castleton magazine spring 2016

2016 • SPRING 1

MAGAZINE

SPRING 2016

castleton administrationpresidentDavid S. Wolk

dean of administrationScott Dikeman

director of human resourcesJanet Hazelton

dean of entrepreneurial programsLyle Jepson

dean of enrollmentMaurice Ouimet, Jr.

chief academic officerTony Peffer

dean of studentsDennis Proulx ‘87

dean of arts, sciences, and community engagementIngrid Johnston-Robledo

dean of humanities, social sciences, and faculty mentoringJonathan Spiro

director of marketing and communicationsJeff Weld ‘04

alumni and developmentdirector of annual fund and donor relationsLiz Garside ‘04

director of major gifts and corporate givingGary Ladabouche ’80

director of alumni and parent relationsVy Swenson

magazine creditseditorJane Foley, director of creative services

designKate Richards, associate director of creative services

contributing writersRyan Ackerman ’14 Courtney Parker ’13, communications coordinatorBen Stockwell ’14, director of athletic communicationsGabrielle Tamasi ’12Jeff Weld, director of marketing and communications

digital mediaKatye Munger, director of digital media

published byAdvancement Office

please send updates [email protected]

please send comments to:Jeff Weld • 62 Alumni Drive • Castleton, VT 05735(802) 468-6052 • [email protected]

Castleton University.

It still takes me a moment to register that the action taken by the VSC board of trustees to modernize our name to Castleton University on July 23, 2015 took place.

Because I am fortunate to live and tell the story every day, it is almost instinctive to me to rattle off in quick succession the myriad of changes we have experienced in the last 15 years.

Spartan Stadium, Spartan Arena, and nearly 30 varsity sports teams; more than 75 academic offerings for undergraduate and graduate students, a robust fine and performing arts program that has led to collaborations with the Paramount Theatre and several art spaces in Downtown Rutland; the construction or renovation of every building on campus, including five new residence halls and soon to be new apartments in Downtown Rutland; the Castleton Polling Institute, Castleton Downtown and a growing entrepreneurial presence in Rutland that is quickly proving to be a cornerstone in solidifying our role as an economic and intellectual driver in the state of Vermont and beyond.

On the pages that follow you will read about how our students are making a difference here. You will read about how our alumni are making a difference in the world. You will realize that while the name has changed, now for the eighth time in our storied history, the people remain the same.

While the name “Castleton University” better reflects all that we do, all that we offer, and all that we aspire to accomplish, the most important point to understand is that what makes Castleton special, what makes the Spartan Pride run so deeply, is not in what we do, but in who we are.

Jeff Welddirector of marketingand communications

FACEBOOK.COM/CASTLETONEDU @CASTLETONEDU @CASTLETONEDU

2016 • SPRING 1

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It’s Time for Castleton University

Castleton, REDC Form Partnership to Lead Economic Development

We Are Makers

A Future with Vermont Law School

A Farewell Message

A Spartan’s Perspective

Castleton’s International Film Festival

Music Collaborations Heighten Student Experience

Fully Equipped

A Voice For Change

My Space

Office Hours

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CASTLETON MAGAZINE | SPRING 2016

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2016 • SPRING 3

It’s Time for Castleton University

There is a legendary and enduring section of sidewalk that runs parallel to Calvin Coolidge Library on the Castleton campus. Engraved in successive pavement stones are a series of names and dates: Rutland County Grammar School, 1787-1828; Vermont Classical High School, 1828-1830; Castleton Seminary, 1830-1876, State Normal School, 1867-1920; Castleton Normal School, 1921-1947; Castleton State Teachers College, 1947-1962; and Castleton State College, since 1962. In its more than 225-year history as an institution of higher learning, Castleton has experienced a myriad of challenges, defining moments, and transformations. Many of those moments were accompanied by a name change that reflected the changing reality and mission of the institution. Such is the case for Castleton University, and on July 23, 2015 the Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees unanimously approved modernizing Castleton’s name.


After more than a decade of unprecedented growth and improvements, Castleton is yet again at a crossroads and once again the challenge to secure the institution’s future is critical. From 2002 through 2012 Castleton followed through on a ten-year master plan that resulted in the investment of over $75 million in infrastructure improvements on campus, with every current building or facility having been renovated or newly constructed, and is now at the capacity of its current Castleton footprint. The fall of 2013 saw the inauguration of The Castleton Plan, a strategic plan and blueprint developed collaboratively over the course of more than a year that envisioned the next ten years at Castleton. Highlighted by new and enhanced graduate programs, with a doctoral program under development, the Plan also includes incremental enrollment growth, a focus on international enrollment, and increased opportunities for students in Rutland through entrepreneurial ventures such as the Castleton Downtown Gallery, the Castleton Polling Institute, and Castleton Downtown, which is home to the Center for Community Engagement, Center for Entrepreneurial Programs, and Center for Schools. All of these endeavors, along with the increased on-campus growth of conferences and events and the off-campus growth of the Spartan Arena and soon to be installed Spartan Dome, are entrepreneurial efforts that serve the community but also ease the burden of tuition dollars which make up 90 percent of the yearly operating budget.

The Plan builds on this reinvigoration of the past fourteen years, with well-planned incremental increases in undergraduate and graduate enrollment, staffing, programs and facilities, and with an eye toward a greater investment in and commitment to the Rutland area, including downtown Rutland as a destination for selected new programs for graduate students and upper level undergraduates that will further enhance the quality of a Castleton education while contributing to economic and community development in the greater Rutland region. This reinvigoration, the growth of graduate programs, the new international focus, the development of off campus venues and The Castleton Plan make this fifty-third year as Castleton State College the right time to modernize our name to Castleton University. Castleton recently has been operating more like a small university than a college, with increased research opportunities for faculty and students, a diversified portfolio of entrepreneurial ventures, enhanced and expanded opportunities in athletics and the arts, and increased

recruitment efforts in both undergraduate and graduate admissions. Our staff and faculty are proud to work here, and our students and alumni are filled with that same Spartan Pride. Making the decision to modernize our name to Castleton University at this juncture solidifies that Castleton is indeed on the move. The time is right. Castleton University is both inspirational and aspirational as we plan our future. The Castleton Plan suggests a measured, incremental process of increased enrollment that seeks to raise admissions standards and increase retention rates while expanding our recruitment efforts into each of the fifty states and all countries where we can develop sound recruitment opportunities. Most international students equate “college” with what is considered a high school in the United States, while “university” more closely equates to higher education in the U.S. By modernizing our name, we eliminate this common language barrier. Additionally, the Plan goes on to say that Castleton will develop a number of exemplary graduate programs, including online and hybrid programs and courses—thereby

2016 • SPRING 5

“For the first time ever, and for many decades if not centuries to come, welcome to Castleton University!”

We are now the small university with the big heart, with high expectations for students and staff, the university that helps students to transform themselves, the university that, with the help of its students, is transforming itself.

The euphoria among alumni, students, and staff has been overwhelming since our Board of Trustees, by a unanimous vote on July 23, modernized our name to reflect who we are now and who we aspire to be in the future.

I could not be more ecstatic about our spectacular students, our fantastic faculty and staff, our gorgeous campus, our vibrant state of the university, and our promising future. “With that, President Dave Wolk officially opened the new academic year on August 27, 2015 and ushered in the Castleton University era.

Wolk’s annual State of the University Address explained that along with the modernization of its name, Castleton

will continue to see transformation, with the expansion of academic programs and strategic growth of graduate programs, as well as a greater investment in and commitment to the Rutland area.

With additional increases of student athletes and international students and a significant investment in institutional scholarships based on merit, he assured the packed theater that the university is still very much on the move, focused on the personalized, relationship-based, high quality education that has always characterized the Castleton experience.

Other exciting announcements included a tuition freeze for the 2016-17 academic year, and that with a focus on international growth Castleton now has 35 countries represented on its campus.

