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Southern Alumni Magazine Fall 2011
A magazine for alumni and friends of Southern Connecticut State University Fall 2011 issue
a publication for alumni and friends of Southern Connecticut State University ALUMNI MAGAZINE | Fall | 11 LET TER FROM THE Dear Southern Alumni, President Recently, the university was named the host site for Connecticut's first research center devoted solely to nanotechnology and this summer we offered the first two courses in a Connecticut State University systemwide graduate certificate program in this cutting-edge field. The new center will prepare students for careers in this growth industry through hands-on experience with specialized equipment. We are also the recipient of a multi-million dollar National Science Foundation grant that will enhance our joint materials science center with Yale University -- providing exceptional research and educational opportunities for students and faculty at Southern and in New Haven schools. Our Physics Department has three ongoing major initiatives tailored to meet the needs of Connecticut's high-tech industry: an engineering concentration, a proposed interdisciplinary master's degree in applied physics, and the previously mentioned nanotechnology certificate program. The number of physics majors has nearly doubled in recent years and current graduation rates are in the top 15 percent nationally. These and other developments underscore our commitment to be recognized as a center of excellence in the STEM disciplines. And the future construction of a state-of-the-art academic and laboratory science building, now in the design phase, will enhance the ongoing expansion of our science programs. Not only are we dedicated to providing our students with abundant learning opportunities aligned with Connecticut's workforce needs, we also want to be known as a regional leader for both cultivating interest in the sciences and providing mentoring in these fields for women and under-represented groups. In this issue of Southern Alumni Magazine, we feature a number of alumni who have made a difference across the globe though service with the Peace Corps. Reading each story, I could not help but be impressed with how these individuals' volunteer efforts profoundly impacted their own lives, as well as those of the people in their host communities. This spirit of self-improvement through lending your time and talents on behalf of others is one that we cultivate in our student body here at Southern. Our students have raised thousands of dollars for Connecticut Special Olympics through our annual Jail `N' Bail event, and for cancer research through the Relay for Life. They have collected boxes of provisions for needy families in Greater New Haven through the Adopt-A-Family food drive; distributed toys to more than a thousand of the city's children with the Friends of Rudolph program; and cleaned up neighboring streets and parks through the annual Southern Day of Service. Our students' volunteerism earned Southern a place on the U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll in 2009, while our overall contribution to the community at large was recognized last year with the prestigious Corporate Heritage Award at the 216th Annual Meeting of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. In these difficult economic times our community contribution has never been more valuable. We are playing a key role in Connecticut's recovery process, developing programs directly tied to workforce needs. For example, responding to state and national concerns about declining student numbers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) -- and a resulting lack of expertise in those areas -- Southern is creating new opportunities for study and potential employment in the STEM disciplines. We have seen STEM course enrollment growth of more than 17 percent in the last five years. Dr. Stanley F. Battle Interim President Fall | 11 features Peace Owls Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE 10 As the Peace Corps celebrates its 50th anniversary, Southern shares photos and memories from some of the more than 66 alumni who have volunteered with the organization over the years. The 18 Plant It Forward, Southern's new urban agriculture demonstration project, includes a garden and an orchard, with plans in place for an outdoor classroom, a greenhouse, a vineyard, and more. departments From the President inside cover Campus News Nostalgia 2 20 22 24 Supporting Southern Out and About Alumni News [COVER] Pictured with her son and a group of local school children in the Republic of Malawi, author Karen Lynn Williams, M.A. '77, volunteered with the Peace Corps from 1980-83. [ABOVE, FROM LEFT] Patricia Lott, '91, in Paraguay � Kimberlee McCarthy, '95, in the Commonwealth of Dominica 26 30 Southern Events 36 Alumni Notes NEWS Campus n S outhern Connecticut State University and Yale University have been awarded a six-year, $13 million grant that promises to expand cutting-edge scientific research and bolster educational opportunities for students and faculty in New Haven Public Schools. The National Science Foundation (NSF) has allocated the funds to enhance the universities' joint materials science center -- the Center for Research on Interface Structures and Phenomena (CRISP). Six years ago, NSF awarded $7.5 million for the creation of the center, of which Southern received $1,484,000. The new award will forward Major NSF Grant Awarded n The center has a major educational outreach component. "This grant is extremely important as it supports both innovative research and teacher development at a crucial time for Southern and the state of Connecticut," says Southern Physics Department Chairwoman Christine Broadbridge, the center's director of education. "Math and science have taken on an increasing importance for our state and nation's future." CRISP has offered workshops designed to improve the professional development of science teachers in the area during the last six years. Those programs will now Southern and Yale received a $13 million grant from the National Science Foundation for the Center for Research on Interface Structures and Phenomena (CRISP). Southern Physics Department Chairwoman Christine Broadbridge [RIGHT] is the director of education for CRISP. She is pictured with students Carol Jenkins [LEFT] and Barbara Benardo. the center's work, with Southern receiving $1,763,000 -- one of the largest grants ever awarded to the university and its largest research grant. Materials science is a discipline that includes the creation of technologically advanced items, ranging from computer chips to biological implants. The center enables students to create and examine new materials at the atomic level. It also helps to foster interdisciplinary research by faculty and students at both institutions in a variety of disciplines, including physics, chemistry, and engineering. focus more closely on New Haven Public Schools and include an assessment component to gauge how effective they are at improving student learning. "This is a natural partnership," says Broadbridge. "In fact, we believe it will serve as a model for other urban school district/higher education partnerships." The NSF has designated CRISP as a Center of Excellence for Materials Research and Innovation -- one of several in the country. It is the only small materials research center to have attained that designation. n $1.9 Million Grant to Prepare Educators A five-year, $1.9 The grant -- among the largest ever awarded to Southern -- will focus on providing training for teachers, administrators, and staff members in the New Haven and Hamden school systems. That training will include workshops on innovative and effective approaches for teaching students whose first language is not English. It also will provide educators with opportunities for certification and participation in a three-credit course. Southern's Training for All Teachers (TAT) program will coordinate the efforts, with Lorrie Verplaetse, professor of world languages and literatures, serving as project million grant from the U.S. Department of Education will bolster the university's continuing efforts to improve the education of non-native English-speaking students. 2 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE director. Marisa Ferraro is the TAT program manager. One of the priorities of this grant will be to target certified mathematics and science teachers from grades 3 to 12, as well as the curricula in both subjects, in an effort to boost the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines. This marks the third time that Southern has received a federal grant for the TAT program. In 2007, TAT was awarded a fiveyear, $1.5 million grant. Dr. Stanley F. Battle, Interim President STAFF Patrick Dilger, Director of Public Affairs Villia Struyk, Editor Mary Pat Caputo, Associate Editor Michael Kobylanski, Sports Editor Marylou Conley, '83, Art Director Isabel Chenoweth, Photographer Alisha Martindale, Assistant Photographer Nancy Ronne, Development Editor Charlie Davison, Alumni Notes Editor ALUMNI RELATIONS OFFICE Michelle R. Johnston, Director of Alumni Relations (203) 392-6500 EDITORIAL OFFICE Southern Connecticut State University Office of Public Affairs/ Southern Alumni Magazine 501 Crescent Street New Haven, CT 06515-1355 Telephone (203) 392-6591; fax (203) 392-6597 E-mail address: firstname.lastname@example.com University Web site: www.SouthernCT.edu Printed by The Lane Press, Inc. Southern | ALUMNI MAGAZINE | VOL 9 � NO 2 n Stellar Students Honored The Class of 2011 A $1.9 million grant will help Southern's Training for All Teachers (TAT) program prepare educators to teach students whose first language is not English. [FROM RIGHT] Lorrie Verplaetse, professor of world languages and literatures, serves as project director of TAT and Marisa Ferraro is program manager. tions to Southern and the community, is presented annually to 12 students from the four campuses of the Connecticut State University System. group and social media coordinator of Southern's John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts. She was also a marketing manager for New Haven's includes four exceptional members, who were honored as the recipients of the Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Southern Alumni Magazine is published by the university in cooperation with the SCSU Alumni Association two times a year and distributed free of charge to alumni and friends of the university. Opinions expressed in Southern Alumni Magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the university or of the SCSU Alumni Association. Although the editors have made every reasonable effort to be factually accurate, no responsibility is assumed for errors. Samantha Benson, '11 Logan Lentz, '11 Raymond Nardella, '11 Jennifer Peterson, '11 Postage paid at Burlington, Vt. Southern Connecticut State University, in compliance with federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. Award, among the university's most prestigious honors. The award, which recognizes academic achievement and contribu- Award recipient Samantha Benson, '11, majored in theater and served as president of the Crescent Players theater International Festival of Arts and Ideas. Exercise science major, Logan Lentz, '11, was a member of Fall 2011 | 3 NEWS Campus Southern's basketball team for four years, serving as captain for the last three. Her volunteer efforts include tutoring at weekly reading sessions with the New Haven Public School System. Political science major, Raymond Nardella, '11, was president of the Class of 2011 for four years. He also served as vice president of the Beta Mu Sigma Fraternity, vice president of the College Republicans, and co-president of Pi Sigma Alpha, a national honor society for political science. Fellow honoree, Jennifer Peterson, '11, majored in elementary education and psychology. A four-year member of the field hockey team, she served as captain in her senior year. She was also a member of Southern's chapter of Psi Chi, a national psychology honor society. n n Making Music The Music Grant Supports Environmental Research Traveling aboard a research boat in New Haven harbor last summer, Southern stu- Department has unveiled a cutting-edge electronic music studio that enables students to create digital music, as well as record music. Located in Engleman Hall, it is the only studio of its kind in the area. The studio is designed to serve a variety of needs: a large area is designed primarily for software-based music, while a smaller space is used for recording actual instruments and voice. The space also can be used for audio journalism. The facility is outfitted with the latest equipment, including 17 workstations, all specifically designed for audio production. The Stutzman Family Foundation, represented by Walter Stutzman, made a generous gift to establish and support the new studio. Walter Stutzman, who retired in 2005 from a career in software consulting, went on to earn a degree in music dents performed a "ponar grab," using a claw-like tool to pull up sediment from the bottom. The samples were later tested for metal contamination -- one example of the environmental research being conducted through the Center for Coastal and Marine Studies (CCMS) at Southern. Significantly forwarding such research, the Werth Family Foundation has renewed its support of the CCMS with a $250,000 grant, to be awarded over a five-year period. The contribution builds on a previous $170,000 grant from the foundation made in 2006. During a recent boat trip, environmental studies students demonstrated research techniques to members of the Werth Family Foundation. The foundation renewed its support of the Center for Coastal and Marine Studies at Southern with a $250,000 grant. The CCMS, a Connecticut State University System center, focuses on coastal and marine research and education along Connecticut's urbanized coast and harbors. Support from the Werth Family Foundation funds student research stipends, the use of boats, chemicals, and other supplies. The foundation also has made it possible for the center to acquire state-of-the-art equipment used to conduct its research. Peter Werth, along with his wife, Pam, established the Werth Family Foundation in 2000 to support educational, cultural, and medical-related causes throughout Connecticut. 