Southern Alumni Magazine Fall 2011

a publication for alumni and friends of Southern Connecticut State University

ALUMNI MAGAZINE | Fall | 11

LET TER

FROM THE

President

Dear Southern Alumni, In this issue of Southern Alumni Magazine, we feature a number of alumni who have made a difference across the globe though service with the Peace Corps. Reading each story, I could not help but be impressed with how these individuals’ volunteer efforts profoundly impacted their own lives, as well as those of the people in their host communities.

This spirit of self-improvement through lending your time and talents on behalf of others is one that we cultivate in our student body here at Southern.

Our students have raised thousands of dollars for Connecticut Special Olympics through our annual Jail ‘N’ Bail event, and for cancer research through the Relay for Life. They have collected boxes of provisions for needy families in Greater New Haven through the Adopt-A-Family food drive; distributed toys to more than a thousand of the city’s children with the Friends of Rudolph program; and cleaned up neighboring streets and parks through the annual Southern Day of Service.

Our students’ volunteerism earned Southern a place on the U.S. President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll in 2009, while our overall contribution to the community at large was recognized last year with the prestigious Corporate Heritage Award at the 216th Annual Meeting of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce.

In these difficult economic times our community contribution has never been more valuable. We are playing a key role in Connecticut’s recovery process, developing programs directly tied to workforce needs.

For example, responding to state and national concerns about declining student numbers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) — and a resulting lack of expertise in those areas — Southern is creating new opportunities for study and potential employment in the STEM disciplines. We have seen STEM course enrollment growth of more than 17 percent in the last five years.

Recently, the university was named the host site for Connecticut’s first research center devoted solely to nanotechnology and this summer we offered the first two courses in a Connecticut State University systemwide graduate certificate program in this cutting-edge field. The new center will prepare students for careers in this growth industry through hands-on experience with specialized equipment. We are also the recipient of a multi-million dollar National Science Foundation grant that will enhance our joint materials science center with Yale University — providing exceptional research and educational opportunities for students and faculty at Southern and in New Haven schools.

Our Physics Department has three ongoing major initiatives tailored to meet the needs of Connecticut’s high-tech industry: an engineering concentration, a proposed interdisciplinary master’s degree in applied physics, and the previously mentioned nanotechnology certificate program. The number of physics majors has nearly doubled in recent years and current graduation rates are in the top 15 percent nationally.

These and other developments underscore our commitment to be recognized as a center of excellence in the STEM disciplines. And the future construction of a state-of-the-art academic and laboratory science building, now in the design phase, will enhance the ongoing expansion of our science programs. Not only are we dedicated to providing our students with abundant learning opportunities aligned with Connecticut’s workforce needs, we also want to be known as a regional leader for both cultivating interest in the sciences and providing mentoring in these fields for women and under-represented groups.

Dr. Stanley F. Battle Interim President

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:25 AM Page 1

Southern

ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Fall | 11 features Peace Owls

10

As the Peace Corps celebrates its 50th anniversary, Southern shares photos and memories from some of the more than 66 alumni who have volunteered with the organization over the years.

The Plant It Forward, Southern’s new urban agriculture demonstration project, includes a garden and an orchard, with plans in place for an outdoor classroom, a greenhouse, a vineyard, and more.

departments

18

From the President

inside cover

Campus News Nostalgia

2

20

Supporting Southern

22

Out and About Alumni News [COVER] Pictured with her son and a group of local school children in the Republic of Malawi, author Karen Lynn Williams, M.A. ’77, volunteered with the Peace Corps from 1980-83. [ABOVE, FROM LEFT] Patricia Lott, ’91, in Paraguay • Kimberlee McCarthy, ’95, in the Commonwealth of Dominica

26

30 Southern Events 36 Alumni Notes

24

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:25 AM Page 2

Campus

NEWS n

S

outhern Connecticut State University and Yale University have been awarded a six-year, $13

million grant that promises

Major NSF Grant Awarded

The center has a major educational outreach component. “This grant is extremely important as it supports

n

to expand cutting-edge sci-

both innovative research

entific research and bolster

and teacher development

educational opportunities

at a crucial time for

for students and faculty in

Southern and the state

New Haven Public Schools.

of Connecticut,” says Southern Physics

The National Science Foundation (NSF)

Department Chairwoman

has allocated the funds to

Christine Broadbridge, the

enhance the universities’

center’s director of educa-

joint materials science

tion. “Math and science

center — the Center for

have taken on an increas-

Research on Interface

ing importance for our

Structures and

state and nation’s future.”

CRISP has offered

Phenomena (CRISP).

workshops designed to

Six years ago, NSF

improve the professional

awarded $7.5 million for the creation of the center, of which Southern received $1,484,000. The new award will forward

Southern and Yale received a $13 million grant from the National Science Foundation for the Center for Research on Interface Structures and Phenomena (CRISP). Southern Physics Department Chairwoman Christine Broadbridge [RIGHT] is the director of education for CRISP. She is pictured with students Carol Jenkins [LEFT] and Barbara Benardo.

development of science teachers in the area during the last six years.

Those programs will now

the center’s work, with Southern receiving $1,763,000 — one

focus more closely on New Haven Public Schools and

of the largest grants ever awarded to the university and its

include an assessment component to gauge how effective

largest research grant.

they are at improving student learning.

Materials science is a discipline that includes the

“This is a natural partnership,” says Broadbridge. “In

creation of technologically advanced items, ranging from

fact, we believe it will serve as a model for other urban

computer chips to biological implants. The center enables

school district/higher education partnerships.”

students to create and examine new materials at the

The NSF has designated CRISP as a Center of

atomic level. It also helps to foster interdisciplinary research

Excellence for Materials Research and Innovation — one of

by faculty and students at both institutions in a variety of

several in the country. It is the only small materials research

disciplines, including physics, chemistry, and engineering.

center to have attained that designation.

n

$1.9 Million Grant to Prepare Educators A five-year, $1.9

The grant — among

ing will include workshops

three-credit course.

Southern’s Training

million grant from the U.S.

the largest ever awarded to

on innovative and effective

Department of Education

Southern — will focus on

approaches for teaching

for All Teachers (TAT) pro-

will bolster the university’s

providing training for

students whose first lan-

gram will coordinate the

continuing efforts to

teachers, administrators,

guage is not English. It also

efforts, with Lorrie

improve the education of

and staff members in the

will provide educators with

Verplaetse, professor of

non-native English-speak-

New Haven and Hamden

opportunities for certifica-

world languages and litera-

ing students.

school systems. That train-

tion and participation in a

tures, serving as project

2 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:25 AM Page 3

director. Marisa Ferraro is the TAT program manager.

One of the priorities

Southern

of this grant will be to target certified mathematics

| ALUMNI MAGAZINE | VOL 9 • NO 2

and science teachers from grades 3 to 12, as well as

Dr. Stanley F. Battle, Interim President

the curricula in both subjects, in an effort to boost

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, Assistant Photographer Nancy Ronne, Development Editor Charlie Davison, Alumni Notes Editor

the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines.

This marks the third time that Southern has received a federal grant for the TAT program. In 2007, TAT was awarded a fiveyear, $1.5 million grant.

n

Stellar Students Honored

A $1.9 million grant will help Southern’s Training for All Teachers (TAT) program prepare educators to teach students whose first language is not English. [FROM RIGHT] Lorrie Verplaetse, professor of world languages and literatures, serves as project director of TAT and Marisa Ferraro is program manager.

The Class of 2011

tions to Southern and the

group and social media

includes four exceptional

community, is presented

coordinator of Southern’s

members, who were hon-

annually to 12 students

John Lyman Center for the

ored as the recipients of

from the four campuses of

Performing Arts. She was

the Henry Barnard

the Connecticut State

also a marketing manager

Distinguished Student

University System.

for New Haven’s

ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE 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 Web site: www.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.

Samantha Benson, ’11

Logan Lentz, ’11

Award, among the univer-

Raymond Nardella, ’11

Award recipient

Jennifer Peterson, ’11

International Festival of

sity’s most prestigious

Samantha Benson, ’11,

honors. The award, which

majored in theater and

recognizes academic

served as president of the

major, Logan Lentz, ’11,

achievement and contribu-

Crescent Players theater

was a member of

Arts and Ideas.

Exercise science

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.

Fall 2011 | 3

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:25 AM Page 4

Campus

NEWS Southern’s basketball

Political science

Republicans, and co-presi-

A four-year member of the

team for four years, serv-

major, Raymond Nardella,

dent of Pi Sigma Alpha, a

field hockey team, she

ing as captain for the last

’11, was president of the

national honor society for

served as captain in her

three. Her volunteer

Class of 2011 for four

political science.

senior year. She was also

efforts include tutoring at

years. He also served as

weekly reading sessions

vice president of the Beta

Jennifer Peterson, ’11,

chapter of Psi Chi, a nation-

with the New Haven

Mu Sigma Fraternity, vice

majored in elementary

al psychology honor society.

Public School System.

president of the College

education and psychology.

Fellow honoree,

a member of Southern’s

n n

Grant Supports Environmental Research Traveling aboard a research boat in New Haven harbor last summer, Southern stu-

Making Music The Music

Department has unveiled

dents performed a “ponar grab,” using a claw-like tool to pull up sediment from the bot-

a cutting-edge electronic

tom. The samples were later tested for metal contamination — one example of the environ-

music studio that enables

mental research being conducted through the Center for Coastal and Marine Studies

students to create digital

(CCMS) at Southern.

music, as well as record

Significantly forwarding such research, the Werth Family Foundation has renewed

music. Located in

its support of the CCMS with a $250,000 grant, to be awarded over a five-year period. The

Engleman Hall, it is the

contribution builds on a previous $170,000 grant from the foundation made in 2006.

only studio of its kind in the area.

The studio is designed to serve a variety of needs: a large area is designed primarily for software-based music, while a smaller space is used for recording actual instruments and voice. The space also can be used for audio journalism. The facility is outfitted with the latest equipment, including 17 workstations, all specifically designed for audio production.

During a recent boat trip, environmental studies students demonstrated research techniques to members of the Werth Family Foundation. The foundation renewed its support of the Center for Coastal and Marine Studies at Southern with a $250,000 grant.

The CCMS, a Connecticut State University System center, focuses on coastal and

The Stutzman Family Foundation, represented by Walter Stutzman, made a generous gift to

marine research and education along Connecticut’s urbanized coast and harbors. Support

establish and support the

from the Werth Family Foundation funds student research stipends, the use of boats, chemi-

new studio. Walter

cals, and other supplies. The foundation also has made it possible for the center to acquire

Stutzman, who retired in

state-of-the-art equipment used to conduct its research.

2005 from a career in soft-

Peter Werth, along with his wife, Pam, established the Werth Family Foundation in 2000 to support educational, cultural, and medical-related causes throughout Connecticut.

4 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

ware consulting, went on to earn a degree in music

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:25 AM Page 5

[ABOVE] Walter Stutzman participates in a ribboncutting ceremony for the new electronic music studio while Interim President Stanley F. Battle looks on. The Stutzman Family Foundation made a generous gift to support and establish the new studio.

from Southern in 2009 and has been teaching at the university.

The Stutzman Family Foundation has made previous gifts to the

s

outhern students provide more than

120,000

hours of community service annually through volunteerism,

Music Department. A prior

internships, and coursework requirements. In recognition of these

contribution, given in

efforts, Southern was included on the U.S. President’s Higher

memory of Stutzman’s

Education Community Service Honor Roll.

parents, Geraldine and

C

onstruction is underway on the future home of the School

Jacob Stutzman, established the Southern

of Business — a state-of-the-art facility to be created by renovating Southern’s former student center. Once

Applied Music Program,

23,000

which provides free weekly

completed, the

private voice or instrument

redesigned School of Business will house classrooms,

lessons to all declared

faculty offices, meeting rooms, a high-tech stock trading

music majors who meet

room, and the latest in technology.

academic standards.

The new studio is showcased in a short film

by Music Professor Mark Kuss showing seven months of construction in 59 seconds. Go to:

F

square foot

or 20 years, Southern has been a host site for the Connecticut Special Olympics, an event serving ranging in age from 8 – 70.

T

2,400

athletes,

he university’s Center for Communication Disorders provides a variety of speech, language, hearing, and advocacy services for

www.SouthernCT.edu/

children and adults. In 2010, the center served

news/newelectronicmu-

clients with a total of

sic_331/. A link to the film

3,622

410

contact hours.

is at the end of the story.

