Web Extras
The Communicator magazine
Winter 2013

See Long Lost Photos of The Rock’s
Perilous Journey to Higher Education
Nearly 45 years ago, a boulder landed with a mighty thud in the middle of campus, but there were no tire tracks nearby. It was as if it dropped from the sky overnight. Actually, The Rock was deposited as a senior prank by the Class of 1968 and has been a Western New England icon and message board ever since that memorable night. Chief rock-napper Karl Jurgen ’68 recently returned to campus not only to reminisce about their stunt, but also to reveal previously unpublished photos of The Rock enroute to Western New England. It is pictured above in a truck in front of Karl’s apartment on the corner of Alden Street and Wilbraham Road. Read the entire story and see recently uncovered photos. View the video!

Stageless Players Alumni Are Still Performing
Featured in the print version of this issue is former Stageless Player Tom Breshanan ’83 (pictured above in the 1988 cult horror movie The Brain), who went on to a 25-year (and counting) career in films, television, and stage, working with the likes of Johnny Depp, Elizabeth Shue, and Jamie Foxx. Read in this Web Extra about other former Stageless Players who continue to act, teach theatre, or work behind the scenes. Calling all Stageless Players alumni: do you still entertain audiences onstage, perform music, or work or volunteer for an organization in the arts? Email us at alumwne@wne.edu and we’ll include your information in this Web Extra!

VIDEO: Homecoming 2012
The skies were gray, but the threat of rain didn’t prevent a multitude of alumni, family, and friends from attending Homecoming 2012 on September 29. In fact, the rain held off and hundreds of Western New England University graduates gathered on campus to celebrate and reminisce. Pictured are Lisa Masella ’06, Jessica Harrica ’06, Vicki Taylor ’07, and Sharon Simoncelli ’07/G’09. View our nine photo albums. View the video!
Alumni News
View photo albums/slide shows of the Alumni Association’s Career Strategies Seminar, The Presidential Alumni Reception in Washington, DC, and the first-ever Sport Management Alumni Reunion at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, CT.

The Alumni Association Trip to Apulia, Italy, September 3-11, 2013
Is there a more beautiful coastline anywhere in the world? See for yourself. Take advantage of a web booking discount of $500 that expires on February 12, 2013.
For a printed version of the magazine, click here.

