CentralfocusFall 2011 the magazine for alumni & friends of central connecticut state university

Numbers with Consequences • Weird Science • The Ideal Candidate PRESIDENT’S CORNER

During these times of change and financial uncertainty, I want to assure our alumni and friends that Central is operating from a position of real strength and accomplishment. In addition to the many external recognitions that we’ve reported in the past, the University continues to be very highly regarded. To take just three examples, Princeton Review has now twice selected CCSU as a “Green Institution” for our commitment to sustainability, and we are one of only 346 colleges in the nation to be so honored. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has selected the University as a Community Engagement Institution for our efforts in reaching out and embracing our communities; only 114 other institutions in the nation have been selected for this special recognition. And President Obama’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll included CCSU among its 200 honorees. As reported elsewhere in this issue, our fundraising efforts have been very successful. The University’s endowment ended the 2011 fiscal year at an all-time high of $33.4 million. We are honored in particular by Carol A. Ammon ’73, the late Anthony and Helen Bichum, and Dr. Mong Koo Chung of Hyundai Motor America. Their extraordinary generosity demonstrates great faith in Central as an institution. A recent Report Card on our progress toward the goals established for our strategic plan showed remarkable gains in nearly half of the goals and really solid advances on all but a handful. Standing out — an A+, in fact — is the increase in the amount of financial aid we have awarded students: from a starting point in 2006 of $54,700,000, we awarded $88,000,000 last fiscal year. Other significant advances include our development of academic programs responsive to workforce needs, our efforts at improving student retention, and our graduation rate—particularly for our transfer students (see Report Card at www.ccsu.edu/strategicplan for details on these and other elements). Finally, thanks in large part to the efforts of Governor Dannell P. Malloy, we broke ground for a new academic building, a critical need here for more than a decade. This building will not only provide much-needed classroom space for students, it will also, upon completion, enable us to begin the long deferred renovation and expansion of Diloreto and Willard academic buildings. As you will read, several articles in this issue deal with numbers. As I have often said, the numbers we use to describe, for example, the cost of a new building, the improvement in our graduation rate, or the increase in our financial aid are more than mere numbers or data: they stand for the real students whose educational lives we have enhanced and whose prospects for success we have strengthened. So we confidently face the changes and challenges the future brings, never losing sight that what we do is all for our students. Jack Miller

President in focus Letters to the Editor We welcome letters from our readers on By the numbers. The image on the cover focuses on topics in the focus or on other matters part of the sculpture “Circulating Capital” by artist concerning your University. Letters may Jim Sanborn, located on campus just outside the be edited for space and clarity. Anonymous letters will not be published. We encourage Robert C. Vance Academic Center. Since several of letters of 300 words or fewer. the articles in this issue deal with numbers — from the truth-or-consequences math of accounting to Write: Central focus, Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley Street, the weird science of cosmology and a few points New Britain, CT, 06050. in between — the image provides a visual analog Or email: [email protected]. of their theme. For the artist Sanborn, the binary Advertising numbers on his sculpture provides the digital To help defray the costs of publication, we analog to Adam Smith’s passage on “circulating invite Central alumni and friends to advertise capital” in The Wealth of Nations. in our issues. The focus has a circulation of more than 50,000 and an estimated reader- ship of 80,000. Please send inquiries to: [email protected]. Fall 2011 • Volume VIII Issue 2 CCeennttrralal focusfocus contents Central focus Staff Kostin, Ruffkess & Company Editor: Mark Warren McLaughlin Rich in Talent Jim H. Smith...... 2 Managing Editor: Jim H. Smith Design and Layout: Diann Thomson Cheryl Crespi Photography: Robert J. Wessman ’70 Accounting: Numbers with Consequences Cover photo: Robert J. Wessman ’70 Geri Radacsi ...... 4 Sports photography: Steve McLaughlin. Additional contributors: Dorothy Finn Thomas Roman and Catherine (Healy) Jost ’74. Weird Science: Negative Energy, Time Travel, & Warp Drives Central focus is published by Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT 06050 for alumni Geri Radacsi...... 6 and friends. Central Connecticut State University is an AA/EO institution and a university of the Connecticut State University System Carmen Espinosa ’71 The Ideal Candidate All content copyrighted by Central focus. Reproduction by any means in whole or in part is Jim H. Smith...... 8 prohibited without expressed permission. Advertising Central focus accepts ads at the editor’s discre- Joe Ward ’82 tion for goods and services considered to be of Delivering a Smarter, Leaner Federal Government value to CCSU alumni. Ad publication does not Geri Radacsi...... 10 constitute endorsement. Please send inquiries to [email protected] or Editor, Central focus, Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, 06050 Fundraising CCSUCCESS Nicholas Pettinico, Jr...... 11

Civil War 150th Anniversary Commemoration Erica Bliss...... 12 departments Around Campus ...... 18 Sara Larkin ’12 Alumni in the News ...... 19 Pushing Herself and Becoming a Leader Happenings ...... 20 Michael Souer ’12...... 14 Alumni Books ...... 21 Class Notes...... 22 Alex Haralambous ’13 In Memoriam...... 27 Pioneering Research to Develop “Green” Rockets Kate Callahan ’13 ...... 15

The New Blue Devil Arrives Tom Pincince...... 16

Central Focus Fall 2011 – 1 by Jim H. Smith

By Ewa Wolynska

Richard Kretz ’75 Kostin, Ruffkess & Company RICH IN TALENT

When Benjamin S. Kostin was dis- University, which offers a rich source of network in 1995 to link its West Hartford charged from the Army, in 1946, he talent adept in multiple and emerging and New London offices. returned to his hometown, Hartford, fields. It’s a critical need for the highly and soon found work in the account- entrepreneurial business. In 2005, the acquisition of Themistos ing practice of Harry K. Schwartz. It & Dane enabled the firm to open a was a small shop at the time, just three “A lot of our work still has to do with second satellite office, in Springfield, people. But in the wake of the war and tax and audit functions,” says Kretz, Massachusetts. And only a year ago, the the yawning Depression that preceded “but our partner group has a very firm acquired ADNET Technologies, a it, the nation’s and the state’s economies entrepreneurial spirit. We actively look 20-year-old Farmington company that were poised to grow. And Schwartz’ small for new opportunities to provide services helps businesses develop and implement company was destined to grow, as well. our clients need, and we’ve made many innovative information technologies that strategic acquisitions in order to ensure impact investment returns. As Schwartz and Kostin prospered we can provide those services.” and, through successive transforma- “We found our clients were asking more tions over seven decades, became what Under Kretz’ leadership, for instance, and more for referrals to IT companies,” is now known as Kostin, Ruffkess & the company expanded beyond the says Kretz, “so we saw an opportunity to Company LLC, the company grew to Hartford area in the 1990s, employing a expand in that direction.” merger with Gottesdiener and Company, its current position as 131st among the Such acquisitions, as well as development a New London firm, to open a satellite approximately 42,000 accounting firms of new skill sets through strategic office in southeastern Connecticut. And nationwide. talent recruitment, have enabled Kostin, when the company’s clients continually Ruffkess, now headquartered in Farming- requested referrals to wealth management ton, to define itself as much more than a Growth by Diversification advisors, it opened KR Wealth Manage- traditional accounting, auditing and tax Managing partner Richard Kretz ’75 ment, LLC. KR Wealth Management services company. In addition to notes that the growing diversification advisors have the distinct advantage of information technology, the broad of the firm’s clientele and its ability to leveraging the strategic tax planning, palette of services that distinguish the nimbly respond to myriad needs with estate planning, business planning and company includes management advisory an ever-expanding spectrum of services succession planning resources of one of services, security and compliance, fraud has been crucial to the company’s long the region’s largest CPA and business advi- prevention and forensic accounting, history of success. Kretz, who joined sory firms. Kostin, Ruffkess had invested wealth management and financial plan- the firm shortly after graduation from heavily in computer technology during ning, business valuation and litigation Central, is also emblematic of the firm’s the early 1990s, introducing a wide area strong and productive ties to the support, and human capital consulting.

2 – Central Focus Fall 2011 Qualified Talent come from outside Connecticut and Offering a comprehensive array of eventually decide to leave the state, our “I was well aware of the services to a highly diverse clientele has experience has been that a high percent- quality of students at also meant that the firm, which now age of CCSU students are from the has some 120 employees, is constantly central Connecticut area and they have Central and the kind of looking for new talent. One of the ways strong roots here. They want to stay in education they get” it recruits junior employees is by main- the area and build their careers here.” taining a solid relationship with schools Fully a third of Kostin’s partners are like Central, where the firm’s partners in career fairs at Central and other area CCSU alumni. No other single uni- often make presentations about various schools to recruit new employees for versity is so well represented in the aspects of the accounting profession and the firm. background of the firm’s partners. participate in job fairs. Those activities “We look for strong academic records,” afford the partners and students oppor- Brian Newman ’85, partner in charge Turgeon says, “but we’re also interested tunities to meet and size each other up. of the tax department at Kostin, in a balance with extracurricular activi- Ruffkess, concurs with Kretz. “We’re While the firm recruits from all of ties that demonstrate communication, always looking for qualified talent,” he Connecticut’s colleges and universities, leadership and teamwork skills. Kostin, says. “One of the attractive features of it has had a special relationship with Ruffkess is a dynamic company, growing Central is the fact that many members CCSU for years. Kretz nutured the in many different directions. We aim of the accounting faculty have worked connection with his alma mater almost to recruit bright young people who’ve in the industry. That means students from the moment he joined the firm, clearly demonstrated an aptitude for graduating from the program have after working first for an accounting the accounting process, people who can already had solid exposure to real world firm in Hartford and then for a manu- become productive quickly and grow situations. Many of them widely seek facturing company. One of his first with the firm. We find a lot of them at out internships.” assignments at Kostin was recruitment. Central Connecticut State University.” John Turgeon, a partner who serves in a “We’ve always included Central among human resources role for the firm, rou- the mix of schools from which we tinely visits CCSU to talk with account- recruit,” he says. “I was well aware of ing students about employment-related the quality of students at Central and issues — such as personal branding and the kind of education they get. Unlike the interview process — and participates many schools, where a lot of students

Central Focus Fall 2011 – 3 CHERYL CRESPI by Geri Radacsi Accounting: Numbers with Consequences

Associate Professor of Accounting adds with a touch of humor, “You’ll be Positioning Graduates for the Cheryl Crespi hardly fits the stereotype given the opportunity to do so in an Workplace: Doing Well by of dull bean counter, but she concedes end-of-semester assignment.” Doing Good it’s a tenacious one.“People often Crespi also employs podcasting as a think of accountants, especially tax Crespi encourages her students to teaching tool. She explains, “Students accountants, as immersed in the dry volunteer as tax preparers, putting into take their study notes from class and and arcane,” she says, shaking her practice what they’ve learned and there- make an electronic file so they can shock of blond hair. “Even Albert by helping some of Connecticut’s lower plug in their ear buds and listen to Einstein said, ‘The hardest thing in income families. music interspersed with two minutes the world to understand is the income of their study notes about financial Volunteerism at CCSU got a boost tax.’” You see what I’m up against to accounting concepts as they jog or from Dan Krah ’09, finance, who make my teaching engaging.” bike or walk.” Further, she says as an undergraduate first arranged It helps that Crespi brings impressive podcasts have become a popular way for the community action agency credentials to the task. She graduated for many public accounting firms to Co-Opportunity, Inc. to come on from the University of Connecticut keep their clients informed. campus to provide student training School of Law and was admitted to in CCSU’s inaugural partnership with “My students are researching current the bar in 2004. She also holds a the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance tax news, turning it into a newsletter Masters of Business Administration (VITA) program. Today Krah’s an and developing it as a podcast to in accounting from UConn. Plus, she experienced associate with the pres- use with potential clients,” she says. is a certified public accountant and a tigious “Big 4” public accounting firm, “These are skills that will make them certified internal auditor, and worked PricewaterhouseCoopers. desirable employees.” as a plan controller at Aetna Inc. and “I loved volunteering, because I learned was executive in residence at the Learning accounting can be more about tax preparation and that University of Hartford’s Barney School intimidating so Crespi starts with helped me prepare for the CPA exam of Business before joining CCSU in basics. “I particularly liked how she which I passed right after graduation,” 2005. gave real-world examples, such as he says. “My volunteer experience was a pizza restaurant or candy shop, a great talking point during job inter- A Variety of Teaching which helped me grasp more views.” Techniques complicated accounting ideas,” says sophomore Ethan Markie, a Building upon the relationship with Using a “guided-discovery” approach construction management major. Co-Opportunity, Crespi and Associate to teaching, Crespi helps students “Doing the financial statement Professor of Accounting Monique negotiate the complexity of the analysis project was interesting, Durant have coordinated training Internal Revenue Code. Through a because it taught us how to decide opportunities on campus with logical sequencing of research, stu- which companies to invest in by Co-opportunity, the Human Resource dents learn how the code is written looking at actual companies and their Agency (HRA) of New Britain, and the and can be understood. Then she financial reports for 2010.” IRS. Crespi says, “This way our challenges them: “Could you have students can become certified by the written code sections better?” She IRS, which allows them to e-file for

