Southern Alumni Magazine Summer 2016 by Southern Connecticut State University

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a publication for alumni and friends of Southern Connecticut State University

ALUMNI MAGAZINE | Summer | 16

JAHANA HAYES, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;05 NATIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR

SoUtHERn WELCoMES nEW PRESidEnt ■

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DR. JOE BERTOLINO HAS BEEN NAMED

GETTING TO KNOW HIM

THE 12TH PRESIDENT OF SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY,

• He is an author, lecturer, and

where he will draw on his 25 years of

teacher, having presented

leadership experience at both public and

hundreds of programs to tens

private institutions of higher learning.

of thousands of students at

Prior to joining Southern, Bertolino

more than 600 colleges and

was president of Lyndon State College in

conferences nationwide.

Vermont, a public college located in the

• Bertolino has authored

state’s Northeast Kingdom. His tenure at

numerous articles and book

Lyndon State – which began in 2012 —

chapters, and is the co-author

was marked by numerous accomplish-

of “Let the Games Begin, A

ments, including the development of new

Guide For Peer Mentors” with Dr. Ruth Frisz.

master and strategic plans, and the enhancement of student success and

• He’s received numerous awards,

retention initiatives.

including the 2011 Frank O’Hara Distinguished Alumni

“Dr. Bertolino’s commitment to stu-

Award in Education, from his

dents and their access to high quality

undergraduate alma mater, the

higher education is very clear. He is going

University of Scranton.

to be a great advocate for Southern and our system,” said Mark E. Ojakian, presi-

potential far outweighs those challenges.

dent of the Connecticut State Colleges

I look forward to working closely with the

and Universities system.

Southern team to ensure that we continue

Under Bertolino’s leadership, Lyndon

to build strong relationships and that our

developed nine new undergraduate and

institutional core rests in our mission and

graduate programs, increased annual

in service to our students.”

giving almost 200 percent over the past

Prior to his arrival at Lyndon,

three years, and launched many social

Bertolino was with Queens College, part

justice and community outreach programs.

of the City University of New York system,

At Southern, he succeeds Dr. Mary A.

from 2004-2012. While there, he most

• All in the Family: Bertolino lives with his partner of 23 years, Bil Leipold, Ed.D., and his three dogs. EdUCation : Earned a

doctorate in Higher Education administration and organizational Leadership from Columbia University, teachers College in 2003; a Master’s in

Papazian, who was recently appointed

recently was vice president for enrollment

president of San José State University in

management and student affairs.

University in 1990; and a

California.

Bertolino also served as the dean for com-

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

munity development at Barnard College

and Sociology from the

“I am both honored and humbled to

Social Work from Rutgers

serve as Southern’s next president,” said

of Columbia University, and has worked in

University of Scranton in 1986

Bertolino, who officially joins Southern on

the New Jersey and Pennsylvania state

dr. Bertolino’s Curriculum Vitae:

August 22. “While there are certainly

higher education systems and the State

SouthernCt.edu/files/general/

many challenges ahead, the institution’s

University of New York (SUNY) system.

pdfs/joe-bertolino.pdf

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Southern |

f e at u r e s

ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Summer | 16

Great Minds and Big Hearts

Meet the four Southern graduates who received the 2016 Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award.

Alumna Named National Teacher of the Year

Gifted educator Jahana Hayes, ’05, is inspiring the nation as well as her students.

Artist Benjamin Komola, ’11, breathes new life into fallen trees through his work at City Bench.

TerrifiCon™ founder Mitch Hallock, ’89, brings the world of comic books to his fellow fans — because with great power, comes great responsibility.

Doctor Who, What, When, and Why Into Africa

When many in the Republic of Zambia see a problem, Mawano Kambeu, ’08, knows there’s an opportunity.

Once an Owl, Always an Owl!

cover photo: ron SachS/cnp

It’s easy to join Southern’s first alumni owl watch. Just take a photo that includes the enclosed card and share it with us — extra points are given for creativity.

Living the Dream

As the recipient of a Gates Millennium Scholarship, Shaylah McQueen, ’16, received full tuition to the university of her choosing. Here’s why Southern was the perfect choice.

In the process of earning his Ph.D. in England, Mark McRiley, M.P.H. ’12, sets out to investigate opiate use on both sides of the Atlantic.

d e pa r t m e n t s

Superplan!

Giving Trees

Meet Southern’s New President

INSIDE COVER

2 ■ 10 ■ 20 ■ 30 ■ 40 ■ 43 ■ 43

Campus News ■ True Blue Nostalgia Supporting Southern Alumni News Alumni Notes Alumni Spotlight

I Love My Librarian Award winners

Southern Events ■

CAMPUS NEWS ■

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a fond farewell

R. MARY A. PAPAZIAN HAS

taken the helm at San José State University in california, bidding Southern a fond farewell after serving as president since February 2012.

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Graduation Celebration

CommenCement speaker kim Barker Believes that the key to happiness is

decidedly simple. the new york times reporter and author of the darkly comic memoir “the taliban shuffle: strange days in afghanistan and pakistan” shared seven steps to a well-lived life with the 1,000 graduating seniors and their guests: “lots of risks, tons of failure, flexibility, an open heart, an updated passport, and a dash of the wisdom of prize fighter mike tyson.” the ceremony, held may 20 at the Webster Bank arena in Bridgeport, Conn., also included a surprise performance by nick fradiani, the 2015 winner of “american idol.” later in the ceremony, the graduates and their guests gave a standing ovation to James Barber, ’64, m.s. ’79, who received the distinguished alumnus award in recognition of his five decades of service to southern and the community. (more on page 42.) on may 19, southern held two on-campus graduate commencement ceremonies. Graduates earning advanced degrees from the school of arts and sciences and the school of health and human services were recognized in the afternoon, while those from

“From major construction projects that have changed the face of ScSU, to urban initiatives and the growth of SteM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs to meet workforce development needs, president papazian has served the ScSU community with exceptional vision and integrity,” said Mark ojakian, president of the connecticut State colleges and Universities system. Major construction projects during her tenure included the new School of Business, the renovation of Buley Library, and the academic Science and Laboratory Building. While president, she also established the office for SteM Innovation and Leadership, where new science, technology, engineering and math programs were created. In spring 2015, papazian and new haven Mayor toni harp announced a new bioscience partnership — the Biopath Initiative — linking ScSU and the city of new haven. During her time at ScSU, papazian also expanded ScSU’s community engagement by cultivating stronger ties to area school districts, and began the planning phase in partnership with new haven public Schools to place a K-4 magnet school on campus. 2 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

the school of education and school of Business participated in an evening ceremony. Commencement highlights including videos, photos, and more are at go.southernCt.edu/scsu2016.

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Southern

for science and southern!

ALUMNI MAGAZINE

■ VOL 14 • NO 1

Dr. Joe Bertolino, President Robert L. Stamp, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Executive Director SCSU Foundation, Inc. staff

Patrick Dilger, Director of Integrated Communications & Marketing Villia Struyk, Editor Mary Pat Caputo, Associate Editor Michael Kobylanski, Sports Editor Marylou Conley, ’83, Art Director Isabel Chenoweth, Photographer Brokk Tollefson, Student Photographer Melanie Stengel, Contributing Photographer Charlie Davison, Alumni Notes Editor offiCe of alumni relations

group of talented Southern students have set aside the “lazy” days of summer to participate in a prestigious event — the International Genetically engineered Machine competition (iGeM). Southern will compete against more than 300 teams from about 40 countries. their challenge: to conduct research in the field of synthetic biology. “the goal is genetically engineering living systems to do something,” says Bryan pasqualucci, a student who leads Southern’s team. “In our case, it will be the detection of tuberculosis.” tB is one of the world’s leading killers. “Like so many diseases, early detection is important,” says pasqualucci. It can take several weeks for some tB tests to yield results; the team is working to shorten this timeframe. the iGeM competition will culminate at an event in Boston on oct. 27-31. the team will be

judged on numerous factors, including a community outreach project. Southern’s team members are assisting with professional development workshops designed for middle and high school science teachers. this is the first time Southern has taken part in the competition. at press time, ScSU joined Yale and the University of connecticut as the only colleges from the state represented. “this is a terrific opportunity for our students to showcase their talents and abilities,” says nicholas edgington, associate professor of biology. Undaunted by the highly competitive field, the group cites raising necessary funds as their biggest challenge. Several ScSU organizations, including the office of SteM Innovation and Leadership, the cScU center for nanotechnology, the Biopath Initiative, and the office of the Dean of arts and Sciences, have provided support. But additional funding is needed.

help southern Compete at iGem by making a gift through the university’s

Biopath innovation fund at southernCt.edu/giving/biopath.html. donors are asked to email dan Camenga (Camengad1@southernCt.edu) and indicate that the donation is specifically for the “sCsu iGem 2016 team.” Checks can be made out to the sCsu foundation with Biopath innovation. please include “iGem 2016” in the memo line. sCsu • attn: office of annual Giving • 501 Crescent st., new haven, Conn. 06515

Michelle R. Johnston, Director of Alumni Relations (203) 392-6500 editorial offiCe

Southern Connecticut State University Office of Integrated Communications & Marketing/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.

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 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 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, marital status, ancestry, present or past history of mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or criminal record. Inquiries related to nondiscrimination policies and Title IX may be forwarded to Paula Rice, Title IX Coordinator and Director of Diversity and Equity Programs, 501 Crescent Street, BU 226, New Haven, CT, 06515; (203) 392-5568; RiceP1@SouthernCT.edu. Summer 2016 | 3

Campus neWs ■

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students take entrepreneur Challenge

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nursing perfection

OUTHERN STUDENTS EXPERIENCED THE TRIALS AND THRILLS OF LAUNCHING

a small business thanks to the “new venture challenge,” an interdisciplinary course that unites colleges and universities from throughout the state. Southern students took part in the course for the first time last semester. after completing initial work on campus, they joined teams made up of students from different institutions of higher learning. their goal was to

hen it comes to health care, perfection is the goal — and nurses who recently graduated from southern’s graduate-level family nurse practitioner (fnp)

program have hit the mark. in fact, 100 percent of those who earned their degree in

2015 passed the family nurse practitioner Certification exam, a standard recognized in all states in the u.s. southern’s nurses excelled on the examination, earning an average score of 604, significantly higher than the national average of 561. this is the tenth consecutive year that 100 percent of southern graduates have passed the fnp examination, which is overseen by the american academy of nurse practitioners national Certification Board. the fnp program is designed for those with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, who want to earn a master’s degree in the field.

develop hypothetical businesses. Students also met with professionals

required to pay $230 for the course.

neurial spirit,” Meisenheimer says.

with expertise ranging from marketing

that additional cost was covered by a

“[provost] ellen Durnin presented the

to patent applications, with the course

donation from richard c.

new venture challenge to me for

culminating in a “Launch Weekend.”

Meisenheimer, an area businessman

consideration, and we felt this was

who is president of the Meisenheimer

an excellent opportunity and invalu-

by the course — especially during the

Foundation and a member of the

able experience for students in the

Launch Weekend — was incredible,”

Business advisory council for the

Business School. In addition, six

says Dan Mabesoone, assistant pro-

ScSU School of Business.

members of our family are graduates

“the level of enthusiasm sparked

fessor of management/MIS.

“[our] family has a firm belief in

of Southern, and as such, we have

In addition to standard undergrad-

supporting and nurturing students

a commitment to this institution,”

uate tuition and fees, each student was

who have demonstrated entrepre-

he says.

4 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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faculty focus

HOME AWAY FROM HOME :

Assistant Professor of Biology Elizabeth Lewis Roberts

Southern’s Microbial ecology Lab

ON TO THE U . S . CAPITAL :

roberts (left) joined two Southern biology majors at the Washington, D.c.–based posters on the hill program, which is sponsored by the national council of Undergraduate research. their student project was one of only 60 chosen from throughout the nation to be presented to members of congress, congressional aides, and representatives of federal agencies.

WHAT THEY FOUND :

In an advanced microbiology course last spring, Jacqueline Mary Desrosier, ‘15, discovered a bacteria that may have valuable antibiotic properties. the course, part of a nationwide program called the Small World Initiative, enabled students to isolate soil bacteria in the hopes of finding new antibiotics. Desrosier and Laeticia Iboki, ’16, (right) studied this “good bacteria,” and showed that it not only killed harmful bacteria, but also helped tomato plants grow larger and withstand heat stress.

Summer 2016 | 5

Campus neWs ■

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Winning investments

on the WEB +

once an owl, always an owl! turn to page 23, snap a photo, and share your Southern pride at #southernowls.

