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ALUMNI MAGAZINE | Summer | 10a pu
blication for alum
ni and
friends of Southern Connecticut State University
Healing Haiti:Sherman Cassidy
Malone, ’75, M.S. ’84
Dear Southern Alumni,
My greetings to all of you as I settle into my new role
as interim president of Southern Connecticut State University.
Since the last edition of Southern Alumni Magazine, there
have been a number of notable changes at your alma mater,
not least of which was the retirement of President Cheryl J.
Norton, who guided the university for the last six years. It is an
honor and a privilege for me to follow President Norton and
build on the many accomplishments that have taken place at
Southern in recent times.
As some of you may know, my roots are in New
England, as I grew up in Springfield, Mass. I earned my
bachelor’s degree at Springfield College and a master’s degree
at the University of Connecticut. Then, after completing my
doctoral studies at the University of Pittsburgh, I returned to
Connecticut to serve as both a professor and administrator at
UConn and Eastern Connecticut State University. So in a very
real sense, this is a homecoming for me, and it is one that I
embrace with great enthusiasm.
Since I first arrived at Southern on May 14, I have
made the effort to meet as many people as I can, both on
campus, and in the wider community. I quickly came to
understand that this is an institution that is truly student-
centered, an institution that realizes the importance of
academic excellence, and one that fully understands the
tremendous power of education to transform lives.
I have also learned that this university has a talented,
caring, and hardworking community of faculty, staff, and
students. It is also fortunate to be graced with engaged and
committed alumni, who warmly remember their student days
here and have remained connected with the university
throughout their lives. The willingness of our alumni to step
forward during these difficult economic times is particularly
noteworthy — your scholarship support for our students is a
lifeline enabling many of them to continue their studies and
realize their dream of a college degree.
As president, it is incumbent upon me both to respect
the history of Southern and to advance its mission of public
higher education. As we move ahead, there are clearly fiscal
challenges that we face, in concert with the rest of
Connecticut. In addition, there are significant projects on
campus, such as the Buley Library expansion, that obviously
need support to advance them to completion. But I also see
many wonderful opportunities to embrace: for example, our
established excellence in fields such as education and health
and human services; our diverse array of offerings in the arts
and cultural arenas; and our location in the vibrant city of
New Haven, with all of the prospects for new and exciting
partnerships that this provides.
I look forward to meeting many of you at Southern
events both on and off campus during the coming months,
including Homecoming on October 16. I welcome your
creative ideas, I celebrate your loyalty and commitment, and I
thank you in advance for your continued support as we
embrace the future, with all the challenges and opportunities
that it provides.
Dr. Stanley F. Battle
Interim President
LETTER
PresidentFROMTHE
From the President inside cover
Campus News 4Nostalgia 20
Supporting Southern 22Out and About 24
Alumni News 26Alumni Notes 30Southern Events 36
depa
rtm
ents
Southern: Leading the way in graduate studies in health/life sciences,education, and social/public services.
Healing Haiti 12A founder of the relief agency Haiti Marycare, Sherman
Cassidy Malone, ’75, M.S. ’84, has volunteered in Haiti more
than 30 times — most recently lending support to those
suffering after the devastating 2010 earthquake. Other
spotlights include, Bringing Comfort, a profile on Karen
Fitzgerald Zoeller, ’80, a critical care nurse who was part of the
first wave of volunteers to arrive in Haiti after the quake, and
Campus Aid, a look at SCSU 365, a university-wide effort to
help the Haitian people for a full year.
After serving six years as president of
Southern, Dr. Cheryl J. Norton departed
the university at the end of May. On June 1 Dr. Stanley F.
Battle, former president of Coppin State University and
chancellor of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical
State University, assumed the role of interim president.
A Fond Farewell 2 features
Summer | 10
Wanted: Tomorrow’s Scientistsand Mathematicians 16
Southern unveils a
new center designed
to pave the way to
enhanced
mathematics and
science education
for K-12 students.
Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
PHOTO: Courtesy of Haiti Marycare
“I trulyhope that people will say thatSouthern and the urban region it serves are stronger and richer because of what I did to help. I want to make a difference, and I want this institution to make a difference and be recognized for all it brings to the region.”
— Dr. Cheryl J. Norton, speaking with Southern Alumni Magazine several months after she began her presidency on April 30, 2004.
2 | SouthernALUMNI MAGAZINE
A Fond Farewell
his spring Dr. Cheryl J.
Norton presided over her
sixth — and final — under-
graduate commencement
ceremony at Southern.
Having announced her
retirement as of May 31,
she has embarked on a
year-long sabbatical to
conduct research on K-12
educational reform. It is a
fitting focus for Norton,
who has built her career
on the promotion of stu-
dent success.
Her tenure at
Southern was marked by
numerous achievements:
record full-time enroll-
ment; the highest-ever
level of academic accom-
plishment for incoming
freshmen; and improved
retention and graduation
rates. She was the 10th
president of Southern and
the first woman to lead
the 117-year-old institu-
tion, which has about
12,000 students and one
of the largest graduate
programs in New England.
She was succeeded
by Dr. Stanley F. Battle, for-
mer chancellor of North
Carolina Agricultural and
Technical State University
and president of Coppin
State University, who
assumed the role of inter-
im president on June 1.
(Story on page 4.)
After serving six years as president of Southern, Dr. Cheryl J. Nortondeparted the university at the end of May.
T
Southern| ALUMNI MAGAZINE
| VOL 8 • NO 3
Dr. Stanley F. Battle, Interim President
Megan A. Rock,Vice President for Institutional Advancement
STAFF
Patrick Dilger,Director of Public Affairs
Villia Struyk, 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 UniversityOffice of Public Affairs/
Southern Alumni Magazine501 Crescent StreetNew Haven, CT 06515-1355
Telephone (203) 392-6591; fax (203) 392-6597E-mail address: StruykV1@SouthernCT.eduUniversity Web site: www.SouthernCT.edu
Printed by The Lane Press, Inc.
Southern Alumni Magazine is published by the university in cooperation with the SCSU AlumniAssociation three times a year and distributed free ofcharge to alumni and friends of the university.Opinions expressed in Southern Alumni Magazine do
not necessarily reflect those of theuniversity or of the SCSU AlumniAssociation. Although the editorshave made every reasonable effort to be factually accurate, noresponsibility is assumed for errors.
Postage paid at Burlington, Vt.
Southern Connecticut State University, in compliancewith federal laws and regulations, does notdiscriminate on the basis of race, color, nationalorigin, 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, andeducational services.
Summer 2010 | 3
Opposite page: Dr. Cheryl J. Norton focused on student success throughout her presidency. This page: [TOP ROW] Norton takes a moment to show her Southern pride with the cheerleading team.
[CENTER ROW, FROM LEFT] Looking out from the inside of Engleman Hall.The president played patient during an alumni event on campus. Award-winning investigative reporter Connie Chung joined Norton before delivering the 2009 commencement address.[LOWER ROW, FROM LEFT] Dr. Norton participated in the annual Day of Service.Members of the Southern community established the Cheryl J. Norton Endowed Scholarshipin her honor.
TA N L E Y B AT T L E ’ S path to a life devoted to the better-
ment of youth through education began in a hardscrabble,
working-class neighborhood of Springfield, Mass.
Battle’s father, Henry, was a laborer who could fix
anything with his hands; with the advantages of an educa-
tion he could have been a mechanical engineer, his son
4 | SouthernALUMNI MAGAZINE
As an Educator, Scholar, Administrator, and Community Builder, new Interim President has…
OPENED DOORS TO LEARNING
Interim President Stanley Battle
S
said. Battle’s mother Rachel not only cared for her three
sons and daughter, but reached out to the children of the
neighborhood as well: she fed them when they were hun-
gry, and gave them guidance and inspiration when they
needed it. After a 60-year marriage, both parents
have since passed on. But Battle says he will
never forget the values they instilled in him:
hard work, integrity, the importance of
church and community, and an active
compassion for those less fortunate.
“I learned that the most important
thing is what you do for people and with
people,” says Battle, Southern’s new interim
president. “That’s why higher education is
important, because when you’re involved in it you
can never really get old. There are always new challenges
to face, new students to educate.”
Battle’s community commitment started early in his
career in academia. As an assistant professor in the University
of Minnesota’s School of Social Work, he opened up the first
group home for African American girls in the state. Later, as
a senior researcher at the Boston University School of
Medicine, he worked to provide support for young fathers in
urban neighborhoods and then, as professor at the University
of Connecticut’s School of Social Work, he established a
mentoring program for young children in Hartford.
When he moved into administration
as an associate vice president for academ-
ic affairs at Eastern Connecticut State
University, he continued to work with
young men who needed some direction,
or a helping hand. Battle and his wife of
34 years, Judith Lynn Rozie-Battle, a family
law attorney, even took in one Eastern stu-
dent for a year as he struggled to get his life on
track. They helped the young man get a job and
eventually gain admittance into a doctoral program.
“This is not a game. It’s an opportunity to impact a
person and to impact that person’s life,” Battle says. “That’s
what people did for me and I feel I have a responsibility to
do the same.”
Summer 2010 | 5
PRESIDENT BATTLE AT A GLANCEEducation:
Post-Doctoral 2002 Harvard Graduate School of Education Educational Management Institute
Ph.D. 1980 University of Pittsburgh Social Welfare Policy
M.P.H. 1979 University of Pittsburgh Maternal and Child Health
M.S.W. 1975 University of Connecticut Casework
B.S. 1973 Springfield College Sociology
Career Highlights:
2007-2010 Chancellor and Professor, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
2003-2007 President and Professor, Coppin State University
1998-2001 Sullivan-Spaights Distinguished Professorship, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Schools of Social Welfare andEducation
1993-1998 Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Eastern Connecticut State University
1987-1993 Professor of Social Work and then Associate Dean for Research and Development, University of Connecticut, Schoolof Social Work
1984-1988 Associate Professor, Boston University Schools of Social Work and Public Health and Medicine; Senior Researcher inHealth and Hospitals, Boston City Hospital
Other:
Author of 10 books and more than 50 refereed journals. Co-Editor of the Journal of Social Work in Public Health, (Routledge Taylorand Francis Group).
Awards include the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Inc. Presidential Leadership Award (2008) and the Maryland Daily Record’sInnovator of the Year Award for the Coppin Academy (2005)
continues on page 35
“Thisis an institutionthat realizes the
importance of academicexcellence and one that fullyunderstands the tremendous
power of educationto transform lives.”— INTERIM PRESIDENT
BATTLE
The four depart-
ments within the School
of Communication,
Information, and Library
Science (SCILS) have been
divided between two of
Southern’s other schools
as part of an academic
restructuring, effective July
1, Provost Selase W.