Web Extras
The Communicator magazine
Summer 2012
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Olivia Mazzarella ’10, now the Volunteer Manageemnt Chair |
Alumni and Students Attend Insightful Workshops at the
Plan for Success: Career Strategies Seminar
Navigating today’s challenging job market can be a formidable task, but attendees at the Plan for Success: Career Strategies Seminar April 4 learned how to positively brand their experience and qualifications to gain a competitive advantage. This Annual Educational Outreach Seminar was sponsored by the Alumni Association and TD Insurance. Read the entire story. View the photo album/slide show. Download the program outline/brochure.
Herman’s Extreme Makeover
A major renovation of 48-year-old Herman Hall started in early January and is scheduled to be completed at the end of this summer. There will be additional space for classrooms and faculty offices, an elevator, handicapped accessible facilities (including upgraded restrooms on each floor), a conference room, a computer classroom, technological upgrades, and an expanded Math Center. Relocating to Herman will be the Arts Studio, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, English, Humanities, and Student Disability Services. Check out mid-renovation photos of the building’s exterior and interior.
VIDEO: Falcons Fever 2012
Alumni, staff, faculty, students, family and friends gathered to watch the Springfield Falcons play the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins during Western New England University Day at the MassMutual Center March 11. Although the Falcons lost the game, 4-3, in an overtime shootout, a fun time was had by all. Anthony S. Caprio kicked off the festivities with the traditional puck drop, and the ROTC Color Guard presented the U.S. flag for the pre-game National Anthem. View the video! View photo album/slide show.
2012 Alumni Appreciation Dinner
The Annual Alumni Appreciation Dinner on May 16 honored individuals in the University community with awards for their hard work, dedication, and service. Nick Fyntrilakis G’04 received the Alumnus of the Year Award in recognition of his efforts to assist Springfield residents who where impacted by the June 1, 2011 tornado. View the photo album/slide show.
President Caprio Reaches Out to Alumni and Friends
During last winter and spring, alumni, friends, and other members of the University community joined President Anthony S. Caprio at a presidential reception in Hartford, CT, and presidential dinners in Sarasota, FL, and Kissimmee, FL. View the photos of the Hartford and Kissimmee events.
VIDEO: The Alumni Golf Tournament
Alumni golfers at the 44th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament on May 25 started their Memorial Day weekend early and took advantage of the opportunity to get together with fellow alumni and family at Wyckoff Country Club in Holyoke, MA. The event raised more than $16,000 for the Alumni Association Golf Tournament Endowed Scholarship. View video and photos.
The 2012 Mark Coffey Memorial Golf Outing
The Annual Mark Coffey Memorial Golf Outing April 27 at Tekoa Country Club in Westfield, MA, raised more than $9,000 for the Mark A. Coffey Endowed Memorial Scholarship. View the photo album/slide show.
For a printed version of the magazine, click here.
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Celebrating the bear in all of us at Homecoming. |
VIDEO: Homecoming 2011
The forecast looked bleak, but the threat of heavy showers didn’t prevent alumni, family, and friends from attending Homecoming 2011 on September 24. In fact, the rain held off and hundreds of Western New England graduates gathered on a warm autumn day to celebrate and reminisce. View the video and the photo albums/slide shows.
Alumni News
View photo albums/slide shows of the New York City Presidential Reception on October 27, 2011 and the Engineering Mentoring Dinner on October 6, 2011. Check out the athletics alumni events: the Athletics Alumni reception in Southington, CT on October 15, 2011, the inaugural Men and Women’s Cross Country Alumni Reunion October 17, the 30th Anniversary Reunion of the 1981 Football Team on October 22, 2011, the Hockey Reunion on December 3, 2011 and the Basketball Reunion on January 14, 2012.
VIDEO: “For the Love of the Games” Speaker Series
New York Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson was on campus on October 20, 2011 to deliver an interesting and inspiring talk on his career, what it takes to build a winning team, and how to break into the ultra-competitive sports industry. View the video of the lecture, an event that was underwritten by a grant from the Alumni Association.
The Alumni Association Trip to Scotland: August 22-30
Enjoy the beauty of the Scottish countryside—from the wild Highlands to the lowland Trossachs—and take advantage of up to $500 in discounts on this exciting trip. The $250 early booking discount expires on February 14, 2012. The special savings discount expires April 10, 2012.
For a printed version of the magazine, click here.

