AlumniNewsAlumniNewsThe magazine for alumni and friends of Western Connecticut State University March 2003

Inside: Spotlighting four of WestConn’s alumni authors

Several hundred alumniand friends enjoyed cakeand camaraderie onMarch 3, as WestConnofficially celebrated its100th birthday.

Top right: University President Dr. Roach and Vice President Richard Sullivan blow out the candles on the cake at the Midtown Campus. Bottom left, WestConn graduates and faculty of Shelter Rock School celebrate with their individual cake.

100100never lookednever lookedso good!so good!

Dear Alumni and Friends,

During this Centennial Celebration year, theAlumni Association and the University haveinvited alumni and friends back to campusfor an unprecedented number and variety ofsocial, cultural and academic programs.Many of you have taken this opportunity tovisit campus, renew friendships with class-mates and reconnect with your academicdepartment. The Alumni Association andUniversity invite you back to campus or toany of the many alumni events scheduledaround Connecticut and the region. In thenext few months we will be holding alumniget-together social events in several communities. Watch for those invitations. Iencourage you to attend, and bring friends!

On May 22 a special NYC event at theSociety of Illustrators is planned–checkthe website for all the specifics and to makeyour reservation. The Society, a private club,is the home of hundreds of original worksof art by every American artist since it wasfounded in 1901. This is the perfect eventfor you if you enjoy viewing great art while

enjoying greatfood and drink.

The CentennialGolf Outing onJuly 1 will getyou on the linksat the WatertownGolf Club. Itpromises to be agreat day of golf.The planningcommittee hasassured me that itwill be 80 degreeswith a light windalways at your back. With the the wild winter we’ve had in Danbury, we can alllook forward to warm summer days on thegolf courses!

The All Alumni & Family Picnic is sched-uled for Saturday, June 7. This is the 4thAnnual picnic–a great reason to not cook!

I look forward to talking with you at one ofour upcoming events.

AlumniNewsAlumniNews

4•03Sections

Greetings from the Alumni Association President . .2

Greetings from the University President . . . . . . . . .3

News from the School of Arts & Sciences . . . . . . .6

News from the Ancell School of Business . . . . . . . .8

News from the School of Professional Studies . . .12

News from the Office of the Deanof Graduate & External Programs . . . . . . . . . . . .14

News from the Athletic Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

WestConn Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Features

WestConn alum brews up coffee, culture . . . . . . . .3

WestConn announces $4M Centennial Campaign . .4

WestConn: Worth a Million . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

About our Alumni Authors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11

Alumni Profile: Elaine Abrams ‘78 SPS . . . . . . . . .13

Alumni Profile: Patricia Bragdon ‘93 SPS . . . . . . . .13

Counselor Ed program earns reaccredidation . . . .14

Centennial 5K: Off and Running! . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Alumni Profile: Shirley Cole Ferris ‘86 SAS . . . . . .16

AlumniNews Staff

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Caroline NoreliusDirector, Alumni Relations

westconnalumni@wcsu.edu 203-837-8298

Janine Brennan ‘88 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alumni OfficeG. Koryoe Anim-Wright . . . .Office of Public RelationsYvonne Johnson . . . . . . . .Office of Public RelationsJason Davis ‘97 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Layout & DesignMichael Driscoll . . . . . . . .Institutional AdvancementRichard Gerber . . . . . . . . .Institutional AdvancementHelen Masterson . . . . . . . . . . . . . .University EventsPeggy Stewart ‘97 . . . . . . . . .Principal PhotographerEllen Myhill ‘01 . . . . . . . .Contributing Photographer

The AlumniNews is made possible by generous donations like yours through the Annual Fund. Forinformation about being a donor, contact the Officeof Institutional Advancement at 203-837-8298.

Gordon HallasAlumni Association President

The fun never ends

WestConn!WestConn!Happy BirthdayHappy Birthday

On March 3, WestConn officially celebrated its 100th year with a city-wide celebration. Many local companies and organizations who have WestConn graduatesas part of their workforce joined in the celebration with the university by offering acelebratory cake and hosting parties for their WestConn graduate employees. It wasa great day for all those who participated. Costco donated over 50 half-sheet cakesfor individual celebrations and three, 6-foot-long cakes for on-campus celebrations!

A hand-decorated, 8 foot, three-tier birthday cake was erected on the Midtown Campus to celebrate

WestConn’s 100th birthday.

By Sherri HillWestConn Public Relations

When he graduated fromWestConn’s Ancell School ofBusiness with a degree in Business Administration in 1987,Danbury resident John Hurbonhad dreams of becoming anactor or performer. He neverimagined he’d end up owningand operating a coffee café. ButHurbon and his wife, Shalini,are doing just that with theopening of their business,“Coffee, Please,” at 262 MainStreet in Danbury.

Located directly across the streetfrom the Danbury Post Office,“Coffee, Please” has been beckoning coffee connoisseursand aficionados of the arts sincelast October, when the Hurbonspurchased the shop from itsoriginal owner.

“It started out as a dream andcame to be because of a dare,”Hurbon said. “I bought a 1966Gibson acoustic guitar at TheMusic Guild on Main Street. Ispent a lot of time there playingit, and one day the owner toldme the coffee shop down thestreet was for sale. He dared meto purchase it so I could havemy own place to play.”

Hurbon took the dare.

Hurbon performed his BobDylan tribute “ApproximatelyBob” on opening night. Sincethen, he has relinquished thestage to many other performers,a number of whom areWestConn students.

Sophomore Tim Walsh, a jazzperformance major with a con-centration in percussion, entertained a full house on Dec.19. “It was the most packednight ever; it was awesome,”Walsh said, noting that the vastmajority of the audience members attend WestConn.

According to Hurbon, Walshalready has quite a following

among “Coffee, Please” regulars,having played there twice in2002 for the previous owners.Walsh, an accomplished drummer, says his performancesat “Coffee, Please” are now turning into a regular gig, whichhe plans to continue. What’sunusual is that Walsh doesn’tplay drums at the coffee shop— he plays acoustic guitar.

“I’m really a drummer,” he said.“The guitar is a hobby, just forfun. It’s great for everyone to gettogether and hang out and drinkcoffee and listen to music.”

Walsh hails from Killingly, inConnecticut’s northeast corner.

He came to WestConn at thesuggestion of an older friend,also a drummer, who had graduated about seven yearsearlier. “I came and auditionedand I was very impressed,”Walsh said. “The faculty and thedepartment are absolutely amazing, and I know my friendhas had incredible success in hiscareer because of what helearned when he was here.”

This love of music also drawspeople to the open-mike nightsat “Coffee, Please.” Many ofthose who take the stage arecurrent or former WestConn students, perfecting their art orindulging a hobby. They sharetheir talents in everything fromfree-form poetry to gospel toopera singing. Rap, Brazilianmusic, and classical guitar tunesalso are shared.

“We’ve been very successfulfrom a diversity standpoint,”Hurbon said, reflecting on thevariety of performances in thepast few months. “Eventually,I’d like to incorporate skit dramahere as well, because there areso many talented people writingshort stories that could be actedout in a small area.”

In addition to providing a venueto showcase musical and dramatic talent, “Coffee, Please”

Dr. James R. RoachUniversity President

There’s something to traditions

WestConn alum brews up coffee, culture

In this year we are celebratingthe history of your alma mater.An important element of thatcentury of history is tradition.

Some traditions were establishedyears ago, and others, thoughfairly recent, are very much apart of the fabric of the universi-ty. Alumni who attended in the’30s, ’40s or ’50s have sharedwith me memories of their tradi-tions of “Do-Days” and tea withPresident Ruth Haas. Alums fromthe ’60s, ’70s and ’80s rememberhaving their car pulled out of the“Pit”—(a tradition of sorts).Alums in the ’90s have TomDeluca, Homecoming, and theCabaret.

There are also traditions thateducate and challenge us tothink about our society andhumanity.

The WestConn InternationalCenter, under the direction ofassociate professor of anthropol-ogy Dr. Robert Whittemore,sponsors the Festival of Africanfilms during Black History monthin February. Dr. Jane Goodalllectures annually on ecologicalissues and ways to protect ourenvironment. The President’sLecture series has broughtrenowned speakers to campus toaddress issues of regional,national and international con-cern.

Many academic departments andprograms have established theirown traditions.

The Music department jazz andsymphonic band concerts draw alarge audience for each perform-ance.