To read President Wolk’s complete address, please visit CASTLETON.EDU/UNIVERSITYADDRESS

establishing Castleton as a leader in graduate education and exerting a positive influence on the undergraduate experience. For many, graduate programs are equated with a university setting, which is likely to have a wide and varied array of offerings, campuses, and colleges. The current number of graduate programs already supports the name change, helping to sustain the enrollment of those offerings, and aid in the cultivation of more graduate degree opportunities in the future, including Castleton’s first doctoral program that will be underway in 2016. Finally, the Plan calls for an increase in public and private funding. It is highly unlikely that significant additional funding will come from the state of Vermont. Moreover, there is a collective effort to restrain tuition increases, add scholarships, and focus on affordability.

Accordingly, tuition will be frozen at current levels for the 2016-17 academic year, and university status will not require greater than customary tuition charges.

As we continue to expand in areas of grant funding, entrepreneurial endeavors, and other areas of fundraising,

it is apparent that a ‘Castleton University’ designation will provide us with an advantage over the current name. This will also lead to greater institutional pride among alumni and friends, as well as a stronger desire among local and national businesses to become corporate partners. This is a tremendously exciting time for Castleton and our future. Our vision moving forward is a testament to the remarkable progress of recent years. We are proud of what we have accomplished together in a way that embraces our rich history and enhances our cherished traditions. But we cannot stand still. Our future demands that we continue to be entrepreneurial and innovative in our approach to the growth of the institution. It will take the collective creativity of a small university with a big heart to launch us into new frontiers that will capture the essence of what makes us special and unique, ensure our financial stability for the future, support our students with a very high quality education, and contribute to the cultural and economic well-being of Vermont. It is time for Castleton University.

The State of the University


With an eye toward the revitalization of the greater-Rutland County economy, Rutland Economic Development Corpo-ration has adopted a new mission and vision and signed a partnership agreement with the Castleton University Center for Entrepreneurial Programs.

Under the agreement, Lyle Jepson, dean of entrepreneurial programs at Castleton, will lead REDC’s operations under a three-year contract between REDC and the University.

REDC Board President Mark Foley, Jr. said REDC’s new vi-sion, mission and structure were the result of a board retreat and aspirational discussions about the Rutland region and its ongoing revitalization. “As the board has done repeatedly over the decades, we revisited our focus and determined that to continue to deliver strong benefits for the community, we need to broaden our horizons,” Foley said. “We believe our new vision and mission, along with the partnership with Castleton, will help REDC make major new contributions to the region’s economic and social climate over time. When seeking out a collaborative partner for this opportunity, Cas-tleton became an obvious choice with its infrastructure and ability to be an economic and intellectual driver in our com-munity.”

REDC’s new vision is an aspiring description of the region in the future. “The greater Rutland region is recognized as the most collaborative, innovative and friendly place in Vermont to live, work, play and grow a business,” the vision states.

Robertson Makes Local History

Economic DevelopmentDriving Opportunity

The new REDC mission reads: “REDC’s mission is to use collaboration, creativity and ingenuity to recruit talent and businesses of all kinds, grow and retain employers, and pro-mote a healthy and vibrant commercial and residential real estate market. We believe economic development is a team sport, capitalizing on fun, fresh ideas, passionate people, and open, inventive partnerships.”

Foley and Jepson said implicit in the new mission is a focus on recruiting people to live and work in Rutland County, as an aging workforce is among the region’s greatest challenges.

“There have been some tremendous successes in the region in recent years, and our focus will be on expanding those successes through collaboration with other organizations,” Jepson said. “The region boasts enormous spirit and talent, tremendous quality of life, and a growing sense of optimism.”

“Job one will be to harness those attributes and build on the work REDC and others have done and make Rutland a bea-con for new businesses and residents – including students graduating from Castleton University, other regional col-leges, high schools, and Stafford Technical Center.”

Castleton junior and 21-year old Vanessa Robertson made local history when she was recently elected to the Rutland City Board of Aldermen, becoming the youngest member in history. The double major in Political Science and History, joins Charles Romeo (22), and current Castleton President Dave Wolk (24) as the youngest members to hold the position.

“I ran because I wanted more women on the board, to allow people my age to have a voice, and to focus on the economy and infrastructure in Rutland,” said Robertson. “It is an amazing opportunity and I am thrilled to have been elected.”

“We believe economic development is a team sport, capitalizing on fun, fresh

ideas, passionate people, and open, inventive partnerships.”

2016 • SPRING 7

With first-floor downtown Rutland occupancy nearing capacity, Castleton University is looking up – and planning a two-floor, efficient living space that could become a model for others – in the heart of downtown Rutland.

“Working with Mark Foley, Jr. and Green Mountain Power, we will create a highly sustainable home for 40 students, and turn space that has been empty for decades into a prototype for downtown redevelopment and energy innovation,” Castleton President Dave Wolk said. “We see this as an exciting addition to our current housing options, to Castleton’s Rutland presence, and to the Solar Capital of New England and Energy City of the Future.”

The student housing is the latest in the University’s ongoing expansion into Rutland, which already hosts Castleton Downtown, the Castleton Polling Institute, the Castleton Center for Community Engagement, Spartan Arena, and several downtown art spaces including the Castleton Downtown Gallery. A recent partnership with the Rutland Economic Development Corporation has further solidified Castleton’s commitment to being an economic and intellectual driver in the region.

A Rutland native, Wolk said the project represented a major commitment to Rutland, and would be followed by additional projects. “Our foundation will always be in Castleton, a place with more than 225 years of history and a bright future, but we will create our future growth in Rutland, strengthening our relationships and forging new opportunities for our students to make a difference,” Wolk said.

Castleton will work with GMP, Efficiency Vermont, and Foley to determine how to best use high-tech energy innovations in the space located on the second and third floors of the Clement Building, which sits at the northeast corner of West Street and Merchants Row. The Rutland Region Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Rutland Partnership, and Little Harry’s Restaurant occupy the entire first floor.

“This project will feed the ongoing revitalization in Rutland,” GMP Vice President Steve Costello said. “It is a great partnership with Castleton, Mark Foley and the city as a whole, and continues the important work we are all doing to use energy innovation and teamwork to transform Rutland. Lowering carbon output and customer cost, and creating a learning environment for future leaders, will be key elements of the project, along with socio-economic development through energy transformation.”

Completion is expected in time for students to move in this August.

The Castleton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the next ten years of the University, highlighted by new and enhanced graduate programs and increased opportunities for students in Rutland, is driving the initiative as the new housing option will greatly benefit graduate students and high-level undergraduate students interning and volunteering through the more than 400 community partnerships created through the Castleton Center for Community Engagement.

Downtown Housing Becoming a Reality


Enriching the Arts in Rutland

What began as the vision of Professor Bill Ramage, Castleton’s art presence in Downtown Rutland has seen exceptional growth in just three years. The Castleton Downtown Gallery in Downtown Rutland has hosted more than 30 exhibitions ranging from student, faculty and alumni work to both local and international professional artists since opening as the flagship in 2013. With a vibrant schedule of new exhibits each month and a focus on enriching the arts experience in Downtown Rutland for visitors from the community and beyond, the gallery has successfully brought a broad variety of artwork to the area, while remaining free and open to the public.

“In the last two years, Downtown Rutland has seen a drastic transformation in its efforts towards the arts,” said Director of the Castleton Art Galleries Sarah Karczmarczyk, “Castleton University, along with the Chaffee Art Center, the Paramount Theatre and the Rutland Downtown

Partnership are making an effort to highlight the value and importance of an arts enriched community, and it’s working.”

As the gallery continues to grow, it has taken on the role of providing art for additional downtown locations at the request of local building owners and city officials. To date, artwork collected and curated by the Castleton Downtown Gallery has been displayed in as Rutland City Hall, the Rutland Chamber of Commerce, Chittenden Building, Opera House, Chaffee Downtown, and Rutland Free Library, livening up professional offices, community meeting spaces, and public buildings across downtown.

