills” is good preparation for a career in law. She also found that her accounting and finance coursework at Eastern has been very helpful, especially in the field of bankruptcy law. Judge Weil returned to school after having her two children, Mary and Ron, Jr., and received her associate of arts degree in 975 from Manchester Community College. “I had started college right out of high school and went for two years, from 964 to 966, at New York University, where I met my husband,” she said, in explaining the gap between her sophomore and junior years of college.
Judge Weil graduated from UConn in 983, having gone through the four-year “day” program instead of the traditional three-year curriculum. “They recognized that some people have work and family responsibilities, so they let you stretch it out a bit and take a somewhat lighter course load.” What is it like being a bankruptcy judge? Most of the cases Judge Weil hears are for consumer bankruptcies: families that have seen financial difficulties, as opposed to corporate bankruptcies. The economic downturn of the past three years has seen waves of layoffs, which eventually trickled down to family pocketbooks. “Loss of a job, death of a breadwinner, illness, and divorce are the leading causes of consumer bankruptcies, and the economy definitely has impacted families.” Judge Weil summed up her work as “rewarding…in that you sometimes get to improve people’s lives, or help a business stay alive.” Fall 2004 • 7
“Under the Sky” Professor Qimin Liu captures the plight of the homeless in America. by Dwight Bachman
Qimin Liu, a native of China and professor of visual arts at Eastern Connecticut State University, has a precise style that makes his paintings appear more lifelike than photographs. This realism creates a powerful connection with his audience and has won Liu much critical acclaim. In August 2000, after having been at Eastern only three months, Liu walked off with top honors at the Connecticut Academy of Fine Arts 89th Exhibition at the Slater Museum Gallery in Norwich. He was the first Eastern faculty member to receive this honor.
Under The Sky #9.
Professor Liu shares his passion with his Visual Arts students.
But Liu’s wins more than just first-place trophies with his art. He has won the hearts of not only the art community but also of the publics who witness his work. With the 8 • Fall 2004
help of a three-year Connecticut State University (CSU) grant and an American Association of University Professors (AAUP) Minority Recruitment and Retention Program Grant from Eastern, Liu recently traveled to Boston, Philadelphia, and New York City to capture the plight of the homeless in America — the disillusioned, disenfranchised, and discarded members of our society. His latest exhibit, “Under the Sky,” is a riveting account of their conditions and circumstances, which Liu has observed since coming to the United States in 99. The detail is painstaking, even down the strands of hair in the men’s mustaches.
Under The Sky #5.
Under The Sky #8.
Liu received his bachelor of arts degree in set design at the Institute of Chinese Traditional Opera in Beijing and later worked at the Beijing Theatre. Later, he studied art at Iowa State University and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.
Liu says he has found his home at Eastern. “What I like most is that the students are hungry for knowledge. I feel very happy about helping them grow, developing their artistic techniques to use art as a medium that will convey a message and invoke a spirit in others to make this world a better place.”
Liu began producing powerful drawings of the homeless, he said, “to get society to take a closer look at people we would rather not see. These people are profound. They have a weathered texture to their skin, unruly hair, and their clothing is chaotic. I hope to transcend the purely aesthetic to communicate a deeper spiritual message, one that will be meaningful, thought-provoking, and positive in its effect.” Liu’s subjects usually reveal life challenges of some kind: alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness, or postwar syndrome. They are broken men trying to weather the storms of life, men with no roof over their heads at any time of the year. They are literally living “under the sky.” In focusing on their plight, Liu feels he can make a choice that they cannot make for themselves. “This is not about art, but about humanity. The paintings may be beautiful, but I could not paint them if I did not feel a connection. I feel the men talking to me when I paint. I feel their pain. They each have a story to tell. I try to express their spirit and their hope. And if I cannot give them hope, I try to give other people hope and inspiration to do something about this problem of homelessness.”
Liu’s efforts to capture the diversity and vitality of the homeless have won him accolades from more than 30 radio and television stations, newspapers, and magazines. He has presented in more than 60 exhibits across the country and around the world, including China. He has won more than three dozen awards and honors, including the Asian Artist Fellowship from the Vermont Studio Center; the Mabel Woodrow Wilson Memorial Award; the Gilroy Robert Scholarship from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts; the Graduate Student Award of Excellence from Iowa State University; and a fellowship from the Independence Foundation in the Arts. In its nomination of Liu for a fellowship, the Creative Artist Network declared, “Liu’s document of the plight of our urban poor, through the power of these images, gives them a compelling dignity that cannot be ignored.”
Fall 2004 • 9
Major Improvements Eastern Adds New Majors to Respond to Today’s Workplace by Andres Hidalgo
Area residents may have noticed the construction taking place at Eastern Connecticut State University — students certainly have. Two new buildings have gone up in the past year, along with numerous renovations and two more groundbreakings. And more are on the way! But buildings are by no means the only signs of growth at Eastern. To provide students with the quality education they expect and deserve, Eastern in the past year has added three new academic majors and two minors, which have been met with widespread enthusiasm from students and faculty. Additionally, the School of Continuing Education is offering several newly implemented credit and noncredit courses and certificate programs. Two new majors and a minor seek to help students meet the demands of a rapidly changing high-tech society. The Business Information Systems (BIS) major offered by the Department of Business Administration is designed to help develop student’s business and organizational strategies while offering a comprehensive technology education that reflects the telecommunications revolution. Classes focus on how new technologies are being used in the corporate world and how to manage these information systems. Upon completion of the program, students will be prepared to compete for middle- and upper-level management positions. The Department of Business Administration also added a BIS minor in spring 2004. Like the BIS major, the minor provides students with valuable skills and knowledge in the management of information systems resources. 10 • Fall 2004
Michelle O’Neill (standing) and Chanmaly Phanthalansy work on an Institute for Future Teachers Using Technology project to design a website for a country.
“These skills constitute 0–35 percent of the functions of businesses and organizations today,” according to Branko Cavarkapa, department chair, who worked on developing the program. “Instead of duplicating the goals of the BIS major, however, the minor focuses on a smaller subset of issues related to the managerial aspects of using business information systems, including the growing importance of facilitating the interaction between systems developers and end users.”
Science Professor John Toedt. “The discipline provides an in-depth introduction to the chemistry of living organisms and the experimental techniques used to investigate the structures and functions of biologically important molecules.” The Department of Health and Physical Education recently announced a new health minor. The minor is intended to complement not only physical education and sport and leisure management majors but also any major where knowledge of health concepts and principles is important for careers such as psychology, sociology, and social work. It is getting harder for working professionals to stay fit and healthy. CNN recently reported that a Harris poll shows 80 percent of people older than 25 are overweight. A solid foundation in health issues will make graduates aware of how actions affect the body.
Professor Martin Levin (sitting) and Shweta Chhetri ’04 work collaboratively in one of Eastern’s developmental biology labs.
Eastern’s new master of science degree in educational technology prepares teachers to guide future generations in the use of technologies. Those who earn the degree will have a thorough understanding of how to facilitate the use of computers in the classroom to maximize student learning. “The master of science in educational technology program creates an online and ⁄ or on-campus forum for reflective discussions on the applications of leading-edge technologies and practices,” explained David Stoloff, chair of the Department of Education. “We hope to enhance learning and teaching in educational settings in our nation’s schools and communities.”
The School of Continuing Education has expanded its course offerings by introducing several new credit and noncredit courses and certificate programs. These include a program to become a certified bookkeeper; a SHRM® (Society for Human Resource Management) certificate to increase one’s knowledge of the fundamentals of resource management; workshops on memory training, paralegal certification, pharmacy, video-game design, and health enrichment; and numerous online courses. For information, visit www.easternct.edu/ce or call (860) 465-525. “Developing new majors and other curricula is an important aspect of Eastern’s commitment to staying current with the needs of modern society,” said Dr. Dimitrios Pachis, vice president for academic affairs. “It is an act of renewal, and an indicator that our faculty see teaching and learning as a constantly evolving process.”
Eastern’s biology program is already highly regarded in the scientific workplace. “Roughly 90 percent of our graduates enter graduate ⁄ professional school programs or find employment in scientific occupations,” said Carmen Cid, chair of the Department of Biology. The new bachelor of science degree in biochemistry, being implemented in fall 2004, gives students interested in science one more reason to choose Eastern. The degree is a collaboration between the Physical Science and Biology departments. “Students majoring in biochemistry obtain a broad background from chemistry and biology courses to prepare them for the ever-evolving scientific world,” said Physical
Professor and head athletic trainer David Yeo (standing) teaching the students of HPE 370: Athletic Training, Eastern’s introductory course in the prevention and care of athletic injuries.
