Donors

The Anne Bianchi Gundersen Scholarship Fund was established in 1995 by Anne Gundersen, a member of the classes of 1933 and 1934.  This scholarship provides financial support for students pursing a degree in education.
 

This endowed scholarship fund was created by Arnold V. Amore in memory of his wife, Dr. Adelaide P. Amore, professor emeritus of English, Southern Connecticut State University.

The Carol Satosky Druckman Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1990 by the late Besse Satosky in memory of her daughter, Carol Satosky Druckman.

The Bob Dikranian Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 on behalf of Bob Dikranian, who founded the Southern Connecticut State University men's soccer program. Dikranian led the Owls to 14 NCAA Division II tournament bids, including seven semifinal appearances (six straight, from 1978-83) one national title (1987), and a 227-94-31 overall. He developed the SCSU program into one of the nation's finest. After stepping down as head coach in 1989, Dikranian served as a consultant in five additional (men's) national championships. He continues to serve as a consultant to both men's and women's Owls squads.

The Class of 1951 Frank Gentile Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2001 on the occasion of the50th reunion of the Class of 1951.

The Class of 1954 Scholarship Fund was established by the members of the Class of 1954 to commemorate their 40th reunion. 

The Southern Connecticut State University Class of 1955 Endowed Scholarship Fund has been established by members of the Class of 1955. 
 

The Class of 1966 established the Class of 1966 Scholarship Fund in commemoration of its 25th reunion. The members of the Class of 1966 are pleased to provide an opportunity for undergraduates to pursue their education at Southern Connecticut State University.

The Class of 1989 Scholarship Fund was established by the members of the Class of 1989 in commemoration of their graduation from Southern Connecticut State University. 
 

The Barbara J. Lynch Memorial Scholarship. As an eminent psychologist who taught at Southern Connecticut State University in the Marriage and Family Therapy Department for more than 35 years, Barbara J. Lynch knew that she needed a diversion, a distraction . . . a hobby, when she retired. Thus, she began her journey into the wonderful world of beads. Barbara opened a bead store with a friend, not only to sell beads, but to share her passion and teach others how to develop their own individual beading talents. It was in her store that the Connecticut Bead Society was conceived. She formed the Society to bring together people who shared a love for beading. Barbara shared her immense talent and skill. She would spend hours perfecting and inventing various stitches from which she created a beautiful piece of beaded jewelry. She would bring that piece to her store and show others how to do it. She was always sharing her skills and her enthusiasm. She brought so much inspiration into the lives of so many with her compassion and her artistry. She encouraged all of us to cultivate our love for beading, to nurture our emerging visions, and to reach beyond our self-imposed limits. She showed us how to achieve what might have otherwise eluded us. In honor of this wonderful woman, we have created this scholarship to encourage others to push their creativity to new levels, and to share their passion and creativity with others. It is in so doing that we can best preserve and honor her memory.

The Barbara McEwen Memorial scholarship is dedicated to the memory and legacy of the late Dr. Barbara McEwen, professor emeritus in the Psychology Department at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU). Born on November 11, 1934, she passed away on October 18, 2007, and is buried in the presence of SCSU at Beaverdale Memorial Park, New Haven, Connecticut. She earned a B.A. from Hunter College, an M.A. from the University of Iowa and a Ph.D. from McGill University. After appointments in research at McGill, Tulane University and the Southern Research Institute, she came to SCSU as an assistant professor in 1967. In 1990 she retired as an emeritus professor to work on her seminal volume, "The Roles of Vasopressin and Oxytocin in Memory Processing," published by Elsevier. During her tenure at SCSU, Dr. McEwen served as a productive researcher, scholar, author, beloved teacher and most of all, a devoted supporter of student research endeavors.

The Angelina Porto Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Andrew C. Porto in memory of his sister. Angelina was the daughter of Italian immigrants who valued education as the key to a better life -- a life not as hard as they had experienced, with hardships, stresses and sacrifices. They vowed that their children should experience more opportunities. They provided a home that met the daily necessities and was full of unconditional love and trust. Experiencing a higher education was a must, no matter. It is requested of the recipients of this scholarship that they someday, when they are financially able, contribute to this fund so that others can benefit as they did. This is not mandatory but would be an appreciated gesture.

The Andrew C. Porto Scholarship Fund was established in 1995. Andrew was the son of Italian immigrants who valued education as the key to a better life -- a life not as hard as they had experienced with hardships, stresses and sacrifices. They vowed that their children should experience more opportunities. They provided a home that met the daily necessities and was full of unconditional love and trust. Experiencing a higher education was a must, no matter. It is requested of the recipients of this scholarship that they someday, when they are financially able, contribute to this fund so that others can benefit as they did. This is not mandatory but would be an appreciated gesture.

Anthony Julian Tamburri, '7 1 established the Rita and Ubaldo Tamburri Endowment for Italian Studies to honor of his parents.

Beverly Levett Gerber is an SCSU Professor Emerita of Special Education. Her professional background combines both special education and art education and she has been an advocate of the arts for students with special needs for almost 50 years. Gerber is a founding member and past-president of the National Art Education Association’s (NAEA) Special Needs Interest Group. In 2007, the annual NAEA/CEC/VSA Beverly Levett Gerber Lifetime Achievement Award was established in her honor. In 2011 she was the recipient of NAEA’s highest award, the Lowenfeld Award for Lifetime Achievement in Art Education. Gerber has long been an arts education advocate at special education’s national professional organization, the Council of Exceptional Children (CEC), and served as their “Arts and Special Education” representative. In 2015 she helped establish CEC’s new Division of Visual and Performing Arts Education (DARTS) and currently serves as DARTS president. She has given numerous state, national and international presentations about the arts for students with special needs and co-edited "Reaching and Teaching Students with Special Needs through Art" (NAEA, 2006) and "Understanding Students with Autism through Art" (NAEA, 2010). At SCSU, she serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Connecticut’s Center for Excellence in Autism and helped to establish the “Autism” program for college-age students on the autism spectrum. Bringing art education to students with exceptionalities continues to be one of Gerber’s goals and hopefully, will be a goal of Fellowship recipients.

Mildred Sylvia Sternschuss was born September 6, 1910.  She was the only child of Joseph Sternschuss and Bertha Loewenbaum Sternschuss of New Haven, CT.  Her parents were both first generation Americans of very modest means.  As a child, Mildred had to raise chickens and sell eggs to pay for school supplies, but was introduced to books and music by her parents and was inspired by aunts on both sides of the family who were teachers.
 
Mildred graduated from New Haven High School and attended the New Haven State Normal School through public funding.  After she graduated in 1930 with training in the new field of early childhood education, she taught kindergarten in a predominantly African-American school in New Haven.
 
In 1940, Mildred married Louis Sneiderman of New Haven, a 1926 graduate of Yale with degrees in civil and electrical engineering.  Louis had an appointment as highway engineer and chief of survey for the Connecticut State Highway Department, but when the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor in December, 1941, the War Department called for electronics engineers to work at the Pentagon. The couple packed suitcases and moved to Washington, DC three weeks later and remained there for the rest of their lives where Louis continued as an electronics engineer with Federal Aviation Agency and Mildred became a mother and homemaker.
 
The Sneidermans had one child, Charles, who attributes his career achievements to his mother’s assistance in his own early childhood education.  Dr. Charles Sneiderman established this scholarship in honor of his mother and dedicated teacher, Mildred Sternschuss Sneiderman.
 

Christine Petto established the Thérèse C. Petto Endowment Funds to benefit students pursing the study of world languages. The scholarship was established in her sister Thérèse’s name. Christine says “she was really the scholar of the family,” one of eight children who was diagnosed as an infant with a severe heart malformation. “With sheer determination, a sense of adventure that couldn’t be harnessed, and the unshakeable support of her parents, Terry didn’t just survive, she thrived.” She went to college and earned her master’s degree and loved to travel, and spent time living in Europe. “She loved to read and loved English literature and she loved foreign languages” Christine said.

Christine Petto established the Mary E. & Albert J. Petto scholarship for students pursing the study of history. She established this endowed scholarship to honor her parents.

Doug Relyea takes advantage of a program that lets Connecticut residents 62 and older enroll in courses at state public universities and colleges tuition free. Under the program, applicants can take unlimited courses where space is available after paying a registration and other basic fees. Doug Relyea says by the time he is finished, the state will have subsidized his education to the tune of nearly $50,000. After doing the math, he decided he should pay the debt forward, so he established two scholarships; Douglas Irving and Mary Lou Relyea Endowed Scholarship Fund and the Douglas I. & Mary L. Relyea Endowed Scholarship, named for Doug and his wife Mary. Doug continues to take classes at Southern.

Doug Relyea takes advantage of a program that lets Connecticut residents 62 and older enroll in courses at state public universities and colleges tuition free. Under the program, applicants can take unlimited courses where space is available after paying a registration and other basic fees. Doug Relyea says by the time he is finished, the state will have subsidized his education to the tune of nearly $50,000. After doing the math, he decided he should pay the debt forward, so he established two scholarships; Douglas Irving and Mary Lou Relyea Endowed Scholarship Fund and the Douglas I. & Mary L. Relyea Endowed Scholarship, named for Doug and his wife Mary. Doug continues to take classes at Southern.

Emeriti faculty established this scholarship for psychology majors.

The MSW Classes of 1998 and 1989 Scholarship Fund for Single Parents was established June 22, 1988, under the leadership of Paula West

The Fund was established to honor a long time athletic trainer, William J. McCarthy, of Southern Connecticut State University, who retired in 1990.

The Distinguished Alumnus Scholarship Fund was established in 1992 by the esteemed group of alumni who have been honored for their achievements by receiving the Distinguished Alumnus Award.  The scholarship fund was initiated by Dr. Gerald J. Stine, '61, who was the 1989 Distinguished Alumnus, in appreciation of the honor bestowed on him and in appreciation of the education he received at Southern Connecticut State University.  

The Maureen L. Bornstein Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 by Maureen L. Bornstein, '57, to assist education majors attending Southern Connecticut State University.  The child of immigrants, Maureen established the scholarship in honor and memory of her parents, who came from Ireland with little formal education but who instilled in their two children the importance of attending college.  Maureen graduated from St. Francis School, Wilbur Cross High School and Southern Connecticut State University and subsequently received both a master’s degree in education and a sixth year certificate in educational administration from Fairfield University.  

Maureen taught elementary education for 34 years in the North Haven Public Schools, finishing as Teacher-Director of the Chapter 1 Program in North Haven.  After retiring, Maureen served as secretary for five years at her husband, Dr. Harold D. Bornstein’s, medical practice.  She was also co-secretary for the class of 1953 of Yale University School of Medicine.  Maureen passed away in 2015 and was survived by Harold, with whom she shared 47 wonderful years of marriage.  

