FALL 2019 Framingham State
A
Creativity Multiplied
DANFORTH ART OPENS AT FSU, PAVING THE WAY WITH POSSIBILITIES FOR STUDENTS, FACULTY AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE UPFRONT FALL 2019
Framingham State
FALL 2019 PUBLISHED SEMIANNUALLY
From President Cevallos
EXECUTIVE EDITOR It is my pleasure to present to you a new look for Dan Magazu Framingham State Magazine, designed with
WRITERS an updated layout and larger font to make it more Dan Magazu Maura King Scully readable, while maintaining many of the features
PHOTOGRAPHY that were popular in previous issues of the publication.
Robert Carlin Photography Kent Dayton Photography The main story for this issue is on the reopening of Glenn Perry Photography the Danforth Art Museum and School in a beautifully ADVISORY TEAM renovated new building, following a successful Director of Marketing Averil Capers merger with Framingham State University. If you have B Director of Alumni Relations not yet had a chance to visit The Danforth since 01 Jennifer DeFronzo Vice President, Development it reopened last April, we could not be more thrilled and Alumni Relations Eric Gustafson to introduce you to this wonderful new resource. Director of Sports Information Kathleen Lynch ’02, G’10 Featuring six exhibition spaces, a permanent
DESIGN collection with over 3,500 pieces of art and a focus Moth Design on highlighting contemporary regional artists, the COPY EDITOR museum and studio art school have so much to ofer Linda Walsh, Editorial Express our students, faculty, alumni and the community
FRONT COVER at large. We hope to see you there soon. Kent Dayton Photography
Framingham State University F.Javier Cevallos, PhD 100 State Street President NEW PERSPECTIVES PO Box 9101 Framingham State University Framingham, Massachusetts An overhead view of Crocker Grove 01701–9101
along the pathway between May Hall FRAMINGHAM.EDU and Crocker Hall. FALL 2019
What’s Features inside
11 26
Upfront Welcoming two new Class notes vice presidents Discover how your 04 fellow classmates are The snapshot spending their time Fast news from FSU 28 06 2019 Alumni Awards 02 03 2019 Distinguished Faculty Recipients 29 David Aronson, 07 Alumni spotlight Three Musicians IV, 1972, Paul Cisternelli ’80 Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Ram in focus Hyman Herschman and 18 Mary Kate O’Day ’20 the Shaw Family 30 16 Creativity Reunion weekend Student spotlight Scenes from the celebration Multiplied Mandip Singh ’21 Danforth Art opens at FSU, 32 paving the way with possibilities Donor profles for students, faculty and Nat and Ellen T. the community at large Alumni (O’Connor) ’73 Calamis
14 IBC Upcoming events FSU Class of 2019 Alumni, friends and family and announcements gather to celebrate 08 the graduates 12 A strong spring for FSU athletics 24 Getting a Full Ride to FSU
Making an impact Olivia Renda ’23 and Meeghan Bresnahan 10 Celebrating alumni who ’23 are the frst Mancuso Scholarship Additional content Faculty spotlight are making a diference recipients, which covers the cost available online Dr. Steve Moysey in their communities of comprehensive tuition and fees FRAMINGHAM.EDU UPFRONT FALL 2019
The Civil rights leaders, including John Lewis and Martin Luther King, Jr., talk with snapshot reporters after meeting with President John F. Kennedy following the March on Washington, D.C. in 1963
and get in trouble. Help create a beloved community. You can do it. You must.” The University conferred an honorary Doctor of Public founded the Harmony Grove The J. William Fulbright Foreign Service degree to Lewis during Research Center for the African Scholarship Award is devoted to the ceremony. Diaspora, donated this historic increasing mutual understanding work to the FSU library archives between the people of the United during a special ceremony in May. Winning a States and the people of other Fulbright Foreign countries. The award will pay “There are days in the life of an Scholarship for Ironside to teach English at institution that are exceedingly Award allows Nick Ironside G’19 to the secondary or university level important, and this is one of pursue his passion 04 in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 05 those days,” FSU President F. for teaching and Southeastern Europe. Javier Cevallos said during the traveling abroad ceremony. “It is truly an honor “I visited Bosnia and loved my and a responsibility to accept time in Sarajevo, so I was looking CAMPUS NEWS this gift from the Dyer family.” for opportunities to go back,” says Ironside, who is working Abolitionist Archive FSU students and faculty, as toward his MEd in Secondary Donated to FSU well as the local community, will STUDENT NEWS Education at Framingham State. now have access to historically On July 4, 1854, a large group “My mom sent me a link to an signifcant primary research 29 Who Shine of abolitionists gathered at English teaching assistant Harmony Grove on the shores documents on the abolitionist Senior Finance major Michel opportunity through the Fulbright CAMPUS NEWS “But I was inspired to get in trouble: of Farm Pond in Framingham, movement in Massachusetts. Fleurime was among those program that seemed interesting.” good trouble, necessary trouble.” where William Lloyd Garrison Dr. Charles A. Dyer, Rev. Adam honored by Governor Charlie Ironside credits his parents with U.S. Congressman John gave a fery speech condemning Lawrence Dyer and Mustafa Lewis was arrested more than Baker and other oficials during instilling in him a passion for Lewis Tells FSU Grads the United States for supporting Abdul-“Hakim” Dyer were all on 40 times on his way to becoming the annual 29 Who Shine travel and an interest in other slavery, before burning copies hand for the donation ceremony. to ‘Get in Trouble’ a hero of the Civil Rights Ceremony held at the State of the Fugitive Slave Act and the cultures, as they traveled to Growing up in the segregated Movement. His eforts helped Congressman House on May 3, 2019. John Lewis told Constitution in front of the crowd. Europe regularly when he was South, Congressman John Lewis to desegregate the South and growing up. FSU grads that Fleurime is an Honors student was encouraged by his family win voting rights for African sometimes it’s The event, which made headlines STUDENT NEWS at FSU who has excelled during to keep his head down and avoid Americans. Since being elected necessary to get across the country, was one his time working at the University’s Nick Ironside G’19 calling attention to the injustices to the U.S. Congress in 1986, in trouble in order of many gatherings of abolitionists to force meaningful Entrepreneur Innovation Center he witnessed every day. he has added to that arrest total that took place at Harmony Wins Fulbright Award change (EIC). He plans to pursue a while participating in sit-ins Grove during those years. The Framingham State graduate “They said, ‘Boy, that’s the way graduate degree, with a focus and peaceful protests, all in the Dyer family, led by Edwina student Nick Ironside G’19 was it is. Don’t get in the way. Don’t on fnance and marketing. name of ensuring social justice Weston-Dyer, has spent years recently selected for a prestigious get in trouble,’” Lewis told Fleurime’s ultimate goal is to use and protecting civil liberties. amassing an archive of primary J. William Fulbright Foreign Framingham State University’s his business and marketing skills research documents on Harmony Scholarship Award that will Class of 2019 during a packed “I’ll probably be arrested again,” to contribute to the economic Grove and its link to the abolitionist enable him to pursue his passion ceremony at the DCU Center he told the graduates, earning development of his hometown movement. The family, which for teaching and traveling abroad. in Worcester on May 26. a loud cheer. “Go out there of Brockton, MA. UPFRONT FALL 2019
FACULTY NEWS
Recognizing 2019 Distinguished faculty for their outstanding accomplishments “I feel really good Faculty Recipients about our team. This could be the year.”