Fall 2004 • 11
Graduates Shine in the Media World
Christian Renstrom ’93 and Jodi Chant Latina ’94 breakthrough in different media areas
by Ed Osborn
Christian Renstrom is vice president and general manager of Marketing Resource Consultants, LLC, publishers of Hartford magazine, which celebrated its first anniversary in May 2004. Chris is a 993 graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University. Jodi Chant Latina is a news anchor ⁄ reporter for Channel 8-TV in New Haven and a 994 graduate. On May 5, 2004, Jodi interviewed Chris on “Your Weekend,” her Saturday morning TV show. Eastern magazine interviewed both of them after the show. Chris: “I was a nontraditional student. I had gone to UConn, spent some time away from school in the workforce, and then went to Eastern as a commuter. I soon discovered that the world was my oyster at Eastern. The faculty was so encouraging. They enabled students to stretch the envelope, and my own experience is a prime example. For three years, a friend and I hosted Sportline, a Monday-night sports talk show on WECS-FM, the campus radio station. We were able to interview legends like Reggie Jackson, Walter Payton, and George Foreman. We just never thought we had to hold anything back. 12 • Fall 2004
One of my favorite stories about the faculty at Eastern is the time when I had a major video project to do. I wanted to do a documentary on a boxer who had broken his neck. I remember visiting him and, despite his medical condition, he told me his dream was to return to the ring. I spent two months on this documentary. It ended up being Christmas Eve and my professor was still sitting side-byside with me in the editing suite, helping me finish the project. He had to fly to Mississippi to be with his family, but he didn’t leave me until we were done. That’s just the way the faculty are at Eastern — they are there for you, there with you.” Jodi: “Eastern is like a gem hidden in the hills. When I was considering colleges, I knew I wanted to stay in Connecticut. When I took a tour of Eastern, I was drawn to it. It was small enough that I knew I would get a lot of one-on-one attention. The campus was well kept. And then I visited the campus television studio. It was well equipped and students were right in the middle of the productions.
Eastern certainly lived up to the bill. I know I would never have received the hands-on opportunities I had at Eastern at a larger institution. I got to wear different hats, I was able to tailor the curriculum to meet my needs. What I loved about the communication faculty is they fed off of the students’ energy and helped us showcase our talents. It’s amazing to me some of the things I did while I was at Eastern. I remember Jesse Jackson was our Commencement speaker one year, and I thought, ‘What a great chance to get an interview.’ But I wasn’t sure. My professor said, ‘Why not ask?’ So I gave a note to a waitress during the Commencement luncheon and had her take it over to him — I got a 0-minute interview! With a little bit of push, you never know what you can do. At Eastern, I never felt like I was lost in the shuffle. It’s a great atmosphere, very close-knit — like a family. I still have a lot of friends from my time there. I still bump into faculty out in the community, and I still ask them for advice on things.”
Impressive Freshman Settles into New Home at Eastern Like many students entering Eastern Connecticut State University, Rebecca Conelias already has established herself as a mature scholar who also shares her talents and time with others in the community. She graduated this June from Greenwich High School and received two scholarships, one from the Greenwich Scholarship Association and one from the PTA of Greenwich. Conelias also received the Greenwich Boys and Girls Club Youth-of-the-Year Award this spring. She is an active volunteer at the club, and also interns at a local elementary school. To receive the Youth-of-the-Year Award, Conelias had to complete a lengthy application, that included nine essays, and then be interviewed by a team of four adults. In addition to the award, the Greenwich Boys and Girls Club also gave her a President’s Scholarship.
This impressive freshman wants to major in early childhood education. “I’ve worked all my life, it seems, with kids,” she explains. “I really enjoy working with younger children. They still need a lot of guidance and are a lot of fun at the same time.” When considering where to attend college, Conelias narrowed her choices to Eastern and UConn. She knew she wanted to stay in Connecticut, and liked the “quiet corner” of the state. “I really enjoyed my look at Eastern. I visited a number of classes, and the smaller sizes appealed to me. I know a couple of other students from Greenwich who have attended Eastern, and they also had good things to say about the University. Plus, the campus is very nice — the buildings are spread out and not surrounded by fences and walls like some campuses I have visited.” Conelias says she wants to explore the many clubs at Eastern to determine which volunteer activities best suit her interests. She also says she is excited to be coming to college, but “a little nervous about being in a new environment.” With the caring community of fellow learners and mentoring faculty she will find at Eastern, our guess is that Becky Conelias will feel right at home. Fall 2004 • 13
John R. MacArthur, Eastern’s 2004 Commencement speaker
Melissa Robles accepts a diploma at the 2004 Commencement exercises on behalf of her husband Jeff, who is currently serving in the Armed Forces in Iraq.
President David G. Carter walks with senior class President Christina Martinez during the “Make a Wish” tradition.
We Have a Constitutional Duty!
Eastern’s commencement speaker issues a challenge to graduates
by Andres Hidalgo photos by Nick Lacy
Most commencement speakers promise graduates bright futures and illustrious careers. Eastern’s 2004 Commencement speaker, John R. MacArthur, president and publisher of Harper’s magazine and award-winning journalist and author, made no such promises. Instead, he issued a challenge to Eastern’s graduating class: “As American citizens, we’re supposed to do better than ‘go along to get along.’ We have a constitutional duty to participate in our own governance. In theory and in practice, we have the right to say no when we are in a minority of one — whether on a jury, in a polling booth, as a member of Congress, or simply doing a regular job in a regular place of business.” 14 • Fall 2004
MacArthur’s example was George W. Ball, an unassuming and littleknown member of President Lyndon Johnson’s administration. Ball, an undersecretary of state at the time, disagreed with “the party line of cold warriors serving under President Johnson.” For more than two years, he warned that committing U.S. troops in Vietnam would be disastrous, but his words were unavailing. “Had Johnson followed [Ball’s] wise counsel, more than 55,000 American lives and perhaps a million Vietnamese would have been spared. Hundreds of thousands of children and spouses would still have had parents and partners, and tens of thousands of unborn children…well, we can only imagine their potential
lives…Ball wasn’t a company man. He was too much his own man, which in certain quarters of American society is about the worst thing you can be. George Ball, the clear-sighted man of principle, the guy who got it right and who stuck to his guns, is virtually unknown (today) to the greater public.” MacArthur, using the war in Iraq as context, cautioned the graduates that one day they would have to answer the question, “Would I rather be a famous team player or a more obscure individual with my conscience and intellect intact?” MacArthur suggested that the education the graduates received at Eastern will help them make the right choice.
Eastern Promotes Nonprofit Leadership A kind heart and a willingness to share one’s time and energy are prerequisites for the people who operate and serve the thousands of nonprofit agencies and organizations in the United States. These groups provide essential services ranging from sustenance support — food, housing, and clothing — to raising funds for medical research, to providing specialized services such as reading to the visually impaired. Nonprofits range from large established enterprises — American Cancer Society, Big Brothers ⁄ Big Sisters, United Way — to small, one-person organizations providing specialized, local services.
committee development, and risk management,” said Eastern Professor Eric Martin, Department of Business. To fulfill the AH certificate requirements, students take courses, attend workshops and events, complete a major internship, and attend the national conference sponsored by American Humanics. Eastern’s students also are active in a student association that volunteers locally and raises funds to support their AH-related travel. One example of their local volunteer efforts was the “ECSU Hits the Streets” activity on April 3, 2004, when several hundred Eastern students conducted a “spring cleaning” of downtown Willimantic.
Regardless of size or mission, all of the organizations face the same issue; how can they use business tools and skills to keep themselves running in the absence of the profit motive, or where they may not have a market or product in the classic economic model. Eastern Connecticut State University has established its Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy Initiative (NLPI) to develop leaders in the nonprofit sector so that nonprofit organizations can be run more effectively and provide better services to their clients and constituencies. NLPI focuses on three related goal areas: education, out-
Seven Eastern students and Professors Peter Bachiochi and Eric Martin traveled to Kansas City earlier this year to attend the annual American Humanics National Conference and Management Institute.
Education Eastern’s NLPI combines core academic competencies gained in the classroom with practical experience via internships, field trips, mentors, service learning, and volunteerism to nurture each student’s leadership skills.
Outreach The large number of nonprofit organizations within the Greater Hartford region, as well as local Willimantic agencies, offer Eastern students unique internship opportunities. These not only provide students with field experience but also create a market for NLPI-sponsored lectures, panels, seminars, and community events that expand the dialog among nonprofits.
reach, and research.