4 – Central Focus Fall 2011 individuals and families meeting income levels of $50,000 and below,” she notes. For the 2010 tax season, approximately 60 CCSU students participated in VITA training, and they operated two CCSU VITA locations, one on campus and one at Community Central in downtown New Britain. Recent graduate Christine Albrycht ’11 was a standout accounting major and volunteer tax preparer. For her profi- ciency as the volunteer site coordinator of CCSU VITA, which she helped set up in its first year, she was offered a paid position by Co-Opportunity to be the site coordinator at two other loca- tions for the tax season. “I think my volunteer work proved that I can work with many different people from different backgrounds,” says Albrycht. “I also understand the laws and when in doubt I know how to find the answers. This experience cemented my aspiration to obtain my CPA license.” Crespi is delighted to watch her stu- dents gain confidence. “Taxes are always changing—time frames and provisions may be added or repealed,” she reflects, “but I want my students to know how to interpret tax code, do their own research to solve questions that arise, and acquire tools to use that are mandatory in the accounting and tax accounting professions.” Beyond the students’ learning, the program has had an ongoing impact on Connecticut residents. Albrycht considers her professor’s teaching style, recalling the Corporate Tax course. “You can tell she is excited about the subject, wants her students to learn and really cares,” Albrycht says. “Once she showed a YouTube video featuring Donny Osmond and his broth- ers singing ‘One Bad Apple’ to drive home the point that one bad liability does spoil many liabilities transferred to a corporation. I can imagine a class full of students humming that song while taking the final exam in order to keep that law straight.” Central Focus Fall 2011 – 5 Thomas Roman’s by Geri Radacsi Weird Science — Negative Energy, Time Travel, & Warp Drives Professor of Physics Thomas Roman’s research brings to mind the stuff Einstein on unified field theory. Roman’s research touches upon three of Star Trek. He talks, for instance, about a region of space containing important areas of physics: quantum field theory, Einstein’s theory of less than nothing. The implications, Roman admits, are bizarre. gravity (general relativity), and thermodynamics. How bizarre? “When negative energy or mass—so-called exotic Since 2000 he has been awarded four National Science Foundation matter—bends space-time, all sorts of amazing phenomena might (NSF) grants. The most recent, awarded in August 2010, provided become possible,” he wrote in an article co-authored with Lawrence H. $135,000 to support his ongoing research on negative energy and Ford of Tufts University titled “Negative Energy, Wormholes and Warp relativity. “NSF grants, even for modest amounts, in the field of Drive” (Scientific American, 2000). general relativity are highly competitive and extremely difficult to obtain,” observes Roman. And just what might those phenomena be? The authors point out: “There could be traversable wormholes, which could act as tunnels to Upcoming Book on Time Travel and Warp Drives otherwise distant parts of the universe.” Or a warp drive—that propul- sion system so useful in Star Trek travel to distant galaxies—would allow This fall a book by Roman, co-authored with Allen Everett (Tufts for faster-than-light travel. And there could be time machines, which emeritus), titled Time Travel and Warp Drives: A Scientific Guide to might permit journeys into the past. Just imagine a sci-fi plot in which Shortcuts Through Time and Space will be published by the University of you kill your own grandfather! Negative energy could even be used to Chicago Press. Everett and Roman are affiliates of the Tufts Institute of make perpetual-motion machines or to destroy black holes. Cosmology. Are such things possible? Do the laws of physics that permit negative A clear, concise exploration of the nature of time and space, the book energy place any limits on its behavior? For some 20-25 years, Ford, employs no math beyond high school algebra and explains, in under- Roman, and their colleague Christopher Fewster of the University of standable language, Einstein’s special relativity theory. It considers York, UK, have been lead researchers exploring this area. They have fundamental differences between traveling forward and backward in time co-authored more than a score of substantive articles published in and the theoretical connection between going back in time and traveling notable scientific journals dealing with their research. faster than the speed of light. Four National Science Foundation Grants David Toomey, an English professor who teaches technical and nonfiction writing at the University of Massachusetts–Amherst and A faculty member in the Mathematical Sciences Department, Roman, who is author of The New Time Travelers: A Journey to the Frontiers of who joined CCSU in 1985, earned his PhD from Syracuse University Physics, describes the book as “a deeply informed, richly detailed yet where his advisor was Peter Bergmann, who collaborated with Albert immensely readable account of science at the frontiers.” 6 – Central Focus Fall 2011 Roman reports happily that Tim Ouellette, a Here is an excerpt from Professor Roman’s former CCSU student in his upper-level Time Travel course who has since graduated and co-authored book (with Allen Everett), works for Sonalysts in Waterford, CT “has Time Travel and Warp Drives, published turned the crude drawings for our book into by the University of Chicago Press. professional artwork.” Grappling with Mind-Bending Ideas PARALLEL WORLDS Wondering about the possibility to travel The second general approach to paradox- through time or take a shortcut between stars, free backward time travel makes use of Roman grapples with mind-bending ideas, the idea of parallel worlds. According to which may seem like science fiction, but which this idea, there are two different “parallel” are based on sophisticated physics. worlds, one in which you are born and The concept of negative energy is not the stuff enter the time machine, and the other in of fantasy. In fact, some effects associated with which you emerge from the time machine negative energy have been measured in the and kill your grandfather. laboratory by creating it in tiny amounts: in the Casimir vacuum between two electrically con- There is no logical contradiction in the fact that you simultaneously kill ducting plates; and in the squeezed vacuum that and do not kill your grandfather, because the two mutually exclusive events is generated by physicists in quantum optics using nonlinear crystals. happen in different worlds that have no knowledge of one another. Like the banana peel mechanism, the idea of parallel worlds is also illustrated in In their negative energy article Roman and many science fiction works on the theme of time travel. A good example, Ford asserted that the concept of negative though one unfortunately out of print at the moment, is the excellent novel energy arises in several areas of modern physics. Negative energy has an intimate link with the Branch Point by Mona Clee. Another is The Time Ships by Stephen Baxter. notion of quantum evaporation of black holes, This is a sequel to [H. G.] Wells’s The Time Machine, and the writing style is those mysterious objects whose gravitational deliberately—and quite convincingly—a copy of Wells’s own. field is so strong that nothing can escape from within their boundary. It also plays a role in You could hardly be criticized for saying, “I see that such a theory is the creation and maintenance of wormholes, logically consistent, but surely the idea of parallel worlds is so outlandish hypothesized “tunnels” connecting one region that it should be confined to the world of science fiction.” Surprisingly, of space and time with another. however, there is an intellectually respectable idea in physics called the “The laws of quantum physics predict the “many worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics,” first introduced in a existence of negative energy,” explains Roman, paper in Reviews of Modern Physics back in 1957 by Hugh Everett. speaking excitedly as he adds, “So if one could According to Hugh Everett, there are not only two parallel worlds but use negative energy to construct wormholes or infinitely many of them that, moreover, multiply continuously like rabbits. warp drives, time travel might become possible.” Then he pauses as he encounters the complexi- To understand how this works, we need to talk a little about quantum ties of the issue. “Now things get interesting,” mechanics. It is a theory that can predict only the probabilities of the he says. “Questions arise. Does nature put various possible outcomes of an experiment. It never tells you with certainty any constraints on the production of nega- what will happen. The probabilities are obtained from what is called the tive energy? Could you produce an arbitrarily wave function of the object, and the equations of quantum mechanics large amount of it? Although quantum theory (with which we will not have to concern ourselves) determine how an object’s allows the existence of negative energy, it also apparently puts strong restrictions—known as wave function evolves in time in different physical situations. quantum inequalities—on its magnitude and duration. As a result, nature appears to render Everything we know tells us that quantum mechanics is the physical theory the construction of wormholes and warp drives that governs the behavior of all systems, large or small. In the case of very unlikely.” macroscopic, (i.e., ordinary, everyday-sized objects) quantum mechanics tells us that the objects behave with essentially complete certainty, as they Sadly (or happily depending on your point of view), as of now, no time machines. In order are predicted to do by classical (Newtonian) mechanics. Hence, we can for humans to travel back in time (if allowed at usually forget the complications of quantum theory in dealing with every- all), we’ll need vastly improved technology and day objects and simply use Newton’s laws of motion, which we know a greater understanding of the laws of quantum empirically work very well for such objects. However, when we deal with gravity. Negative energy interweaves many parts atomic- or subatomic-sized objects, we must use quantum mechanics if we of physics—gravitation, quantum theory, and wish to get predictions that agree with experimental observation. thermodynamics — illustrating the intricate logical structure of the laws of nature. From Time Travel and Warp Drives by Allen Everett and Thomas Roman, But physicists like Roman and his colleagues copyright 2012 The University of Chicago. continue working hard to unlock the laws of physics which govern this type of energy. It remains to be seen what new revelations they wrest from nature’s grip. Central Focus Fall 2011 – 7 The Ideal Candidate How Carmen Espinosa Became the Connecticut Appellate Court’s First Hispanic Female Judge

By Jim H. Smith

Carmen Elisa Espinosa ’71, sworn in last April by Gov. Dannel P. a teacher. “I went Malloy as the first Hispanic female judge to serve on Connecticut’s “I went to Slade Middle to Central because Appellate Court, was just three years old when her parents brought School. That was a turning I could live at home their young family to New Britain and took up residence in Frank- and work at the Grand lin Square in 1952. Attracted by the city’s then-burgeoning manu- point. The kids I was Union supermarket,” facturing plants, her father, who had been a fireman at an army base hanging out with there she says, candidly. in Puerto Rico during World War II, quickly landed a job at the were going to college.” Her Central educa- Stanley Svea Building Supply. tion turned out to be Espinosa was blessed with parents who, though they had not important in ways she did not anticipate. “I was successful there,” graduated from high school, had traveled to America because they she says. “That was very important, because there were no college were determined that their children would have a better life. graduates in my family.” She also met and became friends with Dr. Arnaldo Sierra, who taught Spanish. He was the first Hispanic Espinosa recalls that when, a few years later, the family moved to person with a PhD that she had ever met. And Central gave her a West Main Street it meant that “I went to Slade Middle School. solid education and a degree in secondary education with majors in That was a turning point. The kids I was hanging out with there Spanish and French. were going to college.” Without those credentials she would not have received a fellow- Still, she wasn’t thinking of a career in law, let alone a career on the ship to Brown University where she earned her master’s degree in bench, when she enrolled at what was then still called Central Con- Hispanic studies. After graduating from Brown, she returned to necticut State College. There was no family role model for a legal Connecticut and found a position as a Spanish and French teacher career. Indeed, prominent Hispanic professionals were rare. in Southington. But, she says, “I soon got tired of teaching. I didn’t Espinosa was interested in languages and thinking about becoming like the repetition.”

