Southern Alumni Magazine Fall 2013 by Southern Connecticut State University

a publication for alumni and friends of Southern Connecticut State University

ALUMNI MAGAZINE | Fall | 13

LET TER

FROM THE

President

Dear Southern Alumni, The first half of this academic year has been highly positive for Southern. A new senior leadership team is in place, major construction is under way on campus, and we have received a record-breaking gift that will propel our science programs to new heights. We are also commencing a strategic planning process that will both advance our mission and address critical needs in areas such as enrollment and retention during the next decade. We have been joined this year by a number of key new members of Southern’s senior leadership team: Tracy Tyree, vice president for student affairs; Robert Stamp, vice president for institutional advancement; Pablo Molina, chief information officer; Steven Breese, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences; and Pamela Lassiter, director of diversity and equity. In addition, searches are near completion for the positions of provost and vice president for academic affairs, and dean of the School of Education. The collective talents and fresh perspectives brought by all of these individuals will be valuable assets as we move ahead. The two major construction projects that dominate the heart of campus are rapidly taking shape. The Buley Library renovation and the Academic and Laboratory Science Building are both scheduled to be completed in two years. Both will transform our physical and academic landscape, providing new opportunities for learning and engagement. If you are visiting campus, please take a moment to view both these projects — located on either side of the main faculty-staff parking lot on Fitch Street. The view into the new construction site for the science building, in particular, is spectacular and gives a great perspective on the scope of the building and what it will mean to our academic mission at Southern. As you will read inside this edition of Southern Alumni Magazine, the new science building, and in particular our centers for Coastal and Marine Studies and Nanotechnology, were boosted this fall by a wonderful gift of $3 million from the

Werth Family Foundation. This support will take our students’ experiential and research opportunities in the sciences to a whole new level. While this is by far the largest gift that Southern has ever received, it is also a testament to the quality of our academic programs and faculty. Vincent Breslin, James Tait, and Sean Grace, the faculty coordinators of our newly named Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies, have fostered a close relationship with the Werth family over the past several years by engaging them in the work of the center, and especially in the research of our students. The result is a $1.5 million endowment for the center, which is currently engaging students in analyzing the damage to the Connecticut coastline caused by hurricanes Irene and Sandy. Peter Werth, who established the family foundation with his wife, Pam, in 2000, said recently: “We’ve had the opportunity to look at the research done at the center and its importance to the community. We’re believers.” This is a clear indicator that the community is becoming increasingly aware of our new direction here at Southern and is willing to support our efforts. As we spread the word and engage more members of the wider community in our mission, we will seek to elicit further substantive private donations to help ensure that we achieve our common goal of student success. I wish you a very happy and peaceful holiday season with your friends and family. Sincerely,

Mary A. Papazian, Ph.D. President

Southern

ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Fall | 13 features From Trash to Treasure

Move over bulldozer! Conservationist Joe DeRisi, ’85, carefully deconstructs old properties through his business, Urbanminers — salvaging bricks, antique doorknobs, floorboards, and more. Plus, on page 13, Green Dreams — a few high points in Southern’s ongoing efforts to keep it green.

The countdown is on! A new science building currently under construction will launch the next era of research at Southern. Plus a spotlight on one of Southern’s most promising young alumni, Jacquelynn Garofano, ’06, an award-winning scientist at United Technologies Research Center.

H CENTE ERT

Big Bang

TA L

& M ARIN E

A $3 million gift from the Werth Family Foundation — the largest in Southern’s history — promises to bring the study of the sciences to a whole new level.

Cover: a photo illustration created from a model of the science building currently under construction.

departments

In the Name of Science

From the President

inside cover

Campus News

8 Out and About 22 Nostalgia 24 Alumni News 26 Alumni Notes 30 Southern Events 36 True Blue

Campus

NEWS “This groundbreaking is a major step forward for [SCSU],” said Gov. Dannel P. Malloy [FOURTH FROM RIGHT], speaking at the groundbreaking for the renovation of the original wing of Buley Library.

“It is going to be a beautiful building that will be the academic hub of the campus,” says Christina Baum, director of library services at Buley. “I really think it will be a more inviting and approachable facility for our students.”

Building a Better Buley: Part Two

lounge seating, e-mail

n July 17, Southern celebrated the

groundbreaking for the renovation of the original wing of Hilton C. Buley Library — a project that will transform the building into a state-of-the-art facility

stations, a reference help

Buley at a Glance

desk, and an information

Cost: $31 million Size: 245,000 square feet (including the 2008 addition)

On the second floor,

Exterior: Red brick and concrete Architect: Oak Park Architects, West Hartford Construction Manager: Skanska, New Haven

plans call for three classrooms, two computer teaching labs, a seminar

Project Completion: 2015

room, a conference room,

within two years.

and a Faculty Development

The $31 million

Center. The third floor is

project includes the renovation of the 98,000-

2008, the entire library will

square-foot original wing

total 245,000 square feet.

and the addition of a

technology help desk.

“Buley Library is a

information technology.”

slated to eventually include

The library project

a tutorial center and space

includes the creation of an

for the Library Science

12,000-square-foot area

building that physically

art gallery, as well as space

Department faculty and

that includes an atrium

and practically has served

for media and special col-

staff. The Office of

and skywalk connecting

as the hub of learning on

lections, and a reading

Information Technology

the two sections of the

our campus for more than

area on the ground floor.

will eventually be located

building on the first and

40 years,” said Southern

First floor highlights include

on the fourth floor, accord-

third floors. When added to

President Mary A.

a cyber café and an “infor-

ing to building plans, as

the 135,000-square-foot

Papazian. “The new Buley

mation commons” that will

would the library adminis-

addition completed in

will feature the latest in

include a computer lab,

tration offices.

2 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Supporting Future Nurses Southern was awarded a $100,000

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation New

Southern

Careers in Nursing (NCIN) Grant to provide 10 scholarships for nursing students in the

| ALUMNI MAGAZINE | VOL 11 • NO 2

accelerated degree program for the 2013-14 academic year.

Dr. Mary A. Papazian, President

Southern was the only public university in Connecticut to receive the prestigious grant, which supports students who are traditionally underrepresented in the profession. Each NCIN Scholar has already earned a bachelor’s degree in another field and is making a career switch to nursing through an accelerated program, which prepares stu-

This is the fifth consecutive year that

dents to pass the licensure exam for regis-

Southern’s Department of Nursing has

tered nurses in as little as 12-18 months. In

received this competitive funding, which was

addition to a $10,000 scholarship, each NCIN

awarded to only 52 schools throughout the

Scholar receives support, including mentor-

nation this year. With this most recent award,

ing, to help them meet the demands of an

Southern has received a total of $430,000 to

accelerated program.

benefit 43 scholars.

A Mighty Heart Master’s degree candidate Etienne Holder received the first Michael J. Perlin

Student Award from the Connecticut Public Health Association, recognizing her

STAFF Patrick Dilger, Director of Public Affairs Villia Struyk, Editor Mary Pat Caputo, Associate Editor Michael Kobylanski, Sports Editor Marylou Conley, ’83, Art Director Isabel Chenoweth, Photographer Nancy Ronne, Development Editor Charlie Davison, Alumni Notes Editor OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Michelle R. Johnston, Director of Alumni Relations (203) 392-6500 EDITORIAL OFFICE Southern Connecticut State University Office of Public Affairs/ Southern Alumni Magazine 501 Crescent Street New Haven, CT 06515-1355 Telephone (203) 392-6591; fax (203) 392-6597 E-mail address: StruykV1@SouthernCT.edu University website: SouthernCT.edu Printed by The Lane Press, Inc.

accomplishments in the areas of volunteerism, leadership, and academics.

PHOTO: Alisha Martindale, ’10

Congratulations to Holder — a triple threat with heart. Be the Change

Holder has volunteered as a patient liaison in the Pediatric Emergency Department of Yale-New Haven Hospital. Selected as a Connecticut-Rhode Island Public Health Training Center Fellow, she helped to develop a community health assessment. She also has assisted with a community garden in Bridgeport. Inspiration

While visiting Guatemala in 2012 with Southern’s International Field Study in Health, Holder says she found Etienne Holder

inspiration at nearly every turn — from volunteering at several schools, including one serving young girls in a very rural area, to meeting with birthing attendants and midwives.

Southern Alumni Magazine is published by the university in cooperation with the SCSU Alumni Association two times a year and distributed free of charge to alumni and friends of the university. Opinions expressed in Southern Alumni Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the university or of the SCSU Alumni Association. Although the editors have made every reasonable effort to be factually accurate, no responsibility is assumed for errors. Postage paid at Burlington, Vt. Southern Connecticut State University, in compliance with federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services.

continues on page 4 Fall 2013 | 3

Campus

NEWS n

continued from page 3

Applause! Applause! The university has

How she spent her summer

Working at the clinical trials office of the Yale Cancer Center; completing an

recognized both a full-time

internship with the Quinnipiac Valley Health District, through which she helped develop

and adjunct faculty mem-

a strategic plan to gauge community needs; and working on her graduate thesis, which

ber as the 2013 recipients

explores the effects on children of their parents’ experiences with discrimination.

of the J. Philip Smith Award for Outstanding Teaching.

Long-term goal

To earn a Ph.D., specializing in the study of chronic diseases and epidemiology. “Whatever I do, I want there to be an international component,” says Holder. “I want to bring programs overseas in a way that is culturally relevant.”

85%

of Southern’s annual graduating class remains

in the state to live and work.

Bernadette Madara

eginning this year, Southern will hold December commencement Professor of Nursing

ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students who

Bernadette Madara, who

complete their degree requirements in the fall. Two ceremonies will be held on

December 18

has taught at the university

in the

Lyman Center for the Performing Arts. A significant number of

since 2005, was honored

students complete their degrees in December: 453 undergraduates

in the full-time faculty cate-

and 252 graduate students last year.

gory. Madara is a licensed R.N. and A.P.R.N.

inority students comprise about

tered nurse) who is board

of Southern’s enrollment.

Division II team titles and

certified for medical-surgi-

10 76 1,100

outhern’s athletics programs have won university also boasts nearly

(advanced practice regis-

28%

cal nursing. She holds an

national NCAA

Ed.D. in higher and adult

NCAA individual titles. The All-American selections.

sustainability

Exemplifying these efforts, students are served certified humane/cage-free eggs and milk

College, Columbia University and is also a

ampus dining services is committed to promoting good health and

education from Teachers

clinical supervisor for student nurses at Yale-New Haven Hospital. Fellow honoree,

without artificial growth hormones. Recycling

Brenda Harrison, is an

and waste-reduction programs are in place.

adjunct faculty member in the Exercise Science Department. She has

4 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

one thing exceptionally.

Stepanovich con-

taught at Southern since

ing his own, show that the

January 2008 and has

evaluation process is rife

Equally problematic is a

cedes that it is unlikely that

served as a coach of the

with cognitive biases . . . so

reverse evaluation thought

a totally objective review

women’s rugby team. She

many, in fact, that the eval-

process in which a supervi-

exists, but notes steps can

recently completed her

uations actually say more

sor has a mental picture of

be taken to reduce the

Master of Science degree

about the evaluator than

someone’s performance

level of bias. He suggests:

in human performance

the evaluatee.

and then fills in details

from Southern.

“Those biases are

• Talking with employees throughout the year about

usually unconscious,” he

tion, instead of looking

says. “In fact, most supervi-

objectively at a worker’s

sors believe they are pro-

contributions. In other

viding pretty objective eval-

instances, reviewers focus

uations. But the research is

too heavily on the highs

clear. They are not.”

and lows rather than look-

workers are going to

ing at an employee’s over-

have good and bad days

eral problems related to

all performance. He also

— or cycles. Employers

objectivity, such as the

notes that office politics, as

should look at whether

He points out sev-

Brenda Harrison

later to reflect that percep-

their strengths and weaknesses, rather than waiting for a yearly review. • Using control charts. All

“halo effect,” in which a

well as racial, age, gender,

the average performance

person is perceived to do

class, and other biases

is above or below a

everything well if they do

factor in.

certain norm.

Reviewing the Review Ask any group about

their employers’ performance review process, and there’s a good chance you’ll hear a collective groan — with good reason. “They generally do more harm than good,” says Paul Stepanovich, chairman of the Management/ Management Information Systems Department. “They have been criticized forever, yet almost every organization continues to do them.” Stepanovich, whose findings were recently published in the Journal of Behavioral and Applied Management, says several bodies of research, includ-

“And when evaluations are tied to promotions, raises, firings, and similar results — which they often are — the performance reviews generate even more problems, such as resentment, a reduction in motivation, and lack of cooperation among co-workers.” — Paul Stepanovich, chairman of the Management/Management Information Systems Department Fall 2013 | 5

Campus

NEWS n

Southern Academy students are ready for sixth grade — and have college in their sights.

