SPRING 2016

Alumni

Students participating in the Sophomore Experience Abroad (SEA) in London recently paid a visit to Kalibrate Technologies in Man-chester, England, and were treated to a truly informative experience.

Kalibrate, a global leader in fuel pricing and retail network planning, is led by president and CEO Robert Stein ’79, who told the students about his company and his education at Western New England.

Alumni Speakers: An Invaluable Resource for Students

S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 A L U M N I O U T L O O K 1

continued on page 2

“It was an incredible event,” said Professor of Business Information

Systems Jerzy Letkowski, who orga-nized the field trip. “Our students

were very engaged, and asked a lot of questions.” Professor Letkowski is the instructor of the Business Infor-mation Systems course taught as

part of the SEA program.

Kalibrate Technologies president and CEO Robert Stein ’79

Alumni speakers are an important part of the personal attention that students value in their Western New England University education. Some alumni speakers give presentations at their companies or organizations, but most visit the students’ classrooms or participate in on-campus career panel discussions.

These talks offer students a clear idea of what to expect of a career in a particular field through authentic firsthand accounts. Faculty members coordinate their classes with individual alumni to allow students a glimpse at the working world from the vantage point of the classroom.

Manchester, England

Alumnus Presentation Enlightens Our Students in Manchester, England

Greetings from the Alumni Association Board of Directors. We invite you to stay involved with your University. This is the time of year when we have our annual elections for open positions on the Board. I urge each and every one of you to take the time to vote. You have an import-ant voice in shaping the leadership and makeup of the Board and you are a key part of continuing the momentum we have built in recent years.

I also want to bring your attention to the cover article about alumni speakers in the classroom. The most valuable lessons a student can learn are the real-world experiences you have every day in your career. Take advantage of this opportunity and help students chart their future paths. To speak to a class, call the Office of Alumni Relations at 413-782-1478.

Mat Nelson ’93President, Alumni Association

S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 A L U M N I O U T L O O K 2

A Message from the President of the Alumni Association

Stay Connected!

The students were also joined by a special guest—President Anthony S. Caprio. SEA Program Director Curt Hamakawa L’84 said he appreciated Stein hosting the students’ trip to Kalibrate and was grateful for President

Caprio’s participation. “This kind of class collaboration with alumni is invaluable for student learning because it allows for direct interaction with practitioners in industry,” said Professor Hamakawa.

Alumni Speakers: An Invaluable Resource for Students (cont.)

At Kalibrate Technologies in Manchester, England: (front row, L-R): Dan Guodace, Matt Wilson, Tim Smith, and Jesse Des-roches. (second row): Emma Cumm, Janelle Lief, Kendra Desroches, Tatianna Mason, President Anthony S. Caprio, Robert Stein ’79, Emelia Thibeault, and Dana Toimil. (back row): Professor Letkowski, Andrew Sulewski, Mackenzie Mendygral, Alyssa Sargent, and Blessing Braide-Davies.

Sharing Their Expertise

Professional Educator of Communication Brenda Garton-Sjoberg recently hosted the following speakers in her Business Commu-nication class: Steve Page ’05, a structured credit analyst at Babson Capital Management; Sarah Rueli ’15, a brand market specialist at The Silent Partner Marketing; University Trustee Paul Mancinone L’92, an attorney; David Bohl ’15, a communication and social

media specialist at Garvey Communications; and Nate Szymanski ’15, an account manager at Envision Marketing and Advertising.

The benefits of these experiences are twofold, affording alumni the opportunity to return to campus and connect with current students, and allowing students to network and benefit from the advice of successful Western New England University graduates.

If you have an interest in speaking to a class or offering your experiences to our students in another format, please contact Director of Alumni Relations Kathy Pappas G’98 by calling 413-782-11478 or via email at katherine.pappas@wne.edu.

Vice President

Alison Castellano ’03Hampden, MA

Stay-at-Home Mom

Part-Time Adjunct Professor of Psychology, Western New England University

Experience: Former Member-at-Large

“Having previously served on the Alumni Association as a Member-at-Large and currently serving the University community as an adjunct profes-

sor, this position would afford me the opportunity to continue to give back to a community that has provided me with so much. I’ve also been involved in such Board activities as the Grants Committee, Homecoming Committee, and I have been a Skookum Award interviewer. I believe these exper- iences render me a qualified candi-date. The University has always been a part of my family and it is a place that I call home. I would be proud to have the opportunity to serve the alumni community in this new role.”

