Remembering Jim Mann ‘56 • AC/DC • American Idle focusWinter/Spring 2011 Cethe magazinen for alumnit & friendsr of alcentral connecticut state university

“Her wonderful generosity will make an important difference in our students’ lives for generations to come.” – President Jack Miller

Carol A. Ammon ’73 A Passion for Learning, A Passion for Helping PRESIDENT’S CORNER

As you will read in this issue, Carol Ammon’s extraordinary gift to the University will enable generations of students to benefit from a CCSU education. They will become our business leaders, our educators and nurses, our engineers, scientists, and artists, and they will join their communities as informed and engaged citizens. Thus, not only our students but all of Connecticut benefits from Ms. Ammon’s wonderful generosity.

In many ways, Ms. Ammon’s generous act exemplifies our aspirations as a university. In these troubled economic times, it would be natural for the University to turn inward and concentrate on its basic operations. But our communities are suffering, and one of CCSU’s core institutional distinctions is community engagement. So we choose to embrace our communities and to help make lives better there.

Much is already underway. Our students and faculty are working with the City of New Britain on issues of homelessness and sustainability; the Institute of Technology and Business Development is fledging new businesses and developing existing ones; we are creating new academic programs responsive to state workforce needs; we offer exciting cultural and athletic events; and our annual estimated economic impact of $600 million circulates throughout the state’s economy.

Our aspiration is to make life better for all the people of Connecticut. To help us better understand the dimensions of this challenge, we want to hear from our alumni and friends: How is your life better because there is a CCSU? I ask you to send us your thoughts so we can learn what is working for you. Either email us at alumninews@ccsu. edu or send us a note at the magazine’s address below.

I hope this starts a conversation. To keep it going, we will post representative responses on the University’s website at www.ccsu.edu/CCSU4CT.

In closing, I want again to thank Carol Ammon for her magnificent generosity. It makes so much possible and it reminds us how powerfully this University can make lives better.

Jack Miller

President in focus Letters to the Editor We welcome letters from our readers on topics in the focus or on other matters concerning your University. Letters may be edited for space and clarity. Anonymous letters will not be published. We encourage “CCSUCCESS: Success Begins With CCSU,” the theme of our annual letters of 300 words or fewer. Write: Central focus, Central Connecticut giving campaign, epitomizes what takes place at Central, thanks to the efforts State University, 1615 Stanley Street, and generosity of alumni and friends of the University. New Britain, CT, 06050. Or email: [email protected]. Annual giving supports a wide range of the University’s most important needs, including academic scholarships, the library and academic programs Advertising and research. Your generosity ensures that the University remains a place To help defray the costs of publication, we invite Central alumni and friends to advertise where students succeed and where learning thrives. Donations may be made in our issues. The focus has a circulation of online at www.ccsu.edu/giving. more than 50,000 and an estimated reader- ship of 80,000. Please send inquiries to: [email protected]. Winter/Spring 2011 • Volume VIII Issue 1 contents Carol A. Ammon ’73 A Passion for Learning, A Passion for Helping Janice Palmer...... 2 Central focus Staff Editor: Mark Warren McLaughlin Remembering Jim Mann ’56 Jim H. Smith ...... 4 Managing Editor: Jim H. Smith Design and Layout: Diann Thomson Gregg Ferguson ’93 Photography: Robert J. Wessman ’70 Beyond the Thunder Cover photo: David Larned. David Menconi...... 6 Sports photography: Steve McLaughlin. Additional contributors: Dorothy Finn and Catherine (Healy) Jost ’74. Down Memory Lane with The Dial Ewa Wolynska...... 8 Central focus is published by Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT 06050 for alumni and friends. Central Connecticut State University is an AA/EO institution and a university of the Connecticut State University System Peace Corps: Making the World a Bit Smaller All content copyrighted by Central focus. Micah Carbonneau ’04...... 10 Reproduction by any means in whole or in part is prohibited without expressed permission. Advertising Smart, Diverse Class of ’14 Changing Face of CCSU Central focus accepts ads at the editor’s discre- tion for goods and services considered to be of Larry Hall and Donna DeCarlo...... 11 value to CCSU alumni. Ad publication does not constitute endorsement. Please send inquiries to Mary Collins [email protected] or Editor, Central focus, Central Connecticut State University, 1615 Stanley Street, American Idle New Britain, 06050 Geri Radasci...... 12

Reginald Simmons Ecology of Delinquency departments Geri Radacsi...... 14 Around Campus ...... 18 Happenings ...... 20 Sharon Khan: Veteran Studying with a Mission Alumni Books ...... 21 Taylor Zavattero ’11...... 15 Class Notes...... 22 In Memoriam & Other News...... 27

Kaylah Smith: Relishing the College Experience Janice Palmer...... 16

Fall Sports Wrap Up Tom Pincince...... 17

Celebrating Elihu Burritt Bicentennial, 1810-2010 Renata Vickery and Lynn Johnson-Corcoran...... Back cover Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 – 1 CAROL A. AMMON ’73 A PASSION FOR LEARNING,

A PASSION FOR HELPING by Janice Palmer

Passion, combined with a hefty dose of serendipity, is Carol Ammon’s prescription for success. It has served her well at every turn in her life, from her days as an undergraduate at CCSU, to the founding of her own pharmaceutical company and taking it public. She now finds herself in the enviable position of determining how best to share the fortune she earned, and high on the list is her alma mater, CCSU. “Paying it back is the absolute right thing to do,” Ammon says with total conviction. She graduated from Central with a BA in 1973. “I’m a custodian of this money; I don’t own it,” she empha- sizes. For those who dream of earning big bucks or hitting the lottery jackpot, “Her wonderful generosity Ammon would tell them that the will make an important “greatest gift is how difference in our students’ extraordinarily lives for generations to come.” satisfying it is to give it back and see President Miller the difference it can make.” These days, much of her time is spent as chairman of the board and a trustee of the Christiana Care Health System, but she also manages her charitable foundation to, as she puts it, “maximize and leverage” the majority of her wealth. Ammon now lives in Delaware, where Christiana is based, but grew up in New Hyde Park, NY. As a high school student, Ammon was unsure of what her college or career options might be. Her guidance counselor recommended Central, and a trip to New Britain with her parents con- vinced her Central was the place for her. “As soon as I got on campus, I felt comfortable and like I belonged,” she says. “I loved the environment, the size of the campus, and the small classes. I didn’t feel lost.” That was 1969, a time when many women felt limited in their career choices. Ammon recalls how her parents had instilled in her the sense that she could do anything. At Central, she set out to discover what that “anything” would be. With the help of Career Services, she took aptitude tests, talked to counselors, and researched options. One chemistry class changed everything. 2 – Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 “I seemed to have an inclination for the sciences, but a career in the sciences was highly unusual for women,” Ammon reminisces. The mentoring of two chemistry professors helped her gain the confidence she needed to stay the course. “I was one of eight women in the program, but Professors Richard Groth and Timothy Shine [both of whom have since retired] made me feel very comfortable. They gave me direction and helped me believe a science career was pos- sible.” Much appreciated support also came from her dorm parents, Beth ’65 and Lenny Lavalette ’67. “Beth and Lenny helped me reach a number of important decisions relative to my future,” Ammon says. “I have so much to thank them for.” After graduating from Central, Ammon was hired as an associate scientist in pharmaceutical research and develop- ment. During her 23 years with the corporation, she served in a variety of positions of increasing responsibility in finance, manufacturing, and sales and marketing. She says of those years, “I had to dig deep and become passionate about everything I was learning.” Her formal education continued at Adelphia University where she earned an MBA and recently was awarded an honorary doctorate. She also completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University. In 1996, she was named president of the US Pharmaceuticals Division of DuPont Merck and was responsible for a significant share of the company’s corporate revenue and earnings. A year later, when DuPont Merck decided to sell At a December news conference announcing her gift, off nearly 40 of its pain management products, Ammon President Jack Miller called Ammon “an inspiration” to seized the opportunity; she led a buyout team to purchase students. He added, “Her wonderful generosity will make an the products and founded a new company. “I was in the important difference in our students’ lives for generations right place at the right time,” she recalls. to come. This is particularly important for CCSU, where many of our students must balance work and family respon- As CEO of Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., based in Chadds sibilities while pursuing their education.” Ford, PA, she led the company through incredible growth. When Ammon Director of Institutional Advancement Cynthia Cayer calls The “greatest gift is how decided to retire Ammon “a true philanthropist” who is involved in giving for in 2007, Endo was all the right reasons. “She has the right mindset about what extraordinarily satisfying it is employing 1,000 her social responsibility is, and she is genuinely concerned to give it back and see the people and boasting about student success and the University.” difference it can make.” net sales of over $1 As a gesture of gratitude, the Connecticut State University billion. The sale of Board of Trustees approved a resolution naming the School her holdings earned of Arts & Sciences the Carol A. Ammon School of Arts & her considerable wealth, which she soon began to invest in Sciences. the needs of others. “I can’t tell you how gratifying it is to leverage my success Among those investments is a scholarship fund she helped and invest in students, students like me, with a love for establish at CCSU in 2008 to honor the memory of her learning and a potential yet to be discovered,” she said. former Central roommate Frances E. Librera ’73. This past December, it was an $8 million endowment from the Carol In May 2011, the University will be holding a celebration A. Ammon Foundation, the largest gift the University has in honor of Ammon’s extraordinary generosity. ever received. It will be used to fund student scholarships. The first Carol A. Ammon Foundation scholarships will be “My experience at Central established the foundation for awarded in the fall. my financial and career success. Now I want to do the same thing for others who want an excellent education,” she says.

Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 – 3 Remembering JIM MANN ’56 By Jim H. Smith Genevieve Bride Mann didn’t want her Genevieve vividly remembers the evening of children to play in the Mortimer Cemetery, September 1, 1939, when the entire Mann but there was no playground or park in the family gathered around the radio to learn Middletown, Connecticut neighborhood that just before dawn Germany had invaded where the Manns lived in the 1930s. And Poland. The Manns listened intently as their house didn’t have much of a back yard. reporters described how the Polish cities were So, despite their mother’s protests, Jim and being heavily bombarded. his younger sister, Genevieve, scaled the wall Little more than two years later, the family separating the cemetery and the Mann’s convened around the radio once more to property and invaded the ancient burying hear the news that Pearl Harbor had been ground. They had cobbled together a ladder attacked. “No one said anything,” Genevieve from scrap wood and concealed it behind remembers. “We just sat there, quiet.” their garage. Once they had climbed over the Bill Mann was 16 then. Three years later wall, they would spend hours racing through he joined the Marines and then, discharged the cemetery, ducking behind headstones, because of a vision problem, signed up with re-enacting scenes from the books and movies the Army in time to take part in the D-Day Jim loved to read and watch. In those games invasion. Young Jim, Bill recalls, “was fasci- were evident themes that would, in many nated with the war, and especially with the respects, define his life. paratroopers. He’d say ‘I want to be a para- A tall, good-looking boy, gifted with athletic trooper.’ He talked about that almost every prowess, he was a natural leader. The grave- night.” yard games were often based on his growing knowledge of military history. Inevitably he An Effective Leader was the hero, fleet of foot, smart, and fearless. But World War II was over long before Jim had an opportunity to serve. He was a stu- “I want to be a paratrooper.” dent at Middletown High School by the time Jim Mann was born in 1933 and grew up in Bill completed his military service and came a solid, middle class family where service to home. country, community, and church was highly Active in cross-country, rifle, track, and foot- regarded. His dad, Edward, was comptroller ball, Jim proved to be every bit the athlete he at Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell and, had looked during those childhood games. later, when the family moved to Cromwell, Captain of the track team, he won second became a selectman. place in the 880-yard dash at the Connecticut Like all Americans then, the Manns were Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) encumbered by the Great Depression. But Indoor Championship his junior year, 1949. their home was filled with love, and there Later that year, at the Hartford Invitational was always room for other relatives. Jim and Meet, he set a new record at the same dis- Genevieve and their older brother Bill grew tance. up with their maternal grandparents ever That was the year he lied about his age and present. joined the National Guard. When the false- Grandfather Bride listened to the radio inces- hood was found out, he was discharged. santly, Genevieve (now Genevieve Mann But he was undeterred. In 1951, the year he Dickinson) recalls. She, Jim, and Bill were enrolled at New Britain Teachers College, he exposed to news about Europe and the gath- enlisted in the Army Reserves. ering clouds of war every day. “Jim was a terrific athlete,” recalls Francis

