ContactWINTER 2016

STEM The gender gap is narrowing in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. STEM: Need title for cover story

2 • FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 Contact

CAMPUS NEWS 2

WOMEN IN STEM 6 The university has seen significant growth in the number of women studying – and teaching – science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

ATHLETICS 14

ALUMNI NEWS 16 Class Notes Hall of Fame Induction Alumni & Development

Executive Editor...... Michael Shanley

Editor & Senior Writer...... Matthew Bruun G’14

Vice President for Institutional Advancement...... Christopher Hendry ’91, ’07

Director of Annual Giving...... Michael Kushmerek ’08, ‘13

Director of Alumni Relations...... Emily Austin-Bruns

Design...... Michele Italiano Perla

Printing...... Puritan Capital

Principal Photography...... Ed Collier Robert J. Carlin ’00 Brandon Nogueira ’16 Anna Gagnon-Burch ’19

Contact is published by the offices of the president and alumni & development and is mailed to supporters and other select alumni and friends of Fitchburg State University. Send correspondence to Contact Magazine, Office of Alumni & Development, Fitchburg State University, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg, MA 01420, or to [email protected]. Visit Contact online at fitchburgstate.edu/alumni.

FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 Campus News

A HOME FOR VETS As part of its expanding commitment to serving U.S. The Student Veterans Organization has a slate of military veterans, Fitchburg State formally opened its officers and faculty advisers James Noonan (business Veterans Center in Thompson Hall in the fall and was administration) and George Bohrer (communications formally designated a military friendly school. media), both of whom served in the Armed Forces. “We gather today to demonstrate this institution’s Also speaking at the dedication ceremony was commitment to the men and women who have served Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services this nation with honor, and look now to broaden their Secretary Francisco A. Ureña, a former Marine who own horizons through higher education,” President received a Purple Heart in recognition of injuries Richard S. Lapidus said. “The Veterans Center is sustained during Operation Iraqi Freedom. symbolic of a larger and ongoing effort at the university. Ureña followed his enlistment with a degree I am proud of this institution’s efforts to welcome in history and legal studies from the University of returning veterans, and I’m honored we have created Massachusetts, Lowell. “It was a turning point,” he a space on this campus for these men and women to said, describing higher education’s transition to serving gather, collaborate, reflect and learn.” a population of returning veterans. “How do we make Russell Jones helped start the Student Veterans sure that veterans are being taken care of?” Organization on Fitchburg State’s campus. A 2000 He said dedicated space like the Veterans Center was graduate of Fitchburg High School, Jones enlisted in the a critical step. U.S. Marine Corps and served for four years. He was “I really congratulate Fitchburg State and the among the first wave of Marines to cross the border in leadership here for initiating this great space to allow the Iraq war in 2003. vets to gather,” Ureña said. “A lot of my family members served,” he said. “I just “We are honored to earn this designation in felt like it was the right thing to do. It made me who I recognition of our ongoing institutional efforts to serve am. I learned so much and made so many friends.” this most deserving population,” President Lapidus said. Jones entered the workforce after completing his tour The university is also launching a bridge program of duty and later decided to pursue a college education. for military-trained LPNs to receive their bachelor He received an associate’s degree from Mount Wachusett of science degrees in nursing. Respect for diversity, Community College and enrolled at Fitchburg State social responsibility, and a commitment to excellence in 2013. He graduated in December with a degree in nursing care are emphasized. More information on in business administration with a concentration in the bridge program can be found at fitchburgstate.edu/ marketing. militarylpn. The Student Veterans Organization will not only help student veterans to meet and socialize, but will serve as vital assistance for many veterans as they make the difficult transition from military life into college. “It will become a safe haven for returning war vets with PTSD that without it would not be able to attend college in person,” Jones said at the dedication ceremony. “This center will provide critical support for that mission. The Student Veterans Organization will become an example to other colleges that do not yet have veterans programs of their own. It will become a training ground for success, and in turn its members will make the university proud. On behalf of all the student veterans here, and many to come, I thank you.”

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HONORING THE IRVINGS The campus celebrated started. She completed her degree in early childhood the naming of the Irving education in 1990. In recognition of the challenges facing Wing of the Antonucci mothers in pursuit of their degrees, several of the Pay It Science Complex in Forward Scholarships are designated for working moms. the fall, recognizing the U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas also spoke at the ceremony commitment of Donald and described the importance of philanthropic giving. R. ’72, ’79 and Karen “The public sector cannot do it by itself,” Tsongas A. Irving ’90 to enhancing public higher education said. “You need a philanthropic base of people who have and Fitchburg State. Donald Irving is a member of the benefited, done well, remain engaged and understand university’s Board of Trustees and also serves on the they have an important role to play.” Massachusetts Board of Higher Education. During the ceremony, President Lapidus read a letter In 2012, the Irvings created the Pay It Forward from Adam S. Hoeg, a 2014 Fitchburg State graduate Scholarship, which has provided renewable support and one of the first Pay It Forward scholars. Hoeg is for 14 students since its inception. Recipients of the finishing a master’s degree and plans to pursue a career $5,000 scholarships are encouraged to give back to the in admissions and academic services. institution in the future. Another eight Pay It Forward “It is likely I would not have made it this far without scholars will be named this year. the help of the Irvings,” Hoeg wrote. “Their generosity “Don and Karen Irving represent Fitchburg State’s has created an impact that is now allowing me to help highest ideals,” said President Lapidus. “They have been change the lives of students from all over the country. extremely generous with their resources and talents, They have created a domino effect, which I plan to spend creating opportunities for future generations of students. the rest of my life making sure is still going strong.” It is a fitting tribute to their legacy that we dedicate this Addressing the Irvings, Hoeg wrote, “I look forward state of the art facility in their name.” to the day when I am able to give back to the university, The Irving Wing of the science complex spans 55,000 in even a fraction of the way that you have. You aren’t square feet and houses the university’s chemistry and just giving scholarships; you’re giving us access to biology laboratories along with other research and our dreams. The two of you are beyond deserving of instructional space. this recognition and dedication, and I hope that it is “This is an incredible honor,” said Donald Irving, something that stays with you forever.” whose roots at Fitchburg State go deep: His father enrolled after returning from service in World War II, CELEBRATING CORMIER’S LEGACY and the young family lived in a barracks that was erected to serve returning veterans. That barracks, Irving said, was situated on the spot where the laboratory wing that bears the family name now stands. Irving taught for six years before going into business, and later wanted to start his own company. He recalled telling his wife they would need to mortgage their home and accrue substantial debt to make it a reality. Karen Irving agreed, and they were off. The company, Data Guide Cable Systems, thrived. Karen Irving recalled leaving her studies at Fitchburg Scholars and community members from campus and State in 1969 with just two semesters left, vowing to beyond gathered at the Amelia V. Gallucci-Cirio Library return soon to complete her degree. Life intervened, and for a symposium inspired by the works and experiences as her family grew she decided to finish what she had of celebrated local author Robert Cormier, whose

FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 • 3 Campus News

papers are housed in the university archives. At the get the project onto the front page. symposium, faculty members Daniel Sarefield and Laura Each day’s installment was accompanied by text Baker shared historical perspectives on censorship, written on a theme inspired by a letter. English Professor from attempts in ancient Rome to quash thought by Elise Takehana contributed many essays to the project. destroying texts to efforts in the 1960s to control the “Public art and relational aesthetics was already discourse on the Fitchburg State campus. Librarians a tangential research interest of mine, so being Asher Jackson and Coco Zephir and retired Director able to contribute to such a project sounded fun,” Robert Foley were among the speakers. Faculty member Takehana said. “As someone not from or familiar Elise Takehana and Annamary Consalvo from the with Massachusetts history, I took great pleasure in University of Texas at Tyler assembled novel typescripts, researching Leominster and Fitchburg’s place in the essay drafts, letters, speeches, photographs, student American economy.” artifacts, and historical news coverage of Cormier’s work Faculty member Stephen Goldstein also contributed as it pertains to censorship and the importance to young to the project, creating the letter V. Inspired by graffiti adults of reading. Particular attention has been paid to he saw on a train ride to New York City, Goldstein his three most often taught novels: “The Chocolate War,” visualized his entry in three dimensions. “I Am the Cheese” and “Fade.” Haber said the faculty assistance was invaluable. “Their dedicated involvement in the project over several months “A” IS FOR ART was crucial to the unfolding of the project,” she said. For four weeks last Student Shannon Gugarty was among the interns summer, the front page of THURSDAY, August 6, 2015 who worked on the Alphabet. She learned of the project the Sentinel & Enterprise through Takehana and grew interested in the historic newspaper was transformed perspective it offered. “While I don’t live in Fitchburg into a public art project anymore, I’ve always considered Fitchburg home,” that drew international Gugarty said. attention. And Fitchburg Gugarty got into the newspaper groove, meeting daily State students and faculty deadlines for writing and editing. She enjoyed seeing the

Valor Viewers were major contributors to BY SHARON BERNARD BY LOGAN MILES fruits of her labor each morning and sharing them with

