In April, the USJ community honored five alumnae/i for their outstanding service and professional accomplishments at the 2012 Distinguished Alumnae/i Award Dinner. Honored this year were Mary Mitchell ’90, M’94; M. Jane Ryan ’54; Patricia Rehmer M’88; Dr. George G. Ducharme M’69; and Pamela Atwood M’01.
Pamela Atwood M’01, DAA ’12 (bottom row, second
from right) with family and friends, including
Dr. Mary Alice Wolf, at her left.
Pamela Atwood works in the forefront of the aging field in Connecticut via personal and professional involvement, teaching, public speaking, and writing. She also served as an adjunct faculty member at the University and has been a guest speaker at many area schools.
Sister Fay O’Brien with
George Ducharme M’69,
DAA ’12
George Ducharme has been instrumental in raising awareness about individuals with disabilities. He is the director of the Institute on Disability and Community Inclusion at Manchester Community College, where he launched an associate's degree program to train disability specialists and speech-language pathology assistants. He is also an adjunct professor of Disability Issues and Native American Studies at MCC .
Mary Mitchell ’90, M’94, DAA ’12 (center)
with her family
Mary Mitchell is living proof that you are never too old to attain your dreams. At the age of 50, she started her B.A., while working, volunteering, and maintaining contact with her three children and growing group of grandchildren. After 14 years she completed her degree and started her master’s. She is well-known across the state for her expertise in helping older adults develop their life histories.
Patricia Rehmer M’88, DAA ’12 (second from right) with
(from left to right) Lori Johnson, Annetta Caplinger
M’89, State Rep. Peter Tercyak, and Karen Hoke ’95.
Patricia Rehmer, state commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services, has served as commissioner for two governors and is responsible for providing behavioral health services to 90,000 residents. She spent 17 years at the Institute of Living, where she was clinical director, responsible for child, adolescent, adult, and geriatric clinical services. She also headed the regional mental health agency before coming to the state agency.
To read more about the 2012 Distinguished Alumnae/i Dinner or to nominate a classmate for a 2013 Distinguished Alumnae/i Award go to www.usj.edu/S12w.
Watch the DAA recipients’ acceptance speeches at www.usj.edu/S12x.
Diane Burgess, M. Jane Ryan ’54, DAA ’12,
and Marita Ryan ’50, DAA ’84
M. Jane Ryan demonstrated leadership and dedication throughout her career in education. As a kindergarten teacher for 43 years, she employed her knowledge of child development, which she learned at USJ . She was the youngest member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Iota Chapter, an honor society for key women educators, and served as the organization’s president for two terms. Ryan serves on the Danbury Promise for Children Partnership and has participated in the University’s Fairfield Club.
The Alumnae/i Relations Office kicked off the new Lunch & Learn Series this spring, bringing members of the USJ community together for interactive discussions on a variety of topics.
In March, Elly Vozzola, Ph.D., professor of Psychology discussed “This is Your Brain on Politics: New Trends in Morality Research.” Twenty alumnae/i, faculty, staff, and friends of the University joined the discussion on how psychologists have moved beyond studying what people say about their opinions and attitudes to specific mappings of activated neural structures.
Natalie Dearing,
Pharm.D., RPH.
For more information about the Lunch & Learn Series, go to www.usj.edu/S12y. To register or to suggest a future Lunch & Learn program, contact Steve Kumnick, manager of annual giving and alumnae/i relations, at skumnick@usj.edu or 860.231.5323.
“Why is American Government in Such a Terrible Mess?”
September 4, 2012
Kenneth J. Long, Ph.D., professor of History & Political Science
“Teaching a Bully Respect”
October 23, 2012
Kathleen Barrett, Ed.D., assistant professor of Counseling Education Vivian J. Carlson, Ph.D., associate professor of Human Development and Family Studies
“Script Your Future: Medication Adherence”
December 4, 2012
Maria A. Summa, Pharm.D., B.C.P.S., associate professor of Pharmacy Practice and Administration
“The Heart of Hartford!: Combating Health Disparities Surrounding Cardiovascular Disease in Women”
January 15, 2013
Natalie Dearing, Pharm.D., R.P.H., assistant professor of Pharmacy
Mark your calendar and prepare to come back to campus for Reunion & Homecoming 2012, on Saturday, October 6. Planning is underway for all alumnae/i to celebrate a memorable day at the University of Saint Joseph. There are special events for classes ending in 2s and 7s, as well as events for all alumnae/i, family, and friends.