Fall 2011 | 5

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:25 AM Page 6

Campus

NEWS n

Southern Academy Launched A group of 25 fourth graders went back to school last summer, the first class to

n

Faculty Honors

Associate Professor of

attend Southern Academy, an innovative instructional program designed to improve literacy

Physics Elliott Horch

among local youth and help close the student achievement gap.

received the Connecticut State University System’s (CSUS) Norton Mezvinsky Trustees Research Award — bestowed annually upon one faculty member who teaches at one of the four CSUS campuses and conducts research of exceptional promise. (See page 7.)

Assistant Professor of Counseling and School Psychology Misty Ginicola

A group of students from three New Haven elementary schools comprised the first class at Southern Academy this summer.

The intensive five-week program, which ended the first week of August, includes students from three New Haven elementary schools — King-Robinson International Baccalaureate Magnet, Lincoln-Bassett, and Beecher Interdistrict Museum Magnet School of Arts and Sciences. The students spent their mornings focusing

Assistant Professor Misty Ginicola

on reading and vocabulary instruction, with math, social studies, and science incorporated into the lessons. During the afternoons, students participated in art, drama, physical educa-

is the recipient of a univer-

tion, field trips, and other cultural activities.

sity-level Trustees Teaching

Lessons were taught primarily by Southern graduate students, under the direction of

Award. The awards are

Nancy Boyles, Southern professor of special education and reading. In addition, volunteers

presented to faculty mem-

provided one-on-one instruction as needed. Each student used a laptop computer, provid-

bers who have distin-

ed courtesy of Dell.

guished themselves as

Southern’s James Barber, ’64, M.S. ’79, director of student supportive services, and

outstanding educators.

Marvis Brown-Arnold, ’88, M.S. ’91, 6th Yr. ’05, director of the university’s Connecticut

Associate Professor of

Collegiate Awareness and Preparation Program (ConnCAP), serve as co-coordinators of

Psychology Deborah

Southern Academy.

Carroll is the recipient

While the first summer component of the program has ended, the academy is a

of the J. Philip Smith

year-round program. The students will visit the university regularly throughout the year and

Outstanding Teaching

participate in field trips.

Award. In addition to

Plans call for the academy to expand each year, eventually reaching 200 students and including multiple grade levels.

6 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

teaching undergraduate and graduate courses for

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:25 AM Page 7

Associate Professor of Physics Elliott Horch

Recent Accolades: Received the Connecticut State University System’s (CSUS) Norton Mezvinsky Trustees Research Award — presented annually to a faculty member who teaches at one of the four CSUS campuses and conducts research of exceptional promise.

Area of Expertise: Highly regarded in the field of astronomy for his optics research.

B.A., University of Chicago; M.S., Yale University; Ph.D., Stanford University.

Seeing Stars: Developed a cuttingedge telescopic attachment that enables astronomers to see images of distant stars with a crispness that is up to 20 times better than ever before.

This Differential Speckle Survey Instrument is located at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Tucson, Ariz.

Other honors: Platinum recipient of the 2009 Connecticut Quality Improvement Award Innovation Prize.

Fall 2011 | 7

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:25 AM Page 8

Campus

NEWS

Associate Professor Deborah Carroll

n the Psychology Department and the Honors College, she served as director of

In the Community On April 9, more than 350 students took part in The Big Event, an annual day

of service benefiting the local community.

The event demonstrates Southern’s long-held commitment to the community.

the Writing-Across-the-

On April 28, the university received the Richard Manware Community Champion

Curriculum program in

Award from the Coordinating Council for Children in Crisis (CCCC), a nonprofit

2008-10.

organization committed to child abuse prevention. The award recognizes Southern’s

Associate Professor of

participation in the annual Adopt-A-Family Food Drive, which benefits CCCC.

Psychology Kate Marsland [ABOVE] Students worked in the campus community garden and at 21 sites around New Haven during The Big Event, an annual day of service.

English Steven Corbett has received the Technological Teacher of the Year Award.

Corbett was recognized for his commitment to using technology to enhance student learning.

On the Web

Associate Professor Kate Marsland



is the first recipient of the Outstanding Faculty



Academic Advising Award.

In addition to advising more than 60 students each semester, she serves psychology honor society.

8 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

For several weeks last summer Guatemala was home to a group of Southern students who took part in an international field study in public health led by Professors William Faraclas and Deborah Flynn. University Photographer Isabel Chenoweth accompanied the group, capturing their journey in a photo blog found at http://scsuphotoadventures.tumblr.com/.

out Southern’s photo albums, featuring thousands of  Check shots from a wide variety of happenings, including commence-

as the adviser to the Psi Chi Assistant Professor of

Southern offers numerous study abroad opportunities, including short-term summer programs to Guatamala, Iceland, Italy, Paris, Spain, and China. Art Professor Camille Serchuk and Associate Professor of Art Thuan Vu wrote home about students’ summer in Paris at: www.SouthernCT.edu/news/summerinparis_353/

Assistant Professor Steven Corbett

ment, athletics events, and visits from celebrity greats such as Bill Cosby, John Legend, and Apolo Ohno. Click the “Photo Albums” link on Southern’s home page at: www.SouthernCT.edu.

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:25 AM Page 9

Meet South Student Athern’s lete

sport shorts n

Amanda Thomas

Standout Year for Southern Sports It was banner year for athletics at Southern, which

was ranked number 25 out of more than 300 NCAA Division II institutions of higher learning in the Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup standings — the university’s highest ranking ever. The Owls have now finished among the top20 percent of colleges and universities in each

Junior Women’s Swimming and Diving Team Exercise Science Major with a concentration in Human Performance

of the last five years.

The competition recognizes broad-based athletics excellence.

n

Claims to fame: The Division II national champion in the 200-yard individual medley, finishing with a time of 2:00.88, just .32 seconds less

Track Champions!

than the NCAA record. Other achievements at the

It was history in the making for the men’s outdoor

national championship include finishing second in the

track and field team, which captured first place at the New

200 butterfly and the 400 individual medley, and fourth

England Championship for the first time ever. It was a strong

in the 200 backstroke. Also an All American in four

victory for the Owls, who finished 23.5 points ahead of sec-

events and named the 2011 Northeast-10 Conference

ond-place finisher Northeastern University. Southern senior

Swimmer of the Year and the Most Outstanding

Diwani Augustine took home first place at the event in the

Performer of the league championships.

triple jump, with a mark of 49 feet, 9.75 inches. He also won first in the long jump (24 feet, 3.5 inches). In all, ten Owls earned All-New England honors on the final day of the competition, which was hosted by Southern in May.

n

Owls Baseball Flying High The Owls started the 2010-11 season with a bang,

winning their first 22 games — a program record for both best start to a season and longest winning streak. The powerhouse team maintained its dominance, closing the year ranked number four in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper and the College Baseball Lineup polls. The Owls finished the 2011 season with a 45-9-1 record (win, loss, tie) — setting a single-season record for victories. Other team highlights included winning their first game ever in the College World

Most proud of: Winning the national title. “I didn’t think I would actually get it; I was inspired.”

Diving in: Started swimming at the age of 6; began competing between the ages of 7 and 8.

Family affair: Followed suit when her older sister and cousin started swimming. Her twin sister, Ashley, dives for Southern.

Inspiration: Swam for SoNoCo Swim Club at age 12 with Southern’s Coach Tim Quill. “I wanted to come to Southern so I could swim for Quill.”

Support: “My family comes to every single meet. We base our schedules around swimming.”

Balancing the student with the athlete: “Growing up

Series, finishing first in New England, and winning the

swimming teaches you a lot, like how to manage your

Northeast-10 Conference regular season title for the second

time and schedule.”

consecutive year. There were individual record setters as well. Senior pitcher Michael Johnston finished the year

Pre-meet ritual: Listens to Eminem

ranked first in the nation with 16

Hobbies: Drawing and photography

saves — a Southern record.

Other sports she enjoys: Running and weight training

For more sports news, visit www.SouthernCTOwls.com.

Career aspirations: To become a personal trainer or nutritionist

By Kaitlin Randall, ’11 Fall 2011 | 9

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:25 AM Page 10

By Vill ia

10 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Struyk

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:25 AM Page 11

n Oct. 14, 1960 at the pre-daw n hour of 2 A delivered an im .M., then-Sen promptu cam ator John F. K paign speech ennedy University of , ch allenging stud Michigan to d en ts at the edicate two ye developing co ars of their liv untries. Addre es to helping ssing thousan “How many of people in ds of cheerin you, who are g students, Ken going to be d Technicians or n ed oc y asked, to rs, are willing engineers, how to spend your m an y d ay of spend your liv s in Ghana? you are willin es traveling ar g to work in th ound the wor e Fo re ig n Se rvice and ld?”

His call to acti on soon took root. On March tion, Presiden 1, 1961, within t Kennedy esta weeks of his in blished the Pe in-law, R. Sarg ac augurae Corps on a pilo ent Shriver, as t b as is it , s n am fi rs in t d g ir his brotherously basic an ector. The Peac d profound: to e Corps’ core mission was si promote peace volunteers for multaneand friendship countries requ around the w esting assistan or ld by p ro ce viding .

For many, the prospect of se rving others ov few months th erseas was ca e agency had ptivating. Wit received abou 1961, the first hin the first t 11 ,0 00 completed ap group of 51 vo plications. On lunteers arrive August 30, d in Ghana to During the la serve as teach st five decades er s. , more than 20 Corps, workin 0,000 Americ g in 139 coun ans have join tr ie s to d ate. Southern ed the Peace with at least 66 alumni are in having volunt cluded in this eered. United lot who brough select group, in their comm t vastly differe itment to serv nt skills to th ic e, they are a d eir highly uniq iverse Consider spec ue Peace Corp ial education s’ assignments. m ajor, Judith A. dren, fulfilled Harper, ’76, w a long-held d ho, after raisin esire to travel school teacher to g her chilA fr ic a.

From 2004-0 s at a governm 8, she taught ent college in el em the Republic entary In contrast, M of Namibia. inette Junkin s, ’93, joined th worked in Cos e Peace Corps ta Rica as a ch soon after grad ild developm of idealism an uation and en t vo lunteer from d a longing fo 1994 to 1996. r adventure, I “H Junkins. “The av ing a sense looked into se Peace Corps fi veral public se t exactly what rv ic e p ro je cts,” says I was looking In honor of th for.” e Peace Corps’ 50th anniversa other Souther ry, Harper, Ju n alumni shar nkins, and a n ed p h ot og raphs and wri organization umber of — helping ot tten memorie hers and mak s of their tim e ing friends ar with the ound the wor ld. n

Fall 2011 | 11

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:25 AM Page 12

nkins, ’93 Minette Ju sta Rica, 1994-96 o Served in C

r four Southern fo to d te u m s, ’93, Having com tte Junkin e in M , e m o living at h dence nd indepen years while a re tu n ve ging for ad Costa recalls lon nd both in u fo e h S . n raduatio ducation following g childhood e y rl a e r e h y. ing on l communit Rica, draw h the loca it w rk o w to background rural Lepanto, a e d o c n la B Cabo residents.

Home was about 400 d n a d a ro d one road, it ha town with it have one id d ly n o rc chu h, “Not e car, one n o , e n o h p one tele school one store, two-room e n o d n a , field ht,” says one soccer through eig e n o s e d ra house for g nteer, she pment volu lo ve e Junkins. d d o o m in agea childh guiding the s, ie Working as il m fa l velop loca to help de n ng with 30 o ti e t e n e m w y b e h began ildren, ctivities. S rved 50 ch ucational a se d e t a te th a ri m p gra appro ucation pro and activity ve early ed ti ra e p o workshops o c d a le o ls a d he nd under. S d coordinate classes, an six years a sh li g n E ght weekly groups, tau acher Spanish te orts. l ff o e o h g in sc is ry ra nta fund ss she is an eleme rgarten cla e d Today, she in k e h T , Conn. sta Rica in Madison blish in Co a st e d e lp he operate. continues to

12 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

STEVE KAUTZ, ’88 Served in the Czech Republic, 1995-98

Sloužil v Česká republika

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:25 AM Page 13

As a heal th promot er with t Patricia he Peace Lott, ’91 Corps, , lived a which mea n d w o r ked in Mb ns “littl ocaya-i, e coconut official ” in Guar languages ani, one of Paragu of the Spanish.) ay. (The other is “At one p oint ther e were pr trees, bu obably ma t most ha ny coconu d b e e n slashed t way for t and burne he cash c d to make r o ps,” note miles fro s Lott. L m a major ocated se driving r veral running w o u te, Mboca ater or e y a i l h e a ctricity. d no well, was “We drew hed cloth water fro e s i n m a the river the open , and sat fire on t a h r e o und kitchen f light at loor for night!” w heat and r i t e s Lott. “Pe tle in ma ople had terial po very litssessions play a me . But the an game o y k n e w how to f Bingo.”