Armed with nothing but a set of spoons, Corporal Orlando How do they do it, Phidelio Boss and Private William D. Blanchard ventured to Sit and watch, in galaxies, nebulae, the front lines. Under heavy fire from the Confederate Army, Otherworldly wonders, the two soldiers were on a daring expedition. Earlier in the week, in 1864, Boss had climbed out of his rifle pit As we, and the world, go by, to toss a full canteen of water to his wounded commanding Spin, evolve, and change its success. officer, Lieutenant Daley. Upon his return, he found that Private Until even they wear out, her family. “There was something really exciting about Asahel Aldrich had been injured. “I took him on my back, and carried him from the field to safety,” Fizzle, die, their lifetime Boss said. His simplicity betrayed the danger of the act. He carried Thousands upon millions of ours. Aldrich upright on his back, across a zone of combat, while the Confederates rained lead on them. Upon reaching the Union line, Boss petitioned Brigadier General George Stannard for permission to return to the front lines. The general consented, “The Alphabet” was the and Boss set his plan in motion. He enlisted the aid of several soldiers within the breastwork, and had them help dig a tunnel to assist in the return mission. Vision for Invention seeing my parents’ reactions to each letter, and reading With that squared away, Boss and Blanchard ventured out into heavy fire. BY ARIANA GARCIA Using only their spoons, they dug for four hours to reach the rifle pit closest to Lt. Daley. The Confederate Army saw the rescue mission in progress, but didn’t relent in rifle and cannon fire. Next time you pack and unpack your leftovers from your beloved Tupperware and At long last, Boss and Blanchard reached Lt. Daley. They placed him on a feel incredibly thankful for this money- and food-saving invention, remember to rubber sheet, and dragged him back to the rifle pit they first came from. Using thank Earl Silas Tupper, class of 1925 Fitchburg High School. Growing up in New their spoons again, Boss and Blanchard dug towards the breastwork, where England, Tupper had always shown eagerness in creation and invention. Even from brainchild of New Orleans- the other soldiers were still digging. his early childhood he created effective products for his father’s farm, such as a The rescue mission was a success, and Daley was moved to Washington D.C. mechanism to help clean chickens that was patented before he turned ten. He more about the history of Fitchburg,” she said. “Each for medical treatment. Despite the heavy barrage of lead and gunpowder, showed interest in business as well, selling his father’s produce door to door. His Boss faced the danger. For his commitment to his superior officer and his increasing business pursuits followed him into adulthood. During the Depression courageous actions, Boss received the Medal of Honor, the highest award in Tupper created a successful tree surgery business, and even after its eventual the military. This medal is conferred to individuals whose personal acts of bankruptcy, he was determined to find success in business. valor go above and beyond the call of duty. With the help of the Leominster DuPont plastics manufacturing company, Tupper Boss was a Fitchburg native, and his Medal of Honor can be seen at the Fitchburg became fascinated with the possibilities of plastics, which he saw as the gateway to Historical Society by appointment. Boss died in 1931, and was buried in Fitchburg. the future. He learned all there was to know about plastics and created his own based artist Anna Schuleit business, the Earl S. Tupper Company. His company flourished during the war, piece brought new light, new history to people’s eyes, creating parts for gas masks and Navy signal lamps. Defense mechanisms, sandwich picks, cigarette cases, and even bathroom inventions, such as an indestructible tumbler, were produced under his name. Eventually, Tupper’s love for plastics and Void unwavering vision lead to his invention of a new durable, clear plastic, which led to his vision of a complementary lid, inspired by a paint container lid. With persistence BY SHANNON GUGARTY and help from a genius saleswoman, Brownie Wise, the Tupperware Company took off in 1948 and became a household staple worldwide. Haber, a veteran creator My mother always called it Dead Faculty Park. She has a special fondness for Brownie Wise was doing at-home demonstrations for Stanley Home Products, and the tiny little park, wedged between two Fitchburg State University buildings. along with a salesman, Thomas Damigella, gained enough sales momentum to get and they could see this town for what it really is.” She would always pick me up there, and I grew to like it, too. Tupper's interest. In fact, she singlehandedly sold more Tupperware than the actual In my times waiting for her there, I noticed a few things about this “Dead Faculty Tupperware store. The three met to discuss the at-home demonstration sales model Park”. There is a stone there of some sort, mentioning that it was the faculty and eventually expanded Stanley Home Products. Brownie Wise became the vice memorial park. There are decorative flowers and wood shavings and bushes and president of Tupperware Home Parties. such. There is a bench, made of black metal. There is a sidewalk. There is dry, beat The creations of Tupperware all originated from the teenager whose high school up grass. There is even some trash. legacy in Fitchburg was noted as follows: “Earl is known by his merry smiles. He says In the summer, the park was far too hot to lounge in. Construction trailers he carries books around not to study but because everyone else does. We know if of public art installations. were left sitting in the park, as if it was just another strip of land and not Earl isn’t studying he must be up to tricks. His outside something important. In the winter, more than once, I’ve slipped on the interests lie in airplanes and tractors.” If by “tricks” his Other Fitchburg State interns included Anna Farwell, untreated ice. The park isn’t listed on any maps of the university, and unlike the classmates meant conjuring up the most pervasive other greenery spaces on the FSU campus, there are Please see VOID/2 household invention since toilet paper, they were right. With the support of a Ariana Garcia, Jonathan Jena, Justin Keohane and Jared National Endowment for Nelson. the Arts Our Town grant, the Fitchburg Art Museum “It was breathtaking,” Haber said, recalling the high- recruited Haber to develop a local project. pressure environment of producing the work each day. “For the Fitchburg project I envisioned a piece that “I hope that each of my interns took the taste of this would be a limited-edition, daily experiment exploring challenge, the very real aspects of this work, back with visual language systems, the transport of text, and the them into their student lives. Some of them discovered shaping and meaning of news, both local and non- their love for news making. Others learned that the daily local,” Haber said. deadlines were not for them. But all of them contributed Museum Director Nick Capasso and Haber worked greatly and lastingly.” with Sentinel & Enterprise Editor Charles St. Amand to

4 • FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 Campus News

FRINGE BENEFITS Fitchburg State theater students brought an original work to the international stage over the summer, when alumna Samantha deManbey’s play “Fausted” debuted to strong reviews — and was featured in a broadcast by the BBC — at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland. Two dozen Fitchburg State students made up the company, which performed the piece under the direction of Professor Richard McElvain. “Fausted” is a tragicomedy that explores humanity’s inaction on climate change. Characters in the their souls’ if they thought they could help others or the production include Al Gore, Barack Obama, the pope, planet in a significant way. and the Seven Deadly Sins. “Fausted” asks what our The play was three years and six drafts in the making, responsibility is toward the world and what we are and deManbey expects to adjust it over the years to keep willing to sacrifice for it. it fresh with the times. Fitchburg State has sent performers to the Fringe for Sarah Morin, a senior majoring in communications years, taking part in what’s described as the largest arts media with double concentrations in theater and festival in the world. The Fringe lasts several weeks, professional communications, played Mephistopheles bringing thousands of performers from dozens of countries in the play and was part of the company that traveled to before a global audience. After this year’s performances, Scotland. the Fitchburg State contingent enjoyed hiking in the “My experience in Fitchburg State’s theater program Scottish highlands before returning to the U.S. has taken a childhood dream and turned it into a “It was an amazing experience,” said Stephen Hogue, functioning and professional reality,” Morin said. “I’ve a senior industrial technology student concentrating always had a passion for theater, but going into college I in technical theater. “All the cast and crews were very didn’t think it was practical. Finding the theater program supportive of each other’s work.” was already a concentration within my major was a Hogue said it would have been more traditional to blessing. The trip to Scotland really solidified how lucky bring an established play with name recognition to the I am to be at this school. Now I can’t wait to get out Fringe, but he liked the chance that Fitchburg State took into the professional theater world and use what I have in sharing an original production. learned here.” The playwright DeManbey, originally from Sandisfield, The play had been performed in Fitchburg just once graduated from Fitchburg State in 2013 with a double before it was presented at the Fringe festival. DeManbey major in communications media and English. called the international premiere simultaneously exciting “For a long time I’ve wanted to write a play about and nerve-wracking. climate change,” deManbey said. “It is the most important “I was worried that a lot of the political humor issue of our time, but is not is not easily dramatized might not register with a non-American audience,” because it is so massive an issue. But I wanted to write she explained. “The play is very critical of the United something that wasn’t just information, and that instead States’ inaction, but a lot of people did find that funny offered solutions and incorporated humor.” and understood criticisms of other political figures and Her inspiration to use the German Faust legend as world powers.” her basis came from a Fitchburg State discussion of DeManbey hopes one day to bring “Fausted” to playwright Christopher Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus.” Boston, along with mounting other productions of her “Students started arguing that people who sold their work. “I love political theater and want to continue souls would only do selfish things. I disagreed,” she writing plays that make audiences think critically about said. “I could imagine a lot of very good people ‘selling the issues of our time.”

FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 • 5 STEM: Need title for cover story

WHAT GENDER GAP? No Shortage of Women in Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

“It may be subconscious, but it’s important. The faculty need to take an active role in encouraging young women with these aptitudes.”