College Bound In a quiet, unassum-

ing room in Engleman Hall last summer, the important work of “building little citizens” was under way, says Aaron Washington, associate dean of student affairs, commenting on one of the outcomes of Southern Academy (SA), an enrich-

most

ment program for New

students.

Haven schoolchildren that

SA is one such

began on Southern’s cam-

program with a

pus in 2011.

goal of helping New

The achievement

recent group of 16 students had just finished grade five,

Haven school children

says Washington, and

gap in Connecticut is one

enhance their skills in key

included a few of the origi-

of the worst in the country,

areas — and ultimately go

nal students.

and Southern strives to

on to college and earn

level the playing field with

their degrees.

a variety of programs

The four-week sum-

The program, which focuses primarily on literacy, ment activities. The first

has had promising results.

aimed at supporting the

mer program ran five days

group of 25 students, all

Based on pre- and post-test

education of local elemen-

a week and included aca-

rising fourth graders, start-

data, SA students have

tary and secondary school

demic work and enrich-

ed SA in June 2011. The

made tremendous progress in reading and writing each

Computer Savvy

summer. Socially, students

The Computer Science Department has restructured its Master of Science degree program to better meet student needs and the demands of the changing workforce. The

have improved their ability to work together, express

department is offering two new tracks — software development and network and informa-

their ideas, and contribute

tion security (cybersecurity).

to a group. In another significant change, the program is now

SA’s literacy coach,

designed to accommodate computer professionals and

Lauren Skultety, who does

those who wish to move into the computer field from other

the planning and primary

areas of study. For those without the necessary level of pro-

instruction at SA, has been

gramming knowledge and skill, a new prerequisite has been

with the program since its

developed — a four-credit course on computer programming

onset and is inspired by

and data structures.

the progress she sees.

“Previously, the M.S. program was designed primarily for students who earned a bach-

“I think our students

elor’s degree in computer science,” says Lisa Lancor, chair for the department. “But we had

have become more critical

been getting increased interest from individuals who had bachelor’s degrees in other disci-

thinkers about the world

plines and wanted to move into the computer field. We have students who majored in music,

around them,” Skultety says.

political science, and other disciplines not closely related to computer science. So, we revamped the program to make it more flexible.”

More information is available at SouthernCT.edu/go/cscms. 6 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

For more information go to SouthernCT.edu/news/southern_ academy.html.

Professor of Philosophy David Pettigrew

Taught at Southern since 1987; Recipient of Southern’s Faculty Scholar Award in 2000.

For the past several years, Pettigrew has been researching and writing about the genocide that took place during the Bosnian War in the 1990s. He now focuses particularly on the widespread and systematic efforts to exclude Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslims) from their former homes.

Through extensive efforts — that include his writings, lectures, and a film on which he collaborated with his son, Jonah, titled “The Geography of Genocide in Bosnia: Redeeming the Earth”— Pettigrew

is committed to gaining recognition of the atrocities that took place in Bosnia.

On Oct. 7, 2012, Pettigrew served as a credentialed International Observer for the municipal elections in Srebrenica, Bosnia, and Herzegovina. He also serves as an international expert team council member for the Institute for Research of Genocide Canada and as a member of the Steering Committee of Yale University’s Genocide Studies Program.

At Southern: Pettigrew is teaching a new course on the Holocaust and Genocide Studies.

Other Research Interests: In addition to his work on ethics and genocide studies, he has co-edited and co-translated ten books concerning the works of Martin Heidegger and Jacques Lacan.

A story on Pettigrew’s recent work is found at SouthernCT.edu/news/ Bosnia-Pettigrew.html. This past summer, Pettigrew attended a wreath-laying ceremony in a cemetery in the Bosnian town of Višegrad, the site of numerous atrocities. The wreath bore a ribbon with a message suggested by Pettigrew: “To the memory of the victims of the Višegrad genocide: May truth lead to justice.” He says the message on the wreath was designed to resist genocide denial and to support the local activists and survivors.

Fall 2013 | 7

Trueblue n

From the pool to the playing field, a look at Southern athletics.

Jess Dow Inducted Into College Football Hall Of Fame

Alum Named ECAC Commissioner As a high school student,

The odds of building a football powerhouse

Kevin T. McGinniss went to his

seemed to be against Jesse L. “Jess” Dow, the founder of

guidance counselor looking for

Southern’s intercollegiate athletics program and its first

advice. McGinniss, then a talent-

head football coach.

ed student-athlete, previously

When Dow — a West Texas State University graduate

hadn’t given much thought to

who played three years for the National Football League’s

attending college. But he knew

Philadelphia Eagles — joined the faculty in 1946, the

he wanted to become a teacher

student body included only 25 men. His fledgling team

and a coach — career aspirations

practiced in city parks, didn’t have tackling dummies,

his counselor promptly dis-

borrowed jerseys from Yale University for its first game, and

missed, promising “no jobs” and

spent hours on a rickety team bus, which the players often

“no money.”

drove themselves.

Clearly glad that he

Kevin T. McGinniss, ’79, M.S. ’85, 6th Yr. ’92

ignored his counselor’s advice, Dr. McGinniss, ’79, M.S. ’85, 6th Yr. ’92, shared the story last May at a press conference where he was introduced as the new commissioner of the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC). The nation’s largest and only multidivisional athletics conference, the ECAC represents 302 Division I, II, and III colleges and universities, including Southern Connecticut State University. McGinniss brings a wealth of expertise to the table, with 35 years of experience working in athletics, including 24 years at the intercollegiate level. Most recently, he spent six years as associate athletics director for development at the University of Rhode Island. Southern played a role in his early career as well; he served as director of athletics development

But the team soon hit its stride, and Dow would go on to establish a record as one of the leading college coaches in the country — an achievement formally

and alumni affairs, and the assistant coach of the men’s basketball team. More on his appointment is included in the summer

recognized this year with his induction into the College

2013 issue of the Owl Club Newsletter at SouthernCTowls.com;

Football Hall of Fame by the National Football Foundation.

click on the “Owl Club” heading.

His 18-year career as the Owls’ head football coach (1948-65) was marked by numerous achievements: Dow had 16 winning seasons, including Southern’s only unbeaten, untied campaign in 1956. He retired as head football coach in 1965 to serve full time as director of athletics, a position he held until his retirement in 1975. Dow, who was granted the title professor emeritus of health and physical education, died in 2003 at the age of 88. His legacy lives on at Southern where the outdoor athletics facility is named in his honor, and he was among the first class inducted into the Southern Alumni Sports Hall of Fame. 8 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

For more sports news, visit SouthernCTOwls.com.

Join the team behind the team!

The Owl Club recognizes donors who support Southern’s Athletics program with a gift of $50 or more. To make a gift, go to SouthernCT.edu/giving.

Meet South Student-A ern’s thlete

Slam Dunk

Sarah Cebry

It’s been another winning season for basketball standout Kate Lynch, ’08. As a student-athlete she helped

Senior, exercise science major

Southern capture the NCAA Division II Championship in 2007, smashing numerous university records in the process.

Field Hockey Team, co-captain and forward; Lacrosse Team, midfielder

Today, Lynch remains Southern’s all-time high scorer with 1,779 points. She’s also regarded as one of the country’s top coaches, having been named the 2013 National Coach of the Year at the junior college/community college level by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. When the award was announced, Lynch was head coach at the Community College of Rhode Island, where she guided her teams to two regional titles and consecutive appearances in the National Junior College

Hometown: Burlington, Conn.

Athletic Association Division II Championship. PHOTO: Illinois Central College

Claims to fame: In field hockey, set SCSU single-season records for goals (23) and points (52); led all of Division II in goals per game as a junior; earned All-American honors from the National Field Hockey Coaches Association. Named to league and national academic honor rolls. In lacrosse, a Northeast-10 Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll selection. Finished the year with 18 points (14 goals, four assists). Getting Started: Her mom picked up a flyer advertising a one-week summer camp for field hockey, which Cebry attended in six, seventh, and eighth grade. She joined a town lacrosse team in seventh grade. The other sport: Ice hockey, which Cebry played from age 11 - 18 Kate Lynch, ’08, former coach of the Community College of Rhode Island, led the team at the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II championship in 2013. Today the award-winning coach heads the women’s basketball team at Molloy College.

Inspiring Sibling: Began playing roller hockey at age 4. “I wanted to be like my older brother, James.” Grrrrrlll Power: Volunteers at The Big Event and Southern’s

Today, she continues to live the dream. A recent

Day of Service. Joins teammates as a volunteer with

goal was to become a Division II head coach before the

the “You Go Girl” program organized by USA Field Hockey

age of 30. In July, she joined Division II-ranked Molloy

to introduce girls in urban areas to the sport.

College, Rockville Centre, N.Y., as the head women’s basketball coach and the activities and wellness coordinator. When she took the reins at Molloy she was 27. The student-athletes she coaches have been understandably curious about her trip to the NCAA Div. II Championship with the Owls in 2007. “Yes, they always ask

Helpful Professor: “My advisor, Dr. Robert Axtell, has spent a lot of time with me discussing career options. He is extremely knowledgeable about various fields.” Career Aspirations: Occupational therapist or an exercise physiologist. The next step? Graduate school.

about it,” says Lynch. “I think as a college athlete, it’s one of the dreams — to win the championship, be covered by ESPN . . . the whole thing. I want to make it possible for a whole new group of talented young ladies to have that experience — ideally, several times.”

FOR MORE SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS, turn to the “Owl News” newsletter — now available exclusively online. Subscribe to the free newsletter by providing your e-mail address on the subscription form found at SouthernCTowls.com; click on the “Owl Club” heading. Fall 2013 | 9

M FRO

RE ASU TRE TO

Move over b ulldoz Conse er! rvatio n ist Joe DeRis i, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;85, carefu decon lly struct s old prope rties t hroug busin h his ess, Ur banm â&#x20AC;&#x201D; sa iners lvagin g bricks antiqu , e door knobs floorb , oards , and more. By Na talie M issaki an

hile doing a makeover on a struggling Windsor, Conn., diner last August, the hit Food Network TV show, “Restaurant: Impossible,” turned to Joe DeRisi, ’85, for help with the interior design. DeRisi is no Nate Berkus or Martha Stewart, but his dusty warehouse in Hamden, Conn., is filled with unique treasures — vintage household items and antique building materials and fixtures you won’t find at Home Depot. Much of it DeRisi salvages himself from homes that would have otherwise been bulldozed. “They came in here and bought a bunch of stuff,” DeRisi says of the popular reality show, which tries to turn around struggling restaurants in two days with only $10,000. Among their purchases: 26 wine bottles (for the tables), several light fixtures, and some live-edge wood (the bark is still attached), which they planned to use for a rustic wall and shelves. “I told them to e-mail me when the show is going to be aired, so I can look for our things,” he says DeRisi founded the deconstruction and salvage business, Urbanminers LLC, in 2007 as a way to blend his love of old houses with his passion for conservation. When he takes down — or “deconstructs” — a building, his goal is to recycle everything possible: from floorboards and windows to sinks and antique doorknobs. He says if you do it right, at least 80 percent of a house can be saved. He sells the items in his showroom and online at urbanminers.com. “Since at least World War II, the way we’ve been doing things is when we don’t want a house anymore, we just 12 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

[OVERLEAF] Got windows? Joe DeRisi, ’85, displays one of the many choices available at Urbanminers. [INSET PHOTOS] An ornate lamp and charming old bottles offer a glimpse of the store’s many treasures. Everything old is new again. Urbanminers is stocked with everything from building materials to glass doorknobs to knickknacks — all reclaimed from deconstructed properties. Owner Joe DeRisi, ’85, [standing above] is committed to finding new homes for the store’s riches.

crunch it up and throw it in the dumpster,” DeRisi says. Traditional salvagers have always cherry-picked high-end materials, but the idea behind deconstruction is that all the materials can be repurposed. “I really appreciate the old materials because they’re not replaceable,” says DeRisi. “An old two-by-four is like an antique to me because you can’t grow wood of that quality anymore.” DeRisi has always been able to see potential in things others view as trash. As a kid, he remembers digging for antique bottles with his grandfather on land near Southern, then selling their finds and other

items at flea markets. Soon, family members started giving them unwanted stuff to sell. “Everybody would give us their toasters and this and that, and we’d fill up the trunk of his old Chrysler and drive to the flea market,” he recalls. At Southern, DeRisi majored in geography and minored in environmental studies. “Southern was a place where you really could extract a lot out of the experience if you wanted to. State universities are a good opportunity,” he says, noting the school’s affordability. While a student, DeRisi took a side job as a contractor and developed a deep appreciation for the

received a green rating from the Princeton Review and will be included in its 2014 Guide to the 322 Greenest Campuses in the nation.

