a publication for alumni and friends of Southern Connecticut State University
ALUMNI MAGAZINE | Spring | 13
FEATURED INSIDE:
2012 CHARITABLE GIVING REPORT
LET TER
FROM THE
President
Dear Southern Alumni, These efforts are crucial, because Southern has a special mission as a public institution to connect actively with world demands a flexible workforce and visionary leaders. As a its community. We are pursuing this course with new offerings in in-demand fields, more accelerated programs that meet the public university, therefore, it is imperative that we engage in both workforce development and liberal education — because practical needs of non-traditional learners, and our ongoing commitment to access and affordability. Responding to a while workforce development prepares our students for their first jobs, it is a liberal education that prepares them to face and statewide need for more trained graduates in science and technology, for example, we will begin construction this fall on accommodate the inevitable change that is more and more a new science laboratory building, allowing us to enhance the characterizing our world. ongoing expansion of our science programs and our capacity Never has there been a more crucial time for public to educate more students in those fields. The new building will higher education to stand up and deliver on these promises. be home to cutting-edge programs such as nanotechnology, Along with several legislative leaders, I was recently part of a applied physics, and a professional science track for students Connecticut delegation to attend a national conference on seeking advanced training in both chemistry and business. retention and graduation, and an analysis of our state’s public With these developments in mind — and considering higher education record made sobering reading. the fact that more than 85 percent of Southern graduates By the year 2020, 67 percent of all jobs in this state will remain in the state to live and work and build a career — it is require a career certificate or college degree — yet just 46 clear that an investment in public higher education is an percent of Connecticut adults currently have an associate’s investment in Connecticut’s future. degree or higher. And while statewide access to higher I believe that with a common vision, and the continued education has improved dramatically, retention rates are dropping year by year. For too many students, the path through support of our alumni, friends, and community partners, we can build on the successes of the past and ensure an even more college ends with no degree — and often a mountain of debt. exciting and rewarding future for us all. While these trends suggest an urgency, there is a path forward if we have the will to face the issues directly, learn from Sincerely, some of the work being done by our colleagues across the By necessity, education in the 21st century is an ongoing process, since the quick pace of change in our modern
country, and make tough choices. We are doing just that at Southern. In recent months I have charged campus taskforces to examine our undergraduate retention and graduation rates, the delivery and convenience of our graduate-level offerings, and the transition process for transfer students. All of this is being done with a view to enhancing accessibility and ensuring that each and every student who enters Southern has a defined and supported path to earning his or her degree.
Mary A. Papazian, Ph.D. President
Southern
ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Spring | 13 features The Big Dig
10
The Secret of their Success
16
Ethiopia is home to the oldest and some of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. This year, Michael J. Rogers, professor of anthropology, traveled to this storied land with three Southern undergraduate students — and captured their remarkable journey in photos.
Armed with passion, determination, and one or more Southern degrees, six alumni make their marks in the community and the professional arena.
2012 Charitable Giving Report
37
Saluting the Past. Honoring the Future.
Southern Connections Saluting the Past. Supporting the Future.
Homecoming 2013
22
Welcome to fabulous Southern! Alumni and friends enjoyed trying their luck at an action-packed celebration with a Vegas theme. Cover: From the classroom to Ethiopia, Professor of Anthropology Michael Rogers and three Southern seniors joined an expedition at the Gona Palaeoanthropological Research Project in February and March. At the heart of the search — fossils, artifacts, and clues to mankind’s evolutionary history. COVER PHOTO: Mohamed Sahnouni
departments
2012 Charitable Giving Report
From the President
inside cover
Campus News True Blue Nostalgia
2
8
24
Alumni News
26
30 Southern Events 36
Alumni Notes
Campus
NEWS
Southern Launches Redesigned Website Southern’s website has a whole new look! Go to SouthernCT.edu to view the updated layout and expanded capabilities — all implemented to make it easier to navigate the site and quickly find the information you need about Southern.
n Water Works: Embracing Ancient Irrigation Techniques housands of years ago, parts of Mexico and Central America that are barren today were home
Ezgi Akpinar Ferrand, assistant professor of geography, thinks the secret lies in a relatively low-tech method of
to flourishing civilizations. Despite the challenging climate
collecting and conserving rainwater, and believes these
and poor soil conditions that make modern-day farming
primitive techniques could help people in developing
seem nearly impossible, the ancient Maya prospered.
nations today. In June, Akpinar Ferrand will join a team of researchers in Pich, Mexico, to reconstruct an ancient Mayan pond-and-canal irrigation system, which she hopes will help struggling farmers now living in the village. If successful, the team
[RIGHT] Assistant Professor of Geography Ezgi Akpinar Ferrand 2 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
— which includes ethnographer Betty Faust
such as clay, stone, and plaster and built
and archaeologist Armando Anaya — hopes
silting tanks at their entrances to filter the
to teach the village of 2,000 people how to
water. By building berms — or ledges —
grow indigenous crops organically.
and dredging, they were able to maximize
The Maya lived in southern Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and parts of
the ponds’ capacity. “This reconstruction of old technolo-
El Salvador from around 1,000 B.C. until
gy is not something that’s been tried,
1,000 A.D. Akpinar Ferrand began studying
Akpinar Ferrand says. “If it works, maybe it
their water-management system while
can be a model that would ultimately
researching her doctoral dissertation. But it
make sense for policy makers and local
was while working as an intern at the U.N.
governments.”
Environment Programme — studying cli-
In a related project, Akpinar Ferrand
mate change — that she began thinking
has teamed with Southern sophomore
about the possibility of using her research
geography major Fatima Cecunjanin to
to solve present-day problems such as
research how rainwater harvesting can
hunger and drought.
help vulnerable regions of the world deal
The ancient Maya used a series of
with climate change. Cecunjanin presented
natural and manmade ponds called
a poster highlighting their work at the
aguadas to collect and store rainwater.
Association of American Geographers
They lined the ponds with natural materials
Annual Meeting in Los Angeles in April.
n
Seeing Stars . . . and Pluto “This was a fantastic opportunity to bring DSSI to Gemini North this past July,” said Elliott Horch, associate professor of physics. “In just a little over half an hour of Pluto observations, collecting light with the Gemini mirror, we obtained the best resolution ever with the DSSI instrument. It was stunning!”
P LU TO
hasn’t been considered a true planet since 2006. But the newly designated
dwarf planet has never looked so good, thanks to Associate Professor of Physics Elliott Horch, who invented a cutting-edge telescopic attachment that allows astronomers to see stars and other celestial objects with more clarity than ever before. It’s like putting “eyeglasses on a telescope,” says Horch of the device, called a Differential Speckle Survey Instrument (DSSI). Last summer, DSSI was used to capture the sharpest ground-based images ever obtained of Pluto and its largest moon, Charon. The
Southern
| ALUMNI MAGAZINE | VOL 11 • NO 1
Dr. Mary A. Papazian, President STAFF Patrick Dilger, Director of Public Affairs Villia Struyk, Editor Mary Pat Caputo, Associate Editor Michael Kobylanski, Sports Editor Marylou Conley, ’83, Art Director Isabel Chenoweth, Photographer Alisha Martindale, ’10, Assistant Photographer Nancy Ronne, Development Editor Charlie Davison, Alumni Notes Editor OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS Michelle R. Johnston, Director of Alumni Relations (203) 392-6500 EDITORIAL OFFICE Southern Connecticut State University Office of Public Affairs/ Southern Alumni Magazine 501 Crescent Street New Haven, CT 06515-1355 Telephone (203) 392-6591; fax (203) 392-6597 E-mail address: StruykV1@SouthernCT.edu University website: SouthernCT.edu Printed by The Lane Press, Inc.
Southern Alumni Magazine is published by the university in cooperation with the SCSU Alumni Association two times a year and distributed free of charge to alumni and friends of the university. Opinions expressed in Southern Alumni Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the university or of the SCSU Alumni Association. Although the editors have made every reasonable effort to be factually accurate, no responsibility is assumed for errors. Postage paid at Burlington, Vt. Southern Connecticut State University, in compliance with federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services.
continues Spring 2013 | 3
Campus
NEWS groundbreaking photos
center of mass. The study
cated shapes and more
teaching, scholarship, and
were taken at the Gemini
of these systems can offer
complicated histories. It
contributions to their fields.
Observatory in Hilo,
new insights into the for-
would be interesting to
Professor of
Hawaii, where Horch
mation of our own solar
look further to get a closer
Nursing Barbara Aronson
worked with a small team
system. DSSI has already
look . . .”
is the 2012 recipient of the
of researchers after tem-
been used to forward
porarily installing the DSSI
NASA’s Kepler Mission,
on the Gemini telescope. “You can’t normally differentiate Pluto from Charon even with powerful
Connecticut Nurses Association’s Virginia A.
which seeks to identify
Applause! Applause!
possible Earth-like planets
Several faculty
her profession’s highest
n
in the Milky Way Galaxy. Based on the suc-
Henderson Award, one of
members recently were
honors in the state.
recognized for exceptional
Aronson is the coordinator
telescopes,” Horch says.
cess of the device to date,
of the new Ed.D. in nursing
“But we were able to do
Horch says it might be
education program, a joint
so with the DSSI.”
used to explore other
venture with Western
The device, which
celestial objects. “We might
Connecticut State
was made possible by a
be able to study the shape
University that is designed
grant from the National
of asteroids, which hasn’t
to address the state and
Science Foundation, was
really been done from
national shortage of nurs-
designed to enhance
ground-based telescopes,”
ing faculty.
astronomers’ knowledge of
says Horch. “People often
binary stars — a system
think of them as rocks in
Work Elizabeth Keenan
usually made up of two
space, but some of them
has been named Social
stars that orbit around one
actually have more compli-
Professor of Social
Worker of the Year by the Professor of Nursing Barbara Aronson
n
Planting Roots A tree grows in New Haven — aided by a dedicated group of
Southern students who took part in Treehaven 10k, a citywide effort to plant 10,000 trees during a five-year period ending in 2014. A partnership between the City of New Haven and Yale University’s Urban Resources Initiative, the program will plant trees on public and private land, contributing trees to city residents who agree to care for them. This fall, Southern students enrolled in a class on sustainability taught by Suzanne Huminski, instructor of science education and environmental studies, did their part to forward the initiative. The students walked door-to-door inviting campus neighbors to adopt trees and then assisted with the planting. In addition to beautifying the city, the program has economic advantages. Trees planted on New Haven’s streets reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality and public health, and lower energy bills, saving the city about $4 million dollars a year, according to the Urban Resources Initiative. Southern students planted trees with members of Yale’s Urban Resources Initiative and Treehaven employees. These trees will beautify an area just off campus on Fitch Street. 4 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Connecticut chapter of the
n
Farewell to Seabury
National Association of
Originally built as a
Social Workers. Keenan, coordinator of Southern’s B.S.W. program, is a founding leader of CONECT (Congregations Organized for a New Connecticut), a multi-faith organization committed to social and economic justice. Professor of Social Work Elizabeth Keenan
dated building is generally
women’s dormitory,
viewed as either a decrepit
Seabury Hall later transi-
campus eyesore or an
tioned into a home for the
aging relic of fondly
School of Business and the
remembered times gone
departments of sociology,
by. With the building in the
political science, history,
process of being demol-
and anthropology. Long
ished as this issue went to
considered inadequate for
press, several faculty and
housing administrative
staff members who spent
offices, the woefully out-
much of their Southern careers in Seabury, reflected on its imminent departure from the Southern landscape. For more insights on Seabury go to
M
the online version of
ore than
I
3,000
prospective students and
family members attended Southern’s undergraduate
newspaper at
open house program on Oct. 21. The program provided
SouthernCT.edu/southern-
information on the university’s 69 undergraduate
life/. The remembrances
programs as well as various services for students.
are on page three of the November 2012 issue.
n 2011, Southern reduced electricity use by
9%
It was a marvelous dormi-
(approximately 3 million kWh) compared to the previous
tory and the very first one
year — saving enough energy to power 270 U.S. homes for
on campus. It opened in
an entire year. Looking forward, the goal is to reduce the
1958, and I was the first
use of electricity an additional 6 percent below 2010 levels
occupant of Room 309.
by June 2013.
Life in Seabury was very
T S
Southern Life, the campus
82,000 92,000
he university has about
alumni
who hold more than
degrees.
outhern student-athletes have won numerous national championships over the years, claiming and
76
10
team titles
individual titles.
D 1,200-space
pleasant. There were no telephones or televisions in our rooms — no hookup capabilities either . . . but the cinderblock building had its own charm . . . always enough heat and lots of sun streaming in
uring the spring semester, a new
parking garage is
slated to open next to Moore Fieldhouse.
our windows. “In 1959, the College Memorial Union, known as the Student Union opened its doors — Spring 2013 | 5
Campus
NEWS ON THE
large eating facility on the first floor rear and the new Boy’s
+ View the university’s completely
Web
redesigned website at: SouthernCT.edu.
Dormitory on the second floor. We had some softball games together. That is how I met my future husband. In fact, our
+ Additions to SCSU on iTunes U include the inauguration of
marriage was the first marriage of a girl from Seabury Hall
President Mary A. Papazian, located in the “About Southern” collection, and a tour of the new science building, found under “Campus Highlights.” Go to SouthernCT.edu/ itunesu/ and click on the large link.
and a boy from the College Memorial Union.” — NANCY VIA, ’61, AND FORMER SCSU LIBRARIAN
+ Browse through Southern’s photo galleries at facebook.com/southernct/photos_albums. Highlights include the latest Crescent Players’ theater productions, commencement, and seasonal views of campus.
+ Wise Words is a blog that offers tips, insight, and perspectives about topics of general interest — with expertise provided by Southern’s faculty and staff. Past posts have covered everything from “helicopter parents” to tips on writing a college admissions essay to romance in colonial America. Check it out at scsuwisewords.wordpress.com.
n
Talking Politics On Oct. 24 — with the 2012 presidential and congres-
sional elections then less than two weeks away -— Southern put the spotlight on the political process with an informative forum: Politics and Apple Pie. Erin McPike, a reporter then covering the presidential race for I moved into my office on
a building that seemed to
the online politi-
the fourth floor of Seabury
groan under its own inad-
cal news publi-
Hall in August of 1975,
equacy, I wondered which
cation Real Clear
and remained here for
of us would outlast the
Politics, deliv-
two years. On my first day,
other: Seabury Hall or me.
ered the keynote
I spun around on my desk
The long wait for that
speech to an
chair to face the window
answer is over, and I
enthusiastic
and, having misjudged the
guess I get the last word:
audience that
distance, accidently put my shoe through a piece of rotten plywood that was part of a patchwork wall underneath my win-
“Hasta la vista, Seabury!” — BILL FARACLAS, CHAIRMAN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
dow. After a short while in
included numerous college and high school students. “Every election, someone always tells you that it is the
Political reporter Erin McPike drew an enthusiastic crowd to campus weeks before the presidential election.
I grew up and grew old with Seabury. I’m glad to see it go
most important
before I do!”
one of your lifetime,” McPike told the audience. “But the truth
— EUGENE FAPPIANO, PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF SOCIOLOGY, WHO CAME TO SOUTHERN AS A 25-YEAR-OLD ASSISTANT INSTRUCTOR IN 1967 AND LEFT SEABURY WHEN HE RETIRED IN 2003 — BUT NOT BEFORE MEETING HIS FUTURE WIFE THERE. 6 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
is, they’re all important in different ways, and they all build on each other.” McPike recently joined CNN as a general assignment correspondent. The event also featured a panel discussion and a question-and-answer session.
Professor of Psychology Deborah Carroll
Tops in the State: Named the 2012 Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching Connecticut Professor of the Year. Carroll is the only professor to receive the award in the state — and one of only 30 educators to be so honored throughout the nation.
Other Honors: The 2011 recipient of Southern Connecticut State University’s J. Philip Smith Outstanding Teaching Award. Also honored as the 2012 university-level recipient of the Board of Regents/Connecticut State University Teaching Award.
Giving Thanks: Carroll credits her late mother, RoseMarie Carroll, with helping to shape her career. “She valued education tremendously and instilled in me a burning desire for learning and all things education,” says Carroll. “I consider myself to be a lifelong learner and hope I can inspire others to be the same.”
Spring 2013 | 7
Trueblue n
From the pool to the playing field, a look at Southern athletics.
Owl Club Newsletter Lands Online Did you know that the Owls’ softball team competed in the College World Series for the
first time in 2012? Or that the men’s track and field team won its 20th straight Northeast-10 Conference Championship last year? For these and other athletics highlights, turn to the “Owl Connection” newsletter — now available exclusively online. View current and past issues on the web. Or subscribe to the free newsletter by providing your email address on the subscription form found at SouthernCTowls.com; click on the “Owl Club” heading.
n
Join the team behind the team!
The Owl Club recognizes donors who support Southern’s athletics program with a gift of $50 or more. To make a gift, go to SouthernCT.edu/giving.