Lott work ed with l eaders in community the small to delive farming r h e a lth educa addition tion prog to teachi r a n ms. In g young sch oral hygi ool child ene and n r e n about utrition, with a sa she helpe nitary la d the com t r i munity ne constr maternal uction pr and child o j e c t and a health pr ogram.

Today, Lo tt is the owner of Acupunctu Community re of Tow s o n . “ N ext year years of I will co living,” mplete 50 she write birthday s. “I cel in Mbocay ebrated m a-i, Para y 25th guay. My plan is t o take continue d on pag e 35

’88 the first group of Peace Corps volunteers to serve in Central and Eastern Europe departed for Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Slovak Republic. Five years later — six years after the Velvet Revolution ended 40 years of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia — Steve Kautz, ’88, was assigned to Blatna in the Czech

In 1990, ika

Republic, a small town of about 6,000 located some 60 miles from Prague.

As a business development volunteer, he wore many hats. Kautz taught and served as a curriculum adviser at a local vocational high school that was transitioning from an agricultural focus to an economics and business education program. He also worked as an adviser to the district chamber of commerce and taught marketing at Southern Bohemia University. And then there was his side project: working with a local baseball and softball program. (“Blatna translates into ‘Mudville,’ which was fantastic and fitting . . . ,” notes Kautz.)

Home was the high school dormitory, located next to a 14th century castle and an enclosed English-style park with tree-lined carriage roads. “I spent continued on page 35

Fall 2011 | 13

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:26 AM Page 14

.A. ’77 M , s m illia c of Malawi, W n n Ly ubli 83 1980Karen d in The Rep

ha Rial

art PHOTO: M

Serve

wi, f Mala o c i l b Repu ht com in The broug d , , e n n e o s v i te ir on stat ht the and, S g b teers s u n o u u r l h b o ld o er rps v ey als n wou , and h ace Co nt. Th t Kare e .A. ’77 a h m M As Pe t n , t i e s g c si cr iiam perien the as many x o n Will r e t e n h h n y c o f L i i o r d—a Karen mpass ,” one ear ol Home and co y s t a a n t e W e a y mitm Africa red at as not untee “When l who w o , n ol r i v e r t h n e e c P as o s lat Kare oks. o r . t o r a b o d e t e y ’s c o gn en on as a d n assi childr draw ge. orked as the aimed w w l c n d c angua e n l a v a d e y , l t n s l S o a h c ise a sec ont lawi, s to ra ine m h as a u n s In Ma i r lay. l r o g o f f n eaf dE lace or to p d n p o a l e d u h e e f t r r h u t de l for literat ing to a won schoo h the ching n com ways a e e r y t d n , l wi wit i s a a l h y m c a o b n 0 M i d.

15 in for a was worke nting s born u n a o e e c v “Afric w e e , r t r S n, e of lif he where ristop he pac s Kare l h T y a . a C t i g s , p n n i ,” s o t family the ho in wri cond s ence terest her se spond wife in n , e i d r i 1 r and d 8 l o m 9 e c l In 1 ticles ng-h in a loca r o l l a l a o t f ’s r s o n r n e fi re ance e. Her ed Ka ded to assist still in spurr e deci eratur h t a i s c i L d e was r f ’s n h A s a n , e e i l r i w d l h a of Chi ren w n Mal r child ower i stitute o f n I s e e h n was sl tinued azi gh t en con n mag throu i r e a d s ory, e K r h , u co 983 The st ublis .

1 p d n e e i r h s e lis te sw ed Sta as pub storie inbow to,” w e Unit o h t m i o ng Ra l i t . a d a g G a c ge 35 n i “ e i r , f n R A ook on pa tur ea b e d r m t e s a u n r c i n o e f i b r Up cont frica, 90 he en in A d in 19 r n d a l i g h c writin ade by toy m a t u abo

14 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:26 AM Page 15

Judith A. Harper, ’76

of Namibia, 2004-08 ic bl pu Re e th in ed rv Se •

Pied Piper by around ten Harper spent of the children, up a several months of her t had a hill to a latrine tha training period living on . When “I been built for me traditional homestead. en the ich I proceeded to op lived with a family wh tin door, it fell to the had 17 members, 14 of ground. There were no them school age,” she d hinges! The builder ha recounts. “We had no never hung a door.” electricity, no running Harper went on shing flu no , ter wa y ntr populated, desert cou to teach and mentor d cooked over an s, let toi in e nc gained independe elementary school en fire each night. op an s wa it , sly 1990. Previou teachers at one of s One early highlight wa uth So r de un d governe continued on page 35 the . being followed like tem sys id he art ap a’s Afric

After raising her r, children, Judith Harpe ’76, set her sights on fulfilling a dream of e traveling to Africa. Sh was assigned to the Republic of Namibia, a nation in the midst of transition. The sparsely

Q

Dary l Sm Serve ith, ’8 Dom di 3 in

n ican R epubl the ic, 19 83-8 6

When D then a recen aryl Smith, ’83, tly major, joine graduated geography d th imagined se e Peace Corps, he rving in Afr ica. he was acce pted as a fre Instead, shw eries volunte er and assig ater fishn ed to the Dominican Republic.

Home b “As a young an agricultu ase was Jarabacoa, ral commun r e c ently gradua , ambitious, ity of about 13,000 loc ate felt that I ha ted college student, I crossed by th d in a large valley d so much to ree o ed by moun rivers and surround- people who I would be ffer the tains. “It wa w o r in king with the Dominic s the gatewa to Pico Dua a n R e p y u rte,” notes S blic,” he writes. “In r mit highest mou ntain peak in h, “the offer them eality, I had very little to th Caribbean, o so many oth e whole It was th ther than my friendship e Dominica er P Corps volun ns themselve . teers and oth eace w h o d id s a ll o er passed throu gh town and tourists of their w f the offering, going ou t ay to accom sta night or two modate me, at my little c yed a a n d te a ching me the asi Smith used mo a Honda 12 ta.” le ss o n s o f my life, ma st valuable 5 dirt bike to reach the ru ny that I stil ral adhere to to l where he wo mountain villages day.” rked.

After co Corps assign mpleted his Peace ment, Smith earned a continued o n page 35 Fall 2011 | 15

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:26 AM Page 16

PHOTO: courtesy of the

Peace Corps

as in nsen w e J , r e t a fell — Years l in Wall l r e B e h he when t ply to t t e p s r p a i o e f r r , u 4 o 9 t E n, ’ pired sent to l, w Jense was ins he was Senega , d n 5 n i 9 a Matthe s 9 p 1 r eace Co orps. In the Peace C in the P d mud-stove d e v each at r t e s for o e s t t p c a u u i o stitute cond men ’s gr n r I e n A e h n e m a r o k e wh s for w varzha ized ity of g classe Manka o organ in the c s l g tated a n i d n i n buildin by es a n devas r tra e g e d e a e h l b c l c i n a d v e a a t hich h ject fin killed in seven ing pro ived in adzor, w thquake that l g n g e i a V d H . l s l r re ce a we sses we of 1988 ea ef Servi a e i e l l g h C e t a . l R l 0 y i c 0 b v i ,0 elief im Cathol ated 25 ed by r ng a Musl i m d , i i t o m v s s r o s e r a o f p n N a ng railer Peanut Samba t in a t l buildi ty,” says eople.“ o h i o p g v i h u t 0 c c a s 0 t a 5 e nomic about ince th a aged. ajor eco encies s lly dam ut with g m a h a r e d u h t t u c s m u wa in a ed str of the o-room “I lived remain pound m g o c in a tw e d Jensen. h e t m v runnin i n a l i m f n i roo nse an oradic e d J o p e s s l h c a h t t u s i a o w o h rs a th wa rtment e had n “A few ef who . a i y W p h . t i c ] a c r i e e r g t d c tes. A a villa and ele ,” he no gious le icity but lived k i r l e e e t e r a w w m d i electr [Musl only g a goo ater or ’s wives y durin red the f w e a e f i d g f h o n i c r n e e h ers at run he wint e, rice, rtably.T sene he c o T o f u r “ . e a m s d k o l c t o tain ec anu quite from th e in this moun e . . . pe f m e i r l e o f r ts r cooked e ate lo tty seve h ...”

W e s “ r i . f p n d e e e s r i we dr ys Jen d millet, nity,” sa ets and pickle commu e b d n age a of cabb items.”

of the courtesy PHOTO: 16 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

rps Peace Co

Albania Antigua Armenia Barbuda Belize Bolivia Botswana Cape Verde Central Africa n Republic Chad China Costa Rica Czech Republic Dominica Dominican Repu blic Ecuador El Salvador Estonia Gabon Signs Ghana Peace rn alumni e Grenada South rved in se Haiti g n have i ollow Ho f nd uras e h t as ries Jamaica count orps C Kazakhstan Peace ers. e t n u Kenya vol Lesotho Mali Malawi Micronesia Mauritania Moldova Morocco Namibia Nepal Nevis Nicaragua Niger Panama Paraguay Romania St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Vincent and the Grenad ines Sao Tome Senegal Solomon Island s South Africa Sri Lanka Swaziland Tanzania Thailand Togo Uganda Ukraine Zaire Zambia Zambabwe

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:26 AM Page 17

Yvonne Marshall-Bradley, ’87, M.S.W. ’97 , dley, ’87 shall-Bra r a Corps M e e c n a Yvon a Pe e m a c e b r 7, oon afte M.S.W. ’9 ta Rica s s o C l ia in c o r in s voluntee Served in ’s degree r e t s a a m n for o m m earning a o Costa Rica, c is think it coming a e b f o 1998-2000 work. “I m rea rker to d says. social wo eer,” she t n lu o nato v s rp al Patro c lo roups, tment of e Peace Co h t with ’s Depar esteem g a ic lf R e s a t d s e Working o facilitat ncia — C ities.

-Bradley e la Infa ool activ ll d h a l c h s a s r n r a io e c t M a good af Na — Families ho owned children’s w d n d y a n il a n m , e a r ls f gir t road ge Child y. “A dir ith a lar rams for g ir w o a r e d p id d s n ls in a il n d up nta life-sk plantatio ou walke on a mou y e e d s f e a f v o li s c t e cal Sh tree to a ne the s razu, a lo ed next I li t a n c ld a u lo lc o , o w d n s view of V Kennedy ften cow deal of la ffered a resident o me and o P o m h t o a r o h r u t d o e y led to s, the da lls. Her b she reca rly sixtie a ” e l, il e h h t e in th h a large erupted iking wit h t a is h t e o m n p in a for volca them jum ands out g untry. t o in s c h t c e s t o h a t m w hat visited pick tain and erience t trees to my moun b f o m li “The exp p c o t d n to the re so d ball, a children ildren we a deflate h c h e it ature h w T group of “ r e socc dley. h with n a c y r u B la o p t ll , a in ll h a s waterf were so otes Mar ything.” me. They or me,” n o f t s d e o in g about an k n d in l worker n ma la a p l, m u ual socia atef ey co r g h g in t , il g b id in d l a m r o welco sed clinic prived, n is a licen r felt de e y v le e d n a r d n B a arshallols.