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING EXCELLENCE IN ADVISING AND MENTORING Catherine Dignam Associate Professor and Suzanne Neubauer Chair of Chemistry Professor of Food & Nutrition Throughout her career, Dr. Neubauer has directed Dr. Dignam has made the Coordinated Program a conscious and directed in Dietetics (CPD) since efort to become a beter 1984. During that time, she has directed and mentored 06 teacher and to gain a deeper 07 understanding of the types 760 Registered Dietitian- of students who atend FSU. eligible students through She has put in an extensive EXCELLENCE IN SCHOLARSHIP the program. Framingham AND CREATIVE WORK amount of work to assess State’s CPD graduates have the predictors of student Erika Schneider over a 95 percent frst-time success in early chemistry pass rate on the registered EXCELLENCE IN RAM IN FOCUS Professor of Art History PROFESSIONAL SERVICE coursework. Her training dietitian exam, which is has allowed her to beter Dr. Schneider is widely well above national and Robert Donohue Mary Kate O’Day ’20 recognized as an active regional pass rates. Students understand the stress that Professor of Psychology students experience, which scholar in the feld of also have great success at can hinder their ability to art history. In 2015, she fnding employment in the Dr. Donohue has been elected learn a subject. Dr. Dignam’s published a book titled feld. Earlier this year, she by his peers as president leadership, in terms of The Representation of the was recognized with the of the FSU faculty and Led by star captain Mary Kate O’Day GRADUATION YEAR frst-year programming, Struggling Artist in America, Outstanding Dietitian library union for the past she averaged over 18 points a game and 2020 student career development 1800–1865. She was recently of the Year Award by the 10 years, as well as vice and a talented group of fellow seniors, the awarded a Fulbright-Terra Massachusets Academy president of the statewide won the MASCAC Player of the Year award. and mentoring of students, Framingham State women’s basketball team MAJOR is profound and has been Foundation Award in the of Nutrition and Dietetics. union the past fve years. is poised to make a run at the Massachusetts “I was not expecting to win player of the year,” Sociology recognized by her science History of American Art, During this time, he has State Collegiate Athletic Conference says O’Day. “It’s a credit to my coaches and my which allowed her to travel been known for his collegial, HOMETOWN faculty peers nationwide. (MASCAC) Championship this year. teammates for puting me in a position to succeed.” to the Netherlands to teach Dr. Neubauer has inclusive leadership. His Berlin, MA O’Day is a sharpshooter who for back-to-back at Radboud University directed and mentored colleagues credit him with “We’ve come up a bit short in recent years,” years has been among the conference leaders Dr. Dignam has in the fall of 2015. Her 760 registered always keeping the best FAVORITE ATHLETE says O’Day, a Sociology major. “But we only in scoring, free throw percentage and three made a conscious travel not only fostered interests of students in mind Elena Delle Donne Dietitians through lost one person from last year, and we have pointers made. Since coming to FSU, the team many opportunities on-site in his work as head of the efort to become the program a talented group of new recruits coming in.” has made it twice to the MASCAC Championship in Europe, but also led to union. Dr. Donohue’s work a better teacher game before coming up just short of the elusive several opportunities to is grounded in concern for From day one of her freshman year, O’Day conference title. present to our students equity, fairness and the well- has been an important contributor on the and the local Framingham being of all members of basketball team. However, she emerged “I feel really good about our team,” she says. community. the academic community. as a star during her sophomore year, when “This could be the year.” UPFRONT FALL 2019
2019 FSU ATHLETICS ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Football wins MASCAC Championship
Rashaun Rivers ’19 makes All-New England Team for football
Softball wins third straight MASCAC The baseball team Championship fnished with a 22-10 record that featured Six softball players Kyle Hodgson’s 200- earn MASCAC All- plus strikeout season Conference honors
Women’s soccer players Elizabeth Paolucci ’22 and Kayla Almstrom SPORTS NEWS ’19 make All- Conference team
Bryce Nardizzi ’20 Wins MASCAC Men’s Soccer Ofensive A strong spring Player of the Year Johance Liverpool ’19 wins MASCAC Men’s Soccer Defensive 08 Player of the Year 09
for FSU athletics Women’s basketball players Mary Kate O’Day ’20 and Emily Framingham State University’s Miller posted his 100th career win, Velozo ’20 make MASCAC All- athletic programs enjoyed another while senior pitcher Kelsi Conference Team strong spring season, highlighted Gunarathne became the by the third consecutive program’s career strikeout leader. Liana Cunningham ’22 Massachusetts State Collegiate wins MASCAC Rookie Also this spring, the women’s of the Year award for Athletic Conference (MASCAC) lacrosse team captured its frst- women’s basketball Championship for the ever MASCAC regular season softball team. Dean Nichols wins title, fnishing with a 15-4 record. MASCAC Coach The softball team knocked of The team came up just short of the Year Award top-seeded Bridgewater State in the conference tournament for men’s soccer
University twice to claim the fnals, following a 13-12 loss James Rippey wins title and earn its third straight to Westfeld State. MASCAC Coach trip to the NCAA Tournament, of the Year Award for The baseball team fnished with where they sufered narrow women’s lacrosse a 22-19 record that featured left- The women’s softball defeats to Williams College and Seven women’s lacrosse team won its third hander Kyle Hodgson’s 200-plus SUNY Cortland State. The team players named consecutive MASCAC strikeout season. The team lost fnished with a 24-21 record, and to MASCAC All- Championship a tight 4-3 game to Fitchburg went 12-2 in conference play. Conference team State University in the semifnals During the season, Coach Larry of the MASCAC Tournament. Brandee Thomas ’22 wins MASCAC Volleyball Rookie of the Year award UPFRONT FALL 2019
“They bring a wealth of experience in higher education and FACULTY SPOTLIGHT a deep commitment Dr. Steve Moysey to student success.”