Maureen and Harold met across a negotiating table in 1967, Maureen representing the Teachers Association and Harold representing the Board of Education.  After their marriage, they were involved and engaged members of the Greater New Haven community for many years.  Much of their life together revolved around children: a graduate of Yale Medical School, Harold cared for children in his pediatrics practice, and in her work in the education field, Maureen supported the intellectual and developmental growth of the students in her charge. In her retirement, Maureen continued to help children, baking birthday cakes for youngsters in homeless shelters, among many other volunteer efforts.  Giving back to the community they loved was a way of life for Maureen and continues to be for Harold.
 

The President's Enhancement Fund was established in 2002 by President Michael J. Adanti to provide ongoing support to academic, student service, and cultural programs throughout the campus.

This endowment was established by former President, Dr. Cheryl J. Norton, to support a variety of University and student programs. A portion of contributions to name rooms and spaces in the Michael J. Adanti Student Center are allocated to this fund.

The Joseph A. Polka Endowed Scholarship is gifted to a deserving Southern Connecticut State University student. Professor Polka served on the SCSU faculty in the Department of Sociology from 1969 to 2008. He identified, through his experiences at Southern, with many first- generation undergraduate students. 

His grandparents came to America in the early 1900s to mine coal in Western Pennsylvania. One grandfather left mining because of intolerable work conditions. He opened a tavern near the mine entrance. Professor Polka’s father and mother continued to operate the Tavern over their lifetime.  

Their dream was their son be the first college graduate in the family. He fulfilled their dream. He completed a bachelor's degree (Wheeling Jesuit University, ’64), followed by a master's degree (Duquesne University, ’66, a Ph.D. in Sociology (Fordham University, ’74). The education he achieved dramatically changed his future and provided unlimited opportunities over his professional career. He wishes to assist the scholarship recipient with an educational opportunity. 

President Joe Bertolino and Dr. Bil Leipold are deeply connected to Southern students and are dedicated to advancing the core values of social justice. Embracing diversity and fostering inclusivity, they wish to ensure that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue a college degree.

The Ethel Kovach Forcinelli Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1990 by her late husband, Joseph Forcinelli, '50, in honor of her distinguished career in education and lifelong commitment to helping others. Ethel Kovach Forcinelli, '47, was known for her humanitarian interest and community service and received the Harry S. Truman Presidential Award for Brotherhood. Beginning in 1950, she taught in Middlefield and North Haven, Connecticut, and then in Long Beach and Berkeley, California, the former Belgian Congo, Africa, and finally Claremont, California, for a total of 43 years as an educator.

The Joyce M Saltman Scholarship Fund was established in 1994 by Joyce M. Saltman in honor of her receiving her doctoral degree from Columbia University in 1994 and in appreciation of the many opportunities for professional growth and love accorded her during her long association with Southern as a professor of special education since 1975 and as a graduate student through a master's degree and sixth year certificate.

The Southern Connecticut State University chapter of American Association of University Professors is the professional organization which represents all teaching faculty at Southern. This scholarship was established by the organization in 1981 as a living memorial to deceased Southern faculty and their family members. The union continues to award the scholarship to an undergraduate student at Southern who has financial need and a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, completed 75 credits or more, and has participated in community service, on an annual basis as a fitting tribute to faculty members who have devoted their lives to the education of Southern students.

The Joyce S. Olszewski Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Joyce's lifelong dedication, involvement and commitment to the theater.

The Dr. Lois J. King Scholarship Fund was established by Lois King to assist elementary education majors attending Southern Connecticut State University.  Dr. King, '25, had a long and distinguished career as a teacher and administrator.  She retired from Southern in 1927 after 45 years of service including laboratory school faculty member, director of Professional Experiences, chair of the Department of Education, dean of Teacher Education and dean of Professional Studies.  She was also the recipient of the Alumni Association Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1968.
 

In 2008 during the nation's financial crisis, Mark A. Nivet, '92, began worrying about the fallout on college campuses -- especially at his alma mater, Southern. He started to wonder what that meant for financial aid, and what that meant for students of lower socioeconomic status. Mark started the Carlton and Verna Nivet Endowed Scholarships as a way to give back to his school, honor his parents, and promote his lifelong mission to increase diversity – racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic – in medical education and the heath care field. Mark also wanted to recognize the wonderful nurses who care for his late father during his struggle with a decade-long illness.

Michael Vena, professor emeritus of foreign languages at Southern Connecticut State University, received the SCSU Faculty Scholar Award in 2004 as well as the 2004 Distinguished Service Award from the Connecticut Italian American Historical Society. Born in Italy, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1964, and from 1967 to 2008 he was a member of the Foreign Languages (now World Languages and Literatures) Department at Southern, where he taught courses at all levels, including 18 different graduate courses and 25 undergraduate courses in Italian language and literature and world literature.

Dr. Vena received his Ph.D. in Romance languages and literatures at Yale University and was attracted to modern Italian theater from a literary standpoint but also as a pedagogical tool in language acquisition. This interest led him to publish several textbooks, translations or articles on language, literature and theater. Dr. Vena received a number of state and federal grants, including one from the National Endowment for the Humanities and a Fulbright Fellowship. He has served as a consultant to the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, N.J., for teacher certification in Italian, and since 1980 has directed an exchange program with the University of Urbino in Italy.  During the summer of 2003, the Tasso Amphitheater in Rome staged a play edited and translated by Dr. Vena, and it ran daily for two months.

Dr. Vena has been a member of several professional organizations, including the Teachers of Italian, the Renaissance Society, and the Modern Language Association. He previously taught at Yale University and the Yale Summer Language Institute, and he was a founding member of several associations, including the Connecticut Italian Teachers and the Italian American Historical Society.
 

The Michlin-Soomekh Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Dr. Minou P. Michlin, faculty member in the Department of Social Work at Southern Connecticut State University.

Dr. Rita Landino has established this scholarship in honor of her family and in recognition of her 35-year career at Southern Connecticut State University.

The Albert and Jeannette Wolfe Endowed Scholarship Fund will be used to assist a student majoring in education.

The Orlando Family Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 1994 by Dr. Rocco C. Orlando, dean emeritus of the School of Education. The fund will assist undergraduate students attending Southern majoring in education. Dr. Orlando was a longtime member of the faculty and dean of the School of Education before his retirement in 1986. Among his many achievements as dean, Dr. Orlando was responsible for creating sixth year certification programs for classroom specialist, a master's program in social work, and an undergraduate public and community specialty.

The Osprey-SMG Endowed Scholarship for Environmental & Marine Studies was established by Professor Scott Graves. Scott says "reflecting on the ups and downs of my own career, my philanthropy is a 'pay it forward' scenario. I've had some breaks along the way. I also know what it’s like to have your dreams shut down — and I know what it’s like to suddenly see a new horizon and go for it. If my scholarship gift can help partially alleviate students' financial concerns as they build toward deeper understanding, then it's all worth it.”

The Rita A. & Salvatore A. Misasi, Sr. Endowed Scholarship Fund. When Dr. Sharon P. Misasi, B.S. '83, Ph.D. '98 (UCONN) talks about her parents, a smile comes over her face as she recounts growing up and later, going off to college. Both her mother and father made sacrifices so that they could afford to send her brother, sister and her to college. Neither parent attended college but they instilled in Sharon and her siblings the importance of a college education. They wanted them to have a good life and knew a college education was a step in that direction. Sharon is both proud and thankful for all of the sacrifices her family made for her over the years. Her tightknit family knows the value of family, and of each family member, and the value of an excellent college education. To honor her parents, Rita A. and Salvatore A. Misasi Sr., Sharon has decided to continue her family tradition in making a good college education a priority for the next generation by making her own sacrifices to establish the Rita A. & Salvatore A. Misasi, Sr. Endowed Scholarship at SCSU.

The Sidney Skolnick Scholarship Fund was established in 1996 by Sidney Skolnick, '51, in commemoration of his graduation from New Haven State Teachers College, now Southern Connecticut State University. Mr. Skolnick is appreciative of the many opportunities for professional growth accorded him during his long association with Southern as a faculty member in the Reading Department (1966-1986), chair of the Reading Department (1986-1989), and professor emeritus (1989).

Stuart A. Gerber, Ed. D., Professor Emeritus of Special Education, established and coordinated the Special Education Department’s 6th year Professional Diploma in Educational Collaboration and Consultation. The program was designed to address collaborative relationships among teachers, paraprofessionals, clinical specialists, administrators and parents. It provided training in team building, communication skills, negotiation, conflict management, and problem-solving methods. A special education professor and licensed psychologist for over 40 years, Gerber organized and coordinated a statewide annual conference on Educational Collaboration at Southern Connecticut State University. He co-authored and presented the Council for Exceptional Children’s (CEC) Academy for Professional Collaboration and CEC’s Institute on Collaboration, and presented about collaboration and consultation for many national and international organizations.

Established by their daughter when they both passed away in 2012. Marie was a nurse and her family wanted to establish an annual nursing scholarship in her memory.

Dr. Mary A. Papazian was the 11th president of Southern Connecticut State University. She has enjoyed a notable career as an educator, administrator and scholar of English literature. Dr. Dennis R. Papazian was a professor of history for more than 40 years at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He was also the Director of UM­Dearborn's Armenian Research Center. Both have strong connections among Armenians in the United States and uphold a strong belief in the value of a liberal arts education.

The Eleanor Jensen Scholarship Fund was established by Eleanor Jensen, '40 M.A. '68, in appreciation of the education she received at New Haven State Teachers College, now Southern Connecticut State University.  Miss Jensen was actively involved in campus life as an undergraduate, serving as class president in her sophomore and junior years.  She has had distinguished careers in both the fields of business and education.  After her graduation she taught school in Cheshire and West Haven for three years.  In 1943 she began a long and distinguished career in marketing and advertising at Berger Brothers Company until 1971. Miss Jensen then returned to the classroom, teaching marketing, advertising and business English at the University of New Haven and Gateway Community/Technical College.
 

Ellen J. Frank has a Ph.D. from Purdue in I/O psychology, and has been a faculty member in the Management Department since 1983. Her whole family has been involved with the institution. Her husband also taught for a while in the School of Business, and her two sons attended SCSU, one earning his B.S., and the other his M.S. The scholarship is a small way of "paying back" what SCSU has offered everyone. Dr. Frank is an avid photographer and has traveled extensively around the world taking pictures. She has been recipient of two Senior Fulbright assignments to Colombia and Latvia. What she sees and learns make great stories when teaching international business. She also is involved with international folk dancing which enhances her cultural knowledge.

The Beatrice Rockwell Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to assist students who are preparing to become high school teachers. Miss Rockwell was a member of the class of 1915.

The Beatrice H. Rockwell Scholarship Fund was established by Miss Beatrice Rockwell through a trust fund administered by Southern Connecticut State University Foundation, Inc.

The Dr. A. Kay Keiser/ Public Health Alumni Chapter Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Dr. A. Kay Keiser by the alumni membership of the Public Health Alumni Chapter. This fund will be used to assist students majoring in public health at Southern Connecticut State University.