Southern’s Swimming Champion • Donna Lopiano, ’68, received one of the NCAA’s top
Congratulations to senior Amanda Thomas who
honors, the President Gerald R. Ford Award for
recently won her fourth NCAA
leadership in intercollegiate athletics. Lopiano, the
Division II national swimming
former chief executive officer of the Women’s Sports
championship. Turn to the
Foundation, has devoted more than four decades
back cover for more on her
advocating for equality in college athletics, particularly
spectacular victory!
in support of increased opportunities for women. On October 11, she will be a special guest at a
n
Alumni Champions
university event marking the 40th anniversary of the
• Alumnus Mike Petke, a former Owl All-American
enactment of Title IX, a groundbreaking law making
soccer player, has been named head coach of the
gender discrimination illegal in federally funded
New York Red Bulls. Petke helped the Owls win
education. Others participating in the event include
the 1995 national championship and went on to a
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, and
distinguished professional career with Major
Bernice Sandler, the women’s rights activist who
League Soccer. Drafted by New York in 1998, he
was instrumental in the creation of Title IX.
played for numerous other teams, including D.C. United.
Smart Moves Southern’s student-athletes scored big in the
• The Philadelphia Eagles recently welcomed Jeff Stoutland, ’84, M.S. ’86, as the team’s new offensive line coach. Stoutland previously held the same position at the University of Alabama, where he helped the team win two consecutive Bowl Championship Series (BCS) championship games.
classroom during the fall 2012 semester, achieving a record level of academic success. As a group, the Owls’ 395 student-athletes had a combined grade point average (GPA) of 3.057 — an all-time high. The women’s cross country team had the most impressive overall academic record for the semester, with members earning a team GPA of 3.84. The men’s basketball team’s 3.11 GPA was tops among the men’s squads in the fall. Many student-athletes stood out for their individual academic achievements as well. An impressive
For more sports news, visit SouthernCTOwls.com. 8 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
104 student-athletes received a GPA of 3.5 or higher for the semester, and nine students earned a perfect 4.0 GPA — an “A+” average.
Meet South Student-A ern’s thlete
Tylon Smith Sophomore
n
Hall of Fame Inductees Honored
Men’s Basketball Team, Point Guard
Southern inducted two graduates into the Hall of Fame in 2012: Sandra Gunnarsson Thielz, ’68, who was recognized for her contributions to the sport of gymnastics, and K. Patrick Tully, ’90, who was honored for diving.
Major: Recreation and Leisure Studies with a concentration in sports management
Thielz, who competed for Southern from 1965-68, was a two-time Eastern intercollegiate champion on the bars and a key member of the 1968 team that placed third at the National Collegiate Women’s Gymnastics Championships. She went on to a highly successful teaching and coaching career, serving as a faculty member at West Chester University of Pennsylvania and the head coach of the women’s
Conference All-Rookie Team and the league’s honor roll for academic achievement. Finished the 2011-12 season in first place
Chester, she led her team to
for the Owls in assists (78) and tied for first in steals (41).
Athletic Association (NCAA) championship appearances and one NCAA regional championship. She also worked internationally as a coach and judge, and was instrumental in establishing the Muriel Davis Grossfeld Endowed Gymnastics
A baby story: “My parents told me that when I was a baby, I would sleep with my hand in the [basketball] shooting position.” Pregame ritual: “I’ve had the same ritual since I was in high school. I listen to a playlist that features popular R&B and rap stars but also Disney soundtracks. It’s a big surprise because most people wouldn’t think that I listen to Disney.” Guilty pleasure: “I love watching cartoons. My favorite movies are ‘The Lion King,’ ‘Space Jam,’ and ‘Tarzan.’ I’m a kid at heart.” Embarrassing story: “I was a freshman doing some conditioning
Scholarship at Southern,
tests, and I had to do the shuttle drill. I fell in front of the girls’
which honors the university’s
basketball team and coach. I took the jokes like a man, but
legendary coach.
when I repeated the drill I did it faster and better.”
Fellow honoree, K. Patrick Tully, ’90, won four NCAA Division II national championships while K. Patrick Tully, ’90
Claims to fame: As a freshman, named to the Northeast-10
gymnastics team. At West five National Collegiate
Sandra Gunnarsson Thielz, ’68
Hometown: Manchester, Conn.
Career dreams: “I would like to play professional basketball. It would be nice to go back to my roots and play for the Italian national team.” On being a student-athlete: “Athletes are a symbol on campus.
competing for the Owls
We really have to represent our team, school, coaches, and the
— claiming victory in both the
alumni. It feels good to know that you stand for so much more
one- and three-meter boards in 1987 and 1988. He was an NCAA Division II record holder on both boards when he
than just yourself.” Aspirations: “I wanted to be a history teacher because I had a
graduated. In all, Tully was a five-time All-American and a
great one in high school. But I’m not ready to throw sports life
six-time New England champion. He went on to compete in
away. I could become a coach. It would be interesting to be
the Nike World Masters Games and was a world champion
behind the scenes instead of being a player on the field.”
on both boards in the 35-and-under classification. He later earned a master’s degree in hospitality management from
By Jasmine Wilborne Senior English major
Florida International University. Spring 2013 | 9
Ethiopia is home to the oldest and some of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. This year, Michael J. Rogers, professor of anthropology, traveled to this storied land with three Southern undergraduate students — and captured their remarkable journey in photos. 10 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
The scientists and crew included: [BACK ROW] Mikal Datto; Demrew Dagne; Gezahegne; Southern student Jeff Banks; Monya Anderson, a graduate student at the University of Oregon; Southern student Patrick Whitney; Amole; Dr. Steve Frost, University of Oregon; Dr. Mohamed Sahnouni; Hajji; Southern student Travis Rohrer; Dr. Sileshi Semaw, director of the Gona Palaeoanthropological Research Project and a scientist with the Spanish National Research Centre for Human Evolution (CENIEH); Asahamed Humet; Dr. Dietrich Stout; Dr. Mathieu Duval; Ibrahim; Samla; and Southern Professor of Anthropology Michael Rogers. [FRONT ROW] Mohamed; Hussein; Awoke; Tadesse; Mohamud; Omar; Yassin; Ali Ma’anda; and Walainu.
Mathieu Duval, a geologist from the Spanish National Research Centre for Human Evolution (CENIEH), makes the climb.
Southern students Jeff Banks and Patrick Whitney.
student of anthropology would be hard pressed to find a better classroom than Ethiopia. On Jan. 30, Professor of Anthropology Michael Rogers and three Southern seniors — Jeff Banks, Travis Rohrer, and Patrick Whitney — traveled to the Afar region of the country to join a scientific expedition at the Gona Palaeoanthropological Research Project. At the heart of their quest 12 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Artifacts from the expedition.
— uncovering fossils, artifacts, and clues to mankind’s evolutionary history. Rogers has been bringing undergraduate students to Gona since 2007, working alongside his friend and colleague Sileshi Semaw, a scientist at the Spanish National Research Centre for Human Evolution (CENIEH), who directs the project. Rogers brings extensive experience to the task, having conducting fieldwork in
East Africa since 1990 and working specifically at the Gona Project since 1999. Many noteworthy discoveries have been made in Gona, including the oldest excavated stone tools in the world dated to 2.6 million years ago, and the fossilized bones of numerous animals, including hominins, our immediate ancestors. In 2006, for example, Rogers was part of an expedition that uncovered a human-like
In search of hidden treasure, Hamadu Humet works with Southern student Patrick Whitney.
The Af ar Region of Ethiop ia
©2013 G oo Contribu glete and other d by CNR, SJC, Bal s u
One of the many uncovered artifacts. The archaeological fieldwork was co-directed by Michael Rogers, professor of anthropology at Southern.
[FROM LEFT] Southern students Patrick Whitney and Jeff Banks; Dr. Mohamed Sahnouni, an archaeologist from CENIEH; Dr. Dietrich Stout, an archaeologist from Emory University; and Southern student Travis Rohrer.
skull — a nearly intact cranium that is believed to come from a creature that existed sometime between the earlier Homo erectus and the later Homo sapiens, otherwise known as modern man. This year’s expedition focused on the period between 2.1 – 1.6 million years ago — a time that was marked by significant changes in both the fossil and archaeological records. Rogers explains: “The fos-
sil record shows the emergence of a taller, bigger-brained Homo erectus compared to the preceding Homo habilis. The archaeological record documents a technological transition from a basic Oldowan stone tool technology (stone hitting stone to produce sharp chips or flakes that were used as knives) to a more complex Acheulian technology — the first purposefully shaped stone tools, such as handaxes or picks.”
Working through early March, the group excavated a site called Busidima North 70 (BSN-70), which had been discovered in 2012 and dated to about 1.8 – 1.7 million years ago. Artifacts found on the surface of the site seem to be transitional — representing technology that emerged between the Oldowan and Acheulian.“We’re interested in documenting this transition,” notes Rogers, “and trying to explain why it continues happened.” n Spring 2013 | 13
notes: from Professor Rogers
How was the trip? “You never know what you are going to find in an excavation — that’s the fun part about it! We were lucky to find several interesting artifacts and a few fossil bones of extinct antelopes in the excavation at BSN-70 [Busidima North 70], thereby confirming the age of the materials and their depositional environment. “We also revisited several other sites of different ages and collected artifacts that had eroded out of the hills
Scenes from camp, including a moment of relaxation for Southern students Jeff Banks, Patrick Whitney, and Travis Rohrer.
since the last time we were there.”
You’ve been bringing advanced Southern undergraduates on these expeditions since 2007, which I understand is rare. “The usual undergraduate archaeological experience
What’s camp like? What are some of the challenges the students face? “I never know how a student will react to the heat, dust, rustic conditions (tent camping, no bathrooms, no electricity, “bag” showers), remoteness, etc. until they actually
is to go to a local summer field school. Those are great,
get there. But all the Southern students who have gone with
and there are several around Connecticut and New
me over the years adjusted well, and perhaps learned a bit
England. There are a couple of paleoanthropology field
about themselves and what they are capable of.”
schools in Africa, but they are expensive. I don’t know of
How did they handle the transition?
any other research project in East Africa that incorporates undergraduates to this extent. Usually, graduate students are lucky to be able to work at one of these famous paleoanthropological sites.”
“They did great. All three students had taken my archaeological methods class (a field class over at the West Rock Nature Center), so I knew their level of interest and excavation ability.”
continues on page 35 14 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
[FROM LEFT] Dr. Mohamed Sahnouni, CENIEH; Dr. Sileshi Semaw, CENIEH; Dr. Michael Rogers, SCSU; Demrew Dagne (kneeling), Ethiopia’s Authority for Research and Conservation of Cultural Heritage; Dr. Mathieu Duval, CENIEH; and Dr. Dietrich Stout, Emory University.
Natives of the Afar region and a few wildlife scenes.
Goat herders are a common sight.
Spring 2013 | 15
the
Secret of their
e c s c s u s Armed with passion, determination, and one or more Southern degrees, six alumni make their marks in the community and the professional arena.
outhern has over 82,000 alumni who hold more than 92,000 degrees — and each of these graduates has a story to tell. In the following pages, we share the accomplishments of six of these talented men and women, the recipients of the 2012 Distinguished and Outstanding Alumni Awards, who were honored on October 12. The Distinguished Alumnus Award, the most prestigious honor bestowed on a Southern graduate by the university was presented to two alumni: Clifford R. Nordquist Jr., ’90, and James J. O’Connell IV, ’90, former classmates who founded Just Bagels in 1992. In two decades, the company has become an international success, producing a staggering 300,000 bagels a day for clients in all 50 states as well as overseas. In addition, four alumni — one graduate from each of the university’s four undergraduate schools — received Outstanding Alumnus/a Awards. The honorees included Clifford G. Smith, ’73, an accomplished artist, educator, and coach (School of Arts and Sciences); George D. Bakes, ’83, a successful entrepreneur and commercial real estate broker and developer (School of Business); Imma Canelli, ’78, M.S. ’82, 6th Yr. ’99, a committed educator with 34 years of experience with New Haven Public Schools (School of Education); and Rhonda A. Thomas, M.S. ’95, a celebrated vocalist and speech pathologist (School of Health and Human Services). By Joan Wells
16 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
*
Distinguished Alumni
Clifford r. Nordquist Jr., ’90, and James J. o’CoNNell iV, ’90
c
lifford Nordquist Jr., ’90, says he could be in a room with
fraternity at Southern. Both were student-athletes: O’Connell
a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher, and a convict — and still
was captain of the wrestling team and Nordquist played foot-
get all the attention. “Everyone wants to talk to the bagel guy,” says Nordquist, president and cofounder of Just Bagels — a
ball his first year, having arrived on a sports scholarship. It was a leap of faith for the friends who knew nothing
Bronx-based company that has been recognized as one of New
about bagels, except for a brief tutorial from Nordquist’s godfa-
York’s Top Entrepreneurs by Crain’s Communications.
ther. But they were willing to learn, working 16-hour days,
“Everybody’s got a bagel story. . . . It’s a happy food,” Nordquist says, of what many view as the ultimate comfort nosh. “When the economy does terrible, we do better.” He started the company in 1992 at the invitation of a co-worker at a construction job. He knew nothing about bagels
packaging bagels for retail, and handling sales. “I was baking. He was delivering. It was exciting,” says O’Connell. “For some reason, we knew we would succeed even though the business wasn’t doing well at first.” Eventually, there were lines around the block, with cus-
and not much about the co-worker. But feeling the entrepre-
tomers clamoring for the company’s old-fashioned-style bagels,
neurial spirit, Nordquist borrowed money from his mother, and
which are boiled in a traditional water bath.
he and the new partner opened a bagel-making operation in New York City. Shortly into the venture, Nordquist and the partner sep-
“We don’t make a cookie-cutter bagel,” says Nordquist. “They’re like snowflakes. No two are alike.” As the business became popular, they opened numerous
arated over differences. That’s when current business partner
locations in the city. But the partners ultimately decided to base
and fellow Southern alumnus, James “Jimmy”O’Connell, ’90,
the operation under one roof in the Bronx. A third partner,
entered the picture. The two met and became friends through a
continues on page 35 Spring 2013 | 17
W
hen Clifford Smith, ’73, paints a nature scene, the image on the canvas appears to be moving. A leaf is blowing, a cloud is rolling by, and ocean waves
are always traveling somewhere. “It’s not a still life. Nature’s breathing. Nature’s moving,” says Smith, a successful artist who exhibits nationally. His work can be found in many public collections, including the American Stock Exchange, Yale University, and numerous corporations and universities.
*
Outstanding Alumnus
School of artS and ScienceS
Smith taught art for 11 years at the high school and col-
Clifford G. smith, ’73 His father, now 91, worked as a commercial artist
lege levels. He notes, in turn, that talented teachers had a
before settling into an unrelated field. Smith was 16, and it
tremendous impact on his development as an artist, including
was the summer before junior year when he realized his rela-
Mitchell Roe Skop, his advanced drawing teacher at SCSU.
tionship with nature. “I felt a oneness,” he says.
“We celebrated the individual,” says Smith, recalling
The allure remains strong. Smith takes the ferry to
classes devoted to figure drawing with live models. “It wasn’t
places like Martha’s Vineyard and Orient Point and takes pic-
anyone. It was someone.”
tures — constantly studying the water.
His praise of Skop continues: “Because he was a sculp-
“I think about the energy, the smell, the action, “ he
tor, he also taught us to see three dimensionally. . . . That goes
says. “The waves come from the horizon and are going else-
beyond just drawing. That works an argument.”
where. . . . I understand the relationship of all that.”
In support of Southern students, Smith went on to establish the Clifford G. Smith Annual Art Scholarship Fund at
There are other inspirations as well. Smith, who gets up 5:30 a.m. and paints every day, is
the university. Hailing from New Jersey, he came to Southern
working on a piece based on a picture he took of a man eating
on a football scholarship and later ran track as well. He was, as
a sandwich in front of the outlets in Freeport, Maine. The back-
he recalls, virtually the only “jock” in the arts program. He
drop caught his eye.
went on to earn a master of fine arts degree from Pratt Institute in New York. Today, Smith lives in New Hampshire and has two grown daughters. 18 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
He’s also working on a piece he calls, “Cool Ride,” of a man and woman on a motorcycle, the wind in their hair. “I look for beauty or even something interesting,” he says.