—Margaret Hoey, Interim Dean of Health & Natural Sciences

by Matt Bruun

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iane Flanagan remembers Foundation to help create gender feeling out of place when equity in STEM fields — girls and Dshe was considering boys do not significantly differ in studying the sciences in high their abilities in math and science, school. but do differ in their interest and Though in her free time she confidence in STEM subjects. Male studied botany and was fascinated students are over three times more by microorganisms in soil, none of likely than female students to be her science teachers were women. interested in STEM majors and “I was afraid I didn’t have a place in careers. And women also remain the community,” she said. “I didn’t underrepresented in the science and believe I could do it. engineering workforce, with the So after high school she studied greatest disparities in engineering cosmetology, and worked for 10 and computer sciences. years as a hair stylist. “I wasn’t Young women interested in fulfilled,” she said. STEM careers have many more role Fascinated by chemistry, and models at Fitchburg State these excelling at her courses at a days. A recent recruitment of new community college, Flanagan felt faculty members has resulted in half she was on the right track. Her the university’s STEM faculty being path eventually led her to Fitchburg women, and interim Dean of Health State, where she is a senior & Natural Sciences Margaret Hoey is majoring in biology with a minor in proud of the milestone. chemistry. At 34, the single mother “We always want to hire the most is older than many of her peers, but qualified candidate and the best fit,” she’s found a sense of belonging and Hoey said. “Over the last 10 years, community that had been missing. there have been more women that “It’s pretty incredible for me,” she fit.” said, describing an academic climate Hoey, who joined the Fitchburg where she gets to work closely with State biology faculty in 1993, said knowledgeable and approachable she has seen a culture change at professors. “At an undergraduate the university wherein mentorship level I’m doing research that will of colleagues – and students – has be presented to the scientific grown. For young women interested community. This has been an in STEM fields, having women to awesome experience.” look up to is important. “It may be subconscious, but INTEREST AND CONFIDENCE it’s important,” she said. “The Flanagan’s early resistance to faculty need to take an active role STEM — science, technology, in encouraging young women with engineering and mathematics — is these aptitudes.” far from unique. According to the The numbers demonstrate the National Girls Collaborative Project approach is working. Over the past Diane Flanagan — created by the National Science 10 years, the number of women

FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 • 7 WOMEN IN STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

enrolled in STEM fields at Fitchburg small high school with no coding or “When I was a kid I liked to State — that is, studying biology, computer classes. I definitely got the conduct little experiments,” she chemistry, computer information best support and encouragement to said. “I always wanted to see what systems, computer science, exercise do what I love.” would happen when I mixed things and sports science, geography, She chose Fitchburg State together in the kitchen or elsewhere. construction technology, industrial because of its breadth of computer My mom likes to tell the story of technology, mathematics and information systems and computer the time I poured water over a lit nursing — has steadily risen. In science offerings, and hopes to lightbulb to see what would happen. 2006, there were 430 women in put her degree to work as a chief The lightbulb was hot so it cracked. STEM programs on the Fitchburg information officer or a senior It was a very satisfying result.” State campus, representing about 14 administrator for information She also had excellent teachers percent of the female student body. technology. in the Lowell Public Schools who By 2015, there were more than 850 “I was always taught that you encouraged her curiosity and women in STEM programs, or more can do whatever you want to do,” provided extra activities to nurture it. than 26 percent. Loureiro said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s In her undergraduate studies, Cristina Loureiro, majoring in a so-called man’s job, if you want it Downs found an environment that computer information systems, then go for it.” was pretty evenly split between developed a love for technology males and females. The numbers in high school. She’s aware that TEACHERS ARE KEY skewed male in graduate school, but women are underrepresented in her For many of the women in STEM Downs said a support network of field even now, but does not let it at Fitchburg State, both students women in graduate studies helped. discourage her. and faculty, an aptitude for math or Still, she noticed a lack of female “I find it empowering, and science was evident in childhood faculty. encourage other women to study and nurtured by good teachers. “There were plenty of other STEM,” she said. “I put more Among the recent arrivals to female students, but not that many pressure on myself to be as good as the faculty is Emma Downs, who professors,” Downs said.” I think the guys, even when I knew I was joined the Biology and Chemistry this made it harder to imagine at a disadvantage coming from a Department last fall. becoming a professor myself. This is definitely an issue facing all STEM fields right now. There are plenty of women getting PhDs, but a lot fewer becoming professors.” Mathangi Krishnamurthy, who joined the Biology and Chemistry Department in 2011, was also surprised by the gender disparity when she came to the U.S. after completing her undergraduate studies in her native India. “I was lucky to have lot of interested women along with me when I was an undergraduate student,” she said. “When I came to Cristina Loureiro the United States to pursue graduate

8 • FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 WOMEN IN STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

Professor Jane Huang

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Quotable studies, I was surprised to see not a think about it, nor did I care,” she single woman on the faculty of my said. department. I observed a similar She was hired at Fitchburg State trend when I worked as a postdoc in 2001 even before completing her at Massachusetts General Hospital. dissertation, though the job offer There were a lot of female graduate included a time frame to finish the students and postdocs but hardly coursework. She succeeded. any female faculty members.” “I did not doubt myself at that Jenna Reis joined the point,” she said. “I knew that this mathematics faculty in fall 2015. is what I wanted to do and nothing “Like a lot of people, it took was going to stop me from making it me a while to admit I liked math. a reality.” For some reason it’s not cool,” she said. “I started college undeclared FINDING PASSION and thought I’d end up in political Jennifer Berg identified her science. I was even used to being a passion along the way. A member little behind in math after switching of the mathematics faculty since school systems, but by the end of 2008, Berg focused on law early in My advice to young women high school I’d taken an especially her student career. “I liked arguing interested in STEM would be “Why good calculus course and caught up.” with people and thought the idea of Her freshman calculus course was getting paid to think up arguments not?” There’s no reason you shouldn’t a game-changer: An encouraging was grand,” she said. “I started pursue your interests, especially if professor showed her that she undergrad as a math major because you’re concerned about being the only had not only caught up, but was I knew that math students got the excelling. Reis is now part of a woman. If you’re one of very few highest scores on the LSAT, and department where the majority of I was hopeful that I could get a women, that makes you special, and faculty are women, and she looks scholarship for law school.” your success will be that much more forward to helping grow its new In her sophomore year, working satisfying to know you’re helping applied-mathematics major. on linear algebra homework, she That department is chaired by was asked by a classmate if she normalize the presence of women in Mary Ann Barbato, who hadn’t could imagine going a day without your field. originally planned on a career in thinking about math. “I realized I the college classroom. “I went to couldn’t,” she recalled. “I had fallen —Jenna Reis, Assistant undergraduate school to teach high in love.” Professor of Mathematics school math, and realized after Berg credits good female mentors student teaching that it was not for with helping her pursue her me,” she said. “I wanted more math. studies at the undergraduate level, I still loved teaching, so I went to acknowledging there was more of graduate school with the goal of a gender skewing at the graduate getting my PhD so I could teach level. “Most of my peers were male college. Now I have my dream job.” and there was a competitive aspect Barbato may have been one of the to the whole thing,” she said. “I few females in her department, but ended up teaching at Fitchburg that never fazed her. “I didn’t really State because I wanted to work

10 • FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 WOMEN IN STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math somewhere where teaching well was STEM is grasping a new concept, Quotable valued.” she continued. “The content is so Students have also noticed the deep and can go so abstract that diversity of faculty here. “We have even I get lost,” Mason said. “But a great diversity of professors who when I understand it, it’s the best teach my courses and, generally, my feeling and I know I did the right STEM courses have a pretty even thing in becoming a mathematics amount of men and women,” said major.” Shantel McGrade, who is majoring in math. “Actually, my probability COURSE CORRECTION and statistics course this semester For Jane Huang, a member of has more women than men.” the Earth and Geographic Sciences McGrade said she had an interest Department faculty since 2006, her in math since youth. “Math has field of study was itself a discovery. always been my best subject, so I “I didn’t start my higher figured why not choose a field that I education career in a STEM field,” am already advanced in.” she said. “The study of geospatial She also knows her studies will technology came to me fairly late, open a variety of doors after she during my PhD years. I was deeply Always keep your goals in mind. completes her degree. “I know I attracted by this new and exciting Pursue your interests even if others want to do something with math, discipline. Although changing fields but whether it’s teaching, economics was difficult, I was glad I did it. I’ve say they don’t believe you can achieve related, or even business related, I been enjoying it since day one.” them. Keep believing in yourself. am not sure. I’ll address that when I Huang, who emigrated to the Even if you face many challenges and get there.” U.S. from China, said she was fall behind, keep going and don’t get Hannah Mason can trace her fortunate to have some female interest in mathematics to the fourth mentors as she completed her discouraged. There are many paths grade. “I had a math teacher who I studies. Her research interests you can take and different ways to loved and I just understood math. are focused on community- pursue your passion in life. There isn’t It came to me easily, unlike English based applications of geospatial and history,” she said, explaining she technologies, such as GPS, GIS, and just one way to do something. was more comfortable crunching Google Earth. For example, she numbers than writing research led a project mapping public health —Rachel Schultz, senior biology major papers. I loved physics in high concerns about lead poisoning school as well, but math just was in Fitchburg that was funded by my best subject. Calculus, algebra, the Health Foundation of Central geometry, and stats - I knew I was Massachusetts. Her work has created getting an A.” additional research opportunities for Mason hopes to pay her success undergraduates. forward by becoming a math teacher “In the past nine years, dozens of herself, and from there complete a my students have had opportunities master’s degree and become a school of getting involved in community- administrator. based geospatial technology projects One of the rewards of studying under my supervision,” Huang

FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 • 11 WOMEN IN STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

Quotable said. Those opportunities transcend “The stigma, at least in biology, is gender. “If STEM interests you, go gone,” she said. “It’s the norm now. ahead and pursue it,” she advises. Most of my students are women.” “STEM is not just for boys and men. Among them is Yanarilitsa Work hard and have fun.” Rosario, a senior biology major In the fall, faculty member Erin from Leominster. Rosario liked MacNeal Rehrig’s plant biology the sciences in high school, but class spent several lecture periods discovered her calling through at nearby Hollis Hills Farms. The college coursework. During the lab sprawling farm affords dazzling sessions at Hollis Hills, Rosario liked views of Fitchburg State and the the hands-on nature of her studies, forested hills surrounding it, with and also developed a love for honey Wachusett Mountain on the near crisp apples. horizon. “I like learning about the For the students, the site was human body, about diseases,” she also a laboratory for exploring said, describing her decision to photosynthesis, leaf damage and concentrate on health sciences. the types of insects that make their Considering a career in pediatrics, The advice I would give to young homes in apple orchards. Rosario plans to continue her studies women is to keep STEM as an option, “This is a capstone course, very after graduation. research-based,” Rehrig said. “I want Biology major Rachel Schultz and then do what you want. Knowing the students to learn how to use the was also in the class that conducted that you can do something is a great equipment so they can design good research at Hollis Hills Farm. For pillar of you—it makes you proud experiments later in the semester.” her, science has always been a when you do it well, and when times Rehrig, who came to Fitchburg welcoming field. State in 2011, said she’s seen a lot “I want to say it started in middle get stressful or uncertain and you don’t of growth in the number of women school,” she said. “The projects that know what is going to happen in the exploring STEM fields. really piqued my interest included future you can always take comfort that you can do things that people find valuable. My advice would be to work hard while young to keep as many doors open for you in the future so that you can create a life for yourself that you want to live.