8 – Central Focus Fall 2011 Then, one day, she bumped into an old friend from her undergraduate Those awards, and years of hard work, paid off when, in January, days, who told her he was applying to law school. That sounded more 1992, Gov. Lowell Weicker appointed her to the Connecticut interesting than teaching, says Espinosa, who admits she was a big fan Superior Court, making her the state’s first Hispanic and the first of the Perry Mason television show when she was a kid. Hispanic woman to serve as a Superior Court judge. During two stints with the US Attorney’s Office in New Britain – she also So, in 1973, armed presided over dockets in Hartford, Waterbury, and Bristol – her with a scholarship, “They were actively chambers looked down upon Franklin Square where she first lived she traveled to when her family immigrated to the United States. The symbolism recruiting women,” Washington, DC and was not lost on her. says Espinosa, “and I was enrolled in the George also a lawyer and could Washington Univer- It was, of course, an immensely gratifying moment in her career. speak Spanish.” sity Law School. Prac- And, she says, the years she spent as a Superior Court judge were tically overnight she also very rewarding. realized she’d found the career for which she was destined. It was her intent to become a trial lawyer and she honed her legal skills – and her sense of justice – as one of a cadre of students from area law schools who participated in a consortium representing indigent people with landlord/tenant disputes. “It was great experience,” she says. “It helped me develop my investigating skills as well as my courtroom skills.” But her first job, after completing her law degree in 1976, was wholly unexpected. One morning that spring she got a call from an FBI agent, who said he’d like to meet her. It turns out she had sub- mitted her résumé to the FBI inadvertently, dropping it into a folder in the university’s job placement office without realizing where she was applying. The “mistake” was fortuitous. Founding FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover had died in 1972. And with him died the agency’s bias against women. “They were actively recruiting women,” says Espinosa, “and I was also a lawyer and could speak Spanish. I’m not ashamed to say I was a beneficiary of affirmative action.” While getting herself in physical condition for the FBI’s rigorous training program, she also studied for the bar exam. She passed the exam in the summer of 1976 and, that autumn, began a three-and-a- half-year stint with the agency – first in Newark, New Jersey, and then “It was an awesome responsibility, too,” she adds, describing it as in New York City – during which she saw service investigating white- working “in the trenches.” The cases over which she presided were collar crime and terrorism and engaging in foreign counterintelligence often very difficult, she says, and the exposure to their harsh details with the Chinese. and the grim evidence of crimes was corrosive. After nearly two de- Though she says her experience with the FBI was good, she’s quick to cades of it, she was contemplating retirement when she was offered add that she never gave up her plan to practice law. When her three the opportunity to serve on the Appellate Court. It’s a satisfying way years of obligatory service with the FBI ended she went back to the to conclude her career, putting her years of judicial experience to George Washington University placement office. It was there that she work reviewing the rulings of lower courts. found an advertisement for a position as an assistant United States These days her Hartford chambers look down upon the majestic attorney in Connecticut. sweep of Bushnell Park. She works just a few miles from where her With her FBI experience, Espinosa was the ideal candidate. immigrant parents established a foothold in the United States nearly She stayed with the US Attorney’s Office for 12 years. During that 60 years ago. But the road she’s traveled, between those two points, time she was part of the team that, collaborating with the FBI, has been a long one, marked by a series of brilliant achievements, all handled prosecution of the Puerto Rican guerrillas who robbed the but unimaginable when she was a little girl. Wells Fargo depot in West Hartford in 1983. Her work on the case earned her the US Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award. She was also presented with the United States Department of Justice Special Achievement Award for her years of service on the job. Central Focus Fall 2011 – 9 Alumnus Joe Ward Delivering a Smarter, Leaner Government By Geri Radacsi

Ask Joe Ward ’82 How the Journey Began if he ever thought, Ward, who was born in Hartford and grew up in Youngstown, Ohio, enlist- when he gradu- ed when he was 17 in the US Air Force where he’d serve with distinction for ated with a Business 26 years, retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 2003, assuming increasingly high- Administration level roles in financial management and delivery of financial services. degree in finance, “After five years in the military I was awarded an ROTC scholarship and that one day he’d rise came to Central,” he recalls. “My first impression was that it was a small, to his current senior friendly campus, not overwhelming, but then I’d already been to Spain as executive position in a weather observer.” Ward’s business professors, he says, “pointed out my the US Department talent and bent for finance and helped me understand the opportunities in of the Interior (DOI), business where I might realize my potential.” (L-r) Deputy Assistant Secretary, Technology, Information, and he exclaims, & Business Systems Andrew Jackson; Secretary, Department “Yes, absolutely! I was And Ward did just that. Armed with lots of enthusiasm and his business/ of Interior, Ken Salazar; Director, National Business confident and thought financial acumen, he forged a career in the Department of Defense (DOD), Center, Joe Ward; and Rhea Suh, Assistant Secretary, I’d realize my dream where he served in increasingly responsible positions culminating in back- Policy, Management & Budget to reach a senior level. to-back Pentagon assignments from 1997 to 2003. “I loved it. It was a My parents always told me to be the best, no matter what you decide to do blast,” he observes lightly about his jobs providing accounting, finance, and with your life, and at an early age my father praised me and bragged about travel support to Air Force personnel around the globe. Not only did he rub my accomplishments in church and to just about anyone who’d listen. I elbows with then-President Bill Clinton (at the USAF 50th birthday celebra- didn’t realize it then, but those words of praise established a pretty firm tion) and Gen. Richard Myers, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (at a foundation for me to be successful.” Tuskegee Airmen convention), but his remarkable record led to the presti- gious American Society of Military Comptrollers award recognizing him as That positive energy has fueled a rich and varied career so that today, at 54, one of the top accounting and finance officers in the DoD. Ward retired Ward is director of the National Business Center (NBC) in the DOI and from the military in 2003 and worked as a consultant for two different “Big manages a $400 million budget with some 2,000 federal employees and 4” accounting firms as an contractors. “Some kids don’t have high self-esteem and I tell the middle- executive in strategy and schoolers I mentor—and my own four children— to have a positive attitude operations, and risk and regardless of your circumstances. Never, ever give up! And remember when advisory services respective- you’re knocked down, the important thing is to get up.” ly. In 2008, he accepted a Ward is a wizard of accounting and finance, making him well suited to civil service position with oversee a huge domain. The NBC, as a federal shared service provider, the DOD and while there, supports the DOI and more than 150 federal agencies outside the led an unprecedented department providing business management systems and services. Ward, usability review for the who was appointed to his post in February 2011, is in charge of federal department’s enterprise- consulting, information technology, human resources, financial manage- wide travel system. ment, administrative operations, aviation management, the customer support A highly emotional event center, and acquisition services. As chief executive for these eight lines of for Ward happened in business, he oversees a widespread workforce headquartered in Washington 2001when he accepted DC, with major locations in Denver, Colorado and Boise, Idaho. Joe Ward and The Honorable Susan G. Braden, United an invitation from his States Court of Federal Claims, after his swearing in as a He shoulders a worthy mission and comments, “President Obama has stepmother, Elizabeth senior executive service member stated, ‘The American people must be able to trust that their government Nkonoki-Ward of is doing everything in its power to stop wasteful practices and earn a high Pre-Collegiate and Access Services, to return to CCSU to honor four mem- return on every tax dollar that is spent.’ The NBC strengthens that trust bers of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen, African-American airmen who and delivers a smarter and leaner government by leveraging economies of served valiantly in World War II. “At the commencement ceremony where skill and scale and providing consolidated business management systems they received honorary degrees, it was my privilege to present a letter of and services across federal agencies.” Ward has a high standard to maintain. appreciation to them from the Air Force chief of staff,” he says. “My own The NBC is currently the only federal agency designated by the Office of son, Joseph Ward, III, has followed in my shoes and is a 2005 graduate from Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management as a the US Air Force Academy. Currently, he is a captain and pilot serving on shared service provider in financial management, human resources, and pay- active duty. We stood on the shoulders of the Tuskegee Airmen, the first roll lines of business. blacks to fly in the Air Force. We never could have been able to be officers in Have there been obstacles in his life as an African American? Ward con- the military if it weren’t for them.” siders. “I don’t think I’ve faced anything that others haven’t faced to get Both Nkonoki-Ward and her daughter, Lisa, remember Ward as a youth to where I am.” Yet he acknowledges that of the more than 2.1 million being a born “delegator but never bossy. He has a kind, generous heart employees in the federal civilian work force, only 7,100 are members of the and spirit and a great sense of humor. CCSU students can look to him as career Senior Executive Service, or about one third of one percent. African- a beacon,” says Lisa. “They can say, ‘Wow, look how great successes Americans comprise about nine percent of this select group to which he has are possible.’” earned membership. 10 – Central Focus Fall 2011 CCSU Foundation — Bedrock Fundraising Support for CCSUCCESS! Everything

The fiscal year concluded at the end of June 2011 was a very success- CCSU ful year for fundraising at the University. The endowment exceeded By Nicholas Pettinico, Jr. Associate Vice $30 million for the first time in the University’s history, and in July it President, Institutional Advancement reached over $36 million. The CCSU Foundation’s endowment The total of dollars raised, led by the extraordinary generosity of Carol continued its strong performance despite continued market volatility as investors A. Ammon ’73 and the remarkable support of the Anthony and Helen react to weak economic data and both G. Bichum Fund, is one of the largest in the University’s history, well domestic and foreign debt concerns. eclipsing the previous mark of $2.9 million. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, Our efforts also received outstanding support from our corporate the portfolio posted a solid return of partners, notably Travelers, Farmington Bank, Whelen Engineering, 22.3 percent, nearly 2 percent above its benchmark. and Siracusa Moving & Storage. And alumni contributions to our CCSUCCESS, Success Begins with “We are extremely pleased with the fiscal year return,” said Thomas I. Rogan, CCSU annual fund program held steady, an exceptional outcome Chairman of the Foundation’s Finance during these uncertain economic times. and Audit Committee. “The high US unemployment rate, the weak housing This generosity has made it possible for the University to increase market, higher gas prices and concern scholarships to students an unprecedented 48 percent. Those numbers over the US and European debt crisis have represent a huge impact on our students, many who would not be able all had a negative effect on the market. to get a CCSU education without significant financial support. Con- So, we are especially pleased with such a strong performance in light of this negative tributions to the Foundation truly make a difference in students’ lives. economic pressure.”

The University is deeply grateful for the loyal support of our alumni According to Rogan, the Foundation and friends. Because of it, we can continue to provide the margin of had approximately $33.4 million under excellence for our students, helping them to achieve their dreams, investment as of June 30, allocated across strengthen our state’s workforce, and become leaders in our communities. domestic and international equities, fixed income, real estate and alternative strate- As we look forward to the coming gies. Rogan noted that equities were up 32 CCSU Alumni Association year, we will be increasing our percent for the fiscal year, fixed income up 8.4 percent, real estate up 37 percent, and Donates $75,000 to CCSU! efforts and programs to generate alternatives up 5.8 percent. The CCSU Alumni Association has made even greater support for our a generous $75,000 gift to support a students. We recognize that in Rogan reported that during the past range of programs, including Community fiscal year, the Foundation awarded over Central, a student-run “store-front” in all we do students come first, and $578,000 in scholarships to CCSU New Britain providing CCSU students we hope you will join our mission students and over $500,000 in grants to with opportunities to become leaders to keep a CCSU education CCSU in support of academic programs, in helping community businesses and possible for generations of undergraduate research, performance and residents. The funds will also be used for fine arts, athletics and the library. scholarship support for CCSU students students to come. with significant financial needs. 11 Central Focus Fall 2011 – 11 By Erica Bliss Civil War Conference and Commemoration at CCSU

It has been 150 years since the beginning of the Civil and host of the morning’s ceremonies Diane Smith; War, when Confederate forces attacked Fort Sumter New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart; Warshauer; and in South Carolina. The Connecticut Civil War Com- even Abe Lincoln himself (played by Howard Wright). memoration Committee made sure Connecticut didn’t let the anniversary pass by without, well, a bang—as 12 For the remainder of the weekend, guests had plenty of cannons were fired in front of the State Capitol on April options. There were historical exhibits on Connecticut’s 12, following remarks from CCSU Professor of History role in the Civil War on display in the Student Center Matt Warshauer ’90 and Governor Dannel P. Malloy. and an exhibit titled “Picturing the Civil War: Kellogg Lithographs and Civil War Envelope Covers” in the A few days later, on April 15, a conference titled Samuel S.T. Chen Fine Arts Center. The Victorian-era “Commemorating the American Civil War: lithographs, produced by the Kellogg brothers of Connecticut Connections” was held in CCSU’s Student Hartford, depicted patriotic images and Civil War Center. Director of the Gilder Lehrman Center for scenes, including the firing on Fort Sumter and the the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition David Battle of Bull Run. Blight, Yale University professor of history, gave the keynote lecture, speaking about Americans’ fascination Throughout the weekend in nearby Stanley Quarter with the Civil War. According to conference organizer Park, re-enactors set up encampments and participated Warshauer, “Blight captivated conference attendees with in two major battle re-enactments. Confederate and consideration of the war’s meaning 150 years later.” “He Union troops fired upon each other using rifles, muskets, pointed out that one third of Americans can still trace a and cannons until both sides eventually pulled out, descendant of the era and that the conflict has remained leaving the park dotted with fallen soldiers. seared in the nation’s memory.” Over 220 people attended the daylong program of seminars, lectures, Sunday morning visitors also had a chance to catch a and breakout sessions. vintage baseball game played by the Friends of Vintage Base Ball league from Hartford. Decked out in brightly Held on April 16, the Commemoration Weekend’s colored uniforms with bibs, none of the fielders wore opening ceremonies were complete with Civil War gloves, and the pitchers tossed the ball underhanded to re-enactors, the Governor’s Foot Guard, and National batters, as was the practice in 1861. Guard units from across Connecticut who marched with their Color Guards across campus and fired a 21- The commemoration was sponsored by the CCSU gun salute. The Connecticut Blues Fife and Drum Corps Alumni Association, CCSU Foundation, Provost’s Office, from Durham played the national anthem, followed Carol A. Ammon School of Arts & Sciences, Center by speeches from CSU Professor of Philosophy Felton for Public Policy and Social Research, and History Best; Brooker DeVaughn, co-chair of the Connecticut Department, as well as by Travelers Foundation, The Civil War Commission; Gary Miller, senior minister Connecticut Humanities Council, Bill McCue, the of Asylum Hill Congregational Church; CSU Trustee Berlin and New Britain Lions Clubs, and the Connecticut Ron Pugliese; Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Linda State University System Foundation. Spoonster Schwartz; Emmy award-winning journalist

