summer 2009 alumni magazine

Reconnecting with the Past Kicking Off the Future

alumni magazine

Su

mm

er/F

all 2

00

9

First Athletic Team at AMC, Women’s Basketball 1977

First Football Team 2009

On the cover:

ab

cd

e

f

g

hi

Help us identify these players. If you are one of these smiling faces or know one or two of them, send an email to [email protected] with the name, contact information and jersey number so we can record their names in AMC History.

The front line:

a Matt Kelly 2011, b Devon Nixon 2013, c

Blake Simpson 2012,

d Ryan Stasiowski 2011, e

Dan Conaghan 2010, f

Matt Cantwell (Captain) 2010,

g Rich Brandt 2012, h

Marc Klaiman (Coach), i

Jack Calareso (AMC President)

6

19

amc alumni magazine | 1

Inside}

4President’s Letter 2

Alumni Association 3

New Alumni Association President Alicia Lenahan ’89 4

Calendar 5

Family Profile 6

Alumni Reflections 8-15

Homecoming/Reunion 16

Football Character 19

Faculty Achievements 21

Alumni Notes 22-27

2 | amc alumni magazine

Dear friends,

I must admit that I remember very little about a course I took as an undergraduate on British Playwrights of the 19th Century. In my defense, it was an 8:00 a.m. class and it was 40 years ago! However, what has remained with me over these past many years is a line from the play The Second Mrs. Tanqueray by Sir Arthur Wing Pinero. Pinero wrote, “I believe the future is only the past again, entered through another gate.”

I think this line captures well the focus of this edition of the Anna Maria College Alumni Magazine. As you

read the stories and look at the images, you will see that while so much seems to be changing at the College,

we are very much the same as we have always been. The future of AMC in so many ways is really only a

reflection of the past.

The students who enrolled at the newly founded Anna Maria College in the 1940’s in Marlborough and

the early years in Paxton in the 1950’s and 1960’s may have arrived by a yellow school bus, worn different

clothes and had different hair styles, but their success at this great institution was dependent on their hard

work, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the generosity of our friends and benefactors who financially

supported programs and scholarships. Just like today’s students…and tomorrow’s students…these key

ingredients are critical to the ability of so many of our students to be successful…to have the opportunity for

an Anna Maria College education. In this issue you will read about women and men from different generations

who have benefitted in the same way from their Anna Maria experience. And this is our hope for the

generations of students to come.

The truth of Pinero’s quotation will be visually evident as you look at the images throughout the magazine

and the picture from the archives on the cover. The belief that students should have the opportunity for co-

curricular experiences may have seemed radical in the 1960’s as Anna Maria launched its first inter-collegiate

athletic teams. But the future of football at AMC is really only the past again…entered through the gate of the

21st century.

As we prepare to begin the 64th year of Anna Maria College…welcoming the largest freshmen class in

the College’s history…launching new programs and expanding our faculty, staff and services…I thank you

for your continued and abiding support of AMC. Thank you for what you have done in the past…and what

you will do in the future. We continue to look for great things at AMC, confident in the words of the Psalmist,

“I delight to do thy will, O Lord, for I know Thy will for me is supreme good in my present and in my future.”

(Psalms 40:8)

Jack P. Calareso, Ph.D.

President

An important change in the governance of your Alumni Association took place on July 1, 2009.

AlumniAssociation

The

President Jack Calareso honored the members of the AMC Alumni Council at a special luncheon in July to thank them for their years of service to the College and recognize their new role in alumni affairs going forward.

At the luncheon, Steve Carey ’81 was also recognized for his more than five years of service as Alumni Association President. His term ended on July 1, 2009.

Combined, they represent hundreds of years of service to AMC and the College is very grateful for their loyalty and dedication.

The Council will still run the annual Craft Fair fundraiser. In addition, they

will continue administering the Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship and will help plan additional alumni events.

New Alumni Board MembersAlicia Lenahan ’89, President

Michelle Booth ’89, First Vice President

David Armstrong ’98, ’01G, Second Vice President

Tara Benson ’00, Secretary

Ann Marie (Lamonica) Arcidi ’92

Maureen (Logan) Coghlin ’55

Danica (Beaulac) Copp ’92

Mark Georgeson ’85

Katie Leahey ’06

Robert McKean ’96G

Diane Mohieldin ’97G

Patrick Nealon ’86 ’99G

Thomas O’Neil ’97

Jeffrey Raymond ’03

Margaret (Hornyak) Russell ’74

Lisa Saverese ’04

Patricia (Recko) Smith ’64

Claudette (Renaud) Sortino ’64

Lori (Bean) Szczygiel ’84, ’91G

Maureen (Grady) Tebo ’90

Thomas Tuniewicz ’82G

The Alumni of Anna Maria College have been

organized for more than 50 years through the AMC

Alumni Association. Membership in the Association is

free and is automatically granted to all individuals who

have earned a degree from the College.

Since its founding, the Alumni Association has been

governed by the Alumni Council. This leadership group

has worked with the College’s alumni office to plan and

promote alumni events, programs and services. The

President of the Council also served as President of

the Alumni Association.

To help the College more fully serve a diverse base

of alumni, the College has transitioned its current

governing authority to a new group, the Alumni

Association Board of Directors. The members of this

new Board represent the wide diversity within the

alumni population, including individuals from every

decade, non-traditional undergraduate alumni, and

master’s degree alumni.

The Board is led by four officers: a President

(who also serves as President of the Alumni

Association), First Vice President, Second Vice

President and Secretary. Filling these important roles

are: President Alicia Lenahan ’89, First Vice President

Michelle Booth ’89, Second Vice President David

Armstrong ’99, ’01G, and Secretary Tara Benson ’00.

The Board will meet twice annually and work with

the Alumni Office to broaden and strengthen our

alumni network and to advise on alumni programming

and communications. Between meetings, the Board

members will continue their work through several

committees.

Although the initial members of the Board have

been appointed by the Alumni Office, future members

will be identified through an open nomination process

submitted to the Nominations Committee of the Board.


Thanks to the AMC Alumni Council for their service


A significant change in the governance of the Alumni Association also accompanies my appointment to

this position. On July 1, 2009, the College formally transferred governing authority for the Association

from the Alumni Council to a new Board of Directors. You can read more about this transition on page

3 of this publication. In summary, we expect that this change will help us provide meaningful service to

you, our alumni, and strengthen the bond between alumni and the College.

I want to personally thank the members of the Alumni Council who have each given many years

of dedicated service and hard work to the College. While the role of the Council has changed, the

members of that group will continue to run the annual Craft Fair, administer the Alumni Association

Scholarship and help plan some additional alumni events.

Please take a minute to review the membership list of the new Board of Directors on page 3.

This group is in place to represent you and they want to hear from you. We also want to receive

your thoughts and ideas through the alumni survey that was recently mailed to you. Please be sure

to answer the survey and return it to us. Your input is important as it will help determine what types

of alumni events, programming and services the College will offer. We also need your ideas for how

we can improve what we’re already doing.

This is going to be a remarkable year for Anna Maria College, led in no small part by the kickoff

of football this September. I hope you’ll join us for the first home football game on September 12

and for Homecoming Weekend, October 16-17.

Please also be sure to friend us on Facebook at www.facebook.edu/amcalumni.

Thank you for your support of AMC. Together we will help lift the College to new heights.

Alicia Lenahan ’89

President, Anna Maria College Alumni Association

It is my pleasure to write to you as the new President of the Anna Maria College Alumni Association. I am thrilled to be serving in this role and to have the opportunity to help advance the College and enhance the programming and services offered to alumni both locally and around the globe.

A message from Alicia Lenahan ’89 Alumni Associat ion President


september

12 First Home Football Game AMC vs. Fitchburg StateDon’t miss the opportunity to be a part of history. Join the AMC Community in kicking off the first-ever home football game. Never before and never again will you be able to participate in this inaugural event. Bring friends and family to help us all cheer the AMCATS to victory. Also, join us for a special tailgate barbecue before the big game!

26 Home Football Game AMC vs. Malone The Spirit Squad needs your help in cheering for our football team. Join us for this important home game.

october

10 Home Football Game AMC vs. Utica October is a great time to visit the AMC campus and cheer our new football team to victory. This is also a great time for an autumn tailgate party.

16 &17 Reunion & Homecoming Weekend

Come home to AMC and join fellow alumni for a full weekend of activities! Celebrate and reconnect with your friends and classmates at this annual tradition. See page 16 for more information.