•

• •

In 2012 – 2013, Southern diverted 62 percent of its waste stream — basically everything that otherwise would have been thrown away — through recycling. A significant increase over previous years, this figure includes recycling related to the demolition of Seabury Hall, a dilapidated building built in 1956 that formerly housed faculty and staff from the School of Business. Concrete and rebar (reinforcing rods) from Seabury Hall were among the items recycled. Even when Seabury Hall is not part of the equation, Southern still diverted 26 percent of its waste stream through recycling. The university also cut its overall waste by 10 percent. The new home of the School of Business was the second building in the state to earn LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification. The project was created through the renovation of Southern’s former student center.

A few high points in Southern’s ongoing efforts to keep it green.

GREEN •DREAMS

• Southern

SCSU currently recycles the following items: paper, bottles and cans, cardboard, metal, ink and toner cartridges, construction and demolition materials, lamps, ballasts, electronic waste, batteries, mattresses, and brush.

•

• •

Departments on campus contribute office supplies they no longer need to the university Swap Shop, which, in turn, provides them for free to other offices on campus that need them. The university estimates a savings of $8,000 per year. Southern is a charter signatory of the American College & University President’s Climate Commitment, which calls for schools to enhance their conservation efforts and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Southern placed fourth out of 98 schools throughout the country in its efforts to reduce energy consumption in the 2012 Campus Conservation Nationals. Energy consumption was reduced 20.5 percent during the three-week program — resulting in savings of about $11,430. For more on Southern’s sustainability efforts, go to SouthernCT.edu/ about/sustainability.

craftsmanship in New Haven’s older homes. He worked in planning after graduation, but discovered a desk job wasn’t for him so he returned to construction. During this time he realized his true calling: conservation. While fellow contractors were tossing old doors and other materials into the dumpster at the end of the day, DeRisi would take them out to sell at tag sales. In 2000, he earned his master’s in resource management and administration from Antioch University New England in Keene, N.H. He also holds a certificate in deconstruction from the Yestermorrow School in Warren, Vt. DeRisi spent six years as an environmental analyst with a regional conservation district, but kept running up against developers who wanted to bulldoze houses the old-fashioned way to make room for something new. “I would always put into my reports, ‘You know, there’s an alternative,’” he says. “I finally decided I was going to start taking down houses myself because no one would listen to me.” DeRisi counts the growing interest in deconstruction in Connecticut among his successes. In 2012, he and Urbanminers were recognized by the Hamden Chamber of Commerce with the Green Business Advocate award. Government officials like deconstruction not just for the environmental benefits, but because it creates jobs. (Deconstruction requires six times as many workers as demolition). But there’s more upfront cost, and a challenge has been finding buyers for the large volume of salvaged materials. continues on page 35 Fall 2013 | 13

IN THE NAME OF

14 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

The launch countdown is on! A new Academic and Laboratory Science Building currently under construction promises to forward a new era of research at Southern. By Joseph Musante, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;86 Fall 2013 | 15

THE FUTURE ACADEMIC AND LABORATORY SCIENCE BUILDING AT SOUTHERN will be a significant step forward in the ongoing revitalization of campus and an impressive leap for scientific study in Connecticut. Plans call for the construction of a four-story, 103,608-square-foot-building that will be the focal point for the university’s science programs. It is being designed to enhance both the quality of those programs, as well as to educate a larger number of students. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Sept. 20 near the construction site, although the project actually had been under way since the summer. “Southern’s new science building will offer our students and faculty a

on the ground floor. An existing hallway connects Jennings and Morrill halls. Academically, the building will be home to teaching and research labs for physics, earth science, environmental science, molecular biology, and chemistry. It also will include a supercomputing lab for research in theoretical physics, bioinformatics, and computer science. “We’re very excited about the new building,” says Vincent Breslin, professor of science education and environmental studies. “In fact, I’m on the third floor of Jennings overlooking the site, watching the construction day by day and rooting them along. “It will undoubtedly create new opportunities for teaching and research at Southern,” he added. “There will be state-

An artist’s rendering of the future 103,608-square-foot Academic and Laboratory Science Building.

broader array of tools and the essential work spaces to support important teaching, learning, and research,” says Steven Breese, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. “It is a critical addition that will strengthen our university and help us to build a stronger workforce for Connecticut.” Physically, the two wings of the facility will be configured in the shape of an “L” and located next to Jennings and Morrill halls, which currently house the university’s science departments. Together, the three buildings will form a “science enclave.” The building will have a brick and glass exterior and will feature a covered skywalk connecting it with Jennings on the upper floor. A connector will also be built 16 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

of-the-art teaching classrooms with LCD projectors and screens and smartboards, new computers, as well as additional prep rooms and storage space.” The Werth Center for Marine and Coastal Studies — recently named for the Werth family following a $3 million gift from the Werth Family Foundation — will be housed on the second floor. “The center will have several new labs, including an analytical laboratory (used to study contaminants, such as mercury) and a coastal processes laboratory (used to conduct research related to the beaches and sediment found along Long Island Sound),” Breslin says. The state-of-the-art CSU Center for

Nanotechnology will be located on the ground floor, where the laboratory space is designed to isolate the building’s vibrations — considered important when dealing with microscopic materials. “When Jennings Hall was designed, it was not expected to house intensive research,” says James Dolan, professor of physics. “As a result, the floors in Jennings are prone to microscopic vibrations that limit what can be done with microscopic instruments. The new building will allow us to do so much more.” Christine Broadbridge, chair of the Physics Department, agrees. “The timing could not be better as the nanotechnology programs at Southern have grown so much,” Broadbridge says. She pointed to a Master of Science degree program in applied physics, a graduate certificate in nanotechnology, and an industry/academic fellowship program as examples. A saltwater aquaria room with a touch tank will also be featured in the new building and will be a centerpiece of outreach to area schools and the community. “Schools can bring their students to see and actually hold various kinds of marine life — such as starfish, certain types of crabs, mussels, and clams,” Breslin says. Other amenities include an outdoor rock garden showcasing rocks indigenous to Connecticut; six rooftop telescope stations strategically placed to eliminate interference from city lights; a pair of 50-seat general purpose classrooms; and office space and study/common areas. Scientific displays will be located throughout the building to showcase faculty and student research. The facility will meet the LEEDSilver certification, a designation by the U.S. Green Building Council for buildings that are environmentally friendly. “We will be able to capture the rain water and use it for the irrigation system in that area,” says Robert Sheeley, associate vice president for capital budgeting and facilities operations. “And the roofs will be pitched to accept solar panels.” Centerbrook Architect and Planners is the architectural firm in charge of the $49 million project. It is expected to be completed by the spring of 2015. n

N A PICTURE-PERFECT DAY,

on the support staff in a

JACQUELYNN GAROFANO, ’06,

board of education office.

stands at a podium strategically

Garofano was

placed in front of a massive gaping hole

academically strong in all

in the ground — the construction site for

subjects while growing up in

Southern’s future Academic and

Milford, Conn., and thought

Laboratory Science Building.

she would become a lawyer.

“I don’t usually get emotional,”

Southern was the only

she tells the crowd gathered for the

undergraduate school she

building’s September 20 groundbreaking

applied to — and she’s glad

ceremony.

because it’s where she found

But on this particular day her voice is laden with feeling. Garofano is proud to be the first person in her immediate family to attend college, and the self-described “overachiever” has done it with gusto, earning three degrees with academic honors. After majoring in physics at Southern where she was a member of the Honors College, she went on to earn a master’s degree and doctorate in materials science and engineering

her niche in the physics “I knew Southern would be a good place for me,” Jacquelynn Garofano, ’06, says of the Honors College. “I had many opportunities that I wouldn’t have had anywhere else. I’m proud I went to Southern.”

(MSE) from the University of Connecticut. (Materials science is “the study of everything” — all materials, she explains.) Today, Garofano is a senior research scientist with the

program, inspired by her mentor, Professor Christine Broadbridge. The professor is chair of the Physics Department and the education director of the Center for Research on Interface Structures and

Phenomena (CRISP), a National Science Foundation-funded Materials Research Science and Engineering Center based at

Measurement Science Group at United Technologies Research

Southern and Yale. Broadbridge is also among a select few to

Center. She specializes in advanced materials characterization

whom Garofano dedicated her doctoral thesis.

using electron microscopy for UTC’s business areas, including aerospace and commercial groups.

Garofano, in turn, has become a role model. In introductory remarks at the groundbreaking for

Her academic and professional journey has been

Southern’s new science building, President Mary A. Papazian

marked by numerous achievements. In addition to being

hailed her as “a true Southern science success story, who has

dubbed a Connecticut Magazine “40 Under 40” honoree,

been rightfully praised as one of the outstanding young

Garofano received the Outstanding Woman Scholar Academic

professionals in her field.” Garofano is committed to passing

Achievement Award from UConn Graduate School, the

the torch to the next generation. In 2009, she joined CRISP as

Outstanding Graduate Student Award from the school’s MSE

the education and outreach coordinator, a position she held

program, and a Women of Innovation Award from the

while earning her Ph.D. Today she remains active with CRISP

Connecticut Technology Council in 2011.

as coordinator of the research experience for undergraduates

A passion for science isn’t the norm in her family. “My parents always ask me, ‘Where did you come from?’” says Garofano, whose dad is a contractor and whose mom works

program and as a curriculum support specialist. She also is involved with the United Way. “I enjoy giving back,” she says. By Joan Wells

Fall 2013 | 17

Big Bang

A $3 million gift from the Werth Family Foundation — and a planned state-of-the-art science building — promise to bring the study of the sciences at Southern to a whole new level.

SCIENTIFICALLY SPEAKING, SOUTHERN STUDENTS CAN TELL YOU A THING OR TWO ABOUT CONNECTICUT’S COASTLINE. They’ve measured mercury contamination in state harbors, explored ways to combat beach erosion after hurricanes, studied methods of evaluating the age of lobsters, and can wax poetic on techniques to stop invasive monk parakeets from wrecking havoc with electric lines. In recent years, some 60 Southern students have worked alongside faculty on cutting-edge environmental research through the Center for Coastal and Marine Studies thanks to the leadershiplevel support of the Werth Family Foundation — and the best is yet to come. A $3 million pledge from the Werth Family Foundation — the largest gift ever received by Southern — will greatly forward the 18 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Academic and Laboratory Science Building are: [STANDING FROM LEFT] Suzanne Werth, ’89, Debbie Bachard, Peter Werth, Pam Werth, Jackie Moore and [Seated] Peter Werth IV and Carolyn Werth (children of Suzanne and Peter Werth III and Peter’s grandchildren).

ongoing development of the center, which will be named in honor of the family. The contribution, to be paid over 10 years, includes $1,500,000 to endow the Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies as well as $750,000 for its annual support. The remaining funds have been earmarked for two new initiatives that combine science education and real-world experience — through seminars, internships, and research opportunities — with stipends provided to participating Southern students and area science teachers. “Above all, we are trying to make a difference,” says Peter Werth, who established the family foundation with his wife, Pam, in

approximately 93 percent of the students enrolled at the university

$3 million pledge. “We’ve had the opportunity to look at the research done at the center and its importance to the community. We’re believers,” says Peter, who, along with two older siblings, was the first in his family to earn a college degree. The entrepreneurial couple founded ChemWerth, an international generic drug development and supply company, in 1982. “It was not a typical startup. We began with no product and no customers,” says Peter. However, the Werths did have an idea, drive, and experience. Prior to starting ChemWerth, Peter had spent 10 years in research and development with Upjohn Pharmaceuticals (now Pfizer). Most recently, he served as vice president of sales and marketing with Ganes Chemicals, a U.S. subsidiary of a Swiss-owned company. Initially setting up shop in a room in their home, the determined pair swiftly found success. ChemWerth, now based in Woodbridge, Conn., has successfully introduced more than 100 generic active pharmaceutical ingredients — and today their family foundation reflects the pioneering spirit that guided their company’s growth.

hail from Connecticut, and more than 80 percent of its alumni remain in the state to live and work. “We also look at tuition costs, and who can afford to attend Southern,” says Pam, who was raised in Bridgeport, Conn., and has a firm belief in the importance of supporting urban education. “Southern is accessible and offers students the opportunity to receive a great education. I know this is a school that makes a difference in peoples’ lives.” The Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies will be located on the second floor of Southern’s new Academic and Laboratory Science Building. Construction of the 103,608-squarefoot, four-story building has begun and is slated to be completed in spring 2015. (See page 14.) The Werth Center promises to be among the highpoints of the stunning facility. In addition to state-of-the-art classrooms, it will include two new laboratories. An analytical laboratory will house instrumentation used to study contaminants, such as mercury, while a coastal processes laboratory, will be used by faculty and

PHOTO: Alisha Martindale, ’10

2000. They’ve supported the Center for Coastal and Marine Studies since 2006, contributing nearly $380,000 in addition to the recent

foundation’s members. The tie-in with Southern was natural:

Pam Werth [LEFT] and her husband Peter (not pictured) have been impressed by the research undertaken by students through the newly named Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies. “We’ve been called entrepreneurial philanthropists,” says Pam. “We support many organizations. But when it comes to major funding, we don’t generally look at the ‘big vanilla’ — but what we view as pilot programs with tremendous potential.” Education is one of the foundation’s main focuses, as is a strong connection to the state of Connecticut — home to all of the

students to conduct research related to the beaches and sediment found along Long Island Sound. The first floor of the science building also will include two large aquaria, “wet” laboratory space, and a touch tank that will be used for community outreach. continues Fall 2013 | 19

continued from page 19

“This is truly a transformational gift,” says Vincent Breslin, professor of science education and environmental studies, and co-coordinator of the Werth Center, along with James Tait, professor of science education and environmental studies, and Sean Grace, associate professor of biology. “It makes the center sustainable. . . . It allows us to plan future programs of research and lets students know that support for their work will be there over the long-term.” The foundation funds research stipends for students, the acquisition and maintenance of equipment and supplies, and travel funds to allow faculty and students to present their findings. “In this highly competitive job market, it’s not what you know but what you can do with what you know that matters,” says Breslin. “This gift enables us to provide hands-on experience to students, who will be out in the field and in the lab conducting research with state-of-the-art instrumentation. As a result, our students are much more competitive in the job market. The support of the Werth Family Foundation makes this possible.” “State funds are increasingly being used to keep Southern and other state universities operational,” says Peter. “To create a climate of excellence as is fostered by the Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies you need private individuals to invest in people and institutions like Vince Breslin and Southern. We hope others follow to make similar investments in the future of Connecticut.”

