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A news supplement for alumni and friends of Southern Connecticut State University
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Sweet Treats for Grads!
The celebration started earlyfor members of the Class
of 2013, who received theirdiplomas and cups of Ben &Jerry’s cookie dough ice cream— the latter presented bycompany co-founder JerryGreenfield, who also deliveredthe commencement address.
“There is a spiritualaspect to business. Just as yougive, you receive,” Greenfieldtold the students at theceremony, which was held onMay 17 at the Webster BankArena in Bridgeport, Conn. Atotal of 1,860 students earned their undergraduate degrees, with some 1,200participating in the commencement ceremony.
In 1978, Greenfield and his longtime friend and business partner, BenCohen, opened the first Ben & Jerry’s Homemade ice cream parlor in Burlington,Vt. With a focus on innovative flavors and a company commitment to socialresponsibility, they built the business into a $300 million ice cream empire.
OWL
Dear Friends of Southern,Our vibrant Maycommencementceremonies summedup an academic yearfull of high points forour university. The
ceremonies were both poignant —with posthumous honors awarded tofour graduate school alumni whodied in the 2012 Newtown, Conn.,shootings — and joyous, with thedistribution of diplomas and ice creamat the undergraduate commencementmaking for a festive mix.
Tom Murray of the Class of ’63 whomarked the 50th anniversary of hisgraduation on commencement day,wrote to me how the ceremonieswere: “special for my classmates andme. We experienced much of the joywe knew in May of 1963 when wecompleted our undergraduate studies.How proud I was to observe the greatgrowth that has taken place atSouthern during the past 50 years!”
Tom and his fellow alums will bepleased to know that this growth ispoised to continue, with the start ofconstruction this summer on a98,000-square-foot science building,home to cutting-edge programs innanotechnology, applied physics,chemistry, and other fields. In this way,we will be supplying more qualifiedgraduates for in-demand fields. And,with 85 percent of our annualgraduating class remaining to liveand work in the state, an investmentin public higher education is clearlyan investment in Connecticut’s future.
Mary A. Papazian, Ph.D.Presidenta
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Summer | 13
For more on undergraduate
commencement, including
photos and stories on
several inspiring graduates,
go to SouthernCT.edu/news/
commencement2013.html
Graduate CommencementHONORS HEROES OF SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY
On May 16, Southern recognized the over 960 students who earnedadvanced degrees at two graduate commencement exercises held
at the Lyman Center for the Performing Arts. Students from the schoolsof Arts and Sciences, Business, and Health and HumanServices participated in an afternoon ceremony. Graduatesfrom the School of Education took part in an eveningceremony, during which the Distinguished Alumni Awardswere presented posthumously to four educators who died inthe Newtown shooting tragedy. The awards were presentedin memory of principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, M.S. ’97,6th Yr. ’98; teacher Anne Marie Murphy, M.S. ’08; schoolcounselor Mary J. Sherlach, M.S. ’90, 6th Yr. ’92; and teacherand master’s degree student Victoria Soto.
continues
OWL Sightings
“There could be no other choice than torecognize the four courageous alumnae wholost their lives protecting the children in theircare,” said President Mary A. Papazian. Amaster’s degree in education also wasposthumously awarded to Soto at theceremony and accepted by members of herfamily. The ceremony was attended by Soto’sparents, Carlos and Donna, and her siblings,Jillian, Carlos, and Carlee. Murphy’s fourchildren, Kelly, Colleen, Thomas, and Paige,accepted the award on their mother’s behalf.
In addition, all six educators who werekilled in the December shooting, includingRachel D’Avino and Lauren Rousseau, whowere not Southern alumni, received theCitizen Honors Medal from the CongressionalMedal of Honor Society, an organizationcomprised of Medal of Honor recipients.
continued from page 1 BUILDING PLANS:Down to a Science
Over the past 10 years, jobs in the sciences, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) grew three times faster than non-STEM positions, according to the
U.S. Department of Commerce. And more than two-thirds of STEM employees have
earned a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to less than one-third of non-STEM
workers.
In step with student interest and workforce demand, on Sept. 20 Southern is slated
to break ground on a new academic and laboratory science building. The planned 98,332-
square-foot, four-level facility will support the ongoing expansion of Southern’s science
programs and allow the university to educate more students in the STEM disciplines.
Plans for the new science building will be highlighted in greater detail in the fall
issue of Southern Alumni Magazine. In the meantime, here are some of the key features
of the new building, which is slated to be completed in spring 2015:
• The ConnScu Center for Nanotechnology will be located on the ground floor, with
laboratory space isolated from building vibrations — a necessity when working
with microscopic materials.
• Expanded wings are planned for earth science, environmental science, molecular
biology, chemistry, the Center for Coastal Marine Studies, and physics teaching
and research laboratories.
• A supercomputing laboratory is slated for research in theoretical science,
bioinformatics, and computer science.
