Class Notes
Share your news with UConn Nation!
Your classmates want to know about — and see — the milestones in your life. Send us news about weddings, births, new jobs, new publications, and more — along with hi-res photos — to: Alumni News & Notes, UConn Foundation, 2384 Alumni Drive, Unit 3053, Storrs, CT 06269.
Submissions may be edited for clarity or length.
Everett Hyland ’52 (CAHNR), a Stamford, Conn., native and survivor of Pearl Harbor, reports that he is living in Honolulu, Hawaii. At age 93, he is still an active volunteer at the Memorial. He has fond memories of his four years in Storrs, where he attended the School of Agriculture and was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity.
Norman Freyer ’58 (CAHNR) was recently awarded a lifetime membership in the Citrus Watercolor Society. He is a past president of the society and the only lifetime member. He is also a member of the Nature Coast Painters art critique group and The Art Center of Citrus County, and is an associate member of the Florida Watercolor Society. His work can be seen on his website.
Theodore Pisk ’65 (CLAS) and his father, Stan Pisk, were inducted into the Connecticut section of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America’s Hall of Fame in November during a ceremony at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Stan Pisk, a WWII vet who fought in the Normandy invasion and Battle of the Bulge, was awarded posthumously. Both Pisks worked for many years as golf professionals at the A.W. Stanley Municipal Golf Course in New Britain. Ted Pisk, who majored in political science and minored in economics at UConn, did not play on the University’s golf team because he was already a professional golfer by then.
John Strom ’65 (CLAS), ’76 MA published a new book, Maximizing Your ROPI—Return on Your People Investment. It focuses on how to attract and retain the “best people” by creating the “best job” in the “best organization,” says Strom, who has more than 30 years of experience in management training, coaching, and consulting. He was sports editor and editor-in-chief of the Connecticut Daily Campus when he was an undergraduate.
John Harrington ’66 (CLAS) published a novel in 2016 with Archway Books, The Year of the Lieutenant. He wrote it in the mid-’70s, then rewrote it in recent years. He tells us it is the story of United States Air Force personnel serving in Thailand during the time of the Vietnam War.
Robert Nicoletti ’67 MA, ’68 Sixth Year reports that his book Parenthood : A Life Sentence? A Journey from Womb to Tomb has been released by Outskirts Press. Nicoletti is a retired school superintendent and is currently on the faculty in the Graduate School of Education at Quinnipiac University.
Carol Milardo Floriani ’68 (NUR)
reports that she is currently “retired” in Easley, S.C., but continues to work as a hospice nurse, visiting patients in their homes. Her previous careers were in nursing education and management of hospices and home health agencies in California. “I am ever grateful for Dean Widmer and Jo Henderson for my great UConn education!” she says.
Arno Zimmer ’68 (CLAS), of Bridgeport, Conn., has released Return to Parlor City, the sequel to his first 1950s mystery novel, The Parlor City Boys. The novel follows a master con artist on the run who can’t resist the opportunity to return to the scene of his earlier crimes. Zimmer also has written three children’s books and a business textbook.
Getulio P. Carvalho ’71 MA, ’76 Ph.D, a member of the board of directors for the Government Accountability Project (GAP), has funded the Carvalho Fellowship for International Research, which will be awarded each summer. The GAP is a nongovernmental organization and law firm in Washington, D.C., that works to protect and defend whistleblowers in the U.S. and around the world. The 2016 fellow is Keith Henderson, who teaches law at American University and specializes in whistleblower-protection legislation.
Ann I. Weber ’74 (CLAS), ’85 JD, of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, was recently selected to the 2016 Massachusetts Super Lawyers List in the field of elder law. Weber, who lives in Granville, Mass., concentrates her practice in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, probate, and elder law.
Arthur Horwitz ’76 (CLAS)was elected in February as board chair of Detroit Public Television, the 10th largest PBS affiliate. He recently concluded a four-year term as commissioner and chair of the nonpartisan Michigan Civil Rights Commission, which in 2016 received more than 2,000 claims of housing, employment, and public accommodation discrimination and completed an extensive investigation into alleged civil rights violations centered on the Flint water crisis. He is president of Renaissance Media. His wife, Gina Wesler Horwitz ’78 (CLAS), is a senior major gift officer for Wayne State University in Detroit.