Now, he’s looking to share that knowledge DEPARTMENT CAMPUS NEWS with FSU business students, as director Director of of the University’s MBA program and a new FSU’s MBA Master of Science (MS) program he is developing. program Welcoming two “A large part of my research and background BACKGROUND is focused on how and why companies fail in Business and the face of disruptive technology,” says Moysey, technology who transitioned into teaching while earning new vice presidents 10 his PhD in management and psychology from TERMINAL DEGREE 11 Tufs University. “This is a highly relevant topic PhD in management and for industry today, given the increasing infuence Framingham State University in 2012. Salas replaces Dr. Linda students. Cabello takes over for psychology from of artifcial intelligence (AI) in business and is excited to announce the Vaden-Goad, who retired in Dr. Millie Gonzalez, who had been Tufts University the lack of programs available to address it.” hiring of Dr. Angela M. Salas June following nine years serving serving as the Chief Diversity Moysey hopes to fll that gap through the launch as Provost and Vice President as Provost at Framingham State. and Inclusion Oficer on an for Academic Afairs and Dr. interim basis. of an MS program with a concentration in “I see an institution here that Constanza Cabello as Vice Organizational Leadership. Unlike the MBA Dr. Cabello had is looking to be adaptable and “I’m really excited to work with Prepping students President for Diversity, Inclusion been the assistant program, which is designed for people already agile in the 21st century when the leadership at Framingham and Community Engagement. to the president in the workforce, the MS program is ideal for institutional so many of the ground rules of State, as well as the students and for success in the for recent bachelor’s degree graduates. Moysey “I am thrilled to have Dr. Salas diversity and higher education have changed,” the larger community,” Cabello is working with his contacts at Tufs University, and Dr. Cabello join my executive director of Salas says. “But at the same says. “I pride myself on being intercultural afairs age of disruption which has a program in Human Artifcial staf,” says FSU President at Stonehill College time, the school has retained its a visible leader, someone who Intelligence Interface, to develop two courses F. Javier Cevallos. “They bring historical principles and mission.” is out there and really accessible. for the MS degree that look at how organizations a wealth of experience in So, I’m looking forward to getting Cabello had been working Having led multinational business groups will function in the age of artifcial intelligence. higher education and a deep on campus and engaging with the as assistant to the president commitment to student success.” students, faculty and staf.” and entrepreneurial technology startups “It’s estimated that in 10 to 15 years, 45 percent for institutional diversity and for much of his career, Dr. Steve Moysey of the world’s jobs will be impacted by AI in one Salas comes to Framingham State director of intercultural afairs knows a lot about how and why way or another,” he says. “We want our leadership from Indiana University Southeast, at Stonehill College prior to companies succeed or fail. graduates to have a good appreciation for what that where she served as the associate Dr. Salas comes accepting her new position at will mean and how to respond to it. This will also vice chancellor for academic from Indiana FSU. In that role, she is credited University to FSU be a feature of the MBA program as we move afairs. She is a former faculty with a background with increasing support, resources forward, ensuring our program stays very relevant.” senate president at two colleges, in academic afairs and visibility for Stonehill’s and was a recipient of the students of color, LGBTQ+ Indiana University Southeast’s students, international students Distinguished Teaching Award and frst-generation college MINI FEATURE FALL 2019
Olivia Renda ’23 and Meeghan Bresnahan ’23 are the frst Mancuso Scholars and will get a full ride to FSU Like many high school students during their college search, Olivia Renda spent a lot of time talking with her family about the debt she would face $2.5 afer earning her degree. So, it was Million a surreal moment for Renda when FINANCIAL COMMITMENT she learned that she would have the TO FSU STUDENTS opportunity to attend Framingham State for free, as one of the inaugural recipients of the Mancuso English, Humanities and Social and Behavioral
Sciences Scholarships. Renda, who is from Westminster, MA, and “We know the humanities provide the soft skills 12 Meeghan Bresnahan of Peabody, MA, enrolled that are sought after by employers,” she says. 13 Find out at Framingham State this fall with 100 percent “Our Humanities majors need to understand this more about of their tuition, fees, and room and board covered and learn how to talk about these skills in the scholarships by the scholarship during their freshman year. language of business.” The two students have the opportunity to take FRAMINGHAM.EDU Bresnahan, who is majoring in History and all four years at Framingham State at no cost, is interested in one day working in a museum but must meet certain scholarship requirements or library, says the career component of the in order to have it renewed each year. scholarship is exciting. “Finding out that I had the opportunity to graduate “Obviously, the fact that it’s a full-ride scholarship without any debt was like a huge weight lifted is amazing, but I also see myself really benefting of my shoulders,” says Renda, who is majoring from the career preparation and extracurricular in English and plans to become a teacher. requirements,” she says. English Professor Halcyon Mancuso created Mancuso scholars must also maintain a 3.0 GPA the scholarships through a $2.5 million fnancial or higher, participate in at