Top: Mann’s senior photo in the 1956 Dial yearbook

Above: Athletically talented, Mann lettered in four sports in college

Bottom: Mann in Vietnam

4 – Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 “Fran” Monnes ’55, of Cromwell, who first met Mann when they were “He was a good soldier,” says Beebe. “He was an amiable and funny guy freshmen at Middletown High. Monnes was a standout baseball player, and and well liked, but also respected.” the two young men shared the same set of values. “From that point on we Patricia Mann recalls that her husband was exhausted when she joined him were best friends,” says Monnes, “and we went to college together.” in Hawaii for two weeks of richly deserved leave in the summer of 1968. At New Britain Teachers College, Mann was captain of the track team, and But when the leave ended and he returned to Vietnam he was just a couple Monnes captained baseball. “He had a great sense of humor, and he was months away from completing his year of service. popular with his teammates, because he really believed in the idea of team,” Monnes says. “It made him an effective leader.” “His Team Was in Trouble” When they graduated in 1956, Jim was drafted into the Army at the rank Only it was not to be. of sergeant and stationed in Cold War Germany. Two years later, when he October 3, 1968 dawned, hot, and humid at B-36. With less than a month had completed active duty, he returned to Connecticut and was hired as a left “in country,” Jim Mann had begun pulling his gear together. But he teacher at the Nathaniel White School in Cromwell, where he was reunited still had a team to support. And that morning he got his opportunity. with Monnes, also a teacher. Soldiers on a reconnaissance mission had encountered North Vietnamese At Cromwell High School, whose faculty he joined in 1959, he taught forces in jungle terrain about eight miles southwest of Thien Ngon, near math and history and proved himself a successful varsity track coach. His the Cambodian border. They were pinned down in a fierce fire fight and 1964 team was a runner-up in the state championship. Mann also served as sent an emergency request for more ammunition. JV basketball coach. The 117th Assault Helicopter Company dispatched a Huey – the work- By then he had enrolled in a master’s program at his alma mater, which horse of military helicopters during the war – in response. No one knows had just been renamed Central Connecticut State College. No one was sur- why Mann volunteered to accompany the chopper’s four-man crew. But his prised when he wrote his master’s thesis on military history. sister believes he was motivated by the same instincts that had made him a At Central he met Patricia Molloy, an undergraduate who would soon successful athlete. “His team was in trouble,” she says. “He had to be there become his wife. They were married in 1963 and by 1965 they had two for them.” young sons – Jim, Jr. and John. Mann had been a teacher for seven years. The crew’s objective seemed simple. They were to locate the ground forces, His natural leadership and easygoing style made him popular with students swoop in low, and kick the boxes of ammo out the door. But as the chop- and faculty alike. per near the site, it was hit by enemy fire, collided with trees and crashed He seemed to be settling comfortably into mid life. But the military was upside down and ablaze. Four of the men aboard were killed. Only the never at far remove. He had been in the Army for nearly a decade and a pilot survived and was rescued. The ammunition they were delivering, how- half and had attained the rank of captain in the Reserves. “I remember him ever, helped to turn the tide of the battle, and the North Vietnamese forces polishing shoes and buttons on Sundays,” says Patricia Mann. eventually retreated into the dense jungle. The next day lieutenant Deacy volunteered to join the team sent to recover A Soldier’s Soldier the bodies. Mann’s remains, mostly destroyed by the intense fire, were By 1966 there were some 400,000 Americans in Vietnam. The diplomatic found under the burned helicopter’s fuselage. negotiations that would eventually result in the Paris Peace Accords in 1973 On Thursday, October 24, 1968, Fran Monnes eulogized his friend for the had been ongoing for two years. student body of Cromwell High School. Jim Mann’s funeral was held at Jim Mann must have sensed his opportunity to play a role in the conflict the Coughlin Funeral Home in Middletown the next morning, followed by was slipping away, because he suddenly announced his decision to resume a requiem at St. John’s Church in Cromwell. Then Mann was laid to rest active duty. “We were shocked,” says Jake Falafia, another teacher and in St. John’s Cemetery. friend from Cromwell High, “but he had a great sense of duty. He was a Not Forgotten soldier’s soldier.” Jim Mann’s story did not end there, however. On May 29, 1969, a street Friends and family alike were taken aback by the decision. Even more at Cromwell High School was named in his memory. At the dedication surprising was his decision to enter Special Forces and become an airborne ceremony Monnes, who was instrumental in getting the street named and ranger. At 33, he was much older than most of the soldiers with whom he marked with monuments, once again recalled his old friend. trained, yet he graduated first in his Special Forces class of 220. Twenty-seven years after Mann’s death, a portrait of him was unveiled dur- On November 3, 1967 he began a year of service in Vietnam as operations ing a Cromwell High School Veteran’s Day ceremony in 1995. Veterans officer of the 5th Special Forces Group’s 3rd Mobile Strike Force, B-36, a who had known Mann were astonished when his son, Jim, who bears a quick reaction team that relieved or reinforced units during battles. striking resemblance to his father, walked into the gymnasium with his Mann quickly earned a positive reputation. “He was older than most of us. mother and brother. The portrait now hangs permanently in the school, He spoke well and he was very meticulous in his presentation,” recalls John where Mann’s niece, Barbara O’Rourke, has taught for many years. Deacy, who served as a first lieutenant under Mann. “He was respected by In early June 1999, several hundred bone fragments excavated from the all the men who served with him.” crash site were positively identified as belonging to Mann and another It’s an opinion shared by Mike Beebe, also a first lieutenant under Mann. member of the crew. And on the morning of July 13, 1999, following a funeral at Memorial Chapel, Fort Myer, VA, a horse-drawn carriage brought the remains to Arlington, where a 21-gun salute honored the heroes who had been away from home for too long. “It was a very emo- tional ceremony,” says Bill Mann. “It was a day that brought final closure for all of us.” Jim Mann lives on in the memories of his family and friends and former colleagues, and in the memories of the veterans who served with him in Vietnam and recall the man and his sacrifice. “I think of Jim often,” says Falafia, Mann’s friend and colleague at Cromwell High. “He was a great friend, and it was a big shock when he went to Vietnam. He left a big hole.”

Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 – 5 Gregg Ferguson ’93 by David Menconi Beyond the Thunder For Gregg Ferguson, all roads lead to AC/DC – which is, he Two years and $75,000 of their own money later, Beyond admits, a strange destination. He’s a big fan of the legendary the Thunder still doesn’t have the band’s blessing. But the Australian heavy-metal band, but not the biggest. That would in-progress version is amazing, with interview footage from be his video-production partner, Kurt Squiers. Nevertheless, notables including Billy Joel, Keith Richards, Howard Stern, AC/DC has become Ferguson’s white whale. And it all started Stephen King and even baseball pitcher Trevor Hoffman (well- with an elevator ride three years ago in Chicago. known for entering games to the strains of AC/DC’s “Hells Bells”). Ferguson and Squiers were there to work on a project docu- There’s an impressive trailer at beyondthethunder.com, and menting Microsoft’s introduction of a new product line. It was an extended version of the film has played at an AC/DC the sort of job that paid the bills without delivering too many exhibit in Australia and at an awards ceremony put on by thrills, until Squiers met up with two members of AC/DC on a London-based Classic Rock magazine. But even though their hotel elevator and got invited to the bar for a drink. work has drawn universal raves, Ferguson and Squiers’ film is still a long way from becoming a reality. Struck by their unpretentiousness, Squiers and Ferguson sketched out a proposal for a documentary about the band Ferguson’s tendency to buck expectations goes back to his and approached AC/DC’s management. After the group’s days at CCSU, where he enrolled as an accounting major handlers declined to cooperate, the pair decided to go ahead intending to follow in his father’s footsteps. That lasted anyway anyway and created a film focused on AC/DC’s fans, two-and-a-half years, until “the freak-out semester” when Beyond the Thunder. Ferguson realized he wasn’t enjoying the work. But he did enjoy the journalism and video-production classes he’d taken “It’s the band’s story through the eyes of fans who love them,” on the side. So he decided to pursue that instead, ultimately Ferguson says. “Their fans include very influential people from earning a communications degree in 1993. all genres of music and art. Also pro athletes, military heroes. After graduation, Ferguson went to work shooting news in “The connections were so amazing. Everyone seemed to Connecticut and Maine. But he grew bored with the repetitive- have an AC/DC story to share. It’s almost like they were just ness of the news cycle after a few years and launched his waiting for the chance to tell it.” 6 – Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 Squiers and Ferguson Photo credits: (L-r) Huck Photography. Eric Kield, and Kurt Squiers.

own independent production company. Squiers was one of Marshall amplifier, all to no avail. It’s not that AC/DC manage- his primary collaborators on a series of documentary-style ment has said “no” – there’s been no response at all. And the promotional and marketing videos for Microsoft, the New irony is that the film’s inspiration was personal contact with Orleans Saints and Sam Adams beer, interviewing the likes the band. of Kanye West and NFL running back Reggie Bush. “Yeah, what’s funny is that they’re so approachable as Unfortunately, the recession has been hard on that kind of people,” Ferguson sighs. “You forget just how huge they are work. So Beyond the Thunder has taken up a lot of Ferguson because of that, bigger than most every band out there. It and Squiers’ time in recent years. They began shooting in would never occur to me to try to do this with U2. But AC/DC 2008, following AC/DC from city to city on the group’s is just a working-class band. So we were thinking, ‘They’re “Black Ice” tour. great guys, no problem, let’s do it.’ Little did we know…” “We shot the bulk of it the first six months, followed by three He pauses to laugh. months in the editing room,” Ferguson says. “At this point, “I think it will pay off in some way,” he adds. “I know we’ll we’re trying to be as fiscally responsible with it as possible. never get rich off this. It was more, ‘Here’s a great story, let’s But sometimes, you’ve got to take a risk, which is exactly put it out there because people will appreciate it.’ If the band what this has been.” showed some interest in it, that would be amazing. We’ve had Beyond the Thunder is almost three-quarters done. But the investors show interest. But until we can come to an under- missing part is the hardest to get, because it hinges on standing with the band, we’re stuck.” permission to use AC/ DC’s music and likeness. And that’s David Menconi is a reporter for the Raleigh (NC) News & Observer where Ferguson and Squiers have run into the brick wall of and writes on music for a number of publications, including Spin, No “the AC/DC fortress,” unable to penetrate the band’s legions Depression, and The New York Times. of gatekeeper minions. They’ve tried an elaborate and expensive series of attention- getting gimmicks, including a pitch letter sent inside a Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 – 7 Down Memory Lane with By Ewa Wolynska

Current CCSU students might called between 1933 and 1959, you tures of professors in those yearbooks, never have heard about The Dial, can look her up in early editions of but plenty of campus scenes show- the university yearbook which was The Dialand find out in which clubs ing many couples embracing, with published continuously between or organizations she was active. freedom in the air. The yearbooks 1925 and 1996. They do not know CHRONICLING EVOLUTION from from the ’70s are heftier – some that they will be missing a lot of fun over 300 pages! – loaded with artistic When the first Dial was published associated with looking up pictures photography that tried to record facts in 1926 the campus consisted of the from the past (did we really dress like while also conveying the campus newly-built administration building that?), campus scenes (who is this girl atmosphere. The last two decades of (now Davidson Hall) and Marcus walking with Joe?), and sport events Dials reflect the more subdued and White Hall, which also served as (did we win that football game with less rebellious 1980s and ’90s – an or- a dorm. Yearbooks from the late Rochester?). derly collection of pictures of depart- 1940s and the ’50s portray a rapidly ments and university agencies appears Many alumni who graduated before expanding campus. Veterans were again, followed by seniors’ pictures 1996 probably have a copy of their back from World War II and the GI and straightforward photos recording yearbook hidden somewhere in stor- bill and post-war prosperity allowed student life. age. But now they do not have to them to invest in their educations. dig deep into that closet or the chest You may be surprised to learn that It’s interesting to follow the changes in the attic or visit the University’s initially some of them were housed in the student population over the archives to recall members of the in converted barracks moved to New course of seven decades as recorded in football team or look up the maiden Britain from Bradley Air Field, which these books. CCSU began in 1849 name of a college sweetheart. All edi- was not yet a civilian airport. The as a co-ed institution under the name tions of The Dial have been digitized conditions were pretty spartan until New Britain State Normal School and posted on the website of CCSU’s the state invested in the construction that offered a two- year program for Burritt Library. It is as easy as click- of new lecture halls and dorms in the training future teachers. Sometime ing on library.ccsu.edu, going to the late 1950s. between the end of the 19th century Digital Collections tab, choosing the and the early 20th century it became The ’50s witnessed a dramatic Student Publications icon and begin- an all-female institution. The first revamping of the college program, ning to search each page of any or all year there were just five graduates. In with new courses, departments, 76 volumes. 1926 the graduating class consisted and majors. The changes were also of 112 students, all of them white The text of each page is searchable, reflected in more diverse extracur- women. According to the 1938 Dial, so if you do not remember whether ricular activities. In addition to the the school – after 90 years in opera- your friend graduated in 1971 or Art, Drama and Glee Clubs, students tion – counted close to 5,000 alumni. 1972, just enter his or her name and could become involved in many new Men returned in the 1930s when the the search engine will locate his or her organizations and several fraternities. program was extended to three years picture on the right pages in the right With the growing number of male and the school became the Teachers yearbook. Individual portraits of se- students, sports exploded. College of Connecticut. Few minor- niors always came with the name, but You may marvel at how formal and ity students show up in the pictures other pictures, such as casual campus serious most of the students appear in until the 1960s. The first two foreign scenes, were not always provided with the pictures taken before the 1960s. students from Germany appear in captions, and so searchers may want Back then, when separate dorms for 1951. scroll through other pages to find women and men still had curfews, familiar faces. There is a wealth of information wait- ball gowns and tuxedos and were of- ing to be discovered on thousands of The fun does not have to stop there, ten the norm for dances. Fashion and yearbook pages and thanks to digiti- however. The yearbooks can be an social mores usually change gradu- zation, many more people can now exciting research tool for genealogy, ally, but they took a dramatic turn in access this information conveniently. local history and, obviously, the his- the late 1960s and early ’70s – when Digitization was an in-house project tory of the university. If an aunt of hippie attire and political protests, of the Special Collections Depart- yours attended the Teachers College including a strike, became more com- ment, conducted with the help of of Connecticut, as our institution was monplace. There were hardly any pic- students and interns.