The Communication and TheatreArts department produces out-standing plays each semester,which display the talents of ourstudents and faculty. Many alumshave begun the tradition ofenjoying “dinner and a show” atthe university. The CTA depart-ment also has established a tradi-tion of hosting holiday produc-tions in the fall and spring

story continued on page 9

story continued on page 9

DANBURY, CT — WesternConnecticut State Universityannounced its $4 million funddrive—The CentennialCampaign—has begun, as the university continues its celebration of 100 years since its founding.

“Since July, we have been in the ‘silent phase’ of our firstcampaign” said Richard J.Gerber, WestConn’s vice president for institutionaladvancement, “but now we havebegun a 12-month publicphase—and the initial reactionfrom the greater Danbury community, as well as from oursupporters throughout FairfieldCounty and other parts ofConnecticut, has really beenextraordinary.”

Gerber noted that approximately60% of the funds raised wouldsignificantly increase studentscholarships and academic support, including faculty development; the balance of themoney will be designated tostrengthen the university’slibraries, as well as men’s andwomen’s athletic programs.

While the campaign goal isambitious for the school, Gerberis optimistic that recent campusimprovements, increased visibili-ty, and much-expanded alumnioutreach will contribute to a suc-cessful effort. “WestConn is now

seen as worthy of increased public support, so now we aretaking our case to a broadercross-section of area businesses,residents and our alumni,” headded.

The unique generosity of individuals and companies in thegreater Danbury region made thedecision to embark on a majorfund drive for the university atthis time much easier, accordingto WestConn President James R.Roach. “We looked at our projected needs over the nextfive years and recognized thatincreased private support wouldbe critical to WestConn’s future.We conferred with our various constituencies, set our goals, andapproached our strongest supporters during the silentphase. The response has beenvery gratifying.”

Leadership gifts and pledges to WestConn’s CentennialCampaign include a recentlyannounced $1.1 million endowment commitment fromConstantine and MarieMacricostas, and a $1 million giftfrom Jason and Ellen Hancock.Commitments of $100,000 ormore have also been made byBoehringer-Ingelheim, Ms.Isabelle Farrington, FioritaKornhaas and Van Houten,Konover Construction, UnionSavings Bank and Roy andGinny Young, among others.

Gifts That Make a Difference

WestConn announces its$4M CentennialCampaignFunds to be raised for Scholarships, Academic Support, Libraries and Sports Programs

WestConn announces its$4M CentennialCampaign

story continued on page 9 Dr. Roach (standing) with Deno and Marie Macricostas

Constantine “Deno” and MarieMacricostas, on behalf of theMacricostas Family Foundation,pledged $1.1 million to theWestern Connecticut StateUniversity Foundation. Thiscommitment is the largest everreceived by WestConn.

In making the announcement,WestConn President James R.Roach thanked the Macricostasesfor their generous gift. Roachalso announced the gift willcontribute to WestConn’s $4 million Centennial CapitalCampaign goal. The $1.1 millionwill create the MacricostasEndowment.

Constantine Macricostas, founderand chairman of Brookfield-based Photronics Inc., is a long-time supporter of highereducation, and he believes education is “the key to everyindividual’s future.”

“Education provides the buildingblocks and tools necessary toachieve our objectives and goals— not only as individuals, butas a society,” Macricostas said.

“I believe that WestConn hasmade incredible strides from itsorigin as a teacher’s college.Today it is an integral and vitalcomponent in the life of theentire community, preparingindividuals to excel in a varietyof important fields. And don’tforget that I’m a businessman —I look for a return on invest-ment. As far as I know, there is no investment that yields abetter return than education.And that return benefits individ-uals, society and civilization.”

Macricostas has served on theboard of the WCSU Foundationfor more than 15 years. Hissons, Stephen and George,attended WestConn, andPhotronics employs a significantnumber of WestConn graduates.“On behalf of the universitycommunity — faculty, staff andstudents — I want to express

our profound gratitude to Mr.and Mrs. Macricostas for thisgenerous gift to WestConn,”Roach said. “It will contributesignificantly to the university’sgrowth and development, provide wonderful support for

our students and faculty, andwill be of great benefit to thisregion.” The gift will establishfour new programs atWestConn. The first will be theMacricostas Chair in Hellenicand Modern Greek Studies,

followed by the MacricostasScholarship Endowment, theMacricostas Lecture Series, andthe Macricostas EntrepreneurialEndowment.

It is the first-ever endowed chairat WestConn. The scholarshipswill be for students who immigrated from any country tothe United States in the pastseven years. Lectures will be ontopics ranging from Hellenism to entrepreneurship to worldcultures. The annual entrepre-neur award will honor a localbusiness person, who will helpselect the department within theschool of business to receiveproceeds generated by the fundthat year.

“This gift touches on four coreareas that are important themesin Mr. Macricostas’ life: responsi-ble entrepreneurship, the pursuitof higher education, globalunderstanding, and an apprecia-tion for Hellenic culture,” saidMichael McCarthy, Photronicsvice president of corporate communications and investorrelations.

Constantine Macricostas wasborn and raised in Greece. In1954, he immigrated to theUnited States, attended college,served in the U.S. Army, andeventually embarked on a careeras a design engineer in theembryonic semiconductor industry. In 1969, he foundedPhotronics Inc., a hi-tech company that manufacturesphotomasks for integrated circuits. As the result of hisvision, astute leadership anduncompromising dedication,Photronics has become thelargest independent global supplier of photomasks.

Realizing how educationchanged his life for the better,Macricostas hopes the scholar-ship endowment at WestConnwill help ensure that those insimilar situations have an oppor-tunity to receive an education.

WestConn: Worth a millionGifts That Make a Difference

A b o u t t h eE n d o w m e n t

The recent Macricostas Family Foundation commitment to WestConn repre-sents the largest ever received by the University. It is also one of the mostcomprehensive and unique gifts ever received.

Questions have arisen from faculty, students and alumni regarding theMacricostas gift and other potential major gifts for WestConn. This brief hasthe answers; and additional questions can always be addressed to the Officeof Institutional Advancement, attention: Michael Driscoll, calling 203-837-8419 or e-mailing driscollm@wcsu.edu.

Q Why did Mr. and Mrs. Macricostas choose WestConn?A They have been involved with WestConn for many years. Moreover,

they believe education is a keystone to success. They have also been impressed with President Roach’s leadership and the continued growth of the university, and they developed strong relationships with several administrators at WestConn.

Q What are the Macricostas affiliations with WestConn?A Mr. Macricostas is on the WCSU Foundation Board, his two sons

attended WestConn, and many of his employees are students or alumni.

Q What are the four programs supported by the Macricostas Endowment?

A 1. Visiting faculty chair; 2. Scholarship fund; 3. Lecture series; and 4. Entrepreneur Awards program.

Q When will the funds be available?A In a few years. The $1.1 million is a pledge, being paid over several

years. The first payment was $200,000 in December.

Q Can some of the money be used sooner?A Not at this time. All of the money is invested as an endowment, and

we will use the interest from the investments.

Q Are scholarships only for students of Greek heritage? A They are for any heritage, as long as the applicant immigrated to the United

States in the past seven years. The student must have a minimum 2.75 GPA in the first year, and must improve his or her GPA each year to receive renewed scholarships.

Q Why a chair in Hellenic and Greek Studies?A Mr. Macricostas was born in Greece, and wants more people to have

the opportunity to learn about the effect of Greek history, culture and thought on contemporary civilization; Hellenism; and Ancient and Modern Greek History.

Q What is the Entrepreneur Award program?A It will recognize an entrepreneur each year from Fairfield or Litchfield

County. Award recipients will confer with the business school dean to select how the endowment interest will be used the year he/she is honored. The funds will go to one or more programs at the Ancell School of Business, and may change each year.

Q How many lectures will be presented, and on what topics?A One lecture is expected each year. The topics will rotate between

Greek issues (past, present and future), entrepreneurship, and world culture.

story continued on page 9

Dr. Linda Vaden-GoadDean

School ofArts & Sciences

6

From events to books:Arts & Sciences is in the newsLast fall was a very busy semester!It was my first semester here atWestConn and the first semesterof the University’s CentennialCelebration. We saw many of youat the Centennial Kick-Off Eventin September. It was very inspirational to hear about alumni honorees and your many success-es. This spring, we also had several important events at theuniversity in Arts and Sciences. The A&S Honors Convocation willbe held on May 6 in Warner Hallat 7:30 p.m. It is tradition that theAlumnus/a of the Year give abrief talk to our current honorsstudents. I am looking forward to that evening. Honoring academically successful studentsand alumni is a vital part of|maintaining strong programs.