least one extracurricular commitment to FSU that was announced in 2018. activity each semester and write a paper at the There will be two Mancuso Scholarships awarded end of each academic year refecting on their at Framingham State every year moving forward. ENGLISH MAJOR career and academic growth. Olivia Renda ’23 One will always be reserved for an English major, which is the subject Mancuso has taught for many “These are students who might otherwise have Recipient of the English Scholarship, HISTORY MAJOR years, and the second will rotate each year between to work at a job 25 hours a week to get by and Meeghan Bresnahan ’23 Olivia is from Westminster, MA, and is interested in becoming a teacher majors in the Humanities and Social Sciences. would still graduate in debt,” Mancuso says. Recipient of the Arts and Humanities “My hope with the scholarship is that it will free Mancuso designed the scholarship opportunity Scholarship, Meeghan is from them up to experience a robust college life, Peabody, MA, and is hoping to work with an emphasis on career-readiness. Mancuso where they can take advantage of the many in a museum scholars will be required to participate in at least extracurricular activities that are available.” two meaningful internships prior to graduation and also will need to complete a curriculum ofered by the Ofice of Career Services and Employer Relations. FSU Class
of 2019 “Do something that makes a diference and that brings you joy.”
Thousands of family members, friends, faculty and students packed into the DCU Center in Worcester to celebrate the class of 2019 during two Commencement ceremonies in May. U.S. congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis served as the undergraduate commencement speaker (more on page 5) and was presented with an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree. Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka also received an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree for her dedication to the community over the years. 14 15 She encouraged the graduates to “heed the call to public service” during her remarks. The University President’s Medal, which is the highest honor bestowed by the Ofce of the President, was awarded to FSU alumna Joan Murtaugh ’61 for her dedication to teaching and longtime support of FSU students through scholarships. Three students were recognized as co - valedictorians of the Class of 2019: Communication Arts major Audrey Ensor, Elementary Education 68 major Jennifer Haberstroh and Psychology major Robin White. SUMMA CUM LAUDE 849 President Cevallos Longtime Literacy professor Dr. UNDERGRADUATE and Congressman Diane Lowe gave the keynote address John Lewis pose DEGREES for a photo prior during the graduate ceremony, telling CONFERRED to the start 72 students to keep learning by reading of the ceremony MAGNA CUM LAUDE “far and wide” and helping to make the world a better place. “Do something that makes a diference 401 and that brings you joy,” she said. GRADUATE DEGREES 164 “Teaching did that for me.” CONFERRED CUM LAUDE UPFRONT FALL 2019
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Mandip Singh ’21
The junior Accounting major GRADUATION YEAR As a young child in India, knew early on that one 2021 of the best ways to set himself up for a job right out of MAJOR Mandip Singh watched his college was to land a relevant Accounting internship, so he quickly father head of to America sought out the University’s HOMETOWN Ofice of Career Services Melrose, MA and Employer Relations. hoping to set up a new life NATIVE COUNTRY “I am constantly in the Career India for his loved ones. By the Services Ofice seeking advice from Internship NUMBER OF Coordinator Jill Gardosik INTERNSHIPS time he turned seven, the and Director Dawn Ross. 3 They helped me get two internships and got me family was able to reunite involved in the Suitable Solutions Program, in Melrose, MA, where they which teaches you about professional skills, provides you with $100 for attire 16 have worked extremely 17 and can help you land internships and jobs hard ever since running at companies like TJX.” As a sophomore, Singh landed a restaurant and living an internship at the CPA (Certifed Public Accountant) out the American Dream. frm Paresky Flitt & Co. Now a junior, he is setup for another high-impact internship “My parents broke their next spring at Cohnreznick LLP in Boston, one of the backs so that I could have largest public accounting frms in the U.S. the opportunity to go to Singh is working to secure his CPA license shortly after he graduates and hopes college,” Singh says. “I’ve to land a position with one of the “Big 4” accounting put pressure on myself to frms. But he is keeping his options open and would consider investment banking achieve as much as possible down the road. He is also passionate about giving back, in order to help the ones and says he would love to start a nonproft organization who have helped me.” one day that provides psychological treatment to people in his native India, where mental health conditions are often ignored. FALL 2019
Creativity The opening of Danforth Art at Framingham State University paves the way with possibilities Multiplied for students and faculty, the museum and studio art school, and the community at large.
18 19
SOMETIMES, WHEN YOU add two things together, you end up with more than the sum of its parts. And sometimes, you end up with much more: This is the case with the merger of Framingham State University and the Danforth Art Museum and School. The partnership between FSU and the MetroWest cultural treasure came to fruition this past April when The Danforth reopened its doors in the beautifully renovated and historic Jonathan Maynard Building on the Centre Common. The museum occupies the second foor of the building; the third foor is home to Danforth’s community art classes, while the frst foor serves as a space for some of the University’s art courses.
