Alumni Notes

from UHart H Magazine Spring 2022

by University of Hartford

Sweet Dreams

Latanya Farrell ’97 performed with her band at the Hawktober favorite Jazz Brunch in October 2021.

Save the date for Hawktober 2022— October 14–16.

HELLO, FELLOW HAWKS!

As I wrap up my time as president of the Alumni Board, I want to thank and acknowledge all the dedicated alumni— past, present, and future—whose stories have woven together to create the powerful tapestry we have today as an alumni community.

This edition of H magazine is packed with more unique alumni stories that will undoubtedly make you smile, laugh, cry, and brim with pride. Together, these stories have the power to connect us, inspire us, and unite us as we continue to do better for our community and the world around us.

As you peruse these pages, I invite you to see yourself in the stories you read here—and consider reaching out to us to share your story, too. We’d all love to hear from you.

**Maureen Leathers ’05 President, Alumni Board**

BE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

UHart’s alumni website highlights alumni who are impacting the world in meaningful and interesting ways. Have a story to tell? Access spotlights at hartford.edu/alumni-spotlights.

FOLLOW THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION:

facebook.com/UHartfordAlumni

Instagram.com/UHartAlumni

twitter.com/UHartfordAlumni

DEGREE KEY

A Associate Degree

AD Artist Diploma

C Sixth-Year Certificate

D Doctorate

GPD Graduate Professional Diploma

M Master’s Degree

No letter designation before a year indicates a bachelor’s degree (or last year attended). P indicates the parent of a student or alumna/us. indicates photo.

Contribute a Note!

The University of Hartford alumni network is vast, with a diverse community of more than 93,000 strong throughout the United States and around the globe. UHart alumni are making their marks everywhere—in the arts, in business, in STEM, in government, and more—and have incredible stories to tell. You were once students, and now you’re alumni for life. Keep those bonds strong and stay connected. Class notes are posted throughout the year online. A selection of notes submitted during the 2021 calendar year is included in this issue.

MAIL: Class Notes Editor, Development and Alumni Affairs, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117

ONLINE: hartford.edu/submit-note

1960

Chet Reneson (C HAS) was featured in an article by On The Water. Reneson creates watercolor and acrylics paintings focused on fishing and hunting scenes from his own outdoor experiences.

1969

Paul Cheng Jr. (A Hillyer) was featured on NY1.com—as a sophomore at UHart, he was drafted to serve in the Vietnam War, where he served as an Army sergeant and medic. Cheng was awarded a Purple Heart, an honor shared by his father and both of his grandfathers who received Purple Hearts for their service in World War II. He is proud to come from an Asian American family that has served in the U.S. military.

Diane Nathanson (Hartt, M’79 Hartt) and daughter Desiree Nathanson were featured in the Atlanta Jewish Times in an article about their shared love of physical fitness. Before COVID-19, Nathanson was a member of the ATL Silver Classix Crew, the over-50 dance crew for the Atlanta Hawks, and has sung the national anthem twice at a Hawks game.

1972

Alan Gertner (A&S), see recently published book, p. 40.

After 40 years at Barnes & Noble, Greg Oviatt (A&S) started Milton Creek Digital Services in 2013 to develop public domain classics for publishers and retailers. Oviatt is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and lives in Bucks County, Pa.

1973

Wendy Hersh (A&S) has been named the 2021 Woman of Distinction for the 29th Senate District in New York, an award that highlights outstanding women living and working in New York State whose contributions enrich the quality of life in their communities. Hersh is the president of the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association.

Terrance Salman (M Barney) was appointed to the Order of Canada—one of Canada’s highest civilian honors. Salman was selected as a member for his contributions to mining exploration, and for his generous philanthropy and community activism.

1974

Lynn Visgusin Gotler (A&S) has happily retired from her career in nursing. She is now traveling, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends.

1976

The nonprofit Kids Read Now launched its Click! CaptionsON initiative, which aims to have the caption function turned on for kids on their TVs, phones, and tablets. Leib Lurie (Barney, M’81 Barney) is the co-founder and CEO of the nonprofit and its new initiative. Lurie plans to build the program in Ohio and then go national.

1977

Nancy Pantirer (HAS) was featured in PAPER magazine. The article highlights Pantirer’s work that was used as the backdrop for a PAPER fashion shoot with photographer Kimber Capriotti. 9

1978

Jodie Katzman (A&S) is an awardwinning event professional who has produced and managed just about every type of event, exhibit, and production imaginable, from large-scale events and immersive experiences with tens of thousands of attendees; to television, film, and theatrical productions; to intimate meetings with a handful of guests. In 2020, she embarked on a journey to educate herself on the challenges the pandemic poses within the events space and become a thought leader in the areas of COVID-19 compliance and safety. She is one of the most highly decorated COVID-19 compliance leaders in the country and holds 20 COVID-19 health and safety certifications.

1979

Bob Kaufman (C Ward) was interviewed by the Connecticut Post. Kaufman is the owner of Bob’s Discount Furniture, which turned 30 this year.

David Nord (Barney) has been nominated to the board of directors of Jeld-Wen Holding, Inc. Nord is the executive chairman of Hubbell Incorporated. From June 2019 until his retirement in October 2020, he served as the company’s chair and chief executive officer, and from May 2014 to June 2019, he served as chair, president, and CEO.

1980

Margaret “Peg” Larson (Barney) is the president of the Partners of Wisconsin Hospital Association, a statewide network of health-care volunteers. In 2019, the network—made up of 8,800 people— donated $1.7 million to their hospitals and communities, awarded 339 scholarships, and gave their communities more than 894,000 hours of service. The group has found innovative ways to support their health-care institutions throughout the pandemic—including sharing of strategies to continue to support health-care workers.

Andrew Pakula (Barney) was interviewed on the The Net OGs podcast. In the podcast, Pakula discusses his career and how he played an integral part in the early days of Internet marketing and advertising. Pakula is currently the CEO of WiOffer.

Patrick Roye (ENHP) has been recognized by the New Hampshire Interscholastic Athletic Association for 25 years of athletic coaching. Roye is a four-time Coach of the Year in boys and girls basketball in New Hampshire. He is currently in his 32nd year of teaching special education.

1982

John Elsesser (M Barney) was a guest speaker at the Connecticut Green Bank 2021 Earth Day Conversation webinar, where he spoke about the green projects and initiatives for the town of Coventry, Conn. Elsesser has served as the town manager of Coventry since 1988.

1983

Brian Romano (CETA) has been promoted to director of technology development at the Arthur G. Russell Co., Inc., a growing automation engineering and technology company in Connecticut.

1985

Wallaya Chirathivat (M Barney) was featured in a Bangkok Post article that chronicles her business successes. Chirathivat is the deputy chief executive officer of Central Pattana Plc., a SET-listed retail and property under the Central Group of companies. Read more about Chirathivat in the March 15, 2021 issue of the Bangkok Post.

1986

Don Allan (Barney) has been named president and CFO at Stanley Black & Decker. Allan joined the company in 1999 as the director of financial planning before being appointed senior vice president and CFO in 2008, and most recently serving as executive vice president and CFO. Allan is chairman of the board for United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut and also serves on the boards of several nonprofits, including Junior Achievement of Southwest New England and Boy Scouts Connecticut Rivers Council.

Barbara Bergren (M Barney), see recently published book, p. 40.

Patricia Buxton (ENHP, M’89 ENHP, D’16 ENHP) has been named executive director of the Lutz Children’s Museum—Connecticut’s oldest children’s museum. In the role, Buxton will oversee day-to-day operations, fundraising, marketing, and community engagement.

1987

Vish Govindasamy (CETA, M’89 Barney) has been selected as the chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, one of the oldest business chambers in Sri Lanka, during its 182nd Annual General Meeting. Govindasamy is the managing director of Sunshine Holdings PLC.