Today, M blic Scho u P n e v a H with New

Served in the Commonwealth of Dominica, 1996-98

volunteering in onths traveling and aving spent three m arthy, ’95, tion, Kimberlee McC ua ad gr er aft ica er Central Am ned the r experience. She joi ee nt lu vo m ter glon was ready for a alth of Dominica d to the Commonwe ne sig as s wa d an s Peace Corp bean” for its re Island of the Carib atu “N e th as n ow kn — also ty. and unspoiled beau picturesque scenery both schools a health educator in McCarthy worked as out HIV, s, teaching locals ab er nt ce h alt he ity un and comm alth issues. She d other important he an s, ete ab di , ion ns hyperte outdoor ovided funding for pr at th ts an gr t en also helped implem sting bins. latrines and compo th were very ople who I worked wi pe n ica in m Do he “T ” she says. “I was d its natural beauty, an try un co eir th of of proud o were appreciative unded by people wh rro su be to te na tu for d a hand.” re always there to len our services and we ess teacher ly a health and welln nt rre cu is y th ar cC M ent g with the Departm llaborative,” workin Co he “T for r to na di coor e working with Massachusetts. “I lov in s ice rv Se h ut Yo of about educating , “and am passionate ys sa e sh ” h. ut yo incarcerated ions that not only make healthier decis to em th g rin we po and em unities.” families and comm eir th t bu , em th ct impa Fall 2011 | 17

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:26 AM Page 18

The Plant it Forward, Southern’s new urban agriculture demonstration project, includes a garden and an orchard, with plans in place for an outdoor classroom, a greenhouse, a vineyard, and more.

By Betsy Currier Beacom and Villia Struyk eavy buckets of water in hand, graduate students Sandy Hudson and Carrie Hawkins, ’08, trekked down the steep hill behind Morrill Hall on a warm spring day. Their destination: the new organic orchard they helped plant on campus with the guidance of Victor Triolo, associate professor emeritus of information and library science and an experienced horticulturist.

“It was our Laura Ingalls Wilder moment,” says Hawkins, of their earliest efforts to water the fruit trees.

She and Hudson, both science teachers at Mark T. Sheehan High School in Wallingford, Conn., are enrolled in Southern’s Master of Science program in environmental education. They signed on to work on the orchard — which incorporates intensive agricultural techniques designed to grow more fruit in less space — to fulfill their major’s special project requirement.

From March through late August when they returned to teaching, the graduate students joined Triolo in the orchard, working up to 25 hours a week. Both say it was a labor of love — one that will greatly enhance their work as high school educators.

“We do a big section on global awareness, during which we talk extensively about sustainability,” says Hudson. “I will have much more to bring to the table.”

Hawkins, who teaches a general science course for freshman as well as earth science, concurs: “Many aspects of our work in the orchard — including soil and water testing — will be pertinent to what we are teaching. I also serve as the co-adviser of an environmental club at Sheehan. We have talked about starting an orchard at the school.”

At the university, the organic orchard is part of the multifaceted Sustainable Southern — Plant it Forward Initiative, an urban agricultural demonstration project.

Urban agriculture refers to farming within a city environment, be it in backyards, on rooftops, or in community gardens or other public spaces.

18 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

On campus, plans call for the agricultural areas to be based behind Davis, Jennings, Morrill, and Engleman halls, and around the pond and the baseball field.

In addition to the orchard, the Plant it Forward Initiative also includes an organic community garden, which was started on campus several years ago by the Environmental Futurists, a student club focused on sustainability. Today, the garden includes plots available to members of the Southern community and a larger section that was farmed this year by Megan Rudne, ’10, a graduate intern with Residence Life, and graduate student James Hoffecker, ’10. As the project moves forward and the garden becomes more productive, the goal is to harvest a portion of the vegetables and give them to a local shelter.

Future plans call for the additions of a vineyard, an outdoor classroom, and an apiary. Several other enhancements also are in the works: a new greenhouse to be built adjacent to the garden this fall, an irrigation system for the orchard, and benches by the pond to encourage the community to enjoy the space.

Plant it Forward was initiated by several faculty members — Susan Cusato, associate professor of science education and environmental studies; Patrick Heidkamp, assistant professor of geography; and Suzanne Huminski, instructor of environmental studies. The three attended a conference organized by

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:26 AM Page 19

Greening Campus The American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, signed by former Southern president Cheryl J. Norton in 2007, has influenced nearly all aspects of campus life, resulting in increased energy efficiency, enhanced recycling activities, reduction of resource use, and student and faculty educational involvement. Following are a few examples of efforts to create an ecologically sound campus. For more information, the American Association of Sustainability in Higher Education and were inspired by campus agriculture projects at other universities.

“We envisioned the existing garden to be a catalyst for a larger project,” says Heidkamp. With support from Interim President Stanley F. Battle, Plant it Forward was born.

Enter Triolo, who for decades had longed to launch an agricultural project on campus that would forward the university’s mission of serving the urban community. “I was interested in growing fruit trees in very limited areas using intensive agricultural techniques,” he says. “People could learn from our work and consider growing fruit trees in their own small yards or community spaces.” He volunteered to help create an organic orchard.

The emphasis on urban agriculture is timely. In 2008, for the first time ever, the world’s population was evenly split between urban and rural areas, according to the Population Reference Bureau. The number of people living in urban areas is

continues on page 35

∂

o o o

go to: www.SouthernCT.edu/campus_sustainability/ .

Southern offers minors in environmental studies and marine studies and graduate programs in science education and environmental education.

Operational since 2003, Southern’s Campus Energy Center, which heats nearly the entire campus, runs on ultra-low sulfur fuel and heats the university 40 percent more efficiently than the system it replaced.

High-efficiency lighting (LED and T-8 fluorescent) and motion detecting on/off switches throughout many campus buildings have created substantial energy efficiency gains. Though initially more expensive to purchase and install, LED and fluorescent lighting are typically 60-80 percent more efficient than

o

incandescent lighting.

The Office of Residence Life has instituted numerous initiatives to create a greener campus. Among them? Installing only water-saving shower heads; painting residence hall rooms with zero-VOC, low odor, and silica-free latex

o

paints; and recycling batteries, bulbs, and fluorescent lights.

Even commencement has gone green. Graduation gowns are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles.

Southern has a historic tie to agriculture. In 1947, 37 acres were purchased from the Farnham family to create what was then a new campus on Crescent Street. The land was previously a working farm that a century ago grew primarily

µ

strawberries and corn.

The community garden includes organic tomatoes, squash, broccoli, radishes, peas, beans, and more.

[LEFT] The orchard uses several intensive agricultural techniques designed to grow more fruit in less space. This includes cordon fruit trees, which have a smaller rootstock and are grown at an angle. Triolo notes that the cordon fruit trees at Southern are planted about four feet apart — less than half the space that is commonly used in traditional planting methods.

µ

In one section of the orchard, apple trees are planted in an experimental helix—shaped pattern reminiscent of DNA. The design was envisioned by Victor Triolo, associate professor emeritus of information and library science, who was inspired by a painting by Professor of Art Mia Brownell that incorporated fruit and a double-helix pattern. A total of 44 trees can be planted in the space — 22 in each connecting oval. “We’re not sure how it will work yet,” says Triolo. “We’re able to brainstorm different ideas and test them. That’s one of the benefits of the orchard.”

Fall 2011 | 19

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:27 AM Page 20

Paintball. Philosophy. Pre-law. Psychology.

With about 65 campus clubs, Southern invites students to explore their interests and expand their horizons.

Q

n September 1, 1924, J. Laurence Meader was named principal of New Haven State Normal School, which would later become Southern Connecticut State University. Meader was a firm believer in providing students with a balanced education, one that would promote “the harmonious and simultaneous development of all the powers of the student — physical, mental, social, aesthetic, vocational . . . .”

With this goal in mind, he encouraged the creation of the Student Cooperative Government Association in 1927. All students were automatically members of the group, which was launched, in part, to promote school spirit and help organize social events.

A number of other clubs were founded at about the same time. The Art, Drama, and Glee Clubs invited students to explore their talents, while literaryminded students could join the Reading Club. Another popular offering, the Thrift Club, promoted the benefits of saving money and spending wisely. Members operated a Christmas bazaar, established an emergency loan program for students, and gave public readings of “thrift stories and thrift poems.” The Women’s Athletic Association, a favorite among the students, ran volleyball, basketball, tennis, and baseball competitions — sometimes pitting classmates against faculty.

Meader expected every student to join at least one club — and a poem printed in the 1928 Laurel yearbook hints that most enjoyed the new focus on extracurricular activities: “We’ve taken our fun where we’ve found it; We’ve worked and we’ve played in our time: We’ve had our picking of clubs, and All of the lot were prime.”

Clubs remain a cornerstone of the student experience at Southern today. Some, including the Society of Physics Enthusiasts, the Chemistry Club, and the Environmental Futurists, have been recognized for excellence at the city, state, and/or national levels. The accompanying photos show just a few of the university’s past J. Laurence Meader and current clubs.

Principal Meader would undoubtedly approve.

S

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:27 AM Page 21

New Haven State Teachers College Band

Dramatic Club

American Life Club 1939

The Steppin’ Up Drill Team

The Karate Club

Q

The Chemistry Club

Sources: The Laurel student yearbooks and “Southern Connecticut State University, A Centennial History” by Thomas J. Farnham.

Fall 2011 | 21

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:27 AM Page 22

By Natalie Missakian

W

Former football standout, Thomas Madigan, ’98, stays in the game when it comes to supporting his alma mater.

hen Thomas Madigan, ’98,

was a kid, he dreamed of attending a big Division I-A football school like Michigan or Notre Dame. A Massachusetts native, he had never heard of Southern or the Owls. But today he is one of the team’s biggest fans and supporters.

Madigan says he fell in love with Southern the first time he visited campus during a high school recruiting trip.

“The whole [football] team from freshman up to seniors welcomes you with open arms. Everybody is family from the moment you walk in the door,” Madigan says.

When an offer of nearly a full scholarship followed, Madigan made the decision to commit to Southern in the fall. He didn’t change his mind, even when several other New England schools tried to recruit him after he had made his decision.

“I’m a pretty loyal person. If I tell someone I’m doing something, I’m doing it,” says the former four-year starter, who grew up in Lowell, Mass. “It was actually the best decision I ever made.”

The boy who grew up in a third-floor city apartment now manages the finances of high-net-worth clients, including some 22 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

well-known professional athletes and coaches (he can’t name names), as vice president, investments, for UBS Financial Services Inc. He is managing partner in the Lelas/Madigan/Curtis Wealth Management Group at UBS, which manages about half a billion dollars in pension plans, 401K plans, and corporate assets.

While his business management degree from Southern opened the door to his career in the financial world, Madigan, 36, credits the football program with developing the values and work ethic he needed for success.

“Most successful people in this world had some sort of athletics background or have been part of a team,” Madigan says.“It brings out that camaraderie and knowing what it takes to get things done. You learn to step things up so you don’t disappoint anyone else.”

It made sense that when he reached the point in his life where he could give back to the university, he chose to focus on athletics. “Football is near and dear to my heart,” he explains. “I wouldn’t have gone to college if it wasn’t for football.”

Madigan lives nearby in Branford, Conn., and can often be seen cheering on the Owls during home games. He is just as vocal when it comes to convincing friends to support the team financially.

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:27 AM Page 23

“I don’t mind calling people up and telling people what I He also formed priceless friendships with his teammates give,’” says Madigan, who serves on the SCSU Foundation Board of that continue to this day. “Here it is almost 15 years out and I still Directors.“I know not everybody has the means. But there are peotalk to these guys a few times a month,” says Madigan. n ple who I’ve known for 20 years now who do very well financially. . . . A lot of them have been very generous.”

Seven years ago, he and fellow alumnus, Kenneth Steiner, ’97, started the Big Blue What started out as a reunion and tailgate party Crew, a group of former Southern football among old college friends has turned into a financial players and their wives who present a check boost for Southern’s football program. each year at Homecoming to the university.

The brainchild of Southern alumni, Thomas Madigan says a strong athletics proMadigan, ’98 and, Kenneth Steiner, ’97, the Big Blue gram benefits the entire Southern communiCrew raised $13,265 for the football program last year. ty. “The more success a team has, the more revenue The group, made up of former Southern football players and their wives, presented it’s going to generate for the whole school,” Madigan the money to Head Football Coach Rich Cavanaugh at last year’s Homecoming celebration. explains. “When the women’s basketball team won “We actually started it with four or five guys sitting on a cooler in the parking lot,” the [2007 Division II NCAA] national championship, recalls Steiner, of the group’s early days some seven years ago. that brought huge publicity to the school.”

The first year, Madigan and Steiner contacted some old teammates to plan a getAs for those dreams of attending a big-name together at Homecoming. Steiner had the idea to make a banner and allow former Owls’ football school? Madigan has no regrets. teammates to sign their names in exchange for a donation.