By Maura King Scully Photography Kent Dayton UPFRONT FALL 2019
With the opening of Danforth Art at Framingham State, FSU became the only Massachusets state university with a comprehensive art museum. “It’s always nice to be frst,” says Cevallos. “We were the frst state-supported public teachers college in the country, and now we’re the frst public university in the state with a collecting museum. We could not be more excited about this opportunity. Students and faculty are going to have access to a resource found at few public universities across the country.” Grace Hartigan, Cellini Cup, 1984 And it’s not just a boon to students in the Gift of Rex R. Stevens Department of Art and Music. “The Danforth is open to staging exhibitions that cross over into other felds,” says Dean of Arts and GROWTH POTENTIAL Humanities Marc Cote. “They are already working According to Professor of Art Brian Bishop, a former with students in World Languages to translate Danforth board member and current chair of museum and exhibit information into the collections commitee, the museum benefts Spanish and Portuguese.” equally from the merger. “The Danforth gets We love it. It’s added CULTURAL RESOURCE fnancial stability—it can focus on growing and “We love it,” says Executive depth to our mission In a way, the merging of the two institutions brings tailoring the collection rather than survival. It also Director Debra Petke of The Danforth frmly back to its roots: D. Justin gains the opportunity to showcase its collection to be able to support the the bustling multipurpose McCarthy, president of FSU from 1961 to 1985, and programs in new ways.” Partnering with the 20 building. “It’s added depth 21 University’s academic was one of the founding members of the museum. academic mission of the University “will give the to our mission to be able “In fact, the frst major meeting about starting permanent collection a new context.” program. We feel like to support the University’s the museum happened at Framingham State,” academic program. We feel explains Marcia Rosenberg, who, with her husband, With the start of a new academic year, Petke we’re fnally settled like we’re fnally setled Paul, has been involved with The Danforth since anticipates more faculty will take advantage in our future. in our future.” It also closes the beginning. “The reopening of the museum of The Danforth to enrich their courses. “One a turbulent chapter for the is testimony to the fact that the college was so of the frst things I did was to send out an email museum and studio art school, instrumental in the museum from the beginning.” to faculty leting them know we’re here to one where it was homeless for three years. The collaborate. We want to give them diferent ways Executive Vice President for Administration, Danforth was evicted from its former Union Street to talk about their subject areas.” Finance, and Technology Dale Hamel sees the location in 2016 due to the building’s broken boiler. partnership as a plus for all parties involved. And with 3,500 objects in its collection, chances When that happened, “I had an informal “Associating with an art museum benefts the are good that faculty will fnd many fruitful conversation with a Danforth board member University. It also gave us the ability to add avenues for exploration. The Danforth’s strength about what it would take to bring the museum art studios for sculpture and ceramics that is American art from the mid-19th century to the to Framingham State,” explains President F. Javier we needed, as well as a venue to ofer community present day. Its new home features six exhibition Cevallos. What started as a “what if” conversation art classes,” says Hamel. spaces, including one devoted to its exceptional grew into an enthusiastic discussion on both sides. It took 18 months to iron out all of the details.
1975 2006 2016 2017 2019
The Danforth Permanent Collection The Fuller family gifts Danforth the Danforth is forced to leave Following nearly a year Danforth reopens as part is oficially established, and contents (over 300 objects) of Meta the municipally owned Danforth of negotiations, Framingham of Framingham State University the museum and school Fuller’s studio, establishing the Building because of issues with the State University and Danforth in a newly renovated space open in Framingham Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller Collection facility’s boiler, putting the future announce plans to merge in the Jonathan Maynard Building of the museum and school at risk on the Framingham Centre Common CREATIVITY MULTIPLIED FALL 2019
Barbara Swan, Lemon and Limes
Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller, Self-Portrait, n.d., Unfred Clay NEW FRONT DOOR Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller collection—a pioneering With the art school and museum, Bishop sees African American sculptor and Framingham The Danforth as an invaluable bridge between resident. The museum will continue to feature the community and the University. “It’s always changing exhibitions from its permanent hard to get people to come to campus for programs,” collection and other historic and contemporary art says Bishop. “The Danforth gives the community works, with a special emphasis on regional artists. another way to access the University. For many, it will be a front door to the University.” Danforth Art School, which serves 1,000 students 22 a year, is now a division of the University’s One of the people manning that front door is Tara 23 Department of Continuing Education. It ofers Donovan ’21, an English major and Danforth Visitor a full range of classes for all age groups and ability Services associate. She enjoys watching visitors’ levels in a variety of disciplines. Danforth Art reactions as they enter the museum. “People step School Director Noelle Fournier is enthusiastic of the elevator and say, ‘Wow, I’m so glad this is in fact, is working with Petke to support eforts about the FSU–Danforth merger. “The University here,’ or ‘I’m so glad The Danforth is back.’ The to designate the Centre Common as a Cultural has embraced us and what we’re doing,” says frst week we opened, I met an art student from District—one of just 35 in the state. “There are Fournier. “People who work at this university Fitchburg State University. She was visiting friends a number of other facilities on the Centre Common: are remarkable—they are devoted, helpful and at Framingham State and wanted to see what the Framingham Historical Society, Village Hall, incredibly supportive. I’m impressed with the The Danforth was all about.” historic churches and the cemetery. Designating caliber of the instructors, the deans and the faculty. Cevallos is pleased that the partnership preserves the Centre Common as a Cultural District would What happens here is exceptional.” a valuable resource for MetroWest. “Art and culture have a positive impact on the city’s economy contribute to the quality of life in any community,” and appeal as a tourist destination.” he says. “Maintaining The Danforth makes Assessing that impact will take time, just as Framingham more atractive to visitors.” Cevallos, it will take time for The Danforth to become fully assimilated into the life of the University. In the meantime, Petke is certain of a few things. “Framingham State University clearly and defnitely saved The Danforth,” she says. “But it isn’t just about staying open. It’s about going to the next level of growth. We reopened beter and stronger.” She is also confdent that The Danforth, in fnding a new home at FSU, found its perfect match. Petke points to the number of students visiting in the frst few weeks “to see what ‘their’ museum looked like. It wasn’t just Art majors. It was Biology, Nutrition and Sign up for classes Education majors. With that kind of broad appeal, DANFORTH.FRAMINGHAM.EDU I knew we had landed in the right place.” ALUMNI FALL 2019