1988

Gregory Banaszak (Hartt) is the recipient of the 2021 Hartt Alumni Award. Banaszak is a leading saxophonist and one of the few saxophonists active in both the classical and jazz mediums, and has performed as a soloist at concert halls throughout the United States and the world.

1989

Jolie Rocke (Hartt), see recently released productions, p. 40.

1990

David Cappellina (M Barney) has joined Grant Thorton LLP as a fraud and forensics managing director. Cappellina has more than three decades of experience as a forensic accountant and compliance professional. He has worked with Fortune 100 companies in a multitude of industries as well as with federal and state regulators.

Selette Jones-Jemison (Barney) successfully defended her doctoral dissertation and received a doctoral of business administration in finance degree from Sacred Heart University in August 2021. 5

**Selette Jones-Jemison PhD ’90 (Barney)**

PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

Make your plans for the people and causes you care about. Through our partnership with FreeWill, you can even get started for free.

Go to: FreeWill.com/ UniversityofHartford

1991

Frank Wolak (M Barney) has been named president and chief executive officer of The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Association (FCHEA), a national association representing more than 60 leading companies and organizations. Wolak previously was the senior vice president for government affairs and marketing development at FuelCell Energy, Inc., an FCHEA member, and previously served as FCHEA’s board chair.

1993

Kristie Mayes Borges (A&S) recently left the television industry. She was a news producer for 28 years. Borges worked in Boston, Providence, Baltimore, and Hartford TV markets. Borges is now a senior associate at CJ Public Relations in Southington, Conn. She is also a member of UHart’s Alumni Board.

Joan Brothers (M Barney) was presented with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who’s Who. Brothers has nearly 30 years of experience in the real estate industry and is the founding partner of Manhattan Boutique Real Estate, a full-service firm in New York City.

Debra Volz (Hartt) has joined Appell Center for the Performing Arts in York, Pa., as the director of marketing, following a 20-year tenure as senior director of creative services at New Jersey Performing Arts Center. She hopes to get back to campus to visit the old stomping grounds, and also to visit her niece who just started at The Hartt School. 3

1994

Jay Sheldon (A&S) has been appointed general manager at the Equinox Golf Resort and Spa in Manchester, Vt. Sheldon brings more than 25 years of luxury brand experience to this new position. He has previously held positions as a general manager of the Omni Richmond Hotel in Richmond, Va., hotel manager for the Omni Fort Worth Hotel, and various roles for Ritz-Carlton resorts.

Lessons for a Lifetime

Decades later, many students still have fond memories of their favorite or most influential professor. In each issue of H, we will look back at a past UHart professor who impacted multiple generations of students.

Edward Friedman, Professor of Electrical Engineering “Earn your success based on service to others, not at the expense of others.” —H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Edward Louis Friedman’s career at the University of Hartford spanned nearly four decades. A professor of electrical engineering, Friedman upheld only the highest standard of pedagogy, unequivocally dedicated to his students and the University, approaching each day on campus with honor and great responsibility.

Friedman had an impeccable character with unwavering commitment to his core principles and beliefs. His family, his colleagues, his students, and his mentors could all share stories of this strong and selfless human being who touched the lives of so many over the decades.

Known to be a “tough” professor, Friedman always demanded excellence from every student. Yet the relationships he built with each of them softened that tough exterior, and his unique methods to motivate and inspire were profound. He had a way of presenting course material—sometimes in a manner that appeared so daunting, and sometimes with a bit of humor—while engaging and challenging every individual. Beyond generous with his time and attention, he was wholeheartedly committed to sharing his passion, and in a manner that forever impacted the lives of all who listened.

Friedman’s son Barry shares, “I don’t know whether I have ever worked with anyone who would have behaved in the selfless way my father did. I was a university faculty member for 34 years (retired last summer from the University of North Georgia) and, throughout that time, have done my level best to emulate the principles that my father taught me during his service-oriented career as a member of UHart’s faculty.”

Friedman’s son Cary shared much of the same deep admiration for his father. “I have several cute stories about him and some memorable quotes from his former students, even decades later: ‘I don’t know if you remember me or not. I was one of your students in the 1960s (courses included statics, dynamics, electronics, and advanced engineering math). You were one of the best teachers and human beings that I ever met. Please accept an almost 40-year-old thank you.’”

Friedman’s overall commitment extended well beyond his tenure in the classroom. He lived the University’s mission every day, having served on various boards and standing committees, and played a vital role in new course and program development.

For many, one of the most cherished acts by Professor Friedman was to establish a scholarship, the Professor Edward L. Friedman Endowed Scholarship (formerly the Isidore Friedman Memorial Scholarship in memory of his father, renamed in 2014 by Esia Friedman). This scholarship has since helped more than 45 students who study math or engineering in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture, and it will continue to benefit students each academic year in perpetuity.

Upon announcing his retirement in 1992, Friedman said, “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to spend most of my professional life doing what I enjoyed most, with people who were like family. It was a truly glorious 38 years.”

Edward Friedman passed away in 2014. Special thanks to the Friedman family— his wife, Esia Baran Friedman (A’54, ’62, M’66, C’72, P’76); and his sons Barry D. Friedman, PhD (A’73, ’76) and Rabbi Cary A. Friedman (A’82, ’84)—for allowing us to share this story.

1995

Ginne-Ray Clay (M Barney) has been selected as the inaugural executive director of the state Social Equity Council, which will have a large role in approving cannabis business licenses in Connecticut. Clay is the president of the Greater Waterbury NAACP and president of Executive Solutions.

David Cordani (M Barney) became the chair of the board at Cigna starting Jan. 1, 2022. Cordani is also the president and chief executive officer at Cigna and has been part of the company for 30 years.

1996

Subramaniam Viswanathan (M Barney) has joined Chimera Investment Corporation as chief financial officer and principal financial officer. Viswanathan previously served as the managing director and chief operating officer at Global Mortgages and Securitized Products since 2012.

1997

Vivian Almario (ENHP) and her son Leonardo Marquez were featured in an article in CT Latino News on their work to educate and build trust among the Latino community in the fight against COVID-19. Almario is a nurse with the Infectious Disease Unit at Hospital for Special Care in New Britain, Conn.

The West Hartford Commission on the Arts has launched a new initiative, the Artist Job Bank, to help provide support for artists, a group that has been particularly hard-hit since the start of COVID-19. Latanya Farrell (ENHP) and Javier Colon ’00 (Hartt), who are on the Commission and chair the Commission’s Artist Outreach Committee, were interviewed by We-Ha.com about the project.

Nelba Márquez-Greene (Hartt), founder of The Ana Grace Project, was the commencement speaker during two separate fall commencement ceremonies on Dec. 5. Márquez-Greene founded The Ana Grace Project in 2013 as a response to the school shooting in Sandy Hook, Conn., in 2012, which took the life of her daughter, Ana Grace Márquez- Greene. Márquez-Greene received a Distinguished Alumna Award as part of UHart’s 2020 Anchor Awards, which recognize alumni who have distinguished themselves through their achievements professionally and in the community.

2000

Mark Garcia (M Barney) has been named chief financial officer at Arctaris Impact Investors, LLC, a Boston-based impact investment firm. Garcia joins Arctaris after 13 years at Thomas H. Lee Partners, where he served as co-chief financial officer.

2001

Raffaella Petrini (M Barney) has been appointed secretary-general of the Office Governing Vatican City State— making her the first female secretarygeneral of Vatican City State, the highest-ranking woman at the Vatican, and the second-ranking position in the government of the Vatican City State. In this role, she will oversee a diverse range of departments, such as the Vatican’s museums, post office, department of health, and police force.

Sharon White (A&S) has joined Rock Creek Energy Group, LLP, as a partner. White is an attorney specializing in hydropower and electric regulatory issues.