Williams has announced.
With the elimina-
tion of the SCILS, the
departments of Journalism,
Communication, and
Computer Science have
become part of the School
of Arts and Sciences.
The Department of
Information and Library
Science has shifted to the
School of Education.
The changes were
made as both a cost-sav-
ings measure and to
improve the academic
synergy involving those
departments, according to
Williams. He noted that
Edward C. Harris, who
served as the SCILS dean,
officially retired July 1,
2009, although he contin-
ued for another year in
the position on a part-
time basis to help ease
the transition process.
The consolidation enables
the university to avoid
having to hire a dean to
replace Harris.
Williams says the
shift of the departments
into their new schools
also is likely to offer more
opportunities for interde-
partmental collaborations
than was previously the
case within the SCILS.
“As an example, the
Computer Science
Department has been
working with the Physics
Department (part of the
School of Arts and
Sciences) on some proj-
ects, so it seems like a
natural fit for it to move
into the School of Arts and
Sciences,” Williams says.
NEWSCa
mpu
s
6 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
The departments of Journalism, Communication, and Computer Science will now be housed in the School ofArts and Sciences. The Department of Information and Library Science has shifted to the School of Education.
n Academic Restructuring Brings Benefits
Joined Southern: 1994
Advice to Writers: “Writers
should first write for
themselves and then, if
they have aspirations of
being published and can
stand real critique, try to
work with knowledgeable
writers to improve their
vision and craft.”
The M.F.A. in Creative
Writing: “Our new M.F.A. in
Creative Writing, which is
thriving, is a great place for
serious writers to get the
kind of instruction that
exposes them to the wider
literary world and joins
them with a community
of invested fellow writers.”
The M.F.A. is considered the
culmination of studies in
creative writing; Southern’s
program is the first full-
residency M.F.A. program in
Connecticut.
Current Projects: “I’m
finishing up a memoir
titled, ‘Southern Man,’
about growing up in the
racist South and about my
own struggles with racism.”
Excerpts from the memoir
appear in the lit periodicals
“Cincinnati Review” and in
“Ninth Letter.”
Another Recent
Accomplishment: His story,
“After the River,” was
reprinted in the anthology,
“The Best of LSU Fiction,”
(Southern Review Press).
— By Mary Faulkner
Summer 2010 | 7
Professor of English Timothy Parrish
n Congratulations Class of 2010!Some 1,586 students from the Class of 2010 were
honored at Southern’s undergraduate commencement
exercises, which were held on May 28 at the Connecticut
Tennis Center in New Haven.
Geoffrey Fletcher, an Academy Award-winning
screenwriter who faced his share of disappointments earlier
in his career, offered Southern’s graduates a dose of reality
during his commencement address.
8 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
NEWSCa
mpu
s
Southern celebrated its undergraduate and graduate commencement exercises in May. [TOP ROW, CENTER] Academy Award-winning screenwriterGeoffrey Fletcher delivered the undergraduate commencement address. The graduate commencement speakers included [Lower row, left] BobEnglehart, editorial cartoonist for The Hartford Courant, and [LOWER ROW, RIGHT] Thomas O. Ryder, chairman of the board of the Readers DigestAssociation, Inc.
Summer 2010 | 9
“[Life] might get harder before it gets easier,”
Fletcher said, describing his many rejections from the film
industry in his early days as a screenwriter. Fletcher perse-
vered, and in March, became the first African American to
win the Academy Award for screenwriting for his work,
“Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire.”
He urged the Class of 2010 to set ambitious goals
and pursue them. “Never give up on your dreams or be
ashamed of them, no matter how far-fetched they may be,”
he said.
On May 27, two graduate commencement exercises
were held at Southern’s Lyman Center for the Performing
Arts. Thomas O. Ryder, chairman of the Board of Directors
of the Readers Digest Association, Inc., was the guest
speaker for the schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, and
Health and Human Services.
Bob Englehart, editorial car-
toonist for The Hartford
Courant, delivered the gradu-
ate commencement address
for the School of Education
and the School of
Communication, Information,
and Library Science. A total of
about 1,500 students have
earned graduate degrees this
year from Southern.
n The FabulousFourThe Henry Barnard Foundation Distinguished
Student Award, among the university’s most prestigious
honors, was presented to four graduating seniors in recog-
nition of their outstanding academic achievement and
commitment to Southern and the greater community.
History major, Emily Brown, ’10, graduated with a
3.87 grade point average. Brown was a past president of
the History Club, and a member of Southern’s Future
Teachers Organization and the campus chapters of Zeta
Delta Epsilon, a service honor society, and Phi Alpha Theta, a
history honor society.
Fellow honoree, Lauren Chicoski, ’10, majored in
anthropology and graduated with a 3.72 grade point aver-
age. In addition to serving as secretary of Iota Iota Iota, the
women’s studies honor society, she was president of the
Anthropology Club and the LGBT Prism Club, and treasurer
of the campus chapter of Amnesty International.
The honorees also included exercise science major
Edward Dostaler, ’10, who graduated with a 3.94 grade
point average. Dostaler served as president of the Exercise
Physiology Club, and interned and completed an under-
graduate summer research
fellowship at several hospi-
tals. A marathon runner,
Dostaler placed among the
top 10 percent of all male
finishers at numerous
events, including the 2009
Boston Marathon. He
worked as a medical volun-
teer, and as an orphanage
volunteer in Tanzania.
Award recipient,
Allison Kelly, ’10, a political
science major, graduated
with a 3.91 grade point average. A Presidential Merit
Scholarship recipient, she was a member of the Honors
College. In addition to serving as president of the campus
chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, a political science honor society,
Kelly was a member of the Pre-Law Society. She also holds
a third-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do, a Korean martial
art, and is president of the Karate Club.
Emily Brown, ’10
Lauren Chicoski, ’10
Edward Dostaler, ’10
Allison Kelly, ’10
PROOF 3
____ PD
____ VS
10 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Apolo Ohno, the
most decorated American
Winter Olympian of all
time, delivered the 12th
Mary and Louis Fusco
Distinguished Lecture to a
packed house on May 12
— earning several standing
ovations from the thrilled,
fan-filled audience with his
message of “zero regrets.”
Casually speaking to
the crowd, Ohno detailed
his journey from a rule-
breaking teenager to an
Olympic gold medalist. “I
didn’t understand the
potential I had in the sport
and I wasn’t giving it my
heart and soul,” he said.
Ohno went on to win eight
Olympic medals — includ-
ing two golds in short track
speed skating. He advised
the young members of the
audience to figure out
what they are passionate
about and commit them-
selves to “giving 100 per-
cent” at whatever it is they
choose to do.
southern has about 12,000 students pursuing
degrees in 69 undergraduate and 45 graduate programs.
southern’s School of Graduate Studies is
among the top 10 largest
graduate schools in New England.
southern prides itself on its diverse, culturally rich
campus: 20% of students belong to racial
or ethnic minorities.
southern students are extremely hard-
working: 65% work 10 or
more hours per week.
The university earned a full 10-yearreaccreditation by the New England Association of
Schools and Colleges in 2001. Southern is currently
preparing for the next reaccreditation scheduled for 2011.
n Olympic Champion Visits Campus
The men’s outdoor
track and field team claimed
its eighth-straight Northeast-
10 Conference Champi-
onship. The Owls have
now won 16-consecutive
indoor and outdoor titles.
The team capped off
its best season in history,
earning 42
victories and
capturing its
first North-
east-10 Con-
ference Tour-
nament
Champi-
onship.
The women’s swim-
ming and diving team won
its seventh-straight
Northeast-10 Conference
Championship.
The outdoor track
and field team took first
place at
the North-
east-10
Outdoor
Champi-
onship for
the third
time in
four years.
men’s track �
softball �
women’s swimmingand diving �
women’s track and field �
sport shorts
Letecia Taylor
Class of 2010
Business Administration Major, concentration in finance
Recent Wins: At the Northeast-10 Outdoor Championship,
won the 100-meter hurdles and 400-meter hurdles,
setting meet and facility records. Part of winning — and
record-setting — 4 x 100-meter relay team.
Athletic Accomplishments: 2009 U.S. Track and Field and
Cross Country Association Indoor Track Athlete of the
Year; 2008 and 2009 All-American; 2008 New England
Champion in 400 hurdles; 2007 and 2008 Northeast-
10 Conference Champion in 55 hurdles; 2007 and
2008 Northeast-10 Conference Champion in 100 and
400 hurdles; 2007 Northeast-10 Conference
Champion in 400 hurdles (outdoors)
Favorite event: 400 hurdles
Key to Success: “I never sleep before the meets. I think it
might have something to do with my success. Everyone
sleeps on the bus, but I am always awake talking to my
coaches or looking out the window.”
Balancing the student with the athlete: “I wanted to run
track, but not for a Division-I school. It [track] wasn’t
my top priority.”
Favorite Athlete: (Lori) Lolo Jones, a hurdler.
Other sports played: Cheerleading
Sport she’d like to try: “Definitely football. I think I could
handle it.”
Most proud of: Her college education. She is the first per-
son in her family to graduate college.
Looking Forward: “An office job isn’t for me. I would
rather be a high school (business) teacher.”
— By Sarah Houseknecht, ’10
Meet Southern’sStudent Athlete
Summer 2010 | 11
The Owls captured
the Northeast-10
Conference regular
season title, match-
ing the program
record with 38 wins
for the season.
baseball �
n Stars in the ClassroomA record-breaking 153 student athletes were
named to the Spring 2010 Northeast-10 Conference
Commissioner’s Honor Roll, having met or exceeded a
minimum 3.0 grade point average for the semester. The
Owls’ previous high of 148 student athletes was set dur-
ing the fall 2009 semester.
For more sports news, visitwww.SouthernCTOwls.com.
12 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
A founder of the relief agency
Haiti Marycare, Sherman
Cassidy Malone, ’75, M.S. ’84,
has volunteered in Haiti over
30 times — most recently
lending support to those
suffering after the devastating
2010 earthquake.By Joan Wells
Summer 2010 | 13
afael, 14, was a mystery to those help-
ing in Haiti in the aftermath of the
devastating 7.3-magnitude earthquake that
hit on January 12. He had headaches, stom-
achaches, and difficulty sleeping, but a vis-
iting pediatrician couldn’t find a physical
cause for Rafael’s symptoms.