Last fall, I described the programsand new initiatives of six of ourthirteen departments. This issue, Iwould like to bring you newsfrom the other seven.

MathematicsMany new things are happening!At the end of August 2002, theDepartment of Mathematics andComputer Science became theDepartment of Mathematics andthe Department of ComputerScience. The split was very amica-ble and promises to support thedevelopment of each major. Also,there are four new faces inMathematics, with Dr. BarryMittag joining us in 2000, Drs.David Burns and Charles Rocca in2001, and Dr. Amanda Lubell thisyear. They bring new ideas andvitality to the faculty. Five of thedepartment’s 10 members attend-ed the national Joint MathematicsMeetings in Baltimore in January.Dr. Ed Sandifer gave a presenta-tion on Spanish Colonial mathe-matics, Dr. David Burns spoke onpreparing geometry teachersusing Geometer’s Sketchpad, andDr. Charles Rocca organized asession on teaching under prepared students.

Regarding under-prepared students, we are testing the use ofa new computer-based system forassisting in the teaching of our

two introductory-level mathemat-ics classes. The system is calledALEKS. What is special about thissystem is that it allows students tobegin their particular study ofmathematics exactly where theyneed to start, and the studentsmay repeat topic sections asmany times as are necessary. Ifthe students need extra help inbasic fractions, for example, theycan spend as much time as isneeded to truly understand them(maybe for the first time!). Also, ifthey work especially hard, stu-dents may complete two semes-ters of work during one semester,and receive credit for both. Onthe weekend of March 1-2 wehosted the Eighth Annual Meetingof ARITHMOS – a group devotedto reading the history of mathe-matics from original sources.Mathematics faculty from anyschool, college or university wereinvited to attend. More informa-tion may be found at the ARITH-MOS website (www.arithmos.org).Finally, if you are interested inteaching school and are trying todecide which discipline might beuseful and fun, think about math-ematics. The need in the schoolsfor good math teachers is enor-mous. Give us a call.

Computer ScienceThe new Department ofComputer Science is activelydesigning new minors to suit theneeds and interests of the studentbody. For example, soon minorswill be available in Informatics,Web Development, Digital Mediaand Security. Also, we are prepar-ing for the Second AnnualComputer Animation Festival. It will take place at WestConn on April 8-10. Student work in animation from around our regionwill be displayed, and noteworthyspeakers are invited to presentthe state of the profession incomputer animation. It will be aninteresting event. Also in thenews is Professor RonaGurkewitz. Her new book is entitled Multimodular OrigamiPolyhedra: Archimedeans,Buckyballs and Duality (withBennett Arnstein), and several ofher models are being included inthe October 2003 Masterworkscollection and exhibition of theMingei International Museum ofSan Diego, California. Finally, oneof our CS students has beenselected to present a paper at aprestigious computer science conference.

fourth annualart alumni forum

april eighthten in the morning

alumni hall

art alumni to discuss“life after westconn”

HistoryFrom the History Departmentcomes a new book written byEmeritus Professor Dr. HerbertJanick. A People’s University:The Centennial History ofWestern Connecticut StateUniversity 1903-2003 is available, signed, from theMarket-place section of theAlumniNews. Professor Janickpresents such an interesting history of the university and itspath to the present. There aremany fascinating photographs ofthe university throughout theyears.

Social SciencesThe Social Sciences faculty havebeen engaged in helping theuniversity understand the worldsituation and Iraq. We held apanel discussion a few weeksinto the Fall semester that wascollaborative across Arts andSciences and attended by over150 people. The response to thepanel was very good. In fact,we plan to do follow-up panelsthis semester, updating the com-munity on the latest develop-ments. Please come join us inthe discussion. We will publicizeour upcoming panels on theArts and Sciences website(www.wcsu.edu/sas).

Dr. Oluwole Owoye, wasawarded the prestigiousFulbright Teaching Fellowshipthis semester to teach and

conduct research at several universities in Nigeria.

And finally, department facultycontinue an impressive recordof publication. Just last semesteralone: WestConn alumnus andpart-time anthropologist/sociolo-gist, Jack Sikora ‘65, publishedReligions Of India: A UserFriendly and Brief Introductionto Hinduism, Buddhism,Sikhism and the Jains(iUniverse, 2002); SociologistSteve Ward, Modernizing theMind: Psychological Knowledgeand the Remaking of Society(Praeger, 2002); SociologistRosalind Kopfstein, “Chapter 11:Early Intervention andPrevention: Issues and Services;”and Anthropologist LaurieWeinstein, is the General Editorof a series of volumes on NativePeoples of America. The mostrecent volume is also co-editedand co-authored by part-timeanthropologist, Bethany Morrison.

PsychologyThe Psychology Department willhost an all day event, CSUPsychology Day, May 9.The Psychology Departmentsfrom the four CSU campuseswill participate. The purpose ofthe day is for CSU students toshare their research throughposters and oral presentations.Several new books are in theworks by the psychology facul-ty. Dr. Shane Murphy is working

on a new book entitledEssential Sports Psychology. Also,Dr. Tara Kuther’s ‘93 new book;Careers in Psychology:Opportunities in a ChangingWorld will be published thissummer.

PhilosophyWe have some interesting andtimely things going on in philos-ophy. For example, a course onthe Ethical Issues in Health Careis being taught this spring byDr. Kristin Aronson. Health careissues and policies are beingviewed in this course from theperspectives of the health careprofessional, the patient and thegeneral public. With serious ethical problems surfacing regularly in the news, it is ofgrowing importance that ourstudents learn more about howto make sound choices whenquestions arise. The philoso-phers and interested others continue to maintain a weeklyreading group that meets onTuesdays at 2:00 pm in WhiteHall 325a. They are readingNelson Goodman’s Ways ofWorld Making, available in theuniversity bookstore.

Foreign Languages and LiteratureA lot is happening that may beof interest to you. For example,Adjunct Professor of ItalianPatrizia Farina is planning a 10-day trip to Italy in June 2003.Interested parties should contact

her at farinap2000@hotmail.com.The Foreign LanguageDepartment continues to engagethe schools in significant ways.Dr. John Dever arranged a visitto the Midtown Campus for thestudents of Professor HamiltonJustiano of Danbury HighSchool. Professor Justiano’s students are recent arrivals tothe U.S. and are enrolled in thebilingual program for secondary students. We congrat-ulate Department Chair Dr.Thomas Doyle, who has beennominated for the Lothrop D.Higgins Fellowship Grant for2003.

Donate theeasy way.

Help save us money on returned mail by updating your address information.

e-mailwestconnalumni@wcsu.edu

online formwww.wcsu.edu/alumni/

phone203-837-8298

fax203-837-9627

2003 Summer

Music ProgramsWCSU Summer String Camp July 6 – July 12

WCSU Summer Music Camp for Band InstrumentalistsJuly 20 – July 26

WCSU Summer Flute InstituteJuly 27 – August 1

The Julius Baker Flute Master ClassAugust 1 – August 6

For more information contact Laura Tittemore, 203 837-8614 or tittemorel@wcsu.edu or visit www.wcsu.edu/summermusic

$50 off all Children of W

estConn A

lumni!

Mississippi Riverboat Cruise

on theAmerican Queen Paddleboat

July 19 -25

Minneapolis to St. Louis

For information,call the Alumni Office,

203-837-8298,for brochures andvideo information.

Dr. Allen MortonDean

AncellSchool ofBusiness

8

ASB: Continuing to be astrong force in the communityThe Ancell School’s participationin the local economy is strongand alumni are participating inthe School’s activities, both as featured speakers, and as studentsof the School’s managementdevelopment activities. Our faculty continues to distinguishthemselves as scholars and innovative educators and haveearned recognition for theirefforts from their peers.

The Macricostas Foundation (page5) recently established theConstantine Macricostas Entrepreneurof the Year Award at the AncellSchool. Mr. Macricostas and hisfirm Photronics, have workedwith WestConn and the AncellSchool for many years. We lookforward to working with Mr.Macricostas to recognizecommunity minded entrepreneurswho will contribute to economicgrowth and create meaningfuleducational opportunities for ourstudents.

Our faculty continues a schooltradition of providing service andexpertise to local organizationsand business firms. Dr. Cronin’smarketing class completed a mar-ket case study of The News-Timesand presented an advertising andmarketing recommendation to thepaper’s management team.Professor George Kain (JLA)organized a workshop for theConnecticut Police Commission-er’s Association in the fall forpolice commissioners from theentire state of Connecticut. Drs.Fred Tesch and Stan Bazan of ourManagement Department recentlytaught management development

courses for Boehringer-Ingelheim.The Ancell School will begin itsthird round of management development courses forBoehringer in mid-March.