The Rose M. Verdi Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1991 by Dr. Rose M. Verdi, '35, in appreciation of the education she received at New Haven Normal School, now Southern Connecticut State University.  This education provided an exceptional foundation for Dr. Verdi to continue her studies at Teachers College, Columbia University (M.A., '42, Ed.D.'55).  The fund will be used to assist elementary education majors attending Southern Connecticut State University.  Dr. Verdi passed away on April 23, 2000.
 

The Lenore Palumbo Robbins Endowed Art Scholarship Fund was established by Lenore Palumbo Robbins upon her death to assist students of outstanding talent attending Southern Connecticut State University majoring in art or art education.

Richard T. Dwyer was a graduate of Southern CT State University in 1973, a mathematics major. A lifelong executive in the banking industry, Mr. Dwyer was also a talented, amateur photographer, and member of the Coastal Camera Club. His photos received numerous awards at local competitions and exhibits. He was an active member of and volunteer for the SCSU Alumni Association, was a volunteer Delegate Host for Team Ireland at the Special Olympic World Games held in New Haven in 1995. Mr. Dwyer’s passion was theatre. He was an avid theatre-goer, traveling to New York City every Wednesday during his retirement to take in a matinee. His bequest was used to establish this scholarship to assist students studying theatre arts.

The Esther and Alexander Raffone Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 by Esther Campochiaro Raffone, '38 and Alexander Raffone, '43, in appreciation of the education they both received from New Haven State Teachers College, now Southern Connecticut State University. Together they spent more than 75 years in the field of education and touched the lives of thousands of children. The scholarship fund shall be used to assist elementary education majors attending Southern Connecticut State University so that the recipients will be able to carry on this important work. It is hoped that all recipients will contribute to the scholarship program to continue assisting other students.

Mrs. Eula Jane Davies was a librarian at the university beginning in the 1940’s. She enjoyed her time at the university and always endeavored to support the library sciences of her alma mater.

Dr. Joseph Greco taught philosophy at Southern Connecticut State University from 1967 until his accidental death in 2003.  He specialized in Logic, Metaphysics, Philosophy of Education and Philosophy of Religion. 

Born in Copertino, Italy, Dr. Greco studied theology at Vico Equense, earned a baccalaureate in Classics from the Institute of Classics in Naples, Italy, and a Ph.L. in philosophy from the Institute of Philosophy in Gallarate, Italy.  He then pursued doctoral studies in biology, earning an A.B.D. in biology at the University of Naples. He taught philosophy, Latin, zoology, and human biology at the Collegio Pontano in Naples before accepting an appointment to teach philosophy at the College of Great Falls, Montana.  Following that appointment, he taught philosophy at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. while earning a Ph.D. in Logic.  In 1967 he was appointed to the philosophy faculty at Southern Connecticut State University where he taught for 36 years.

Dr. Greco was a profoundly private, contemplative man who took seriously the moral exhortation to help others.  For many years, he worked as a volunteer in local soup kitchens in New Haven, Connecticut, preparing full meals each week for 50-60 people. He believed very strongly in the value of education to transform lives. Each year, he quietly aided college students and seminarians with their tuition expenses as they pursued their degrees.  After his accidental death in February 2003, it was learned that he founded and supported two schools, one for girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa and another for girls in Ransama, India.  

Dr. Greco was known for his love of the arts, linguistics, and classical literature.  He also was an artist and sculptor and all his works celebrate the beauty and sanctity of life.

The Joyce Stochmal Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1996 by the Stochmal family in loving memory of Joyce. Miss Stochmal was a 19-year-old college student pursuing a career in veterinary medicine at the time of her untimely death. A Seymour resident with a lifelong dream to care for and treat animals, she received an associate degree in veterinary assistance and was enrolled at Southern to continue her education when she was killed.

The Lisa Marie Tribanas Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Lisa Marie Tribanas, a dynamic Southern Connecticut State University media studies major who was passionate about the field of media studies and inspired others to question the media culture. Lisa Marie Tribanas tragically died on April 16, 2006, three days after her 25th birthday, as the result of an automobile accident caused by another motorist who was driving while intoxicated. She was a founding member of the Media Studies Club, which won the Student Government Association's "Newcomer of the Year Award," and was the first coordinator of "Buy Nothing Day" and "TV Turn Off Week." While attending SCSU, Lisa Marie Tribanas was also a manager at the restaurants Zinc and Chow in New Haven. She was the 1999 senior class president of Wolcott High School, where she was also a member of the basketball team and a manager of the football team.

The Peter L. LoPresti Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by his family to honor his distinguished career as a classroom teacher, school administrator, state agency executive and university professor. It also serves to pay special tribute to the significant contribution made by his undergraduate studies, experiences and relationships at Southern Connecticut State University in the achievement of his outstanding professional accomplishments.

The Roslind Flammia Membrino, MSW, Memorial Award was established in 1991 by members of the family as a memorial to Roslind Membrino, who earned both the BSW and MSW degrees at Southern Connecticut State University.

The Scott H Shepard Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1990 by the family of Scott H. Shepard.

The Frederick J. Giovannini Endowed Scholarship was established to assist a student of a single mother with unmet financial need while attending Southern Connecticut State University

The Dr. Hilton C. Buley Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Dr. Buley's 75th birthday on December 15, 1978. Dr. Buley guided Southern through an era of its largest and most dynamic advancement in academic growth and physical plant development during his presidency from 1954 to 1971. Total enrollment expanded from 1,000 to 11,000 students while he was leading the relocation to SCSU's present campus. When Dr. Buley retired in 1971, the campus had grown to 17 buildings spread out over 148 acres.

The Arlene B. Buley Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by David Buley in honor of his mother to assist students attending Southern Connecticut State University majoring in library-information service within the Department of Library Science and Instructional Technology.

The H. Pearce Family Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 by Herbert H. Pearce, to assist students attending Southern Connecticut State University.

The Roger P. Blood Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Ida M. Caccese in memory of her son. Roger received a master's degree in English in 1987 from Southern Connecticut State University. He returned to college for his graduate work as an older student, receiving his degree at the age of 52.
 
 The Frederick Caccese Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Ida M. Caccese in memory of her husband.
 
 The Ida M. Caccese Computer Science Scholarship has been established by Ida M. Caccese to assist students attending Southern Connecticut State University who are majoring or minoring in computer science.
  
The Dominick and Maria Barbiero Mastrianni Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Ida M. Caccese in 1993 in memory of her parents.

 

The Jack and Anne Litten Memorial Scholarship Fund was first established in 1995 by Jack Litten in honor of his late wife, Anne. Dr. Litten passed away in 1999 and the scholarship was renamed to honor them both for their lifelong dedication to children, teaching, music and the arts.

The Kathryn Morgan Kelly Endowed Scholarship Fund has been established by Kathryn Morgan Kelly, '38, in appreciation of the education received from New Haven State Teachers College, now Southern Connecticut State University.  This education provided a solid foundation for her career as an elementary classroom teacher, high school art teacher, art supervisor and art director.
 

The Louise DiRuccio Scholarship Fund was established in 1993 by Louise DiRuccio in commemoration of her 1943 graduation with a B.S. degree from the New Haven State Teachers College. She also wanted to show her appreciation of the many opportunities for professional growth accorded her during her long association with SCSU as an undergraduate student, a graduate student in the first class of the Yale-NHSTC Cooperative Master's Degree Program, leading to an M.A., a faculty member in the Department of Education, director emeritus of alumni affairs, and coordinator of the senior citizen program.

The Robert E. Kendall Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1996 by Maria Kendall in memory of her husband. Dr. Kendall joined the faculty of Southern Connecticut State University in 1952. He founded the Crescent Players in 1953 and directed dozens of that group's productions and advised on most others. He also developed theater on campus from its original offerings of two courses in the English Department to its own department. Dr. Kendall was named the first chair of the department in 1967 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1978. The University's drama lab was named the Robert E. Kendall Drama Lab shortly after his retirement.

Maureen Carey, RN, Endowed Scholarship for Nursing Education
Maureen Carey, RN, is a proud Southern alumna having received her Bachelor of Science from Southern Connecticut State University and diploma from St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing in Hartford, Connecticut. She has a Certification in Orthopedic Nursing, Orthopedic Nursing Certification Board, and National Association Orthopedic Nurses. She has had a dedicated Nursing career, working as a Staff Nurse at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT, Staff Nurse at Yale University’s Department of Surgery, Project Coordinator: Trauma Grant at Yale University’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery, and Nurse Manager, Ambulatory Services, Orthopedic Clinic at Yale New Haven Hospital. She has received multiple awards including Outstanding Orthopedic Nurse Practice Award from the National Association of Orthopedic Nurses. Maureen retired after devoting more than forty years to the field of nursing, touching countless lives.

The President Emeritus Michael J. Adanti Endowment Fund was established with the SCSU Foundation upon his retirement in June 2003.  Michael Adanti was a co-captain of the 1962 football team, playing center and linebacker, and later served as an assistant football coach at the University of Bridgeport and at Southern.  During his presidency, enrollment surged, the largest capital construction program in the university's history was begun, and a new doctorate in education was initiated.  Other new academic initiatives, prestigious awards for faculty and students and national honors for Southern sports teams also highlighted Mr. Adanti's tenure and brought the University increasing regional recognition for excellence in higher education.
 

Mike Arias is the Managing Partner of the law firm Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Team LLP, specializing in labor and employment.  As such, he has obtained eight and nine-figure verdicts and settlements in personal injury, employment, sexual assault, mass tort, and class action matters for over three decades. In addition, his service and continued leadership to the legal community and consumers throughout the state of California as plaintiff trial bar president for CAALA and CAOC (back-to-back) has impacted the law to help make California a safer, more equitable place to live. He is also a leader in the national trial lawyer organization, AAJ, which helps California trial lawyers and consumers.

During the Coronavirus outbreak, Mr. Arias was on the front lines, helping trial lawyers throughout the country plan for this disaster, handle casework, and more through his leadership and guidance. He helped form and led the Los Angeles Superior Court Working Group, which was composed of approved members of the plaintiff and defense trial bar selected by court leadership.
 

This endowed scholarship fund was created by Mildred Schepart Gosden in support of Southern's nursing program.

The Adelaide George Scholarship Fund was established in 1994 by Adelaide George, '27, in appreciation of the education she received at the New Haven Normal School. Miss George, her mother Julia Szabo George and three brothers came from Hungary to Bridgeport, where her father had settled a year before. Her parents, particularly her mother, valued education as the key to a better life. Her mother encouraged her to become a teacher.  Miss George had a long and distinguished career in education, teaching for 35 years in the Shelton school system until her retirement in 1962.

The Julia Szabo George Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Adelaide George, '27, in memory of her mother who encouraged her to become a teacher.  Miss George, her mother Julia Szabo George and three brothers came from Hungary to Bridgeport, where her father had settled a year before. Her parents, particularly her mother, valued education as the key to a better life.  Miss George had a long and distinguished career in education, teaching for 35 years in the Shelton school system until her retirement in 1962.
 

The Southern Connecticut State University Edward and Jean Mack Art & Music Endowed Scholarship Fund has been established by Edward and Jean Mack during July 2000.