2002

Kaitlin Walsh (A&S, M’04 A&S), received the 2021 President’s Team Recognition Award for Inspiring Staff Excellence at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ). She is an instructional designer and program coordinator for the Digital Media major at USJ, promoted recently to assistant dean of academic affairs at USJ. 2

2003

Tasha Jackson (Barney) was recently hired as chief financial and administrative officer at STRIVE, a nonprofit focused on ending chronic unemployment in New York City. Jackson has more than 10 years of experience working at nonprofit organizations. She has previously held leadership roles in finance and accounting at Urban Resources Institute and Girl Scouts of Connecticut.

2004

Cheri Eleazer (Hartt) has been named SUNY Maritime College’s women’s basketball head coach. Eleazer most recently was an assistant coach at the University of Maryland Baltimore College, where she assisted with strength conditioning and guard coaching.

2005

Dezron Douglas (Hartt) has joined the Trey Anastasio Band, an off shoot of the band Phish, as a jazz bassist. Douglas has been playing with the band since September 2021.

Dezron Douglas and Brandee Younger ’06, see recently released album, p. 40.

Maureen Leathers (Barney) has joined Travelers Insurance as senior director of operations communications. Leathers has held various marketing and communication roles in insurance, wealth management, and health services. 4

2006

Emma Asante (M A&S) was the 2021 Humanitarian Honoree at the 27th Annual Women of Achievement awards dinner. Asante is vice president, special projects and community relations at NBC 5, Telemundo Chicago, NBC Sports Chicago.

Ryan Bauer-Walsh (Hartt) conceived of and helped write the music for the world’s first LGBTQ lullaby album, The Rainbow Lullaby. Bauer-Walsh is a New York-based writer, composer, artist, and community activist.

Ethan Nash (M Hartt, D’07 Hartt) has been named Glastonbury’s Teacher of the Year. Nash is a music teacher and director of choirs at Glastonbury High School. He conducts the concert choir, treble choir, chorus, men’s choir, and madrigals.

University of Hartford Alumni Book Club

Are you a book lover who would like to participate in a book club with other alumni? Do you have ideas or recommendations for books or genres? We want to hear from you! To share your thoughts or learn more, e-mail the alumni engagement team at alumni@hartford.edu.

More Than a Love Story

In each issue, H looks at lifelong bonds and friendships formed at UHart that continue strong today.

Lorna Woodsum Riley ’71 and Dan Riley ’69 both came to UHart looking to get an education, expand their worldview, and of course, meet great friends. What they didn’t expect was finding their life partner. “I’m a very fortunate person because what I value most out of my four years at UHart is Dan…I didn’t go there looking for a boyfriend. I went to study piano pedagogy seriously,” remembers Lorna. But within the first few months of her first year, Lorna met Dan and they have been by each other’s side ever since. Their story isn’t just a love story—it is so much more. It is two people standing up for their beliefs, facing their fears, and continuing to grow in their communities—getting into some good trouble, as the saying goes.

The pair met during Lorna’s Orientation week at an event held by the Leadership Development Commission, of which Dan was the co-chair. Both were active on campus. The duo worked together with the University’s classic film series—Dan working as the projectionist and Lorna as his assistant. Lorna was in The Hartt School’s piano pedagogy program, which consumed much of her time with practice. Dan spent most of his time working on

The Cauldron, the school newspaper, where he served as editor. Although there was a political divide on campus during their years at UHart, Dan remembers the power of music and its ability to unify the student body. “One of the things I remember vividly, one of our dearest friends, John Robinson ’68, M’72, was always the first one with the new vinyl. I remember there were three times when he walked in with Beatles albums and that entire cafeteria flocked around just to look at the cover. There was no record player to play it, but we got to hold the album in our hands and pass it around. This was one of the amazing bonding moments, because at that time, the political divide was taking shape, but the music culture—especially the Beatles—was such a unifying force,” says Dan.

Life after the University of Hartford held even more adventures for the Rileys as they ventured on their joint journey into the world. Dan became a teacher, but eventually found his way to becoming a writer. “I was helped by the confidence and experience I gained by being named editor of a campus paper at an early stage in my college career,” says Dan. As Lorna would say, her career had “more twists and turns than a plate of linguini.” She used her Hartt experience and taught piano for a while, then moved on to a myriad of other careers, including first-grade teacher, marketing, sales, advertising, and even as a digital font specialist. After being laid off twice in one year, Lorna decided not to look to others for a job or security but rather decided to challenge herself on her own. “I decided to do the hardest thing that I could think of—and that was public speaking. I mustered up all of what I had learned out of all these different careers and decided to go face my biggest fear, and that really liberated me,” says Lorna. She isn’t finished with her career, she says, “I’m not done. I’ve been combining learning with technology to help people transform their lives. I now have two companies that I started with my two partners, working with people half my age and twice the energy. It’s really exciting to be a part of purposeful work that has no end point, building companies that will have a huge impact long after I’m gone.”

Lorna’s advice for current and young alumni is, “Do the thing you fear the most and that will free you. Take on goals or tasks that you think are too big or too high. You are every bit big enough. Approach people you think are out of your league. You never know where love will blossom. Never stop learning and try to leave something worthwhile behind. Loving, learning, and leaving a legacy is a life well-lived.”

2007

Gregg Katzman (A&S) has been promoted to director of marketing and publicity at Valiant Entertainment. Katzman joined the company in 2018 as a marketing coordinator, then was promoted to marketing manager, and most recently, served as marketing and publicity manager. In this new role, Katzman will help shape the future of the Valiant Universe in announcement strategies and stories.

Jeffrey Welsh (Hartt) was interviewed by StupidDope on his passion for music and his legal career in the cannabis and entertainment industry. Welsh is a partner at Vicente Sederberg LLP and focuses his practice on advising companies and brands on how to navigate the California cannabis market.

2008

Ryan Speedo Green (Hartt), Grammy Award-winning artist, who was a part of the cast of The Metropolitan Opera’s production of Porgy and Bess that won the 2021 Grammy Award for best opera recording and best producer, recently became a member of the University of Hartford Board of Regents. 1

2011

Maret Bondorew (HAS) and her team at Toad and Frog Press found a way to be creative and make a positive impact on their community—raising more than $64,000 for the Rhode Island Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund with their designs.

Tangie Davis McDougald (A&S) has been on a mission to close the inequality gaps in health care, which has culminated in the Community Matters Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic for Children. The clinic is an extension of Community Matters, LLC, which McDougald founded in 2017.

Corey Pane (HAS) participated in the WEHA Bear Fair in West Hartford, Conn. The project’s goal was to bring joy to the West Hartford community and support local businesses and nonprofits.

UHart to Hartford

Abe Hefter from the School of Communication catches up with alumni to talk about their experiences at UHart and how it led them to where they are now. Hear their stories at hartford.edu/alumnipodcast.

2012

Katherine Trainer (Hartt, M’16 Hartt) has been named Coginchaug Regional High School’s new assistant principal. Trainer was previously the director of bands and dean of students at North Branford High School as well as the K–12 music department leader for the North Branford school district.

2013

Paul Krause (A&S) was promoted to lieutenant at the Sikorsky Aircraft Fire Department in March 2020. With the promotion happening just a few weeks before the lockdowns, Krause has worked through the pandemic and gained a whole different level of experience as a leader.

2014

Kalena Bovell (M Hartt, GPD’15 Hartt) had her conducting debut at BBC Proms, a classical music festival held every summer at the Royal Albert Hall in London. The BBC Proms is one of the largest and most prestigious classical musical festivals in the world.

Justin Wilcox (M Barney) has been named to the Hartford Business Journal 2021 40 Under 40 list. Wilcox is the youngest partner at the accounting firm FML, one of the largest accounting firms in Connecticut.

