focus - spring 2010

FOCUST H E M A G A Z I N E F O R A L U M N I A N D F R I E N D S O F W E S T F I E L D S TAT E C O L L E G E

Celebrating All Thatrsquos New at Westfield State

S P R I N G 2 0 1 0

Westfield State Students Celebrate Excellence at the Colonial Theater

From the Editor

FOCUS MAGAZINE bull SPRING 2010

SPRING 2010

EditorJanice ripley Beetle rsquo85

Beetle Press

dEsign EditorJanet garcia rsquo83 M Ed rsquo04

director of Marketing

dEsignErg John devanski

guy With glasses design

PhotograPhErdavid harris-Fried

Enrollment Management

Editorial Board

glen Brewster ProfessorEnglish Department

Mickey CurtisAthletics

Michael Filas ProfessorEnglish Department

Janet garcia rsquo83 M Ed rsquo04 Enrollment Management

george layng ProfessorEnglish Department

Marsha MarottaDean of Undergraduate Studies

Craig PhelonAdvancement and College Relations

Class notEsKelly galanis

Advancement and College Relations

ContriButing WritErs sara anderson rsquo10 Zach Bartlett rsquo08

Janice ripley Beetle suzanne Boniface rsquo92 Kathi Bradford suzie (scott) Burgess

rsquo07 dave Caspole Mickey Curtis dr Evan s dobelle rebecca Everett rsquo09

Kelly galanis Jenn Krok rsquo08 Elizabeth r laFond rsquo03rsquo07 tom leard rsquo05 Kristin

loiko rsquo04 Peter Miller rsquo84 Meg (Canning) Musante lsquo02 ashley n Mcgilloway rsquo09 Claudia Moore orsquoBrien M Ed rsquo00 terry

orsquoneil greg Petersen rsquo09 robert Plasse and Craig Phelon

PrintingMansir Printing

issn 1520-7641

In addItIon to editing Focus magazine I work full time in the Marketing Communications Department at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton Last year the hospital was abuzz welcoming a new orthopedic surgeon Dr Jonathan Fallon who joined Hampshire Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in August 2009 Dr Fallon has extensive experience in sports medicine and has treated major league athletes and amateurs alike As publications specialist I was charged with creating promo-tional materials for this new Cooley Dickinson affiliate In writing a press release for the local media I learned Dr Fallon was the team surgeon for Westfield Statersquos student athletes and that he is also serving as a mentor for athletic training students in the class-room It was a great moment for me I was proud not only of the hospital but also of the College where I earned my bachelorrsquos degree in 1985 I decided Dr Fallonrsquos story (See Page 22) fit perfectly into this issue of Focus which hones in on new and unique initiatives and the ways in which the College is embracing new challenges and providing opportunities Dr Fallon has unprecedented knowledge which hersquos pass-ing on to students he also has unmatched surgical skills which hersquos using to treat injured College athletes In this issue Dr Fallon and Dr Michael Woods of Pioneer Spine and Sport Physicians the medical director for the athletic training program stand out as medical doctors among a sea of PhDs who also receive special attention in this issue New faculty members such as Susanne Buesselmann Juan Rivera and Sinuk Kang are highlighted for expanding student achievements with their knowledge experience and unique teaching styles They each bring different gifts to the College Dr Susanne Buesselmann of the Economics and

Management Department is teaching students the importance of economics and the global economy by relating to real-world events (See 4) Originally from South Korea Dr Kang the new-est member of the communication department brings to the classroom a combination of teach-

ing and practical experience from areas such as broadcasting promotions Web design and commercial research In the classroom Dr Kangrsquos teaching theory focuses on curiousity challenge and confidence (See Page 17) Dr Rivera who began teach-ing at Westfield State in the fall of 2009 is the newest full-time member of the world language studies department A native of Puerto Rico Dr Rivera is ada-mant that because business and criminal justice are two of the

largest majors at Westfield State a second major in Spanish would give students a competitive edge (See Page 16) The development of the new Mod Hall and the completion of renovations at Ely Campus Center

also are noted in the issue Ely Campus Center is much more equipped to serve students in the pursuit of excellence and the creation of the unique Mod Hall building has allowed the College to house four academic departments and the honors program (See stories on Pages 3 and 4)

Dr Fallon has already touched students who said his lecture gave them valuable information and a new perspective of functional anatomy of the shoulder Dr Rivera will help bring a more global perspective to studentsrsquo educations and Drs Kang and Buesselmann will heighten stu-dentsrsquo sense of challenge and motivation Together doctors of medicine science human-ities and education mdash working in state-of-the-art facilities mdash represent the powerful change and the forward-thinking of Westfield State They are shaping the minds of the future n

Expanding Horizons With Excellent Mentors Facilities

FOCUS

ldquo(This issue of Focus) hones in on new and

unique initiatives and the ways in which the

College is embracing new challenges and providing

opportunities

1FOCUS MAGAZINE bull SPRING 2010

On Campus Pages 3-7

Alumni on the Go Pages 8-13

Faculty Center Pages 14-19

Athletics Pages 20-23

Alumni News and Notes Pages 24-27

Class Notes Pages 28-32

Table of Contents

On Our COverA Celebration of MusicmdashStudents in the Westfield State Music Department played to a packed house on Feb 28 at the Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield with performances by the Westfield State Wind Symphony Chorus Chorale Big Band Music Theatre Workshop String Quartet Percussion Ensemble and other student ensembles

FoCus magazine is published for Westfield state College two times a year the mission of the magazine is to highlight the work of

the administration faculty staff students and alumni at the College and to share with the wider community the stories of excel-

lence on campus FoCus magazine welcomes story ideas and story submissions ideas and stories can be offered to Editor Janice

ripley Beetle rsquo85 at (413) 374-6239 or via e-mail at beetlepresscharternet stories must be of interest to the general readership

and should be no longer than 600 words Class notes highlighting alumsrsquo personal or vocational views are also welcome and can

be sent to Kgalaniswscmaedu deadline for the Fall 2010 issue is June 1 it will be published in Fall 2010

Wersquod love to hear from you

Want to get involved

Join the Westfield State Alumni Fan page or groups on Facebook and LinkedIn follow

us on TwitterWestfieldState call 413-572-5404 413-572-5228 or email kbradford

wscmaedu or kgalaniswscmaedu

2 FOCUS MAGAZINE bull SPRING 2010

Recently standing on the third floor of Ely Hall in the new lounge overlooking the College green I smiled to myself From that vantage point the view of the courtyard the globe the buildings the walkways and trees is spectacular mdash in fact postcard pic-ture-perfect It is a new view offering a new perspective of life at Westfield State As the days of this academic year culmi-nate and we look forward to the 171st com-mencement of our historic institution I find it very satisfying to know that during these complicated times Westfield mdash the first public college in America without barriers to gender race or economic class mdash continues to honor its traditions while embracing the new As our founder Horace Mann did in 1838 we begin from where we are think of where we have been recognize the challenge of what is and imagine where we would like to be We assess plan act and move forward reinventing ourselves in the process And in that very process of completing the tasks at hand an excitement is created that ener-gizes us and leads us to work even harder on new goals Ely Hall is the perfect example We took an older building realized that it needed updating imagined what it could be and changed its design a bit We added the latest in office design and equipment and created a new centerpiece for our campus that provides more opportunities than ever before for the College and community alike Yes Ely Hall gives us a great feeling of pride and accomplishment as does all the renovations and construction that we see being completed on campus However they account for only part of the palpable energy and spirit that is present up here on Western Avenue and even beyond our campus as we forge strong connections within the city of Westfield Last fall as part of the Westfield State College Foundation Speakers Series we con-ferred on author Daniel Pink an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities for the visionary work that he is doing in redefining the needs of the modern workplace That evening Dan explained to his

audience that we have moved from the information age to the conceptual age He noted that the future belongs significantly to right-brain thinkers who see the big-pic-ture focus on relationship and champion innovation and creativity He also spoke of

his yet-to-be published work entitled Drive The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us Now in stores and on bestseller lists the book lists three essential components for successful individuals and organizations-

autonomy mastery and purpose I believe that Dan would say that the new energy and spirit I sense on campus is surely fostered by members of our learn-ing community who put relationship first focus on the needs of the students and who often think outside of the box They dare to develop new programs and projects that emphasize meaning and community and they make a positive difference in the pro-cess in concert with their left-brained and valued colleagues How great to know that our administra-tors faculty staff and students continue to

inspire and challenge each other as they reach beyond their grasps experience the new explore new worlds ideas and concepts and give back with service to their community On his active blog Dan recommends an article by Professor Teresa Amabile in the Harvard Business Review She tracked the activities of several hundred workers over a few years and found that they were not motivated by external incentives but rather by ldquothe urge to get better and better at something that mattersrdquo Perhaps that explains the new spirit of Westfield What we do here does matter and we do our jobs well I invite you back to see all the posi-tive changes Note whatrsquos happening on the electronic screens that flash the dayrsquos events Visit Ely Hall Shop at Barnes and Noble Watch the broadcasters at the new radio station and admire the artwork at the Arno Maris Gallery Stroll Elyrsquos bright cor-ridors and notice its refurbished offices and Student Government facility View classes in session in Mod Hall or sign up for a course at the Horace Mann Center (formerly 333) Grab coffee or a bite to eat at Pandinirsquos Jazzmanrsquos Subway or Quixotersquos or catch a film or karaoke contest at The Perch Journey to downtown Westfield where the new Downtown Art Gallery has numer-ous visitors and where past and former members of our learning community are being spotlighted at the Westfield Athenaeum Applaud the presentations at the new Dever Hall and Stage or the roster of speakers being featured there in Scanlon Banquet Hall and at Woodward Center Cheer on the Owls from the stands at Alumni Field or circle the new Gravel Track Attend a student performance or the third season of Actors amp Company summer stock in Ely Studio Theatre Join the Alumni Association and help plan for any number of upcoming social and networking events And before you leave stand as I did in one of the Ely Hall lounges overlooking the green and like me celebrate whatrsquos new and exciting at Westfield State n

From the President

Discover Whatrsquos New and Exciting at Westfield State

Westfield mdash the first public college in America without barriers to gender race or economic class mdash continues

to honor its traditions while embracing the new

On Campus


A Conversation About Ely Campus Centerrsquos Improvements

By Claudia Moore OrsquoBrien M Ed rsquo00

oveR the past couple of years it would have been hard to miss the ongoing improvements at Ely Campus Center where tarps fencing and construction equipment had become a familiar sight Among the improvements to the Collegersquos campus center were wheelchair acces-sibility Recently Dr Curt Robie assistant vice president facilities and operations took some time to talk about the scope of the project and its goals

Q Whatrsquos been going on over at Ely

A We have been making a concerted effort at Westfield State to keep the campus facilities in compliance with building codes while accom-modating the space needs of students faculty and staff and most importantly improving accessibility for people with disabilities

Q When did the Ely project begin

A We started planning the project in 2002 Ely was never accessible so we wanted to bring it into compliance so that folks in wheelchairs could have full use of the building We broke ground and began con-struction in the fall of 2007

Q Who was involved with the project

A Bertram Gardner who is the head architect with Caolo and Bieniek Associates Inc from Chicopee The builder was DA Sullivan from Northampton interestingly DA Sullivan was the original builder of Ely in 1973 We also had disability specialists assist us with accessibility design components And we had tremendous support and input from the College community

Q What changes have been made to Ely

A The entire building is wheelchair accessible A new elevator is at street level and takes passengers to the first floor There are two other

elevators that have been updated to meet the Emergency Medical Services regulations

Q I understand the Arno Maris Gallery has moved from the first to second floor

A Yes We moved the gallery to a larger space on the second floor In addition it is now near the Ely Studio Theatre which now has acces-sible dressing rooms We think that the more prominent location of the gallery near the theatre will enhance each other For instance when folks attend the theatre the gallery is right there for them to visit It is working well for both venues

Q What other changes have been made

A We completely gutted and reconstructed the communication department There is a new TV studio in addition to a new control room a new Mac lab editing suites meeting rooms and lounges There are also new offices for the Student Affairs staff

Q There seem to be some changes to the outside of Ely as well

A Yes A new patio area was improved and outfitted with all new landscaping

Q When you reflect on the project what are your thoughts

A What a great team we had We worked well with the architect and builders They were very responsive to our needs Most of all though was the help we had from the folks in Ely This project happened while they were still there There was noise and dirt noise and dirt and more noise and dirt But I think everybody knew that in the end it would be worth it And at the end of a two and a half year project I think we all agree it was well worth it n

On Campus


In a tIme when downsizing is the trend Westfield State is growing Steadily the College is increasing the number of courses and areas of study being offered This presented it with a unique challenge in the spring of 2009 as administrators needed to find additional space to house the expand-ing academic needs of the campus Construction of a new academic building using conventional state-mandat-ed processes would have been too time consuming and squeezing more classes into the existing buildings just wasnrsquot feasible Some-how a plan needed to be developed to address the need for expansion on a temporary basis and in a timely manner Mod Hall is that plan Many staff members had seen a temporary modular building constructed at Worcester State College to house administrative offices The idea to construct a leased one-story modular building at Westfield State was raised and after researching the pros and cons the concept was approved College leaders decided to lease a building large enough to house four academic departments and the honors program Curt Robie assistant vice president of facili-ties and operations says the decision to locate Mod Hall adjacent to the New Residence Hall and towards the back of Wilson Hall was three-fold ldquoThis location would not obstruct views of the campus green and it afforded reasonably close proximity to many major utility feeds such as water natural gas datatelephone and sewer all of which were needed ldquoFinallyrdquo Curt adds ldquoIt would not interfere with the placement of new permanent build-ings as part of the Collegersquos ongoing future master planningrdquo