The Mary Nocella Scholarship was created to honor the aunt of Raymond C. Johnston. He and his wife Michelle Rocheford Johnston established the scholarship to help a student studying education. Miss Nocella was born in 1914 and her greatest desire had always been to become a teacher. Unfortunately, at the time she was applying to Hunter College in New York, teachers were required by the college, to be five feet tall. As she was only 4’9”, she was never accepted. Undaunted, she became a bookkeeper in New York City and served as the secretary of the NYC AARP, creating online newsletters, email blasts, etc., until her death at the age of 95. This scholarship honors Mary Nocella’s dream of becoming a teacher, through students pursuing education degrees at Southern Connecticut State University.

The Clifford Toby Chieffo and Patricia Hurley Chieffo 1974 Distinguished Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Clifford Toby Chieffo and Patricia Hurley Chieffo.  Clifford and Patricia, graduates of the class of 1959, are the University’s only husband and wife to be recognized by the Alumni Association as Distinguished Alumni of the University.
 

David R. McHale, ’82, is the retired executive vice president and chief administrative officer of the Eversource Energy, where he was responsible for customer care, energy efficiency, information technology, supply chain, environmental affairs, property management, and energy supply.  Prior to that position, he was executive vice president and chief financial officer for Eversource Energy.  Mr. McHale received his B.S. degree in economics from SCSU and his MBA with a specialization in finance from the University of New Haven. In addition, he attended both the Executive Financial Management and the Executive Strategy and Organization Programs of Stanford University.  In 2010, Mr. McHale was the recipient of Southern's Distinguished Alumnus Award.  He serves as the chair of the SCSU Foundation Board of Directors as well as chair to the Executive Committee. He also serves on the Audit, Development, Finance, Governance and Investment Committees.

McHale and his wife, Shannon, established the David R. and Shannon H. McHale Endowed Scholarship at Southern. The scholarship helps an undergraduate student in the School of Business who is a member of the men’s or women’s cross-country or track and field team and who maintains at least a 3.0 grade point average. The focus on the track program is a nod to the McHales’ lifelong passion. David ran for the Owls from 1978-81 and continues to run competitively. Shannon has more than 20 marathons under her belt, including Boston and Chicago. Athletics are also a big part of the Scottsdale, Arizona couple’s family life. The pair met through running and have passed on their love of athletics to their six children.

In establishing the scholarship, McHale said he hopes to set an example for other alumni who are in a position to support the institutions that helped them along the way.

Emily Keeney passed away on November 24, 2007. Her untimely death occurred while she was in her sophomore year at Southern. In loving memory, the donors have made their gift in order to establish an endowed scholarship fund held by the Foundation. Through this act, Emily's positive example as an enthusiastic artist will continue on as student recipients of the scholarship extend her legacy through their educational pursuits. Emily's memory shall be kept alive as a loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, student and friend.

While at Southern, Emily was an art major who loved painting and drawing. She was a spirit of bright energy and was known to be creative, motivated, enthusiastic, and dedicated. Both in and out of the classroom she was a responsible and caring person who had a deep respect for others, a zest for life, and a love for children and animals. In addition to her artistic ability, Emily was a talented athlete -- from golf to horseback riding -- and a loving and dedicated camp counselor. Some described Emily as an "old soul" who loved the Beatles. She achieved impressive success in her pursuits by overcoming obstacles and adversity. Those who knew her recognized her success as a genuine testimony to her passion and her resilience.

Emily was born in Greenwich, CT on December 18, 1985. She was a graduate of Guilford High School. Emily loved the outdoors, especially spending time at the beach with her family and friends.

The Frank and Donna Mason Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 1999 by Frank L. Mason, '73, and his wife Donna Mason.

The intent of the donors in making their commitment is to establish a permanent endowment fund held by the Foundation in memory of their son, Michael.

The Dr. George J. Collins, Ed.D., J.D. Academic-Athletic Scholarship Fund was established in 1986 by Dr. Collins in appreciation for the outstanding educational opportunities received at the then New Haven State Teachers College (1949-1953), now Southern Connecticut State University.  The undergraduate academic foundation received by Dr. Collins was sufficiently formidable for him to score high enough on national graduate examinations to be admitted and complete degrees with honors at Yale University (M.A.), Columbia University Teachers College (Ed.D.), and George Washington University Law School (J.D.).

The Dr. George J. Collins Scholarship is established to assist SCSU undergraduate student athletes who demonstrate a financial need in order to complete their undergraduate education.

 

Gerard (Jerry) Nelson is a SCSU graduate and was a member of the Owls' 1973 NCAA Division II National Championship men's gymnastics team for Olympic coach Abie Grossfeld. Nelson was the owner and coach at Nelson's Gymnastics Centers in the southern Connecticut area from 1974-99, where he worked with more than 15,000 young gymnasts through the years at five gym locations. He became the director of events for USA Gymnastics (USAG) in Indianapolis from 1999-2001 and directed all aspects of the national and international televised events for the sport's national governing body. Nelson also spent three years as the chairman of the Greater New Haven Convention and Visitors' Bureau's New Haven Sports Committee, designed to maximize resources and attract significant sporting events to New Haven. He is also the president of Tumbling Boot Camp, a highly successful series of tumbling camps designed specifically for cheerleaders. Nelson is a National Safety Instructor for USAG and recognized in the safety handbook for his contributions to the success of the program. Nelson and his wife Joanne are the parents of two daughters, Danielle and Brittany, who were both highly competitive athletes and excelled in gymnastics and cheerleading at a very young age. Under the training and tutelage of their father, both continued on and are successful professionals in their respective careers today.

Southern graduates J. LeRoy Ward, '73 and '75, and wife Patricia Fahey Ward, '75, have elected to establish the J. LeRoy and Patricia F. Ward Endowed Scholarship Fund for Women's Field Hockey in 2005. LeRoy earned bachelor of science and master of science degrees in geography. After working in the government sector, he has since applied his education and experience in corporate training. Patricia earned a bachelor of science in education to realize a rewarding and successful career in teaching. LeRoy and Patricia have two daughters, Erin and Caroline, who were avid field hockey players at South Lakes High School in Reston, Virginia. As high school athletes they had to practice five days and week and maintain excellent grades. It wasn't always easy, but they were committed to success on the field and in the classroom. When Patty and I (together we hold three Southern degrees) decided to "give back" to the university we wanted to do so in a way that recognized a scholar-athlete, a young woman on Southern's Field Hockey team, who was willing to make the same commitment our daughters did those many years ago. To say the least, it builds character, great memories, and through an outstanding Southern education, a promising future. If you're a young woman on Southern's Field Hockey team with a strong academic record, we encourage you to apply for our scholarship. It would give us enormous pleasure to assist you in some small way to help you achieve your goals. The Wards are very proud of being Southern alumni, and have chosen this scholarship as a way of supporting their alma mater.

Mr. Ward's sister, Rebecca (1946-2012), had a love and passion for Spanish that started in the 7th grade. She had two goals in life: to speak Spanish like a native, and to teach high school Spanish. She spent more than 33 years teaching at Hamden (CT) High School, and her fluency and accent were such that even native Spanish speakers did not know that English was, in fact, her first language. Southern provided a wonderful opportunity for her to pursue her dreams (BS '69, MS '77). She met some of the most influential people in her life at the university. Upon her death it was her wish to establish a scholarship to help a deserving young woman or man follow their passion of "all things Spain." If you are an undergraduate pursuing a career in teacher education in Spanish, I encourage you to apply for this scholarship in honor of her memory. Nothing would have made her more proud than to play some small part in the pursuit of your dreams.

Jim and Priscilla Blake are graduates of institutions of public education. The same is true for our three sons. We find ourselves to be very fortunate at this point in our life, thanks in part to our education. We have both completed successful careers working in public education and would like to support student scholarship as a way of giving back. The path we took to support student scholarship was to create the James & Priscilla Blake Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship supports something that we are both passionate about, which is our environment. The scholarship lets us give back as well as contribute (through student scholarship) to improving our environment.

James and Doris Barber Athletic Endowment is to promote the legacy of excellence that has been established for decades by female athletes in women's track and field and cross country at the University.  It will also enhance the opportunities for those who guide the Women's Track and Field and Cross Country programs at Southern Connecticut State University to recruit, retain and graduate athletes that will assure the continuation of the highest level of athletic performance, both nationally and internationally.  One of the donors, Doris Barber, '74, M.S. '79, 6th Year '85, a New Haven Public School teacher and former athlete has enhanced the lives of special needs students for more than 30 years. James Barber, '64, M.S. '79, also a former Southern athlete, has been a fulltime member of the SCSU teaching and administrative faculty at since 1969.  James also had decades of involvement with the University's athletic program, serving in the capacity of head coach Women's Track and Field 1983-2007, assistant coach Men's Track and Field 1964-1982 and assistant football coach 1964- 1966.
 

The John Soto Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2002 by Mr. Soto to assist students attending Southern Connecticut State University.

The John & Christine Powderly Endowed Football Scholarship Fund. John, '89, and Christine, '92 Powderly are Southern alums who support their alma mater, and who believe in philanthropy and the good it can do for others. While at Southern, John studied communications and video production and was a football captain, and Christine studied early childhood education.

The Sabatinos established their scholarship in appreciation of Anita’s education at Southern. When she attended Southern, she was a single mother. She found her education at Southern to be helpful in her adult life as she and her husband traveled.

The Samuel Miller Brownell Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Dr. Brownell, who served as president of New Haven State Teachers College, now Southern Connecticut State University, from 1947 to 1953.

The Tom Buch Child Welfare Endowed Scholarship Fund was created in memory of Tom Buch, '87, by his family and friends to assist students who share his commitment to child welfare.