Chen Yi (Barney) was one of two distinguished guest composers for the 2021 Mizzou International Composers Festival. As a distinguished guest, Yi gave individual composition lessons, gave presentations on her music, and consulted with the ensembles that performed her works. Yi is a professor of composition at the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri–Kansas City.

2015

Parkville Sounds in Hartford, Conn., was featured in an article in the Hartford Courant. Within the article, co-founder Stephen Cusano (Hartt) was interviewed on the impact of the pandemic on the music industry and what Parkville Sounds has done to help musicians.

Shannon Dass (ENHP), see recently published book, p. 40.

2016

Lindaluz Carillo (HAS) was named to the Connecticut Magazine 2021 Class of 40 Under 40 list. Carillo is an urban pop artist and graphic designer and also teaches art, computer science, and graphic arts in several Hartford-area schools. Carillo’s work can also be seen on the cover of the summer 2020 issue of H magazine.

2018

Crystal Gonzalez (M Barney) has been named to the Hartford Business Journal 2021 40 Under 40 list. Gonzalez leads Small Commercial at U.S. Arch Insurance. She is the board president for Prospanica Connecticut and serves on the advisory council for Connecticut College’s Hale Center for Career Development.

Bryson Owens (A&S, M’20 A&S) has been promoted to creative coordinator at Showtime Networks. Previously, Owens was a production assistant at Showtime Networks, where he worked on creative marketing campaigns for shows like The Chi, Vice, and Couples Therapy. Owens has worked at Newsweek, NBC Universal Media, iHeartMedia, and Live Nation Entertainment. 6

2019

Emily Qualmann (Hartt) starred as one of the principal roles, Tammy, in the Escape to Margaritaville Broadway national tour.

Jeffrey Severino (CETA) was featured on the latest episode of Houston We Have a Podcast, the official podcast of the NASA Johnson Space Center from Houston, Texas, home of NASA’s astronauts and Mission Control Center. Severino joined other fellow NASA interns on the episode to discuss his journey to working in the acoustics branch at NASA and how he found inspiration through his experience at UHart. 8

2020

Hannah Francis (HAS) had illustrations featured in the Washington Post’s Video Game Section “Launcher” for an article on 10 video game franchises they want “raised from the dead.”

Sabrina Rivera (A&S, M’21 A&S) has joined McDowell Communications Group (MCG) as their director of digital media. Rivera previously oversaw digital and social media for Connecticut’s Department of Health during its COVID-19 vaccine rollout. In this new position, Rivera will oversee social media for clients, develop digital content, and manage MCG’s online presence.

Alex Robertson (Hartt) has been named associate producer for the New York City premiere of Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas at the New Victory Theater. 7

2021

Traci Carter (M A&S) was featured in Al Dia News about his nonprofit organization, Anchors Camp. Carter tragically lost his younger brother Semaj to gun violence in July 2020 when Semaj was walking home after playing basketball with friends. Wanting to make a difference and give Philadelphia youth hopes for a brighter future, Carter and his business partner, Jimmy Newfrock, founded Anchors Camp in honor of Semaj. At Anchors Camp, young men have opportunities to gain confidence and develop professional and life skills in a camp atmosphere outside of the city.

Colin Whitehill (CETA) went to the Tokyo Olympics as an audio technician for NBC Sports Group. Whitehill was stationed in the International Broadcast Center (IBC) under NBC’s temporary headquarters in Tokyo. The IBC is also where the Primetime NBC Olympics Program is produced.

SAVE THE DATE

Hawktober 2022

October 14–16, 2022 Reconnect with friends, new and old, at UHart’s largest reunion of the year! Once a Hawk, always a Hawk! More info coming soon. Stay tuned.

We Remember...