4 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE [ABOVE] Walter Stutzman participates in a ribboncutting ceremony for the new electronic music studio while Interim President Stanley F. Battle looks on. The Stutzman Family Foundation made a generous gift to support and establish the new studio. from Southern in 2009 and has been teaching at the university. The Stutzman Family Foundation has made previous gifts to the Music Department. A prior contribution, given in memory of Stutzman's parents, Geraldine and Jacob Stutzman, established the Southern Applied Music Program, which provides free weekly private voice or instrument lessons to all declared music majors who meet academic standards. The new studio is showcased in a short film by Music Professor Mark Kuss showing seven months of construction in 59 seconds. Go to: www.SouthernCT.edu/ news/newelectronicmusic_331/. A link to the film is at the end of the story. Fall 2011 | 5 s outhern students provide more than hours of community service annually through volunteerism, 120,000 internships, and coursework requirements. In recognition of these efforts, Southern was included on the U.S. President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. C onstruction is underway on the future home of the School of Business -- a state-of-the-art facility to be created by renovating Southern's former student center. Once completed, the redesigned School of Business will house classrooms, faculty offices, meeting rooms, a high-tech stock trading room, and the latest in technology. 23,000 square foot F or 20 years, Southern has been a host site for the Connecticut Special Olympics, an event serving ranging in age from 8 � 70. 2,400 athletes, T he university's Center for Communication Disorders provides a variety of speech, language, hearing, and advocacy services for children and adults. In 2010, the center served clients with a total of 3,622 contact hours. 410 NEWS Campus n Southern Academy Launched A group of 25 fourth graders went back to school last summer, the first class to n Faculty Honors Associate Professor of Physics Elliott Horch received the Connecticut State University System's (CSUS) Norton Mezvinsky Trustees Research Award -- bestowed annually upon one faculty member who teaches at one of the four CSUS campuses and conducts research of exceptional promise. (See page 7.) Assistant Professor of Counseling and School Psychology Misty Ginicola attend Southern Academy, an innovative instructional program designed to improve literacy among local youth and help close the student achievement gap. A group of students from three New Haven elementary schools comprised the first class at Southern Academy this summer. The intensive five-week program, which ended the first week of August, includes students from three New Haven elementary schools -- King-Robinson International Baccalaureate Magnet, Lincoln-Bassett, and Beecher Interdistrict Museum Magnet School of Arts and Sciences. The students spent their mornings focusing on reading and vocabulary instruction, with math, social studies, and science incorporated into the lessons. During the afternoons, students participated in art, drama, physical education, field trips, and other cultural activities. Lessons were taught primarily by Southern graduate students, under the direction of Nancy Boyles, Southern professor of special education and reading. In addition, volunteers provided one-on-one instruction as needed. Each student used a laptop computer, provided courtesy of Dell. Southern's James Barber, '64, M.S. '79, director of student supportive services, and Marvis Brown-Arnold, '88, M.S. '91, 6th Yr. '05, director of the university's Connecticut Collegiate Awareness and Preparation Program (ConnCAP), serve as co-coordinators of Southern Academy. While the first summer component of the program has ended, the academy is a year-round program. The students will visit the university regularly throughout the year and participate in field trips. Plans call for the academy to expand each year, eventually reaching 200 students and including multiple grade levels. 6 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE Assistant Professor Misty Ginicola is the recipient of a university-level Trustees Teaching Award. The awards are presented to faculty members who have distinguished themselves as outstanding educators. Associate Professor of Psychology Deborah Carroll is the recipient of the J. Philip Smith Outstanding Teaching Award. In addition to teaching undergraduate and graduate courses for Associate Professor of Physics Elliott Horch Recent Accolades: Received the Connecticut State University System's (CSUS) Norton Mezvinsky Trustees Research Award -- presented annually to a faculty member who teaches at one of the four CSUS campuses and conducts research of exceptional promise. Area of Expertise: Highly regarded in the field of astronomy for his optics research. B.A., University of Chicago; M.S., Yale University; Ph.D., Stanford University. Seeing Stars: Developed a cuttingedge telescopic attachment that enables astronomers to see images of distant stars with a crispness that is up to 20 times better than ever before. This Differential Speckle Survey Instrument is located at the Kitt Peak National Observatory in Tucson, Ariz. Other honors: Platinum recipient of the 2009 Connecticut Quality Improvement Award Innovation Prize. Fall 2011 | 7 NEWS Campus Associate Professor Deborah Carroll n the Psychology Department and the Honors College, she served as director of the Writing-Across-theCurriculum program in 2008-10. Associate Professor of Psychology Kate Marsland In the Community On April 9, more than 350 students took part in The Big Event, an annual day of service benefiting the local community. The event demonstrates Southern's long-held commitment to the community. On April 28, the university received the Richard Manware Community Champion Award from the Coordinating Council for Children in Crisis (CCCC), a nonprofit organization committed to child abuse prevention. The award recognizes Southern's participation in the annual Adopt-A-Family Food Drive, which benefits CCCC. [ABOVE] Students worked in the campus community garden and at 21 sites around New Haven during The Big Event, an annual day of service. English Steven Corbett has received the Technological Teacher of the Year Award. Corbett was recognized for his commitment to using technology to enhance student learning. Associate Professor Kate Marsland is the first recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Academic Advising Award. In addition to advising more than 60 students each semester, she serves as the adviser to the Psi Chi psychology honor society. Assistant Professor of 8 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE Assistant Professor Steven Corbett On the Web Southern offers numerous study abroad opportunities, including short-term summer programs to Guatamala, Iceland, Italy, Paris, Spain, and China. Art Professor Camille Serchuk and Associate Professor of Art Thuan Vu wrote home about students' summer in Paris at: www.SouthernCT.edu/news/summerinparis_353/ For several weeks last summer Guatemala was home to a group of Southern students who took part in an international field study in public health led by Professors William Faraclas and Deborah Flynn. University Photographer Isabel Chenoweth accompanied the group, capturing their journey in a photo blog found at http://scsuphotoadventures.tumblr.com/. out CheckfromSouthern's photo albums, featuring thousands of shots a wide variety of happenings, including commence- ment, athletics events, and visits from celebrity greats such as Bill Cosby, John Legend, and Apolo Ohno. Click the "Photo Albums" link on Southern's home page at: www.SouthernCT.edu. Meet South e Student Ath rn's lete sport shorts n Amanda Thomas Junior Women's Swimming and Diving Team Exercise Science Major with a concentration in Human Performance Standout Year for Southern Sports It was banner year for athletics at Southern, which was ranked number 25 out of more than 300 NCAA Division II institutions of higher learning in the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup standings -- the university's highest ranking ever. The Owls have now finished among the top20 percent of colleges and universities in each of the last five years. The competition recognizes broad-based athletics excellence. Claims to fame: The Division II national champion in the 200-yard individual medley, finishing with a time of 2:00.88, just .32 seconds less than the NCAA record. Other achievements at the national championship include finishing second in the 200 butterfly and the 400 individual medley, and fourth in the 200 backstroke. Also an All American in four events and named the 2011 Northeast-10 Conference Swimmer of the Year and the Most Outstanding Performer of the league championships. Most proud of: Winning the national title. "I didn't think I would actually get it; I was inspired." Diving in: Started swimming at the age of 6; began competing between the ages of 7 and 8. Family affair: Followed suit when her older sister and cousin started swimming. Her twin sister, Ashley, dives for Southern. Inspiration: Swam for SoNoCo Swim Club at age 12 with Southern's Coach Tim Quill. "I wanted to come to Southern so I could swim for Quill." Support: "My family comes to every single meet. We base our schedules around swimming." Balancing the student with the athlete: "Growing up swimming teaches you a lot, like how to manage your time and schedule." Pre-meet ritual: Listens to Eminem Hobbies: Drawing and photography Other sports she enjoys: Running and weight training Career aspirations: To become a personal trainer or nutritionist n Track Champions! It was history in the making for the men's outdoor track and field team, which captured first place at the New England Championship for the first time ever. It was a strong victory for the Owls, who finished 23.5 points ahead of second-place finisher Northeastern University. Southern senior Diwani Augustine took home first place at the event in the triple jump, with a mark of 49 feet, 9.75 inches. He also won first in the long jump (24 feet, 3.5 inches). In all, ten Owls earned All-New England honors on the final day of the competition, which was hosted by Southern in May. n Owls Baseball Flying High The Owls started the 2010-11 season with a bang, winning their first 22 games -- a program record for both best start to a season and longest winning streak. The powerhouse team maintained its dominance, closing the year ranked number four in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper and the College Baseball Lineup polls. The Owls finished the 2011 season with a 45-9-1 record (win, loss, tie) -- setting a single-season record for victories. Other team highlights included winning their first game ever in the College World Series, finishing first in New England, and winning the Northeast-10 Conference regular season title for the second consecutive year. There were individual record setters as well. Senior pitcher Michael Johnston finished the year ranked first in the nation with 16 saves -- a Southern record. For more sports news, visit www.SouthernCTOwls.com. By Kaitlin Randall, '11 Fall 2011 | 9 By Vill ia Struyk 10 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE n Oct. 14, 1960 at the pre-daw n hour of 2 A delivered an im .M., then-Sen promptu cam ator John F. K paign speech ennedy University of , challenging Michigan to d students at th edicate two ye e developing co ars of their liv untries. Addre es to helping ssing thousan "How many of people in ds of cheerin you, who are g students, Ken going to be d Technicians or nedy asked, octors, are wil engineers, how ling to spend your days in G many of you spend your liv are willing to hana? es traveling ar work in the Fo ound the wor reign Service ld?" His call to acti and on soon took root. On March tion, Presiden 1, 1961, within t Kennedy esta weeks of his in blished the Pe in-law, R. Sarg ace Corps on auguraent Shriver, as a pilot basis, n its first directo aming his brot ously basic an r. The Peace C herd profound: to orps' core mis promote peace sion was simu volunteers for and friendship ltanecountries requ around the w esting assistan orld by provid ce. For many, the ing prospect of se rving others ov few months th erseas was ca e agency had ptivating. Wit received abou 1961, the first hin the first