12 – Central Focus Fall 2011 Stanley Park Encampment

Dr. Matthew Warshauer ’90

Governor Dannell P. Malloy

Confronting Confederates

Cannons at the Capitol

Central Focus Fall 2011 – 13 Sara Larkin ’12 Pushing Herself and Becoming a Leader By Michael Souer ’12

While most of her high school classmates informed her that she would be deployed were making their weekend plans, Sara once again. This time she was headed to Larkin ’12 was signing up to serve her Iraq, where she spent the last year of her country. The anthropology major and military contract. It was one of the most three-season athlete at Central joined the difficult periods of her life. “The military National Guard during her senior year at forces you to push yourself,” states Larkin, Ellis Tech High School in Danielson. “The who attributes her mental strength and military not only teaches you to follow confidence to her military background and orders, it also teaches you how to be a her experience in Iraq. leader, and that’s important in every aspect of life,” says Larkin, who is now using Not surprisingly, she excels in the class- those leadership skills at CCSU. room as well. Larkin was recently inducted into the Anthropology Honors Society, Larkin saw the military as an opportunity which requires members to maintain a to serve her country, better herself, and 3.70 GPA in anthropology courses and a obtain a college education. She signed up in 3.50 GPA overall. She is also regularly on August of 2002 for eight years — six years CCSU’s Dean’s List. of active duty and two years of inactive duty. “I positively adore the Anthropology Department at Central — it’s like a Now 26 years old, Larkin was first deployed family,” says Larkin, who has nothing but to Germany in February 2006. She remained good to say about her professors. “They there for 18 months. Reflecting on the are amazing people and have really guided hardships of being deployed Larkin notes, me.” “when you’re away, your life basically stops.” Larkin feels that her professors genuinely “I positively adore care about their subject and their students. After returning to the states Larkin “Dr. Feder even used his connections to saw CCSU Professor of Anthropology the Anthropology get me an internship this summer,” she Ken Feder on television in a National notes. Her internship at The Institute for Geographic special. Larkin had been in Department at Central American Indian Studies, in Washington, the process of researching colleges in CT, was a hands-on experience working at Connecticut and was especially interested — it’s like a family,” a Native American pre-historic in anthropology. “I knew immediately that archeological site. I had found my school after listening to Dr. Feder,” says Larkin. She became a For professors who have had Larkin in their student at Central in spring 2008. classrooms, the respect is mutual. “It’s great to have a student in class who you can’t get It wasn’t until the following semester that anything by,” says Feder. “Sara thinks, and Larkin first tried out for the CCSU cross- her questioning causes me to think too.” country team. She had not participated in sports during high school but was deter- In addition to being a leader she is simply mined to make the team. “I was the kid a great friend and teammate. Speaking of who walked the mile in gym class,” she her teammates, Larkin notes, “I have had notes. Larkin first got interested in running life experiences that they haven’t had, and I during her time in boot camp at love to help them in any way I can.” Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where she ran her first 5K. Larkin is now on the Larkin is on track to graduate next cross-country and indoor and outdoor May and plans to study human evolution track teams. and pursue a PhD in archeology. Larkin reflects, “I know I made the right After three productive college semesters decision by coming to Central. I have truly Larkin received military orders in the mail. found myself and what I want to be.” Despite her inactive duty status, the letter

14 – Central Focus Fall 2011 Alex Haralambous ’13 PIONEERING RESEARCH TO DEVELOP “GREEN” ROCKETS By Kate Callahan ’13

What do paraffin wax, mentally safe, student-built lard, fast food French piece of machinery. fries and beeswax all Haralambous reflects that have in common? Alex the team’s “secondary goal Haralambous ’13 will is to spread awareness of the tell you that each is an research we are performing organic hydrocarbon to show people that new that surprisingly has the green technologies do not potential to fuel the just apply to the Toyota firing of a rocket engine. Prius and the automotive How does Haralambous industry.” know that these staples of everyday life can Haralambous credits transform into rocket Associate Professors fuel? He’s the team lead- of Engineering and er of CCSU’s Hybrid Technology Viatcheslav Propellant Rocket Naoumov, Nidal Engine (HPRE) team: Al-Masoud, and Professor a group of students of Engineering and Technology Alfred Gates with creating the culture at pioneering research in the Northeast to reduce the environmental impact of CCSU that fosters the team’s research and allows their project to thrive. rocket launches. Naoumov describes Haralambous as “one of the best students in my fall 2010 Propulsion Systems class” and praises his leading role within the It is not every day that a rocket launches. We hail cabs, drive cars, board air- HPRE team. planes and ride subways, but our society has yet to mainstream space travel via rockets. One reason is the astronomical costs of shuttle missions, not to “Based on successful test results the [HPRE] research student paper was mention the quantities of toxic chemicals and gasses expelled as the engine submitted and accepted for presentation and publication at the American propels the craft skyward. Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics 50th Annual International Meeting and Exhibit which will be held in January 2012 in Nashville, TN. Given CCSU’s HPRE team, a one-of-a kind educational experience in the the top level of the conference in the world it is an honor and recognition of Northeast, collaborates over two semesters to determine the feasibility of success for the CCSU mechanical engineering students,” says Naoumov. powering a rocket engine with environmentally safe paraffin wax. The environmental effects are no different than burning a large candle. In several semesters Haralambous, a part-time student and employee of Haralambous explains that some conventional rocket fuels are United Illuminating, will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical highly flammable and pose a risk to anyone handling them. While safety is Engineering. He plans to take the LSAT and become involved in the a concern with conventional fuels, using paraffin wax and oxygen — which business aspects of the field, seeking work as a utilities lobbyist. Haralambous are inert substances — eliminates almost all risk. anticipates having to “lobby for why I’m building this massive structure in your backyard.” Here at CCSU, his fruitful research on the feasibility Safety, cost, and environmental impacts are all interests of the HPRE of green rocket fuel techniques, as well as his experience as a team leader, team. According to Haralambous, “With any engineering project, we prepare him to voice the needed partnership between technology and the become stewards of engineering.” Moral and creative inspirations motivate environment. the team to remain at the forefront of their research while acknowledging like-minded peers at Stanford University and the University of Tennessee. As the team leader, Haralambous is “always trying to do something that will expand who I am as a person.” The progressive implications of an environ- mentally friendly rocket fuel keep Haralambous and the team striving for impressive results. Most people are curious about thrust. Synonymous with lift-off, thrust pro- pels a craft from its base, upward. Can paraffin wax actually fuel a lift-off? Haralambous explains that the team “does not perform true launches of the test engine we have constructed. We just test the firing of the engine for the purposes of gathering data.” However, this small scale engine is expected to produce fifteen pounds of thrust, which is no small endeavor for an environ-

Central Focus Fall 2011 – 15 The New by Tom Pincince, Assistant Athletics Director & Sports Information Director Blue Devil Arrives Representing Blue Devil competitiveness, pride, and passion

A new era has begun for the Central Connecticut State University Department of Athletics. On Wednesday, August 10, the Blue Devils launched a new branding initiative, highlighted by 11 unique marks, a new Blue Devil mascot and a custom font developed for the department.

“It is a very exciting day because I believe this is a critical step in not only honoring our rich athletics tradition and our history of success, but reestablishing and defining who we are and who we aspire to be — the premier program in the Northeast Conference,” Director of Athletics Paul Schlickmann said.

“The visible results are a representation of the department’s core values: competitiveness, pride, and passion,” he added. “A very powerful but less visible aspect of this effort is the unifying and galvanizing impact that this logo will have on the spirit, pride, and identity among all members of the CCSU athletics and University family, including our student-athletes, student body, faculty and staff, alumni and our fans.”

The process began over a year ago. The new logo and font were designed and developed by Rickabaugh Graphics, an Ohio-based company with extensive experience in collegiate athletics branding. Rickabaugh used input from many members of the campus community to create an array of potential designs, while also ensuring that CCSU’s new brand was unique.

“When I first arrived at CCSU a number of months ago, it was quickly apparent that everyone on campus had tremendous pride for their university. In addition, the athletic programs boasted a rich history and a future full of great promise,” said Eric Rickabaugh, owner and creative director at Rickabaugh Graphics. “The Rickabaugh Graphics staff realized that the new look for CCSU athletics must portray that same pride, history, and promise.”

Following the initial stages of development, Rickabaugh held focus groups to gather feedback and information on a few potential concepts. The groups included CCSU student-athletes, coaches, alumni, fans, and members of the CCSU campus community. 16 – Central Focus Fall 2011 The information gathered through those sessions was used to put the final touches on the new Blue Devil.

“This was an inclusive process that touched an extensive cross-section of people in the athletics family and the campus community. We thank everyone for their feedback and input along the way,” Schlickmann said. “This collective effort has created a bold logo and design of which we can all be proud. It’s a great day to be a CCSU Blue Devil.”

The new logos include 11 total marks that can be used in full color (blue, white and a new gray) or in classic CCSU blue and white. CCSU teams have started wearing the new logos this fall on practice gear and uniforms.

“We’ve taken early steps in getting this new brand and logo entrenched in our building and current The new CCSU Bluedevils.com site facilities,” Schlickmann said. “We will continue to utilize the new marks in moving the department forward in the next several years.”

Working with Presto Sports, the Blue Devils also launched the all-new CCSUBlueDevils.com. The site features an entirely new design and look, and will feature live audio and video streamed through a partnership with the Pack Network. Pack Network is one of the industry leaders in audio and video streaming, and has been a partner with the NEC for the past several seasons.