That’s when licensed clinical social
worker, Sherman Cassidy Malone, ’75, M.S.
’84, who specializes in treating those deal-
ing with trauma, entered the picture.
Malone spoke with Rafael and learned that
his house had fallen in the quake, trapping
two siblings in the rubble. They were res-
cued, but their feet were crushed and had
to be amputated.
Malone quickly determined that
because he was the oldest son, Rafael felt
responsible. “The shame and tension from
not being able to protect his siblings and feel-
ings of inadequacy because he couldn’t save
them,” contributed to his symptoms, she
says. Malone, who speaks fluent Creole,
worked with Rafael to address his trauma
and helped him discover an important future
role — caring for his mother and siblings.
Helping Rafael was just one of the
many ways in which Malone was able to
aid the people of Haiti in the wake of the
tragedy. A longtime volunteer, she has
made more than 30 trips to the small
island nation in the last 14 years.
She became aware of the plight of
the people of Haiti through a friend who
was volunteering there. One of the least-
developed countries in the Western
Hemisphere, Haiti is also one of the world’s
poorest. According to a recent report from
continues
14 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
UNICEF, Haiti has the highest mortality rate
in the region for those under the age of five
— at 78 deaths per 1,000 live births. The
same report concludes that one in three
children under the age of five was chronical-
ly malnourished prior to the quake. And
while the Haitians value education, only 55
percent of children attended school before
January 12 — and less have returned to the
classroom since the disaster.
ouched by the extreme need she saw,
Malone went on to help found Haiti
Marycare, a non-profit organization that
aids the Haitian people. Today she serves
as secretary of the group.
In the states, Malone is director of
case management and clinical services at
New Haven Family Alliance, a community-
based agency serving children and fami-
lies. Fittingly, her efforts in Haiti have
focused on children and families, as well.
Much of Haiti Marycare’s efforts
have been concentrated in the isolated fish-
ing village of Jacquesyl on Haiti’s Northeast
coast and Cite Soleil, an extremely poor
area in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. The
group’s focus is multifold: child and family
health programs, education, and commu-
nity development.
Karen Fitzgerald Zoeller, ’80, remembers missing a chance to put her nursing
skills to work in Southeast Asia after the tsunami struck in 2004. Her children
were younger then, her passport needed updating, and she couldn’t get immu-
nized in time.
So when she heard that the international aid organization, Project
HOPE, needed medical volunteers to respond to the devastating January 12
earthquake in Haiti, Zoeller, a critical care nurse at Massachusetts General
Hospital in Boston, was among the first to sign up.
“I never really had done anything like this before and I’d always want-
ed to. It was always on my life list,” says Zoeller, who went on to spend three
weeks aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort caring
for those injured in the quake.
Among the first wave of volunteers to arrive in Haiti, Zoeller flew by heli-
copter to the ship, which was docked two miles off the coast of Haiti. She went to
work the next day, logging 12-hour stints on the night shift for 16 days in a row.
continues on page 34Karen F. Zoeller, ’80, stands with supplies at the 82ndAirborne Airfield in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
Sherman Cassidy Malone,’75, M.S. ’84, who providespsychological aid, meetswith Youdinx Joseph, anearthquake survivor whowas afflicted with polio.
BringingComfort
Summer 2010 | 15
espite tremendous obstacles, Haiti
Marycare has made great strides.
Working with the community, the organi-
zation established a medical clinic staffed
by local health care workers. Hundreds of
children have been vaccinated, and
through education and the distribution of
safe birth kits, Haiti Marycare has greatly
improved maternal-child health in the
areas it serves. Efforts also have been made
to improve subsistence farming and fish-
ing, and to support programs that spur
economic self-sufficiency.
“We like to see a reachable goal and
there are reachable goals,” says Malone of
efforts to enhance education, healthcare,
production of food, and the supply of safe
water. But Malone also notes that the world
tends to focus on Haiti primarily during
times of disaster. “It’s only when the blood
is running,” she says.
The 2010 earthquake — the worst
in Haiti in the last 200 years — certainly
captured the world’s focus. The U.S.
Department of State estimates $11.5 billion
in damages and reconstruction costs. The
associated statistics are staggering: an esti-
mated 230,000 deaths and approximately
one million people displaced within the
Port-au-Prince area.
Soon after the quake, Haiti
Marycare sent medical supplies. Then, in
early February, Malone joined volunteer
medical personnel who were making the
trip. Her job: to translate and provide trau-
ma counseling.
“Everybody is either grieving or
worried sick,” says Malone. “I think there’s
nothing more satisfying than
helping strong people who are in
dreadful situations.”
Malone, who loves the Haitian peo-
ple, says it was one of her toughest trips. “I
think the reason I could get through it is
because there’s such intense satisfaction in
being useful,” says Malone, who has four
grown children and six grandchildren.
“Haiti is a part of my life.”
It is a life she came to through edu-
cation. When Malone began college after
continues on page 34
Based on a plan devised by the PeaceCorps, Haiti Marycare provides expec-tant mothers who come to the clinicfor prenatal care with a safe child-birth kit. It includes a clean string fortying off the umbilical cord, a newrazor blade for cutting the cord,gauze pads, and other basicitems that have made childbirthmuch safer.
With some 230,000 fatalities and an
estimated 1.5-plus million Haitians affected
by the earthquake in Port-au-Prince, the
Southern community has launched a multi-
pronged relief effort, SCSU 365. The goal,
says Southern’s Associate Dean of Student
Affairs Aaron Washington, is to provide an
active reminder to members of the campus
community to commit to aiding the survivors — and to do so for a whole year.
“Haiti was already extremely poor,” says Washington of the nation, the most impoverished in the
Western Hemisphere. “So for an earthquake to hit, it was the worst thing that could happen.”
A campus committee offers a platform from which clubs and organizations can build their relief
efforts. Assistance is offered with the design and organization of the fundraising events, as well as
publicity. The students are responsible for running the events.
About 25 campus organizations and departments have committed to raising funds for Haiti thus
far — and the number continues to grow. One of the first groups to join the effort was Zeta Delta
Epsilon, an honors service society, and many others quickly followed suit. A wide variety of events —
including hip hop concerts, bake sales, and awareness walks — have been held on campus to benefit
the Haiti Relief Fund. And more are on the horizon.
In addition, a photographic exhibit, “Earthquake in Haiti: The First 10 Days,” is being held at
Southern’s Multicultural Center located in the Michael J. Adanti Student Center. The exhibit, which
CampusAID
A weeklong event, Paix Et Amor (Peace and Love):Students for Haiti, was held on campus in April.Among the fundraisers and activities was a food tasting of dishes from Haiti and the West Indies.
continues on page 34
Southern’sAssociateDean ofStudentAffairs AaronWashingtonis a guidingforce behindSCSU 365, ayearlongeffort to helpthe people of Haiti.
Summer 2010 | 17
Southern unveils a new center
designed to pave the way to enhanced
mathematics and science education
among K-12 students — aided by a
$600,000 grant from the National
Science Foundation for scholarships.
By Joe Musante, ’86
18 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
educational community in an exciting mission
that is crucial to the nation’s future — boosting the
number and quality of students pursuing careers in
mathematics and science.
The Center for Excellence in Mathematics and Science at
Southern was launched with a goal of meeting the educational needs of the
21st century workforce. The need is pressing. Numerous reports suggest that
the United States lags behind many industrialized nations in terms of science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Consider one study reported by
the U.S. Department of Education in which 15-year-old students from the U.S. scored
lower in science literacy than peers from 18 industrialized nations, including Finland,
Japan, South Korea, Canada, Hungary, and Germany. Closer to home, a recent National
Science Board report revealed that nearly 30 percent of first-year college students had to take
remedial science and mathematics courses because they were unprepared for college-level work.
“There is a burgeoning need in the workforce — such as in teaching, engineering, and
scientific fields — for college graduates who have an expertise in the math and sciences,” says
Assistant Professor of Elementary Education Lara Smetana, who was named director of the center by
DonnaJean Fredeen, dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. “I believe half the battle in meeting that
need is in encouraging more students, particularly at the K-12 grades, to explore these disciplines. One
of our goals is to attract more students by letting them explore the joys and opportunities they may find
by pursuing these fields,” Smetana says.
A new center at Southern is helping to lead the Greater New Haven
[PAGE 16] A key player withSouthern’s Center forExcellence in Mathematicsand Science, AssociateProfessor of MathematicsJoseph Fields is helping tolead a new scholarshipprogram for outstanding highschool students. AssistantProfessor of ElementaryEducation Lara Smetana isthe newly named director ofthe center.
[BELOW, FROM LEFT] Southernstudent Daniel Harold helpsstudents Kassandra andSebastian Martel with anexperiment, while ColeHarrington looks on at aFamily Engineering Night heldat the Barnard School in NewHaven, Conn.PHOTO: Courtesy of New Haven Public Schools
Members of the SouthernWomen in Mathematics andScience (SWIMS) programenjoy networking events thatbuild camaraderie.
Southern student VictorMoreno helps Adam Simpson,a student at the BarnardSchool in New Haven, Conn.,with an experiment during arecent Family EngineeringNight. PHOTO: Courtesy of New Haven Public Schools
“One of our goals is to attract more
students by letting them explore
the joys and opportunities
they may find by
pursuing these
fields.”— Lara Smetana,
assistant professor
of elementaryeducation
With this goal in mind,
the center is taking a leadership role
in numerous programs and initiatives:
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has
awarded Southern a $600,000 grant for the creation of
a Pathways to Academic Excellence (PAcE) program, in
which 26 outstanding high school and community college
students wishing to pursue the study of math, computer science,
biology, chemistry, physics, or earth science will receive full four-year
scholarships to Southern. The first group of students will be selected for the
start of the 2011-12 academic year.
The NSF selected Southern as a pilot site for the Family Engineering Program, which
is designed to spark interest among elementary school students in engineering, as well as
science- and math-related fields. The university’s Center for Excellence in Mathematics and
Science is coordinating the program in the area. During the spring semester, Southern education,
math, and science students traveled to schools in the Greater New Haven area to coordinate fun,
hands-on activities for school-age students and their parents.
The center has created the Southern Women in Mathematics and Science (SWIMS) program to provide
support for those interested in these fields. Women have traditionally been underrepresented in math and
science. The program includes mentoring, guest speakers, activities, and recognition opportunities to spotlight
student success stories.
Joseph Fields, associate professor of mathematics and a PAcE coordinator, is optimistic
in the long-term positive impact of the center. “I believe offering full scholarships to
outstanding students might be the impetus for them to opt for a degree in math and
science and to decide to attend Southern,” Fields says. “One of the strengths of the program
will be to offer these students any mentoring they may need.”