8 – Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 – 9 Peace Corps: Making the World a Bit Smaller By Micah Carbonneau ’04

Following graduation from CCSU, I had dif- With a fellow volunteer I helped organize ficulty finding work as a social studies teacher, a Christmas Festival at Castle Corvinilor, no matter how hard I looked. One day I vis- Eastern Europe’s oldest medieval castle. ited a career fair at the Student Center. I was Not for profit organizations working with making the rounds, filling my complimentary orphanages, children with disabilities, and sack with free pens, frisbees and assorted give- disadvantaged families offered games and aways, when I passed a Peace Corps recruit- activities for visitors. School groups per- ment table. I had a chat with the man work- formed traditional dances and sang carols. ing the stand, a former volunteer, and took an Santa Claus and knights posed for photos application form with me. with children. Strolling across campus, I ran into a former We built a model of the castle out of gin- professor who asked me, “What are you doing gerbread the first year and out of LEGOs now?” the second, helping draw national press coverage. The event gave non-governmen- “Well, I’m pretty free,” I stated. “I could do tal organizations an opportunity to raise whatever I want. I could even join the Peace awareness about their mission and services Corps.” as well as time to network with each “Oh, you should do Peace Corps!” she other. Next year, the event will be entirely responded. in Romanian hands, directed by my part- ner from the Red Cross. And I thought to myself, “I should join the Peace Corps!” Adventure and service have As is usually the case in education and ser- always figured big in my plans for life. vice, I often get more then I give. Being an American in a small community overseas I am now more than three years into my often accords a certain celebrity status and service in Ocna Mures, Romania as an envi- special attention. People back home consider ronmental volunteer. I’ve so enjoyed myself in Peace Corps volunteers noble for promot- this work that I’ve applied and been approved ing peace in the world. If they only knew to serve two more years as an English teacher about the “kickbacks,” maybe they wouldn’t in Mozambique. It’s long been my desire to think us so selfless! I get hugs on the streets visit Africa. Now, maybe I’ll find myself in from kids and hellos from strangers. I can that ‘classic Peace Corps setting’ and improve always expect a hot meal when dropping in my Portuguese, which has suffered since on friends and my host family. For me, such learning to speak Romanian. bonuses far outweigh any monetary bonus I My work as a volunteer in Ocna Mures began might earn in a job back home. rather open ended. I was assigned to a non- I’m proud of my work here. With time run- government agency that had no office. I ning out, I’m filled with the mixed emotions didn’t have a job description or regular hours, and unanswerable questions. What was my so it took some time and a lot of initiation to impact here? I’m excited to go home, but define my schedule and responsibilities. when will I return? What will life hold for While I’ve organized a fair share of ECO me in Mozambique? clubs and a bottle recycling drive (19,000 I’ve learned a great deal from missionaries bottles collected!), my greatest responsibility who have returned to Ocna Mures year after is teaching English at kindergartens. kinder- year since 1990. If I’m to make a long term gartens in Romania can be rather strict. I impact I must be committed to one day bring to the classroom games and activities returning. I want to see the children from the designed to help lighten the class atmosphere. orphanage, see if the Castle event has con- When children are laughing and happy, their tinued on its own footing, visit with friends confidence grows and they are more involved and family. I’ll miss speaking Romanian, in their own education. Such active forms of the many holidays, the marketplace, and education are commonly referred to as ‘child meeting acquaintances on the street. centered education.’ Now, in an English pro- Meanwhile, Africa awaits. My world is about gram for Kindergarten teachers, I share my to get bigger. But, in my own small way, I’m best practices in the hopes they will take these helping to make the world just a little bit ideas and make them their own. smaller. 10 – Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 SMART, DIVERSE CCSU Class of 2014 Larry Hall, Director, Recruitment & Admissions CHANGING FACE OF CCSU Donna DeCarlo, Assistant Director, Recruitment & Admissions

CCSU welcomed 1,350 new students at the start of the fall dent/faculty ratio, ensuring educational quality, and to respond 2010 academic year. The office of Recruitment & Admissions to the University’s very successful efforts in improving student worked with a total applicant pool of 6,806, up some 12 retention through graduation. percent since 2008. Working with the Enrollment Management Committee, the So what are some of the characteristics that make up the Class admissions office is exploring additional ways to shape future of 2014? It strongly represents all of Connecticut’s 169 towns first-year classes. While focused on issues of access and student and cities. Twenty-two percent of the class represents minority success, they will continue to explore measures to enhance or multi-racial groups, making for a richly diverse student body. overall regional representation. The class arrived at CCSU boasting the best overall high To facilitate their recruitment efforts, the admissions office has school academic achievement of any class to date. Its record- recently been refurbished to provide a much more congenial breaking academic average--in the 64th percentile--is a two environment for prospective students and their parents, includ- points higher than the previous record. It is a good thing ing a new waiting area more efficient workspaces. The rede- that the class is so academically able, since the University has signed office creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all. recently added several challenging academic programs in The University is a highly desired choice for more Connecticut nursing, journalism, and civil and mechanical engineering. students, and as this year’s incoming students attest, those While the University saw a greater number of applications students are increasingly from the upper ranks of Connecticut from young women, the Class of ’14 features a greater high schools. Excellent faculty who challenge and support stu- number of male students, going against the national trend that dents have created an atmosphere that invites students to the shows a declining number of young men attending college. serious pleasures of learning. And the office of Recruitment & Admissions encourages CCSU alumni and friends as well The slight increase in the size of the incoming class met the as faculty and staff to remind family high schoolers about the University’s Enrollment Management Committee’s target. excellent education offered at CCSU. This reflects CCSU’s goals to maintain a relatively low stu-

Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 – 11 Mary Collins American Idle

Why do many Americans sit parked WEALTH OF WRITING and idling—in spite of prodding from EXPERIENCE doctors, fitness experts, and the fed- Collins, whose area of specialty is eral government to get moving on creative nonfiction, was amply quali- a path to improved health through fied to undertake research for her proper diet and exercise? groundbreaking book. For some 20 It’s tempting to blame sloth. Mary years in Washington, DC, she was a Collins, herself a consummate freelance writer and editor and also varsity college athlete versatile at taught part-time in Johns Hopkins running, playing basketball, and bik- University’s graduate MA in writing ing, admits she once thought a lack program from 1995 to 2007. She of willpower was the root of couch holds a bachelor’s in English from potato behavior. Then a devastating Gettysburg College and a master’s bicycle accident near Alexandria, from the University of Virginia. She Virginia, in 1999 put her into a coma joined CCSU in 2007. for two days and she required back She has written The Essential surgery to repair ruptured disks. Daughter: Changing Expectations “My life changed profoundly,” recalls for Girls at Home (Praeger), National the CCSU assistant professor of Public Radio (Seven Locks Press), English. “I could barely walk a half and Airborne: A Photobiography of mile. My mood and my social life Wilbur and Orville Wright (National were affected. I thought, ‘Why do 60 Geographic Books). “Don’t Have a percent of Americans choose to live Seat,” the essay on the culture of this way?’” sitting and the history of the chair that she wrote for The Washington During her rehabilitation, Collins Post, won the Best Essay of the researched that very question, and Year Award from the American her findings appear in a new book, Society of Journalists and Authors American Idle: A Journey through (ASJA) in 2003. She also won the Our Sedentary Culture (Capital Best Young Adult Book Award from by Geri Radasci Books, 2009). “I discovered in my ASJA. Her articles have appeared three years of traveling the country in Smithsonian Magazine, The New that the lack of movement for most York Times, and other major news- Americans is hardly by choice. Their papers and magazines. environment and schedules make it nearly impossible to integrate healthy As Collins set out to discover how a movement patterns into their day.” species designed for movement has immobilized itself in homes, offices, She discovered that our lack of and cars, she interviewed health spontaneous movement has pro- experts, city planners, factory work- found social, cultural, and even ers, and staff at the National Zoo. moral consequences, not just physi- She even visited a hunter-gatherer cal. Simply listing “The Top 10 Ways site in the Midwest to understand to Work Out” is never going to solve the movement patterns of humans the problem, she says. There must 10,000 years ago. be systemic changes at all levels of society, from adding bicycle lanes SURPRISED BY FINDING on more roads to making it safer for children to walk to school by provid- She was surprised by her conversa- ing paid patrols. tion with Bill Sands, director of the 12 – Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 ON PHYSICAL GRACE by Mary Collins By Geri Radacsi My research for my book, American Idle: A Journey Through a Sedentary Culture, took an U.S. Olympic Center in Colorado Springs. Sands maintains unexpected turn when I visited the U.S. Olympic there is a growing divide between the elite or professional Center in Colorado Springs, CO in 2007. I wanted athlete engaged in extreme training and the average seden- to write a positive section about the accomplish- tary American. ments of contemporary athletes, but Bill Sands, director of sports science at the center at the time, “Organized sports, amazingly, do not help kids gain free wasn’t interested in my questions about gold play skills,” says Collins. “They are told what to do but they medalists and how world class athletes train. He don’t know how to integrate 30 to 60 minutes of spontane- wanted to talk about the growing divide between ous free play into their lives. Physical activity has become the elite competitor and the average American. something we choose to do and something we ‘go to,’ but that’s an artificial construct.” “With the exception of athletes, dancers, and sol- diers, everyone else has lost physical grace,” he With a vivaciousness that is her hallmark, she adds, “Hey, told me. He then went on to highlight the results even the director of the Olympic Center thinks the trend of some of his own research as he compared the toward organized sports and exercise classes to encourage physical activity levels in organized sports prac- fitness is all wrong. We need to shift the conversation from tices versus children playing freely outside. how we’re eating too much and not exercising, to how to integrate spontaneous movement into everyday life again. “My daughter plays volleyball,” he said as he I was shocked to discover that most people I talked to wanted leaned intensely across his desk. “During a one- to integrate movement into their lives, but expressed how hour practice, they moved around…well, guess.” difficult American culture makes it.” “Fifteen minutes,” I said. WHAT TO DO? “Hell, no!” he said. “Five minutes. It’s an astonish- Collins suggests that “a systemic solution is needed, ing difference. In free play kids move constantly.” involving city planners, employers, and government policy He went on to point out that the rise in organized changes,” if spontaneous movement is to be integrated into sports for children under 12 and the rise in obesity society. She observes, for instance, that most townships paralleled each other precisely—a pattern he attri- resurface their roads every 10 years and suggests that butes to the huge decline in spontaneous move- requirements be put in place to add clearly marked ment, especially among the very young. bicycle lanes. She recommends pressing the federal government to I never imagined that I’d be sitting in the ultimate expand its Safe Routes to Schools program, which has sports center and hear the director tell me that been successful in getting more kids to walk to school. he believed that the national trend towards more Another suggestion is that the U.S. should follow the lead organized sports leagues for children under 12 was of European nations, especially Sweden, where a lot of a travesty. With that one unexpected exchange, I schools have two 15-minute physical movement breaks for knew I was onto a way of reporting on American’s all ages daily and where paid movement breaks for employ- lifestyle problems that would net me some really ees are also the workplace norm. The employees do not original material. The key: I had to go in-person, have to “exercise;” they just have to leave their desk areas. stay in-the-field and avoid official literature and talking heads. “Something as simple as access to a shower at work or access to a safe biking trail can increase people’s activity Of course Sands’ eloquent comment about the loss by 25 percent,” Collins says. “That sort of shift represents of physical grace also had spiritual connotations. I millions of dollars in saved medical costs.” And she’s quick wasn’t surprised when I learned that the Christian to add, “The changes don’t have to be draconian, just phrase, “Holy Spirit,” derived from the Old smart. I use a stand-up desk, for example, and never sit for English word Hailo, which means free from injury, more than about four hours a day.” Collins’ book brings a whole, hale. When we lose physical grace, on some fresh perspective on how America can change its culture level, we also undermine our “hailo.” and move forward in the direction of health and fitness. Visit www.marycollinswriter.net for a free sample chapter. Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 – 13 Reginald Simmons FOCUSING ON THE ECOLOGY OF DELINQUENCY