Students work toward a certificate from American Humanics (AH), a national accreditation body supported by major U.S. nonprofit organizations, including the Red Cross, Big Brothers ⁄ Big Sisters, Boy Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs, Easter Seals, March of Dimes, Urban League, United Way, and many others. Eastern also partners with local Willimantic-based nonprofits to offer internship opportunities to students, while providing much-appreciated volunteers to those agencies and their clients. “The Nonprofit Leadership and Philanthropy Initiative and the subsequent AH certification ensures that students learn the skills they need to work within the nonprofit sector, such as fund-raising, human resource development, management, accounting, marketing, planning, board and
Research The NLPI hopes to serve as a liaison between researchers and nonprofit organizations to maximize resources and information. “Our students have many exciting opportunities for professional careers in the nonprofit sector,” said Martin. “Eastern’s nonprofit initiative helps prepare them for those careers while hopefully infusing area nonprofits with new energy and expertise.” For more information contact Eric Martin, (860) 465-0245, martine@easternct.edu or visit http://www.easternct.edu/ depts/nlpi/. Fall 2004 • 15
The Windows to Our Souls
Students and Faculty Explore the ‘Mysterious’
by Ed Osborn
Art explores “the mysterious,” said Albert Einstein. Perhaps he meant the part of each of us that is so deep and timeless as to defy description. Yet at the same time that art reflects our deepest feelings, it also connects us to all of humanity. As Proust wrote, “Only through art can we get outside ourselves.”
“Our students learned all of the aspects of putting on an exhibit,” comments Arroyo. “Creating the art is just the first step. We developed an experience for the students that touched on art history, graphic design, marketing, and much more.” Visual arts students prepared all of the promotional materials for the exhibit — newsletters, brochures, postcards, and catalog; helped stage and present the actual exhibit; and solicited donated materials and supplies from local merchants. Student Amy Buick developed curriculum for K–2 students so that a visit to the exhibit would be a complete learning experience.
The students and faculty in Eastern Connecticut University’s Department of Visual Arts are working hard to plumb the depths of life’s mysteries, while sharing their rich talents with the Eastern community and the community-at-large. “What our faculty and students all share is the process of learning how to present and express the human condition,” explains Imna Arroyo, chair of the Department of Visual Arts.
Professor Imna Arroyo
“Life is a series of collaborations,” says Arroyo, indicating that she and the Visual Arts faculty seek ways to provide students with real-life experiences that not only engage and challenge them as individuals but also encourage them to work together.
One example of this act of discovery is a collaborative project with the Colectivo Mestizal in Cuba. “Hecho en Cuba,” an exhibit of contemporary Cuban art, was displayed at the Windham Arts Center and Gallery this In addition to the printmaking exhibit, Professor Gelburd will offer a special-topics course this fall, Cuban Art, Salsa, spring. It was curated by a group of Eastern students led by and Santaria. Assistant Professor Gail Gelburd, who received a Rockefeller Foundation grant for Although the chief focus of the project. She and James “ Having been in the Visual Arts Department Eastern faculty is to mentor Marshall, professor of political for three years, I have not only learned from and support the learning of science, visited Cuba a year their students, they find time some of the best professors but also developed ago, returning with a collecto stretch their own creativity. an excellent camaraderie with my professors tion of Cuban prints made June Bisantz-Evans, associate and fellow students. Learning from the likes of using a variety of techniques Professors Imna Arroyo and June Bisantz-Evans professor of graphic arts, creat— intaglio, lithography, ed a light-hearted but effective screen printing, and wood gives new meaning to the word “inspiration.” public art project that shows cuts. The resulting exhibit, — Jeremiah Macht ‘04 her pitching a “5 Easy Steps” on display this past April and approach to life (step two, for May, included bilingual panel discussions with some of the instance is “Take Action”) on a series of 34 billboards and Cuban artists whose works were shown. bus signs that appeared throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts this past spring.
16 • Fall 2004
Eastern’s Design Group has received a Connecticut League of History Organizations Merit award for the WebbDeane-Stevens Wallpaper project created in Spring 2003. The Connecticut League has also urged Eastern to submit their project for a national award from the American Association of State and Local History.
“June’s project was an inspiring message cast within a creative artistic framework,” says Professor Arroyo. Another impressive member of the Visual Arts faculty is Professor Quimin Liu, whose realistic paintings of homeless people have drawn critical acclaim and countless awards. (See article on Professor Liu on page 6). “He looks into a person’s soul and, at the same time, reflects on common social conditions,” says Professor Arroyo. “His is a powerful, inspirational message.”
Professor June Bisantz-Evans’ self-empowering approach to life was captured in a public art billboard project this past spring. “Five Easy Steps” included step two — “Take Action,” and appeared on 34 billboards and bus signs throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts.
A special project that celebrates the rich diversity of Connecticut artists and their work is “Voyages of Time and Place,” which brings together faculty from several Eastern departments. Five Connecticut women will be sharing their art at a special exhibit at the William Benton Museum at UConn next spring. One of the five is Eastern’s own Claudia Widdiss, whose sculpture in metal and other materials will be on display.
To fully appreciate the artists, Professor Arroyo and Communication Professor Jaime Gómez have created a Sharing their talents with the community is something “behind-the-scenes” video of how the five artists craft their that the faculty and students in the Department of Visual work. Other Eastern faculty who contributed to the joint Arts enjoy a great deal, usproject are Sharon Butler, proing their creativity to think of fessor of graphic design, and “ Visual art is my passion. Publication design is a unusual ways to bring art to field that allows me to incorporate my interest in Professor Anthony Cornicello others. One example is a mural of the Department of Perart with endless career opportunities. It’s impor- forming Arts. project created by three Eastern students for the world-famous tant to me to be happy in the work that I do.” “One of the special aspects LEGO Company in Enfield, — Kerri Kundra ‘05 of Eastern is the fact we take under the supervision of Assispride in one another’s work, even across academic departtant Professor Andy Jones. Professor Jones may be familiar ments. Collaboration becomes an adventure — how can to readers as the creator of the Connecticut quarter, part of we use the faculty’s wonderful vision, knowledge, and the U.S. Mint’s series of commemorative state coins. commitment to create the unexpected,” says Arroyo. Another community service project gave Eastern design Or, as Einstein suggested, to explore the mysterious. students an opportunity to help create a mural at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum using antique wallpaper as the inspiration for their artwork. Fall 2004 • 17
Jonathan Adams: Pioneer in Black and White by Dwight Bachman; photos by Nick Lacy
Jonathan Adams, a junior from Waterbury, CT, majoring in business and economics, was 2003–2004 president of Eastern’s Student Government Association (SGA). Adams is a proud, focused young man. “When I leave Eastern, I will attend graduate school at a Tier One university, get a combination MBA and Juris Doctor degree, and then go to work for an investment firm as a financial counselor or practice corporate law,” he said. Adams is actively involved with M.A.L.E.S. (Men Achieving Leadership, Excellence, and Success); has worked in the Office of Admissions providing tours to potential high school students; and has served as resident assistant in the Windham Street Apartments. He also is Eastern’s first African American SGA president. “I wanted to be an example for African American, Latino, and other minority students — not to limit themselves. I wanted them to know that if they want to effect change, they should get involved in the decisionmaking process.” Adams also realized that the SGA, largely composed of Caucasian students, was not immediately comfortable with an African-American leader. To facilitate the transition, Adams planned a retreat at the Alton Jones Camp Grounds in Rhode Island. It was the best decision he ever made.
“…college should be more than a classroom experience.” “We have a 24-hour study lounge in the library that is not fully utilized. I figure a coffee shop will make the library a more attractive place to hang out. The more people hang out in the library, the more you will have wanting to study.”
“There was very little talk driving to Rhode Island. The tension was still in the air once we arrived. But then, we began to hang out with one another and we all became a little more comfortable. With no telephones, no TVs, we had nothing else to do except talk with one another. By evening, people were really into talking. They were asking questions, laughing, talking, and respecting one another. It was excellent. I felt real happy about that. After that, it was smooth sailing.”
Adams’s term ran out earlier this year, but he has achieved his vision: inspiring others to be more involved in campus life and working together for the good of the University. “It was a lot of work, but it was well worth it. Besides, college should be more than a classroom experience.”
This fall, students will benefit from the positive interaction the SGA is having with the administration. The two bodies are working to create a café ⁄ coffee lounge on the ground floor of the J. Eugene Smith library.
Whatever Jonathan Adams decides to do with his life, his experience as the first African American SGA president at Eastern has helped him grow. He will be a positive force for change wherever he goes.