Once the location was agreed upon the ambi-tious and aggressive plan to make Mod Hall a reality was put into action The College worked with the architectural firm of Caolo amp Bieniek Associates of Chicopee to develop plans and specifications so that a request for proposals could go out in May 2009 Bids were received in June 2009 the contract was awarded to Triumph Leasing Corp of North Andover With a completion date set for early fall there was much to be done as far as prepara-tions were concerned ldquoThe Collegersquos facilities

and operations trades and grounds staffs worked to install many of the utilities needed for the buildingrdquo says Robie ldquoThe College also worked with faculty and staff that would be housed in the building to develop plans for the furnishings and other equipment to be housed in the buildingrdquo After construction of the unit was completed in the Midwest Mod Hall was shipped to Westfield State in 28 50-foot by 12-foot prefabricated sections The commuter lot served as a staging area where a crane was used to move the sections to the building location There the sec-

tions were placed on a system of frost walls and structural columns While it is a temporary structure Mod Hall has features that are normally found on permanent facilities such as brick-veneered walls and ground-level access Inside the hall offers approximately 40 faculty and support staff offices and houses the departments of Sociology Social Work Ethnic and Gender Studies and World Languages as well as the Collegersquos Honors Program a conference room rest room facilities a staff lounge two class-rooms and a language laboratory ldquoThe present contract calls for the building to be leased for a five-year period with the option to renew for an additional five-year period When the College chooses not to renew the lease the building will be dis-mantled and the site restored to it original conditionrdquo Robie says Whether it be for five or 10 years the pres-ence of Mod Hall on the campus of Westfield State is most certainly a sign of academic growth and positive change n

Innovative Growth PlanThe short-term lease of a modular academic building promotes long-term growth

By Peter Miller rsquo84

Construction of a new academic building using conventional

state-mandated processes would have been too time consuming and squeezing more classes into the existing buildings just wasnrsquot feasible Somehow a plan needed

to be developed to address the need for expansion on a temporary

basis and in a timely manner

Mod Hall a temporary modular academic building is aptly named


Faculty Support for Mod Hall

I asked a samplIng of faculty members

who work in Mod Hall what the new building

meant to their departments and was most

impressed with the diversity of their answers

Dr Zengie A Mangaliso chair and professor

of the Department of Sociology said ldquoWe

were a Department of Sociology and Social

Work (before Mod Hall) The two depart-

ments are now free-standing separate and

developing their own academic identitiesrdquo

Dr Kathleen M McIntosh chair of the

Department of World Language Studies

said one feature of Mod Hall is the language

laboratory found there That lab ldquois some-

thing that has long been needed to support

language instruction at Westfield Staterdquo

Dr McIntosh said ldquoThe opening of the lab

coincides with our application to re-instate

the Spanish major We have known for some-

time the demand for this program exists on

campusrdquo

Dr Margot Hennessy chair of the

Department of Ethnic and Gender Studies

said that besides additional classroom space

Mod Hall provides a sense of belonging to

the departments that are located there ldquoMod

Hall has helped my department to feel at

home and has improved communication

between my faculty as we are all now in one

spot It shows how important a good work-

ing space is to productivity and creating a

great learning environmentrdquo

Mod Hall is a place where minds are

stretched and futures are built

- Peter Miller rsquo84

WhIle movIng an hour or two away from home to go to college may seem daunting enough for most people three exchange stu-dents have moved halfway around the world to attend Westfield State Lun Dong was the first student from her school Capital Normal University in Beijing China to come to Westfield State ldquoI chose Westfield State because this is the first time that this school [participated] with my school I wanted to be the first to come hererdquo she explains Studying abroad offers as many distinct opportunities as it does challenges Dong who is majoring in English literature says ldquoItrsquos really a challenge for me to study here at first because English is only my second languagerdquo Dong sees the opportunity how-ever in the situation ldquoMy major is English literature so itrsquos really helpful to study in an English-speaking countryrdquo she adds ldquoThis experience enriched my life I learned not only English itself but also the people and life here in a different countryrdquo Despite challenges such as a language barrier the exchange students flourish One such student is Kamal Faridi from Pakistan

Faridi has already earned a bachelorrsquos degree from Westfield State in biology with a minor in chemistry and is now attempt-ing to earn a second bachelorrsquos degree in psychology The opportunity for a good education isnrsquot the only thing that attracts students to the campus Malgorzata Radomska of Poland finds that the quiet atmosphere of Westfield State is what sets it apart from the other American schools she had been considering Radomska who is a business major with a concentration in accounting prefers to study in a private atmosphere and says one of the best things about Westfield State is that the professors focus more on the students Radomska also mentioned Westfield Statersquos extensive reputation ldquoI also spoke with my friends and many of their relatives had somebody that went to this collegerdquo she says ldquoMy friend had very good opinions about the faculty and staffrdquo Dong says of her impression of the atmo-sphere ldquoThe school is beautiful Itrsquos a little colder than Beijing and snows a lot but I love snowrdquo n

Away From HomeMeet some of our exchange students

By Jessica Gray rsquo10

Lun Dong Malgorzata Radomska

On Campus


Bettering Business MindsWestfield State is offering three new degrees in the Department of Economics and Management

Ryan sabIn rsquo08 Was ceRtaIn that his undergraduate alma mater was where he wanted to continue his post-graduate education With a bachelor of science in business management with a concentra-tion in accounting Sabin applied to the newly established master of science in accountancy (MSA) graduate program at Westfield State Interested in pursuing a career in public accounting Sabin was sure that Westfieldrsquos brand new program was a perfect fit What made Sabin so confident One word Faculty As an under-graduate Sabin a commuter from Florence experienced a faculty with outstanding academic credentials complimented by pro-fessional career experience in the field The small and selective size of the program allowed individual-ized attention and support ldquoI chose the program because (as an undergraduate) I knew the professors were dedicated to the studentsrsquo successrdquo says Sabin ldquoAnd with their own public accounting experience they brought real-world situations into the classroomrdquo

Sabin was guided by a Westfield State alumnus to an internship with JM OrsquoBrien Company a public accounting firm in Springfield Sabin a full-time student was nominated for and won the prestigious Becker Reviewrsquos Scholarship for Success that grants the recipient a scholarship for the Becker review and preparation classes for the Certified Public Accountant exam

The firm subsequently offered Sabin the position of staff accountant upon his gradua-tion ldquoI felt well-prepared for the position having gained the real-world knowledge in my classesrdquo During the mandatory ldquoBasic Trainingrdquo course JM OrsquoBrien requires of all ldquofirst-yearsrdquo Sabin observed ldquoI was more confident about the material than many of my peers including graduates of prestigious private collegesrdquo Sabinrsquos enthusiasm for the program continues He recently returned to the Westfield campus to share his experience with new students in the MSA program

Students Challenged by New Business ProgramsBy Claudia Moore OrsquoBrien M Ed rsquo00

WestfIeld state has already demonstrated a history of offering high-quality undergraduate education in the areas of business manage-ment and economics Now it is taking that good reputation one step further by offer-ing three new degrees in the Department of Economics and Management Students may now pursue a master of sci-ence in accountancy at Westfield State Another new program the On-Line Business Management degree allows graduates

of Massachusettsrsquo community colleges to complete years three and four of a bachelorrsquos degree program in business management on line via Westfield Statersquos exclusive format Westfield State also now offers a concen-tration in aviation management leading to a bachelor of science degree The program is designed to provide a foundation of liberal arts combined with a major in management and a concentration in flight or aviation man-agement The aviation management program

prepares students for a variety of aviation related careers by combining liberal arts business management and flight proficiency Students will be qualified for careers in general management as well as aviation management These new offerings have been very well-received by students Please read their stories on the following pages

- Claudia Moore OrsquoBrien M Ed rsquo00

Ryan Sabin rsquo08

Ryan Sabin rsquo08


nIchole lafleche rsquo12 Is busy A single mother who lives in Florence and a full-time bank professional LaFleche enrolled in Wesfield Statersquos on-line business management program in the spring of 2007 Having worked in banking for 10 years LaFleche is committed to moving up the man-agement ladder and her on-line degree will help her reach that goal A graduate of Holyoke Community College LaFleche majored in business management with a banking concentration and she chose the Westfield State on-line program because it fit her life ldquoI can study when it works for merdquo LaFleche says She finds the courses comprehensive and well-suited to a self-motivated and self-disciplined student Getting to the campus with a small child at home would have been nearly impossible

Being able to study at home has enabled LaFleche to pursue a bachelor of science degree ldquoI see the completion of my degree as essential to moving forward with my careerrdquo she says When speaking about the logistics of studying on-line LaFleche says ldquoThe portability of my coursework along with the support of the professors is a big plusrdquo Professors offer help via the telephone while students can also network with other students in discussion rooms for the subject matter LaFleche is enthusiastic about this opportunity to advance her education without sacrificing

her parenting or professional responsibilities ldquoIt is great to be free from searching and paying for a babysitter when I can study right here at homerdquo mdashClaudia Moore OrsquoBrien M Ed rsquo00

Nichole LaFleche rsquo12

Lydia Lucia rsquo10

When lydIa lucIa rsquo10 came to WestfIeld the Blandford native had some aviation experi-ence She had taken a flight course in eighth grade and a raffle win got her another hour or so of time in the air Although she was initially a straight business management major Luciarsquos aviation interest was piqued again when she saw a cam-pus poster announcing a meeting about an aviation program Lucia went to that meeting and every-thing changed She learned that Westfield State offers a concen-tration in aviation management leading to the degree of bachelor of science The new aviation program is designed to provide a foundation of lib-eral arts combined with a major in management and a concentration in flight or aviation management It prepares students for a variety of avia-tion-related careers by combining liberal arts business management and flight proficiency In addition students completing the program are prepared for careers in general as well as aviation management As one of the first students enrolled in the aviation program Lucia was ready to fly She continued taking traditional business courses but added specific aviation-oriented classes such as Aviation Law and Aviation Management

Her studies on the ground lit-erally took flight as she boarded a small plane at Westfieldrsquos Barnes Airport Partnered with Five Star Flight Academy at Barnes Westfield State students like Lucia accrue all their flight time with Five Star The rigorous flight training includes ground study and flight experience ldquoThe instructors were outstanding and I earned my private pilotrsquos license right off the batrdquo says Lucia Lucia worked part time at the Five Star Jet center providing services such as fuel service and catering to visiting planes She especially enjoyed the network-

ing that came out of the ldquohanger flyinrsquo rdquo which Lucia described as pilots talking about all aspects of piloting a plane Having completed all her Westfield State course work Lucia needs only eight more hours of flight time to graduate with a bachelorrsquos in management with a concentration in aviation management While some students may opt for a non-flight degree Lucia is ready to fly ldquoMy career goal is to pilot private planes or jetsrdquo says Lucia ldquoIt has been so exciting to be in this program The diversity of training and in-depth learning has made me feel prepared to be an outstanding pilotrdquo n


Lydia Lucia rsquo10

Alumni on the Go


WhIle motheR natuRe was not on the side of Westfield State it didnrsquot stop loyal alumni from making the trip for Homecoming October 2009 The College welcomed back folks from many years as well as affinity groups such as Orientation Leaders and Presidential Ambassadors The morning kicked off with a reunion brunch in Scanlon Hall as well as the inaugural meeting of the newly elected Alumni Association Executive Council ldquoHomecoming is always a joyous occasion on cam-pusrdquo said President Evan S Dobelle ldquoOur alumni remain vital members of our College community and we were pleased to share the Collegersquos latest developments including our newly revitalized Alumni Associationrdquo Alumni and friends gathered in the big white tent outside the Woodward Center to stay dry and many ventured out in the rain to catch the big football game against rival Bridgewater State College Attendees were entertained by music from the Jim

Gilmour Band as well as a special performance by the new Pep Band who performed an original piece by visit-ing Conductor and Composer John Capobianco Student clubs and organizations provided amenities including coffee cocoa baked goods raffle prizes and several cus-tom alumni products such as mugs and T-shirts The Collegersquos new bookstore vendor Barnes and Noble was on hand to offer quality campus merchandise to guests Young children attending had a great time visiting the Kidrsquos Zone tent operated by the ever-talented SNEA students Of course the day would not have been complete without a ride on the mechanical bull or a photo with Nestor or the Harley Bikes Planning for Homecoming 2010 is already underway Mark your calendars for Saturday October 23 For updated information be sure to visit wwwwestfieldalumniorg n

Singing in the RainLooking back at Homecoming 2009 and ahead to the 2010 event

By Kelly Galanis

The Owls rally against rivals at Bridgewater State College


Alumni celebrate at Homecoming 2009

Alumni on the Go


alWays InnovatIve Westfield State has come up with a win-win concept through which five graduate assistants receive free masterrsquos degrees and acquire on-the-job experience while helping to grow the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education This past August five graduate assistants were hired to help assist in the Division of Graduate and Continuing Education Dr Kim Tobin the dean of the division worked closely with a team of two administrators to select the five individuals The students who were chosen had to demonstrate that they were committed to the College and what it has to offer that they had a strong academic record and could write an excellent application essay Also Tobin says ldquoIn order to be eligible the students had to have received their under-graduate degree from Westfield Staterdquo

These graduate students Jose Figueroa-Lopez Ross Hildonen Callie Hutchinson Jessica Mowatt and Kate Quigley will now acquire excellent work experience and receive their masterrsquos degrees free of charge while also getting paid to work for the division Hildonen is very excited to have this unique opportunity ldquoNot only will we be entering the work force in 2011 with a masterrsquos degree wersquoll be entering the work force with an additional two years experience in public higher educationrdquo Hildonen says ldquoI am learning a lot in my MPA classes but the people Irsquom able to work with both in Graduate and Continuing Education and Alumni Relations have been terrificrdquo Hildonen received his bachelorrsquos degree at Westfield State in 2008 and majored in

Masterful Graduate ProgramMasterrsquos degree candidates earn experience and education while helping the College recruit students

By Suzie (Scott) Burgess rsquo07

In 2007 the offIce of caReeR seRvIces at Westfield State developed an alumni mentor program During 2009 the number of mentors interested in participating grew by nearly 40 percent to 92 volunteers Students now have access to alumni mentors who live in 13 states and one foreign nation The volunteers repre-sent more than 30 industries and span more than 15 Westfield State majors Director Junior Delgado says ldquoUltimately the way to increase the value of a Westfield State education is to build a strong alumni networkmdashone that can provide advice intern-ships and eventually job opportunities to our students and recent graduates Career Servicesrsquo goal is to strengthen existing ties and forge new onesrdquo Carolyn Edwards rsquo86 is an enthusiastic and willing mentor ldquoAs a Westfield State alum I have great memories of the College and want to give backrdquo says Edwards a senior market-ing manager for Prime Retail that operates and manages retail outlets across country