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Falcons Fever: Screech and Golden Bear get together before the hockey game. |
Falcons Fever Grips Western New England Alumni
Alumni, staff, faculty, students, family and friends gathered to watch the Springfield Falcons play the Binghampton Senators during Western New England Day at the MassMutual Center March 27. See our photo album/slide show of the event. View the video!
President Caprio Meets With Alumni and Friends at Alumni in San Francisco, Florida, and Boston
During last winter and spring, alumni and friends of Western New England gathered in San Francisco; Naples, FL; St. Petersburg, FL; Delray Beach, FL; and Boston to learn firsthand about the latest campus news from President Caprio and other administrative at five presidential dinners.
Annual Alumni Golf Tournament a Sunny Success
Alumni golfers at the 43rd Annual Alumni Golf Tournament on May 27 enjoyed a warm, sunny day and took advantage of the opportunity to get together with fellow alumni and family at Wyckoff Country Club in Holyoke, MA. The event raised more than $18,000 for the Alumni Association Golf Tournament Endowed Scholarship. View the photo album/slide show.
Alumni Honored at Appreciation Dinner
“George, you are a role model for your co-workers, fellow alumni, and our students,” said Chair and Associate Professor of Management Jeanie Forray in presenting the Alumnus of the Year Award to George Burtch ’91 at the annual Alumni Appreciation Dinner April 14. “For all you have done for our students, our community, and to enhancing the reputation of your alma mater, we salute you,” she continued. View the photo album/slide show.
The Tradition Continues: The 9th Annual Mark Coffey Memorial Golf Outing
The Annual Mark Coffey Memorial Golf Outing on April 29 raised almost $10,000 for the Mark A. Coffey Endowed Memorial Scholarship. View the photo album/slide show.
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Cover story: capturing the moments that make up a day at |
Moment-to-Moment: A Day in the Life of Western New England University
On September 21, 2010, a group of professional and amateur student and staff photographers captured snippets of everyday life at Western New England University. Follow their journey on a very special day on campus: photo albums one, two, three, and four.
President Caprio Meets With Alumni and Friends From Coast to Coast
View photos: alumni and friends in Providence, RI, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco were brought up-to-date on the latest developments at the University by President Anthony S. Caprio and other College officials during president’s dinner receptions last fall and this winter. The atmosphere at the events was one of warmth and excitement as those gathered also had the opportunity to network and meet with deans and administrators.
Homecoming
View photo albums/slide shows of the festivities. View the video!
The Alumni Association Trip to Provence
Read the blog and experience the beauty of the South of France. This spring, trips are being planned for Holland and Belgium (April 9-17) and Tuscany, Italy (May 10-19. Read more.
Alumni News
Photos of the New York City Alumni Networking Reception the Engineering Mentoring Dinner, and the Alumni Association Red Sox trips on July 17 and September 18.
Veteran Charlie Frueh '41/H'01 Takes a Flight into History
Nearly 70 years ago, Charlie Frueh, fresh out of college, joined millions of other Americans in defending our country, serving for four years in the Army in World War II. But he never got to see the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC—until June 20, 2010. Read more.
The Communicator magazine
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Photo: Dean Ted Zern at a May 27 dinner held in his honor at |
Honoring Dean Zern
After 40 years of service to Western New England University, Dean Theodore R. Zern recently retired. Starting out as Director of Student Activities in 1970, Dean Zern climbed the ranks to become Dean of Freshman & Transfer Students in 1995. He pioneered the University's First Year Program. View photos of a dinner held in his honor at The Log Cabin, as well as video of him being named Dean Emeritus at the 2010 Undergraduate and Doctoral Commencement ceremony.
Alumni Focus: Curt Freedman G'87
See photos of the Outdoor Alternative Energy Laboratory designed by the adjunct professor of alternative energy and energy management. View video of the wind turbine being installed.
Alumni News
The 42nd Annual Alumni Golf Tournament story, photos, and video; Alumni catch Falcons Fever: catch photos and video of fans and hockey action. Stan Kowalski III '92 was named Alumnus of the Year at the Alumni Appreciation Dinner: read the story and see photos of the festivities. GradFest 2010 story and photos; photos from the Mark Coffey Memorial Golf Outing. Stephen Scuderi L’79/’87 discusses his company’s revolutionary internal combustion engine.
Student Spotlight: Britany Decker
In October, Decker travelled to Cambodia with Dr. Mary Anne Herron of The Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation to document the foundation's efforts to provide education and medial care to villagers outside of Phnom Penh. Her documentary earned her first place honors for feature reporting in the Massachusetts/Rhode Island Associated Press radio and TV contest. Read her blog about the experience. Oh, and by the way, Decker was also recently crowned Miss Connecticut: read the story and see her being interviewed on the Fox 61 Morning Show.
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Brittany Decker: Miss Connecticut 2010 |
President Caprio Reaches out to Alumni
Photos from Presidential Alumni Receptions in Florida, New York, and New Jersey.
Athletic Reunions
Photos from volleyball, bowling, baseball, as well as men's and women's basketball.
Web Extras: Winter 2009-2010
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Photo: 2006 Alternative Spring Break volunteers work with |
Alternative Spring Break Turns 10
Check out more photos and stories from a decade’s worth of Alternative Spring Break trips.
Ceremonies Celebrate History-Making Construction Projects
See video of the new academic building groundbreaking ceremony and watch the construction progress on the live webcam.
Homecoming 2009
View the photo albums/slide shows of Homecoming.
Alumni Athletics Reunions
View the photo albums/slide shows of all the recent athletics reunions, including lacrosse, men's soccer, and bowling.
Alumni News
See photos of alumni receptions with President Caprio in New York and New Jersey, the Skookum Award Dinner (Photo albums 1 and 2) and portraits of the award recipients, as well as the Engineering Mentoring Program Kick-off Dinner.
For the printed version of the magazine, click here.