Kevin Gilbride, '74, was the first Southern graduate to become a head coach in the National Football League when he took the reins of the San Diego Chargers in 1997. In total, Gilbride spent 24 seasons as a coach in the NFL and 39 total seasons in the profession before retiring in January 2014. Gilbride spent 10 seasons as a member of the staff of the New York Giants (2004-13), during which the team won two Super Bowl titles. The Giants set numerous records during his tenure as offensive coordinator. Three of the top five single-season team point totals in team history came under Gilbride's watch, including a 429-point effort in 2012. That year's club also set a new team record with 278 points scored at home. In 2011, the Giants gained a franchise-record 6,161 yards. Under his watch, the team also had the only two 4,000-yard passing seasons in Giants history. Prior to his stint with the Giants, Gilbride also served as offensive coordinator and assistant head coach with the Houston Oilers (1989-94), offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars (1995-96), head coach of the San Diego Chargers (1997-98), offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers (1999-2000) and offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills (2003-03). In Gilbride's first year in Buffalo, the Bills set seven offensive team records, including most net passing yards (3,995), while quarterback Drew Bledsoe set 10 team records. Gilbride entered the NFL as the quarterbacks' coach of the Houston Oilers in 1989. He was promoted to offensive coordinator from 1990-93, and then to assistant head coach/offense in 1994. The Oilers ranked first in the NFL in passing yards in 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993. Houston also ranked first in the league in total offense in 1990, second in 1991, third in 1992 and second in 1993. Gilbride took over as the offensive coordinator of the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995 and the following year, the Jaguars led the NFL with 259.7 passing yards per game and were second in total offense with 360.2 yards per contest, a performance that helped Jacksonville to the AFC Championship Game in just its second year of existence. After two years in Jacksonville, Gilbride was named the 10th head coach in San Diego Chargers history. He spent the 1999 and 2000 seasons as offensive coordinator with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2001, Gilbride was an analyst with ESPN. Prior to joining the NFL, Gilbride spent two seasons (1985-86) in the Canadian Football League as an assistant with the Ottawa Rough Riders. A tight end and quarterback for the Owls at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), he went on to assistant coaching positions at Idaho State University, Tufts University and American International College before returning to Southern as head coach in 1980. Gilbride led his teams to a 35-14-2 record in five seasons as the Owls were ranked among the nation's top 10 Division II teams. His 1982 team registered 9-1 record and was ranked No. 9 in Division II and had the number one record in New England of all coaches from 1981-1984. Having achieved the most success as head coach in collegiate football competition, Gilbride has been deemed the winningest coach in Southern's history. He was inducted into the SCSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997. Kevin and his wife Debbie's time at Southern, both as a student and coach, was as enjoyable and beneficial as any period of our lives. We grew as individuals and as a family. The scholarship is a way for us to say thanks and to hopefully provide a means for others to experience the development and maturation we did while having a ball!!

The Candice Lynn Keim Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established to assist students attending Southern Connecticut State University majoring in art.

The Robert F. and Lesley Lee Herbst Endowed Scholarship Fund was established with the SCSU Foundation by Robert F. and Lesley Lee Herbst in April 2000. The scholarship fund shall assist students attending Southern Connecticut State University and studying in the field of speech language pathology.

The romance began at Southern on registration day in 1958. Marian (Riggio) Drobish, ’62, was a Southern freshman and Robert M. Drobish, ’61, had just transferred from Providence College, when the two met while waiting in line to sign up for classes. Four years later, they were married.

The couple’s connection to Southern remained strong following graduation, growing in step with their family, which soon included a son Robert name after his father. The elder Robert became the assistant director of admissions at Southern. Marian also began a job on campus — as hall director (then called “house mother”) at the newly opened Wilkinson Hall — the family moved into the all-girls dorm where the younger Robert spent his toddler years.

The family’s ties to Southern have expanded to include the next generation. Today, Robert K. Drobish, ’88, M.S. ’90, works in the Registrar’s Office as a scheduling officer at Southern. His siblings’ ties to Southern run wide and deep as well. Diana (Dee Dee) Dahlman, graduated from Southern in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in education and now works in the Office of Residence Life. A younger sister, Andrea Kennedy, spent two years at Southern before leaving to pursue a career in musical theater.

Southern is also where Robert met his wife, Director of Student Involvement, Denise Bentley-Drobish, ’90, M.S. ’92. The couple began dating while working as hall directors — Robert at Chase and Denise at Farnham Hall — and married in 1995. The Drobish family holds seven Southern degrees

Robert senior was the registrar until 1976, when he accepted a similar position at what is now Western Connecticut State University. He retired in 1992. Marian would build a career teaching special education at the Foundation School in Milford, Conn. An accomplished singer and performer, she also ran a school for theater arts.

The Drobish Family decided to make community involvement and campus leadership a requirement for the scholarship to honor the example set by Marian and Robert who were active in campus life. As undergrads, his Robert served as senior class president while Marian was instrumental in bringing the American Association of University Women, an advocacy group, to campus. She was also among the university’s first female leaders in student government, serving as president her senior year.

The Ira Leonard Annual Scholarship was established by Myrtle Leonard. Like many of his generation, Ira Leonard's goal was to get a college education in order to secure a good job. He gravitated to the study of American history to better understand the "relentless change" which, he believed, characterized the American experience and how this continual growth and development of historical and cultural influences defined and shaped his own life. He went on to earn an M.A. and Ph.D., helping to finance his education through part-time jobs as well as receiving scholarships and fellowships. He was a professor of history at Southern for nearly 40 years, enjoying his experiences in the classroom and on campus with students and colleagues. His wife, Myrtle, who also taught history at SCSU, establishes this scholarship in his name to support and encourage other students as they continue their study of history.

The Anthony Verlezza Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Anthony, a member of the class of 1974, in honor of his education and experiences at Southern and to assist students attending Southern Connecticut State University.

The Southern Connecticut State University Carbone Family Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund has been established by Anthony J. and Joseph J. Carbone in memory of their parents Joseph and Lillian Carbone. Joseph was employed as a custodian at Schwartz Hall on the campus of Southern Connecticut State University. He retired at the mandatory age of 70 in May 1975. During his employment, he often commented on how much he enjoyed his work environment and the opportunity to interact with so many motivated, friendly and respectful students living in Schwartz Hall. Upon his death in October 1996, at age 91, his sons elected to honor his memory by helping others achieve their educational goals.

The Antoinette Carbone Tarini Scholarship was established by her sons Mark and Anthony Tarini in memory of their mother (B.A., 1987; M.A., 1993) for undergraduate students majoring in a foreign language seeking to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures through their study of a foreign language and/or participation in the SCSU study abroad programs.

“Antoinette Tarini.”  It was the name called so many times as a course began at Southern Connecticut State University.  Immediately, the rather timid voice would reply, “Here, but it’s Annette.”  One couldn’t help but note that in the words was a crisp certainty about the change, accompanied by a winning smile at the professor.  Thus would begin the relationship that led Annette to complete requirements and elective courses leading to a  B.A. in 1987 at age 68 and an M.A. in 1993 at age 74! 

Born in 1919 to Italian immigrants Paul and Theresa Carbone, Annette was raised in New Haven and graduated from Hillhouse High School at age 16.  Though an excellent student, she did not attend college because that was not the typical or expected path for a person of her social standing, particularly a woman.  She married, raised two boys and mightily battled breast cancer in her 50s.  As her youngest son finished high school in the late 1970s, she decided to take a single course at Southern, as part of its program focused on senior citizens.  One course led to another, which led to another, and soon enough Annette enrolled herself in the foreign language program in pursuit of her baccalaureate!  Her favorite studies were those that followed the language faculty down sunny Italian country roads and past ancient Roman villas, into famous Parisian monuments and postcard villages.  She was at home in any milieu to which a book or lecture could take her, and, driving to the University in her little car, she would — after checking in with some conversation at the attendant’s gatehouse — make her way slowly, surely, and on time  to her classes.

She was never late, never absent, never angry, never inattentive.  Although her age placed her in a different chronological place from her classmates, she would be part of the group from day one, learning the students’ names and majors before the professor could, and ready to join in all work circles with a laugh, a smile, and a willingness to help. Although she was quick to master the computer, there were no hand-held devices in her day, meaning that the Tarini brain could show its agility — adding up numbers and retaining statistics faster than any other around her.  She was meticulously neat in her penmanship, using "white-out" to better create legible notes for each class.  The word “outgoing” comes to mind when thinking of Annette, the term defining, beyond mere conviviality, her fearless determination to leave the home fires for a broader world view.  Having herself travelled abroad with her late husband, she was able to add her own enthusiastic perspective to any discussion of landmarks or customs.  Her way of having even more visits to France was to attend the French Club faithfully, baking delicious additions to the meetings, even ready to accompany the advisor to New York when it was time to purchase opera tickets or check out a student-friendly restaurant.  Although her health was an issue of pains, threats, and difficulties, she bore it all resolutely and within herself, ready to take her cane and walk through the large Metropolitan Museum star shows at her own pace, always exchanging comments with other patrons.  Her high grades led to membership in Who’s Who in American University Students, but few knew of the honor or the high grades.     

One day Annette remarked, “Southern is my life.  If I couldn’t come here, I’d die.”  And, in a way, that is what she did.  But to the end, she would ask what classes were being offered that semester, and how the students were progressing.  A very devout woman, she was extremely fond of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, and once gave her French professor a short biography.  Reading it now, the words from the biography are prescient of the university scholarship which henceforth, to honor Southern language students to come, will proudly bear Antoinette Carbone Tarini’s name:  "My mission will begin after my death.  I will spend my heaven doing good on earth. I will let fall a shower of roses.” 

 

The Anthony S. and Virginia Avallone Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Anthony V. Avallone, Esq. to assist students attending Southern Connecticut State University.

The Robert (Bob) Corda Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2000 by his friend and colleague, Brad Crerar. Bob was a member of the Southern community for over 30 years, working first in audio visual/television and then as the director of the language laboratory. Bob was a dedicated friend and father as well as an avid long-distance runner. He is remembered with respect as a committed instructor to Southern's faculty and student body.

Brad & Gregg Crerar set up the Crerar endowed scholarship to support students who are passionate about Southern Connecticut State University and who realize that an undergraduate degree of any sort is important to start their lives. Three of the four Crerar children attended Southern and received degrees. These Crerar children were first-generation college students and they understand, through their parents, the value of a good education.

The Ira Leonard Annual Scholarship was established by Myrtle Leonard. Like many of his generation, Ira Leonard's goal was to get a college education in order to secure a good job. He gravitated to the study of American history to better understand the "relentless change" which, he believed, characterized the American experience and how this continual growth and development of historical and cultural influences defined and shaped his own life. He went on to earn an M.A. and Ph.D., helping to finance his education through part-time jobs as well as receiving scholarships and fellowships. He was a professor of history at Southern for nearly 40 years, enjoying his experiences in the classroom and on campus with students and colleagues. His wife, Myrtle, who also taught history at SCSU, establishes this scholarship in his name to support and encourage other students as they continue their study of history.

Christopher M. Borajkiewicz is an Honor's College alumnus from Southern, having earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science and History degrees in 1998. He is currently an active SCSU Alumni Board member. Mr. Borajkiewicz is a private wealth advisor and certified chief financial planner for Root, Borajkiewicz, Lucarelli Wealth Advisors, a subsidiary of Ameriprise. In his line of work he has provided assistance to individuals who plan for their future by making wise investments for their retirement. He feels the need to provide assistance to a deserving undergraduate student who is studying to pursue their degree in the SCSU School of Business.

The Clifford G. Smith Annual Art Scholarship was established by alumnus Clifford G. Smith to assist a student from Connecticut attending Southern Connecticut State University who is majoring in the studio art program with a concentration in painting.

The Ella T. Grasso Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Daniel Cosgrove to provide financial assistance to a student graduating from Branford High School. The Ella T. Grasso Award will be given to a senior who has chosen to attend Southern Connecticut State University.

The Damian O'Neil Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1994 by the Beta Mu Sigma Fraternity in memory of their fraternity brother who succumbed to Wegener's Disease in 1990. Damian became a member of Beta Mu Sigma in 1983 and held various leadership roles throughout his time at SCSU. He also served as a member of the Inter-Residence Council, as well as being heavily involved with planning and executing SCSU's intramural sports programs. He had a very positive effect on all campus life, both Greek and non-Greek organizations, and was well recognized by peers and university leadership alike.