He says he enjoyed the diversity of an urban With the help of social media and through word of mouth, the endeavor grew. The campus. Southern is also where Madigan met his banner now boasts about 200 signatures, some from alumni who live a plane ride away. wife, Michelle Campise Madigan, ’97, a teacher at “We’ve gone from initially raising a few hundred dollars to raising over $13,000.

Troup Magnet School in New Haven. The couple is Hopefully that will go up every year,” says Madigan. expecting their first child in October.

While a donation is not required to

SOUTHERN

Supporting

TEAM PLAYERS

attend, most people give something, either by buying raffle tickets, writing a check, or filling out a donation card through the Alumni Association, says Steiner.

Madigan says the group’s long-term goal is to raise enough money to set up an endowed scholarship.

Meet the Big Blue Crew: former football players and their families who are committed to supporting Southern.

Fall 2011 | 23

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:27 AM Page 24

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

On April 30, the university recognized leadership-level donors at the first Celebration of Philanthropy. The event, held in the Michael J. Adanti Student Center, gave donors the opportunity to see the many benefits of their generosity, including the positive impact made on the 2010-11 scholarship recipients. Guests at the event included Interim President Stanley F. Battle, scholarship recipient Vanessa Langer, and scholarship donor Regina L. Barbaresi, ’51, and her granddaughter Jaime Hensel.

[FROM LEFT] Pictured at the event are Interim President Stanley F. Battle, scholarship donor Ceil Petrone, ’56, M.S. ’58, 6th Yr. ’72, scholarship recipient James Vizvary, and Ruth Petrone.

United in their love for Southern and a spectacular round of golf, alumni and friends participated in the SCSU Annual Golf Classic on May 24. The event was held at the award-winning Lake of Isles North Course at Foxwoods Resort and Casino. Highlights included a raffle for fabulous prizes.

Proceeds from the event support athletics programs and scholarships at Southern.

24 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:27 AM Page 25

Alumni and students explored the art of networking at “It’s Who You Know,” an informative, hands-on seminar led

by Tracy Knofla, ’82, of High Impact Training. The event, held in the Michael J. Adanti Student Center Grand Ballroom on February 9, included a “mocktail” party during which participants put what they learned into action.

The second annual Meet the Alumni Professionals Day took place on March 9, with several hundred students meeting with alumni from a wide variety of careers — including law, finance, law enforcement, nursing, business, art, information technology, theater, education, and more. Thanks goes out to the 55 alumni volunteers who met with students in a relaxed, café setting in the Michael J. Adanti Student Center.

The picturesque Sedgeley Club, Philadelphia’s only working lighthouse, was the setting for a Philadelphia Business After Hours held on April 6. [RIGHT] Alumni “Relations Director Michelle Johnston connects with Debra Shick, M.A. ’98, at the event. [FAR RIGHT] Sylvia Barclay, 6th Yr. ‘97, and Anne Howe, ’53, enjoy the gathering.

Fall 2011 | 25

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:27 AM Page 26

Alumni

NEWS Dear Southern Alumni, I am honored to have been elected to serve as president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors for the 2011-12 academic year. I will work diligently with alumni board members and volunteers, the Office of Alumni Relations staff, and university personnel to promote activities in support of alumni, the university, and Southern students and their families.

The board consists of 20 dedicated individuals who collaborate with the staff of the Office of Alumni Relations, fellow alumni, and university personnel. Our traditional programs each year are Homecoming; the Distinguished and Outstanding Alumni Awards; a Celebration of Philanthropy, where our student scholars have the opportunity to meet their scholarship donors; and cooperative sponsorship of the Distinguished Lecture Series.

In recent years, the Office of Alumni Relations has collaborated with the board to increase and enhance programming for its alumni with a focus on networking with each other and students. Under Michelle Johnston’s leadership, Alumni Relations has planned a variety of activities for the upcoming year. Programs include a wine tasting under the stars; an alumni cabaret called “The World Goes Round” and reception to benefit the Crescent Players Endowed Scholarship Fund; Alumni Professionals Day, where students meet one-on-one with alumni in their fields of interest; a variety of educational trips; reunions; and local and regional alumni networking events. To keep up to date on future events, check www.SouthernCT.edu/alumni/upcomingevents/.

If you are not currently a member, I urge you to join or renew your membership by contributing to the Annual Giving campaign currently in progress. A gift of $35 or more entitles you to membership in the Southern Alumni Association for one calendar year. You may have already received a request. If not, you may make a gift online at www.SouthernCT.edu/supportsouthern/ or by returning the gift envelope enclosed in this issue.

I look forward to an interesting and rewarding year. Hopefully, I will see you at one or more of our events!

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Hugh S. Cafferty, ’69, M.S. ’70, 6th Yr. ’76 President Alumni Association Board of Directors

Cafferty was the director of pupil services in Regional School District #17 from 1978 until his retirement in 2000. A veteran of the United States Air Force, he previously taught special education at the elementary and high school levels in Wallingford and Clinton, Conn. In addition to serving as president, he was vice president and secretary of the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

26 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:27 AM Page 27

n

New Board Members Elected The Alumni Association welcomes six new members

who will serve through 2014. Four were reelected after completing the previous term and were spotlighted in previous issues of the alumni magazine: Hugh S. Cafferty, ’69, M.S. ’70, 6th Year ’76; John F. Mastrianni, ’66, M.S. ’73; Kathy Glinka Coyle, ’74, M.S. ’78, 6th Yr. ’81; and Phoebe

SCSU Alumni Association Board of Directors

Donehoo Browning, ’04, M.B.A. ’05.

One of two newly elected board members, Stephen J. Koestner, ’69, is the corporate inventory control manager

Hugh S. Cafferty, ’69, M.S. ’70, 6th Yr. ’76, President Robert D. Parker, ’76, Vice President Marybeth Heyward Fede, ’79, M.S. ’87, Secretary John F. Mastrianni, ’66, M.S. ’73, Treasurer Christopher M. Piscitelli, ’93, Past President

for Newman’s Own in Westport, Conn. A member of the Sigma Zeta Chi/Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity while at Southern, he has been active with the Alumni Association since graduation. He and his wife, Tricia, have two adult children, Elizabeth, and Eric, who is a 2006 alumnus.

Stephen Koestner, ’69

Fellow new board member, Mary L. Vaughn, ’80, M.S. ’84, has been a school social worker with the Wallingford Board of Education for 25 years. In addition to volunteering with her church and an area homeless shelter, she is a member of the Hamden Black History Committee. She also is a

Kathleen Bonvicini, ’83 James Booth, ’97 Phoebe Donehoo Browning, ’04, M.B.A. ‘05 Nancy Charest, ’71, M.S. ’75, 6th Yr. ’77 Kathy Glinka Coyle, ’74, M.S. ’78, 6th Yr. ’81 Nancy Dudchik, ’88 Jerry Katona, ’74, M.S. ’88 Edwin A. Klinkhammer, II, ’71, M.S. ’76, 6th Yr. ‘92 Stephen J. Koestner, ’69 Mary Fedyn Martinik, ’76, M.S. ’86, 6th Yr. ’99 Donald G. Mitchell, ’57, M.S. ’61 Daniel J. Myers, ’01 Judit Vasmatics Paolini, ’73, M.S. ’79, 6th Yr. ’93 Teresa Sirico, ’70, M.S. ’73 Mary Vaughn, ’80, M.S. ’84

member of the national and Connecticut chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

n

Mary Vaughn, ’80, M.S. ’84

New Alumni Directory Underway Have you been searching for your former roommate or classmates?

Help is on the way! The Office of Alumni Relations is in the process of creating a new alumni directory through Harris Connect. Alumni are being invited to update their information through an e-mail blast and a postcard mailing. If you have not yet responded, please make a brief call to 1 (800) 979-0042 to update your listing.

(You will not receive a phone call from Harris Connect.)

For the first time ever, Southern graduates also may submit photos and essays for inclusion in the directory.

Alumni who do not want to be included or want to omit certain data, are asked to telephone and update their information and let Harris know their preferences.

The directory will be available for purchase in book or CD format. Please participate and help us to create an accurate, comprehensive directory.

Fall 2011 | 27

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:27 AM Page 28

Alumni

NEWS

Southern Seas On July 23, alumni and friends set sail around New Haven Harbor on the Quinnipiack Schooner. Guests enjoyed the sea and sun while learning about the history of the harbor and sharing a delicious lunch. For information on future events for alumni, go to www.SouthernCT.edu/alumni/upcomingevents/.

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.

28 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Please support Southern and its students by contributing to the Campus Greening Fund.

Donations may be made online at www.giving.

SouthernCT.edu.

Or call (203) 392-6515.

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:28 AM Page 29

Bill Cosby and Ramsey Lewis Two Legends. One Evening.

Nov. 11 • Concert at 7:30 p.m.; Reception at 5:30 p.m.

John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts

An evening with celebrated comedian and entertainer William H. Cosby Jr. and composer, pianist, and jazz great Ramsey Lewis.

A very special event to benefit the student scholarship program at Southern. The event also will support Southern Academy, an innovative educational effort that tackles the achievement gap by ensuring New Haven school children have the tools they need to succeed at an early age. $85 for premium seating; $65 for regular seating; $45 for side seating and SCSU students with valid ID (limit 1); and $150 for a premium package that includes a private reception and photo opportunity with Bill Cosby at the Michael J. Adanti Student Center at 5:30 p.m.

The World Goes Round A musical review by John Kander and Fred Ebb Dec. 10 • 7 p.m.

John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts

An ultra-talented cast of alumni of Southern’s Crescent Players star in this musical review. With music from “Chicago,” “Cabaret,” “Woman of the Year,” and “New York, New York!” Proceeds to benefit the Crescent Players Endowed Scholarship. Directed and choreographed by Larry Nye. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. $25 for general admission; $20 for active alumni (current membership card) and Southern faculty/staff; $5 for students; $35 for special Alumni Association membership ticket, which includes one-year membership in the association.

(203) 392-6154 or www.tickets.SouthernCT.edu

kineep

touch!

Stay connected with Southern. You’ll find us on . . . +

The Web at www.SouthernCT.edu or at www.SouthernCTOwls.com for the latest on athletics.

+

Facebook: become a fan of Southern at www.facebook.com.

A variety of pages are available, including those specifically devoted to alumni.

+

Twitter at http://twitter.com/scsutweet.

+

LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com.

Go to the official “Southern Connecticut State University” page.

+

Alumni Relations also can be reached at (203) 392-6500; www.SouthernCT.edu/alumni; or SCSU, Attn: Alumni Relations, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515.

Fall 2011 | 29

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:28 AM Page 30

alumni notes

’50s Justine Herman Butler, ’56, has taught tennis for 32 years for Ridgefield Parks and Recreation in Connecticut. The town courts were recently named in her honor.

JOHN L. CARUSONE, ’57, M.S. ’62, received the Elm City Legend Award, sponsored by the March of Dimes. He and his wife, SYLVIA CARUSONE, M.S. ’71, 6th Yr. ’93, live in Hamden, Conn.

’60s

Reunion News • Alumni of the Crescent Players will perform the musical review “The World Goes Round” at the John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. Directed and choreographed by Larry Nye and presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Call for tickets: (203) 392-6154.

• Members of the Class of 1962 will be recognized in honor of their 50th reunion at the undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 18, 2012.

For more information or if you would like to organize a reunion for your class, please contact Alumni Relations at (203) 392-6500.

BRUCE FAITSCH, ’65, retired from his second career as an advanced placement science content specialist after completing 40 years as a biology teacher and science department chair with Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven and Guilford High School in Connecticut.

MARGARET KANGLEY, ’67, the 1997 Connecticut Distinguished Art Educator, had a gallery showing of her paintings at Gallery One in Old Saybrook, Conn.

NEIL T. PROTO, ’67, counsel in the Washington, D.C., office of Schnader, Harrison, Segal, and Lewis was elected a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society of London.

DONNA LOPIANO, ’68, was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and honored during a banquet in Waco, Texas.

’70s PATRICIA LUTKUS MOODY RINCKEL, ’71, M.S. ’75, has retired after teaching in Prospect, Conn., for over 37 years.

CHRIS WEBSTER, ’71, M.S. ’74, with 35 years of teaching experience, has been inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Webster coaches girls’ basketball at North Branford High School.