—Jennifer Berg, Professor of Mathematics

Jane Huang Professor Mary Ann Barbato

12 • FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 WOMEN IN STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering & Math looking at the direction of the been an experience. I feel like I’ve Quotable wind and measuring rainfall. I even gained a lot of information on how remember being assigned a project scientific projects are run. And I got that had us keep a journal of the paid.” cycle of the moon by month. My Kress said she is interested in interests increased in high school, exploring career options with NASA especially when I studied a trade at or the U.S. Geological Survey after Monty Tech (in Fitchburg).” she finishes her degree. “As long as Schultz feels part of a welcoming it has to do with science, I’m good.” community of women at Fitchburg A sense of belonging has also State, where she has seen an increase helped Julie McCormack, a self- in female STEM participants. described non-traditional student “Several of my professors are pursuing a degree in computer female and have been working in information systems. “I’ve never their respective fields for years. It been ignored or slighted by a gives a feeling of belonging,” she teacher. My advice to any young said, adding she appreciates the student is to find some confidence high quality of her educational and find your voice. Sometimes a experience. “The expectations from teacher gets no responses, and if just I think the best advice I can give is to the students are also high. This one student speaks up, it encourages seek out mentorship in whatever field school has really improved in recent others to speak up.” years in terms of the buildings Flanagan, who had worked as you are interested in, especially if it themselves and the opportunities for a hairdresser before returning to is a STEM field. Find someone who students.” college, plans to work in industry does what you think you want to do but perhaps, one day, return to and ask them how they got there, and COLLABORATION IS KEY the classroom as a professor. She’s Kayla Kress spent her summer grateful she can be a role model what exactly it is they do, and what vacation on Mars. The budding to her teenaged son, who sees his advice they have to give. Also know interplanetary scientist, a junior mother working hard in pursuit of a that there are more, and more varied, majoring in Earth Systems Science, goal that brings her joy. worked under the guidance of “He sees me studying my passion, jobs out there than you think. It’s not faculty member Reid Parsons on his and hopefully that translates to just teaching or working in a lab, there NASA-funded geospatial technology him,” she said. “You find what you are countless applications for a science project analyzing topography data love, and that’s not work.” degree. and satellite images of the red It’s a lesson she hopes more planet. young women will take to heart. —Emma Downs, “That’s one of my goals, to The project involved determining Assistant Professor of Chemistry the size and shape of ice deposits encourage young girls,” she said. on Mars in order to explore how “It takes passion and work, but we changes in the past climate resulted can do it. If someone had stepped in their formation. in for me, I might have done it a lot Kress enjoyed her summer of sooner.” analyzing reams of data. “I got to fly around Mars all day,” Kress said. “It’s

FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 • 13 Athletics ATHLETICS

MOLLY RICHARD: A FIRST-YEAR FORCE Molly Richard made her presence a couple of Division II schools, off the facilities even before she’d known pretty quickly after arriving but they weren’t the right fit,” she turned in her application. at Fitchburg State and joining the said, recalling larger programs that “She’s very organized and she’s Falcons’ field hockey team. were interested in her talents. She always positive,” Richard said of her The Leominster native played did find that fit at Fitchburg State coach. “Playing for her was a really field hockey at St. Bernard’s High — where Richard’s parents met positive experience for me.” School and also for the Northeast as undergraduates. She also liked “Molly is a very talented player Elite club team. Coach Beth Bacher, who had talked with great game sense and skills,” College beckoned. “I talked to to her about the school and showed Coach Bacher said. “She always puts forth her strongest efforts to doing whatever is necessary to help the team succeed. The second half of the season she really started to hit her stride and became a key offensive player.” Now in the middle of her first year studying business administration, Richard has already made a mark. In November she was selected Little East Conference Field Hockey Rookie of the Week. Richard’s first semester as a Falcon included 12 goals and five assists compiled over the course of a winning season. It was a great capper to a memorable year that began at training camp in August, weeks before the start of the semester. The work helped pave the way for the home-opening win, and foretold the strong year ahead. “Over the course of the season Molly achieved the highest goal count for the team,” Bacher said, adding that Richard’s tally included five game-winning goals. “We are looking forward to many more outstanding achievements from Molly in the future.”

14 • FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 Athletics

GARRETT DELLECHIAIE: PASSING ALL OTHERS Garrett Dellechiaie is coming off a second semester I picked it up. You just wants to win games. He’s a record-setting season as quarterback definitely have to manage your time.” winner, he works very hard and he for the Falcons football team, but Dellechiaie has figured out how cares very deeply for his team.” he’s quick to share the credit with to do so, and in the process has set The coach described his talented teammates and an inspiring new individual records for Fitchburg quarterback as selfless, driven to coach. State while leading the program constantly improve. “He’s proud Dellechiaie came to Fitchburg to its first post-season bowl berth of Fitchburg State and wants to State after leading Leominster in years. Even before a nail-biting represent it well.” High School to two Division I 11-10 loss to Alfred University in Football is a demand on Central Massachusetts Super Bowl the 2015 ECAC Robert M. “Scotty” Dellechiaie’s time year-round, from championships. As he approached Whitelaw Championship Bowl in conditioning in the off-season to his college career, Dellechiaie wasn’t late November, Dellechiaie had the 15 practices across the spring sure if he wanted to venture farther set new school records for pass semester. The athletes are also from home, but was won over by completions (218) and career among the first students back on the campus and, especially, football touchdown passes (58). Throwing campus each fall, with training camp Coach Patrick Haverty. for 294 yards against Worcester in August starting weeks before “When I met him, I wanted to State in early October gave him the classes resume. play for him,” Dellechiaie said. “I school record for all-time passing “The off-season will be the big just felt at home here. You can see yards, and he still has another year test for this team,” Haverty said, his will to win just by talking to of eligibility. explaining the players can’t rest him.” “I feel like the hard work has paid on this year’s accomplishments. Not that the transition to college off,” he said. “But I’m not done.” Dellechiaie already has that message. was easy. Coach Haverty agreed. “Garrett “We’re going to have a pretty “My first year was really tough,” has achieved a lot of records, and experienced team next year,” recalled Dellechiaie, who is majoring he’ll be the first tell you that they Dellechiaie said. “We definitely have in business administration. “My don’t matter to him,” he said. “He expectations.”

FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 • 15 Alumni News ALUMNI news

CLASS NOTES

1950s the secretary for the Diocesan Bruce G. Grealey ’57, a 2012 Educators Lay Teachers Fitchburg State Hall of Fame Association. She was honored inductee, was inducted into the as Student Council Outstanding New England Basketball Hall Teacher of the Year in 2000 of Fame on August 8, 2015. and 2009, and received the REUNION OF MOHAWKS FROM THE While his athletic record at Robert H. Fouhy Distinguished CLASSES OF 1963-68. Fitchburg State was taken into Teacher Award for the Diocese consideration, it was Grealey’s of Worcester and the Fitchburg osted by Jack DeFusco ’64, Mohawks from high school and college coaching Rotary Teacher of the Year in the classes of 1963 through 1968 enjoyed career that deemed him worthy 2000. of induction. He taught biology their eighth summer reunion last August at Robert A. Salvatelli G’69 H at Framingham South High stepped down after 16 years on White’s Restaurant in Westport. If you would like to School for 40 years and coached the Leominster City Council. receive notice of future Mohawk reunions, contact basketball there until 1973. In his 11 years coaching at 1970s Ned Daniels ’65 at [email protected]. (Front Framingham State, the Rams Michael Baltier ’73, G’80 was row, from left: Fred Sullivan ’64; Veronica (Sullivan) qualified for three NCAA and inducted into the New England Carroll ’67; Joanne Ralston ’86; Pauline (Pappas) four ECAC tournaments. Grealey Basketball Hall of Fame in a was 184-123 at Framingham Harootian ’63; Denise Carroll; Inge DeFusco; Nancy ceremony at the DCU Center in State. He splits his retirement Worcester on August 8, 2015. Gillis; Jean Waters; and Virginia (Corbett) Noiles years between Florida and the Baltier has coached basketball ’65. Back row, from left: Ned Daniels ’65; Tim Cape. for almost four decades in Fitchburg, where he led the Carroll ’65; Paul Ralston ’65; Armen Harootian ’63; 1960s now-defunct B.F. Brown Middle Barbara J. (Sova) McGuirk James Carroll ’65; Jack DeFusco ’64; Fred Gillis ’66; School boys’ basketball team ’69, ’97 David Waters ’63; Jim Noiles ’65; Eric Alitalo ’63; and her husband, through 408 wins. He also Thomas McGuirk ’70, of and Peter Gill ’65.) served a basketball coach for Fitchburg, are the 2015 five years in Leominster. After recipients of the prestigious Saint earning his undergraduate Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for degree in special education, their outstanding work on behalf he returned to Fitchburg State of Catholic education in North to complete his master’s in Worcester County. Bishop Robert education in 1980. J. McManus presented the award on November 12, 2015 at a Martha (Koval) Bedard ’78 dinner at the DoubleTree Hotel was recently appointed the in Leominster. After graduating vice provost for University of from Fitchburg State University Connecticut Libraries. She was with a bachelor’s degree in dean of university libraries at education, Barbara began her the University of New Mexico, teaching career in 1969. She a position she had held since subsequently earned her master’s 2007. Prior to New Mexico, degree in secondary education Bedard held positions at Texas at Fitchburg State. For 44 years A&M University and the she taught English and served as University of North Carolina chair of the English Department Chapel Hill. at Saint Bernard’s High School. Michael J. Donahue ’78 joined For several years she served as the Greater Lowell Technical