I am pleased to announce thatalumni continue to support ourprograms and serve as mentors toour students. The AccountingAssociation held its annual careerday forum in November andoffered valuable career advice tostudents from all majors. Severalalumni were panel members,including Ken Silliman ‘96(Finance), Lorraine Peoples ‘98(MIS), and Gus Psarros ‘98(Accounting). Students love hear-ing from alumni who were oncein their shoes and I urge you tocontact me or your professors anddiscuss ways in which you canshare your insights with currentAncell students.

As I mentioned above, AncellSchool faculty members continueto set examples as outstandingscholars and educators. Dr. OzgurKan (Finance) recently publisheda paper Day of the Week Effects:Recent Evidence from NineteenStock Markets. Drs. Tesch andBazan, Management, and Dr.EllenDurnin, Dean of GraduateStudies, are the co-authors of anarticle entitled “Managing aDepartment’s Adjunct Faculty: LetThem Eat Sweet Rolls.” Dr. RonDrozdenko (Marketing) and Dr.Gregory Jin (MIS), are the co-authors of a paper “DirectMarketing Manager’s PerceivedOrganizational Values and EthicalAttitudes,” which earned the bestpaper award for the Tenth Annual

Conference of the AmericanSociety of Business andBehavioral Sciences.

The Accounting Department willbegin offering courses in the fieldof forensic accounting in the fall.Forensic accounting is one of thefastest growing practice areas inthe field. Few universities offercourses in this increasingly important area. The AccountingDepartment will offer a three-course sequence, with courses in business valuation, fraud investigation, and the valuation ofdamages and lost profits. Pleasecontact Professor Richard Proctor,or Professor Monica Frizzell forfurther information.

I want to take this opportunity tothank Dr. David Machell for hismany years of service as the chairof the Division of Justice and LawAdministration. Dr. Machell hasserved as chair since 1992 andrecently announced that he willreturn to fulltime teaching dutiesin August. I urge our many JLAalumni to thank Dr. Machell forhis guidance in their educationaland professional careers and todrop him a line and offer theirbest wishes.

In closing, continue to stayinvolved with the Ancell School.Write, call, or stop by for a visit.We look forward to staying intouch and to working with youclosely in the future, as the Schoolstrives to maintain the tradition ofexcellence to which you havebecome accustomed.

All Alumni Picnic!

Roach’s letter from 3

Macricostas’ gift to WestConn from 5

Coffee, Please from 3

hosts an art show on the firstFriday night of each month.Local artists’ works are prominently displayed on the hand-painted walls of the coffeeshop and are available for saleto the public.

Hurbon, who originates fromWolcott, said his ties to the university are very important tohim. He is pleased to be able toprovide a place for aspiringentertainers and artists to honetheir skills.

“The students at WestConn —their talent is right there,” hesaid. “Now they have anothervenue where they can perform.”Hurbon admits that the selfishpart of this for him is that hegets to enjoy the talents of thosewho take the stage.

“We offer another place to go,”Hurbon said, explaining why hedoesn’t worry about competingwith Dunkin’ Donuts orStarbucks. “It’s our atmospherethat makes us different.”

In addition to the art on the wallsand live performances, “Coffee,Please” offers Internet access anda menu that includes 30 varietiesof tea, specialty cappuccino,espresso, 25 flavored coffeesyrups, hot apple cider, hotchocolate and smoothies. Theirclam chowder and chili alreadyhave a loyal following down-town. Sandwiches, salads, wraps,bagels, pastries and croissantsround out the fare.

“My story personifies what onecan achieve with a college education,” Macricostas said.

“I experienced abject poverty,growing up during the NaziOccupation of Greece. But I hada passion for education and astrong desire to excel. In creat-ing a scholarship fund to helprecent immigrants, I want to beable to help those students whoare facing obstacles similar tothose I experienced. There is nobetter way to prove the value of education.”

WestConn’s Director of Institut-ional Advancement Michael T.Driscoll is impressed with thediverse aspects of the gift.

“It’s exciting for WestConn toreceive a gift of this magnitudethat supports the university in somany ways,” Driscoll said. “It’salso the embodiment of theAmerican Dream, working hardto achieve great success, and creating pathways for others tofollow.” Driscoll worked closelywith the Macricostases for sever-al years, helping to match theirvision with WestConn’s future.

WestConn’s Vice President forInstitutional AdvancementRichard Gerber said the future ofWestConn and its programs willbe greatly strengthened by thisgenerous gift.

“We are very grateful to Mr. andMrs. Macricostas for their

unswerving commitment to thevalue and the importance of public education,” Gerber said.“Mr. Macricostas’ significant andvaried investments of energy andcreative ideas, devoted tostrengthening the life and vitalityof our academic community, iscapped now by this remarkablefinancial contribution to our mis-sion, faculty, students and staff.”

This gift is the most recent example of their generosity toWestConn. They have assistedwith many programs and events,and their support will continueto have a major impact onWestConn for many years tocome.

Campaign from 4

Dr. Roach thanked these silentphase donors for their earlyand generous endorsement ofthe university, and for their important commitment to publichigher education.

“These wonderful gifts shouldserve as guideposts for futurecontributors to our campaign,”he added.

Before the campaign began, Dr.Roach established a CampaignCommittee comprised of businessleaders, alumni and other friendsof the university. Bethel FoodMarket President AnthonyCaraluzzi serves as the CampaignCommittee Chairman andWestConn graduate IsabelleFarrington, serves as Honorary Chair.

“It’s long been said thatWestConn is a gem right here inour community,” Caraluzzi said.“The response to this campaigntells us that…support for theuniversity has translated into afinancial commitment toWestConn’s future growth anddevelopment,” he added.

To learn more about WestConn’sCentennial Campaign, or how tobecome a supporter, call theOffice of InstitutionalAdvancement at 203-837-8279or email gerberr@wcsu.edu.

An open invitation to

Joseph A. Califano, Jr.Past U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare

“Substance Abuse: American Attitudes and Pathways Among Girls and Young Women”

April 10, 2003 • 8:00 p.m. • Warner Hall, Midtown Campus

Reserve Alumni Preferred Seating! Call 203-837-8290

semesters for hundreds of ele-mentary school children fromthe Danbury area community.

The English and Art departmentshave recently initiated "Sightsand Sounds in Celebration" atThe Silo in New Milford. Sightsand Sounds includes art exhibitsby WestConn faculty, studentsand alums, and Sunday literaryreadings by English faculty andWestConn alums.

Each of our three schools—theSchool of Arts & Sciences, theSchool of Professional Studies,and the Ancell School ofBusiness—has established hon-ors ceremonies to recognizetheir students’ outstanding aca-demic achievements. And, of

course, commencement eachyear has continued the traditionof recognizing our graduates inbachelor and masters degreeprograms. In the near future,we will be able to recognizegraduates in our first doctoraldegree program.

These are just a few examples ofuniversity traditions. TheCentennial year has exposed usall to the rich and varied historyof our university. Many of youhave come back to campus forthe first time in several years tojoin us in our centennial celebra-tion. I hope you will continueto join us each year at the manynew events and activities we haveestablished and started a few newtraditions of your own.

alumniabout our

A visual artist as well as a writer, Peter Selgin’s work has appeared inThe New Yorker, The Wall StreetJournal, Gourmet, Salon.com, theChicago Sun-Times, Newsday SundayMagazine, Oasis, Alkali Flats, SouthDakota Review, Madison Review,Glimmer Train, and other publications.His stories have won several awardsand received two Pushcart nomina-tions. His children’s book, S.S. GiganticAcross the Atlantic, (Simon & Schuster)won the Lemme Award for BestChildren’s Book of 2000. He has beena fellow at the Blue Mountain Centerand the Eugene O’Neill NationalPlaywright’s Conference. He lives inNew York City.

Selgin graduated from WestConn in1982 with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing.

Reading

Monday, April 77:00 p.m., Alumni Hall(with Cortney Davis)

No chargeOpen to the public203 837-8292

auth

Laurie Krebs received her Masters in Educationfrom WestConn in 1980, and went on to become a successful first grade teacher for twenty years inthe Ridgefield School District. Now she has turnedher teaching experience and knowledge of whatyoung children like to read into a profitable careeras a children’s book author. Her books include TheBeeman, published by National Geographic; OnSafari, published by Barefoot Books; as well as aseries on pre-revolutionary times published by theRosen Group.