t 11,000 comp group of 51 vo leted applicat lunteers arrive ions. On Augu d in Ghana to st 30, During the la serve as teach st five decades ers. , more than 20 Corps, workin 0,000 Americ g in 139 coun ans have join tries to date. So ed the Peace with at least 66 uthern alumn having volunt i are included eered. United in this select lot who brough in their comm group, t vastly differe itment to serv nt skills to th ice, they are a eir highly uniq diverse Consider spec ue Peace Corp ial education s' assignments major, Judith dren, fulfilled . A. Harper, '76, a long-held d who, after rais esire to travel school teacher ing her chilto Africa. From s at a governm 2004-08, she ent college in taught elemen the Republic tary In contrast, M of Namibia. inette Junkin s, '93, joined th worked in Cos e Peace Corps ta Rica as a ch soon after grad ild developm of idealism an uation and ent volunteer d a longing fo from 1994 to r adventure, I 1996. "Having Junkins. "The looked into se a sense Peace Corps fi veral public se t exactly what rvice projects, I was looking " says In honor of th for." e Peace Corps' 50th anniversa other Souther ry, Harper, Ju n alumni shar nkins, and a n ed photograp organization umber of hs and written -- helping ot memories of hers and mak their time wit ing friends ar h the ound the wor ld. n Fall 2011 | 11 r four Southern fo mmuted to '93, Having co e Junkins, ome, Minett living at h dence nd indepen years while dventure a ging for a Costa recalls lon nd both in on. She fou raduati ducation following g childhood e n her early ity. ing o al commun Rica, draw ith the loc to work w background rural Lepanto, a Blanco de Cabo residents. Home was about 400 e road and d on road, it ha town with it have one id church, "Not only d e car, one lephone, on one te ool one store, o-room sch , and one tw field t," says one soccer rough eigh des one th ra house for g nteer, she pment volu Junkins. hood develo m in agea child guiding the Working as l families, ca velop with 30 lo to help de by meeting e went on h began ildren, ctivities. S rved 50 ch ucational a ram that se ropriate ed app ation prog and activity early educ workshops cooperative a e also led h oordinated nd under. S sses, and c six years a English cla ght weekly groups, tau acher orts. l Spanish te draising eff tary schoo n fun ss she is an eleme rgarten cla Today, she . The kinde , Conn a Rica in Madison lish in Cost lped estab he operate. continues to nkins, '93 Minette Ju sta Rica, 1994-96 o Served in C STEVE KAUTZ, '88 Served in the Czech Republic, 1995-98 Slouzil v Cesk� republika 12 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE As a heal th promot er with t Patricia he Peace Lott, '91 Corps, , lived a which mea nd worked ns "littl in Mbocay e coconut a-i, official " in Guar languages ani, one of Paragu of the Spanish.) ay. (The other is "At one p oint ther e were pr trees, bu obably ma t most ha ny coconu d been sl t way for t ashed and he cash c burned to rops," no make miles fro tes Lott. m a major Located s driving r everal running w oute, Mbo ater or e caya-i ha lectricit d no well, was y. "We dr hed cloth ew water es in the from a the open river, an fire on t d sat aro he kitche und light at n floor f night!" w or heat a rites Lot nd tle in ma t. "Peopl terial po e had ver ssessions y litplay a me . But the an game o y knew ho f Bingo." w to Lott work ed with l eaders in community the small to delive farming r health addition education to teachi programs. ng young In oral hygi school ch ene and n ildren ab utrition, out with a sa she helpe nitary la d the com trine con munity maternal struction and child project a health pr nd a ogram. Today, Lo tt is the owner of Acupunctu Community re of Tow son. "Nex years of t year I living," will comp she write lete 50 birthday s. "I cel in Mbocay ebrated m a-i, Para y 25th guay. My plan is t o take continue d on pag e 35 In 1990, the first group of Peace Corps volunteers to serve in Central and Eastern Europe departed for Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and the Slovak Republic. Five years later -- six years after the Velvet Revolution ended 40 years of Communist rule in Czechoslovakia -- Steve Kautz, '88, was assigned to Blatna in the Czech Republic, a small town of about 6,000 located some 60 miles from Prague. As a business development volunteer, he wore many hats. Kautz taught and served as a curriculum adviser at a local vocational high school that was transitioning from an agricultural focus to an economics and business education program. He also worked as an adviser to the district chamber of commerce and taught marketing at Southern Bohemia University. And then there was his side project: working with a local baseball and softball program. ("Blatna translates into `Mudville,' which was fantastic and fitting . . . ," notes Kautz.) Home was the high school dormitory, located next to a 14th century castle and an enclosed English-style park with tree-lined carriage roads. "I spent continued on page 35 Fall 2011 | 13 i, Malaw blic of pu mhe Re ght co d in T , brou n, ne en eir so statio , Stev ght th teers sband u volun ld er hu so bro n wou Corps , and h hey al t Kare Peace ent. T .A. '77 As itice tha signm ms, M any cr perien Willia the as f her m Lynn ich ex ion to o r d--a Karen mpass ," one ear ol Home and co yet a y ment a Was ta mit Afric as not ered a "When who w olunte n ol Peter, later i aren v a scho ks. years 's boo ctor. K ned to n o on assig as a d hildre draw ge. s then med c orked angua nd wa acclai ven w , Ste ea cond l ths, a cally e lawi to rais e mon as a s In Ma ay. for us for nin nglish r to pl eaf dE lace rful p he doo r the d ure an l fo g to t iterat wonde schoo the comin hing l ays a i with ildren s, teac any w Malaw in m r boy 50 ch d. n 1 fo a was born i worke nting e "Afric teven r, was , recou S e of lif he Karen where ristop he pac ," says spital on, Ch ting. T he ho n wri family nce cond s ife in t erest i ponde her se and eld int corres l midw 1981, g-h In ticles na loca n's lon nroll i irst ar e of a e anc d to e . Her f d Kar assist still in decide purre rature e was frica s 's Lite nd she A wi, a ldren hile sh a of Chi ren w n Mal r child ower i stitute was sl ines fo the In inued h az n cont hroug n mag ory, , Kare urse t shed i co 83 bli The st s in 19 ere pu shed. li sw State as pub storie inbow United to," w ing Ra to the . alimo ge 35 frica ning Read k, "G A oo on pa tur ea first b pon re tinued becam r U con frica, 90 he en in A d in 19 ng an childr writi ade by toy m out a ab .A. '77 ms, M alawi, ia n Will of M n Lyn he Republic 1980-83 are K d in T Serve 14 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE art PHOTO: M ha Rial Judith A. Harper, '76 of Namibia, 2004-08 � Served in the Republic Pied Piper by around ten Harper spent After raising her of the children, up a several months of her r, t had children, Judith Harpe a hill to a latrine tha training period living on hts on . When '76, set her sig "I been built for me traditional homestead. dream of en the fulfilling a ich I proceeded to op lived with a family wh e traveling to Africa. Sh tin door, it fell to the had 17 members, 14 of was assigned to the ground. There were no them school age," she mibia, a d Republic of Na hinges! The builder ha recounts. "We had no midst of nation in the never hung a door." electricity, no running tion. The sparsely transi Harper went on ng ntry water, no flushi populated, desert cou to teach and mentor r toilets, and cooked ove dence in gained indepen elementary school an open fire each night. ously, it was 1990. Previ teachers at one of s One early highlight wa ned under South gover continued on page 35 the . being followed like rica's apartheid system Af Dary l Sm Serve ith, '8 Dom di 3 in Q n ican R epubl the ic, 19 83-8 6 When D then a recen aryl Smith, '83, tly major, joine graduated geography d the Peace Co imagined se rving in Afr rps, he ica. he was acce pted as a fre Instead, shwater fish eries volunte er Dominican and assigned to the Republic. Home base was Jara "As a yo an agricultu ral commun bacoa, recently gra ung, ambitious, ity 13,000 loc d ated in a lar of about felt that I uated college student, I ge valley had so much crossed by th to o ree ed by moun rivers and surround- people who I would be ffer the tain wo to Pico Dua s. "It was the gateway in the Dominican Repu rking with rte," notes S blic," he writes. "In r mit highest mou ntain peak in h, "the offer them eality, I had very little to th Caribbean, o so many oth e whole It was th ther than my friendship e Dom er P . Corps volun teers and oth eace who did all inicans themselves er tourists passed throu of th gh of their way e offering, going out night or two town and stayed a to at my little c and teachin accommodate me, asi Smith used g me the mo a Honda 12 ta." 5 dirt bike to lessons of my life, ma st valuable reach the ru ny that I stil ral adhere to to l where he wo mountain villages day." rked. After co Corps assign mpleted his Peace ment, Smith earned a continued o n page 35 Fall 2011 | 15 PHOTO: courtesy of the Peace Corps as in nsen w later, Je Wall fell -- Years erlin he n the B ply to t rst pe whe to reap Euro '94, fi to d Jensen, inspire as sent gal, atthew 5, he w nd was in Sene a M 199 rps eace Co orps. In the Peace C in the P d mud-stove each at served for oups ducte nia to t gr on stitute Arme ere he c es for women's akan In wh varzh ized ity of g class Manka o organ in the c ted buildin aining and als devasta tr by es ad been killed teacher n villag oject financed hh in seve or, whic that ing pr ived in Vanadz hquake es. He l ell-digg re aw ervic 88 eart 9 sses we of ef S by the 1 village 000. Cla lic Reli , lief Catho Muslim d by re g ated 25 osso, a farmin provide n estim N a iler ing Peanut Samba in a tra " ty, says eople." ol build taught c activi t 500 p he scho t nomi abou a aged. s since ajor eco ly dam ut with agencie uctural as the m d in a mud h w ed str m of the "I live remain pound two-roo ng Jensen. ed in a the com n imam liv in c runni Jensen ed roof so a sporadi l sa thatch nt with w hour o was a d no partme hief wh .We ha ty."A fe otes. A c a trici ader] village nd elec " en gious le icity but lived week, h ly water a lim reli a good electr [Mus on ing ater or 's wives red the day dur nning w ably.The chief ter offe ers ru e hea he wint e, rice, rt kerosen in ut sauc cold."T e comfo quit mounta om the . . . pean in this for me relief fr ts re cooked ..." e ate lo tty seve ied fish ere pre nsen."W ed e w dr " ys J millet, nity, sa ets and pickl commu e b age and of cabb " items. courtesy PHOTO: 16 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE s ace Corp of the Pe Albania Antigua Armenia Barbuda Belize Bolivia Botswana Cape Verde Central Africa n Republic Chad China Costa Rica Czech Republic Dominica Dominican Repu blic Ecuador El Salvador Estonia Gabon Signs Ghana Peace rn alumni e Grenada South rved in se Haiti have ing llow Honduras he fo s as t rie Jamaica count orps C Kazakhstan Peace ers. te Kenya volun Lesotho Mali Malawi Micronesia Mauritania Moldova Morocco Namibia Nepal Nevis Nicaragua Niger Panama Paraguay Romania St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Vincent and the Grenad ines Sao Tome Senegal Solomon Island s South Africa Sri Lanka Swaziland Tanzania Thailand Togo Uganda Ukraine Zaire Zambia Zambabwe Yvonne Marshall-Bradley, '87, M.S.W. '97 7, radley, '8 arshall-B Corps Yvonne M a Peace became er 7, soon aft M.S.W. '9 osta Rica r in C social voluntee degree in Served in master's for a earning a Costa Rica, common is ing a think it of becom 1998-2000 work. "I to dream . ker she says ocial wor s teer," nato rps volun al Patro roups, tment of Peace Co h the loc wit 's Depar esteem g Working osta Rica ted selffacilita ncia -- C ities. -Bradley e la Infa ool activ Marshall acional d fter-sch a good a N -- Families hildren's ho owned ls, and c family w dren and road gir ge Chil . "A dirt ams for ith a lar and dairy ills progr ainside w t n d up life-sk plantatio n a moun ou walke e lived o ets as y a coffee cal re Sh o e the st d next t razu, a lo would lin d, locate Volcan I n n cows nnedy view of deal of la and ofte sident Ke ffered a that Pre our home edroom o led to he day s. Her b sixties, t he recall the early e hill," s in th h a large erupted iking wit ano that p in a r me is h fo volc them jum try. nds out the coun most sta watching hat visited in and pick erience t y mounta trees to "The exp top of m nd climb to the re so d ball, a children ildren we a deflate ature group of er with . "The ch socc dley h with n all, play shall-Bra o in touc waterf were s otes Mar e. They ything." or me," n about an kind to m angoes f l worker m ul, and omplain atef ey c gual socia oming, gr or did th ical bilin welc sed clin prived, n is a licen r felt de -Bradley and neve arshall ls. Today, M lic Schoo aven Pub H with New volunteering in onths traveling and aving spent three m thy, '95, n, Kimberlee McCar erica after graduatio Central Am ned the r experience. She joi a long-term voluntee was ready for alth of Dominica d to the Commonwe rps and was assigne Peace Co bean" for its re Island of the Carib o known as the "Natu -- als ty. and unspoiled beau picturesque scenery schools alth educator in both arthy worked as a he McC out HIV, s, teaching locals ab munity health center and com alth issues. She d other important he rtension, diabetes, an hype outdoor ovided funding