How did Assistant Professor of Americans. The authors suggest pro- Criminology and Criminal Justice viders collaborate with such trusted Reginald Simmons first become pas- local networks as churches, pastors, sionately drawn to understanding and those involved with the Natural delinquency prevention and cultur- Helpers peer-assistance program; ally responsive intervention? With a involve the community in assessing its thoughtful look, Dr. Simmons, who treatment needs; and have culturally joined CCSU in 2007, explains: appropriate organizational and clinical “Growing up in Wichita Falls, Texas, engagement practices in place. “The I saw friends and classmates end therapist must be willing to ‘go there,’ up joining gangs, or selling drugs, or to explore any perceptions of the role serving time in a penitentiary. And I of racism in presenting problems, used to wonder why my life took a especially with African American male different trajectory.” What made the clients,” says Simmons. difference? He’s concluded that those Simmons, who draws from his own peers who thrived had a solid family background as a therapist and clinical foundation, like his own. kids and families who might not trust the psychologist, says, “At first contact with social services system so kids would be “It comes down to ‘ecology’ or environ- the client, the therapist needs to engage willing to accept intervention for substance mental factors that impact a child’s life,” in collaborative and active problem solving abuse and related problem behaviors,” he says. Simmons’ family had provided a so that barriers to participation are identi- says Simmons. home environment conducive to educa- fied and addressed.The therapist also tion— unlike his less–fortunate neighbors He recalls talking to a 14-year-old girl should focus on problems the family wants who, struggling with poverty, job instability, on the phone as she expressed suicidal addressed.” and family conflicts, were not able to be as thoughts. Discovering she’d never been He believes that therapists must be pre- supportive of their children. involved in a behavioral health interven- pared to work with other agencies involved tion, Simmons immediately marshaled At the age of six, Simmons accompanied with the family and to link family to sup- resources to get her help through the his father to work at a youth center in a portive services. This year the authors mobile Emergency Medical Psychiatric poor section of town. Simmons’ father presented their findings at a conference of Service in Hartford. “She needed intensive was the center’s director, and Simmons the Society for the Psychological Study of outpatient work and started treatment in saw kids immersed in the positive environ- Ethnic Minority Issues held in Ann Arbor, the Hartford Youth Project. She success- ment his father had created and filled with Michigan. fully completed the intervention and the enjoyable activities. Simmons soon set HYP program,” says Simmons proudly. Last year Simmons served as a consult- his sights on helping youth and went on to ing psychologist, under a one-year grant earn a PhD in clinical/community psychol- Today Simmons synthesizes his own from the National Institutes of Health, for ogy from the University of South Carolina, on-the-street professional experience as an initiative which provided New Haven after earning a master’s in community a clinical psychologist and community high school students with paid summer agency counseling at Michigan State agency administrator with intense research research jobs at the Yale Diagnostic University. of the latest clinical/community psychol- Radiology Laboratory. Acting as liaison ogy literature to write scholarly articles. Fresh from a post-doctoral clinical/com- between research supervisors and the Drawing on the HYP experience, he, munity psychology fellowship at the students he had recruited, Simmons says, along with colleagues, wrote an article Yale University School of Medicine, “The young people gained valuable expo- on bringing adolescents into substance Simmons became treatment coordina- sure to the field of biomedical research.” abuse treatment through community out- tor, then overall program coordinator, of reach and engagement for the Journal of Looking ahead, Simmons plans to conduct the Hartford Youth Project (HYP), which Psychoactive Drugs in 2008. research on the impact that good cognitive had been established by the Connecticut therapy can have on brain activity—in par- Department of Children and Families. This year he and co-author G. C. Vaughn ticular, on aggressive behavior in youth— “The goal was to create a system of care wrote a chapter on engaging African and also to examine efforts to increase that increased access to and availability Americans in outpatient mental health utilization of outpatient mental health ser- of quality substance-abuse treatment for interventions for the Handbook of African vices by underrepresented populations. He adolescents,” explains Simmons. One American Health (Guildford Press, NY). hopes that one day his scholarship may of his roles was to oversee the hiring of Key recommendations in the chapter make a big difference in the lives of those engagement specialists— individuals address how mental health providers can at risk. from Hartford savvy about the city and its encourage voluntary referrals for African culture. “Their job was to gain the trust of By Geri Radacsi

14 – Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 Sharon Khan: Veteran Studying with a Mission by Taylor Zavattero ’11

For international studies major Sharon she is “a highly motivated student who Khan, CCSU is a key element of a plan is always eager to learn, always willing to that she conceived when she was a little expand her horizons in terms of obtain- girl growing up in Columbia, Conn. ing more knowledge about a region she The plan: Travel the globe and make her cares a lot about.” résumé “bulletproof.” With this next step of her plan underway, Khan joined the Army directly out of Khan maintains a keen resoluteness that high school—a giant step she took with she attributes to her time in the military. her twin sister. “We were tired of However, her experience, while definitely taking tests,” Khan said, “We wanted to a source of pride, is not something that work with our hands and just get out of she likes to flaunt. “I try not to put the Connecticut for a little bit, to see fact out that I’m a veteran,” she says. the world.” “Most of the veterans I know at CCSU are just so focused and are just trying to During the ensuing nine years of service get through school.” Khan was on active duty as an intel- ligence analyst for four-and-a-half years CCSU Veterans Affairs Coordinator and rose to the rank of staff sergeant. She “It was a reality check for me,” she said. Chris Gutierrez understands this focus. was stationed in Fort Mead, Maryland, “I have the knowledge. I just need a “The average student-veteran can be South Korea, and Balad, Iraq, just 20 degree to back me up so I can be market- 20 or 21,” he says. “They can be sitting minutes north of Baghdad by air. able out there. Competing with everyone in the classroom with people the same is getting hard.” age, but in the year or two they were The 12 to 16 hour days in the service had deployed, they’ve grown up so much At CCSU, Khan endeavors to expand her a reverse affect on her. “After a while of and they’re at a whole different level knowledge of the Middle East and South not going to school, I started to crave mentally.” In the time that Gutierrez has Asia. Political Science Professor Ghassan going back,” says Khan, who is still in known Khan he has found that she is El-Eid teaches several courses on this the active reserves. “I wanted to learn “very focused and proud of who she is as region and has gotten to know Khan well more. I wanted to sit down and read a a woman, as a female veteran.” book and just start writing papers.” over the past two years. He noted that The next phase of Khan’s plan: to go The importance of education became back to Washington DC with a fresh set brutally obvious to her when she returned of skills honed at CCSU. This time get- home and went job hunting in Washington ting a job doesn’t seem to be a question DC, at the State Department and other for her. “I will get a job down there,” she intelligence agencies. Encountering fierce says, as if stating a fact. And in her case, competition in a volatile job market, she the facts all seem to add up. quickly realized that she still had work to do. CCSU President Jack Miller presenting Khan with the 2010 Student Veterans Excellence Award and Scholarship.

Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 – 15 Kaylah Smith Relishing the College Experience By Janice Palmer

Kaylah Smith is one of the best ambassadors CCSU could She believes that what she has learned in anthropology, hope for. From the moment the vivacious Bristol native through reading, writing, and critical analysis, will help her set foot on campus, she has not let one day of her college with any career path she decides to pursue. experience pass her by. In addition to her studies, Smith is a member of the The junior is a double major in anthropology and Spanish University Singers and the all girls acapella group T.G.F.I. and consistently earns grades that put her on the Dean’s (Too Good For Instruments). Rehearsal for the two groups List each semester. She also manages to find time for a job requires about 10 hours a week—more leading up to a per- and the required practice and performance for two choral formance or competition. According to Professor of Music groups while supporting her single mother by helping out Pamela Perry, who is the choral group’s director, Smith’s with her younger siblings; Smith is the second oldest of six ability to stay focused helps keep her balanced in her life. children. “She listens attentively to instruction, arrives prepared, Smith’s strategy for success is about keeping her priorities and never lets anything affect her performance,” Perry straight. “A college education is a luxury,” she says, and says. “She can maintain a packed schedule without getting adds, “To get the most out of college you have to work frustrated or tired hard.” because she is able to find the joy She is hopeful that her determination to do well and take in whatever she is advantage of all that college has to offer serves as a posi- doing. I’ve never tive influence on her siblings, just as her mother has been seen her down,” to her. she adds.

For 20 hours each week, Smith is a student worker in the Perry has been Dean’s Office of the Carol A. Ammon School of Arts and impressed with Sciences. She is usually the first person a visitor encoun- Smith since she ters. Sometimes those visitors are students who are frus- walked into audi- trated or upset. “Fortunately for them, Kaylah is an engag- tions as a fresh- ing and empathetic person who is able to solve problems man. Very rarely and offer assistance,” says Dean Susan Pease. do freshman make it into the group, “She possesses the skills most employers find valuable, let alone someone such as good written and oral communication skills,” who is not a music Pease says. The Dean is also impressed with Smith’s abil- major. Each year, ity to employ both qualitative and quantitative analysis to Perry selects one describe and solve problems. “She can integrate knowl- student to receive the Elizabeth Walden Scholarship, and edge and resolve difficult issues creatively,” Pease points Smith was the first freshman to ever be chosen for the out. honor. The following year, she became the first student to be chosen a second time for the honor. Throughout the first year or so, Smith struggled with her decision on a major. “The general education courses Smith is a leader within the University Singers, a role “she opened my mind to so many possibilities,” she says. She earned by example,” Perry states. When the group trav- became enthusiastic about psychology and then sociology, elled to China last year to perform in several cities, it was and after that an introductory anthropology class. “I fell in Smith, one of the youngest ones on the trip, who looked love with anthropology,” she says, her face beaming with out for students who were not coping well with the stresses delight. of travel. “It is never about her,” says Perry. “It’s always about what she can do for the group.” “I just love cultural anthropology. It gives you a holistic view of the world and other cultures. You learn to understand During that trip, Smith discovered a passion for travel. people and not make immediate assumptions about them. Though she could graduate early next December, she will I’ve learned to take a step back and not take such an eth- finish up most of her course work so she can spend the nocentric view,” she says. spring semester studying abroad in Spain. Though she has never been to Europe, she says, “I want to take myself out Although anthropology is not necessarily a career-specific of my comfort zone, use my Spanish and, maybe, then I major, Smith points out that “It lends itself to many options.” will find something that sparks my interest for a career.”

16 – Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 the 2009 NEC title and was named Coach of the Year, repeated that performance in 2010, only in a more dominating fashion. Blake, who also heads the women’s team this season, saw the men’s Blue Devils finish first, second, and third in the NEC Championship race in New Britain, on their way to defending their NEC crown and winning for the second time in school history. His women’s program improved three spots in the standings and also had a successful season. Head football coach Jeff McInerney helped secure the other NEC title for the fall. With a second- straight 7-1 record in league play, McInerney’s crew won a share of its second straight title, and its fourth since 2004. The Blue Devils finished the year 8-3, The fall of 2010 resembled the fall of 2009 for the and continued to build Central into one of the top Central Connecticut athletics department. The football regional programs at the Football Championship and men’s cross-country teams won their respective Subdivision level. The 2010 senior class, consisting of Northeast Conference Championships for the second 15 student-athletes, graduates as the top all-time win- straight season, and with a new leader in charge the ners, posting 30 wins in their four seasons. In addi- Blue Devils surged to the front of the Commissioner’s tion, the Blue Devils enter the 2011 season with the Cup standings. nation’s second-longest home winning streak of 14 games. They were 5-0 at home in 2010 and haven’t lost at home in three seasons. The women’s soccer team advanced to the NEC Tournament for the ninth straight season, earning the fourth seed with a 5-3-2 NEC record. They finished the season 9-9-2 overall. The nine straight appear- ances in the tournament is the longest active streak in CCSU the league. The Blue Devils dropped a 1-0 decision to top-seed Long Island in the quarterfinal round. Fall Sports The volleyball team qualified for the NEC Tournament for the eighth straight season, also as the fourth seed. They dropped a five-set heartbreaker to Wrap-Up eventual champion Sacred Heart, losing the fifth set 15-10 to the Pioneers. The team finished the season Thomas Pincince 11-18 overall but won a pair of key NEC matches Assistant Athletics Director and Sports on the last weekend of the season over Long Island Information Director and Quinnipiac to earn the fourth seed in the tourna- ment. The fall seasons were the first for new Director of Athletics Paul Schlickmann. While his tenure with the The men’s soccer team finished 4-10-3 overall and Blue Devils began in May, Schlickmann was beginning earned just one win in league play on the season. The his first full athletics year as the school’s new Director Blue Devil defense produced three shutouts on the of Athletics. year and held opponents to just 1.5 goals per game. Senior Robert Cavener earned All-Conference and Second-year men’s cross-country coach Eric Blake several all-region awards following the season. made sure that Schlickmann’s first full season got off to a great start. Blake, who led the Blue Devils to The men’s and women’s golf teams were also in action in the fall, although it is not their traditional season.. The men’s season was highlighted by a first place finish in the CCSU Invitational held at Wethersfield Country Club in September. They also posted a third-place finish in the New England Intercollegiate Golf Association Championship in October. Junior Kevin Josephson had one of the most successful seasons in recent history, winning medalist honors in the CCSU Invitational and MacDonald Cup at Yale, and then placing second in the NEIGA Championship, losing in a playoff to the eventual champion. He also finished second at the Adams Cup in Newport, RI.

Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 – 17 AROUNDAROUND CAMPUSCAMPUS

The long-awaited opening of the University’s Hitchcock-Young Pavilion was celebrated in October at its dedication. From left to right: CCSU President Jack Miller; Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Paul Schlickmann; President of Hitchock Printing & Distribution Edward Young and his family—children Cheyanne and Neil, and wife, Kathy; and Vice President of Institutional Advancement Chris Galligan.

The 2010 Doris Honig Guenter Women and Film Festival was held in October, and included events at the University and, once again, the New Britain Museum of American Art. The theme this year was “Unlocked Images: Family, Warriors, and Art.” The event was very successful and widely attended by the CCSU and central Connecticut communities.

Anne Applebaum, an award-winning American author and his- torian who is married to Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, spoke about Poland in Davidson Hall’s Torp Theatre in the Nowakowski Conversation series. The event featured an engaging and enlightening three-way conversation between Applebaum, CCSU Professor of History M.B. Biskupski, and John Dankosky (seen here with Applebaum), an NPR talk-show host and the holder of the Robert C. Vance Endowed Chair in Journalism and Mass Communication.

18 – Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 AROUNDAROUND CAMPUSCAMPUS Community Central, a new “store-front” pedestrian-friendly, student-oriented space opened its doors in downtown New Britain in early November. The center was developed with the goal of inspiring and supporting collaboration among students and the community, and is, itself, the result of collaboration among CCSU, the New Britain Downtown Council and the public school system. Community Central is part of a larger group of institutional initiatives designed to expand and enhance the University’s historical partnership with New Britain. These efforts aim to strengthen the University’s engagement with the New Britain community. In the photo, left to right, are: Andrew Froning ’10, an Americorps VISTA volunteer; business major Krista Kingsbury; Associate Professor of Management and Organization Sarah Stookey, SGA Vice President Chris Kyle, and Community Central Project Manager Eric Francis ’10. This is Community Central’s core team.

A new partnership between the Travelers Companies, Inc., and CCSU, announced in December, will provide underrepresented students with the education and training necessary for employ- ment in the insurance and financial services industries. Through the Travelers EDGE (Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment) program, CCSU is receiving a major grant that covers program expenses and tuition for Greater Hartford-area students who qualify. Program resources will be used to mentor undergraduates, as well as to increase their awareness of future career opportunities. CCSU Professor of Management and Organization David Fearon, who is the Travelers EDGE advisor on campus, closely guides students as they navigate the pressures of academia and their demanding internships. Travelers Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis Anthony Torsiello (at right) serves as the company’s liaison to CCSU.

The Carnegie Endowment for the Advancement of Teaching recognized the University’s many community outreach initiatives, such as the Travelers partnership and Community Central, by selecting CCSU as a “Community Engagement Institution,” a new and prestigious classification designed to encourage such innovative efforts to increase the value of the institutions as a resource for their communities.

Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 – 19 HAPPENINGSHAPPENINGS

Kaye Lynn Fote, Barbara Miller, Liz Leonard, Charlie Fote ’73 President Jack Miller and TCC Class of 1954: (l-r) John Barnes ’54, Kathleen (Wall) Barnes ’57, Carol (Kulak) Conklin ’55, Walter Conklin ’54, Mel Lobaugh (Honorary ’54), seated Dorothy ( McCord) Gallagher ’54, Norm Hausmann ’54, Jean ( Smith) Lobaugh ’54 and Joyce (Szeluga) Wolk ’54

Phil Desorbo ’93 and daughters Isabella and Sofia Sisters of Iota Kappa Tau Sue (Kimberly) Cary ’74, Cindy Wright, Dee Bednar ’73, Eileen Purcell ’74 seated Kathy (Wheeler) Neurath ’70, Linda (DeRose) Carlson ’71 and Lynn (Douglass) Sestito ’75

The Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Brothers are (l to r) Aaron Lucas, Dick Wiszniak ’73, Brian Mattiello ’88, and Fred Agee ’80. Al Staten, Philip Kane, Jr., Kevin Cranford, Sr. ’81, Dick and Brian are Past Presidents and Fred is current Devin Page, Raymond Bailey and Bobby Gibson. President of the CCSU Alumni Association.

20 – Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 Recent Books & News by CCSU Alumni Michael Bertolini ’08 T. Garth Connelly ’83 and John several incarnations since separat- Christian scholar Deirdre The Cold Tower: Lambert U.S. Patrol Torpedo ing from the city of Hartford in 1783. Hainsworth, honor ethicist Max The Dark Heritage Boats in World War II, 1939-1945 Beginning as a huge agricultural Stackhouse, contemplating the his- Saga and The Nimble Books, LLC, 2010 community centered on tobacco, it torical roots of public theology and Shadow Road: Connelly is has been a railroad center, a major ongoing resources of public theolo- The Dark a lifelong manufacturer of aircraft engines, gy as a vital element in the church’s Heritage Saga student of and a vibrant community in which to engagement with global issues. (Volume 2) PT boats work and live. Mary Lou Sullivan ’98 Createspace, and this Donna Marie Raisin’ Cain, 2010 lavishly (Mulcahy/Pitino) Merritt ’88 The Wild and Chelsey Perry illustrated Job Loss: A Journey in Poetry Raucous Story of APEX Review volume is a Avalon Press November 2010 of Johnny called The Cold Tower “...a grand, comprehen- In her 16th book, Donna Marie Winter Backbeat sweeping fantasy epic...a can’t- sive general Merritt uses both serious and Books, 2010 miss thriller for fans of quality history that humorous (featured in the fantasy fiction.” It tells the story includes poetry, Summer 2010 of what happens extensive detail about construction, traditional Focus). The in the world of engines, weapons, camouflage and and more Blues Foundation Scyllia when operation. experimen- in Memphis has the evil sorcerer Joseph Gallucci Ed.D., BS ’74 tal pieces, awarded Sullivan Enlokirim rises MS ’82 (pen name Bob Gallucci) to explore the 2011 Keeping from his grave, We Survived St. Gabes Lulu the timely the Blues Alive Award for Raisin’ Cain. seeking revenge Publishing, 2010 topic of against those that James K. Zavez ’84 Gallucci’s unemploy- destroyed him. Father, Son and Holy Spirit humorous ment. The The Shadow Road Get In Line Publishing, 2010 yarn recalls poems in is a sequel. Zavez’ book is an action thriller, 40 stu- this collection are for the poetry which Amazon describes this way: Chia-Li (Jolly) dents who lover in general and for everyone “A terrorist attack Chien ’89 CFP Show Me The laughed, whose life has been affected by on Inauguration Money: Run Your Business like played, financial difficulties. day stuns a Prosperous prayed and Scott Washington. US Investor iUni- grew up Paeth ’93 security groups verse, 2010 together Exodus turn to the one Chia-Li Chien is from 1957 Church person who might chief strategist of until 1965 and Civil be able to piece it Chien Associates at St. Gabriel School in Windsor, Society: together; a librar- LLC, which helps Connecticut. Thanks to “St. Gabes,” Public ian with ties to women entrepre- they built lasting friendships, Theology the White House. neurs convert their developed great values and strong and Social Her son Joe, businesses into ideologies and were fully prepared Theory in ex-military, goes meaningful per- for future success in advanced edu- the Work undercover as a DEA operative. He sonal wealth. Her cation and in life. of Jürgen races against the clock to find the book explains how to strategically Raymond Johnson ’66 Moltmann Ashgate Publishing, 2008 terrorists, a missing friend, all with- innovate your business foundation Images of America: East Hartford out losing Sister Clare.” and position your company to get Deirdre Hainsworth and Scott Arcadia, 2009 the value you deserve. Paeth, Public Theology for a Johnson’s Global Society: Essays in Honor photo his- Central alumni—please let us know of Max Stackhouse Eerdmans tory of East about your recently published Publishing Company, 2010 Hartford books: [email protected] Paeth’s first book explores the covers the intersection of theology and social evolution theory in the work of Jurgen of the town Moltmann, examining the way in from its set- which Moltmann’s concept of the tlement in ‘Exodus Church’ can illuminate the 1639 to cur- importance of the idea of civil soci- rent times, ety for a Christian public theology. revealing His essays, composed with how the town has gone through

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bowl appearances and won 70 the 2009 C-USA West Division 75 CLASS NOTES Edward Piatek, route owner David A. Fowler, who recently Championship during his and operator for Federal retired from teaching for more 61 tenure. William Fritz MS ’66, former Express in Ocala, FL, was than 33 years at schools in high school industrial arts the recipient of the FedEx Old Lyme, CT, has no plans Humanitarian Award for 2009 73 to coast. He’s gearing up to teacher and athletic coach, Brent Lemire, former for the rescue of a distressed continue his efforts to get a was appointed to serve as Litchfield, NH fire chief, motorist during a weather bike in the hands of every chair of the Connecticut Board is serving as interim town microburst. Pete Richards kid who wants one through of Education’s Connecticut administrator of Northwood, retired as dean of students Bikes for Kids. Over the 20 Technical High School NH while the town searches at Nashoba Regional High years of its existence the Committee. U. S. Marine Corps for a new administrator. Ray School in Bolton, MA in 2006 Old Lyme organization has veteran Carl R. Venditto (MS) Oliver teaches high school after 35 years of service as supplied some 12,000 bikes is still serving his country. English and creative writing administrator, athletic director, and recently, working with a In his fourth term as one of for the Anderson County, TN health education instructor, and church in Connecticut’s two U. S. Army Board of Education. Ray has baseball and football coach. Wallingford, Reserves ambassadors he published four books and is He keeps busy in retirement sent 136 holds the protocol rank of working on a fifth. He and his serving as an umpiring slow- bikes major general, and has a wife, Cindy, have two adult pitch softball, managing a little to Haiti. varied list of responsibilities, children and reside in Clinton, league complex in Leominster, Jacqueline including making public TN. Stephen A. Pirro is a MA, and substitute teaching. (Levanto) presentations about the quality assurance manager at Sullivan, reserves. Ambassadors are Metalcraft/Sea-fire Marine, Inc. who retired considered the eyes and ears 72 in Rosedale, MD. in the community. Mary Ann Dayton-Fitzgerald in February 2010 after having MS ’81, ’90, a counselor for spent her entire professional Connecticut’s Commission on 74 career at Norwich Free 64 Jerry Libbin is a city the Deaf and Hearing Impaired Academy as a teacher, special Football veteran Rick Lantz is commissioner (first elected in and a mental health clinician education department chair currently defensive coordinator 2005 and reelected in 2009) at the East Hartford-based and cheerleading coach, found and linebackers coach for and vice mayor in Miami Capitol Region Education herself back at the academy at United Football League’s Beach, FL, and president Council Polaris Center, was the end of June when she was Omaha Nighthawks. and CEO of the Miami Beach reappointed to the Connecticut asked to fill an appointment as Chamber of Commerce. Interagency Birth-to-Three interim head of the school. 67 Dr. Nancy C. Motola is a Coordinating Council. Dr. Patricia (Ball) Bello retired principal consultant for Pharma William Hunter, former from the University of New Regulatory Connection in 76 assistant city manager of Sandra (Arita) Dunigan is Haven in May 2010. She was Waterford, CT. Bernard P. Hartford, was recently named a special education teacher a practitioner in residence in Pierorazio is superintendent chair of the School of Business at King Street School in Port the English department. She of Yonkers at the University of Phoenix, Chester, NY. Dave Szewczul, had previously retired as a vice Public Schools, South Florida campus. The current CSGA senior player of principal from the East Haven the fourth Massachusetts Horticultural the year, was inducted into the Public School System. Alan largest district in Society has named Katherine Connecticut Golf Hall of Fame M. DeBisschop MS ’71 was New York State. (Korn) Macdonald its new in December. Szewczul has recently named to the Wall He previously executive been playing in the top echelon of Honor at Southington High served as director. of state golf for 35 years, School. Mr. DeBisschop is deputy Katherine winning seven individual state retired from the Southington superintendent, was titles, six four-ball crowns and Board of Education after a assistant superintendent, and president most recently a New England 35-year career. He is currently principal of Saunders Trades of KMAC championship. He began the treasurer of the Southington and Technical High School Marketing year with a victory in the Senior Education Foundation. which, under his leadership, and, prior Match Play Championship, became a United States to that, vice followed that up with a win in 69 Department of Education Blue president of the Connecticut Senior Open Bob Tarigo MS ’76, who has Ribbon School of Excellence marketing and finished the year off with coached girls’ volleyball for 29 and a New American High for Thompson Island Outward a victory at the New England years at Berlin High School, School. Gregory J. Ziogas th Bound. John Skladany is back Senior Amateur. Dennis celebrated his 400 career win (MS) retired as principal of at the University of Central Schermerhorn was inducted in a victory over Middletown on Plainville High School in June Florida, as linebackers coach into the Bristol Sports Hall November 5, 2010. 2010 after spending his entire and special teams assistant, of Fame in November 2010. educational career in Plainville. after spending a couple of A 1971 graduate of Bristol years as defensive coordinator Eastern High School, he at Conference USA rival set records as the Lancers’ Houston, which enjoyed two quarterback and also played 22 – Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 baseball and wrestled, CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES

placing third in the regional and performer Steve Lippia Jeffrey M. Whiteley is a alumni office coordinator at competition. recently returned to his alma manager at Modells Sporting Trinity College in Hartford. mater, St. Paul High School in Goods in Stamford. Dawn Draper-Classen, 77 Southington, for a performance formerly of Willmott & Joyce (Luginbuhl) Abele is a to benefit the school. Sandra 83 Associates, has joined health program administrator in (Williams) Pierog is a certified James M. Broderick is Farmington Bank as assistant the Division of Nutrition for the public accountant with operations manager at vice president, human New York State Department Whittlesey & Hadley PC in Sedgwick Claims Management resources business partner. of Health in Albany. Elizabeth Hartford. Services in Lake Mary, FL. T. Amy Hewitt Cunningham (Sanford) Malone is a special Garth Connelly had a book was appointed senior education teacher for the 81 signing for his fifth book, U. S. program manager, enrollment Danbury Board of Education. Steve Addazio MS ’85, Patrol Torpedo Boats in World management and marketing, who helped the University War II, 1939 – 1945, at the at the Hartford campus of 78 of Florida win two BCS final reunion of PT Boats, Inc., Rensselaer Polytechnic Gary Baxter, head of National Championships in the official national veterans Institute. Robert C. Lickwar information technology for ING the last five years, has been association for men who is a certified public accountant U.S. Retirement Services, ING named Temple University’s served on USN PT boats, their and partner at Del Conte, Individual 25th head football coach. bases and tenders in World Hyde, Annello & Schuch PC Retirement, He most recently served as War II. Betzy (Christensen) in Farmington, specializing in and the the associate head coach Farnsworth is a middle taxation of small businesses company’s and offensive coordinator for school teacher of English and and their owners, real estate, closed block the Gators during the 2010 language arts at Robert E. multi-state, business and of business, season. Linda (Phelps) Fitch Middle School in Groton. individual taxation. Nancy has been Fish is senior sales manager Dr. Dana (Montini) Wilkie has (Warner) Murray is a certified promoted at Courtyard by Marriott in been named academic dean public accountant and has run to chief Cromwell. JEM Design is the for undergraduate programs her own business, Nancy D. information officer of ING name of Jane (Feinstein) at Charter Oak State College Murray CPA, in Orlando, FL Insurance U.S. Previously Mahoney’s freelance design in New Britain. Dr. Wilkie since 1995, focusing primarily Baxter has served in executive company in Monroe, CT. previously served as assistant on financial matters related to information technology Kathie McCarthy is director of dean of domestic programs small business, entrepreneurs roles with Hartford Financial human resources at Whittlesey in the School of Global and and individuals. Frank E. Services Group, Travelers Life & Hadley, PC in Hartford. Professional Programs at Rudewicz, and Annuity, Lincoln Financial James D. Noga MS ’89, 6th Marist College, Poughkeepsie, Jr., licensed Group and Aetna. Thomas J. Yr ’93, principal at Second Hill NY. private Bebrin is director, strategic Lane Elementary School in investigator, sourcing, at Callaway Golf Stratford, took over as principal 84 former Company, Inc. in Carlsbad, at Lordship Elementary School, Matthew S. Friedman is a undercover CA. Gregg P. Demetros also in Stratford, for the start regional project manager officer with retired as vice president of of the 2010-11 academic for the United Nations the Hartford sales at Unilever in Stamford. year. Jim has held several Inter-Agency Project on Police Walter G. administrative positions in the Human Trafficking, a multi- Department and licensed “Wally” district since 1997, including national organization that attorney, joined Marcum LLP Harper was supervisor of fine arts, and focuses on the identification as a principal and counsel recently became principal at Second and prevention of human in the Hartford and Boston appointed Hill Lane in 2006. Thomas trafficking. He and his family offices, and heads the forensic, vice A. Rickis of Canton is an live in Bangkok, Thailand investigative and valuation president artist whose work consists of where he is stationed. Alan advisory practice for the New of human watercolors, oils and mixed Miner is a project manager England area. He has more resources at media paintings, photographs with Fiserv and a consultant than 26 years experience Gaylord Specialty Healthcare and giclee prints. His paintings at CheckFreePay. Anna conducting domestic and in Wallingford. and photographs are in private (Labarbera) O’Rourke was international investigations collections throughout the U. S. appointed principal of Saint for anti-trust/anti-competitive 79 Mary School in Ridgefield. issues, harassment, fraud, U. S. Marine Corps veteran 82 O’Rourke has served St. ethics and other employment- George A. Messier Michael J. Cerruto (MA) Mary’s in various capacities for related conduct. Al Sylvestre currently serves as veterans has retired after four years 15 years. Most recently she is a research analyst for the administrator for Wallingford as principal of Terryville was assistant principal. Connecticut Department of and Meriden. High School and 35 years Labor in Wethersfield. Damian as an educator. Richard 85 M. Zyjewski is an engineering 80 D. Kriscenski is a revenue David R. Brown works for manager for J. F. Fredericks Harry G. Bellucci is a teacher examiner for the State of Delta Airlines as an airport Tool in Farmington. and head football coach at Connecticut Department of customer service agent. Julie Hartford High School. Vocalist Revenue Services in Hartford. (Wallach) Cloutier is the

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vice president, small business special education for Plainville fourth-grade teacher at East 86 administration (SBA) sales community Schools, has Berlin’s Hubbard Elementary Kevin O’Brien is a portfolio specialist. Mauriello comes to been named assistant School, was chosen as the manager at Prospector Webster with more than 16 superintendent for the district Teacher of the Year. Partners Asset Management years of Plainville school district. Her Patrice (Spanier) Buzzella LLC in Guilford, CT, specialized career as an educator spans is a fifth-grade teacher for the specializing in property- experience more than two decades in Novato, CA Unified School casualty insurance, specialty in SBA New York, Washington, District. finance, asset management lending, California and Connecticut. and diversified financial most Pamela (Jennings) Shick is a services. Alfred DiVincentis, 92 recently with technology integration teacher A leader in the area of partner at Halloran & National for Hartford Public Schools. adolescent substance abuse Sage LLP was honored Cooperative treatment at Wheeler Clinic in by the Associated General bank as the SBA portfolio Plainville, William D. Kania Contractors of Connecticut 90 relationship manager. Patrick Orazio DelVecchio has joined has been named vice president as supplier/service provider Mulligan, Citizens Bank as a mortgage of outpatient services. Xhemil of the year. Stonington social head boys’ loan officer at the Church “John” studies teacher Michael L. varsity Street branch in New Haven. Koliani is Freeman was reappointed to soccer DelVecchio has been in the a certified the Connecticut Investment coach at mortgage business for 17 public Advisory Council which Avon High years and came to Citizens accountant advises the state treasurer on School, from Envoy Mortgage where and partner investments related to state has been he was a loan officer. Stephen in the retirement plans and trust chosen as J. Jeffries is vice president, Farmington funds. William D. Glueck is Connecticut’s 2010 boys’ healthcare at Matthews & accounting vice president of Information soccer coach of the year. Stephens Associates, an firm Kostin, Ruffkess & Co. LLC. Products Inc. in East Granby. executive search recruiting firm Dr. Lillian Ortiz was appointed in Rocky Hill. James R. Miron, interim associate dean of 89 93 Bonnie (DeNote) Del Conte, former mayor of Stratford, has Mark L. Grover is executive academic and student affairs a certified public accountant, joined Trantolo & Trantolo, director of the Maryland at Middlesex Community has been president and CEO LLC. He will be practicing Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch, a College for a one-year term. of CONNSTEP, a business personal injury law out of the group home for young men Dr. Ortiz is on loan from her consulting organization that firm’s Waterbury office. Henry in Frederick, MD. Grover position as dean of institutional helps small and midsize L. Shawah serves as a project joined the group home in 2001 development at Manchester Connecticut manufacturing manager at the Whiting-Turner as a social worker and has Community College for the companies take advantage of Contracting Company in Fort been executive director since one-year term. expert business solutions to Lauderdale, FL. 2006. William S. Phibbs is compete and grow profitably, senior mechanical engineer 88 since 2006. Joseph S. Fiducia for Bloomfield-based BVH Robert J. Borkowski is an 91 is vice president at Fidelity Omar S. Ali has joined Integrated Services, and estimator and project manager Investments in West Hartford. the AspenCross Financial is currently designing the for Tilcon Connecticut Inc. Mark J. Fortin is associate Group, a community-based mechanical systems for the in New Britain. John R. auditor for the State of financial advisory, investment proposed four-story academic Budkins, who has worked Connecticut Auditors of Public management and employee building at CCSU. Phibbs has for the past seven years as Accounts. Joseph “Jay” benefits firm in Farmington, recently been accepted into CBS Television Distribution’s Johnston, Jr. has been hired as an investment advisor the CCSU graduate program vice president of sales for as an assistant city auditor in representative. Stephanie and is pursuing his MS in the northeast region, has Cape Coral, FL. Previously A. Coxon MS ’01, reading construction management. been named vice president, Johnston had a 26-year career consultant at Gainfield Stephen D. Sopelak is a programming and scheduling, with The Hartford Financial Elementary School in licensed professional engineer for the CBS television stations Services Group, most recently Southbury, is the recipient and project engineer for the group. He will work with the in the position of vice president of the Outstanding Literacy Town of Rocky Hill. group’s 28 stations in acquiring and director of corporate Leader Award from the and renewing syndicated risk management, and was University of Bridgeport. The programming. Michael T. 94 chief operations officer of award goes to a graduate Selective Insurance Group Cotnoir has completed the Tucson Unified School student who has completed announced the appointment requirements for his MBA at District in Tucson, AZ since with distinction the sixth of Vere Bryan as assistant Bay Path College. Alessandra 2007. Amy (Brayman) Martin year reading and language vice president, general (Tutino) Lundberg is is employed at Universal arts consultant program in liability, umbrella and finance officer for the board Orlando in Orlando, FL as the university’s School of professional liability line of of trustees of Connecticut a reservations manager. Education, and demonstrated business manager at its Community Colleges. [photo] Maureen (Luddy) Schiffer exemplary work as a literacy Selective Insurance Company Rosemary (Troy) Mauriello (MS, 6th Yr), director of leader. Timothy J. Maule, a of America subsidiary in has joined Webster Bank as 24 – Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES

Branchville, NJ. Prior to joining Professional Standards spectrum of graphic design Walsh Selective in July 2010 Vere Division of the New Britain services in Apollo Beach, FL Insurance was assistant vice president Police Department. Kelly where she and her husband in Westport. of casualty for Harleysville (Bourgeois) and son live. Edward “EJ” During her Insurance Company Title- Smith, Howard joined Willis North 13-year holding coach of New York fifth grade America, an insurance career City’s PSAL Soccer League, physical information and consulting she has Marcus education services firm, as assistant specialized in DiBernardo and health vice president of the Hartford professional is now teacher at office. Kent Hurlburt was liability, risk management and head coach Har-Bur named principal of Yalesville ancillary business insurance of men’s Middle Elementary School in needs. Jeffrey Varesio is an soccer at School in Regional School Wallingford. He was previously engineering manager with Monroe District 10, was named 2010 principal of Glastonbury’s Covidien in North Haven. John College Elementary Physical Education Naubuc Elementary School. B. Varlese, Jr., who has won in New Teacher of the Year by the Lester A. King, transportation numerous design awards for Rochelle, NY where, over Connecticut Association for engineer in the office of such companies as Del Monte, the past two seasons, he has Health, Physical Education, research at Connecticut’s Sunglass Hut, Checker’s, and recruited a winning team from Recreation and Dance. Department of Transportation, Elizabeth Arden, is art director all over the world. Peter A. has been promoted to major in for RR Donnelley Financial McKoy is a police officer for 96 the U. S. Army National Guard. Services in Tampa, FL. the City of New Haven. Mark Hope (Mansigian) A. Zydanowicz is a captain in Bellantuono, second-grade 97 98 the Connecticut Army National Philip Barnett was recognized Andrea Bazinet-Cook is teacher at Plymouth Center Guard, and third-generation by Hartford Business Journal employed with the Alternative School was chosen as owner, with other family as one of to Incarceration Center (AIC) Plymouth’s Teacher of the members, of Guida’s Milk & Ice Hartford’s 40 in Meriden, supervising court, Year. Mike Church is the Cream headquartered in New Under Forty. probation and parole-mandated owner of, and professional Britain. Phil is an clients to ensure that they instructor at, Diamond entrepreneur are completing their ordered Kings Baseball and Softball and conditions while engaged in 95 Academy and Parisi Speed restaurateur, the criminal justice system. Anthony J. Gasper MS ’02, School in Bristol. He recently a partner Plainville Community Schools Ed.D. ’06, has been hired expanded his operation with in Hartford has named John E. Girard, as assistant superintendent the installation of a Parisi Restaurant Group (HRG), Jr. its 2010-11 Teacher of the for Ansonia Public Schools. Speed School at the Healthtrax the management arm behind Year. Girard has been an Gasper began his educational Fitness and Wellness facility a trio of restaurant brands, educator for ten years, serving career in 1996 as a Spanish in Enfield. Angel Cruz has with roots in Greater Hartford, as science teacher at Plainville teacher in the Manchester been working for Stop & Shop launched in 2002. Santia High School for the past five. school district and has held since he was 16 and, following (Santiago) Garcia is a sixth- In addition to teaching he several other positions since, a stint in the U. S. Army and grade art teacher at Denison has served as the freshman most recently as assistant National Guard, has managed Middle School in Winter basketball coach and is the principal at East Hampton Stop & Shop stores across Haven, FL. Noelle (Griffin) advisor to the high school’s High School. Joyce (Pelletier) Connecticut, including the new Smetana teaches elementary Bio-Medical Club. Jeffrey Gorcyca is a member of the store that recently opened in vocal music at Echo Mountain O’Meara is director, ACE/Lean nursing faculty at Lincoln West Hartford, the chain’s 94th Primary and Intermediate and Supplier Gold at Sikorsky Technical Institute in New store in the state. Russell V. Schools for the Paradise Aircraft in Stratford. Michael A. Britain. Richard L. Green DiNoto is a rating veterans Valley Unified School District Zielinski is chief compliance is a partner at Robinson service representative for the in Phoenix, AZ. Deborah officer at Foxhall Capital & Cole in Hartford, and Department of Veterans Affairs (Barker) Perry is a market Management in Orange, CT. provides legal and business in Providence, RI. Brendan research consultant for The counsel in transactional, M. Healy is Hartford Financial Services regulatory, and litigation- a certified 99 Group at their Simsbury Stacey (Barriault) Shanahan related matters involving public location. Marc Rybczyk has is a social worker for the technology, intellectual accountant joined the C.W. Post campus Connecticut Department property, e-business, export, specializing of Long Island University as of Children and Families in and sourcing. Green formerly in tax assistant coach for men’s Waterbury. Glen Carman served as North American management basketball. Rybczyk spent the is an assistant engineer at general counsel and corporate for J. H. past five seasons at Southern GM2 Associates Inc., a civil secretary for a publicly traded Cohn LLP in Connecticut State University, engineering and inspection UK-based technology and Glastonbury. Heather (Davis) four as the head coach of the firm specializing in bridge business process outsourcing Hiebner recently started her Owls. Janice (Budzinauskas) design and safety inspection, company. Anthony J. Paventi own company, del Sol Design Strileckis has joined Sachs in Glastonbury. Brenden is captain/commander, Studio, which provides a full Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 – 25 CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES

Floyd is a hotline screener at chief of the department in May senior account executive. West, a forum that provides the Connecticut Department of 2010. Before joining ViaMark, she the opportunity for writers Children & Families in Hartford. was an account executive for to share their true stories 02 Comcast in the Connecticut with audiences, in the San 00 Robin L. Gatter is the owner and Massachusetts areas. Francisco, CA bay area. Seth Michael A. Cain [MS], of A Matter of Taste Catering Stephen Luttge (MS) is a Erazmus is an IT technician principal of Kelly Middle in West Palm Beach, FL. development associate at for the East Haddam School School in Norwich, was the Christa Jobs is a grade six Stonehill College in Easton, District. Lidania (Gonzalez) recipient of the Norwich branch teacher at Sage Park Middle MA. Denise Marchese (MS) Cibere is a volleyball coach of the NAACP’s Excellence School in Windsor, CT. Nancy is head softball coach at and sales consultant for Sports in Education Award at its P. Kirk (MS) is building State University of New York and Wellness in Danbury, and annual Freedom Fund Dinner principal at Bridgewater- (SUNY) New Paltz. Richard also coaches the Ridgefield in October. Jill (Brochu) Raynham Regional School M. Menzia (MS) is director High School boys varsity Conselino is an athletic trainer District in Bridgewater, MA. of education for accreditation volleyball team. Trask-Decrow for Holyoke Public Schools Victor Leger, accomplished and certification operations Machinery of South Portland, in Holyoke, MA. Russell A. artist and art teacher at at The Joint Commission, ME has hired Michael Hoover Delldonna is a partner at Torrington High School an independent, not-for-profit of South Windsor as sales Delldonna Consulting Group was chosen as Torrington’s organization in Chicago, IL engineer for their southern LLC in Windsor. Dianne Teacher of the Year. Victor is that accredits and certifies territory, which includes (Warner) Grimaldi is an a member of the International more than 18,000 health care Connecticut, Rhode Island English and language arts Guild of Realism and the organizations and programs and parts of Massachusetts. teacher for the Vernon Board Artwell Gallery in Torrington, in the United States. Anthony Mary Lou Shefrin, controller of Education. Dr. G. Duncan and he is represented by Molinuevo was promoted for the law firm of Finn, Harris galleries in New York City and to the position of assistant Dixon & Herling, was named (MS), dean New Jersey. Kathleen (Moran) vice president/assistant to the board of directors of of student Ellis (MS) is a mathematics branch manager for Patriot Liberation Programs Inc., a affairs at teacher, and chair of the National Bank headquartered provider of substance abuse Manchester mathematics department, at in Stamford. He has been treatment and prevention Community Enfield Public Schools. Carrie with Patriot since 2005. services in Fairfield County. College, was (Praytor) O’Neil is a financial Mary T. Munson, teacher at Britney Stanley is a mutual selected advisor with Merrill Lynch Wintonbury Early Childhood fund account representative by the Wealth Management in New Magnet School in Bloomfield, for Franklin Templeton. Ryan State of Connecticut African Haven. Harald Ziegler (Int’l was honored as the school’s E. Taylor, senior accountant American Affairs Commission MBA) Teacher of the Year. Seth at Kostin Ruffkess & Co. as its 2010 Man of the Year. 03 Noiseux is employed at The LLC in Farmington, has been Sharlene (Reis) Parker MS Carlye (Anderson) Goulart Hartford Financial Services promoted to supervisor. ’06, grade six mathematics and is employed as a health and Group in Hartford as a science teacher at Carmen physical education teacher complex claim consultant. 06 Arace Intermediate School, at Fitch Middle School in Keith Stegbauer is a licensed Kate Backman has joined was honored as the school’s Groton. Steven J. Carrier, hearing instrument specialist in the University of Bridgeport as Teacher of the Year. English teacher at Bloomfield Seminole, FL. the head coach of the Purple High School, was honored as Knights’ women’s lacrosse 01 the school’s Teacher of the 05 team which will begin its first Kristy (Admans) Langello Year. Traci L. Mayette (MS), Fran Amara is a health and season as a varsity program is a crime scene investigator teacher and team leader in the physical education teacher in the spring of 2011. Danielle for the Vero Beach, FL Police West Hartford school system, at Lewis Mills High School (D’Ambrosio) Chiera is a Department. Daniel P. O’Brien has been named assistant in Burlington where he also third-grade teacher for South was appointed assistant principal of the Middle School of coaches girls’ cross-country, Plainfield, NJ Public Schools, director of admissions for Plainville. Allen A. Watts is a basketball, and golf. Kristie and head coach for girls QU Online at Quinnipiac sales representative for Dichello S. Blanchard (MS), Bacon soccer at South Plainfield University in Hamden. Thomas Distributors in Orange, CT. Academy social studies High School. Justin Chiera C. Perrine (MS) is a school department chair and AP is an instructional aide at counselor for Fulton County 04 human geography teacher, Roosevelt Elementary School Schools in Johns Creek, GA. A Jordan Barnes is photo was named the Outstanding in South Plainfield, NJ. Glenn member of the South Windsor director at Seventeen Geography Teacher of 2010 Eason is a manager at Police Department since Magazine/Hearst Corporation for the New England Region Sherwin-Williams in Cromwell. 1987 and in New York City. Jeffrey of the New England-St. Alexandra Joseph is working commander Brunetti was hired as Lawrence Valley Geographer’s as a compliance analyst-supply of operations head boys soccer coach Association. Dan Boothby chain for Philips Consumer since 2005, at Newington High School. has been promoted to director Lifestyle. Kory Kevorkian is a Matthew D. Media professional Kristin of strength and conditioning physical education teacher and Reed was Capezzone has joined at Northeastern University baseball and football coach at promoted to the New England office of in Boston. Joe Clifford is Wilbur Cross Comprehensive ViaMark Advertising as a the producer of Lip Service High School in New Haven. 26 – Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES

Ceara (Maher) Ladue is the maintenance products, as (MS) teaches English and site director at Middlesex well as heavy duty material family and consumer sciences New Arrivals Births / Adoptions YMCA in Middletown. Lauren handling equipment, storage at Simsbury High School Melissa (Damiata) ’03 Mailhot teaches fifth grade at and workstations. Marlanea and Henry James Memorial & Adam Chilberg: Royle School in Darien, and Sullivan is an English teacher School in Simsbury. Allen a son, Nathaniel on 5/22/10 is head cheerleading coach at for Lee Middle and High Canales has joined the Darien High School. Victoria G. School in Lee, MA. Kimberly Norwalk and Port Chester, Marriages Pavasaris has been appointed (Reissig) Beebe (MS) is NY offices of Two Men and a Sandra Diane Land & assistant director of admissions an academic advisor and Truck as marketing and sales Edward F. Piatek ’70 4/15/08 for QU Online at Quinnipiac counselor at Goodwin College coordinator. The firm has more Kimberly Timpany ’97 & University in Hamden. Craig in East Hartford. than 200 franchised locations Matthew Dowdy 11/6/10 Rogers is a technology and 1,300 trucks in the U. S., education teacher at McGee 08 Canada and Ireland. Ahmad Melissa L. Mercier & Middle School in Berlin. Rudi Sandra-Lee (Phipps) Bogucki Chowhan is a loss mitigation- John B. Varlese, Jr. ’97 10/10/10 Somuah is an architecture is a sixth-grade social studies QA analyst at ISGN, a provider Stacey Rae Barriault ’99 & designer at L & A Associates teacher at Dr. Robert H. Brown of mortgage technology Bryan Shanahan 5/15/10 LLC in Hartford. Drummer Middle School in Madison. and services, in Rocky Hill. Cristina Negron ’03 & Trenton Wright plays in the Cristina Cossette joined the Stacey (Snyder) Conrad is Joseph R. Mitusina 2/9/02 rap band Political Animal and accounting firm Pue, Chick, an associate in the Richmond, in his own band, Walk Away, Leibowitz & Blezard LLC in VA office of accounting Britney Stanley ’05 & and is the owner of, and Vernon in 2010. She has nine firm Goodman & Company. Keith Stegbauer ’04 9/18/10 books shows for, EightSixZero years of experience in public Christopher DeMorro is a Crystal Holmes & Booking and Promotion, as well accounting with small business writer and editor, specializing Francis J. Amara, Jr. ’05 7/31/10 as designing for EightSixZero and individual taxation. John in car reviews and technical Elizabeth Joy Forman ’06 & Clothing & Design and King F. Diakun is a candidate for a articles, for Cleantechnica, Gas Paul W. Sanborn ’07 12/31/10 Ding Tees. Juris Doctor degree, class of 2.0, Greenbuilding Elements, Nicole Suzanne Griffin ’07 & 2012, at New England Law in and PowerTV. Dawn Silver Kory Kevorkian ’06 7/30/10 07 Boston, MA. Emily Johnson is a social studies teacher at Christine Girouard (MS) is teaches grade four at Harry S. Nathan Hale-Ray High School Jaclyn Claudia Almeida ’08 & assistant director of student Fisher Elementary School in in Moodus. Kimberly (Boyke) Michael Gatto 5/22/10 activities at Worcester Terryville. Dave Lorber was Vigil is a Spanish teacher for Michelle L. Nelson ’08 & Polytechnic Institute in hired as an Oxford Public Schools. Mark A. Huston ’07 9/15/10 Worcester, MA. Nicole Griffin assistant is an art teacher at Bethany baseball 10 Community School in Bethany. coach at Ciara Crinion is working In Memoriam Jenna Gustafson (MA) is a Felician with Parisi Speed School 1917 clinical research coordinator College in at Healthtrax Fitness and Jane Stoll King 05/25/88 at Massachusetts General Rutherford, Wellness in Enfield as a 1924 Hospital in Boston, MA. NJ. Lorber certified trainer and motiva- Eleanor Lezotte Egan 02/24/04 Susan Lozano is a financial joins tor. Nicole Salvatore is a 1928 analyst at TurboCare Inc., a Felician’s Golden Falcons after marketing specialist at The Helen M. Higgiston 09/05/05 network of independent service two seasons as an assistant Perfect Promotion LLC in 1929 providers, offering engineered at Eastern University in St. West Hartford. Stephanie Kathryn P. De Pasquale 08/04/02 solutions, maintenance David’s, PA. Collin Marino has Guillot is a teacher at Sterling support and service to owners been hired as a police recruit Community School in Sterling. 1930 and operators of rotating at the New Milford Police Marissa Haynes was hired Mary Stone Taillon 12/15/02 equipment. Tanya Robbins Department, and began his as a public relations and mar- 1932 is a senior accountant at 26-week training at the State keting manager at Wealth Elizabeth Brewer Curtin 09/18/01 Kostin, Ruffkess & Company Police Academy in October. Management Group of North 1935 LLC in their New London Michelle Pansius Pellegrini America LLC in Farmington. Harriet Kirkpatrick Osborn 05/02/01 office. Pamela Shifrin (MS) is a teacher at John F. Ramakrushna Karnam Edith Minkwith Seymour 02/27/99 opened a massage therapy Kennedy Middle School in Prabhagaran is a senior asso- 1937 business, Power of Touch Enfield. Valerie Schlesinger ciate at Cognizant Technology Satanik Boyajian Gray 01/12/10 Bodywork, based in her (MS) was promoted to director Solutions in London, UK. Cecilia Radzevich Harmon 03/01/07 home in Townsend, MA, of admission for QU Online Kevin Zaksewicz was hired 1939 after completing a four-month at Quinnipiac University in by the Cheshire Police John Klopp 03/04/96 intensive program at the Costa Hamden. Department, and began his Bernard Shapiro 03/29/10 Rica School of Massage 20-week basic training at the 1940 Therapy. Christopher Spence 09 POST Academy in Meriden in Wanda Refkowski Babjak 08/05/08 is a manufacturing engineer Christie Alesevich has October. Robert O. Celotto 02/03/05 at Durham Manufacturing, a joined Service Master Edwin H. Czechowicz 10/08/10 producer of metal and plastic of Greater Bridgeport in Mollie Levine Gross 06/06/10 Stratford as a marketing Beatrice Perkins Moser 01/15/09 products for packaging, Ruth Thompson Stanley 12/21/08 storage, and organization of representative. Addy Burr Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 – 27 CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES • CLASS NOTES