“Our partnership with Presto Sports is another positive, critical step in promoting our program and our new brand identity,” Schlickmann said. “Along with our new relationship with the Pack Network, our fans will now be able to follow our teams online and on their mobile devices with ease.” Central Focus Fall 2011 – 17 AROUND CAMPUS Groundbreaking for New Academic Center Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy, Commissioner Donald J. DeFronzo, Department of Administrative Services, and President Jack Miller break ground for a new academic building at CCSU. The building is part of the CSUS 2020 capital improvement initiative and will provide sorely needed classrooms, laboratories, and work space for students and faculty necessitated by increased enrollment and two 50-year-old classroom buildings. The building is slated to open in fall 2013. Speaking to an audience of faculty, staff, administrators and special guests, Governor Malloy said, “There is no academic institution that the state of Connecticut owns which is more important than this one.” Carol A. Ammon Day at CCSU In gratitude for her magnificent $8 million gift, the University celebrated the naming of the Carol A. Ammon School of Arts & Sciences in mid-May. Dean of the School Susan Pease and CCSU President Jack Miller joined Ammon at the unveiling of the name. In the second photo below, Ammon and Pease pose with the first Ammon scholarship recipients (l-r): Katia Feliz, Heath Leber, Donald J. DeFronzo, Governor Dannel P. Malloy, President Jack Miller Jennifer Cahill, Rachel Spagnoletti, and Victoria Sepe. Leber is also a recipient of the Fran Libera Scholarship, funded by Ammon three years ago. New NSF Grant Aimed at Drawing Women, Minorities to Sciences & Math A $600,000 National Science Foundation grant will expand CCSU’s efforts to support and prepare a diverse group of highly trained professionals in the mathematics and science fields. The four-year grant funds the Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics (CSMP) Scholarship program, designed to attract high caliber students from under-represented, low-income backgrounds to pursue education in one of the three fields. This is the second round of NSF funding for Professors of Computer Science Stan Kurkovsky and Bradley Kjell, Professor of Mathematical Sciences Ivan Gotchev, and Professor of Physics and Earth Sciences Nimmi Sharma. In 2006, the group received nearly $500,000 for a similar initiative, and this new version builds on its strengths and successes. During CSMP’s first iteration, the goals were to increase the enrollment and retention of under-represented students. According to Kurkovsky, those targets were met a year early. The number of incoming female and minority students in CSMP disciplines increased 38% and 108% respectively. The one-year retention rate increased 25% for females and 38% for minority students, and Susan Pease, Carol A. Ammon, President Jack Miller the number of degrees awarded to female and minority students in CSMP disciplines increased 33%. CSUS Trustees Awards Two CCSU faculty members were honored by the Connecticut State University System Board of Trustees for their exceptional teaching and research. Associate Professor of Finance Joseph B. Farhat received the CSUS Trustees Teaching Award. He uses assessment extensively and feedback in order to improve instruction and learning in his courses. His intensive use of technology to promote experiential and collaborative learning includes web-based tutorials and simulations; an online repository of case studies where students publish their projects; and online tools to promote interaction and engagement with course content. Assistant Professor of History Matthew G. Specter received the CSUS Trustees Research Award. He focuses his research primarily on the development of political thought, ideology, and institutions in 20th-century Germany. Specter has expanded his research to encompass modern European and global dimensions of the history of human rights, humanitarianism, and international law. New $750,000 Grant to Benefit Rehabilitation Counseling Students The Carol A. Ammon Scholars CCSU’s rehabilitation counseling master’s program is singular to Connecticut and the only program of its kind that is accredited by CORE (Council on Rehabilitation Education). Thanks to Assistant Professor of Counseling and Family Therapy Cherie King’s efforts, a $750,000 Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) grant was procured from the Department of Education. The grant will support students with tuition and a stipend. Currently, CCSU is the only school in Connecticut receiving this grant. The rehabilitation counseling master’s program, started at Central in the 1980s by Professor of Counseling and Family Therapy Judith Rosenberg, prepares students for work in a variety of rehabili- tation, human service, and community agencies, assisting individuals with emotional, mental, social, and physical disabilities and challenges. Today, war veterans returning from deployments with injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder account for a large percentage of individuals who seek services from rehabilitation counselors. Matthew G. Specter Joseph B. Farhat

18 – Central Focus Fall 2011 NorthStar Wealth Partners (NSWP), a wealth management firm in the West Hartford area, was recently named the 2011 Best of Hartford for Financial Advisory Firms by Hartford Magazine readers. Founded by CCSU alumni Robert Laraira ’86 and Brandon Marinelli ’01, NSWP’s services include pro- viding advice and strategies for retirement, investment, estate planning, and charitable giving. CCSU alum Bill Berloni ’89, was presented the Tony Honors for Excellence in the Theatre during the Tony Awards cer- emony in June for his work as a professional animal trainer. His training credits include the original “Sandy” in the musical Annie and “Chico” in the play Legally Blonde, as well as other Brandon Marinelli & Robert Laraira Broadway hits such as The Wiz, Nick and Nora, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He has also trained animals featured in the ballet, movies, television shows, and commercials. The animals Berloni works with have all been rescued from shelters and humane societies, and, when they are ready to retire from the Chad Williams bright lights, they clock out and head back home to Berloni’s farm in Connecticut. Berloni received his BFA in theatre from CCSU in 1989.

Alumni In the News

Hartford Business Journal selected Jason D. Newman ‘ 95, a partner at Kostin Ruffkess & Co. LLC (left), and Chad Williams ‘98, director of program services at Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford Inc., as two of their distinguished “40 Under Michael Foran Forty” “best and brightest” business leaders in Hartford. As HBJ notes, “They all have achieved a level of success early in their careers, yet for each, the best is likely yet to come. Michael Foran BSED ’86, MS ’90, SYC ’92, principal of New Britain High School, was named the 2012 MetLife/NASSP Bill Berloni National High School Principal of the Year. Foran is the first Connecticut principal to win the award. Since beginning his tenure as principal at NBHS in 2007, Foran has been credited with improving the work environment, raising test scores, reducing the dropout rate, and establishing the New Britain Academy for Health Professions at the school. The award brings a $5,000 grant to the high school. (photo courtesy of Hartford Courant) Kate Mullen ’78 was recently inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Of the seven individuals inducted in April, she was the only college-level coach. Mullen, who will coach for her 20th season at Wesleyan this year, also serves as an associate director of athletics and adjunct professor.

Jason D. Newman Kate Mullen

Central Focus Fall 2011 – 19 HAPPENINGSHAPPENINGS

Educational Leadership Keynote speak Dr. Doris Kurtz, Joseph A. De Feo ’79, Alumni Service Award. After the Awards superintendent of New Britain Outstanding Alumnus award presentation, five alumni Public Schools. were inducted into the Athletic In April the School of Education Award Hall of Fame: Corsley Edwards Michelle Marion ’02, 2011 CAS & Professional Studies Education- CCSU Dean of the School of II ’01; Jacqueline C. S. Hadden Assistant Principal of the Year, al Leadership Program, recognized Engineering and Technology ’00, MS ’03; Marcin Kaczmarek Assistant Principal, East Hartford alumni and faculty who had been Zdzislaw Kremens presented ’02; Jane M. McFarlane ’01, and High School, East Hartford honored as distinguished educa- Joseph A. De Feo ’79, President former CCSU Swimming and tional leaders. Above, left to right: Dr. Anthony Rigazio-Digilio, and Executive Coach at Juran Diving Head Coach Ray “Jack” Hassan Robinson, SY ’11, 2010 2011 Education Leader of the Institute, the award for Outstand- Suydam (posthumously). Pictured Teacher of the Year, East Hartford Year, Connecticut Association of ing Alumnus during the School directly below, from left to right, School District, Fourth Grade Supervision and Curriculum De- of Engineering and Technology’s Skinner, Cortes, Gengel, McFar- Teacher at O’Connell Elementary velopment (CASCD), Professor & awards dinner last semester. lane, and Hadden. School, East Hartford Chair, Department of Educational Leadership, CCSU Jill Wnuk, SY ’11, 2010-11 CAS Hall of Fame & Alumni Middle Level Exemplary Educator Dr. Robert Lindgren ’66, MS Association Awards &, 2010 Local Hero, Ronald Mc- ’68, 2010 West Indian Foundation In April, the Alumni Association Donald House Charities, Social Outstanding Community Service Awards were presented to several Studies Teacher, East Hartford Awardee, Adjunct Professor of alumni in recognition of their Middle School, East Hartford Educational Leadership, CCSU outstanding service to CCSU, or Maxine Ursery, 2010 Lindgren Dr. Richard Lindgren ’58, the Alumni Association, and to Family Scholarship Awardee, Fifth 2010 West Indian Foundation the community, as well as of their Grade Teacher at Anna E. Norris Outstanding Community Service professional excellence. Leonard School, East Hartford Awardee, Adjunct Professor of F. Gengel ’87 was awarded the Educational Leadership, CCSU Distinguished Alumni Service Timothy Maule ’91, 2011Teacher Award. Robert F. Skinner ’55 of the Year, Berlin School District, [not pictured] Michael J. Foran, received the Kaiser Alumni Service Fourth Grade Teacher, Hubbard ’90 2011 CAS High School Prin- Award, and Alexander F. Cortes Elementary School, East Berlin cipal of the Year, Principal, New ’00 was the recipient of the Young Britain High School, New Britain

Joseph A De Feo & Zdzislaw Kremens

20 – Central Focus Fall 2011 Recent Books & News by CCSU Alumni

Nicholas Joan Conning David A. Horan ’75 Chanese ’02 Afman, MA ’85 Escaping Quicksand The Smile Death Island Shop My Web, Inc., Createspace, Camel Press, 2011 2011 2010 In this adventure- With an honesty that Renee Palmer just spoof, Danny Man- often startles and slapped her mother ning, who has been always engages, hard enough to wrongly convicted of Horan provides an draw blood. Why? his wife’s murder, is emotionally complex Because of the divorce, that’s why. Be- sent to Death Island, an exile for those and compelling account of what it means cause of Tariq. Because of Tia. Because who earn a death sentence, and the to live with progressive multiple sclerosis. she’s angry, and alone, and confused. setting for America’s favorite reality TV His wonderful storytelling skills make his Because she’s 15. That’s why. show. “Death Island is Hell disguised personal tale a riveting read for anyone as Paradise,” wrote Amazon. interested in what it means to live with James M. Clark ’79 chronic pain and physical decline. David’s Connecticut’s Fife E. Diann Cook ’98 wife, Mary Horan, adds the partner & Drum Tradition The Andersuns: perspective, which lends Escaping Wesleyan University Jarrell’s Sweet Quicksand the endearing tone of a witty, Press, 2011 Tooth well-told love story. The first full Authorhouse, 2010 account of this Cook uses the story Erik Thoennes ’87 beloved and color- of Jarrell Andersun — Life’s Biggest ful American music an eight-year-old boy Questions: What tradition in Connecticut. Details abound with a giant sweet the Bible Says for instruments, folk song traditions, tooth—to reinforce healthy eating habits. about the Things musicians, and events. One day Jarrell refuses to eat the dinner That Matter Most his mother prepares, so she puts him in a Crossway Books, T. Garth “time out.” While there, he has a strange 2011 Connelly ’83 dream that changes his mind about eating Thoennes, a The Regia sweets instead of balanced meals and California theologian, asks and answers Marina’s MAS shows him the importance of healthy eat- 15 significant questions about God, the Boats, 1915-1945 ing. Illustrations by the author. Bible, Jesus, and the church. Nimble Books LLC, 2011 Kathy Handley ’61 Robert Valuk ’64 Describes every A World of Love & Envy The Collector: Bar MAS boat built and and Birds of Paradise Napkins Memoirs operated by the Italian navy during the Riverhaven Books, 2011 Outskirts Press, 2011 First World War, the inter-war years, and In Birds of Paradise, a Featuring a great the Second World War. novel, broken hearts are “unreliable narrator,” catalysts for personal re- Valuk’s book purports invention. A World of Love to be the biography of and Envy is a collection of a 350-year old Central alumni—please let us know about your recently published books: short stories, flash fiction, “collector” whose stories, chronicled on [email protected] and poetry. bar napkins and other scraps, are satirical and thought provoking.