What’s it like to conduct research in Iceland? In June, 26 students from Southern and Liverpool John Moores University in england took part in the life-changing journey, which they

a team of ﬁnance students display a ﬁrst place trophy after winning the inaugural statewide venture Capital investment Competition: (from left) sam andoh, dean of the school of Business; may graduate egzon dauti, ’16; Benjamin abugri, chairman of the department of economics and finance; student alec santo (holding trophy); and student paul Barlow.

outhern Business students Won the inauGural ConneCtiCut venture Capital

investment Competition — which pits students interested in investing against one another

shared in a blog at news.southernCt.edu/ blogs/iceland-trip. +

commencement?

in a test of strategy and skill. southern’s team of paul Barlow, alec santo, and egzon dauti, ’16,

check out a special

defeated teams from fairfield university and Quinnipiac university to earn first place in the

Web page at:

competition, which was organized by the entrepreneurship foundation.

go.southernCt.edu/

“this was a great win for our students, as well as being a significant accomplishment for

scsu2016 for video,

the school of Business and the university,” says Benjamin abugri, chairman of southern’s

photos, articles, and

department of economics and finance and the faculty advisor for the southern team. “it also underscores the quality of our program and the value of our stock market trading room, which is an important tool in their finance education.”

can’t get enough of

other highlights. +

he’s a new York Jet, but he’ll always be an

the trading room — which was enhanced a few years ago with the opening of the new

owl. Meet nFL player

school of Business building — enables students to follow the stock market in real time with an

Jerome cunningham,

electronic ticker.

’16, who recently returned to finish his

■

a hearty owl welcome went out to many accepted southern stu dents, who received hand-written congratula tory postcards.

507 535

were sent by members of Southern’s Student Government associatio n

6 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

degree:

a southern hello!

came from Southern alumni.

news.southernCt.edu/ ?p=3000. +

“the tremendous sense of community is what’s truly shaped my life,” says political science major cory evans. every student has a story. For more on evans’ go to southernCt.edu/go/ corey-video.

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helping soldiers stand strong

he family Clinic at southern has launched “a soldier’s home

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project,” a program that provides free therapy services to active duty soldiers, veterans, and their families. “our soldiers and vet-

erans have given so much to their country, and this is one way in which we can help them,” says Julie liefeld, who serves as director of the clinic and the sCsu marriage and family therapy program. the new program was established in collaboration with Jack mordente, m.s. ’77, 6th yr. ’79, southern’s coordinator of veterans’ and military affairs. “veterans are never going to forget their experiences, but this program will help them come to terms with it,” says mordente, a veteran who served during the vietnam War era. “it will give them and/or their families another form of support.” the family Clinic is staffed by faculty in the sCsu marriage and family therapy program, as well as many advanced graduate students. for more information, call the clinic at (203) 392-6413.

pollination station

MONG THE LATEST BUZZ ON

the Botany club and those

wide, but especially threats

CAMPUS IS A NEW SCIENCE

enrolled in an honors

to honeybees. In the U.S.,

garden created by students, faculty,

college course on pollina-

the number of managed

and campus leaders. the garden

tors. the course, taught by

— consisting of three raised beds

Susan cusato, associate profes-

located near the academic Science

sor of science education and environ-

1940s to about 2.66 million today,

and Laboratory building — was

mental studies, covers issues related

according to the U.S. Department of

designed and planted by students in

to the decline of all pollinators world-

agriculture (USDa).

honey bee colonies has decreased from 5 million in the

pollinators face many threats, including pesticides, climate change, and mites. “one thing we can do is help preserve their habitat,” says cusato. the potential rewards are significant. pollinators contribute more than $24 billion dollars to the U.S. economy, with honey bees accounting for about $15 billion worth of crops annually, according to the USDa. Summer 2016 | 7

Campus neWs ■

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Good evening southern “Good Morning america” co-anchor robin roberts delivered the 18th

annual Mary and Louis Fusco Distinguished Lecture Series on May 6, thrilling the sold-out audience, which included many cancer survivors, with her message of hope. Drawing on grace, heart, and humor, roberts talked about overcoming breast cancer in 2007 — only to learn five years later that she would need a bone marrow transplant to combat a rare blood disorder. a portion of the proceeds from the event support Southern’s endowed awards of excellence, a merit-based scholarship program.

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World music

he university choir has traveled to ireland,

england, spain, and, most recently, athens, Greece — aided by the vision of Walter stutzman, ’09, and generous gifts from the stutzman family foundation. led by

director terese Gemme, the globetrotting choir has worked with internationally known guest conductors such as simon Carrington and Craig hella Johnson. last winter’s trip to Greece was also attended by students from the honors College class, “the history of athens.” 8 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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the play’s the thing

outhern’s production

and vermont. the per-

of “almost, maine,”

formance was directed by

was one of only six shows

sheila hickey Garvey, and

invited to perform at the

featured set designs and

■

fast facts. Good news. • Southern historically has produced

more teachers, principals,

superintendents, and school administrators than any other university in the state. • More than

500 state-of-the-art security cameras are located on

Southern’s campus, helping to keep the community safe and secure.

John f. kennedy Center

costumes by John Carver

american College theater

sullivan, both professors

region i festival (aCtf)

in the department. for

this year — the second

more honors, go to

100% of the funds he pledged through the “Double Your

consecutive year the

news.southernCt.edu/

Impact” challenge. a first-generation college student, chambrello is

department of theatre

theatre-department-

received the honor. this

shines-at-regional-festival

year’s production was

— and turn to the back

selected from almost 150

page of this issue to learn

committed to working with urban schools and communities, raised

submissions from colleges

about an exciting partner-

funds to buy

in Connecticut, maine,

ship with the elm

21st century communications Magnet and ScSU Lab School.

massachusetts, new

shakespeare Company,

hampshire, northeast

southern’s new theatre-in-

new york, rhode island,

residence.

• Southern’s generous donors helped the School of Business earn a $10,000 matching gift from Michael chambrello, ’79 —

the chief executive officer of north american Lottery and serves on the ScSU Foundation Board of Directors. • ScSU Urban education Fellows, a group of students and faculty

•

400 books for children at new haven’s Strong

100% of new construction on campus is Leadership in energy and environmental Design (LeeD) certified by the U.S. Green Building council.

the lauded cast of “almost, maine” Summer 2016 | 9

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TruEblue ■

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

he shoots! records fall!

in 2014, Michael Mallory was named the northeast-10 rookie of the year in men’s basketball. two years later, mallory — now a senior communication major — has lived up to the honor, setting the following records. • Single-game scoring for the owls: Mallory scored a record 47 points and 10 three pointers against Bentley University on Jan. 3. he also holds the record at Bentley’s Dana center for most points in a single game. • Southern’s all-time three point leader, both made (260) and attempted (670) • currently sixth on Southern’s all-time scoring leaders list with 1,795 points. Stay tuned!

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owl of the hour

FORMER OWL STANDOUT JOE ANDRUZZI — A TEN-YEAR VETERAN OF THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE

— WAS

NAMED THE 2016 MAN OF THE YEAR

by the Walter camp Foundation — an honor that recognizes his integrity, commitment to service, and professional achievement. a two-time all american while at Southern (1993-96), andruzzi won three Super Bowls while playing for the new england patriots from 2000 – 2004 and was named to the squad’s all Decade team. he also played with the Green Bay packers and the cleveland Browns. off of the field, andruzzi and his wife, Jen, have worked tirelessly to support the community. In 2007, he was diagnosed with non-hodgkin’s Burkitt’s lymphoma. Following his recovery, he and his family founded the Joe andruzzi Foundation, dedicated to furthering cancer research and supporting cancer patients and their families.

10 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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Meet the Student-Athlete ■

Coach honored

Kayjuan Bynum

om Diana, ’89, the head varsity basketball coach and a teacher at uniondale high school, was inducted into the new york state Basketball Coaches hall of fame on march 13. in his 20-year career, diana has won 314 games and guided his teams to victory in three long island regional championships, seven nassau County Championships, and 15 conference championships.

Junior, majoring in sports managemen t Football linebacker

hometown: Springfield, Mass.

■

Wise owls

record-setting 216 studentathletes were named to the northeast-10 Conference Commissioner’s honor roll for the spring 2016 semester. students who were recognized earned a 3.0 or higher semester grade point average.

best of the best: an all-american honoree, Bynum was

tied for the most sacks in the northeast-10 conference’s regular season (7.5) last year and had the third most tackles for the owls (58) in 2015-16.

community minded: Bynum has coached in the

amateur athletic Union [aaU] for four years. In addition to teaching the fundamentals of the game, he says he stresses the importance of earning good grades, applying to colleges, and seeking scholarships.

reflection: Before each game, Bynum remembers several friends and loved ones who have died by writing their names on his taped wrist.

inspirational: “I really respect Jay Moran, not only as our

Join the team

Behind the team !

the owl Club includes donors who support southern’s athletic program with a gift of $50 or more. to make a gift, go to southernCt.edu/giving.

athletic director but as a person. he’s a mayor [of the city of Manchester], president elect of the ecac [eastern college athletic conference], and the athletic director of Southern. . . . and he always has time for the students. he makes an effort to know them, not only on the player level but as individuals.”

goals: he wants a career in coaching and, ultimately, to run a sports facility.

why Southern? “I was being recruiting by a few schools F O R M O R E S P O RT S H I G H L I G H T S . . . turn to the “oWl neWs,” available

exclusively online. Subscribe to the free newsletter at southernCtowls.com; click on the “owl Club” heading.

for football. . . . I was weighing my options. then I visited Southern and fell in love with the campus. I liked the size of the university and its location. I was far enough away that I could be my own person — but close enough that I could go home to check on my mom. [laughs] Because I’m a mama’s boy.” Summer 2016 | 11

ron SachS/cnp photo

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alumna named national teacher of the year Gifted educator Jahana Hayes,’05, is inspiring the nation as well as her students.

“i will make this year about bringing classrooms into communities and communities into classrooms, creating moments and starting a national conversation about how we can all be better for kids.” — national teacher of the Year Jahana hayes, ’05

12 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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istory teacher Jahana Hayes, ’05, was finding it hard to contain her joyful enthusiasm.“All right, you just need to

settle down,” joked President Barack Obama, minutes before presenting her with the 2016 National Teacher of the Year Award at a White House ceremony on May 3.

With that honor, Hayes, a history teacher at John F. Kennedy High

School in Waterbury, Conn., embarks on a yearlong campaign representing teachers and advocating on behalf of students — sharing her inspirational life story in forums ranging from “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” to U.S. News

A N D T H E AWA R D GOES TO . . . A SOUTHERN GRAD! southern is proud of educating the most teachers, principals, and superintendents in the state of Connecticut. in our humble opinion, they’re also the best — a popular view based on the many sCsu alumni who received top educator awards this year.

and World Report. That story begins in Waterbury, Conn., where Hayes was raised and ultimately would return to teach.“Like every teacher, I started as a student and like many students I know what it feels like to have a dream and exist in an environment where nothing is expected to thrive,” she says, describing her early life in the projects “surrounded by abject poverty, drugs, and violence.” Education provided an alternative future. Hayes remembers caring teachers who lent her books, provided guidance, and shared stories of their own college experiences. As a teenager, Hayes became pregnant and was transferred to an alternative education program. It would be years after graduating from high school before she enrolled at Naugatuck Community College — initially telling no one out of a fear of failure. But the determined young woman was successful, and after earning an associate degree, she transferred to Southern where she graduated magna cum laude. “Jahana’s principal at Kennedy High says she gets through to her students precisely because she remembers what it’s like to be one of them,” said President Obama, before presenting her with the award, a crystal apple.“She doesn’t forget that everyone in her class brings their own different and sometimes difficult circumstances. And she meets them where they are. And she sees a grace in them, and she sees a possibility in them. And because she sees it, they start seeing it.” Hayes launched her career in New Haven, then returned to Waterbury where in addition to teaching history, she is the chairperson of the School of Academic Renown program for gifted students at Kennedy High. The community-minded educator also serves as co-advisor of the Helping out People

Connecticut superintendent of the year, Connecticut association of public school superintendents • colleen palmer, M.S. ’90, 6th Yr. ’93, then with Weston Public Schools; In July she began serving as superintendent for the neighboring town of Westport 2016 school Counselor of the year, state representative for Connecticut • Megan Johnson, M.S. ’98, 6th Yr. ’99, King Philip Middle School, Hartford outstanding Connecticut art educator, Connecticut art education association • Mary Lou carlson, M.S. ’73, Fairfield Warde High School outstanding elementary art educator, Connecticut art education association • Walter Lewandoski, ’77, South Side School, Bristol, Conn.

Connecticut pta high school principal of the year • Greg hatzis, 6th Yr. ’04, Fairfield Ludlowe High School Connecticut pta middle school principal of the year • philip piazza, M.S. ’00, 6th Yr. ’02, North Haven Middle School Connecticut pta outstanding elementary school teacher • Michael Ginicola, ’98, M.S. ’02, Nichols Elementary School, Stratford the insignia of the Chevaliers dan l’ordre des palmes academiques (order of the academic palms)

• patricia c. Moran, M.S. ’95, supervisor of early childhood education for the city of Waterbury The honoree was one of five scholars and educators presented with the prestigious insignia at a ceremony at the French Embassy in New York City.