The Chittenden Building, previously utilized as bank space, has been re-vamped for exhibit space, and features over 20 artists from around the state of Vermont, bringing in around 100 works of art in a wide variety of mediums. While the exhibit does not have regular hours, the buildings large windows

and carefully placed lighting will allow passersby to view much of the artwork on display from the outside.

“I think Rutland is a great space to showcase Castleton’s artwork,” said Rutland Mayor Chris Louras, who pictured a Castleton-related collaboration as the perfect addition to the City Hall, which later evolved into a striking exhibit featuring pieces from 16 of Castleton’s alumni dating as far back as 1982 and up to the 2014 graduating class. “We have a very good symbiotic relationship with Castleton and their presence in Rutland, downtown especially, is critical to Rutland’s success. Castleton adds to both the economic well-being of the community and vibrancy.”

“... making an effort to highlight the value and importance of an arts enriched community,

and it’s working.”

2016 • SPRING 9

Celebrating the history of democracy and the American experience, Project 240 is the culmination of nine months of planning and is the latest step in the ongoing collaboration between the Paramount Theatre and Castleton University. The collaborative effort is designed to elevate public discourse around the 2016 general election, while bringing the community together for a series of impactful events in celebration of the 240th year of our republic.

The series of events at the Paramount Theatre will span 14 months and exist at the intersection of civic engagement, education, and entertainment. All except three of the events will be free, and those who attend can expect a range of programming featuring nationally prominent participants, public discourse, patriotic music, satirical theatre, and more.

“This all-encompassing project has been 10 months in the planning and execution,” said executive director of the Paramount Bruce Bouchard. “Dozens of people are involved and engaged in the delivery of the amazing 14-month project and we are so excited to finally be opening our doors for the events in this landmark project.”

The series kicked off September 16 with the live broadcast of the Republican Primary Debate hosted by WCAX political analysts Steve Terry and Mike Smith, followed by the Democratic Primary Debate hosted by former Vermont Press Bureau Chief Chris Graff on November 14.

Project 240 Brings to Life the American Experience

for a complete schedule of events and more information, visit: PROJECT240.ORG

In addition to these and other primary debates, the Paramount will also play host to viewings of the national conventions in July and the general election debated next fall. The Project 240 schedule reaches its apex on November 8, 2016 with a celebration gala and live election night coverage.

Previous highlights of the series included an appearance by legendary filmmaker Ken Burns and a screening of his film The American Experience, a mock Vermont primary hosted by the Castleton Polling Institute, performances by the U.S. Army Brass Quintet alongside Robert McDonald and the Castleton Chamber Singers and Wind Ensemble, and a performance of The Complete History of America (bridged) by the renowned Reduced Shakespeare Company.

Sarah Karczmarczyk joined Castleton University in 2014 as Director of the Castleton Art Galleries. A class of 2013 alum with a Bachelor’s degree in Art, her daily responsibilities include artist communications, orchestrating and scheduling installations, and maintaining the Castleton Downtown Gallery and Christine Price Gallery, as well as specialty exhibitions in alternative spaces.


During the spring of 2014 Castleton welcomed Dean of Entrepreneurial Programs, Lyle Jepson to campus after 30 successful years working with schools and area businesses in and around Rutland County. Jepson’s hiring came as the university worked to further its educational mission and better connect it with schools, non-profit organizations, businesses, and industry. An expanded effort in student community engagement programs, Castleton Center for Schools outreach, and new connections with the greater Rutland community were also key components to Jepson’s hiring.

Since coming on board, and with the opening of Castleton Downtown, located in Downtown Rutland, Castleton has seen its position as an economic and intellectual driver in Rutland County blossom.

The Castleton Center for Schools experienced record numbers last year, while the Center for Community Engagement, led by Chrispin White ’85, announced it now has more than 400 partnerships with local businesses for students to experience internship, community service, and other outreach opportunities.

With all of this exciting, entrepreneurial energy on campus, and in Rutland, one might think that entrepreneurship is a relatively new concept at Castleton. But entrepreneurship has long been a strong suit of Castleton, and its students have always thrived alongside the notion that life is about “doing good,” not just “doing well.”

Now, as we live in an era of seemingly unlimited access to the world around us many of our students and alumni are finding the path to both of those ideals may actually rest well within their own means. Current students have experienced success with small business start-ups in IT support, producing podcasts, and even beekeeping. The following pages profile five alumni who have set out to be makers, doers, and dreamers on the road to success.

Are you a Castleton alum and run your own business? We want to hear from you: CASTLETON.EDU/MAKERS

We Are Makers

2016 • SPRING 11

Michael Brown ’04 has been making it up as he goes along since he came to Cas-tleton in 2001. A Political Science major, Brown credits his time at Castleton with teaching him to be a quick learner, as he was able to take classes outside of the po-litical science field in an effort to “create his own major.”

When looking back at Castleton, Michael has fond memories of his time in El-lis Hall, a perfect intramural basketball season that coincided with a perfect grade point average in 2004, and the countless friends and professors he met along the way.

“Castleton let me dabble in all sorts of subjects,” Brown says. “Becoming a quick learner is a skill that has proven invaluable in business, and I take with me every-where I go.”

After Castleton Brown earned a master’s degree from Northeastern and has served as a journalist as well as the lead content marketer for a pair of notable start-up firms in the Boston area. But it was the feeling that those opportunities left him nowhere to go but sideways that led Brown down the path to starting his own firm.

“I wanted to provide more value, make more money, and start something from nothing. Starting a business was the only way to do all three, at once,” according to Brown. “I knew the space very well. I had built enough intellectual, social, and financial capital to succeed, and because I didn’t need a lot of money to get started, I was able to make the leap.”

Founded in August of 2013, nDash Marketing is now one of the top content market-ing firms in the country and has worked with companies of all sizes and industries – from angel fund start-ups to Fortune 500 enterprises and well-renowned institu-tions of higher education.

“We try to help brands become better storytellers, help them develop more effective content to grow their brands.”

WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW, THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED? That the highs really aren’t that great and the lows really aren’t that bad. The first year, I was either completely ecstatic about the business or completely dejected. There were very few moments in between. Since then, I’ve become much more even-keeled and the business has benefited greatly from it. You need to celebrate victories and learn from mistakes, but you can’t go too far in either direction or you’ll lose your sanity.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS? Don’t get hung up on the originality of your idea. Focus on execution instead. A big reason why people don’t start a business is be-cause they look around and see others already doing what they had in mind. It’s important to remember though that Apple didn’t in-vent the computer or the smartphone. Starbucks didn’t invent coffee. Your idea doesn’t have to be exceptional or even new. Execution is what matters most. If you focus on that, you can succeed.

WHAT IS ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT NOT REALIZE ABOUT WORKING FOR YOURSELF?To quote Bob Dylan: “You’re still gonna have to serve somebody.” In other words, you still have a boss. And the more successful you are, the more bosses you have. Despite the cliché, nobody really works for themselves - especially a business owner!

MICHAEL BROWN ’04 • POLITICAL SCIENCE

nDASH MARKETING

nDASHMARKETING.COM

In Michael’s Words:


Joe Caligiuri ’02 has a Super Bowl ring, was the youngest Director of Rehabilitation in the NHL, has worked with NCAA Division I Football, Major League Baseball players and countless other high-level athletes throughout his career, but it is his current foray into the world of entrepreneurship that brings the biggest smile to his face.

“I took what I learned at Castleton and Boston College (he holds a Master’s Degree in Administrative Studies), combined it with 13 years of experiences throughout the highest level of athletic and strength training and developed Stadium Performance,” Caligiuri explained.

One of Boston’s most impressive performance facilities, Stadium Performance com-bines strength and conditioning programs with athletic training protocols to train athletes to be faster, stronger, and more durable during competition.

“We embrace a team-first approach to competitive athletics, promoting a culture of leadership, humility, and inclusion. We try to prepare athletes for success in all facets of life by emphasizing the importance of being well-rounded individuals with strong character.”