Smetana, who previously taught at the University of Virginia and is a former eighth-
grade physical science teacher, says the center will seek to breakdown psychological, cultural, and
social barriers to pursuing math and science. “For a variety of reasons, some students just don’t
believe they can excel in these two subjects,” Smetana says. “In some cases, it’s because of a gender
stereotype. In some cases, it’s an issue of limited access to strong role models, supportive
environments, and post-graduate opportunities. In other cases, it’s just a psychological hurdle that
might have been generated from a bad past experience in a math or science class. One of our aims is to
help students remove these hurdles and allow them to develop their potential.” n
Summer 2010 | 19
20 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
New Haven was the largest and fastest-growing city in Connecticut —
shaped by numerous economic and cultural shifts. The General
Assembly enacted a compulsory school attendance law in 1872 and a
child labor law in 1886. As a result, the percentage of children attending
school in Connecticut was higher than ever before, increasing the need
for well-prepared teachers. In response, New Haven
State Normal School — which would ultimately evolve
into Southern Connecticut State University — opened in
1893 in the Skinner School, located at the corner of State and Summer
streets in New Haven.
Today, 117 years later, Southern remains an integral part of the com-
munity. In addition to offering academic programs that meet the evolv-
ing needs of the workforce, Southern provides countless services to the
community through initiatives such as the new Center on Autism
Spectrum Disorders (see page 23) and, each year, places thousands of
students, faculty, and staff members in the community as volunteers.
In recognition of these efforts, Southern has received two prestigious
awards. The first, inclusion on the 2009 President’s Higher Education
Community Service Honor Roll, is a federal recognition awarded to col-
At the close of the 19th century,Good Neighbors
Joining the community:The Skinner School,located on the corner of State and Summerstreets, was home to the New Haven
State Normal Schoolfrom the fall of 1893 to the spring of 1896.
In 1939, the American Life Clubcollected toys, books, and gamesto be sent to the NewingtonHospital for Crippled Children.
Students participatedin a campus clean-up day in 1954.
Nostalgia
Summer 2010 | 21
leges and universities that demonstrate a strong commitment to volun-
teering, service-learning, and civic engagement. An estimated 2,800
Southern students — nearly a quarter of the entire student body — were
engaged in some form of community service during the 2008-09 academ-
ic year. About 95 percent of those students participated in at least 20
hours of community service per semester. All totaled, the stu-
dents logged an estimated 38,000 service hours.
At the local level, Southern also received the Corporate
Heritage Award from the Greater New Haven Chamber of
Commerce in recognition of more than a century of meritori-
ous service to the region and the state. Southern was praised
for its role as the state’s pacesetter for teacher education, its
wide range of program offerings in the health and human
services fields, its innovative partnerships with area corporations and non-
profits, and its emphasis on volunteerism and community engagement.
“Southern Connecticut State University has been a huge contributor to
the community-at-large, and we don’t always find that,” said Anthony
Rescigno, president of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce,
who presented the award. “To have a university that becomes a real part-
ner with not only the business community but the community-at-large is
a real credit to the institution.”
SOURCE: “Southern Connecticut State University, A Centennial History” by Thomas J. Farnham
The campus comes togetherfor the annual Adopt-A-Family Holiday Food Drive.Pictured here are volunteersfrom 2002.
The happyresults of a
2008 toy drive.
A contingent of about250 students, as wellas 20 faculty and staff members, met on campus before thestart of Southern’ssecond annual Day of Service. The grouphelped clean up thestreets of New Havenby collecting trash,sweeping, and gar-dening. In six hours,Southern collectedmore than eight tonsof trash.
22 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
A $1.2 million estate gift
funds the creation of
The Dorothy W. Goodwin
Endowed Chair in
Special Education and other
initiatives that further
the late-educator’s lifelong
commitment to teaching.
Summer 2010 | 23
ASouthern alumna who was
“passionate about her love for
learning”has bequeathed $1.2
million to Southern in her will — the
largest gift ever received by the university.
DorothyWeisbauer Goodwin, ’39,
who earned her teaching certification from
the then-New Haven State Teachers College,
went on to train Southern student teachers
in New Haven schools for more than 30
years. A resident of Woodbridge, Conn., she
died Feb. 9, 2009, at the age of 91.
A total of $1 million of her gift will
be used to fund and support an endowed
chair in special education, the first such
faculty position in university history. The
distinguished professor to hold the posi-
tion is expected to be named by the fall
and will spend more than half of his or her
time conducting research in autism, which
will bolster Southern’s new Center on
Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Goodwin’s gift will also support
enrichment programs for faculty members
and scholarships for students in education.
The recently constructed administrative
wing of Engleman Hall has been named in
her honor.
It is highly appropriate that
Goodwin’s gift will be centered in the
School of Education, says her niece, Gayle
Fazzalaro, ’67.
“Education was her life,” Fazzalaro
says. “She felt that the younger generation
was the hope for the future and that it
was an honor to be able to help to mold a
new generation.”
Goodwin’s “wonderful legacy”
speaks not only to her commitment to life-
long learning “but also to her devotion to
Southern, based upon her experiences
here as a student and a teacher,” said Dr.
Cheryl J. Norton, who was president of
Southern when the gift was made.
“It is truly gratifying that an indi-
vidual who devoted her abundant talents
and energy to enriching lives through edu-
cation has bestowed a gift that will benefit
Southern’s faculty and students for genera-
tions to come,” Norton said.
Born in New Haven in 1918,
Goodwin stayed in Connecticut, living in
Hamden and finally Woodbridge before
and following the death of her husband,
Bill, in 1980. She followed her teaching cer-
tification with both bachelor’s and master’s
degrees from Southern in the 1950s. She
was accompanied on her educational jour-
ney by her older sister, Mildred McIntyre
(Fazzalaro’s mother), who also graduated
with both degrees during the same period.
“With that kind of example, there
was never any other option for me as a
career,” jokes Fazzalaro, who taught high
school students in West Haven, Conn., for
30 years. To complete the Southern connec-
tion, Fazzalaro, Goodwin’s last surviving
direct relative, met her husband, Ron (Class
of ’67), while they were both students at
Southern. The couple now resides in
Venice, Fla.
“My aunt had a lot of talents,”
Fazzalaro says. “She could paint, create
ceramics, and reproduced gorgeous porce-
lain dolls, for which she designed and sold
the clothes.”
The 1939 “Laurel” student yearbook
also lauded the then-senior: “Efficient and
thorough in all that she does, and possessing
exceptional talent in all of her handicrafts,
“Dottie” has an excellent background for her
immediate desire — a teaching career.”
Education remained her true call-
ing. Throughout Goodwin’s long life, her
zeal for education was undiminished, her
niece says: “She was passionate about her
love for learning.” n
According to the Center for Disease Control, an average of 1 in 110
children in the United States has an Autism Spectrum Disorder
(ASD) — a developmental disability that significantly impairs social
interaction and communication.
Confronting such statistics head-on, Southern’s Center on Autism
Spectrum Disorders will launch numerous initiatives to help children and
youths with an ASD. Among the programs to be offered are
training for educators and professional staff, research, and
direct services, such as evaluating children and conducting
clinics.
The center builds on Southern’s demonstrated
efforts to conduct research and train educators to work
with those with an ASD. The Department of Special
Education includes a Master of Science degree program
with a specialization in autism spectrum disorders and
other developmental disabilities. In 2008, Gov. M. Jodi
Rell authorized the university to take a lead role in
developing a statewide plan to better educate children
with autism and other developmental disorders.
T H E
C E N T E R
O N
A U T I S M
S P EC T R U M
D I SO R D E R S
T H E
C E N T E R
O N
An assortment of photographs of Dorothy “Dottie” Weisbauer Goodwin through the years, including a spotlight from the 1939 “Laurel” studentyearbook [LOWER RIGHT].
Supporting SOU
TH
ER
N
A look at events for alumni
and friends on campus
and beyond.
Out and About
24 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Southern students exploreda wide variety of career
choices at Meet the AlumniProfessionals Day. The
event was held March 10in the Michael J. Adanti
Student Center.
In celebration of the life of the lateProfessor Emeritus of English Daniel Ort,the university community joined with hisfamily, friends, and former students tocreate an endowed scholarship in his
name and to dedicate Southern’s HonorCollege Library in his honor. Dr. Ort’s 31-year career at the university was markedby numerous accomplishments, includingthe creation of the university’s HonorsCollege. Among those who attended thededication, held on campus on March 19,were members of Dr. Ort’s family, includinghis wife, Sharon Ort, ’72, [THIRD FROM LEFT]and his children [FROM LEFT] Linda Nevins,Laura Dolyak, and Blaire Ort Gagnon.
The Scholarship Celebration, honoringSouthern’s scholarship donors and thetalented students who benefit from theirgenerosity, was held on April 29 in theMichael J. Adanti Student Center. Guestsincluded [FROM LEFT]: Provost Selase W.Williams, donor Donald Mitchell, ’57,scholarship recipient Nicolas Willet, anddonor Mary Ann K. Mitchell, ’56.
Summer 2010 | 25
On May 6, the nation’s capital played host to a well-attendedreception at the law offices ofFinnegan, Henderson, Farabow,
Garrett & Dunner. Attorney WilliamPratt, ’76, a partner with the law firm
and a member of the SCSUFoundation Board of Directors, hostedthe event. Enjoying the gathering are:[FROM LEFT] Major Michael Englis, ’00,Matthew Berberich, M.S. ’05, and
Daniel Gallant, ’89.
The SCSU Annual Owl Golf Classic sold outfor the fourth-consecutive year, with more
alumni from outside of Connecticutparticipating than ever before. The event
was held on May 24 at the exclusive privateSouth Course at the Lake of Isles at
Foxwoods Resort Casino. Over $40,000 wasraised for scholarships for student athletesand programmatic support. Congratulationsto Dr. Aaron Grossman of Hamden, Conn.,and his foursome for placing first in thetournament. Pictured at the event are:
[FRONT ROW, FROM LEFT] Peter Casolino, JohnPowderly, ’89, and Andy Powderly.
[BACK ROW, FROM LEFT] Tom DeSimpliciis, ’89,Michael Deans, ’88, Steve Parks, ’87, Mike
Migliaccio, and Anthony Corvino, ’87.
Some 35 alumni enjoyedtrue Southern charm at areception in Atlanta, Ga.The event was held May 4at the historic GeorgianTerrace Hotel — site of thepremiere gala for “Gonewith the Wind” in 1939.