16 • FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 Alumni News

High School in Tyngsborough as Cycle, his bicycle shops in Opportunity Coordinator of the a new teacher for the 2015-2016 Falmouth and Osterville. After Year Award, at the 22nd annual academic year, as a painting and graduating from Fitchburg State, New Hampshire Excellence decorating instructor. Before Sykes taught eighth-, ninth- in Education Awards on holding this position, he worked and 10th-grade industrial arts June 6, 2015. Ward received at Assabet Valley Technical in Plymouth before opening nominations from administrators High School in Marlborough. the Falmouth store in 1986. and staff ay Pittsfield Middle He has twice worked on houses Originally he sold about 100 High School, where she is for ABC’s “Extreme Home bicycles a year, but today that employed, as well as letters of Makeover.” number has grown to 1,000. An recommendation from parents, authorized Trek dealer, Corner Catherine Cocks community partners and Philip M. Cycle services and sells bikes statewide organizations. Before Papoojian ’78 costing from just over $300 up working for the Pittsfield school was welcomed on the topic of Title IX in higher to more than $10,000, along district, Ward was employed back to campus education during Fitchburg with parts, helmets, jerseys and in the Newfound Area School in October by State University’s observance of accessories. A passionate cyclist, District in New Hampshire, the Biology-Chemistry Club and Constitution Day in September. Sykes also sponsors race teams. where she started a program that Business Society for a talk on Cocks is responsible for the coordination of individual and is still in place today. She also “Opportunities and Experiences Brian R. Tata ’83, G’91 worked as a special education in the Chemical Industry.” was named director of the student group-based discipline, aide in the Somerset Public Papoojian, who graduated from Winchendon Beals Memorial development of creative Schools. Fitchburg State with a degree Public Library in May 2015. He responses to student conduct in chemistry, is currently head received a master’s degree in issues, and the implementation Christopher P. Hendry ’91, G’07 of mergers and acquisitions for business from Fitchburg State of a comprehensive education of Leominster is a new member Protex International, a French in 1991 and a master’s degree in process for helping community of the supervisory committee of company that specializes in library and information sciences members fully understand their IC Federal Credit Union’s board a wide variety of markets from the University of Wisconsin rights and responsibilities. of directors. including agriculture, fine in 2002. Michele A. (Babineau) Nuttle Denise M. (Costello) Porcello chemicals, electronics, paper, ’88 joined the editing team David M. Kangas ’84 ran the ’91 has been a teacher for more perfumes and water treatment. Navy-Air Force half marathon in at the Monadnock Ledger- than 20 years. She lives in Until recently, Papoojian was Washington, D.C., on September Transcript. Nuttle has several Massachusetts with her husband, president and chief operating 20, 2015. years of newsroom experience, two daughters, and a retired officer of Mereco Technologies including nine years at the greyhound. She was inspired Group Companies, which he Christopher P. Sentinel & Enterprise in to write “Dinogirl: The Story sold to Protex International in Callahan ’86 Fitchburg and at the Boston of a Girl and a Dinosaur” after 2014. has been named Globe and the Christian Science meeting young Clarissa Koos at adjutant general Monitor in Boston. She has also Ronald M. Penczak ’78, the DIG Field School for teachers of Rhode Island of Salem, New Hampshire, worked as an editor for Robb in Hell Creek, Montana, in 2014. and commanding published his first suspense Report magazine. She has taught She hopes this book inspires all general for the Rhode Island novel with Brighton Publishing, English at the high school and young scientists, especially girls, National Guard. Col. Callahan, titled Of Mixed Blood. middle school levels, most to follow their hearts. who has 25 years of experience recently at St. Patrick School in with the Rhode Island Army Jaffrey, New Hampshire. Joseph P. Traverso ’92 1980s National Guard, is commander received his master of science Diana M. Arthur J. Capello ’89 of the 56th Troop Command at degree in information assurance/ (Frabotta) Molloy Camp Fogarty, where he leads, took over as the new town cybersecurity from Capitol ’81 is a new trains and supports the activities adminstrator in Farmington, Technology University in member of the of six military units representing Maine on July 20, 2015. Laurel, Maryland, in May Falmouth Board of 900 soldiers. He also served Jeannette Tibbetts Van 2015. His parents, wife and Health. A certified as the director of aviation and Horn ’89 received the three children attended the nurse, she is the associate safety at Quonset from 2006 2014 Outstanding School commencement ceremony. He is director of Bayada Home Health to 2011 and as a battalion Psychologist Award from the pursuing certified information Care’s site in Falmouth. She has commander in Balad, Iraq. He California Association of School systems security professional worked in nursing on Cape Cod lives in North Kingston, Rhode Psychologists. certification. for over 20 years. Island. Wendy R. Wiiks ’93, grants George L. Sykes ’83 was 1990s Catherine L. Cocks ’88, administrator for the city of interviewed in the Cape Cod Sheila A. (Highsmith) Ward director of community Leominster, was named one of Times in September in an article ’90 was the recipient of the standards at the University of the city’s Citizens of the Year about the success of Corner inaugural Extended Learning Connecticut, led a presentation on June 13, 2015. Wiiks has

FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 • 17 Alumni News

worked for the city for more Nelson Mandela, Dr. Helen North Shore Music Theater, The Coelynn E. McIninch ’02 than two decades, currently Caldicott and the Dalai Lama. Huntington Theater, CentaStage, is a Fitchburg artist who working to find state and When complete, the Big Book and the Village Theater Project, contributes her talents to federal grants. Since she began will measure 12 feet tall by 10 of which he was a founding community projects. She her current duties in 2008, feet wide and weigh more than member. Chew earned his earned her undergraduate she has secured millions of one ton. bachelor of fine arts in drama degree in communications dollars for the city’s parks and from Carnegie Mellon University, media /photography, and Scott A. Hemlin ’97 has been infrastructure. a master of arts in teaching now works at Fitchburg State named co-principal for the degree in English from Fitchburg University as a media specialist, Noreen J. (Weiner) Meany Ralph C. Mahar Regional School State, and a doctor of education one of the technicians for ’94 is a self-employed recovery in Orange. Hemlin had been a degree from Northeastern communications media students. specialist, having worked in the dean for Mahar since 2007 and University. Chew has been McIninch has volunteered on addiction field for 10 years. Prior served as interim principal for principal at Stony Brook School community projects since 2009, to this, she worked for the North the school during the 2010- for two years. including service on the Civic Central Correctional Institution 2011 school year. Before joining Days Committee and active in Gardner at the corrections Mahar, Hemlin taught biology at Jeffrey C. participation in Fitchburg Pride, recovery academy as a drug Gardner High School and served Turcotte ’99, the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance counselor. in the United States Marine G’15 was and the Fitchburg Cultural Corps. promoted to Council. She also curated a show vice president Gary S. Reese G’98 was for the Revival Gallery. McIninch of commercial named Amesbury’s interim works in multiple media and lending for Workers’ Credit school superintendent. Since shows her work in Boston and Union in Fitchburg. His 2009 he served as assistant New York as well as Fitchburg. responsibilities will include superintendent of curriculum for overseeing the development and Holly A. (Weldon) Washburn the Woburn Public Schools. He expansion of the construction ’02 returned to North Middlesex was director of curriculum for lending products for commercial Community College for a second the Millbury Public Schools from borrowers. He joined the credit associate’s degree in deaf studies 2002 to 2009. Before that he was union in 2011 as an assistant after graduating from Fitchburg a principal in Woburn and an vice president. Turcotte, who State University with a bachelor’s assistant principal in Gloucester. also serves on the board of the degree in special education and A resident of Chelmsford, Reese Middlesex West Chamber of English in 2002. Learning about earned a doctorate in education Commerce, holds a bachelor’s deaf culture and American Sign Rosemary “Betsy” Guercio administration from Boston degree and a master’s in business Language has helped her serve Sawyer ’97 was given Fitchburg College and a master’s degree in administration. He resides in a small deaf community in State’s Joel D. Miller Award special education from Fitchburg Fitchburg. Lawrence. In March 2015, she for excellence in teaching in State University. He also has a enrolled in a graduate program recognition of service to her bachelor’s degree in education 2000s to study applied behavior students and the ongoing success from Norwich University. Kelly A. Williamson ’01 took analysis at Bay Path University of her Big Book Pages of Peace Christopher Chew G’99 was over as principal of Dawson with plans to begin a new career project. Sawyer is an 18-year cast as Henry Higgins in the Elementary School in Holden on as a board certified behavioral veteran of education and has Lyric Stage (Boston) performance July 1, 2015. analyst. taught fifth-grade English and of “My Fair Lady.” He returned social studies at the Groton- Heidi J. Letendre G’02 was Paulo N. Deoliveira ’03, to the Lyric Stage after having Dunstable Regional Middle appointed principal at the G’07 has been appointed as appeared in “Sweeney Todd,” School for the past 12 years. Mitchell Elementary School in vice president of business “Working,” “Man of La Mancha,” The award was presented at Bridgewater. She had been the development at GFA Federal “Urinetown: The Musical,” the university’s annual retired assistant principal at Mitchell Credit Union in Leominster. “Shakespeare in Hollywood,” educators luncheon, which until being appointed principal Deoliveira brings more than a “A Little Night Music” (IRNE brought more than 100 alumni of the Merrill Elementary School decade of industry experience Award, Best Actor), “Sunday in to campus. The Big Book Pages in Raynham in 2012. Prior to GFA, having served as the Park with George,” “It’s All for Peace Project chronicles to that she was the assistant assistant vice president/business True,” “Side Show” and “The students’ stories, letters, poetry, principal at the Mary K. Goode consultant at another local Spitfire Grill.” Other Boston- artwork, pictures and songs. Her School in Middleborough for five financial institution. Deoliveira area credits include productions students have also reached out years and a third-grade teacher has also held previous banking at SpeakEasy Stage, Wheelock across the globe for testimonials in East Bridgewater for five years. positions that include assistant Family Theater, Hanover from more than 3,000 people, She received her master’s degree vice president/branch manager, Theater, Stoneham Theater, including Nobel Prize winners in education from Fitchburg community banking assistant Worcester Foothills Theater, like President Jimmy Carter, State University. manager, senior financial The American Stage Festival,