The Werth Center for Coastal and Marine Studies will be located on the second floor of Southern’s new Academic and Laboratory Science Building. Construction of the 103,608-square-foot, four-level building has begun and is slated to be completed in spring 2015.

20 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

ALL IN A Slated to be completed in spring 2015, the Academic and Laboratory Science Building will greatly enhance the ongoing

The university is offering

expansion of Southern’s science

numerous naming

programs and further the

opportunities within the

university’s ability to educate

state-of-the-art facility,

more students in the STEM

including the following:

disciplines — science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

An architectural model shows an overview of the front entrance of the building.

THE SS E BUSIN

•

In line with student and workforce needs, the Werth Family Foundation also is funding two pilot programs that combine real-world experience and science education — providing stipends for participants in both programs. Slated to begin next summer, the Industry Academic Fellowship Program centers on the creation of “fellowship teams” — to include undergraduate and graduate students from Southern and science teachers from middle schools and high schools who will work with university faculty and industry mentors. Designed to foster professional development, the teams will conduct interdisciplinary research using state-of-the-art facilities located at Southern and Yale University through the Center for Research on Interface Structures and Phenomena [CRISP], a National Science Foundationfunded Materials Research Science and Engineering Center. The grant will provide fellowships to the students and the teachers, as well as supplies. “The timing of this grant is wonderful,” says Christine Broadbridge, professor of physics and education director of CRISP, pointing to plans for Southern’s new Center for Nanotechnology, which will be based on the lower level of the science building currently under construction.“The new building will be set up to beautifully accommodate interdisciplinary research, which is the focus of the fellowship program.” The Supercomputing Laboratory Broadbridge notes that the recent launch of This cutting-edge laboratory will be used by students Southern’s Master of Science degree in applied physics, a and faculty for data analysis and research in theoretical collaboration between the School of Business and the science, bioinformatics, and computer science. departments of Physics, Chemistry and Computer The Touch Tank Science, further illustrates the university’s emphasis on Housed in the saltwater aquaria room, the dramatic interdisciplinary education in support of today’s worktouch tank will be the centerpiece for outreach to area force needs. With the same goal, the Werth-supported schools and the community.

• A Rooftop Observatory Furthering exploration of the night skies, six telescopes will be strategically placed to eliminate interference from city lights. • The Rock Garden Showcasing specimens that are indigenous to the state of Connecticut, the picturesque area will also serve as an earth science laboratory. • Numerous Science Wings and Laboratories The building will be home to teaching and research labs for physics, earth science, environmental science, molecular biology, and chemistry. Other naming opportunities associated with the Academic and Laboratory Science Building may be viewed at SouthernCT.edu/go/giftnaming. For more information, please contact: Carrie Pettit, development officer, at (203) 392-6515 or PettitC1@SouthernCT.edu.

Southern Summer Science Business Institute

will provide an opportunity for students majoring in the STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to learn about the business of science. Participants will receive $5,000 stipends enabling them to focus on their education rather than seeking summer employment. The program will include seminars — with topics ranging from market planning to the scientific approach to product development — as well as internships with science-based businesses in the area. Expertise will be provided by SCSU faculty in the School of Business and the School of Arts and Sciences, in addition to leaders from the scientific business community. “We’re obviously a science-oriented business, so education is important from our own business standpoint,” says Pam. “It’s not enough to have highly intelligent scientists. We need highly intelligent scientists with leadership and business skills.” n By Villia Struyk Fall 2013 | 21

Out and About A look at events for alumni and friends on campus and beyond.

On Sept. 25, the fourth annual Alumni Professionals Day provided students with an opportunity to learn about a wide variety of careers from Southern graduates in a casual café setting. The event, held in the Michael J. Adanti Student Center grand ballroom, was included for the first time in the First-Year Experience Program for new students.

Greeting Alumni at the Whitney It was a day for reminiscing — with plenty of time to reflect on the latest developments reshaping Southern’s campus. On July 11, the Alumni Relations Office hosted a festive tea at the Whitney Center, a senior living community located in Hamden, Conn. Southern alumni, former professors, and friends attended the event, which included a musical performance by pianist Walter Stutzman, ’09, who teaches at the university. The event kicked off a new program launched by Southern that will bring faculty and staff to the Whitney Center to educate and entertain. At the first event, President Mary A. Papazian mingled with guests and outlined a number of developments at Southern, including the recently completed new home for the School of Business and the planned construction of a 103,608-square-foot science building. “I want to say thank you for your involvement and the life you bring to Southern,” said Papazian. “Know that we are taking the university to the next level — and doing so in a way that is true to its values.”

[ABOVE] Southern Connecticut State University President Mary A. Papazian talks with Renee G. Hartman, ’55, and her husband, Geoffrey Hartman, Sterling Professor Emeritus of English and comparative literature at Yale University.

PHOTO: Malcolm Smiley, ’14

The Hartman Modern Poetry Collection — a significant collection of poetry donated to Southern by the couple — is housed in the common room of the university’s English Department.

22 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Homecoming Owl spirit reigned supreme at Homecoming 2013, which had an “Out of this World” theme. Highlights of the Oct. 12 celebration, which was held in conjunction with Owl Family Day, included the Homecoming parade of floats, football game, tailgate party, and more. For more on the action, check out the online Homecoming photo album at facebook.com/southernct/ photos_albums.

PHOTO: Alisha Martindale, ’10

It was all fore Southern! The annual Owl Golf Classic was a tremendous success, raising funds to support the university¹s athletics program. The event was held on May 21 at the Lake of Isles at Foxwoods Resort and Casino. Among the foursomes were a group representing Skanska USA Building: [FROM LEFT] Jay Haydu, Richard Murphy, Kate Westrin, and Jim Holmes.

On June 1, alumni enjoyed a picture-perfect New England day with a boat trip to Outer Island in the Thimble Islands in Branford, Conn., and an informative tour led by Vincent Breslin, professor of science education and environmental studies.

Thimble Island Tour

Southern is a lead partner in research and education on Outer Island, which is owned by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and is part of the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge.

Members of the Class of 1963 celebrated their 50th reunion at a series of events, including the university’s undergraduate commencement exercises on May 17 and an on-campus celebration on October 12.

Fall 2013 | 23

NOSTALGIA

hough not exclusive to athletics, the enactment of Title IX led many colleges and universities throughout the country to reexamine their commitment to women’s sports. At Southern, the women’s teams excelled throughout the 1970s, fueling dialog on the importance and impact of Title IX. The 1975 issue of the Laurel, Southern’s yearbook, is a telling example. Its authors devoted numer-

No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in,

ous pages to the topic — including a full-page mock

be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to

cover of Sports Illustrated

discrimination under any education program or

magazine with the tagline, “Title IX — The Push for Equality in Sports Funding.”

activity receiving federal financial assistance. — TITLE IX OF THE 1972 UNITED STATES EDUCATION ACT

An essay followed, surrounded by photos of tri-

(7 wins, 0 losses). Under leg-

— went on to win silver

Surdyka, Patricia Riccio, and

umphant Southern student-

endary coach Louise O’Neal,

medals as members of the

Carolyn Court, ’76 — joined

athletes, both female and

the women’s basketball

U.S. women’s basketball

25 men on the previously all-

male. “Let the records speak

team also excelled through-

team at the 1976 Olympics.

male cross country team,

for themselves,” wrote the

out the ’70s, placing third in

Buoyed perhaps by

according to the Laurel.

essay’s anonymous author.

the nation among all divi-

these successes, the spirit of

“Having won acclaim in the

sions in 1971, 1973, and

evolution was clearly in the

sors 11 intercollegiate

East and indeed nationally is

1974. Two of O’Neal’s players

air at Southern. In the 1974-

women’s programs. The

it any wonder that women’s

— Susan Rojcewicz, ’75, and

75 season, for example,

achievements of some of the

teams at the college feel they

Mary Anne O’Connor, ’75

three women — Jayne

student-athletes on these

are entitled to equal funding as specified in Title IX?” The teams’ records were impressive. In the 1974-75 academic year, the women’s swim team had an unbeaten season (8 wins, 0 losses), as did the women’s track team 24 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Today Southern spon-

teams are highlighted in the accompanying sidebar. These and many

Team National Titles

other victories — athletic and

Women’s Basketball

otherwise — were revisited

• 2007

on October 11 at a sympo-

Individual National Titles

sium held on campus — Title IX: Equality in Action, The Enduring Legacy of Title IX.

Women’s Outdoor Track • Kateema Riettie, ’03: javelin (2001, 2002)

The event featured numerous luminaries who spoke on various aspects of the topic

Women’s Indoor Track • Paula Brunetto, ’87: 1,500 meters (1987)

— among them, Ann Meyers Drysdale, vice president of

Women’s Gymnastics

the Phoenix Suns and

• Christie Clark Deary, ’83, M.S. ‘04: vault (1983)

Mercury, Olympic silver medalist, and broadcaster;

Women’s Swimming

Marilyn “Lynn” Malerba,

• Kristen Frost, ’10: 200 freestyle, 500 freestyle, 1000 freestyle, 1650 freestyle (2008)

chief of the Mohegan Tribal Nation; Dr. Donna Lopiano, ’68, the president and founder of Sports Management Resources and one of “The 10 Most

• Amanda Thomas, ’13: 200 individual medley (2011, 2012, 2013) 400 individual medley (2012)

Powerful Women in Sports” according to Fox Sports; and Louise O’Neal, the pioneering women’s coach and 1988 inductee into the Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, who helped guide Southern’s women’s basketball team to greatness. n

Fall 2013 | 25

Alumni

NEWS Dear Southern Alumni, I am honored to be serving my second term as president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors for the 2013-2014 academic year. I will continue to work diligently with alumni board members and volunteers, the Office of Alumni Relations, and university personnel to promote activities in support of alumni, the university, and Southern students and their families. Under the leadership of Director of Alumni Relations Michelle Rocheford Johnston, the Alumni Association sponsored nearly two dozen alumni events last year, including a very successful reception celebrating the inauguration of Dr. Mary A. Papazian as the university’s new president, and the Business After Hours series, featuring faculty talks relevant to each venue in various parts of Connecticut. Michelle and her staff were honored with two Excellence Awards in the alumni programs category from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education for 2013 — the Gold Award for “A Beautiful Evening under the Stars,” a wine tasting, planetarium show, and vineyard lecture, and the Silver Award for the all-alumni cabaret, “The World Goes Round.” The Alumni Association and the Office of Alumni Relations are working diligently to plan many more enjoyable events. This year the Homecoming venue changed to incorporate Owl Family Day, with a huge tailgate party for the entire campus in the Wintergreen parking lot outside of Jess Dow Field. We will continue to hold Business After Hours in various regions and use social and electronic media to reach our alumni. We also are creating more opportunities for interaction with the students (our future alumni), including Alumni Professionals Day and our new Alumni Mentoring and Admissions Volunteer Programs. To keep up on future events, check SouthernCT.edu/alumni/upcoming-events.html. There is more good news to share. The Alumni Association welcomes Robert Stamp, our new vice president of institutional advancement. Both Mr. Stamp and Dr. Papazian have assured us that the establishment and location of our Alumni House will soon be announced. Dr. Papazian continues to inspire us as a visionary leader as she moves forward to expand and create new opportunities for Southern. Just click on the university website (SouthernCT.edu) to see the transformation of campus, which in 2015 will include a new science building in the former Engleman parking lot. With our students in mind, the Alumni Association, the Athletics Department, the Faculty Senate, AAUP, and Alumni are working on a project to assist students with an immediate need for temporary financial assistance. This will be a campus-wide collaborative event, and you will hear more about it when all the details are formulated. If you are not currently a member of the Alumni Association, I urge you to join or renew your membership by contributing to the Annual Giving Campaign currently in progress. A gift of $35 or more entitles you to membership in the Alumni Association. You may make a gift online at SouthernCT.edu/giving/ or use the envelope enclosed in this issue. You also may be contacted by one of our student phonathon callers, and I hope you’ll ask questions and give generously in support of our students. I look forward to an interesting and rewarding year. Hopefully, I will see you at one or more of our events! Please feel free to contact Michelle Johnston at (203) 392-6500 or me at (203) 469-5330 or tsirico@snet.net. Respectfully, Teresa Sirico, ’70, M.S. ’73 President, Alumni Association Board of Directors