30 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

PATRICIA A. JAMELE, M.S. ’72, M.S. ’85, celebrated her 50th anniversary since taking religious vows of obedience, poverty, and chastity. She has been a guidance counselor at Holy Cross High School in Waterbury, Conn., for more than 30 years.

VICTORIA LAFORTUNE, ’73, retired after 15 years as vice president, production, of ABC Studios, a division of The Walt Disney Company. She lives in Los Angeles, Calif.

JOSEPH MORRIS, ’73, M.S. ’78, 6th Yr. ’87, is retiring as Putnam Middle School’s principal and plans on moving overseas for several years to continue teaching. Morris began his teaching career overseas.

JOHN W. SULLIVAN, ’73, M.S. ’78, the retired superintendent of Westbrook Public Schools and Unified School District II in Meriden, Conn., also served as interim superintendent for Haddam and Killingworth.

DOLORES ENNICO, ’74, M.S. ’77, vice president of human resources at Olin Corporation, was selected as the fall 2010 Bartels Fellow at the University of New Haven (UNH). The Bartels Fellowship brings people of national stature and prominence in the fields of business or public service to the UNH campus.

FRANK RUSSO, ’74, lives in Las Vegas, Nev., with his wife, Gina, and teaches at Silverado High School.

MARY ELLEN KINGSLANDECKELS, ’76, currently with the Meriden Board of Education developing music therapy curricula, has been honored as a 2011 Distinguished Alumna by the Wallingford Education Foundation.

LYNN SPAGNESI, ’76, M.S. ’81, was an award winner at the Brien McMahon High School Old Timers 48th annual dinner. Spagnesi played basketball at Southern for four years, helping the Owls to a regional championship in her freshman and sophomore years. She previously was inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Connecticut Women’s Volleyball Hall of Fame.

ANNETTE R. BRUNO, ’78, is a field application scientist in the California Bay area. She and her husband, EDWARD BRUNO, M.S. ’74, live in Oakland, Calif.

DAVID BRYANT, ’78, M.S. ’82, 6th Yr. ’86, is the principal of Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford, Conn., where he has worked for 33 years.

RACHEL HAMLET HEGGINS, ’78, principal of the High School for Juveniles in Baltimore, Md., is also the pastoral counselor

and assistant minister of music at First Apostolic Faith Church of Jesus Christ.

KEVIN MCMAHON, ’78, M.S. ’82, 6th Yr. ’93, school psychologist at Oswegatchie Elementary School in Waterford, Conn., has published a children’s book about childhood obesity and bullying, “Manny McMoose and his Chubby Caboose.”

WILLIAM F. TURNER, ’78, M.S. ’80, 6th Yr. ’86, has been named by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut as its 61st Citizen of the Year. Turner serves as a board member on the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce and the Windham Chamber of Commerce.

JOYCE SALTMAN, M.S. ’79, 6th Yr. ’81, has been nominated by the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce for the 11th annual Athena Award. The award recognizes an individual for professional excellence, service to the community, and assisting women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills.

CAROLYN STANWORTH, ’79, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of BL Companies, was named to Moves magazine’s prestigious “2010 Power Women” list. Stanworth is the first woman in the architecture and engineering industry to be named to the list.

’80s ALETA GUDELSKI, ’81, an artist and teacher, held a discussion on the physical properties of color at a Color Therapy Workshop at the Left Bank Gallery in Essex, Conn.

JANET TATE, ’81, received her Sc.D. in epidemiology from Harvard School of Public Health and is currently working as a freelance statistician for the University of Connecticut and the Veterans Aging Cohort Study at Yale University.

LAURA FERRANTE FERNANDES, ’82, a Woodbridge, Conn., selectman has retired after 22 years in the Monroe Public School System.

Her most recent position was as the assistant principal at Jockey Hollow Middle School.

MARK AHERN, ’87, has been promoted to vice president of the Bank of Fairfield and will be responsible for all branch operations.

THOMAS N. ELLIS JR., M.S. ’87, has joined Halsey Associates in New Haven as vice president.

PATRICIA MOTTOLA, ’87, M.S. ’90, a published poet from Cheshire, Conn., read her poems that honor veterans who served in the Vietnam War at an event held at the Plainville Senior Center.

TOM GODEK, ’88, has been named Assistant Coach of the Year by the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston. Godek is the offensive coordinator for Southern’s football team.

’90s MARYHOPE GOSHEA, ’90, graduated from New York University with a master’s degree in deafness rehabilitation. She earned her master’s in social work in 2010 from Fordham University.

NANCY LINDBERG, ’90, who completed her Master of Divinity from Colgate Rochester Divinity School, attained the distinction of board certified chaplain. She has been a chap-

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:28 AM Page 31

Fieldguide For owls: advice, tips, and words of wisdom from an expert in the southern community.

“Moonwalking with einstein” by Joshua Foer (nonfiction)

Great reads from best-selling author and book critic, John Searles, ’91

What really compelled me to pick up this book was the subtitle: “The Art and Science of Remembering Everything.” Like lots of people, I constantly forget where I put my keys or the names of people I’ve just met, so this subject called to me. Foer is a science journalist who attended the “Memory Championship,” held annually in the U.S. There, he encountered people capable of memorizing endless amounts of poetry or lists of strangers’ names or complex mathematical formulas. Many of them did it by using ancient techniques to improve memorization. Foer became fascinated and spent a year working on his memory and trying to understand it.

He then returned to the competition and won.

“Tiger in the Kitchen” by Cheryl Tan (memoir) There are so many “tiger” books out right now, and this is my favorite — a magical blend of beautiful writing about food and a thought-provoking look at family secrets and traditions. Tan grew up in Singapore, where she never showed any interest in cooking or learning recipes from her grandmother and “aunties.” As soon as she turned eighteen, she moved to the U.S., where she eventually became a journalist. When Tan unexpectedly lost her job as a reporter for the Wall Street Journal a few years ago, she returned to Singapore, where her beloved aunties taught her how to make dishes like flaky pineapple tarts and Hainanese Chicken Rice. I had the pleasure of first meeting this writer a year ago when she read from this book while it was still a work in progress. In fact, I snapped a picture of her that the publisher used as her author photo on the back!

What makes a book great?

by Eleanor Brown (fiction) John Searles, ’91, has explored the I often ask people on my Facebook author page what they are reading to make sure I am not missing topic from several angles. The anything. I always get lots of different answers, but this time around, one title kept popping up again and best-selling author of “Boy Still again: “The Weird Sisters.” This is a funny, touching story about three — I guess you’d call them weird — Missing” and “Strange But True” sisters who are fully grown, but move back to their childhood home in Ohio. The first line of the book is: (William Morrow/HarperCollins), “We returned home because we were failures.” In actuality, their mother is sick and we discover they have a lot Searles is also a book critic on NBC’s of family business between them to sort out. This is Brown’s first novel but she tells the story like a master.

“Today Show” and the editor-at-large of Cosmopolitan magazine. He is

by Stuart O’Nan (fiction) currently revising the manuscript for O’Nan is an incredible writer who gets glowing reviews of his work, but has yet to cross over into the his third book, which will be out next mainstream. His first novel, “Snow Angels,” was about a teenage boy whose babysitter is murdered. year. Following he shares some of his Another of his earlier novels, “The Speed Queen,” is about a woman on death row who is recording her recent top book picks. For more on what story for a writer. Both of those books are dark tales, jam-packed with plot twists and surprises. And Searles is reading, “Like” his author page now with “Emily Alone,” O’Nan tries his hand at a much quieter story. The novel follows one woman, on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/24grm8d Emily, at the end of her life. It is a beautiful read full of tender, intimate moments. or on twitter @searlesbooks.

“The weird sisters”

“emily Alone”

lain for nearly five years, including work at Unity Health System in Rochester, N.Y., and Greenville Health System in South Carolina.

BARBARA SNYDER, M.A. ’91, has been named 2010-2011 president-elect of the American Medical Writers Association. Snyder is director of medical writing at Warner Chilcott of Rockaway, N.J.

KEVIN DONOVAN, ’92, is the finance lead for the Naval Hawk program at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation.

“Between shades of gray” by Ruta Sepetys (young adult)

GARY MALA, 6th

So many current young adult novels feature vampires or werewolves or post-apocalyptic settings,

Yr. ’93, is the but in this book people are actually human. Nobody drinks blood or grows fangs! Instead, it tells superintendent of the story of a young girl during World War II who is forced from her home in Lithuania and sent schools in Avon, to Siberia. I gave the book to a friend who is Lithuanian and happens to have survived a very Conn., having previsimilar experience when she was a girl. This friend praised the book for its authenticity. ously held the same position for the Region “Hush: A Novel” by Kate White (paperback) 17 School District. Mala Here’s the set-up: a woman named Lake Warren has a one-night stand with a handsome has also served as a doctor. Afterward, she wanders out onto his terrace. It’s late, she’s a little tipsy, so she sits superintendent in Southwick, Mass. down and drifts off to sleep. In the middle of the night, Lake wakes and goes back inside

ROBERT CAPALBO, ’94, has joined CRT Capital as vice president of operations.

Capalbo lives in Fairfield, Conn.

the apartment to find the handsome doctor dead in his bed. Rather than call the police, she panics, and flees the scene. This is a fast-paced, suspenseful page-turner — that happens to be dedicated to me!

Fall 2011 | 31

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:28 AM Page 32

EY E O N T H E BA L L :

s a starting defensive end for the National friends and returns to the university every year Football League’s (NFL) San Diego Chargers, to speak with the football team. As his career Jacques Cesaire, ’11, regularly played for a grew, Cesaire, and his wife, Jill, also supported cheering crowd of up to Southern students by 71,500 at the city’s contributing to the Qualcomm Stadium.

SCSU Foundation.

There were fewer fans In San Diego, the on hand at Southern’s altruistic couple is comundergraduate committed to the Monarch mencement exercises on School for homeless May 27, but the emotions children and teens and ran sky-high for Cesaire supports a Chargers’ and family and friends program to feed the who watched him receive city’s homeless. In 2007, his bachelor’s of science Cesaire founded J.C.’s degree in liberal studies.

Kids in conjunction with The day marked the Athletes for Education to culmination of a journey benefit area youth. The that began in 1998 following year, he was when Cesaire, then a presented with an top prospect from award from the United Gardner High School in Way for outstanding Massachusetts, enrolled work in the community. at Southern. Cesaire was Through it all, the an Owl standout — professional athlete and named the Northeast-10 humanitarian never forConference Defensive got his promise to comLineman of the Year and plete his degree. His a first team NCAA staunchest advocates Division II All-American were his wife, Jill, and Jacques Cesaire, ’11, celebrates commencement with his wife, selection by the his mother, Jackie.

Jill (Murray) Cesaire, ’03, and daughter, Viviana.

American Football Cesaire’s parents emiCoaches Association. grated to the U.S. from With his dream of someday playing for the NFL becoming a real possibiliHaiti. “My mother always preached the importance of going to college, as ty, Cesaire completed his senior college football season and signed with well as finishing everything you start,” says Cesaire, whose four siblings all sports agent Joe Linta. Linta felt the young player had great potential — if he graduated high school and went on to attend college. was willing to work tremendously hard and put his all into training.

“It was also important to me as a parent,” he says. The couple has a A few classes shy of earning a degree, Cesaire went to Head Football young daughter, Viviana, and is expecting a son in October. “I couldn’t tell Coach Rich Cavanaugh for advice. “I remember sitting in his office,” Cesaire them to go to college, if I hadn’t done so.” recalls. “Coach Cav understood that there was a limited window of time So Cesaire went back to school, completing several courses, including a during which I’d have the opportunity to play for the NFL. He said, ‘Look, required fine arts class and an internship at Advantage Personal Training in you’re almost done. Promise me that you will come back and get your Mystic, Conn. Today the All-American player turned NFL pro says earning degree. . . . Now work hard and focus on what you need to do.’” his degree is among his proudest achievements.

Cesaire withdrew from Southern to begin intensive training in North Cesaire hopes to build on his demonstrated commitment to community Carolina. “Next thing I knew, I was with the San Diego Chargers,” says service by working with Southern on programs that benefit New Haven Cesaire, who signed with the team on May 2, 2003. “It all happened so fast.” youth. “My wife and I look forward to working with [Southern Interim Through it all his commitment to Southern remained ironclad. “I’m blue President] Dr. Battle. I think these initiatives can really make a difference.” and white for life,” says Cesaire, who is married to Jill (Murray) Cesaire, ‘03, a former Owls’ cheerleader. He counts Southern alumni among his best — By Villia Struyk

NFL Player Earns Degree

JASON VAN STONE, ’97, vice chairman of the Waterbury Republican Town Committee, is also a member of the Board of Education. He’s employed

by OptiCare Eye Health and 32 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

Vision Centers as the director of marketing.