Do you have pictures from your time at USJ ? Submit them at alumnae@usj.edu or post them on the Alumnae/i Facebook page at www.usj.edu/S12z.
For more information about Reunion & Homecoming 2012, visit the Reunion page at www.usj.edu/S12aa. Be sure to check your mail for the official Reunion & Homecoming invitation in August!
To join the Reunion & Homecoming Committee, contact Steve Kumnick at skumnick@usj.edu or 860.231.5323.
On March 27, President Pamela Trotman Reid hosted a reception for donors to honor their ongoing investment in the University’s future. The event was held at the residence of Governor Dannel Malloy in Hartford. First Lady Cathy Malloy addressed the attendees, as did President Reid.
Board of Trustee Chair Jeanne Merola
with Trustee Emerita Shelagh
O’Neill ’59
First Lady of Connecticut Cathy Malloy
with President Reid and Doug Nelson,
vice president for institutional
advancement
Trustees Ted See and Brewster Perkins
In April, members of the Alumnae/i Club of Fairfield hosted a brunch at The Red Barn in Westport, followed by a chapter meeting at the home of Carol Papagno McClatchie ’60. Provost Michelle Kalis, Ph.D. and 14 alumnae/i discussed USJ news and events. The Fairfield Club looks forward to another gathering in late summer and again in the fall!
To see photos of the event, visit the USJ Alumnae/i Facebook page at www.usj.edu/S12bb.
In March, members of the Alumnae/i Council hosted a gathering at Max’s Tavern at the Basketball Hall of Fame. Eighteen USJ alumnae/i attended. Springfield area alumnae/i look forward to hosting a similar event next spring!
The Alumnae/i Relations Office has taken to the road and hosted alumnae/i gatherings around the state at organizations where USJ alumnae/i are employed.
In November, Lois Nesci ’85, M’87 hosted 17 alumnae/i, parents and friends for the first USJ Connection at Catholic Charities in Hartford, and in March, Sister Judy Carey M’72 hosted a session at Saint Francis Hospital. Representatives from the University were on hand to discuss all the new programs and initiatives going on at the University, as well as ways for alumnae/i, families, and friends to get involved with the University.
Does your place of business have other USJ alumnae/i working there? We’d love to come visit you! To bring the USJ Connection to your office, contact Steve Kumnick, manager of annual giving and alumnae/i relations, at skumnick@usj.edu or 860.231.5323.
Faculty emeriti at Commencement, from left to
right, Dr. Mary Alice Wolf, Dr. Barbara Lacey,
Dr. Ron DeGray, and Dr. Betty Markham.
The University recently created a Faculty Emeriti Association whose members are faculty and presidents emeriti. The association provides its members the opportunity to stay personally and professionally connected to USJ . “Many of our faculty emeriti are active in their disciplines and looking for ways to share their expertise with the University community,” said Karen Hoke ’95, major gifts officer. The group is creating a web page and plans to announce its activities via social media and the Internet.
Class agents are the University’s alumnae/i who give their time, effort, and resources to ensure that USJ continues to make an impact on current students and the greater community. Simply put: Class agents are very important alumnae/i volunteers!
Each class agent has a special reason for volunteering. Some want to give back to the University that gave so much to them. Some want to help current students attain the same great education. Some like to stay in touch with classmates. There are probably as many reasons to volunteer as there are alumnae/i of University of Saint Joseph!
Whatever your reason, you are the key to the continued success of the University. The outstanding faculty, dedicated student body, beautiful campus — all benefit by the generous support of our alumnae/i volunteers and donors.
1. Connect alumnae/i friends and classmates back to the University of Saint Joseph.
2. Be a spokesperson for the University of Saint Joseph.
3. Lead by example.
Contact Steve Kumnick, manager of annual giving & alumnae/i relations, at skumnick@usj.edu or 860.231.5323
1. Participate in class agent discussions
2. Volunteer and/or attend USJ alumnae/i-related events and initiatives.
3. Your role as a class agent will last through at least two academic years.
Alumnae/i may exchange their SJC diplomas for one with the University name. The cost for a new diploma is $55. For more information, contact Steve Kumnick, manager of annual giving and alumnae/i relations, at skumnick@usj.edu or 860.231.5323.
President Reid with the Sisters of Mercy at the
scholarship reception in May.