1940s

Norma Brundage Marshall A’44 (HCW) Bethel, Maine, 12.12.2021

Marilyn Zimmerman C’45 (Barney) Ormond Beach, Fla., 7.23.2021

Francis Dimarco C’48 (HAS) Manchester, Conn., 10.29.2021

John C. Bloomquist A’49 (Hillyer) West Hartford, Conn., 2.22.2021

Susan Dermargosian A’49 (Barney) Wilbraham, Mass., 11.18.2021

Alice Avakian Norsigian A’49 (Hillyer) Wethersfield, Conn., 4.15.2021

Carolyn Storm Pendel A’49 (HCW) West Hartford, Conn., 2.17.2021

1950s

William J. Lasley C’50 (Hartt) Fullerton, Calif., 7.22.2021

William A. Manierre Sr. A’50 (Hillyer) Columbus, Ohio, 2.9.2021

John W. Otterbein A’50 (CETA) Manchester, Conn., 7.8.2021

Melvin S. Silverstein A’48, ’50, M’56 (Hillyer) Blackstone, Mass., 5.18.2021

John J. Kemish A’49, ’51 (Hillyer) Boca Raton, Fla., 4.25.2021

John R. Abraham Jr. ’52 (Barney) Pittsburgh, Pa., 2.13.2021

Henry L. Gotta A’52 (Barney) Newington, Conn., 10.6.2021

Jane E. Haraden Art Dipl ’52 (HAS) Bar Harbor, Maine, 7.24.2021

Barbara Fuller Morkan A’52 (HCW) Simsbury, Conn., 12.29.2021

Peter F. Kelly ’53 (Hillyer) Manchester, Conn., 9.27.2021

Thomas H. Abraham A’52, ’54 (Hillyer) Panama City, Fla., 12.14.2021

Edwina Lynch Bosco ’56 (Hillyer) West Hartford, Conn., 8.25.2021

Michael J. Boyle ’56 (Hillyer) Vernon Rockville, Conn., 12.8.2021

Patricia LaBrie Cardone A’56 (Barney) Manhattan Beach, Calif., 7.28.2021

Anthony J. Krawczyk M’56 (ENHP) Port St. Lucie, Fla., 8.16.2021

Michael Mazzone Art Dipl ’54, ’56, M’78 (HAS) Westerly, R.I., 1.17.2021

Marilyn Hunter Ross A’56 (HCW) Selinsgrove, Pa., 5.11.2021

William H. Beckham ’57 (Hartt) Hartford, Conn., 2.1.2021

Clifford Espeseth A’52, ’57 (Barney) Fort McCoy, Fla., 2.20.2021

Frederick B. Glanovsky ’57 (CETA) Naples, Fla., 6.9.2021

Andrew Hall ’57 (CETA) South Windsor, Conn., 6.28.2021

Robert L. Howard A’57 (Barney) Charlton, Mass., 8.1.2021

Joseph M. Lemke ’57 (Barney) Simsbury, Conn., 2.28.2021

Thomas N. Ribadeneyra ’57 (CETA) Marlborough, Mass., 1.27.2021

Ronald E. Edmondson M’58 (ENHP) Coventry, Conn., 7.29.2021

William S. Larson ’58 (CETA) Toms River, N.J., 5.30.2021

Edward W. White C’58 (Ward) Northborough, Mass., 8.29.2021

Edward M. Kirby M’59 (Hillyer) Sharon, Conn., 2.1.2021

Leonard J. Martini ’59, M’67 (Hartt) Fairfield, Conn., 6.6.2021

Millard H. Mason M’59 (ENHP) Wethersfield, Conn., 9.8.2021

Martha B. Pettengill M’59 (ENHP) Newington, Conn., 5.4.2021

Robert A. Smith ’59 (Barney) New Britain, Conn., 9.22.2021

1960s

Alan R. Blankenburg ’60 (Hartt) Newington, Conn., 12.28.2021

Riva Dunn A’60 (Barney) Saunderstown, R.I., 5.7.2021

Chester Jasenski ’60 (A&S) East Hampton, Conn., 2.27.2021

Lucille G. Killiany M’60, C’65 (ENHP) Thomaston, Conn., 10.24.2021

Catherine C. Konefal M’60 (ENHP) Hebron, Conn., 3.1.2021

Casimir P. Kovalski M’60 (ENHP) Cromwell, Conn., 2.7.2021

Elroy J. Michaud ’60 (Ward) Lake Santeetlah, N.C., 1.2.2021

Michael A. Rossetti M’60 (ENHP) Old Saybrook, Conn., 5.30.2021

Dirck Spicer ’60 (Hartt) Durham, Conn., 8.11.2021

Ronald R. Vitarelli Sr. ’60, M’63 (ENHP) Middlebury, Conn., 12.8.2021

Phillip J. Bourque ’61, M’62, C’75 (ENHP) Granby, Conn., 1.10.2021

Ernest P. Cermola M’61 (ENHP) West Hartford, Conn., 4.8.2021

Stuart N. Coleman M’61 (ENHP) Wallingford, Conn., 8.10.2021

Justine R. Dennis ’61 (ENHP) Southport, Conn., 8.3.2021

Algimantas R. Giedraitis A’57, ’61 (CETA) Idaho Falls, Idaho, 9.19.2021

John W. Krisak M’61 (ENHP) Stamford, Conn., 5.1.2021

Francis J. Pacocha Jr. ’61 (Hartt) Cedar Park, Texas, 7.24.2021

Leonard M. Skinger M’58, ’61 (ENHP) Wethersfield, Conn., 12.29.2021

George E. Bryenton M’62 (ENHP) Newington, Conn., 1.22.2021

Joan L. Chernauskas M’62 (ENHP) Southbury, Conn., 9.1.2021

Norman E. Gordon M’62 (ENHP) Windham, Maine, 11.26.2021

Raymond Gromko C’62 (Ward) Jewett City, Conn., 11.28.2021

James A. Hayes C’62 (Ward) East Hartland, Conn., 5.1.2021

Leah Maskowsky Kaplan M’62 (ENHP) West Hartford, Conn., 12.22.2021

Grace Dunn Price A’62 (HCW) Brewster, Mass., 10.22.2021

Valentino T. Raimondi A’62 (Barney) Hartford, Conn., 8.15.2021

Thomas P. Battista ’63 (Hartt) Springfield, Vt., 5.10.2021

Frederick E. Chalker Jr. C’63 (Ward) Atlantis, Fla., 3.12.2021

Richard T. Healy M’63, P’90 (ENHP) Litchfield, Conn., 10.1.2021

Clinton M. Hurlbut ’63 (CETA) Tolland, Conn., 5.3.2021

Janet C. Johnson ’63 (A&S) Concord, Mass., 9.14.2021

Daniel I. Konover ’63 (A&S) Avon, Conn., 9.6.2021

Kenneth C. Lamson A’59, ’63 (A&S) Pahrump, Nev., 12.4.2021

Raymond A. McGugan A’46, ’63, M’67 (ENHP) Manchester, Conn., 6.3.2021

Charles Pennella ’63 (Barney) Bradenton, Fla., 12.6.20

Robert A. Story ’63 (Barney) Kensington, Conn., 12.31.2021

Almeda Duke Tabatsky M’63 (ENHP) Latham, N.Y., 2.6.2021

Clifford W. Burkhart A’60, ’64 (Barney) Waterbury, Conn., 10.8.2021

Garry V. Crosson ’64, A’67 (Barney) Windsor, Conn., 5.8.2021

Robert A. Francolini ’64 (A&S) West Granby, Conn., 7.29.2021

Ed (Edward) L. Godbout ’64, M’66, C’74 (ENHP) Manchester, Conn., 11.18.2021

Dr. Kenneth C. Lanoue ’64 (ENHP) Lafayette, La., 12.13.2021

Gloria Cannilla Larsen ’64, M’72 (HAS) Hartford, Conn., 5.2.2021

Robert J. Tyszka M’64 (ENHP) Wilmington, Mass., 12.19.2021

Sandra Lasky Zawacki A’64 (Barney) Ocala, Fla., 10.27.2021

Donald A. Cascio C’65 (Ward) Hamden, Conn., 11.7.2021

Robert M. Chapman A’62, ’65 (CETA) Chapel Hill, N.C., 1.11.2021

Richard D. Covini ’65 (A&S) Berlin, Conn., 4.14.2021

Michael F. Hayes M’65 (ENHP) Avon, Mass., 11.23.2021

Alexander M. Kulesa Jr. ’65 (A&S) Auburn, Mass., 4.18.2021

John H. Miller Jr. A’65 (Ward) Unionville, Conn., 7.19.2021

Dominick P. Musso ’65 (CETA) Suffield, Conn., 7.24.2021

Grace E. Price ’65 (A&S) Brewster, Mass., 10.22.2021

Esther D. Scuderi M’65 (ENHP) Marco Island, Fla., 10.14.2021

Theodore V. Warzecha Jr. ’65 (Barney) Westerly, R.I., 6.11.2021

Gerard A. Boucher ’66(Barney Longmeadow, Mass., 11.11.2021

Michael F. Brescia M’66 (ENHP) Hartford, Conn., 7.5.2021

Michael R. Corrado ’66 (A&S) Old Saybrook, Conn., 11.13.2021

Morgan B. Daniels ’66 (ENHP) Durham, Conn., 9.30.2021

Robert N. Keating ’66 (A&S) East Hartford, Conn., 11.2.2021