Everywhere (HOPE) club, and considers “giving back” to be a vital component of the educational experience. “I’ve been telling my students for years that excellence happens here

Y O U ’ R E I N V I T E D T O A C O N V E R S AT I O N W I T H J A H A N A H AY E S , ’ 0 5

every day,” says Hayes.“Our students need to know that they have value and

can make a difference in the world. This honor makes that real for them.” ■ The National Teacher of the Year program is run by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and presented by Voya Financial.

september 16 • lyman Center southernCt.edu/hayes

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TerrifiCon™ founder Mitch Hallock, ’89, brings the world of comic books to his fellow fans -- because with great power, comes great responsibility.

younG mitCh halloCk, ’89, Was sittinG in his dad’s parked Car on the day

the popularity of comic book-related films and television shows is at an all-time high as well. “marvel’s the avengers,” the top comic book-film adaptation to date, had worldwide

destiny Came CallinG.

ticket sales of more than $1.4 billion, according to Box office

it was the early 1970s and

mojo (Bom). equally telling, at press time, Bom listed more

the 5-year-old had been left alone, happily perched on the bench-style front seat while his

than 35 comic book film adaptations in development. “in the early 2000s, the film industry realized that

dad ran into the neighborhood pharmacy to buy

special effects had reached a point where we could

a pack of cigarettes.

capture what we could draw. We could show all of these

hallock will celebrate his 50th birthday this summer. But he still recalls the moment with

great stories on film,” says hallock. his own story is intrinsically tied to southern.

picture-perfect clarity: “i was looking at my dad

hallock majored in art, working as a staff cartoonist for

through the store window. there was a spinner rack

the student newspaper, and as an actor and publicity

next to the register, and i saw him picking out a few

director for the university’s Crescent players. he met his

comics — a Batman, a shadow, a spiderman. he

future wife, sharon, while working on a production.

came back to the car and handed them to me. ‘i had

hallock also connected with other classmates

these when i was a kid,’ he said. my grandmother had

who would later work in the comic book industry. he

tossed them out when he joined the service. ‘don’t

took art classes with ron Garney, now an acclaimed

ever throw them away,’ he told me.”

comic book artist and writer known for his work on

hallock stops for a moment and laughs: “he didn’t

Jla (Justice league of america), the amazing

realize i was this obsessive-compulsive kid who would

spider-man, silver surfer, hulk, daredevil, and

take his advice way too seriously.”

Captain america. and in student theatrical produc-

decades later, comics remain hallock’s passion as

tions, hallock also crossed paths with michael Jai

well as his livelihood. after working as an art director and

White. White, now an accomplished professional

in marketing, the self-described “fanboy” went on to

actor and martial artist, played the title role in

launch terrifiCon™, an annual Connecticut-based comic

“spawn,” becoming the first african american to

con — or comic convention — that showcases comic

star as a superhero in a major motion picture.

books and their creators, as well as films, television pro-

hallock has run into both former classmates at

grams, pop-culture, and gaming.

industry events. following, he shares memories

this year, some 25,000 fans are expected to attend

from these impromptu mini reunions and a few

terrifiCon™, held aug. 19-21 at the mohegan sun

pivotal life moments — including being fired

Convention Center in uncasville, Conn. the event sold out in

from southern’s student newspaper.

2015, and based on industry trends, the future is promising. in 2014, comic book sales in north america (print and digital)

continues

were about $935 million, according to Comichron and iCv2, which tabulate industry statistics. Summer 2016 | 15

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Following in the footsteps of his aunt and older sister, Hallock came to Hallock has loved

Southern.

comics for as long as

“I was going to go to an art school, but my dad was a marine, a nononsense kid of guy: ‘You can’t just draw pictures. You need to get a degree.’ So I enrolled at Southern, which ended up being a great decision for me.”

he can remember. His earliest memories include drawing Fred Flintstone on the wall of his home. He was 3.

He was an active member

“My mom wrote to Stan Lee when I was about 5 — and he wrote back. [the legendary Lee worked with several artists to create Spider-Man, the hulk, the Fantastic Four, Iron Man, thor, the X-Men, and more.] he told me to work hard and to keep practicing. We hung that card on my wall, and I would look at it every day.”

of the Crescent

Comics remained a childhood passion.

“Marvel’s arch nemesis is Dc comics. Mine was [my friend] al — my big competition. We starting writing and drawing our own comic books. at school, we would sit in the back of the room, take out our spiral-bound notebooks, and draw. . . . We kept up with it into high school until we developed some other interests. It helped with we went to an all-boys catholic high school. the nuns hated those notebooks.” 16 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

strip, and I’d send it in under a different name. I think I was hal Mitchell at one point . . . “ Hallock kept drawing.

“I got fired again. But I was working late night at a copy shop in new haven, and I would draw, then turn out thousands of comics. My friend delivered Southern news to all the dorms, and I would put my comics right next to the paper.”

Players.

“there used to be a public access television studio nearby. I would go to the theatre Department, and when the actors showed up, I’d tell them, ‘I can get you on tv.’ . . . they’d come down, and we would do these sketches. I tease my kids. I tell them, ‘I was the internet before there was an internet.’”

He found work in a creative field.

“after college I got a job at a studio in Branford. I was 23, working as an assistant art director when my boss was fired. It was 1989 — I was making $17,000 a year — and the owner said he’d give me a raise if I could do the work for six months.” Hallock also kept thinking about comics.

Hallock continued to love comics.

“I was the cartoonist at Southern news, and I would get fired every year. they’d tell me I was getting too weird . . . that I needed to tone it down, which is the wrong thing to say to the kid who’s been in catholic school since he was 6. [laughing] I had to break free! So I would get fired. then I’d come up with a new

“So I was working on a catalog for office supplies and I thought, hmm, what will work? What do I know? the answer was comic books. . . . I came up with a story about a guy who has to make a presentation at work. he’s a complete wreck. then he hears a voice from the heavens that tells him to use these products. . . . So I made the pitch to do a comic — and they liked it.

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Which is great. But now I’m a complete wreck — because I don’t know how real comics are made.” So he reached out to a

$40,000 a year, living and working in connecticut. So I stayed. I regretted it somewhat at the time, but soon after there were massive layoffs [in the comic book field].”

He later rocked his dream interview.

is Michael Jai White, who has starred in numerous films, and

stranger.

“I called Marvel in new York and eventually got through to the secretary. I explained everything and she says, ‘I know what to do.’. . . and connects me to John romita! [romita is perhaps best known for his work on the amazing Spider-Man.] I’ve always wanted to draw like this man. I couldn’t even speak . . . But eventually I explained everything to him. he told me to sit down — and for 45 minutes, John romita walked me through the process of making a comic. So I did the catalog. It’s a hit. Sales are up. It’s written up in the industry magazine . . . and I get a raise. now they’re paying me $30,000.”

Among those talents

He continues to love

portrays Marcus

comics

Williams on the TBS/OWN

and his alma

mater.

comedy-drama television

“I had class with [alumnus] ron Garney, an amazing artist with Marvel. he used to be a bartender in new haven many years ago. at the time, Batman 1989 was premiering and there was a costume contest. I dressed up as the joker. Many years later, we ran into each other at a comic con, and realized I’d ordered a drink from him — dressed like the joker. he’s an amazing artist. a lot of incredible talent comes through Southern.”

series, “Tyler Perry’s For Better or Worse.”

“I met Michael Jai White at that same convention in new York city. he was promoting ‘Black Dynamite,’ a hysterical movie, which he [co-]wrote and starred in. . . . he looked familiar, so I asked him if he had gone to Southern? he said yes — and then it hit me. So I asked him, ‘Were you Larry the Lobster?’ It was a crazy play we did about a lobster about to be boiled. . . . I was working stage crew. he was Larry. . . . Does anyone have a photo of Michael Jai White playing Larry? Because if they do, I want it to blackmail him.” Hallock continued to love comic cons.

“I had the opportunity to interview with Marvel. I met with the head of the marketing department — and I got it. they offered me $23,000 to work in new York city. I was married, making

“It’s Woodstock for geeks and nerds — but without any of the bad stuff.”

continues on page 46 Summer 2016 | 17

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From irregular bus schedules to extremely limited access to international merchandise. When many in the Republic of Zambia see a problem, Mawano Kambeu, ’08, knows there’s an opportunity — and a business plan that will provide the solution. By Megan Redgate, ’15, Tim Leach, and Lindsey Colangelo

OWERING THROUGH A DIET OF HOT-CUP RAMEN NOODLES AND SLEEPLESS NIGHTS SPENT WORKING AT HIS KITCHEN TABLE,

Mawano Kambeu, ’08, laid the foundation for what ultimately would be recognized by Harvard Business School’s Africa Business Club as the Best New Venture for 2015.“In Africa, it always seems you’re told what you cannot do. You need to stay positive and prove those people wrong,” says Kambeu, founder of the award-winning Dot Com Zambia, one of Africa’s fastest-growing ecommerce companies. The online service provides Zambians with a lifeline to merchandise from both local and international retailers (ranging from bus tickets to popular items from websites like eBay and Amazon.com) as well as fulfillment and shipping services. Dot Com Zambia got its unofficial start in 2007 after Kambeu discovered that Amazon.com was not delivering U.S. goods to Zambia. Kambeu — who

traveled between the two countries — would receive “shopping lists” from family and friends in Zambia, and would return to his homeland with multiple suitcases filled with the requested items. “The world is getting smaller. We watch the same TV shows. We want the same things,” he says, noting that access to goods and services in Zambia is limited. Kambeu eventually started charging a premium on items he brought back. Meanwhile, his customers began asking for goods from the United Kingdom and China as well. The business expanded, moving out of Kambeu’s home in Derby, Conn., into warehouses in Orange, Conn., and Zambia — and today the company even has a presence in the United Kingdom and China. A modern American success story, Kambeu worked for UPS (United Parcel Service) loading and doing odd jobs while pursing a Southern degree in business administration. While at Southern, he continues on page 47

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ONAL S R E P Y M “ I LO S O P H Y PH i s t o f i n d ad w ay a r o u n o b s t a c l e s. ”

8 K a m b e u , ’0 o n a w a M —

n o s ta l G i a ■

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a tie to southern’s past, founders Gate is part of a newly instituted tradition: each fall, the incoming class enters campus through the gate following new student Convocation. in the spring, graduating seniors will cross it again to mark the culmination of their undergraduate experience. the gate spans the area between lyman Center and engleman hall, but originally stood on the school’s howe street campus. after being restored and moved to its current location, it was dedicated during homecoming in 1987.

THAT’S SO

Southern From a unique outdoor classroom to one-of-a-kind works of art, here’s a look at a few quintessentially Southern locations. When you spy these views, you know you’re in Owl territory. 20 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

a unique outdoor classroom, the GeoloGiCal roCk Garden includes 52 rocks that are indigenous to Connecticut. numerous quarry operators in the area donated boulders for the display, which was created with the aid of thomas fleming, chairman of the department of earth science. some of the boulders are from stony Creek Quarry, which provided stone for many iconic buildings and monuments, including the base of the statue of liberty, Grand Central station, and the smithsonian institution.

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set along a welltraveled path on the farnham avenue side of engleman hall, the stainless steel sculpture, “h20: liQuid Zone, ” was designed by awardwinning international landscape architect mikyoung kim. rain, snow, and ice collect on the sculpture, changing the view on an ongoing basis. the artist’s stunning portfolio includes the Crown sky Garden in Chicago, the roof garden of the John hancock tower in Boston, and the ChonGae Canal restoration project — source point park in seoul, korea. Commissioned through Connecticut’s Art in Public Spaces Program

nature lovers are invited to look at West rock in a whole new light courtesy of the environmental sculpture, “end of the line/West roCk,” which was installed in 1985 on the farnham avenue-side of Brownell hall dormitory. the sculpture was designed by nancy holt, a pioneer of the land-art movement, which began in the late 1960s in response to growing awareness of environmental issues and debates about what constituted “real” art. in this work, two rings frame views of West rock, showcasing the geological formation as an art object. holt, who died in 2014, said of her designs, “i am giving back to people through art what they already have in them.” Commissioned through Connecticut’s Art in Public Spaces Program

is it an owl’s outstretched wings, an open book evoking the quest for knowledge, or, perhaps, both? perched on top of enGleman hall , this sculpture can be seen throughout much of southern’s campus.

Summer 2016 | 21

n o s ta l G i a ■

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every cloud has a silver lining, and, on campus, it’s the rain harvester located outside of the academic science and laboratory Building. named in recognition of the south Central Connecticut regional Water authority for its leadership-level support, the rain harvester is ecologically sound as well as beautiful. Water drains into a 40,000-gallon underground collection system that is used to water surrounding greenery — reducing the need for irrigation of the area by 50 percent. an ultravioletpuriﬁcation system eliminates bacteria.