18 • Fall 2004
Christina Martinez: The Shy One No More! by Dwight Bachman; photos by Nick Lacy
For the past year, Christina Martinez has served as secretary of Eastern’s Student Government Association (SGA) and as Eastern’s senior class president. SGA duties notwithstanding, as senior class president, Christina was a very busy person. She raised money for and planned the senior class reception and did the same for the 2004 class gift to the University — a trellis and fence for the annual Make-a-Wish Walk at Commencement. In addition, Christina worked with the administration on the Baccalaureate breakfast and served on the commencement and honorary degree committees. She gave speeches at the December graduation and commencement exercises, and was intimately involved with the Student Alumni Association. Today when Christina walks into a room, she has a commanding presence, but being a leader wasn’t always that easy. As a resident assistant in Noble Hall, she helped plan sibling (family gatherings) and harvest (Thanksgiving) festivals on campus. That helped her to come out of her shell. “You can’t be quiet as an RA in a residence hall, especially if you’re an 8-year-old telling 2-year-olds what to do,” Christina noted. She also served as an advisor to the Noble Residence Hall Outreach Council and as a teaching assistant in a political science class. In those capacities, she learned a great deal about herself and people in general. “I knew I possessed leadership qualities. But the most important lesson I learned was that people’s perceptions of you, not your perception of yourself, determine how effective you really are. “The responsibility of being class president turned my life around. It has made me much more selfconfident. I’ve had to be very organized, hone my time-management skills, and make tough decisions that are in the best interest of the University.”
“I want to make a positive difference in life.” Christina is taking some time off after graduation. She wants eventually to earn a doctorate and become Connecticut’s commissioner of education. “I want to work to change education policy so that all kids can have opportunities to learn what they need to know to compete in this world.” Her immediate plan is to become a hall director or work with some aspect of student affairs programming. Her role model is Ken Bedini. “Mr. Bedini is one of the people I appreciate most. He’s a wonderful person, always there for the students, encouraging them. If I ever become a director of student activities, I hope I can be half as good as he is.” Being class president has been a valuable hands-on experience for Christina. She feels good about herself, how she is perceived, and how she will be remembered for the contribution she has made to Eastern. She vows to continue making a difference after she graduates. “I want to make a positive difference in life.” Fall 2004 • 19
Eastern Grad Lives Her Life Helping Those Less Fortunate As the executive director of the Haitian Health Foundation, Marilyn Lowney’s mission is helping others. by Lana Pointbirant
Perhaps it was the trips to Grand Central Station in New York City and her exposure to homelessness or perhaps the yearly trips to Haiti during her childhood that inspired Marilyn Lowney to choose her rewarding career. In Haiti, the family would visit orphanages, where Marilyn’s father, Dr. Jeremiah Lowney, Jr., D.D.S., M.S., M.P.H., a dentist from Norwich, would provide free dental exams. The rest of the family would clean instruments, fill needles, or jump in wherever needed. “I learned to make balloon animals and do magic tricks for the children to help with their fears,” recalls Lowney, who continues to perform, if need be, when she makes her visits several times a year. Today Lowney, who earned her master of science degree in education at Eastern, is the executive director of the Haitian Health Foundation in Norwich. Her family started the foundation in 982, and her father serves as its president. The successes of the Haitian Health Foundation are many: providing health care and hope to more than 200,000 Haitians in 04 rural mountain villages; serving 350-400 patients a day with dental care, a pharmacy, laboratory services, pediatric care, and the only eye-care and sonogram facility for 00 miles around; and initiating development projects such as animal distribution, latrines, and happy houses, wherever needed. Dr. Virginia Lowney, Marilyn’s mother, volunteers by administering the Save-a-Family program. One of the program’s primary goals is to ensure that children receive basic education, which is neither free nor mandatory in Haiti. While pursuing her master’s degree, Marilyn worked at Eastern Connecticut State University in the Office of Institutional Advancement raising money for the University. Although not a teacher as she originally planned to become, she now uses the skills and fund-raising experience 20 • Fall 2004
Marilyn Lowney, executive director of the Haitian Health Foundation, teaches a group of Haitian children at St. Pierre’s how to perform magic tricks. St. Pierre’s is a school that was started by Haitian volunteers to provide education to the very poorest children of Haiti. The Haitian Health Foundation provides funding for tuition and uniforms.
she acquired at Eastern every day and feels that it prepared her well for the varied duties she performs: writing grants; overseeing the HHF Web site; educating people about the importance of the HHF’s role in improving Haitians’ deplorable living conditions; handling budgeting issues; fund-raising; and meeting with board members. The Lowney family has always felt strongly about the need for education and giving of themselves, so it seems only fitting that Marilyn chose Eastern to be a part of her life. Several Eastern alumni have spent time in Haiti with HHF and Eastern’s President David Carter serves on the Haitian Health Foundation Board. He made a trip to Haiti as a volunteer, ditchdigger, and repairer of roofs. “I choose to help the people of Haiti,” says Lowney. “It really doesn’t matter what worthy cause you choose, it is just so important to give.”
Drawing Strength from the Unexpected A story that most would think of as dark and dismal brought a new light to an Eastern student’s life. Kathlene Craddock ’04 never thought of herself as a writer. During what she calls a “bad place” in her life, however, Craddock decided to turn to writing to get out all that she was thinking and feeling. “She,” a tale of self-hate and suicide, was the first story Craddock wrote. Written during her junior year, it earned first prize in the 2003 Shannon Searles Fiction Contest, a contest for students in the Connecticut State University (CSU) System. Craddock’s story was published in the spring 2004 edition of the Connecticut Review, a journal that publishes the works of CSU faculty and students. “She” recounts the last few hours of the protagonist’s life before she ends it. Craddock decided to write about the subject because depression has been a part of her own life since she was 3. She hoped the story would serve as an example because “a lot of girls don’t talk about self-hate and suicide.” Writing has become a form of self-therapy for Craddock: “It is so therapeutic for me to sit down and get it out.” Craddock, an English major with a double minor in philosophy and art, turned to Frederick Hornung for editorial help. Hornung, a university assistant in the Learning
Center, has become her unofficial mentor. He describes her as “someone who’s not afraid of the kind of effort that’s required to work with words.” Craddock has joined Hornung in the Learning Center as a student writing tutor. Craddock is becoming more and more involved with writing. “Maybe I really can write. Maybe I can actually do this as my career,” she declares. Her backup plan is to work as an editor, but she would love to find a simple place that inspires her and then spend her days writing on her laptop.
Jaime Gómez Brings Light to Carnival Communication Professor Jaime Gómez thoroughly enjoyed his visit to Colombia in February 2004; he had been asked to help nationally televise the Carnival of Barranquilla, which took place Feb. 2–24. Recognized for his video productions, Gomez played a lead role in making the event one that would capture, via television, the beauty of Colombia’s cultural heritage, one that has been influenced by the blending of its European, African, and indigenous peoples.
(Above) A dance school performs traditional African dances in the parade during the Barranquilla Festival. (Photo at left) Professor Gómez (center) joins Ivan Barrios, production supervisor, and Ramiro Franco, technical director, of Telecaribe, the Colombian Caribbean regional TV network.
The four-day carnival precedes the beginning of Lent each year and can be traced to the European carnival rites brought to Colombia during the colonial period. It has gradually undergone a transformation that reflects local Hispanic traditions and the music of the West African slaves. Fall 2004 • 21
Campus News Higginbotham is Distinguished Faculty Member of the Year Professor Ann Higginbotham, a member of the faculty in the Department of History, Political Science, and Philosophy, has been chosen as Eastern’s Distinguished Faculty Member for 2004–05. Higginbotham, a resident of Lebanon, has been teaching full time at Eastern for 9 years. Her areas of expertise include Victorian Britain, women’s history, and modern European history. The Distinguished Faculty Member Award is given annually to honor a faculty member whose excellence in classroom teaching and devotion to scholarship continue to bring recognition to the University and have a positive impact on the lives of students. “Dr. Higginbotham has been a mentor — a wise and trusted counselor or teacher — to numerous faculty members on campus,” said Elena Tapia, chair of the Department of English, in her nomination letter. “She has been a mentor, officially through the Center for Educational Excellence, and unofficially, through the nature of her being, to many of us, myself included.” Distinguished Faculty Member of the Year Ann Higginbotham is recognized during the recent Commencement ceremony.
Past Distinguished Faculty Member of the Year Recipients Include: Francis Willey
1984
Ralph Yulo
1985
David Roth
1986
Leo Schneiderman
1987
John Lombard
1988
Mary Rogers
1989
Ken Parzych
1990
Irene Glasser
1991
Charles Wynn
1992
David Haines
1993
Michael Gable
1994
Carmen Cid
1995
Lyle Yorks
1996
Michael Adams
1997
Jeffrey Trawick-Smith
1998
James Lacey
1999
Rhona Free
2000
Neil Williams
2001
Gray Jacobik
2002
Marcia P. McGowan
2003
22 • Fall 2004
Higginbotham’s articles and book reviews have appeared in numerous professional journals and publications. She has, as well, presented her research findings at local, regional, national, and international conferences.
Eastern Sky Watchers Rise Early for Rare Scene Local amateur and professional astronomers from the area gathered on the roof of Eastern’s parking garage at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, June 8, to see a very rare transit of Venus. The last time a transit of Venus occurred was in 882. A crowd of about 20 astronomy enthusiasts observed the orbit of Venus coming between the Earth and the Sun, resulting in a silhouette of the planet moving across the sun. The next transit of Venus — and the last to be seen in this century — will occur on June 6, 202.