for ement grants that pr also helped impl sting bins. latrines and compo th were very ople who I worked wi "The Dominican pe " she says. "I was d its natural beauty, d of their country an prou iative of le who were apprec surrounded by peop fortunate to be d a hand." re always there to len our services and we ess teacher ly a health and welln McCarthy is current rtment rking with the Depa he Collaborative," wo coordinator for "T e working with Massachusetts. "I lov of Youth Services in t educating am passionate abou youth." she says, "and incarcerated s that not only ake healthier decision powering them to m and em unities." families and comm pact them, but their im Fall 2011 | 17 Served in the nwealth of Dominica, Commo 1996-98 The Plant it Forward, Southern's new urban agriculture demonstration project, includes a garden and an orchard, with plans in place for an outdoor classroom, a greenhouse, a vineyard, and more. By Betsy Currier Beacom and Villia Struyk eavy buckets of water in hand, graduate students Sandy Hudson and Carrie Hawkins, '08, trekked down the steep hill behind Morrill Hall on a warm spring day. Their destination: the new organic orchard they helped plant on campus with the guidance of Victor Triolo, associate professor emeritus of information and library science and an experienced horticulturist. "It was our Laura Ingalls Wilder moment," says Hawkins, of their earliest efforts to water the fruit trees. She and Hudson, both science teachers at Mark T. Sheehan High School in Wallingford, Conn., are enrolled in Southern's Master of Science program in environmental education. They signed on to work on the orchard -- which incorporates intensive agricultural techniques designed to grow more fruit in less space -- to fulfill their major's special project requirement. From March through late August when they returned to teaching, the graduate students joined Triolo in the orchard, working up to 25 hours a week. Both say it was a labor of love -- one that will greatly enhance their work as high school educators. "We do a big section on global awareness, during which we talk extensively about sustainability," says Hudson. "I will have much more to bring to the table." Hawkins, who teaches a general science course for freshman as well as earth science, concurs: "Many aspects of our work in the orchard -- including soil and water testing -- will be pertinent to what we are teaching. I also serve as the co-adviser of an environmental club at Sheehan. We have talked about starting an orchard at the school." At the university, the organic orchard is part of the multifaceted Sustainable Southern -- Plant it Forward Initiative, an urban agricultural demonstration project. Urban agriculture refers to farming within a city environment, be it in backyards, on rooftops, or in community gardens or other public spaces. On campus, plans call for the agricultural areas to be based behind Davis, Jennings, Morrill, and Engleman halls, and around the pond and the baseball field. In addition to the orchard, the Plant it Forward Initiative also includes an organic community garden, which was started on campus several years ago by the Environmental Futurists, a student club focused on sustainability. Today, the garden includes plots available to members of the Southern community and a larger section that was farmed this year by Megan Rudne, '10, a graduate intern with Residence Life, and graduate student James Hoffecker, '10. As the project moves forward and the garden becomes more productive, the goal is to harvest a portion of the vegetables and give them to a local shelter. Future plans call for the additions of a vineyard, an outdoor classroom, and an apiary. Several other enhancements also are in the works: a new greenhouse to be built adjacent to the garden this fall, an irrigation system for the orchard, and benches by the pond to encourage the community to enjoy the space. Plant it Forward was initiated by several faculty members -- Susan Cusato, associate professor of science education and environmental studies; Patrick Heidkamp, assistant professor of geography; and Suzanne Huminski, instructor of environmental studies. The three attended a conference organized by 18 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE Greening Campus The American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment, signed by former Southern president Cheryl J. Norton in 2007, has influenced nearly all aspects of campus life, resulting in increased energy efficiency, enhanced recycling activities, reduction of resource use, and student and faculty educational involvement. Following are a few examples of efforts to create an ecologically sound campus. For more information, the American Association of Sustainability in Higher Education and were inspired by campus agriculture projects at other universities. "We envisioned the existing garden to be a catalyst for a larger project," says Heidkamp. With support from Interim President Stanley F. Battle, Plant it Forward was born. Enter Triolo, who for decades had longed to launch an agricultural project on campus that would forward the university's mission of serving the urban community. "I was interested in growing fruit trees in very limited areas using intensive agricultural techniques," he says. "People could learn from our work and consider growing fruit trees in their own small yards or community spaces." He volunteered to help create an organic orchard. The emphasis on urban agriculture is timely. In 2008, for the first time ever, the world's population was evenly split between urban and rural areas, according to the Population Reference Bureau. The number of people living in urban areas is go to: www.SouthernCT.edu/campus_sustainability/ . Southern offers minors in environmental studies and marine studies and graduate programs in science education and environmental education. Operational since 2003, Southern's Campus Energy Center, which heats nearly the entire campus, runs on ultra-low sulfur fuel and heats the university 40 percent more efficiently than the system it replaced. High-efficiency lighting (LED and T-8 fluorescent) and motion detecting on/off switches throughout many campus buildings have created substantial energy efficiency gains. Though initially more expensive to purchase and install, LED and fluorescent lighting are typically 60-80 percent more efficient than o o o o o incandescent lighting. The Office of Residence Life has instituted numerous initiatives to create a greener campus. Among them? Installing only water-saving shower heads; painting residence hall rooms with zero-VOC, low odor, and silica-free latex paints; and recycling batteries, bulbs, and fluorescent lights. Even commencement has gone green. Graduation gowns are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. continues on page 35 � Southern has a historic tie to agriculture. In 1947, 37 acres were purchased from the Farnham family to create what was then a new campus on Crescent Street. The land was previously a working farm that a century ago grew primarily The community garden includes organic tomatoes, squash, broccoli, radishes, peas, beans, and more. strawberries and corn. � [LEFT] The orchard uses several intensive agricultural techniques designed to grow more fruit in less space. This includes cordon fruit trees, which have a smaller rootstock and are grown at an angle. Triolo notes that the cordon fruit trees at Southern are planted about four feet apart -- less than half the space that is commonly used in traditional planting methods. In one section of the orchard, apple trees are planted in an experimental helix--shaped pattern reminiscent of DNA. The design was envisioned by Victor Triolo, associate professor emeritus of information and library science, who was inspired by a painting by Professor of Art Mia Brownell that incorporated fruit and a double-helix pattern. A total of 44 trees can be planted in the space -- 22 in each connecting oval. "We're not sure how it will work yet," says Triolo. "We're able to brainstorm different ideas and test them. That's one of the benefits of the orchard." Fall 2011 | 19 Paintball. Philosophy. Pre-law. Psychology. With about 65 campus clubs, Southern invites students to explore their interests and expand their horizons. n September 1, 1924, J. Laurence Meader was named principal of New Haven State Normal School, which would later become Southern Connecticut State University. Meader was a firm believer in providing students with a balanced education, one that would promote "the harmonious and simultaneous development of all the powers of the student -- physical, mental, social, aesthetic, vocational . . . ." With this goal in mind, he encouraged the creation of the Student Cooperative Government Association in 1927. All students were automatically members of the group, which was launched, in part, to promote school spirit and help organize social events. A number of other clubs were founded at about the same time. The Art, Drama, and Glee Clubs invited students to explore their talents, while literaryminded students could join the Reading Club. Another popular offering, the Thrift Club, promoted the benefits of saving money and spending wisely. Members operated a Christmas bazaar, established an emergency loan program for students, and gave public readings of "thrift stories and thrift poems." The Women's Athletic Association, a favorite among the students, ran volleyball, basketball, tennis, and baseball competitions -- sometimes pitting classmates against faculty. Meader expected every student to join at least one club -- and a poem printed in the 1928 Laurel yearbook hints that most enjoyed the new focus on extracurricular activities: "We've taken our fun where we've found it; We've worked and we've played in our time: We've had our picking of clubs, and All of the lot were prime." Clubs remain a cornerstone of the student experience at Southern today. Some, including the Society of Physics Enthusiasts, the Chemistry Club, and the Environmental Futurists, have been recognized for excellence at the city, state, and/or national levels. The accompanying photos show just a few of the university's past J. Laurence Meader and current clubs. Principal Meader would undoubtedly approve. Q S New Haven State Teachers College Band Dramatic Club American Life Club 1939 The Steppin' Up Drill Team The Karate Club Sources: The Laurel student yearbooks and "Southern Connecticut State University, A Centennial History" by Thomas J. Farnham. Fall 2011 | 21 Q The Chemistry Club By Natalie Missakian Former football standout, Thomas Madigan, '98, stays in the game when it comes to supporting his alma mater. well-known professional athletes and coaches (he can't name names), as vice president, investments, for UBS Financial Services Inc. He is managing partner in the Lelas/Madigan/Curtis Wealth Management Group at UBS, which manages about half a billion dollars in pension plans, 401K plans, and corporate assets. While his business management degree from Southern opened the door to his career in the financial world, Madigan, 36, credits the football program with developing the values and work ethic he needed for success. "Most successful people in this world had some sort of athletics background or have been part of a team," Madigan says."It brings out that camaraderie and knowing what it takes to get things done. You learn to step things up so you don't disappoint anyone else." It made sense that when he reached the point in his life where he could give back to the university, he chose to focus on athletics. "Football is near and dear to my heart," he explains. "I wouldn't have gone to college if it wasn't for football." Madigan lives nearby in Branford, Conn., and can often be seen cheering on the Owls during home games. He is just as vocal when it comes to convincing friends to support the team financially. was a kid, he dreamed of attending a big Division I-A football school like Michigan or Notre Dame. A Massachusetts native, he had never heard of Southern or the Owls. But today he is one of the team's biggest fans and supporters. Madigan says he fell in love with Southern the first time he visited campus during a high school recruiting trip. "The whole [football] team from freshman up to seniors welcomes you with open arms. Everybody is family from the moment you walk in the door," Madigan says. When an offer of nearly a full scholarship followed, Madigan made the decision to commit to Southern in the fall. He didn't change his mind, even when several other New England schools tried to recruit him after he had made his decision. "I'm a pretty loyal person. If I tell someone I'm doing something, I'm doing it," says the former four-year starter, who grew up in Lowell, Mass. "It was actually the best decision I ever made." The boy who grew up in a third-floor city apartment now manages the finances of high-net-worth clients, including some 22 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE W hen Thomas Madigan, '98, Supporting "I don't mind calling people up and telling people what I He also formed priceless friendships with his teammates give,'" says Madigan, who serves on the SCSU Foundation Board of that continue to this day. "Here it is almost 15 years out and I still Directors."I know not everybody has the means. But there are peotalk to these guys a few times a month," says Madigan. n ple who I've known for 20 