18 • FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 Alumni News

relationship specialist and supervisor at IC Federal Credit includes more than 20 Fitchburg Melissa R. Tasca G’11 loan officer. He also serves Union in Fitchburg, was a State alumni and staff who was named Leominster’s as an adjunct professor at panelist for Fitchburg State’s attended the wedding. small business cordinator in Fitchburg State University, Expanding Horizons “Business September. Tasca spent eight where he teaches undergraduate vs. Business Casual” workshop 2010s years working at Fitchburg State business courses in the areas of on November 18, 2015. Kerry A. Croteau ’11 joined as a residential director. investments and basic finance. Duguay shared her expertise in the Greater Lowell Technical Michelle M. Walsh G’11 has human resources with students High School in Tyngsborough as Gavin P. Monagle ’03CAGS been named Vassar College’s preparing for internships and a new teacher in the career and has taken over as head football new athletic director. Walsh employment upon graduation. technical readiness department. coach at Masconomet High went to Vassar from SUNY Prior to holding this position, School in Boxford, where he Alexandra D. (DiNatale) Geneseo, where she served as she worked in the Electronics served for seven years coaching Cardinale ’07, G’12 and associate director of athletics Department at Shawsheen the offensive and defensive lines. Michael Cardinale were married since 2012, supervising 11 of Valley Technical School in on June 13, 2015. Alexandra is the university’s intercollegiate Billerica. Croteau, who resides in assistant director of admissions sports, in addition to its athletic Haverhill, received her bachelor’s at Fitchburg State University, training and communication degree in occupational education where she completed a bachelor’s staffs. She also served as the from Fitchburg State University. degree in communications deputy Title IX coordinator for media with a concentration Sarah F. (Durfee) Mackos equity in athletics at Geneseo. in film in 2007. She also ’11 married Christopher M. In 2006 she was an interim golf finished her master’s degree in Mackos ’11 in October 2012. coach and assistant basketball communications media in 2012 Sarah is employed as a social coach at William Smith College. while simultaneously occupying worker with the Department She went on to become the seats on the board of directors of of Children and Families in women’s basketball coach at Fitchburg Access Television and Leominster. Chris was promoted Lawrence University. Walsh also the Fitchburg State University to production manager and served as the senior woman Alumni Association. The director of photography at an administrator of compliance Cardinales reside in Leominster. Acton-based visual production and student-athlete welfare at company, DigiNovations, where Fitchburg State University. The Jennifer A. (Sullivan) Anne-Marie E. he began as a freelancer shortly Wakefield native received her Perry ’04 married Timothy Kelley ’08 serves after graduation before being engineering degree in 1998 from Perry on September 12, 2015. as vice president hired full time and receiving Swarthmore College, where she Fitchburg State University of finance and promotions. The couple played field hockey, basketball alumna Helena (Safran) human resources at resides with their two dogs in and softball. She later earned Plantes ’04 served as a Murray Brothers Construction Templeton in the home they a master of science in exercise bridesmaid while Amy Lashua in Leominster. She was named a purchased in 2014. and sport studies from Smith ’04 gave a reading. The Perrys, “40 Under Forty” honoree by the College, and a master of business who reside in Waltham, spent Worcester Business Journal. Elizabeth B. Marcotte G’11, administration from Fitchburg their honeymoon in the who received her master’s degree Devan McConnell ’08 was State University. Berkshires, and plan to travel to in English literature at Fitchburg hired by UMass Lowell as an the Caribbean in the spring. State University in 2011, became Nicole A. Gilford ’12 joined adjunct faculty member in sports Bedford’s program administrator the Greater Lowell Technical Ronald J. Drouin G’04, science. for English, grades 6 through High School in Tyngsborough as of Methuen, was appointed 12, beginning in the fall of 2015. a new teacher for the 2015-2016 as the Tewksbury Memorial She had taught English for nearly academic year. Gilford came High School’s athletic director a decade at Acton-Boxborough from the Pioneer Charter School and facility manager this past Regional High School, serving as of Science in Everett, where she October. Drouin had been an assistant English Department taught since graduating from filling in as the interim AD leader for two years. Fitchburg State University in and becomes the fifth athletic 2012. director in the school’s history. Amy Y. Salter ’11 of Drouin has been employed with Winchendon was named senior Joseph E. Caveney ’13 returned Tewksbury Public Schools since trust and estate accountant at to the Pensacola Ice Flyers 1999 as a physical education the office of Robert C. Alario, for the 2015-16 season of the teacher at the Ryan Elementary CPA, P.C. She was with Fletcher Southern Professional Hockey Richard M. Brancaleone ’09 School and has been the varsity Tilton, PC, Worcester, and holds League. He signed a one- married Kathleen A. (Fillion) baseball coach for 21 years. a bachelor’s degree in business year deal with the Ice Flyers, Brancaleone ’11 on August 15, administration from Fitchburg where he has spent most of his Karen E. (Raymond) Duguay 2015. Alumnus Shane Franzen State University. professional career. Caveney ’06, talent management G’99 officiated. The photo

FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 • 19 Alumni News

spent the 2013-14 season with IN MEMORIAM Pensacola with three separate Leo V. Gittzus ’40, of Clifford G. Tyler ’72, of stints in the ECHL. He also saw Wilmington, on July 8, 2015. Scituate, on January 3, 2012. time with the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones, Idaho Steelheads and Trudy (Mulcahy) Howard ’44, Joseph D. Solomito ’73, of Florida Everblades. of Cambridge, on Fitchburg, on June 13, 2015. September 1, 2014. Richard F. Fletcher ’75, of Margaret (Blood) Bujnicki Fitchburg, on August 9, 2015. ’46, G’55, of Gardner, on Robin A. (Little) Benere ’76, September 9, 2015. of North Yarmouth, Maine, on William R. Tracey ’46, of October 9, 2015. Dylan C. Hicks ’14, above, South Yarmouth, on Eleanor M. (Gilmore) Browne currently serves as a police September 8, 2015. ’76, of Doral, Florida, on officer for the Rochester Police Francis A. Gariepy ’48, of July 31, 2014. Department. He earned a Leominster, on August 12, 2015. bachelor of science degree in Antonio B. Perrotta ’76, criminal justice from Fitchburg Irma (Antonangeli) Florio ’50, G’79, of Winchester, on June Joseph Cavaney State University. He served of Concord, on 25, 2014. April 12, 2015. in the Massachusetts Army Lynnwood P. Rumley ’76, of National Guard for four Martha (Mannion) Howarth Fitchburg, on years and interned with the ’53, of Fall River, on September 13, 2015. Lauren E. Cote ’13 received a Fitchburg Police Department, February 20, 2014. master of arts in English from Wayne J. W. Aho ’77, of also graduating from the part- Robert K. Tharaldson ’58, of Leominster, on May 29, 2015. Salem State University in May time state police academy in Easthampton, on July 23, 2015. 2015. Mary A. (Walsh) Krapf ’79, of June 2014. Hicks is from New Walter Koroski ’59, of Exeter, Ashby, on September 7, 2015. James C. Fletcher ’13 is Bedford. New Hampshire, on pursuing a career in genealogy Barbara R. (Boudreau) Tyler-Anne Adorno ’15 of June 24, 2015. and history. While at Fitchburg Brewer ’80, of Leominster, on Worcester has been named staff Joseph P. Notaro Sr. ’59 State University, he completed , of July 7, 2015. accountant at the office of Robert Clinton, on July 3, 2015. a bachelor’s degree in history Michael E. Rigney ’81, of C. Alario, CPA, P.C. Prior to this and was recognized as a Patsyann M. (Maitland) Marlborough, on she worked for Bank of America. Commonwealth Honors Gentsch ’60, of Englewood, September 11, 2015. She holds a bachelor’s degree Scholar for completing two Florida, on August 7, 2015. in business administration Kathy M. Cefalo ’82, of independent theses in his senior from Fitchburg State University Richard C. Mannix ’60, G’64, Fitchburg, on year. Fletcher’s professional and of Plymouth, on April 18, 2014. November 15, 2014. as well as certification in volunteer experiences include accounting technology from Roger E. Wilder ’60, of Richard R. Gregoire ’82, of time spent at the New England Valencia College. Millbury, on April 22, 2015. Ashburnham, on Historic Genealogical Society September 11, 2015. and the National Archives at Thomas G. Wilson ’62, of Bradenton, Florida, on Timothy F. Smith ’89, of Ayer, Boston and Plymouth Plantation. August 27, 2015. on September 5, 2015. His expertise lies in researching families from North America Donald C. Rivers ’63, of George D. Ackroyd ’90, of and the British Isles, while his Orange, on July 10, 2015. Milford, New Hampshire, on December 9, 2013. interests extend to ancestors Carol A. Ryan-Tarka ’64, around the globe. Readers can G’67, of Leominster, on James E. Sutton ’96, of follow him and research his blog, September 21, 2015. Tucson, Arizona, on July 12, Travelogues of a Genealogist, 2015. Richard P. Lawrence ’66, of at http://fletcherfamilytree. Bridgewater, on April 30, 2015. Cheryl A. (Selinga) Leger ’97, wordpress.com. of Leominster, on July 23, 2015. Walter D. Eyles ’70, of Christopher A. Aguilar ’14 Westminster, on Robert F. Pollock ’03, G’09, has been named staff accountant August 26, 2015. of Erving, on June 23, 2015. at the office of Robert C. Stephanie A. Smith ’70, of Timothy P. Graham ’11, of Alario, CPA, P.C. Aguilar, who Sterling, on Arlington, on May 13, 2015. A resides in Fitchburg, holds a September 21, 2015. scholarship has been created in bachelor’s degree in business his memory. Richard J. Russell ’71, ’75G, administration from Fitchburg of Dracut, on May 22, 2015. State University. Peter E. Pollock ’72, ’75G, of Ashland, on August 2, 2015.

