The Communicator

40 Pages·2001·3.6 MB·English

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1
NinestudentswererecognaedatadinnerinAprilfortheirfundraisingefforts
durii^tiieAlumniAnnualGivii^Campa^ phonatiwn.PicturedL-R:Christopher
Giacomazzo'04;JenniferToloczko'03;MangaretKubera'01;KristinKershaw'97,
coordinatorofannualgivii^KristinHoose'03;EricThoren'03;Nicholas
Mingione'03;Dr.AnthonyCaprioH'OO,presidentoftheColege;SteveMcGoveni
'03;KatherineKennedy'03; LeslieRundlett'03;andBeveriyDwight,vice
presidentforDeveiopnientandAlumniRelations.
TheAlumni
Communicator
aoeo
VICEPRESIDENTFORDEVELOPMENT
>ALUMNIR£LATIONS
DIStCTOROPAlUMNIRELATIONS
WhofromtheClassof'94isonthecover
ofRollingStonetFindoutonpage22.
PUBLISHER
contents
2 President's Message
3 Distance Learning CLASSNOTESEDITOR
5 Letterfrom theAlumni Director
CAMPUSNEWSEDITOR
6 Volunteerism
SPORTSUPDATEEDITOR
13 Student Spotlight
14 Girlsand Sports=Success
SheraCohen
16 Campus News MaryMazzaferro
DeborahPorterSavoie
22 OurMen in Rock
24 Sports Update
PHOTOGRAPHERS
26 Alumni News
PaulSchnaittacher
31 Class Notes
In Memoriam
Honoringourgraduatespastandpresentat
Commencement2001,page 16.
EditorialOffices:TheAlumniCommunicator,Office
ofMarketingandCommunications,WesternNew
England College, 1215 Wilbraham Road,Spring-
field, MA 01119-2684.Telephone: [phone].
Fax:[phone].Address changes should be
senttotheOfficeofAlumniRelations.
SpotlightonGirlsandSports, Everyefforthasbeen madetocontactcopyright
page14. holdersofanymaterialreprintedinthismagazine.
Anyomissionswillberightedinsubsequentissues
ifnotice is given totheOfficeofMarketing and
Communications,WesternNewEnglandCollege.
ALUMNIASSOCIATION
MISSION STATEMENT..
ThemissionoftheAlumniAssociationofWest-
ernNewEnglandCollegeshallbetocommuni-
catewith and bring valuetothealumni body
and to support actively and financially the
goals ofthe College as detailed in its mission
statement.
WesternNewEnglandCollegeiscommittedtotheprinci-
pleofequalopportunityineducationandemployment.
TheCollegedoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofsex,race,
color,creed,nationalorigin,age,religion,sexualorienta-
tion,veteranstatus,ordisabilityinadmissionto,accessto,
OntheCover(cloclmise):KarenKeeneally'04, ttireesa.tTmheenftoliln,owoirngemppelrsooynmehnastbineeintsdpersoiggrnaamtsedatnodhaacntdivlie-
JamesJerome'99/G'OO,DerekMazzaferro, inquiriesregardingtheCollege'snondiscriminationpoli-
EllenMoriarty'89,andThoTran'02. cies;TheDirectorofCareerandHumanResources,Western
NewEnglandCollege,1215WilbrahamRoad,Springfield,
MA01119-2684.Inquiriesconcerningtheapplicationof
nondiscrimination policies mayalso be referred to the
RegionalDirector,OfficeforCivilRights,U.S.Department
ofEducation,J.W.McCormackP.O.C.H.,Room222,Boston,
MA02109-4557.
President's Message
DEARALUMNI AND FRIENDS:
The primarv' mission ofWestern New England College is to teach students and to facilitate
learning.As an institution we determine the areas and fiekls ofstudy contained in the cur-
riculum, and we also help students learn the important role and responsibiliu' they have in
contributingto the wellbeingand health ofoursociers'and ofourdemocracy.We consciously
provide the means by which our stucients can become, as the Reverencl Martin Luther King
Jr. e.xpressed it, other-centered: "I believe that what selt-centeretl people have torn down,
other-centered people can build up."
The College has always ciemonstrated that it accepts its role as
As you read the stories of volunteerism in institutional citizen to build up \n our communirv' and in our
this issue of The Alumni Communicatorj you societ\'. We belie\'e that individuals can learn how to be builders.