17 Home Football Game AMC vs. Castleton State

The AMCAT football team is playing at home this week. Don’t miss out on the fun.

31 Home Football Game Football Game AMC vs. GallaudetFootball season will be ending before you know it. Don’t let this year end without seeing an AMCAT football home game.

november

7 & 8 Annual Craft Fair See craft fair vendors from all around at the 33rd annual Arts and Crafts Fair from 10:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. in the Fuller Activities Center

15 Opening Reception for the Monks of St. Joseph’s Abbey Art ExhibitAMC Presents a premiere art exhibit by the Monks

of St. Joseph’s Abbey from Spencer, MA in the Miriam Hall Art Gallery. The Monks will be on hand to speak about their work from 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. A Gallery Talk by the Director of the Museum of Russian Icons, Gordon Lankton, will be held at 3:00 p.m. in Payer Concert Hall. All work will be available for purchase.

22 Concert at the Worcester Art MuseumFeaturing the AMC Bel Canto Choir and the St. Joseph’s Abbey Schola in the Renaissance Court at the Worcester Art Museum at 2:00 p.m.

december

12 Holiday “Pops” Concert and Reception Anna Maria College Chorus joins other collegechoruses and the Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra for this annual Worcester holiday event at Mechanics Hall. Enjoy classic symphonic works, selections from Broadway musicals and favorite music of the season fashioned after the Boston POPS. A pre-concert reception will be held in Mechanics Hall for AMC alumni and friends. For more information, call (508) 849-3342.

january

16 & 30 Family Open Skate at AMC!Mark your calendar for this year’s dates! Grab the family and the skates for a free afternoon on the AMC skating rink. Enjoy the winter weather with a classic outdoor activity. Complimentary hot choco-late and treats will be provided. Let us know you’re coming! Send an email to [email protected] and you will be notified of any updates or cancella-tions due to inclement weather.

february

10 Family Open Skate at AMC!Grab the family and the skates for a free afternoon on the AMC skating rink. Complimentary hot chocolate and treats will be provided. Let us know you’re coming! Send an email to [email protected] and you will be notified of any updates or cancellations due to inclement weather.

n&e amc alumni calendar

news&events



The Hubacz family is excited about creating a legacy at

AMC and enjoys being a part of the new Vision for the

College. While Ashley is able to personally experience the

growth on campus, her parents remain committed to their

alma mater and are pleased that their daughter has many

more resources available to her that will contribute to an

even better college experience.

“The AMC campus is so different now,” comments Drew.

“When I was a student, there was no athletic center, the gym

was the auditorium and there was no art section in Miriam

Hall.” “The library had just been finished,” adds Kelly. “A lot

has changed over the years, most of it for the better.” Not

fans at first of the color change, both are definitely excited

about the upcoming football team and the games that will

bring the campus together.

One thing the Hubacz family notes that does remain the

same is the close-knit community that still attracts students

from all over New England and beyond. Drew and Kelly met

at AMC and treasure the many long-lasting friendships that

they made during their college years. “We still vacation with

Bill ’81 and Roberta Gale” shares Kelly. “We also keep in

touch with many other alumni, including Jim Moffet ’84, Juan

Cuesta ’83, Steve Sibinich ’82 and Alton Button ’84 who join

Drew for an annual fishing trip.” According to Drew, “Staying

If any alumni from the early eighties were visiting AMC this summer,

they would have been able to catch a glimpse of a familiar couple

walking about campus—former classmates Drew ’82 and Kelly ’83

(Pereira) Hubacz. A closer look would have revealed that Drew and

Kelly were accompanied by their daughter, Ashley, who is entering

her junior year at Anna Maria College.

A Legacy of LoveAshley ’11, Drew ’82 and Kelly ’83 Hubaczfamily profile


We want to

know about your

AMC family.

Call us at 508-849-3342

or email

[email protected]

and let us know about

your AMC roots and how

far they reach into your

family history.

A Legacy of Loveconnected with the friends we made in college keeps us connected

to AMC.” Five years ago, they all mourned the loss of classmate,

Bill Desantis ’83, who had been a part of their regular get-togethers.

Another alumnus the Hubacz family stays in contact with is Dan Roy

’83, the first AMCAT. As one of the first student/athletes to play basketball

for the AMCATS, Drew, who was also captain of the soccer team for two

years, continues to remain in touch with Dan. Drew was also active in

intramural sports, which is where he and Kelly became better acquainted.

Kelly was a music therapy student at the time, studying voice and piano.

She remembers auditioning for the College during the Blizzard of ’78.

Today, Drew and Kelly live in Rhode Island where they raised their two

children. Drew works for Merial, a global animal pharmaceutical company

while Kelly serves as a reading specialist for fourth and fifth graders in a

Rhode Island Public School. They are both excited and proud that Ashley,

their youngest, chose Anna Maria College to begin her own journey.

“I really didn’t want to apply to AMC at first,” claims Ashley. “However,

once I visited the campus and compared it with other institutions I was

considering, I realized that Anna Maria was where I wanted to go.” The

small class sizes and close-knit community that sold her parents on AMC

is what also attracted Ashley to attend her parents’ alma mater. Following

in their footsteps, Ashley is already well connected at AMC. She plays

soccer like her father and serves as a phonathon caller. She is also a

newly-elected Class of 2011 officer.

Being a part of her parents’ legacy at AMC is important to Ashley

and she believes that she is already establishing the same long-lasting

friendships.

“It’s the friends and experiences that keep AMC alive in our hearts,”

states Kelly. “We still feel very much connected to the community and

donate regularly. AMC remains important in our family’s life.”


’59 Suzanne (Chapdelaine) Kelly

As the old adage goes, “With a liberal arts education,

you can do anything.” That’s proven quite true for

a number of AMC alumni, including Suzanne

(Chapdelaine) Kelly ’59.

From teaching to administration to entrepreneur-

ship, Suzanne has enjoyed a life of diverse opportuni-

ties. “If you have a strong liberal arts background,

you are prepared to pursue almost any profession,”

Suzanne claims. “My diverse career paths exemplify

this as my degree gave me the skills to not only

teach, but to administer programs both in education

and in the visual and performing arts. Owning and

operating my own business just came naturally.”

Our featured alumni celebrating reunion reflect on professional

and life experiences. They remember college life, professors

and experiences that helped shape their careers and lives.

Remember your own favorite memories as you peek into

your classmates’ lives after leaving Anna Maria College.

Alumni Reflections


Suzanne chose AMC for reasons familiar to many

of her generation. “My choice was made in 1955, a

time when a Catholic school girl attended a Catholic

college,” she recalls. “The fact that AMC was a

women’s college did not factor into my decision. My

parents, however, directed me to a college run by a

religious order.” AMC also offered her a substantial

scholarship, which made the decision an easy one.

As an English major, Suzanne was deeply

influenced by Sr. M. John of Carmel, SSA, Ph.D.

(Sr. Clarice Chauvin). “She had a strong impact

on all her students, myself included,” Suzanne

shares. Outside the classroom, Suzanne was class

president for four years and served on the student

council. “Self governance was a new concept,”

she remembers. “It was enlightening to work with

women on campus, to exchange ideas, to try

new programs.”

After graduating, Suzanne remained connected

to AMC, continually making time for her alma mater.

In 1994, the Alumni Association recognized her for

her professional achievements and service to the

College with the Outstanding Alumni Award.

Professionally, like many of her peers, Suzanne

entered the teaching profession. “Initially, I taught at

the middle school level, but soon moved on to high

school where I worked for 40 years,” she explains.

“Because of my French background, I was qualified

to teach French as well as English. So for a number

of years, I enjoyed teaching both disciplines until

teaching French took over.”

While still teaching, Suzanne also joined the staff

at Holy Cross to supervise their teacher certification

program at Burncoat High School in Worcester. After

retiring from the classroom, she became the Director

of the Worcester Arts and Humanities Educational

Collaborative (WAHEC), a position she held for four

years. WAHEC sought to broaden the horizons of

students in the Worcester Public Schools by con-

necting them with the City’s cultural institutions.

In addition to her service as a teacher and

administrator, Suzanne is also an entrepreneur.

She has owned and operated Esprit Décor, an

antique shop on Cape Cod, for 37 years. A summer

venture during her teaching years, the business is

now a full-time labor of love.

“It’s an all consuming job which connects me

to the fine and decorative arts world,” she says.