20 • FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 Alumni News

IN MEMORIAM: FACULTY / FRIENDS ALUMNI EVENTS Louis Lorenzen, of Leominster, on September 24, 2015. Lorenzen In August, 170 alumni and friends took over the was a retired professor of fine arts at Fitchburg State University, where he taught for 33 years. He received the President’s Medal Cumberland Farms Roof Deck at Fenway Park to catch from Fitchburg State and was a two-time recipient of the school’s the Boston Red Sox battling the Kansas City Royals. Distinguished Service Award. Before his retirement in 1998, For information on this year’s Alumni Red Sox game, Lorenzen was for decades a highly visible presence on campus. His sons Anthony and Nicholas and his daughter-in-law Tina are see the notice on page 22. graduates who have been active with the Alumni Association. Lorenzen attended Ohio State University before leaving to serve in the U.S. Marines and was a decorated veteran of the Korean War. He received a B.S. in art education from Bowling Green University and earned a master of education degree from Bridgewater State University as well as additional master’s degrees from Assumption College and Syracuse University. He spent most of his life as an educator and artist, specializing in watercolors. Some of his artwork is in the permanent collections of Fitchburg State University. He was also the first president for the Fitchburg State University Athletic Hall of Fame, serving three terms. Lorenzen loved connecting with students and those he coached and sharing his knowledge and sharing in their lives.

Mark Snyder, of Ashby, on May 29, 2015. Snyder taught mathematics and physics at Fitchburg State University for 23 years. Before his tenure at Fitchburg State, he taught physics at Wellesley College and Trinity College. A graduate of Pennsbury High School, Dr. Snyder earned his B.S. in mathematics and physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also held an M.A. in physics from Columbia University, and he completed his Ph.D. in mathematical physics at Yale University.

Aaron Lazare, of Newton, on July 14, 2015. Dr. Lazare was awarded an honorary degree (Doctor of Humane Letters) from Fitchburg State University in 1999. He served as chancellor and dean of the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester for more than 16 years. His research and leadership expanded understanding of apologies and adoption. He taught at Yale School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Massachusetts General Hospital before moving to UMass Medical School in 1982 to chair the psychiatry department. He was named interim dean in 1989 and interim chancellor the following year, and assumed both posts on a permanent basis in 1991. A pioneering scholar, Dr. Lazare developed an expertise in apologies from the private to the exceedingly public, including those offered by politicians such as President Nixon. In 2004, Dr. Lazare published the book “On Apology.” In 1995, Governor William F. Weld appointed Dr. Lazare to chair the Citizens Task Force on Adoption. Among its recommendations was that UMass establish the Center for Adoption Research and Policy, which Dr. Lazare founded. Dr. Lazare received the university’s Distinguished Professional Public Service Award in 1988. The Worcester Children’s Friend Society honored his commitment to adoption with its Children’s Friend Award, and in 2001, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute presented Dr. Lazare and his wife with an Angel in Adoption award. The medical school named the Aaron Lazare Medical Research Building in his honor when it opened in 2002. President Lapidus meets Wally the Green Monster at Fenway Park.

FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 • 21 Alumni News

ALUMNI EVENTS CONTINUED

Summer 2015 marked the Alumni Association’s fourth year visiting Cape Cod to reconnect with alumni and take in a couple of Cape Cod League baseball games. (Photo: 2015 Falcons at Cape Cod, Scott P. Steber ’86 and his adorable future falcon stop by the alumni tent in Yarmouth for some freebies.) Join us again this July for Alumni pose with Coach Werner Thissen for the eighth annual more fun and games. Alumni Men’s Soccer Game at Elliott Field in August.

CALLING ALL FALCON RESIDENT ASSISTANTS & ORIENTATION LEADERS —come back to the nest you once ruled!

Watch for more (Overnight!) details in upcoming ALUMNI RA & OL REUNION e-newsletters. SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, July 16 – Sunday, July 17, 2016

SCORE YOUR TICKETS to the Falcons at Fenway Red Sox Game Sat., Aug. 27 | 7:10 PM Boston Red Sox vs. the 2015 World Series Champs, Kansas City Royals

The Red Sox have retooled and are poised to contend for another World Series. There are limited tickets available, so hurry and purchase yours today before they are all gone!

$60 for seats (maximum 4 tickets per alumni) $40 for standing room support.fitchburgstate.edu/eventregistration

22 • FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 Alumni Awards

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS PRESENTED IN SEPTEMBER

ALUMNI BOOSTER AWARD THE ESOTERIC SOCIETY In 1947, eight students joined to form the Esoteric Society, which became the college’s third men’s social club. The World War II veterans were busy transitioning to civilian life. They brought with them a strong camaraderie, forged by wartime experiences. They may not have realized that this organization would endure and thrive for the next five decades, with a current roster of 375 active alumni. The carefully preserved records of those early years reflect the essence of the membership, which stressed support for the college’s academic, athletic and social activities as well as intellectual curiosity. Its first faculty sponsor was the venerable Dr. Roger F. Holmes, who instilled a sense of service. This spirit and camaraderie became an integral part of the organization’s character. Most recently, members established an endowed scholarship at Fitchburg State, the second annual The Class of 1990 held their 25th Reunion on September 26, award of which was made this past spring. It will help 2015 in the old student center pub, now called the Falcon Hub. deserving students for years to come. The organization is also planning an alumni memorial that will include a veterans’ section, replacing ARE YOU A LEADER? JOIN THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD. that established by the group in 1969 in honor of We’re looking for members to fill upcoming vacancies. Email member Theodore A. “Ted” Thompson Jr. ’66, who was [email protected] for more information or to nominate killed in action in Vietnam. The original memorial was someone. removed to accommodate campus expansion several years ago. DO YOU KNOW ALUMNI WHOSE ACCOMPLISHMENTS DESERVE TO BE RECOGNIZED? Please take a few minutes and tell us about him or her. We will be accepting nominations for the Athletics Hall of Fame until March 1, 2016, and for the 2017 Alumni Awards through March 1, 2017. Nominations may be submitted online, or you may contact the Office of Alumni Relations at [email protected] or (978) 665-4555 to request a hard copy. Current employees of the university and Alumni Association board members are not eligible, and self-nominations will not be considered.

The alumni office makes its best effort to notify alumni of coming events through its Contact magazine, monthly e-newsletters, e-mails, postcards and personal invitations. If you want to ensure that you are receiving the most current information on events, call or email the alumni office to update your contact record at (978) 665-4555 or John Malloy ‘69, right, accepts the Alumni Booster Award from [email protected]. President Lapidus on behalf of the Esoteric Society.

FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 • 23 Alumni Awards

SCOTT LEHTO ’08 – NICHOLAS J. CARBONE ’09 – YOUNG ALUMNI RECOGNITION AWARD YOUNG ALUMNI RECOGNITION AWARD Upon graduating from Fitchburg State University in Nicholas J. Carbone, a 2009 graduate of Fitchburg 2008, Scott Lehto received a contract position at Fort State University with a bachelor’s degree in political Devens through Colorado State University. There he science, grew up in Fitchburg the oldest of five children was responsible for vegetation and land management as born to Joseph and Anita Carbone. Carbone was well as spearheading a geographic information system involved in intramural sports, Moot Court, Model (GIS) program on the base, two efforts that had been United Nations and the Political Science Club and was removed when Fort Devens downsized in the 1990s. a lifeguard at the recreation center. Competing on the The following year Lehto was granted the Patriot Award Moot Court team was his most memorable and exciting for Outstanding Civilian Service for leading projects that experience on campus and solidified his decision to enhanced training objectives. By 2010, the program was go to law school. He not only liked to debate, but he budgeting and supervising land management projects genuinely wanted to be a voice for the voiceless. and reinvigorating the GIS program on base. While attending law school, Carbone ran a campaign Lehto later worked as a GIS consultant for The for Fitchburg City Council. He won and served as Kenerson Group, a consulting firm in Western the councilor for Ward 5 for two years. After passing Massachusetts. In his current role as GIS manager, the Massachusetts bar exam, he did a lot of volunteer he spends a lot of time teaching communities the lawyering until he was hired as an attorney at a small benefits of using spatial data to make better decisions in law firm in Worcester that focused on family law and managing their natural resources. bankruptcy. In Worcester, Carbone and a good friend Lehto takes pride in helping other people and helping from law school began making plans to form their own the community. His enthusiasm for Fitchburg State law firm, and in 2014 Boyle & Carbone, P.C., opened University and its community led him and his wife to buy at 625 Main St. in downtown Fitchburg. Currently, a home and raise their family in Fitchburg. He was one of Carbone is focusing on public and private criminal the first students engaged in GIS at the university, before defense, but he is honing his skills in other areas as well. it even became a major. Through former faculty he has He stays connected to his alma mater by coaching the been engaged with students and recent graduates, offering Mock Trial Team along with Professor Elizabeth Walsh advice about attaining internships, skills, and careers in and instructor Rob Bowen. the field. He is happy to be giving back to his alma mater, Carbone lives in Fitchburg with his younger brother. which allows him to share his lifestyle of simply being kind He enjoys working out, listening to and playing music, and helping people. cooking and spending time at his family’s lake house.