Based in Lee Edwards has had ldquogreat success with interns from Westfield Staterdquo Interns gain on-the-job experience have specific tasks and receive a college grade at the conclusion On the other hand a mentorstudent relationship is more flexible ldquoI like being in a less-struc-tured relationship in which you can introduce and support a studentrsquos particular interests And it is especially helpful for students on the

fence mdash helping them decide what is right for themrdquo Edwardsrsquo communication degree led her to a successful marketing career however she says ldquoI would have been eager to have a mentor and learn about the numerous professional fields open to me ldquoI look back at Westfield State as a very exciting time in my liferdquo she adds ldquoThe new president has made an incredible impact on the College I owe it to the school and myself to be willing to be an alumni mentor I look forward to supporting a studentrsquos curiosity by exploring new ideas and possibilitiesrdquo For alums interested in mentoring please visit our Web site at wscmaeduCAREERSERVICES Each year the College hosts an Alumni Mentor Day during which alumni return to campus and share their career stories with stu-dents If you would like to participate in future Mentor Days please contact Kelly Galanis at (413) 572-5228 or kgalaniswscmaedu n

Modeling by MentoringStudents benefitting from the knowledge of alumni


Ross Hildonen rsquo08Continued on page 19

Junior Delgado


thIs past septembeR Westfield State welcomed three new members to the Westfield State College Board of Directors Appointed by Governor Patrick each has deep and significant ties to the College and is a leader with a distinctive perspective Meet our new trustees Ryan Meersman Judge Terry M Craven and Christel Ford Berry

Ryan MeersmanRyan a student trustee is a Westfield State sophomore majoring in history and second-ary education Ryan was elected by the student body in Spring 2009 He is a partici-pant in the honors program and is a gradu-

ate of Shepherd Hill Regional High School Ryan was encouraged by his cousin John Petty rsquo08 Student Government Association (SGA) president from

2007-2008 to become active on campus Currently a member of the SGA Executive Council and Open House Tour Guide Ryan is also a former All College SGA representa-tive and member of All College and Long-Range Planning Committees Ryan praises high school history teachers for inspiring him to study history in college He says he chose Westfield State for its size location ldquogreat appearancerdquo acclaimed education department and ldquonice helpful peoplerdquo A resident of Charlton Ryan is the son of Scott Meersman a mechanic for Harry Heitin Auto Radiator Company and Mary Meersman a nurse at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center Ryan has two brothers and a sister and he hopes to one day become a high school teacher He says he gained interest in politics through his uncle Joe Petty of Worcester a city councilor for whom Ryan campaigned An Eagle Scout at 17 Ryan is now an

assistant Scout master and will attend a national Boy Scouts of America jambo-ree in August Ryanrsquos advice for parents ldquoEncourage your student to get involved embrace college life and stay away from home on weekendsrdquo

Judge Terry M CravenJudge Craven is a 1973 Westfield State graduate with a bachelorrsquos degree in psychology and a juris doctor degree from the New England School of Law The associate justice for Suffolk County Juvenile Court Judge Craven is the 2008 recipient of the Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree from Westfield State in recognition of

service in juvenile justice and a renowned expert on juvenile and family law The founding direc-tor co-clerk and board member of the Juvenile

Bar Association the judge is also the 2006 recipient of the Juvenile Bar Associationrsquos Judge Leo Lydon Award Judge Craven is the designerimple-menter of the 1st diversion program for female offenders at Boston Juvenile Court and she is a former probation officer a teacher in the Boston school system and director of Herrick Center for Girls A resident of Milton Judge Craven is the first college graduate in her family She is the daughter of James J Craven Jr a longtime state legislator representing Boston and Olivia Bartels one of World War IIrsquos most decorated Womenrsquos Army Corps members in Massachusetts Judge Craven is married to Christopher Aylward assistant chief probation officer of Norfolk County Juvenile Court She is a stepmother and step-grandmother While at Westfield State Judge Craven was SGA president a member of the Presidential Search Committee and co-

founder of the Kahuna Motorcycle Club Her favorite travel destination is Makena Beach Maui

Christel Ford Berry Christel is a 1976 graduate of Barnard College with a bachelorrsquos in political science and doctorate of laws from the University of Pennsylvania She is the daughter of Donald A Ford Sr a retired Westfield State employee whose 20-year career included work as associate dean of students Campus Center director and director of Affirmative Action Christel is the principal of Ford Berry Associates of Hartford Conn specializing in financial and estate planning matters for

25 years She also is a Connecticut attorney and investment advi-sory representa-tive with ING Financial Partners She is a former associate with

the Hartford law firms Hebb amp Gitlin and Shipman amp Goodwin and is also currently a trustee of Hartford Courant Foundation the Connecticut Bar Foundation and Friends of Elizabeth Park A senior fellow of the American Leadership Forum and a corporator of the Hartford Seminary and West Hartfordrsquos American School for the Deaf Christel is a resident of Hartford Conn She is married to Thomas I Berry Jr a commercial banker with UPS Capital and she is the mother of three children After traveling the world in an Air Force family she attended the MacDuffie School in Springfield and has golfed in many Westfield State fundraising tournaments Her favorite books are the Bible and Better Than I Know Myself by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant

mdashRobert Plasse

College Welcomes Three New Trustees

Alumni on the Go


RespondIng to WestfIeld statersquos invitation to all alumni to participate in a strategic planning retreat 16 alums and several campus administrators heeded the call to action marking the first step in the revitalization of the Alumni Association The retreat participants were a diverse group representing all ages and cultural backgrounds Some had been active alums some had not ldquoIt was very important that we had good representationrdquo says Kathi Bradford of Alumni Relations

The group focused on the timeline for elections and developed a strategic plan to increase involvement by the Collegersquos alumni Out of the retreat came candidates for election to the Executive Council of the Alumni Association Taking advan-tage of social media 682 alumni voted in September 2009 mdash tripling all previous voting records Joining Alumni Trustee Sylvia Abar rsquo71 M rsquo75 of Westfield Suzanne Boniface of Springfield rsquo92 is the president of the revi-talized organization while Ryan OrsquoConnell of Westfield rsquo07 serves as president-elect to assume leadership during the next aca-demic year Other members of the executive council include Paul Nesbit rsquo84 Tracey Inella Pinto rsquo85 Beverley Zipper rsquo86 Janice Tracey Humason rsquo89 Eileen

Swan Rockwal rsquo91 Steve Dailey rsquo95 Paul Lunn rsquo99 Aaron Morris rsquo02 and Kelli A Nielsen rsquo04 Joseph Dipierro Kerry Lyons and Cheryl Vieira members of the Class of 2008 and Kate Quigley and Kerri Ann Bennett of the Class of 2009 complete the council Boniface graduated from Westfield State with a degree in communication Though she maintained relationships with some classmates through the years ldquoI wanted to become involved to contributerdquo Boniface says ldquoThe vision of the Alumni Association belongs to the alumnirdquo

Boniface envisions an association that serves different purposes that reflect the diversity of interests and needs of the

Westfield alumni The association surveyed alums to determine what they wanted and needed to re-connect with the College and other alumni The association has developed several com-mittees to provide the services events and opportunities alumni requested Plans for the association include increasing alumni involvement with the College the development of programs for alumni network-ing events and mentorship opportunities for our current students as well as the estab-

RevitalizingAlumni retreat forges the creation of new vision for the Alumni Association


Ryan OrsquoConnell rsquo07

Suzanne Boniface rsquo92

The group focused on the timeline for elections and

developed a strategic plan to increase involvement by the

Collegersquos alumniBoniface envisions an association that serves

different purposes that reflect the diversity of interests and

needs of the Westfield alumni


A History of the Westfield State Alumni Association

By Kathi Bradford

the fIRst WestfIeld state college alumnI assocIatIon meetIng was held on Sept 1 1847 with the charge of organizing reunions for the Collegersquos graduates From then until the early 1930s the association met every three years to reunite the alumni faculty administrators and com-munity members with a festive party in the center of town In 1905 alumni in the eastern part of the state formed their own asso-ciation called the Eastern Alumni Association and met annually in Boston The archives show that this group met until 1926 When the College was threatened with closure in the 1950s the role of the association became one of lobbyists seeking support from legislators local businesses and social organizations They were successful and the College remained open with the plan to expand to a new site In 1956 with the opening of the new site the association began to meet annually Unfortunately it no longer had a clear mission From 1965 retired Professor Tess Lammers and friend Julia Swochak kept the association alive until 1974 when the first part-time staff member was hired The mission was to raise money and get more alumni involved in the association and the College Nanci Salvidio was elected President of the association and served from 1976-1980 The first association executive director Maureen Fitzgerald was hired in 1980 and began the modern era of the Alumni Association In 1984 the College took over the salaries of the full-time employees and the association returned to a volunteer organization After a 25-year hiatus in which numerous attempts were made to re-ignite the passion and influence of the association a new Articles of Organization was ratified and Executive Council elected in the fall of 2009

GoalsThe current Associationrsquos goals include the following

bull Increase the number of alumni email addresses by 15 percent to 15000 names

bull Increase the number of alumni donors from 115 percent to 15 percent

bull Increase the number of meaningful volunteer experiences for alumni by 15 percent

Strategic plansThe current association holds an annual Summer Alumni Retreat to cre-ate strategic plans for the year Currently these plans include increased outreach to alumni increased collaboration with faculty and current students the creation of a Student Alumni Association and a restruc-turing of Homecoming Reunion Weekend and other Association and Department activities

How many membersThe Westfield State Alumni Association includes 32000 graduates of the College plus interested people who have taken at least two courses at Westfield State The association is run by an Executive Council of 17 elected members including the Alumni Trustee ex-officio Chapter and Affinity Chairs representatives of each current undergraduate student year (also ex-officio) and a non-voting liaison from the Office of Alumni Relations

lishment of regional chapters and affinity groups through-out the country

The association has set some goals for this year sometimes referred to as ldquothree 15 percentsrdquo Those goals are to

bull Increase alumni donations from 115 percent to 15 percent

bull Increase the alumni e-mail list to 15000 names

bull Increase meaningful alumni volunteer experiences by 15 percent

To provide meaningful experiences the Alumni Association provides alumni with volunteer opportuni-ties such as recruiting students from all over the world mentoring undergraduates and event organization just to name a few ldquoUnder the leadership of President Evan S Dobelle the College is reinventing itself in many waysrdquo says Nancy Salvidio rsquo73 Executive Assistant to the President and Associate Vice President of Advancement and College Relations ldquoA re-energized Alumni Association is an essen-tial component of the Collegersquos plan to establish new links with the 32000 graduates throughout the worldrdquo n

A re-energized Alumni Association is an essential component of the Collegersquos plan to establish new links with the 32000 graduates

throughout the world

The association surveyed alums to determine what they wanted

and needed to re-connect with the College and other alumni

Westfield State Alumni Association Executive Council Officers 2009-2010

Suzanne Boniface rsquo92 President

Ryan OrsquoConnell rsquo07 President-Elect

Sylvia Abar rsquo68 Alumni Trustee

Paul Nesbit rsquo84 Representative to the WSC Foundation Board


Faculty Center

pRofessoR y hugh Jo the newest addition to the political science department sees teach-ing at Westfield State College as a perfect fit for him as it combines academic excellence with a rural setting Growing up on a small farm about two hours south of Seoul in South Korea Dr Jo finds peace and tranquility on the Westfield State campus ldquoSince I grew up on a farm I always feel comfortable living in a rural area in a small city And because I had sought to teach in a small liberal arts college in either upstate New York or New England teaching at Westfield State is just like a dream come truerdquo Dr Jo says Dr Jo completed his secondary education

and part of his college education in South Korea and traveled to the United States to complete his college and graduate work at the

University at Albany SUNY Dr Jo has long known he wanted to teach students about his interests in US foreign policy American national government international law and human rights and East Asian politics ldquoMy dissertation examines the United Statesrsquo military occupa-tion of Western Germany and Southern Korea after World War IIrdquo Dr Jo adds ldquoFor this dis-sertation I did archival research at Harry S Truman Library exam-ining government documents and presidential papers in the early Cold War yearsrdquo ldquoAt some point in my graduate

school years I came to realize that it gives me great joy to share my experiencesmdasheduca-

Perfect MatchThis Asian Studies professor loves Westfield Statersquos rural campus academic excellence

By Elizabeth R LaFond rsquo03 Mrsquo07

Y Hugh Jo

Continued on page 19

fRom taxes to the stock market to inflation economics appear to be on everyonersquos mind these days Dr Susanne Buesselmann of the Economics and Management Department credits our economy for the interest her students have in the Economics classes she teaches ldquoThey are sur-prised it is everywhererdquo says Dr Buesselmann Dr Buesselmann began teach-ing at Westfield State College in the fall of 2009 after receiving her PhD in Economics from Wayne State University in August She was excited to receive an interview with Westfield State because of the schoolrsquos focus on teacher and student support ldquoThere is more of a focus on teaching rather

then researchrdquo she says adding ldquoItrsquos very important that I get to know my students personally so I can help them succeedrdquo

The reason Dr Buesselmann values the opportunity to give her students a quality education is because as she says ldquoI love economicsrdquo Itrsquos not just love itrsquos also practi-cal as Dr Buesselmann illustrates the importance ldquoEspecially right now since the economy is not doing so well students are more interestedrdquo She also mentions how practi-cal an understanding of econom-ics is and its applications ldquoIt helps you a great deal just understand-ing the world around you What do interest rates mean What

does the Federal Reserve do How do taxes affect usrdquo

Susanne Buesselmann

Enthusiasm for EconomicsNew professor teaching on a timely topic




Art Is for EveryoneThis professor has taught students to appreciate the connection between art and real life


Writing Across the Curriculum Passion for writing crosses academic and global lines