Conn. Collins has been an art teacher for 16 years.

MEGAN COLLINS, M.S. ’98, had LORI FARKASH, M.S. ’98, of her artwork featured at ArtPlace Gallery at Watermark in Bridgeport,

Moses Y. Beach School in Wallingford, Conn., has been nominated for the

Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.

JENNIFER CASEY, M.S.W. ’99, a facilitator at The Healing Hearts Center for Grieving

Children and Families, has been a special program counselor at Holy Cross High School since 2001.

Share your good news

’00s KRISTEN ALLORE, M.S. ’00, has been selected as the Connecticut Outdoor and Environmental Education Association’s Board Member of the Year. Allore is the program director of New Pond Farm, as stated in the Redding Pilot newspaper.

LAUREN BAILEY, ’00, has joined the Alpha Medical Group Emergency Medicine Department in Monroe, Conn.

CHARMAINE P. SAMUDA, ’02, is a school social worker living in Branford, Conn.

MARIO PIRES, ’03, an art teacher at Plainville High School, exhibited his watercolors at the Stanley Whitman House Gallery in Farmington, Conn.

DARRYL A. HUGLEY, ’05, has been appointed to the AfricanAmerican Affairs Commission

by President Pro Tempore Speaker of the Connecticut State Senate Donald E. Williams. Hugley serves as an executive board member and chair of the Criminal Justice/ Urban Initiative Committee of the Greater New Haven Branch of the NAACP.

JESSICA SCOFIELD, ’05, a teacher at Cloonan Middle School, is in her third season of competitive powerlifting. She is the nation’s thirdranked female in the deadlift category, after hoisting 450 pounds, or three times her weight, above her head. Overall, she is the sixth-ranked powerlifter.

JACQUELYNN GAROFANO, ’06, received the 2011 Women of

with Southern friends and classmates by sending it to Southern Alumni News. 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 (

) ________________________________________________

Street Address ________________________________________________

tell us about it

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:28 AM Page 33

City ____________________________State ________Zip ____________ SCSU Degree/Year______________Major ____________________________ E-mail ______________________________________________________ o Check if this is a new address.

Name under which I attended college ________________________________ News Item____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

Support Southern.

Leave a Legacy.

Planned gifts — also called deferred or estate gifts — can help you meet your long-term financial goals, while providing critically needed support for Southern’s talented and deserving students.

Signature____________________________________________________ Date ______________________________________________________ Spouse’s Name ______________________Spouse's SCSU Degree/Yr. ______ Children’s Names/Ages __________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

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.

(203) 392-5598 www.SouthernCT.edu/supportsouthern Southern Connecticut State University 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1355

Innovation Award in the category of Collegian Innovation and Leadership. Garofano recently joined the United Technologies Research Center as a materials scientist. She is also a curriculum development specialist with CRISP, the Center for Research on Interface Structures and Phenomena. In September, she defended her doctoral thesis in materials science and engineering at the University of Connecticut.

MEGHAN O’NEIL KUEBLER, ’06, is a Ph.D. candidate in sociology at the University of Albany. Kuebler holds an M.A. in quantitative methods from Columbia University.

MICHAEL STORZ, M.B.A. ’06, is the president of Chapel Haven, a private nonprofit serving adults on the autism spectrum

and those with developmental and social disabilities.

MIKE CONNER, 6th Yr. ’07, has been named interim principal at Troup Middle School in New Haven. Conner is the former vice principal at Celentano School in the Elm City.

JESSE GULICK, ’07, is a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Madison, Conn., office.

KAREN TATARKA, M.L.S. ’07, is the new library director at the Weston Public Library.

KARLY TISO, ’07, boarding faculty member at The Glenholme School in Washington, Conn., was presented with the Employee of the Month Award in October 2010.

MARTIN TOLENTINO, M.P.H. ’07, is the quality services manager for the New Haven

Healthy Start program.

SHAUNNAYA WILLIAMS, ’07, is the assistant coach of the University of New Haven women’s indoor track team, which finished fourth at the NCAA Division II Championship.

JEFF FONTI, ’08, a corporal in the Marine Corps, is being deployed to Afghanistan with the 6th Motor Transport Battalion based out of New Haven. Fonti is a native of Watertown, Conn.

KURT SOLLANEK, ’08, M.S. ’10, was the 2010 recipient of the Mark Connelly Memorial Masters Scholarship from the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine.

KEVIN WOODS, M.S. ’09, has been named Shoreline Conference Coach of the Year.

Fall 2011 | 33

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:28 AM Page 34

’10s

EMMA SOLOMON, ’41, April 6,

EDWARD DOSTALER, ’10, was

LOUISE MALTBY MCNELLIS KRING, ’65, Dec. 11, 2010, EDITH V. BALDYGA, ’46, Feb. 12, Anna Maria, Fla.

the 2010 recipient of the Undergraduate Scholarship Award from the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine.

MARCO MERATI, ’10, is a mortgage loan originator with Village Mortgage’s Torrington, Conn., office.

LISA NEMENSE, ’10, was crowned Miss Greater Watertown for 2010. She has traveled the Greater Watertown area performing and promoting her platform: preventing teenage substance abuse.

Marriages JEROME MUGAVERO III, ’94, and Gina Marie Pastore, 2011.

2011, Silver Spring, Md.

RUTH M. ALLAN, ’43, April 9,

ANTOINETTE GIOVANNITTI, ’64, M.S. ’72, 6th Yr. ’77, Nov. 10, 2010, North Haven, Conn.

2011, Trumbull, Conn.

2011, Bushnell, Fla.

HELEN MCLAUGHLIN CRAVEN, ’46, April 1, 2011, Weyland, Mass.

JEANIE N. ENGLAND, ’48, M.S. ’75, Dec. 11, 2010, Cheshire, Conn.

RUTH MURDOCK BERGIN WALSH, ’48, March 26, 2011, Branford, Conn.

HARRY M. HINES, ’52, Dec. 3, 2010, North Haven, Conn.

BETSY ANNE SEATON, ’53, April 17, 2011, Bethany, Conn.

ALBERT A. CHAPAR SR., ’54, Nov. 28, 2010, Stratford, Conn.

STANLEY P. PUZYCKI, ’55, Dec.

BARBARA MCCABE SPEHAR, ’65, M.L.S. ’68, Nov. 28, 2010, Old Lyme, Conn.

RITA F. LAMB MORSE, ’66,

JACQUELINE LOYER, ’05, and Michael Portanova, Aug. 28, 2010.

MELISSA ANNE BICHUN, M.S. ’06, and Lawrence Rosenthal, Aug. 12, 2010.

MAGGIE WOLOWITZ, ’06, and Kyle Lucian, May 22, 2010.

FALLON STEPHENS, ’07, and Aaron Matzdorff, May 21, 2010.

PAIGE SYMINGTON GOLDEN, M.S. ’08, and Jay Dee Callahan, July 17, 2010.

CINDY RICCIO, ’09, and Scott Rodrigues, Aug. 21, 2010.

DONALD W. PROTHEROE, ’57, Feb. 2011, Ashford, Conn.

EILEEN INGLIS, ’59, Jan. 24, 2011, Palm Beach, Fla.

RICHARD F. NICOLARI, ’59,

NANCY J. STASIUNAS, ’73, Nov.

JOHN E. DOMBROSKI, ’68, Jan.

LAREINE KASSABIAN, ’74, Oct.

31, 2011, Wallingford, Conn.

THOMAS J. MATTHEWS, ’69, Feb. 1, 2011, Waterbury, Conn.

DONALD W. GRAY, M.S. ’70, March 17, 2011, Prospect, Conn.

ELINOR MARIE HASHIM, M.L.S. ’70, March 27, 2011, Newington, Conn.

Torrington, Conn.

34 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

M.S. ’76, Jan. 15, 2011, Guilford, Conn.

ROSEMARY Y. LAMANNO, ’71, M.S. ’75, Dec. 2, 2010, Newport News, Va.

17, 2010, Guilford, Conn.

CYNTHIA HAYES KEDVES, ’74, April 16, 2011, Wallingford, Conn.

NANCY DOBITSKY KENNEDY, ’74, Feb. 23, 2011, South Windsor, Conn.

JUDITH L. MASTRIANNA, ’74, March 22, 2011, Middlebury, Conn.

ESTHER KOSOTSKY PROBER,

2010, Trumbull, Conn.

MARCIA EMILIE SANDONE, ’75, March 20, 2011, Redding, Conn.

LISA TRAUB, ’75, March 20, 2011, Winsted, Conn.

DAPHNE KILBOURN-JACOB,

’69, and an adjunct professor of physical education/movement, Dec. 12, 2010, Branford, Conn.

FRANK C. SESSA, ’71, Dec. 18,

STETSON BLAKE, ’61, March 29, 2011, Milford, Conn.

2011, Westerly, R.I. 3, 2010, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

JAMES LOSTY, ’62, Jan. 22, 2011, Milford, Conn.

ANNE L. ANTONUCCI, ’64, March 23, 2011, West Haven, Conn.

GENEVIEVE SEPORIA HOLLAND-WILSON, M.S. ’72, March 28, 2010, Richmond, Va.

KEVIN W. MCKEON, M.S. ’72, Feb. 2, 2011, Wallingford, Conn.

ANN MESTUZZI, M.S. ’72, 6th Yr. ’75, M.A. ’94, Oct. 4, 2010, Shelton, Conn.

SISTER IRENE MONGRANDI, M.S. ’72, Jan. 31, 2011, Saint Anne Villa, N.J.

MARYLEE REYNOLDS RAPUANO, M.S. ’72, April 8,

2010, New York, N.Y.

ROBERT F. CLARK, ’84, Jan. 23, 2011, Orange, Conn.

THOMAS MARSTON, ’85, March 22, 2011, Meriden, Conn.

STEVEN A. RUBIN, ’86, Jan. 6, 2011, Glastonbury, Conn.

STEPHEN S. SHERIDAN, 6th Yr. ’86, Feb. 13, 2011, Branford, Conn.

PHYLLIS KOLEDO LESTER, M.S. ’88, April 2, 2011, Monroe, Conn.

ROBERT A. STEWART II, M.S. ’88, Jan. 6, 2011, Glastonbury, Conn.

JOHN CHARLES IRELAND JR., ’92, Feb. 25, 2011, Bridgeport, Conn.

GREGORY A. DUFF, ’93, Smithtown, N.Y.

ANN CROWLEY MIRIZZI, 6th

FAYE RITA RUBIN, ’71, March 2010, Philadelphia, Pa.

KAREN C. SORITIO, ’83, Dec. 13,

BRIAN DANA JOSE, ’93, Dec. 2,

DEMETRA PERRELLI, ’60, M.S.

13, 2011, East Hampton, Conn.

March 13, 2001, Derby, Conn.

EVA BARBARA GILL SULLIVAN, 6th Yr. ’74, Oct. 14,

March 8, 2011, Waterbury, Conn.

28, 2011, Cheshire, Conn.

ELEANOR C. PIVIROTTO, ’83,

M.S. ’74, Oct. 4, 2010, Westford, Mass.

March 29, 2011, Stratford, Conn.

March 3, 2011, North Haven, Conn.

LINDA FOSS HIGGINS, ’62, Dec.

KATHRYN JOAN SANDMEYER WALLER, ’40, March 26, 2011,

Conn.

LESLIE A. MAGINNISS, ’70,

6, 2010, Guilford, Conn.

GUY A. CARMEN, 6th Yr. ’77,

MARGARET F. LAW, ’33, Nov. 2011, Hamden, Conn.

’73, Nov. 27, 2010, Wallingford, Conn.

VERA J. ROZARIE, ’71, M.S. ’76,

GEORGE CAMARA, ’61, March 1,

JANE R. NOLAN, ’40, March 3,

VIDEEN PARKE MCGAUGHEY,

ROBERT W. SULLIVAN, ’59,

’64, Nov. 11, 2010, Branford, Conn.