Scott Lehto ’08, with his family. Nicholas Carbone, center, celebrates with his family.

24 • FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 Alumni Awards

MARY (ANGELINI) DENNEN ’62, ’76 – PAUL VINCENT O’CONNOR ’72 – ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Mary Dennen graduated from Fitchburg State in Paul Vincent O’Connor is a 1972 Fitchburg State 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in special education and graduate with more than 30 years of experience in film, received a master’s in 1976. She later earned a certificate television and theater. The Fitchburg native completed of advanced graduate study in counseling/school his bachelor’s degree in English education at Fitchburg psychology from Anna Maria College. State. He was bitten by the theater bug when he Dennen retired from full-time teaching in 2000 after volunteered building sets one summer for a local theater more than 30 years in the field, including teaching at company run by Fitchburg State faculty member Eugene the McKay Campus School as well as undergraduate Casassa. After two years, O’Connor received his actor special education courses at the university and training at Mount Holyoke College and The Drama workshops for teachers. Studio London-at-Berkeley, where he was the Sir John Until recently, Dennen was a visiting professor at Gielgud Fellow. Fitchburg State, where her duties included supervising His travels brought him to theater festivals across the graduate students pursuing degrees in special U.S. Europe. On stage he has performed in “August: education. Osage County,” “The Cripple of Inishmaan,” “The She has been involved with alumni activities for Iceman Cometh” and “Henry IV (Parts 1 and 2)” and more than 15 years. She co-chaired her 50th class was a 16-year member of the Oregon Shakespeare reunion and regularly participates in the alumni Festival. He has received several Drama-Logue Awards procession at commencement ceremonies. She served and has appeared on the cover of American Theatre and on the Alumni Association board of directors for nine Shakespeare Quarterly. years before taking a brief hiatus last year. His stage success led to work in Hollywood, and She continues to sit on various Alumni Association O’Connor has amassed a sprawling resume. He’s had committees, including the Awards Committee, and is roles in films such as the Oscar-nominated “Seabiscuit” co-chair of the Alumni Engagement Committee. She is and “Inherit the Wind” with Jack Lemmon and George especially proud of helping establish the annual retired C. Scott. He’s been on television shows such as “The alumni educators’ luncheon, first held in 2011 and West Wing,” “NYPD Blue” and “The X-Files,” and growing each year. This fall she begins a new term on recently closed a highly acclaimed production of Conor the Alumni Association Board as well as serving her McPherson’s play, “The Night Alive” at the Geffen second year as a board member for the university’s Playhouse in Los Angeles, and filmed an episode of the Center for Italian Culture. Showtime series “Ray Donovan” that aired in August.

Mary Dennen, far left, celebrates the service award. Paul O’Connor, left, with Kathy and Mark O’Connor.

FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 • 25 Alumni Awards

BRIG. GEN. PAUL GREGORY SMITH ’80 – ALUMNI LEADERSHIP AWARD Greg Smith arrived at Fitchburg State in 1975 unsure later ordered to a tour of active duty as a public affairs of his future. While pursuing the goal of becoming a officer during the Hurricane Katrina relief effort and special education teacher, he signed up for the Army Operation Iraqi Freedom. ROTC. In February 1979 he was commissioned as The Army selected him for the United States Army an officer in the U.S. Army while student teaching at War College where he earned a master of strategic Oakmont Regional High School. Upon completing studies degree in 2005. Command of a brigade and a his bachelor’s degree in 1980, he began his career at promotion to colonel followed. Oakmont while continuing his military service in the He returned to Oakmont as assistant principal in Massachusetts Army National Guard. 2007. In 2010 he was selected to be a brigadier general At Fitchburg State he met the woman who would and was soon commander of the Massachusetts Army steal his heart, Nora Dougherty, and they were married National Guard. He directed emergency responses to the in September 1981. A fellow special education teacher, Central Massachusetts ice storm, Springfield tornado, she taught at residential schools until deciding to stay Hurricane Irene and other major emergencies. His home to raise their three children. Smith started the duties included the development of peacekeeping forces vocational special education program at Wachusett in Paraguay, border security operations in Arizona, Regional High School where he taught for 12 years development of soldier support programs (particularly before becoming an administrator. He completed a regarding suicide prevention), serving as the master’s degree in counseling psychology at Anna Maria Massachusetts commissioner to the Military Interstate College. Children’s Compact Commission, and serving on the Smith moved up through the ranks of the National National Guard Joint Diversity Executive Council. Guard, earning the ranks of captain then major. He Smith was performing routine military duties for led emergency responses and trained young men and route security at the Boston Marathon in 2013 when women to survive in future wars they hoped would he received word of the Boylston Street explosions. He never come. He started to write seriously and published promptly took command of military forces responding articles in magazines including Country Living, Military to the attack and provided leadership for soldiers and History, Career World and Canada’s History. airmen. On Sept. 11, 2001, Smith was assistant principal His military awards and honors include the Legion at Lunenburg High School. His battalion was quickly of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), assigned to provide armed security at the Wachusett Army Commendation Medal (four awards), Air Force Reservoir to safeguard Boston’s water supply. He was Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal. He was presented with the Medalla de Honor del CECOPAZ in Asuncion, Paraguay for his work there. The United States Army Quartermaster Regiment named him a Distinguished Member of the Regiment and inducted him into the Distinguished Order of Saint Martin. He retired from military duties after 35 years and continues to serve as the assistant principal at Oakmont and as a visiting instructor at the United States Army War College. More importantly, he tries to be a loving husband, a devoted father, a doting grandfather, and a good citizen. Brig. Gen. Smith enjoys the ceremony with his family.

26 • FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 Alumni News

WE NEED YOUR HELP DECIDING Where in the world to go first?

More than 100 alumni and friends gathered for the Gold Key Alumni Society Breakfast in September. This annual event is held to recognize the collective achievements of all graduates who have TRAVEL PROGRAM celebrated 50th reunions and to induct the newest class of alumni, the Class of 1965. The Alumni Association is launching a travel program in 2017 for alumni interested in exploring the world with us. So far, Europe, Australia and North America are your most preferred destinations. Help us come even closer to selecting that dream location by taking this brief travel survey fitchburgstate.edu/travel-program

Eighty alumni and their guests attended the Class of 1965’s 50th Reunion in September. The reunion committee, made up of Frank Bianco, John Caron, Nancy (Massoni) Goudreau, Bruce Goyette, Irene (Czekanski) Hamel, Walter Kondig, Bill Mahoney, FALCONS at and Maureen (Molloy) Quinn, put on a fantastic event filled with laughter, memories, and a recounting of the great Thompson Foxwoods statue caper. Saturday, April 9 $25 per person (maximum 4 seats per graduate)

Hop on a coach bus with fellow alumni that leaves the Fitchburg State Recreation Center at 11 a.m. and returns at approximately 9 p.m. Price includes round-trip bus ride, certificate for FREE buffet (or $10 off any of the casino restaurants) and a $10 credit Wampum slots card.

RESERVE YOUR SEAT BEFORE MARCH 1 support.fitchburgstate.edu/eventregistration Contact the alumni office for more information. For the first time in almost 20 years the sisters of the Philodemic Society came together at a reunion held in September.

FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 • 27 Alumni News

Alumnae pose with Coach Beth Bacher the year’s sixth annual Members of the Class of 1965 and current students mingle at the alumnae field hockey game at Elliot Field in October. Family Weekend Fun Fair in September.

Alumnae pose with Coach Merry MacDonald at the third annual Alumnae pose with Coach Rick Terrio at the fourth annual Alumnae softball game at the Donna-Lee Withington Memorial alumnae lacrosse game at Elliot Field in October. Field, Coolidge Park in October.

This year the Alumni Association joined in celebrating the 35th Thirteen Fitchburg State faculty, staff and alumni ran in the Slattery’s Turkey Trot in November. Ninety alumni runners and Smuttynose Rockfest Half Marathon & 5K, in Hampton, New spectators stopped by the alumni tent for a gift and to be entered Hampshire, in October. into the free raffle.

28 • FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 Alumni & Development

WHY THEY GIVE Five years ago, a group of alumni, brothers from a former student fraternity known as the Fenwick Society, came together for a reunion. Though they had celebrated reunions for decades, this time they had a desire to recognize their time on campus and their continuing impact on the university. With nearly 250 alumni spanning 30 years of the institution’s history, the brothers wanted to preserve the Fenwick’s proud legacy on campus. “I give back to the Robert “Biff” Quinn ’81, unofficial president of the Fenwicks, realized scholarship fund because the that their legacy and collective impact on the university could continue far beyond their time as students and alumni. After approaching several Fenwicks were a big part of brothers with the idea, Quinn announced at an annual May reunion that the brothers would pursue a $25,000 endowed scholarship. “The scholarship my college life. I developed became an instant hit with the brothers.” close friendships and lifelong By the time they had reached their goal in October, more than 90 members had contributed to the fund’s success. In doing so, they become bonds with my brothers. just the second former student organization, joining the Esoteric Society, to achieve a scholarship endowment. The 49-year-old Fenwick Society, which The great memories and celebrates its 50th reunion this May, will see the first recipient awarded this spring. “It’s an exciting time to know that our efforts are going to help many experiences that I have are future generations of Fitchburg State University students,” said Jim Walsh ‘75. worth supporting.” “An important part of the Fenwick mission has always been to enhance the quality of student life on campus,” Quinn said. “By creating this –Paul Gagliarducci ’70 scholarship, we’re staying true to our core purpose.” The fundraising effort helped the brothers get to know Fitchburg State and its students better, Quinn said. “I’m hoping that other organizations follow our lead and see how they can come together to positively impact Fitchburg State students.”

FITCHBURG STATE UNIVERSITY / WINTER 2016 • 29 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Alumni Association PAID 160 Pearl Street Permit #375 Fitchburg, MA 1420 Nashua NH

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