Member-at-Large

Courtney Chafer ’14Palmer, MA

Staff /Cost Accountant, OFS

Experience: Current Member-at-Large

Former One-year Alumni Trustee

“While attending the University, I served on Student Senate as the finance chairperson as well as Secretary of the Residence Hall

Association. I was also involved in planning numerous events on campus as an undergraduate. Being a student leader allowed me to grow as a person and also helped me build rela-tionships not only with my classmates but also the faculty and staff of the University. Continuing my mem-bership on the Alumni Association Board of Directors will allow for me to continue the amazing experience I have had the past six years and continue to be just as connected to the University.”

Tim Conrod ’11/G’12Bristol, CT

Manager, Multimedia Sponsorship Integration, ESPN

Experience: Current Member-at-Large

“I am excited to run for a second year on the Alumni Association Board of Directors as a Member-at-Large. I hope to build on the

momentum I’ve already established in my project helping to restructure the mentoring programs offered by the University’s Office of Alumni Relations, and continue to bring my passion for helping students and experience to the Board.”

Thomas Cowin ’15Newington, CT

IT Recruiter,TEKsystems

Experience: Current One-year Alumni Trustee

“Western New England University provided me the enrichment of educa-tion, the challenge of leadership, and the opportunity of

growth. This institution values its special relationship and partnership with the alumni population. This year, I had the privilege of serving as the One-year Alumni Trustee on the behalf of the Class of 2015—a duty that I have cherished—and I look forward to evolving my connection to the University into long-term service on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.”

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Alumni Association Elections

Office of Alumni Relations by phone at 800-962-6592 or 413-782-1557, or by email at kristina.oleksak@wne.edu.

To register for any alumni event please contact:

David Greenslade ’14/G’15Southington, CT

PhD Candidate,Engineering Management,Instructor, College of EngineeringWestern New England University

“I earned my BS in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters in Mechan-ical Engineering (concentration in Mechatronics) at

the University. I am currently a PhD candidate in Engineering Manage-ment. For the past three years, I have been extremely dedicated to helping the Society of Automotive Engineers Baja Team on campus. I am one of the founders and the current faculty advisor of this program, so it means a lot to me to be able to build the team and see it become nationally recognized. I have seen firsthand how supportive and dedicated the Alumni Association is to student organiza-tions on campus, and I would be honored to be a member of such an amazing organization.”

Laurie Gibson ’92/G’00East Longmeadow, MA

Director of Sales, Training, and Coaching, The Hartford School of Insurance

Experience: Current Member-at-Large

“I enjoyed partnering with the Alumni Association this past year. I would love the opportunity to serve another year as a Member-at-Large. I

believe my dedication to this Associa-tion, alumni, and education both at Western New England University and through my employment experiences will prove to be helpful. I have earned both a bachelor’s and MBA at the University and also have taught here as an adjunct professor. We are making great progress on the Alumni Association Board of Directors and I would appreciate your vote to continue. ”

Kevin McKiernan G’97Amherst, MA

Director of Compliance, Prudential Investments, LLC

“I am seeking an opportunity to serve you on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. My desire is to focus more of my volunteer efforts

towards Western New England University. I would bring a finance and business background to the role, as well as volunteer and leadership experience that I have acquired over 25 years, which will help continue the solid legacy of the Alumni Associa-tion. I live locally with my wife and three children, and I frequent the campus facilities and events. In my spare time I enjoy skiing, hiking, river rafting and wine tastings (some of which I would like to bring to the Association). Thank you for your consideration.”