ALUMNI PROFILE Making Mark an impact Vital G’09 What began for Mark Vital Vital recalls. “He turns to as a passing comment to me and says ‘It’s the only a homeless veteran about thing I own.’ The comment his sweatshirt has morphed struck a chord.” into a massive fundraising The next year, Vital attended operation to provide hundreds the breakfast with 40 new “I want to help of new sweatshirts to veterans Mark donated sweatshirts to hand out. From across New England. thousands people prosper there, it continued to grow and fourish The origin of Vital’s every year, reaching veterans of sweatshirts organization, Sweats4Vets, shelters across New England. to veterans by protecting ALUMNI PROFILE began when he was In 2018, Vital’s organization volunteering at a Christmas handed out 1,600 new their craf.” Eve morning breakfast sweatshirts to homeless Charlene for homeless veterans in veterans. Each one was ’16 Worcester and attempted individually wrapped with Pe a to strike up a conversation help from various church with one gentleman groups and Boy Scouts and Charlene Pe a is the Since returning home, by commenting on the Girl Scouts organizations. youngest of six and has she has taught herself to Washington Redskins the curliest hair in her family. sew, enrolled in a business His goal for 2019 is to raise sweatshirt he was wearing. With a degree in Dietetics program and launched her 1,650 sweatshirts to hand and Clinical Nutrition own company, Woven Royal, “I said ‘you’re going to have out over the holidays. To a tough time wearing that learn more or to donate, visit 24 Charlene launched her Services from FSU, she which sells a line of various 25 loves being outdoors in the styles of the Afrona. The sweatshirt in New England,’” SWEATS4VETS.COM own business called sun growing food. company is only a few Woven Royal, which Unfortunately, long stretches months old, but so far the sells handmade of direct sunlight can unique apparel item has resonated with the curly - styles of the Afrona wreak havoc on voluminous, ALUMNI PROFILE curly hair. haired community, and is currently available online “I tried sun hats, but they and in two hair salons. Evelyn fattened my hair,” says Pe a. As of now, Pe a continues ’76 In 2017, she began sketching to make every Afrona Wolfson out designs for headwear by hand. Her plan is to As an environmental teaching eyes of the frst people who material culture of Native that would protect her hair expand into other products specialist for more than lived here,’” Wolfson says. Americans. She also co - without ruining her curls. that complement the 30 years, Evelyn Wolfson authored a textbook on Around the same time, headwear, and her ultimate The idea took of and became spent many hours environmental education she took up an opportunity goal is to garner enough a popular part of the sixth - researching ideas for an and contributed to an to travel to her parents’ business to allow her grade curriculum at local efective outdoor teaching anthology. Her books have native Dominican Republic, to contract with schools. The program, which Author, artist, curriculum to model for been recommended by where she met a seamstress seamstresses back in included building a wigwam environmentalist— schools in Massachusetts. the Library of Congress Best living in poverty named the Dominican Republic. exactly as Native Americans of Children’s Books, among Fela. Together, using Pe a’s Evelyn taught for What she discovered early had, garnered a lot of “I want to help people like many other accolades. sketches, they created the more than 30 years on was that all the best attention when it was Fela prosper and fourish frst- ever Afrona, the hat quotes and insights into frst introduced and was She and her husband own by protecting their craft Learn how to be a that keeps your curls and humanity’s impact on eventually modifed for a substantial art collection and supporting their work,” volume intact. the planet came from pre -school children as well. and have donated works part of the alumni she says. Native Americans. to the Danforth Museum at “It was such a beautiful Wolfson would go on to write community To learn more about Pe a’s Framingham State University. moment,” Pe a says. “I thought, ‘What if I have 13 books for children, many FRAMINGHAM.EDU company, visit the students look at the of them focused on the WOVENROYAL.COM environment through the ALUMNI FALL 2019 Class Robbin Vipond-Lauzon IN MEMORIAM ’94 has been hired notes as the new director Frances Ethel (Cavanaugh) of fnance at McMahon ’44 May 8, 2019 Rediker Sofware Jean Mahaney and Café. In her new role, she will Shotwell ’49 Cynthia Roy ’06 recently led a task Tracy L. Waters G’13 earned her doctoral 1970s be responsible for managing the July 10, 2019 force that researched and created degree in education at Northeastern Barbara Chadwick ’73 was named company’s fnances, tracking cash brochures for high school and college University in May. Tracy graduated Volunteer of the Year at the Soule fow and fnancial planning, as well Anne Marie (Divver) students, educators and families dealing from Framingham State’s International Doster ’65 Homestead Education Center, Inc., as analyzing the company’s fnancial with opioid dependence. Delegates Education site in Costa Rica and May 6, 2019 in Middleboro, MA. She coordinates David A. Harmon ’91 strengths and weaknesses and at the National Education Association’s says her journey would not have been both the “Homestead Hookers” has been promoted proposing corrective actions. Robbin annual Representative Assembly possible without the support and to senior vice president Ann (McGarry) and “Spinners with Soul” fber- and chief lending holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Breda ’66 voted to make the information compiled opportunities she received through FSU. related groups. oficer at Clinton and Accounting from Framingham by the task force a resource to be February 11, 2019 Melina Bourdeau ’16 was recently hired Savings Bank State University and a master’s degree distributed at schools and colleges Keith Guernsey ’76 reports that he as a reporter at the Greenfeld Recorder in fnance from Georgia State University. across the country. just beat prostate cancer, which Iris E. DiRico ’70 in