Venus transiting the solar disk as seen from the Eastern Campus on June 14, 2004, at approximately 6 a.m. Photo by Patrick J. Johnson.
Campus News Arts and Lecture Series — Raising the Bar Eastern’s popular Arts and Lecture Series, which in past years has included poet Maya Angelou, sportswriter Frank Deford, and Boston Celtic legend Bill Russell, is entering its fourth year. The 2004–05 season promises to be as memorable as those in the past. The first lecture of the series will take place on Oct. 8 and will be given by Eric Alterman, media columnist for The Nation magazine, author, and fellow at the Center for American Progress. The San Francisco Chronicle described Alterman as the author of “the smartest and funniest political journal out there.”
David McCullough
Historian David McCullough will present the second lecture of the series on Nov. 9. McCullough’s books cover subjects ranging from U.S. presidents to the Panama Canal, and have made him one of the most celebrated authors of our time.
He is president of the Society of American Historians, host of American Experience on PBS, and winner of numerous prestigious prizes, including two Pulitzers, a National Book Award, the Charles Frankel Prize from President Clinton and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and an Emmy for his work with PBS. “If nations appointed historians laureate, David McCullough would surely be ours,” said The Washington Post’s Edwin Yoder. Veteran news anchor Soledad O’Brien will visit campus on March 8. Now anchoring CNN’s American Morning show, O’Brien’s career includes stints at NBC and MSNBC. She is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. On April 7, audience members will be treated to the musical stylings of Latin jazz musician Pancho Sanchez. Sanchez has been a leader in the bedrock style of jazz for more than two decades. The Grammy Award–winning artist has 2 albums to his credit and has performed concerts all over the world. His latest album, Out of Sight, was released in September 2003 and has met with widespread acclaim.
Harry Gray Recognized for His Contributions Harry Jack Gray, chairman and chief executive of Harry Gray Associates, was presented with the Chase Medallion on May 26 during a special ceremony hosted by Eastern’s David T. Chase Free Enterprise Institute. President Carter periodically presents the Chase Medallion to an individual who has attained preeminence in an area of life beyond the university campus. Gray’s accomplishments rank him high among the list of Chase Medallion recipients. He serves as the chairman of the board of SourceOne, a promotional distributions-services company and has served on the boards of directors of Citicorp ⁄ Citibank, Exxon, Aetna, and Union Carbide. He is the former chairman and chief executive officer of United Technologies Corporation (UTC). Gray is also a member of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. Gray was surprised when he arrived on campus to learn that he was expected to offer remarks at the ceremony. Vice President of Student Affairs Laura Tordenti, an admirer of Gray, approached him with a copy of an article entitled “Do You Remember Who Gave You Your First Break?” that he had written as part of a promotional series between 979 and 985. He decided on the spot to use it as the basis of his remarks. President Carter introduced Gray as a man whose “vision is not about profit; it’s about improving the life of man.”
Harry Jack Gray, chairman and chief executive of Harry Gray Associates, visits with Laura Tordenti, vice president of the division of student affairs at Eastern.
Fall 2004 • 23
Campus News Poyan Shojaiyan and Kristina Zizik are ’04 Barnard Scholars Poyan Shojaiyan of Willimantic and Kristina M. Zizik of Oakdale were named the Eastern recipients of the Connecticut State University (CSU) System’s Barnard Scholar Award for 2004. The 6th annual ceremony took place on April 20, 2004 at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington. Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez gave the keynote address. After graduating in May 2004 with a degree in biology and a minor in biochemistry, Shojaiyan plans to study medicine. He has maintained a superb undergraduate academic record, making the Dean’s List all eight semesters. Shojaiyan was also presented with the Highest Achievement Award in Biology from 2000–2004 and has been the recipient of seven competitive scholarships during his academic career. Kristina M. Zizik graduated in May 2004 with dual degrees in history ⁄ social sciences and public policy and government. She was a member of Eastern’s Honors Program for four years, maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average (GPA) throughout her academic career. She was inducted into Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society in May 2003. Barnard Scholar winners Kristina M. Zizik and Poyan Shojaiyan are saluted at the state Capitol for their academic achievement, service to the community, and leadership in student activities.
The Henry Barnard Foundation is named in honor of Henry Barnard, the education pioneer and scholar from Connecticut who became the first U.S. Commissioner of Education. He founded the first normal school in the state, now Central Connecticut State University.
ConnCAP Program Chosen as Semifinalist The ConnCAP (Connecticut Collegiate Awareness and Preparation) program at Eastern Connecticut State University has been chosen by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities and its partner agencies, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the National Endowment of the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Humanities, as a 2004 Coming Up Taller semifinalist. The Coming Up Taller program showcases cultural excellence and enhances the availability of out-of-school arts and humanities programs for children. More than 300 nominations from 46 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands competed for this award. “Being selected as a semifinalist is in itself a remarkable honor,” said Floyd Bagwell, executive director of ConnCAP and director of the Learning Center at Eastern. Bagwell credits the achievements of the ConnCAP program to the dedication and hard work of the program’s staff. ConnCAP has been a part of Eastern for more than eight years. Participants are talented students in grades 7–2 from New London, Windham, and Norwich. The program is motivational and rewards accomplishment, encouraging students to complete high school and to develop skills necessary to enter college. 24 • Fall 2004
Shawn Rucker listens intently during his ConnCap mathematics class held this past summer on the Eastern campus.
This year, ConnCAP worked in conjunction with Writer’s Block InK, a program that promotes educational development through theatrical performance. Each student developed a script based on his or her own life experience, which eventually led to production of a play based on all the writers’ experiences. Look for news on whether Eastern’s ConnCAP received top honors in the national competition in the next issue of Eastern magazine.
Athletics
Men’s Lacrosse Little East Champions The Warriors celebrated their 31st straight Little East Conference victory with their fourth straight conference playoff title last spring.
Sportspeople-of-the-Year The Bonnie J. Edmondson Senior Female Sportsperson-of-the-Year was awarded to lacrosse player Xiomara Lopez (center) last year. Sharing the Francis E. Geissler Senior Male Sportsperson-of-the-Year Award were baseball player Joey Serfass (second from left) and lacrosse player Andy Stockfisch (second from right). At far left in photo is Bonnie Edmondson and at far right is Francis E. Geissler.
Women’s Soccer Team Wins Championship Trophy The Warriors celebrated their first Little East Conference playoff championship last fall after defeating host Keene State College in the final in a penalty-kick shootout. The win gave the team an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.
Eastern Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet – Mark Your Calendars! Sunday, October 17, 2004, 1 p.m. Betty Tipton Room, Student Center Tickets: $40 each can be reserved by contacting
Dr. David G. Yeo at (860) 465-566 Master of Ceremonies: WILI Radio personality Wayne Norman 2004 Induction Class: Ginny Adler, Softball
Orest Bishko, Men’s Soccer
Christine Brennan, Women’s Basketball Carla Brown, Cross-Country/Track Thirty Eastern student-athletes earned an ECSU/E-Club Scholar-Athlete Award in 2003/04 including cross-country runner Bobbi Fields (above) of Portland. Athletes who have reached their junior seasons of eligibility with a minimum overall GPA of 3.15 earn this prestigious award. The women’s cross-country team was recognized for having the highest team GPA.
Bill Hickey, Baseball
Steve Plesz, Men’s Basketball
Mariann Shumbo, Softball
Wendy Rogers, Women’s Basketball
Mike Turgeon, Baseball
Fall 2004 • 25
Athletics Wildman, DiPietro dominated Division III
Scholar-Athlete Award Winners Name, Sports(s)
GPA
Rachel Albino, W-Soccer
3.83
Katie Block, W-Swimming
3.38
Erika Blozie, W-Lacrosse
3.35
Kathleen Burdelski, W-Basketball
3.57
Lauren Davern, W-Lacrossee
3.32
Gavin Donahue, M-Lacrosse
3.15
Amber Drake, Field Hockey
3.49
Jen Ferrari, W-Soccer
3.15
Dwight Wildman and Ryan DiPietro were named National Player-of-the-year and Pitcher-of-the-Year, respectively by the National Collegiate Baseball Writer’s Association (NCBWA). DiPietro shared the national honor with right-handed pitcher Scott Hyde of NCAA Division III national champion George Fox University.