“I pursue this with vigor and delight. I continue to

have a wonderful time working.”

’64 Claudette (Renaud) Sortino When Claudette (Renaud) Sortino graduated in

1964, she struggled with the same uncertainty

that plagues many other new graduates — what

to do next.

“I attended Anna Maria College

at a time when women were pretty

much restricted to the fields of

education, social work, nursing,

and administration, but none of

these really appealed to me,”

shares Claudette.

As a college student during

the time John F. Kennedy was

both elected and assassinated,

Claudette had already developed a passion for

service. After several months of uncertainty, she

enlisted in the Peace Corps and was on her way

to India, where she taught for three years in a boys’

higher secondary school. She came back a very

different person.

“I arrived in India as a 22-year-old ready to change

the world only to find after three years that the world

had changed me,” she claims. “To live as a minority

of one, totally immersed in someone else’s culture,

is the greatest learning experience ever invented.”

By the time Claudette returned home, new

opportunities were opening up for women and

Suzanne remains connected to AMC...In 1994, the

Alumni Association recognized her for her professional achievements

and service to the College with the “Outstanding Alumni Award”


began to work in sales and marketing for a major

pharmaceutical corporation in Philadelphia, only the

second woman ever hired in this job category.

“Initially, as a woman in a traditionally male

dominated position, there were many hurdles to

overcome” comments Claudette. “But during my

thirty year tenure, I witnessed women not only being

accepted, sought after, and very successful at my

job level, but also climbing very high in the ranks

of upper management.” For Claudette, she points

to her AMC education as a contributing factor to

her success.

“It turned out that Anna Maria was the perfect

place for me,” she states. “The small school atmo-

sphere enabled me to develop both my organiza-

tional and leadership skills, which would not have

happened in a large university. A certain amount of

self discipline was expected in the Catholic school

environment and it turned out to be a source of

strength when I arrived in India, and later in my

career. The value of my AMC education as a key

element in the development of my personhood

became evident over the course of many years,”

she adds.

Claudette’s advice to current AMC students

echoes the College’s mission and values. “They

are living in a time when there are no restrictions

to doing or becoming anything they want to be,”

she says. “I would encourage today’s students

to challenge themselves and not be afraid to fail.

I would also tell them that some of life’s most

rewarding activities are those focused on helping

someone else.”

’69 Barbara (Gallow) Lyman The mission of AMC encourages its alumni to use

their education in service to their community, as well

as the larger world around them. Having dedicated

her life to education and service, Barbara (Gallow)

Lyman, Ph.D. ’69, is a shining example of the AMC

mission at work.

Barbara grew up on a small cotton farm in south-

west Louisiana and enrolled at AMC because of

a mentor, Fr. Neil Sullivan, a Josephite priest.

“He recognized my potential,” Barbara recalls.

“Following a visit to his original home in Worcester

the summer before my senior

year, Fr. Sullivan returned with

a scholarship for me from Anna

Maria College. Through his

advocacy, the Sisters of Saint

Anne decided to invest in and

provide an opportunity to a

15-year-old African American

girl from the deep South.”

For her first three years at

AMC, Barbara lived with a Worcester family who

offered room and board in exchange for helping with

light chores and their ten children. Despite living off

campus, she still took advantage of co-curricular

activities. “I found time to act in plays,” Barbara

says. “I also took part in the Thomas More Literature

Club, and attended college events. As a senior,

I lived on campus allowing me to be even more

involved (including) serving as editor-in-chief of

the yearbook.”

Alumni Reflections

“To live as a minority of one, totally immersed in someone

else’s culture, is the greatest learning experience ever invented.”

– Claudette (Renaud) Sortino ’64


English professor Sr. Mary John of Carmel was

an important figure in Barbara’s AMC experience.

“She played the most significant role in my college

success,” Barbara shares. “As an English Literature

major, I took a number of courses from Sr. John, had

roles in theater productions that she directed, and

generally admired her for her joie de vivre, passion

for literature, and commitment to her students,” she

adds. “Sr. John had high expectations of us and I

worked to live up to them, partly because I was

going to hear about it if she felt I wasn’t.”

After graduating, Barbara earned her Ph.D. from

Louisiana State University and has worked in higher

education for more than 30 years. She has served

primarily at universities that are devoted to meeting

the educational needs of their regions and that serve

significant populations of first generation college

students, including Texas State University — San

Marcos, the University of West Florida, the University

of Louisiana at Lafayette and the University of

Delaware.

Having risen through the ranks, taking positions

of increasing responsibility at a number of different

universities, Barbara currently serves as the Provost

and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at

Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.

According to Barbara, AMC has played an impor-

tant role in her success. “AMC was a perfect fit,” she

states. “I emerged with a solid education that made

me highly competitive for graduate study and the

degrees that I later earned at Brandeis, Harvard

and LSU.”

AMC also offered Barbara important role models,

including Sr. Irene Socquet and Sr. Bernadette

Madore. “Seeing dedicated, strong, and confident

women at work leading the college and its programs

was invaluable,” comments Barbara. She also fondly

remembers Dr. Ogretta McNeil, an AMC instructor at

the time. “Dr. McNeil was the first African American

woman I had ever personally known who had

earned a Ph.D. She exerted a strong influence

on my perception of the possible.”

’74 La Wanda Manor

For most prospective students, the campus visit

is a critical part of the college selection process.

However, the first time La Wanda Manor ’74 saw

the AMC campus was when she arrived to start

her freshman year.

“I picked AMC from a college catalog my senior

year of high school,” La Wanda recalls. She grew

up in Washington, DC and wanted to attend a small

college in Massachusetts to be near family, friends

and high school classmates who were going to be

attending area colleges.

Although she arrived at AMC

sight-unseen, La Wanda enjoyed

her experience at the college. In

addition to her studies—in which

she excelled—she enjoyed living

on the Paxton campus. “My favorite

memory of AMC is walking the quiet,

peaceful campus,” she says. “It was

a welcome change from living in a

large city.” She also enjoyed explor-

ing Worcester and Boston.

She also took full advantage of the guest speakers

both at AMC and the campuses of other colleges

both in the Worcester Consortium and elsewhere in

the state. “The speaker I remember the most was

the poet Nikki Giovanni,” she shares. “This was my

first experience seeing a well-known poet in person.”

La Wanda majored in sociology but took several

classes in social work, eventually deciding against

pursuing a career in the field. “After listening to

Professor (Paul) Hand’s vivid description of the

duties and challenges of the profession, I decided

that this occupation did not fit my personality,” she

explains. Because her liberal arts education at AMC

exposed her to a broad array of subjects, La Wanda

found she really enjoyed research which led her to

pursue a career in information studies. “I wanted

a career where I could be involved in research and

education,” she adds.

“Seeing dedicated, strong, and confident women

at work leading the college and its programs was invaluable”

– Barbara (Gallow) Lyman ’69

Wanting to broaden her geographic horizons,

LaWanda was accepted for graduate study at Case

Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio where

she earned a Master of Library Science degree. After

graduating, she returned home to Washington and

had the choice of working in either industry or the

DC Public Schools.

It ended up being an easy decision. Not only did

the school system job pay better, but, according to

La Wanda “both of my parents were school teachers

so I knew education could be a rewarding profes-

sion.” And it definitely was the right decision as

La Wanda spent 32 years as a high school librarian

in the Washington, DC school system before retiring

in June 2008.

“I plan to go back to work in another field of library

science although I have not decided which one,” she

says. “I may even go back as a high school librarian

in another school system. Right now, however, I am

spending my time with my family and friends and

enjoying not having to plan my day around a job.”

Asked what advice she would give to AMC

students today, La Wanda shares, “Make sure to

take advantage of all the opportunities that come

your way outside of the classroom and stay in touch

with people that provide you with pleasant memories

of your time in college.”

’84 Michael Molla

Unlike many students whose parents question their

decision to major in art, Michael Molla ’84 had the

full encouragement of his family to pursue an art

degree – if he attended a small, private college.

“They knew I would only flourish in that environ-

ment,” Mike recalls. “It was important for them, and

me, that I had a broad based education that offered

a comprehensive student centered experience.”

Accompanied by his grandfather, Mike came

to campus for an interview and portfolio review

with Professor Ralph Parente, then chair of the art

department. Professor Parente began the review

by asking him to talk about each of the 15 pieces

in his portfolio for which Mike was well-prepared.

Professor Parente then asked a question that

caught him off guard.