In 1971, Cathrene Valente Youngquist received herBachelors in Education from WestConn. With a tremendous love of the arts, she became a creative arts facilitator for preschools in the Connecticutshoreline areas. Now Anthenum Books has justrecently published her first book, The Three BillyGoats Gruff and Mean Calypso Joe, based on hertime spent in Anguilla, British West Indies. She ispictured above with her daughter Anna, a freshmanat WestConn.

orsCortney Davis is the author of I Knewa Woman: the Experience of theFemale Body (Random House), winnerof the 2002 CT Book Award in non-fiction. Her poetry collections are TheBody Flute and Details of Flesh.Recipient of an NEA Poetry Fellowshipand two CT Commission on the ArtsPoetry grants, Davis’s poems andessays have appeared in Poetry,Witness, Hudson Review,Massachusetts Review, PrairieSchooner, Self, Discover, and Ms.

Davis graduated from WestConn with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing, in 1983 and with an M.A. inEnglish in 1989. She graduated fromNorwalk Community College in 1972with an A.S. in Nursing, and fromCornell University School of Nursing’snurse practitioner program in 1978.She lives in Redding, Connecticut.

Reading

Monday, April 77:00 p.m., Alumni Hall(with Peter Selgin)

No chargeOpen to the public203 837-8292

A Year of Educational Excellence

Dr. Lynne ClarkDean

School ofProfessionalStudies

In keeping with WestConn’s mission of a quality education toall its students, the Fall and earlyWinter months of 2002 broughtmany historical events of educa-tional excellence for the schooland its departments, of which weare all very proud and wish toshare with you.

December 18, 2002, marked a historical date for the University,School and its Education andEducational PsychologyDepartment. On this date,WestConn received approval fromConnecticut’s Board of Governorsfor Higher Education to establishthe University’s first Ed.D. Programin Instructional Leadership.WestConn’s program is primarilydesigned for K-12 teachers whowish to remain in the classroom,but want to advance professional-ly and serve as peer leaders intheir schools. This program is distinctive, it will be one of onlythirteen programs of its kind inthe country, and the only program of its kind betweenBoston and Delaware!

In November 2002, the CounselorEducation Programs receivednational reaccreditation from theCouncil for Accreditation ofCounseling and Related

Educational Programs (CACREP)for a full eight-year period, citingthe program for the exceptionaleducational quality of its curriculum and instruction.

In late September, the MusicDepartment underwent an outstanding national accredidationsite visit from the NationalAssociation of Schools of Music.The Site Visitor’s Report positivelycited the Music Department fortheir extensive curricula offerings,the collaborative faculty commit-ment to the provision of a highquality of instruction, the nationalrenown and professional expertise of its faculty, and thededication and energy of itsmusic students. No doubt by thetime you read your summerAlumniNews, the MusicDepartment will have been granted full accreditation statusfrom NASM.

In November, the Universityapproved its first interdisciplinary,graduate educational program, an Advanced Post-Baccalaureate Certificate Programin Interdisciplinary GerontologyStudies. This program was developed under the efforts ofSchool’s Health Science, Nursing,Physical Education and Social

Work Departments in collabora-tion with the Psychology andManagement’s HealthAdministration Departments. The 12-credit certificate programis designed for practicing professionals in an array of healthcare and human services areaswho have an interest in gerontology. Individuals admittedinto this graduate certificate program can choose from bothprofessional discipline specificand core gerontology courses.

The Health Science and thePhysical Education Departmentsreceived final University approvalto merge their departments.Effective as of January 2003, thenew department, known as theDepartment of Health Promotionand Exercise Sciences, is workingtoward establishing an undergrad-uate B.S. degree program inHealth Promotion with options incommunity health, wellness management, holistic health, andaging. It also hopes to establishin the future a dual B.S. degreeprogram in Health and PhysicalEducation to meet the currentteacher shortages in these areas.

The School of Professional Studiesand its Departments look forwardto seeing you at its events.

1. WCSU’s Jazz Combos with renownedSaxophonist, the late Bob Berg.

2. SPS Prospective Teacher Education Eveningheld for Danbury High and ACE students andtheir families on Oct. 30.

3. SPS 2002 Distinguished Achievement AlumniAward recipients at ceremony held on Nov. 13. (L to R: Andrew Rodgers ‘81, Elaine Abrams‘78, Cheryl Tatano Beck ‘70, Patricia Bragdon93, Mark Boughton ‘95).

4. The Effects of War on Nursing and Nursing’sEffect on War featuring Alumnus Speaker,Christine Beaudoin on Nov. 7.

1 2

3 4

12

S P S Pho t og r aphy

April

President’s/SPS Dean’s DistinguishedLecture Series: Joseph A. Califano, Jr.April 10, 8:00 p.m. Warner Hall

WCSU OperaApril 11, 12, 8:00 p.m. Ives Concert Hall

WCSU Percussion EnsembleApril 14, 8:00 p.m. Ives Concert Hall

“Negative Impacts Of The Media”Senior Social Work CommunityOrganizing ProgramApril 23, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.Student Center

WCSU Jazz FestApril 25, 26, 8:00 p.m. Ives Concert Hall

WCSU Concert ChoirApril 29, 8:00 p.m. Ives Concert Hall

Int’l Nursing Honor Society InductionCall for time, date & location

Education Club’s Guiding Lights Day forDanbury Public Schools’ 5th GradersApril 30, 9:00 a.m. to 12 Student Center

May

Education Club’s Honor SocietyReceptionCall for time, date & location

WCSU Symphonic Band and WindEnsembleMay 6, 8:00 p.m. Ives Concert Hall

SPS Student Honors ConvocationMay 7, 7:30 p.m. Warner Hall

WCSU OrchestraMay 8, 8:00 p.m. Ives Concert Hall

Nursing’s Pinning CeremonyCall for time, date & location

The Institute for Holistic Health Studiesat WCSU and the Conn. Holistic HealthAssociation present “ConnecticutHolistic Health Fair 2003”May 10, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.Warner HallFor information, e-mailCHHAdanbury@aol.com

Education Club – 3rd GradeParticipation in Danbury History DayMay 16, Time TBA, Warner Hall

For items listed as “TBA” or “Call,”contact the Office of the Dean of theSchool of Professional Studies at 203-837-9500 or visit WestConn’s website at www.wcsu.edu.

Elaine Abrams, RN, CHES, MPH,is a Certified Health EducationSpecialist with a background innursing.

She graduated Magna Cum Laudefrom WestConn in 1998 with aBachelor of Science degree inCommunity Health Education.

Abrams was the first WestConngraduate in Health Science toobtain national certification as ahealth education specialist(CHES). Also, Abrams is a found-ing member (1998) ofWestConn’s University/Community Advisory Board inPartnership for Health Education.

Abrams completed a Master ofPublic Health degree fromUniversity of Connecticut in May2002. For her master’s thesis, sheworked closely with theConnecticut Department ofPublic Health and theEnvironmental Protection AgencyRegion I to evaluateConnecticut’s Indoor Air Quality

Tools for Schools Program. Thiswas the first evaluation of thisnational program.

Abram’s nursing, health educa-tion and public health experi-

ences have often targeted hard toreach populations.

Abrams coordinated the Wellnesson Wheels mobile medical out-reach program for Danbury fortwo years prior to returning tograduate school.

She also co-coordinated theConnecticut AIDS Education andTraining Center at YaleUniversity.

While attending graduate school,she worked as a health educationconsultant for the DanburyPublic School District, implementing a district wideCoordinated School HealthProgram.

Abrams is currently working as ahealth education coordinator fora statewide pilot childhood leadprevention program in conjunc-tion with the ConnecticutChildren’s Medical Center inHartford.

S P SE v e n t sElaine Abrams ‘78: A State Leader in Public Health

AlumniNewsAlumniNewsThe magazine for alumni and friends of WestConn.

ProfileProfile

Patricia Bragdon, BSW, MSW,speaks on her travels into andthrough her profession, withdoors opening and choicesexpanding even as she earnedher BA in Social Work fromWestConn in 1993.

Bragdon was a non-traditionalaged, married mother of twosons in public school, whoreturned to higher education following recovery from cancer.She had established a social service agency, I Can Inc., in1991 with several health & mental health care providers, toaddress unmet social serviceneeds of cancer survivors in theWestern Region of Connecticut.