Bobbi Fields, W-Cross Country⁄ Track 3.28 Annmarie Fillian, W-Soccer ⁄ Softball 3.17 Brian Fitzgerald, M-Soccer
3.52
Jillian Gardner, W-Lacrosse
3.28
Brian Hebron, M-Lacrosse
3.48
Erin Kennedy, W-Swimming
3.40
Beth Littlefield, W-Track
3.20
Sarah McDonald, W-Basketball
3.38
Ryan Mecca, M-Soccer
3.35
Suzie Mlinarcik, W-Cross Country
3.75
Christopher E.Morgan, M-Basketball 3.66 Julie Motolo, W-Swimming
3.78
Beth Paquette, W-Lacrosse
3.26
Todd Parness, M-Soccer
3.71
Marci Perotti, W-Soccer
3.26
Allie Pinault, W-Swimming
3.42
Lauren Proniewych, W-Basketball
3.66
Stacey Schofield, W-Soccer
3.51
Jay Smith, M-Cross Country/Track
3.76
K. C. Swieconek, FH/W-Lacrosse
3.31
Aniko Szabo, W-Track
3.90
Megan Williamson, W-Soccer
3.36
A History of Excellence Eastern’s baseball team exemplifies tradition and excellence. Over a span of 36 years, Coach Bill Holowaty’s teams have won four national NCAA Division III titles, and compiled a record of 1,113 wins and 368 losses. The last three years have seen 1st, 3rd, and 2nd-place finishes at the NCAA Division III Championships. In addition, right fielder Dwight Wildman ’04 and pitcher Ryan DiPietro ’06 were named NCAA Division III National Player-of-theYear and National Pitcher-of-the-Year respectively in June 2004 by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, and Joey Serfass ’04 became the 27th Warrior to sign a contract with a major league club.
26 • Fall 2004
Ryan DiPietro… Division III Pitcher-of-the-Year
Wildman and DiPietro lead the Warriors to the conference regular-season and tournament titles, a third straight New England regional title, and to the NCAA Division III national championship game. Eastern, which lost 6-3 in the national final, concluded the season by tying the program record with 43 wins in 54 games.
Wildman experienced the finest offensive season in Division III, batting .49 with 20 home runs, 79 RBI and 74 total bases. DiPietro was - with a .04 ERA in 2.0 innings. He struck out 62 batters (3.0 per game) and walked only 29. During NCAA tournament play, Wildman broke Eastern and New England season records for hits (93), total bases and at-bats (222), broke the program record and tied the New England record for RBI, tied the program record for home runs (two shy of tying the New England record), and finished one run and one double shy of tying the program and New England records of 68 and 22, respectively. DiPietro won his first decisions this year to stretch his personal winning streak to 9 before losing the national championship game. His strikeout total is the second-highest in a season in program history and behind only John Caneira’s 973 total of 8. He became only the third pitcher in program history to pitch as many as 00 innings — behind only Steve Thomas’s 975 total of 38 ⅓ and Caneira’s 973 total of 2 ⅔.
Athletics Coleman Caps Finest Division III Career Ever As Division III’s No. player, Jewett City native Allison Coleman was the division’s representative when the WBCA College All-Star Team met the USA Women’s Senior National Team in an exhibition game last April in conjunction with the NCAA Division I Women’s Final Four in New Orleans. As the national Player-of-the-Year, Coleman was also among 2 nominees for the Division III Collegiate WomanAthlete-of-the-Year Award. Earlier in the year, Coleman was named New England Player-of-the-Year by the New England Women’s Basketball Association (NEWBA) — the fourth time that she has been named New England Player-of-the-Year in her career.
Eastern Athletics’ Major Award-Winners in 2003 ⁄04 Bonnie J. Edmondson Female Sportsperson-of-the-Year Xiomara Lopez, Lacrosse Francis E. Geissler Male Sportsperson-of-the-Year Joey Serfass, Baseball Andy Stockfisch, Lacrosse Female Athlete-of-the-Year Allison Coleman, Basketball Male Athlete-of-the-Year Dwight Wildman, Baseball
Coleman Player-of-the-Year Allison Coleman concluded the most productive career in Division III women’s basketball history last winter by being named as the WBCA/State Farms Player-of-the-Year.
Coleman was also named Little East Conference Player-of-the-Year for an unprecedented fourth time when she led the conference in scoring average (5.4) for the third time in four years, as well as in defensive rebounding average (7.2) and assist-to-turnover ratio (.93). With ,99 career points, Coleman is the most prolific scorer in Eastern men’s or women’s basketball history. She also finished in a first-place tie with ,34 career rebounds and was first in assists (579) and steals (369), and second in three-point field goals (52) and games (7). She is the only player in program history with ,000 points and ,000 rebounds.
Female Rookie-of-the-Year Amy Bullock, Volleyball Tamara Burman, Swimming Male Rookie-of-the-Year Matthew Zagura, Track & Field Morrell Service Award Kevin Maurutis (athletic trainer) Holly E. Zimmerman Memorial Award Rachel Albino, Women’s Soccer Shari D’Amico, Softball Erika Blozie, Women’s Lacrosse
Behind Coleman, Eastern had the winningest four-year composite record in the program’s 33-year history, winning 0 games and losing only 7 (85.6 per cent). At home, the Warriors won 55 and lost only four. The team also tied the program record by winning at least 20 games for four straight years, including a program-record 28 (against five losses) on the way to the national finals last year. During Coleman’s career, the Warriors qualified for three NCAA and one ECAC tournament.
Eastern’s Post-Season Programs in 2003/04
Eastern’s Little East conference Champions in 2003/04
Program
Record
Tournament
Program
Championship
Baseball
43-11
NCAA Division III National Runner Up
Baseball
Regular Season and Tournament
Women’s Basketball
25-6
ECAC tournament qualifier
Men’s Track
Championship Meet
Men’s Lacrosse
11-6
NCAA tournament qualifier
Men’s Lacrosse
Regular Season and Tournament
Women’s Lacrosse
9-8
ECAC tournament qualifier
Women’s Soccer
10-7-2
NCAA tournament qualifier
Women’s Soccer Regular Season and Tournament
Fall 2004 • 27
Philanthropy Plant Sale Sows Success Brightly colored masses of roses, perennials, flowering shrubs, and trees embraced alumni, parents, University employees, and members of the community at Eastern’s first plant sale on June 2. Located under tents on the Admissions Building lawn, “Planting the Future at Eastern” was sponsored by the ECSU Foundation to benefit the University. The lush textures of the plentiful selection of plants brought directly from a prestigious local grower, Prides Corner Farms of Lebanon, tempted new and experienced gardeners alike. Advice was provided by Eastern’s own expert, Professor Ross Koning, a botanist who generously answered questions on plants and about Eastern’s new horticulture certificate program. Information about other new certificate programs, including the small business administration certificate, was offered by School of Continuing Education staff available during the plant sale.
Rochelle Gímenez, dean of the School of Continuing Education, and Professor Ross Koning offered information about the new horticulture and small business certificate programs. For information about these programs call (860) 465-5125 or visit www. easternct.edu.
To add to the festivities, door prizes were drawn each hour, and the grand prize was tickets to the Festival Ballet’s Nutcracker performance. Many plant sale attendees extended their visit to Willimantic
Come Join Us for
The President’s Leadership Dinner Gala At the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts October 21, 2004
Reception begins at 5:00 p.m. Followed by the Eastern Connecticut State University Alumni Association 2004 Alumni Award Ceremony, Dinner, and a Performance by The Capitol Steps at 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by the ECSU Foundation, Inc. $25 per person (includes dinner and performance) For tickets call: Office of Institutional Advancement at (860) 465-553
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(from left): Professor Ross Koning, President David G. Carter, Director of Alumni Affairs Joy Goff, and Mark Sellew and Scott Reil both from Prides Corner Farms.
and Eastern’s campus with a free, guided tour of Eastern’s Grant House, a restored Victorian that was part of the Sixth Annual Victorian Willimantic Home Tour also occurring that day. The ECSU Foundation thanks all who generously supported this event, and expresses special appreciation to Mark Sellew, president of Prides Corner Farms, our supporting partner, and to Scott Reil, marketing associate, for his patience and talent in assembling Prides’ plants. Special thanks are also owed to Ladd’s Garden Center, which helped make possible a beautiful assortment of annuals and hanging baskets, and to our generous door-prize donors: Barnes & Noble College Bookstores, Inc.; Festival Ballet of Providence, R.I.; O. L. Willard Company; Sears Hardware, North Windham; and Windham Pepsi Bottling Company, Inc., for its beverage donation. With the helping hands of so many, Eastern’s prospects are blooming!
Fun*Ding a Huge Success The Meadows Music Theatre in Hartford was the backdrop for Eastern’s Ninth Annual Fun*Ding benefit on June 8 featuring a performance by Fleetwood Mac. The gala event supports scholastic endowments, academic programs, and initiatives at Eastern and is the Foundation’s largest fundraising project — more than $80,000 was raised this year. Ken DeLisa, vice president for institutional advancement, remarked, “We are grateful for the generous support provided by our alumni and other friends and are pleased everyone had a wonderful evening.” Before the concert, 30 Eastern supporters attended a catered reception and had an opportunity to bid on a number of intriguing auction items — from tickets to the NCAA Final Four Women’s Basketball Tournament, to vintage wines, to an Ovation Celebrity Viper acoustic guitar signed by all the members of Fleetwood Mac and donated by Kaman Corporation of Bloomfield.