G
eorge D. Bakes, ’83, is starting phase two of his entre-
earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at
preneurial real estate career, and it’s likely going to look
Southern. He wasn’t exactly sure what he was going to do for a
a lot like phase one, perhaps with a few twists. But one thing’s
career, but as the son of real estate entrepreneurs, Bakes knew
for sure — the weather will be much nicer.
he wanted to shape his own destiny. “It was always my intention
Bakes, a longtime commercial real estate broker and
to do something on my own in an entrepreneurial way,” he says.
developer with Coldwell Banker in New Canaan, Conn., and his
Bakes continued his studies, focusing on law and earn-
wife, Jean Plude Bakes, ’84, are moving to San Diego. George is
ing advanced degrees from the Quinnipiac University School of
already there, working at a Coldwell Banker in the area and the
Law and Boston University School of Law. He went on to
family will join him soon.
become a lawyer, but didn’t practice long before feeling the
A firm believer in the importance of education, Bakes
entrepreneurial pull.
*
Outstanding Alumnus
School of buSineSS
GeorGe d. Bakes, ’83
Today he relishes the challenges and opportunities of his chosen field. The commercial real estate brokerage business is anything but stable, according to Bakes. But he says he enjoys scouting out the best properties for clients. “A lot of the time, it’s like finding a needle in a haystack,” he says. “I like working with individuals and businesses and helping them accomplish their goals.” In Connecticut, Bakes found success buying, developing, and leasing commercial properties. He’s looking to do the same in California. “It’s fun, but it’s extremely challenging. You can’t afford to make mistakes,” he says. “We’ve made a lot more money, than we’ve lost.” He and Jean formed Capital Commercial Group in Connecticut. Before relocating, they sold two major properties in Monroe and Stamford. He said in addition to real estate, he and Jean will try various other business ventures. “My wife wants to create products,” he says. The hope is that their three children, two of whom are college students, will become involved in their businesses someday. Meanwhile, Bakes continues to lead by example. “I absolutely always knew I would go into business for myself,” he says. Spring 2013 | 19
W
hen it comes to education, Imma Canelli, ’78, M.S. ’82, 6th Yr. ’99, is a firm believer in the power of partner-
She and her husband, Bob Canelli, whom she met at Southern as a student, share a passion for education. He
ships — committed to building bridges between her alma
recently retired from the New Haven School System after 35
mater and the New Haven Public School System that benefit
years, 28 of them spent as an administrator. They have two
all involved.
grown children, a son who is an anesthesiologist, and a daugh-
Canelli received her first teaching degree from Southern in 1978 — and, as she sees it, she’s never really left. Yes, she’s
ter who is a teacher. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Regional Mayo had high
had a successful 34-year career with New Haven Public
praise for Canelli’s contributions: “Imma is a true champion for
Schools, where she is currently assistant superintendent for
our children and a driving force in our efforts to improve every
curriculum and instruction. But Canelli returned to Southern for
school in New Haven. . . . She is an exemplary leader with a big
two more advanced degrees — a master’s degree in 1982 and a
heart and a creative mind. She deserves this honor.”
sixth-year in 1999.
*
Outstanding Alumna
School of education
imma CaNelli, ’78, m.s. ’82, 6th Yr. ’99
Since 2004, Canelli has also been an adjunct professor at the university where she’s involved with several initiatives, including a program to provide education majors with an urban teaching experience. In addition, Canelli is part of a team working toward the development of a proposed elementary school on Southern’s campus, and oversees a Gear Up grant through which Southern students provide tutoring and mentoring for New Haven school-age students. “I live at Southern,” she says. “I never went far from home.” Canelli began her career as a seventh and fourth grade teacher, specializing in reading, and has since held many administrative positions. During an exciting period when New Haven is in the midst of initiating major school reforms, she is in charge of curriculum, instruction, grants, budgets, and the district improvement plan. She also is director of a number of “turnaround” schools, with a goal of significantly improving performance. “It’s big, but it’s exciting,” says Canelli, who admits to bringing home work every night. “When you’re in urban education, the passion comes from seeing students become successful. . . . I knew through curriculum we could make a difference.” Canelli, who wanted to be a teacher since she was a little girl, was the first in her family to graduate from college. As a new teacher back in 1978, she felt she had been well prepared at Southern — and feels the same about the teachers who graduate from the university today. 20 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
And lest anyone thinks the stage is more exciting than helping kids with articulation and voice issues, swallowing disorders, and autism, Thomas is quick to say: “I have the best of both worlds. I like the normalcy of coming back to my house, and I love the children. It’s just great to have these two careers I love.” “I had to interview speech pathologists as part of an assignment in high school, and that stayed with me,” says Thomas of one of her earliest introductions to the field. Her love of music came much earlier. Her dad managed a rhythm and blues group called New York Soul Syndicate when Thomas was growing up, and
*
Outstanding Alumna
r
School of health and human ServiceS
rhoNda a. thomas, m.s. ’95
honda Thomas, M.S. ’95, toured the world for 11 years
they rehearsed in the basement. Her mom is a jazz lover who
as a backup singer for Isaac Hayes and has performed
encouraged Thomas to sing. To get Rhonda to work her
with Luther Vandross, Roy Ayers, Sam Moore of the legendary
diaphragm, her mother had her sing while walking to the
duo Sam and Dave, and Incognito.
opposite end of the house — and would repeatedly say, “I can’t
Her sultry, soulful voice has earned Thomas numerous awards, and she has three CDs and a live concert DVD to her credit.
hear you,” to get her to sing louder. At age 7, Thomas sang, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” in the school talent show, and the audience went
But singing is only one of her careers.
wild. She continued singing for a while, but in elementary
Thomas, who has a master’s degree from Southern in
school developed an interest in dance and eventually began
communication disorders, is also a speech pathologist who
performing with an acclaimed children’s group.
runs a private practice, Communikids, in Georgia, and also
Then voice reentered her life.
works at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Thomas studied at Hampton University, majoring in
Working through her private practice, she travels to
music. But after realizing she could only teach with that degree,
homes in impoverished areas where many would be reluctant
she switched gears and attended Southern on a minority grant,
to venture, because she wants to make a difference in chil-
coming to cherish the fellowship of classmates.
dren’s lives. “I know I’m supposed to be in this field and give back to my community,” Thomas says.
Today, Thomas is known for often using music in her speech lessons. Word in the field is, “If your child likes music, you need to see Rhonda,” she says. Spring 2013 | 21
W E L C O M E
H O M e C O M I N G
Elvis had left the building . . . and taken a starring role in Southern’s 2012 Homecoming celebration. Held under sunny skies on October 13, the event featured a “Very Vegas” theme that lent a playful spirit to the day — and brought out a host of Elvis impersonators. The parade of floats and banner competition paid tribute to all that is wild and wonderful about the city, including the world-famous Vegas strip, the infamous drive-by wedding chapels, and top-notch entertainers. Congratulations go out to Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority for its first-place parade entry, while Beta Mu Sigma was chosen from 21 entries as the victor of the banner competition. The party continued at the alumni tent, which offered great food and entertainment for all ages — including a towering stilt walker. The day’s high-
rying joyed t n e s d rien ed i and f n m n-pack u o l i t A c a n ck at a theme. their lu ha ion wit t a r b e l ce
Vegas
22 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
lights also included the 5K Robert Corda Road Race, the Homecoming football game, and the President’s Donor Recognition Breakfast, which honors alumni and friends for their leadership-level support of Southern and its students.
Spring 2013 | 23
• N O STA LG I A
Going Places
Helping students
A small bus operated by New Haven State Teachers College — Southern’s predecessor — offers a welcome ride. PHOTO COURTESY OF David A. Cohen
IT MAY HAVE BEEN BASIC, but the
handicapped-accessible
New Haven State Teachers College bus
shuttles that make daily
[PICTURED ABOVE] served its purpose, shut-
runs throughout campus
tling students from here to there. Today,
and to and from New
catching the bus is a whole new ball
Haven’s Union Station.
game. Southern’s shuttle system
(Commuting to campus by
— affectionately dubbed the Hoot Route
train is a long-held Southern
— uses a state-of-the-art Web-based
tradition as shown by the
Global Positioning System (GPS) to let
photo at right taken in 1941.)
students track each vehicle’s location on a computer, smart phone, or tablet. The system includes seven new 24 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
For those who commute by car,
In the spring of 1941, commuters from Stamford arrive at the New Haven train station. [FROM LEFT] Mary Cavanaugh, Irene Mayes, Eileen Gallagher, and Marienne Healy.
Moore Fieldhouse this spring. In keeping with Southern’s focus on environmental responsibility, the garage includes three
Southern is slated to open a 1,200-
charging stations for electric/battery-
space parking garage located next to
operated cars.
get from point A to point B in comfort and safety.
A GPS system that tracks each shuttle’s route makes it easier for students to catch their rides. The shuttles run throughout campus and to the New Haven train station and, on the weekend, to a local shopping mall. First Transit Group began operating the shuttle during the 2012-13 academic year. The new parking garage
The university offers a number of other transportation options as well, including:
Zipcar, a self-service, car-sharing rental program. U-Pass, which provides Southern students with free use of Connecticut Transit local buses during the semester. CTRides/NuRide, an online network that gives participants rewards for making greener transportation choices, such as carpooling, biking, or using public transportation.
Source: “Southern Connecticut State University: A Centennial History” by Thomas J. Farnham Spring 2013 | 25
Alumni
NEWS Remembering the Heroes of
andy ook Ēlementary The Southern community came together December 18 in remembrance of the students and educators who died as a result of the tragic shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. Included among the victims were several educators who had ties to the university:
M Principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, M.S. ’97, 6th Yr. ’98 Teacher Anne Marie Murphy, M.S. ’08 School Counselor Mary J. Sherlach, M.S. ’90, 6th Yr. ‘92 Teacher and master’s degree student Victoria Soto.
Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, M.S. ’97, 6th Yr. ’98
Anne Marie Murphy, M.S. ’08
June 28, 1965 – December 14, 2012
July 25, 1960 – December 14, 2012
Praised for her exceptional leadership skills, Dawn
A 14-year resident of Sandy Hook,
Lafferty Hochsprung, 47, the principal of Sandy Hook
Conn., Anne Marie Murphy, 52, was
Elementary School, also was known for inspiring her
formerly of Katonah, N.Y. She graduated
students with a healthy dose of fun. In a memorial feature,
from St. Mary’s School in Katonah and
People magazine includes a story of her donning a crown
John F. Kennedy High School in Somers,
and a sparkling dress to transform into the Sandy Hook Book
N.Y. She went on to graduate from Southern
Fairy to encourage the school’s younger students to read.
in 2008 and was a teacher at Sandy Hook
Having graduated from Naugatuck High School in 1983, Hochsprung earned a bachelor’s degree in special
Elementary School. Murphy’s obituary cited her love of the arts
education from Central Connecticut State University. She
and the outdoors, and, above all, her devotion to her
went on to earn two degrees from Southern — a master’s
family. She was memorialized throughout the
degree in special education in 1997 and a sixth-year
nation for her final act of heroism, with Newsday
certificate in educational leadership in 1998. She was
and numerous other media outlets recounting her
pursuing her Ph.D. at Russell Sage College.
attempt to shield the children from the gunman.
26 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
“The care and compassion shown by these educators demonstrates their strength of character, their total dedication to their students, and also their high moral fiber,” said President Mary A. Papazian. “Certainly they represent the best virtues which characterize our campus. We strive to prepare our teachers — and indeed, all of our students — to be engaged citizens, to have a high sense of responsibility, high moral values, and to be willing to act on behalf of others. Indeed Dawn, Mary, Anne Marie, and Victoria showed themselves to be true heroes, for their last actions were attempts to protect the children in their care without concern for their personal well-being. And so we honor their memory; we mourn their loss; and we continue to hold all who were impacted by these terrible events in our hearts and prayers.”
Mary J. Sherlach, M.S. ’90, 6th Yr. ’92
Victoria “Vicki” Leigh Soto
February 11, 1956 – December 14, 2012
November 4, 1985 – December 14, 2012
A school psychologist at Sandy Hook
A lifelong resident of Stratford, Conn., Victoria Soto,
Elementary School, Mary J. Sherlach, 56, received
27, was a graduate of Stratford High School’s Class of 2003,
a bachelor’s degree in psychology from SUNY
and Eastern Connecticut State University, where she
Cortland. At Southern Connecticut State
graduated with high honors, earning degrees in education
University, she went on to earn a master’s
and history. She went on to enroll at Southern and was in
degree in school psychology in 1990 and a 6th
the process of earning her master’s degree. “From the start,
year degree in 1992.
I could tell Vicki was a compassionate young woman,” said
in ouarrts he s prayer
&
She began her career working in psychiatric facilities in New York, before switching to school settings,
Professor of Special Education Louise Spear-Swerling, who was Soto’s advisor and teacher. Soto — who reportedly dreamed of becoming an
initially serving in North Haven and
educator since she was three years old — was in her fifth
Redding, Conn. She began working at
year of teaching at Sandy Hook Elementary School,
Sandy Hook Elementary in 1994,
according to her obituary. The media described her final
according to her obituary, “doing what
efforts to shield the children in her care by standing
she termed ‘God’s work’ by helping
between them and the gunman. “She was incredibly
children who needed her the most.”
selfless and courageous,” said Spear-Swerling, speaking at Southern’s memorial ceremony. Spring 2013 | 27
Alumni
NEWS n
Southern knows how to throw a party! Congratulations to the Office of Alumni Relations, which won gold and silver Excellence Awards from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education District I for two alumni events — “A Beautiful Evening Under the Stars,” which included a wine tasting [FROM RIGHT] Michelle R. Johnston, director of alumni relations, and Doreen CammarataGilhuly, ’89, assistant to the director, look forward to welcoming alumni.
and planetarium show, and “The World Goes Round,” a Broadwaystyle performance showcasing alumni talent. Looking forward, many alumni gatherings are being planned. Please join us at one or more of the following, or check back at SouthernCT.edu/alumni/upcoming-events.html/ for more happenings.
The World Goes Round
A Beautiful Evening Under the Stars
Save THEDates Owl Golf Classic May 21 | Noon The North Course at Lake of Isles at Foxwoods Resort and Casino
Support Southern’s athletics program while enjoying a spectacular day of golf. $375 for an individual golfer and $1,500 for a foursome. Sponsorship opportunities available. (203) 392-8824
Outer Island Tour June 1 Enjoy a boat ride, island tour, and boxed lunch. More details to come. (203) 392-6500
First Day of Summer Bash! June 21 | 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Join us for a beer tasting and night of networking at Bar in New Haven. More details to come. (203) 392-6500
28 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Connect WITH Southern ON +
The Web at SouthernCT.edu and SouthernCTOwls.com for athletics
+
Twitter at twitter.com/scsutweet
+
Facebook at facebook.com/southernct
+
ITunes at SouthernCT.edu/itunesu/
SCSU, Office of Alumni Relations, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1355, (203) 392-6500
Web
n
With Thanks The 2012 Alumni Association Appreciation Award was presented to Lynn R. Fusco, president and chief executive officer of Fusco Corporation and the Fusco Management Company in New Haven, Conn. Founded in 1924, the thirdgeneration company has built many
Lynn R. Fusco
SCSU Alumni Association Board of Directors
New Haven landmarks, including the Shubert Theater and the Connecticut
Tennis Center. More recently, it has played a major role in the dramatic transformation of campus, constructing the Michael J. Adanti Student Center, West Campus Residence Hall, and several major parking garages. Fusco has shared her time and talents with numerous organizations, including Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang, Special Olympics, CPTV, the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, and the SCSU Foundation Board of Directors. In 2010 she was the first recipient of the Women of Accomplishment Award from the Connecticut chapter of the Professional Women in Construction. Fusco said her grandparents, the late Mary and Louis Fusco, “had an affinity for Southern, because her grandfather built houses in the area and her grandmother was a teacher there.” Named in their honor, the Mary and Louis Fusco Distinguished Lecture Series annually brings leading public figures and newsmakers to campus, attracting audiences of up to 1,500.