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Elect Your Alumni Association Board of Directors

VOTE NOW! 3Vote online at www.wne.edu/alumni, email your vote to alumwne@wne.edu, or mail to:

Office of Alumni Relations, Western New England University 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA 01119-2684

Please complete the information below and cast your vote by May 27, 2016. Ballots will also be available at the 48th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament.

q Courtney Chafer ’14q Tim Conrod ’11/G’12

q Thomas Cowin ’15q David Greenslade ’14/G’15

q Laurie Gibson ’92/G’00q Kevin McKiernan G’97

Name Class Year Signature

Cast Your Ballot for the Alumni Association Board Of Directors

Members at Large (please choose up to five)

Vice President

q Alison Castellano ’03

Call for Downes Hall of Fame Nominations

NOMINATION FORM

NOMINATION FORM

Outstanding Golden Bear

Alumnus Award

Athletic Nominee Class Year Sport(s) Played

Nominated by Class Year

Alumnus/a of the Year

Name of Nominee Class Year

Nominated by Class Year

Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award

Name of Nominee Class Year

Nominated by Class Year

Submit nominations to: Director of Athletics Mike TheulenWestern New England University, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA 01119-2684 Fax: 413-796-2121 • Email: michael.theulen@wne.edu

Return nominations to: Linda RogersWestern New England University, Office of Alumni Relations1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield, MA 01119-2684Email: linda.rogers@wne.edu

Alumnus/a of the Year Award

Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award

The Alumnus/a of the Year Award is presented to an alumnus/a who has displayed an extraordinary commitment to professional achievement, civic responsibility, high personal standards, and Western New England University with a spirit of knowledge, integrity, and service.

The Department of Athletics is seeking nominations for the Class of 2016 Downes Athletic Hall of Fame. Candidates must have played a varsity sport at Western New England and have earned his/her degree not less than five years ago. All nomina-tions must be received by the Department of Athletics by June 9, 2016.

You may nominate as many individuals as you like.

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Deadline for submission is June 30, 2016

The Young Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes an alumnus/a who has demonstrated a commitment to Western New England University and its mission in conjunction with contribution and service to society or accomplishment and leadership in their profession.

For both awards please submit:

• A list of the nominee’s Western New England University, civic organization, and professional accomplishments• A statement of why you think this person is deserving of the Alumnus/a of the Year.

May 2016

5 President’s Alumni Reception in Providence, RI

21 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony Alumni Healthful Living Center

22 Law, Pharmacy, Doctoral, and Master’s Commencement Ceremonies Alumni Healthful Living Center

27 48th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament The Country Club of Wilbraham

Upcoming Events

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START YOUR MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EARLY

SAVE THE DATE48th Annual Alumni Golf TournamentMay 27, 20169:00 a.m. Shotgun StartThe Country Club of Wilbraham Wilbraham, MA

To be a sponsor, or to register, contact Kristina Oleksak at kristina.oleksak@wne.edu or 413-782-1557.

May 11Harnessing the Power of Word-of-Mouth and Social Media

Presenter: Visionary Business Strategist Paul M. Rand

8:00 p.m., EST

June 1Managing “Brand YOU”

Presenter: Jerry S. Wilson, former SVP, chief customer and commercial officer, The Coca-Cola Company

8:00 p.m., EST

Learn from career experts about transforming your career, updating your job search tools, and staying focused in your professional transition through our Career Webinar ses-sions. The series is free to all Western New England University alumni and students. To see the full schedule of speakers and topics, or to register to participate, visit alumnicareerservices.org/wne.

Career Webinars Series: Online Lessons in Current Professional Practices

To join, type in “Western New England University Alumni” in the search bars of these networks. Note our new Facebook URL: facebook.com/WNEAlumni.

Connect with Fellow Alumni on and

S P R I N G 2 0 1 6 A L U M N I O U T L O O K 6

The Fund for Western New England University supports the University’s most urgent priorities. When you make a gift you join thousands of alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends who support the University annually. The Fund helps the University deliver the highest quality educational experience in the most cost effective way possible.

You can make a gift online at www.wne.edu/thefund, by calling 1-800-325-1122, ext. 1335, or make a check payable to:

Western New England University1215 Wilbraham Road • Springfield, MA 01119-2684

Check Out The Communicator OnlineRead the latest edition of The Communicator online. Visit wne.edu/alumni and choose “Alumni Publications” from the navigation bar.

Get Online: It’s Game Time!With help from an Alumni Association grant, Western New England University Athletics now offers live streaming video for many home contests, including football, soccer, hockey, basketball, lacrosse, field hockey, and volleyball. Catch all of the exclusive action at www.wne- goldenbears.tv. Get your game face on—you’ll feel like you’re back on campus!

www.wnegoldenbears.tv

The Fund for Western New England:A gift every year makes a difference every day.

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