Consequently, we have taken it as our responsibility' to afford
will see that Western New England College opportunities that teach all ofus, especially our students, how to
is committed to leading in the effort to serve be other-centered so that our society may flourish and be devel-
oped ill the way suggested by Dr. King. In fact, at Western New
people and strengthen our society. England College we pledge our commitment to this way of
being; we have recognized that volunteerism is an important con-
cept to understand and to practice.
—
Ourpledge iswell definedthrough a variety ofopporttinities to volunteer fi^om those asso-
ciated with the practical applications of"Learning Beyond the Classroom"and ser\-ice-orient-
edprojects ofitred through our60 clubs and organizations to alternative SpringBreak programs
in which students spend their vacation building and repairing homes for people in need.
In addition we foster such ideals through our institutional practices: employees who men-
toryoung people m established mentoringprograms are granted an hour perweek from their
work to encourage their participation.Alumni too are provided enriching volunteer oppor-
tunities that also afford a venue for social outlet and reconnection with their alma mater.
As you read the stories ofvolunteerism in this issue ot TJieAlunuii Coi)itiiunicator,you will
see thatWestern New England College is committed to leading in the effort to serve people
and strengthen oursociety.You will surely feel proud to know that this College is helpingstu-
dents learn to be important contributors to the society in which they will live and work.
Sincerely,
Anthony S. Caprio H'OO
CommunicatorSummer/01
Online classes help you go the distance
ByJanet L.Castleman,Ph.D.
DirectorofContinuing Education
you've been meaningto contin- ally and internationally
Ifue your education, but fmd that as well. It was recently
hfe keeps getting in your way, releaseci forpublic use over
distance learning may be the the Internet and has been
solution for you. Maybe you find downloaded for free by
it difficult to get to a campus because hundreds ofusers.
you're a single parent. Perhaps you can't How do you know if
get to the class you signed up tor distance learning is right
because yourboss sends you on business for you?You may be sur-
trips at the last minute. What if you prised to learn that faculty
could attend class from the comfort of SOWHAT DOES AVIRTUAL and students often report more interac-
yourhome or office? Online learning at CLASSROOM LOOK LIKE? tion with one another online than in
Western New England College may be face-to-face classes. Dr. Richard Lux-
the right choice for you. Students who enroll in a class using ton, associate professor of sociology,
Online or"distance learning"classes Manhattan are given a special password to taught several courses online andreports
meet over the Internet instead of in enter their virtual classroom.When they that"the anonymity ofdistance learning
person. The course content, class log on, they see a screen with several actually creates a greater sense ofclose-
work, and discussions are typically course components which may include ness amongst students than a regular
exchanged via the World Wide Web. the syllabus, assignments, lecture notes, class." Faculty members find they have
These virtual classrooms allow profes- handouts, announcements, and Internet increased contact with their students
sors to teach and students to learn any- resources. Students and instructors can through online discussions, email
where, anytime.The popularity ofthis communicate via a special email system; exchanges and individual attention and
new educational vehicle comes as no theycanalso participate in electronic dis- feedback.They also agree that the qual-
surprise.There are now over 377 mil- cussion groups as well as Hve "chats." ity oftheir students' work is very high;
lion people using the Internet; it's no Assignmentsandpapers canbesubmitted students tend to be quite self-directed
wonder many of these users look for by students and returned by professors and motivated.
online solutions to their education. electronically.There is also the ability to STUDY ANYTIME,ANYWHERE
According to the International Data take tests oiiline.Thesoftware is simple to
Corporation (IDC),2.2 million college use;ifyou can browse theWeb and use a Students enroll in online classes at
students will enroll in courses taught word processor, you can use Manhattan. Western New England College because
over the Internet by the year 2002. Why not try it now?You can sample a they are flexible and convenient. This
Western New England CoUege has Manhattan classroom by logging onto trend is supported on the national level
been involved in online learning for the http://Manhattan.wnec.edu as well; the number one reason college
past several years.The College employs Manhattan has been used by hundreds students give for taking online—classes is
a user-friendlysoftware program known of "traditional" classes on the Western flexibility in time and place being
as Manhattan, a "course management NewEnglandCollegecampus tosupple- able to study when and where they
system," to provide distance learning ment face-to-face class meetings. want. Paul Sticca, an MBA student at
opportunities to students. Steve Nar- According to Steve Narmontas, approxi- the College, enrolled in the Organiza-
montas, manager ofthe College's Edu- mately 130 such classes are currently tional Theory and Behavior course last
cational Technology Center, developed using Manhattan,which allows discussion fall for such reasons:"As a new manager
Manhattan in 1997.At that time,distance and interaction to extend beyond class- in a Fortune 100 company, I quickly
learning was in its early stages and few room walls and meeting times.The soft- realized the need to continue my edu-
commercial software packages were ware has been receiving excellent cation.But who has the time? Balancing
available to academic institutions. reviews not only on campus,but nation- {Continued on page 12)
CommunicatorSummer/01
Meet the Chief
Alumna Diane Skoog is a member of an elite sisterhood.