Gregory S. Woodward ’77 (SFA) has been named the new president of the University of Hartford in Connecticut effective July 1. Woodward, who graduated magna cum laude from UConn with a bachelor of music, becomes the sixth president of the liberal arts school, which houses The Hartt School of music. Woodward, a composer, musician, scholar, and athlete, has been president of Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis., since 2012 and was formerly dean of the school of music at Ithaca College. He grew up in West Hartford, Conn., and attended Hall High School.
Paul Agrimis ’79 (ENG), of Portland, Ore., recently received the Distinguished Practitioner award from the Oregon Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Clifford A. Lange ’79 (CLAS) was recently promoted to executive vice president-chief financial officer and chief actuary of Boston Mutual Life Insurance Co. in Canton, Mass. Lange and his wife, Cindy Lange ’87 (CLAS)moved to Mattapoisett, Mass., in 2016 now that their three daughters have “grown up and left the nest.” In 2016, Lange completed 120.7 miles in a three-day footrace called “Across the Years” in Glendale, Ariz. In 2015, he completed 61.1 miles in a 24-hour footrace called “24 Hours Around the Lake” in Wakefield, Mass.
Chris Gedney ’81 (ED)was hired by Arizona State University (ASU) after receiving her Ph.D. in social work from the University of Utah in May 2017. Gedney was the first UConn women’s basketball scholarship athlete and retired from the Air Force with the rank of lieutenant colonel. Her dissertation, the first randomized controlled trial of a military sexual assault intervention, revealed major shortfalls and significant areas for improvement. She presented her findings to several members of Congress and is currently developing curriculum for a military social work concentration at ASU.
LeeAnn (Landrigan) Coleman ’83 (BUS), controller of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, was promoted in 2016 to deputy director of financial services. She was honored by Boston Mayor Marty Walsh as an Innovation Excellence Award winner, which recognizes innovative ideas, hard work, and commitment by Boston city employees. Her team was selected for the role they played in launching the Authority’s new web-based Property Management Solution to proactively manage its commercial real estate portfolio.
Eric T. Johnson ’84 (CLAS), of Pomfret Center, Conn., recently published a book, From Park Ranger to Conservation Police Officer, which chronicles his career in conservation law enforcement.
Susan Brillhart ’84 (NUR), of Hoboken, N.J., a pediatric nurse practitioner for 30 years, was recently honored for her commitment as a volunteer for neglected and abused children in the Hudson County court system. She was given New Jersey Monthly magazine’s Seeds of Hope Award for her commitment as one of the state’s most dedicated volunteers.
Flutist Suzanne Bona ’85 (SFA) was the featured guest performer in a chamber music concert Oct. 15, 2016, at the University of Guam in Mangilao. She also gave a master class for flute students. Her nationally syndicated radio program, “Sunday Baroque,” is broadcast via KPRG, the local public radio station in Guam.
Leslie Imse ’87 MA, chair of the music department for Farmington public schools, was presented the Departmental Arts Program Excellence Award by the Connecticut Arts Administrators Association. “My education at the University of Connecticut has served me well in the field of music, and I am a proud Husky!” she said.
Heather Sherman Somers ’88 (CLAS) was elected to the Connecticut State Senate in November 2016.
Flutist Sharon Buchta Rizzo ’88 (SFA) is a professional cellist and music educator in Big Bear Lake, Calif. She is responsible for the first strings program in the community and founder of MountainTop Strings of California, a youth orchestra and camerata that plays throughout the region. The camerata performed March 13, 2017 at Carnegie Hall as part of the National Youth Concert.
Dr. John Thomas Marcoux ’89 (CAHNR) of Sudbury, Mass., a foot and ankle surgeon practicing as program director for podiatric medicine and surgery residency at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, Mass., received the 2017 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons’ Distinguished Service Award, one of the college’s highest honors. He was presented with the award at the ACFAS Annual Scientific Conference in Las Vegas in February 2017.
Don Langer ’90 (BUS), the CEO for the UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Texas, has been elected to the board of directors of Special Olympics Texas.
Erin Sherman Pezqueda ’91 (CLAS), 6th Yearrecently received her UConn Administrator Preparation Program diploma from UConn.
Kathleen (Szewczyk) Kenney ’93 (ED) received the 2016 Pennsylvania State Association of Health Physical Education Recreation and Dance Professional Honor Award.