Within minutes of flipping through his portfolio,

Professor Parente asked Mike to describe in detail,

‘How do you think?’ “I remember responding ner-

vously that I don’t really know,” shares Mike. “I was

prepared to talk about each piece of work in my

portfolio, not answer the type of question he was

asking.” According to Mike, Professor

Parente responded, “this is one of the

first questions you will ask yourself on

your journey to become an artist this

September here at Anna Maria.”

For Mike, his education started

right then and there and contin-

ued through his four years at AMC.

“Professor Parente systematically

raised my creative and professional aspirations

beyond what I ever thought possible,” he says.

Mike’s education was rounded out by other

faculty and staff, including Dean of Students, Hollie

Ingraham, Sr. Rollande Quintal ’62, and Sr. Paulette

Gardner ’67. “Their commitment to students...

continues to echo in both my heart and mind today.

They helped inform, educate and develop values

that are reflected in my daily work to this day,”

he claims.

After graduating, Mike planned to become an art

teacher, but teaching jobs were in short supply in

the wake of Proposition 2½, which impacted school

systems in Massachusetts. Utilizing his experience

as a resident assistant at Anna Maria, Mike accept-

ed a full-time job as a Resident Director at Fitchburg

State College. This led to a residence life position

at Denison University in Ohio, followed by a stint as

Assistant Dean of Student Life at Mount Saint Mary’s

College in Maryland.


Alumni Reflections


Fulfilling a dream to combine his dual love of

art and student affairs, Mike moved to Maryland

Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore, one

of the top art colleges in the country. After rising

through the ranks to become a chief student af-

fairs officer, Mike currently serves as MICA’s Vice

President for Operations. Although very happy in

his current role, he hopes to one day serve as a

college president.

Mike credits Anna Maria College with providing

him with both a strong academic and co-curricular

preparation and for supporting his aspirations.

“Every moment at AMC, whether in the classrooms,

studios or participating in student organizations,

I felt as though the entire College was there to

support my personal and educational journey,” he

comments. “We could not get away with just being

average students at AMC; we were expected to be

great students.”

’89 Barbara (Wey) Siani

Having worked in the employee recruitment field for

17 years, Barbara (Wey) Siani ’89 has some sage

advice for AMC’s senior class and alumni who are

looking for work. “It is a tough market out there right

now, but do not doubt yourself,” she said when

asked how she would counsel current students.

“You have a lot to offer an employer. Make yourself

stand out through internships, volunteering and

joining associations. Networking is critical; the

more people you know, the better off you are.”

When Barbara arrived in Paxton in the fall of 1985,

she was planning to pursue a career as a paralegal.

It was the College’s unique program in paralegal

studies that first intrigued her about AMC. However,

after visiting, she knew it was the right fit. “I fell in

love with the campus and the small student/faculty

ratio,” she recalls.

The paralegal studies program resulted in an

associates degree, but Barbara knew a bachelors

degree would be important so she double-majored

in business administration. Outside the classroom

she starred on the field hockey team, serving as

captain her senior year. She was also voted Female

Athlete of the Year and Most Likely to Succeed by

her classmates.

Barbara credits two AMC faculty members —

Ann Marie (Annie Mac) McMorrow and John Kane

— as important mentors. “Although Annie Mac

was not one of my professors, she took me under

her wing,” Barbara shares. “She had faith in me.

Professor Kane taught me that education can also

be fun. He taught me to laugh during class and also

instilled real life examples into our education, which

made it so much easier to learn.”

After graduating, Barbara began work as a para-

legal which led her to an unexpected career in legal

recruitment. “I have been very fortunate in that I have

been able to leverage my education throughout my

career,” she says. Currently, Barbara is a member

of the Executive Recruitment Team for UnitedHealth

Group in Hartford, Connecticut. In this role she con-

sults with executive leaders throughout the organiza-

tion regarding their hiring needs.

Taking some of her own

advice, Barbara is very active

professionally. In addition to her

work at UnitedHealth, she often

speaks to groups of paralegals

and attorneys on job search

skills and legal opportunities and

mentors students and alumni

from the legal studies program

at the University of Hartford.

She has also served on the Board of the Central

Connecticut Paralegal Association and plans to

become involved with alumni programming at AMC

this fall.

Reflecting on her Anna Maria experience, Barbara

notes, “AMC offered me experiences beyond educa-

tion. You truly ‘grow up’ when you venture off to

“Professor Parente systematically raised my creative and

professional aspirations beyond what I ever thought possible.”

– Michael Molla ’84

college. If not for my education I would never have

received my first job as a paralegal.” She continues,

“Having a degree in Paralegal Studies and the fact

that I graduated from AMC really made a difference.

Many of the professors I had were truly personable

— they cared about me as a person not just as a

student. That type of mentoring remains with you

throughout your life.”

’94 Dennis Vanasse

As both an alumnus and a staff member, Dennis

Vanasse ’94 is in a unique position to attest to

the power of an Anna Maria College education.

Dennis currently serves as the College’s Director

of Counseling and manages academic support

programs in the Learning Center, as well as

psychological counseling services. He also works

directly with students on study skills and oversees

peer tutoring. According to Dennis, “AMC prepared

me for my many life challenges. The College’s

commitment to service also played an integral

part in developing my passion to reach the

needs of students as an educator.”

Although Anna Maria runs in his family (brothers

David ’93 and Douglas ’96 are also alumni), Dennis

was impressed with AMC from his first campus visit

during his college search. “I chose AMC because

it was evident that the school had a compassion-

ate community that respects and welcomes all

individuals,” he shares. “After visiting many colleges,

it became obvious that AMC would provide me with

the opportunity to develop as a whole person.”

Dennis made the most of his time on campus,

excelling both in academics and extra-curricular

involvement. He majored in education and played

baseball for three years and basketball for two.

He also served as a Resident Assistant for three

years and was active in Campus Ministry and Delta

Epsilon Sigma, a national scholastic honor society.

Like many AMC alumni, Dennis can point to a

faculty member who made a difference in his life.

“Meg Kirkendahl played an important role in my

success,” he says. “As an education major, she

inspired me with her commitment and passion

for teaching. Her devotion to the student body

was inspiring.”

Since graduating, Dennis has lived the AMC

mission through his work as a special needs

teacher and as a clinician serving clients through

the Department of Youth Services who have been

discharged from lockup facilities.

In addition to his duties at

AMC, Dennis also currently

works at South High School

in Worcester. He has been an

Inclusion Specialist at South for

eight years and for the last year

has also served as Department

Head for Special Education.

Dennis is an important figure

for many AMC students, providing them with the

skills and assistance they need to excel. He recalls,

“In my roles on campus, I have had the opportunity

to help students grow as individuals. My depart-

ments offer services that assist students in their col-

lege success. By eliminating stigmas about utilizing

support services, students are much more willing to

use the Learning and Counseling Centers to receive

the necessary support they need to succeed.”


“Meg Kirkendahl played an important role in

my success...Her devotion to the student body was inspiring.”

– Dennis Vanasse ’94

Alumni Reflections

’04 Lisa Saverese

One of the benefits of attending a smaller college

is the opportunity to become involved in a variety

of campus activities. Perhaps no recent alumnus

exemplifies this better than Lisa Saverese ’04.

A Connecticut native, Lisa originally looked at

AMC because of the music therapy program and

was sold the first time she visited. “After my first visit

to campus, my parents and I were driving home

and I said ‘this is where I’m going to school,’ ” she

recalls. “The people I met were so friendly and

welcoming and the campus just made me feel

at home.”

A leader on campus from her freshman year

forward, Lisa was involved in a wide variety of activi-

ties, groups and committees, twice receiving the

prestigious JFK Award in recognition of her campus

leadership. She served as Class President, was a

Resident Assistant for two years, a founding mem-

ber of SPEED (Students Planning Events Excluding

Drinking), sat on multiple search committees,

served on SGA as the Spiritual Life Representative

for two years and served as a Eucharistic Minister,

to name just a few. Lisa was also deeply committed

to service, participating in the College’s alternative

spring break program for three years and volunteer-

ing at Abby’s House, the Mustard Seed and many

other local charities.

Lisa credits a number of AMC faculty and staff

for taking a special interest in her, in particular

Associate Dean of Campus Life, Elizabeth Bonneau.