Regional WaterAuthority

those who haven’t mastered southern’s sundial turn to the hilton C. Buley CloCk . the bars light up in blue to show the hour, while the dots glow a golden hue for minutes. the clock was installed in 2015 as part of the renovation of the original section of the library. for a picturesque view of campus, go to the fourth ﬂoor of the library and look out of the clock’s transparent face.

incoming students are invited to learn many things during orientation, including how to tell time using the nearly 50-foot-toWer sundial found on engleman hall. Built in 2005 of precast concrete and aluminum, the sundial is an award winner. the american institute of architects’ Connecticut chapter recognized it as the top design in the art/architecture category in 2006. the project’s architects are howard hebel (herbert newman & partners) and frederick sawyer, who is a co-founder of the north american sun dial society.

set on a hill overlooking the campus pond, the bronze sculpture, “serie metafisiCa Xviii, ” was created by herk van tongeren and installed on campus in 1983. in 1987 the new york times ﬁttingly described the late sculptor’s work: “the walls, columns, and steps of the theaters were mysterious and incomplete. they suggested Greek and roman theaters, but it was unclear who would take their place on stage and what roles they would assume.” on sunny days, students are often found sitting on the sculpture, bringing tongeren’s vision to life. Commissioned through Connecticut’s Art in Public Spaces Program

22 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Southernâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first alumni

WATCH!

So turn the page, fill in the blank, and show your Southern pride by sending us a selfie or other quick snapshot. Be creative!

Take a photo of your kids. You at home. One from the road. Or a shot of your choice. Photos will be shared online, and we hope to spotlight several in an upcoming issue of Southern Alumni Magazine.

Thank you!

Summer 2016 | 23

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#Southe Once an Owl,

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ernOwls always an Owl!

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Wait! Please turn back to page 25. Then snap a photo and share it with your fellow Owls. Send your favorite shot

{ with a brief explanation if you chose }

to: #SouthernOwls

or StruykV1@SouthernCT.edu

Thank you! 26 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

he aCademiC sCienCe and laBoratory BuildinG’s neWest tenants have arrived.

hidden Campus ■

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nine striped bass and a variety of tautog, scup, blackfish, and cunner have been added to the Werth Center for Coastal and marine studies’ open-water and near-shore aquariums. thanks to the maritime aquarium at norwalk for collecting and helping transition these long island sound species to southern. learn more aBout sCienCe eduCation and environmental studies:

southernCt.edu/sciedu.

Summer 2016 | 27

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LIVING THE by Villia Struyk

28 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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As the recipient of a Gates Millennium Scholarship, stellar student Shaylah McQueen, ’16, received full tuition to the university of her choosing. Following, she talks about her journey — including why Southern was the perfect choice. N A JOYOUS MORNING IN MAY, SHAYLAH

MCQUEEN, ’16, walked across stage to receive her

diploma at Southern’s undergraduate commencement ceremony — an achievement made all the sweeter by the fact that she once considered dropping out of high school. In the midst of her academic triumph — she graduated magna cum laude and received Southern’s Jack Georges Memorial award recognizing an exceptional senior majoring in recreation and leisure studies — McQueen says she’ll never forget the moment she almost lost hope. then a senior at James hillhouse high School in new haven, McQueen was sitting in a classroom with other sky-high academic achievers when the conversation took a familiar turn. “I heard them talking about who would be in the top 10 of our high school class,” she says. “and no one said my name.” the omission was bewildering. McQueen was an outstanding high school student who excelled in advancedlevel courses, including an introductory media class at Southern. With an overall grade point average well-above 4.0, she was a member of the national honor Society, president of the Spanish honor Society, and an extremely active community volunteer, who also participated in athletics and the Drama club. McQueen was also a teenage mother who had unexpectedly become pregnant as a high school junior. Many were supportive. She credits the school’s Supporting parenting teens program with helping her stay in school. But she also recalls classmates’ taunts, whispers, and stares. Despite McQueen’s many accomplishments, the odds were not in her favor. only 40 percent of teen mothers finish high school and fewer than 2 percent complete college by age 30, according to research released by the national conference of State Legislatures. the pressure became overwhelming for McQueen. “I remember going home one day and thinking, ‘I am not going back to school. I am done. I can’t do it,’” she recalls. the next morning, she felt the same. then she heard a familiar buzz, her phone signaling an incoming text message. “I looked down and read, ‘Shaylah, you are valedictorian.’” More good news followed, with McQueen awarded the prestigious Gates Millenium Scholarship. the award, presented to only 1,000 out of 24,000 exceptional applicants nationwide (4 percent), provides full college tuition, as well as graduate tuition in the fields of computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health, or science. the award recognizes exceptional achievement among african americans, american Indians/alaskan natives, asian americans/pacific Islanders, and hispanic americans. armed with the scholarship, McQueen first enrolled at Wilson college in pennsylvania, which offers a program for

single parents. the initiative enabled her to live on campus with her young son, arlander, and attend school full time. “It is awesome that he can honestly say, ‘Mommy, I went to college,’” says McQueen, with a smile. “I always want to be his advocate and his support. the best step you can take as a parent is to be that role model — to live what you are trying to instill in your child.” In 2014 the Gates Millennium Scholar transferred to ScSU. “It was always my number one choice,” says McQueen. “In high school, I was in the teacher-prep program which is affiliated with Southern. I’d taken a class at Southern and loved it. I’d been on campus, met the professors and students, and knew it was an exceptional university.” She notes that majoring in recreation and leisure studies — a major she discovered at Southern — has allowed her to integrate her passions. “I’ve always known I want to mentor, counsel, and teach youth. . . . I’ve also always loved performance art — drama, creative writing, poetry, you name it,” says McQueen, who cites Southern’s Lyman center for the performing arts as a favorite spot on campus. a course on inclusive and adaptive recreation (rec 220) showed McQueen the power of combining her interests. In the course, students help lead activities, adapting them so that those with a wide range of cognitive, physical, and psychological disabilities may fully participate. McQueen recalls, in particular, a class devoted to adaptive Zumba. From the sidelines, she noticed a student in a wheelchair who had cerebral palsy. “It didn’t look like she was enjoying herself . . . so I went up to her, knowing that we were going to make it work,” says McQueen. Both women ultimately had a blast, and the professors later thanked McQueen for her initiative. “It meant a lot to me,” says McQueen, who lauds Southern’s faculty for its support, particularly associate professor Deborah Smith and assistant professor MaryJo archambault, both from Southern’s Department of recreation and Leisure Studies. Married and living in new haven with her now 5-yearold son, McQueen credits her mother and husband for helping her make the most of her education. In addition to attending school full time, she is a recreation leader at hill central, where she previously attended, and works at Montowese health and rehabilitation center as a therapeutic rehabilitation assistant. “I want to be that role model,” says McQueen of her youngest charges. “ . . . to let them know that whatever they want to do, the sky’s the limit.” Looking forward, she will continue her pursuit of education. twenty-eight percent of Gates Millennium Scholars transition to graduate school. having enrolled in Southern’s master’s degree program in special education, Shaylah McQueen is happily among them. ■ Summer 2016 | 29

supportinG southern ■

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Why Your Gift Matters Southern’s tuition has always been low. Do students really need my help?

the faCts: historically, Southern has provided students with an exceptional education at a low cost. Many alumni who attended the university in the 1960s recall paying only $100 annually for in-state tuition! It’s a different world for today’s students. at the national level, tuition costs have risen much more quickly than family income. ScSU’s in-state tuition and fees for the upcoming academic year are $10,054 — excluding room and board. that’s still a tremendous value compared to local four-year private colleges. In fact, undergraduate tuition/fees at four competing private universities in connecticut are almost triple to more than four times higher than at ScSU. But for many Southern students, financing their education remains challenging. overall, about 77 percent of Southern undergraduate students rely on some form of financial aid. of these, 32 percent of undergraduates receive federal pell Grant support, which is awarded to those determined to have high financial need based on the Free application for Federal Student aid (FaFSa).

SCSU is a public university . . . so why does it need more support?

the faCts: In 2002, the state covered 47 percent of Southern’s budget. In 2015, that number had fallen to only 33 percent. With connecticut facing significant budgetary challenges, this decline is likely to accelerate — one more reason why gifts from alumni, friends, and members of the corporate and foundation community have never been more important. complicating matters, tuition and fees cover only 49 percent of the cost of a Southern education. Your gifts keep Southern affordable, accessible, and exceptional. Gifts in support of Southern and its students are made to the ScSU Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization established in 1972. the foundation advances the university’s fundraising efforts by soliciting, receiving and administering gifts, and managing the endowment. Its overall goal is to provide the ongoing support Southern needs to fulfill its mission on campus and in the community.

I thought universities only cared about major gifts. What difference does my “small” gift make?

30 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

the faCts: Last year, gifts to the ScSU Foundation of $250 and less totaled $238,500. that’s enough to provide Undergraduate research Stipends of $3,000 to 79 students — or to cover half of the annual in-state tuition and fees for 47 students. think of it this way. Southern has more than 92,000 alumni. If each joined the ScSU alumni association by making an annual gift of $35, we’d easily raise more than $3.2 million for Southern and its students! alumni gifts — regardless of the amount — also enhance Southern’s reputation and can help the university secure additional funding. 1) alumni participation is one factor used by US News & World Report and others when compiling rankings of colleges and universities. 2) In addition, some foundations review the level of alumni support when evaluating universities’ requests for major grant funding. 3) Last but not least, many employers will match your contribution — easily increasing the benefit of your gift.

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Your support of the university and its students has never been more important. Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including answers to some common questions about giving.

Visit SouthernCT.edu/giving

Call (203) 392-6900

Summer 2016 | 31

henry Barnard distinGuished sCholars â&#x2013;

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GREAT

Minds & BIG Hearts Exceptional academic talent? Check! An unwavering commitment to the community? Check! Meet the four Southern graduates who received the 2016 Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one of the most prestigious honors presented by the Connecticut State Universities and Colleges system. southernCt.edu/go/barnard

32 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Caitlin Hansen, ’16

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sCientifiC minds: as a freshman honors College student,

hansen isolated a novel bacteria phage found in soil. she presented her research at a national conference held at howard hughes medical institute — an experience she describes as pivotal. “i was the youngest person there, alongside experienced undergrads, graduate students, and ph.ds.” more researCh: as a sophomore, she participated in the

first annual industry academic fellowship program, which is funded by the Werth family foundation. “i worked with professors and students from different disciplines and institutions to conduct research that was really important to industry.” a sCientist: “people are always surprised when they learn

that i study physics. . . . . then i tell them about all of the research that i have done. i think it catches them off guard.” feelinG proud: “looking back, i was always interested in

science. But i wasn’t sure if it was something i was capable of achieving [success in], since science is such a male-dominated field — especially physics. . . . But coming to southern really showed me that physics doesn’t care what gender you are or what background you are. anyone can do science.”

doinG it her Way meet the student sCientist Caitlin hansen, ’16, senior physics major and honors College member aspiration: to earn a ph.d. in a physics-related discipline

anxious parents often fear the “gap year” — a time off between high school and starting college — but megan mancinelli, ’16, is glad she waited to attend the university. “i actually came to southern two years after i graduated high school,” she says. during the interim, she worked full time, paid rent to her

a feW more aChievements: a recipient of southern’s

parents, and traveled. it was a welcome change of pace for

highly competitive presidential scholarship, a nasa

mancinelli, who had switched schools as a teen and began

Connecticut space Grant, and a scholarship through the

attending a top-ranked program. “i was surrounded by over-

peaCe program (pathways to academic excellence)

achievers all of the time. . . . i was miserable. the only classes

Why sCienCe? “i was always interested in science as a

young girl. my dad is an engineer and that really opened my eyes to the world of science.” Why southern? ”the opportunity for undergraduates to

do hands-on research.” Community minded: hansen tutors students in physics,

that i actually went to were my art classes and my psychology classes, which i loved.” several years later, mancinelli continues to love psychology — it was her major— but many things have changed for the academically gifted recent graduate who minored in creative writing. research was a cornerstone of her southern

writing, and scientific writing (an initiative she launched) at

experience. in her last semester, she worked with assistant

southern. through the Center for research on interface

professor michael nizhnikov, studying the effects of prenatal

structures and phenomena (Crisp), she joins researchers

alcohol exposure. she also conducted research with professor

from southern, yale, and the community at family science

deborah a. Carroll, working with children in kindergarten

nights to share the wonder of science with students from

through second grade to determine the effectiveness of dia-

new haven public schools.

logic reading. “it’s exactly what it sounds like,” says Summer 2016 | 33

Megan Mancinelli, ’16

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four Questions for standout student-athlete kelly Gunneson, ’16 What led you to southern? “southern’s close to home; i’m from Cheshire. But also the strong education and mathematics programs offered me the opportunity to excel. having that combination and being able to be part of the volleyball team and everything that athletics has to offer . . . . the whole combination was a perfect fit for me.”

When did you become interested in teaching mathematics? “my mom is a teacher. seeing the joy she has [found] through education and all of the different opportunities it offers, showed me from the time i was a young girl that teaching was the career i wanted to pursue. . . . then as i got to high school, i had the same math teacher my junior and senior years. she showed how math could be fun,

mancinelli. “you have dialogs with the children about what they are reading.” Both experiences were pivotal. “i am surprised by how much i love research,” she says “i still want to treat people, but i also want to do my own research. i love the orderliness — the surprises of getting your data back.” she cites both professors as mentors. “dr. Nizhnikov is a major reason why i have the courage to get a ph.d.,” she notes, explaining that he first broached the subject. looking forward, she hopes to earn an advanced degree in clinical psychology, after working to gain more research experience. she smiles, noting it will be her second gap year. “everything changed at southern . . . i don’t know if it was me or the school or some combination. But the classes are so interesting and taught by people who are so passionate about their subjects. i found myself in my last weeks of school thinking, ‘i am about to graduate, and i am sad because i don’t want to stop learning.’” — By villia struyk

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Kelly Gunneson, ’16

engaging, and exciting.”