The Barbara G. Mastroianni Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1995 by her husband David in honor of her lifelong dedication to education, her devotion to helping students and her kindness, which she extended to all who knew her. Barbara was an alumna of the class of 1967.

The purpose of the fund is to support the various expenditures of the Buley Library

Gina was a beloved administrator in the Glastonbury School System for 26 years, retiring in 2011.  She served as the Director of Special Education, primary school principal and middle school assistant principal.  Gina was a pioneer in the inclusion of special needs students in regular classrooms and a founder of Special Olympics in Glastonbury 25 years ago in 1992. 

 

To honor Joann Powers' memory, her family established the scholarship to provide critically needed support to nursing students. They were grateful for the excellent care Joann received from Southern nursing students while battling cancer.

The Donald G. and Mary Ann K. Mitchell Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Donald G. Mitchell and Mary Ann K. Mitchell, alumni of Southern Connecticut State University.

Zing Tsung Jung (August 26, 1928 - March 15, 1999) valued education and achievement during a life notable for setting high benchmarks in both. Born in Beijing, China, Zing (Chen) Jung studied in various parts of Europe, the Far East and the United States, as the daughter of a Chinese National Treasury official. Married to the late Dr. Ross Jung, a physician, U.S. Army colonel, and officer in the Office of Strategic Services and the Central Intelligence Agency, she spent her adult life in Japan, the Philippines, Washington, D.C., Connecticut, and Virginia. She was a resident of Woodbridge, Connecticut, from 1964 through 1978. Mrs. Jung received a bachelor of science in 1972 and a Master of Library Science degree at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) in 1976, graduating magna cum laude. Mrs. Jung's career in library science began with her position as librarian at North Haven High School in Connecticut. In Washington, D.C., she was chief librarian with the American Psychological Association before becoming director of library and archives of the American Psychiatric Association. She retired from the American Psychiatric Association in 1989. In retirement, Mrs. Jung was active in People-to-People International, a nonprofit cultural exchange organization, and co-chairperson of its Meeting the Americans program, which arranges at-home stays for foreign dignitaries. She was also a regular volunteer at the SeniorNet Computer Learning Center in Ballston, Virginia. In memory of their beloved mother, who was an inspiration in so many ways, and who proudly received all of her higher education at SCSU, her children, Candace and Douglas Jung, have established this scholarship fund to encourage future students to seek similar success through the Master of Library Science program at SCSU.

Born in Claremont, N.H., in 1936, Cynthia Mae “Cindy" Owens was destined to follow in the footsteps of her parents and become a teacher. After attending Hillhouse High School in New Haven, Conn., Cindy attended New Haven State Teachers College, now Southern Connecticut State University.  She graduated in 1959 with a passion to teach young children and started her career that same year in Clinton, Conn.

During her 36-year career, Cindy shared her time, talent, encouragement, and love with hundreds of her kindergarten students.  She retired from the Joel Elementary School (formerly Glenwood Elementary School) in Clinton in 1995.  Cindy loved to travel, both nationally and internationally.  She especially loved to visit lighthouses and was an avid collector of lighthouses and teddy bears.  A longtime member of the Alpha Delta Kappa National Educators Sorority, she valued the friendship of her "sisters" until her passing.  She enjoyed participating in and following sports -- particularly her beloved UConn women's basketball team and the Boston Red Sox. 

Cindy recognized the critical importance of education in fostering sustainable communities and a productive society.  She believed that education levels the playing field, liberates the mind, gives wings to human potential, opens a world of opportunity, and creates understanding of equity across society.  From an early age, Cindy had a deep respect and fondness for Southern Connecticut State University, in part because her father, Dr. J. Harold Owens, taught at New Haven State Teachers College (Southern) for 50 years.  Her generous creation of an endowed scholarship at Southern recognizes excellence in students and is intended to foster a high level of professional dedication.
 

The Mary Beth Antin Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by her husband, Francis D. Antin, '72.  The fund will be used to assist a student majoring in art.
 

The Charles S. and Eugenia M Whitney Endowed Scholarship was established by the Whitney family as friends of Southern Connecticut State University.

Joseph V. (Joe) Rossi, ’93, attended Southern Connecticut State University as an undergraduate student from 1987-1993. During his time as a student, Joe was a member of Beta Mu Sigma Fraternity (formerly Sigma Pi International Fraternity), where he was involved in community service to Southern and the outside community. Upon graduation, he was hired as a graduate assistant in Residence Life, acting as the assistant director of the newly acquired North Campus Residence Hall. After one year as a graduate assistant, Joe became a full-time employee at Southern as residence hall director of Hickerson Hall. He continued a successful 10-year career at Southern, working up to become assistant dean of Residence Life.

Joe had a passion for higher education and the students at Southern. After spending 10 years working in higher education, he made a move into the corporate world, where he worked for Oracle Corporation, selling software and software training to universities across the country. Joe tragically lost his life in a boating accident on June 5, 2016, leaving behind two beautiful children.

The Charles S. and Eugenia M Whitney Endowed Scholarship was established by the Whitney family as friends of Southern Connecticut State University.

The Frank Samuelson Scholarship Fund was established in 1995 by Frank Samuelson, '54, as an expression of thanks for the education he received at New Haven State Teachers College.  Some of the individuals who were instrumental in the direction of his career in education are Owen McDowell, Francis Degnan, Irma Pelz, Lloyd Barrow, James Moore, Warren Hill, and Arved Larsen.  Mr. Samuelson's parents were Swedish immigrants and he was the first in his family to graduate from college after a stint in the Navy.  Attending and graduating from college were extremely significant and important milestones in his life.
 

The Eleanor and John Sobanik Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 by Frederic Sobanik, '49, in memory of his parents. 
 

The Denise Marone Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in her memory.

The Betsy Collier (Ethel Stannard) Scholarship Fund was established in 1989 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of Betsy Collier's graduation from New Haven State Teachers College, now Southern Connecticut State University. Mrs. Collier, a painter and pianist, has had a lifelong involvement and commitment to the arts.  Therefore, it is appropriate that the scholarship fund will assist undergraduate students majoring in studio art.
 

Brad & Gregg Crerar set up the Crerar endowed scholarship to support students who are passionate about Southern Connecticut State University and who realize that an undergraduate degree of any sort is important to start their lives. Three of the four Crerar children attended Southern and received degrees. These Crerar children were first-generation college students and they understand, through their parents, the value of a good education.

The Marguerite Fortier Smirnoff Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in her memory in 1980 by her husband, Irving Smirnoff.

The James M. DelVecchio Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by his son, James M. DelVecchio, Jr. and his loving family in honor of his lifelong involvement with athletics. Mr. DelVecchio played semi-pro basketball with many New Haven-area teams, and while at Commercial High School he was captain of both the basketball and football teams in 1932 and 1933. He was a charter member of the Village Unity League, and in 1980 he was inducted into the New Haven Tap-Off Club Hall of Fame for accomplishments in athletics.

The Sylvia Balber Drexler Scholarship Fund was established by Sylvia Balber Drexler, '50, and her husband Jerome Drexler in 1971 following the 20th reunion of Mrs. Drexler's graduation class from New Haven State Teachers College.

This scholarship was established by John and Margaret McKean Sullivan to assist students attending Southern Connecticut State University, majoring in elementary education and special education.

The Ed Brown Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by friends of the former Owl's head men's basketball coach.  Brown, who passed away in 1988, was Southern's head basketball coach from 1968 to 1978 and a member of the physical education department until his retirement in 1982.
 

The Nancy Laine Marano Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Nancy Laine Marano, professor of education at Southern Connecticut State University. Dr. Marano was a dear friend, valued colleague and trusted student advisor. She valued elementary education and treasured language arts. She was a dedicated teacher who believed in high standards, and most of all, in students. She was active and involved in the University's academic life, and participated in many committees and boards including the Writing Across the Curriculum Committee (later named in her honor), as faculty advisor to the Future Teachers of America and as a member on the Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board.

Christine Petto established the Thérèse C. Petto Endowment Funds to benefit students pursing the study of world languages. The scholarship was established in her sister Thérèse’s name. Christine says “she was really the scholar of the family,” one of eight children who was diagnosed as an infant with a severe heart malformation. “With sheer determination, a sense of adventure that couldn’t be harnessed, and the unshakeable support of her parents, Terry didn’t just survive, she thrived.” She went to college and earned her master’s degree and loved to travel, and spent time living in Europe. “She loved to read and loved English literature and she loved foreign languages” Christine said.

The Anthony J. and Nicholas P. Criscuolo Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in memory of the two brothers' many years of service and dedication to the field of education. 
 

The Ralph DeSantis Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2003 by his friends: Daniel Lauria, Gene Martel and Joseph Ginnetti. Mr. Desantis played on the varsity football team at SCSU for three seasons, starting as an offensive guard from 1967-1969. He was a leader on and off the field.

The Southern Connecticut State University Carbone Family Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund has been established by Anthony J. and Joseph J. Carbone in memory of their parents Joseph and Lillian Carbone. Joseph was employed as a custodian at Schwartz Hall on the campus of Southern Connecticut State University. He retired at the mandatory age of 70 in May 1975. During his employment, he often commented on how much he enjoyed his work environment and the opportunity to interact with so many motivated, friendly and respectful students living in Schwartz Hall. Upon his death in October 1996, at age 91, his sons elected to honor his memory by helping others achieve their educational goals.

Established in memory of his wife, Edith who attended Southern.

Jessie Elizabeth Sandler lived a short life full of love and accomplishments.  She graduated from SCSU in 2010, she traveled to Europe, enjoyed taking pictures, going to the beach, trying out new foods, playing trivia and getting together with her friends.  She loved to swim, enjoyed acting and rapping with her older brother Aaron. Jessie was also a lover of all animals, owner of many dogs during her lifetime.
Jessie loved penguins the most of all, riding around in her car with the music blasting: her favorite emblem was the Peace sign, and she loved to tie-dye.  She was a true care free spirit.
Jessie was born at Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven on September 11, 1987 to two proud and loving parents.  Their world would turn upside down, as Jessie was diagnosed with a serious heart condition as a newborn.  She needed a heart transplant desperately.  Jessie went on the organ waiting list, and was to receive a heart transplant when she was 18 months old, on April 15, 1989.  This was possible due to the generosity of an Organ Donor.
Jessie lost her life long struggle at her home in Branford, CT Saturday morning March 7, 2015.  She was 27.
Throughout Jessie’s life, her visits to her doctors and hospitals were always welcomed with the cheerful smiles and positive professional attitudes of the nurses that cared for her.  The Jessie Elizabeth Sandler Scholarship for Nursing Students honors Jessie’s memory and will benefit deserving students studying nursing.
Jessie always had a positive outlook on life, despite the physical hardships she faced.  She was the world to her mother and father.  She is in their hearts every passing day.  She is dearly missed. 