26 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Alu
mni
NEWS
n A Day for EducatorsOn April 10, Southern hosted
a Celebration of the School of
Education, a fun-filled
reunion for alumni of the
school and their families.
The day-long event, which
was held throughout cam-
pus, featured a wide variety
of activities. Highlights
included informative
Alumni College Seminars,
the President’s Reception,
Meet the Southern Authors showcase, walking tours of
campus, and children’s activities and a snack/movie party.
n Congratulations to the newly electedmembers of the Alumni AssociationBoard of Directors: Kathleen Bonvicini,’83; James H. Booth, ’97; NancyDudchik, ’88; Virginia Buley Gore, ’78;Donald Mitchell, ’57; Daniel Myers,’01; Robert D. Parker, ’76; and TeresaSirico, ’70, M.S. ’73.Biographies of the new boardmembers will be included inthe next issue.
n Presidential Honors forAlumni Teachers
President Obama recognized
Southern alumni, Stacie Broden, M.S. ’03, and
Jane Callery, 6th yr. ’01, as winners of the Presidential
Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science
Teaching. The Southern graduates were two of only
87 educators to receive the prestigious award, which
is presented annually to the best pre-college science
and mathematics teachers from across the county.
They were the only Connecticut educators selected
for the honor.
“These awards represent a heartfelt salute of
appreciation to a remarkable group of individuals
who have devoted their lives and careers to helping
others and in doing so have helped us all,” said
President Obama.
Both honorees boast extremely impressive
credentials. Broden, a second-grade teacher at
Regional District 15 Pomperaug Elementary School, is
a mathematics instructional leader for the school dis-
trict and a mathematics instructional coach for a pro-
gram run by the Connecticut State Department of
Education.
Fellow award recipient Jane Callery is a sci-
ence teacher at Two Rivers Magnet Middle School in
East Hartford, Conn. She is also the Science Curriculum
and Instruction Specialist for the 12 magnet schools
that are part of the Capital Region Educational Council
in Connecticut.
Stacie Broden, M.S. ’03
Jane Callery, 6th yr. ’01
Summer 2010 | 27
Opposite page and above: Alumni and their families enjoyed a wide range of events at the Celebration of the School of Education.
28 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Alu
mni
NEWS
James Barber, ’64, M.S. ’79, Southern’s director of
student supportive services was honored as the recipient
of the lifetime achievement award from the Greater New
Haven African
American Historical
Society.
A committed
community activist,
Barber founded and
served for 25 years as
the coach-coordinator
of a youth track pro-
gram in New Haven
that has benefited thou-
sands of area youths.
At Southern, he
coached the women’s
track and field team for
nearly a quarter of a
century and was active
for many years with
U.S.A. Track on the
national and interna-
tional levels. In 1997, he
guided the U.S. women
to the team title in the
World Indoor
Championship in Paris.
Barber also sits on the board of directors for the
New Haven Scholarship Fund, which annually funds more
than 125 college scholarships for Elm City public school
students. Since it was founded in 1959, the fund has
donated more than $6 million to more than 6,000 recipi-
ents. They include Barber himself and scores of students he
has mentored through programs such as ConnCAP, a part-
nership with New Haven Public Schools and the state
Department of Higher Education that prepares secondary
students for success in college.
His philosophy about working with young people is
about prevention and support. “It is easier,” he says, “to
save a child than to help an adult.”
From buildings lauded for eco-friendly design
to a reinvigorated, campus-wide
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 theCampus Greening Fund. Donations may be made online
at www.giving.southernct.edu. Or call (203) 392-6515.
n Lifetime Achiever
Summer 2010 | 29
n Stay in Touch!Connect with all things Southern — from news on the latest campus developments to information on upcoming alumni events. The university offers numerous ways to stay up-to-date.
�+ We’re on the Web at www.SouthernCT.edu. For athletics information go to www.SouthernCTOwls.com.
�+ Become a fan of Southern on Facebook at www.facebook.com. A wide variety of pages are available, including those specifically devoted to alumni, the university, the John Lyman Center for the Performing Arts, and career services.
�+ Follow Southern on Twitter at http://twitter.com/scsutweet. The free service provides a way to communicatethrough the exchange of brief, frequent messages.
�+ Join LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com for professional networking opportunities. Go to the “Official SouthernConnecticut State University” site.
�+ The Alumni Relations Office can also be reached at (203) 392-6500; www.SouthernCT.edu/alumni/; or SCSU, Attn: Alumni Relations, 501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515.
For more information on these and other alumni events, go to SouthernCt.edu/alumni/upcomingevents/ or call (203) 392-6500. Tickets required for some events.
| A Long Island Sunday
Sept. 12Verdi’s of Whitestone,Flushing, N.Y.
Bye Bye Birdie Opening Night
| Reception
Oct. 8John Lyman Center forthe Performing ArtsHosted by the AlumniAssociation
Distinguished and Outstanding Alumni
| Awards
Oct. 15Michael J. AdantiStudent Center Grand Ballroom
Novemberfest | After Hours
Nov. 5New England Brewing,Woodbridge, Conn.Hosted by Brew MasterRob Leonard, ’91
U.S. Air Force Band ofLiberty performance
| and Alumni Reception
Dec. 11Hosted by the AlumniAssociation.
October 16 • Homecoming Football Game: the Owls take on Bentley College at 1 p.m.
Student parade of floats • Robert Corda Annual 5K Road Race
Alumni Tent Party with refreshments • Children’s activities • And much more!
Homecoming 2010Be part of the Tradition. Come Home to Southern.
alumni notes
30 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
’50sBARRY HERMAN, ’56, hosts
the weekly PBS televisionprogram, “The JewishForum.” Herman is also thepresident of The EthnicHeritage Center located onSouthern’s campus.
JOHN MONGILLO, ’58, a sci-ence teacher at MercymountCountry Day School inCumberland, R.I., led a classproject: converting a 1998gas-powered car into a plug-in electric car. Mongillo livesin Saunderstown, R.I.
ARTHUR GUAGLIUMI, ’59,M.S. ’66, showcased his art-work in an exhibit held atSouthern called “The Collageof language: The language ofCollage.” Guagliumi won a topaward at the ConnecticutArtists Annual Show inNorwich and also was accept-ed into the Ridgefield ArtAssociation Annual Show andthe Connecticut Academy atthe Mystic Art Association.
’60sTHOMAS F. BUTTERFIELD, ’62,
was a featured senior athletein Hartford Magazine in anarticle entitled, “Forget aboutaging gracefully.” At 74, theWindsor resident still makesthe news for his 37-year longdistance running practice.Butterfield coaches crosscountry at Hall High School inWest Hartford, Conn.
BRUCE RUDOLPH, ’63, M.S.’72, 6th Yr. ’84, who taught inthe Wallingford school sys-tem for 35 years, contributeda $250,000 memorial gift tothe Hospital of CentralConnecticut in memory ofhis wife, Katherine, who suc-cumbed to ovarian cancer.
VALERIE RYAN, ’64, M.S. ’68,was the featured Person of theWeek in the Source newspa-per in Madison, Conn. Ryan’slove of ballroom dancing isevident by the 483 first-placeawards she has received.Ryan, who took her firstdance lesson at age 66, has
participated in 60 competi-tions from Canada to Florida.
HENRY (HANK) STOCKMAL,’64, who retired after 44 yearsin the public school system, iscurrently an educational con-sultant and supervisor of stu-
dent teachers at CentralConnecticut State University.
JOHN DODIG, ’66, 6th Yr. ’78,principal of Staples HighSchool, hosted a WestportSunrise Rotary’s breakfastmeeting. Dodig spoke about
teaching at Al-HikmaUniversity in Baghdad, Iraq,and traveling throughAfghanistan, Pakistan, India,Nepal, Singapore, and Japan.
CHARLES R. MORRISSEY,M.S. ’68, 6th Yr. ’73, was fea-
tured in the North HavenCourier in recognition of hiscommitment to the U.S. Armythrough his service as areservist since 1967.Morrissey was an educator for46 years in New Haven, Conn.
’70sDAN LAURIA, ’70, a celebrated
actor known widely for hisrole as the father in the tele-vision show, “The WonderYears,” is starring in a newBroadway play, “Lombardi,”about the legendary footballcoach. The play will beginpreviews on September 23and open on October 21 inthe Circle in the Square.
FRANK CASARELLA, ’71, M.S.’76, has retired from the posi-tion of ESPN’s vice president,technology planning andadministration. Casarella start-ed at ESPN as a tape librarian.
Reunion News
• The Class of 1955 is celebrating its 55th reunion onOct. 9, 2010 at Park Central Tavern in Hamden, Conn., from5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
• The Class of 1960 is planning a 50th reunioncelebration to be held this fall. In addition, members of theclass will be honored at undergraduate commencement onMay 27, 2011.
• The Class of 2000 is celebrating its 10th reunionthis fall.
For more information or if you would like to organize a reunion for your class, please contact AlumniRelations at (203) 392-6500.
Touchdown!He’s worked with quarterback greats Mark Brunell, Tony Romo, Doug Flutie, and Eli Manning — and as the
New York Giants’ quarterbacks’ coach he helped guide the team to victory in Super Bowl XLII.
What’s currently on the agenda for Chris Palmer, ’72, M.S. ‘75? Serving as head coach and general manager
of the United Football League’s (UFL) Hartford Colonials, which will kick off its first season in September — a date
eagerly awaited by football fans throughout the Nutmeg State. The UFL premiered in 2009 with a goal of providing
top-class football to an expanded marketplace. Five
teams, including the Hartford Colonials, are slated to
play during the 2010 season.
Palmer describes the appointment as a sort of
homecoming. “Connecticut has provided me with several
firsts in my football career — my first opportunity to play
at high school and in college, my first coaching position,
and first head coaching job,” says Palmer, who was
inducted into Southern’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.
Palmer played quarterback for the Owls from
1968 to 1971, while earning a degree in physical educa-
tion. He has coached football for 38 years at the colle-
giate and professional levels, including 20-consecutive
years in the National Football League. In addition to
serving on the Giants’ coaching staff, he was head
coach of the Cleveland Browns and held various coach-
ing positions with the Houston Oilers, New England
Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans.
Summer 2010 | 31
At the company’s 30th anniver-sary, Casarella was one of 42people honored with a walk offame-style star on ESPN’s side-walk for being with the com-pany since its first year.
RUTHWHINNEM, M.L.S. ’72,has retired after 24 years asthe children’s librarian atPlainville Public Library inConnecticut.