Caligiuri credits Castleton classes such as Medical Ethics, and Cultural and Physical Anthropology to opening up his mind to new ways of approaching his chosen field, and his own life.

“All three classes have helped me immensely in my relationships with all people in my personal, business, spiritual, and family life. I am very grateful for the liberal arts education at Castleton University.”

WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?Owning your own business is simply placing your own life under a microscope. Everything within it is bigger and everyone involved with it has a greater impact. Ownership is empowering but equally threatening. If you enjoy a high risk, high reward lifestyle, owning a business is for you. The best part of owning my own business is tonight and tomorrow morning. I know tonight I will leave Stadium Performance in a better position than it was in this morning. Tomorrow morning I will wake up and do it all over again. All jobs, whether you own the business or are an employee within it, require passion. I love what I do. I have the opportunity to improve the lives of athletes, parents, and employees every day. When their lives improve, my life improves. That’s just who I am. I love being in control of that opportunity.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW, THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED?The Stadium Performance advisory board is comprised of some of Boston’s most successful professionals and yet the influence they bring to our reputation is virtually unremarkable. This is not a “build it and they will come” industry. The success of Stadium Perfor-mance is 75% customer service and 25% product. For two decades my academic, spiritual, and athletic accomplishments revolved completely around the product I put forth. In business, the inverse is applicable. A great product is easily dismissed without great customer service.

JOE CALIGIURI’02 • ATHLETIC TRAINING

STADIUM PERFORMANCE

STADIUMPERFORMANCE.COM

In Joe’s Words:

2016 • SPRING 13

As a young professional Nicole Carrubba ’00 rapidly ascended to senior level posi-tions at leading legal technology companies. Her innovation, leadership, and pas-sion for winning was cultivated at a young age – illustrated by her ability to parlay a daily snowboarding habit as a teenager into a coveted summer job at Mount Hood in Oregon.

Feeling burnt out in her then corporate marketing director’s position, it was no sur-prise that the next phase of Nicole’s career would mean launching a successful legal marketing consultancy in 2007, that would bring together top talent in the industry with the express mission to challenge, inspire and drive growth among legal services organizations.

“Captivate Communications is a team of results-oriented experts passionate about helping legal industry service providers achieve their goals through strategic plan-ning, branding, integrated marketing programs and effective communications,” Carrubba says of her business. “We bring a unique blend of business savvy, legal marketing experience and creativity to every project.”

Headquartered in New Jersey, Carrubba’s company has developed into a leading communications firm with an impressive client list ranging from growing entre-preneurs, like herself, to Fortune 500 companies. The Communication Department graduate, with a MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University, acknowledged that it was her Castleton education that encouraged her to break the mold and begin her journey as an entrepreneur.

“I think Castleton encourages and fosters an entrepreneurial spirit among its stu-dents. As least it did for me. During my tenure, the Communication Department culture was to create and collaborate, and unique ideas were celebrated and reward-ed. My experiences at Castleton gave me the courage and confidence to find out what I loved doing and how to go after it.”

WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?Hands down, the flexibility! When you can choose to never sit in rush hour traffic, or you can pick your kids up from preschool and have lunch at the park, or you can work from the beach, or heck, another country…you exhale a sigh of relief and think all the stress and effort is worth it.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW, THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED?You can always find another project! Break up with toxic clients. Move on so you have more room for great projects and relationships with clients that elevate your skills and challenge your capabilities so you can continue to grow and evolve your business.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS?There’s no such thing as “job security.” If you are taking the corporate job because it’s the safe bet, rather than pursuing something that you are passionate about, or taking a risk, don’t do it! Go for your passions fearlessly – you will never regret working the long hours, overcoming the struggles, and taking the wins with the losses if you are investing in yourself.

NICOLE CARRUBBA’00 • COMMUNICATION

CAPTIVATE COMMUNICATIONS

CAPTIV8COMMUNICATIONS.COM

In Nicole’s Words:


Having grown up in the smallest state capital, Montpelier, VT, Castleton business graduate Mike Orrick ’03 has always had the drive, determination and curiosity to step outside his comfort zone. He did just that in 2012 when he ventured to the streets of New York City to start his apparel company, Subway Tile Shirts.

Pairing the cultural experience of the NYC subway with high quality, intellectually designed apparel, Subway Tile Shirts brings to life the underground mosaic tile subway signs of some of Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s most popular 450 stations.

“Every piece of apparel a customer receives will put a smile on their face, as they have purchased a piece of NYC they can appreciate for years to come,” Orrick says. “At the end of the day, we strive for our customers and fans to proudly represent our products, while showing off the beauty of the worlds most unique subway system.”

Orrick said it was his business and marketing experience at Castleton, combined with a strong thirst for travel and adventure that led him to his current career path. His time spent at Castleton gave him the skills, knowledge, patience and confidence needed to succeed as an entrepreneur.

“There is zero chance I would be where I am now without having spent my time at Castleton.”

WHY DID YOU START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?I always joked that I started my own business, because I was sick of getting fired. In reality, that was part of it, but not the real moti-vator. As the Castleton administration can attest, I have always been someone that asks “why?” as apposed to nodding my head and doing as told. Eventually, everyone has that moment, or moments, when they ask themselves the same question. For me, it occurred frequently as I was sitting at a job that I hated, genuinely feeling like I was wasting my time, professionally speaking. In hindsight, I learned that it was not a waste of time at all, these dreaded jobs taught me some of my most important professional lessons. I’m some kid from small town Vermont that wanted to start a business with the largest transportation authority in the world, and I had some incredible professional experience…well, why not?

WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE YOU FACED WHEN STARTING?Everything. I was trying to start an apparel business without any apparel experience, no graphic design skills, hardly two nickels to scrape together and sleeping on someone’s kitchen floor. I could go on about how hard that was, but those were the exact obstacles that built me to who I am now, so it’s hard to complain.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW NOW, THAT YOU WISH YOU KNEW WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED? I constantly have to remind myself that there is a huge difference between following your dreams and starting a business. Be realistic with yourself about what you’re doing, and how you are progressing along.

MIKE ORRICK’03 • BUSINESS/MARKETING

SUBWAY TILE SHIRTS

SUBWAYTILESHIRTS.COM

In Mike’s Words:

2016 • SPRING 15

During his time at Castleton, Computer Information Systems major Peter Marcano ’13 learned quickly of the ever-evolving world of online technology. Starting small through a first year work-study position with Castleton’s IT department, Marcano was provided a strong foundation for his technical knowledge, while benefiting from both academic and professional opportunities in his field.

“Every day I answered phone calls from faculty, staff and students requesting password resets. After that experience, it was obvious that there needs to be an easier way to log in securely.”

After graduating from Castleton in 2013 Marcano moved his education across the pond to receive a master’s degree in Business Information Systems from the University College Cork in Ireland. From there he recognized that he held the ability to develop a product that solved a common, unmet need.

In 2015 he founded his information technology and enterprise software business, Rack5, introducing the company’s flagship product “Key,” which helps people log into their online accounts without needing to remember or type usernames and passwords.

The company, currently comprised of three team members who all share roots from their time at Castleton, now strives to remove the barriers between people and technology, while opening up a new world of easy to use online security.

“I didn’t know it at the time, but almost every experience I had at Castleton influenced my current venture.”

WHY DID YOU START YOUR OWN BUSINESS?I recognized that I had the ability to develop something that could meet an unmet need. I had built the first version of our app while in my master’s program. I got an interesting mix of feedback and one of my professors recommended bringing the prototype to an affiliated startup incubator. I took the recommendation and gave my first “startup” pitch. It was young and unpolished, but the incubator’s board saw potential. They accepted me into the program and taught me some interesting skills to help start my company.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART ABOUT OWNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS?The best part about owning my own business is that if I don’t like something about my work, I can change it. Don’t want to wear a shirt and tie? No problem. Rather work in Starbucks than an office? Done. Don’t want to have a meeting? Send a well-worded email instead. Want to work with good people? Hire them. Owning every aspect of the business culture makes the daily routine much more enjoyable.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS?Surround yourself with the right people. You want people to challenge you and keep you grounded, but also encourage you to aim higher. Surrounding yourself with people smarter than you will drag you up to success. It sounds simple, but a small percentage of people will know what it is like to be in your shoes. Their advice, while good intended, will frequently be inapplicable. Being surrounded by the wrong people will make it easier to quit when things get tough. Find people who have been in your shoes and can help you through hard times.