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Kristen Dearborn, ’16

What’s it like to be a student teacher? “you always are told that student teaching is this very big experience. But it’s so much more exciting and interesting than you could ever imagine. i was at amity regional high school, and i had the opportunity to work with two different cooperating teachers. . . . [it] has really helped me to choose what i like and prepare for my future . . . how i want to run my classroom some day.”

tell us about some of your leadership experiences. “i was honored to be selected captain of the volleyball team my junior and senior years. i also was able to be part of the dean of the school of education student leadership Group . . . helping with the undergraduate open house and accepted students day, as well as helping to organize a colloquium series. We also traveled to Washington, d.C., in June. the event is called the day on the hill. We met with representatives, students, and deans from different areas and talked about how we can help to improve the educational system for individual students as well as the country as a whole.”

the ComeBaCk kid in the spring of 2013, a string of kristen dearborn’s college applications had been rejected. By her own admission, she was not a very good student in high school — her report cards reflecting an “alphabet soup” of grades. “i just didn’t like school very much,” she says. and when she finally received an acceptance letter — from

“i was so elated,” she says. “i said to myself, ‘i’m doing this. i’m moving in.’” not only did she set her sights on a college degree, but she sought to graduate in three years — a full year earlier than the traditional four-year path. her plan was to take

southern Connecticut state university — it was conditional. she

classes during summer and winter sessions, in addition to full

would need to pass two courses with a grade of “C” or better

course loads during the fall and spring semesters.

during the summer between her senior year at Wallingford’s

and right on schedule, on may 20, dearborn received

mark t. sheehan high school and the fall semester at sCsu —

her diploma — a Bachelor of arts degree in english — after

a testing ground known as the “proof of ability” program.

three years of classes. dearborn proved to be a model

the program is designed for students who show signs of

student. in addition to earning the prestigious henry Barnard

academic promise, despite inconsistencies in their grades.

distinguished student award, she attained a 3.7 grade point

dearborn had started showing improvement in her grades

average, and served as vice president of sigma tau delta

during her junior and senior years of high school, spurring

(english honor society) and a member of the Zeta delta

admissions counselors to give her a second look. she took up

epsilon honorary service society. she also is a volunteer at

the proof of ability challenge in earnest.

yale-new haven hospital.

“i wanted to prove to myself i could do it,” dearborn says. “those two classes were intense for me.” despite the pressure, she passed those courses — a writing composition and a communications class — with flying colors. she would be allowed to enroll for the fall.

the future is rosy as well. dearborn has been accepted into sCsu’s master of public health program, which she will begin during the upcoming fall semester. “i loved every second of my experience at southern,” she says. — By Joe musante Summer 2016 | 35

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Giving Trees Artist Benjamin Komola, ’11, breathes new life into fallen trees through his work at City Bench. By Natalie Missakian

UST ABOUT EVERY PIECE OF BENJAMIN KOMOLA’S HANDIWORK COMES WITH A BACKSTORY. There’s the memorial bench he made for four sisters from a

tree that fell in their late mother’s yard, or the table crafted from beams salvaged from the Massachusetts-based Charleston Chew candy factory, which was shuttered and converted into condos. (The table is now in the condominium’s public space.) But the wildest story yet has to be the tale behind the “Lincoln Oak” benches, which sit in a second-floor atrium at New Haven City Hall. The pair of benches originated from a tree that toppled on the New Haven Green during Hurricane Sandy, unearthing a gruesome discovery among its roots. “It pulled up a skeleton,” says Komola, ’11, who graduated from Southern

with a bachelor’s degree in art and a concentration in sculpture. The discovery, found near Halloween, made international headlines, and researchers later traced the remains to the 1790s, when the green was used as a burial ground. The tree was planted in 1909 to honor Abraham Lincoln’s 100th birthday. “It was such an interesting piece to work on. It’s so historically connected to the city,” says Komola. “But, honestly, almost everything I do here I find to be incredibly interesting.” Komola is an artist and the chief furniture builder for City Bench, a business that turns old and dying trees into artistic furniture. Brothers Ted and Zeb Esselstyn founded the business in 2010 as a way to breathe a second life into downed trees that were destined for landfills. Komola joined the company in 2013. Most of City Bench’s raw material comes from the city of New Haven, which removes more than 600 trees each year. The city gives the trees to City Bench, along with a space to mill the wood. The company donated the benches to City Hall as a thank you gift.

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Wood from a tree that fell on Southern’s campus will become a work of art in the hands of Benjamin Komola, ’11.

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Doctor Who, What, When, and Why In the process of earning his Ph.D. in England, Mark McRiley, M.P.H. â&#x20AC;&#x2122;12, sets out to investigate opiate use on both sides of the Atlantic.

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ark McRiley, M.P.H. ’12, was the major hurdles are,” he says. “What are the influences? intrigued by the bumper What are the risks for a relapse? What are the difficulties sticker. So instead of related to methadone use over time? How are people being rushing inside to place his treated by the community?” order, the Southern McRiley will be supported by faculty at both institutions alumnus stood outside of — Gordon Hay (his lead advisor) and Conan Leavey, both from the Connecticut Dunkin’ LJMU’s Centre for Public Health, as well as Jean Breny, chair of Donuts and waited for the the Department of Public Health at Southern. “I’m receiving a car’s driver to explain why 100 percent scholarship — which is three years of tuition and the phrase, “I Administered Narcan to an Honor Student,” was essentially enough money to pay for my housing,” says McRiley. plastered on his car. “I feel unbelievably lucky and extremely honored . . . to have Narcan — a drug generically known as Naloxone — is an the opportunity to work so intently on my own research. Who opioid antagonist, meaning it counters the effects of opiates, gets to do that?” including heroin, morphine, and oxycodone. It is used when an This spring, four undergraduates from Southern also overdose is known or suspected, potentially saving lives in the studied at LJMU. Countless more ultimately will benefit from process. “I explained that I was a the initiative, which will offer courses nurse and that I wanted the story,” taught by faculty members at both says McRiley. “He told me that he universities, in addition to more worked at a high school and had opportunities for students from SCSU given Narcan to one of the students and LJMU to travel abroad for study, who had overdosed.” research, and field work. Many, including McRiley, would For McRiley, the experience argue that such firsthand accounts are promises to be life-changing highly illuminating, providing personally and professionally, important insights about the issues building on his diverse resume, affecting a community — in this case, which includes the film and television everything from the increased use of industry, nursing, international aid, opiates in the U.S. to available teaching, and public health. “I grew treatments for those who are up in LA, where everybody is addicted. In January — armed with a supposed to be in the entertainment — Mark McRiley, M.P.H. ’12 full scholarship — he began a industry,” says McRiley, who took doctoral program in public health at photography courses at City England’s Liverpool John Moores College. He found work in the University (LJMU), which recently industry, first in craft services and launched a partnership with Southern. later as an emergency medical “Liverpool John Moores technician. He worked on more than University’s Public Health Department is so strongly focused on 30 Hollywood films and television shows, including “Van social services — homelessness, opiate addiction, alcohol Helsing,” “Rush Hour” (I and II), “Roseanne,” and “The Family addiction, violence against women . . . It is incredible for me to Man.” But while the projects were high profile, McRiley came have the opportunity to work with them,” says McRiley. to find the work unsatisfying. His research will cut across the Atlantic, focusing on long“I realized I wasn’t using my brain. . . . I needed to go term opiate addiction among people living in both New Haven back to school,” he says. McRiley moved to New York City, and Liverpool, England. He will use photovoice, a participatory and enrolled at the College of New Rochelle to study nursing. research technique that employs cameras and other One of only a few men in the nursing program, he earned his photographic techniques to explore issues through the eyes of B.S. in 2005 and soon become a critical care nurse at Yale-New community members — in this case, those addicted to opiates. Haven Hospital. “We’ll be able to compare the two [populations] to see what continues on page 46

“I would record their responses in Creole,” he explains, “asking them to tell me what I was looking at and why the photo was taken.”

Summer 2016 | 39

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Southern Homecoming 2016 OctOber 29

• Homecoming Parade • Homecoming Football Game — Watch the Owls take on Bentley University at 3 p.m. • Alumni tent Party opens at 2 p.m. • children’s Activities • robert corda Memorial road race at 8 a.m. • campus tours

And much more!

Once an Owl, Always an Owl! Southernct.edu/alumni/upcoming-events • (203) 392-6500

Five Decades As Owls

May 20, member of the Class of 1966 were recognized at Southern’s undergraduate commencement in honor of their 50th anniversary. The

celebration will continue on Oct. 30 when the class holds a reunion on campus the day after Homecoming. For more information, call Alumni Relations at (203) 392-6500.

FLASH BACK TO Musical Hits — The Ballad of the Green Berets by Sgt. Barry Sadler • Wild Thing by The Troggs • Last Train to Clarksville by The Monkeys • We Can Work it Out by The Beatles • Good Lovin’ by The Young Rascals

Fashion — the mod look • military-inspired designs • miniskirts

In History — The United States has almost 500,000 troops in Vietnam • China’s Cultural Revolution is launched • Miranda Rights established 40 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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ScSU Alumni Networks coming to a town Near You! OUTHERN CONTINUES TO TAKE THE SHOW ON THE ROAD, WITH SCSU ALUMNI

Network events held throughout the country and locally. Connect with Southern graduates near you through the contact information below or by

contacting Michelle Johnston, director of the Office of Alumni Relations, at JohnstonM2@SouthernCT.edu or call (203) 392-6500. For more on future events go to SouthernCT.edu/alumni/upcoming-events.

New Haven Area Alumni Network

ellen Papciak rose, ’89, inthestudio@mac.com

boston Alumni Network

rob Simpson, ’83, rob@waveridercomm.com

New York city Alumni Network

Aba Hayford, ’10, aba.hayford@gmail.com

Philadelphia Alumni Network

Mark Dobbins, ’00, dobbins@outlook.com

Washington, D.c., Alumni Network

Shawn O’brien, M.S. ’05, shawnobrien55@gmail.com

Naples, Florida Area Alumni Network

chair to be Determined

boca raton, Florida Area Alumni Network

Harry Howell, ’68, harryhowelljr@yahoo.com

ScSU ALUMNI ASSOcIAtION bOArD OF DIrectOrS

Christopher M. Borajkiewicz, ’98, President Robert Felder, ’08, Vice President Robert Lockery, ’95, Treasurer Judit Vasmatics Paolini, ’73, MS, ’79, 6th Yr. ’93, Secretary Phoebe Donehoo Browning, ’04, M.B.A. ’05 James A. Bruni, ’07, M.S. ’13, 6th Yr. ’14 Teresa Cherry-Cruz, M.S. ’86, 6th Yr. ’06 Michael Cinotti, ’10 Kathy Coyle, ’74, M.S. ’78, 6th Yr. ’81 Aba Hayford, ’10 Angela Hudson-Davis, ’88, M.P.H. ’97 Yvonne Klancko, ’70, M.S. ’74, 6th Yr. ’94 Benjamin Komola, ’11 Dorothy J. Martino, ’54, M.S. ’69 (Board Member Emerita) Patricia Miller, ’69, M.S. ’75, 6th Yr. ’81 (Board Member Emerita) Christopher Piscitelli, ’93 Guy Tommasi, ’79 Carolyn Vanacore, ’52, M.S. ’68, 6th Yr. ’73 (Board Member Emerita) Brian West, ’80 Southern Connecticut State University Office of Alumni Relations Alumni House 501 Crescent Street New Haven, CT 06515-1355 (203) 392-6500 Michelle R. Johnston, Director JohnstonM2@SouthernCT.edu

On June 15, the ScSU New London county and Southern rhode Island Network was kicked off at a gathering at the Saltwater Farms Winery in Stonington, conn.

Summer 2016 | 41

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celebrating Southern’s distinguished alumnus

ommencement 2016 was marked by countless

poignant moments, none more heartfelt than the presen-

tation of the 2016 Distinguished Alumnus Award to James w. Barber, ’64, M.S. ’79 — an event that resulted in a long standing ovation from the graduates and their guests. Barber, currently the university’s director of community engagement, has been with Southern for more than five decades — including 19 years as coach of the men’s track team and 25 years as the

Jim Barber ’64, M.S. ’79

women’s coach. The award, among the highest honors presented to a Southern graduate, recognizes his dedication to Southern students and his demonstrated commitment to com-

munity service and improving lives throughout the city of New Haven and beyond. Members of the Southern community are invited to honor him by donating to one of two scholarships he has established: the James and doris Barber athletic endowment or the James and doris Barber endowed Scholarship. Gifts may be

a café By any other name

here were more than 580 entries in a recent

contest to name the univer-

sity’s lively new café located in the stunningly renovated Hilton c. Buley library. among the suggestions? a Brewed awakening, the wuley Buley café, the Sleeping owl, an absolute Hoot, and the Parliament — the name for a group of owls. and the winner is . . . the owl’s

made online at SouthernCT.edu/giving or mail your gift, made payable to the SCSU

Perch or the

Foundation with the scholarship name in the memo section, to:

Perch. Stop

Southern Connecticut State University Foundation, Inc.

by for a visit.