ENRICO BUCCILLI, ’73, M.S.’78, principal of DagHammarskjold Middle Schoolin Wallingford, Conn., wasacknowledged in the Record-Journal. The school was rec-ognized by the New EnglandLeague of Middle Schools andthe Connecticut Associationof Schools for exemplaryinstructional practices.
MARYELLEN CONSIDINE-WOOLLEY, ’74, M.S. ’81, 6thYr. ’84, an art instructor for30 years, recently exhibitedher paintings at the GoodNews Café and Gallery inWoodbury, Conn.
SALLY KEATING, ’74, M.S. ’79,former assistant superintend-ent in Groton, Conn., hasbeen named superintendentof schools in Lisbon, Conn.
AUDREY BLONDIN, ’75, for-merly served 10 ten years onthe Board of Selectmen inLitchfield, Conn., and plans torun for a fifth term on theDemocratic State CentralCommittee. Blondin is anattorney in Litchfield, Conn.
MARY ELLENVACCARI, ’76,M.S. ’80, was inducted intothe Connecticut Women’sVolleyball Hall of Fame.Vaccari teaches health andphysical education at GilbertSchool in Winsted, Conn.
FILOMENA C. VAGUEIRO, ’76,M.P.H. ’97, has joined the staffat Bristol Hospital and is prac-ticing at Central ConnecticutOb-Gyn Women’s HealthGroup. Vagueiro is a memberof the American College ofNurse Midwives, theAmerican Public HealthAssociation, the NationalAssociation of ChildbearingCenter, and the NationalLatina Institute forReproductive Health.
DAVID B. ERWIN, M.S. ’78, hasbeen named superintendentof Avon Schools inConnecticut. He has served asa school superintendent for15 years, including 10 yearsin Montville, Conn. Erwinand his wife, Linda, ’79, livein Middlebury, Conn.
LUIGI NUZZOLILLO, ’78, is arecent recipient of the GoldRing Award from the NewHaven Boys & Girls ClubAlumni Association.Nuzzolillo previously receivedthe Community ServiceAward from the New Haven
Domestic Violence ServicesOrganization and the RotaryClub’s Paul Harris Award, andwas named the Rotarian ofthe Year by the North HavenRotary Club.
SHELLEY SHAVER, M.S. ’78,who teaches English atCosumnes River College inSacramento, Calif., haslaunched a website,http://dustbowlpoetry.word-press.com. Fact-based andupdated daily, the site depictsthe story of a young farmfamily struggling during theDust Bowl.
SUSANMARCHITTO, ’79, hasbeen named School Nurse ofthe Year by the Association ofSchool Nurses of Connecticut.
Marchitto works at WashingtonSchool in West Haven, Conn.
TIMOTHY R. NEEDHAM, ’79,is the general manager of theAqua Turf Club, a banquetfacility in Plantsville, Conn.
’80sJEFFREY BLODGETT, M.S. ’80, is
retiring from the position ofvice president of research forthe Connecticut EconomicResource Center after 13 years.
KIMBERLY GALLO, ’80, M.S.’87, is the new principal of
Shepaug Valley High Schoolin Washington, Conn. Gallohad served as assistant prin-cipal at Nonnewaug HighSchool in Woodbury, Conn.,since 2004.
CAROL J. STIFF, ’83, M.S. ’89,has been promoted to vicepresident of programmingacquisition and schedulingfor ESPN’s ProgrammingDepartment in Bristol, Conn.Stiff has been with ESPNsince 1990. She is a memberof Southern’s FoundationBoard of Directors
CAMEO THORNE, ’83, hasreceived the New HavenTeacher of the Year Award.Thorne is a language artsinstructor and advanced
placement English literatureinstructor at High School inthe Community.
JOHN B. (JACK) ZIBLUK, ’83,M.S. ’84, has been promotedto full professor of journal-ism at Arkansas StateUniversity. He was also elect-ed president of the facultysenate and the faculty associ-ation at the university.
VANNA DEST, ’84, received theDistinguished Citizen Awardfrom the North Haven Sonsand Daughters of Italy Lodge2805. Dest is an oncologynurse practitioner for
Radiation Oncology Specialistsof Southern Connecticut andthe Hospital of Saint Raphaelin New Haven, Conn.
PASQUALE“PAT” PISCITELLI,’84, has earned molecularbiology certification from theAmerican Society of ClinicalPathology and hopes to pur-sue a second career in thefield of forensic science.
JOHNWHITFORD, ’84, a mem-ber of the ConnecticutNational Guard, received thesilver eagle insignia of a fullcolonel, as reported in theNorwich Bulletin.
KAREN MCNULTY, M.L.S. ’87,has retired after 21 years asthe children’s librarian at the
Avon Public Free Library inConnecticut.
’90sSTEPHEN CAPPIELLO,’90, a
project manager at Travelersin Hartford, Conn., hasacquired project manage-ment professional certifica-tion, as well as a master’sdegree in health care admin-istration. Cappiello and wife,CAROLYN (STELLATTO)CAPPIELLO, ’91, live inMiddletown, Conn. with their2-year-old son, Tyler.
ANTONIETTA GIORDANOHALLET, ’91, recently gradu-ated with a master’s degree incommunication fromFairfield University.
PATRICIA LOTT, ’91, hasopened a community clinicfor acupuncture services inTowson, Md.
TRACY DAMONEVAN OSS,’92, M.P.H. ’00, a clinicalassistant professor of occupa-tional therapy in the Schoolof Health Sciences atQuinnipiac University, earnedspecialty certification in envi-ronmental modification fromthe American OccupationalTherapy Association. She wasthe first person in the state of
Owl Selected to Patriots’ Dream TeamFormer Owls’ football standout and SCSU Hall of Famer, Joe
Andruzzi, has been named to the New England Patriots’ 2000s All-
Decade Team. Andruzzi, a three-time Super Bowl-champion, was one
of two guards included on the 27-member dream team by the Patriots’
Hall of Fame Nomination Committee, which includes reporters, alumni,
and staff.
A 10-year veteran of the National Football League, Andruzzi
helped the New England Patriots to Super Bowl victories in 2002, 2004,
and 2005. He also played with the Green Bay Packers and the
Cleveland Browns.
A powerhouse in his college days as well, Andruzzi played on
Southern’s offensive line from 1993-96. He was named an All-
American as a junior and senior by the American Football Coaches
Association. Today he is the chief executive officer of the Joe Andruzzi
Foundation, which is dedicated to fighting cancer.
32 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Connecticut and the sixth inthe country to have earnedthis distinction, according tothe North Haven Courier.
HOLLY O’BRIEN, ’93, runner-up for the New Haven Teacherof the Year Award, is a leaddeveloper of the pre-kinder-garten program at the DavisStreet School. She also receivedthe Exemplary Programs inConnecticut’s ElementarySchools Award in 2002 and theNew Alliance TeacherExcellence Award in 2004.
JOHN J. ROGERS, ’93, is a real-tor in Madison, Conn. Hiswife, Deborah, is a fifth gradeteacher at Calf Pen MeadowElementary School inMilford, Conn. They have twodaughters.
MARK ALDRICH, M.S. ’94, isthe librarian at the GarnerCorrectional Institution inNewtown, Conn. Among theinitiatives offered through thelibrary is the CollegeAssistance Program, whichprovides English grammarclasses for inmates interestedin earning college credits.
TANYA SUTTON, ’94, was hon-ored by the Department ofChildren and Families (DCF)during National Social WorkMonth. Connecticut GovernorM. Jodi Rell spoke at a celebra-tory gathering and expressedappreciation and gratitude tothe staff for their work.
JUSTIN DION, ’96, M.A. ’97, hasbeen awarded the 2009Adams Pro Bono PublicoAward for his efforts to assistthe poor in westernMassachusetts. Dion lives inLongmeadow, Mass., with hiswife, COLLEEN DION, ’96.
SUZANNE FERRARA SHAW,’96, has been promoted to theposition of assistant directorof conference and event serv-ices at Yale University.
MEGAN COLLINS, M.S. ’98,who specializes in mixed-media painting, was a fea-tured artist at ArtPlace, anartist-run gallery in Fairfield,Conn.
RAMONA HARTEN, M.L.S. ’98,is the director of the CheshirePublic Library.
FRANCISCO CHAVARRIA, ’99,was a runner-up for the NewHaven Teacher of the YearAward. Chavarria is a bilingualmathematics and scienceteacher at the RobertoClemente Leadership Academyand was a bilingual scienceteacher at Wilbur Cross HighSchool from 2000-2005.
’00sDEMETRIUS PUREFOY, ’01, a
fifth-degree tang soo do mas-ter, has opened Pure MartialArts Fitness Academy inDerby, Conn.
MICHAELWOOD, ’01, M.A.’09, an author and sixth gradeteacher at the West ShoreMiddle School in Milford,Conn., was featured at thePlumb Memorial Library,where he read and signed hisnovel, “Alchemy.”
TRICIA HYACINTH, M.S. ’03,joined the communityengagement team at Handson Hartford, a Hartford-based volunteer action centerand social services agency.
RICK KOCZAK, ’05, a residentof Milford and coach of girls’soccer at Laurelton Hall, hasbeen inducted into theConnecticut Soccer Hall ofFame. Koczak was theConnecticut Post’s Coach ofthe Year in 2009.
RACHEL RICE, M.L.S. ’05, is thenew librarian at the EastHaven High School, as report-ed by the East Haven Courier.
FREDERICK DOUGLASSKNOWLES, M.A. ’08, anEnglish professor at ThreeRivers Community College,read from his poetry collec-tion, “Black Rose City,” at theDonald L. Oat Theater inNorwich.
SUZANNE LANG, ’08, aNewtown, Conn., artist, led aworkshop on basic drawingtechniques for students at theC. H. Booth Library. Lang givesart lessons at her home studio.
PREND QETTA, M.S. ’08, ofConnecticut, was recentlyhonored as Waterbury’sKosovo Mayor of the Day.
TIM TREDWELL, M.S. ’08, whohas served as a coach forseven years, is beginning hisfirst season as the varsitybasketball coach at DanielHand High School inMadison, Conn.
LAURA BINDER, ’09, ofNorwich, Conn., a 10th gradeglobal studies and citizenship
teacher, has been namedNorwich Free AcademyTeacher of the Year.
SHARON FOSTER, M.L.S. ’09, isthe technology librarian forRye Public Library in Rye, N.H.
STEPHANIE HEIN, M.F.T. ’09,is a marriage and familytherapist with offices inMonroe and Prospect, Conn.