Of the over 300 cities and towns in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts with chiefs of police, only eight have installed COMMUNICATOR: How did you move up
women to the post. Diane Skoog was the second woman to the ranks to become chiefofpolice?
be named a police chief back in 1991. Today, she heads DIANE: I started as patrolman on April
a department of 17 in the small town of Carver, Massachu- Fool's Day 1979. The population of
setts, located 40 miles south of Boston, and serves as sec- Cnaorwverwe'wraes auplitttloe o1v1e,r4050,.(K)I()watshenmaadned
retary of the National Association of Women Law Enforce- sergeant in 1982 and received my asso-
ment Executives. ciate's degree. I was named acting chief
in 1990 and chief in 1991. Then I
earned my bachelor's and master's
The Aliit)iiu (^oiinuiiiiiidtoi tent appointment. The degrees fi^om Western New England
talked with Diane from her chiefgave me the walk- College in the Off-Campus Program.
Carveroffice abouthercareer ing beat in the center of
and the role ofwomen in law tow'n. No one knew I COMMUNICATOR: Why is higher education
entorcement, then and now. was a temale officer;they important tor police officers today?
thought I was in cos-
COMMUNICATOR: How did you tume. You wouldn't DIANE: My goal is to make my depart-
first become involved in law believe how much candy ment as professional as possible andedu-
enforcement? I collected that night! cation is a key player in that goal. Edu-
cation makes fora betterrounded police
DIANE: In 1978. I was a single COMMUNICATOR: 'What ofticer. It helps to get rid ofprejudices.
parent wuth two children to kind ofobstacles did you It opens up their eyes to humanity. I
support. I was working part- DianeSkoog'94/G'98 ha\'e to overcome as the would like every single officer in my
time as a school bus dri\'er ChiefofPolice,Carver,IMA first woman on the torce? department to have a degree. Out of17
and fast-food restaurant man- ofiicers, two female, I have eight with
ager and wanted to gradually move into DIANE: It's been over 20 years and it has degrees, including four master's. That's
a tull-tiine career. There weren't any not changed for women. I still have to more than 50 percent.
women police officers in Carver then. I prove myself every day. When I was
met with the chiefand incquired about appointed full-time I was sent to the COMMUNICATOR: Why do you feel law
becoming a matron in the women'sjail. academy with a male intermittent. He enforcement is a good career path for
When he gave me an application, I said flunked out after two and a halt weeks women?
I was also interested in becoming a and I went on to graduate. Usually, the
police officer. After that I never heard chiefsent people to an academy where DIANE: I gave a speech at a high school
back from him. Fortunately Carver is a you went in the morning and came forWomen's History Month. I told the
Civil Service town; if you make the home at night. He sent me to the State girls that this is the profession for today.
grade, you're in. I took the exam and Police Academy where you left Mon- Cities and towns are clamoring for
was at the top ofthe list. I started part- day morning and didn't come home women because they've got to meet
time as what they called "permanent until Friday night. That was hard for affirmative action or they have other
intermittents," people who work part- me being a single parent. I was at the parirv' guidelines to satisfy', so—that gives
time during a shift. academy for three months. But every women a little bit ofan edge and the
My first night on patrol was Hal- lap I ran, I sang that man's praises. It benefits are wonderful. Ofcourse,it still
loween. Of course there was no big was just like boot camp. I felt a great is a great profession for men. My son,
folderol when I came on board,no press sense ofaccomplishment when I grad- Eric, is a law enforcement officer in
coverage. It wasjust a routine intermit- uated.And I was skinny! NewJersey. kVi
4 CommunicatorSummer/01
—
Letter from the Alumni Director
VOLUNTEERISM THE FOUNDATION
''All day long my job involves IS
community service so my ofthis institution and theAlumniAssociation.In
many issues of The Alumni Coiiiniunicator we
work for the Alumni Associa- celebrate volunteerism and to this end, we are
tion is a change of pace. Vol- looking further at what our alumni and the nation are
involved with for volunteer activities.