26 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

New Members on Board

The Alumni Association Board of Directors welcomes two new members, who will serve through 2016. Miriam Gonzalez-Huff, 6th Yr. ’90, was with New Haven Public Schools for 25 years prior to her retirement. During her tenure, she held numerous positions, including special education

SCSU Alumni Association Board of Directors

supervisor, and earned numerous certifications including: special education, ESL (English as a second language), TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of other Languages), bilingual teacher, administration and supervision, and Miriam GonzalezHuff, 6th Yr. ’90

library media specialist. Gonzalez-Huff also taught part-time at Gateway Community College as a writing and reading instructor to students from Asia, Europe, and North Africa, as well as English as a second language in New Haven’s Adult Education Program. A fellow first-time board member, Nancy Dahm Tanguay, ’87, graduated with a degree in journalism and

Nancy Dahm Tanguay, ’87

worked in publishing and advertising, holding account management posi-

tions. She also was the principal of her own media buying company. Currently, Tanguay is a client relationship manag-

Teresa Sirico, ’70, M.S. ’73, President Robert D. Parker, ’76, Vice President Donald Mitchell, ’57, M.S. ’61, Treasurer James H. Booth, ’97, Secretary Hugh S. Cafferty, ’69, M.S. ’70, 6th Yr. ’76, Past President Phoebe Donehoo Browning, ’04, M.B.A. ’05 Nancy Charest, ’71, M.S. ’75, 6th Yr. ’80 Kathy Glinka Coyle, ’74, M.S. ’77, 6th Yr. ’81 Susan Love D’Agostino, ’79 Nancy Dudchik, ’88 Marybeth Heyward Fede, ’79, M.S. ’87 Miriam Gonzalez-Huff, 6th Yr. ’90 Jerry Katona, ’74, M.S. ’88 Edwin A. Klinkhammer II, ’71, M.S. ’76, 6th Yr. ’92 Stephen Koestner, ’69 John Mastrianni, ’66, M.S. ’73 Judit Vasmatics Paolini, ’73, M.S. ’79, 6th Yr. ’93 Jeffrey Reilly, ’58 Nancy D. Tanguay, ’87 Deborah Sue Cedar Vincent, ’82 SCSU • Office of Alumni Relations 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515 • (203) 392-6500 Director, Michelle R. Johnston, JohnstonM2@SouthernCT.edu

er in the wealth management field, in addition to working as a freelance writer. She and her husband, Mike Tanguay, ’86, have two children. She is a member of the Black Rock Yacht Club and serves on the Fellowship Committee of Southport Congregational Church.

All Business A new Alumni Marketplace, soon to be featured on Southern’s website, will put the spotlight on businesses owned by Southern graduates. If you would like to be included,

Connect WITH Southern ON +

The Web at SouthernCT.edu and SouthernCTOwls.com for athletics

Twitter at twitter.com/scsutweet

Facebook at facebook.com/southernct

ITunes at SouthernCT.edu/itunesu/

SCSU, Office of Alumni Relations, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1355, (203) 392-6500

complete the short form at SouthernCT.edu/ alumni/marketplace.html. Submissions will be listed on the webpage after being

Web

reviewed by the Alumni Association. Fall 2013 | 27

BOOK IT

Alumni

NEWS The first in his family to earn a university degree, critically acclaimed author John Searles, ’91, held down three jobs — factory worker, telemarketer, and stock boy — to finance his education at Southern. Though he had dreamed of becoming a writer since the second grade, he majored in business, enrolling in several writing classes for fun. With the release of his third novel, “Help for the Haunted,” on September 17, the fun continues for Searles, who has built a successful,

Your latest novel, “Help for the Haunted,” has an intriguing topic. What was your inspiration? Searles: “Many writers tell me they pick a theme and start from there. I always begin with a character or a sentence. In this case, it was the idea of a young girl, Sylvie Mason, who awakes on a snowy winter night to the telephone ringing. Her parents answer the phone, and Sylvie soon learns that it is her older sister calling and asking that they meet her at the church on the outskirts of town. Once there, her parents go inside, and Sylvie drifts off to sleep only to wake to the sound of gunfire. I love to play with time in my books and had fun shifting the chapters between the years leading up to that winter night and the months following it as Sylvie tries to figure out who killed her parents inside that church and what her sister’s role was in it all.”

multifaceted literary career. The bestselling author of “Boy Still Missing” and “Strange but True“(William Morrow/HarperCollins), Searles appears regularly as a book critic on NBC’s “Today Show” and CBS’s “The Early Show.” He is also the editor-at-large of Cosmopolitan magazine and has had his essays published in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Daily Beast, and other national publications. His latest work explores the dark secrets of the Mason family through the eyes of daughter, Sylvie, whose parents have a unique occupation . . . helping “haunted souls” find peace. When her parents are murdered, Sylvie goes looking for answers. Advanced reviews of the book are glowing. “Searles has a knack for building tension . . . a well-paced journey, wrapped in a mystery, that will keep readers guessing until the revealing conclusion,” sums Kirkus Reviews. Others concur. “A coming of age tale that is poignant and touching . . . and will scare the living hell out of you,” says Chris Bohjalian, bestselling author of “The Light in the Ruins” and

Tell us a bit about your writing process? Has it changed from your student days? Searles: “When I was a student at Southern, I wrote mostly poetry in classes with Dr. Vivian Shipley [professor of English]. This was the perfect starting point for me because it was a smaller canvas on which to create, so I had to think about the power of words and economy of language to bring out a response in the reader. Over time, I began experimenting with short stories. Then when I went on to graduate school at New York University, I started trying my hand at fiction and, in particular, novels.”

“The Sandcastle Girls.” Acclaimed novelist Jodi Picoult, sums: “I was completely consumed . . .” On the eve of the fall release of “Help for the Haunted” and a subsequent book tour, Searles took time-out last summer to talk about his work.

What’s next on the horizon? Searles: “I am always playing with new ideas. Right now, I am taking notes on a new book. I wrote a screenplay not long ago that I sold to a great film company and may try creating another one. Also, I am having fun editing Cosmopolitan and talking about books on the ‘Today Show.’” Follow Searles on Twitter @searlesbooks.

28 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Apple FOR THE

Teacher By Joan Wells When Erin Ouellette Palonen, M.S. ’07, got married in 2009, she wanted to be surrounded by the most important people in her life . . . so she invited her high school students. “It was such a natural thing,” says Palonen, a special education director who worked for years with the same group of seven students who have developmental disabilities. It’s that level of caring and a strong dedication to bring-

win at the local level. In July, she got an unexpected promotion to become Griswold’s director of special education. Palonen says it’s easy to trace how she landed in special education. First, she comes from a family thick with educa-

ing out every student’s strengths that earned Palonen the title

tors: teachers, specialists, administrators, and even board of

of Griswold’s 2013-14 Teacher of the Year and the honor of

education members. Second, some of her warmest childhood

being named one of the Top Five Teachers in the United States

memories are of going to Special Olympics events with her

on the TV show, “Live with Kelly and Michael.” The national dis-

grandfather, who was heavily involved with the cause.

tinction brought a prize of 30 tablet computers for the district,

“All I remember is feeling this overwhelming sense of

and she and husband, Eric, were treated to a memorable Las

happiness. Everyone being in the right place for the right rea-

Vegas vacation where she got to meet Celine Dion.

son,” she says of the times spent at Special Olympics events.

“It’s really impressive what kids can show you when

She has duplicated that feeling by establishing a speed-

you give them the opportunity,” says Palonen, who earned a

skating Special Olympics team at Griswold High School that

master’s degree in education from Southern. “I hate labels,”

began with six players and has climbed to as many as 40 —

she says. “I treat all kids the same. We all are unique. We all

with dozens from the town now involved in fundraising and

have things we’re good at.”

other facets.

Palonen, 30, won’t get the chance to compete for the state or national Teacher of the Year titles like the others who

“Kids who some believed could never be successful knocked it out of the park,” Palonen says. Although her role is different now, Palonen is a hands-on administrator who brings the same enthusi-

From buildings lauded for eco-friendly design to a reinvigorated, campuswide recycling program, the university is committed to keeping it green. That’s why Southern is a proud signatory of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment.

Please support Southern and its students by contributing to the Campus Greening Fund. Donations may be made online at giving. SouthernCT.edu. Or call (203) 392-6515.

asm to her new position as she did to teaching. “Sometimes in this role I have to make difficult decisions. But for me, it’s all about just being honest. If it’s in the best interest of the kids, my hope is I can’t go wrong,” she says. “I’m the lucky one. I wake up every day and go to a job I love.” Fall 2013 | 29

alumni notes

’50s CAROLYN D. VANACORE, ’52, M.S. ’68, 6th Yr. ’73, is the recipient of a 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award from the Wallingford Education Foundation’s Board of Directors. The award is presented annually to former students of Wallingford Public Schools who have demonstrated leadership and service to others.

BETSY SULLIVAN BERN, ’54, was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Blessed Sacrament and St. Gabriel High School in New Rochelle, N.Y. Bern taught there for 24 years.

NANCY NEWMAN, ’54, was honored for her contributions to early-childhood programs at the Jewish Community Center of Eastern Fairfield County in Bridgeport, Conn.

’60s JOHN R. BAKSA, ’62, M.S. ’73, has taught drivers education for 55 years. During his tenure, he has taught 15,000 people to drive, and logged 1,500,000 miles of roadwork and 120,000 hours of classroom instruction. He has been married 55 years to his wife, Mary.

GORDON GREEN, ’63, M.S. ’76, the former swimming coach at Sheehan High School and Lyman Hall in Wallingford, has retired and lives in Newington, Conn. He swam for Southern for four years and was named a Division III All-American in 1967.

ED ASTON, ’69, M.S. ’74, who retired as the head swimming coach of Cheshire High School, was inducted into the National High School Hall of Fame by the National Federation of State High School Associations. He lives in Jupiter, Fla.

’70s CURT LOVELACE, ’70, and wife, SANDRA LOVELACE, 30 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Reunion News

’80s

• The Class of 1964 will celebrate its 50th reunion at several events. Members of the class will be recognized at the undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 17, 2013 at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport. For more information or if you would like to organize a reunion for your class, please contact Alumni Relations at (203) 392-6500.

’70, are living in the Czech Republic and sponsored a Christian conference in the Netherlands in May 2013.

ILENE RADIN, ’73, M.S. ’77, the former facilitator of the New Haven school system’s Off Campus Classroom program, has retired. She had worked for the school system since 1977 and resides in Hamden, Conn.

NANCY SAUNDERS, ’73, M.S. ’77, 6th Yr. ’87, has retired after teaching math for 40 years at Jonathan Law High School in Milford. She lives in West Haven, Conn.

NICK CHACONIS, ’74, M.S. ’81, the girls’ basketball coach at Portland High School, has been inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

GARY SCARPA, ’74, M.S. ’91, shared a photograph on Facebook of Bobby Seale at the Black Panthers trial in New Haven. Scarpa wrote about going to the trial when he was a college student, adding that watching the trial and attending Southern opened his mind and taught him to see and understand the world in a new way. Scarpa lives in Shelton with his wife, FRAN RIGGIO SCARPA, ’76.

FRANCINE PETOSA, M.S. ’75, has retired after serving 31 years as director of the Bristol Public Library.

LAUREL ROSS, M.S. ’75, 6th Yr. ’79, the executive director of Abilis, a Connecticut nonprofit organization that pro-

vides support, services, and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities and their families, spoke at the 2013 Claims and Litigation Management Alliance Professional Liability Mini Conference in Boston.

BARBARA BLOSVEREN, M.L.S. ’76, a nationally recognized expert on teen reading programs and the Stratford Library director since 2007, is celebrating her 30th year at the library. She lives in Orange, Conn.