SONIA HILL, ’09, is pursuinggraduate studies at Bay PathCollege in Longmeadow, Mass.
MICHAEL PROHASKA, M.L.S.’09, is the new owner of ProBody Shop in Brookfield,Conn. Prohaska is certified inpersonal training throughthe American College ofSports Medicine and com-
The Passing of Southern’s Oldest Alumna � Ida Hough Jamison, ’26, perhaps Southern’s oldest alumna, passed away in
Milwaukee, Wis., on April 30, 2010, just four days shy of her 105th birthday. In 2006,
Mrs. Jamison, then 101 years old, traveled to Southern to celebrate the true spirit of
Homecoming with her family. At that time, then Southern President Cheryl J. Norton
honored Mrs. Jamison by presenting her with a ceremonial Bachelor of Arts degree at
the Distinguished and Outstanding Alumni Awards Luncheon.
As a student at Southern, then New Haven State Normal School, she belonged
to numerous clubs, including the Art Club, the Community Dramatic Club, and the
Thrift Club. Known among friends as “Idaho,” she was the author of the 1926 class
poem, an excerpt of which hints at her long-held devotion to her alma mater:
“As utter strangers we first metWithin this school of ours,But ’twas not long ’fore friendship budsTurned to lasting flowers.”
After graduation, Jamison taught in Connecticut briefly before moving to
Pennsylvania where she married and raised a family. With her children grown, she
returned to the classroom as a substitute teacher. Married 67 years to the late Frank
Jamison, who died in 1999, Mrs. Jamison moved to Wisconsin after his death to be
closer to her family.
Ida Jamison, ’26, visited Founders Gate in 2006 when she returned to campus to celebrateHomecoming and her 80th reunion.
Summer 2010 | 33
pleted his first Iron ManTriathlon last year.
BART T. RUSSO, ’09, has grad-uated from basic combattraining at Fort Jackson, S.C.
MarriagesGERRY MARIE ANNINO, ’02,
M.S.W. ’05, and Steven Baird,Aug. 22, 2009.
NORMAN BUZAID, ’06, andCrystal Barna, May 23, 2009.
STEPHANIE JOYCE, ’06, andJeremy Han, Oct. 23, 2009.
HEATHER KOZLOWSKI, ’07,and Seamus Oatis, Sept. 12,2009.
KATHLEEN MIKOS, ’07, andRENALDO MONACO, ’07,February 2010.
VANESSA PINHEIRO, ’07, andChristopher Lynch, Sept. 20,2009.
ERIN ROSE COVIELLO, ’09,and Michael Butkovic, Aug.15, 2009.
KATHERINE DURBIN, ’09, andWilliam Sheridan, July 28, 2009.
BRIANNE LYNCH, M.S. ’09, andMichael Forcucci, July 3, 2009.
ALEXANDRAMALEBRANCHE,’09, and Auguste Desrouilleres,Dec. 26, 2009.
JESSICA EVELYN PEDRAZA,’09, and Jeremy Gray, Oct. 10,2009.
Births/AdoptionsSTEPHANIE REISS NEWELL,
’04, M.S. ’07, and husband,Benjamin, announced thebirth of their daughter,Sophia Rose, in April 2010.
IN MEMORIAMRUTHWOODRUFF, ’38, July 19,
2009.
DORIS A. GROVES, ’43, NewHaven, Conn., Jan. 22, 2010.
JOYCE LAKE HOFFMAN, ’45,Chestnut Hill, Mass.
SYLVIA (JACOBS) KRAVITZ,’48, Rockville, Conn., Jan. 11,2010.
JOSEPH J. ARNOLD, ’50, M.S. ’61,Guilford, Conn., March 18, 2010.
THOMAS“MITCH” KYTE, ’50,Surprise, Ariz., Sept. 5, 2009.
GLORIA B. PANZA, ’50, WestHaven, Conn., Feb. 20, 2010.
AGNES MARY CARROLLLAURIA, ’51, Trumbull,Conn., Feb. 1, 2010.
PASQUALE AMENDOLA, ’55,Nov. 21, 2009.
GEORGE S. GLOVER, ’55,Thomaston, Conn., Nov. 28,2008.
JOAN BARRETT DUBE, ’56,Cheshire, Conn., March 3, 2010.
RAYMOND A. KASPAREK, ’58,Bethel, Conn., Feb. 24, 2010.
NANCY GIARD O’CONNOR,’58, Falmouth, Mass., March6, 2010.
RAYMOND F. DORAN, ’59,April 17, 2010.
DAVIDW. SHEA, ’61, Branford,Conn., 2009.
JOSEPH R. HALLORAN, ’62,Middlebury, Conn., Nov. 11,2009.
ESTHER M. DUNPHYO’BRIEN, M.S. ’66, Hamden,Conn., Jan. 18, 2010.
JANE JACOBI HOWER, M.S.’68, Jan. 9, 2010.
JOAN ELIZABETH ERRGONG-WEIDER, M.L.S. ’69,Norwalk, Conn., Nov. 16, 2009.
LAURNA F. ROBINSON, M.S.’69, Jan. 2, 2010.
RUDOLFO RINALDOVERRILLI,M.S. ’70, 6th Yr. ’77, EastGranby, Conn., Jan. 13, 2010.
FREDERICKE. CONWAY, ’72, EastChatham, N.Y., June 30, 2009.
Share your good news with South ern friends andclassmates by sending it to Southern AlumniNews. Mail this completed form to SouthernAlumni News, SCSU Alumni Relations Office, New Haven, CT 06515-1355; fax, (203) 392-5082;or e-mail, alumniinfo@SouthernCT.edu.
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tell
usab
out it
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.
(203) 392-5598www.SouthernCT.edu/supportsouthern Southern Connecticut State University501 Crescent Street, New Haven, CT 06515-1355
34 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
SHERLINA. WONG, M.S. ’73,Salem, Conn., Jan. 11, 2010.
WILLIAM J. GRIZE, ’74, Jan. 5,2010.
HELEN M. HAWKS CONNOR,’75, North Haven, Conn., Dec.3, 2009.
PHOEBE GRETCHENHAMMERSTEIN CUFFE,M.L.S. ’75, Rockland, Maine,Feb. 8, 2010.
SHIRLEY G. GUMPPER, M.S.’75, Bridgewater, Conn., Feb.26, 2010.
SHARRYNANNACAMPORA,’76, Cheshire, Conn., Oct. 9,2009.
DOROTHY KELSEY GRISH,’76, M.S. ’87, Prospect, Conn.,Nov. 19, 2009.
NICHOLASW. ROMANIELLA,’76, 2008.
SHARON K. EVENSEN, ’77,M.S. ’80, 6th Yr. ’95,Woodbury, Conn., March 7,2010.
CAROLYNWEHRLEMUELLER, ’77, Thomaston,Conn., Feb. 9, 2010.
FRANKW. PERAZZELLA SR.,M.S. ’78, Waterbury, Conn.,Feb. 23, 2010.
LINDA GANTER HOLZ, M.S.’79, Atlanta, Ga., Oct. 26, 2008.
DOLORES OESTREICHER, M.S.’81, Danbury, Conn., Jan. 28,2010.
LESLEY MACKLIN SANTORA,’81, New Haven, Conn., Oct.25, 2009.
ELLENWOODMAN KENNEDY,M.S. ’82, Londonderry, N.H.,June 2007.
STACY SCHMIDT REGOLO, ’87,Los Angeles, Calif., Feb. 7,2010.
NANCY TAVERNIER, M.S. ’89,Groton, Conn., March 29, 2010.
ERIN E. LOUGHREYWHITMEYER, ’89, Trumbull,Conn., Feb. 28, 2010.
JOYCE GURIAN ZARKIN, M.L.S.’90, Burke, Va.
THOMAS J. BAILLARGEON, 6thYr. ’92, Bristol, Conn., Oct. 30,2009.
RUTH ELIZABETHCHURCHMAN TURNER, ’93,Wallingford, Conn., Nov. 20,2009.
ANDREW“DREW” ADAM, IV,’94, Rocky Hill, Conn., Jan. 6,2010.
LORRAINE CAMPOSTRAGAKES, M.S. ’95, Valhalla,N.Y., Feb. 3, 2010.
LEVONMACETTE JONESWHITE, ’98, New Haven,Conn., Feb. 20, 2010.
PHINA NGOZI (EGBUNA)KWENTOH, ’99, North Haven,Conn., Jan. 30, 2010.
DEBORAHHARRISTURNBULL, M.S. ’01, Mystic,Conn., March 23, 2010.
JAMES GRANFIELD, InterimDean of the School ofEducation, July 28, 2010.
IRAM. LEONARD, SouthernProfessor Emeritus, Hamden,Conn., March 19, 2010.
CARLOS RAMIREZ, AssistantProfessor of Biology, Jan. 18,2010.
SUSAN JENNINGS, wife of thelate Southern PresidentEmeritus Manson Van B.Jennings, July 29, 2010.
Helping Haiticontinued from page 15
Bringing Comfortcontinued from page 14
Class notes are compiled fromsubmissions from alumni, aswell as announcements made innewspapers and magazines.
having children, she envisioned earning a
degree in Irish literature. But her interest in
social work was piqued when she worked
as a juvenile probation officer. She was
intrigued by a psychiatric clinic inside the
juvenile court where she saw “good work
was appreciated.”
That’s when she applied to
Southern. Malone said the program gave
her a wonderful foundation. “I found the
social work program brought together a
grassroots focus on the poor, repressed, and
those suffering from injustice — together
with a psychoanalytic focus on child devel-
opment,” she says.
She gained invaluable experience
during a second-year internship at a juve-
nile justice clinic where she had the oppor-
tunity to help children from traumatic fam-
ily backgrounds where guns, violence,
drugs, and HIV and AIDS came into play.
She saw resilience at the clinic —
a trait shared by the Haitian people.
Malone describes the Haitians as a strong
people, their spirit “passionately alive.”
There’s a saying, she says, that Haitians are
born singing, live and work singing, and
die singing.
After the earthquake, Haiti
Marycare was able to fund the rebuilding of
a school, and repair another school they
had built that was damaged by the quake.
The organization also repaired a hand-
operated well they had installed that pro-
vided 1,000 buckets of water a day for some
250 kids and their parents when there was
no electricity.
In addition, Malone and the team
brought information on coping with trau-
ma, guides for parents and teachers, and
children’s activities.
“It’s only by helping others that you
help yourself,” she says. n
For more information on Haiti Marycare, visithaitimarycare.org.