• A saltwater aquaria room with touch tank and phytoplankton grow tank is also
planned and will be the centerpiece of outreach to area schools and the
community.
The Chemistry Department has launched several academic initiatives, including an accelerated B.S./M.S.degree program set to debut this fall.
Dubbed the “Four Plus One” program, it will allow students to earn both abachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years — cutting one year from the typically
required six years of study. Southern is one of only a few colleges and universitiesin the state to offer an accelerated option.
“Two of the biggest advantages of this program are that students canenter the workforce a year earlier than normal, which also reduces the cost
of their education, and they are involved in significant research that willbolster their resumes when they apply for a job,” says Andrew Karatjas,
assistant professor of chemistry and program coordinator.In addition, the department has started a professional science track
within the current Master of Science degree program that will provide advancedtraining in both chemistry and business. “This program is intended to help
students who are in the chemistry field and wish to pursue a managerial position,”says Karatjas. The 36-credit curriculum is divided equally between credits in
chemistry and business administration.More information is available at SouthernCT.edu/academics/schools/arts/departments/chemistry/ or contact Andrew Karatjas at (203) 392-6271 or [email protected].
PERFECTCHEMISTRY
The new School of Business facilityhas earned LEED Gold certification —becoming the second building in thestate recognized for this significantlevel of “green” construction.
Overseen by the U.S. GreenBuilding Council, the LEED (Leadershipin Energy and Environmental Design)program provides third-party verifica-tion of ecologically sound buildingdesigns and practices. Points areawarded for meeting various environ-mental standards in categories such aswater and energy efficiency — with ahigher overall score earning ahigher certification level.
The 22,000-square-footSchool of Business waslauded for eco-friendlydesign, including the reuseor incorporation of recycledbuilding materials: it wascreated by renovating the
former student center, which was builtin 1959. The state-of-the-art facilityalso includes a roof-mountedphotovoltaic system to produceelectricity, energy efficient LED lighting,and low-flow plumbing fixtures.
“Achieving Gold certification forthis new building is a significantachievement,” says Robert Sheeley,associate vice president for capitalbudgeting and facilities operations. “Tobe only the second building in thestate to attain this status is great, but
even better is what it means forSouthern’s efforts at becoming a
greener campus.”Southern is working to
become carbon-neutral by2050, as dictated by itsparticipation in theAmerican College &University Presidents’Climate Commitment.
GreenBuildingEarnsGold
Alda a S*M*A*S*H at Southern
Best known for portraying BenjaminFranklin “Hawkeye” Pierce on the
landmark TV series M*A*S*H, actorAlan Alda has consistently captivatedaudiences — winning seven Emmys, sixGolden Globes, and three awards fromthe Directors Guild of America.
On May 3, Alda delivered the 15thannual Mary and Louis FuscoDistinguished Lecture at the LymanCenter for the Performing Arts —sharing insights and humorousrecollections with the sold-out crowd.Prior to the lecture, Alda, who hashosted PBS’s “Scientific AmericanFrontiers” for the past 11 years, alsomet with science students andprofessors who are committed toeducational outreach.
A portion of the evening’sproceeds supports Southern’sEndowed Awards of Excellence, amerit-based scholarship program.
NIC
OLE
CASS
IDY,
‘13
COD
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CCLA
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13
AN
GEL
A R
EAD
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AN
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Summer | 2013
The Owls swept the competition at the 2013
Northeast-10 Conference Championship, with both
the men’s and women’s swimming and diving
teams capturing first place. This marks the
women’s squad’s 10th consecutive title and the
men’s ninth championship victory in 10 years.
Southern also dominated the conference’s
yearly awards presentation. Head coach TimQuill was named Northeast-10 Coach of the Year
for both squads, and the following student-
athletes received top honors: Raymond Cswerko(Men’s Swimmer of the Year), Amanda Thomas(Women’s Swimmer of the Year), and Louis Geist(Men’s Rookie of the Year).
NICOLE CASSIDY, ‘13• Graduated Magna Cum
Laude with a 3.84 grade
point average
• Majored in elementary
education/special
education and Spanish
• A four-year recipient of
the Presidential Merit
Scholarship
• Secretary of the Student
Government Association
and a peer mentor for the
First-Year Experience
program for incoming
students
CODY MCCLAVE, ’13• Graduated Magna Cum
Laude with a degree in
mathematics
• Member of Colleges
Against Cancer, the
National Society of
Leadership and Success,
and Zeta Delta Epsilon, a
service honor society
• Plans to pursue a
master’s degree in special
education and seek a job
as a high school math
teacher
ANGELA READ, ’13• Graduated with a degree
in nursing, earning a
perfect 4.0 grade point
average
• Member of Zeta Delta
Epsilon and the Sigma
Theta Tau International
Honor Society of Nursing
• Created an annual family
fundraiser in honor of her
deceased mother to
benefit organizations that
support those with cancer
ANNA WALTERS, ‘13• Earned a perfect 4.0 grade
point average while
majoring in social work
• Served as a sergeant in
the U.S. Army from 1998
to 2005 and the U.S. Army
Reserve from 2005 to
2008
• Received numerous
honors for her service,
including the Global War
on Terrorism
Expeditionary Medal and
National Defense Service
Medal
New England Champions!It was a stunning victory for the men’s outdoor track and field team, which won
the New England Championship with a total of 159 points — driving past Stonehill
College, which finished second with 66 points. This is the second time Southern
has taken the New England title, having also won the championship in 2011.