Bragdon soon recognized that sheneeded formal credentials andmore specific knowledge to beeffective as a direct care volunteerand advocate. It was then that shereturned to college, to completethat goal while she was well.

Ms. Bragdon’s professional careerchoice of social work was logi-

cal, and it provided the skills andknowledge base she needed,including an understanding ofhow to separate the personalfrom the professional. Her firstinternship was with a social

service oversight organization,which provided knowledgeabout structure, funding andstaffing needs. For her seniorcollege year, Bragdon asked foranother setting different from thehealth care field, to which shecontinued to devote volunteerenergies.

Bragdon was inducted into thenational social work Phi AlphaHonor Society at the end of herjunior year, and graduated MagnaCum Laude from WestConn in1993. She was then admitted toColumbia University’s School ofSocial Work in its advancedstanding program, from whichshe graduated in one year.

Majoring in clinical practice, shechose children and families asher field, and became a schoolsocial worker, first in Danbury,and now in nearby Katonah-Lewisboro School District. She iscurrently a doctoral candidate inthe Clinical Doctoral Program atNew York University’s School ofSocial Work, with her dissertation

Patricia Bragdon ‘93: A professional social service journey

ProfileProfile

story continued on page 16

Scholarship Notice:

James Furman Memorial Award

We understand that many of you mayhave given donations in the past to thisaward. We wanted to let you knowthat the award is now given out annu-ally to five exemplary music students.We thank those alumni who recentlycontributed. We also understand thatmany of Music’s alumni may be inter-ested in contributing further to thisaward. If so, please contact DeanLynne Clark, at 203-837-9500 or sendan e-mail to clarkl@wcsu.edu.

Dr. Ellen DurninDean

Graduate &ExternalProgramsincluding WestConnat Waterbury

14

What does Waterbury offer?Western and Central ConnecticutState Universities began offeringclasses on the campus ofNaugatuck Valley CommunityCollege in Waterbury in the fall of2000. Western at Waterbury provides a BBA in Managementdegree and the RN to BSN program. All of the programsoffer upper-division classes thatcomplement the NVCC’s offerings.These programs were chosen inorder to improve the affordableand convenient higher educationoptions in the Waterbury area.Additionally, we are producingbetter-educated employees infields where the demand hasreached critical proportions.

Western at Waterbury students areprovided with the same highquality curriculum as our Danburyreceive. Classes are taught by the

same excellent faculty at bothlocations. Our students haveaccess to library and technologicalresources in Waterbury that parallel those at our Danburylocation. The Waterbury locationincreases options for our Danburystudents, while serving an entirelynew population on the communi-ty college campus. Some new additions to our Waterbury offerings this year are a Spanishclass for health care professionals;holistic health classes; graduateclasses in teacher Education andTESOL (Teaching English toSpeakers of Other Languages).

Students and faculty members atWestern at Waterbury are activelyengaged in the community atlarge. We have partnered with theGreater Waterbury Chamber ofCommerce’s “Chamber U” to pro-

vide a series of workshops onconflict resolution this spring.Western, in collaboration with theWaterbury school system, will beoffering a weeklong workshop inJune to prepare mainstreamteachers to handle the influx ofbilingual students expected thissemester as a result of recent statelegislation. Management andNursing students are involved inresearch projects, addressing thecreation of a downtown specialservices district, and perceivedbarriers to higher education in thehealth care field, respectively.

You are welcome to stop by ouroffice in Founders Hall on theNVCC campus, or to give me acall at 203-596-8777. Western atWaterbury is the practical alternative for adult learners inthe greater Waterbury area.

By Yvonne JohnsonWestConn Public Relations

When Southbury resident KevinKeane began looking for a university to pursue his master ofscience degree in communitycounseling, he was drawn toWestConn.

“I chose WestConn because theprogram is well-rounded,” he said.

Keane also chose WestConn’s program because it is one of onlythree in the state accredited bythe Council for Accreditation ofCounseling and RelatedEducational Programs (CACREP),the specialized accrediting bodythat seeks to advance quality educational program offerings inthe field. That decision turned outto be an important one for Keane,who received his degree inDecember.

“The accreditation at WestConnallowed me to take the nationallycertified community counselor’sexam just prior to graduation,” he said.

Without the accreditation, Keanemight have had to put in more hoursand take other steps to even get theopportunity to take the exam.

With the accreditation, Keanepassed the exam and now is fulfilling the hours of post-master’s degree work in the fieldrequired to earn his professionallicense. Now, students in thecommunity counseling and schoolcounseling programs at WestConnwho are following in Keane’sfootsteps can be assured that theyalso are on the right track whilepursuing their degrees. CACREP,which first accredited theWestConn programs in 1995, andrecently renewed its endorsementfor eight more years.

The reaccreditation processincluded a self study and four-daysite visit among many other steps.In a report filed after its visit, the

site team praised the WestConneducation and educational psychology department’s gradu-ate-level counselor education programs.

“The curricula offerings are solidand offer in-depth study of thecritical components of counselingand human growth and development,” the report states.

The report also notes the caliber of the faculty involved with theprograms: Drs. Kathryn Campbell,Michael Gilles and Aram Aslanian,all assistant professors of education.

“The program faculty are intelli-gent, energetic and committed,”the site team wrote. “The faculty,

Counselor Ed programs earn reaccreditations

Dr. Michael Gilles

Edward FarringtonDirector

Athletics

Centennial 5K: Off and Running!

Following a successful fall seasonfor all of WestConn’s athleticsteams; we have moved with fullforce into our winter season andLittle East Conference competitionschedules in Men’s and Women’sBasketball, as well as Women’sSwimming and Diving. KimRybczyk ‘88 has begun the task ofrebuilding the program inWomen’s hoops and Jill Cook isbeginning to see some positiveresults in the pool. Bob Campbellcontinues to have a team that typ-ically finishes fast and will againbe a prime contender to win theconference post-season tourna-ment and advance to the NCAATournament.

We are anticipating men’s basket-ball is looking at a first place

during its ‘regular season’ play.Watch for information onWestConn hosting the LECChampionships at the O’NeillCenter. That would be a first-everaccomplishment. As basketballmoves into its final third of theseason; WestConn’s baseball,women’s lacrosse and softballteams are beginning to begin theirpre-season practices and everyoneis eagerly awaiting the springbreak training period that willtake place in Florida during thelatter part of March.

All the players and coaches areexpecting to have successful seasons; and hopefully repeat theresults that baseball and softballexperienced last spring.

Laura B. Schnechter ‘90 runs inmany 5Ks each year, and KaySchreiber ‘79 runs the HousatonicValley Classic International BicycleRace each year. So it was a natural fit for both women to volunteer their time as membersof the Centennial Campus-to-Campus 5K Committee.

Schnechter and Schreiber are two of the fourteen-committee membersplanning this first-time event scheduled for Sunday, April 27.

Linking WestConn’s two campuses was the main focus forthis inaugural race, held in conjunction with the CentennialCelebration.

Proceeds from the run/walk willbenefit fitness and wellness pro-

grams at the university; includingnew fitness equipment and lectures and workshops relatingto physical fitness.

Participants will start the race onthe Westside campus and finishon the Midtown campus. The 3.1-mile course also will include livemusic and free massages. “This event is important becauseit shows, in a very visible way,the big strides the University istaking in hosting events of thismagnitude,” said Schreiber, fromHousatonic Valley TourismDistrict. “It has a large baseappeal for all alumni groups toparticipate and enjoy.”

Schnechter, an avid runner,became involved afterreading an announcementin the winter issue of theAlumniNews. As a fourthgeneration graduate ofWestConn who enjoyscompeting in local roadraces, I knew this eventwas something I wanted to be a part of.”

I enjoy volunteering mytime at WestConn,” shesaid. “I also like to see the

changes on the two campusesand have the opportunity to reminisce about my own experiences at WestConn.”

“Many local businesses and corporations have already offeredto sponsor the race, includingFastSigns, Economy Printing, andCendant Mobility. Sponsorshiphelps ensure that all of the proceeds go directly to thecause,” said Mary Figueroa, the5K coordinator. “We’re truly grateful to these local businessesfor their involvement.”

For more information about the5K, call at 203-837-8832 or logon to: www.wcsu.edu/5k.

15

Spring athletes ready to go in ’03

AthleticsDepartment

GolfTournament

April 27, 2003

Call the Athletics Departmentfor more information

203-837-9015

Kay Schreiber ‘79 and Laura Schnecter ‘90discuss the 5K race coming up in April

By Eric DrexlerWestConn Public Relations

A WestConn education tookShirley Cole Ferris ‘86 places shenever imagined she’d go, lead-ing her from a sheltered life on a farm to the position ofCommissioner of Agriculture forthe State of Connecticut.