The University announced a new initiative to honor the Sisters of Mercy: the Sisters of Mercy Scholarship will benefit students who have graduated from a Mercy High School or who have been recognized for exceptional academic achievement and community service.
The scholarship was launched in May with a special reception that honored the Sisters. “The Mercy charism that the Sisters infused into Saint Joseph when it was founded is at the heart of the mission and core values that we live today,” said President Reid. “What better way to honor them than to help make a University of Saint Joseph education available to a deserving student who understands and lives those values?”
To support the Sisters of Mercy Scholarship, contact Mary Farley Murphy at mfmurphy@usj.edu or 860.231.5355.
Helen Lynch ’41 loved her alma mater and made sure she supported its efforts throughout her life and in her final estate plans. Over the years, she consistently donated to the Annual Fund, established scholarships, and even named Lynch Hall in honor of her beloved parents. At the time of her death in 2009, Lynch left a portion of her estate to Saint Joseph.
Holly Mirabella ’12
As it does each year, the Frank T. Lynch Family Endowed scholarship — named for Helen’s father — supports the education of a worthy student. This year the funds went to Holly Mirabella ’12, a soccer player and Dean’s list Accounting student. Holly expressed her gratitude in a letter that went to Tim Grace, Lynch’s financial advisor.
“My experience at Saint Joseph throughout the past four years has been life-changing to say the least,” she wrote. “As it is for most individuals, college has been a rather difficult time for me.” Mirabella wrote about her close relationship with her grandparents and the void that their deaths left in her life.
“I do not wish to tell you this story to gain your sympathy; I do so to show you that the University of Saint Joseph means more to my family and me than a degree, a GPA , or an item on my resume. The University of Saint Joseph has taught me how to face the challenges of life and to overcome obstacles with a positive attitude.”
At the time he received the letter, Grace realized the estate was about to be closed. He was thrilled to learn from the final accounting that funds remained that were earmarked for the scholarship fund. “Nothing pleased Helen more than being able to help young women anxious to earn a degree, particularly when those young women enjoyed fewer advantages growing up than she enjoyed,” Grace said. “Helen directed her estate to help USJ in any way possible and the scholarship fund was her favorite beneficiary.”
Steve Kumnick, Manager of Annual Giving and Alumnae/i Relations
860.231.5323 skumnick@usj.edu
Cristina Osbourne, Development Associate
860.231.5512 cosbourne@usj.edu
Courtney RamosCotto ’11, Coordinator of Annual Fund and Alumnae/i Relations
860.231.5364 cramoscotto@usj.edu
Doug Nelson, Vice President for Institutional Advancement
860.231.5397 dnelson@usj.edu
Mary Kate Cox, Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement
860.231. 5206 mkcox@usj.edu
Tom Borjas, Director of Development
860.231.5898 tborjas@usj.edu
Elizabeth McCartney, Prospect Research Analyst
860.231.5237 emccartney@usj.edu
Mary Farley Murphy, Director of Development, Major Gifts
860.231.5355 mfmurphy@usj.edu
Diane Burgess, Director of Development, Major Gifts
860.231.5502 dburgess@usj.edu
Karen Hoke ’95, Director of Development, Major Gifts
860.231.5363 khoke@usj.edu
Laura Martineau, Director of Development, Grants and Sponsored Programs
860.231.5511 lmartineau@usj.edu
Rita Bayer ’05, Administrative Assistant
860.231.5462 rbayer@usj.edu
Keri Stevens, Executive Assistant
860.231.5291 kstevens@usj.edu
President: Lois Nesci ’85, M’87
Vice President: Sarah Ellsworth Gutierrez ’06
Secretary: Judy Potter Lee ’84
Chair, Recent Graduate Committee: Christina Cellucci ’06
Chair, Graduate Alumnae/i Committee: Cherie Bourcier Trice ’95
Chair, Annual Fund Committee: Denise Bagg ’68
Chair, Public Relations and Outlook Advisory: Michelle Turley Confessore ’86
Chair, Distinguished Aumnae/i Award Committee: Sarah Ellsworth Gutierrez ’06
Chair, Nominating Committee: Jennifer Wetzel Vigue ’01
Alumnae/i Club of Bristol, Maria Calabro ’91
Alumnae/i Club of Fairfield, Susan Conti Root ’68
Alumnae/i Club of Hartford, Lynn DeNino-Fahey ’97, M’00