DAN HATCH, M.S. ’78, has retired after 39 years in public education. He has served in four Connecticut school districts — Meriden, Amity, Stratford, and The Gilbert School in Winstead.

JEFF JONES, ’78, is the director of sports and community programs at BlazeSports America located in Decatur, Ga. He and his wife, Marybeth, are celebrating 29 years together. They live in Lawrenceville, Ga.

BILL EARLEY JR., ’76, became

GLENN MACKNO, ’78, M.S. ’85,

a Boy Scout in 1965 and became a scoutmaster at the age of 18. He was recognized by Camp Sequassen for his many years of service to the organization and his support of youth in the Hamden area.

6th Yr. ’91, the principal at Roger Ludlowe Middle School for 14 years and an educator in Fairfield County public schools for 34 years, was recognized as the Outstanding Middle School Administrator for 2013 by the Connecticut Parent Teacher Student Association.

ERIKA FORTE, ’76, M.S. ’83, 6th Yr. ’90, has been named the assistant executive director for curriculum and programs for ACES (Area Cooperative Education Services) in North Haven, Conn. A Cheshire resident, she is the former supervisor of special education for Milford Public Schools.

HILDA E. BADILLO SANTIAGO, ’77, is serving her first term in the Connecticut General Assembly, representing Meriden’s 84th District.

PAMELA ASELTON, ’78, is an associate professor of nursing in the School of Health and Natural Sciences at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Conn.

MARIBETH SARNACKI, ’78, M.S. ’86, received the Thomas Monahan Honor Award from the Connecticut High School Coaches Association.

MARGOT KURZROK ROCKLEN, M.S. ’79, had her printmaking art displayed at the Woodbridge Library. She studied printmaking at the Tyler School of Art in Rome, Italy. She is also a member of the arts faculty at Gateway Community College.

HOLLY A. SCHAEFER, ’79, is the director of human resources for HealthyCT, a nonprofit cooperative health insurer in Wallingford, Conn.

GINA FAFARD, ’80, M.S. ’89, is the executive director of the Interdistrict School for Arts and Communication in New London, Conn. She and husband, BRUCE FAFARD, ’80, reside in Groton, Conn., with their three daughters.

THOMAS R. MOORE JR., ’80, the principal at Wethersfield High School, has been named the 2013 High School Principal of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Schools.

BOB NAPPE, ’80, was presented with the Joseph Buonome Memorial Public Safety Award by the East Haven Rotary Club. Nappe is the longest-serving patrolman in the department.

BRIAN E. WEST, ’80, is the senior research accountant at the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. He lives in West Hartford, Conn.

KATHLEEN WHITBREAD, ’81, M.S. ’97, has been granted tenure in the School of Education at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, Conn. She resides in Clinton, Conn.

ELIZABETH AILES, ’82, owner and publisher of two New York weekly newspapers, has been named to the board of Catholic Big Sisters and Big Brothers. Ailes was a 20-year veteran of NBC News, CNBC, and America’s Talking. She resides in Garrison, N.Y., with husband, Roger Ailes, chairman and chief executive officer of the Fox News Channel and Fox Business Network, and their son, Zachary.

ED HEATH, ’82, has been named Connecticut Swimming Age Group Coach of the Year. He is head coach of the Meriden Silver FINS and lives in South Meriden, Conn.

DAN REYNOLDS, ’82, has been promoted to chief executive officer and president of Storey Publishing in North

Adams, Mass. Previously he was sales director and chief operating officer.

RICK CAPOZZI, ’83, has been appointed senior vice president and head of national sales at TD Wealth in New York. He will focus on sales and marketing, business development, and training to lead and deliver a comprehensive wealth offering.

CAROL STIFF, ’83, M.S. ’89, vice president, content program and integration at ESPN, was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame. She is a former member of the coaching staffs at Western Connecticut State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic, and Brown University.

SHEILA A. LAFFERTY, ’84, M.L.S. ’87, is the director of the Julia Brooker Thompson Library at the University of Connecticut’s Torrington campus. She has worked as a librarian since 1989.

MONIKA SCHMIDT-EDMAN, ’84, M.S. ’94, 6th Yr. ’05, has been named assistant director of pupil services for Stratford Public Schools. She has worked in education since 1984.

NICOLE SCHINGH SHIMSHOCK, ’84, M.S. ’92, has been named the California State Science Fair Teacher of the Year. She lives in San Carlos, Calif.

LAURIE SCALZO SOMMA, ’84, announces the birth of her grandson, Daylon Somma, and the engagement of her son, Taylor.

ERIC TRIFFIN, ’84, the former West Haven public health director and an adjunct professor of public health at Southern, was featured in the Daily Nutmeg. The publication cited his mission of encouraging people to live healthy lives. The free-spirited vegetarian conducts demonstrations at the Edge of the Woods natural food store, often wearing a costume to further his message.

ROBERT D. BOUDREAU, ’85, of Clinton, Conn., was reap-

pointed to the Advisory Council of the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants (CTCPA). He is a partner in the firm of Buckley, Frame, Boudreau & Company in Killingworth.

MAUREEN O’NEILL BIGGS, ’86, M.S. ’92, is the clinical director of the Mountainside Treatment Center in Canaan, Conn. She has 20 years of experience in the behavioral health field.

FRANK CARTA, M.S. ’86, an investment manager at Northstar Wealth Partners in Middletown, Conn., is also a successful songwriter and routinely performs with the group, Cartwheel, in Westbrook, Conn. He also taught in the Hartford School System for 30 years.

MAUREEN DONOHUE FEINROTH, ’87, is chief executive officer and founder of Capital Privacy Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in privacy and information management. She resides in Olney, Md., with husband, Mark, and their daughters.

ANTHONY PARENT, ’87, announces a new website, a legal resource designed to explain and guide consumers on how to best comply with tax laws and develop sound tax strategies. He is the founding partner of Parent & Parent, LLP of IRS Medic (irsmedic.com) in Hartford, Conn.

MICHELE RAYNOR, ’87, 6th Yr. ’98, is the principal of Griswold Middle School. The Branford resident comes from Walsh Intermediate School where she formerly served as vice principal.

DAVID A. WARD, M.L.S. ’88, a Civil War expert and assistant librarian at the Hotchkiss School in Lakeville, was featured in “The Bulletin” publication as a resource for Steven Spielberg. Ward served as a tour guide of the Gettysburg battlefields in preparation for the film, “Lincoln.” He lives in Winsted, Conn., and has penned two books, “Of

In Print AND On Screen NEWS ON BOOK, TELEVISION, AND FILM RELEASES FROM SOUTHERN ALUMNI

Gerald Stine, ’61, has published AIDS UPDATE 2013, which presents current research and information on HIV infection, HIV disease, and AIDS. The textbook provides a historical presentation of HIV/AIDS in terms of dates, times, and locations, as well as the meaning of those events in scientific, political, and social terms. Dr. Stine resides in Jacksonville, Fla. Renee Londner, ’63, is a children’s book author and has published “Stones for Grandpa” and “Ruby’s Whistle.” She lives in Prospect, Conn. Ed Ifkovic, ’65, has released his new mystery novel, “Downtown Strut.” Based in New York in 1927 with the Harlem Renaissance in full swing, the novel tells a tale of jazz clubs and murder. He resides in West Hartford, Conn. Mary Verdick, ’65, the author of six novels, has released her most current work, “Another Time, Another Place.” She lives in Stratford, Conn. Neil T. Proto, ’67, wrote “To a High Court: The Tumult and Choices that Led to United States of America v. SCRAP,” in 2006. It is available as an ebook through Amazon.com. Proto lives in Washington, D.C. Len Yannielli, M.S. ’74, M.S. ’89, has completed a memoir called “Moon Shadow of War,” the story of how the Vietnam War impacted his teaching career and life. The book is available on Amazon.com. Yannielli resides in Naugatuck, Conn. Robert Cohen, M.S. ’76, has published a new military fiction novel, “Tough Guy Legends,” which uses war as a framework to explore the theme of loss. He lives in Plymouth, Mich. Marianna Newman, M.S. ’87, has written a new children’s book entitled, “Cody Ody Dody — The Secret Laundry Helper.” She resides in Baiting Hollow, N.Y. Martha Simpson, M.L.S. ’91, is head of children’s services at the Stratford Library Association and has published her first picture book entitled, “What NOT to Give Your Mom on Mother’s Day!” She has also published five library resource books. Gloria Koster, M.L.S. ’94, published her first picture book written in 2006. The book is entitled, “The Peanut-Free Café.” She resides in Pound Ridge, N.Y., and is a children’s librarian in an elementary school in New Canaan, Conn. Laura Macaluso, ’94, has authored a new book entitled, “Historic Treasures of New Haven: Celebrating 375 Years of the Elm City.” She and husband, Jeff Nichols, ‘96, live in Lynchburg, Va. Erik Stocklin, ’07, is starring in the ABC series, “Mistresses,” portraying the character Sam Grey. He has also performed at New Haven’s Elm Shakespeare Company and Circle in the Square Theatre in New York. Battlefields and Bitter Feuds: A History of the 96th Pennsylvania Volunteers” and “Sedgwick’s Foot Cavalry: The March of the Sixth Corps of Gettysburg.”

JAMES L. FORBES, ’89, has been named head wrestling

coach at Deerfield Beach High School in Florida.

’90s BILL NEMEC, ’90, M.S. ’97, is the dean of students and ath-

letics director at Nonnewaug High School in Regional School District #14. He resides in Naugatuck, Conn., with his three children.

MARIA C. (TINA) RIVERA, ’90, M.S. ’02, 6th Yr. ’05, is the interim principal of the Fall 2013 | 31

BILLIE STARKS, ’07, RAN THE 2013 BOSTON MARATHON

was full of text messages asking if she was OK. Among them was

on behalf of a cause that was near and dear to her heart — the

a message from her brother, a Boston resident, telling her to come

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP), which pro-

to his apartment immediately. In tears, she began the approxi-

vides comprehensive services to 12,000 of the city’s homeless each

mately one-mile trip. “It was a very eerie walk through Boston,”

year at more than 80 shelters and sites.

says Starks. Witnessing her distress, a woman put an arm around

A licensed social worker, Starks had worked with BHCHP

Starks’ shoulder and asked if she had somewhere to go. Soon

as an addiction counselor for about three months when she

after, Starks was reunited with her family, watching the news cov-

learned of the opportunity to run the marathon in support of vari-

erage in a state of shock.

ous charities. She immediately thought of her patients, who con-

“I knew that day that I would want to try to run the

front countless daily challenges in

marathon again next year,” she

their efforts to build and maintain a

recalls, “not only because I didn’t get to finish the race, but also because I

Billie’s Run

wanted to band together with the entire community that was impacted on the day of the marathon, to show our solidarity and resilience.”

life of sobriety. “They are a motivat-

She took a several-week

ed group of patients who are very much an inspiration to me and the

break, then began running three to

reason I signed up for the

four times a week, building a founda-

marathon in the first place,” says

tion to train in earnest in the fall. In

Starks, who teamed up with three

the meantime, the BHCHP marathon

others on behalf of the organiza-

team found it had raised nearly $25,000 for the organization, including

tion.

$6,565 through Starks’ sponsors.

Starks, who majored in psychology at Southern, began running

In May, an invitation to partici-

in college, but had never participat-

pate in the 2014 Boston Marathon was

ed in a marathon. She launched a

issued to those who were unable to

strenuous training program in antic-

finish in 2013 as a result of the bomb-

ipation of tackling the 26.2-mile course. But, of course, nothing could prepare her for the horrific terrorism attacks at the event — two bombs placed near the finish line that left three dead and more than 260 injured, many critically.

Billie Starks, ’07, was photographed near mile 23 of the Boston Marathon. “My friend who took this photo said, ‘Just be careful. There’s something going on at the finish line. . . . Somebody said something about an explosion. I’m sure it’s nothing,’” recalls Starks.

For Starks, the day’s tragedy unveiled slowly. At mile 23, a friend warned her to be careful . . . that

ings. Starks cried tears of joy when she heard the news. Though not required to raise funds through next year’s marathon, she says she is likely to partner with BHCHP’s development team to do so. “I love my job at BHCHP and can imagine staying with the program for many years to come,” says Starks.

In order to qualify for the 2014 marathon under the spe-

someone had mentioned a possible explosion. “I continued on

cial provision, participants must have been official starters in

through Kenmore Square and noticed that the police officers

2013 and have reached the half-marathon mark. Some 5,633

along the route did not seem to be on alert . . . so after four and a

people meet the requirements — representing 50 U.S. states, four

half hours of running, I figured I’d just keep going,” recalls Starks.