1941 Bonita Franks 05/09/08 Nancy Engle Spaulding 12/13/99 1987 Ella Baudner Brechlin 08/19/10 Russell A. Mazzeo 12/04/10 John A. Waterhouse 09/06/10 Martin W. Clebowicz 11/30/10 Regina Wrzos Lee 03/22/09 John Millerick 09/17/09 Vincent R. Parente 11/22/09 1972 1989 1942 Henry W. Bydlak 08/23/10 Joseph E. DeMichele 12/25/06 Dorothy Benson Bergstrom 11/13/10 1961 Robert J. Ehrlich 02/24/03 Norma M. Duggan 07/11/10 Walter F. Dudding 06/24/09 Carolyn White Doran 02/11/08 Frank J. Levanti 10/09/09 Patricia A. Legienza 12/24/10 Anastazia Kurdyna Rudy 11/03/05 Leon J. Gorski 12/28/10 Richard D. Waring 07/08/10 Helen Boxx Trotta 07/27/10 Frances Hamilton Kozloski 06/30/10 1973 Jonathan J. Weil 12/22/08 John D. Nute 10/15/10 Florence L. Egan 09/22/10 1943 Elizabeth Meiselman Jensen 09/01/07 1993 Carmen Leonard Caggianello 11/28/08 1962 Richard A. Peers 07/28/10 John W. Smith 06/18/10 Rita Moore Finn 11/16/07 Grace Sechtman Barnett 05/13/10 Philip J. Pikor 01/29/10 Mary Short Kinsey 12/13/01 John J. Denehy 04/30/10 Elizabeth Verreault Rustic 05/21/08 1998 Beatrice Colson Phelps 07/13/10 Michael A. Iarrapino 09/27/07 Paula Wesoski Wolfe 07/28/10 Frances Joseph Giraitis 11/20/10 Edward Tomaszewski 02/15/04 George Papallo 02/13/04 Amelia N. Williams 12/02/10 Vernon T. Wood 05/25/09 1974 1963 Jean Markey Campbell 09/24/08 2000 1945 Gertrude Downey Boyle 05/16/07 Guido U. Costa 08/03/04 Michael S. Daly 10/10/10 Sophie B. Gianninoto 07/28/10 Lawrence G. Brown 10/18/94 Stephen R. Dunne 04/02/10 Michael B. DeMaio 12/15/10 Gladys Morrison Grover 04/09/08 John J. Marhefka 10/17/06 1946 2002 Barbara Lawton Henderson 08/30/10 W. Russell Slater 11/23/10 Cherie L. Graham 12/20/10 Ann D. DellaFera 10/24/05 Sean M. McCarthy 09/17/09 Earl R. White 05/11/01 Ann Cashman Marino 11/05/10 2003 Ellsworth Rhodes 07/22/97 1964 1975 Vincent L. Pandolfi 09/02/10 Ronald P. Drozd 11/08/10 Nancy McGuire Freeman 01/20/07 1947 Robert Krystock 01/27/09 Timothy J. Gaffney 06/20/10 Annette Clarke Ebel 10/01/10 Russell H. Kerwin 04/02/10 1965 1948 Bertha Blonder Krantz 04/12/10 Mary Eder Ege 06/12/08 William A. Morse 10/22/10 Ellen Walsh Gionfriddo 09/21/08 Ralph Elfgren 04/24/94 Anthony J. Mennone 12/17/06 Michael W. Mulvey 03/19/94 Kathleen Daley May 07/17/10 Stephen J. St. John 06/04/10 1949 Rita Garrett Wasta 01/21/02 Elmer S. Kish 03/15/09 1976 1966 Peter P. Bobalki 04/12/08 Joan M. McCarthy 04/21/07 Anita Bianchi Ducas 04/26/08 Richard A. Scofield 07/13/10 Robert F. D’Aquila 07/03/10 Robert W. Grace 08/30/05 Joseph A. Milliken 10/01/02 1950 David Lewis 12/16/07 Richard L. Salice 07/31/07 Joseph A. Bartolotta 08/21/10 1967 1977 Arthur L. Beatson 11/12/09 Robert A. Henderson 08/23/97 Michael R. Halpin 09/02/10 William A. Crepeau 12/30/06 Henry M. Kelsey 11/13/10 Walter T. Labore 08/15/93 George W. Heasman 06/21/10 John J. McCormick 07/24/10 John E. Hilliard 10/07/10 Carole M. Giannone 06/19/10 1978 Maurice Lauridsen 12/09/03 June I. Lange 11/28/10 Alan D. Miller 06/12/08 1968 Edythe Wiener Rosh 09/25/10 Barbara Sparveri DeMilia 07/12/10 1979 Sonia Miller Strouse 06/27/10 Carol Hurlbut Gabelmann 07/11/10 Sidney W. Fitzgerald 09/13/09 Richard A. Terry 11/06/10 Gertrude Breier Guida 12/19/10 Lois E. Norling 10/17/10 1951 William J. Murphy 10/12/10 Edward W. Buchholz 07/28/10 Joan Wainwright Oliphant 11/15/10 1980 Wilfred G. Perry 08/01/09 Michael J. Dwonszyk 11/10/09 Joseph P. Troiano 01/01/07 1969 Joan W. Godburn 01/11/09 Margaret Sasiela Winzler 12/06/10 Barton Chase 07/12/05 Stanley Tetlow 09/12/05 Ruth A. Gear 11/24/10 Robert O. Wood 08/07/10 1952 Ina Warner Golub 04/07/10 Marilyn Mackay 12/19/06 Roberta A. Hayward 07/19/10 1981 David A. Phelps 07/01/10 Edna I. Ledgard 08/03/07 Lawrence L. Albrecht 09/17/10 Eleanor Pfersick Wojick 05/01/09 John F. Mantagno 06/17/09 Helen Smoragiewicz Butler 11/04/10 Paul E. Panek 12/28/07 Donald F. Dwyer 10/29/09 1954 Thomas M. Ryan 10/04/10 Carole Springer King 09/03/10 Janet Gifford Ficken 05/14/10 Italo M. Letizia 03/16/05 Russell Hafner 07/09/10 1970 Shirley L. Sagendorf 08/07/06 Robert D. Navickas 11/07/10 Irene B. Bates 06/06/09 David R. Viens 01/22/09 Irwin Rothstein 06/03/10 Robert F. Carroll 05/16/06 Paul L. Watson 03/29/10 Benjamin L. Citron 06/21/10 1956 Janet Minck McCormack 10/07/10 1982 Thomasina L. Arena 04/29/10 Ruth Gross Rosmarin 12/02/10 Steven E. Donahue 04/22/07 Kenneth F. Roth 03/27/98 John J. Mysliwiec 12/31/10 1957 Anna Skwara Werner 12/01/09 John Menna 07/25/08 1971 Mary-Ann Wroblewski Sroka 06/01/01 Nancy Hanks Allen 10/24/10 1983 Robert D. Gauthier 05/02/01 Nora K. Pelletier 04/15/09 1958 Ronald E. Poupart 08/06/10 Sally McDonald Sullivan 07/16/10 Jean Kazmierski 07/24/10 Carol Ann Lasky 06/27/10 1984 1959 Walter M. Murphy 07/26/10 Theodore J. Kubek 08/16/00 Palmer Mcweeney 05/20/10 Dorothy Love Provost 11/01/99 Sandra I. Marsh 05/29/10 Michael F. Regan 10/10/10 1960 Samuel J. Minella 12/19/10 William T. Sandalls 09/08/06 Susan Burger Popper 05/31/03 Ruth Brockner Ellwood 10/08/10 Faith Parrs Serapiglia 05/29/01 28 – Central Focus Winter-Spring 2011 Matching Your Passion with the University’s Needs

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

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CELEBRATING ELIHU BURRITT BICENTENNIAL, 1810-2010 by Renata Vickrey and Lynn Johnson-Corcoran

The Burritt Library hosted a series of events during the fall Walking with Elihu by Taylor Graham, a California poet and 2010 semester to celebrate the bicentennial of Elihu Burritt’s member of the Burritt family. birth, including lectures, research competitions, poetry read- The Burritt Library held two research competitions: one ings and an extensive exhibit of Burritt material. for New Britain High School students and one for CCSU Known as “The Learned Blacksmith,” Burritt was born in students. The New Britain High School awards were given at New Britain and is regarded as the city’s most famous citizen. the lecture on November 16 and on December 8 the CCSU A blacksmith by trade, he was also a self-taught linguist and research competition award was given to Victoria Sawtelle for a vocal peace activist, reformer, abolitionist, penny postage her paper “The Disunion: The Disconnect between Idealism advocate and a prolific writer and a noted lec- and Reality in the Writings of Elihu Burritt.” turer both here and abroad. While President The Elihu Burritt Bicentennial celebration Abraham Lincoln appointed him a consular was an excellent occasion to publicize Elihu agent to Birmingham, England in 1864, he Burritt and his numerous achievements. The stayed connected to his hometown and dur- exhibit, Elihu Burritt 1810-1879 Apostle ing the last years of his life became an active of Peace, included materials from the Elihu citizen. Burritt collection. Some documents were The Burritt bicentennial birthday celebra- digitized and are accessible from the library tion started with the wreath laying ceremony home page. The staff of Special Collections at Burritt’s grave at New Britain’s Fairview Cemetery. The plans to continue digitizing these unique materials. event was attended by Burritt family members, including The Elihu Burritt Bicentennial events were organized with Sherrod E. Skinner, III, Burritt’s great-great-great grand generous support of Friends of nephew, who gave the keynote address at a library program the Library, the Office of the following the wreath ceremony. To create a Victorian atmo- CCSU Provost and the Tomasso sphere, members of the Bicentennial Committee dressed in Group. period attire, and “Elihu Burritt” himself (portrayed by CCSU For information on the graduate student Luke Boyd) was even there to thank the bicentennial events visit the web guests. New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart read a Proclama- site: http://library.ccsu.edu/wp/ tion which declared December 8, 2010 Elihu Burritt Day. burritt-bicentennial-celebration/ Several events honored Burritt during the semester. In To find out more about the September Swarthmore College professor Wendy Chmielewski Special Collections material and delivered a lecture on Burritt and the peace movement. In the Burritt Bicentennial contact November Dr. Robert Wolff, from the CCSU History Depart- Special Collections at 860-832- ment, spoke on Burritt and his anti-slavery activism. CCSU 2085 and 860-832 2096. English Professor Gilbert Gigliotti read passages from