P.O. Box 846120 Boston, MA 02284-6120

Happy 60th!

1956, 206 Men and woMen graduated froM new Haven State teacHerS college, as the university was

then known. the group has maintained a steadfast connection to Southern, establishing numerous scholarships in support of students. the class celebrated its 60th reunion on May 22. “Since graduation day, we’ve understood how much we owe Southern,” said Joseph v. ciaburri, president of the class of 1956, during an earlier interview. “we paid $10 a semester when we started — and that was returned to us if we made honors. we really have Southern to thank for our successes.”

Past Meets Present

atch a glimpse of those college glory

days thanks to Southern’s collection of online Laurel yearbooks. Go to http://libcdm. Southernct.edu:2011 and

click on “SCSU Student Publications” to view an assortment of student newspapers and yearbooks dating back to 1929.

42 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Save tHe date! HoMecoMIng 2016 wIll Be

The event will include a wide range of family-friendly activities, including the student parade of the floats, the alumni tent party, and the Homecoming football game. (The game kicks off at 3 p.m.) tHe claSS of 1966 will hold its 50th reunion at the university on Oct. 30. lookIng forward, tHe claSS of 1967 will be recognized in honor of its 50th reunion at the undergraduate commencement ceremony in May 2017. For more information or if you would like to organize a reunion for your class, please contact Alumni Relations at (203) 392-6500. Held on oct. 29.

1960s

SuSan deMIng corneIlle, ’64, M.S.

’77, who taught physical education for 36 years, is retired and living in Ware, Mass. She volunteers at an elementary school as a reading tutor. JudItH ScHIff, M.S. ’68, has served as

the chief research archivist of the Yale University Library for more than 40 years. She was recently featured in an article in the Hartford Courant.

1970s

cyntHIa adaMSkI, ’71, M.S. ’79, 6th

Yr. ’94, retired from Brookfield Public Schools after a 43-year career as a teacher, coach, and athletic director. She lives in Waterbury, Conn. doMInIck golIa, M.S. ’71, the direc-

tor of the food services program at Ansonia High School, was recognized for his service to students when the cafeteria was named in his honor. ed wIlSon, ’72, was named the chief

executive officer of Truesdail Laboratories, an independent testing laboratory in Irvine, Calif. He brings more than 39 years of experience in environmental testing to the position. renee MoHead davIS, ’73, is the

chief executive officer at the Agape Restoration Center in College Park, Ga. J. leroy ward, ’73, M.S. ’75, a recog-

nized expert in project, program, and portfolio management, has joined the International Institute for Learning (IIL), a partner to thousands of global companies in more than 150 countries. Ward, the executive vice president of Enterprise Solutions, is

the author of nine books and more than 40 articles on management. carol M. HoMMIck, ’75, M.S. ’77,

earned her Master of Divinity in 2016. She lives in Dallas, Ga. BarBara BloSveren, M.L.S. ’76, has

retired after 33 years at the Stratford Library, having served as director for the last nine. Patty gIulIettI, ’76, was honored at

Hamden High’s 12th Annual Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony. She is a former standout in softball, basketball, and field hockey. Mary ellen kIngSland-eckelS,

’76, was appointed to the Culture and Tourism Advisory Committee for the state of Connecticut. She is the executive director and founder of the Wallingford Center for the Arts and the Wallingford Community Theatre.

1980s

geoffrey J. SMItH, ’84, was

appointed the underwriting manager of the Hartford-based IFC Companies’ nationwide commercial underwriting renewal center. IFC is one of the largest privately held insurance groups in the United States. laura SwItzer, ’84, a licensed clinical

social worker with the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association, presented a seminar entitled, “Aging with Attitude.” She lives in Danbury, Conn. lorI cHMura, B.S.N. ’87, has been

appointed president of Dune Medical Devices in Atlanta, Ga. Her husband, StePHen cHMura, ’89, is a graduate of Southern’s School of Business.

wo southern graduates are among a total of only 10 librarians chosen from throughout the nation to receive the “i love my librarian award.” the competition, which is overseen by the american library association, recognizes librarians who have transformed lives through education. here’s more on the honorees.

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ALUMNI LIBRARIANS ARE FEELING THE LOVE

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Elizabeth Rumer y, M.L.S. ’05 library director, university of connecticut avery Point campus, groton elizabeth rumery has rolled out the welcome mat for students and the community, says sue shontell, executive director of the new london housing authority, (nlha), which provides housing opportunities for the elderly, those with disabilities, and lowincome families. in addition to welcoming nlha families and staff at on-campus events, rumery has encouraged her students to learn the joys of giving back. “she has made the library not only a place of academic learning and support, but a place to learn life lessons as well,” says shontell. on campus, rumery has worked to enhance the library’s physical space and fostered collaborations with veterans, the rainbow center, and the writing center. she’s also created a “safe space” in the library, where students grappling with problems and issues will be connected with the appropriate help and resources.

Diane Brown, ’95, M.L.S. ’04 Branch Manager, Stetson Branch, new Haven free Public library when members of a recent focus group were asked to describe what they loved most about the stetson branch library in new haven, their answer was lightning fast: “miss diane!” many echo their enthusiasm for diane brown, who is widely credited with transforming the library into a safe, nurturing oasis for the inner-city dixwell neighborhood — an area grappling with poverty, high unemployment, and low literacy. in addition to working with area schools, she’s helped organize family nights, health fairs, and much more. dawn la Valle, director of the division of library development for the connecticut state library, who nominated brown, notes: “her commitment to the community she was born and raised in is unbreakable, and it goes well beyond the walls of the library.” Summer 2016 | 43

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dan dunaJ, ’88, M.S. ’05, a certified

In Print and on Screen news on Books, television, and film releases from Southern alumni

Bertil nelson, ’61, M.S. ’67, is the author of the novel “Maddoc,” the story of a former member of the New York Police Department who sets out to find his missing daughter and avenge his wife’s murder. Sandy Myerson, ’69, is the author of “Elder Care Assistance, A Practical Guide Covering Health, Financial, and Legal Considerations.” Mary Mahony, ’70, published her seventh book in December, “Charlotte the First,” a story about sibling rivalry and finding a special place in the family. Bob rynecki, ’73, M.S. ’77, has written a book for nurses and paramedics entitled, “The Art of the IV Start,” which details techniques for successful intravenous lines. He lives in Chambersburg, Pa. len yannielli, M.S. ’74, M.S. ’89, announces the publication of his latest novel, “Hurry Down Gunntown, A Small Town Saga of a Stolen Boy and Land Saved.” He lives in Naugatuck, Conn.

sports performance coach, is the director of the conditioning camp being offered through the Shelton Parks and Recreation Department in Connecticut.

1990s

kevIn ryan, ’90, M.S. ’95, has joined

the Spire School in Stamford as an education director. He lives in Shelton, Conn. StePHen dovIak, ’92, was appointed

the senior director of integrated communications at Quinnipiac University. He and wife, IngrId ellIngerdovIak, ’93, have two children. JaSon HaweS, ’92, a former Southern

football player who later played in the arena league, headed a scholarship fundraiser for his high school alma mater, Passaic High School in New Jersey. ronet noe, M.S. ’93, had her artwork

exhibited at the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport, Conn. An art teacher at Newfield Elementary School in Stamford for three decades, she lives in Milford, Conn.

James r. Benn, M.L.S. ’76, has published “Blue Madonna,” the latest in his Billy Boyle World War II mystery series. He recently spoke about his work with the Friends of the Watertown Library.

SHerI SzyManSkI, M.L.S. ’93, is the

Stephanie robinson, ’97, M.L.S. ’05, is the co-author with Jessica Haight of “The Secret Files of Fairday Morrow” (Penguin Random House), an action and adventure book for middle grade children.

JaMeS dzurenda, ’94, has been

Susan Strecker, M.F.T. ’97, has published her second novel, “Nowhere Girl” (Thomas Dunne Books), the story of a writer of thrillers who begins to uncover the truth about her twin sister’s death sixteen years prior.

director of the Stratford Library. Previously, she was with the Trumbull Library System. She lives in Monroe, Conn. named director of the Nevada Department of Corrections. He brings nearly three decades of corrections experience to the position, including formerly serving as commissioner of the State of Connecticut Department of Correction and as first deputy commissioner of the New York City Department of Correction.

david r. diSarro, M.A. ’06, has published a poetry collection entitled, “I Used to Play in Bands.” He is an assistant professor of English and the associate dean for academic resources at Endicott College in Beverly, Mass.

BrIan kovalcHIk, ’94, is an adminis-

diana dart Harris, M.S. ’08, is the author of “Beginning Musical Theatre Dance,” a comprehensive beginner’s guide to preparing dancers for the intersection of music and theater.

aging editor at the Bristol Press in Connecticut. He lives in West Hartford.

Brendan w. walsh, M.F.A. ’13, is the author of “Go,” a fulllength collection of travel poetry about his experiences at home and abroad. Walsh is the assistant director of international education at Southern. Patrick cumpstone, ’15, who teaches world history at a Hartford magnet school, has published his first book, “Connecticut Witchcraft: Witch-Speak and Social Unrest in 17th Century Connecticut” (Picton Press). The book is the culmination of his undergraduate thesis at Southern.

44 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

trative intern at the Altmar-ParishWilliamstown Central School District. He lives in West Monroe, N.Y. MIcHael MarcIano, ’94, is the man-

Joe roSano, ’95, lives in North

Haven, Conn., and specializes in programming for children 2- to 6-years old. He performed at the Watertown Library during the Take Your Child to the Library Day celebration. MattHew caStleMan, ’96, is the

director of Open Pantry Community Services in Springfield, Mass. He has 10 years of experience with a variety of social services programs and agencies. Juan carloS oSorIo, ’98, is the

head coach of the Mexico national soccer team.

2000s

arI goluB, ’00, is the director of Camp

Laurelwood in Madison, Conn. He previously was director of the Mandel Jewish Community Center in Beechwood, Ohio. kerry Patton, M.S.W. ’01, is the

director of health and wellness at Quinnipiac University. SetH e. carey, ’02, is the 38th senior

minister of the First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn, Ill. edIe tHoMaS, 6th Yr. ’02, is the princi-

pal of Broadview Middle School in Danbury, Conn. davId P. gray, M.L.S. ’06, retired from

the United States Navy after 27 years of active duty. He is the director of library sciences at the University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D. JennIfer lau, M.L.S. ’07, has been

appointed the research manager for Greenwich Public Schools. She began her career as an educator with the city in 2000. renee cHMIel, ’08, is a member of the

WTNH-News 8 team. She earned her master’s degree in forensic psychology at the University of New Haven and lives in Suffield, Conn.

2010s

eStHer greene, M.F.T. ’10, formerly

an in-home family support services therapist in Bridgeport, has joined Wellspring Counseling Services as an outpatient clinician. MarcIa HollIngSwortH, ’10, is a

staff attorney at the Children’s Law Center in Washington, D.C. kIMBerly cornell, ’11, M.S.N. ’15, a

licensed Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, has joined Aria DermSpa in Madison, Conn. Her previous experience includes four years at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital. She is also an active volunteer with international medical groups, having served in Ecuador, Haiti, and parts of Africa. erIc HIlverSuM, 6th Yr. ’11, is the

principal of J. M. Wright Technical High School in Stamford, Conn. vaneSSa SalMon, ’11, graduated

from the Connecticut Police Academy and is an officer in Groton. JeSSIca HodorSkI guenIat, M.L.S.

’13, has been appointed director of the Torrington Library. She has worked at the library since 2006. nIck gleIfert, ’13, a residence hall

director at Southern, was featured in an article in the February 2016 issue of New Haven magazine.