Wendell R. Loso ’66 (Barney) Essex Junction, Vt., 3.13.2021

Ralph J. Marone ’66 (Barney Newington, Conn., 1.26.2021

Catherine A. Mazalas ’66 (A&S) Wethersfield, Conn., 1.4.2021

Ronald S. Mocaldo M’66 (ENHP) Vernon Rockville, Conn., 2.9.2021

Barbara Hobbs Oman ’66 (ENHP) East Hartford, Conn., 9.3.2021

John L. Pratt A’58, ’66 (CETA) Trumbull, Conn., 2.3.2021

Hubert J. Santos ’66 (A&S) West Hartford, Conn., 6.21.2021

Theodore T. Stankiewicz ’66 (CETA) East Hampton, Conn., 8.26.2021

James W. Tilley ’66 (Barney) Amston, Conn., 2.11.2021

Hedda W. von Goeben ’66 (A&S) Granville, Ohio, 10.8.2021

Andre A. Coutu A’62, ’67 (Barney) Penfield, N.Y., 11.20.2021

Edmund E. Dery A’49, ’67 (Barney) Fort Mill, S.C., 7.30.2021

Daniel H. Driscoll ’67, M’75 (A&S) New London, Conn., 12.5.2021

Thomas W. Fay A’64, ’67 (CETA) Fraser, Mich., 5.21.2021

Dennis D. Sheehan ’67 (Barney) East Orleans, Mass., 6.5.2021

Bruno S. Smilgys ’67 (CETA) West Suffield, Conn., 7.7.2021

David B. Smith A’67 (Barney) Hudson, Mass., 11.29.2021

Betty J. Willis ’67 (ENHP) Simsbury, Conn., 12.23.2021

Roger L. Atkins ’68 (Hartt) Winsted, Conn., 4.17.2021

Lance Q. Johnson C’62, ’68 (ENHP) East Hampton, Conn., 3.18.2021

Judith M. Kerr M’68 (Barney) Hobe Sound, Fla., 5.16.2021

Reginald J. Lavoie ’68 (A&S) Windsor, Conn., 8.17.2021

Philip H. Statlender ’68 (HAS) Brookline, Mass., 12.24.2021

Donald M. Barnard Sr. A’69 (Ward) East Hartford, Conn., 4.1.2021

Eleanor D. Controvillas M’69 (ENHP) Burlington, Conn., 11.21.2021

Dr. Barbara Allen Dalrymple ’69 (A&S) Macon, Ga., 4.4.2021

Lucy Gryszkiewicz Drozd ’69 (A&S) New Britain, Conn., 9.16.2021

William A. Karmen M’69 (Barney) Morristown, N.J., 6.15.2021

Philip M. Keenan ’69 (CETA) West Hartford, Conn., 1.23.2021

Elinor K. Kniffin M’69 (ENHP) Ripon, Calif., 4.3.2021

Louis R. Malizia A’69 (A&S) Berlin, Conn., 10.3.2021

Ronald C. McReavy M’69 (ENHP) Cheshire, Conn., 1.5.2021

Robert C. Palen ’69 (A&S) Windsor, Conn., 3.23.2021

Roxanne Richards Stringer ’69, M’72 (A&S) Meriden, Conn., 7.10.2021

Alan G. White ’69, M’83 (Barney) Vernon Rockville, Conn., 12.17.2021

1970s

Augustus P. Boi A’64, ’70 (Barney) Bristol, Conn., 1.8.2021

Louis T. Devito C’68, A’70 (Ward) Cromwell, Conn., 4.3.2021

Dr. Michael R. Durham ’70 (A&S) Globe, Ariz., 10.5.2021

Elaine Gianopoulos Greene ’70 (A&S) Leominster, Mass., 11.23.2021

Gregory F. Haber ’70 (A&S) Arlington, Va., 5.19.2021

Richard J. Hanson M’70 (Barney) Brewster, Mass., 8.14.2021

Frank R. Mancini ’70 (A&S) Delray Beach, Fla., 11.6.2021

Robert F. Manning M’70 (HAS) Danville, Vt., 1.16.2021

Henry A. Peyton M’70 (Barney) Mystic, Conn., 8.15.2021

Olive La Montegne Santavenere ’70, M’82 (ENHP) Seymour, Conn., 7.17.2021

Arthur B. Shattuck M’70 (Barney) Newport, R.I., 9.16.2021

Gwen E. Sibley ’70 (A&S) Bloomfield, Conn., 3.15.2021

Teresa Szczapa Stewart ’70 (Hartt) Berlin, Conn., 12.1.2021

James D. Crocker Jr. ’71 (Barney) The Villages, Fla., 4.8.2021

Patricia Bodreau Fargnoli A’71 (HCW) Walpole, N.H., 2.18.2021

Glenn R. Gerber ’71 (HAS) Tariffville, Conn., 2.19.2021

Veronica Morgan Hunter A’71 (HCW) Burlington, N.C., 4.1.2021

John P. Morris ’71 (CETA) West Hartford, Conn., 1.22.2021

Ed (Edward) B. Quinlan M’71 (ENHP) West Hartford, Conn., 12.2.2021

Pasquale J. Suppe M’71 (Barney) Southington, Conn., 4.1.2021

Phillip R. Bucchi M’72 (Barney) Wethersfield, Conn., 1.1.2021

Willie C. Fuqua M’72 (ENHP) Portland, Conn., 5.1.2021

Richard H. Wheeler ’72 (Hartt) Middlebury, Vt., 11.1.2021

Capt. Julia Yastishock Dyckman ’73 (A&S) Harrisburg, Pa., 10.24.2021

Henry R. Hague Jr. M’73 (Barney) Plymouth, Mass., 8.19.2021

Mary S. Harper M’73 (HAS) Storrs Mansfield, Conn., 11.29.2021

Jimmie L. Hill M’73, C’75 (ENHP) Hartford, Conn., 10.7.2021

Alfred P. Malpa ’73 (Hartt) Chester, Conn., 2.6.2021

Marshall W. Payne ’73 (A&S) South Hadley, Mass., 3.10.2021

Mark A. Peterson ’73 (Barney) South Windsor, Conn., 4.9.2021

Carolyn M. Skahill ’73 (A&S) Rutland, Vt., 4.29.2021

Eleanor T. Wade M’73 (ENHP) Vero Beach, Fla., 2.14.2021

Arthur P. Yoaps ’73 (A&S) Rocky Hill, Conn., 12.8.2021

Sandra B. Gershman M’74 (ENHP) West Hartford, Conn., 2.4.2021

Giorgio Ottaviani ’74, P’16, ’17 (CETA) Berlin, Conn., 10.13.2021

Christopher M. Pond ’74 (A&S) Jacksonville, Fla., 10.18.2021

Sheryl Lillyman Renne A’74 (HCW) Ridgefield, Conn., 9.20.2021

Mery Seeman Sokal ’74 (A&S) Albany, N.Y., 7.9.2021

Philip M. Carpenter M’75 (Barney) Bloomfield, Conn., 3.9.2021

Patricia Steffens Clark C’75 (ENHP) Cambridge, Mass., 4.25.2021

Ed (Edward) J. Lang M’75 (Barney) Rumford, R.I., 9.9.2021

Peter K. Mulligan ’75 (Barney) Vernon, Conn., 11.14.2021

Pamela Conover Stigliano ’75 (HAS) Roseland, N.J., 2.18.2021

Anne C. Buell A’76 (HCW) Chamberlain, Maine, 11.23.2021

Frank A. Chiaravalloti ’76 (A&S) Swampscott, Mass., 2.10.2021

John H. Judd ’76 (Barney) Fort Lauderdale, Fla., 7.18.2021

David J. Kennedy ’76 (CETA) Berlin, Conn., 9.15.2021

Shelley Nohowel ’76 (HAS) Doylestown, Pa., 4.30.2021

Doris R. Scott ’76 (ENHP) Bristol, Conn., 6.2.2021

Lee A. Gagnon M’77 (Barney) Charlestown, R.I., 8.1.2021

Scott G. Stibitz M’77 (Barney) Shakopee, Minn., 12.7.2021

Jeraldine D. Wilson ’77, M’79 (ENHP) Watertown, Conn., 7.16.2021

Anna B. Bigazzi ’78 (A&S) Farmington, Conn., 6.7.2021

David B. Castaldi ’78 (A&S) Hamden, Conn., 6.6.2021

Steve Curylo ’78 (Hartt) Chicopee, Mass., 10.3.2021

Carol Stevens Eno ’78, M’80 (A&S) Darien, Conn., 11.10.2021

Michael Iskra M’78 (Barney) Newington, Conn., 3.17.2021

Joseph G. Meny Jr. M’78 (Barney) West Hartford, Conn., 8.22.2021

Douglas P. Raineault A’72, ’78 (CETA) Middletown, Conn., 12.26.2021

Anthony J. Zilinsky M’78 (Barney) Navarre, Fla., 11.13.2021

Kendall H. Brautigam ’79 (Barney) Riverhead, N.Y., 1.19.2021

Daniel J. Decker ’79 (Barney) Enfield, Conn., 7.5.2021

Carol P. Gadd ’79 (ENHP) Newington, Conn., 10.12.2021

Dezso S. Haracsy A’76, ’79 (Barney) Ellington, Conn., 10.5.2021

Robert E. Phelps ’79 (Barney) Enfield, Conn., 4.23.2021

Cheryl Zinker ’79 (A&S) Manchester, Conn., 4.14.2021

1980s

Maureen H. Buckmiller M’80 (A&S) Hartford, Conn., 10.30.2021