PETER MARCANO’13 • COMPUTER

INFORMATION SYSTEMS

RACK5

RACK5.CO

In Peter’s Words:


Law professors, in general, seem absolutely larger than life, especially to first-year law students. There are the law professors that emulate that stereotypical ‘Paper Chase’ law professor: they have decades of practical and academic legal experience under their belts. Professors that scan their seating charts and rows of students before cold calling on a petrified first-year student, and they spend all year calling you by your last name.

“Tamasi, please explain the Erie Doctrine.”

“Damn.”

On the flip side, there are the professors who are so unbelievably cool you feel like you could never impress them. Professors who are in the prime of their career and split their time between teaching and actively practicing, who advocate for causes we feel passionate about. They tell us stories about skipping classes at Harvard Law to hang out with President Obama in a dive bar; they say things like “It was the 90’s, who wasn’t an anarchist?!” Professor Cheryl Hanna definitely fell into the latter category.

It was early in my first year of law school: my Constitutional Law professor, standing in front of the lecture hall of about 75 students, casually mentioned that she would be releasing class early. At this point, most of my classmates stopped listening but it caught my ear that she was traveling down to Castleton to give a Soundings lecture. I was thrilled to have a common connection with a legend like Cheryl Hanna.

I worked my way to the front of the class after she had dismissed us for the day, introduced myself and blurted out “I just graduated from Castleton!” A huge smile erupted across her face as she responded “I love going over there; I have so much respect for the students that have been coming out of Castleton. I wish more Castleton students would consider coming to Vermont Law.”

I left the lecture hall that fall afternoon positively bursting with pride. “Professor Hanna respects my undergrad. She has respect for Castleton students.”

Cheryl Hanna was the kind of person who would say: “I wish more Castleton students would consider Vermont Law School” and immediately begin putting into motion an

articulation agreement between the two schools to build that stronger relationship. She saw ways to make things better and acted upon them. Her passion inspired me, her support carried me, and after her untimely death, I knew I couldn’t let all the work she had done just fall away.

I am ecstatic to say that after two years of campus visits, countless emails, and the hard work and determination of a few dedicated people, the articulation agreement between Castleton University and Vermont Law School has been put into place.

After the loss of Professor Hanna, I made it my mission to work with representatives from both schools to keep communication open and see the articulation agreement through to the end. It was my first taste of activism, and my own personal ‘thank you’ to a woman who inspired me from the moment I met her. It became very important in my life to be a ‘doer’ and no longer wait for change to happen.

A Future withVermont Law School

Articulation agreements with Vermont Law School (VLS) highlight Castleton’s burgeoning pre-law program, an exciting addition to its pre-professional offerings. Under Program Coordinator and Political Science Professor Rich Clark, students have the opportunity to concentrate on writing, reading, and research with a goal to attend law school.

From these agreements three tracks were developed for Castleton students to pursue:

MASTER’S DEGREEAny Castleton University student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher is guaranteed admission into any Vermont Law School master’s program.

JURIS DOCTOR (JD) DEGREEAny Castleton University student whose GPA and LSAT scores equal or exceed the median GPA and LSAT scores of the current JD class at VLS is guaranteed admission into the JD program.

3+2 DUAL DEGREEThis 3+2 program enables highly focused students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a JD and embark upon a law career in a total of five years (instead of the usual seven), thus saving much time and money.

Learn more about the pre-law program at Castleton: CASTLETON.EDU/PRE-LAW

GABRIELLE TAMASI IS A 2012 GRADUATE OF CASTLETON AND A 2015 GRADUATE OF VERMONT LAW SCHOOL.

2016 • SPRING 17

In August of 1974 I was one of the 1,300 students starting a new academic year at Castleton. From that first day, I was “hooked” and I truly fell in love with this special place those 40+ years ago. I told my mom I wanted to pursue the Special Education Program at Castleton, (neglecting to tell her I heard ski team members ski FREE at Pico!) She passed away 20 years ago., but in her cedar chest I found letters I’d sent my freshmen year, messages about challenging professors and genuinely friendly people - kind, caring and respectful- what we now refer to as, “The Castleton Way.”

In retrospect, I have always felt I belonged here. However, after 32 years in four positions, I’ve set my sights on “life after Castleton,” deciding to retire this June. C.S. Lewis said it best, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

The changing face of Castleton has been mesmerizing and so many opportunities and experiences I am especially proud to be part of. As a coach and adjunct instructor for Physical Education in the ’80s, I met remarkable students who have become exceptional teachers, quick to give credit to their Castleton education. During my 18 years in Aquatics, I worked with such competent, enthusiastic students at the SHAPE pool. We developed meaningful relationships with hundreds of community members, improving their health by providing sound water fitness programs, teaching youth and adult swim lessons, and creating an annual emergency water safety program for second graders from several school districts. Over the last 10 years in the Alumni and Family Relations Office, my life has been enriched by those committed alumni who serve on our Alumni Association Board and from classmates who return to campus for their milestone 50th reunions. I have grown close to many of the families and alumni who recognize the extraordinary experiences of our re-energized Homecoming and Family Weekend and Spartan athletic contests. And, if I may, there was the night in Glenbrook Gym in 2004 when our son hit his 1,000th point as a Spartan! (Sorry, Sean, I couldn’t resist!)

Castleton memories are bitter sweet. I’m certain many of you agree. I can’t help but smile when I think of lining up for 10-cent drafts at “The 19th Green,” singing along with Blue Jay Way at “The CheckMate,” and riding in the “Van Houle” to our athletic games! Who among us ever imagined those relationships would develop into lifelong devoted friends, who, decades later, celebrate our successes or family joys and offer selfless support in the midst of our challenges and sorrows!

I will be forever grateful for all the opportunities, friendships, laughter and blessings that have filled my life because of Castleton. To those I have had the pleasure of working with on campus over the last three decades, I sincerely appreciate your professional support and your friendships. I will take those strong bonds with me.

One final plea: Please follow my lead sharing time and treasures with our beloved Castleton. You may never fully realize the impact of your gift or your time given as a mentor or volunteer. But our students do!

Kindest Regards,Vy Swenson

A Farewell MessageVy Swenson prepare for retirement and, “life after Castleton.”

SUITE 201:Pam Avery Scheaffer, Suzanne Mahar Sullivan ’79, Betsy Anderson

Fowler, Cindy Shaw, Vy Swenson, and Faye Cross Lille ’78, whom we lost in March, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer.


OUTSTANDING ALUMNI OF THE YEAR

A name synonymous with the field of nursing in Vermont, Sue Farrell was selected as the Outstanding Alumni of the Year Award, announced at fall convocation by President Dave Wolk.

A graduate of the Castleton class of 1969 with an Associ-ate of Science degree in Nursing, and 1977 with a MA in Education, Farrell has gone on to lead a prestigious career in Nursing, holding positions such as Chair of the Castleton Nursing Department and VT State Board of Nursing, and was appointed to serve on the Vermont Blue Ribbon Com-mission on Nursing by two different governors.

“She is a leader, educator and role model,” said Castleton Alumni Association member Gary Quinn. “She is a very special individual who has devoted herself to preparing future generations of nurses, advancing the profession of nursing in Vermont, and promoting and representing Cas-tleton in both state and national forums.”

In 2012, President Wolk honored Farrell with the rank of Professor Emerita, the highest academic rank given in recognition of a distinguished career. She marks the first individual to capture both the Alumni Associations Out-standing Faculty Award and Outstanding Alumni Award.

OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUM

The honoree as 2015 Outstanding Young Alum is Mohamed Basha of the class of 2006.

Traveling the long distance from his home in India to re-ceive a Castleton Nursing education, and armed with dedi-cation, determination and perseverance, Basha established and became President and CEO of his own company, TLC Nursing and Home Care Services, in 2006.

Recognizing the need for homecare services, TLC specializ-es in providing non-medical homecare services to patients of all ages, while offering supportive staffing services to lo-cal health care providers. From its humble beginnings, TLC Nursing and Home Care Services now maintains offices in South Burlington, Barre, Rutland, and West Lebanon, New Hampshire, hires over 300 full and part time employees, and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Outstanding Alumni Awards

Thank You for Giving Green!

We’re grateful to all who have given to Castleton over the past year.

visit our honor roll of donors at CASTLETON.EDU/REPORT-OF-GIFTS

2016 • SPRING 19

Longtime Vermont educator and Castleton alumna Eula Goodyear Bannister recently passed along cherished trea-sures from her years of teaching, as she made a large re-cords and documentation donation to the Castleton’s ar-chives collection, which seeks to capture the university’s history by collecting, preserving and sharing a variety of materials throughout Castleton’s long history dating back to 1787.

Included in the donation was an assortment of pictures, letters, transcripts, postcards, news clippings and student work from Bannister’s half century of teaching in the state of Vermont. To showcase the pieces, the Calvin Coolidge Library created a display for all visitors to enjoy, located in the library entrance.

“I wanted a safe place for everything,” explained Bannis-ter. “I hope it will help a current student who is going into teaching see what it was like at one time.”

Eula Goodyear Bannister received a certificate in Education at Castleton in 1944 and went on to teach for the next 50 years in Vermont, ending her career in a one-room schoolhouse. In 1978 she graduated from Castleton with a Bachelor’s in Science degree and continued her remarkable career as a Vermont educator.

Preserving Our Past

Mark Your Calendars!2016 Homecoming

and Family WeekendSeptember 16-18

FOR HIGHLIGHTS FROM HOMECOMING 2015 VISIT:

CASTLETON.EDU/HOMECOMING


We all have constraints, but we all share one in particular. Regardless of who you are, where you’re going, or how much money you make, you have twenty-four hours in a day. Factoring in sleep, you really have about one thousand minutes to carpe diem. During those one thousand minutes, you shape your life through a series of conscious and unconscious decisions. Each minute is an opportunity, or a potential starting point for transformation. In the spring of 2014, I walked across the stage underneath the Pavilion to shake President Wolk’s hand and he passed me my diploma. That minute was a tangible landmark signifying a period of transformation in my life. The Monday after graduation, I began working full-time at Puma’s North American headquarters as a business analyst. So much for taking some time off to travel. My undergraduate career was over, and my professional career began. Transformation is a time for adjustment and focus. Routines are a choice, not a mandate. What you choose to do every day has lasting implications. It is far too easy to become stuck in a routine and lose sight of what is important. Make good use of those thousand minutes every day. Inspire others. Help people. Strive to be a better person. Get in the habit of making others’ lives better. Your life will be better because of it.

Since graduation, I’ve continued build to upon the strong foundation I developed at Castleton University. Over the course of the last year, I started an MBA program, was awarded Employee of the Quarter, and was promoted to a position in which I lead business intelligence for Puma North America. I am honored and humbled by these successes, but I do not value my life based on my resume. Each day, I make a conscious decision to do something valuable with my one thousand minutes. Who can I help? What can I do to make another person’s life better? What’s going to leave a dent in the world? Do not fear failure. Learn. Adapt. One of the few absolute truths is the fact that change occurs. Embrace it. I am forever grateful for the education I received at Castleton University and the momentum built there that has carried into my professional career. I am filled with pride to see the University making strides forward, and I am honored to call Castleton my alma mater. I certainly do not have all the answers. I learn from failure, and failure is frequent. Remember, time is finite. Put those one thousand minutes to good use every day.

A Spartan’s PerspectiveRYAN ACKERMAN ’14 | BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE ANALYST, PUMA

2016 • SPRING 21

A familiar face around campus, South American international student Paolo Loli is best known for his software and computer skills. Both an active and involved student at the university, the Computer Information Systems major has found his home away from home.

After spotting Castleton tucked away in the corner of his local college fair, the Lima, Peru native knew the change of scenery, close-knit feel of a small town and relationship based education Castleton offered was the perfect fit. Following a brief conversation with Castleton representative and Spanish Professor Ana Alexander, and sifting through the sea of other schools at the fair, he was sure of his decision to attend.

“Woodruff to me looked like a Castle,” said Loli, “Now I walk around campus and I almost know everyone. We are growing and I feel like a part of the growth on this campus”

Currently a senior, Loli has become involved in a variety of roles during his time at Castleton, including his positions as a Community Advisor for Residence Life, student worker for the IT department, monitor for the World Languages Lab, manager of the men’s basketball team, and beginning last season, a Division III basketball athlete. His hard work and dedication to his extra curricular activities, as well as his studies, have allowed him to flourish and grow within the ever-evolving learning environment.

“He has a strong work ethic and a great personality and he is just a pleasure to work with,” said Gayle Malinowski ’95, Chief Technology Officer of the IT department, who has worked closely with Loli since his freshman year.

His professors feel a similar sense of pride while watching Loli exceed both in and out of the classroom.

“I would say his most impressive trait is the way he cares about everything,” said Professor Alexander. “He’s exactly what Castleton wants in a student.”

Though temporarily leaving his family thousands of miles away was not an easy decision, and the rustic feel and constant changing of Vermont seasons took some acclimating, Loli credits the friendly community atmosphere at Castleton for making him feel right at home. With graduation just around the corner, he is unclear of whether he will stay in Vermont after receiving his degree or travel back home to reside in Peru, but one thing he is sure of is that the lessons he has learned at Castleton will stay with him wherever he may go.

“I am so thankful to be so involved on campus. I’ve meet a lot of people and everyone supports each other and is always willing to help,” Loli said. “I’ve become better at everything I do. I’ve become closer to my dreams of playing college basketball and I’ve received support from a great community.”

Castleton University:The Home, Away From Home

“Now I walk around campus and I almost know everyone. We are growing and I feel like a part of the growth on this campus.”


Castleton students majoring in science have various opportunities throughout the academic year and into the summer months to work in collaboration with the Natural Sciences Department faculty on independent research projects, funded by organizations such as the National Science Foundation, Vermont Genetics Network and the National Institute of Health. These experiences are crucial for undergraduate students looking to build analytical and hands-on skills, and provide additional opportunities for students to present their work at local, regional, and national professional research conferences.

In the last six years the Castleton Natural Sciences Department has received over $750,000 in research grant funding. To date, funds have gone toward research projects such as specialized bacteria research, the exploration of the geologic evolution of the eastern Adirondack Mountains in New York, and the examination of the changing landscape in Vermont. These grant funds have strengthened the Natural Sciences Department’s ability to apply the research program across all disciplines, while remaining actively involved in the natural science community.

Students in Professor Carlstrom’s Physiology of Exercise course learn to conduct VO2max testing on an electronically-braked cycle ergometer. The Exercise Science Laboratory is also equipped with a hypoxic gas delivery system, which can be used to simulate high altitude conditions, as well as a blood-gas analyzer. Funding for some of the equipment in the lab was provided through a grant from the Vermont Genetics Network.

Research Granted

2016 • SPRING 23

Introducing something new and innovative to the Castleton community, Communication Professor Michael Talbott brought Castleton’s first International Film Festival to campus in March 2015. Featuring six foreign films throughout the month, the inaugural edition of the Castleton International Film Festival aimed to bring exciting films from around the globe to Rutland County.

The festival was made possible by the Tournées Festival grant, administered by the FACE, French American Cultural Exchange, in partnership with the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, which works to increase cultural awareness on college campuses.