10, 2010, Orange, Conn.

’77, Oct. 17, 2010, Trumbull, Conn.

RUTH MCGEE LUBY, ’71, Feb.

2010, West Hartford, Conn.

REGINA DEVITT MOHER, ’29,

JOSEPH CORICA SR., ’73, M.S.

M.S. ’64, Feb. 22, 2011, Guilford, Conn.

WALTER STOSUY, ’60, Dec. 8,

IN MEMORIAM

’76, March 8, 2011, Stonington, Conn.

M.S. ’72, 6th Yr. ’78, Dec. 23, 2010, Hamden, Conn.

CHERYL ANN JANKURA, ’70, JENNIFER FEBBRORIELLO, ’03, 16, 2010, New Haven, Conn.

March 5, 2011, Southington, and JOSEPH C. DELUCA, ’03, BENJAMIN J. GUERRA, ’57, Dec. Conn.

Dec. 4, 2010.

6, 2010, New Haven, Conn.

JUNE IRENE LANGE, ’70, 6th Yr. PATRICK GLYNN, ’04, and ANGELO PETRAFESA, ’57, ’94, Nov. 28, 2010, Farmington, Lindsay Cerreta, July 16, 2010.

March 14, 2011, East Haven, Conn.

2011, Meriden, Conn.

SANDE E. STRATTON, ’72, M.S.

JAMES D. SORRENTINO, ’76, Jan. 17, 2011, Branford, Conn.

’78, Jan. 20, 2011, Putney, Vt.

ANN ZARECHIAN BOWDEN, ’79, Jan. 7, 2011, Boston, Mass.

NANCY JEAN KISIL LANGER, ’79, Nov. 23, 2010, Berwick, Pa.

DAVID JOHN COLBURN, ’80, April 16, 2011, Kensington, Conn.

2010, Prospect, Conn.

Yr. ’93, Jan. 24, 2011, Colebrook, Conn.

JOHN J. MASALSKI, ’99, April 15, 2011, Westbrook, Conn.

SHEILA M. WARD, M.L.S. ’03, Dec. 13, 2010, Enfield, Conn.

JAMES H. PINSON-ROSE, ’05, March 24, 2011, Fairfield, Conn.

BARBARA “RUSTY” ABERNETHY, Professor Emeritus of Physical Education, March 6, 2011, Branford, Conn.

STEPHEN COLLINS, Professor Emeritus of Biology, Oct. 7, 2010, Bethany, Conn.

PAMELA RENDEIRO, Professor Emeritus of Political Science, March 12, 2011, Hamden, Conn.

KEVIN MICHAEL COLLINS, ’81, DOROTHY V. SCHRADER, Jan. 26, 2011, Black Rock, Conn.

BARBARA DURLAND MONTEFUSCO DEVLIN, M.S. ’81, Feb. 13, 2011, Chester, Conn.

KAREN WOODRUFF KOPPEL, ’81, March 20, 2011, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, Feb. 22, 2011, Branford, Conn.

Class notes are compiled from submissions from alumni, as well as announcements made in newspapers and magazines.

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:28 AM Page 35

Peace Owls, Lott continued from page 13

Peace Owls, Kautz continued from page 13

Peace Owls, Williams continued from page 14

my twin sons, who will be

countless hours running in the park, feeding the deer, touring the castle, or having coffee with the Baroness. Yes, a real baroness lived there,” says Kautz.

The experience made an indelible impression. “I made incredible lifelong friendships and I learned far more than I taught. I learned about myself and about my capabilities. I gained an appreciation for history. I learned that when you are uncomfortable, you are truly growing,” writes Kautz.

For the past eight years, he has lived in Maine where he works as a math and finance teacher at the Waynflete School, a private day school in Portland. He is also the varsity baseball coach.

master’s degree in public health from the University of Connecticut Health Center. He is currently a program manager, overseeing a communitybased health access program at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center in Albuquerque.

feature book and one of the New York Times Top Ten Books of the Year for children. She has authored more than a dozen books, most recently, “Beatrice’s Dream.” (Karen spent two weeks with the 13-year-old orphan who was growing up in a slum in Kibera, Kenya.)

The Williams family — which grew to include four children — also continued to travel.

They lived in Haiti for two periods, and since September 2010, Karen and Steven have lived on the Navajo Nation in Chinle, Ariz., where Steven works for the Indian Health Service. Karen teaches graduate level writing courses and continues work on several writing projects. Meanwhile, her son, Christopher, who was born in Malawi while his parents served in the Peace Corps, has come full circle. In September, he and his wife, Laurie, became Peace Corps volunteers in Mozambique.

For more information, see www.karenlynnwilliams.com.

the Science Education and Environmental Studies Department. “We’d like to be a unifying force for faculty, staff, and students,” she says.

True to the initiative’s name, Plant it Forward also will support those beyond campus. Plans include reaching out to the community-at-large to teach and encourage local residents to grow their own food.

Heidkamp comments, “Ideally, we will eventually be able to do summer institutes to share knowledge about growing things in an urban environment. Our focus is on producing a lot of food in small spaces.”

The Connecticut Northeast Organic Farming Association included Southern in its annual city farm and garden tour in August. Efforts are underway to find external funding to help develop community and educational outreach activities.

“I think it’s the right time to do this,” Cusato says. “The whole discussion

about food in this country has changed. A movement to support local growers by buying locally produced food has gained popularity and momentum. Gardening or growing fruit trees make home a more enjoyable place to stay, and people also get some benefit from it.” She adds that due to numerous highly publicized food recalls over the past years, people want to know where their food comes from.

Heidkamp is hoping for the sustained involvement of the local community. “The intention is to empower and educate people,” he says.

Meanwhile, the students involved in the project have reaped their own rewards. “I feel a very strong personal connection to the orchard,” says Hawkins. “I am currently living in my family’s home . . . an old farmhouse. To have worked on the orchard at this point of my life, is a dream come true.” n

9 years old, and my Peruvian husband to Paraguay for their first time to celebrate.” Plans include visiting the Asuaga family, who took Lott into their oneroom home for three months while she was serving in the Peace Corps until accommodations were built for her.

Peace Owls, Harper continued from page 15

Namibia’s government colleges.

“Most rewarding was attending the graduations of my 90 students each year, knowing that if each one taught 40 students for 30 years, my efforts could/would contribute to the development of the country,” she says.

Though officially retired, Harper continues to work parttime in education. She is a classroom assistant for an autistic elementary school student.

Peace Owls, Smith continued from page 15

The Good Earth continued from page 19 expected to soar to 70 percent by 2050.

Urban agriculture could become increasingly important to this growing population segment. It provides a cost-effective source of nutritious food — a tremendous benefit in areas where the community does not have easy access to fresh produce. Organic urban gardening also diverts nutrient-rich waste from landfills. Other benefits include encouraging the production of rare varieties of fruits and vegetables, beautifying urban areas, and reducing the carbon footprint associated with growing produce since it does not need to be transported from rural areas.

There are academic advantages as well. Students from various programs will be able to use the orchard trees, garden, and eventually the greenhouse to extend the classroom experience to real-life applications. Cusato says the project is completely interdisciplinary, not just limited to

Fall 2011 | 35

SMag36ppFall11 REV p9_Layout 1 10/14/11 10:28 AM Page 36

A Peter White Christmas Haunted Homecoming

Oct. 29

EVENTS

Southern On campus A fun-filled event for the entire family.

Highlights include the Bob Corda 5K road race, parade of floats, alumni tent party with refreshments and children’s activities (tent opens at 12 p.m.), and the Homecoming football game at 1 p.m.

(203) 392-6500

Donald Glover with Special Guest

Oct. 29 8 p.m.

A great evening of comedy from the star, whose credits include a recently completed Comedy Central Stand-Up Special and starring in NBC’s “Community.” $20 for general admission; $10 for active alumni and Southern faculty, staff, and Southern student guests; $5 for Southern students. (203) 392-6154

Post Secret Live

Nov. 4 8 p.m.

A multimedia presentation by Frank Warren, creator of the Post Secret Project, which invited people from around the world to submit their innermost secrets on often artfully decorated postcards. $20 for general admission; $10 for Southern faculty, staff, students, and student guests. (203) 392-6154

The Buried Life Live Nov. 18 8 p.m.

A behind the scenes look at the MTV hit that sends the cast on the road to complete a list of “100 things we want to do before we die.” $15 for general admission; $8 for Southern faculty, staff, students, and student guests. (203) 392-6154

The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman

Nov. 19 8 p.m.

Catch a powerhouse performance by the Grammy-nominated contemporary jazz band. $32 for general admission; $28 for active alumni and Southern faculty, staff, and student guests; $16 for Southern students. (203) 392-6154

Student-Directed One Acts

Nov. 30, Dec. 1-3 8 p.m.; Dec. 3-4 2 p.m.

Kendall Drama Lab Theater at its finest directed and performed by Southern’s students. $10 for general admission; $5 for senior citizens and Southern faculty, staff, and students. (203) 392-6154

Featuring Peter White, Mindi Abair, and Kirk Whalum

Dec. 2 8 p.m.

Kickoff the holiday season with a sensational night of smooth jazz. $32 for general admission; $28 for active alumni and Southern faculty, staff, and student guests; and $16 for Southern students. (203) 392-6154

The World Goes Round A musical review by Kander and Ebb

Dec. 10 7 p.m.

An ultra-talented cast of alumni of Southern’s Crescent Players are showcased in this musical review, featuring music from “Chicago,” “Cabaret,”“Woman of the Year,” and “New York, New York!” Proceeds to benefit the Crescent Players Endowed Scholarship. Directed and choreographed by Larry Nye. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. $25 for general admission; $20 for active alumni and Southern faculty/staff; $5 for Southern students; $35 for special Alumni Assoc. membership ticket, which includes one-year membership. (203) 392-6154

Two Legends. One Evening.

Nov. 11 7:30 p.m.; reception 5:30 p.m.

An evening with celebrated entertainer William H. Cosby Jr. and jazz great Ramsey Lewis.

Benefiting the student scholarship program at Southern and Southern Academy, an innovative educational effort that tackles the achievement gap by ensuring New Haven school children have the tools they need to succeed at an early age. $85 for premium seating; $65 for regular seating; $45 for side seating and Southern students; and $150 for a premium package that includes a reception and photo opportunity with Bill Cosby at the Michael J. Adanti Student Center at 5:30 p.m. (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 Web site at www.lyman.SouthernCT.edu.

36 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE

What was it about Southern that made a difference in your life?

Was it A professor?

A tradition?

A program?

Whatever the reason, your Southern experience lives forever through you.

There are many reasons to make a gift to the Southern Fund.

82% of our students receive some kind of financial assistance. 64% of our students work off campus.

Give today, impact today.

Dollars from the Southern Fund are flexible and immediately available, enabling the university to direct them wherever they’re most urgently needed.

Fund a future.

Fund a dream.

Fund an education.

The Southern Fund.

Please make a gift to our students today by returning the envelope provided or by visiting us online at www.giving.SouthernCT.edu

Congratulations

G

to Southern’s First Fulbright Student

raduate student Jessica

a language in its setting, it becomes

Schumacher is the first

meaningful. Otherwise, it’s just

Southern student to be

words on a page,” says

awarded a Fulbright

Schumacher, who is working

U.S. Student Program scholarship

toward a master’s degree in bilin-

— a prestigious honor that builds

gual, multicultural education, and

on her proficiency in the Spanish

TESOL (teaching of English to

language and a passion for

speakers of other languages).

breaking language barriers.

As a Fulbright scholar,

Operating in more than 155 countries worldwide, the

Schumacher will travel to

Fulbright Program is the flagship

Argentina next March for eight

international exchange program

months to help train individuals

sponsored by the U.S. government.

who are in the process of becom-

Cynthia Stretch, an associ-

ing English teachers in that coun-

ate professor of English who was

try. During her stay, she will further

a Fulbright Scholar Senior Lecturer

study the Spanish language and

in 2005, says she is proud of

hopes to pursue the personal proj-

Schumacher’s accomplishment:

ect she proposed: to film inter-

“Jessica sees a future of public

views with Argentinean people.

service and the promotion of

These would then be used to

intercultural understanding ahead

develop supplemental curricular

of her. . . . We see that future as

material for high school Spanish-

an especially bright one.”

language classes. “When you hear

— By Kaitlin Randall, ‘11