unteering at the College's
The Alumni Association recently enjoyed several key
radio station provides stress achievements with our volunteer program. First, our own
relief from my work and grad- volunteerefforts have increased to over 250 activevolunteers across the country
uate school, it gives me an aton itnwcoreaasleumonfiovwehro30hpaevrecevnotluinntetheereldastfosrixtmhoenAthlsu.mnIin aAdsdsiotciioant,iwonefpoaridthteribpuatset
opportunity to complete a 50 years. Alfred A. LaRiviere '51/H'95
long-term project that 1 start- We have a wonderful and Raymond Meyers '51/G'64 were
ed as an undei^aduate and group of students and honored at the AlumniVolunteer Recog-
nition Brunch on April 1 by the Alumni
stay involved with something alumni who have the Association.The Association renamed two
I really enjoy." common bond ofWestern ofits ServiceAwards.They are now called
the Alfired A. LaRiviere Award for Out-
New England College. standing Service to the Executive Com-
There is a place for each mittee and the Raymond Meyers Award
forOutstandingService to theAdministra-
one of us here, and I urge tive Committee.
you to be a part of it.You'll In the spirit of volunteerism and
growth, I invite you to become involved
be surprised by all the with OUR Alumni Association. Each of
possibilities that exist. us has taken a different piece from the
College and made it fit into our lives.We
have a wonderful group ofstudents and
alumni who have the common bond ofWestern New England College.There is
a place for each one ofus here, and I urge you to be a part ofit.You'll be sur-
DanielBruno'97,anEastLongmeadow,MA prised by all the possibilities that exist.
policeofficer,volunteersasthetechnicalassis- We are planning a number of chapter and Association events for you in the
taanndtaantWAlNuEmKn-iFDMa.yHSepeiaskaelrs.oanAlumniMentor upcoming months. Our website (www.wnec.edu/alumni) highlights activities and
their status on a bi-weekly basis. Check it out andjoin us at some ofour events. In
addition, the Benefits and ServicesTeam is conducting surveys and making recom-
mendations for the offerings that we set forth for you. Please share your ideas and
See page 6 to learn what
review the survey in this issue and online.
other alumni volunteers
are doing.
Kara Kapinos '87/G'89
CommunicatorSummer/01 5

Volunteerism
Time
Giving the of
Gift
By MaryMazzaferro
THE CYCLE OF LIFE, tant role service to others plays in our SERVICE BYTHE NUMBERS
IN
time is our most precious com- global society, we in the United States Today, 90 million Americans volun-
modity. The 24/7 world of the can take pride in a history built on a
teer their time to worthy causes each
21st Century is a place where it strong service ethic. year.While the number ofvolunteers is
seems every second of time is From the volunteer colonial militia increasing,ouroverly scheduled lives are
accounted for and even children's "play who fought for our freedom to the
causing the total hours volunteered per
dates'" are planned in advance.Yet across tireless volunteers who work on the
person to decline.
demographic groups,as we are overbur- frontlines ofsocial change today,Amer- The sheervolume ofnonprofits, 1.14
dened by work, short on quality time icans have made service a part of our
million organizations in the U.S. alone,
with our families,and"leisure time"is a collective culture. Without a strong places enormous pressure on adminis-
distant memory, more Americans than infrastructure, our young nation
trators to attract volunteers.The current
ever are making the commitment to depended on individuals to provide
economic downturn will create height-
serve others.Why? vital services to our communities.
ened demand for social services, deliv-
Neighbor helping neighbor to raise a
ered in large part, by volunteers.
2001 THE INTERNATIONALYEAR barn, women nursing the sick in times WithWelfare Reform and the loss of
ofwar or epidemics, church congrega-
OFVOLUNTEERS funding for many social service agen-
tions reaching out to the disadvan-
cies, the working poor will face the
In 1997, the United Nations Gener- taged, and political activism from main
greatest need of help. Sara Weinberger,
al Assembly proclaimed 2001 the Inter- street to the Capitol created a climate chair ofthe Department ofSocialWork
nationalYear ofVolunteers.As countries of social and civic engagement that atWestern New England CoUege, sug-
around the world celebrate the impor- remains with us to this day.