“Elizabeth played a huge role in my collegiate

success and helping me become who I am today,”

Lisa says. “She offered me opportunities I don’t

think I would have had at any other institution. She

took a chance on me as a quiet sophomore and

hired me as a resident assistant. This experience

led me to pursue higher education as a career.” Lisa

adds, “Elizabeth was not only my first supervisor…

but also the person I turned to when ever I needed

advice or a friendly ear and she continues to be

that person for me today. She is my mentor.”

After graduating from AMC, Lisa enrolled at

Springfield (MA) College, earning a Master of

Education degree with a focus in student personnel

administration. During that time

she worked in the graduate ad-

missions office at Springfield,

while also interning at Western

New England College (WNEC).

After earning her master’s

degree, Lisa joined the WNEC

staff full time as an admission

counselor. After a year on the

road, she decided student

activities was her true passion and accepted a posi-

tion as Assistant Director of Student Activities at the

University of New Haven. In this position she works

closely with students on leadership development,

advises the student programming board, plans

campus wide educational programs and teaches

the freshmen experience course.

Looking back, Lisa says AMC was indeed the

right choice and made a significant difference in her

life. “Although I highly value my classroom experi-

ences,” she shares, “it was the staff that was there

day-in and day-out with students, celebrating their

successes and providing a shoulder to lean on in

the hard times that really impacted my life. It is my

hope that I can be as influential to students as the

Anna Maria staff was to me.”


“Elizabeth was not only my first supervisor…but also

the person I turned to when ever I needed advice or a friendly ear

and she continues to be that person for me today...”

– Lisa Saverese ’04

schedule October 16-17

homecoming/reunion weekend

FRIDAY | OCTOBER 16

5:30-6:30 Alumni Awards Reception Join us for a hors d’oeuvres reception to celebrate our 2009 Outstanding Alumni Award recipients.

6:30-7:30 Outstanding Alumni Awards Please join us for this special annual event as we honor four distinguished AMC alumni for their achievements and contributions to the College and the community.

8:00-9:30 Jazz Concert – Anne Walsh ’84 Anne Walsh returns home to AMC to perform in the Zecco Performing Arts Center. Anne is a veteran of the Los Angeles jazz scene and has released three albums. The latest – Pretty World – has received wide critical acclaim, with one reviewer writing, “this is simply the most refreshing contemporary jazz vocal album of the year.” Don’t miss this special Homecoming event.

9:30-1:00 Alumni Night at “Spiritwoods Pub”An annual favorite! Come back to Spiritwoods to reconnect with friends and classmates.

SATURDAY | OCTOBER 17

8:30-10:00 Celebrate Sr. John BreakfastJoin other former students of Sr. M. John of Carmel, Ph.D. to share your memories and favorite stories about this legendary teacher and mentor.

10:00-11:00 Reunion Memorial MassThe Celebration of Mass in the Madore Chapel, paying tribute to reunion class members no longer with us.

11:00-Noon Campus ToursSee all the changes on campus through the eyes of one of our special student tour guides.

11:00-1:00 Alumni Pre-Football Game Cookout Join your classmates for a special alumni barbecue prior to watching the AMCATS on the gridiron.

Noon-2:00 Golden Anniversary LunchA special lunch for the members of the Classes of 1950-1959, hosted by President and Mrs. Jack Calareso.

1:00-4:00 Football: AMC vs. Castleton StateCheer on the AMCATS as their inaugural season continues with a rematch against Castleton.

3:00-4:30 High TeaDon’t miss this relaxing interlude in the midst of a hectic weekend. Join AMC’s First Lady Rose Calareso for tea and pastries, accompanied by the sounds of AMC student musicians.

6:00-7:00 Reunion Cocktail Reception

7:00-10:00 Reunion Class Dinners Members of the 2009 reunion classes— 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999 and 2004— celebrate and reconnect over dinner at the Worcester Club.


October 16-17

Anna Maria College presents a premiere exhibit in the Art Gallery at Miriam Hall

November 15th - December 12that Anna Maria CollegeMiriam Hall Art Gallery50 Sunset Lane, Paxton, MA

Opening Reception in the Miriam Hall Art Gallery

Sunday, November 15, 20092:00 – 5:00 p.m. free and open to the publicFeaturing a Gallery Talk to be held in Payer Concert Hall at 3:00 p.m.by the Director of the Museum of Russian Icons, Gordon Lankton

Concert at the Worcester Art Museum

Featuring the AMC Bel Canto Choir and the St. Joseph’s Abbey ScholaSunday, November 22nd, 20092:00 p.m.Renaissance Court at the Worcester Art Museumfree to the public, requires museum admission

Art will be available for purchase. A catalog of all pieces will be

available at the Gallery and online at www.annamaria.edu.

For more information, contact [email protected]

The Art of Contemplation

Art by the Monks of SAINT JOSEPH’S ABBEY Spencer, MA

In order to launch a successful football team that

will contribute to the life of the AMC community,

a commitment was needed from the leadership

of the College. This leadership came in the form

of Jack P. Calareso, Ph.D, the College’s tenth

president, who is probably the new football team’s

biggest fan. Having assisted other colleges bring

football to their campuses, he is working closely

with Andrew Klein, Dean of Student Affairs, and

David Shea, Athletic Director, to insure that AMC’s

first football team has the resources it needs to

be successful.

An important resource for the football team and

for sports in general at AMC is a quality playing

field. As part of the Master Plan for the campus,

a new artificial turf field was recently installed to

not only provide a state-of-the art surface for the

football team, but to also provide other sports

teams such as soccer, lacrosse and field hockey

with a better playing environment. The new field

and bleachers and near-by parking lot will also

serve as a place for students, alumni and the entire

AMC community to gather on weekends to cheer

the team to victory.

Although a commitment from the top and a

great playing field are important resources, prob-

ably the most important one is the players. Not just

any players, but student-athletes who will be able

to live out AMC’s values both on and off the field.

Leading the recruitment effort for the College

is Head Coach, Marc Klaiman, who is adamant

about finding the right individuals to join the AMC

team. “Football is a tough sport,” claims Marc.

“While I want our players to be strong on the

field, it is even more important that they learn to

be strong in character. The core strength of any

sports team is the players’ ability to show respect

for others, be team players, and serve as role

models on the field and in the classroom.”

These core values are being conveyed to the

new football team by Marc and his staff, which

includes Bob Frey, Assistant Head Coach and

Offensive Coordinator, Mike Caira, Assistant

Coach, and Dean Mougenot, Assistant Coach.

Together they are already building a team that

understands what it means to be an AMCAT.

The first football team captain, Matt Cantwell,

who will play center, is a senior at AMC and shares

Marc’s excitement about helping to build a tradition

at AMC. “My goal is for football to provide students

another opportunity to feel pride in Anna Maria

College,” he shares. Matt Kelly, who transferred

In keeping with its mission to educate the whole individual,

Anna Maria College is finally bringing a 140-year old national

tradition to its Paxton Campus – Intercollegiate Football.

TeamAccording to Coach Marc Klaiman, colleges and universities across the country have been celebrating

the excitement, school spirit and competition that college football brings to a campus for 140 years.

Marc, who has been coaching football since 1988, is excited that he is helping to bring this tradition to

AMC as part of the College’s Strategic Plan, Vision 2012: Excellence at Anna Maria College. However,

starting a football team from scratch takes a great deal of planning and hard work.


Building a

with Character


October 2008

Ground Breaking

November 2008

Field Leveled

April 2009

Goal Posts Installed

May 2009

Sod Laid

June 2009

Field Lined

Field Construction

head coach Marc Klaiman

“There is no better experience than startingyour own team from scratch.”

Dates to Remember

8/15 Pre-season Football Camp begins

9/5 First Game – Away at Castleton

State (Inaugural game for both teams)

9/12 First Home Game – Fitchburg State

from St. Anselm to play football at AMC, believes in the new

culture that Coach Klaiman and the other coaches are estab-

lishing. “I am also excited to be a part of the changes that are

happening at AMC.”

New AMC student, Devon Nixon, who joined the College

as a freshman this past spring, knew of Coach Klaiman and

wanted to play on his team. As a receiver and free safety for

the team, Devon believes he can help set records for the

College and, he adds, “When I am an alumnus I can return to

see the changes and continue to be a supporter of the Team.”

Linebacker Rich Brandt also just finished his first semester

at AMC and wants to join Devon in setting records for AMC’s

first football team. According to Rich, “The entire team should

have pride, strength and heart and most of all a desire to win.”