U.S. territories, and 47 countries. Starks, a Massachusetts resident

At the 25.6-mile mark other runners and spectators halted her in

who continues to work on behalf of Boston’s homeless, looks

the middle of the course, saying simply to stop running . . . the

forward to once again running among them.

race was over. It was then that Starks checked her phone, which 32 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

By Villia Struyk

Academy of Information and Engineering. She was appointed by WINIFRED HAMILTON, ’69, superintendent of Stamford Public Schools.

DEE RUAS, ’90, was a former client, and now a volunteer at the Community Closet. The organization was founded by the United Jewish Federation of Eastern Fairfield County and helps homeless and struggling individuals and families by providing clothing and housewares. The Closet is on Clinton Ave. in Bridgeport, Conn.

JOANNA GENOVESE, ’91, is principal at the Barnard Early Childhood Center in New Rochelle, N.Y. She is the former principal of Hulbutt Elementary School in Wilton, Conn. She lives in Stamford.

VERONICA C. HENDRICK, M.A. ’91, an associate professor of literature and law at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to lecture in China. She will be based at Shanghai International Studies University and plans to use material from her recent book, “Servants, Slaves and Savages: Reflections of Law in American Literature” with the graduate students she’ll be working with.

DIANE MICHAELSEN, M.S.W. ’91, is the interim field education director and the admissions director of the Master of Social Work program at Southern. She is seeking field instructors to provide internship opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students who are studying social work. Southern offers a Seminar in Field Instruction for new supervisors at no cost. To discuss your internship opportunity, contact Michaelsen at MichaelsenD1 @SouthernCT.edu.

BARBARA RZASA, ’91, had her artwork on display at the Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby, Conn. The artwork reflects the beauty of

local wildflowers that can be found on the Kellogg Estate.

KEN CLARK, ’92, has joined Decision Analyst as vice president of client services. Based in Dallas-Fort Worth, the company is a global marketing research and analytical consulting firm.

ANTHONY DILAURO, ’92, is the executive director of the Human Services Council, a Norwalk-based nonprofit that oversees numerous programs focusing on child advocacy, mentoring, alcohol and drug prevention, medical and behavioral healthcare services, and supportive housing.

JOHN R. EMRA, ’92, has been named president of AT&T Connecticut. He was previously regional vice president for external and legislative affairs in Connecticut with AT&T. He lives in Fairfield with his wife and family.

JEFFREY S. LEVINSON, ’92, M.S. ’99, 6th Yr. ’02, is the assistant principal of Emmett O’Brien Technical High School in Ansonia, Conn.

MARK MELESKI, ’92, is the vice president of strategy and business development with Centurion Research Solutions, a leading provider of federal contractor business intelligence and analytics. He lives in Herndon, Va.

ANTHONY SALUTARI JR., ’92, M.S. ’98, 6th Yr. ’99, is the principal of Daniel Hand High School in Madison, Conn.

MICHAEL S. FERNANDES, ’93, has been appointed assistant superintendent for secondary in Stamford, Conn., for the 2013-14 school year. Previously, he was the principal of Turn of River Middle School. Fernandes holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Bridgeport.

SCOT KUHN, ’93, has been appointed the regional office manager of HRP Associates’ Farmington office. HRP is an environmental engineering service provider. Kuhn lives in Andover, Conn.

with Southern friends and classmates. Mail this completed form to Southern Alumni News, SCSU Alumni Relations Office, New Haven, CT 06515-1355; fax, (203) 392-5082; or e-mail, alumniinfo@SouthernCT.edu. Name ______________________________________________________ Phone (

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ANNAH PERCH, ’93, is the executive director of New London Main Street, one of five Main Street programs in Connecticut. The program was established through the National Trust for Historic Preservation to encourage preservation-based economic revitalization. Perch was previously the head of the Stepping Stones Foundation in Katonah, N.Y.

SALLY BONINA, 6th Yr. ’94, is the principal of Tomlinson Middle School in Fairfield, Conn. She previously was the principal of Derby Middle School.

as a 19-year-old, extolled the rehabilitation resources of Gaylord Hospital in an article in the Record Journal.

WILLIAM DAVENPORT, 6th Yr. ’94, who has taught agriscience at Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury since 1986, has been named to the national Future Farmers of America Board of Directors. He lives in Litchfield, Conn.

CINDY RATCHELOUS, M.S. ’94, 6th Yr. ’96, has been appointed principal of ACES (Area Cooperative Educational Services) Mill Road School in North Haven, Conn.

GREGG BRADFORD, ’94, shot a MICHAEL HOLINSTAT, ’95, has 39 after nine holes at The Farms Country Club in Wallingford during the annual Gaylord Hospital Open. Bradford, who plays golf with one arm because of paralysis caused by a stroke he suffered

received three grants from the National Institutes of Health, which provide more than $6.5 million dollars for the study of preventative treatment of occlusive clots leading to stroke; a clinical

trial to prevent female postmenopausal clots in type 2 diabetes; and the investigation of genetic precursors, which explain the disparity between blacks and whites in thrombosis and cardiovascular disease. He is also a newly appointed associate professor of medicine at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, Pa.

RAFAEL RAMOS, ’95, founded Bregamos Theater in New Haven 13 years ago. “The Latino voice was missing in New Haven Theater,” he said in an article that appeared on CTLatinoNews.com. The community theater presents a variety of programs, including many performances that focus on Latin culture.

MICHAEL A. TELESCA, M.S. ’95, teaches at Granite Falls Middle School in North Carolina and lives in Hudson. Fall 2013 | 33

JUSTIN H. DION, ’96, M.A. ’97, is an attorney focusing on insolvency, business, and financial matters. He and wife, COLLEEN MCGANN DION, ’97, live in Longmeadow, Mass.

KAREN LANDRYFITZSIMMONS, 6th Yr. ’96, is the principal of Duffy Elementary School in West Hartford, Conn. Previously, she was the principal of Memorial Elementary School in East Hampton.

JEFFREY R. NEWTON, M.S. ’96, of Colchester, Conn., has been selected superintendent of schools by the Hebron Board of Education. Previously, Newton served as the director of special services for Westbrook Public Schools.

GORDON BEINSTEIN, 6th Yr. ’97, is the principal of Western Middle School in Old Greenwich, Conn. He is the former principal of Harborside Middle School.

SUSAN M. BREWER HANSEN, M.L.S. ’97, is the town library director for East Hartford. She was previously the head of public services for the town.

CHAD A. MCDANIEL, ’97, has been appointed vice president, general counsel, and secretary for Lydall, Inc., which manufactures products for the thermal/acoustical and filtration/separation markets. He is the former associate general counsel of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation.

MARLENE SILANO, M.S. ’97, former assistant principal at Highland School, has been appointed principal of Chapman School in Cheshire, Conn.

EVY BRESCIA, M.S.W. ’98, is an adjunct professor in the Department of Social Work at Western Connecticut State University and teaches a course on aging. She resides in Danbury, Conn.

MICHAEL J. HANLON, ’98, has been elected by the 34 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants to serve as treasurer of the organization. Hanlon is a principal with the firm of BlumShapiro in Shelton and lives in North Haven, Conn.

JUSTIN PICCIRILLO, ’98, M.S. ’06, was honored by the Meriden Arts Council as one of three Artists of the Year. Piccirillo has been teaching art with Meriden Public Schools for seven years.

JESSICA GILL, M.P.H. ’99, has been named director of Cobb County Senior Services. Previously, she was a public health advisor for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; president of the company, Aging by Design; and the health and wellness director for the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Area Agency on Aging. She lives in Roswell, Ga.

DAWN MARIE JOHNSON KELSO, ’99, is the director of sales and marketing at Brookline EPOCH Assisted Living at Boylston Place in Massachusetts.

BRYAN MCGUCKEN, ’99, is singing the title role of Handel’s “Samson,” with the West Shore Chorale production in Mooresville, N.C. He and wife, ELISABETH CANFIELD, ’00, are expecting their first child.

’00s CARRIE BAKER, M.S.W. ’00, has joined the Hanscom Air Force Base (Mass.) as the equal opportunity director and alternative dispute resolution manager. Baker resides in Hartford, Conn.

KEVIN KINAHAN, ’00, has joined the Washington Trust mortgage and lending team in Glastonbury, Conn.

MIKE KRAUS, ’00, works at Convercyo, an integrator of automated material-handling systems and design-build solutions in Bristol, Conn. Kraus has 12 years experience in the design of software and 15-plus years experience

in electrical design and field service.

LISA SABA-PRICE, 6th Yr. ’00, is the principal of Newfield Elementary School. She was formerly an assistant principal at Stillmeadow Elementary School. She lives in Stamford, Conn.

KRISTEN ST. GERMAIN, 6th Yr. ’00, is the new associate principal at Wheeler High School/Middle School. She was formerly an English language arts teacher at LymeOld Lyme Middle School. She resides in Old Lyme, Conn.

KIMBERLY BEAUREGARD, M.S. ’01, M.S.W. ’01, was chosen as Charter Oak State College’s honorary degree recipient for 2013. She received the Doctor of Humane Letters from the college and also spoke at graduation. Beauregard works at InterCommunity, a behavioral health organization in East Hartford, Conn.

RANELLE BREW, ’01, is the first director of public health at Grand Valley State University. She resides in Grand Rapids, Mich.

TOM DYER, ’01, has been appointed athletics director at Hamden High School.

KARA KOCHANSKIVENDOLA, M.S. ’01, was interviewed by The Day newspaper and discussed balancing motherhood and her coaching career. She has been the head coach of the girls’ track and field team at Norwich Free Academy for 11 seasons. Her daughter, Berkley, was born in November 2012. The family lives in Norwich, Conn.

SEAN BYRNE, M.A. ’04, is the football coach at Ellington/Somers High School in Ellington, Conn.

KERRY O’CONNOR PATTON, M.S. ’04, is the director of counseling services at Quinnipiac University. She resides with her family in Wallingford, Conn.

JENNIFER STRAUB, M.S. ’05, 6th Yr. ’07, is principal of

Maloney High School in Meriden, Conn. She has served as the school’s assistant principal since 2008. She lives in Cheshire.

MOLLIQUE JOHNSON, ’08, has been named director of residence life for students of the University of California-Santa Barbara who live in the Tropicana student housing complexes.

CHARLES KIM, ’08, was interviewed by the New Haven Independent newspaper regarding returning veterans’ transition to campus life after their military service. Kim lives in Orange, Conn.

ANDREA MENDEZ OROZCO, ’08, was honored as 2013-14 Stamford Teacher of the Year. She resides in Norwalk, Conn.

DANIEL ZITTOUN, 6th Yr. ’08, is the new principal of Hall High School in West Hartford, Conn. Previously, he was the assistant principal of Daniel Hand High School. He resides in North Branford, Conn.

GREGORY BORER,’09, was sworn in as a police officer in East Haven, Conn., by Mayor Maturo Jr. Borer most recently served with the Air Force out of Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas.

BRYAN MARKIEWICZ, M.S. ’09, 6th Yr. ’13, has been appointed assistant principal of ACES Mill Road School in North Haven. Markiewicz joined ACES in 2007 as a special education teacher.

’10s JAMES IRZYK, 6th Yr. ’10, has been appointed chair of the Learning and Leadership Advisory Board of Peoplefluent, a social human capital management technology company in Waltham, Mass.

JENNIFER RUGGIERO, ’10, is the assistant registrar at Southern.

MAGGIE HENRIQUES, ’11, is a human resources coordinator with OperationsInc, a human resources consulting firm.

CHRISTINA NASSAYAN, ’11, is the office manager for the Department of Advancement and External Affairs at Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y.

ELIZABETH A. MORIN, M.L.S. ’12, is the administrative assistant to the town of East Hartford’s library director. Morin lives in Tolland, Conn.

LAUREN PIZZOFERRATO, M.A. ’12, submitted an essay to The Courant entitled, “Feminism Isn’t Over For Young People,” which was published in July.

CHRISTINE CANTOR RINDOS, ’12, lives in Southington, Conn.

CHRISTINE BECK LISSITZYN, M.F.A. ’13, teaches an introduction to creative writing course at Southern and is the former head of the paralegal training program at the University of Hartford. She was most recently a contributor to the inaugural issue of “PERCH” (Yale’s Program for Recovery and Community Health), a biannual journal of literature and visual art that focuses on issues of mental health.

Marriages ERIN D. MURPHY, ’08, and Tyler Matteau, Aug. 13, 2011.

IN MEMORIAM ADELENE PETRONE, ’33, ’35, July 5, 2013, Hamden, Conn.

ANNE B. GUNDERSEN, ’34, June 14, 2013, Wallingford, Conn.

ANGELA AMICONE, ’38, Aug. 30, 2013, Harwinton, Conn.

ANNE IRENE RASKIN, ’40, Feb. 29, 2013, North Haven, Conn.

DORIS TOTH, ’40, March 14, 2013, Louisville, Ky.

MARIE DEFALCO, ’41, June 1, 2013, Cheshire, Conn.