Teresa Sirico, ’79, M.S. ’73, President Robert D. Parker, ’76, Vice President Donald G. Mitchell, ’57, M.S. ’61, Treasurer Marybeth Heyward Fede, ’79, M.S. ’87, Secretary Hugh S. Cafferty, ’69, M.S. ’70, 6th Yr. ’76, Past President James H. Booth, ’97 Phoebe Donehoo Browning, ’04, M.B.A. ’05 Nancy Charest, ’71, M.S. ’75, 6th Yr. ’80 Kathy Glinka Coyle, ’74, M.S. ’77, 6th Yr. ’81 Susan Love D’Agostino, ’79 Nancy Dudchik, ’88 Jerry Katona, ’74, M.S. ’88 Edwin A. Klinkhammer II, ’71, M.S. ’76, 6th Yr. ’92 Stephen Koestner, ’69 Mary Martinik, ’76, M.S. ’86, 6th Yr. ’99 John Mastrianni, ’66, M.S. ’73 Judit Vasmatics Paolini, ’73, M.S. ’79, 6th Yr. ’93 Jeffrey M. Reilly, ’58 Mary Vaughn, ’80, M.S. ’84 Deborah Cedar Vincent, ’82 SCSU • Office of Alumni Relations 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515 • (203) 392-6500 Director Michelle R. Johnston, JohnstonM2@SouthernCT.edu
Fellow honoree, Raymond W. De Francesco, ’53, was the recipient of the Charlene Hill Riccardi Alumni
positions before being named athletics director in 1974 —
Association Service Award in recogni-
a position he held until his retirement in 1992 as director
tion of his contributions to Southern,
emeritus of intercollegiate athletics.
its athletics program, and the Alumni Association. After graduating, De Francesco Raymond W. De Francesco, ’53
served as a naval officer during the Korean War. He went on to teach in East Haven, Conn., earning a master’s
He was inducted into Southern’s Athletic Hall of Fame and the Branford Sports Hall of Fame, and has been honored by numerous New Haven athletics organizations. An extremely active member of the Alumni Association, he served as vice president and ultimately
degree and an advanced sixth year certificate from Fairfield
president of the organization. A native of New Haven, De
University. He returned to Southern in 1956 as the Owl’s
Francesco resides in Branford, Conn., with his wife of 56
first freshman football coach and held numerous coaching
years, Joan, also a Southern graduate. Spring 2013 | 29
alumni notes
’50s TEMMA PISTRANG, ’53, who is 80 years old, is substitute teaching in Lake Forest Park, Wash. She writes that she has traveled to Poland, Lithuania, Kenya, and Costa Rica.
’60s LORRAINE BARKER, ’66, and husband, ERNIE, ’68, have opened an art gallery in Bantam called The Artists’ Path. Their combined artistic talents were also displayed at the Newsroom Café in Torrington, Conn. They reside in Goshen, Conn.
BERNARD “BING” BARTICK, ’66, M.A. ’72, 6th Yr. ’84, was inducted into the Groton Connecticut Educators Hall of Fame in 2012. He is semiretired after working 43 years in education and lives in North Stonington with wife, CAROL, ’66.
DR. JOHN FITZGERALD, M.S. ’67, has been inducted into the East Haven High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame, representing the Class of 1957. He was the former principal of Greenwich Junior and Senior High in New York.
WINIFRED HAMILTON, ’69, was appointed superintendent of Stamford Public Schools.
MARC A. RABINOFF, ’69, retired from Metropolitan State University of Denver after 35 years. He resides in Littleton, Colo., with his wife, Diana.
GREG L. SPECK, ’69, has taken up bicycling and completed 15,000 miles in the last six years. His wife, ANGELA SPECK, ’69, has a new career in interior design. They live in Branford, Conn.
’70s OLIVE GIANAKOS, ’71, M.S. ’74, has retired after teaching middle school since 1971. 30 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Reunion News
LORI A. CHARETTE, ’85, is the manager of Yale Pathology Tissue Services.
• The Class of 1963 will celebrate its 50th reunion at several events. Members of the class will be recognized at the undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 17, 2013. A Class of 1963 reunion will be held on campus on Oct. 13, 2013, the day after Homecoming. For more information or if you would like to organize a reunion for your class, please contact Alumni Relations at (203) 392-6500.
She lives in Simsbury, Conn.
ANTHONY FUSCO, M.S. ’72, 6th Yr. ’77, was inducted into the Mark T. Sheehan Hall of Fame. Fusco came to Sheehan High School in 1979 as an assistant principal and is now retired and living in North Haven, Conn.
JANET “JAN” DOYLE, ’73, 6th Yr. ’04, has retired after 37 years as a teacher in West Haven. She hosts a Branford community television program called “Classroom Connections.”
JOSEPH GIULIETTI, ’74, completed a road race for his recent 60th birthday. He and wife, REBECCA KRONK GIULIETTI, ’74, M.F.T. ’90, reside in Coral Springs, Fla.
WALTER SCHENCK, M.S. ’74, and wife, GAY, ’76, moved to Hamden in 2012. They had previously retired in 2002 to Cape Cod.
MICHAEL J. FREDA, ’75, was inducted in the Greater New Haven Diamond Club Baseball Hall of Fame and the Notre Dame High School of West Haven Knights of Honor. Freda lives in North Haven, Conn.
HEIDI ROGOL, ’76, works for Edison-Metuchen Orthopaedic Group in East Brunswick, N.J. She and husband, Chuck, celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary.
SUSAN MINER SELVIDIOSTANLEY, ’77, has retired after 35 years with Canterbury Public Schools. She lives in Norwich, Conn.
DOROTHY SHUGRUE, M.S. ’77, was named the executive director of HopeWorks, a mental health and addiction service in West Hartford, Conn.
MARY SKOWRONSKI, M.S. ’77, 6th Yr. ’98, is the interim assistant principal of Redding Elementary School. She served as a reading and language arts teacher with Wilton Public Schools for 34 years before her retirement in 2006.
FRANK “SID” MAIETTO, ’79, will be the master of ceremonies at the 2013 International Association of Facilitators annual convention in Orlando, Fla.
’80s TONY SCAFARIELLO, ’80, is the
at Southeast Missouri State University. He oversees twelve full-time faculty and staff, and degree programs in four areas: broadcasting and film, mass media journalism, advertising, and public relations. Zibluk also supervises the student newspaper, the student radio station, and the annual state student film festival.
JEAN PLUDE BAKES, ’84, is a math and business teacher at Weston High School. She is also a board member and treasurer of the Bakes Family Foundation, whose mission is to provide financial assistance for medical and educational needs of Greek/American youth.
PAUL BERNETSKY, ’85, is the chief development officer for the Westport Weston Family Y. Paul resides in Oxford, Conn., with his family.
M.S. ’96, 6th Yr. ’00, director of pupil services with East Haven Public Schools, is a Killingworth resident and enjoys gardening, working out at the gym, and kayaking.
JOHN B. (JACK) ZIBLUK, ’83, M.S. ’84, is a full time professor and the chair of the Department of Mass Media
GEORGE SINKO, ’87, a lieutenant in the Newtown Police Department, attended a tenweek executive leadership training program at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.
MARY ELLEN BOLTON, M.S. ’88, principal of Jane Ryan School, joined the board of directors of Trumbull-based St. Vincent’s Special Needs Services. Bolton resides in Stratford, Conn.
MARY B. COLLINS, ’88, has been named the director of religious education at the Unitarian Church in Westport, Conn.
JENNIFER LAW, 6th Yr. ’88, is the interim principal of Lee H. Kellogg School in Falls Village, Conn. She lives in the same town with her husband, Alan Lovejoy, and they have two adult daughters, Hannah and Molly.
’90s works at the Microsoft Store in Danbury and lives in New Milford, Conn.
JANE SIMAO, ’82, a fourth
ROBERTA WEZENSKI, ’83,
’85, doctor of audiology, received the Charles Holland Award for Excellence for superior performance at Sonus Westside in King City, Ore.
JAMES C. MCGEORGE, ’91,
branch manager of the Naugatuck Savings Bank in Wallingford, Conn. grade teacher at Putnam Elementary School, was named the district’s 2013 Teacher of the Year. She lives in Tolland, Conn.
KIMBERLEY W. DOTSON, M.S.
In Print AND On Screen NEWS ON BOOK, TELEVISION, AND FILM RELEASES FROM SOUTHERN ALUMNI
Howard L. Gleichenhaus, ’65, announces that his first novel, “Whisper in the Pines,” is being published by Brighton Publishing. Gleichenhaus resides in Delray Beach, Fla. Janet Maher, ’76, an associate professor at Loyola University Maryland, has written a book entitled, “From the Old Sod to the Naugatuck Valley: Early Irish Catholics in New Haven County, Connecticut.” Maher resides in Baltimore, Md.
E
ven by the Peace Corps’ unique standards, Stephanie Bergado, ’11, would not have an easy commute. The new volunteer was stationed in The Republic of Vanuatu, an archipelago made up of more than 80 small islands in the South Pacific, about 65 of which are inhabited. Thanks to spectacular diving and snorkeling, the remote nation of islands is growing in popularity as a tourism destination. But while there are 31 airports on Vanuatu, only three of them are paved, and it can be very difficult to reach the more isolated areas of the country. Bergado, a newly minted Peace Corps (PC) volunteer, was not to be deterred. She arrived in Vanuatu on Oct. 7, 2011 and completed two months of training to prepare for her work on the extremely remote island of Makira. Since Makira does not have an airport or roads, she planned to fly into a
Bergado became intrigued by the Peace Corps after reading volunteers’ journals and blogs, and talking with a recruiter who visited Southern. Testing the waters, in 2011 she traveled to Arequipa, Peru, as part of volunteer effort organized by her employer at the time, Whole Foods Market in New York City. She was stationed in Peru for one month, helping construct water tanks in an arid section of the country. In Vanuatu, her goals include helping the community to install solar panels at the health center, which relies solely on kerosene lamps and flashlights for lighting. Bergado saw the need soon after arriving. A man walking to the toilet at night, fell and cut his hand very deeply. He was rushed to the center where Bergado held a flashlight as a health care worker cleaned and dressed the wound. “The community relies heavily on the health center for all of its services, day and night, but many community
Lighting THE
Night
Bergado [THIRD FROM LEFT] and two friends drink their first shell of kava on the island of Ambae. Made from a local root, the beverage has sedating powers and is drunk by many villagers to relax or while discussing business. Women are not allowed to drink kava in some areas of Vanuatu.
Bergado and a village health worker attend a training camp on HIV and AIDS.
members are reluctant to seek medical care when its dark,” says Bergado, who graduated from Southern with a degree in liberal studies with concentrations in psychology, sociology, and public health. “This can cause serious health complications and in some cases longterm problems. The island is very isolated, and it can be extremely hard to receive batteries for flashlights or kerosene for lamps.” Bergado has successfully raised the $925 needed for the villagers to go forward with the project. Meanwhile, the island’s isolation remains both a challenge and a blessing. “The only way on or off is by a small seven-meter fiberglass boat across the raging South Pacific Ocean,” notes Bergado. This same isolation may have contributed to the sense of kinship that quickly developed between Bergado and the local community. “People come to my house, sit down, and talk with me as if they have known me for years,” notes Bergado, who will be serving in Vanuatu until November 2013. “Getting to know people makes it easy for them to open up about health concerns . . . especially the woman and young girls who are very timid and shy about certain topics that target them the most.” n
[ABOVE] Children on the island of Efate in Vanuatu perform a custom dance. “My house is in the village. I eat their food, work in the gardens, help the children after school, and really get a feel of what it is like to live in Vanuatu,” writes Peace Corps volunteer Stephanie Bergado, ’11. “I do not just come in when I want to teach or tell them something. I am here 24/7 to serve them when they need me.”
neighboring island airport. “My plane was canceled because no one in that particular village and island where the airport is located wanted to cut the grass runway for the plane to land,” writes Bergado, who was interviewed by email during a working visit to Vanuatu’s capital. She ultimately slept seven hours on the floor of a cargo ship to reach her destination. Measuring about two-square kilometers, Makira is home to one village, consisting of 30 households, with a total of 126 people. Bergado lives on a white beach in a limestone house with a thatched roof made from wild cane. There is no running water or electricity. Drinking water comes from a rain-water collection tank, and a host family shares food from their garden in the bush. “Most of the people of Vanuatu — Melanesians — live off their own gardens and/or dive for food out of the ocean,” writes Bergado. “We eat a lot of taro root, cassava, nuts, different types of cabbage, rice, coconut, crab, lobster, and most of it is always boiled in coconut milk. There are plenty of mangoes, pineapples — you can even eat the core — guavas, and bananas.”
By Villia Struyk Spring 2013 | 31
ROBIN LYNN TONI, ’91, works
ianca Shinn-Desras, M.S. ’08, M.S. ’10, M.P.H. ’11, clearly recalls marching across the Brooklyn Bridge with 100,000 Haitians to protest a U.S. Food and Drug Administration plan to exclude Haitian immigrants from donating blood because they were said to be more at risk for HIV. She was only 10. “Some [children] went to summer camp. I wrote letters to senators . . . congressmen,” she says. “It was always advocacy in my house.” Bianca Shinn-Desras, M.S. ’08, M.S. ’10, M.P.H. ’11 That passion still drives Shinn-Desras who “Some people think I’m too optimistic,” she says. went on to earn three master’s degrees from Southern “But if you’re not optimistic, you’re not part of the — in urban studies, school health, and public health — social change. That’s why I take my job so seriously. and today holds a dream job as a United Nations I’m ethically obligated to be a voice for others who are (U.N.) diplomat for Haiti. voiceless.” Shinn-Desras, who works in New York City and Married to a Haitian politician whom she met at travels to Haiti at least once a month, forwards U.N. a political fundraising event, Shinn-Desras is active in resolutions that benefit the small Island nation where the government’s efforts to reduce chronic her parents emigrated from in the late 1970s in pursuit malnutrition and launch a national free school of higher education. Both parents dedicated their lives program with a goal of educating 1 million children. to advocating on behalf of the Haitian community. “It keeps me driven [thinking that] someday a The nation is rife with poverty. Shinn-Desras child could go to school . . . sit at a desk without notes that unemployment is astronomical at 60-80 having to endure child labor,” she says. percent, malnutrition is widespread, and there is a One of Shinn-Desras’ goals is to create a lack of free education for children. nonprofit organization geared toward preparing more The devastating effects of Hurricane Sandy women to become politicians in Haiti. She said many aggravated the situation in Haiti, which is still Haitian women feel a lack of empowerment in the recovering from the 2010 earthquake, a prolonged male-dominated society. She is also on the drought, and Tropical Storm Isaac. The Haitian Commission on the Status of Women, in hopes of government estimates that the country has lost a third reducing gender bias. of its annual agricultural production as a result of “It drives me when I encounter the young these combined disasters, according to the United children and women of Haiti,” she says. “Even with no Nations. hope, they always have the light of optimism. So I “The poverty is indescribable,” says Shinn-Desras. have to continue to burn that light . . . to keep a “I’ll never pretend to understand what it’s like to go flicker.” hungry, not have an education, or be raped.” As part of the master’s in public health program But she’s working tirelessly to become part of at Southern, she did a project on an HIV/AIDS the solution. curriculum, and she still turns to it in her work. She is currently assigned to two committees at “Each professor has contributed to my success the U.N.: 1) arms and trades and 2) social and ability to be confident,” she says. “I carry my humanitarian affairs and culture, the latter devoted to Southern degrees with pride.” a wide variety of critical issues, including youth, family, By Joan Wells advancement of women, and HIV/AIDS. 32 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
at Sikorsky Aircraft in Research and Engineering Brand Communication and is the public affairs manager. She resides in North Haven, Conn., with her children, Josephine and Caroline.
ANDREA SANGREY ALDRICH, ’92, M.S. ’00, is the program manager of Grant Research Affairs for the Yale Medical School Cancer Center and serves as the new voter services chair for the HamdenNorth Haven League of Women Voters. She previously was the town/urban planner for Darien and Bridgeport in Connecticut.
CHARLES L. YOUNG, ’92, M.S. ’10, is providing a teacher’s training program at Kyungnam University in South Korea.
GINA BERNSDORF AMARANTE, ’93, is a certified public accountant in Hamden, Conn.
ENZA MACRI, ’93, M.S. ’98, 6th Yr. ’00, is the associate superintendent of Middletown Public Schools in Connecticut. She is currently enrolled in Southern’s doctoral program.
DAKIBU MULÉY, ’93, M.S. ’96, M.S.W. ’08, has been promoted to the position of director of integrated services with the Department of Social Services. He resides in Hamden, Conn.
LINDA VASILE, ’93, M.S. ’95, doctor of audiology, practices at Hearing Health & Wellness Center in Plantsville, Conn.
NANCY BEAN, ’95, M.S. ’99, is the principal at Glastonbury High School, as reported by the Hartford Courant.
BRIAN E. CASSIDY, ’95, is a reference and instructional services librarian at the West Virginia State Law Library. He lives in Charleston, W.Va.
MATT MIKLUS, ’95, a lifelong Shelton resident and a music instructor at the Shelton Community Center, celebrated the release of his band’s new CD. The band, called
The Nameless Trio, performs occasionally at the Twisted Vine in Derby, Conn.
DEBRA L. PONTE, ’95, M.S. ’00, is the principal of Hopeville Elementary School in Waterbury, Conn. She is the former principal of Tinker Elementary School.
SUE SELK, M.L.S. ’95, 6th Yr. ’06, uses her storytelling expertise to bring to life the historical figure, Hannah Cranna, the witch of old Monroe, at the Beardsley Homestead historical site in Monroe, Conn.
IVY KATE DAVIS-TOMCZUK, M.S. ’96, recently married Mark Davis-Tomczuk and is the principal of Preston Plains Middle School in Norwich, Conn.