By Elizabeth R LaFond rsquo03 M rsquo07

WhetheR the eneRgy on campus mimics a manic Monday or an unruffled Friday after-noon Catherine Savini is always focused on her passion mdash teaching writing Dr Savini one of the newest additions to the English Department is teaching a range of English composition and writing classes She is also the Writing Across the Curriculum coor-dinator and associate director of the Reading and Writing Center She is eager to explore the other endless possibilities on campus ldquoWestfielders are open to new ideasrdquo she says ldquoI love that people here are excited to participate in and launch new projects Irsquom excited about the potential to design new courses and the potential to collaborate with faculty and of course our studentsrsquo potentialrdquo Dr Savini grew up south of Boston and traveled the Mass Pike West to study English at the University of Massachusetts Amherst Although she wanted to pursue graduate work she lived and worked in Boston for a year and then drove to San Francisco Calif to live and work at a community newspaper But the thought of graduate school continued to inter-est her ldquoAfter a couple years in the work force I decided to apply to grad schoolrdquo she says ldquoI got into NYU (New York University) and I studied literature and taught writing Writing is very practical and Irsquom able to see students develop Teaching writing is challenging but I really like itrdquo

Although Dr Savini joined the Westfield State English department in September 2009 she worked with students and faculty to celebrate a successful National Day of Writing on October 20 only a month later ldquoSo many people helpedrdquo she says Members from the Department of English and Reading and Writing Center students of Sigma Tau Delta and faculty and students from the communication department were all involved Booths were set up in Ely the Dean Dining Commons and Bates Hall where anyone could stop and write what she calls

ldquosix-word memoirsrdquo which are essentially six words put together to tell a story about onersquos life feelings or even funny sayings ldquoWe collected around 200 six-word mem-oirsrdquo Dr Savini says Also a local gallery on a Web site was created so students could post their six-word memoirs ldquoIn an academic envi-ronment writing is often viewed as a tedious task but the beauty of the memoirs is that it makes writing funrdquo she adds As Writing Across the Curriculum coordina-tor Dr Savini conducts workshops on topics such as teaching students to work with sources and providing effective and efficient feedback Starting in the spring she will be offering con-sulting hours for faculty interested in design-ing new writing assignments or re-imagining old ones Shersquos also helping students one-on-one at the Reading and Writing Center but Dr Savini has another interest thatrsquos close to her heart She has traveled to many interesting places around the globe Thailand being the most interesting destination for her she and her husband volunteered there and taught at the Cambodian border Dr Savini is interested in designing new courses that will take students to different countries for volunteering explor-ing and travel writing ldquoIrsquom excited about the direction Westfield State is heading when it comes to recruiting international students and sending Westfield State students to learn in other countriesrdquo she adds n

Catherine Savini

In hIs yeaR at Westfield State Professor Imo Imeh a temporary fac-ulty member has taught students that art mdash and an appreciation for art mdash can affect how they view the world Dr Imeh who has long been interested in art and its historical con-text graduated from Columbia in 2002 and later graduated from Yale University with his doctoral degree in art history In the fall of 2009 he began year-only teaching stint at Westfield State Earning a PhD requires perseverance a quality Dr Imeh says he

appreciates in his students Dr Imeh knows most students took his Art Survey course to fulfill a College art requirement but that did not deter him from doing his best to keep the course informative and interesting Students were encouraged to give their all in his courses because as he says ldquoIrsquom putting all I have into this lecturerdquo While his positive attitude towards hard work may appear daunting he didnrsquot let the course become overwhelmingly serious and restrictive



Faculty Center

iquestHabla usted espantildeol This professor thinks the time has come for a Spanish major at Westfield State


nestled In an aRea where many stu-dents come from Spanish-speaking back-grounds Westfield State has a need for a Spanish major Dr Juan Pablo Rivera feels such a major is integral to the Collegersquos current efforts to expand its cultural reach Dr Rivera grew up in northwestern Puerto Rico in the small town of Hatillo before coming to the United States at 18 to attend Yale University where he majored in comparative literature He explains that it was Puerto Ricorsquos marginal relationship to the rest of Latin America that sparked his interest in studying Latin American literature and culture He later graduated with a PhD from Harvard Dr Rivera who began teaching at Westfield State in the fall of 2009 is the newest full-time member of the world lan-guage studies department He cites recent and exciting developments in the College as one of the main reasons he decided to join the faculty Dr Rivera says President Evan S Dobelle has recognized that knowl-edge of Spanish is fundamental these days in aiding students in the job search The notion that being bilingual gives job candidates a competitive edge in the market is one of the reasons Dr Rivera describes the Spanish minor at Westfield as strong He explains that because business and crimi-

nal justice are two of the largest majors at Westfield State a second major in Spanish would give students a competitive edge when applying for jobs Dr Rivera adds ldquoGiven our proximity to the Latino populations of Holyoke and Springfield it allows for true inter-cultural

communication a real asset in our glo-balized worldrdquo Dr Rivera believes this competi-tive edge will enhance the appeal of a Spanish major and hopes the College will begin granting degrees in Spanish by the end of this year He explains ldquoWe are also convinced that speaking a second language is at the core of the mission of a liberal arts education as it inevitably leads you to appreciate cultural differ-ences and can help you become a more sensitive worldly and I hope more compassionate human beingrdquo When asked about his experience at Westfield State Dr Rivera says ldquoSo far I am very impressed with our students and am happy to join this department at such an exciting timerdquo Currently Dr Rivera is working on his dissertation which deals with multilingual literature about gay and lesbian themes written by Latin American authors in the Diaspora He is also in the process of translating and revising the dissertation to publish it with an

academic press from the Spanish-speaking Caribbean a project that he says goes hand-in-hand with current efforts to ldquointernationalizerdquo our campus n

Leading the Way to Support Children and FamiliesNew masterrsquos in social work program coming to Westfield State this fall


begInnIng In septembeR 2010 the Department of Social Work will be offering a masterrsquos in social work (MSW) degree through Westfield Statersquos Department of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) Initially this program will have a single concentration in clinical practice with children and families it will prepare students for licensure and work in clinical settings with adults children and families

In addition graduates of Westfield Statersquos program will be prepared for advanced posi-tions in child protective services for clinical case management positions in health care and residential settings and as school social work-ers As Dr Robert C Kersting the chair of the social work department says ldquoWersquove been get-ting input from the community that this was something that was really needed in western Massachusettsrdquo

Dr Kersting and his colleagues have been observing researching and analyzing other higher education institutionsrsquo masterrsquos in social work programs Their goal was to determine and then integrate the best and most compre-hensive educational components into the pro-gram at Westfield State The result has been the creation of an MSW program that prepares advanced level social work practitioners with specialized knowledge and skills for support-

Dr Juan Pablo Rivera


Just because Professor Sinuk Kang is soft-spoken doesnrsquot mean he doesnrsquot get his message across Quite the opposite in fact as his shy exterior belies a breadth of experience working researching and teaching in the quickly expanding field of communications Originally from South Korea Dr Kang the newest member of the communication department earned his masterrsquos in telecommunications and mass media from Philadelphiarsquos Temple University in 2001 He came to Westfield State in 2009 shortly after completing his doctoral degree and teaching at Rutgers and SUNY Buffalo Together with his previous jobs in the field Dr Kang brings to the class-room a combination of teaching and practical experience from areas such as broadcasting promotions Web design and commercial research Notably with a fellowship from Proctor and Gamble hersquos conducted research in the field of nonverbal com-munications studying the effects that human facial expressions posture and body language have on human communication and the

applications that such information can have in media and advertising In the classroom Dr Kangrsquos teaching theory

focuses on what he calls the three Cs Curiosity and active interest in the subject area Challenge to motivate you in your coursework and Confidence in your understand-ing and ability He also stresses the value of experience in understand-ing aspects of the communications field ldquoBook knowledge is good but experience and observation are very important as wellrdquo He leads by example when it comes to experiencing and observing new developments in communica-tion He like a slowly growing num-ber of teachers has begun using the recently emerging social media Web sites to connect with students ldquoI use Facebook and Twitterrdquo he admits ldquoI use it to create on-line groups for my classesrdquo For studying and educating others on the new media form he considers himself in an advantageous position between a generation thatrsquos typically averse to

new technology and one that can take it for granted n

Connections from the ClassroomBy Zach Bartlett rsquo08

ing children and families The Westfield State program places empha-sis and value on the development of students who are committed to addressing social racial and economic injustice The program is built on a strong foundation that promotes a spirit of inquiry and critical analysis for working with children and families The MSW program at Westfield State is committed to providing lead-ership in social work knowledge to advance social service delivery social policies and informed supportive interactions with children and family Dr Kersting estimates an enrollment of 36 full and part-time students during the first

Sinuk Kang

Dr Robert C KerstingContinued on page 19

Faculty Center


Broadening the ScopeWestfield Statersquos evolution from lsquoGeography 101rsquo to offerings of social geographic theory

By Claudia Moore OrsquoBrien MEd rsquo00

the geogRaphy and RegIonal plannIng depaRtment (GARP) dates back to 1839 then though it was simply named the Geography Department when Westfield State was incorporated as a normal school Geography during that period was part of the social science curriculum for students studying to be teachers After World War II the number of students in geography courses increased as the number of education majors expanded at Westfield State Geography was still primarily a social science course supporting the educa-tion major In 1957 the Geography Department began an independent expansion In the 1960s several new profes-sors had come on board and added their particular strengths to the curriculum New courses such as Cartography Physical Geography and Regional Geography courses were offered By the late 1970s offerings had grown to include Behavioral Geography Urban Geography Regional Planning Computer Mapping and Transportation Geography a Quantitative Analysis Course and weather-cli-mate programs The Geography Department became the Geography and Regional Planning Department in 1983 and that meant Westfield State was then the only public college in New England offering a regional planning degree The department had come a long way Rather than solely being an elective that supports a degree in education the GARP department now offers a foundation in physi-cal and social geographic theory as well as pragmatic techniques to solve city and envi-ronmental problems Continually expanding the scope of the department the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) center was created Here stu-dents will find a collection of computer-based methods of recording analyzing combining and displaying geographic information such as roads streams habitat types soil types land use zoning traffic patterns demographic data or any other information that can be mapped on the ground

The application of GIS technology is widen-ing beyond its ldquotraditionalrdquo scope of geogra-phy planning and environmental sciences and extends into for example public health social services homeland security law enforcement business and marketing communications and media and political science

The GARP department contrib-utes to the community through many innovative and forward-thinking projects For instance this past November GARP professors Drs Carsten Braun and Michael Vorwerk worked with students who participated in the 8th Annual New England Environmental Research Symposium at Bridgewater State College Westfield had the highest attendance of any New England college or university Other com-munity projects have included working with Habitat for Humanity to build a house in Springfield The students gained an appreciation of nonprofits as well as the ldquoreal liferdquo issue of affordable housing needs in

surrounding communities Another ongoing GARP project is the development of a bike path for Westfield Students walked the proposed bike trail that has a unique trait mdash part of it would be ele-vated through much of downtown Westfield affording folks wide vistas and unique views In addition it would be totally accessible to all while supporting the Collegersquos commit-ment to sustainability by less reliance on gasoline-powered vehicles Classes offered through the GARP depart-ment demonstrate for students the real difference regional planners can make in the world One student for instance completed a map for the Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services nonprofit housing group it was celebrating a 40th anniversary and was in need of a map showing all of the new construction and rehabilitation projects The vision of the GARP department continues to be the education of regional planners who will solve urban and environ-mental problems and shape and protect our communities for the future The department

continues to strive to provide the best course-work equipment and mentoring to reach their goals From all evidence the department is a beacon of success at graduating motivated enthusiastic and community-minded students n

Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk


year The MSW program will offer some courses on line some as hybrids (part on line and part face-to-face) and others in the traditional classroom setting The in-person traditional classes will be offered primarily in the evening to accommodate the work-ing schedules of many students The MSW program curriculum is divided into two parts The first is designed to give students the generalist practice foundation that is common to all social work programs The second part of the Westfield State curriculum is designed to provide students with real-life clinical experience Dr Kersting believes many students will concurrently be employed in social service positions and an MSW will serve to advance their current career Because of this Dr Kersting says ldquoIt creates a student body that is here because students appreci-ate the changing nature of the world They

are not looking to enter the field but for upward mobility in a social work careerrdquo Dr Kersting notes that all faculty will hold an MSW degree with most also having attained a PhD in Social Work They will have been social workers them-selves and bring the real world into their curriculum ldquoWith the Childrenrsquos Behavioral Health Initiative moving forward our first graduating class will find positions in a social service system that is being re-builtrdquo Dr Kersting says The campus community is welcoming the new graduate program ldquoWe have received a great deal of support from the collegerdquo says Dr Kersting ldquoPresident Dobelle Dr Hayes (vice president of aca-demic affairs) Dean Tobin (dean DGCE) have all been very supportive I truly believe we are in the right place at the right time with the right programrdquo n

both political science and criminal justice He expects to graduate with a masterrsquos degree in public administration in 2011 Tobin says the graduate studentsrsquo sole responsibility is to assist in student outreach and recruitment with attention paid to gradu-

ate studies Currently she says the graduate students are ldquoCharged with servicing students before they actually become a graduate stu-dent or Division of Graduate and Continuing Education studentrdquo So far the division has held two open houses and gone to multiple graduate school fairs career fairs and confer-ences During these events the graduate students manned booths at which there was potential for recruitment activity Tobin says the College has a very strong graduate program ldquobut we havenrsquot spent a lot of time getting our name out there We rely on reputationrdquo This is why the gradu-ate students are so relevant ldquoThe reason that they are important is because they are raising a level of awareness about our program and really making people aware of what we offer at the graduate levelrdquo she says ldquoTheyrsquore really awesomerdquo The goal is to bring in as many students as possible Tobin and the College realized that there was a need for active recruitment Tobin says ldquoThere were some of our undergradu-ates that werenrsquot going to be able to find jobs and what better way to help them continue

their education while helping the College at the same time So itrsquos a mutually beneficial relationshiprdquo Hildonen rsquo08 plays an integral part in the new graduate assistant program He says that the main goal of the program is to ldquodevelop the programs in Graduate and Continuing Education and to increase enrollment in our graduate programs as well as our part-time undergraduate programsrdquo All the graduates including Hildonen work full time for the College and attend two graduate classes a semester Hildonen has a dual function work-ing in the Graduate and Continuing Education office as well as with alumni The program tries to boost enrollment by providing one-on-one support to prospective students and Hildonen talks personally and sends e-mails to prospective students answer-ing their questions about the College Hildonen says ldquoWe try to reach out as much as possible Wersquoll continue to do great thingsrdquo n