Chester A. Kuras M’80, P’84, P’86, P’88 (Barney) West Suffield, Conn., 9.8.2021

Eleanor J. Saunders M’80 (ENHP) Leominster, Mass., 10.8.2021

Edwin M. Waterschoot ’80 (CETA) Fayetteville, N.Y., 5.24.2021

Emily Snyder Williams ’80 (A&S) Old Lyme, Conn., 5.8.2021

Robert J. Delisa M’81, P’04 (Barney) Old Saybrook, Conn., 8.15.2021

Neil B. Gillespie A’77, ’81 (Barney) Windsor, Conn., 10.16.2021

Gary S. Landau A’81 (Ward) Marietta, Ga., 8.8.2021

Tom O. Coker M’82 (Barney) Windsor, Conn., 9.5.2021

Patricia Draper M’82, G’20 (Barney) Newtown, Conn., 6.13.2021

Joseph J. Guimento Sr. ’82 (Barney) Yonkers, N.Y., 3.24.2021

Emily Vaughan Melendez ’82 (A&S) Ledyard, Conn., 12.12.2021

Bonnie A. Norton M’82 (Barney) Venice, Fla., 4.5.2021

Gilles J. Page ’82 (CETA) Wellford, S.C., 1.15.2021

Thomas M. Wingate A’80, ’82 (Ward) Westfield, Mass., 8.1.2021

Walter A. Debboli M’83 (ENHP) Southington, Conn., 2.6.2021

George M. Hallarin M’83 (Barney) Columbia, Conn., 6.28.2021

Daria E. Fanelli A’84 (HCW) Milldale, Conn., 1.31.2021

Thomas R. Fleckenstein A’84 (Barney) Wernersville, Pa., 9.18.2021

Donald B. Himes M’84 (Barney) West Hartford, Conn., 11.10.2021

Donal Levitt M’84 (Barney) Raleigh, N.C., 2.23.2021

Cynthia P. Bazzano ’85 (A&S) Eastham, Mass., 11.3.2021

Todd W. Doten M’85 (Barney) Wethersfield, Conn., 7.13.2021

Laurence J. O’Connor ’85 (ENHP) Springfield, Mass., 6.11.2021

Brad M. Ragaglia ’85 (A&S) Plainville, Conn., 1.11.2021

Christine Antonecchia Amanna ’86 (ENHP) Somers, N.Y., 6.29.2021

Timothy A. Hanson ’86 (Hartt) Brookline, Mass., 12.2.2021

Dale A. Homme A’70, ’87 (HAS) Turners Falls, Mass., 8.18.2021

Daniel J. King ’87 (CETA) Elko New Market, Minn., 12.4.2021

Michelle P. Thomas ’87 (Barney) Fredericksburg, Va., 2.16.2021

Stephen F. Thompson M’87 (Barney) La Grange, Ky., 9.6.2021

Lori A. Baranowski ’88, M’94 (ENHP) Bristol, Conn., 4.29.2021

John W. Chrostowsky ’88, M’98 (Barney) Vernon, Conn., 11.24.2021

Debra R. Perrone ’88 (ENHP) Vernon, Conn., 6.13.2021

Judith A. Breitenbach M’89 (Barney) Powell, Ohio, 5.1.2021

Michelle L. Desmangles A’89 (HCW) N.Y., N.Y., 5.25.2021

Joel A. Weinstein A’88, ’89 (Barney) Avon, Colo., 3.8.2021

1990s

Vanessa E. Binder ’91 (A&S) Old Saybrook, Conn., 3.1.2021

Wilhelmina E. Campbell ’91 (A&S) Concord, N.C., 9.26.2021

John Chicoski M’91 (Barney) Wallingford, Conn., 11.15.2021

Calvin L. Kaiser Jr. M’95 (Barney) Newington, Conn., 10.10.2021

Sheila A. Kerrigan ’95 (A&S) Los Angeles, Calif., 6.3.2021

Lisa A. Sullivan C’95 (HCW) Cromwell, Conn., 1.6.2021

Scott B. Bean ’96, M’99 (Hartt) New Haven, Conn., 2.11.2021

Paul E. Berard M’96, P’01 (Barney) Terryville, Conn., 8.19.2021

Charlotte A. Engelke ’96 (ENHP) East Granby, Conn., 2.1.2021

Rachael Fox ’97 (Hartt) Los Angeles, Calif., 7.12.2021

Ed (Edward) T. Samul M’97 (Barney) Uncasville, Conn., 9.16.2021

Grace P. Collies ’98, P’96 (HAS) East Granby, Conn., 9.23.2021

Mark E. Parent M’99 (Barney) Avon, Conn., 9.20.2021

Eric R. Rodriguez ’99 (HAS) Middleboro, Mass., 12.29.2021

2000s

Linda A. Kology M’00 (Barney) Broad Brook, Conn., 3.1.2021

Theodore A. Herbst ’01 (ENHP) Boca Raton, Fla., 2.11.2021

Deborah A. Palmeri M’02 (ENHP) Shelburne Falls, Mass., 4.14.2021

Kenneth E. Matuszewski ’04 (Barney) Manchester, N.H., 11.1.2021

Robert B. Walker ’05 (A&S) Darien, Conn., 5.17.2021

Tiffany A. Hightower ’06 (A&S) Rockville, Md., 6.9.2021

2010s

Thomas J. Milligan M’18 (Hartt) Hartford, Conn., 12.14.2021

Carolee N. Garvey ’19 (ENHP) Griswold, Conn., 7.27.2021

Sasha A. Stopanjac ’20 (A&S) Middle Village, N.Y., 2.21.2021

PROUD TO BE A HAWK

Getting married? Having a baby? Show your UHart pride by requesting a UHart pennant or onesie for your future Hawk at hartford.edu/uhart-gear. We’ll help you celebrate by sharing your news as a Class Note—online and in a future issue of H.

We Congratulate & Welcome...

WEDDINGS AND ENGAGEMENTS

David Daye ’06 (Barney) and Natalie Daye were married on July 10, 2021. [1]

Katelyn (Murphy) Centore ’10 (A&S) and Matthew Centore were married on Oct. 11, 2020, in Bedford, N.H., after changing venues and their guest limit multiple times during the pandemic. Katelyn is a police officer and Matthew is a gas worker both in Malden, Mass. They currently reside in Melrose, Mass. [2]

Shealagh Begley A’11 (Hillyer), ’13 (A&S) and Trevor Glasgow were married in September 2020. Their wedding was featured in WeHa.com. [3]

Ilana Weinberger ’11 (A&S) and Jason Mittleman ’15 (Hillyer) were married on Aug. 8, 2021, in Tintin Falls, N.J. [4]

Allison Litera ’12 (HAS) wedded Nicholas Billeter in a small ceremony on Oct. 30, 2020, at Hazardville United Methodist Church in Enfield, Conn. Allison is a digital content analyst at UMass Medical School-Baystate in Springfield, Mass., and Nicholas is a staff accountant at Cerrone, Graham, and Shepherd in Worcester, Mass. The two originally met as children and were reintroduced as adults in 2013. [5]

Lana Kessell ’13 (A&S) married Gary Vasas on July 4, 2021, at the Woodwinds in Branford, Conn. While at UHart, Lana majored in secondary mathematics education. She is currently a math teacher at Manchester High School. She was involved in many groups during her undergraduate years, including Phi Mu Fraternity, RHA, and RFA. [6]

Amber Sorensen Van Cleave ’13 (CETA) and Christopher Hallenbrook married on June 12, 2021, in Massachusetts. They met in grad school in 2015 in Davis, Calif. They now live in Long Beach, Calif., where Amber works as a biomedical engineer and Chris is a political science professor. [7]

Kristina Karlson (HAS ’14) and Jason Pelletier were married on Sept. 4, 2021 on Lake Bomoseen in Bomoseen, Vermont. [10]

Matt Kavulich ’14 (Hartt) and Kelsey Kavulich were married on Aug. 14 in Stratford, Conn. [11]

Amanda (Ernest) Lusteg ’14 (A&S) and Matthew Lusteg had a mini-wedding during the pandemic on May 23, 2020. Close friend and fellow alumnus, Max Seinfeld ’14 (HAS), served as their officiant. Amanda currently works at the Hartford Art School and Matthew is a self-employed artist. They currently reside in Westfield, Mass. [8]