The Lawrence D. McHugh Endowed Football Scholarship was established by Lawrence D. Mc Hugh, class of 1962, on August 11 , 2000, to assist student athletes on the varsity football team attending Southern Connecticut State University.

The M.J. Landino Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 by M.J. Landino to assist students studying elementary education at Southern Connecticut State University.

The purpose of the fund is to support the University by providing scholarship support for University students enrolled in the University and participating on the Men's Baseball Team

The Antoinette Carbone Tarini Scholarship was established by her sons Mark and Anthony Tarini in memory of their mother (B.A., 1987; M.A., 1993) for undergraduate students majoring in a foreign language seeking to gain a deeper understanding of other cultures through their study of a foreign language and/or participation in the SCSU study abroad programs.

“Antoinette Tarini.”  It was the name called so many times as a course began at Southern Connecticut State University.  Immediately, the rather timid voice would reply, “Here, but it’s Annette.”  One couldn’t help but note that in the words was a crisp certainty about the change, accompanied by a winning smile at the professor.  Thus would begin the relationship that led Annette to complete requirements and elective courses leading to a  B.A. in 1987 at age 68 and an M.A. in 1993 at age 74! 

Born in 1919 to Italian immigrants Paul and Theresa Carbone, Annette was raised in New Haven and graduated from Hillhouse High School at age 16.  Though an excellent student, she did not attend college because that was not the typical or expected path for a person of her social standing, particularly a woman.  She married, raised two boys and mightily battled breast cancer in her 50s.  As her youngest son finished high school in the late 1970s, she decided to take a single course at Southern, as part of its program focused on senior citizens.  One course led to another, which led to another, and soon enough Annette enrolled herself in the foreign language program in pursuit of her baccalaureate!  Her favorite studies were those that followed the language faculty down sunny Italian country roads and past ancient Roman villas, into famous Parisian monuments and postcard villages.  She was at home in any milieu to which a book or lecture could take her, and, driving to the University in her little car, she would — after checking in with some conversation at the attendant’s gatehouse — make her way slowly, surely, and on time  to her classes.

She was never late, never absent, never angry, never inattentive.  Although her age placed her in a different chronological place from her classmates, she would be part of the group from day one, learning the students’ names and majors before the professor could, and ready to join in all work circles with a laugh, a smile, and a willingness to help. Although she was quick to master the computer, there were no hand-held devices in her day, meaning that the Tarini brain could show its agility — adding up numbers and retaining statistics faster than any other around her.  She was meticulously neat in her penmanship, using "white-out" to better create legible notes for each class.  The word “outgoing” comes to mind when thinking of Annette, the term defining, beyond mere conviviality, her fearless determination to leave the home fires for a broader world view.  Having herself travelled abroad with her late husband, she was able to add her own enthusiastic perspective to any discussion of landmarks or customs.  Her way of having even more visits to France was to attend the French Club faithfully, baking delicious additions to the meetings, even ready to accompany the advisor to New York when it was time to purchase opera tickets or check out a student-friendly restaurant.  Although her health was an issue of pains, threats, and difficulties, she bore it all resolutely and within herself, ready to take her cane and walk through the large Metropolitan Museum star shows at her own pace, always exchanging comments with other patrons.  Her high grades led to membership in Who’s Who in American University Students, but few knew of the honor or the high grades.     

One day Annette remarked, “Southern is my life.  If I couldn’t come here, I’d die.”  And, in a way, that is what she did.  But to the end, she would ask what classes were being offered that semester, and how the students were progressing.  A very devout woman, she was extremely fond of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, and once gave her French professor a short biography.  Reading it now, the words from the biography are prescient of the university scholarship which henceforth, to honor Southern language students to come, will proudly bear Antoinette Carbone Tarini’s name:  "My mission will begin after my death.  I will spend my heaven doing good on earth. I will let fall a shower of roses.” 

The Dillon Family Scholarship Fund was established to honor veterans of the United States Armed Forces and will be used to assist students at Southern Connecticut State University who are veterans of the Armed Services of the United States.

The Mike Katz Endowed Football Scholarship Fund was established by Mike Katz in July 2004 to assist student athletes on the SCSU varsity football team. Mr. Katz was an educator and coach in the Hamden Public School systems for 33 years. For 35 years he has been a professional athlete, lecturer and motivational speaker. His accomplishments include playing for the New York Jets football team and co-starring with Arnold Schwartznegger in the award winning documentary "Pumping Iron." Since 1979, he has been president of Planet Fitness (formerly World Gym) of Hamden and Branford.

The Anne Marie Murphy Endowed Scholarship Fund. Anne Marie Murphy, 52, was a 14-year resident of Sandy Hook, Conn., formerly of Katonah, N.Y., who died Friday, December 14, 2012, protecting the children in her care during the tragic shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. She was born June 25, 1960, graduated from St. Mary's School in Katonah and John F. Kennedy H.S. in Somers, N.Y. She earned her B.S. degree in 1982 from the College of Mount Saint Vincent and in 2008 earned her M.S. degree in art education at Southern Connecticut State University. Anne Marie was employed by the Newtown Board of Education as a teacher at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. She will be remembered for her love of the arts, walks in the outdoors and most importantly, her family. The scholarship established by her devoted husband Michael Murphy and their children Kelly, Colleen, Paige and Thomas, is a tribute to Anne Marie McGowan Murphy's memory, her dedication to her students, her bravery in the face of mortal danger and the selflessness she exhibited in protecting the children in her care. In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by her beloved parents: Dr. Hugh and Alice McGowan of Katonah and dear siblings: Mary Pat of Ridgefield, Conn.; Alice of Newtown and Catherine of Katonah, and Hugh of Pawling, N.Y.; Dr. Thomas of Somers and Peter of Troy, N.Y.

The Mary Malafronte Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Michael and Joseph Malafronte on August 23, 2000 in memory of their mother Mary Malafronte.

The Dr. Kun Suryatmodjo Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Dr. Kun Suryatmodjo by his student, Mr. Michael R. Chambrello.

Harry Levitin Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by his family in his memory.

Neil established the Neil Thomas Proto Scholarship because Southern welcomed him as a first-generation student and the foundation of his studies at Southern lead to a successful career as an attorney in Washington, D.C. His scholarship provides practical support to students seeking to attend law school.

The purpose of the fund is to support the university by providing
scholarship support for University student's athletes as members of the
Men's Football team, provided it is in keeping with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the Foundation's governing instruments
and policies, and applicable law

The Marguerite Burnham Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by her husband, Paul Burnham, in recognition of her long and distinguished career in education. Dr. Burnham graduated from Simpson College and received M.A. and a Ph.D. degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University.  She held several positions with the Connecticut State Department of Education before joining the faculty of Southern Connecticut State University in 1945, where she remained until her retirement in 1971.  During her tenure she was professor of education, coordinator of early childhood education and was also responsible for establishing a child development center.
 

The purpose of the fund is to support the University by providing
scholarship support for University students enrolled in the University,s
School of Arts & Sciences provided it is in keeping with the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the Foundation's governing instruments
and policies, and applicable law

The Raymond W Mattes Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Raymond W. Mattes by his son Raymond W. Mattes, Jr.

The Derry Lynn Kitchell Memorial Scholarship was established by the Kitchell Family as a memorial to Derry L. Kitchell to financially assist social work students.

The Professor Jenette Kelly Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Jenette Kelly by her children, Barbara Kelly Titus and her son-in-law Jeffrey Titus and, Robert B. Kelly and her daughter-in-law Frances Kelly.

The IMAGINE Scholarship is a collaborative initiative originally created by members of the Alumni Association's Executive Board who wished to pool resources to establish a scholarship for students in financial need. We hope to make a difference and "pay it forward" as we reflect in gratitude on our own experiences at SCSU. Imagine the difference we can make working together to make an affordable contribution to a student's future at SCSU.

The Damian O'Neil Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1994 by the Beta Mu Sigma Fraternity in memory of their fraternity brother who succumbed to Wegener's Disease in 1990. Damian became a member of Beta Mu Sigma in 1983 and held various leadership roles throughout his time at SCSU. He also served as a member of the Inter-Residence Council, as well as being heavily involved with planning and executing SCSU's intramural sports programs. He had a very positive effect on all campus life, both Greek and non-Greek organizations, and was well recognized by peers and university leadership alike.

Roger Bellmore and his wife Sharon established this scholarship to in some small way repay everything Southern has done for our family. I paid my way through SCSU playing in a rock band and played numerous events on campus. Years later my son Charlie graduated with a music degree from Southern. He attributes much of his success as a professional musician to lessons learned there. Charlie and his brother Nick tour the world living their dream and we hope this scholarship helps many more musicians pursue theirs.

Teddy D. Weiss, ’69 is a graduate of SCSU where he was a four year letter winner in Men’s Swimming and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. He is a New York State licensed Real Estate Broker and also a U.S. Coast Guard licensed U.S. Merchant Marine Officer – Passenger Vessel Captain. He is married to Pamela R. Weiss, ’71 who also attended Southern and graduated with a degree in Education. Mrs. Weiss later obtained a Master’s degree in Education from Adelphi University. She has been employed with Cold Spring Harbor School District for the last 24 years, where she continues her work as an elementary school teacher. Ted and Pam met here at Southern, and upon graduation both worked in school systems as teachers on Long Island. It was after three years post-graduation, that Mr. Weiss decided to branch off into other areas and began focusing solely on building a commercial office development corporation based on Long Island which thrives to this day. His entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic helped create his successful business model. Ted owes and honors Coach Bruce Hutchinson for instilling in him as a student athlete these qualities, amongst others.
 
 

Walter Stutzman notes that "Southern enabled me to convert my passion for music into a career. I donate to Southern so that current students can become the musicians they want to be: performers, teachers, composers or alumni who understand why music is so important in their lives."

The Cone Family Women's Association Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by the Cone Family and the SCSU Women's Association in honor of the Cone Family -- Winston, Virginia and Maria -- to assist international students attending Southern Connecticut State University.

The Lindsay Jeppesen Annual Scholarship was established by Alice and Philip Palma in the name of their granddaughter, Lindsay Jeppesen. Lindsay is one of their 13 grandchildren. Lindsay has limitations and required special education services when she was a student. The Palmas value the assistance Lindsay received from her special education teachers.

The Walsh Family Scholarship Fund was established in 1996 by Anne Walsh Lattanzio, '50, in honor of her family and in appreciation of the education she received from New Haven State Teachers College, now Southern Connecticut State University. Mrs. Lattanzio retired in 1986 after teaching 36 years in the Waterbury school system. Her brother, Edmund C. Walsh, also attended New Haven State Teachers College from 1947 to 1949 and was a member of the football team.

Carl W. Paight, '50, husband of Audrey Paight, attended SCSU, where he played football for the Fighting Owls under Head Football Coach Jess Dow. Carl was football captain and played on the offensive line for four years. He earned a B.S. in physical education from the School of Education and applied his love of learning and teaching to his teaching career. In his role as husband, father, teacher or businessman, Carl is a friend to all and mentor to many.