The successful endeavor received national attention, and during the 2015-16 academic year, two more film festivals were held on campus.

“Having an international film festival is an important part of a college or university,” said Talbott, who selects films for the festival that raise important issues across a variety of disciplines.

This year’s festivals included the Spanish-language Film Festival in October 2015 and the Francophone Film Festival held during March. The series was made possible by a grant from the PRAGDA organization.

“The organization is not just concerned with the money. They really care about putting on a vibrant event,” Talbott said.

In the future Talbott would like to bring additional elements into the events by inviting actual filmmakers to attend and speak at various showings. He believes this added aspect will encourage students to get more engaged in each event, while allowing for a more well-rounded experience.

“I hope screening films from other countries can help to cultivate an ongoing interest in other cultures among our students,” he said.

Castleton’s International Film Festival

“I hope screening films from other countries

can help to cultivate an ongoing interest in

other cultures among our students”

M I C H A E L TALBOT


Enriching the university and highlighting the importance of professional collaborations, the Music department strives to provide students with unique learning experiences.

Throughout the academic year a variety of world-class professionals were brought to campus to work side by side with current undergraduate and graduate students. Visiting guests included Associate Conductor of the London Symphony Chorus Neil Ferris, Broadway Music Director James McQuillen, and internationally renowned performer David Gaschen, each leaving a lasting impression on students.

“Each year the Music Department looks for opportunities for students in ensembles to collaborate with other ensembles and professional singers and instrumentalists,” said Professor and Chair of the Castleton Music Department Sherrill Blodget, emphasizing the importance of in-person field training and experience.

Most recently, students had the opportunity to work alongside the US Army Brass Quintet in a concert of American music at the Paramount Theater in Rutland as part of Project 240. Performing in front of a full house of more than 800 attendees, the chance to perform with one of the most highly respected and sought after groups of its kind was inspiring to all.

“Working with these incredible musicians was a thrill for everyone, inspiring our students to continue to strive for excellence,” finished Blodget.

“Working with these incredible

musicians was a thrill

for everyone, inspiring our students to

continue to strive for excellence.”

Music Collaborations Heighten Student Experience

2016 • SPRING 25

In addition to bringing guests to the Castleton campus, the department also partners with various groups from around the state, as well as shares their music talents throughout the local community.

From serenading senior citizens at nearby living centers and singing with other Vermont colleges at yearly events, to caroling at the local Christmas tree lighting and playing halftime shows at home football games, students in the University’s chorale, marching band, chamber singers, vocal unrest, jazz combos, spirit band, and jazz and wind ensembles experience it all during their time at Castleton.

“Hands on experiences from professionals in my field motivated me to become a better musician and educator,” explained first year Music Education graduate student Stephen Klepner, who serves as a member of the choir, marching band and wind ensemble. “To learn from masters in the field was an educational experience I will cherish for the rest of my life.”

Taking the learning experience outside the classroom and across the world, Castleton students were given the opportunity to spend the beginning of their 2015 summer traveling across the globe as part of class curriculum. Part of a combined class trip with the Castleton Choir and Cuba Immersion: History, Culture and Music class, the group spent time in Havana exploring the musical culture of Cuba.

The trip was well deserved after a semester of hard work in the classroom and hours of rehearsal. While abroad, students took the time to fully immerse in the culture and lifestyle of Cuba, while showcasing their musical talents by performing with a professional Cuban choral ensemble.

Music Students Visit Cuba

DR. SHERRILL BLODGET, CHAIR OF THE CASTLETON MUSIC DEPARTMENT CONDUCTS STUDENTS IN CUBA.


Everyone does laundry. It’s a fact of our existence. But no one does laundry quite like the Castleton University equipment room; to the tune of 700 pounds per day or just under 5,000 pounds per week. If those numbers don’t sound daunting to you, think of the time it takes to dry 700 pounds of laundry in just one day. Seems like a full-time job and then some.

For Castleton’s Brian Smith ’07 it is just that, as he deals with over two tons of laundry per week during the fall months as Castleton’s Equipment Manager.

Fully Equipped

2016 • SPRING 27

“Laundry isn’t a chore for me,” Smith claims. “It is how I help the student-athletes prepare for competition. I’m part of the team.”

Smith became Castleton’s equipment manager in 2011 and is a key reason why the athletic department has been able to grow and maintain its success. Brian’s days begin well before most student-athletes, when he goes around to each team’s locker room to make sure his student workers did the laun-dry work he had assigned them the night before.

Most nights the washer runs from the early evening until well after midnight to prepare for the following day.

“Without the student workers we would never be able to keep up with the volume. They play a huge part in making sure the equipment room runs successfully.” In addition to the mass amounts of laundry, Smith is also charged with ordering new, and repairing old equipment, while making sure that each of the 29 teams is outfitted with the proper safety and performance equipment their sport demands.

To repair torn uniforms, Brian breaks out a year old sewing machine which in his estimation has already paid for itself.

“My mom just thought it

was important that I know

how to sew, and I enjoy

repairing the jerseys and

making them new again.

Plus, it saves us a lot of

time and money by doing

the repairs in-house.”

He honed his sewing skill as a kid and credits his mother with giving him the initial tools to repair the small rips and tears in jerseys. “My mom just thought it was important that I know how to sew, and I enjoy repairing the jerseys and making them new again. Plus, it saves us a lot of time and money by doing the repairs in-house.”

Brian prides himself on creating a big-time atmosphere for student-athletes. Unlike many equipment managers at smaller institutions, Brian places each student-athlete’s uni-form in his or her own locker at least three hours prior to a game. When they enter the locker room the jersey is hanging proudly, just like it would be at the professional level.

Brian’s team of student workers was never more important when he and his wife Jody welcomed their first child, Emer-syn Marie. His workers stepped up their efforts to allow him to take some well-deserved time off to be with his new fam-ily.

“The family atmosphere is amazing here. Jody and I were so thankful to have that time together, and to have everyone from coaches to administrators and students stepping up and helping out. It was awesome.”


The football staff at Castleton is taking an active stand against domestic violence and changing the perception of football that many people have by working closely with Castleton’s CHANGE (Creating Honoring Advocating Nurturing Gender Equity) Coordinator Amy Bremel to make sure they are part of the solution, not the problem.

“I think it’s important to be involved on the campus,” said offensive coordinator Kevin Trigonis. “The work that Peer Advocates for CHANGE (PAC) is doing is vital on campuses nationwide, especially with things like bystander intervention and making people aware of what they should do in certain situations.”

PAC is a volunteer student group at Castleton that is trained to educate the campus about sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking and harassment. Bremel remembers vividly her first interaction with Coach Trigonis when he arrived on campus less than two years ago.

“I met Kevin during his first few days on campus,” said Bremel. “He wanted to meet and learn about what PAC does and how he could be involved. He told me, ‘I’m not just going to be a name on your contact list. You can count on me to be an active member and contribute to the work.’ Kevin kept his word and has attended many weekly PAC meetings, along with helping to organize domestic violence awareness games for football and women’s hockey on PAC’s behalf.”

The work during his first full year on campus wasn’t just noticed by Bremel and the rest of his coaching staff, but also at the Annual Castleton Awards Ceremony where he was awarded the PAC Campus Ally Award. At the presentation Coach Trigonis was described as a “true activist, conveyed through his passion for sociology, masculinity and gender

issues, and sexual assault prevention work. He has high expectations for his guys and role models what it is ‘to be a man’.”

“I’ve felt passionate about this for a while and was happy to get involved at Castleton as well,” said Trigonis. “Programs like Take Back the Night and others are sometimes overlooked but I really feel they are invaluable. I know in my ten years of coaching I’ve had players come to me with off field issues and just being educated enough to respond the right way is huge.” This year in addition to having Bremel come talk to the team, Castleton Football once again held a “Purple Game” during October which is domestic violence awareness month. Many members of the team have also participated in PAC’s Poetry Slam events, taking the time to write and perform poetry pertaining to social justice.