“Attending WestConn reallychanged my life,” Ferris, a recipient of the university’sCentennial Award forExcellence, said. “The educationI received brought me all kindsof new challenges, broadenedmy horizons, and made methink differently.”

Ferris was the ninth child in afamily supported by a fatherwho worked an assembly-linejob in a factory. Her father hadher work in a factory one summer, so she would knowwhat it was like and wouldnever want to do it again—away of creating higher aspirations for his daughter.

In high school, her guidancecounselor told her there was noneed for her to take collegepreparatory classes. A few ofher teachers saw her potentialand urged her to take somehigher-level courses, but Ferrisdid not see college in her futurejust out of high school. She married young, to a dairyfarmer, and together they raisedfive children.

In the late 1970s, Ferris startedwriting for an agricultural magazine. She had a few of herpieces published but wanted tobecome a better writer. That’swhen WestConn entered her life.

In 1980, she became a “non-traditional” student, taking herfirst undergraduate classes at theage of 38.

“My whole world up to thatpoint was my children andworking on the farm,” she said.“The family joke was that I hadto go to college to learn aboutVietnam, because I was just notin touch with the world in thatway.”

At WestConn, she met otherwomen, who, unlike herself,were going to college becausethey were on their own, follow-ing a divorce, and needed aneducation to get a better payingjob to support a family.

“I felt so fortunate to be goingto college because it was something I wanted to do, notbecause I had to do it,” shesaid. “The only reason I couldgo to college was because it was affordable, I could commute, and I could do it part-time and make it fit inaround family life.”

She began by taking a few writing courses and then decided to work toward anassociate’s degree. Her love oflearning spurred her on, andshe set her sites on a bachelor’sdegree, majoring in history,which she earned in 1986.

While at WestConn, Ferrisworked as a reporter for the“Brookfield Journal.” She wasassigned to cover now Lt. Gov.Jodi Rell as she began her firstcampaign for the ConnecticutHouse of Representatives. At thetime, Ferris was president of hercounty Farm Bureau, and sheand Rell discussed issues ofmutual interest, including thefuture of agriculture inConnecticut.

Looking back on her years atWestConn, Ferris sees a direct

link between her education andthe path her life has taken.

“I cannot imagine a better teamof professors than I had,” shesaid, singling out the most influential teachers she had: Ken Young, David Detzer, HerbJanick, and the late ArnoldBrackman. “They each had theirown style, but they all pushedme, and stretched my mind.”

But one of the most profoundlessons Ferris learned in collegecame not in the form of a lecture, but in an off-handedcomment made by Dr. Brackman.

Ferris and a group of fellow students were talking about theincredible luck another studenthad in landing a great job.When Dr. Brackman heardthem, he stopped and told thestudents: “Luck is the product ofdesign.”

“That has stayed with me for allthese years, and I can certainly seehow it applies to my life,” Ferrissaid. “By the things you decide todo, the opportunities you decideto take advantage of, you createyour own life design. The patternof choices determines the directionyour life will take.”

WestConn lessons lead alumna to state leadership

ProfileProfile

Please...Help keep our records up-to-date!

email: westconnalumni@wcsu.educalling: 203-837-8298faxing: 203-837-9627online: www.wcsu.edu/alumni

Bragdon profile from 13

topic on grief in adolescents assecondary victims. Her studies on health recovery issues andadolescent reactions and needsfollowing loss and grief showhow her learning paths haveconverged.

Additionally, as a volunteersupervisor and speaker,Bragdon was active in theMayor’s Task Force onHomeless Adolescents in themid ’90s, which resulted in thefirst older teen shelter for non-adjudicated youth in Danbury.This melding of community

service with career is not unusual for graduates from theSocial Work program. Bragdon’s successes are particularly out-standing, as is the self-effacingmanner in which she guidesand sets an example for others.There are such warm smiles andknowing nods when her nameis mentioned in our community.Bragdon’s journey always hasfellow travelers, who may takeother routes, but have beenrefreshed by their time with herand energized to reach for theirown goals.

Fore!It’s time for the

Centennial Alumni Golf Outing!

July 1, 2003 • Watertown Golf Club • 1 p.m. start

Register today!e-mail westconnalumni@wcsu.edu or call 203-837-8298

All proceeds to benefit the Alumni Association Scholarship Endowment and other special projects.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Name (maiden if applicable) Grad Year Spouse’s Name (maiden if applicable) Spouse’s Grad Year

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Employer Spouse’s Employer

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Address E-mail address

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Information_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Use additional paper if necessary. Please print or type and return to Alumni Office,WCSU, 181 White Street, Danbury, CT 06810. If you includephotos, please also include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like it returned.

❑ Yes! I want information about the Alumni Association Board ❑ Yes! I want to help organize an event in my area ❑ Yes! I would be interested in developing anand its volunteer committees. internship site with my company.

S t a y Cu r r en t !

Alumni Baseball Road TripReservation Form

Saturday, Sept. 6 • Game Time 1:04 p.m. • Yankee Stadium

____ Loge Box Seats* @ $37 each (30 avail.) = __________

____ Tier Box Seats @ $33 each (15 avail.) = __________

____ Motor Coach Seats @ $16 each (20 avail.) = __________

Subtotal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .__________

Ticket Mailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.00

Grand Total** (check enclosed) . .__________

SOLD OUT!N/A Make checks payable to:

WCSU AlumniAssociation

Mail form and check to:

Alumni AssociationWCSU

181 White StreetDanbury, CT 06810

Name: __________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip:____________________________________________________________

Daytime Phone w/ area code: ______________________________________________

Names of Guests: ________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

*Wear a WestConn logo shirt or hat and a WestConn fan gift will be delivered to you at your seat

during the first inning.

**Reservations cannot be filled without full payment.

The coach will leave fromUniversity Hall at 10:00 a.m. and will leave immediately

following the game.

Park in the garage next to University Hall.

Alumni Time Capsule

The Westside Campus Alumni Clock has a time capsule in its base.

The Alumni Association is asking alums for ideas and items to includein the capsule.What do you think Alumni will find interesting aboutWestConn’s first 100 years at the celebration of its bicentennial?Please email your ideas and description of items to westconnalum-ni@wcsu.edu by April 25th.A subcommittee of the Board of Directorswill reveiw and select items to be included.

Items selected will not be able to be returned until 2103.Items not selected will be returned to their owner by the committee.

Counselor Ed from 14

who have a diverse and rich professional background, identi-fy solidly with the counseling profession and have modeledextraordinary professionalbehaviors for students. The pro-gram faculty are well-respectedby students, and students speakvery highly of the program fac-ulty.”

Campbell, the coordinator ofthe school counseling program,served as the CACREP liaison during the process. While theprocess was lengthy, it wasworth it, she said.

“This is recognition thatWestConn offers a program ofhigh quality,” Campbell said. “Itassures our students, and their future employers, that their training is in accordance with the highestprofessional standards.”

Gilles, the coordinator of the

community counseling program,agreed.

“With the accreditation, studentscan be confident the trainingthey receive will provide themwith the knowledge and skills considered the standard in thefield,” Gilles said. “The studentswho complete the program arethe best they can be.”

As for Keane, he’s very pleasedwith the education he receivedat WestConn. He said it is serv-ing him well in his work atSouthbury-Middlebury Youthand Family Services.

“I strongly recommendWestConn’s program because ofthe accreditation, because of thefaculty and because it’s well-rounded,” he said.

For more on the counselor education programs, callCampbell at (203) 837-8574.

A lumn iC a l e n d a r ’ 0 2 - ’ 0 3April2 28th Annual Beatrice K. Nemzer Social

Work Symposium, Warner Hall, 7 p.m.8 4th Ann. Art Alumni Forum, Alumni Hall10 Joseph Califano Centennial Lecture*:

“Substance Abuse: American Attitudesand Pathways Among Girls andYoung Women”

27 5K Centennial Run, Alumni Table

May3 Alumni Association Annual Meeting

& Brunch (All Alumni are invited toattend) Alumni Hall, 10 a.m. Call 837-8290 for brunch reservations

3 Centennial Ball, Ethan Allen Hotel4 Alumni Centennial Bike Ride Across

Connecticut-Eastern to WestConn

5 ASB Honors Convocation6 SAS Honors Convocation7 SPS Honors Convocation13 Athletics Senior Awards Program18 Commencement*

Alumni Time Capsule Dedication –Westside Campus

22 Alumni Reception:NYC Society of Illustrators

30 – June 1 Class of 1953 Reunion Weekend

June7 Alumni College and Alumni Picnic21 ‘40, ‘45 Reunion Luncheon

July1 Centennial Alumni Golf Outing,

Watertown Golf Club

August23 Men’s Soccer Alumni scrimmage, 1 pm,

New Soccer Stadium, Westside Campus29 Men’s Soccer vs William Patterson, 40th

Season Kick-Off, Alumni Reunion, 7 p.m.