Jessica McCauley ’97 (BUS), of Monroe, Conn., was recently named a partner in the accounting firm of Beers, Hamerman, Cohen & Burger. McCauley joined the firm in 2006 and specializes in providing accounting and auditing services to a variety of organizations including not-for-profits, manufacturing companies, and employee benefit plans. Outside of work, she serves as treasurer and board member of the Monroe Travel Basketball League and is a member of the finance and investment committees of the Kennedy Center.
Maura A. Power ’94 (CAHNR), a PE teacher and running coach at Trinity Catholic Academy in Southbridge, Mass., ran her first marathon, in Clonakilty, Ireland, in December. She says it took her six hours and was hard mentally in the middle of the trek, from miles 13 to 18. Her trip was sponsored by Vibram, an Italian company that produces rubber outsoles for footwear, and Team Hoyt Running Chairs, which makes running chairs for people with disabilities.
Jennifer Monahan ’95 MBA recently released her first book, This Trip Will Change Your Life: A Shaman’s Story of Spirit Evolution, which was selected as a finalist in the 2016 USA Best Book Awards in the Spiritual-Inspirational category.
Cheryl (Dyson) Stephenson ’99 (CAHNR) was recently promoted to controller of MetroHartford Alliance.
Danielle (Beil) Nartowicz ’03 (BUS) recently was promoted to Group Vice President of Financial Planning at Macy’s. She has been with the company for more than 10 years.
Rebecca J. Pirozzolo-Mellowes ’04 JD has been elected to the partnership at Foley & Lardner’s Milwaukee office.
Jill (Curtis) Heslin ’04 (CLAS) and Kevin Heslin ’05 (CLAS) welcomed their first son, Brian Curtis Heslin, in October 2016. They were married in 2009.
Brian E. Tims ’05 (BUS), ’08 JD, an attorney at Halloran & Sage LLP, was selected for The Connecticut Law Tribune’s “New Leaders in the Law Class of 2016.” A panel of judges chose him based on his efforts and achievements in development of the law, advocacy and community contributions, service to the bar, and peer and public recognition.
Barbara Jean Beck Beeching ’10 Ph.D. reports that she published a book,Hopes and Expectations: The Origins of the Black Middle Class in Hartford, through SUNY Press in January 2017. She earned her first degree in journalism in 1950 at the University of Missouri and returned to academia later in life, earning a master’s in American studies at Trinity College in 1996 and a doctorate in history at the University of Connecticut in 2010.
Ron Ciak ’11 (CLAS, ENG) married Collyn Seeger ’08 (CLAS), ’09 MS on Oct. 16, 2016, in Groton, Conn., at the Branford House on the grounds of UConn Avery Point.
Jordan Bennett ’11 (CLAS) recently took a job as senior public relations manager at The Berman Group, a marketing, public relations, and event-planning firm in New York City. Prior to that, he was a member of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign’s rapid response communications team and previously was associate director of communications for Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Kelcie Reid ’13 (CLAS), ’16 JD, ’16 MPH has joined the law offices of John Q. Gale in Hartford as an associate attorney. She was admitted to the Connecticut Bar Association in November after earning her law degree and a master’s in public health degree from UConn in May.
Bayla Ostrach ’14 Ph.D., published a book, Health Policy in a Time of Crisis: Abortion, Austerity, and Access, in January 2017.
Shane Kelly ’14 (ENG), who is currently working on his doctorate in physics at the University of California Riverside, was selected as an inaugural recipient of the UC-National Lab In-Residence Graduate Fellowship. He’ll conduct research and get training at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in a project titled “Strongly Coupled Atomtronics.”
Barbara Jean Beck Beeching ’10 Ph.D. reports that she published a book,Hopes and Expectations: The Origins of the Black Middle Class in Hartford, through SUNY Press in January 2017. She earned her first degree in journalism in 1950 at the University of Missouri and returned to academia later in life, earning a master’s in American studies at Trinity College in 1996 and a doctorate in history at the University of Connecticut in 2010.
Ron Ciak ’11 (CLAS, ENG) married Collyn Seeger ’08 (CLAS), ’09 MS on Oct. 16, 2016, in Groton, Conn., at the Branford House on the grounds of UConn Avery Point.
Jordan Bennett ’11 (CLAS) recently took a job as senior public relations manager at The Berman Group, a marketing, public relations, and event-planning firm in New York City. Prior to that, he was a member of Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign’s rapid response communications team and previously was associate director of communications for Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Kelcie Reid ’13 (CLAS), ’16 JD, ’16 MPH has joined the law offices of John Q. Gale in Hartford as an associate attorney. She was admitted to the Connecticut Bar Association in November after earning her law degree and a master’s in public health degree from UConn in May.