years now who do very well financially. . . . A lot of them have been very generous." Seven years ago, he and fellow alumnus, Kenneth Steiner, '97, started the Big Blue What started out as a reunion and tailgate party Crew, a group of former Southern football among old college friends has turned into a financial players and their wives who present a check boost for Southern's football program. each year at Homecoming to the university. The brainchild of Southern alumni, Thomas Madigan says a strong athletics proMadigan, '98 and, Kenneth Steiner, '97, the Big Blue gram benefits the entire Southern communiCrew raised $13,265 for the football program last year. ty. "The more success a team has, the more revenue The group, made up of former Southern football players and their wives, presented it's going to generate for the whole school," Madigan the money to Head Football Coach Rich Cavanaugh at last year's Homecoming celebration. explains. "When the women's basketball team won "We actually started it with four or five guys sitting on a cooler in the parking lot," the [2007 Division II NCAA] national championship, recalls Steiner, of the group's early days some seven years ago. that brought huge publicity to the school." The first year, Madigan and Steiner contacted some old teammates to plan a getAs for those dreams of attending a big-name together at Homecoming. Steiner had the idea to make a banner and allow former Owls' football school? Madigan has no regrets. teammates to sign their names in exchange for a donation. He says he enjoyed the diversity of an urban With the help of social media and through word of mouth, the endeavor grew. The campus. Southern is also where Madigan met his banner now boasts about 200 signatures, some from alumni who live a plane ride away. wife, Michelle Campise Madigan, '97, a teacher at "We've gone from initially raising a few hundred dollars to raising over $13,000. Troup Magnet School in New Haven. The couple is Hopefully that will go up every year," says Madigan. expecting their first child in October. While a donation is not required to SOUTHERN TEAM PLAYERS attend, most people give something, either by buying raffle tickets, writing a check, or filling out a donation card through the Alumni Association, says Steiner. Madigan says the group's long-term goal is to raise enough money to set up an endowed scholarship. Meet the Big Blue Crew: former football players and their families who are committed to supporting Southern. Fall 2011 | 23 Out and About A look at events for alumni and friends on campus and beyond. On April 30, the university recognized leadership-level donors at the first Celebration of Philanthropy. The event, held in the Michael J. Adanti Student Center, gave donors the opportunity to see the many benefits of their generosity, including the positive impact made on the 2010-11 scholarship recipients. Guests at the event included Interim President Stanley F. Battle, scholarship recipient Vanessa Langer, and scholarship donor Regina L. Barbaresi, '51, and her granddaughter Jaime Hensel. [FROM LEFT] Pictured at the event are Interim President Stanley F. Battle, scholarship donor Ceil Petrone, '56, M.S. '58, 6th Yr. '72, scholarship recipient James Vizvary, and Ruth Petrone. United in their love for Southern and a spectacular round of golf, alumni and friends participated in the SCSU Annual Golf Classic on May 24. The event was held at the award-winning Lake of Isles North Course at Foxwoods Resort and Casino. Highlights included a raffle for fabulous prizes. Proceeds from the event support athletics programs and scholarships at Southern. 24 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE Alumni and students explored the art of networking at "It's Who You Know," an informative, hands-on seminar led by Tracy Knofla, '82, of High Impact Training. The event, held in the Michael J. Adanti Student Center Grand Ballroom on February 9, included a "mocktail" party during which participants put what they learned into action. The second annual Meet the Alumni Professionals Day took place on March 9, with several hundred students meeting with alumni from a wide variety of careers -- including law, finance, law enforcement, nursing, business, art, information technology, theater, education, and more. Thanks goes out to the 55 alumni volunteers who met with students in a relaxed, caf� setting in the Michael J. Adanti Student Center. The picturesque Sedgeley Club, Philadelphia's only working lighthouse, was the setting for a Philadelphia Business After Hours held on April 6. [RIGHT] Alumni "Relations Director Michelle Johnston connects with Debra Shick, M.A. '98, at the event. [FAR RIGHT] Sylvia Barclay, 6th Yr. `97, and Anne Howe, '53, enjoy the gathering. Fall 2011 | 25 NEWS Alumni Dear Southern Alumni, I am honored to have been elected to serve as president of the Alumni Association Board of Directors for the 2011-12 academic year. I will work diligently with alumni board members and volunteers, the Office of Alumni Relations staff, and university personnel to promote activities in support of alumni, the university, and Southern students and their families. The board consists of 20 dedicated individuals who collaborate with the staff of the Office of Alumni Relations, fellow alumni, and university personnel. Our traditional programs each year are Homecoming; the Distinguished and Outstanding Alumni Awards; a Celebration of Philanthropy, where our student scholars have the opportunity to meet their scholarship donors; and cooperative sponsorship of the Distinguished Lecture Series. In recent years, the Office of Alumni Relations has collaborated with the board to increase and enhance programming for its alumni with a focus on networking with each other and students. Under Michelle Johnston's leadership, Alumni Relations has planned a variety of activities for the upcoming year. Programs include a wine tasting under the stars; an alumni cabaret called "The World Goes Round" and reception to benefit the Crescent Players Endowed Scholarship Fund; Alumni Professionals Day, where students meet one-on-one with alumni in their fields of interest; a variety of educational trips; reunions; and local and regional alumni networking events. To keep up to date on future events, check www.SouthernCT.edu/alumni/upcomingevents/. If you are not currently a member, I urge you to join or renew your membership by contributing to the Annual Giving campaign currently in progress. A gift of $35 or more entitles you to membership in the Southern Alumni Association for one calendar year. You may have already received a request. If not, you may make a gift online at www.SouthernCT.edu/supportsouthern/ or by returning the gift envelope enclosed in this issue. I look forward to an interesting and rewarding year. Hopefully, I will see you at one or more of our events! Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Hugh S. Cafferty, '69, M.S. '70, 6th Yr. '76 President Alumni Association Board of Directors Cafferty was the director of pupil services in Regional School District #17 from 1978 until his retirement in 2000. A veteran of the United States Air Force, he previously taught special education at the elementary and high school levels in Wallingford and Clinton, Conn. In addition to serving as president, he was vice president and secretary of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. 26 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE n New Board Members Elected The Alumni Association welcomes six new members who will serve through 2014. Four were reelected after completing the previous term and were spotlighted in previous issues of the alumni magazine: Hugh S. Cafferty, '69, M.S. '70, 6th Year '76; John F. Mastrianni, '66, M.S. '73; Kathy Glinka Coyle, '74, M.S. '78, 6th Yr. '81; and Phoebe Donehoo Browning, '04, M.B.A. '05. One of two newly elected board members, Stephen J. Koestner, '69, is the corporate inventory control manager for Newman's Own in Westport, Conn. A member of the Sigma Zeta Chi/Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity while at Southern, he has been active with the Alumni Association since graduation. He and his wife, Tricia, have two adult children, Elizabeth, and Eric, who is a 2006 alumnus. Fellow new board member, Mary L. Vaughn, '80, M.S. '84, has been a school social worker with the Wallingford Board of Education for 25 years. In addition to volunteering with her church and an area homeless shelter, she is a member of the Hamden Black History Committee. She also is a member of the national and Connecticut chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. Mary Vaughn, '80, M.S. '84 Stephen Koestner, '69 SCSU Alumni Association Board of Directors Hugh S. Cafferty, '69, M.S. '70, 6th Yr. '76, President Robert D. Parker, '76, Vice President Marybeth Heyward Fede, '79, M.S. '87, Secretary John F. Mastrianni, '66, M.S. '73, Treasurer Christopher M. Piscitelli, '93, Past President Kathleen Bonvicini, '83 James Booth, '97 Phoebe Donehoo Browning, '04, M.B.A. `05 Nancy Charest, '71, M.S. '75, 6th Yr. '77 Kathy Glinka Coyle, '74, M.S. '78, 6th Yr. '81 Nancy Dudchik, '88 Jerry Katona, '74, M.S. '88 Edwin A. Klinkhammer, II, '71, M.S. '76, 6th Yr. `92 Stephen J. Koestner, '69 Mary Fedyn Martinik, '76, M.S. '86, 6th Yr. '99 Donald G. Mitchell, '57, M.S. '61 Daniel J. Myers, '01 Judit Vasmatics Paolini, '73, M.S. '79, 6th Yr. '93 Teresa Sirico, '70, M.S. '73 Mary Vaughn, '80, M.S. '84 n New Alumni Directory Underway Have you been searching for your former roommate or classmates? Help is on the way! The Office of Alumni Relations is in the process of creating a new alumni directory through Harris Connect. Alumni are being invited to update their information through an e-mail blast and a postcard mailing. If you have not yet responded, please make a brief call to 1 (800) 979-0042 to update your listing. (You will not receive a phone call from Harris Connect.) For the first time ever, Southern graduates also may submit photos and essays for inclusion in the directory. Alumni who do not want to be included or want to omit certain data, are asked to telephone and update their information and let Harris know their preferences. The directory will be available for purchase in book or CD format. Please participate and help us to create an accurate, comprehensive directory. Fall 2011 | 27 NEWS Alumni Southern Seas On July 23, alumni and friends set sail around New Haven Harbor on the Quinnipiack Schooner. Guests enjoyed the sea and sun while learning about the history of the harbor and sharing a delicious lunch. For information on future events for alumni, go to www.SouthernCT.edu/alumni/upcomingevents/. From buildings lauded for eco-friendly design to a reinvigorated, campuswide recycling program, the university is committed to keeping it green. That's why Southern is a proud signatory of the American College & University Presidents' Climate Commitment. Please support Southern and its students by contributing to the Campus Greening Fund. Donations may be made online at www.giving. SouthernCT.edu. Or call (203) 392-6515. 28 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE Bill Cosby and Ramsey Lewis Two Legends. One Evening. Nov. 11 � Concert at 7:30 p.m.; Reception at 5:30 p.m. John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts The World Goes Round A musical review by John Kander and Fred Ebb Dec. 10 � 7 p.m. John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts An evening with celebrated comedian and entertainer William H. Cosby Jr. and composer, pianist, and jazz great Ramsey Lewis. A very special event to benefit the student scholarship program at Southern. The event also will support Southern Academy, an innovative educational effort that tackles the achievement gap by ensuring New Haven school children have the tools they need to succeed at an early age. $85 for premium seating; $65 for regular seating; $45 for side seating and SCSU students with valid ID (limit 1); and $150 for a premium package that includes a private reception and photo opportunity with Bill Cosby at the Michael J. Adanti Student Center at 5:30 p.m. An ultra-talented cast of alumni of Southern's Crescent Players star in this musical review. With music from "Chicago," "Cabaret," "Woman of the Year," and "New York, New York!" Proceeds to benefit the Crescent Players Endowed Scholarship. Directed and choreographed by Larry Nye. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. $25 for general admission; $20 for active alumni (current membership card) and Southern faculty/staff; $5 for students; $35 for special Alumni Association membership ticket, which includes one-year membership in the association. (203) 392-6154 or www.tickets.SouthernCT.edu touch! keep in Stay connected with Southern. You'll find us on . . . + + The Web at www.SouthernCT.edu or at www.SouthernCTOwls.com for the latest on athletics. Facebook: become a fan of Southern at www.facebook.com. A variety of pages are available, including those specifically devoted to alumni. Twitter at http://twitter.com/scsutweet. LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com. Go to the official "Southern Connecticut State University" page. Alumni Relations also can be reached at (203) 392-6500; www.SouthernCT.edu/alumni; or SCSU, Attn: Alumni Relations, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515. + + + Fall 2011 | 29 alumni notes '50s Justine Herman Butler, '56, has taught tennis for 32 years for Ridgefield Parks and Recreation in Connecticut. The town courts were recently named in her honor. Reunion News � Alumni of the Crescent Players will perform the musical review "The World Goes Round" at the John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. Directed and choreographed by Larry Nye and presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. Call for tickets: (203) 392-6154. � Members of the Class of 1962 will be recognized in honor of their 50th reunion at the undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 18, 2012. For more information or if you would like to organize a reunion for your class, please contact Alumni Relations at (203) 392-6500. '80s ALETA GUDELSKI, '81, an artist and teacher, held a discussion on the physical properties of color at a Color Therapy Workshop at the Left Bank Gallery in Essex, Conn. JOHN L. CARUSONE, '57, M.S. '62, received the Elm City Legend Award, sponsored by the March of Dimes. He and his wife, SYLVIA CARUSONE, M.S. '71, 6th Yr. '93, live in Hamden, Conn. JANET TATE, '81, received her Sc.D. in epidemiology from Harvard School of Public Health and is currently working as a freelance statistician for the University of Connecticut and the Veterans Aging Cohort Study at Yale University. '60s BRUCE FAITSCH, '65, retired from his second career as an advanced placement science content specialist after completing 40 years as a biology teacher and science department chair with Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven and Guilford High School in Connecticut. LAURA FERRANTE FERNANDES, '82, a Woodbridge, Conn., selectman has retired after 22 years in the Monroe Public School System. Her most recent position was as the assistant principal at Jockey Hollow Middle School. PATRICIA A. JAMELE, M.S. '72, M.S. '85, celebrated her 50th anniversary since taking religious vows of obedience, poverty, and chastity. She has been a guidance counselor at Holy Cross High School in Waterbury, Conn., for more than 30 years. FRANK RUSSO, '74, lives in Las Vegas, Nev., with his wife, Gina, and teaches at Silverado High School. and assistant minister of music at First Apostolic Faith Church of Jesus Christ. KEVIN MCMAHON, '78, M.S. '82, 6th Yr. '93, school psychologist at Oswegatchie Elementary School in Waterford, Conn., has published a children's book about childhood obesity and bullying, "Manny McMoose and his Chubby Caboose." MARY ELLEN KINGSLANDECKELS, '76, currently with the Meriden Board of Education developing music therapy curricula, has been honored as a 2011 Distinguished Alumna by the Wallingford Education Foundation. MARK AHERN, '87, has been promoted to vice president of the Bank of Fairfield and will be responsible for all branch operations. MARGARET KANGLEY, '67, the 1997 Connecticut Distinguished Art Educator, had a gallery showing of her paintings at Gallery One in Old Saybrook, Conn. VICTORIA LAFORTUNE, '73, retired after 15 years as vice president, production, of ABC Studios, a division of The Walt Disney Company. She lives in Los Angeles, Calif. THOMAS N. ELLIS JR., M.S. '87, has joined Halsey Associates in New Haven as vice president. WILLIAM F. TURNER, '78, M.S. '80, 6th Yr. '86, has been named by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut as its 61st Citizen of the Year. Turner serves as a board member on the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce and the Windham Chamber of Commerce. LYNN SPAGNESI, '76, M.S. '81, was an award winner at the Brien McMahon High School Old Timers 48th annual dinner. Spagnesi played basketball at Southern for four years, helping the Owls to a regional championship in her freshman and sophomore years. She previously was inducted into the Connecticut Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the Connecticut Women's Volleyball Hall of Fame. PATRICIA MOTTOLA, '87, M.S. '90, a published poet from Cheshire, Conn., read her poems that honor veterans who served in the Vietnam War at an event held at the Plainville Senior Center. NEIL T. PROTO, '67, counsel in the Washington, D.C., office of Schnader, Harrison, Segal, and Lewis was elected a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society of London. JOSEPH MORRIS, '73, M.S. '78, 6th Yr. '87, is retiring as Putnam Middle School's principal and plans on moving overseas for several years to continue teaching. Morris began his teaching career overseas. TOM GODEK, '88, has been named Assistant Coach of the Year by the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston. Godek is the offensive coordinator for Southern's football team. DONNA LOPIANO, '68, was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and honored during a banquet in Waco, Texas. JOYCE SALTMAN, M.S. '79, 6th Yr. '81, has been nominated by the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce for the 11th annual Athena Award. The award recognizes an individual for professional excellence, service to the community, and assisting women in their attainment of professional goals and leadership skills. JOHN W. SULLIVAN, '73, M.S. '78, the retired superintendent of Westbrook Public Schools and Unified School District II in Meriden, Conn., also served as interim superintendent for Haddam and Killingworth. '70s PATRICIA LUTKUS MOODY RINCKEL, '71, M.S. '75, has retired after teaching in Prospect, Conn., for over 37 years. ANNETTE R. BRUNO, '78, is a field application scientist in the California Bay area. She and her husband, EDWARD BRUNO, M.S. '74, live in Oakland, Calif. '90s MARYHOPE GOSHEA, '90, graduated from New York University with a master's degree in deafness rehabilitation. She earned her master's in social work in 2010 from Fordham University. DOLORES ENNICO, '74, M.S. '77, vice president of human resources at Olin Corporation, was selected as the fall 2010 Bartels Fellow at the University of New Haven (UNH). The Bartels Fellowship brings people of national stature and prominence in the fields of business or public service to the UNH campus. DAVID BRYANT, '78, M.S. '82, 6th Yr. '86, is the principal of Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford, Conn., where he has worked for 33 years. CAROLYN STANWORTH, '79, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of BL Companies, was named to Moves magazine's prestigious "2010 Power Women" list. Stanworth is the first woman in the architecture and engineering industry to be named to the list. CHRIS WEBSTER, '71, M.S. '74, with 35 years of teaching experience, has been inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Webster coaches girls' basketball at North Branford High School. 30 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE NANCY LINDBERG, '90, who completed her Master of Divinity from Colgate Rochester Divinity School, attained the distinction of board certified chaplain. She has been a chap- RACHEL HAMLET HEGGINS, '78, principal of the High School for Juveniles in Baltimore, Md., is also the pastoral counselor Fieldguide For owls: advice, tips, and words of wisdom from an expert in the southern community. Great reads from best-selling author and book critic, John Searles, '91 "Moonwalking with einstein" by Joshua Foer (nonfiction) What really compelled me to pick up this book was the subtitle: "The Art and Science of Remembering Everything." Like lots of people, I constantly forget where I put my keys or the names of people I've just met, so this subject called to me. Foer is a science journalist who attended the "Memory Championship," held annually in the U.S. There, he encountered people capable of memorizing endless amounts of poetry or lists of strangers' names or complex mathematical formulas. Many of them did it by using ancient techniques to improve memorization. Foer became fascinated and spent a year working on his memory and trying to understand it. He then returned to the competition and won. "Tiger in the Kitchen" by Cheryl Tan (memoir) There are so many "tiger" books out right now, and this is my favorite -- a magical blend of beautiful writing about food and a thought-provoking look at family secrets and traditions. Tan grew up in Singapore, where she never showed any interest in cooking or learning recipes from her grandmother and "aunties." As soon as she turned eighteen, she moved to the U.S., where she eventually became a journalist. When Tan unexpectedly lost her job as a reporter for the Wall Street Journal a few years ago, she returned to Singapore, where her beloved aunties taught her how to make dishes like flaky pineapple tarts and Hainanese Chicken Rice. I had the pleasure of first meeting this writer a year ago when she read from this book while it was still a work in progress. In fact, I snapped a picture of her that the publisher used as her author photo on the back! What makes a book great? by Eleanor Brown (fiction) John Searles, '91, has explored the I often ask people on my Facebook author page what they are reading to make sure I am not missing topic from several angles. The anything. I always get lots of different answers, but this time around, one title kept popping up again and best-selling author of "Boy Still again: "The Weird Sisters." This is a funny, touching story about three -- I guess you'd call them weird -- Missing" and "Strange But True" sisters who are fully grown, but move back to their childhood home in Ohio. The first line of the book is: (William Morrow/HarperCollins), "We returned home because we were failures." In actuality, their mother is sick and we discover they have a lot Searles is also a book critic on NBC's of family business between them to sort out. This is Brown's first novel but she tells the story like a master. "Today Show" and the editor-at-large of Cosmopolitan magazine. He is by Stuart O'Nan (fiction) currently revising the manuscript for O'Nan is an incredible writer who gets glowing reviews of his work, but has yet to cross over into the his third book, which will be out next mainstream. His first novel, "Snow Angels," was about a teenage boy whose babysitter is murdered. year. Following he shares some of his Another of his earlier novels, "The Speed Queen," is about a woman on death row who is recording her recent top book picks. For more on what story for a writer. Both of those books are dark tales, jam-packed with plot twists and surprises. And Searles is reading, "Like" his author page now with "Emily Alone," O'Nan tries his hand at a much quieter story. The novel follows one woman, on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/24grm8d Emily, at the end of her life. It is a beautiful read full of tender, intimate moments. or on twitter @searlesbooks. "The weird sisters" "emily Alone" lain for nearly five years, including work at Unity Health System in Rochester, N.Y., and Greenville Health System in South Carolina. "Between shades of gray" by Ruta Sepetys (young adult) GARY MALA, 6th So many current young adult novels feature vampires or werewolves or post-apocalyptic settings, BARBARA SNYDER, M.A. '91, has been named 2010-2011 president-elect of the American Medical Writers Association. Snyder is director of medical writing at Warner Chilcott of Rockaway, N.J. Yr. '93, is the but in this book people are actually human. Nobody drinks blood or grows fangs! Instead, it tells superintendent of the story of a young girl during World War II who is forced from her home in Lithuania and sent schools in Avon, to Siberia. I gave the book to a friend who is Lithuanian and happens to have survived a very Conn., having previsimilar experience when she was a girl. This friend praised the book for its authenticity. ously held the same position for the Region "Hush: A Novel" by Kate White (paperback) 17 School District. Mala Here's the set-up: a woman named Lake Warren has a one-night stand with a handsome has also served as a doctor. Afterward, she wanders out onto his terrace. It's late, she's a little tipsy, so she sits superintendent in Southwick, Mass. down and drifts off to sleep. In the middle of the night, Lake wakes and goes back inside ROBERT CAPALBO, '94, has joined CRT Capital as vice president of operations. Capalbo lives in Fairfield, Conn. KEVIN DONOVAN, '92, is the finance lead for the Naval Hawk program at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. the apartment to find the handsome doctor dead in his bed. Rather than call the police, she panics, and flees the scene. This is a fast-paced, suspenseful page-turner -- that happens to be dedicated to me! Fall 2011 | 31 s a starting defensive end for the National friends and returns to the university every year Football League's (NFL) San Diego Chargers, to speak with the football team. As his career Jacques Cesaire, '11, regularly played for a grew, Cesaire, and his wife, Jill, also supported cheering crowd of up to Southern students by 71,500 at the city's contributing to the Qualcomm Stadium. SCSU Foundation. There were fewer fans In San Diego, the on hand at Southern's altruistic couple is comundergraduate committed to the Monarch mencement exercises on School for homeless May 27, but the emotions children and teens and ran sky-high for Cesaire supports a Chargers' and family and friends program to feed the who watched him receive city's homeless. In 2007, his bachelor's of science Cesaire founded J.C.'s degree in liberal studies. Kids in conjunction with The day marked the Athletes for Education to culmination of a journey benefit area