The Owls’ five first-place performances cemented the victory. The victors
included: Twayne Forth in the 200 meter (21.68 seconds); Selasi Lumax in the
400 meter (47.49 seconds); Logan Sharpe in the 400 meter high hurdles (51.79
seconds); Sharpe, Forth, Jimm Guerrier, and Lumax in the 4X400 relay team
(3:11.07); and Thomas Phommalinh, Forth, Guerrier, and Lumax in the 4X100
relay (41.91 seconds).
The team went on to sweep the United States Track and Field and Cross
Country Coaches Association regional awards. Congratulations to student-athletes
Lumax (Regional Track Athlete of the Year) and Nick Lebron (Regional Field
Athlete of the Year). Owls head men’s coach John Wallin was named Regional
Coach of the Year, while Southern assistant coach Bill Sutherland took home
Regional Assistant Coach of the Year honors.
Swimmers’ Championship Run Continues
Stellar StudentsHonored
Two graduated with perfect
academic records — while
all four are exceptional graduates
of the Class of 2013 with a
demonstrated commitment to
community service. Meet
Southern’s recipients of the Henry
Barnard Distinguished Student
Award, one of the university’s
most prestigious honors.
OWL Sightings
TheAlumni
Tent Partywith children’s
area • StudentParade of Floats •
The HomecomingFootball Game
The 5KRobert
Corda RoadRace • The
President’sDonor Recognition
Breakfast • andmuch, much more!
Homecoming2013 Catch the
Owl spiritat a campuswide
celebration for the entire family.
October 12
(203) 392-6500
Please make a gift to our students by
visiting us online at giving.SouthernCT.edu.
YOURGiftsTHEIR
FutureKeep a Southern
education in reach oftalented
and deservingstudents and help
the universitycreate a climateof excellence.
ALUMNIPROFESSIONALSDAY
September 25 • 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.Michael J. Adanti Student Center Grand Ballroom
Looking for alumni volunteers to talk about theirprofessions with students in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.Part of the First-Year Experience program, the event isdesigned to expose freshmen to a wide variety ofcareers. Please consider sharing your professionalexperiences.
(203) 392-6500
EQUALITY IN ACTION: THE ENDURING LEGACYOF TITLE IX
October 11 • 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Conference includes lunch and dinner.)
With keynote speaker Ann Meyers Drysdale, vicepresident of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, Olympic silvermedalist, and UCLA national collegiate champion.
Additional speakers include:• Sally Jenkins, award-winning author, sports
columnist, and feature writer, The Washington Post• Donna Lopiano, ’68, president and founder, Sports
Management Resources• Marilyn “Lynn” Malerba, Chief, Mohegan Tribal Nation• Dr. Debra Rolinson, physical chemist, U.S. Naval
Research Laboratory• Carol Stiff, ’83, M.S. ’89, vice president, programming
and acquisitions, ESPN• Carolyn Vanacore, ’52, M.S. ’68, 6th Yr. ’73, director
emeritus of Health, Physical Education, Recreation,and Safety, SCSU
• Susan Ware, noted author and historian
For more information, visit SouthernCT.edu.
Save THE Dates
Seeking
Volunteers!
Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePAIDPermit No. 1035Springfield, MASummer | 13
OWL Sightings
Address Service Requested
Alumni Association501 Crescent StreetNew Haven, CT 06515-1355www.SouthernCT.edu
\
Having traveled throughout Southeast Asia, BrendanWalsh, M.F.A. ’13, feels a special affection for Laos.“[It’s] sort of the last bastion of Asia, unexplained
by Westerners,” he says, of the country that will soon be his temporary home.
As the recipient of a prestigious Fulbright U.S.Student Award for 2013-14, Walsh will be based inLaos, where he will teach English at VientianeUniversity, assisting an English professor. The pro-gram will draw on his demonstrated strengths.Walsh, who graduated with a master’s degree increative writing, worked at Southern’s Office ofInternational Education and previously taughtESL (English as a Second Language) in Korea.He’s received numerous prizes for his poetry,been published in several literary journals,and served as poetry editor of NoctuaReview, Southern’s graduate art and literarymagazine.
Travel promises to provide additionalinspiration. Walsh’s plans include continu-ing his study of Theravada Buddhism,volunteering at a local orphanage, andworking on a new collection of poetryinspired by his experiences in Laos.
Student Awarded Fulbright