LeAdiNg THe WAy To SuppoRT CHiLdReN ANd FAMiLieS Continued from page 17

MASTeRFuL gRAduATe pRogRAM Continued from page 10

Kim Tobin

tional and otherwisemdashwith college students in the classroomrdquo he says Dr Jo hopes to teach students more about Asian studies because of the connections and similarities that exist between the United States and Asian countries ldquoThe United States has increasing economic political and cultural ties with many Asian countries It is my desire to help Westfield State students to better understand Asian culture and societies so that they contribute to better rela-tions between the US and Asian countries and they become successful in their careersrdquo he adds As Dr Jo gets acclimated to campus he finds the Faculty Center the perfect venue for socializing and meeting members of the College community ldquoThe Green is my favorite spot on campusrdquo Dr Jo says ldquoAs I walk by on my way to my office after class looking over the space surrounded by pretty buildings it gives me peace ldquoIrsquom happy to be at Westfield Staterdquo he adds n

peRFeCT MATCH Continued from page 14

Athletics


Westfield State Owls Soaring to New HeightsBy Mickey Curtis

duRIng the 2009 fall semesteR Westfield claimed five of seven Massachusetts State College Athletics Conference (MASCAC) championships and participated in two National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Tournaments Here are the major team highlights

bull Womenrsquos soccer won the MASCAC cham-pionship and participated in the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year The Owls posted a superb 16-2-2 record and established a new school standard for victories in a season

bull Womenrsquos volleyball also won the MASCAC title and participated in its first NCAA Tournament nearly upsetting nationally-ranked University of Massachusetts Boston in the opening round

bull Womenrsquos cross country won the MASCAC crown for the sixth straight year

bull Menrsquos cross country won its 23rd overall conference championship

bull The football team won the MASCAC title and finished the season with six straight victories in posting a 7-3 record The Owls excelled defensively leading the nation in three defensive categories

bull The menrsquos soccer team placed second in the conference losing 1-0 in the MASCAC cham-pionship game

bull The Owlsrsquo success on the playing fields has not come on suddenly but it just keeps getting better Westfield has won two of the past three Smith Cup crowns awarded annually to the top athletics program in the MASCAC And during the 2008-2009

academic year Westfield State placed second in the Smith Cup by less than a point Westfield Athletics Director Richard Lenfest says a total team effort has been key in the continual improvement of Owl athletics ldquoPresident Evan Dobelle and the senior administration have been very supportiverdquo says Lenfest who was hired as athletics direc-tor in June of 2005 ldquoThe winning is conta-gious There is a lot of camaraderie amongst the teamsrdquo Other winning factors are a stable and hard-working coaching and athletics administration staff beautiful indoor and outdoor athletics facilities and student athletes who also excel in the classroom Fifty-six percent of the 453 student athletes earned grade point averages of 30 or higher during the 2009 fall semester ldquoWe are proud of our studentsrsquo academic


successrdquo says Lenfest ldquoWe offer study halls to all first-year student athletes and the faculty has continued to be supportive providing feedback on how student athletes are pro-gressing in the classroomrdquo Winning teams generally have outstanding athletes and Westfield State is no exception During the past 10 months Westfield athletes have earned six All-American honors And dur-ing the fall semester there were five MASCAC players of the year three conference rookies of the year and six All-New England selections Womenrsquos cross country star Kerry Arouca (See related story above) earned her second All-America certificate when she placed 19th in the NCAA Division III national championships She finished third in the 3000-meter steeple-chase at the 2009 outdoor track and field

national finals Josh Mathieu capped an incredible colle-giate football career by being selected a first-team All-American The senior defensive back also was chosen as the New England Division II and III defensive player of the year Mathieu led the NCAA Division III in passes defended The Owl football team had two All-Americans as junior punter Chris Stengel was an honor-able mention selection Senior soccer star Meg Gearin was named the Eastern College Athletics Conference (ECAC) New England Division III offensive player of the year Gearin was the MASCAC player of the year along with senior Stephanie Bartkus of the volleyball team Bartkus also was honored for her academic excellence as she was selected to the district All-Academic vol-

leyball team with a 391 grade point average Arouca and Westfield freshman John Dacey placed first in the MASCAC cross country championships to earn runner of the year hon-ors MASCAC rookies of the year were Dacey Leeann Rivard (womenrsquos soccer) and Alyssa Stankowski (volleyball) ldquoWe are extremely proud of what our teams and athletes have accomplishedrdquo says Lenfest ldquoAnd we are excited about the future Our goals are to consistently excel on the confer-ence regional and national levels A first-class athletics program is one way to showcase that Westfield is an exceptional collegerdquo n

Future Goals Beckon Arouca By Jessica Gray rsquo10

gRaduatIon Is not the end for Kerry Arouca the Westfield State senior who earned All-American honors at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III national womenrsquos cross country champion-ships last fall at the Highland Park Golf Course in Cleveland Ohio Arouca plans to continue her hard work by furthering her education in graduate school She will be studying to earn a masterrsquos degree so she can teach physical education and she credits the Westfield State movement science department with helping her achieve her goals in the demanding major ldquoThe movement science department has helped me stay on top of things throughout my four years at Westfield State They really care about their students and do everything they can to help them succeedrdquo Arouca says Another factor she considers an asset to her education is her participation in running Itrsquos clear by looking at her athletic achievements that Arouca is accustomed to hard work She earned All-American honors by plac-ing third in the 3000-meter Steeplechase event at the 2009 NCAA Division III outdoor track and field championships She earned an All-American certificate placing 19th in

the NCAA Division III national cross country championships And Arouca placed first in the Massachusetts State College Athletics Conference (MASCAC) cross country champi-onships to earn runner of the year honors ldquoFrom the time she was a freshman to her

senior year she worked hard year roundrdquo says Westfield State Cross Country Coach Bill Devine Any doubts that Arouca will stop running once she graduates can be set aside ldquoI really have fallen in love with racing and hope to find a team I can join I canrsquot imagine not being part of a team anymorerdquo Arouca says crediting the group dynamic with inspir-ing her to run ldquoGoing to practice every day for me is fun and I look forward to itrdquo she says ldquoWhen I am at home and have to run on my own it becomes more of a chore and itrsquos tough to stay motivatedrdquo As for her coaches she says ldquoThe coaches are amazing at Westfield State They know what theyrsquore talking about and they truly care about their athletesrsquo successes I have learned so much from my coachesrdquo It is easy to see that with her enthusiasm and great work ethic Arouca will continue to excel in her education and in racing She lives up to her favorite quote by legendary runner Steve Prefontaine ldquoTo give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the giftrdquo n

Kerry Arouca rsquo10

Athletics


Elite Care for Elite AthletesBy Janice Ripley Beetle rsquo85

oRthopedIc suRgeon Dr Jonathan Fallon has cared for professional hockey players and Red Sox minor leaguers Now in addition to his work at Hampshire Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in Northampton and Westfield Dr Fallon is caring for Westfield Statersquos athletes This is yet another mark of excel-lence on the Collegersquos part as Dr Fallon has a wide-ranging reputa-tion and extensive experience in sports medicine and innovative arthroscopic surgery Affiliated with Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton where he performs surgeries on injured College ath-letes and other patients Dr Fallon is the first physician to perform a reverse total shoulder arthro-plasty the newest option in joint replacement of the shoulder and he is the only orthopedic surgeon in the Pioneer Valley performing arthroscopic hip surgery Hip arthroscopy Dr Fallon says is a joint-sparing procedure It offers a minimally invasive surgical option with the benefit of a shorter more complete recovery than more invasive open procedures around the hip ldquoIt also has the potential to delay or prevent the onset of hip arthritisrdquo he said Young and middle-aged athletes mdash from the elite to the amateur mdash benefit from this minimally invasive hip procedure Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (RTSA) offers an option to older patients mdash or those with severe arthritis mdash who are in pain and otherwise would not be safe candidates for traditional shoulder replacement Cheryl Lee the Collegersquos head athletic train-er says Dr Fallon has been a great addition to the sports medicine team because in the past the athletic program did not have a specific orthopedic surgeon to whom injured students were referred There were often week-long waits before athletes could be seen Dr Fallon

sets aside Wednesdays for Westfield Statersquos student athletes and works out of his practicersquos Westfield office on those days Dr Fallon isnrsquot just involved with students in the operating and recovery rooms though He has also been in the classroom Professor Bill Miller director of Athletic Training Education in the movement science department says Dr Fallon presented a talk on ldquoFunctional Anatomy of the Shoulderrdquo in November 2009 ldquoDr Fallon did an exceptional job interact-ing with the Athletic Training studentsrdquo Miller says ldquoHe made sure that each student was involved with the ensuing discussion His presentation style really helped the students learn and synthesize the functional anatomy of a very complex joint of the bodyrdquo Miller adds that students commented to

him after the lecture that they appreciated having an orthopedic surgeonrsquos view of anatomical function Dr Fallon is one of several phy-sicians who present to students each academic year Dr Michael Woods of Pioneer Spine and Sport Physicians serves as the medical director for this program and a variety of health care profession-als mdash from physical therapists to physician assistants mdash present on a regular basis Students have shadowed Dr Woods in his office to gain additional experience and Lee says the hope is that students will eventually shadow Dr Fallon in the operating room at Cooley Dickinson Hospital Lee says Dr Fallon was brought into the Collegersquos athletics program by happenstance ldquoIn conversation at a softball game at Worcester State last spring the head athletic trainer there Jess Meany told me that Dr Fallon was heading out to western Massrdquo Lee says ldquoShe said great things about his skills as a doctor as well as his personalityrdquo

Dr Fallon recently completed a fellowship in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center During this fellowship Fallon helped care for the Boston Red Sox minor league players and professional hockey players from the New Jersey Devils while acting as a team physician He has a masterrsquos degree in biomedical sci-ence that focused on the functional anatomy of the shoulder Says Lee ldquoHe has been excellent in com-municating to me and my staff regarding athletesrsquo injuries The athletes that have seen Dr Fallon had good things to say about him They were appreciative of his explanations to them about their injuriesrdquo n

Dr Jonathan Fallon


Westfield State Athletics Puts lsquoFunrsquo Back in Fundraising


athletIcs can be fun and rewarding So too can raising funds for the Athletics Program Westfield State College uses several means for supporting its excellent sports programs mdash the Owl Club and hosting high school championships among them These efforts benefit the Collegersquos student athletes Owl Club mem-bers and those in the surrounding community as well The Owl Clubrsquos mission state-ment is ldquoTo support the needs of our student athletes through both financial support of the depart-ment and through activities that build team spirit and the visibility and reputation of Westfield State College and its athletic programsrdquo The Owl Club which is almost four years old is overseen by the Senior Development Coordinator for Athletics Dave Caspole rsquo94 The club is open to any-one though it attracts mostly alumni to join members make an annual gift with a host of benefits that are commensurate with the gift Benefits begin at the $100 level but gifts of any size are welcome The club provides a great opportunity for alumni to get together and participate in activities like the Owl Clubrsquos annual golf tournament this tournament draws an ever-increasing crowd and even garners student interest and participation that gives former and current students the chance to meet and interact The 2010 Owl Club Golf Tournament is scheduled for Aug 2 at the Ranch Golf Club in Southwick Other annual benefits include free admis-sion to home athletic events invitations to hospitality events preferred parking for home football games and mdash at the top giving

level mdash a Woodward Center membership card for the use of the fitness facilities The Owl Club typically hosts hospitality events when Westfieldrsquos teams are in NCAA or conference tournament play mdash inviting parents alumni and friends to come out and cheer for the Owls

The Owl Clubrsquos volunteer board includes dedicated alum-ni business leaders and staff members who have a strong interest in seeing Westfieldrsquos athletics programs thrive Proceeds from the Owl Club are allocated to benefit the teams by Athletics Director Richard Lenfest The proceeds help to offset expenses not cov-ered by the state budget and to enhance the teams and student athletesrsquo experiences supporting them in achieving their athletic goals The athletic department also raises money by hosting high school championships Westfield State hosted the Western Massachusetts Boysrsquo and Girlsrsquo Soccer Championships and four

football championships in 2009 The high school football finals drew more than 4000 spectators in one day and the College will host the state high school track and field champion-ship in June The supervisor of Westfield Public School Athletics Physical Education and Intramurals Karen (Pawlishen) Gomez a Westfield State graduate class of rsquo98 is thankful for the opportunity the College presents for the high school students ldquoOur students get to see what the College is mdash how great of a resource a great community partnerrdquo said Gomez These events and activities not only provide fun and entertainment for many they also help student athletes grow in their sports and college careers To learn more about the Owl Club or to join visit wscmaeduowlclub n