Kevin’s passion for this type of work has only increased since he and his wife Tessa welcomed their first child, Brayden, this fall. . He feels even more strongly about the need to be a mentor for his players, in addition to being a good coach to them. It is something that Castleton President Dave Wolk has noticed.

“Head Coach Tony Volpone and Coach Trigonis are respected leaders and have been a unifying force on our campus. Their example of inclusion while celebrating individual differences, that which unites us rather than what separates us, respecting all members of our community, has become the model here on our campus.”

“I’m thankful to Kevin for unifying our ‘teams’ to show that PAC isn’t out to target or attack men but rather show that in the spirit of this work, we all win when we get together for a common cause.”

“I know in my ten years of coaching I’ve had players come to me with off field

issues and just being educated enough to respond the right way is huge.”

A Voice for C.H.A.N.G.E

2016 • SPRING 29

CASTLETON ADDS WRESTLING, ELEVATES WOMEN’S RUGBY

The Spartan athletic department is once again growing, as Castleton added wrestling as a varsity sport and elevated long-time club sport, women’s rugby to varsity status beginning with the 2016-17 year.

Legendary coach Scott Legacy was tabbed to lead the newly formed wres-tling program, coming to Castleton following a Hall of Fame career as the wrestling coach at Mount Anthony Union High School in Bennington for the past 30 years. The 2014 USA Today National Coach of the Year and New England Wrestling Hall of Fame in-ductee created a dynasty at Mount An-thony, illustrated by his program’s 27 consecutive Vermont State Wrestling Championships.

During his tenure he amassed an im-pressive 654-35-2 overall record, in-cluding eight New England Champi-on teams and eight more which were runner-up. In the last five years alone he has won three New England Cham-pionships and finished second once. He also has had 15 teams ranked in the top-25 nationally.

The announcement of the addition of wrestling was the most-read story ever posted to castletonsports.com. Read the full story at castletonsports.com/wrestling.

The Castleton women’s rugby team had just over 20 members this past fall, but the number of participants jumped to 30 during the spring with the recent revelation that it will become a varsity sport.

SPARTAN SHIELD SOCIETY

This fall the Castleton department of athletics, in conjunction with the Cas-tleton Fund, announced the formation of the Spartan Shield Society, a mem-bership-based fundraising arm whose aim is to provide support to the nearly 600 student-athletes at Castleton.

The Spartan Shield Society is commit-ted to supporting Castleton Athletics, through club membership and partic-ipation, by funding a comprehensive and diverse athletics program that pro-vides opportunities for student-athletes to develop as individuals and leaders, while promoting a tradition of academ-ic and athletic excellence.

“The Spartan’s shield is a representa-tion of teamwork and togetherness to achieve a common goal,” said Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach Bo McDougall. “As the costs associated with operat-ing a successful athletic program rise, it’s important that we come together to ensure that the student-athletes of the present and future continue to have a comprehensive experience similar to those before them.”

Like the famed Spartans of mytholo-gy, Castleton has always relied on the strength of the many, rather than the power of a few. To learn more about how you can join visit :

CASTLETONSPORTS.COM/SHIELD-SOCIETY

CASTLETONSPORTS.COM

Nate with the football team after theirvictory over Anna Maria.

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EMILY MCCOLL | JUNIORMAJOR: ART WITH CONCENTRATION IN PHOTOGRAPHY

photo taken inside the colosseum in rome

Emily spent the Fall semester at Florence University of the Arts through the ASA program. Taking international marketing and working with a fashion company based in Florence, she helped to create marketing strategies for the business. Art classes included fashion photography, street photography, and a Florence sketchbook.

“Studying abroad had always been a dream of mine and I knew that I wanted it to become a reality. Being able to live in another city and experience a different culture while getting an education is an opportunity to be taken advantage of.”

“Being completely immersed in another country can be unsettling because there are so many cultural differences. But learning the differences between Italy and America is also a really rewarding and important experience. Being in Italy allowed me to explore other countries in Europe that I’d wanted to visit. It’s almost impossible for the experience not to change your worldview, and as a result I’ve grown so much as an artist and a person.”

When in Rome

2016 • SPRING 31

each issue one person shares their favorite spot on castleton’s campus.

MARY DROEGEBIOLOGY LABORATORY & GREENHOUSE MANAGER

MARY DROEGE • THE CASTLETON GREENHOUSE

My Space:

“The greenhouse is a unique place on our campus. It is constantly changing. Season to season new plants are added, plants flower, and sometimes fruits like pineapples and lemons are growing! It really is a special little oasis on campus that is open to everyone. It is especially soothing and enjoyable in the winter when we all are craving some green. What do I like the best? The plants of course, I love them all and could never pick a favorite!”

ROSEMARY

PLUSH PLANT

MARY

SENSITIVE PLANT

PLANT

FACTS

CARDAMOM

MEYER LEMON

PONYTAIL PALM

TROPICAL PITCHER

PLANT

• SENSITIVE PLANT leaves “wilt” when touched

• ROSEMARY popular culinary herb

• CARDAMOM spice used in indian food

• PONYTAIL PALM native to mexico, not a true palm, expanded base stores water.


GIVING TUESDAYDECEMBER 1, 2015

Castleton University’s first attempt at participating in #GivingTuesday, the global day of giving that seeks to challenge the way we think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season was a monumental success thanks to the generosity of the Castleton community. With a focus on “Giving

Green,” we used our signature green as a way to bring everyone together.

The Gift of Life Marathon kicked off its annual 12 Days of Giving at

President Dave Wolk’s house.

Student Government Drives collects more than 3,000 donations of food, warm clothes, and medical supplies.

194 monetary gifts, a new single day record21 Different states, 3 countries

135 Pints of Blood

Donated

3,000+Physical Donations

$10,500Raised in One Day

SAVE THE DATE | GIVING TUESDAY | NOVEMBER 29, 2016

2016 • SPRING 33

In hopes of better preserving the earth for future generations, husband and wife Environmental Chemists and Castleton faculty members Andy Vermilyea and Hilary Easter attempt to homestead and live in a sustainable manner. Between gardening fresh greens, raising and butchering their own protein, producing maple syrup and wine from local ingredients and chopping firewood from their property to heat 95 percent of their home through the winter, the two are dedicated to becoming more self-sufficient, while reducing their carbon footprint.

“We are not the most sustainable people, but we are conscious of our resources and consider sustainability in most everything we do,” said Vermilyea, an Assistant Professor of Environmental Chemistry. “Most resources we take for granted are to some degree limited and trying to live sustainably is our way of reducing our individual impact on these resources.”

Having been conscious of sustainable living since a young age, the two focus on different aspects of sustainability depending on their current location. Since moving to Vermont, they have honed in on living from the land and embraced renewable energy after recently joining a community solar array, which

will offset nearly all of their homes electrical usage. Living only a few miles from campus, they bike to work when weather permits and often carpool in their Prius C for trips into town to save fuel.

The duo’s passion for sustainability also carries over into their work on campus. At Castleton Andy serves as the co-chairperson of the Green Campus Initiative Working Group, organizes the Castleton EcoReps, and is advisor to the Sustainability Club, while Hilary takes a green approach to teaching her Organic Chemistry labs by having students work on a micro scale, thus significantly reducing the solvent waste generated.

“Living sustainable is important to us because we have lived in some spectacular places like Vermont, Colorado, and Alaska, and future generations should be able to enjoy these beautiful places as well,” said Easter, Laboratory Manager and Instructor in the Natural Sciences Department. “We love the outdoors and enjoy our natural environment.”

Castleton faculty and staff share how they spend their time away from Castleton. In this issue husband and wife Environmental Chemists and Castleton faculty members Andy Vermilyea and Hilary Easter tell us how they try to live a sustainable life.

“Living sustainable is important to us because we have lived in some spectacular places... and future generations should be able to enjoy these beautiful

places as well.”

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castleton magazine spring 2016

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