Central Focus Fall 2011 – 21 CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES

Carol Autorino Center for to the Appellate Court of education for families with CLASS NOTES the Arts and Humanities Connecticut by Gov. Dannel aging parents. John Paul at Saint Joseph College P. Malloy. Business and Gravalec-Pannone, assistant 61 with multiple honors for his Mathematics Professor Donna state’s attorney and senior Coach Al Pelligrinelli was administration: official citation B. Leonowich prosecutor at the courthouse inducted into the Berlin High from the Connecticut General MS ’75 has on Huntington Street in New School Athletic Hall of Fame. Assembly, proclamation from been appointed London, has retired after 30 He is also a member of the the Mayor of West Hartford, interim years of distinguished service Connecticut High School and the Chamber of Commerce associate dean to the State of Connecticut. Coaches Association Hall of Noah Webster Award for of academic and Fame and the CCSU Alumni “extraordinary commitment to student affairs 73 Association Athletic Hall of the Town of West Hartford.” at Middlesex The Connecticut High Fame. Dr. Robert M. Valuk The presentations were made Community School Coaches Association recently published a sci-fi book during the 10th-anniversary College (MXCC) in Middletown. has honored Michael A. entitled The Collector: Bar celebration for the Center, Dean Leonowich has been a Pitruzzello MS ’78, athletic Napkins Memoirs. Although it hosted by actor Chris Lemmon full-time professor at MXCC director at Middletown High is his first foray into the world and featuring performances since 1983. Earlier in her School, as Outstanding Athletic of fiction writing Dr. Valuk has by music, dance and theatre career she taught at Hamden Director of the Year. The honor published numerous articles artists from among the High School and Platt High caps a long list of awards and booklets while working as over 100 greater Hartford School. earned by the veteran coach. CEO of a financial investment organizations that have held newsletter, The Financial events in its auditorium. Dr. 72 74 Report Card, and as a school Smith is also a faculty emeritus Golf industry veteran William After nearly six years principal and superintendent and school historian of The F. Campbell, Jr. has been overseeing the town’s seven of schools in Connecticut and Woodstock Academy, where named new membership schools and nearly 4,000 Rhode Island. he served for over 30 years director at Liberty National students, Guilford Schools as chairman of English and Golf Course in Jersey City, NJ. Superintendent Dr. Thomas 66 director of Theatre. He lives Former president and current A. Forcella is moving to Dr. Gene J. Kozlowski is in Pomfret Center, CT, with his executive board member of the North Carolina to become professor of information wife, Janet. Rhode Island Golf Association, superintendent of the Chapel systems at Northeastern State Campbell has more than three Hill-Carrboro City school University in Broken Arrow, OK, 69 decades of experience in the district. Forcella’s career has where he has been a faculty Karen L. Smith MS ’87, industry. He began his career included positions as teacher, member since 1973. Mary principal at Derynoski as an educator and coach at principal and superintendent (Orsini) Odell and Fred Odell Elementary School in Rogers High School and Salve in Connecticut and Southington, was promoted Regina University in Newport, Massachusetts. to assistant superintendent of RI in 1995 and became Southington Public Schools. chairman of the 75 William C. Thomson MS ’74 U. S. Amateur Berlin High School (BHS) is an investment manager for held at Newport Athletic Director and Coach Sovereign Investment Group in Country Club. James E. Day was inducted Troutman, NC. Debra L. Fox into BHS’s Athletic Hall of was named a Fame at festivities on March 70 2011 Marcus 20, 2011. Theresa (Bielinski) were declared the winners of Richard F. Connell has Ruscitto Fellow Gerratana was sworn in as the CCSU Alumni Association retired as senior executive by the Institute the state senator representing photo contest. They hosted the vice president and chief for Entrepreneurial Excellence the sixth senatorial district CCSU Blue Devil in Florence, administrative officer at at the University of Pittsburgh. communities of New Britain, Italy with “David.” Selective Insurance Group Inc. The award will support her Berlin and Farmington in the enrollment in the institute’s Connecticut General Assembly 68 71 Entrepreneurial Fellows after having won a special Suzanne (Doyle) Leo T. Camosci, owner of LTC Program, which helps leaders election. Clemson University Greenbacker MS ’90, who has Construction in New Britain, of high-growth enterprises visiting scholar and former been with Plainville schools has assumed operation of the develop strategic plans. Fox National Parks Director Fran since 1999, is retiring from Whinstone Tavern at the city- is president and CEO of Fox P. Mainella [MS] received the the Linden Street Elementary owned Stanley Learning Systems, Inc. in Distinguished Alumni Award School where she has been Golf Course. Pittsburgh, PA, a full-service from the Neag School of principal for the Hon. Carmen professional video production Education Alumni Society of past 12 years. E. Espinosa, company that creates and the University of Connecticut. Dr. Robert J. a trial judge produces online education Mainella teaches in the Smith marked for the past curricula for both professionals parks, recreation and tourism his 10th year 19 years, has and family caregivers, management department at as the founding been appointed specializing in consumer Clemson. Colleen V. Marren, director of The 22 – Central Focus Fall 2011 CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES

news director at Fox 61 in the fund-raising campaign. John assistant professor. Harvey 81 early 1990s, has returned to H. Putetti is director, order previously worked as the head Katherine B. Pirog, associate the station for a second tour as fulfillment finance, for Timex athletic trainer at Rutgers- professor and head athletic news director after leaving that Corporation in North Little Newark University and St. trainer at CCSU, was inducted role at KDKA, the CBS affiliate Rock, AR. Putetti has been with Bonaventure University. into the Connecticut Athletic in Pittsburgh. She has also the company since 1977. Margaret (Lynch) O’Donnell, Trainers Association Hall of previously held the position of principal of Topstone Financial Fame, Class of 2011. news director at WCVB and 78 Consultants, a 22-year-old tax WFXT in Boston and WISN in Katherine “Kate” Mullen, and accounting firm located in 82 Milwaukee. The Portuguese who recently completed her Redding, is treasurer for the Chicago-based Pierce & American Leadership Council 19th year as head women’s Town of Redding. , Paul Pellerin Associates PC, a provider of of the United States (PALCUS) basketball coach at Wesleyan owner of Antique & Classic Car legal services to the mortgage has announced University, was inducted into Services, has written his first banking community, has the reelection the Connecticut Women’s book about Connecticut’s car announced the appointment of Fernando Basketball Hall of Fame at its history, Connecticut Created of Ralph Gerardi as director annual induction ceremony Cars, in recognition of the Goncalves of foreclosure operations. , deputy in April. Framingham, MA- 25th Silver Anniversary of the Rosa Gerardi previously was vice director of based PeopleCube, provider Connecticut Council of Car president of Chase Home Hartford of workplace management Clubs and New England Air Finance LLC and served Economic software Museum. as vice president of First Development solutions, has American National Default Corporation, as chairman of its hired Peter 80 Outsourcing. 13-member board of directors. M.Tarca, a 25- Michael W. Boissonneault Actor and Rosa has been associated year industry is senior director of human singer Frank with the organization since veteran with resources, Mastrone 1995 and has served on a specialty staffing and is currently the board since 1999. in cleantech recruitment, at Mary performing , former and energy ESPN in Bristol. (Ball) Tomolonius the role of three-term first selectwoman efficiency, as general manager Dr. Maria the jeweler in of Canton and the founder of its intelligent buildings N. Tackett the Broadway and president of Tomolonius business unit. Tarca previously [MS], nurse musical Design, a graphic design served as CEO of three director in the Phantom of the firm in Collinsville, has been different Massachusetts-based neurointensive Opera. Joseph appointed executive director businesses: Proliphix Inc., a care unit at Hartford Hospital M. Ward, Jr., of the Connecticut Association developer of native Internet and a U. S. Army reservist a member of for Community Transportation, protocol distributed energy until her retirement from the the Senior a non-profit association management solutions, based military in 2010, presented the Executive committed to promoting and in Westfield; InterSense, Nightingale Lecture to the Saint Service, was improving public transportation Inc., a provider of tracking, Joseph College Department appointed in Connecticut. navigation, visualization, of Nursing in February. director, National Business and stabilization applications Dr. Tackett’s presentation, Center (NBC), US Department 76 headquartered in Billerica; and “Nightingale’s Nursing Concepts of the Interior, in February Susan (Uznanski) Zoni Vibrint Technologies, a supplier from the Crimean War: 2011. Ward is the chief MS ’80, co-owner of Priority of broadcast digital equipment Implications for Current Combat executive for eight distinct Graphics LLC in Cheshire, and new technologies based in Trauma Care,” was drawn from lines of business and a is a tutor and member of Bedford. her experience as an officer geographically dispersed the board of directors for in charge of an emergency workforce headquartered in Literacy Volunteers of Central 79 department in Washington DC. Connecticut Inc. Kenneth Champion is Iraq. Steven L. programme director and deputy St. Onge, owner 83 77 to the executive director of the and president Del Mar, CA City Manager Michael S. Daigle is president United Nations in the Office of of Rhode Island Karen (Plover) Brust MSOM and founder of DATARISK, a the Capital Master Plan, whose Kitchen & Bath, ’91 was hired as city manager risk management consulting mission it is to manage the was honored, in San Juan and specialized commercial $1.8 billion historic renovation along with his Capistrano, CA. insurance brokerage firm in of the United Nations company, as Brust has 24 Portsmouth, NH. Mr. Daigle is headquarters complex in New Humanitarian of the Year by the years of senior also a director, and founder, of York City. Timothy N. Harvey, Central Rhode Island Chamber public-sector Optima Bank & Trust Company, instructor of sports medicine of Commerce at its February experience in director of the Portsmouth and director of the health/ “Rising Above the Rest” event to finance and Museum of Fine Arts, and fitness promotion concentration celebrate outstanding business water and sewer a platinum supporter of the at Mercyhurst College in leaders in Central Rhode Island. operations. CrossRoads House building Erie, PA, was promoted to

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Author T. Garth Connelly’s the beloved teacher while she industrial engineer at Sikorsky Free Church in La Mirada, latest book, The Regia is still teaching, and can enjoy Aircraft in Stratford. Michael California. Haddam-Killingworth Marina’s MAS Boats, 1915- the sight of the tree, rather than Foran BS ‘86, MS ‘90, SY ‘92, (HK) youth sports Coach 1945, was released on April 1. wait until she retires. principal of New Britain High Thomas B. Thompson Pearl River physical education School, has been named the was inducted into the HK teacher and girls basketball 86 2012 MetLife/NASSP National Hall of Fame. Thompson Coach Lorraine High School Principal of the coached baseball at Haddam (Guerci) Year.John W. Grant is a senior Killingworth Middle School and Moylan was software quality auditor at Pratt was a basketball coach and inducted into & Whitney in East Hartford. referee for the HK recreation the Basketball youth teams. He organizes a Coaches 87 summer basketball camp and Association Donna Q. Fitzgerald [MS], the over-30 fall and winter of New York principal at Martin Elementary basketball leagues. He is an Hall of Fame School, Manchester, has active member of Haddam in March. Moylan took over Donald M. retired after 36 years in Little League where he wears the girls basketball program Casey, Jr., and his students education. Len Gengel, owner many hats. at Pearl River High School in were recently awarded an of C&S Builders, Inc. and Pearl River, NY in 1993. The educational grant from the other businesses in Rutland, 88 newest business venture of Alcohol and Drug Awareness MA, and a 1984 graduate of Suzanne (Demirjian) Akian Dean C. Pagani, top aide to of Monroe, Connecticut for Becker College, was honored is senior vice president and former Gov. John Rowland, their educational program, at its Athletic Hall of Fame financial advisor Governors Journal Stepney Elementary School ceremony with the presentation at the Akian/ (www.governorsjournal.com), Fit Kids. The program of the first Gabe Simon Award Zalanskas uses the Internet and social incorporates physical activities, for distinguished service to Group media to compile daily news, such as swimming and the college. A three-sport at Morgan commentary gymnastics, performing arts, standout and Stanley Smith and analysis by and experiential learning 1983 graduate Barney (MSSB) and about the while building self-esteem, of Norwich Free in New York 50 governors improving teamwork skills, and Academy (NFA), City. Akian in the United maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Andy Lee was joined MSSB in 2005 as a States. Clifford Theresa inducted into senior vice president following Snow MS ’94 (Caron) Casey, the Norwich a 15-year career as a financial was named founding Sports Hall of advisor at the boutique fixed- director of principal of Fame, class of 2011. A member income firm Lebenthal and football operations at the On Target of the football, basketball and Company. University of Louisville. Snow Marketing & baseball teams at NFA, Lee spent five seasons at East Communications went on to play football and 89 Carolina. Jan Verderame is LLC, based baseball at Bill Berloni, animal trainer the new principal of Walter in Columbia, CCSU. TD Bank for stage and screen, is a Derynoski Elementary School CT, was honored with the has named 2011 recipient of a Tony in Southington, where she has Best Feature Article Award Todd C. Navin Award for Excellence in the been assistant principal since at the Society for Marketing vice president Theatre. Damian L. Brooke 2008. Richard S. Zuber is Professional Services/ and commercial is the new vice president pastor at Ascension Lutheran Connecticut (SMPS CT) 2011 loan officer in of business planning/IT for Church in San Diego, CA. Marketing Communications commercial the Hillsborough County Awards. The article, “Getting banking in Aviation Authority at Tampa 85 a Piece of the Renewable Glastonbury. Navin previously International Airport in Tampa, On May 1, Lt. Col. Michael H. Energy Market,” appeared in served as a commercial FL. Bonnie (DeNote) Del Ruth retired from the United the February 2010 issue of lender with Liberty Bank Conte is president and CEO States Marine Corps after 29 Civil Engineering News. Last in Middletown. Judith E. of Rocky Hill-based business years of service to his country. year On Target was awarded Saunders, a certified public consulting firm CONNSTEP His retirement ceremony took three different awards for accountant and principal of Inc. Mark J. Paggioli is place at the Naval Air Station/ Casey’s article, “Brown is Filomeno & Company PC in marketing director at Dur-A- Joint Reserve Base in Fort the New Green: Sustainable West Hartford, is director of Flex Inc., a manufacturer of Worth, TX. Faculty, staff and Design on Brownfields Coming the Health Care Services and commercial and industrial students at Macdonough into Vogue” which appeared Retail Services departments for flooring systems and polymer Elementary School surprised a in the Florida Engineering the company. Erik Thoennes components in East Hartford. favorite kindergarten teacher, Journal. Casey was named is associate professor of Visiting Nurse Association Angela Spaman [MS], with as one of only 100 Fellows in Biblical Studies and Theology (VNA) Home Health & Hospice a tree planted in her honor the U. S. by SMPS and is a at Biola University/Talbot in South Portland, ME, a non- outside her classroom window. certified professional services School of Theology, and also profit affiliate of Mercy Health The school decided to honor marketer. Lisa Duhamel is an a pastor at Grace Evangelical System of Maine, has hired

