6
Sweet Treats for Grads! T he celebration started early for members of the Class of 2013, who received their diplomas and cups of Ben & Jerry’s cookie dough ice cream — the latter presented by company co-founder Jerry Greenfield, who also delivered the commencement address. “There is a spiritual aspect to business. Just as you give, you receive,” Greenfield told the students at the ceremony, which was held on May 17 at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Conn. A total of 1,860 students earned their undergraduate degrees, with some 1,200 participating in the commencement ceremony. In 1978, Greenfield and his longtime friend and business partner, Ben Cohen, opened the first Ben & Jerry’s Homemade ice cream parlor in Burlington, Vt. With a focus on innovative flavors and a company commitment to social responsibility, they built the business into a $300 million ice cream empire. OWL Dear Friends of Southern, Our vibrant May commencement ceremonies summed up an academic year full of high points for our university. The ceremonies were both poignant — with posthumous honors awarded to four graduate school alumni who died in the 2012 Newtown, Conn., shootings — and joyous, with the distribution of diplomas and ice cream at the undergraduate commencement making for a festive mix. Tom Murray of the Class of ’63 who marked the 50th anniversary of his graduation on commencement day, wrote to me how the ceremonies were: “special for my classmates and me. We experienced much of the joy we knew in May of 1963 when we completed our undergraduate studies. How proud I was to observe the great growth that has taken place at Southern during the past 50 years!” Tom and his fellow alums will be pleased to know that this growth is poised to continue, with the start of construction this summer on a 98,000-square-foot science building, home to cutting-edge programs in nanotechnology, applied physics, chemistry, and other fields. In this way, we will be supplying more qualified graduates for in-demand fields. And, with 85 percent of our annual graduating class remaining to live and work in the state, an investment in public higher education is clearly an investment in Connecticut’s future. Mary A. Papazian, Ph.D. President a news supplement for alumni and friends of Southern Connecticut State University Summer | 13 For more on undergraduate commencement, including photos and stories on several inspiring graduates, go to SouthernCT.edu/news/ commencement2013.html Graduate Commencement HONORS HEROES OF SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY O n May 16, Southern recognized the over 960 students who earned advanced degrees at two graduate commencement exercises held at the Lyman Center for the Performing Arts. Students from the schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, and Health and Human Services participated in an afternoon ceremony. Graduates from the School of Education took part in an evening ceremony, during which the Distinguished Alumni Awards were presented posthumously to four educators who died in the Newtown shooting tragedy. The awards were presented in memory of principal Dawn Lafferty Hochsprung, M.S. ’97, 6th Yr. ’98; teacher Anne Marie Murphy, M.S. ’08; school counselor Mary J. Sherlach, M.S. ’90, 6th Yr. ’92; and teacher and master’s degree student Victoria Soto. continues

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Page 1: Owl Sightings Summer 2013

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

Page 2: Owl Sightings Summer 2013

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

Page 3: Owl Sightings Summer 2013

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.

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Page 4: Owl Sightings Summer 2013

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.

Page 5: Owl Sightings Summer 2013

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!

Page 6: Owl Sightings Summer 2013

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