JEFF NICHOLS, ’96, has been named president and chief
executive officer of Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest in Virginia. He was previously the executive director of the Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford, Conn.
with Southern friends and classmates. Mail this completed form to Southern Alumni News, SCSU Alumni Relations Office, New Haven, CT 06515-1355; fax, (203) 392-5082; or e-mail, alumniinfo@SouthernCT.edu. Name ______________________________________________________ Phone (
) ________________________________________________
STEPHEN SIRICO, ’96, has been
Street Address ________________________________________________
named chief financial officer of the law offices of Carter Mario Injury Lawyers. Sirico lives in Milford, Conn., with his wife.
City ____________________________State ________Zip ____________
STEPHEN CRAVINHO, M.S. ’97, is the interim athletic director at New London High School.
MEG EVANS, M.S. ’97, 6th Yr. ’98, is the principal of Squadron Line School in Simsbury, Conn.
ELAINE GRATRIX, M.S. ’97, is a guidance counselor at Brien McMahon High School and the head softball coach at Norwalk High School. She
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— can help you meet your long-term financial goals, while providing critically needed support for Southern’s talented and deserving students. The university’s Development Office can supply information on a variety of planned gifts that help Southern maintain a climate of excellence — from bequests that extend your generosity beyond your lifetime to charitable gift annuities and trusts, which can provide fixed-income payments and several tax benefits. If you’ve already included the Southern Connecticut State University Foundation in your will, please let us know so that we can acknowledge your generosity by enrolling you in the Heritage Society. If not, please consider leaving a legacy by making a planned gift to the Southern Connecticut State University Foundation. For more information, contact the Development Office.
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was inducted into the Fast Pitch Wing of the Connecticut Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame.
GLENN GRUBE, M.L.S. ’97, is the director of the Avon Free Public Library.
FLORENCE BUDGE, 6th Yr. ’98, is the principal at Kent Center School. She is a former mathematics specialist for Danbury Public Schools.
SARA A. NEMEROV, ’98, senior vice president of consumer products and brand licensing at Warner Music Group, has been elected to the Board of Directors of L.I.M.A. (International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association).
JACK ZAMARY, 6th Yr. ’98, Ed.D. ’12, is the director of technology and operations for Monroe Public Schools in
Connecticut. He is the former principal of Middlebury Elementary School.
’00s THOMAS GIARD III, M.S. ’00, is the assistant superintendent for personnel and staff development for the Meriden School System, having previously served as school district personnel director for two years. Giard is a Griswold native and resident of Clinton.
MAUREEN HEHER, M.L.S. ’00, president of the Friends of the Essex Library, was instrumental in raising $4,000 to improve the library’s landscaping.
STORM SNAITH, M.L.S. ’00, has been named the 2013 Teacher of the Year by the Weston School District, where she has served for 13 years.
ANN DONNERY, M.S. ’01, is the principal of Darcey School in Cheshire, Conn. Donnery also enjoys both sweep and scull rowing with the New Haven Rowing Club.
MARGARET B. BROWN, M.L.S. ’02, of Redding, Conn., is retiring from the C. H. Booth Library as the young-adult librarian after ten years.
MANDI SCALA KUSTER, ’02, M.S. ’06, has married and is living in Dudley, Mass.
REBECCA ROY, ’03, M.S. ’05, is the assistant principal at the Dr. Robert H. Brown Middle School in Madison, Conn.
PETER BIZIER, 6th Yr. ’05, a fifth-grade social studies teacher at Brown Middle School, has received the Teacher of the Year Award from the Madison Board of Spring 2013 | 33
Education. Bizier lives in Trumbull, Conn.
JOSEPH VAN GILDER, ’05, has been named assistant cross country/track and field coach at Southern.
ALISON J. GILCREAST, M.P.H. ’11, was recognized by the Hartford Business Journal as a recipient of a “40 Under 40” award. She is an operations manager for Aetna Accountable Care Solutions.
MATT HURST, ’06, M.S. ’11, the assistant coach for Southern’s men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs, has been named to the USA Swimming National Junior Team Coaches List for 2012-13.
ADRIENNE HOFMANN, ’07, has designed an online toddlers’ clothing store called The Chirp Shop.
DAVE ARCONTI, ’08, was elected to represent northeast Danbury in the 109th District General Assembly.
GRETA ROBERTS BRONEILL, M.P.H. ’09, who has worked for the Stratford Health Department for five years, was appointed the assistant preparedness coordinator. She has volunteered at the Stratford-Trumbull-Monroe Medical Reserve Corps as unit leader, with a goal of making the community safer and better prepared for a potential public health emergency, as reported in the Stratford Star.
CANDACE BREAKELL, ’11, was chosen to create an eightpanel painted mural to represent the 100th anniversary of the Goshen Fair. Breakell will be teaching children in Korea for the next year.
STARSHEEMAR BYRUM, M.A. ’11, is the coordinator of Eastern Connecticut State University’s Women’s Center. She resides in Norwich, Conn.
DANELLE FEELEY, ’11, is the clerk for the Town Council in East Haven and the administrative assistant to Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr.
KERRY IACOMINI, ’11, is the assistant coach for both the softball and volleyball programs at Southern.
CHRISTINA NUNES, M.S. ’11, is a guidance counselor at the Housatonic Valley Regional High School.
’10s JOHN S. MASON III, 6th Yr. ’10, was selected Teacher of the Year for 2012-13 by Avon Public Schools. He was recognized in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers” in 1998 and was a Connecticut Association of Schools’ science teacher of the year nominee in 2007. 34 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Brian J. Trentacosta, July 2, 2012.
JACQUELINE SAAD, ’08, and Gary Sherrick Jr., March 24, 2012.
KARLA MARIE SPENCER, ’12, and Scott Sypek, June 16, 2012.
IN MEMORIAM ALICE BATROW, ’33, Nov. 28, 2012, Branford, Conn.
JAMES GLEASON, ’42, M.S. ’53, Dec. 12, 2012, Ansonia, Conn.
MARY DESMOND MAJESKI, ’43, Aug. 7, 2012, Wallingford, Conn.
BONNIE BELSHE, ’46, Feb. 17, 2011, St. Louis, Mo.
ELIZABETH A. CASHMAN, ’50, Nov. 7, 2012, Bridgeport, Conn.
THOMAS RAGUSA, M.S. ’11, is
ANTHONY “TUT” enrolled in the sixth year proDE FRANCESCO, ’50, Nov.
gram at Sacred Heart University. He is a special education teacher with Weston Middle School.
CHRISTOPHER SHPAK, ’11, is teaching mathematics at Wilton High School.
ASHLEY E. SEARS, M.S.W. ’12, of North Branford, is an inpatient therapist at a residential facility in the greater New Haven area, and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in social work.
13, 2012, Branford, Conn.
BEATRICE NUCERA, ’50, Aug. 30, 2012, Branford, Conn.
CARL W. PAIGHT, ’50, Sept. 16, 2012, Palm Harbor, Fla.
DOROTHY D. SISSON, ’50, Nov. 10, 2012, Bristol, Conn.
ROSE SANDRA DELUCA JOAN MARY BALSAMO STANISLAWSKI, ’64, M.S. ’74, CHIKLA, ’52, M.S. ’68, 6th Yr. ’76, Jan. 13, 2013, New Haven, Conn.
ELDEN H. DUSTIN, M.A. ’52, Aug. 6, 2012, Concord, N.H.
RICHARD A. SALERNO, ’52, Jan. 20, 2013, Milford, Conn.
C. ROBERTA HANLON ADZIMA, ’54, Oct. 14, 2012, West Haven, Conn.
BARBARA CULMO, ’54, Oct. 29, 2012, Danbury, Conn.
ANN MARIE GAETANO, ’54, Aug. 9, 2012, Hamden, Conn.
JOHN J. HOGAN, ’54, M.S. ’69, Sept. 7, 2012, Stamford, Conn. July 17, 2012, East Haven, Conn.
CHARLES AVALLONE, ’55, Aug.
DOLORES MAGI CARUSO, ’52, Aug. 19, 2012, Shelton, Conn.
Marriages
JUDITH HOLDER, ’65, M.S. ’71, Sept. 23, 2012, New Britain, Conn.
JANE MONELL POMERANTZ NEWMAN, ’66, July 9, 2012, Stamford, Conn.
JANE BAXTER CLANCY, ’68, M.S. ’71, Aug. 4, 2012, Torrington, Conn.
PETRINA MARIE BELMONTE “TRINA” GUTFINSKI, ’68, Nov. 18, 2012, Pittson, Maine
JOANNE MARINO-MURRAY, ’68, M.S. ’78, Dec. 14, 2012, Westbrook, Conn. M.S. ’68, Dec. 4, 2012, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.
28, 2012, Seabrook, Texas
JOHN GUIDO JR., ’69, M.S. ’73,
JOSEPH TATTAR, ’57, Sept. 4,
6th Yr. ’80, Dec. 20, 2012, North Haven, Conn.
2012, Darien, Conn.
ANNE B. ZIMMER, ’57, Oct. 20, 2012, Lantana, Fla.
VINCENT F. DISTASIO, ’58, Oct. 1, 2012, Branford, Conn.
FLORENCE OLSON CANFIELD SWETT, M.S. ’59, July 19, 2012, Fairfield, Conn.
PAUL S. SWORDS, ’59, Sept. 22, 2012, Stratford, Conn.
JACQUELINE D. WENTZEL, ’51, JOHN G. CUMMINGS, ’60, July Aug. 9, 2012, Stamford, Conn.
Jan. 28, 2013, Milford, Conn.
WILLIAM E. MORANN JR., ’54, BARBARA WOOD SANDERS,
14, 2012, Clinton, Conn.
FRANK A. PACIFIC, ’61, Aug. 24, 2012, Trumbull, Conn.
JANE E. LUBY, ’63, Nov. 10, 2012, Meriden, Conn.
DIANA MORALES, ’09, is a bilingual teacher at Forbes School, as reported in the Litchfield County edition of the Republican-American newspaper.
KRISTA S. KONTULIS, ’08, and
PETER HALFPENNY, M.S. ’69, Oct. 31, 2012, Shelton, Conn.
LINDA L. FESMIER HOLDEN, M.S. ’69, Aug. 14, 2012, Great Falls, Va.
CARL A. NASTRI, M.S. ’69, Oct. 11, 2012, Branford, Conn.
REBECCA A. WARD, ’69, M.S. ’77, Nov. 24, 2012, North Haven, Conn.
EDMUND F. WOJCICKI JR., ’69, Aug. 12, 2012, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
MARK E. BIRCH, ’70, M.S. ’78, Nov. 23, 2012, Haddam, Conn.
JUNE C. BILETZ, ’64, Oct. 26,
VILMA JOSEPHINE PETRONIO CONNOR, ’70, M.S. ’74, Sept.
2012, Naugatuck, Conn.
7, 2012, Pueblo West, Colo.
ARON BOXER, ’03, M.S. ’12, and Ashleigh Singer, May 13, 2012.
JESSICA LYN GIORDANO, ’05, and Jeremiah J. Fedorich, Sept. 1, 2012.
MARIA PESCE, ’05, M.S. ’09, and Stanley Stasaitis III, July 20, 2012.
JENNIFER CARANGELO, ’06, and James Flynn, Oct. 7, 2011.
JOANNE MOZDZER, ’06, and DARIUSZ GIL, ’09, Sept. 29, 2012.
From buildings lauded for eco-friendly design to a reinvigorated, campuswide recycling program, the university is committed to keeping it green. That’s why Southern is a proud signatory of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment.
Please support Southern and its students by contributing to the Campus Greening Fund. Donations may be made online at giving. SouthernCT.edu. Or call (203) 392-6515.
Distinguished and Outstanding Alumni continued from page 17
The Big Dig continued from page 15
Charlie Contreras, came on board and business continued
When did you become interested in archaeology?
to boom. Today, Just Bagels is housed in a 60,000-squarefoot building and employs about 130 people. The company makes 300,000 bagels a day in 22 varieties — distributing throughout the United States and in seven countries, including Japan, Ireland, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. Clients include popular retail outlets and restaurants, among them, Whole Foods, Starbucks, and Barnes and Noble. O’Connell is vice president of production — or, as Nordquist puts it: “He’s in charge of every bagel made.”
“I was curious about a lot of different subjects in high school and college, but when I took a course on human origins as a sophomore in college, I was hooked on the mind-boggling story that is our evolutionary past. “I wasn’t one of those kids who ‘always wanted to be an archaeologist,’ but I suppose there were warning signs early on, as I liked to roam around my neighborhood in the suburbs of Minneapolis collecting old beer cans.” Photos courtesy of Michael Rogers, professor of anthropology and Travis Rohrer Field research conducted at the Gona Project in 2013 was funded by grants from Marie Curie Actions to Dr. S. Semaw and the Leakey Foundation to Dr. M. Rogers.
As president, the exuberant Nordquist is the face behind the company and handles sales. He notes that not much “selling” is involved since people want their bagels. “We’re good guys with scruples,” says Nordquist, “and it means something.”
JOSEPH R. KASHMANN, M.S. ’70, Jan. 6, 2013, Stamford, Vt.
MARIA MINERVINI PETERS, ’70, M.S. ’74, Aug. 18, 2012, Windsor, Conn.
JAMES R. SULLIVAN, ’70, M.S. ’75, Oct. 11, 2012, Waterford, Conn.
JANE C. BOVE, M.S. ’71, Nov. 25, 2012, Hamden, Conn.
MARY ELLEN CHALLENGER, M.L.S. ’71, Jan. 23, 2013, Trumbull, Conn.
MARTHA J. GLASENER CROFT, M.L.S. ’71, Jan. 9, 2013, Newburyport, Mass.
RICHARD T. ILLINGWORTH, ’71, Oct. 29, 2012, Sparta, N.J.
RUSSELL G. BROCHINSKY, ’76, Oct. 15, 2012, Wallingford, Conn.
NANCY ELLEN CROSSIN, ’77, M.S. ’81, Nov. 23, 2012, Raleigh, N.C.
PATRICIA WALSH BELLINI, 6th Yr. ’78, Sept. 25, 2012, Thomaston, Conn.
ROBERT E. BLUM, ’78, M.S.W. ’88, Sept. 13, 2012, Thomaston, Conn.
RICHARD R. RIVARD, M.S. ’78, Nov. 25, 2012, Milford, N.H.
NANCY L. PERONA, ’79, M.S. ’86, Jan. 13, 2013, Hamden, Conn.
JOHN F. REGAN JR., M.S. ’79, July 28, 2012, Waterbury, Conn.
JANICE C. MESSINA, ’71, Oct. 18, FOREST “WOODY” BELVAL, 2012, Dunmore, Pa.
CHRISTINA R. STEIN, ’73, M.S. ’80, Sept. 9, 2012, North Haven, Conn.
JEAN MARGARET WHITE, M.S. ’73, Aug. 15, 2012, Hamden, Conn.
GLENN DORAN, M.S. ’74, Sept. 14, 2012, Wilmington, N.C.
NANCY ELLEN HAGUE MARKIEWICZ, ’74, M.S. ’81, Aug. 21, 2012, Walpole, N.H.
CHARLES H. WINN IV, ’74, Oct. 8, 2012, New Haven, Conn.
MARTI (MARILYN) CATHERINE ZAK, ’74, M.S. ’86, Sept. 10, 2012, Los Angeles, Calif.
M.S. ’80, 6th Yr. ’85, Dec. 5, 2012, Waterbury, Conn.
MARY CLAGETT MAGRUDER COLLINSON, M.S. ’80, Aug. 12, 2012, New Haven, Conn.
EDWARD W. STANKIEWICZ,
MARY ZEBROWSKI ALICE CLARK SAUNDERS, CAVAGNUOLO, M.S. ’84, Sept. M.L.S. ’94, Jan. 5, 2013, 10, 2012, Ansonia, Conn.
MARYELLEN STOPONAITIS MARGARET B. LEARY, M.L.S. MARQUES, ’85, July 21, 2012, ’96, Jan. 22, 2013, North Naugatuck, Conn.
HONORA MCCULLOUGH, M.S. ’87, Aug. 31, 2012, Weston, Conn.
M.S. ’80, Jan. 14, 2013, Old Lyme, Conn.
VERA KAY MOORE, ’88, July
MARTHA L. AUER, M.L.S. ’82,
MARY J. SHERLACH, M.S. ’90,
Sept. 30, 2012, Milton, Vt.
6th Yr. ’92, Dec. 14, 2012, Trumbull, Conn.
SUSAN ROWLAND BECKWITH, ’82, Nov. 21, 2012, Wethersfield, Conn.
28, 2012, North Haven, Conn.
DONALD J. MCCARTHY JR., ’91, July 29, 2012, Peoria, Ariz.
DAVID SHAWN BLITZ, ’82, Jan.
ELENE D’ORSI CATINAZZO,
12, 2013, Branford, Conn.
M.S. ’92, Dec. 18, 2012, Glastonbury, Conn.
DAVID P. ADAIR, 6th Yr. ’83, Aug. 12, 2012, New Milford, Conn.
Middletown, Conn.