Kelsey (Cruikshank) Yantovsky ’14 (CETA) and Ilya Yantovsky ’15 (Barney) were married in August 2020 and celebrated the union in June 2021 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. [13]

Rachel Kauczka ’15 (ENHP) and Alex Rodrigues ’16 (CETA) were married on May 30, 2021. [14]

Corinne Horanzy ’17 (ENHP) and Ben Roberts ’14 (ENHP) were married on Sept. 18, 2021, at Quidnessett Country Club in North Kingston, R.I. [15]

Arynn Rosenstein Kelly ’17, M’19 (ENHP) and Mike Kelly ’18 (A&S) were married at Disney World on Nov. 19, 2021. [17]

Nicole (Demars) Hannable ’18 (A&S), M’20 (A&S) and Mark Hannable were married on Sept. 24, 2021. [9]

Astrid Mangual ’18 (CETA), M’20 (Barney) and Joe Colossale announced their engagement on Aug. 1, 2021. They are looking forward to planning a wedding in 2022. [12]

Katie Schaffer ’18 (ENHP) and Jared Cormier ’18 (CETA) announced their engagement in December 2019. Katie is a special education teacher. Jared is an estimator with an architecture firm in Glastonbury, Conn. A July 2022 wedding is planned. [16]

HATCHLINGS

Kacey (Wilson) Foulkes ’03 (Barney) and John Foulkes welcomed Emmett Conner on June 11, 2021. [18]

Candice DeRiso (Beckmann) ’05 (Hartt) welcomed a sweet baby boy, Vincent Michael DeRiso, into the world on September 7, 2020. [19]

Jillian (Ziman) Pollock ’07 (ENHP) and Steven Pollock welcomed a baby girl, Audrey Marie, on May 17, 2021. She joins her big brother, Adam, who is four. [20]

Jason Krane ’10 (A&S) and Renee Sandler Krane ’10 (A&S) welcomed their son, Carson, in April 2020. [21]

Georgia Elizabeth was born August 23, 2020, to Merideth Adams ’11 (HAS) and Jeffrey Rulli of Bristol, Conn. She joins older brother Jackson Robert. [22]

Christa (Tubach) Yung ’11 (HAS) and her husband, Curtis Yung, welcomed a son, Eugene Oliver Yung, on May 18, 2021. [23]

Samantha Dermirdijan (Mayotte) ’13 (ENHP) and her husband, Andrew, welcomed their second child, Amelia Mae, in July 2020. [25]

Laura Gouin (Squires) ’13 (ENHP) and Alex Gouin ’14 (Barney) welcomed Lianna Grace Gouin in June 2020. [24]

Sophia Olsen Ponichtera M’16 (A&S) and Jason Ponichtera welcomed a baby girl, Athena, on Aug. 9, 2021. [26]

2021 Anchor Awards University of Hartford

The University of Hartford honored 10 of its top alumni during its annual Anchor Awards ceremony last Hawktober. The Anchor Awards recognize alumni who have distinguished themselves by achieving the highest levels of professional and community accomplishments.

Distinguished Alum Award Vincent “Vin” Baker ’93 (Hillyer, A&S) received the Distinguished Alum Award, awarded annually to an alum who embodies the highest caliber of personal and professional accomplishments, strength of character, and representation of our University values.

Baker is assistant coach of the 2021 NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks. To date, he remains the greatest men’s basketball player in the University of Hartford’s history. Baker began at the University’s Hillyer College before advancing to the College of Arts and Sciences to major in communication. He was drafted into the NBA as the eighth overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1993 and played for seven teams in his 13-year NBA career and was a four-time All-Star. He was also a member of the gold medal-winning 2000 U.S. Men’s Olympic Team.

In 2018, Baker founded Bouncing Back: The Vin Baker Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the impact of addiction and promoting sobriety. The foundation’s mission is to treat, educate, and motivate those who are most endangered by addiction with life-saving work that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

The University of Hartford has always been a special, special place to me. I learned so much about life and so much about myself. I learned about courage, I learned about success, I learned about failures, and I learned how to embrace all of them … all these things gave me the ability to compete, participate, survive, and thrive in the world.

Vin Baker ’93 Distinguished Alum Anchor Award Recipient

Meet the Other Award Recipients

Outstanding Alum:

Impact on Social Responsibility/Civic Engagement

Steve Collins ’89 (Hartt) has served as the executive director of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra since 2016. Collins previously served as the orchestra’s director of artistic operations and administration, helping guide the organization through a radically changing cultural environment, financial landscape, and role as a leading regional arts organization.

Senator Sonya Halpern M’90 (Barney) was elected in 2020 and is currently serving her first term in the Georgia State Senate. Representing neighborhoods in the five cities of Atlanta, City of South Fulton, College Park, East Point, and Union City, District 39 is one of the most socio-economically diverse in the state. With a passion for the arts, politics, and education, Halpern has dedicated her civic and philanthropic engagement in these areas over the past two decades.

Outstanding Alum: Exceptional Early Career Professional

Lauren Fleming ’13 (CETA) is a rising star in the architecture industry. For the last six years, she has been an architect at Minneapolis-based Miller Dunwiddie, working closely with the project team, consultants, and contractors, collaborating closely to meet each project’s design and technical goals. Most notably, she has worked on several projects at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport.

Outstanding Alum: Exceptional Professional Success

Ryan Gardner ’01 (Barney) is a founding partner of Fiducient Advisors, an investment consulting firm and registered investment advisor. Since the firm’s inception in 2006, Gardner has played a key role in its growth and development, serving as managing partner, head of defined contribution, and member of the firm’s executive committee.

Nicole Hughey M’99 (Barney) is vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion at SiriusXM. With more than 25 years of corporate experience, the majority focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) efforts, she previously served as a senior D&I leader at Mass General Brigham, New England’s largest health-care organization; and Travelers Insurance Company. In these roles, she played an integral part in developing and executing diversity strategies that impacted more than 75,000 and 30,000 employees, respectively.

Aymsley Mahoney ’06 (A&S) is the executive director at Alliance Health at Braintree, a not-for-profit corporation that provides nursing and rehabilitation services to a primarily geriatric population. The facility holds 101 residents and employs approximately 200 health-care personnel. Mahoney began her career there in 2011 as a licensed clinical social worker before completing the Federal Nursing Home Administrators Board exam and taking on her current role as executive director.

Steven Minkler ’86, M’00, D’08 (A&S, ENHP) is chief executive officer of Middlesex Community College in Middletown, Connecticut. He leads an institution with nearly 5,000 students enrolled in associate degree, certificate, and workforce development programs offered at its main campus, a satellite location in Meriden, manufacturing centers at two technical high schools, online, and at numerous dual-enrollment, clinical, and internships sites. Minkler’s impressive career in higher education spans 35 years at three of Connecticut’s community colleges.

Alexa Keener ’16, M’18 (Barney) serves as a human resources business partner at CVS Health, a position she took on after the acquisition of Aetna by CVS Health. Keener served in a variety of roles at Aetna, including human resources consultant and financial analyst, and was a founder of the Aetna Hartford Alliance, which has helped grow the University’s alumni network at Aetna. Outside of the University, Keener lends her skills to multiple local organizations. In 2020, she became vice chair of the Torrington Democratic Town Committee, a position she still holds today.

Watch for the selection of our 2022 Anchor Award recipients to be honored on Oct. 13.

HAWK ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP

WE WANT OUR HAWKS TO CONTINUE TO SOAR...

That is why we have created a scholarship for alumni to attend UHart for their graduate studies. We want to be a continued destination in your educational journey!

The Hawk Alumni Scholarship provides a scholarship equivalent to a 25% tuition discount for UHart alumni entering select graduate degree programs.

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