A scene from the Owl Clubrsquos annual golf outing

David Caspole rsquo94

Alumni News and Notes


We have had a wonderful first year

under the direction of President Suzanne

Boniface Now it is time for the 2010-2011

election process to begin We need you to

run for the executive council of our associa-

tion This revitalized group will continue to

work to improve the Westfield State alumni

experience for all graduate and non-gradu-

ate alumni Please consider volunteering

to serve You can find more information at

wwwwestfieldalumniorg or by email-

ing Kathi Bradford at kbradfordwsc

maedu You may nominate another alum

or self-nominate

The Election Timeline for 2010-2011 is

Aug 20-Sept 11 Call for Nominations

Sept 13-24 On line voting

Sept 27-Oct 1 Run-off election if needed

Oct 6 Announcement of the 2010-2011 newly elected council members

Oct 23 Annual Alumni Association Business Meeting at Homecoming 2010

In addition to elected positions on the

council we have many openings to serve

as a committee member on one of our

committees Each of these committees

works hand-in-hand with the council and

the Office of Alumni Relations to make your

alumni experience better These com-

mittees include Academic and Life Long

Learning Homecoming and Association

Events Multicultural Young Alumni

Reunions and Class Events Please contact

Kathi if you are interested in joining We

need your input to be successful

If serving on the Alumni Executive Council

seems like too much right now please

consider volunteering to serve as a chair

of a regional group like the Greater Boston

Westfield Alumni Chapter or another

chapter near you A great opportunity to

gather your friends and other alumni to

create fun low-cost events We are also

seeking chairs for affinity groups like the

Central Massachusetts Young Alumni or the

Westfield State Criminal Justice Alumni or

even Alumni of Westfield Musical Theatre

Guild As you can see we will support

almost any group that relates to the cam-

pus and brings alumni together

Ideas Suggestions Please share them with

Kathi at kbradfordwscmaedu mdash or con-

tact us at (413) 572-5404 Looking forward

to hearing from you

CALL FoR DisTinguisheD ALuMniOur Awards Scholarship and Recognition

Committee of the Westfield State Alumni

Association is seeking nominations for

Distinguished Alumni Do you have an

alumni roommate partner spouse or friend

who has done something unique special or

impactful in their community the country

or the world Do you know someone who

has served Westfield State College in a vol-

unteer capacity that has gone above and

beyond the work of others Please share

their story with us and look for informa-

tion about upcoming recognition events

during Homecoming 2010 Please contact

Paul Nesbit at pnesbit101aolcom or the

alumni team at alumniwscmaedu

WesTFieLD sTATe ALuMni AssoCiATion uPDATe

L to R Kerry Lyons rsquo08 Kate Quigley rsquo09 Beverley Zipper rsquo86 Alumni Trustee Sylvia Abar rsquo71 rsquo75 Representative to Foundation Paul Nesbit rsquo84 President

Suzanne Boniface rsquo92 Joe DiPierro rsquo08 President-Elect Ryan OrsquoConnell rsquo07 Paul Lunn rsquo99 Eileen Rockwal rsquo91 Steve Dailey rsquo95 Cheryl Vieira rsquo08 Tracey Innella

Pinto rsquo85 Aaron Morris rsquo02 rsquo08 Kelli Nielsen rsquo04 Kerri Ann Bennett rsquo09 and Janice Humason rsquo89


Alumni Admission Volunteer Program

Looking for a way to give back to your

Alma Mater

Westfield Statersquos Admission office is

looking for enthusiastic and dedicated

Alumni to participate in a newly formed

Alumni Admission Volunteer Program at

Westfield This program is a new initiative

to help increase Westfield Statersquos visibil-

ity throughout the commonwealth and

beyond Through this program alumni will

have the chance to help in the recruit-

ment and enrollment of undergraduate

students by interacting with prospective

students and families at college fairs and

high schools in their local area Prospective

students enjoy speaking with alumni to

gain an appreciation for campus life and

learn how Westfield has influenced their

life and career beyond graduation There

is no better indicator of the value of a

Westfield State education than the success

of its alumni We are looking for alums to

volunteer in all counties in Massachusetts

as well as in many out-of-state locations

where we hope to spread the word about

the wonderful opportunities available at

Westfield We intend to start prior to the

beginning of the 2010-2011 academic year

so we encourage you to be in touch with

us to express your interest The admis-

sion office will provide training materi-

als and support to all alumni admission

volunteers The program is also an excel-

lent way to stay connected to the College

boost your resume and network with other

Westfield Alums If you are interested

in this new initiative or would like more

information please contact Kathi Bradford

at kbradfordwscmaedu Please take

this opportunity to give back to your

Alma Mater

The WsC Career Mentor Program

The Westfield State Career Mentor Program

is designed to help students explore their

occupational options We need alumni

who are willing to share career information

and offer practical timely career advice

We currently have more than 80 mentors

from various professions but we are always

looking for more Please consider helping

a Westfield State student by joining today

at wwwwscmaeduCurrent_Students

Career_ServicesALUMNIALUMNIhtml

For more information please email

Kelly Galanis at kgalaniswscmaedu

Thank you

What costs less than a pack of cigarettes or six-pack a dinner out a movie date or even a day trip somewhere Your donation to Westfield state College

Did you know that your donation regard-

less of the amount is very important to the

campus Because of the number of alumni

who individually donated anywhere from

$1 (in cash or by attending an event) to

over $12000 our campusrsquo rating in US

News and World report moved up from the

fourth to third tier Please consider making

a donation today Our goal is to increase

our alumni giving from 115 percent to 15

percent this year so every alumni donation

is important

online giving An easy way to support students while they take the Westfield Journey to success

Log onto wwwwscmaedu and click the

ldquoGiving Treerdquo There you will have the

opportunity to help make a studentrsquos

dreams of a College education come true

There are many scholarships and programs

that you can support

bullJoan FullerUrban Education mdash Support Inner City Students

bullAmosFranco Scholarship mdash Support Diversity Education at Westfield State

bullDaryl AlbertrsquoCY Scholarship mdash Support Non-traditional Students

bullInternational Education mdash Support a Studentrsquos transformational experience

bullOwl Club mdash Support Student Athletes

and many more

In these hard times your gift will never

make a bigger impact than right now

Looking for new Westfield Attire

If you are looking for something new

for your or a special gift for your favorite

alum please consider purchasing the NEW

Westfield State Alumni sweatshirt These

high-quality hoodies are made using the

best material and will keep you warm all

winter long The navy hoodies feature

Westfield State College screen printed

neWs AnD oPPoRTuniTies FRoM ALuMni ReLATions



in the Collegersquos colors on the front and

Alumni on the top of the hooded piece and

are made by Champion You can find pho-

tographs of it on our alumni site at http

wwwwestfieldalumniorgsweatshirts

staying in touch

If you would like more frequent informa-

tion from the Alumni Relations office

please send in the attached reply card with

your updated information Please print your

e-mail address clearly so we can add you

to the database for monthly updates on

events activities and association news You

can also reconnect with us on the Westfield

Alumni Fan page or Westfield State Alumni

Group on Facebook In addition we are

also found on Twitter at WestfieldState

or on Linked In by joining the Westfield

State College group Our goal is 15000

e-mail addresses so please reconnect with

us right away Questions Contact Kathi

Bradford at kbradfordwscmaedu

Class Agents Wanted

We are looking for a few good alumni

who would like to serve as Class

Agents mdash individuals responsible for

finding and sharing the news of their

fellow classmates for inclusion in Focus

magazine If you are interested in becom-

ing a Class Agent please contact Kelly

Galanis at kgalaniswscmaedu for more

information

uPCoMing eVenTs

Westfield state College Foundation inc scholarship golf Classic

Thursday June 24 2010 Crestview Country Club Agawam

For more information contact Brent Bean at

(413) 572-5636 or bbeanwscmaedu

Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010

Celebrating the classes of 1970 and 1985

Reunion Weekend 2010 will be held on

the campus of Westfield State Currently

reunions are being planned for the classes

of 1970 and 1985 If you are celebrating

a significant reunion this year and would

like to get your classmates together for

this exciting weekend please contact

Kathi Bradford at kbradfordwscmaedu

or (413) 572-5404

Annual Alumni summer Retreat

July 23-25 2010

Westfield State College

If you are interested in attending the

Westfield State Alumni Association Annual

retreat to assist with our strategic planning

process please contact Dave LaRocque at

dlarocquewscmaedu or 413-572-8356

Space is limited so please reply early

4th Annual owl Club golf Tournament

Monday Aug 2 2010

The Ranch Golf Club Southwick

This popular event sold out last year and

we expect slots will fill up quickly For

more information contact Dave Caspole at

(413) 572-8198 or dcaspolewscmaedu

All proceeds benefit Westfield State

College athletics

Tanglewood

Saturday Aug 14 2010

830 pm

Tickets are $45 and include inside seating and light appetizersOne of the seasonrsquos most popular tradi-tions the annual Film Night concert is a celebration of music from the movies In his 30th summer at Tanglewood John Williams presents a memorable evening that recreates some of the great musical moments in Hollywood history Please contact Kathi Bradford at kbradford wscmaedu

The MAsTeRs FesTiVAL oF The ARTs Westfieldrsquos first 8-week summer festival

celebrating masters of the visual and per-

forming arts

June 22- August 15 2010

TheATRe

Westfield State College Foundationrsquos 3rd annual season of professional Summer Theatre Produced in association with Actors Company and Actors Equity Association (AEA)

Two exceptional plays by David Mamet

Ely Studio Theatre Ely Hall Westfield State College

American Buffalo

800 pm Wednesdays thru Saturdays June 23-26

800 pm Wednesdays thru Sat June 30ndashJuly 2

200 pm matinee Saturday July 3

800 pm Wednesdays thru Saturdays July 7-10

Boston Marriage


800 pm Thursday thru Saturday August 5-7

200 pm matinee Saturday August 7

800 pm Wednesdays thru Saturdays Aug 11-14

Tickets $20 general admission $15 for seniors students alumni and employees of WSC $5 off with ticket stub from Chester Theatre Company Chester MA


MusiC

Hot Jazz Weekend Thursday July 15-Sunday July 18

730 pm Thursday July 15 ndash Free Kick-off concert in downtown Westfield

800 pm Friday and Saturday July 16 and 17

300pm Sunday July 18

Presented in Ely Studio Theatre Ely Hall Westfield State College

Cool Classical Weekend Friday July 23-Sunday July 25


300 pm Sunday July 25


Tickets $15 general admission $10 for seniors students alumni and employees WSC

ART

American Works on Paper 1800ndashPresent

Works from the Spanierman Gallery New York New York

The Arno Maris Gallery June 26- August 15

Opening Reception Thursday June 26 600-800pm

Tuesdays thru Saturdays 200-500 pm

700 ndash 800 pm on Music and Theatre evenings

Jasmina Danowski North South East and West of the Pecos June 29-August 14

Artist Reception Thursday July 10 600-800pm

WSC Foundation Downtown Art Gallery

105 Elm Street Downtown Westfield


Eastern Lights Susan Urban June 29- August 14 Works from the Polish Tradition

WSC Foundation Downtown Art Gallery II

Artist Reception July 22 600-800



FiLM (TenTATiVe)

Alfred hitchcock Classics of the Fifties

Special Lecture Dinner and SHOW Thursday July 29 at Piccolorsquos

Monday July 19 ndash Thursday July 22

Lange Auditorium Westfield Athenaeum 6 Elm Streetndash630 pm

Piccolorsquos Ristorante 115 Elm Streetndash900 pm

TAgLine ConTesTWho is the best person to write our

Westfield State Alumni Associationrsquos new

tag line but one of our very own alumni

Thatrsquos why we are asking our alumni to put

on their creative thinking caps and come

up with a snazzy tag line for our newly

revitalized Alumni Association Use your

imagination ndash the skyrsquos the limit The new

tag line should be less than 10 words and

should incorporate the thoughts of alumni

and Westfield State The winner will be

chosen by the Executive Council of the

Alumni Association will be recognized at

Homecoming 2010 and will win a fabulous

prize Entries must be received by Sept

1 All entries may be e-mailed to Beverley

Zipper rsquo86 at beverleyzcomcastnet We

look forward to reading your ideas

hoMeCoMing 2010 is hAPPening oCT 23 2010Join Alumni and Friends as we gather once again under the tent for food fun and

friends Cheer on the Fighting Owls and reconnect with your classmates while you laugh

about the good old days Visit wwwwestfieldalumniorghomecoming for updates

shARe YouR e-MAiLWestfield State is going green and we are

asking alumni to help

Please send us your e-mail address so we

can cut down on paper mailings This way

you can continue to receive all of our excit-

ing alumni news and event information

while helping our environment When we

get your e-mail address we will enter your

name into a contest to win a great basket

drawing to be held at Homecoming 2010

Please send to updates to alumniwsc

maedu Thanks for going green


Class Notes

1975Joseph Carvalho III president

of the Springfield Museums

was recently featured in the

Sunday Republican The article

highlighted the museumsrsquo two

milestones mdash the 75th anniver-

sary of the Michelle amp Donald

DrsquoAmour Museum of Fine Arts

and the opening of the new

Museum of Springfield History

1977Michael Booth recently passed

the exam to become a certified

professional electrical estimator

(CPE) from the American Society

of Professional Estimators CPEs

promote education in the field

of estimating professionalism

and high ethical standards

Michael works for Skanska USA

as a senior electrical estimator

focusing on health care facili-

ties and secondary education

facilities He lives in the Seattle

Washington area

Joseph McGivern was success-

fully re-elected as a city coun-

cilor in Holyoke a position he

has held since 1980 He was also

named Grand Marshall of the

2010 Holyoke St Patrickrsquos Day

Parade

1978Westfield State alumni Bob

Benn Bob Mayo Tim Sicard

Joe Seckler rsquo79 and Jack Mosko

participated in the Jimmy Fundrsquos

Boston Marathon Walk on Sept

13 2009 The group completed

the 262-mile walk while raising

more than $8000 for cancer

research ranking among the top

fundraisers at the walk

Michael D Bissonnette was

successfully re-elected as mayor

of Chicopee

Charles ldquoChuckrdquo Watts just com-

pleted his fourth year as director

of the 10th District Juvenile

Court Services Unit Virginia

Department of Juvenile Justice

Chuck reports that he could

retire but is having too much fun

to even think about it He was

the 2005 recipient of the Virginia

Juvenile Justice Associationrsquos

Meritorious Service Award in the

category of Court Services He is

pictured above with his eldest

daughter at her wedding in

October 2008

1979Donna (Celona) Hill has been

honored as the 2009-10

Wisconsin Educational Services

Administrator of the Year Donna

began her career in education as

a classroom teacher for 14 years

then moved into administra-

tion as director of pupil services

in the Prescott School District

for eight years and has served

as director of personnel for the

school district of River Falls for

the past six years

1983George Chappelle was appoint-

ed to Solo Cup Company Chief

Operating Officer after previ-

ously working for the Sara Lee

Corporation where he held

senior leadership positions in

operations and information

technology

1984Patrick Kennedy is the director

of the exceptionally talented

Westfield High School march-

ing band who is very active at

the Eastern States Exposition

and the Holyoke St Patrickrsquos

Day Parade The band recently

was host to the Albany Georgia

Marine Band and the high school

band enjoyed a workshop with

the Marine Band

1985John Aho reports that he has

been happily married to his wife

since 1987 and they have been

blessed with three wonder-

ful children mdash two currently in

college and one in high school

John is an active duty Marine

Colonel with over 24 years

commissioned time working in

Washington DC John would

love to hear from his old friends

and classmates

Glenn Corbett and his wife

Carolyn (Dacey) rsquo84 tragically

lost their oldest daughter Kristen

in a car accident in Austin Texas

where she attended college

Glenn and Carolyn were simply

touched and amazed by the

overwhelming support found

through their loyal friends at

Westfield State An email written

by Kathleen (Hardy) Corbett rsquo84

to the Westfield State College

circle of friends had a major

impact on Glenn and Carolyn

Glenn wrote to us at Focus

to share his thoughts saying

ldquoKathleenrsquos email says it all

about the group of unbelievable

people (close friends) we have

made because of our attendance

at Westfield State College Most

of us on the list graduated in rsquo84

and rsquo85 And almost everyone on

that list married someone they

met at Westfield State There

was also another 100 friends

literally that have been support-

ing us and that showed up at

our house and the funeral I love

Westfield State and had the four

best years of my life there and I

Jimmy Fund


believe every one of our friends

would agree with that alsordquo

Members of the class of 1985 hold

an annual gathering to reconnect

and catch up with their friends from

Westfield State College Pictured

are Tracy Innella Pinto Kate Tracchia OrsquoMalley Colleen Mosson Carlucci Lorraine Marshall Welch Nancy Emsley Michaud Darlene Lanpher Schmidt and Genie Kellogg Hegarty This year the Class of 1985