Bayla Ostrach ’14 Ph.D., published a book, Health Policy in a Time of Crisis: Abortion, Austerity, and Access, in January 2017.
Shane Kelly ’14 (ENG), who is currently working on his doctorate in physics at the University of California Riverside, was selected as an inaugural recipient of the UC-National Lab In-Residence Graduate Fellowship. He’ll conduct research and get training at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in a project titled “Strongly Coupled Atomtronics.”
In Memoriam
Below is a list of deaths reported to us since the last issue of UConn Magazine.
Please share news of alumni deaths and obituaries with UConn Magazine by sending an email to: alumni-news@uconnalumni.com or writing to Alumni News & Notes, UConn Foundation, 2384 Alumni Drive Unit 3053, Storrs, CT 06269.
Alumni
Aaron Anderson ’87 (CLAS)
Feb. 7, 2015
Donald W. Linskey Sr. ’60 (BUS)
March 12, 2015
Fred Charamut ’54 (BUS)
Aug. 15, 2015
Patricia Grace (Ingraham) Vinsonhaler ’74 (CLAS), ’79 MFA
Sept. 8, 2015
Stanley Perkowski Jr. ’72 (ENGR)
Dec. 17, 2015
Robert G. Feller ’50 (ENGR)
Dec. 23, 2015
Paul J. Lombardi Sr. ’63
Dec. 24, 2015
Paul Alan Tibbitts ’53 (CLAS)
Jan. 6, 2016
Linda Y. Dods ’69 PhD
Jan. 7, 2016
Leon C. Kirk ’53 (ENGR)
Jan. 9, 2016
Ernest A. Moeckel ’68 (BUS)
March 23, 2016
Susan Quenk Lehr ’49 (CLAS)
March 1, 2016
Susan Quenk Lehr ’49 (CLAS) died March 1 in Austin, Texas, at age 88. A long distance swimmer, she swam competitively in Long Island Sound, in Japan, and elsewhere. She earned her bachelor’s in Philosophy and Sociology at the University of Connecticut. In 1952, she worked for the U.S. Army in Japan as a civilian. She married Marvin Lehr in 1956 and eventually moved to Ohio, where they raised four sons. She later became a program director for the Battered Women’s Shelter in Akron, Ohio, and later served as director of rehabilitation at the Akron Child Guidance Center.
Faculty & Staff
Carroll Osborne “C.O.” Bennett
Jan. 9, 2016
Carroll Osborne “C.O.” Bennett, a UConn Engineering professor for 23 years, who coauthored one of the fundamental texts of chemical engineering, died on Jan. 9, 2016, in Paris. He started his teaching career at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., as a professor of Chemical Engineering and, later, built the Chemical Engineering department from the ground up at the University of Nancy in France. Together with Purdue colleague Jack Myers, he wrote Momentum, Heat and Mass Transfer, a textbook that has become a worldwide standard classroom and reference work. In 1964, he became a professor at the UConn School of Engineering, where he did pioneering work in unsteady state kinetics and catalysis studies and built a unique high pressure research facility. In 1980, he was selected for the Warren K. Lewis Award, the American Institute of Chemical Engineering’s highest award for chemical engineering education.
Charles Owen Woody Jr.
Feb. 13, 2016
Charles Owen Woody Jr., of Storrs, Conn., died Feb. 13, 2016, at age 85. He was an associate professor at UConn starting in 1968, teaching courses in reproductive physiology, lactation physiology, and elementary genetics. Later, he established and was the first head of the Transgenic Animal Facility. Woody became a full professor in 1981 and retired in 1992 as a professor of Animal Sciences. He continued to work part-time at the Transgenic Animal Facility until 1995.
Gaston Eduardo Hernandez Diaz
June 13, 2015
Gaston Eduardo Hernandez Diaz, known as Gaston Hernandez, an associate professor of Mathematics at UConn, died June 13, 2015, at age 64. He leaves his wife, Eliana D. Rojas, a faculty member in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in UConn’s NEAG School of Education.
Share your news with UConn Nation!
Your classmates want to know about the milestones in your life. Send news about weddings, births, new jobs, new publications, and more to: alumni-news@uconnalumni.com
Submissions may be edited for clarity or length.
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