More than 860 patients were
admitted during the seven weeks that the
ship was based off Haiti. Zoeller notes
that during her stay the Intensive Care
Unit (ICU), which had an 80-bed capacity,
was often nearly full. “There were a lot of
orthopedic injuries, a lot of fractured
bones, quite a few head injuries, and
many, many children,” says Zoeller.
She remembers one boy who
came to the ship with septic pneumonia.
He had been sick before the quake, but
inhaling the dust from the rubble wors-
ened his condition. He entered the ship
extremely malnourished and “very close
to death,” Zoeller says. With regular
meals and the right medication, he
improved enough to be flown to family
in the United States.
“Nutrition was so key,” she says
of her patients. “The food was one of the
best medicines they could have received.”
In contrast to the devastation in
Haiti, Zoeller describes conditions on
board as comfortable. She slept on the
top rack of a three-tiered bunk, which
she shared with a colleague in 12-hour
shifts, changing sheets in between. The
ICU had all the latest technologies.
Zoeller, who was born and raised
in New Haven, Conn., credits her
Southern nursing degree with opening
doors for her throughout her adult life. “I
think it just goes to show that a nursing
degree is so versatile,” she says, referring
to the opportunity to volunteer in Haiti.
“I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
— By Natalie Missakian
Campus Aid • continued from page 15
will run until Sept. 15, shows images of
devastation and famine, as well as the relief
efforts in the wake of the earthquake.
Washington says he hopes the exhibit will keep
the issue in the forefront of students’ minds.
Next January, a year after the quake, the
Southern community will re-evaluate the need
to extend the initiative. In the meantime, their
efforts continue.
“I had no idea if it would take off or
not,” Washington says. “That was the success;
that everyone got involved. The point of the
effort is that they’re doing something.”
— By Sarah Houseknecht, ’10
Summer 2010 | 35
When he gained his first uni-
versity presidency at Coppin State
University in Baltimore, Battle inherit-
ed the most poorly funded institution
in the state. During his four-year
tenure, he increased operating sup-
port by more than 50 percent and
boosted capital support from the
state by $300 million. But even more
notably, he also took steps to provide
an educational lifeline for children
and youth in the neighborhoods sur-
rounding the university.
Battle worked with the neigh-
boring community and the state legis-
lature to develop an urban education-
al corridor that included revitalizing
previously failing elementary and mid-
dle schools and creating a high school
for 125 students on the university
campus — the Coppin Academy. In
May 2009, the academy graduated its
first class of 73 students, almost all of
whom moved on to college.
Battle is a compassionate,
high-energy man who’s committed to
supporting children and young people
who haven’t had access to education-
al opportunities — and then holding
them accountable for their continued
progress, said Frank Kober, a now-
retired education professor at Coppin
State. Kober worked with Battle on
obtaining grants to fund Coppin’s
educational corridor, including
$600,000 from the Bill and Melinda
Gates Foundation.
“He did stuff that you wouldn’t
expect a CEO to do,” Kober says. For
example: Battle organized a “Reading
Explosion” weekend sleepover at
Coppin for more than 100 elementary
school children, obtaining donations
of books and sleeping bags, and stay-
ing to work at the event for 36 hours
straight while honors students tutored
the children. “He works to find cre-
ative ways to get middle- and lower-
income children excited about college
at a young age,” Kober says.
At Coppin, Battle also made
good use of the love of music that he
developed going to church on Sundays
with his parents and siblings in
Springfield. Battle is a lyric baritone in
the upper range who studied in
Amherst, Mass., with two faculty mem-
bers from Julliard. He later performed
as a featured soloist with the accom-
plished baritone-bass singer William
Warfield and also as a member of the
internationally known Heritage
Chorale. A devotee of classical music —
especially the inspiring Beethoven’s
9th Symphony — he sang in partner-
ship with his twin brother Stewart, the
Coppin State Gospel Choir, and The
Heritage Signature Chorale of
Washington, D.C., as part of a
Presidential Concert Series, raising
funds for scholarships. Later, Battle
joined cast members of Disney’s tour-
ing cast of “The Lion King” during two
special gospel productions that raised
more than $20,000 for scholarship
support and other causes, including
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, an
organization formed by Actor’s Equity
Association, the stage actors’ union.
In all, “The Singing President,”
as he became known at Coppin,
helped raise more than $50,000 for
the school’s scholarship programs.
“The arts are a beautiful bridge
to build on when you are developing
a campus,” Battle says.
The sciences are another. As
chancellor of North Carolina
Agricultural and Technical State
University, in Greensboro, N.C., Battle
secured a prestigious Engineering
Research Center (ERC) grant from the
National Science Foundation. The
award of $18 million for the initial five
years, with a potential duration of a
decade, was a first for an Historically
Black College or University (HBCU).
The center conducts research in the
areas of biomedical engineering and
nano-bio applications in partnership
with the Universities of Cincinnati and
Pittsburgh and also has global techni-
cal partners in Germany and India.
Reflecting on similar innovative
partnerships that have been estab-
lished at Southern — for example, the
NSF-funded Materials Research
Science and Engineering Center, a
partnership between Southern, Yale,
and the Brookhaven National
Laboratory — Battle says he sees rich
potential to establish new educational
collaborations with schools and
organizations in Greater New Haven.
“This is an institution that real-
izes the importance of academic
excellence and one that fully under-
stands the tremendous power of edu-
cation to transform lives,” he says. n
Opened Doors to Learningcontinued from page 5
President Battle speaks to middle school students at a recent Dream Camp in Hartford, Conn.The program aims to transform the lives of low-income, urban youth.
36 | Southern ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Southern EV
EN
TSNorman Brown’s
Summer StormFeaturing Norman Brown, BrendaRussell, Jessy J, and Gail Jhonson
Sept. 25 8 p.m.
Gifted solo artists come together for a brilliant evening of jazz.
$28 for active alumni and Southern faculty/staff; $27 for series*; $32 for general admission; $15 forSouthern students. *Special series prices available forfour jazz shows. (203) 392-6154
Bye Bye BirdieOct. 8-9, 14-15 8 p.m.;
Oct. 10, 17 3 p.m.;
Oct. 16 2 p.m.
*The SCSU Alumni Association will hostan opening night reception on Oct. 8.
Southern students star in this classicmusical about a rock-and-roll singerwho is drafted into the Army. Directedand choreographed by Larry Nye.
$10 for general admission; $5 for senior citizens andSouthern faculty, staff, and students. (203) 392-6154
Distinguished andOutstanding AlumniAwards
Oct. 15 12 p.m.-2 p.m.
Michael J. Adanti Student Center Grand Ballroom
Celebrate Southern’s mostaccomplished alumni.
For more information, call (203) 392-6500
Homecoming 2010Oct. 16 On Campus
A fun-filled event for the entire family,featuring the Bob Corda 5K RoadRace, Alumni Tent party withrefreshments, the Homecoming footballgame against Bentley College at 1 p.m.,and much more.
For more information, call (203) 392-6500
IncognitofeaturingMaysaOct. 228 p.m.
Driving rhythms,high-impact horns,and expressivevocals come
together for a phenomenal night of jazz.
$28 for active alumni and Southern faculty/staff; $27 for series*; $32 for general admission; $15 forSouthern students. *Special series prices available for four jazz shows. (203) 392-6154
The Nobodies of ComedyOct. 26 8 p.m.
A hilarious show from the bestcomedians you’ve never heard of —tomorrow’s stars of comedy.
$10 for general admission; Free to Southern students,faculty, and staff. (203) 392-6154
Lorraine WarrenOct. 29 8 p.m.
America’s ghost hunter tells stories ofencounters with the supernatural.
$8 for active alumni and Southern faculty, staff, andstudents; $10 for general admission. (203) 392-6154
Novemberfest After Hours
Nov. 5 5:30 p.m.
New England BrewingWoodbridge, Conn.
Alumni will enjoy great food whiletasting the microbrews crafted by RobLeonard, ’91, during a fun-filled eveningheld at the Southern graduate’s brewery.
$10 per person. (203) 392-6500
Post Secret Live! with Frank Warren
Nov. 5 7 p.m.
Creator of the PostSecret Project, acollaborative art project where peopleanonymously mail in their secrets on theside of artistically designed postcards.
$15 for active alumni and Southern faculty, staff, andstudents; $20 for general admission; $10 for Southernstudents. (203) 392-6154
Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood
Nov. 6 8 p.m.
Improvisation at its best. Audiencemembers direct the hilarity from thestars of Whose Line Is It Anyway!
$25 for active alumni and Southern faculty/staff; $35 for general admission; $15 for Southern students.(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. Discounted tickets are limited to two per person, subject to verification. For tickets and additional information and listings, visit Southern’s Web site at www.lyman.SouthernCT.edu
• Jazz Series •See all four great shows for only $108 — a $20 savings.
Norman Brown’s Summer Storm (Sept. 25), Incognito (Oct. 22), Jonathan Bulter (Nov. 20), and A Peter White Christmas (Dec. 3). (203) 392-6154
at LymanCenter
The potential, the hopes, and the dreamsof this generation of students are as real, as significant, as those that came before.
But their needs are greater. We face a difficult but not impossible challenge in filling these needs.
They can be met with the continued and increased generosity of each member of our alumni community and friends.
Please make a gift to our students today by returning the envelope provided or by visiting us online at www.giving.SouthernCT.edu
The
Life
of R
eilly Proudly sporting her blue and white Southern
uniform, cheerleader Brianna Reilly graced the
cover of the April issue of American Cheerleader
magazine, which highlighted her achievements to
more than 1 million readers. The publication also
placed the spotlight on Southern, noting the Owls
first-place win at the Universal Cheerleaders
Association (UCA) 2009 Cheerleading and Dance
Team National Championship. Southern competes
in the Division II all-girl category.
Reilly, who was named Cheerleader of the
Month by the magazine, was selected on the basis of
her cheering and scholastic achievements, community
service, and extracurricular activities. “She immedi-
ately caught our eye, standing out above the rest of
the competitors we saw,” says Brittany Geragotelis,
the magazine’s senior editor, who first met Reilly at
the championship.
Reilly, a senior communication major, serves
as the Owls’ “flyer,” the team member who is lifted or
thrown into the air during stunts. “She has a pres-
ence in the air,” says head cheerleading coach Trish
Lenda, ’97. “You naturally tend to look at her. Her
smile, her visual presence brings you directly to her.”
Since 2001, Southern has placed in the top
four at the UCA championship — and was previously
lauded by American Cheerleading magazine as having
one of the top 10 all-girl programs in the country.
— By Joe Musante, ’86