SMag48pp_Sum16-f.qxp_Layout 1 7/22/16 3:12 PM Page 45

danIel (ndaMwIzeye) truSt, ’13,

was interviewed on “Nyberg,” an indepth conversation with local newsmakers conducted by News 8 anchor Ann Nyberg. Trust is the founder of the Daniel Trust Foundation, which supports students from low-income communities with their educational and career needs, and recognizes teachers who are making a difference in the community. He lives in Bridgeport, Conn. JuStIn zencHuk, ’13, appeared in a

production of “Hairspray,” performing at Center Stage Theatre in Shelton. franceSca ScarPa, ’76, and gary ScarPa, ’74, M.S. ’91, are the artistic directors of the theater. JoHn Paul andrIcH, ’14, is a staff

accountant in the accounting and auditing department of Dworken, Hillman, LaMorte and Sterczala. Suzane PIreS, ’14, a midfielder with

the Boston Breakers women’s professional soccer team, was called to the Portugal Women’s National Team in October, marking her first call-up to a national team. Peter M. lItwIn, ’15, has joined

Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden, where he will teach physics and astronomy, and will co-moderate the Science National Honor Society. Litwin lives in Orange, Conn.

rutH roller SIlver, ’55, March 23,

2016, New Haven, Conn. franceS HoPe SyMMeSBourneuf, ’55, M.S. ’60, March 23,

2016, Milford, Conn. tHoMaS e. cuMMIngS, ’56, Sept. 25,

2015, Cheshire, Conn. louIS Hardvall, ’56, Dec. 14, 2014,

Greenwich, Conn. PHIlIP PalMa, ’56, Jan. 27, 2016,

Branford, Conn. genevIeve d. StrIleckIS, ’56, April

2, 2016, Waterbury, Conn. Maureen leary BornSteIn, ’57,

Oct. 25, 2015, Hamden, Conn. walter S. radzISzewkI, ’57, Nov. 29,

2015, West Haven, Conn. anna eleanor fleetwood, ’58,

Nov. 15, 2015, Phoenix, Ariz. JoHn f. o’BrIen, ’58, Dec. 16, 2014,

Madison, Conn. MartIn l. PIccIrIllo, ’58, M.S. ’77,

March 27, 2016, North Haven, Conn. Peter tenerowIcz, M.A. ’58, Oct. 21,

2015, Ludlow, Mass. PatrIck J. wHalen, ’58, Jan. 31, 2016,

Cheshire, Conn. roland w. goodHue, ’59, M.S. ’68,

Dec. 12, 2015, Old Saybrook, Conn. Mary JanIce nePraSH, ’59, Sept. 28,

2015, Atlanta, Ga. SaraH JoneS, ’60, April 2, 2016,

IN MEMORIAM Jane S. dugan, ’40, Sept. 27, 2015,

Latham, N.Y. dorotHy o’toole Brennan, ’43,

April 10, 2015, Cheshire, Conn. louISe n. JoHnSon, ’43, Dec. 17,

2015, Bridgeport, Conn. PaulIne SMItH ProkoP, ’43, Dec. 25,

2015, Jacksonville, Ill. claIre MckIernan donovan, ’45,

Nov. 1, 2015, Milford, Conn. ISoBel BroadHurSt, ’46, Sept. 16,

2015, Fairfield, Conn. lucIlle francIS MarIno, ’46,

March 13, 2016, North Kingstown, R.I. angela aItro, ’52, M.S. ’77, Jan. 2,

2016, Cheshire, Conn. roBert f. gaIPa, ’52, Feb. 20, 2016,

Stamford, Conn. george n. SwIrSky, ’52, Nov. 27,

2015, Derby, Conn. rayMond defranceSco, ’53, Nov.

29, 2015, Branford, Conn. Beverly allen gInter, ’54, Nov. 18,

2015, North Haven, Conn. laurence e. SHaPIro, ’54, M.S. ’58,

Jan. 31, 2016, Sudbury, Mass.

Oklahoma City, Okla. MarIlyn carlSon vougHt, ’60,

Jan. 6, 2016, Beacon Falls, Conn. vIrgInIa c. HawkInS, ’61, M.S. ’68,

Dec. 12, 2015, Scottsdale, Ariz. Harry twISS, ’61, M.S. ’71, Oct. 24,

2015, Milford, Conn. dennIS J. anderSon Sr., ’63, M.S.

’71, Feb. 11, 2016, Clinton, Conn. Jane cotter coHen, ’64, M.S. ’68,

Jan. 9, 2016, North Branford, Conn. louIS PIcone, ’65, 2014 tHoMaS francIS Pond Jr., ’65,

Feb. 23, 2016, Little River, S.C. tHoMaS Blakey, ’66, April 8, 2016,

Severn, Md. ralPH M. clark, ’66, M.L.S. ’69, Dec.

2014, Old Lyme, Conn. JaMeS a. PanIco, ’66, 6th Yr. ’69, Feb.

28, 2016, Wallingford, Conn. alBert P. SternBerg, ’67, March 5,

2016, Meriden, Conn. SHaron laISt, ’68, M.S. ’76, 6th Yr.

’86, Sept. 27, 2015, Savannah, Ga. elaIne lewIS PatterSon, M.S. ’68,

Dec. 12, 2015, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. dale SalIMeno, ’69, M.S. ’70, 6th Yr.

’87, Jan. 23, 2016, New London, Conn.

Streeter roy SeIdell, ’71, 6th Yr.

’05, March 12, 2016, Madison, Conn. gerald r. davIS, ’72, Feb. 3, 2016,

Summerville, S.C. louISe lorenSen forBeS, ’72, 6th

Yr. ’74, Feb. 5, 2016, Ft. Meyers, Fla. conStance J. JoneS, M.S. ’72, Jan.

29, 2016, Woodbury, Conn. Beverly MIglIetta, M.S. ’72, 6th Yr.

’76, March 13, 2016, Fairfield, Conn. PatrIcIa a. Morgan, ’72, Dec. 27,

2015, Cheshire, Conn. lInda d. tuScano, ’72, March 26,

2016, Rutland, Vt. vIncent feSta Jr., M.S. ’73, April 1,

2016, Terryville, Conn. gayle lynn lavoIe, ’73, Oct. 11,

2015, East Haven, Conn. wIllIaM H. weaver, M.A. ’73, Oct.

21, 2015, Wallingford, Conn. Joan kay Benevento, ’74, Dec. 27,

2015, East Haven, Conn. Suzanne tHerIot StISSer, ’74, Jan.

2, 2016, Darien, Conn. StePHan M. Stocker, ’74, March 12,

2016, South Carolina ralPH J. arcHer Jr., ’75, Feb. 23,

2016, Chester, Mass. elIzaBetH c. HoManS, M.L.S. ’75,

Sept. 24, 2015, Oakland, Calif. Helen r. lanSBerg, M.L.S. ’75, Feb.

16, 2016, West Hartford, Conn. erneSt auguSt greywacz, ’76,

Feb. 20, 2015, Norwalk, Conn. BarBara kaMay-Haggerty, M.S.

’76, Windsor Locks, Conn. ann c. SanderS, ’78, Oct. 4, 2015,

Royersford, Pa. dennIS MurPHy, ’79, Jan. 4, 2016,

West Chester, Pa. lInda r. zalenSkI, ’80, M.S. ’89,

Ansonia, Conn. MIcHael e. BoHan, ’81, Sept. 18,

2015, West Haven, Conn. wIllIe tHoMaS Boyd, M.S. ’81, Jan.

24, 2016, Hamden, Conn. tHereSa Moran croSS, ’81, Feb. 23,

JIll collIer [forMerly roBInSon], M.S. ’85, Sept. 4, 2015,

Bloomfield, Conn. kennetH n. MurPHy, M.S. ’85, April

2, 2016, Wallingford, Conn. wIllIaM l. Brackett, 6th Yr. ’87, Jan.

19, 2016, Keene, N.H. Mary-louISe dorPalen, 6th Yr. ’87,

Jan. 23, 2016, Hartford, Conn. antoInette tarInI, ’87, M.S. ’93, Jan.

14, 2016, Orange, Conn. edward “ned” Pocengal, ’89,

Nov. 6, 2015, New Haven, Conn. loraIne Magee forMer, ’91, Sept.

21, 2015, Austin, Texas Jean a. leonard, ’91, Dec. 28, 2015,

Newtown, Conn. PatrIcIa garde walker, ’91, March

21, 2016, Old Saybrook, Conn. vIvIan MartInez de andInofrIello, M.S. ’93, Oct. 8, 2015, New

Haven, Conn. rayMond f. MackowSkI, ’93,

March 20, 2016, Ansonia, Conn. davId l. ScHwaB, M.S. ’93, Dec. 13,

2015, Brentwood, Tenn. annette MarIe gardner, 6th Yr.

’94, Sept. 14, 2015, Ledyard, Conn. fred l. JacoBS Sr. ’94, Oct. 6, 2015,

Sarasota, Fla. cHeryl Szetela waHl, ’02, Dec. 14,

2015, Wallingford, Conn. alan goldBerg, M.S. ’03, Jan. 2,

2016, Hamden, Conn. MonIca Sardana, ’04, M.A. ’11, Feb.

28, 2016, Watertown, Conn. kylIe elIzaBetH douglaS olean,

’05, April 8, 2016, Southington, Conn. MarJy eHMer dow, professor emeri-

tus of psychology, March 31, 2016, Orange, Conn. louIS I. kuSlan, professor emeritus

of chemistry, Oct. 9, 2015, Wallingford, Conn. rIcHard kuStIn, professor of market-

ing, Jan. 28, 2016 Helen raduk, university secretary,

March 13, 2016, Stratford, Conn.

2016, Richmond, Va. roBert c. PraHovIc, ’81, ’99, ’03,

’07, March 28, 2016, Branford, Conn. edward valentukonIS, 6th Yr. ’81,

Jan. 2, 2016, Danbury, Conn. racHel BonIto, ’82, M.S. ’91,

October 2015, Wallingford, Conn. dorotHy JaBlonSkI, ’82, Dec. 28,

2015, Shelton, Conn. JoHn “Jack” wIllIaMS, 6th Yr. ’82,

Oct. 6, 2015, Niantic, Conn. louIS calIendo, ’85, Feb. 3, 2016,

Hamden, Conn.

Class notes are compiled from submissions from alumni as well as announcements made in newspapers and magazines. Summer 2016 | 45

SMag48pp_Sum16-f.qxp_Layout 1 7/22/16 3:12 PM Page 46

Doctor Who, What, When, and Why continued from page 39 When Hurricane Katrina hit, McRiley traveled to New Orleans with a group of doctors who set up a makeshift clinic at the Cajundome where about 7,000 displaced people were living. “I learned so much,” says McRiley, “but I came back totally changed. As a nurse dedicated to giving aid . . . that is where you want to be.” With thoughts of working in international aid, McRiley enrolled in Southern’s graduate program in public health. For his master’s thesis, he researched the relationship between post-earthquake housing and health in Léogâne, Haiti. The city, located near the epicenter of the quake, had been devastated and many residents were still living in tents provided as emergency shelter. McRiley traveled to Haiti four times for his research. Using photovoice methodology, he gave 23 Haitian nursing students cameras to explore the issue. They then met as a community to discuss their images. “I would record their responses in Creole,” he explains, “asking them to tell me what I was looking at and why the photo was taken.” Their issues included pollution, roaming livestock, garbage, lack of water, poor sanitation, and more. Armed with about 500 photos and

Share your good news

WITH SOUTH ERN FRIENDS AND CLASSMATES.

Mail this completed form to Southern Alumni News, SCSU Alumni Relations Office, Alumni House, 501 Crescent St., New Haven, CT 06515-1355; fax, (203) 392-5082;

Superplan! continued from page 17 So he founded TerrifiCon -- and is living

or e-mail, AlumniINFO@SouthernCT.edu.

the dream.

Name ____________________________________________________________ Street Address ____________________________________________________ City ______________________________State______________Zip __________ Check if this is a new address. Phone (

their accompanying narratives, McRiley wrote his thesis. He met a few others working on similar projects, and together they connected with local city stakeholders. “Low and behold, one year later the trash was gone, the center of town was clean . . . water and electric infrastructure came through. It was terrific,” says McRiley, whose work was recognized with the 2012 Scholarship and Service Award from Southern’s Department of Public Health. “The advantage of the photovoice methodology is that you are not just handing somebody a 50-page report. You are handing them 50 photographs that were taken by the people [most affected],” he says. The researcher notes that today’s “selfie” culture is a tremendous boon for his upcoming research on opiate addiction. “I can collect through Instagram, Facebook, direct text, email. . . . My intention is to gather significantly more information than I have ever gathered before,” he says. He and his doctoral advisors fully understand the potential power of such testimony. McRiley’s goals include creating a documentary on addiction. Looking further ahead, he envisions returning to Haiti — and again standing at the front of a college classroom. “I love everything about teaching,” says McRiley, who was an instructor in Southern’s Department of Public Health. Having resigned from that position and his ten-year post with Yale-New Haven Hospital —“Two terrific jobs,” he says — he notes with awe the trajectory his life has taken. “When I left Los Angeles before I went to nursing school, I was a roller-blading bartender,” he says. “Fifteen years later, I am entering a Ph.D. program.” n

)______________________________________________________

E-mail ____________________________________________________________ SCSU Degree/Year________________ Major __________________________ Name under which I attended college ________________________________ News Item ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ Signature __________________________________________Date __________

“I have to downplay it somewhat, but I am still that 8-year-old kid who wants to grow up and work at Marvel. Take Neal Adams. [Adams created some of the iconic modern imagery for DC Comics’ Superman, Batman, and Green Arrow.] If there was a Mount Rushmore of comics, he would be one of the four heads. I will always see him as legendary — and I have the opportunity to sit and talk to him. And I get to bring him to TerrifiCon™ — so others who feel exactly the same way get to see him, too.” He says he’ll always be a fan -- and here’s one reason why.

“We weren’t the wealthiest people in the world, and it wasn’t always easy. That’s one of the things about comic book heroes. They’re from poor families. They have problems. Peter Parker is living with his aunt who is sick. He’s a scrawny guy, not popular. Then he gets bit by a radioactive spider, and he becomes Spiderman. It’s inspiring. It gives kids a reason to stay on the right path. It gives you hope.” And he’ll never tire of meeting his fellow fans at TerrifiCon™.