PATRICIA L. CIARDIELLO, ’92, Aug. 12, 2012, Cheshire, Conn.
Stonington, Conn.
DAWN LAFFERTY HOCHSPRUNG, M.S. ’97, 6th Yr. ’98, Dec. 14, 2012, Woodbury, Conn.
FRANK J. LABARBERA, ’02, Jan. 14, 2013, Brookfield, Conn.
KIMBERLY OUTLAW, ’05,
VICTORIA SOTO, M.S. ’13 (posthumous), Dec. 14, 2012, Stratford, Conn.
FAY A. MILLER, Dean Emeritus of the former School of Nursing and Professional Studies, Dec. 10, 2012, Hamden, Conn.
NICHOLAS ORSINI, Professor Emeritus of Art, Sept. 29, 2012, Middletown, Conn.
PAUL E. RUTHMAN, Professor Emeritus of Reading, Nov. 24, 2012, Hamden, Conn.
M.S. ’07, Dec. 27, 2012, Oxford, Conn.
DANIELLE MEZZANOTTE, ’08, July 21, 2012, Meriden, Conn.
ANNE MARIE MURPHY, M.S. ’08, Dec. 14, 2012, Sandy Hook, Conn.
Class notes are compiled from submissions from alumni as well as announcements made in newspapers and magazines. Spring 2013 | 35
Graduate Commencement
May 16
Lee Ritenour
Lyman Center for the Performing Arts
May 31 8 p.m.
Southern will hold two commencement ceremonies for students receiving master’s degrees, sixth year professional diplomas, and doctoral degrees.
The Grammy-awardwinning guitarist joins keyboardist Patrice Rushen for an unforgettable evening of contemporary jazz.
The ceremony for graduates of the School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, and School of Health and Human Services begins at 2 p.m.
$30 for general admission; $25 for Southern active alumni, faculty, staff, and student guests; and $15 for Southern students. (203) 392-6154
The ceremony for graduates of the School of Education begins at 7 p.m. 1 (800) 448-0661 or (203) 392-5240; SouthernCT.edu/commencement/.
May 17
Tour of Outer Island in the Thimble Islands PHOTO: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Undergraduate Commencement
EVENTS
Southern
June 1 Branford, Conn.
Webster Bank Arena 600 Main Street, Bridgeport, Conn. The academic processional begins at 10:15 a.m. Please arrive early. (203) 392-6586; SouthernCT.edu/commencement/
Enjoy a boat trip through the picturesque Thimble Islands, capped off by a tour of Outer Island led by Vincent Breslin, professor of science education and environmental studies. Boxed lunches served on board. Call for ticket information. (203) 392-6500
Will Downing
June 29 8 p.m.
First Day of Summer Bash! Owl Golf Classic
June 21 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
May 21 Noon
Bar 254 Crown Street, New Haven, Conn.
Lake of Isles at Foxwoods Resort and Casino
TGIF! Enjoy an evening of networking, pizza, and a beer tasting.
Support Southern’s athletics program while enjoying a spectacular day of golf. (203) 392-8824
Watch for further details. (203) 392-6500
Fresh off the release of his 16th album, “Silver,” Downing commemorates his 25-year music career. Join the “Prince of Sophisticated Soul,” for an evening of classics and new releases. $33 for general admission; $30 for Southern active alumni, faculty, staff, students, and student guests. (203) 392-6154
*All events held in John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts unless otherwise noted. Southern students must have valid identification to receive their ticket discounts and are limited to purchasing one student ticket and two student guest tickets per event. For tickets and additional information and listings, visit Southern’s website at Lyman.SouthernCT.edu. 36 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Southern Connections Saluting the Past. Supporting the Future.
2012 Charitable Giving Report
Dear Friends, Welcome to the 2012 SCSU Foundation Annual Report. As
the Owls. Nancy Palmieri, ’68, M.S. ’75, achieved her lifelong
I noted in a letter to donors that accompanied their 2012
dream of becoming a teacher after earning her degrees in
endowment reports, the past year was marked by both change
education at Southern. And Mike Katz, ’66, 6th Yr. ’76, credits
AND continuity, much of which has been very positive for the
the sixth-year certificate in supervision and administration
Foundation and its work on behalf of the university.
that he earned at Southern for his success in the business
The most significant change was last spring’s appointment of Dr. Mary Papazian to the presidency. The galvanizing effects of having a dynamic leader chart a progressive course for
world. These are inspiring stories of achievement, connection, and continuity that we hope you will enjoy. However, not all continuity is positive. A report issued in
Southern have been felt in all areas of campus life, including
March by the nonprofit State Higher Education Executive
philanthropy, with the Foundation’s overall support to the
Officers Association describes a “new normal” — the result of
university rising to $1.2 million, the strongest showing since
several continuing trends: dramatically decreasing state
2009. Scholarship support accounted for $463,000 of that total,
support for higher education — yielding ever-higher tuitions
more than twice the 2011 level. Similarly, program support
— and declining family incomes. Together, these trends are
increased to $754,000 — $223,000 more than the previous
driving student borrowing to unprecedented levels. According
year, a 42 percent increase. These are very promising trends
to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, student loan debt has
that bode well as we resume laying the groundwork for an
risen from less than $400 billion in 2004 to almost $1 trillion
eventual endowment campaign.
today, and counting. In Connecticut, education statistics
With the theme of continuity in mind, the stories
mirror these findings — and 77 percent of Southern students
highlighted in this report illustrate how beneficial continuous
now receive some form of financial aid to meet tuition and
ties are to our graduates, the university, and current and future
other education-related expenses. For all of these reasons,
generations of Southern students. The three featured alumni
individual philanthropy has become critical to ensuring
have established relationships with their alma mater that
ongoing accessibility to higher education — a key component
extend over many decades and have been formalized through
of Southern Connecticut State University’s mission.
the establishment of endowed funds to support Southern
Therefore, on behalf of my Foundation board colleagues,
students. Carl Paight, ’50, earned his bachelor’s degree in
please accept our sincere thanks for your continuing
physical education and was a captain and offensive lineman for
generosity.
Very truly yours,
Robin M. Sauerteig Chair, SCSU Foundation
38 | Charitable Giving Report
Fundraising and Financial Highlights
Year in Review 2012 $2.74
Total Net Assets as of Fiscal Year End
Dollars Raised by Fiscal Year
(June 30, 2012) in Millions
(July 1 - June 30) in Millions
$17.4 $17.2
$1.66 $1.50 $1.52
$1.45
$14.4
$13.5
$11.7
’08
’09
’10
Sources of Support for New Gifts and Commitments Fiscal Year 2012 $1,549,479
’11
’12
’08
’10
’11
’12
Corporations 26% $396,228
Friends 25% $390,208
Faculty/Staff 4% $62,721
Alumni 23% $361,118
Distribution of New Gifts and Commitments Fiscal Year 2012 $1,549,479
’09
Looking Ahead The forecasts for 2013, including the S&P 500 and emerging markets, are generally optimistic. Prospects of another recession seem slim as the U.S. economy continues to expand, albeit at a moderate pace. Global economic data points toward modest continued growth in the world economy. Timothy Hopper, chief economist, TIAACREF, New York, states he is “. . . positive on corporate earnings in 2013 and we think the effect of growth at the consumer level . . . will provide that fundamental underpinning for earnings growth . . . and for stock price appreciation.” The biggest risks facing investors appears to be from the “European sovereign debt crisis . . .”
Foundations 22% $339,204
Programmatic 63% $971,058 University Support 9% $141,872 Endowment 28% $436,549
U.S. economic growth pulled back in the second quarter of 2012 as consumer spending slowed. However, the U.S. jobs market report was better than expected, and by July the financial markets rallied. At the close of the Foundation’s fiscal year on June 30, fundraising results significantly exceeded our estimates, ending at $1.52 million. The Foundation’s net assets remained in line with the prior year at over $17 million, as did the market value of the endowments, which totaled $13.7 million.
As always, the Foundation’s objectives are to increase the resources available for scholarships and programmatic initiatives. The combination of investment portfolio earnings in a generally positive economic environment and Southern constituents’ generous gifts should provide strong support for the university in 2013.
Spring 2013 | 39
Life Coach
An inspirational family man and coach is memorialized through a scholarship that supports student-athletes. By Natalie Missakian
40 | Charitable Giving Report
A
ndy Paight was 6 years old the first time she saw her father’s coaching skills in action. Bundled up in snowsuits, gloves, and hats, Andy and her siblings were trying to learn how to ice skate for the first time when their father set a folding chair down on the frozen pond. “My Dad taught us to push the chair around on the ice, and when you were tired, sit,” she recalls. Andy says it is a perfect example of the coaching style Carl W. Paight, ’50, brought to the football field during his long career as a high school coach. “This was my Dad’s teaching and coaching philosophy throughout his career — always finding a way to make kids more successful regardless of their natural abilities,” she says. Paight, a former captain and offensive lineman for the fighting Owls under head coach Jess Dow, is the inspiration behind the Carl W. Paight Endowed Athletic Fund for Men & Women at Southern. Each recipient must be a full-time undergraduate and a member of an NCAAsanctioned team. Paight’s wife of 58 years, Audrey, established the scholarship to honor Carl last summer and presented it to him on Father’s Day, while he was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson. Paight passed away in September in Palm Harbor, Fla. Originally from Stamford, Conn., he had retired in Crystal Beach, Fla. “He was a consummate educator,” recalls Paight’s son, Joseph. “He was a very dedicated dad and a very dedicated coach. And he really enjoyed every aspect of athletics.” As part of the scholarship, the family encourages past recipients who are established in their careers to contribute to the fund to support future Southern athletes. While at Southern, Paight earned his bachelor’s in physical education from the School of Education, and applied his love of learning to his teaching career. Before college, he served in the Coast Guard during World War II. He began his four-decade coaching career at Masuk High School in Monroe, Conn., and went on to teach at Norwalk High School in Norwalk, Conn. In addition, he coached football at Western Connecticut State College, Fordham University, and Weston High School in his hometown of Weston, Conn., where he also served as recreational director. He also coached girls’ track at Norwalk High. Bob Jones of Westport, Conn., who was captain of the Norwalk High School football team in 1968, remembers Paight as an old-school coach who would push players to their limits to teach them how much they could accomplish.
“He was a very dedicated dad and a very dedicated coach. And he really enjoyed every aspect of athletics.” – Joseph Paight
“We all loved him because we knew that he was trying to toughen us up to play better football,” says Jones. “He really cared about his players.” Paight would close every end-of-game speech with the same words: “He would always say, ‘God bless you. I love you,’ ” Jones remembers. “It would give you chills.” Jones says Paight also spent lots of time lobbying various colleges and universities on behalf of his players, helping them to get their foot in the door for consideration for athletics scholarships. He said many of Paight’s former players went on to have great success in their careers and lives. “I would say that the work ethic that he had and he instilled in us was critical to a lot of our success,” Jones says. “He did work very long hours as a coach and that inspired us to work year-round to be better players.” If Paight’s players felt devoted to their coach, the feeling was mutual, say his children. They remember their father spending hours at the kitchen table reviewing football games and scouting tapes on 8mm film. “He would take notes, draw up new schemes and plays. All looked like hieroglyphs to us,” says Andy. His youngest son, David, recalls one Halloween when his father’s team members covered their front porch with hundreds of pumpkins. “That made him laugh,” Andy remembers. His children also describe their father as a history buff, master of trivia, and a prolific reader who could often recite poetry by heart. He also loved the ocean and passed his love on to his children by teaching them to swim and sail a sunfish sailboat around Long Island Sound. Paight always held his children to the same high standards as his athletes, but if they ever disappointed him, he never let it show, they say. “Dad taught us all not to be quitters,” says his daughter, Mindy. “Once you start something, you follow through with it, which meant a lot to me through the years.”
Spring 2013 | 41
A Gift for Teaching Sisters celebrate their mother’s passion for teaching by establishing a memorial scholarship that supports tomorrow’s educators. By Natalie Missakian
42 | Charitable Giving Report
L
aura Palmieri remembers hearing about her mother’s first day of work at her very first teaching job. The way the story goes, she went home that afternoon and excitedly told her mother: “I can’t believe they pay me to do this!” “That was my mother’s lifelong dream — to be a teacher,” Laura says. “She absolutely loved it.” So when Laura and her sister, Donna, established the Nancy B. Palmieri Memorial Scholarship in their late mother’s memory, there was no doubt in their minds about which students they wanted to help the most. The scholarship is awarded annually to a Southern student studying to become a teacher, a nod to their mother’s beloved profession and her alma mater, which prepares the largest number of teacher education graduates in Connecticut. “I know she enjoyed her experience at Southern very much,” Donna Palmieri, ’92, says of her mother. “I know she met a lot of lifelong friends, and I know she felt she got a great education to prepare her for teaching.” It was Nancy Palmieri, ’68, M.S. ’75, who first dreamed up the idea for the scholarship after she and Donna went to visit an elderly cousin. The cousin had told them about a scholarship she started in memory of her deceased son. On the drive home, Nancy confided to Donna that she wanted to endow a scholarship of her own at Southern someday, saying how wonderful it would be to help students with their tuition while paying tribute to a loved one. “I thought it was a wonderful idea, since we had both been supporters of SCSU since we graduated,” Donna recalls. But Nancy would not live long enough to see her wish come to fruition. Two years after that trip, she died unexpectedly at age 59 of complications from knee surgery. So Donna approached her sister, and together they decided to honor their mother’s memory by carrying out her plan themselves. “My mom loved Southern. She was such an avid supporter,” Donna says. “This was something she wanted to do and never had the opportunity.” Nancy enrolled at Southern after graduating from Sacred Heart Academy in Hamden. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in early childhood education and started her career teaching pre-K and kindergarten in East Haven, Conn. After taking a break from the classroom to raise her family, she found it difficult to re-enter the teaching field.
“My mom loved Southern. She was such an avid supporter. This was something she wanted to do and never had the opportunity.” – Donna Palmieri, ’92
So she took a job at Southern New England Telephone, where she worked for 16 years before retiring in 2000. But she never forgot her first love. When she learned about a job teaching pre-K at New Haven’s Jackie Robinson School, located next to Southern, Nancy came out of retirement and reached for the opportunity. “It was like she never left,” recalls Laura. “She just fell right back into it. She loved all the children like they were her own.” Nancy also took pride in her Italian heritage, Donna says, and served as a board member for the Italian American Historical Society of Connecticut and was a member of POINT (Pursuing Our Italian Names Together). She traveled to Italy to study her family’s ancestry. Donna says both of her parents were supportive of higher education and passed on those values to their children. While at Southern, Donna also benefited from an Alumni Association scholarship, which helped with tuition costs, so she feels good about providing the same opportunity to other students. She says it has been incredibly rewarding to meet the scholarship recipients each year at the scholarship banquet and learn more about who they are, while sharing memories of her mother with them. She adds that she is fortunate to work for an employer that matches her contributions to the scholarship, so every year during Southern’s Annual Giving Campaign, she earmarks her donation to fund the Nancy B. Palmieri Memorial Scholarship. “I would encourage anyone who supports higher education to consider endowing a scholarship at Southern,” Donna says. “It’s a wonderful way to help students achieve their education goals and to go on to do great things in their communities.”