Philanthropy ⁄ Alumni Fluorescence Microscope Donated to Department of Biology Biology majors now have the ability to examine tissue samples under a fluorescence microscope, thanks to a donation from Dr. Lori L. Badura, a researcher of comparative medicine and physiology at Pfizer’s Global Research and Development Department in New London. “During my postdoctoral studies I became associated with Eastern as an adjunct professor in the psychology department from 989 to 994,” said Badura. “Eastern’s willingness to let me teach during that time supplemented my income, and I became quite proud of and invested in the students. Donating my fluorescence microscope to Eastern is my way of thanking them for the impact our affiliation had on me during the early ’90s.” The examination of cellular structures is greatly enhanced by a fluorescence microscope. It is a valuable asset that allows students to identify cell components and to investigate changes that occur in the components over time. “We are very grateful to Dr. Badura,” said Mike Adams, professor of biology. “Having a research-quality fluorescence microscope provides our students with access to an important research tool in cell biology. Knowing how to use it and the type of questions that can be answered by this technique will give our students a real advantage in both the job market and in graduate school.”
Alumni Awards for Excellence The ECSU Alumni Association invites you to submit names of alumni, colleagues, or friends of the University to the Alumni Association Board for consideration for the 2005 ECSU Alumni Association Awards for Excellence. • The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes outstanding achievements by Eastern graduates who have demonstrated leadership or achieved professional distinction. • The Distinguished Service Award is presented to a graduate or former student who has rendered meaningful service to Eastern and/or their local community, and has a demonstrated record of involvement with the University. • The Hermann Beckert “Friends of the University” Award is presented to any friend(s)* of the University who has ⁄ have rendered service to Eastern and the local, state, or national community. * “Friend(s)” means an individual; parent of a current and/or former student; organization; corporation; or member of Eastern’s faculty or staff. To request a nomination form, please contact the Office of Alumni Affairs, Gelsi-Young Hall, Room 37, Eastern Connecticut State University, 83 Windham Street, Willimantic, CT 06226, or call (860) 465-5238.
Professor Carmen Cid (left) and Michael Adams (right) thank Dr. Lori Badura for her generous donation.
Scholarships Awarded to Talented Incoming Students On April , the Eastern community welcomed 46 academically talented high school students and their families to a reception to award scholarships that recognize their achievements and leadership qualities. These students will begin their college experience in the 2004 fall semester. Although colleges award grants, scholarships, and financial aid packages to many prospective students, Eastern not only sends a commitment letter but invites a select number to the campus to be recognized. It is this personal touch that brings an increased number of talented students to Eastern. Kim Crone, director of admissions, hosted the program. Dimitrios Pachis, vice president of academic affairs, and Paul Bryant, dean of student affairs, welcomed the scholarship recipients and guests. Prior to the awarding of scholarships, President David Carter also addressed the assembly. The keynote address this year was given by Marcia McGowan, recipient of the 2003 Distinguished Faculty Award. She urged students to follow a direction “dictated by your interests and what I hope will become a love of learning for its own sake.” The learning opportunities offered at Eastern are many and varied — from internships to fieldwork to study abroad — all these combined with classroom experiences become part of a “very fine liberal arts education and a key to realizing your dreams.” Fall 2004 • 29
Alumni Reunion
ECSU Alumni Association President Ed Giard MS ’00 and Treasurer Frank Perrotti ’51 present Ellen L. Lang ’81 with a plaque to commemorate her six years of service on the ECSU Alumni Association Board of Directors at this year’s Alumni Association annual meeting.
Charles Prewitt, a retired Eastern professor and Marge Jahoda ’61, wife of retired Eastern professor William Jahoda, enjoy each other’s company at the annual Emeriti Reception held during Alumni Weekend.
K. Umesh Vig ’01 and Nancy Marin ’99, Nancy’s husband, Ken, and their baby son check in at the registration table, staffed by Eastern students Cayla Brayton and Eric MacWay, before making their way to the alumni barbeque and baseball game.
Cole Paquin, son of Kevin Paquin ’97, enjoys a burger at the ECSU Alumni Association family barbeque. He hopes the food is still this good when he attends Eastern someday!
Paul Lankarge ’69 poses with classmates Linda Gordon, and Mark and Pam Volkert Orlowski as they celebrate their 35th reunion at the All-Alumni Cabaret Night.
Twenty-five members of the Class of 1974 gathered at the All-Alumni Cabaret Night to celebrate their 30th reunion.
30 • Fall 2004
Alumni Reunion
Bill Holowaty and Steve Kenton, hosts of the Quadrennial Math/CSC and Baseball Alumni Reunion, share a funny story that only a baseball coach and math professor would understand.
Matt & Lana (Keeley) Pontbriant ’93, Kevin & Dawn (Walmesly) Brolin ’92 and friend Melinda Haboush enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day celebration trip hosted by the ECSU Alumni Greater Windham Chapter. Special thanks to Cedric Haboush for providing the photography.
ECSU Alumni Are Going Places On March 9, 2004, the Eastern Connecticut State University Alumni Association’s Greater Windham Chapter hosted the first-ever “Eastern Alumni and Friends” day trip. More than 35 alumni and friends took a bus to the Log Cabin in Chicopee, MA, to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch featuring Irish stew, traditional corned beef and cabbage, Bailey’s Irish Cream cake, and a complimentary glass of Guinness.
More than 200 Math/CSC and baseball alumni returned to campus to celebrate their reunion during Alumni Weekend.
Following lunch, the diners sat back and enjoyed the king of blarney, Ireland’s own Hal Roach, and the fabulous Dublin City Ramblers. A wonderful time was had by all. Perhaps you will be hearing a tall tale or two following the other two trips taken by the ECSU Alumni Greater Windham Chapter this summer: a trip to see the Tall Ships in Newport, RI, on Sunday, July 8, and a trip to the Saratoga Raceway in New York State on Sunday, Aug. 29. A special thanks to Frank Perrotti ’5 for his planning support; it helped make these trips possible. If you are not on Eastern’s mailing list and would like to receive information on future Alumni and Friends day trips, please contact the Alumni Affairs Office at (860) 465-5238.
Every four years when the Math/CSC departments hold their reunion, Steve Kenton “harasses” the graduate who travels the farthest by presenting him or her with a special trophy. This year Lt. Col. Dave Scagliola ’82 not only brought the trophy but left with it as well. Dave came all the way from Cibolo, TX. Sorry, Dave, looks like you’ll have the trophy for another four years!
Fall 2004 • 31
Alumni
Jubilee Reunion Class of 1954
Calling all Alumni!
Fifteen alumni of the Class of 954 enjoyed their Jubilee Reunion celebration on May 23, 2004, during Eastern’s Commencement. They began their morning at a Continental Breakfast held in the Student Center, where they were welcomed by President David G. Carter; Deborah McCrackan ’78, member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors; and members of the Office of Alumni Affairs.
And calling all alumni is just what Corey Sipe ’04 and 49 other student volunteers did during the April Alumni Phonathon to raise money for the ECSU Annual Fund. Alumni had a chance to update their contact information, chat with a current student, and show their support for their alma mater. This was the culmination of the Challenge Pool set up when faculty and staff increased their Annual Fund giving by 84 percent and proudly matched alumni donations dollar for dollar.
After receiving their golden diplomas at the Baccalaureate and attending a luncheon in their honor, they ended the day with a campus tour. This year’s Jubilee Class raised $3,400 for the Narotsky Rand Yulo Scholarship, made annually to promising students in the field of education. Thank you, Class of 954, for making this reunion so special.
Eighteen hours, 3,447 phone calls, and many pizzas later, the program was deemed a huge success. “Look for us to run this program throughout the next academic year,” declared Ken DeLisa, vice president for institutional advancement.
The Class of 1959 enjoyed great food and fond memories at their class reunion on June 5, 2004. Twenty alumni and their guests gathered together on Eastern’s campus for dinner in Akus Gallery in Shafer Hall, formerly known as the student lounge when they attended Willimantic State Teacher’s College. The Class of 1959 was the last to graduate under this name before the school became Willimantic State College. Pictured (1st Row from left to right): Sally McQueeney Katkaveck, Lorna Nybakken Sullivan, Barbara Fitts Cairns, Audrey Davis Smith, Carol Swanson Schilke, Carol Peters Phaneuf, Linda Brown Kelley, Carol Ward, Karen Pierson Gaucher, Mary Vacca Gamache, Martha Scott Bauduccio. (2nd Row from left to right): David Hall, Carl Ellison, Frank Badsteubner, Frank Stevens, Bill Gregonis, Gene Phaneuf, Ronald MacDonald, Leo LeCours, Bill Hargreaves.