youth. The that began in 1998 following year, he was when Cesaire, then a presented with an top prospect from award from the United Gardner High School in Way for outstanding Massachusetts, enrolled work in the community. at Southern. Cesaire was Through it all, the an Owl standout -- professional athlete and named the Northeast-10 humanitarian never forConference Defensive got his promise to comLineman of the Year and plete his degree. His a first team NCAA staunchest advocates Division II All-American were his wife, Jill, and Jacques Cesaire, '11, celebrates commencement with his wife, selection by the his mother, Jackie. Jill (Murray) Cesaire, '03, and daughter, Viviana. American Football Cesaire's parents emiCoaches Association. grated to the U.S. from With his dream of someday playing for the NFL becoming a real possibiliHaiti. "My mother always preached the importance of going to college, as ty, Cesaire completed his senior college football season and signed with well as finishing everything you start," says Cesaire, whose four siblings all sports agent Joe Linta. Linta felt the young player had great potential -- if he graduated high school and went on to attend college. was willing to work tremendously hard and put his all into training. "It was also important to me as a parent," he says. The couple has a A few classes shy of earning a degree, Cesaire went to Head Football young daughter, Viviana, and is expecting a son in October. "I couldn't tell Coach Rich Cavanaugh for advice. "I remember sitting in his office," Cesaire them to go to college, if I hadn't done so." recalls. "Coach Cav understood that there was a limited window of time So Cesaire went back to school, completing several courses, including a during which I'd have the opportunity to play for the NFL. He said, `Look, required fine arts class and an internship at Advantage Personal Training in you're almost done. Promise me that you will come back and get your Mystic, Conn. Today the All-American player turned NFL pro says earning degree. . . . Now work hard and focus on what you need to do.'" his degree is among his proudest achievements. Cesaire withdrew from Southern to begin intensive training in North Cesaire hopes to build on his demonstrated commitment to community Carolina. "Next thing I knew, I was with the San Diego Chargers," says service by working with Southern on programs that benefit New Haven Cesaire, who signed with the team on May 2, 2003. "It all happened so fast." youth. "My wife and I look forward to working with [Southern Interim Through it all his commitment to Southern remained ironclad. "I'm blue President] Dr. Battle. I think these initiatives can really make a difference." and white for life," says Cesaire, who is married to Jill (Murray) Cesaire, `03, a former Owls' cheerleader. He counts Southern alumni among his best -- By Villia Struyk EY E O N T H E BA L L : NFL Player Earns Degree JASON VAN STONE, '97, vice chairman of the Waterbury Republican Town Committee, is also a member of the Board of Education. He's employed by OptiCare Eye Health and 32 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE Vision Centers as the director of marketing. her artwork featured at ArtPlace Gallery at Watermark in Bridgeport, Conn. Collins has been an art teacher for 16 years. Moses Y. Beach School in Wallingford, Conn., has been nominated for the MEGAN COLLINS, M.S. '98, had LORI FARKASH, M.S. '98, of Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. JENNIFER CASEY, M.S.W. '99, a facilitator at The Healing Hearts Center for Grieving Children and Families, has been a special program counselor at Holy Cross High School since 2001. '00s KRISTEN ALLORE, M.S. '00, has been selected as the Connecticut Outdoor and Environmental Education Association's Board Member of the Year. Allore is the program director of New Pond Farm, as stated in the Redding Pilot newspaper. DARRYL A. HUGLEY, '05, has been appointed to the AfricanAmerican Affairs Commission by President Pro Tempore Speaker of the Connecticut State Senate Donald E. Williams. Hugley serves as an executive board member and chair of the Criminal Justice/ Urban Initiative Committee of the Greater New Haven Branch of the NAACP. with Southern friends and classmates by sending it to Southern Alumni News. Mail this completed form to Southern Alumni News, SCSU Alumni Relations Office, New Haven, CT 06515-1355; fax, (203) 392-5082; or e-mail, firstname.lastname@example.com. Name ______________________________________________________ Phone ( ) ________________________________________________ Street Address ________________________________________________ City ____________________________State ________Zip ____________ SCSU Degree/Year______________Major ____________________________ E-mail ______________________________________________________ o Check if this is a new address. Name under which I attended college ________________________________ News Item____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ LAUREN BAILEY, '00, has joined the Alpha Medical Group Emergency Medicine Department in Monroe, Conn. JESSICA SCOFIELD, '05, a teacher at Cloonan Middle School, is in her third season of competitive powerlifting. She is the nation's thirdranked female in the deadlift category, after hoisting 450 pounds, or three times her weight, above her head. Overall, she is the sixth-ranked powerlifter. CHARMAINE P. SAMUDA, '02, is a school social worker living in Branford, Conn. MARIO PIRES, '03, an art teacher at Plainville High School, exhibited his watercolors at the Stanley Whitman House Gallery in Farmington, Conn. JACQUELYNN GAROFANO, '06, received the 2011 Women of Support Southern. Leave a Legacy. Planned gifts -- also called deferred or estate gifts -- can help you meet your long-term financial goals, while providing critically needed support for Southern's talented and deserving students. The university's Development Office can supply information on a variety of planned gifts that help Southern maintain a climate of excellence -- from bequests that extend your generosity beyond your lifetime to charitable gift annuities and trusts, which can provide fixed-income payments and several tax benefits. If you've already included the Southern Connecticut State University Foundation in your will, please let us know so that we can acknowledge your generosity by enrolling you in the Heritage Society. If not, please consider leaving a legacy by making a planned gift to the Southern Connecticut State University Foundation. For more information, contact the Development Office. Signature____________________________________________________ Date ______________________________________________________ Spouse's Name ______________________Spouse's SCSU Degree/Yr. ______ Children's Names/Ages __________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ Innovation Award in the category of Collegian Innovation and Leadership. Garofano recently joined the United Technologies Research Center as a materials scientist. She is also a curriculum development specialist with CRISP, the Center for Research on Interface Structures and Phenomena. In September, she defended her doctoral thesis in materials science and engineering at the University of Connecticut. and those with developmental and social disabilities. Healthy Start program. MIKE CONNER, 6th Yr. '07, has been named interim principal at Troup Middle School in New Haven. Conner is the former vice principal at Celentano School in the Elm City. SHAUNNAYA WILLIAMS, '07, is the assistant coach of the University of New Haven women's indoor track team, which finished fourth at the NCAA Division II Championship. JESSE GULICK, '07, is a sales associate with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage's Madison, Conn., office. JEFF FONTI, '08, a corporal in the Marine Corps, is being deployed to Afghanistan with the 6th Motor Transport Battalion based out of New Haven. Fonti is a native of Watertown, Conn. KAREN TATARKA, M.L.S. '07, is the new library director at the Weston Public Library. MEGHAN O'NEIL KUEBLER, '06, is a Ph.D. candidate in sociology at the University of Albany. Kuebler holds an M.A. in quantitative methods from Columbia University. KURT SOLLANEK, '08, M.S. '10, was the 2010 recipient of the Mark Connelly Memorial Masters Scholarship from the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine. KARLY TISO, '07, boarding faculty member at The Glenholme School in Washington, Conn., was presented with the Employee of the Month Award in October 2010. (203) 392-5598 www.SouthernCT.edu/supportsouthern Southern Connecticut State University 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1355 MICHAEL STORZ, M.B.A. '06, is the president of Chapel Haven, a private nonprofit serving adults on the autism spectrum MARTIN TOLENTINO, M.P.H. '07, is the quality services manager for the New Haven KEVIN WOODS, M.S. '09, has been named Shoreline Conference Coach of the Year. Fall 2011 | 33 tell us about it Share your good news '10s EDWARD DOSTALER, '10, was the 2010 recipient of the Undergraduate Scholarship Award from the New England Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine. EMMA SOLOMON, '41, April 6, 2011, Silver Spring, Md. ANTOINETTE GIOVANNITTI, '64, M.S. '72, 6th Yr. '77, Nov. 10, 2010, North Haven, Conn. 2011, Meriden, Conn. SANDE E. STRATTON, '72, M.S. '76, March 8, 2011, Stonington, Conn. ELEANOR C. PIVIROTTO, '83, March 13, 2001, Derby, Conn. RUTH M. ALLAN, '43, April 9, 2011, Trumbull, Conn. EDITH V. BALDYGA, '46, Feb. 12, 2011, Bushnell, Fla. LOUISE MALTBY MCNELLIS KRING, '65, Dec. 11, 2010, Anna Maria, Fla. KAREN C. SORITIO, '83, Dec. 13, 2010, New York, N.Y. JOSEPH CORICA SR., '73, M.S. '77, Oct. 17, 2010, Trumbull, Conn. ROBERT F. CLARK, '84, Jan. 23, 2011, Orange, Conn. HELEN MCLAUGHLIN CRAVEN, '46, April 1, 2011, Weyland, Mass. BARBARA MCCABE SPEHAR, '65, M.L.S. '68, Nov. 28, 2010, Old Lyme, Conn. VIDEEN PARKE MCGAUGHEY, '73, Nov. 27, 2010, Wallingford, Conn. THOMAS MARSTON, '85, March 22, 2011, Meriden, Conn. MARCO MERATI, '10, is a mortgage loan originator with Village Mortgage's Torrington, Conn., office. JEANIE N. ENGLAND, '48, M.S. '75, Dec. 11, 2010, Cheshire, Conn. RITA F. LAMB MORSE, '66, M.S. '72, 6th Yr. '78, Dec. 23, 2010, Hamden, Conn. STEVEN A. RUBIN, '86, Jan. 6, 2011, Glastonbury, Conn. NANCY J. STASIUNAS, '73, Nov. 6, 2010, Guilford, Conn. STEPHEN S. SHERIDAN, 6th Yr. '86, Feb. 13, 2011, Branford, Conn. LISA NEMENSE, '10, was crowned Miss Greater Watertown for 2010. She has traveled the Greater Watertown area performing and promoting her platform: preventing teenage substance abuse. RUTH MURDOCK BERGIN WALSH, '48, March 26, 2011, Branford, Conn. JOHN E. DOMBROSKI, '68, Jan. 31, 2011, Wallingford, Conn. LAREINE KASSABIAN, '74, Oct. 17, 2010, Guilford, Conn. THOMAS J. MATTHEWS, '69, Feb. 1, 2011, Waterbury, Conn. CYNTHIA HAYES KEDVES, '74, April 16, 2011, Wallingford, Conn. PHYLLIS KOLEDO LESTER, M.S. '88, April 2, 2011, Monroe, Conn. HARRY M. HINES, '52, Dec. 3, 2010, North Haven, Conn. DONALD W. GRAY, M.S. '70, March 17, 2011, Prospect, Conn. BETSY ANNE SEATON, '53, April 17, 2011, Bethany, Conn. NANCY DOBITSKY KENNEDY, '74, Feb. 23, 2011, South Windsor, Conn. ROBERT A. STEWART II, M.S. '88, Jan. 6, 2011, Glastonbury, Conn. Marriages JEROME MUGAVERO III, '94, and Gina Marie Pastore, 2011. ALBERT A. CHAPAR SR., '54, Nov. 28, 2010, Stratford, Conn. ELINOR MARIE HASHIM, M.L.S. '70, March 27, 2011, Newington, Conn. JUDITH L. MASTRIANNA, '74, March 22, 2011, Middlebury, Conn. JOHN CHARLES IRELAND JR., '92, Feb. 25, 2011, Bridgeport, Conn. CHERYL ANN JANKURA, '70, JENNIFER FEBBRORIELLO, '03, 16, 2010, New Haven, Conn. March 5, 2011, Southington, and JOSEPH C. DELUCA, '03, BENJAMIN J. GUERRA, '57, Dec. Conn. Dec. 4, 2010. 