And for Dan Conaghan, the team’s wide receiver, playing foot-

ball for AMC is a dream come true. “I have always wanted to

play college football,” he shares. “Now I have a chance to live

out my dream at Anna Maria College.”

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Beyond the Classroom:

A brief summary of what several of our faculty have

accomplished outside of the classroom.

Dr. Barbara Driscoll de Alvarado presented a schol-

arly paper with A. Rodriguez and C. Samora, “Los

Tres Grandes: Ernesto Galarza, Herman Gallegos

and Julian Samora and The Founding of the National

Council of La Raza,” NAACP. Johns Hopkins

University: February, 2009.

Professors Susan Eliason, Ed.D and Christine

Holmes, Ed.D., presented a scholarly paper,

“Playing with ideas engaging students in the

electronic environment: Your learning environment

is a playground,” NEFDC Exchange, 2009 19 (1),

10-12.

Joan-Beth Gow, Ph.D., in collaboration with

S.M. Nava-Whitehead, wrote “Salem’s secrets:

A case study on hypothesis testing and data analy-

sis” and presented the paper at the National Center

for Case Study Teaching in Science. State University

of NY.

Virginia Heslinga presented a scholarly paper,

“Building for the Shifts,” National Council of Teachers

of English Annual Convention. San Antonio, Texas:

November, 2008.

Dr. Lisa LeBlanc wrote a book chapter, “Social

Commentary and the English Mystery Cycle

Doomsday Plays,” in End of Days: Understanding

the Apocalypse from Antiquity to Modernity. Ed.

Karolyn Kinane and Michael A. Ryan. Jefferson, NC:

McFarland. 2009. pp. 87-102.

L. Michael McCartney, Ph.D. was a discussant in

“The War on Terror and American Nativist Discourse:

The Case of Abu Ghreib” by Zaid Mahir, and “Militant

Islamists: Problems for Some Time to Come” by

Nozar Alaomolki. The Oxford Roundtable on Interna-

tional Terrorism. Oxford, England: April, 2009.

Carl Moxey, Ph.D. wrote a chapter in a book with

D. Powell, “Diagnostic Catheterization”, in S. Watson

and K. Gorski, Invasive Cardiology: A Manual for

Cath Lab Personnel, 3/e. Physician’s Press:

Birmingham, Michigan; 2009 (in press).

Dean of Academic Affairs, Stephen Neun, Ph.D.,

co-authored a book with Rexford Santerre entitled

“Health Economics Theories, Insights and Industry

Studies. Fifth edition. Cengage Learning, Mason,

OH: 2009.

Dr. Ronald Sherwin, Director of AMC’s Music

Program, presented a scholarly paper,

“Leadership Assessment” at the Arts Assessment

Institute. Castleton State College: August: 2009

Dr. Lisa Summer presented a Scholarly Paper,

“Level I Music & Imagery Training,” Central

Conservatory of China. Beijing, China: July, 2009.

Dr. Richard P. Talbot presented a scholarly paper,

“Racial and Ethnic Disparities among U.S. Military

Casualties in Southeast Asia (1964-1975),”

The Eastern Sociological Society. Baltimore,

Maryland: March, 2009.

Julienne Ugalde presented a scholarly paper,

“Using Children’s Literature and Clay Exploration

To Foster Communication and Expression

Among Children of Incarcerated Parents,”

National Association for the Education of Young

Children. Washington D.C.: November, 2009.

faculty achievements


an alumninotes


UNDERGRADUATE ALUMNI

50’s

Annually, members of the Class of 1959 gather on Cape Cod for a mini-reunion including: Barbara (Magnan) St. Cyr, Clare (Christmas) Nelson, Suzanne (Chapdelaine) Kelly, Mary (Dauphinais) Attanasio, Anne (Haberstroh) Chandler, Anne (Provost) Messier, Marjorie Guerin, Joyce (Wilk) Mastroianni and Lucille (Coppolino) Billings

60’s

Gail (Riordan) McGrail 1961 and husband Larry welcomed a new grandson, Adam Joseph, on May 4, 2009.

Patricia (Recko) Smith 1964 recently retired from St. Mary’s Elementary School in Worcester, MA. She had served as the school’s principal for the past five years.

Joan (Friel) Cronin 1965 has been busy with her first grandchild, Timothy, now 19 months old. Since her daughter Stephanie returned to work, she has almost a full-time job baby sitting four, sometimes five days a week. She writes that it is the best job she has had, and Timothy is fun! While Joan is still busy with Respect Life activities and Cancer Relay Walks, her outside activities are greatly reduced. In April, Joan joined her daughter Laura for a visit to her son Sean in Park City, UT where he is a ski instructor and assistant supervisor of the kids program. Joan looks forward to Anna Maria events where she and Gil see fellow alumni, and she is also looking forward to next year’s 45th reunion of her class. Joan writes, “Let’s all try to get there. Until then, God be with you all.”

Nancy Roy 1965 recently achieved a significant goal. Her trip to Antarctica this past February marked a visit to her seventh continent. In addition to visiting all seven continents, she has also visited all fifty states. Nancy is not sure of how many countries she has visited, but added two more when she visited Chile and Argentina this past winter. Nancy writes, “I have been truly blessed to have had the opportunity to see so much of this incredible world!”

Geraldine (Friel) Collins 1967 recently retired after 32 years in teaching. She had been with Worcester Public Schools for the past 23 years.

Elaine (Calandruccio) McDonald 1967 writes she has much to celebrate. She retired from teaching in December 2008 and traveled with her husband of almost 40 years to Mexico in March. While on her cruise, Elaine met Patty (Wyman) Lajoie’s 1967 son. Elaine writes, “Patty, if you’re out there, you did good!” Elaine is now enjoying time with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren, Nate (age 4 ½) & Noah (age 1 ½). In another year, her son will be married to a girl from San Diego and she is very happy that she will be joining the family.

70’s

Mary Ann (Daigneault) Barry 1970 has joined Weicher Realtors. Mary Ann is a member of the Worcester Regional Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors. Prior to becoming a realtor, she served as a clinical chemist at St. Vincent Hospital. Mary Ann also volunteers for St. Mary’s School in Shrewsbury.

Joan (Boivin) Hunter 1972 has been named Chair of the Board of Directors of Jacob’s Pillow Dance in Becket, MA. Joan has been a member of the Board since 2001 and assumed the position of Board Chair on January 1, 2009. She is a former special education teacher in the Pittsfield Public Schools and has volunteered extensively in the Williamstown community, including serving as co-chair for the Capital Campaign to build the Milne Public Library.

Classmates from the Class of 1975 gathered for a mini-reunion at the home of Joanne (Reynolds) Cullinan in Barnstable, MA this past June. Members included June (Field) Cloutier, Valerie (Rucidlo) Delgiudice, Janet (Gravel) Angelico, Nancy Gardner, Charlene

Class of 59: Barbara (Magnant) St. Cyr, Clare (Christmas)Nelson, Suzanne (Chapdelaine) Kelly, Mary (Dauphinais) Attanasio


(Arnold) Luiz, Mary (Chichak) Pomeroy, Denise (Ducasse) Lindell, Catherine (Rooney) Ashley, Kathleen (Bussett) Smith, Valerie (Petto) Moura, Linda (Rocco) Reyle, and Margaret (O’Connor) Finn. All took advantage of a break in the rainy weather to enjoy a beautiful day shopping in Chatham. They treated themselves well with great food & drink and enjoyed the excellent company of wonderful friends. Many thanks to Joanne for hosting such a wonderful weekend!

Joanne (Chaisson) Ethier 1975, Principal of St. Peter-Marian Jr. High school in Worcester, MA was honored by the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress at its 25th Annual Conference in March. She was presented the MDSC 2009 Educator’s Award for the successful inclusion of a student with Down Syndrome in her school resulting in an unprecedented partnership formed between St. Peter-Marian and the Worcester Public Schools.

Rita Smith 1976 has been a kindergarten teacher at the William E. Norris School in Southampton, MA since 1986. She was honored in May with the prestigious Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Congratulations Rita!

80’s

Herman Schimanke 1981 has begun his MBA in Hospital Administration at Argosy University in Phoenix, AZ. He has lived in Arizona for the past nine years. He

has worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs since 1985, beginning at Castle Point VA in New York and transferring to Phoenix VA in 2000. During his time with the VA, Herman has held many positions. He started as a nursing assistant, moved to file clerk, worked in Release of Information, then as a Ward Clerk, and finally as a telephone operator.