32 • Fall 2004
So, when you answer your phone in the near future and hear a friendly voice on the other end, it could just be an Eastern student volunteer “calling all alumni” once again.
Class Notes 1988
Chuck Erdmann resides in Voluntown and has been in the banking field for 18 years. Previously a loan officer, he is now the assistant treasurer of Chelsea Groton Bank.
1989
William Dopirak has been appointed a full-time faculty member at Three Rivers Community College, where he had been teaching part time for more than a decade. After receiving his bachelor’s degree from Eastern, he earned his master’s degree in biology at Central Connecticut State University.
Paul G. Mitchell and his wife, Stephanie, announce the birth of their second child, Olivia Rachele, on Feb. 4, 2004.
2002
1991
Adam Piacenza resides in East Haven with his wife, Melissa. He works as a finance analyst for Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford.
Wendy Wilmot Blume and Peter Blume, Jr. (’91 and ’03) announce the birth of their second child, a daughter, Allison Catherine, on Oct. 25, 2003.
Paul Fiasconaro is living in North Carolina where he is employed by the U.S. Air Force as a C-130 navigator.
1998
1992
Donna Bickford earned her Ph.D. in English from the University of Rhode Island and is a lecturer in women’s studies there. During the fall 2003 semester, she had the opportunity to teach in Finland at the Institute of Women’s Studies while on a Fulbright Scholarship.
1997
Darlene Guillot resides in Baltic and has been in banking for 18 years. She joined Chelsea Groton Bank in 1996 as a commercial loan officer and is now a vice president. Amy Gemmiti has received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Georgia and is working in special education in the Clayton County Public Schools in Jonesboro, GA.
1998
BIRTHS 1984
Vincent Smith has started his own publishing business in the Hartford area, VSO Publishing, LLC. He also has recently published a book of original free verse that includes a poem for which he received an Eastern Oratory Award.
MARRIAGES 1979
Nadine Enes Alteri and her husband, Anthony, announce the birth of their daughter, Haley Jayden, on Sept. 10, 2003.
IN MEMORIAM
William Volovski and Teresa Szylobryt; July 5, 2003
Eleanor Sullivan ’27 (1907–2004)
1989
Claire A. Desmarais ’28 (1909–2003)
Winifred Scates Young ’27 (1909–2004)
Christopher Robert Reust and Eileen Serrilli; Sept. 20, 2003
Gladys I. Bowman ’38 (1916–2004)
1991
Tatania Juzak ’42 (1920–2004)
Julia M. Bushnell ’41 (1920–2004)
Tina M. LaCourse and Scott J. Murelli; Sept. 27, 2003
Arlene McCarthy Bergeron ’44 (1922–2004)
1993
Alma Floeting Lesniaski ’51 (1930–2004)
John J. Petrus ’45 (1923–2004)
Amy Elizabeth Iancale and Davis Michael Primini; Oct. 11, 2003
Maureen Breton Lambert ’55 (1933–2004)
1996
Edward DeBesse ’71 (1931–2004)
Harvey Alpert ’61 (1937–2004)
Nancy Wengertsman Grasso is enjoying staying home with her two small children, Anthony, 3, and Kayla, who is almost 18 months. She hopes to return to Eastern when they are older for her master’s degree.
Michele Lori Ridolfi and James V. O’Neill III; Nov. 1, 2003
Kathleen Irene Dumais ’76 (1953–2004)
1998
Malcolm Alexis ’81 (1959–2004)
1999
Nadine Enes and Anthony Alteri; Aug. 9, 2002
Don Diehl resides in Manchester and is the general manager of the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant there.
2000
Paul Pedroncelli is manager/operator of several coffee shops in Connecticut as part of his family’s business. William Mudano resides in Windsor Locks. Now a police officer in Middletown, he was formerly the associate director of the Nutmeg State Games. Benjamin Stern resides in Virginia with his wife, Sarah, and works as a radio journalist for Mid-Atlantic Network, Inc.
2001
Elena Anastas Pedroncelli resides in Southington. After completing her MSW at UConn, Pedroncelli joined Kuhn Employment Opportunities, where she assists individuals with psychiatric disabilities in obtaining employment.
2000
Kimberly Marie Ashton and Alan Gay; May 17, 2003
Jaqueline A. Lebel ’79 (1954–2004) John Albert Pryor, Sr. ’82 (1920–2004) Geraldine Moniz Rose ’86 (1942–2004) Crystal L. Thomas Morgan ’91 (1949–2004) Eastern Friends, Faculty, and Staff
Jason L. Martin and Rebecca Lynn Merchant; Sept. 20, 2003
James Curtis, former board member, ECSC (1931–2004)
Paul D. Pedroncelli and Elena Anastas (’01); June 29, 2003
Beverly Haddad, former staff member
Benjamin Stern and Sarah Chambers; March 27, 2004
2001
Gary Goeschel and Lori Genova; Aug. 16, 2003
Paul H. Kaplitz, benefactor and friend (1914-2004) Bernard Marlin, former staff member (1922-2004) Otto Sardi, Professor (1932–2004)
2002
Ginny Marie Perkins and Matthew Ross Person; Aug. 31, 2003 Adam Piacenza and Melissa Mastroianno; March 6, 2004
Gary Goeschel resides in Stratford with his wife, Lori, and works for the Town of Wilton as an environmental analyst.
Fall 2004 • 33
The Last Word needs of current and future students, Eastern’s classroom and residential facilities, measured in square footage, have grown by 66 percent in the same period. To teach so many new students, Eastern has increased the number of fulltime faculty by 46 percent over the past decade. The last number is noteworthy, given national trends that show a significant decline in the use of full-time faculty across the United States, with a shift to the use of part-time faculty. Eastern is leading the way among Connecticut public universities in hiring full-time faculty to provide students with the best liberal arts education we can offer.
I hope you have enjoyed this second issue of Eastern magazine. If you received the first issue, perhaps you have noticed that we added pages and additional color to the publication. We hope you like these changes. What we haven’t changed is our focus on telling the “Eastern story.” First and foremost, we want to showcase the personal nature of an Eastern education, where each student is valued, each student can establish relationships with their faculty, and each student has the freedom to fully explore their academic potential and interests. At the same time, we want to highlight the connections our students are making — connecting to the community through service learning, connecting to the world-at-large through greater cultural and social awareness, and connecting to each other and to Eastern as they establish lifelong friendships. Personal, connected. These have been the hallmarks of Eastern’s special brand of education since it opened in 889. Eastern certainly has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a small, teachers preparatory school housed in a single building. Today the University educates more than 5,000 students annually in more than 50 buildings on its 78-acre campus. In recent years, Eastern has grown exponentially as more and more people have discovered what Chancellor William Cibes of the Connecticut State University System has described as the “jewel of the East.” This record of growth and progress is also part of the Eastern story. How fast are we growing? Eastern is experiencing the fastest growth in the CSU System; full-time enrollment increased by 3 percent over the past decade. To meet the
34 • Fall 2004
The University’s commitment to enhancing the teaching and learning experience is paying dividends — Eastern is the only CSU institution ranked as selective in the U.S. News and World Report annual ratings, and was upgraded to Tier 3 in the magazine’s past two profiles of U.S. colleges and universities. Most recently, Eastern received news that its application to join the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges had been accepted, making Eastern only the 2st member of this national association. Even as we raise the quality of our educational product, we are ever mindful of the cost of education to our students and their families. Through the generosity of our donors, scholarships and other financial aid further help offset the cost of education to our students. The price Eastern students pay is significantly less than the “retail” price of tuition and fees. Resident students pay only 7 percent of the price of tuition, while commuting students pay only 58 percent. We hope that highlighting the successes of our students, faculty, and graduates, while inspirational to members of Eastern’s family, can also help to promote liberal arts education to the public as a valued and important educational option. In so doing, we can add value to the educational experiences of our students — past, present, and future — and garner greater public support for our special brand of higher education. Thanks for your continued interest and support of this wonderful place we call Eastern.
Kenneth J. DeLisa Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Biology majors now have the ability to examine tissue samples under a fluorescence microscope, thanks to a donation from Dr. Lori L. Badura, a researcher of comparative medicine and physiology at Pfizer’s Global Research and Development Department in New London. See article on page 27.
Comments?
Please send any story ideas,“letters to the editor,” or questions to: Edward Osborn, Director Office of University Relations Eastern Connecticut State University 83 Windham Street Willimantic, CT 06226 phone: (860) 465-5735 e-mail: osborne@easternct.edu
Attention Alumni: Have you moved, did you get married, have you taken a new job, or have you had a baby? Please send your information to: Joy Goff, Director Office of Alumni Affairs Eastern Connecticut State University 83 Windham Street Willimantic, CT 06226 e-mail: alumni@easternct.edu
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