Greenfeld, MA. Melina majored gave him time to write his third George King, G’96, Framingham City July 8, 2019 Stanley Tapuaialupe Iakopo ’08 was in English at FSU and earned a minor book, Overcoming the Odds, his Councilor At Large, announced that appointed to serve as the executive in photography. She also worked story of triumphs over cancer, life- he will seek re-election. He has been Mary Elizabeth director of the Veterans Afairs Ofce at The Gatepost student newspaper, Gillespie ’71 threatening brain surgery—twice— serving in the role of chairman for under the Ofce of the Governor starting as a photographer and working June 18, 2019 and obesity! Unfortunately, Keith the council’s Finance Commitee, in Northern Mariana Islands. The her way up to associate editor. Stanley Tapuaialupe has another form of cancer called while also serving on the council’s former executive director for the Civil lakopo ’08 was Anthony J. “Skip” Kelsey Morgan ’19 recently received multiple myeloma, but he is looking Rules Commitee and Planning and Military Liaison Ofce and a former 26 appointed to serve Mocerino Jr. ’71 an award acknowledging her service 27 at it as another opportunity to write as executive director Zoning Commitee. environmental health ofcer and May 24, 2019 to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum a book. He is still feeling great. of the Veterans procurement and supply director for Afairs Ofice in Poland, where she Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., Lisa Fay ’78 is pleased to report that one Mary E. Stacy ’73 interned during her Stanley has served in the United States of her poems is being exhibited at City 2000s June 1, 2019 last semester before Air Force for the last 18 years in several Hall until April 2020, and one painting Hilary Glynn ’03 was named head coach graduating from capacities. He earned his master’s will be exhibited at the Brookline Art of women’s basketball at Northern Paul A. Brunelle, G ’76 Framingham State degree in Education at Framingham Center through summer 2019. Essex Community College. Hilary was May 20, 2019 University with a State University. a four-time MASCAC All-Conference bachelor’s degree in Kimberly Tyler ’13 has selection and two-year captain at Roberta Eleanor LaRose History. “Your atitude Cantor ’78 1990s been promoted Framingham State. She is the FSU toward this difcult to vice president record holder for three-pointers made May 29, 2019 2010s David A. Harmon ’91 has been promoted and controller lesson of history is in a game (7) and in a career (183). Stephen Maintanis ’11 was inducted to senior vice president and chief of MutualOne Bank a hope that we will Anne Sutherland into the Marlborough Rotary Club lending ofcer at Clinton Savings Loubaina Buxamusa G’03 was named (Haggett) Rollins ’ 88 preserve the truth about as its newest member. Steve is Bank. David now chairs the bank’s to the board of directors at Vision- May 11, 2019 the fate of the victims currently the assistant vice president loan commitee and is responsible Aid. She is an occupational therapist of hatred and contempt and commercial loan ofcer of Main for providing leadership, direction and heads the department of the Michael Llanes ’13 and that the world around us will Street Bank. and support for the bank’s lending occupational therapy services in February 25, 2019 be a place of tolerance, respect and functions. He began his banking career the Shrewsbury Public School district. Kimberly Tyler ’13 has been promoted courage,” states the leter Kelsey in 1991, and has a bachelor’s degree Melina Bourdeau ’16 Loubaina holds a bachelor’s degree to vice president and controller received from the museum’s director. in Mathematics from Framingham was recently hired in occupational therapy from the of MutualOne Bank. Kimberly joined as a reporter at the State University. University of Mumbai, a Master’s FRIENDS OF THE UNIVERSITY the bank in 2014 and most recently Greenfeld Recorder Kelsey Morgan ’19 degree in Special Education from served as assistant vice president and Robbin Vipond-Lauzon ’94 has been in Greenfeld, MA Dr. Dana Nelson Jost Framingham State University and controller. A certifed public accountant, received an award hired as the new director of fnance January 29, 2019 a doctorate degree in occupational she is a graduate of Assumption College, acknowledging at Rediker Sofware. Before joining therapy from the American holds a master’s degree in Business the company, she was vice president her service to the International College. from Framingham State University of fnance at Healthy Living Market Auschwitz-Birkenau and is a graduate of the New England Museum in Poland School for Financial Studies. ALUMNI FALL 2019
ALUMNI NEWS
When software executive Paul Cisternelli Recognizing 2019 Alumni alumni for their outstanding made the decision to reconnect with accomplishments Framingham State University a few years Awards back, he wanted to do more than just cut a check to the Development and Alumni Relations Ofice.
“Financial support is obviously important, but I still have a desire to teach,” says Cisternelli, who earned his bachelor’s degree in Special Education DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD at FSU. “I want to pass on to students any guidance and wisdom I can that I have gained over more Dr. Roberta Ward ALUMNI EDUCATOR AWARD than 25 years working in the high-tech industry.” Walsh ’66 Rhoda Berube ’60 He connected with Dr. Sandra Rahman in the Dr. Walsh has distinguished College of Business and the Development and Rhoda graduated from herself as a post-secondary Alumni Relations Ofce to establish the Business Framingham State University educator and public servant, ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Coaching Program at FSU. The program connects in 1960 with a degree in Home while remaining active and current students with business leaders throughout Economics. She was a dedicated connected with her alma mater. ’80 the region for group work, one-on-one feedback home economics teacher for Paul Cisternelli She currently holds the rank and networking. YOUNG ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS of professor emerita from Florida over 35 years in Massachusetts, “It’s been a wild success,” Cisternelli says. “We Gulf Coast University (FGCU), spending the majority of those Jennifer Bilbrey Curtis break the students up into groups of four or fve having joined as founding faculty years at the Somerset Middle ’09 and Josiah and have them work through businesses cases. member and chairing the School. As a teacher, Rhoda The coaches, many of whom are FSU alumni, 28 Curtis ’09 Department of Public Afairs. was known to be patient, kind 29 and well liked; she was respected observe the students working through the Jen is a clinical research Recently, she established an by her students, the faculty analytics of the case and arguing their points manager for the Dana-Farber annual scholarship to support and the greater community. of view. And then they ofer feedback aferward.” Cancer Institute helping to lead a student from