________________________________________________________________

“It’s the coming together of like-minded people — those former 10-year-olds who were sitting in the back of the room drawing comics. You grow up, go to this event, and realize you are not alone. . . . I find that a lot of kids who loved comics grew up to be police officers and firefighters. They come to help society in very important ways. . . . When you talk to them at a comic con, you immediately see that 9year-old boy or the 10-year-old girl. But the hero is there too.”

________________________________________________________________

For more, go to terrificon.com.

Spouse’s Name ____________________________________________________ SPOUSE'S SCSU DEGREE/YR.

Children’s Names/Ages ____________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________

46 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

SMag48pp_Sum16-f.qxp_Layout 1 7/22/16 3:12 PM Page 47

Gving Trees continued from page 36 “the idea was to help spark a movement in upcy-

Into Africa continued from page 19

drafted a proposal for one of Dot Com Zambia’s services, Bus Tickets Zambia, a

cling this resource . . . so it’s not just thrown away. It’s

system that enables travelers to buy bus tickets online ahead of time. The service

not just cut up into firewood,” komola says. “People can

filled a basic need, says Kambeu, explaining that in Zambia consumers would typi-

take something and turn it into something valuable.” city Bench pieces can be found all over

cally pay for a ticket at a chaotic station or on the bus, and then wait for hours or even days before the bus filled and departed. Kambeu conducted market research

connecticut, from yale university to Bradley

and interviewed thousands of people to determine if they were willing to pay extra

International airport to westport, conn.-based

for more convenient ticketing and service. His “on-the-ground” audience analysis

newman’s own, where the company just installed a wall

helped Dot Com Zambia adapt their ticketing strategies to the needs and customs of

built from 17 species of connecticut wood. last year, city Bench created whimsical furniture for the lobby of a public school in denver, colo. for Southern, komola designed and built a pedestal for a bronze owl sculpture by Jules Moigniez (circa 1890). the pedestal was crafted from a giant red oak that was struck by lightning in front of the university’s wintergreen Building. furthering the Southern connection, the sculpture was donated by alumnus John caceci, ’80, a dentist in new Milford, and cleaned by

the locals, giving the company an edge over larger, more well-known competitors. Kambeu’s corporate experience helped him compete as well. After UPS, he moved on to Prudential Financial. He initially sorted papers at the company but quickly rose through the ranks to the position of manager of investment and sales. He says his greatest hurdle was quitting his job at Prudential and moving back to Zambia where he struggled for two years to build the business. “There will always be a headwind,” says Kambeu. “My personal philosophy is to find a way around obstacles.” It hasn’t been easy, however. Problems with differing social customs, weak

anthony Bonadies, ’58, the former chairman of the

infrastructure, and politics continue to be roadblocks for Kambeu and his team,

department of art. the work will be displayed in the

which now includes 23 employees plus additional contractors. But the entrepre-

new alumni House opening this summer on farnham

neur remains undeterred. “Let’s work on what we control; What’s Plan A, Plan B,

avenue in the former home of the office of admissions.

Plan C? We want to do what’s good for the country,” he says.

komola initially majored in physics at Southern, but

In 2014, Dot Com Zambia brought in $741,000 in revenue, and more

switched to art after one semester when he “fell in love”

recently, has received $500,000 from investors. With growth comes change, and

with an introductory sculpture course. during his junior

Kambeu now serves as managing director of the company and reports to an

year, he met a Hamden-based art conservator who gave

executive board.

him a job restoring bronze and stone monuments. But

Meanwhile, Dot Com Zambia’s success is both measurable and motivational.

he longed to create his own art and was considering

In November 2014, the company was named the runner-up in the Top Start Up

graduate school to study furniture making when city

category at the Global Innovation through Science and Technology Tech-I compe-

Bench offered him an apprenticeship. three years later, komola has a hand in virtually every piece that moves through the company’s Higganum, conn., workshop. each project is a collaborative effort, but komola does most of the building, while the esselstyns typically handle the milling, design, and finishing work. every piece comes with a “birth certificate” describing the tree’s origin and story. “I love the challenge of taking something that’s essentially a sketch and turning it into a reality,” komola

tition, led by the U.S. Department of State. The following year, the company was named the Best New Venture in Africa at Harvard Business School, winning $15,000 in support. Kambeu also won the Zambian Government Award and the Zambian Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He says he’ll never forget his experiences as a struggling student and attributes the foundation of his success to Southern, particularly lessons learned from a practical business writing class taught by Jennifer Lee Magas, adjunct professor of English and the vice president of communications at Magas Media Consultants. As a result of the assignments, particularly the proposal, he felt prepared to follow his

says, adding that he has artistic freedom to fine-tune

entrepreneurial passion, and he has willingly returned to Southern to share his

each piece. He credits Jeff Slomba and rachael vaters-

experiences with today’s students.

carr, professors of art at Southern, with honing his “sense of design and style.” “Being able to look at something and know what’s aesthetically pleasing . . . I picked that up from them,” he says.

“Life is a sound bite,” says Kambeu. “From the job to everyday life, it’s all about pitching. And if you love what you do and can communicate your passion, you will find success.” n

Megan Redgate, ’15, Tim Leach, and Lindsey Colangelo wrote about Mawano Kambeu, ’08, while working as interns at Magas Media Consultants. Summer 2016 | 47

SoutHern eventS n

SMag48pp_Sum16-f.qxp_Layout 1 7/22/16 3:12 PM Page 48

chris d’elia Sept. 9 | 8 p.m. The charismatic, highenergy comedian has built a fan following with Netflix and Comedy Central specials — including the Justin Bieber roast.

$30 for premium seating; $25 for general admission; $20 for southern active alumni, faculty, staff, and student guests; and $10 for southern students. $60 for premium seating and a post-show meet and greet. (203) 392-6154

the groove Project

eric darius, Jeff Bradshaw, JJ Sanseverino, and gerald veasley

Sept. 24 | 8 p.m.

Acclaimed solo jazz artists unite for an unforgettable jam — an exclusive Lyman Center performance. $32 for general admission; $30 for southern active alumni, faculty, staff, and student guests; $25 for series*; and $20 for southern students. (203) 392-6154

graduate admissions fall open House

undergraduate admissions open House oct. 23 | 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Explore Southern’s real-world approach to education through campus tours, overviews of academic programs and financial aid, and much more. (203) 392-5644

The Department of Theatre and Crescent Players kick off the season with this lively comic pastiche of great musicals from the 1920s. Written by Sandy Wilson and directed and choreographed by Larry Nye, associate professor of theatre. $10 for general admission; $5 for southern faculty, staff, student guests, and non-scsu students with valid id; and free for southern students. (203) 392-6154

general admission tickets are free. limited to four. (203) 392-6154

Launched in 1968, the horn-driven jazz greats regularly play to sold-out crowds around the world.

oct. 28 | 8 p.m.

Experience the original ghostly images, recordings, and haunting stories that inspired the summer horror film, “The Conjuring 2.” Spera, the son-in-law of Ed and Lorraine Warren, opens the case files of the husband and wife ghost hunters. $15 for general admission; $8 for southern active alumni, faculty, staff, student guests, and students. (203) 392-6154

Homecoming

$40 for general admission; $35 for the series* and southern active alumni, faculty, staff, and student guests; and $25 for southern students. (203) 392-6154

vincent Ingala

featuring Jonathan fritzen and cindy Bradley

dec. 10 | 8 p.m.

Back by popular demand, smooth jazz at its finest with a dash of holiday cheer.

oct. 29

Throughout Campus

Share your Owl pride with friends and family while enjoying a daylong series of events, including the Homecoming parade, alumni tent party, campus tours, children’s activities, Homecoming football game, and more.

$32 for general admission; $30 for southern active alumni, faculty, staff, and student guests; $25 for series*; and $20 for southern students. (203) 392-6154

(203) 392-6500

Brian culbertson

oct. 29 | 8 p.m. Pushing the boundaries of the jazz scene, the awardwinning multiinstrumentalist crosses the genres of contemporary jazz, R&B, and funk.

Explore programs and meet graduate faculty in more than 40 areas of study in education, business, health and human services, and the arts and sciences. Many programs offered with Connecticut teacher certification.

oct. 7, 8, 13-15 | 8 p.m. oct. 9, 15-16 | 2 p.m.

The first professional dance company in the world dedicated to the tradition of stepping.

nov. 19 | 8 p.m.

night of the Haunted hosted by tony Spera

Adanti Student Center Ballroom (third floor)

the Boy friend

nov. 17 | 7 p.m.

tower of Power

the warren files

oct. 6 | 3 – 7 p.m.

(203) 392-5240

Step afrika

$39 for general admission; $35 for series* and southern active alumni, faculty, staff, and student guests; and $20 for southern students. (203) 392-6154

u.S. army field Band and Soldiers’ chorus nov. 6 | 3 p.m.

Direct from Washington, D.C., they’ve been thrilling audiences around the world for more than six decades. general admission tickets are free. limited to four. (203) 392-6154

the celtic tenors Dec. 18 3 p.m. These world-class performers bring a contemporary edge to selections ranging from classical and folk to Irish and pop. $35 for premium seating; $30 for general admission; $25 for southern active alumni, faculty, staff, and student guests; and $10 for southern students. (special prices for groups of 10 or more.) (203) 392-6154

JS earzI ezS

center at lyman

*only $120 for four great shows!

The Groove Project • Brian Culbertson Tower of Power • Vincent Ingala on Sale aug. 29

*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 Lyman.SouthernCT.edu. 48 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

SMagCovSum16.qxp_MagazineCover 7/22/16 2:57 PM Page 4

n BEHaLf of

SoUtHERn

ConnECtiCUt StatE UniVERSity,

we would like to thank the following members of the Class of 2016 who graciously made a donation to SCSU in 2016. these students’ gifts — a sign of their dedication to Southern — will make a significant impact for future owls!

Asmaa Abdelati Linda Adamczyk Devonte Adams Erin Ahearn-Leger Elisa Albert Thomas John Angiolillo Joseph Antonucci Alyssa Apelquist Savon Armistead Benjamin Asbell Kaitlyn Augeri Alicia Avino Aysha Aziz Alexandra Bacry Mary Baker Skye Battista Kayla Benedetto Jacinya Benjamin Kiersten Bernier Rocco Bocchetta Candida Bonnick Jenna Bouffard Jacinta Bowen Ashley Lauren Bowns Ashleigh Brencher Ariana Brown Renee Brown Sarah Caceres Yenka Callinder Samantha Canfield Natalie Carbone John Carter Lorraine Casparino Thomas Cassello Sarah Casula Tiffany Cathey Ethan Merritt Chapman Lindsey Chicoine Matthew Cicchese Miriame Clement Devin Close Ingrid Coello Kristaliz Cordero Angela Corraro Will Costa Nora Crann Christopher Curtin

Briana D'Amico Marissa D'Angelo Michael DeGrandi Amanda D'elia Nicole DeWitt Danielle Diaz Luis Diaz Alicia DiVito Brandon Dorfman Jake Dressler Rebecca Dube Victoria Dubois Heidi Duchaine Margaret Durso Danielle Dymond Brianna Ashley Eisensmith Danielle Ellis Leila Erskine Jessica Esposito Ailene Evangelista Ashley Ewert Kristina Falconieri Bianca Flowers Kristen Fradiani Ashley Francis Millanys Garcia Brandon Gargiulo Stacey Garrity Shawn Gilhuly Dannielle Gladu Kiara Goodwin Franecejoli Granam Alison Griffing Kelly Gunneson Joshua Gustafson Dieter Gutbrod Liza Gutierrez Luljeta Halil Caitlin Hansen Elena Haury Samantha Heltke Ariel Herbert Matthew Herman Cherice Hernandez Valeria Hernandez Eunice Hodge Eboni Hylton

Every Student Has a STORY. A tax-deductible gift of $35 or more each year entitles you to active membership in the Alumni Association.

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Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Burlington, VT Permit No. 19

Summer | 16 Alumni Association 501 Crescent Street New Haven, CT 06515-1355 SouthernCT.edu Address Service Requested

The Play’s the Thing

he highly acclaimed Elm Shakespeare Company has become Southern’s theatre-in-residence — an exciting partnership that brings new energy to the university and the community. “While SCSU has, for many years, had a strong relationship with Elm, having the company and its artistic staff ensconced on our campus and interacting with students and faculty every day will be a ‘shot’ of creative adrenalin —

something that all artists need and welcome,” said Steven Breese, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. The Elm Shakespeare Company, recognized as the premiere Shakespeare company in Connecticut and one of the very best in New England, has presented free outdoor

performances in New Haven for 20 years. Under a memorandum of understanding signed in March, Southern will provide rehearsal, production, and office space for the company. In turn, Elm Shakespeare will bring its expertise into the Theatre Department’s programming, enhancing

opportunities for students. Dean Breese lauded Rebecca Goodheart, Elm Shakespeare’s new producing artistic director, and Kaia Monroe, Theatre Department chair, for helping bring the partnership to fruition. For more Theatre Department achievements, see page 9.