Anne Walsh 1984 recently released a new CD titled Pretty World. Anne has studied music extensively and earned her Master’s degree at Cal State Long beach after she moved west. Now residing in Long Beach, CA, she is on staff teaching young vocalists at the American Musical & Dramatic Academy in Los Angeles and performs regularly with her band as a jazz-pop vocalist. Her album is a delightful collection of swoon-inducing, love-themed songs with Latin grooves. Anne says, Pretty World is like a vacation. This CD, to me, is about the complexities of life…lost loves…the beauty around us.” Anne, along with her husband Tom, will be performing on the Anna Maria Campus on Friday, October 16 in Zecco Auditorium in celebration of Reunion & Homecoming Weekend.

Janice (Doran) Carlow 1988 was selected as the Distinguished Federal Manager for the Greater Boston Federal Executive Board on May 6th at the 2009 Excellence in Government Awards ceremony. This event was held at the J.F.K. Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. Jan is the Laboratory Manager at the E.N.R.M. Veteran’s Hospital in Bedford, MA.

William Collins 1988 serves as Principal of the William E. Norris School in Southampton, MA.

90’s

Danica (Beaulac) Copp 1992 relocated to Fairfax, VA in August of 2007 so her husband could join the police department. In May 2008, she became the Clinical Director of the Manassas office of Children’s Services of VA where she oversees all aspects of the treatment foster care program.

Tom Keane 1996 and Danielle (Norris) Keane 2003, 2005G welcomed their second child, Kellen Seamus in January 22, 2009. Kellen was 9 lbs 4 oz, and 21 inches. He is joined by his older sister Mara Roisin. Mara turned two in November 2008 and enjoyed her birthday with Chase Braxton, son of Orlando Braxton 1998 & Marie (Melendez) Braxton 1999, Jack Patraitis, son of John Patraitis 1997, 2002G, and Madelyn Murphy, daughter of David Murphy 1998. Danielle writes, “It’s great to have such long lasting friendships with fellow AMC classmates!”

Alison (Lorion) Aliskevicz 1999 is an art teacher at Mountview Middle School in Holden, MA.

Class of 1975 reunion (left to right):first row: Peg (O’Connor) Finn, Linda (Rocco) Reyle, Val (Petto) Moura 2nd row: Katie (Bussett) Smith, Cathy (Rooney) Ashley, Denise (Ducasse) Lindell, Mary (Chichak) Pomeroy 3rd row: Joanne (Reynolds) Cullinan, Charlene (Arnold) Luiz, Nancy Gardner, Janet (Gravel) Angelico, Val (Rucidlo) Delgiudice, June (Field) Cloutier


00’s

Gordon Wentworth 2000 was married to Kristina Gilbert on June 14, 2008.

Stephanie DeMarco 2003 graduated on May 16, 2009 from Southern New Hampshire University with two masters’ degrees: an MBA and Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership. She graduated with honors and was inducted into Delta Mu Delta Honor Society. Stephanie lost her father last summer.

Capt. Michael E. Ashton 2004 received the Army Transportation Regiment Active Duty Officer of the Year for his accomplishments in Balad for 15 months. He was formally recognized during the Regimental Recognition at Fort Eustis, VA on July 31, 2009. Michael will also be starting back at Anna Maria College in September to work on his masters degree.

Darlene Baker 2004 recently became engaged to Craig Stephen Wells. Darlene lives in Plattsburgh, NY and is an assistant manager at Dame’s Discount Liquor & Wine and is a private woodwind instructor.

Erika Cannavino 2005 was married on July 25, 2008 to Nicholas Bailey.

Bethany Beers 2006 and Sean Mullen 2006 will be married in August 2009. In their wedding party are Todd Ames 2006, Jon Costanza 2006, Nicole DaSilva 2006, and Rachel Biron 2006. This past May, Bethany also completed her masters degree in Expressive Therapies/Art Therapy & Mental Health Counseling from Lesley University. In the spring of 2008, Sean received his masters degree in Sports Management from Endicott College.

Jennifer Hurley 2006 and Adam O’Malley 2006 were recently engaged.

Stephen DiGiovanni 2006, 2008G recently appeared on a radio talk show in the Worcester area. The topics covered were college safety, violence on college campuses and the profession of college police. Stephen currently serves with the Quinsigamond Community College Campus Police Department.

Lea Garneau 2007 graduated with her Master of Education degree in School Psychology from the University of Massachusetts, Boston on May 29, 2009.

Peter Harrington 2008 worked on the movie set of Martin Scorsese’s up and coming film “Shutter Island” soon after graduation. The film is based on Dennis Lehane’s novel of the same name. Peter was on location at Medfield State Hospital in Medfield, MA providing security for Paramount Pictures and stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kinsley, and Michelle Williams. Peter is presently enrolled in Anna Maria College’s Criminal Justice Masters Program and taking the majority of his courses at the new Worcester facility on Prescott Street. Peter writes, “Anna Maria College will always have a special place in my heart. The friendships that I made there, I will have for the rest of my life. The faculty members are really the ones who make it a special place.” His favorite memory from his undergraduate years was the urban seminar to Paris, France with Professors Paul Russell and Liz Manos. Peter also shows his Anna Maria College pride with his “AMCATS” vanity license plate on his 2004 Ford Mustang. It has the Anna Maria College sticker on the back as well. Peter looks forward to AMC football games this fall! Go AMCATS!

GRADUATE ALUMNIBusiness Administration Anne Jamieson 1985G has been named Chief Executive Officer of Portsmouth Regional Hospital effective August 1, 2009. Anne has served as CEO of HCA’s Parkland Medical Center in Derry, NH since January of 2005. Prior to that, she was the chief operating officer and general counsel of Anna Jacques Hospital in Newburyport, MA.

David Bialecki 1993G was recently appointed controller of RCAP Solutions, a Gardner-based non-profit organization.

Chizoma Nosike 1999G recently received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Business Empowerment Center in Worcester, MA. She was honored for establishing Acclaim Home Health Care, Inc., a Medicare Certified Home Health Agency. Opening in 2005, her company has grown to 30 employees and has cared for 650 unduplicated patients. Congratulations Chizoma!

an alumninotes

Just got Married? Had a Baby? Got Promoted?

Let us know what you’ve been up to! Submit a Class Note by visiting www.annamaria.edu/alumni or send an email to [email protected].

Carol Conroy 1990G (Nursing), 1996G was recently hired as the new chief nursing officer at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. She will be responsible for a wide range of clinical services such as nursing, respiratory therapy, renal dialysis, cardiac and critical care services and women’s and children’s services.

Criminal Justice

Dana Cresta 1988G is recovering from a pedestrian motor vehicle accident which occurred in October 2008. Prior to her accident, she was working many hours as a Massachusetts State Trooper on the Mass Pike. Dana writes, “I have been recovering fantastically, but it has forced me to rethink the direction of my life…family tend to be there always in times of crisis, so please stay close, mend old wounds and slow down as we grow and enjoy what you have with those who have you.”

Bruce Gates 1990G was recently appointed Chief of the Middleboro Police Department. Bruce is a 30 year veteran of the department.

Peter Fadgen 1993G retired from the Sudbury Police Department after 26 years. Peter was hired by the Clinton Police Department in 1980 and transferred to Sudbury in 1982. He made lieutenant in 1999, and in January 2004 was appointed chief.

Joseph Moran 1994G was recently appointed as chief operating officer of the Central Falls Detention Facility Corporation in RI. In this position, he will supervise the operators of the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility and serve as liaison between the prison and city officials. Joseph served as chief of the Central Falls Police Department prior to this appointment.

Michael Bois 1996G was recently appointed interim chief of police for the Bridgewater, MA Police Department.

James O’Donnell 1997G is the Supervisor of Attendance for the Billerica Public School Department and has been a member of the Billerica Board of Selectmen since 1994.

Allen Krajcik 2000G was recently appointed chief of the Easton, MA Police Department. Allen has been a member of the department since 1982 and previously served as deputy chief.

Richard Thompson 2000G was recently appointed chief of the Sherborn, MA Police Department. Most recently, Richard was detective sergeant and commander in Framingham’s Office of the Police Prosecutor, where he supervised approximately 2,500 criminal and civil cases prepared by 130 police personnel.

PsychologyDaniel Guerrette 1980G, director of human resources for the City of Nashua, NH has been elected a director of the NH Prostate Cancer Coalition.