Left: Laura and Donna Palmieri, ’92 Spring 2013 | 43
Strong Man
Having made his mark as an internationally recognized bodybuilder, professional football player, dedicated educator, and highly successful businessman, Mike Katz, ’66, 6th Yr. ’76, establishes a scholarship to help others succeed. By Natalie Missakian
44 | Charitable Giving Report
M
ike Katz,’66, 6th Yr. ’76, achieved fame as a bodybuilder and former Mr. America who costarred with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1977 documentary “Pumping Iron.” He also played football with the New York Jets and spent three decades as a teacher, a job he describes as his “calling from God.” But it was his foray into the world of business — as owner of five Planet Fitness gyms in the New Haven region — that gave him the financial wherewithal to establish a scholarship at Southern, Katz says. And he credits Southern for equipping him with the business sense he needed to become so successful. Ironically, the degree that prepared him for the business world had nothing to do with business. It was a sixth-year certificate in supervision and administration of schools, which he pursued with the thought of moving into a principal’s job. That never happened (by his choice — Katz realized he would miss the kids too much), but the degree did not go to waste. “It was sort of like an MBA for me,” Katz says. He credits the program with teaching him how to run a school, which he says is much like running a business. “I took that information and used those skills to try to be more successful in the business field.” Katz established the Mike Katz Endowed Football Scholarship at Southern in 2004 to assist student-athletes on the varsity football team, where Katz honed his own athletics skills as a fullback under the late head coach Jess Dow. At the time, he says, coaches didn’t understand weight lifting and discouraged it, fearing the extra bulk would slow athletes down. Katz proved it wouldn’t. He was one of the team’s fastest players, even though he was so muscular he needed custom-made shoulder pads. “And when I went to the Jets, Southern let me borrow my shoulder pads from college because they didn’t have big enough pads for me,” he says. He says he turned to weight training as a preteen to cope with bullying; kids often teased him because he was Jewish, overweight, and wore glasses. “They used to call me porky,” he recalls. He started lifting weights in his parents’ basement, and as he grew stronger, the teasing stopped. “It obviously gave me more self-esteem as I got stronger and bigger and became a better athlete,” he explains. “The picking on was over at that point.” He went on to become a football star at Hamden High
School in Connecticut. After graduating in 1962, Katz enrolled at Southern, where he studied to become a health education teacher — his dream since seventh grade. Katz says he was inspired by his own health education teacher, an ex-marine who gave him “no-nonsense direction” when he needed it most. “He did that for me. I wanted to do that for other kids,” he says. “As corny as it may sound, my calling from God was to be a teacher. That’s what I do best.” After college, Katz spent two years with the New York Jets but a knee injury ended his career at the beginning of the 1968-69 season. The Jets went on to win the Super Bowl that year, while Katz turned his attention to teaching. He took a job as a junior high gym teacher in the public school system in Hamden, Conn., where he worked for 33 years. He retired in 1999. Outside of school, Katz continued to train and compete in bodybuilding, winning the Mr. America title from the International Federation of Body Building in 1970 and two years later, Mr. World. He also qualified for the 1976 Mr. Olympia, placing second in the heavyweight division. Through his friendship with Schwarzenegger, his training partner, he got a bit part in Sally Field’s breakout movie “Stay Hungry.” But he is most famous for his starring role alongside Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno in the hit bodybuilding documentary “Pumping Iron,” which highlighted Katz’s quest for the 1975 Mr. Universe title. In 1979, he opened the East Coast’s first World Gym in Hamden with his friend and business partner, Jerry Mastrangelo. They switched to a Planet Fitness franchise in 2004, which they run along with Katz’s son, Mike Jr. Unlike World Gym, Planet Fitness caters more to families and novice gym members. “We call it the judgement-free zone,” Katz says. He says they made the change because they thought Planet Fitness had a better business model. Katz said he has enjoyed reading letters from scholarship recipients over the years thanking him for helping them attend college. He has continued to add to the scholarship fund balance each year and strongly believes alumni should show their gratitude by giving back, especially those who have enjoyed financial success. “I heard a quote recently: ‘He who dies with the most money is the biggest loser.’ There’s a lot of sense to that,” Katz says. “You don’t have to die broke, but what are you keeping your hundreds of thousands or millions for when you ought to give back to a place that helped to make that all possible?”
Spring 2013 | 45
Giving to Southern
Honor Roll of Donors
Our Honor Rolls recognize gifts made between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however, errors and omissions may have occurred. Please accept our apologies for any inaccuracies. If you find an error, please contact Betsy Galian at (203) 392-5598. President’s Club Patrons $10,000+ AT&T Barnes & Noble College Bookstores Inc. David Buley Michael Chambrello Clear Channel Broadcasting Inc. New Haven Comerica Wealth & Institutional Management Compass Group USA Inc. William Cosby Exxon Mobil Foundation Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund Fusco Corporation William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund Anne Gundersen Haskins Laboratories Paul L. Jones Fund Candace Jung Douglas Jung John Marano Shannon & David McHale Sharon Misasi New Haven Register The Oaklawn Foundation Frances Poloshian* Christine & John Powderly Richard Tripodi & Jane McKinney Richard F. Tripodi Trust Anita & Joseph Sabatino Dorothy Schrader* SCSU Alumni Association SCSU Student Government Sidney Skolnick Walter Stutzman Stutzman Family Foundation Margaret & John Sullivan Werth Family Foundation H.W. Wilson Foundation Inc. WSHU Public Radio Group President's Club $5,000 - $9,999 John Brown Jill & Jacques Cesaire Marjy Ehmer Howard K. Hill Funeral Services LLC 46 | Charitable Giving Report
Stephen Koestner Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder PC Edward Mack Thomas Madigan Newman’s Own Foundation Roche/454 Life Sciences Sage Family Trust Gladys & John Soto Victor Triolo Wiggin & Dana LLP WYBC–FM Blue & White Club $1,000 - $4,999 Kristen Adanti-Pedersen & Jon Pedersen Abbey Tent & Party Rentals Inc. Frederick Afragola Michael Annatone Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut Paula Armbruster Jaye Bailey Regina Barbaresi Ralph Barbieri Katherine Barrett Richard Bassett Beacon Wealth Management
BL Companies Inc. Corinne Blackmer James Blake Barbara & Peter Boppert William Burns BVH Integrated Services Barbara & Peter Cairney Gene Casey New Haven County Chapter of the National Football Foundation Citizens Bank Coca-Cola Refreshments Maureen & George Collins Community Foundation for Greater New Haven Connecticut Magazine Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame Gary Crakes Holly Crawford Rose Cretella Kimberly & Lewis Crone Cumulus Broadcasting Inc. D’Camm Ltd. The Daughters of 1853 Michael Deans Reno Deprey Dominion Foundation Sylvia Drexler Drexler Foundation
Jerry Dunklee Ellen Durnin Nicholas Edgington Robert Eldridge Fantini Baking Company Inc. Diane Forni Geraldine Frankel Anne Fraulo DonnaJean Fredeen Philip Gaboriault Garrett Homes LLC Carlene Gaudette Gaylord Hospital Mark Germain Tim Greer Insurance Agency Inc. Sandra Hague Frank Harris Renee & Geoffrey Hartman HB Communications Inc. Higher One Kathryn Hughes Chris Hutchinson Philip Hutt IKEA N.A. Services LLC Janice & Richard* Illingworth ING Life Insurance & Annuity Michelle Johnston
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior Michael Katz Marianne Kennedy Robert Kirsch Leir Retreat Center Inc. The Lexington Group Inc. Liberty Mutual Group Inc. Romaine Macomb Marcum LLP James Mazur McBride Wayside Carpet & Furniture Co. Inc. Joan McGuire Lawrence McHugh Kathleen McLeod Elaine Mikk Fay Miller* Mary Ann & Donald Mitchell Eileen Moriarty Letitia Nastri Joseph Natarelli Marc Nivet Northeast Utilities Service Company Nosal Builders Inc. Mary O'Connell Kozik Sharon Ort Barbara Ortoleva Richard Paige
Donna Palmieri Gregory Paveza People’s United Bank People’s United Community Foundation Christine Petto Edward Pirner William Pratt Timothy Quill Gail Reen Richards Metal Products Inc. Nicole Rinehardt Teresa Rowe Michael Sampson Robin Sauerteig The Savitt Company SC Football Camp, LLC Pauline Schwartz Trust Fund SCSU AAUP SCSU Programs Council SCSU Women’s Association Amy Shepherd Weinberg Al Sokaitis Southern Connecticut Chinese School Inc. Southern Connecticut State University Southern Gymnastics LLC Space-Craft Manufacturing Inc. William Stempel Harlan Stevenson Mary Tallberg Sandra Thielz Tonelli Sports LLC Tri-State Brick of Connecticut Peter Troiano UBS Matching Gift Program United Way of Central & Northeastern Connecticut Carolyn Vanacore Anthony Verlezza Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut Conrad Walas Wepawaug-Flagg Federal Credit Union Diane Wishnafski Associates Club $250 - $999 Antonio Aceto Jodi Adolf Aetna Foundation Inc. Linda & Gary Altieri Timothy Anderson Charles Andriole Aon Foundation Inc. Edward Aston
AT&T Foundation Higher Education Matching Gift Program Kathleen Bagley James Bair Maxine Balaban William Ball Doris & James Barber Christine Barrett Stanley Battle Christina Baum Kimberly Bean Michael Ben-Avie Denise Bentley-Drobish & Robert Drobish Lawrence Berlin Rose Blackwell Brian Bodt Anjuli Bodyk Joan Bonvicini Kathleen Bonvicini James Booth Christopher Borajkiewicz Violet Bornemann Donna Brennan Christine Broadbridge Sara Brown Dian Brown-Albert Ellen Budris Steven Buechele Edward Burke Terrell Bynum Fay & Hugh Cafferty Josephine & George Caffrey Conrad Calandra Judith & Walter Camp Mary Pat Caputo Amy Carlson Richard Carney Mark Ceneviva
Centerbrook Architects and Planners Patricia & Clifford Chieffo Sherryl Chin Ann Christmann Catherine Christy Lori Ciccomascolo Arlene Clifford Comcast Foundation Marylou Conley Connecticut Community Foundation Connecticut Sports Media Laura Cook Anthony Corvino Shirley Costello The Course at Yale Claudia Crafts Brad Crerar Gregg Crerar Jessica Cruz Connecticut Boiler Repair & Mfg. Co. Inc. Karen Cummings Josephine & Martin Curry Susan D'Agostino Evelyn Dahm Scott Dana John DaPonte Darter Specialties Inc. Diane Daskal Ruben Gerald Davis James Dawes Pamela Day DC Hall Rental Service LLC Deary’s Gymnastics Supply Inc. Nicholas DeFelice Joan & Raymond DeFrancesco
Elizabeth deLucia* Amanda & Robert DeMezzo David Denino Ellen Deprey John Deptulski Patricia & Michael D'Errico Heather DeWitt Kevin Donnelly Michael Donnelly Mike Donnelly Basketball Academy LLC Joseph Dooley Lisa Durkee Deborah Edwards Laura Elsenboss Enterprise Holdings Foundation Marguerite Fadden Deborah Flynn Rosemary Forni Robert Frew Joseph Friello Donald Fritz Timothy Furey Vincent Gagliardi Elvin Garcia Henry Gates Carole Gauger Robert Gelbach General Reinsurance Corporation Lillian Gerhardt Jessica Gilliam Adam Goldberg Bruce Graham Susan Gray Aaron Gross Hope Grunt James Haggett
Irene Haller HanBone’s Barbecue LLC The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Co. Edward Haydon Lars Helgeson Joan & William Holley Deborah Holman Nancy & Vincent Inglese Kurt Jagielow Marilyn & Warren Jaqua Gordon Jones Betty Jung Renee Just Jerry Katona Frank Keeney Jeffrey Keeney Lafayette Keeney James Kelly Tonja & Jeffrey Kelly Robin Kenefick Judy Kiely & Philip Rieth Roberta Kieronski Leland Kimball Nancy Kohl Kohler Ronan LLC Philanthi Koslowski Ernest Krajcik Meghan Kuebler Lillie Kumar Daniela & Frank LaDore Victoria Lafortune Lakin Tire East Inc. Richard Larson Laurel Beach Consultants LLC Cheryl Lee Donald Lemieux Anne & Eugene Leone James Letts Yi-Chun Lin Peter Lynch Raymond Mackowski Patricia & James Madigan Sean Mahon Anthony Maltese Doris Marino Rosalind Marottoli Dorothy Martino Mary Mascola J. Masucci & Company LLC Michael McGrath Kevin McNamara Carmen McPherson Estate of Thomas F. Mellett Dora Metrelis Cynthia Meyers D & S Milikowsky Family Foundation Ellen Miller Stephanie & William Miller Harriett Milnes Milone & MacBroom Spring 2013 | 47
James Mitchell Kathleen & Scott Mitic Giacomo Mordente Edward Morgan Diane Morgenthaler Gary Morin Cynthia & Frank Nappi Nationwide Foundation Vara Neverow New Haven Roadrace Inc. Deborah Newton Patricia Nicol Eleanor & Anthero Nicolau Omni Hotel Kevin O'Reilly Kathleen Ostberg Oxford Industries Sadiann Ozment Christopher Palmer Judit & George Paolini Robert Parker Steven Parks Timothy Parrish Koren Paul Belinda Pearman Francis Pentino Anthony Peruso Philip Pessina Kathleen Peters Pfizer Foundation Robert Pinter Christopher Piscitelli Marilyn Price Sean Raffile Jeffrey Raines Raise The Bar Jody Rajcula Jaak Rakfeldt William Repass Salvatore Rizza Karen Rodia Wiltraud Roze Sahin Holding LLC Phyllis & Richard* Salerno Lorraine Samela Margaret Samela Frank Santino Schwab Charitable Fund Stanley Seliga Lauren Sepulveda Michael Shea Robert Sheeley Margaret Shepard Barbara Shortell Peter Sieviec Eric Simms Michael Sjovall Marcia Smith Diane Smith Drugge Joan Specter Sally Spiegel Dawn Stanton-Holmes Kenneth Steiner Bridget Stepeck-Holt Michele Stewart-Copes Brigitte Stiles 48 | Charitable Giving Report
Suburban Worldwide Travel Agency LLC Brendyn Sullivan Stephanie Sulzbach Jean Sutherland Daniel Swartz Brent Taylor Three Brothers Diner Angela Todaro Lawrence Tomascak Lenora Tomporowski Michael Tucciarone Cynthia & Richard Tuchman Edward Tyburski Tyco Printing & Copying Inc. Up in Smoke Jeffrey Upchurch Ronald Walker Carol Wallace Elizabeth Walsh Jan Wang Mark Waters Richard Watson WEBPAJE.COM Inc. Ted Weiss Katherine & Richard Wellner Patricia Whelan Jay Whelan Annaleila Williams Marvin Wilson Timothy Wise Jon Wormley Jane Wright Tommy Zeko Patricia & Kevin Zibluk Jill Zitnay Century Club $100 - $249 Access Audio-Visual Systems Inc.