is celebrating its 25th reunion on cam-

pus the weekend of June 25-27

1986Patrice Stribling Nelson is

a classical pianist who has

appeared with a number of

symphony orchestras across

the US She has also conducted

choir performances at venues all

across the country including St

Patrickrsquos Cathedral in New York

and in 1991 for President and

Mrs Bush Queen Elizabeth and

Prince Philip An award-winning

veteran of professional and col-

lege theatre she has also served

as music director in theatres

from California to New York A

native of Merced California she

returned in 2005 after a 27-year

absence to open the Stribling

Nelson Music Studio She is the

founding director of the Merced

Childrenrsquos Choir at Merced

College and is a licensed and cer-

tified instructor of Musikgarten

1987

Derryll Brudzinski is a talented

artist focusing on sculpting

pottery and painting His work is

on display at the Domestic Blend

Fine Art Gallery in Rockland

Maine Derryll explains his

inspiration ldquoMy search for the

mystery and origins of original

ideas has finally resulted in some

interesting observations The

vocabulary to describe what I am

doing had to evolve simultane-

ously with the physical manifes-

tations of my efforts Tangible

objects were born out of this

journey however my interest

is almost exclusively about pro-

cessrdquo Visit wwwdomesticblend-

productionscom to view Derryllrsquos

original creations

1988

Marian J McGovern was appoint-

ed by Governor Deval Patrick

as the next superintendent and

colonel of the Massachusetts

State Police Marian will be the

first female to hold the position

in the Commonwealthrsquos his-

tory She received a bachelor

of arts in criminal justice from

Framingham State College and

a master of science in criminal

justice from Westfield State

College Marian was awarded

the Breaking the Glass Ceiling

Award by the National Center

for Women and Policing She

is also the recipient of the

Distinguished Law Enforcement

Award from Blue Mass Diocese

of Worcester ldquoOver the past

30 years Marian McGovern has

performed with distinction at

every level of service as a sworn

member of the Massachusetts

State Policerdquo said Governor

Patrick ldquoThis experience has

fully prepared her to move this

critical agency forwardrdquo Marianrsquos

three-decade long career with

the state police began at the

rank of Trooper in 1979 She

has served as a detective led

the detective unit assigned to

the Worcester County District

Attorneyrsquos Office and served as a

major in the crime lab where she

helped develop the CODIS Unit

She has also served as deputy

commander of training headed

the Division of Standards and

Training as a lieutenant colonel

and served as deputy superin-

tendent since January of 2009

ldquoIt is an honor to have spent 30

years working for the greatest

law enforcement agency in the

worldrdquo said Lt Col McGovern

ldquohellipthe culmination of those

years and achieving the rank of

colonel and superintendent of

the Massachusetts State Police

is the greatest accomplishment I

could have ever hoped forrdquo

Marlene J Midura worked as

a Library Media Tech Specialist

for the Chicopee School System

recently retiring in August 2009

Marlenersquos employer the PE

Bowe School named its library

after her in honor of her 37 years

of service The library is now

known as the Marlene McAdam

Midura Library

1989David L Dupont was selected

as the new Holyoke superinten-

dent after being a long-term

city educator including principal

of Holyoke High School Dean

Technical High School and John

J Lynch Middle School He

received his masterrsquos degree in

education from Westfield State

College in 1989

1990Erin Xenos of Holden was named

Employee of the Year at Fairlawn

Rehabilitation Hospital Erin

has served as the hospitalrsquos

Human Resources Coordinator

since 2005 The award is given


Class Notes

to an employee who exempli-

fies teamwork the pursuit of

excellence and dedication to

improving the lives of patients

and families She lives in Holden

with her husband Sean and

their two sons Shane and

Trevor

1991A group of alumni from the

1990s is pictured at top of page

These alumni get together the

day after Thanksgiving for their

traditional dinner at Mortonrsquos

in Boston The group led by Bill

Chase and Jack Doherty rsquo90 has

been doing this for more than

10 years as a way to make sure

they get together annually

1993Buddy Dunworth is currently

living in Texas and is assistant

principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field

since 1999 received his masters

degree in educational admin-

istration in 2005 and is a proud

father of two children Peyton

and Emma

Domenic J Sarno successfully

won his bid for re-election for

the Mayor of Springfield

1995Heather Beaudreau is a reg-

istered nurse at North Adams

Regional Hospital

1997David Reniere is currently a

Captain in the National Guard

deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career

in the National Guard He is still

employed as a Lieutenant for the

Massachusetts Department of

Corrections and has been mar-

ried to his wife Christine since

1996 They have two children

Mikey age 11 and Shawn age 7

1998Erica Keaney just completed

two years as the Honorary

Commander for the 33rd

Fighter Wing 728 Air Control

Squadron at Eglin Airforce

base in Northwest Florida The

program pairs community lead-

ers with wing leaders to forge

relationships and uses creative

unique activities to immerse

Honorary Commanders in many

of the activities of the airmen

and their Air Force mission

such as water survival train-

ing flights in the F-15 Eagle

fighter and KC-135 Tanker The

Honorary Commanders Program

is designed to increase the

understanding of the Wing and

Air Force missions

1999James M Leahy was elected to

the Holyoke City Councilor-at-

large position for the 2009 elec-

tion He has held this position

from 2000 to present

2001Dr Eric St Pierre will serve in the 2010 Winter Olympics as a member of the US Olympic medical staff for the short track speed skating team

2003Stephen Hale recently became Principal of Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham He earned his masterrsquos degree in education

from Westfield State and his bachelors of science in second-ary and middle school education from Springfield College

2004Kiera Milewski has recently joined the Peace Corps and will be going to Guatemala as a mar-keting facilitator in sustainable agriculture She lives in Granby

2007Maura Donlan was hired as the new second grade teacher at Holbrookrsquos Kennedy Elementary School after recently moving back from San Diego California where she lived for two years

Joshua Robinson has been hired as the new dean of students at Windsor Locks High School in Windsor Locks Connecticut Joshua has been working in edu-cation for the past eight years most recently as assistant prin-cipal at Chestnut Accelerated Middle School in Springfield

2008Patrick Logan was recently featured on the front page of The Boston Globe in a feature story discussing recent college graduatesrsquo decision to enlist in the Army Patrick enlisted in November 2009

2009John Waynelovich has joined the five-piece rockpop band Barefoot Truth as a full-time pianist The bandrsquos CD release is slated for Feb 16 2010 and a US Tour is planned For more information on John and Barefoot Truth visit wwwbare-foottruthcom


WeDDings

1998Diane Jean Chouinard married

Philip Frogameni Jr on Aug 1

The couple lives in Springfield

2000Tara Lynn Colligan married

Jeffrey Steven Podolak on May

23 The couple lives in Westfield

2001

Colleen (OrsquoNeil) Monahan mar-

ried Ryan Monahan on April 26

2008

2002Jennifer Lynn Butcher became

the bride of Jessie D Costa on

Aug 7 2009 She is currently

pursuing her masterrsquos degree at

Westfield State

2003Christopher Anthony Allie mar-

ried Jennifer Rose Engelmeyer

on Oct 8 The couple lives in

Papillion Nebraska

Allison M Willett became the

bride of Matthew A Radon on

Sept 25 2009

2006Kathleen Sarah McKee married

Jacob Paul Wojcik on Aug 9 The

couple lives in Russell

Kathryn Rose Schultz married

Zachary James Scherr on Aug 15

The couple lives in Palmer

2007Johanna Kristen Masotti mar-

ried Travis Robert Searles on

June 19 Joanna is a teacher for

Agawam Public Schools and

Travis currently attends Western

New England School of Law

while working at his family com-

pany International Container

Company The couple lives in

Agawam

2010Jeanette Bonneville married

Andrew Brennan on Aug 30 The

couple lives in Springfield

BiRThs

1991Lisa (Tetrault) Zhe and her hus-

band Mike are proud parents of

a son Brennan Charles Zhe born

July 15 2009 Brennan has one

brother Tyler

1997

Cory Dion and Laura (Pereira)

Dion rsquo98 welcomed a baby boy

Nicholas on Feb 12 2009

1999Kathleen (Gannon) Ammendolia

and Nicholas Ammendolia rsquo01

are pleased to announce the

birth of their daughter Georgia

Kathleen She was born on June

8 2008

2000

Sam Venator and his wife Kristin welcomed their second child Samantha on Dec 2 She was welcomed home by her big brother Sean

DeAThs

Faculty staff and FriendsRaymond C Kurowski 69 passed away on Nov 28 2009 He was employed as the pro-duction director for Sodexho Food Service at Westfield State College retiring in 2006

Leon J Toporowski 62 passed away on Dec 11 2009 He was employed as a custodian for Westfield State College for 25 years retiring in July 2009

John F Korzenecki 92 passed away Oct 25 2009 For decades he coached boys and girls alike countless Westfield State College students In 1975 the city of Westfield named him Man of the Year in recognition of athletic achievements and community involvement

1935Edith French passed away on June 22 2009

1936Anna Cronin 94 passed away on July 8 2009 She was the first woman from Holyoke to enlist in the US Navy

1937Agatha M Sarat 94 passed away on Dec 29 2009

1938Eunice H Sudentas 93 passed away on Oct 3 2009 She received her bachelorrsquos degree in education from Westfield State College

1943Dorothy M Marshall 88 passed away on Sept 21 2009

1950Kathleen F Knightly 80 passed away on July 6 2009 She graduated from Westfield State College in 1950 and taught in the Holyoke Public System for 39 years

1951Daniel W Rust 82 passed away on Oct 28 2009

1958Joan M Rapisarda 72 passed away on March 8 2009 She earned her bachelorrsquos degree from Westfield State College in Education with a focus on music studies as a minor She was a certified hypnotherapist and a master practitioner of neuro-linguistitcs

1961Gregory J Wrinn passed away on Nov 14 2009

Class Notes


1962Mary C Fitzpatrick passed away on Dec 26 2009 She received her masterrsquos degree in speech therapy from Westfield State College

1963William Hannifin 75 passed away Oct 12 2009

1964Karalee Joyce Eastman Stoneburner 67 passed away on Nov 20 2009

Edward J Lynch 87 passed away Nov 14 2009

1969James L Burns Sr passed away on Oct 25 2009 in Florida He received his bachelorrsquos degree from Westfield State College in 1969

Claressa Wilson passed away on Dec 17 2009 in her home in Sacramento California She received a masterrsquos degree from

Westfield State College and taught for more than 35 years

1973Jane Ourand passed away on Feb 20 2010

1971Robert Bilodeau 72 passed away on Dec 11 2009 He was a US Army veteran and graduated from Westfield State College with a masterrsquos degree in education

1974Whitney A Ralph 58 passed away on Oct 17 2009

1975Kristen M Andrews passed away on Dec 20 2009

Stanley J Miles Jr passed away on July 16 2009 He graduated in 1995 from Westfield State College with a degree in history

Russell Bousquet passed away on Nov 10 2009 He received

his masterrsquos degree in education from Westfield State College

1978Stephen M Schwaber 53 passed away on Dec 29 2009 He received his bachelorrsquos degree from Westfield State College in 1978

1989Stephen William Benoit 42 passed away on July 13 2009

1990Joseph James Paul 47 passed away on Oct 7 2009 He graduated from Westfield State College in 1990 with a bache-lorrsquos degree in psychology

1996Robert M Bouyea passed away on Oct 12 2009

1997William F Mazeski passed away on Nov 12 2009

2001Diane M Gauthier 51 passed away Nov 15 2009 She graduated from Westfield State College with a bachelorrsquos degree

2005Kenneth Richard Owens 27 passed away Oct 12 2009 in Hawaii He graduated from

Westfield State College in 2005 receiving a bachelorrsquos degree in business and economics He joined the

US Navy and in his short tour with the Navy earned numer-ous awards including Navy Commendation Medal the Navy Achievement Medal the Navy Expeditionary Medal and the National Defense Service Medal

Though Dr Imeh put in much hard work and took his job seri-ously he also adds ldquoIrsquom young and silly theyrsquore young and silly too I donrsquot want them to associ-ate art with lsquoboringrsquo rdquo While some may not see a practical application for art his-tory especially students who are not art majors Dr Imeh made sure to reiterate the importance of the course because while it might not be applicable for all undergrads in their careers after college ldquoIt can affect how you see liferdquo

Dr Imeh illustrated how art affects everyday life and how a personrsquos perception of art can be powerful For example Dr Imeh spoke on the influence of President Obamarsquos haircut how his physical image affects the way the public views him Dr Imeh challenged his students to con-sider different perspectives and broaden their ideas He and his students worked to understand art history as it is being made in the present by asking questions like ldquoWhy is Lady Gaga wearing what she is wearingrdquo n