Kathleen Simisky 1998G was recently certified as a Catholic Chaplain through the National Association of Catholic Chaplains.

IN MEMORIAM

Gwendolyn (Rose) Lohse 1950

Marie Bernadette (Blouin) Blessel 1952

Sr. Therese Dion, (Sr. M. Louis Richard, SSA) 1958

Janet MacKlean 1961

Jean (Gargolinski) Powers 1965

Elizabeth Clifford 1967

Carol (Riley) Lebeau 1977

Anne (Shea) Flynn 1977G

Joyce (Bucknam) Kistler 1979

Jeanne (Martin) Arathuzik 1979

Cynthia D. (Chrzsiewski) Pacek 1978, 1984G

Milton King 1983G

Ramon Frias 1984

Harry Mehrmann 1985

Steven Loud 1994G

Deanna Goggins 1997G

Daniel Coyle 2009G

Sr. Rhea Fontaine, (Friend)


an alumninotes


Elizabeth “Betty” Clifford ’67 written by Betsy Drake ’69, ’84G

Betty Clifford was such a special

person. Those of us lucky enough to

have known her are heartbroken at her

loss, but no one can think about Betty

for long without smiling. As a student

at Anna Maria, Betty honed her story-telling skills to a

fine art. A “classic Betty story”—and there are many—

was perfectly delivered, always funny and never mean

spirited.

Betty’s life was one of service and always service with

a smile. Betty taught for forty-one years in the Worcester

Public Schools. Betty loved serving on the AMC Alumni

Council and happily collected trash for both days of the

annual craft fair. Betty’s wonderful sense of humor and

quick wit were most obvious, but the foundation they

rested on was her great faith. If you had a need and

Betty could take care of it herself, she would. Anything

else, she would take to God.

On its own, Betty’s last class at Chandler Magnet

School organized a memorial tribute to her. They spoke

of what a great teacher she was, how much she meant

to them, how much they loved her, and how she would

like to be remembered—with a smile.

Betty was an Outstanding Alumni Award recipient in 1999.

Ramon “Ray” Frias ’84

written by his brother, Luis Frias ’83

Ramon “Ray” V. Frias, 46, of Worcester

died unexpectedly Monday, April 27th

in Bay State Medical Center, Springfield.

He leaves his two daughters, Celina and Abigail Frias

both of Worcester and their mother, Sheila Harrity;

his parents, Marcelino and Marcelina (Jaime) Frias of

Worcester; three brothers and their wives, Luis and

Doretha Frias of Leicester, Pedro and Maria Frias

of Worcester, and Julio Frias and Cheryl Stearns of

Northborough; and several nephews and nieces.

Ray was instrumental in the building of the athletic

department at AMC. He was a three sport athlete,

basketball, baseball and soccer. Ray was a former

executive director of the Worcester area Better Business

Bureau and always found time to give to others. In the

1990’s he served as the board president of Big Brothers

Big Sisters, a board member of Seven Hills Charter

School and a member of the United Way.

Ray was a gentleman, a loving father, a great son,

a loyal friend, and a great brother! His big smile will

be missed by all. Rest in peace Ray!

Ray was a former Trustee at Anna Maria College

and an Outstanding Alumni Award recipient in 1999.

Ann L. (Mooney) Morrissey

Biggins ’57, wife of Thomas J. Biggins,

Jr., entered into her eternal rest on August

17, 2009 surrounded by her loving family.

Ann was one of three sisters to attend

AMC (Edith Mooney LaVigne ’63 and

Margaret Mooney Layden ’60). She was

an active and dedicated alumna for more than 50 years

and worked for a time as Director of Alumni Relations. Ann

was a generous supporter of AMC, including two special

gifts: the computer laboratory in St. Joseph’s Hall (with

Edith, in memory of their father) and the Librarian’s Office in

Mondor-Eagen Library (with Edith and Margaret, in memory

of their mother).

She also worked as a librarian in the Worcester

Public Schools and as Director of Adult Services at the

Shrewsbury Public Library, a position she retired from in

1997. She is a long time member of the faith community of

St. Anne’s Church in Shrewsbury and she was a Passionist

Associate of the Passionist Monastery.

She is survived by her first husband John (Jack)

Morrissey and their seven children. She is also survived by

her two sisters and a brother, Bill, her husband Tom’s six

children, 32 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Condolences to:Catherine (Riordan) Delaney 1957 on the death of her husband.

Mary (Foley) McKinnon on the death of her brother.

Katherine George 1965 on the death of her father.

Christine (Coleman) Kardokas 1965 on the death of her mother.

Arlene (Rana) Maurello 1966 on the death of her husband.

Therese (Gargolinski) Palmer 1967 on the death of her sister.

Thomas Foley 1978G on the death of his father.

Stephanie DeMarco 2003 on the death of her father.


Dr. and Mrs. Jack P. Calareso pictured with Barbara Nolder-Tremain ’65 and her husband George. The visit took place in July in Carlsbad, CA. Barbara also served on the College’s Board of Trustees from 1992-2001.

Music Alumni gather to ask questions of the new Division Chair, Dr. Ronald Sherwin

Left to right, Janice (Sullivan) Higgins ’57, Rena Richard ’55, Maureen (Logan) Coghlin ’55, Rufin Van Bossuyt (Rena’s husband)

Music Professor Mary Lynn Richie and Karen Miller ’01G

Stephanie Sarkisian ’01, Scott Snow ’05, Jessica Stevens ’08, Monica (Villanueva) Goncalves ’04

Alumni, Faculty, Staff, Students and Sisters of Saint Anne gather to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Mother Marie Ann Blondin with a Mass followed by a tree planting and dedication ceremony.

Left to right, front: Kathleen (Flynn) Kelly ’65, Jane Lovett ’65, Claire (Guerin) Bouchard ’65, Martha (Collins) Balas ’65Back: Kathleen (Weldon) Newcomer ’65, Elizabeth (Cronin) George ’65, Elizabeth “Betty” Quinn ’65

Alumni Connections

Music Alumni Reunion Cape Cod Clambake

First, you can cruise around New England with your family and friends on an AMC Alumni trip being planned for the Spring

of 2010. Discover the unique history, stunning beauty and diverse cultures of Canada and New England. Walk Boston’s

Freedom Trail, explore Prince Edward Island, and immerse yourself in the French inspired wonders of Quebec City and

Montreal. You will enjoy the wild beauty of Gaspé Peninsula, the traditions of the Innu nation at Sept-Îles, and a manmade

glacier in Baie-Comeau, all in Quebec. You’ll be so close to home and yet you will feel as if you are worlds away. All this

aboard a five-star Holland America ship with plenty of activities to please and entertain everyone in the family.

Spring is a great time to traveland we hope that you will join other AMC alumni for two upcoming trips!

And then in the Spring of 2011, let Dr. and Mrs. Jack Calareso be your hosts on an exceptionally guided tour of Italy.

You’ve never truly visited Italy if you haven’t travelled there with the Calaresos and had the opportunity to see this

beautiful country through their eyes.

Details for both trips will be posted in upcoming alumni newsletters and publications.

For more information contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 508-849-3342 or [email protected].

2Trips

alumtravel

Cruise around New England and Eastern Canada

Tour Italy with the Calaresos

You can assist Anna Maria College in fulfilling its

mission and vision by helping the admissions team

recruit new students. Selecting a college is not

an easy decision for students and their families.

That’s why we need your insights and knowledge

about AMC so that our potential students and their

parents will be able to understand why Anna Maria

is the right fit for them.

Help Grow AMC

We are looking for alumni who are willing to volunteer for a variety of

opportunities. Help recruit potential students and share with them all

that you know and love about Anna Maria College. Please contact

Alumni Relations at 508-849-3342 or at [email protected]

for more information.

Become an Admissions Volunteer

Non-profit Org.US Postage

PAIDPermit No. 150Worcester, MA

Anna Maria College50 Sunset LanePaxton, MA 01612

Engage those friendships, Invest in academic excellence and Unite with your community today.

Support AMC with a gift to the Annual Fund and perpetuate this same experience for today’s students.

Visit www.annamaria.edu/givingor call (508) 849-3641.

Engage

Invest

Unite

For decades, the AMC

experience has been defined

by the friendships that start

here, academic programs that

challenge and a community

that cares.

summer 2009 alumni magazine

Documents

future of amc

alumni notes

alumni reflections

anna maria experience

anna maria college education

founded anna maria college

amc history

future of football