John Adamovich Michael Adamski Linda Adanti Deborah Ahern Eileen Ainsworth Edna Aklin Albrecht's Auto Repair Inc. Norma Allegri Catherine Allen Richard Allison Allstate Foundation Amgen Foundation John Amore Carol Anderson Donna Anderson Lauren Anderson Lois Anderson Louis Andre David Andrews Michael Angelini Lori Anrico Ronald Arbitelle Andrea Arellano Arena Gymnastics Inc. Barbara Arens Michael Ashwood Diana Avino Harry Azano B&B Grocery & Deli David Bak Joanne Baldauf Joseph Bandiera Mary-Beth Bantham William Barker AndrĂŠ Barnes Ellen Bauer Curtis Bean Nancy Bennett Marise Benson Matthew Berberich Betsy Bergen Dorothy Berger Christopher Berglund
Marion Berkman Betsy Bern Lois & Thomas Bernardi Val Bernardoni Florence Berrien Jan Bershtein Elizabeth Bertier Rosemary Berton Stephen Betz Fred Bialka Marcia Biase Barbara Bilodeau Martin Bohan Barbara Bohn Kathleen & Leonard Bonn Laura Bower-Phipps Pamela Brackett Thomas Brady Vincent Breslin Gary Brown Joan Brown Joseph Brown William Brucker Clayton Bruneman Patricia Bruno Michelle Budwitz Sandra Bulmer Dolores Butcher Robert Caciopoli Doreen CammarataGilhuly & Daniel Gilhuly William Campbell Frank Caparulo Linda Caplan Lisa Cappiali Magliocco Kathleen Caprio Maureen Carey Victoria Carey Wayne Carlson Joseph Carolan Donna & Andrew Carrano Ralph Carrano Lauren Casalveri
Casey Charitable Matching Programs James Cashavelly Mark Cavalieri Thomas Celentano Rose Celone Cristin Chabot Nancy Charest Charles River Country Club Charli's Cupcake Factory Teresa Cherry-Cruz David Chevan Albert Chiappetta Laurie Churchill Joseph Cifferelli Lawrence Ciotti Rosemary & Thomas Clarie Constance Cleary Laura Clementsen Mary Cofrancesco John Coggins William Cohane Phyllis Cohen Joseph Colacino Suzanne Colasanto Kenneth Coleman Frances Colla Collegiate Track Conference Kevin Collesano Stephen Comkowycz Michael Connair Connecticut Public Health Association Foundation LaVerle & Robert Connelly Conoco Phillips William Conway Jerome Cook Linda Coppola James Corbiere Susan Corneille Francine Coss Carolyn Court Stephen Courtney Lizanne Cox Kathleen Coyle Nancy Crandall Susannah Crego Violino Janice Crossland Dorothy Csaba Patricia & Thomas Cummings Dora Cupo Elizabeth Curtis Cecilia Dalzell Donna D’Angio Jimmy Davila Norm Davis Ruth Ann Davis Scott Davis Diana & Jack Davison Lois Day Betty Deatley Richard DeCesare
Christopher Decker Rosemarie & Anthony* DeFrancesco Heidi Degree Sarah & John Dekutowski Raymond Delehant Ronald DeLuca George DeMaio Paul Deprey Russell Desrocher Michael DeVito Gladys DeYounge William Diffley Patrick Dilger Claudette Dimaria Joanne DiNovo Charles DiSapio Timothy DiScipio Julia Doherty Veronica Doneski Ann Donohue Mildred Doody Thomas Dorr Kim Dorsey Shawn Dougherty Richard Downey John Doyle Marian & Robert Drobish Barbara Drummond Dun & Bradstreet Co. Foundation Elisabeth Durso Kathleen Dutney Joy Duva Alan Eckstrand Pasquale Elia James Ellis Christine Engel Marty Ernstoff Louis Esparo Agatha Esposito June Estep Fiorelli Marian Evans Anna-Margaret Fabisiak Patricia Falk William Faraclas Bonnie Farley-Lucas Jane Farrington Joseph Fazzino Marybeth Fede Mary Feige Christiane Fenninger Lois Fiore Robin Fitch Deborah & Richard Fitzsimmons Norbert Flammia Margaret Fogarty Vicki Folden James Foley Clare Ford Frame Advisors LLC Dominic Francese Ellen Frank Kelley Frassinelli Judith Freedman Joanne Frenkel
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Karen Helland Raymond Heller Nancy Hendrix Marie Herbst Ronald Herron Patricia Heslin Barbara Higgins Denise Hindinger Annette Hird The E.R. Hitchcock Company Inc. Bonnie Hittleman-Lewis Adele Hodges Mable Hoffler-Page Eddis Hoffman Hubert Hofmann Stephen Hogye Jerome Hojnacki Shirin Hollis Sheryl Hollyday Harriett Hook Hoover & Wells Inc. Harry Howell Jennifer Hudson Donald Hughes
Steven Karjanis Karjanis & Sons Motors LLC Brenda & Francis Karsmarski Cindy Keegan Mary Jane Keeler Elizabeth Keenan Carol Keller Raymond Kellogg Allene Kelly James Kelly Patricia & Timothy Kennedy Linda King Phyllis Kingsbury Miles Kirschner Paul Kobasa Kenneth Koch Veronica Koenig Lynn Kohrn KPMG Foundation John Kryzanowski Leo Kuczynski Gerard Kunkel
Live Nation Maria Loiewski Timothy Loney Susie Long Long Wharf Theatre Rebeca Lopez Ken Lorey Mary Lott Sharon Louchen Mary Rose Lovello Maureen Lucas Carla Lukas Kathryn Luria Glenn Mackno Karen MacVeigh Michele Madonick Anthony Madu Monica Maia Alison Majeau Ann Maki Robert Malchiodi Maureen Malone Dorothy & Patrick Manley Sharon Manley Michelle Mann
Rita Hughes Thomas Hylinski Patsy Iaquinta David Ifkovic Insurance Services Office Inc. Eric Inzero Caroline Jacobs Harold Jacobson Kendra Jemmott Linda Jensen Robyn Johnson Yvonne Johnson Jonthan Judd Diane Julian Richard Kaminski Valerie Kane Constance Kapral
James Kusack Philip Lagattuta David Lake Lisa Lancor Jean Landrigan Susan Langhans Phyllis Langsner Raymond Lapinski Anne Lattanzio Arthur Lau John Lauria Michelle Lawler Judith Legeza Margaret Leggett Roberta Leonard Paul Levatino Richard Lewis Kelly L’Heureux
Anne Mapolski Dawn Marcarelli Edward Marczyszak Lucille Marottoli Marianne Marple Michael Marrett Joan Marshall Eleanor Martin Mary & Jeffrey Martinik Carmella Mastrogiovanni Ann Maxham Ronald Maynard Reginald Mayo Jeffrey McElray Bryan McGinnis Barbara & George McGuigan Diane McGuire Spring 2013 | 49
Hollis Mckenna Paul Mckenzie James McKiernan McKiernan Chiropractic & Sports Injury Center PC Bonnie McNair Kathleen McNeill E. Marie McPadden Kenneth Mead Jean Meisenheimer William Mellett Rachel Merva Edward Messina Anna Micci Lawrence Miller Mary Miller Mihaela Miller Frank Milone Margaret Mirto Richard Mitchell Stephen Montgomery Catherina Mordecai Morgan Stanley Sara Morgatto Debra Moriarty Kathleen Morin John Moroniti Gerald Moss Mehdi Mostaghimi Evelyn Moulton John Murphy William Murray Richard Myers Eleanor Nace Michele Nanchoff Eva Naples Ronald Nappi Mary Navin Nicholas Neeley Gerard Nelson David Netinho Pamela Netinho Network for Good Barbara Neufeld New Balance Boston New Haven Open at Yale Margaret Newton Roy Nirschel Ryan Nobrega Donald Norcross Northeast Utilities Foundation Northwest Designs Ink Cheryl Norton NYS DDP Directors Association Eleanor O’Brien Sally O’Brien John O’Dea Linda Olson Rocco Orlando James Osborne Eric Ott Tracey Owers The P&G Fund Gatin Pagano Audrey & Carl* Paight 50 | Charitable Giving Report
Beverly Pajer Joan Palen Jeannett Palluzzi Philip Palma Joseph Palmer JiongDong Pang Robert Pannozzo Dorothy Pappas David Parent Michael Parisi Stephen Parkosewich Walda Passaro Marcia Patrick Lynda Pedersen Albert Pedrolini James Pegolotti Jane Pellegrino Richard Pepe Perfetto Home Construction LLC Arthur Perschino Eleanor Pesanelli Paul Petrie Ruth Petrone Barbara Pezzullo Walter Piechota Karl Pieper Edward Pierce June Pierce Joanne & Frank Pinto John Pinto Christopher Polakowski Daniel Pompa Lisa Potanovich Ann Pratson Susan Prentis Paul Prete Geraldine Prince Emma Proto Prudential Foundation Donna Pruett Raymond Pugliese Lori Pujda Quebec Labrador Foundation Monica Raffone Diane Rasch Lisa Rebeschi Lillian Reeder Tricia Regan George Reiss Susan Renehan Resource Video Stacey & Richard Riccardi Elizabeth Richardson Scott Richnavsky Marguerite Rinaldi Debra Risisky Donna Risolo Anna Rivera-Alfaro Linda Robinson John Rochette Michael Rogers Peter Ronai Nancy Ronne Heather Rowe Brenda Rowser
Paul Rubino Paul Rust Concetta Sacco Elizabeth Sahlin Michael Salvin Mark Sandillo Kimm Santora Donald Sbabo Christine Scarice Carol Scarrozzo Joseph Scascitelli Irene Schragger Janice Schuck Salvatrice Schultze Wayne Schwartz Marjorie Scorey Linda & Martin Scully Deborah Seibert Helen Shecora Fatu Sheriff Shubert New Haven Kathy Siegler Ruth Silver Anita Silvestro Linda Simon Cindy Simoneau Mary Skorvanek Sorrentino Robert Slie Michael Sload Clifford Smith David Smith Ellen Smith Forrest Smith Keith Smith M. Roberta Spann Erin Spaulding Louise Spear-Swerling Kenneth Spelke Sports Management Resources LLC Staples Advantage Sean Stearley
Steelcase Foundation Sterling Forms & Computer Supplies Russell Stevens Patricia Stich Dale Storz Carly Strazza Cynthia Stretch Carolyn Strout Ming Suen Constance Sullivan Edward Sullivan Martha Sullivan Mary Sullivan Cynthia Swainbank Edmund Swartz John Switchenko Jill & James Tallberg Frank Tavares Judith Terrill Nancy Tipping Lois Tolles Robert Toothaker Barbara Torcellini Toby Towson Laurie Tracy Rudolph Trankovich Travelers Championship Louis Tremblay Carol Tripp Lauren Tuppeny Mitchell Urda David Vance Michele Vancour William Varnum Mary Vaughn Nancy Via Deborah Vincent Charles Viscardi Lillian & Robert Vishno Cathy-Beth Vitelli Robert Vitti Vanessa Volpe
Peter VonEuler Rita Vozzo Julie Wachtmann Mark Walas Ann Waldman Rosemary Waldron Donald Walker Marlon Walker Cornelia Wallin Kevin Walton Christopher Ward Rebecca Ward* Charles Wargo Leslie Warner-Maloney Aaron Washington Libor Waszczak Suzanne Weber E. Suzanne Weisse Thomas Wellington Wendy Wells Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign Wells Fargo Foundation Ann Wengloski Mary & Edward Weselcouch Todd Wheeler Stephanie & Darin Wilborne Shirley Willcox Mary Williamson Mary Willmott Carole Wilson Lucia Wilson Rosemary & William Wilson Samantha Wilson Patricia Wolf Gary Wolff Maureen Wood Scott Woodburn Roger Woznick Kathy Yalof
Mary & James Yanosy Carol Young John Young Stephen Zakur Charles Zaremskas Andrew Zbikowski William Zenko Joyce & Brian Zukauskas Janet Zukowski Grants Davis Educational Foundation Hogeschool Utrecht Leakey Foundation Robert Wood Johnson Sonoma State University Faculty and Staff Honor Roll Antonio Aceto Carolyn Alling Robert Axtell Jaye Bailey James Barber Christine Barrett Richard Bassett Christina Baum Betsy Beacom Judith Behler Michael Ben-Avie Therese Bennett Denise Bentley-Drobish John Bergevin Corinne Blackmer James Blake Peter Boppert Laura Bower-Phipps Sharon Bradford Vincent Breslin Christine Broadbridge Dian Brown-Albert Anthony Brunetti Sandra Bulmer Rondell Butler Judith Buzzell Terrell Bynum George Caffrey Conrad Calandra Edward Calandro Doreen CammarataGilhuly Mary Pat Caputo Suzanne Carroll Vincenzo Cassella Shirley Cavanagh Thomas Celentano Xiao Cheng David Chevan Sherryl Chin Karen Christian Catherine Christy Nancy Chucta Shawna Cleary William Cohane Marylou Conley Nicholas Constantinople
Gary Crakes Brad Crerar Gregg Crerar Kimberly Crone Karen Cummings Thomas Cummings Giovanni D'Onofrio Diana Dahlman John DaPonte Margaret Das Pamela Day Richard DeCesare Robert DeMezzo Emmett Dennis Deborah DeSisto William Diffley Patrick Dilger Gaetano Dimicco Julia Doherty Michael Donnelly Joseph Dooley Thomas Dorr Robert Drobish Suzanne Duke Jerry Dunklee Ellen Durnin Nicholas Edgington Robert Eldridge Scott Ellis Robin Esposito Marian Evans William Faraclas Bonnie Farley-Lucas Marybeth Fede Vincent Ferrie Janelle Finch Nicole Fluhr Deborah Flynn Ellen Frank Kelley Frassinelli DonnaJean Fredeen Betsy Galian Terese Gemme Ross Gingrich Adam Goldberg Floyd Gollnick Carolyn Harris Frank Harris Martin Hartog John Hill William Hochman Shirin Hollis Margaret Huda Jennifer Hudson Percy Huggins Jr. Denise Hunter Kurt Jagielow Michelle Johnston Jordan Jones Renee Just Barbara Kagan Elizabeth Keenan Raymond Kellogg Robin Kenefick Marianne Kennedy Paula Kennedy Hak Joon Kim
Robert Kirsch Michael Kobylanski Philanthi Koslowski Klay Kruczek James Kusack Frank LaDore David Lake Lisa Lancor Cassandra Lang Susan Larson Michelle Lawler Susan Lawrence Gloria Lee Yi-Chun Lin
Wanda Outing Tracey Owers JiongDong Pang Timothy Parrish Cynthia Patterson Jacqueline Patton Gregory Paveza Belinda Pearman Darnelle Perry Philip Pessina Klaus Peters Paul Petrie Laura Pettie Carolynn Pettit
Cynthia Shea-Luzik Robert Sheeley Barbara Shiller Winnie Shyam Eric Simms Cindy Simoneau Judith Sizensky-Searles Louise Spear-Swerling Kenneth Spelke Dawn Stanton-Holmes Bridget Stepeck-Holt Brigitte Stiles Cynthia Stretch Villia Struyk
Samuel Lopes Christopher Lynn Anthony Maltese Michelle Mann Philip Marchese Doris Marino Katherine Marsland James Mazur Robert McEachern Hollis Mckenna Paul Mckenzie Kevin McNamara Sharon Misasi Joyce Moore Giacomo Mordente Winnifred Morgan Diane Morgenthaler Gary Morin Mehdi Mostaghimi Bennie Murphy Joseph Musante James Mutts Ervin Nelson Gerard Nelson Vara Neverow Dianne Newman Deborah Newton Patricia Nicol Linda Olson
Christine Petto John Pinto Christopher Piscitelli Geraldine Prince Sharon Prober Susan Quagliaroli Timothy Quill Monica Raffone Jaak Rakfeldt Tina Marie Re Lisa Rebeschi Tricia Regan Richard Riccardi Lystra Richardson Anna Rivera-Alfaro Salvatore Rizza Linda Robinson Mary Robinson John Rochette Michael Rogers Nancy Ronne Heather Rowe Jennifer Ruggiero Theresa Sandifer Janet Schneider Jessica Scibek Stanley Seliga Joseph Selvaggio Michael Shea
Daniel Swartz Frank Tavares Angela Todaro Lawrence Tomascak Jaime Toth Peter Troiano David Vance Michele Vancour Merryalis Vazquez Donald Walker Carol Wallace Jan Wang Aaron Washington Mark Waters Carlton Watson Deborah Weiss Colby Whelan Patricia Whelan Marvin Wilson Timothy Wise Robert Workman Kathy Yalof Phyllis Young Kevin Zibluk Patricia Zibluk
* Deceased Spring 2013 | 51
Southern Connecticut State University Foundation, Inc. Board of Directors OFFICERS
EMERITI DIRECTORS
Robin Sauerteig • Chair
Lucille W. Alderman, Community Activist
David R. McHale • Vice Chairman Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Northeast Utilities System
Frederick R. Afragola, Chairman, Frame Advisors
Michael R. Chambrello • Treasurer Chief Executive Officer — Asia Pacific Region, Scientific Games Corporation
Frank D. Antin, Senior Vice President, The Bank of New York Mellon (retired) Mackey Barron, President, HB Communications Inc. Lynn Fusco, President, Fusco Corporation
Richard F. Tripodi • Secretary President, RFTS, Inc.
BOARD MEMBERS Paula Armbruster Associate Clinical Professor, Yale University (retired)
John Soto, President, Space-Craft Manufacturing, Inc. Diane L. Wishnafski Executive Vice President, NewAlliance Bank (retired)
EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS
Mary O’Connell Kozik Senior Chemist, AECOM Corporation
James E. Blake Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, Southern Connecticut State University
Thomas J. Madigan Vice President, Investments, UBS Financial Services Inc.
Katherine Marsland, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Psychology Southern Connecticut State University
Joseph Natarelli Partner-in-Charge, Marcum LLP
Erin McGuckin Student Representative, Southern Connecticut State University
Marc A. Nivet, Ed.D. Chief Diversity Officer, Association of American Medical Colleges William H. Pratt, Esq., Partner Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP Anthony F. Verlezza Associate Partner Equus Group LLC
Mary A. Papazian, Ph.D. President Southern Connecticut State University Richard Riccardi, Ph.D. Alumni Association Representative Southern Connecticut State University Teresa Sirico Alumni Association Representative Teresa Sirico Realtor LLC
CONTACT US For additional information, please contact: Southern Connecticut State University Foundation, Inc. Telephone: (203) 392-6900
52 | Charitable Giving Report
Gifts may be made online at: SouthernCT.edu/giving or you may contact the Development Office. Telephone: (203) 392-5598
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S
enior swimming sensation Amanda Thomas has done it again — winning the NCAA Division II national championship in the 200–yard individual medley for the third year in a row. The victory helped Thomas nab the coveted Swimmer of the Year title from the College Swimming Coaches of America for the second consecutive time. Clearly, it’s been a spectacular run for Thomas, who ends her college career an 18-time All American with four NCAA national
She’s Once, Twice . . . Four Times a Champion!
championship wins to her name. (She also won the 400-yard individual medley in 2012.) This year’s championship was particularly poignant for Thomas, who is graduating in May with a degree in exercise science and plans to attend graduate school in the fall. “I kept thinking about how this was my last year competing . . . about the numerous races I have done in the past — and how I only had four left in my career,” she says. Making the championship a true family affair, Amanda’s twin sister and fellow Owl, Ashley Thomas,
took part in the women’s threemeter board diving qualifier at the event, along with several teammates. “I have literally revolved my life around swimming since I was about 6 years old,” says Amanda. “I’ve also learned a lot from it. For example, time management, commitment, hard work, sacrifice . . . I know I will carry all those things with me through life.” Thomas is also likely to stay in the pool. She is currently
Twin sisters and fellow members of the women’s swimming and diving team, Amanda (left) and Ashley Thomas. National champion Amanda Thomas hits the pool.
interning with the SoNoCo Swim Club, and her career aspirations include possibly becoming a swim coach, ideally at the college level. Meanwhile, triathlons are the next challenge on the horizon. “I love competing,” says Thomas, “so I think this would be good because it will keep swimming in my life.”