September6 Yankees vs Red Sox baseball game trip

October3 Golden Circle Luncheon17, 18 & 19 Homecoming Weekend

* Special seating available to alumni, contact the office for your reservation.For more information on these andother events, call 203-837-8298 or email westconnalumni@wcsu.edu

C l a s s N o t e s1970’sCarole Wishart Anderson BS ‘76retired in 1996, after teaching atThe Melrose School in Brewster,NY for 15 years, and moved toPawleys Island, SC. They areenjoying the Carolina blue skiesand the warm winter weather.

Barbara Warner Obeda BA ‘77,land use consultant for the townof Redding, received an awardfor lifetime achievement andleadership excellence during the25th annual meeting of theConnecticut Association ofConservation and InlandWetland Commissions. Barbarahas served over 25 years. Shewas also honored with theCentennial Award for Excellence at the Centennial Opening Dayfestivities in September.

Peter Ognan ‘71 lives inNewtown. He completed hismaster’s in European Historyand has been teaching eveningprograms at Westchester C. C.and Marymount College. Peter'sson Mathew is currently attend-ing WestConn.

1980’sKatherin Sniffin MS ‘87, thefourth grade teacher at St.Gregory the Great School inDanbury, has earned the unofficial title of Catholic SchoolTeacher of the Year in NewEngland. She’s won the NationalCatholic Education AssociationSister Miriam Joseph FarrellDistinguished Teacher Award forthe Northeast region.

1990’sDr. Melaine McLean BA ‘95 is aboard-certified Pediatrician at St.Luke’s - Roosevelt Hospital inNew York City.

John J. Guinipero BA ‘98 isemployed as a ProfessionalSales Representative withBoehringer Ingelheim coveringEastern Connecticut.

2000’sMichael Leona BA ‘01 is a meteorologist for severalConnecticut radio stations aswell as Syracuse, NY; Columbus,OH; and Long Island, NY.

WeddingsDeborah A. Simons BA ‘91 and Robert Cavallaro BA ‘91Jennifer Angelopoulos BSN ‘94 and Mark RyanBecky Eide BS ‘99 and Eugene HallJennifer Lockhart BS ‘99 and Brian CaliseKimberly Azzarito BA ‘98 and Michael Costa BA ‘97Robert Makowski BA ‘98 and Stephanie BransonChristine Schweikert BBA ‘98 and William Capone BBA ‘98Shelby Russell BA ‘00 and Frederick C. Baumer Jr. BBA ‘01Melissa Lourenco MS ‘00 and Jonathan daSilvaNicole Ducham BA ‘01 and Matthew JasonAlison McCabe BS ‘02 and Timothy PalanciaVicki Haag BBA ‘02 and Kevin Sosbe BA ‘90

In Memoriam1926 Helen McGlynn Cumming Ridgefield, January 9, 20031942 Mary Halpin Hoffman Warren, February 3, 20031943 Arlene Norman Gillette Roxbury, January 17, 20031951 Willard “Bill” Starbard Oreland, PA, January 9, 20031953 BS, 1970 MS Marilyn Hurley Thulin Thomaston, Dec. 29, 20021962 Marilyn J. Carrafiello Danbury, February 28, 20031963 Kathryn Marlowe Kish Brookfield, November 20, 20021969 Raymond J.Trimpert Danbury, September 15, 20021970 Janice E. Lent Danbury, February 22, 20031974 Deborah Molloy Johnston Mesa, AZ, November 14, 20021991 Concetta Stankey Barnes New Milford, November 18, 20021993 Joseph N. Sachatello III Waterford, January 23, 2003

And Baby Makes....John Magner BBA ‘93 and Sharon along with their son, Ian Patrick,welcomed Dylan Joseph on May 24, 2002.Rich Stabille BBA ’89 and Giorgia happily announce the arrival oftheir son Richard Alphanso on February 20, 2002.

“You don’t look 100!”Far left: Caroline Norelius, WestConn’s alumni director speaks briefly with NBC TodayShow weathercaster Al Roker about WestConn’s upcoming birthday celebration onMarch 3.

Left: WestConn Publications & Design Department Designer Ellen Myhill ‘01 poseswith Caroline Norelius. Myhill created the poster that Norelius took with her to NewYork City. Roker autographed the poster.

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These selections are brought to you from a variety ofUniversity sources. Thanks to Doug Stewart in the WCSUBookstore and Richard Sullivan, Vice President for Finance& Administration for making this selection possible.

Name _________________________________________________________

Address _______________________________________________________

City/State/Zip __________________________________________________

Day Phone No. w/ area code _____________________________________

E-mail Address__________________________________________________

Active Alumni Discount No. ______________ (The number on your Alumni Association Membership Card)

Size Color Price Description (use another sheet for more items)___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

Item Total $_________________

10% Alumni Discount $_________________

Tax (6% CT) $_________________

Subtotal $______________ + Shipping* $______________ = Total $______________________

Make checks payable to and send orders to: WCSU Alumni Association, 181 White Street, Danbury, CT 06810.

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Proceeds generated from Marketplace sales will bedonated to the Alumni

Scholarship Fund.Delivery in 4 weeks or less.

For more information please call 203-837-8298.

A WCSU T-Shirt and Hat Combo M–XXL, $24.98

B Grey hooded WestConn sweatshirt by Champion,M–XL, with center pocket, dark gray shown, light gray also available. $49.98

C WCSU Hooded Sweatshirt with logo, M–XXL, $34.98Navy shown, also available in Gray

D WCSU CoffeeHouse cup, $10.50

E WestConn Hooded Sweatshirt, M–XXL, $49.98

F WestConn Blue basketball shorts by Champion 14.98, alsoavailable in dark blue, m - xxl

G “WestConn Alumni” Sweatshirt; Gray only,M–XXL, $39.98

H Diploma Frames: Regency or Gallery styles: $105, seal andschool name gold embossed on black and gold museum double matting, (H3) Regency: mahogany, (H2)Gallery: cherry,both: gold inner lip 23K; (H1) Signature style frame: $125 23Kjewelry-quality medallion, black & gold museum double matting, gold embossed WCSU, cherry. (please specify H1, H2 or H3)

I WCSU Boston Rocker or Standard Chair– Classic Maple & Black with engraved seal, $295*

J WCSU Afghan, Full Color, 5’x8’, $50

K CT only! Centennial License Plate (price inc. donation& 2 plates), $100 for transfer, $200 for new vanity plate. Do not order–call for details.

L “A People’s University: The Centennial History of WesternConnecticut State University 1903-2003” authored by Dr.Herbert Janick, Faculty Emeritus; hardcover edition: $30,softcover edition: $15. All copies ordered will be signed by theauthor. (Allow some extra time for book orders)

M WCSU Cat’s Meow Collectible–an authentic, $19.99 (please specify Fairfield Hall, White Hall or Old Main)

*Shipping Costs: $5 first item; $1 each additional item; chairs: $25; diploma frames: $10

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H1

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H3

M a r k e t p l a c e Orde r F o r m

Thanks to our models: Joshua Flores ‘04, Deanna Schaab ‘96,Chester Pierce ‘05, Olajumka Azeez ‘06, Jane Walsh ‘96

Wes tConn M a r k e t p l a c e

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Call today to place your order!

203 837-8290

Winter at WestConn!Winter at WestConn!

181 White StreetDanbury, CT 06810

Address Service Requested

Parents: If the address label lists a sonor daughter who no longer lives at thisaddress, please send the WCSU alumniOffice the correct address. Send to:WCSU Alumni Office, 181 White Street,Danbury, CT 06810 or emailWestConnAlumni@wcsu.edu

Non-Profit Org

US Postage Paid

Danbury, CT

Permit No. 111

blizzard!A fierce snowstorm coveredWestConn over this pastPresident’s Day Weekend -snow piling up to over twofeet. These students joinedWestConn’s determinedMaintenance crew in clearingout the white stuff.

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Alumni Bus TripSunday, September 6