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Catherine C. Studley as years, had one season as 93 business counsel to Global program manager for its new an assistant coach at UMass 2000 corporations, Wall Street Anthony Valenti joined R. LifeStages service. Previously, (2003-04), and four years at banks, emerging companies Calabrese Agency LLC, a Studley was the executive his alma mater, CCSU (1999- and individual inventors in value-added full service real director for Hospice of Maine 2003). Timothy S. Sheridan matters involving the sourcing, estate firm based in Waterbury, hospice organizations across is senior director and chief commercialization, use and as a broker. He specializes northern New England. accounting officer for CIGNA’s protection of intellectual in the retail and hospitality healthcare business. property, technology and sectors, including site selection 90 technology-enabled products and strategic planning. Judith Palmer [MS], 92 and services. Green formerly Previously, Valenti pursued superintendent of Regional For Great Physical Education, served as North American a career in the hospitality School District #7 Public an educational consultant general counsel and corporate industry. In 2000 he established Schools, has been elected company founded by Mark secretary for a publicly-traded a hotel development company president of the Connecticut Farnsworth and Chris UK-based technology and which currently has ownership Association of Public School Tamborra, recently developed business process outsourcing stakes in two Hampton Inns in Superintendents for school a graduate course titled company. Annemarie Seifert, Connecticut. year 2011-12. Julie Fitts Ritter “Establishing the Learning associate vice is development director at Environment in Physical 95 president for the Padre Pio Foundation of Education” for K-5 educators student affairs Shawn A. Briggs has joined America in Cromwell. to be taught at The Hall at and enrollment the energy division, as a Patriots Place and Gillette management project manager, in the New 91 Stadium with the New England at Georgia England office of Burns Stephanie (Hamel) Coxon Dairy Council and their Fuel Up Southern & McDonnell, a company MS ’01, reading consultant at to Play 60 program. Farnsworth University (GSU), has providing engineering, Gainfield Elementary School and Tamborra also were been named associate architecture, construction, in Southbury, received the selected to present at the 18th vice chancellor for student environmental and consulting Outstanding Literacy Leader Annual Character Education development at the University services to clients throughout Award from the University of conference in San Francisco of Massachusetts Amherst. North America and abroad. Bridgeport. Ralph DelSesto in October for their work on Prior to joining the GSU Penny (Needs) Crump is a is vice president of third party “Setting the Structure for a administration, Seifert served web editor and writer at the administrator distribution and Successful Recess.” Michael at the University of Texas at nonprofit Save the Children in support strategy for the 401(k) D. Golden has been hired as Austin, first as a student affairs New York City. Before joining and 403(b) markets at ING. head strength and conditioning administrator in the dean of Save the Children Crump DelSesto has nearly 10 years coach at the University of students office and then as was manager, web content of experience in the retirement South Florida in Tampa, FL. director of student activities and e-communications, at plan industry. Rachael Most recently Golden served and leadership development. AmeriCares Foundation in (Zimnoch) Manzer MS ’98, an in the same position at East Joseph F. Shiman III is a Stamford. Christopher W. educator at Annie Fisher STEM Carolina University for five partner in Robert Hensley & Doyle works at Walt Disney Magnet School, has been seasons. Michael S. Libera is Associates LLC Insurance and Pictures Theatrical Marketing training for a commercial space employed at Mohegan Sun as Financial Services in Avon. Division as an online picture flight as part of an event production supervisor editor. Doyle and his wife, the Teachers in the sports and entertainment 96 Claire, a makeup artist, in Space department. Goziem Moemeka EJ Howard joined Willis reside in Los Angeles, CA. Program. June is the managing director of North America, an insurance He enjoys traveling and S. Sanford Resource Group Staffing & information and consulting mountain biking, and is an [MS] serves as Consulting (RGS), a provider services firm, as assistant automobile enthusiast. The state director of of staffing and outsourced vice president in the Hartford Connecticut High School career technical human resource services in office.Jason Coaches Association (CHSCA) education and Perkins Program West Hartford that he and two M. Schuck is has chosen Middletown High manager responsible for grant of his brothers took over in treasurer at School (MHS) wrestling Coach administration, performance 2008. Jon T. Romeo MS ’95 St. Germain Mark Fong as the CHSCA accountability data, statewide is principal at Macdonough Investment Outstanding Wrestling Coach program monitoring and Elementary School in Management of the Year. Fong is a physical implementation of the Middletown. Gina (Bento) in Hartford. education/health instructor for Connecticut Career Clusters/ Scherbner has been promoted Schuck has Middletown Public Schools Pathway Initiative for the to vice president, business more than 10 years experience and varsity boys cross-country Connecticut State Department development officer at Union in investment operations, coach at MHS. Attorney of Education. Former UConn Savings Bank in Danbury. Rev. financial analysis and Richard L. Green has joined Assistant Coach Pat Sellers Patrick M. Sullivan accepted accounting, and was previously the Hartford office of McCarter was hired as an assistant a position as administrator an investment analyst for & English LLP as a partner in basketball coach at Hofstra and pastoral care pastor at Babson Capital Management, the firm’s intellectual property/ University in Hempstead, NY. Calvary Assembly of God in and before that worked as information technology Sellers was at UConn for six Walkersville, MD. a securities administrator practice, providing legal and Central Focus Fall 2011 – 25 CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES for The Hartford Investment under-construction Forestville of CTNewsJunkie.com. Stuart School in Middlefield was Management Company. Vicky K-8 school. Greene-Hills and her contributors have honored as the town’s Teacher Valery has joined Mintz & Hoke is scheduled to close as become known for breaking of the Year. Sharon (Grubb) Communications Group as an part of the school district’s news first, and using not only Vickers announces that she interactive producer. reorganization. Spiro A. words, but also video, photos has a 1-year-old daughter Koulouris is general manager and audio to report. Anthony named Camellia and has 97 at Hartford’s J. Truino is a financial been awarded the position Kathy Athorne CPA has popular Firebox planner, financial services as helicopter pilot working joined Filomeno & Company, restaurant, an representative and investment for Ochsner Flight Care with a CPA and business advisory eatery that, specialist for Barnum Financial Ochsner Medical Center in firm in West Hartford, bringing as part of Group, an office of MetLife, in New Orleans, Louisiana. 10 years experience to the Broad Street’s Shelton. Truino also serves firm’s audit practice. Joyce successful as the president of Barnum’s 02 L. Betts is chief operating Billings Forge Foundation for Life, providing Stephen V. Burdo is political officer of Families in Crisis, Inc. redevelopment complex, is grants and volunteers for director at Kathleen Russell in Hartford, an organization well known for its farm-to- initiatives in area towns. Consulting in Mill Valley, CA that serves at-risk children, table menu. Perri S. Murdica where he offenders and their families. MS ’02, 6th Yr ’05 has been 00 manages Betts has been with Families chosen to head the special Christian J. Harrison is a accounts in Crisis for 13 years. She education programs, as senior senior loan officer at First involving is also an adjunct professor coordinator of pupil personnel World Mortgage Corporation legislative in CCSU’s social work services, for Southington public in West Hartford. Michael P. advocacy, department. The Washington schools. Rafferty MS ’03 is a probation electoral Trust Company has promoted officer for the U. S. District campaigns, grassroots Steven D. Dabkowski to 99 Court in Hartford. Rafferty also organizing, media relations, the position of audit officer, Jessica (Maringola) Bruenn, provides diversity training for strategic planning and responsible for leading and a fifth-grade teacher at the Anti-Defamation League in community outreach. Senior conducting operational and Strong Elementary School in Hamden and 10-week training officer at American Savings financial audits, assessing Plantsville, has been chosen sessions to individuals arrested Foundation Maria A. Falvo controls over assets, and as the 2011-12 Southington for and/or convicted of hate- [MS], who has overseen the performing Sarbanes Oxley Teacher of the Year. motivated crimes. Charmaine New Britain nonprofit’s growing 404 compliance testing. Jodi Southington Superintendent (Hadley) Wright [MS] is a scholarship program for more R. Klim is a senior marketing Joseph V. Erardi, Jr. ’77, foreign language teacher, and than a decade, has been consultant at The Hartford MS ’86 said “programs such chair of the foreign language promoted to a new position as in Simsbury. Noelle Griffin as KIDSMARATHON, which department, at Sacred Heart chief operating officer. Smetana is a vocal music (Bruenn) developed as a way High School in Waterbury. teacher for Paradise Valley to get students throughout 03 Unified School District at Echo the district more active, are a 01 Christopher “Chip” Rourke, Mountain Primary/Intermediate prime example of the talent she Jennifer R. Michalek [MS], an instructional assistant at School in Phoenix, AZ. Victoria brings to Southington.” Jerome an eighth-grade mathematics Griswold Alternative High T. Trzcinski, special education Home in New Britain has teacher at Chippens Hill Middle School, was appointed the program specialist/instructional added exercise physiologist School in Bristol was chosen Griswold High School boys leader for Plainville Community Susan as Bristol’s Teacher of the varsity baseball coach. Schools, has been named the (Beckert) Year. Michalek’s classroom has director of special education Dawiczyk MS been recognized as a model 04 and pupil services for the ’10 to the Good co-teaching classroom by the Elisabeth E. Finnegan MS ’10 Plainville school district. Life Fitness State Education Resource is an art teacher at Hockanum program. She Center. She is the math Elementary School in East 98 comes with curriculum coordinator at the Hartford. Finnegan’s own work Professional golfer Kyle Gallo experience school and a mentor for new was on display at an exhibit shot a three- as a lecturer teachers. Philip P. Moriarty, in New Britain City Hall in day best of on fitness and wellness at January. 5-under-par CCSU. She previously was 205 to capture a Marine Corps combat 05 the 102nd instructor of water survival. Brittany Bonchuk, a former Massachusetts After four seasons with the New England Patriots Open New Orleans Saints as an cheerleader, served as the Championship by one stroke offensive assistant, Michael Hartford Colonials cheerleader at Oak Hill Country Club in L. Cerullo has joined the director for the 2011 United Fitchburg, MA on June 29th. UConn football program as Football League season. Scott Gaudet, principal of a program aide. Christine Rachael A. Zebedeo is Green-Hills Elementary School Stuart, former reporter for The third- and fourth-grade teacher a kindergarten teacher at in Bristol, has been named Journal Inquirer in Manchester, in the integrated day program Chamberlain Primary School in principal of the adjacent is the owner and editor-in-chief at John Lyman Elementary New Britain. 26 – Central Focus Fall 2011 CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES

06 Wales, which featured over Height has been an evaluator High School in Hartford. 1,000 international competitors. at the state level for USA Benjamin T. Pierpont is a Melony M. Brady [MS] is Johnson placed third in adult Hockey, works with goalies case manager for Community principal of Annie Fisher STEM women, third degree black of all ages and levels at the Solutions Inc., a nonprofit Magnet School in Hartford. belts class. Kathryn Sousa is Crease summer camps, and organization that promotes Jessica L. Coppa is a service office manager for the Sousa has been the head goalie self-reliance, responsibility associate at Farmington Bank Corporation in West Hartford. coach for the Connecticut and accountability for at-risk in Plainville. Lisa M. Zaremba teaches LaZers youth program. John and disadvantaged youth and Christine a split class of nine fourth- E. Lawrence is employed adults in Hartford. Brian D. M. Quinn graders and 13 fifth-graders at by ESPN in Bristol. Lindsey Sarkozy MA ’11 is combining a has joined John M. Moriarty Elementary C. Lewis [MS] is employed new job with his love of travel the New School in Norwich. at Bentley University as a as he heads off for a two-year Business reporting specialist in the position as a high school social Development 08 department of institutional studies teacher at the Majuro Team at MEYER Fulfillment Jason W. Fagan is a product research and planning. Cooperative School, a private of Stratford-based William B. definition engineer with Pratt Edward A. Roden [MS] is a school in the southeast corner Meyer Inc. She is responsible and Whitney in nurse anesthetist at Charlotte of Majuro Atoll, the capital of for the business development East Hartford. Hungerford Hospital. Roden the Republic of the Marshall of multiple MEYER Fulfillment Nutmeg State served in the Army National Islands. Melissa Traynor is services, including warehouse Federal Credit Guard from 1992 to 2005 a town news reporter for The storage and retail distribution, Union has and the Air National Guard Hartford Courant, covering along with marketing literature hired Mark D. since 2005. His current rank town, education and public and e-commerce store support Bosse as vice is captain. Jon A. Saucier, safety news in East Hartford. and fulfillment. president, sales a recent graduate of the Carly Woodward is an Teresa and service, in Rocky Hill. air management systems “Rasheeda” Corey D. Hansen has joined manufacturing engineer Johnson, of The Donaldson Group, an at Hamilton Sundstrand in Bassetere, St. image communications firm in Windsor Locks. Kitts, graduated Simsbury, as assistant account from the Edward manager/content manager. Via College of Collin L. Marino graduated Osteopathic from the state police academy Medicine (VCOM) in Blacksburg, in Meriden, and was sworn in VA with the Doctor of Marriages - as a patrol officer for the New Connecticut Police Academy, Osteopathic Medicine degree. T. Grace Firnhaber ’54 & John B. Milford Police Department. has joined the Canton Police 07 Kelly A. Michnowicz Department. Prior to being Fuller ’44 5/21/11 is a customer service hired by Canton Saucier worked Members of the Avon High Judith (Edmonston) Mansfield ’60 & representative for Webster at the YMCA in Plainville as School chorus, orchestra and Paul A. Falcigno 8/15/10 Bank NA in Avon. Nicole its sports director. The wind ensemble, and the Avon B. Thorogood, readiness Glastonbury Exchange Club Paula Liistro ’71 & Frank Naczi ’70 Middle School arioso chorale business engineer, USIG has selected Lt. , 5/1/11 ensemble tremble combined to David Thurz Service Strategy: Readiness a 13-year veteran of the perform John Rutters’ “Mass Tara M. Piers ’05 & John-Michael COE, MassMutual Financial Glastonbury Fire Department, of the Children for Choir and Scrivano 4/15/11 Group, recently received her as its 2011 Firefighter of the Orchestra” this spring under MBA, with concentration in Year. In addition to being a Bethany June Trievel ’05 & Kyle B. the direction of Andrew entrepreneurial studies and member of the Glastonbury Cover 6/17/11 Brochu, choral director at innovative practices,from Fire Department, Thurz is the Avon High School. Christie Jillian Powell Ziman & Steven J. BayPath College. training officer for the Hebron Congdon is a research Fire Department, where he works Pollock ’06 5/7/11 assistant for Third Point LLC, 09 as a career firefighter/EMT. an employee-owned hedge Megan Kathleen Atwood ’11 & Jamie E. Duhaine is a fifth- fund sponsor in New York City. Jason A. Smith 6/4/11 grade teacher at Woodside 10 Jessica Johnson competed Intermediate School in Sean Allaire, Blue Devils Cromwell. Danielle Eckert is Northeast Conference Player an art director at TracyLocke, of the Year in 2010, joined the a Wilton integrated marketing the Washington Wild Things, firm offering a full menu of a professional baseball team services to highlight brand based in Washington, PA, a names. Craig E. Height, who member of the East Division played hockey at CCSU, is of the independent Frontier an instructor at Connecticut League. Jessica L. Hite is a Crease, a training center for registered nurse at Hartford in the World Tang Soo Do goalies, at the Champions Hospital. Andrew T. Lefebvre Championships in Cardiff, Skating Center in Cromwell. is the band director at Bulkeley Central Focus Fall 2011 – 27 CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES

60 75 01 In Memoriam - Robert P. Carbray 12/26/04 JoAnn Marotto Charette 04/07/11 Mary A. Terni 01/05/06 26 Walter E. Krupa 02/17/11 Frank J. Petosa 05/09/11 Maribeth Todisco 11/16/10 Bertha Kaplan 10/25/04 Frederick S. Okula 09/23/10 Frank J. Pinto 01/15/11 02 Mario Piazza 03/17/11 32 76 Cindy K. Baxa 01/12/11 Judith Drake Wood Genevieve Grendzinski Dale Michael P. Augliera 04/11/11 03 06/03/11 61 Thomas P. Henry Jr. 05/15/11 Glenn W. Buckley 06/16/11 Bernadette T. Hemlock 04/08/11 Frances Lasewicz Bassett 04/04/11 77 04 36 62 Linda Costella Salisbury 05/23/10 Thomas A. Berube 02/25/11 Ruth Perkins Gibson 02/27/11 Frank Rasmussen 06/19/83 Louise Krawiec Sanders 06/05/11 Henrietta Riva Tycz 01/08/11 07 64 78 Karen C. Shanahan 03/15/11 37 Lillian Goldberg Kimenker 05/20/11 M. Susan Condren 04/28/11 Verna Calmbach MacMillian 01/27/11 Yolande Petit Petrin 06/15/11 Nancy L. Considine 05/15/11 Jean Fowler Parsons 02/08/11 65 79 38 Mary-Jo Burriesci 06/21/11 June Halberts Cramer 02/19/11 Constance Geiger Miller 02/20/11 Gerald Dorner 01/10/11 66 39 Celeste Garfunkel LeWitt 03/06/11 80 Robert B. Grace 02/12/11 Ann Crowley Downes 02/23/11 67 Victor B. Freedman 01/19/11 40 Jean Mcdonald Bagley 01/12/11 Leatrice Seidell Johnson 02/18/11 Adele Shapiro Sussman 02/15/11 Richard C. Minagil 04/16/11 Ann Crowley Mirizzi 01/24/11 81 41 Robert J. Moir 02/07/11 Frances Alling Lang 11/05/10 68 Frances Sutherberry Marshall 82 42 02/12/11 Mark K. Dickman 06/18/10 Priscilla Tomlinson Griffiths 01/17/11 69 84 William J. Weitzke 04/08/11 Patricia M. Clark 05/23/11 George Carnaroli 05/06/97 Neil F. Gallagher 01/11/11 45 85 Frances Lalas Malin 03/20/11 Elaine Streeter Heline 05/09/11 Gbolahan A. Oni-Orisan 05/15/11 70 47 86 Richard R. Cote 02/23/11 Carol McVeigh Lenihan 03/05/11 Joan D. English 03/20/11 Daniel J. Michl 01/06/11 Julia Nimrod Sargis 01/13/11 Florence K. Farrell 06/15/11 Raymond D. Suprynowicz 06/13/11 Suzanne Carroll Fracasse 03/21/11 48 71 Barbara Benson Gaudette 01/01/11 87 Kristine Payne Douglas 03/20/11 Joyce B. Adams 03/10/08 49 Patricia E. Duffy 05/18/11 Catherine Laskos Kimball 05/08/11 Marion Munson Church 04/16/11 Richard C. Erbal 03/06/11 Salvatore F. Lagano 01/18/11 Patricia A. Howley 01/23/11 Russell H. Maclin 01/07/11 William J. Naughton 05/26/11 Nicholas P. Maglio 02/02/11 92 Carol Morse Ratliff 04/08/11 Dewain A. Greer 08/06/07 50 Nancy Matczak Young 01/02/11 Sabina O’farrell Cappellano 93 03/06/11 72 Virginia M. Wilcox 03/22/11 Henry A. Gajda 05/26/11 Josephine Dabkowski Banach Joseph R. Horanzy 05/02/11 01/08/11 94 Eugene J. Moye 03/14/11 Ann M. Muirhead 01/11/11 John Boyd Jr. 01/06/11 Patricia C. DiNallo 02/07/11 53 73 Thomas E. Haney 05/28/11 Brian R. Cassidy 03/01/11 95 Robert H. Cichowski 05/18/11 Michael B. Gessford 01/14/11 54 George J. Pappas 06/02/11 96 Pauline Sandmeyer Cudlipp June B. Parsons 02/07/11 01/10/11 Joseph S. Milardo 02/06/10 74 58 97 Jane Traskos Auger 02/25/11 Gary R. Turner 08/22/02 Elizabeth Muszynski Johnson Joyce J. Bauer 02/21/11 02/03/11 Frederick A. Drapala 05/07/11 98 Lois Keeney Wankerl 01/18/11 Laurent J. Dulac 06/08/11 Linda Lipman Bush 03/23/11 59 Thomas A. Zingle 05/20/11 James G. Wino Jr. 05/02/11 Robert J. Burbank 01/08/11 00 Katherine C. Belmonte 01/09/11

28 – Central Focus Fall 2011 Matching Your Passion with the University’s Needs

The University offers a wide range of opportunities Scholarships Student Government Association Scholarship for alumni and friends to support educational pro- CCSU Alumni Association Scholarship Provides scholarship support for a full-time grams they are passionate about. Below are a few to The CCSU Alumni Association Scholarship matriculated undergraduate student who has consider. Gifts to these funds may be made online Fund provides scholarships for undergraduate demonstrated exemplary involvement and leader- at www.ccsu.edu/giving. If a fund you are interested (junior or senior level) students who are children ship in the University community and who has in supporting is not listed, you may simply type it or grandchildren of alumni and 1) completed earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or in, in the “Other” category and be confident that at least two semesters at CCSU; 2) enrolled for higher. your contribution will support the fund you have 9 credits or more during the term when the Veterans Scholarship indicated. For more information: alumnidept@ scholarship is applied; 3) minimum GPA of 3.0; ccsu.edu or 860-832-1740. Awarded to the undergraduate student(s) named 4) evidence of service, leadership, and academic as the Student Veteran of the Year at the annual Institutional Support achievement; and 5) documented efforts to Veterans Recognition Program, or similar pro- finance educational costs. Friends of the Library gram, regardless of the expected graduation date The Friends of the Library Fund provides support Educational Support Services Scholarship of the recipient(s). To be eligible for the Student for the Elihu Burritt Library in order to enhance This fund support for students enrolled in any Veteran of the Year award, a student must 1) be teaching and research and meet the diverse educa- University program aimed at providing access in good academic standing; i.e., minimum of tional needs of the CCSU community. The Fund and opportunity to economically disadvantaged 2.5 GPA; 2) have junior or senior class status; provides program and acquisition support to or educationally underprivileged students (e.g. i.e., minimum of 53 credits, 3) show evidence augment institutional monies appropriated for a Educational Opportunity Program, Connecticut of exemplary service to the University, the com- quality public university library. Collegiate Awareness and Preparation Program). munity and/or the country, and 4) have served active U.S. Military duty for a minimum of 90 Welte Society Foundation Scholars days other than training. The Welte Society provides funds for special The Foundation Scholars Fund provides scholar- cultural programs to enrich and broaden the lives ship support for high-achieving, incoming first- Athletics of Central’s student, faculty and neighbors. year students who rank in the top 25% of their Frank Marietta Athletic Scholarship Fund International Education graduating class and have achieved a minimum The Frank Marietta Athletic Scholarship Fund of 1100 on the SAT. provides much needed support for grants-in-aid James-Hauser International Exchange Fund to CCSU student athletes. Originally established to support faculty, Graduate Student Association Scholarship administrative, and student exchange opportunities Provides support for matriculated graduate Athletic Development Fund with institutions in East Asia, South America, students who have completed a minimum of The Athletic Development Fund provides support and the Caribbean, the James-Hauser Fund has 15 academic credits in residence at Central for the intercollegiate athletic program at CCSU. recently been expanded to support the strategic Connecticut State University, have earned a If you would prefer, you can also enable the goals of the George R. Muirhead Center for minimum cumulative grade point average of University to allocate your gift to where it is needed International Education and supports exchange 3.50 or higher and have demonstrated exemplary most by indicating Area of Greatest Need. opportunities throughout all of Asia, Africa, involvement and leadership in student or Latin America, and the Middle East. community service activities. focus NONPROFIT ORG. Central U.S. POSTAGE 1615 Stanley Street PAID New Britain, CT 06050-4010 NEW BRITAIN, CT RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED PERMIT NO. 939