ELEANOR MARRINER, ’43, May 18, 2013, Milford, Conn.

From Trash to Treasure continued from page 13

Many of DeRisi’s customers are homeowners, like Mary Chung of Fairfield, Conn., who was shopping for fix-

MARY ESTHER HART, ’45, July 9, 2013, Stamford, Conn.

ANGELA CAPPUCCI, ’47, July 22, 2013, Hamden, Conn.

JAMES SANOGUEIRA, ’63, M.S. PATRICIA A. MARKIEWICZ, ’71, July 8, 2013, Kent, Conn.

JOSEPH J. LIPKA, M.S. ’66, June 3, 2013, Somers, Conn.

EMANUEL ANGELOS, ’49, M.A. CHARLOTTE NARDOZZI GAGNE, M.S. ’67, March 5, ’54, June 3, 2013, Kansas City, Mo.

2013, Jacksonville, Fla.

MURIEL MURRAY, ’50, Jan. 19, CONSTANTINO LEPORE, ’68, 2013, Branford, Conn.

DR. CHARLES R. TWYMAN, ’50, April 25, 2013, New Haven, Conn.

DORIEANNE EATON KOSKELLA, ’51, June 1, 2013, Burlingame, Calif.

MANUEL LIEBENSON, ’51, March 20, 2013, New Haven, Conn.

MARY ELIZABETH ALLEN, ’52, Feb. 26, 2013, Southbury, Conn.

CAROL ANN STONE, ’52, July 17, 2013, Miami, Fla.

MARY LAWLOR DIVASTO, ’54, March 14, 2013, South Windsor, Conn.

MARY MARGARET O’BRIEN, ’54, M.S. ’60, Aug. 24, 2013, Branford, Conn.

ROBERT MUNNELLY, ’55, July

April 15, 2013, Naugatuck, Conn.

ALICE MARION LEWIS, ’68, Feb. 7, 2013, Dowingtown, Pa.

JOHN RICHARD MCGINNIS, ’69, M.A. ’74, Feb. 19, 2013, Madison, Conn.

KEMMY K. NIXON, ’69, M.S. ’73, April 7, 2013, Naugatuck, Conn.

ANDREA SHIFFRIN, M.S. ’69, Aug. 5, 2013, Orange, Conn.

MARY LOUISE BENFORD COLLINS, ’70, March 28, 2013, Hamden, Conn.

WILLIAM DUBOVIK JR., ’70, June 6, 2013, Hartford, Conn.

BARBARA LAWLESS, M.S. ’70, Jan. 14, 2013, Tewksbury, Mass.

DOROTHY CHEESMAN, ’71, M.S. ’75, June 10, 2013, North Haven, Conn.

M.L.S. ’73, April 17, 2013, Stamford, Conn.

ELLEN NIMAROFF GORDON, M.S. ’74, March 2, 2013, South Yarmouth, Mass.

LUCILLE A. DICKESS, ’75, Feb. 21, 2013, Wallingford, Conn.

CAROL ESPOSITO GILLISPIE, M.S. ’75, June 9, 2013, West Haven, Conn.

tures for her 1957 home. She was thrilled when she found a globe-style light she thought was perfect for her kitchen. DeRisi told her it came from a house built in 1959. He also works with artists, architects, and stage designers. Clients include Paramount Studios, Yale Repertory Theater, and New Haven’s Long Wharf Theatre. “Those people will come in and buy 20 weird light fixtures,” he says. “We need to do more of that.” n

AMELIA MACKLIN, ’75, M.S. ’80, 6th Yr. ’84, Jan. 28, 2013, New Haven, Conn.

GARY L. RANDALL, M.S. ’75, Aug. 7, 2013, Harwinton, Conn.

JOAN CAROL BOMBACE, M.A. ’76, Sept. 3, 2013, Hamden, Conn.

LILLIAN A. BACCKI DAY, ’76, May 31, 2013, Brampton, Mich.

ELBERT PEGUES, M.S. ’76, Jan. 30, 2013, Hamden, Conn.

SR. VERNICE MOLINARI, M.S. ’77, March 26, 2013, West Hartford, Conn.

DOROTHY COHEN PHILLIPS, ’77, Aug. 29, 2013, Branford, Conn.

JOANNE M. ASCIONE, M.S. ’83, July 20, 2013, Southington, Conn.

BRUNO, M.S. ’78, Aug. 14, TIMOTHY DEAN LEWIS, ’83, FRANCES CONTE, ’71, M.S. ’82, RITA March 20, 2013, Colchester, 2013, Las Vegas, Nev. 6th Yr. ’88, April 24, 2013, Conn. SALVATORE AMATO, ’56, Oct. DIANE LEVINE STAHNKE, North Haven, Conn. 30, 2012, Guilford, Conn. MARY ROSE BONACCORSO, M.S. ’78, May 23, 2013, LINDA J. GREENBERG, ’71, M.S. ’84, July 19, 2013, Orange, Conn. JOSEPH FRIELLO JR., ’56, M.S. Feb. 21, 2013, Fairfax Station, Shelton, Conn. ’69, May 24, 2013, Stratford, CHERYL ANN BOWMAN, ’79, Va. Conn. APRILE ADINTORI BURTON, June 8, 2013, Meriden, Conn. DAVID BROOKS “DIXIE” ’84, M.L.S. ’86, June 24, 2013, MARIE CLANCY GILLOOLY, HOWELL, M.S. ’71, ILENE KUTNO DANIELS, ’79, Fairfield, Conn. 2013, Nahant, Mass.

’56, Jan. 1, 2013, North Haven, Conn.

EVELYN RUTH MERWIN, ’56, March 9, 2013, Doylestown, Pa.

ANITA LEE WATKINS, ’56, Feb. 11, 2010, Boswell, Pa.

ROBERT E. LEMELIN, ’59, July 30, 2013, Kennebunk, Maine

ANDREW J. LUCIBELLO, ’59, Feb. 2, 2013, Pompano Beach, Fla.

ELEANOR NOREEN O’BRIEN, ’60, March 16, 2013, Coronado, Calif.

CARMELA ‘COOKIE’ MEZZANOTTE PUGNO, ’63, March 6, 2013, West Haven, Conn.

Pemaquid Point, Maine

STANLEY L. MENDYGRAL JR., ’71, M.S. ’76, 6th Yr. ’84, April 7, 2013, North Haven, Conn.

JANE ELIZABETH ABRAMS BORKOWSKI, M.S. ’72, June 10, 2013, New Haven, Conn.

ROBERT DEVEAU, M.S. ’72, March 20, 2013, Putnam, Conn.

FRANCES FRASER, M.S.N. ’72, Feb. 16, 2013, West Haven, Conn.

May 25, 2013, Lewisberg, Pa.

MARY E. MAZON FERNANDES EADY, M.S. ’79, M.S.W. ’91, June 23, 2013, Waterbury, Conn.

LORI JULIANO MARIANI, ’80, April 7, 2013, Manchester, Conn.

ANNE M. MCGROARY BUTLER, M.S. ’81, May 2, 2013, Naugatuck, Conn.

MICHAEL H. FADDEN JR., M.S. ’81, April 27, 2013, North Haven, Conn.

REGINA WARNER, 6th Yr. ’84, 2011.

JEAN WESTERMAN GREGG, M.S. ’85, June 22, 2013, Hamden, Conn.

ROBERTA LYNCH ANTON, ’86, May 13, 2013, Ansonia, Conn.

JEFFREY L. BERK, ’86, M.S. ’88, March 11, 2013, Memphis, Tenn.

MARY ANN QUESINBERRY, M.S. ’88, Aug. 21, 2013, Milford, Conn.

JOAN HAMERSKI, ’72, M.S. ’80, MARY ELLEN JOHNSON,

JAMES METZGER, ’93, Aug. 29,

M.L.S. ’81, May 30, 2013, Portland, Maine

CHRISTINE M. DREW, M.L.S.

March 13, 2013, New Haven, Conn.

SUSAN D. FLYNN, ’73, May 8, 2013, Stamford, Conn.

BEVERLY PETRILLO, M.A. ’81, May 19, 2013, Cheshire, Conn.

2013, Ansonia, Conn. ’94, Feb. 5, 2013, Northbridge, Mass.

KEITH L. JAMES, ’94, Aug. 30, 2013, Orlando, Fla.

MARY PARISIEN ZAULS, M.S. ’94, June 7, 2013, Brewster, Mass.

MARILYN OAT, 6th Yr. ’99, May 21, 2013, Preston, Conn.

IRENE M. ZYNKO CHVIRKO, ’03, June 10, 2013, Seymour, Conn.

ERIC M. LANGLOIS, ’03, June 18, 2013, New Milford, Conn.

IMMACULATA MACKLE ALBA, Associate Professor Emeritus of Nursing, Jan. 29, 2013, Guilford, Conn.

HARRY C. ARDOLINO, Associate Professor Emeritus of Languages, March 12, 2013, New Haven, Conn.

ANNA HELD AUDETTE, Professor Emeritus of Art, June 9, 2013, New Haven, Conn.

Class notes are compiled from submissions from alumni as well as announcements made in newspapers and magazines. Fall 2013 | 35

Student-Directed One Acts

Career Fair

Dec. 5-6 8 p.m.; Dec. 7-8 2 p.m.

EVENTS

Southern April 2 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Kendall Drama Lab

Michael J. Adanti Student Center Grand Ballroom

Theater at its finest presented by Southern’s talented student directors and actors.

Meet with hiring professionals and explore a host of career opportunities.

$10 for general admission; $5 for senior citizens and Southern active alumni, faculty, staff, and students. (203) 392-6154

For more information, call (203) 392-6536.

Season’s Greetings with Najee and Alex Bugnon

Dec. 7 8 p.m. Kick off your holiday celebration with contemporary jazz greats — legendary saxophonist Najee and Alex Bugnon, keyboardist and composer. $34 for general admission; $30 for Southern active alumni, faculty, staff, and student guests; and $18 for Southern students. (203) 392-6154

December Commencement

Circle Mirror Transformation

Dec. 18 2 p.m.

April 29-May 3 8 p.m.; May 4 2 p.m.

(Undergraduate ceremony) 7 p.m. (Graduate ceremony) Beginning this year, Southern will hold separate winter commencement ceremonies for undergraduate and graduate students who complete their degree requirements in the fall. (Students may participate in the May ceremonies.) SouthernCT.edu/commencement/index.html (203) 392-6586

Kendall Drama Lab An unlikely group gathers at a weekly adult creative drama class — with hysterical and touching results. Winner of the 2010 Obie Award for best new American play. From Southern’s Theatre Department and Crescent Players. By Annie Baker. Directed by Kaia Monroe Rarick, associate professor of theatre. $10 for general admission; $5 for senior citizens and Southern active alumni, faculty, staff, and students. (203) 392-6154

Feb. 28 8 p.m.; March 1, 6-8 8 p.m.; March 2, 9 2 p.m. The Musical

A musical comedy set in a futuristic world where people must pay to answer nature’s call. From Southern’s Theatre Department and Crescent Players. By Greg Kotis with lyrics and music by Mark Hollman and Greg Kotis. Directed and choreographed by Larry Nye, associate professor of children’s and musical theatre and dance.

$10 for general admission; $5 for senior citizens and Southern active alumni, faculty, staff, and students. (203) 392-6154 *All events held in John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts unless otherwise noted. Southern students must have valid identification to receive their ticket discounts and are limited to purchasing one student ticket and two student guest tickets per event. For tickets and additional information and listings, visit Southern’s website at Lyman.SouthernCT.edu. 36 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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U.S. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE SONIA SOTOMAYOR spoke at the Lyman Center for the Performing Arts on October 21, sharing her story and words of wisdom during an enlightening conversation with President Mary A. Papazian. Among Sotomayor’s life lessons: be present in the moment. “I tell young lawyers all the time

when I see them busily scribbling away in the courtroom,” Sotomayor told the crowd. “‘You are missing the experience of watching. You are not watching the jurors . . . the judge . . . the witness. And if you are missing that, you are missing half of the conversation.’ . . . It’s the same in life.” About 1,300 people, primarily stu-

dents, attended the talk, which was the culmination of a campus visit that also included meetings with Southern students and seventh and eighth graders from New Haven’s Columbus Family Academy. The event was particularly poignant for Southern freshmen, who read Sotomayor’s memoir, “My Beloved World,” last summer as

part of the university’s First-Year Experience program. The book explores Sotomayor’s journey from a Bronx housing project to the federal bench, detailing how she overcame a precarious childhood marked by the loss of her father (who suffered from alcoholism and died when she was nine) and her diagnosis with juvenile diabetes.

Relying on strength and determination, Sotomayor excelled in her studies becoming valedictorian of her high school class and receiving the highest honors at Princeton University and Yale Law School. In 2009 she became an associate justice of the Supreme Court after being nominated by President Barack Obama.