CommunicatorSummer/01 7
gests people look at \-olunteer opportu- sector. Under his proposed Faith-Based
VOLUNTEERISM STARTS ATTHETOP nities tbcusing on the pre\eiuion ot Plan, religious groups providing help to
problems like homelessiiess. She says, the needy will qualifi* for federal finan-
President Anthony Caprio H'OO not only advocates
volunteerism among our alumni, students, faculty, "Volunteers can advocate for low cial support.The plan includes propos-
and staff,he serves as an example ofhoweven the income people h\ helping them under- als to increase tax deductions tor dona-
busiestofexecutivescanfind thetimeto make ser- stand their rights through work at orga- tions to religious groups as an effort to
nizations like Western Massachusetts increase charitable giving and a more
viceanintegralpartofhisday.
Legal Services.Volunteering for Habitat controversial component allowing such
Dr. Caprio currently serves on numerous boards, for Humanity or lobbying to keep low groups to compete tor federal grants to
someofwhich includetheEconomicDevelopment income housing available are ways to offer social services.
Council of Western Massachusetts, Springfield help a family a\'oid homelessness.Visit-
School Volunteers,Willie Ross School for the Deaf ing teenage mothers to teach parenting
THE MOTIVATION BEHIND
andtheSpringfield SymphonyOrchestra. skills or serving as a Big Brother or THE MOVEMENT
Big Sister are proactive steps that can
From its inception,
make a real ditTerence Americans like to teel good about
the College has
in people's lives." helpingothers,but altruism need notbe
sought to instill a
Former President the only motivation behind volunteer-
service ethic in its
Bill Chnton has de- ing. Nonprofits hope and e.xpect volun-
students, producing
graduates who are hneci service to one's teers to receive as weO as give so they
communirs' as '"an in- strive to make volunteer assignments
not only leaders in
theirfields,butalsoin tegral part of what it meaningful.Volunteering is a great way
their communities. means to be Ameri- to use a talent or skill untapped by your
can" and called for job, stay involved with youth or an
Under Dr. Caprio's
$120 million increase activity you loved as a child, meet new
leadership in 1998,
the College made in FY 2001 to support people (maybe even a mate), explore
"service learning," or "Learning Beyond the Class- initiatives for such programs as Ameri- future careers, gain new skills, get
Corps, Senior Corps, and America's involved in a new community, or
room," a defining characteristic of its Mission
Promise: The Alliance for Youth. Presi- advance a cause about which you feel
Statement. Dr.Caprio says, "Our vision of Learning W
dent George Bush's appointment of passionate.
Beyond the Classroom advocates the concept that
America's Promise founder General Alumnus Mike Cascella '75 volun-
all activities outside the classroom can be made
Colin Powell as Secretary ofState gives teers forhis local PBS affiliate and also at
educationallypurposeful."
the nonprofit sector a powerful advocate Pleasant Valley Countn,' Club, Sutton,
Since 1999, Dr.Caprio has served as cochair ofthe in the new administration. MA, in support ofLPGA events such as
Springfield Mentoring Partnership's Leadership President Bush is alreatiy building a SeniorWomen'sTour event this fall.
Council and was recentlyappointedtothe board of alliances with the religious nonprofit (Coiitiimcd oil pai^e 10)
the Massachusetts Mentoring Partnership.His belief
in the value of mentoring led him to announce in
2000 that all full-time College employees would be ChristopherAsselin,History'92
allowed to donate one hour oftheir work week to MassachusettsStateRepresentative
mentorayoung person. Democrat,9thHampdenDistrict
Member,Men'sClub,St.Mary'sChurch (Springfield);
"Personally, believe that one-to-one interaction member,GalaxyClub(WestoverAFB);member,Chicopee
I
with a child by an adult leads to dramatic change KnigtrtsofColumbus;Memberandpastchairman,Ward
2DemocraticCommittee.
forachild.Whenparentsareunabletoprovidesuch
contact, other caring adults can assume that role "I encourage people to partici-
mosteffectively."
pate in the political process by
Dr.Caprio encourages all members ofthe College ^ volunteering for a political candi-
community to find time to volunteer for a cause
they support. No matter how busy our lives have date who shares their philosophy
become he says, "We have as much time to do on issues. When I am in Boston, a staff of 40 senior citizen volun-
whatever we choose to do. Just make the time teers assist in my Springfield office. I consider them my ambas-
and doit."
sadors and lifeline to the community."
CommunicatorSummer/01