Billerica “The most vital research at the world’s Memorial High School who Cisternelli serves as a perfect example of the leading cancer research and enrolls at FSU. divergent career paths that students can take afer treatment hospital. Josiah important graduation. He initially taught for three years, is a senior associate attorney but was laid of when the state changed the way at Berry Appleman & Leiden, that special education was funded following specializing in immigration law. the passage of Proposition 2 1/2. In addition to their work and HONORARY ALUMNI AWARD thing we can In need of a job, Cisternelli found that his teaching volunteer service, Josiah and Robert Ramrath skills were quite applicable to a variety of positions. Jen are active participants in He found an ad from a computer sofware company Framingham State alumni events LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE AWARD Rob has been a dedicated in need of people who could teach clients how to and programs, and are generous volunteer and supporter help students Brian Moran ’82 use their sofware. Despite having no background in their fnancial support. of Framingham State for in computer science, he applied for the position Brian is presently serving as more than a decade. While and quickly excelled at it. Virginia Secretary of Public working at Bose Corporation do is to land Cisternelli eventually went back to school and Safety and Homeland Security, in Framingham, he was a position he has held since 2014. introduced to FSU and served earned his MBA, and has been serving in senior executive positions at high-tech companies CALL FOR NOMINATIONS Prior to his position as secretary, on the University’s Information Brian was an Arlington County Technology Industry Advisory job number ever since. Today, he is the director of strategic We are accepting prosecutor, then a member of Board, which provides faculty alliances for the Enterprise Business Unit nominations for the the Virginia House of Delegates. with industry perspectives at Samsung Mobile. 2020 Alumni Awards Brian has been invited to speak to help inform and update “Any career can take 1,000 turns,” he says. around the country about public the curriculum. He joined the one.” “The most important thing we can help students [email protected] safety, crime, punishment, University Foundation’s Board do is to land job number one. From there, they 508-626-4012 mental health, substance abuse of Directors in 2009 and can start learning about what they like and don’t and disparities in education. currently serves as its president. like as they setle into a career.” UPFRONT FALL 2019 Reunion weekend
MAY 31 & JUNE 1, 2019 More than 100 alumni gathered at Framingham State University during a beautiful weekend in late May to celebrate Reunion 2019. Highlights from the weekend included a concert outside on the North Hall Green featuring games and live music, as well as the annual Alumni Luncheon, Golden Anniversary Dinner and Remembrance Ceremony. More than 60 members of the Class of 1969, some who live as far away as Alaska and Arizona, came to celebrate their Golden Anniversary. 30 The University also recognized this 31 year’s Alumni Award recipients (see page 28). Other events during the weekend included a show in the FSU Planetarium and tours of the University’s newest residence halls.
Learn more about everything being planned for Reunion 2020 by contacting the Development and Alumni Relations Ofice ALUMNI FALL 2019
Interested in learning For more information or to register more about how for alumni events, contact you can support the Ofice of Alumni Relations FSU students? [email protected] 508-626-4012 [email protected] 508-626-4012 FRAMINGHAM.EDU/ALUMNI
DONOR PROFILES Nat and Events Ellen T. (O’Connor) ’73 OCTOBER 28, 2019 Calamis Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo Alumni Reception (Philadelphia, PA) Join fellow Food and Nutrition alumni for a special reception during this annual conference, the world’s largest meeting of food and nutrition experts. Supporting students in crisis 32 NOVEMBER 7, 2019 AG All around the country, college with a lifeline grant that can mean Swiacki Children’s Literature Festival students are facing fnancial challenges the diference between earning Celebrate the annual festival of children’s literature that rarely existed a generation ago, a degree and dropping out. Examples featuring notable authors and artists in the feld. when the cost of higher education of students who have benefted from Hear from Nikki Grimes, a bestselling author and was more afordable. For some the fund include an athlete who a prolifc artist, as well as David Wiesner, one students, these issues include food was going to be homeless during the of the best-loved and most highly acclaimed picture insecurity, homelessness and a lack Christmas break. The fund was used book creators and illustrators in the world. of transportation that can derail to help the student stay in a hotel until their dreams of earning a bachelor’s the University was back in session. degree and the upward mobility “It hits home when you hear about DECEMBER 3, 2019 that comes with it. a kid who doesn’t know where to Alumni Holiday Celebration When Ellen ’73 and Nat Calamis go during break,” says Nat Calamis, at The Liberty Hotel (Boston) decided to make a signifcant who is the former president and CEO Meet up at one of Boston’s most luxurious hotels fnancial commitment to Framingham of Starkweather & Shepley Insurance and celebrate the season with classmates and State University, the idea of supporting Brokerage in Providence. “We take friends at this signature event. students facing an emergency so many things for granted in life.” appealed to both of them. Ellen Calamis, who enjoyed a long “We wanted to make sure it went career as a middle school teacher JUNE 6 & 7, 2020 to a cause that we could defne and later as an assistant principal in Save the Date—Alumni Reunion Weekend and understand,” says Ellen Calamis. Rhode Island, says it feels rewarding It’s never too early to start making plans for our “What beter way to do that than to be able to support today’s students. biggest alumni celebration of the year. We hope by helping students facing an “I’m one of fve children and had to you can join us! immediate emergency that has pay for half my education myself,” FSU FEATURE put them at risk of dropping out?” she says. ”Now I’m fortunate to be Shyanne Carrero ’20 and Verenisse The Nat and Ellen T. (O’Connor) ’73 in a position where I can help someone Calamis Emergency Grant Fund else out, so that’s what I want to do.” Veliz-Mota ’20 share a laugh during does just that, providing students a beautiful fall day on campus. NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID NORWOOD, MA 100 State Street, PO Box 9101, Framingham, MA 01701–9101 PERMIT NO. 20
RAMS BOOSTER GOLF TOURNAMENT A special thanks to everyone who came out to the beautiful Highfelds AH Golf and Country Club in July for our annual charity golf tournament to raise money for FSU athletics. We hope to see you again next year!