6, 2010, New Haven, Conn. JUNE IRENE LANGE, '70, 6th Yr. PATRICK GLYNN, '04, and ANGELO PETRAFESA, '57, '94, Nov. 28, 2010, Farmington, Lindsay Cerreta, July 16, 2010. JACQUELINE LOYER, '05, and Michael Portanova, Aug. 28, 2010. March 14, 2011, East Haven, Conn. Conn. STANLEY P. PUZYCKI, '55, Dec. ESTHER KOSOTSKY PROBER, M.S. '74, Oct. 4, 2010, Westford, Mass. GREGORY A. DUFF, '93, Smithtown, N.Y. BRIAN DANA JOSE, '93, Dec. 2, 2010, Prospect, Conn. EVA BARBARA GILL SULLIVAN, 6th Yr. '74, Oct. 14, 2010, Trumbull, Conn. ANN CROWLEY MIRIZZI, 6th Yr. '93, Jan. 24, 2011, Colebrook, Conn. DONALD W. PROTHEROE, '57, Feb. 2011, Ashford, Conn. LESLIE A. MAGINNISS, '70, M.S. '76, Jan. 15, 2011, Guilford, Conn. MARCIA EMILIE SANDONE, '75, March 20, 2011, Redding, Conn. MELISSA ANNE BICHUN, M.S. '06, and Lawrence Rosenthal, Aug. 12, 2010. JOHN J. MASALSKI, '99, April 15, 2011, Westbrook, Conn. EILEEN INGLIS, '59, Jan. 24, 2011, Palm Beach, Fla. ROSEMARY Y. LAMANNO, '71, M.S. '75, Dec. 2, 2010, Newport News, Va. LISA TRAUB, '75, March 20, 2011, Winsted, Conn. SHEILA M. WARD, M.L.S. '03, Dec. 13, 2010, Enfield, Conn. MAGGIE WOLOWITZ, '06, and Kyle Lucian, May 22, 2010. RICHARD F. NICOLARI, '59, M.S. '64, Feb. 22, 2011, Guilford, Conn. RUTH MCGEE LUBY, '71, Feb. 28, 2011, Cheshire, Conn. JAMES D. SORRENTINO, '76, Jan. 17, 2011, Branford, Conn. JAMES H. PINSON-ROSE, '05, March 24, 2011, Fairfield, Conn. FALLON STEPHENS, '07, and Aaron Matzdorff, May 21, 2010. ROBERT W. SULLIVAN, '59, March 3, 2011, North Haven, Conn. VERA J. ROZARIE, '71, M.S. '76, March 29, 2011, Stratford, Conn. GUY A. CARMEN, 6th Yr. '77, March 8, 2011, Waterbury, Conn. PAIGE SYMINGTON GOLDEN, M.S. '08, and Jay Dee Callahan, July 17, 2010. BARBARA "RUSTY" ABERNETHY, Professor Emeritus of Physical Education, March 6, 2011, Branford, Conn. DEMETRA PERRELLI, '60, M.S. '69, and an adjunct professor of physical education/movement, Dec. 12, 2010, Branford, Conn. FAYE RITA RUBIN, '71, March 13, 2011, East Hampton, Conn. DAPHNE KILBOURN-JACOB, '78, Jan. 20, 2011, Putney, Vt. CINDY RICCIO, '09, and Scott Rodrigues, Aug. 21, 2010. FRANK C. SESSA, '71, Dec. 18, 2010, Philadelphia, Pa. ANN ZARECHIAN BOWDEN, '79, Jan. 7, 2011, Boston, Mass. STEPHEN COLLINS, Professor Emeritus of Biology, Oct. 7, 2010, Bethany, Conn. WALTER STOSUY, '60, Dec. 8, 2010, West Hartford, Conn. GENEVIEVE SEPORIA HOLLAND-WILSON, M.S. '72, March 28, 2010, Richmond, Va. NANCY JEAN KISIL LANGER, '79, Nov. 23, 2010, Berwick, Pa. IN MEMORIAM REGINA DEVITT MOHER, '29, '64, Nov. 11, 2010, Branford, Conn. STETSON BLAKE, '61, March 29, 2011, Milford, Conn. DAVID JOHN COLBURN, '80, April 16, 2011, Kensington, Conn. Jan. 26, 2011, Black Rock, Conn. PAMELA RENDEIRO, Professor Emeritus of Political Science, March 12, 2011, Hamden, Conn. Professor Emeritus of Mathematics, Feb. 22, 2011, Branford, Conn. GEORGE CAMARA, '61, March 1, 2011, Westerly, R.I. KEVIN W. MCKEON, M.S. '72, Feb. 2, 2011, Wallingford, Conn. MARGARET F. LAW, '33, Nov. 10, 2010, Orange, Conn. LINDA FOSS HIGGINS, '62, Dec. 3, 2010, Myrtle Beach, S.C. ANN MESTUZZI, M.S. '72, 6th Yr. '75, M.A. '94, Oct. 4, 2010, Shelton, Conn. KEVIN MICHAEL COLLINS, '81, DOROTHY V. SCHRADER, BARBARA DURLAND MONTEFUSCO DEVLIN, M.S. '81, Feb. 13, 2011, Chester, Conn. JANE R. NOLAN, '40, March 3, 2011, Hamden, Conn. JAMES LOSTY, '62, Jan. 22, 2011, Milford, Conn. SISTER IRENE MONGRANDI, M.S. '72, Jan. 31, 2011, Saint Anne Villa, N.J. KATHRYN JOAN SANDMEYER WALLER, '40, March 26, 2011, Torrington, Conn. 34 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE ANNE L. ANTONUCCI, '64, March 23, 2011, West Haven, Conn. MARYLEE REYNOLDS RAPUANO, M.S. '72, April 8, KAREN WOODRUFF KOPPEL, '81, March 20, 2011, Scottsdale, Ariz. Class notes are compiled from submissions from alumni, as well as announcements made in newspapers and magazines. Peace Owls, Lott continued from page 13 my twin sons, who will be 9 years old, and my Peruvian husband to Paraguay for their first time to celebrate." Plans include visiting the Asuaga family, who took Lott into their oneroom home for three months while she was serving in the Peace Corps until accommodations were built for her. Peace Owls, Harper continued from page 15 Peace Owls, Kautz continued from page 13 Peace Owls, Williams continued from page 14 Namibia's government colleges. "Most rewarding was attending the graduations of my 90 students each year, knowing that if each one taught 40 students for 30 years, my efforts could/would contribute to the development of the country," she says. Though officially retired, Harper continues to work parttime in education. She is a classroom assistant for an autistic elementary school student. The Good Earth continued from page 19 expected to soar to 70 percent by 2050. Urban agriculture could become increasingly important to this growing population segment. It provides a cost-effective source of nutritious food -- a tremendous benefit in areas where the community does not have easy access to fresh produce. Organic urban gardening also diverts nutrient-rich waste from landfills. Other benefits include encouraging the production of rare varieties of fruits and vegetables, beautifying urban areas, and reducing the carbon footprint associated with growing produce since it does not need to be transported from rural areas. There are academic advantages as well. Students from various programs will be able to use the orchard trees, garden, and eventually the greenhouse to extend the classroom experience to real-life applications. Cusato says the project is completely interdisciplinary, not just limited to countless hours running in the park, feeding the deer, touring the castle, or having coffee with the Baroness. Yes, a real baroness lived there," says Kautz. The experience made an indelible impression. "I made incredible lifelong friendships and I learned far more than I taught. I learned about myself and about my capabilities. I gained an appreciation for history. I learned that when you are uncomfortable, you are truly growing," writes Kautz. For the past eight years, he has lived in Maine where he works as a math and finance teacher at the Waynflete School, a private day school in Portland. He is also the varsity baseball coach. Peace Owls, Smith continued from page 15 master's degree in public health from the University of Connecticut Health Center. He is currently a program manager, overseeing a communitybased health access program at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center in Albuquerque. feature book and one of the New York Times Top Ten Books of the Year for children. She has authored more than a dozen books, most recently, "Beatrice's Dream." (Karen spent two weeks with the 13-year-old orphan who was growing up in a slum in Kibera, Kenya.) The Williams family -- which grew to include four children -- also continued to travel. They lived in Haiti for two periods, and since September 2010, Karen and Steven have lived on the Navajo Nation in Chinle, Ariz., where Steven works for the Indian Health Service. Karen teaches graduate level writing courses and continues work on several writing projects. Meanwhile, her son, Christopher, who was born in Malawi while his parents served in the Peace Corps, has come full circle. In September, he and his wife, Laurie, became Peace Corps volunteers in Mozambique. For more information, see www.karenlynnwilliams.com. the Science Education and Environmental Studies Department. "We'd like to be a unifying force for faculty, staff, and students," she says. True to the initiative's name, Plant it Forward also will support those beyond campus. Plans include reaching out to the community-at-large to teach and encourage local residents to grow their own food. Heidkamp comments, "Ideally, we will eventually be able to do summer institutes to share knowledge about growing things in an urban environment. Our focus is on producing a lot of food in small spaces." The Connecticut Northeast Organic Farming Association included Southern in its annual city farm and garden tour in August. Efforts are underway to find external funding to help develop community and educational outreach activities. "I think it's the right time to do this," Cusato says. "The whole discussion about food in this country has changed. A movement to support local growers by buying locally produced food has gained popularity and momentum. Gardening or growing fruit trees make home a more enjoyable place to stay, and people also get some benefit from it." She adds that due to numerous highly publicized food recalls over the past years, people want to know where their food comes from. Heidkamp is hoping for the sustained involvement of the local community. "The intention is to empower and educate people," he says. Meanwhile, the students involved in the project have reaped their own rewards. "I feel a very strong personal connection to the orchard," says Hawkins. "I am currently living in my family's home . . . an old farmhouse. To have worked on the orchard at this point of my life, is a dream come true." n Fall 2011 | 35 Southern A Peter White Christmas Haunted Homecoming EVENTS Oct. 29 On campus A fun-filled event for the entire family. Highlights include the Bob Corda 5K road race, parade of floats, alumni tent party with refreshments and children's activities (tent opens at 12 p.m.), and the Homecoming football game at 1 p.m. (203) 392-6500 Donald Glover with Special Guest The Buried Life Live Nov. 18 8 p.m. A behind the scenes look at the MTV hit that sends the cast on the road to complete a list of "100 things we want to do before we die." $15 for general admission; $8 for Southern faculty, staff, students, and student guests. (203) 392-6154 Featuring Peter White, Mindi Abair, and Kirk Whalum Oct. 29 8 p.m. A great evening of comedy from the star, whose credits include a recently completed Comedy Central Stand-Up Special and starring in NBC's "Community." $20 for general admission; $10 for active alumni and Southern faculty, staff, and Southern student guests; $5 for Southern students. (203) 392-6154 Dec. 2 8 p.m. Kickoff the holiday season with a sensational night of smooth jazz. $32 for general admission; $28 for active alumni and Southern faculty, staff, and student guests; and $16 for Southern students. (203) 392-6154 The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman Nov. 19 8 p.m. Catch a powerhouse performance by the Grammy-nominated contemporary jazz band. $32 for general admission; $28 for active alumni and Southern faculty, staff, and student guests; $16 for Southern students. (203) 392-6154 The World Goes Round A musical review by Kander and Ebb Dec. 10 7 p.m. An ultra-talented cast of alumni of Southern's Crescent Players are showcased in this musical review, featuring music from "Chicago, " "Cabaret, "Woman of the Year, and " " "New York, New York!" Proceeds to benefit the Crescent Players Endowed Scholarship. Directed and choreographed by Larry Nye. Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. $25 for general admission; $20 for active alumni and Southern faculty/staff; $5 for Southern students; $35 for special Alumni Assoc. membership ticket, which includes one-year membership. (203) 392-6154 Post Secret Live Student-Directed One Acts Nov. 4 8 p.m. A multimedia presentation by Frank Warren, creator of the Post Secret Project, which invited people from around the world to submit their innermost secrets on often artfully decorated postcards. $20 for general admission; $10 for Southern faculty, staff, students, and student guests. (203) 392-6154 Nov. 30, Dec. 1-3 8 p.m.; Dec. 3-4 2 p.m. Kendall Drama Lab Theater at its finest directed and performed by Southern's students. $10 for general admission; $5 for senior citizens and Southern faculty, staff, and students. (203) 392-6154 Two Legends. One Evening. Nov. 11 7:30 p.m.; reception 5:30 p.m. An evening with celebrated entertainer William H. Cosby Jr. and jazz great Ramsey Lewis. Benefiting the student scholarship program at Southern and Southern Academy, an innovative educational effort that tackles the achievement gap by ensuring New Haven school children have the tools they need to succeed at an early age. $85 for premium seating; $65 for regular seating; $45 for side seating and Southern students; and $150 for a premium package that includes a reception and photo opportunity with Bill Cosby at the Michael J. Adanti Student Center at 5:30 p.m. (203) 392-6154 *All events held in John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts, unless otherwise noted. Southern students must have valid identification to receive their ticket discounts and are limited to purchasing one student ticket and two student guest tickets per event. For tickets and additional information and listings, visit Southern's Web site at www.lyman.SouthernCT.edu. 36 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE What was it about Southern that made a difference in your life? Was it A professor? A tradition? A program? Whatever the reason, your Southern experience lives forever through you. There are many reasons to make a gift to the Southern Fund. 82% of our students receive some kind of financial assistance. 64% of our students work off campus. Give today, impact today. Dollars from the Southern Fund are flexible and immediately available, enabling the university to direct them wherever they're most urgently needed. Fund a future. Fund a dream. Fund an education. The Southern Fund. Please make a gift to our students today by returning the envelope provided or by visiting us online at www.giving.SouthernCT.edu Congratulations G to Southern's First Fulbright Student a language in its setting, it becomes meaningful. Otherwise, it's just words on a page," says Schumacher, who is working toward a master's degree in bilingual, multicultural education, and TESOL (teaching of English to speakers of other languages). Operating in more than 155 countries worldwide, the Fulbright Program is the flagship international exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government. Cynthia Stretch, an associate professor of English who was a Fulbright Scholar Senior Lecturer in 2005, says she is proud of Schumacher's accomplishment: "Jessica sees a future of public service and the promotion of intercultural understanding ahead of her. . . . We see that future as an especially bright one." -- By Kaitlin Randall, `11 raduate student Jessica Schumacher is the first Southern student to be awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student Program scholarship -- a prestigious honor that builds on her proficiency in the Spanish language and a passion for breaking language barriers. As a Fulbright scholar, Schumacher will travel to Argentina next March for eight months to help train individuals who are in the process of becoming English teachers in that country. During her stay, she will further study the Spanish language and hopes to pursue the personal project she proposed: to film interviews with Argentinean people. These would then be used to develop supplemental curricular material for high school Spanishlanguage classes. "When you hear