In the future Dr Buesselmann says she would like to start a study abroad program for a semester During the semester abroad students would look at the European Central Bank for instance ldquoEconomies are different in every countryrdquo she explains Dr Buesselmann is also working on developing a new course on economic growth theories n

Dr Imo Imeh

eNTHuSiASM FoR eCoNoMiCS

Continued from page 14

ART iS FoR eVeRyoNe Continued from page 15


foR hIgh school senIoRs and their families poised to make the decision about where to attend college a new study suggests Westfield State is the best value in Massachusetts offering students the great-est chance to obtain a college degree among all public and private institutions Westfield State tops all other institutions of higher education in the state on a scale of ldquograduation rate per dollar of expected net pricerdquo based on a formula that combines graduation rates and college costs The next five institutions on the scale are Harvard the University of Massachusetts-Amherst Williams Amherst and MIT ldquoThis historic institution founded in 1838 by Horace Mann offers the best education value in the state when you weigh the quality and suc-cess of our programs along with the rela-tive costs of higher educationrdquo said President Evan S Dobelle ldquoThis study offers an absolute statistical measure offering the assur-ance that families are getting the most out of their college investmentrdquo

The recently released study published by the Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth (MassINC) is intended to help families make more informed decisions on college choices and costs The authors C Anthony Broh and Dana Ansel went beyond traditional college rank-ings general reputations and marketing to give parents new tools for comparison The study suggests the value of the educational experience should be based on accountability measures such as student-faculty ratio instructional expenditures per student (faculty salaries) standard-ized test scores and the likelihood of graduating in four years MassINC is a Boston-based nonpartisan public policy research and education institute Greg Torres president of MassINC and publisher of CommonWealth magazine said the report was written to add more

transparency to the higher education marketplace at a time of rising tuition costs and heavy debt burdens The full report can be seen atwwwmassincorgResearchRecent-Researchaspx- Craig Phelon

Westfield Statersquos Ely Library took part in the national READ Your Library initiative this fall READ was started by the American Library Association People such as Yao Ming Keira Knightley and Ne-Yo have posed for READ posters with their favorite books Westfield State College students staff and President Evan S Dobelle also got into

the act These are some of Westfield Statersquos favorite READ posters for 2009

Graph from MassINC study distributed with permission from MassINC

Westfield State Ranks with Ivy League InstitutionsStudy puts Westfield State at first of five in state in terms of quality-per-dollar

Advancement and College RelationsWestfield State CollegeWestfield MA 01086-1630

Non-Profit OrgUS Postage

PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152

Westfield State now ranks with Ivy League institutions Please see story and statistics on Page 33

From the Editor


SPRING 2010

EditorJanice ripley Beetle rsquo85

Beetle Press

dEsign EditorJanet garcia rsquo83 M Ed rsquo04

director of Marketing

dEsignErg John devanski

guy With glasses design

PhotograPhErdavid harris-Fried

Enrollment Management

Editorial Board

glen Brewster ProfessorEnglish Department

Mickey CurtisAthletics

Michael Filas ProfessorEnglish Department

Janet garcia rsquo83 M Ed rsquo04 Enrollment Management

george layng ProfessorEnglish Department

Marsha MarottaDean of Undergraduate Studies

Craig PhelonAdvancement and College Relations

Class notEsKelly galanis

Advancement and College Relations

ContriButing WritErs sara anderson rsquo10 Zach Bartlett rsquo08

Janice ripley Beetle suzanne Boniface rsquo92 Kathi Bradford suzie (scott) Burgess

rsquo07 dave Caspole Mickey Curtis dr Evan s dobelle rebecca Everett rsquo09

Kelly galanis Jenn Krok rsquo08 Elizabeth r laFond rsquo03rsquo07 tom leard rsquo05 Kristin

loiko rsquo04 Peter Miller rsquo84 Meg (Canning) Musante lsquo02 ashley n Mcgilloway rsquo09 Claudia Moore orsquoBrien M Ed rsquo00 terry

orsquoneil greg Petersen rsquo09 robert Plasse and Craig Phelon

PrintingMansir Printing

issn 1520-7641

In addItIon to editing Focus magazine I work full time in the Marketing Communications Department at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton Last year the hospital was abuzz welcoming a new orthopedic surgeon Dr Jonathan Fallon who joined Hampshire Orthopedics and Sports Medicine in August 2009 Dr Fallon has extensive experience in sports medicine and has treated major league athletes and amateurs alike As publications specialist I was charged with creating promo-tional materials for this new Cooley Dickinson affiliate In writing a press release for the local media I learned Dr Fallon was the team surgeon for Westfield Statersquos student athletes and that he is also serving as a mentor for athletic training students in the class-room It was a great moment for me I was proud not only of the hospital but also of the College where I earned my bachelorrsquos degree in 1985 I decided Dr Fallonrsquos story (See 2) fit perfectly into this issue of Focus which hones in on new and unique initiatives and the ways in which the College is embracing new challenges and providing opportunities Dr Fallon has unprecedented knowledge which hersquos pass-ing on to students he also has unmatched surgical skills which hersquos using to treat injured College athletes In this issue Dr Fallon and Dr Michael Woods of Pioneer Spine and Sport Physicians the medical director for the athletic training program stand out as medical doctors among a sea of PhDs who also receive special attention in this issue New faculty members such as Susanne Buesselmann Juan Rivera and Sinuk Kang are highlighted for expanding student achievements with their knowledge experience and unique teaching styles They each bring different gifts to the College Dr Susanne Buesselmann of the Economics and

Management Department is teaching students the importance of economics and the global economy by relating to real-world events (See Page 14) Originally from South Korea Dr Kang the new-est member of the communication department brings to the classroom a combination of teach-

ing and practical experience from areas such as broadcasting promotions Web design and commercial research In the classroom Dr Kangrsquos teaching theory focuses on curiousity challenge and confidence (See Page 17) Dr Rivera who began teach-ing at Westfield State in the fall of 2009 is the newest full-time member of the world language studies department A native of Puerto Rico Dr Rivera is ada-mant that because business and criminal justice are two of the

largest majors at Westfield State a second major in Spanish would give students a competitive edge (See Page 16) The development of the new Mod Hall and the completion of renovations at Ely Campus Center

also are noted in the issue Ely Campus Center is much more equipped to serve students in the pursuit of excellence and the creation of the unique Mod Hall building has allowed the College to house four academic departments and the honors program (See stories on Pages 3 and 4)

Dr Fallon has already touched students who said his lecture gave them valuable information and a new perspective of functional anatomy of the shoulder Dr Rivera will help bring a more global perspective to studentsrsquo educations and Drs Kang and Buesselmann will heighten stu-dentsrsquo sense of challenge and motivation Together doctors of medicine science human-ities and education mdash working in state-of-the-art facilities mdash represent the powerful change and the forward-thinking of Westfield State They are shaping the minds of the future n

Expanding Horizons With Excellent Mentors Facilities

FOCUS

ldquo(This issue of Focus) hones in on new and

unique initiatives and the ways in which the

College is embracing new challenges and providing

opportunities


On Campus Pages 3-7






Table of Contents



















From the President




On Campus






















On Campus



































campusrdquo




















On Campus











Ryan Sabin rsquo08

Ryan Sabin rsquo08






Lydia Lucia rsquo10





Lydia Lucia rsquo10

Alumni on the Go





By Kelly Galanis




Alumni on the Go












Junior Delgado














mdashRobert Plasse


Alumni on the Go


















By Kathi Bradford
























Faculty Center







Y Hugh Jo






Susanne Buesselmann












Catherine Savini





Faculty Center




















Sinuk Kang


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152



On Campus Pages 3-7






Table of Contents



















From the President




On Campus






















On Campus



































campusrdquo




















On Campus











Ryan Sabin rsquo08

Ryan Sabin rsquo08






Lydia Lucia rsquo10





Lydia Lucia rsquo10

Alumni on the Go





By Kelly Galanis




Alumni on the Go












Junior Delgado














mdashRobert Plasse


Alumni on the Go


















By Kathi Bradford
























Faculty Center







Y Hugh Jo






Susanne Buesselmann












Catherine Savini





Faculty Center




















Sinuk Kang


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152

Westfield State now ranks with Ivy League institutions Please see story and statistics on 3







From the President




On Campus






















On Campus



































campusrdquo




















On Campus











Ryan Sabin rsquo08

Ryan Sabin rsquo08






Lydia Lucia rsquo10





Lydia Lucia rsquo10

Alumni on the Go





By Kelly Galanis




Alumni on the Go












Junior Delgado














mdashRobert Plasse


Alumni on the Go


















By Kathi Bradford
























Faculty Center







Y Hugh Jo






Susanne Buesselmann












Catherine Savini





Faculty Center




















Sinuk Kang


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152


On Campus






















On Campus



































campusrdquo




















On Campus











Ryan Sabin rsquo08

Ryan Sabin rsquo08






Lydia Lucia rsquo10





Lydia Lucia rsquo10

Alumni on the Go





By Kelly Galanis




Alumni on the Go












Junior Delgado














mdashRobert Plasse


Alumni on the Go


















By Kathi Bradford
























Faculty Center







Y Hugh Jo






Susanne Buesselmann












Catherine Savini





Faculty Center




















Sinuk Kang


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152


On Campus



































campusrdquo




















On Campus











Ryan Sabin rsquo08

Ryan Sabin rsquo08






Lydia Lucia rsquo10





Lydia Lucia rsquo10

Alumni on the Go





By Kelly Galanis




Alumni on the Go












Junior Delgado














mdashRobert Plasse


Alumni on the Go


















By Kathi Bradford
























Faculty Center







Y Hugh Jo






Susanne Buesselmann












Catherine Savini





Faculty Center




















Sinuk Kang


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152
























campusrdquo




















On Campus











Ryan Sabin rsquo08

Ryan Sabin rsquo08






Lydia Lucia rsquo10





Lydia Lucia rsquo10

Alumni on the Go





By Kelly Galanis




Alumni on the Go












Junior Delgado














mdashRobert Plasse


Alumni on the Go


















By Kathi Bradford
























Faculty Center







Y Hugh Jo






Susanne Buesselmann












Catherine Savini





Faculty Center




















Sinuk Kang


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152


On Campus











Ryan Sabin rsquo08

Ryan Sabin rsquo08






Lydia Lucia rsquo10





Lydia Lucia rsquo10

Alumni on the Go





By Kelly Galanis




Alumni on the Go












Junior Delgado














mdashRobert Plasse


Alumni on the Go


















By Kathi Bradford
























Faculty Center







Y Hugh Jo






Susanne Buesselmann












Catherine Savini





Faculty Center




















Sinuk Kang


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152







Lydia Lucia rsquo10





Lydia Lucia rsquo10

Alumni on the Go





By Kelly Galanis




Alumni on the Go












Junior Delgado














mdashRobert Plasse


Alumni on the Go


















By Kathi Bradford
























Faculty Center







Y Hugh Jo






Susanne Buesselmann












Catherine Savini





Faculty Center




















Sinuk Kang


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152


Alumni on the Go





By Kelly Galanis




Alumni on the Go












Junior Delgado














mdashRobert Plasse


Alumni on the Go


















By Kathi Bradford
























Faculty Center







Y Hugh Jo






Susanne Buesselmann












Catherine Savini





Faculty Center




















Sinuk Kang


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152




Alumni on the Go












Junior Delgado














mdashRobert Plasse


Alumni on the Go


















By Kathi Bradford
























Faculty Center







Y Hugh Jo






Susanne Buesselmann












Catherine Savini





Faculty Center




















Sinuk Kang


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152















mdashRobert Plasse


Alumni on the Go


















By Kathi Bradford
























Faculty Center







Y Hugh Jo






Susanne Buesselmann












Catherine Savini





Faculty Center




















Sinuk Kang


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152


Alumni on the Go


















By Kathi Bradford
























Faculty Center







Y Hugh Jo






Susanne Buesselmann












Catherine Savini





Faculty Center




















Sinuk Kang


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152




By Kathi Bradford
























Faculty Center







Y Hugh Jo






Susanne Buesselmann












Catherine Savini





Faculty Center




















Sinuk Kang


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152



Faculty Center







Y Hugh Jo






Susanne Buesselmann












Catherine Savini





Faculty Center




















Sinuk Kang


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152










Catherine Savini





Faculty Center




















Sinuk Kang


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152



Faculty Center




















Sinuk Kang


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152









Sinuk Kang


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152


Faculty Center









Dr Carsten Braun

Dr Michael Vorwerk









Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152










Kim Tobin



Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152


Athletics





















Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152











Athletics







Dr Jonathan Fallon

























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152


























or self-nominate






































to hearing from you
























Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152





Alma Mater







































Alma Mater















Thank you













is important













and many more




















staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152









staying in touch

















Class Agents Wanted









information

uPCoMing eVenTs





Reunion Weekend

June 25-27 2010










or (413) 572-5404


July 23-25 2010









Monday Aug 2 2010







College athletics

Tanglewood


830 pm




forming arts


TheATRe




American Buffalo





Boston Marriage







MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152



MusiC











ART

















FiLM (TenTATiVe)








































Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152



Class Notes
























Washington area







Parade













of Chicopee















October 2008













the past six years








technology











the Marine Band












and classmates
































Jimmy Fund


































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152



































1987




















original creations

1988































































Midura Library










College in 1989








Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152



Class Notes








Trevor













principal

of McMath

Middle

School He

has been

working in

the educa-

tion field





and Emma






Regional Hospital



deployed

in IRAQ in

support of

Operation Iraqi

Freedom This

is his third

deployment

with his career



























Air Force missions















WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152



WeDDings







2001



2008





Westfield State




Papillion Nebraska



Sept 25 2009
















Agawam




BiRThs





brother Tyler

1997









8 2008

2000


DeAThs













Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152

Westfield State now ranks with Ivy League institutions Please see story and statistics on

Class Notes




























Dr Imo Imeh














PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152












PAIDSTRATEGIC

MAIL01152


focus - spring 2010

Documents

n e f o r

westfield states p r

e g ecelebrating

thats new

new challenges

injured college athletes

d s tat e c o

focust h e