The Professor Jenette Kelly Scholarship Fund was established in honor of Jenette Kelly by her children, Barbara Kelly Titus and her son-in-law Jeffrey Titus and, Robert B. Kelly and her daughter-in-law Frances Kelly.

Barbara J. Matthews was the Associate Director of Counseling for Southern Connecticut State.  During Barbara’s 30 years of employment at Southern, Barbara was passionate about supporting all students not only in the classroom but out of the classroom.  Barbara was one of the first advisors to the ‘Black Student Union’ which provided a mechanism for Black students to build an on campus community as means to enhancing their academic and overall college experience.  Barbara received her Bachelors of Arts from Queens College, City University of New York in 1968 and her Masters of Arts from Hunter College in 1971.  Upon her retirement, she was given emeritus status.  This scholarship was established in 1997 in commemoration of her 25 years of dedicated services as the Advisor to the Black Student Union (formerly known as the Organization of Afro-American Students that were started in 1968).
 

The Barbara Lynch Ortoleva Endowed Scholarship Fund will be used to assist a student studying in either the Education, Communication or Science Department

The Danny Gonsalves/Public Health Alumni Chapter Scholarship Fund was established by the alumni membership of the Public Health Alumni Chapter on December 18, 1997, to honor Associate Professor Danny Gonsalves. Danny's commitment to his students was legendary and his impact on the program was profound. Professor Gonsalves passed away on January 29, 1997. The alumni of the public health programs at Southern Connecticut State University are proud to have established this fund in his memory.

The Blanche Bornemann Baldwin Scholarship Fund was established in 1996 by Blanche Baldwin,' 51, in grateful acknowledgment and appreciation of the education she received at New Haven State Teachers College, now Southern Connecticut State University.  Mrs. Baldwin retired in 1989 after teaching in the West Haven School System for 36 years, 29 of which were spent in the same elementary school where she was educated as a child. The scholarship fund will be used to assist undergraduate students at Southern Connecticut State University who are preparing to be teachers.

 

The Michael Vanacore Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1992 by his wife, Carolyn, and his two children, Brad and Lynn. Michael Vanacore, '51, was the first Southern alumnus to become a head football coach serving in that capacity at North Haven High School from 1953 to 1971. He was a strong supporter of the Southern football program and served as an alumni representative on the Board of Athletic Control. Further, he was a longtime member of the SCSU Alumni Board of Directors and helped develop the Alumni Sports Hall of Fame.

The Carolyn D. Vanacore Scholarship was established by Carolyn Vanacore. She was a female athlete in the '50s, when women and girls had few opportunities to participate in sports. Therefore, this scholarship will be supportive of all future female athletes for many years.

The Anthony V. Pinciaro Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 by the family and many friends of Anthony Pinciaro in memory of his service and contributions to the University and to the students of Southern Connecticut State University.

The purpose of this fund is to support the University by providing scholarship support for University students enrolled in the University's School of Health and Human Services.

The Elma Jean and John Wiacek, Jr. Scholarship Fund was established in by Elma Wiacek in commemoration of her graduation from Southern Connecticut State College with a B.S. degree in 1963 and M.S. degree in library science in 1972. She is very appreciative for her longtime association with Southern Connecticut State University as the acquisitions librarian at the Buley Library.

The Alvin B. Wood Scholarship Fund was established on each of the four campuses of the Connecticut State University System as an expression of appreciation and respect for Alvin B. Wood, former vice chair of the Board of Trustees for CSU. This fund is a tribute to Mr. Wood for his 25 years of dedicated service and commitment to the University. The scholarship fund is designed to assist students of Southern Connecticut State University with the successful completion of their undergraduate education.

The Richard T. Illingworth Endowed Scholarship was established by Janice E. Illingworth, '71, in memory of her huband, Richard T. Illingworth. Mr. Richard T. Illingworth graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves. Richard was vice president of Human Resources at Pfizer Inc., in New York City, retiring in 2009 after 30 years. Richard trained for disaster relief with the Red Cross and was a longtime member of the Foundation Board for the Southern Connecticut State University. He was also a member of the Project Self Sufficiency Leadership Board, where he shared his human resources experience and volunteered in their career center.

The DeFrancesco Family Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Rose DeFrancesco with gifts from many family and friends. The scholarship fund shall assist undergraduate students attending Southern Connecticut State University.

When Joan Specter,'56, established this scholarship in 2012, she decided to name it the Joan Specter and Louise (Dode) Jongewaard Endowed Scholarship in honor of their friendship and pursuit of an affordable educations. Joan gave a gift to the school because they gave me a gift. They gave her the gift of education -- an affordable education -- and it was wonderful.

The Nathan Winnick Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1988 by his daughter Judith Fishman Lichter, a 1953 graduate of Southern Connecticut State University and his loving grandchildren in honor of his lifelong involvement with athletics and his commitment to help inner-city youth. Attorney Winnick practiced law in New Haven from 1927 until the time of his death in January 1987. He graduated from Hillhouse High School in 1922, serving as captain of the varsity basketball team and also playing catcher on the school's baseball team. He was secretary-treasurer of the Connecticut district of basketball officials for many years and a past president of the New Haven Tap-Off Club. In 1977 Mr. Winnick was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass.

The Dr. William L. Philie Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund has been established in memory of Dr. William L. Philie, a dedicated University student services professional for 29 years. During his tenure, Dr. Philie touched the lives of many in our campus community, having worked in the departments of Residence Life, Facilities and Career Services. Dr. Philie was the first loaned SCSU employee for the United Way Campaign. For his hard work with the United Way, they established an annual award in his honor. He was truly a gentleman, a scholar and a friend who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Southern students. He was a graduate of Fairfield University and received his Ph.D. in social intellectual history from the University of Maine. In addition to his service to the University, Dr. Philie was an active community member, serving on the Bethany Democratic Town Committee and Bethany Board of Education.

The Lois Elizabeth Johnson Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Lois Johnson to assist students majoring in information/library science at Southern Connecticut State University.

The Lois Lehr Scholarship was established by Lois Lehr. Lois always identified with the registered nurses who are returning to school, as she encountered several turns in her own educational and career path. Lois relished caring for patients and the opportunity to gain clinical experience. But her initial decision to complete a diploma program was also strongly motivated by financial considerations. While in school Lois was fortunate to receive assistance, and she knew that when she was able to do so, she would give back.

When Joan Specter,'56, established this scholarship in 2012, she decided to name it the Joan Specter and Louise (Dode) Jongewaard Endowed Scholarship in honor of their friendship and pursuit of an affordable educations. Joan gave a gift to the school because they gave me a gift. They gave her the gift of education -- an affordable education -- and it was wonderful.

The Susan and Barry Buxbaum Endowed Scholarship Fund was established with pride in their honor by Lucille Alderman, mother of Susan and mother-in-law of Barry. Susan received her B.S. degree in communications in 1969 and her M.S. degree in communication disorders in 1971. Barry received his M.S. in special education in 1972. The fund will be used to assist students majoring in special education.

Born in Newark, NJ, in 1930, Rocco G. Colatrella moved to Stamford, Conn., as a child and attended Stamford Public Schools. A 1948 graduate of Stamford High School, he was class president in his senior year. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Korean War and married his wife Kathryne in 1953. Together they raised three daughters – Michele, Lynne, and Roxanne -- in Stamford.
 
Rocco devoted his free time to his two passions: public service and community arts. He was an active member of the Democratic City Committee, served as an elected official on both the Stamford Board of Representatives and Stamford Board of Education. He also served as a board member of Stamford Aid for the Retarded (currently known as ARI of Connecticut). In 1977, Governor Ella Grasso appointed Rocco to the Board of Trustees for Connecticut State Colleges, and he served on the board until his death in 1988.
 
Rocco was an avid patron of the arts and demonstrated his passion for the performing and visual arts both on and off the stage. He performed as an actor in many community productions, including his most favorite performance as the colorful Nathan Detroit in Frank Loesser’s popular musical, Guys and Dolls. He served as chair of the Stamford Pink Tent Festival and as the master of ceremonies for the festival’s performing arts tent. He was also an active board member and advisor for Stage Door for Youth and the Young Artists Philharmonic.
 
Rocco’s family established The Rocco G. Colatrella Memorial Scholarship in his honor, for his lifelong achievements in the cultural arts and education. The scholarship is awarded to a student who not only aspires to a career in the performing arts, but also believes in the power of community service.
 

The Colonel James T. Quirk Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Mrs. James Quirk in honor of her late husband.

The Andrew Catalogna Galardi Scholarship Fund was established by Andrew Catalogna Galardi, '51, in appreciate of the education he received at New Haven State Teachers College, now Southern Connecticut State University. The education provided a solid foundation for his lifetime career in working with children.

The James S. Galardi Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Andrew J. Galardi, '51, in memory of his father James S. Galardi to assist students pursuing a business degree at Southern Connecticut State University.

The Mary O 'Brien Galardi Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Mary O'Brien Galardi in the fall of 2001 to assist students attending Southern Connecticut State University majoring in biology while working toward certification in education.

The Mary Miller 0 'Brien Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Mary Curran O'Brien on August 21, 2000, in memory of her mother, Mary Miller O'Brien, to assist students attending Southern Connecticut State University majoring in nursing.

The Joseph V. Ciaburri Endowed Scholarship was established by Mr. Ciaburri in appreciation for receiving the 1969 Alumni Service Award. Mr. Ciaburri has served the University and the Alumni Association in several ways. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1980, and the President's medal for Community Service in 1986; he served as president of the Alumni Association and the director of the SCSU Foundation and is retired from the position of director of development and institutional advancement. He was class president in 1956.

The Francis A. O'Connell Memorial Scholarship was established by Mary O'Connell Kozik, '74, to assist students attending Southern Connecticut State University majoring in chemistry or mathematics.

The Joseph and Mary Villano Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 by Mary Villano, '58, in commemoration of her graduation from New Haven State Teachers College with a B.S. degree and in appreciation of the many opportunities for professional growth accorded her during her long association with Southern Connecticut State University.  Mary joined the faculty at South in 1961 after completing both her M.A. degree and 5th year degree from the University of Connecticut.  She taught for 35 years in both the Elementary Education Department and the Special Education Department, until her retirement as associate professor in June 1996.
 

The Harry and Mary Inglese Endowed Memorial Scholarship fund was established in 2003 in memory of Harry and Mary Inglese by members of both the Inglese and Nicolau families who are graduates of SCSU. Inglese family members include Vincent L. Inglese, '54, son of Harry and Mary; his wife, Nancy Daly Inglese, '56; and their daughter Catherine M. Inglese, '80. Nicolau family members are Anthero (Nick) Nicolau, '57, and Eleanor Weiss Nicolau, '54. The Inglese family has achieved success in sports and academics as Southern students and alumni. Vincent Inglese is a 1992 inductee into the SCSU Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in playing basketball while attending Southern. Nancy Daly Inglese, after graduation, became an educator in the Wallingford Schools system along with Vincent. Their five children were all educated in the Wallingford Public School System. Catherine Inglese is a 1992 SCSU Hall of Fame inductee in both basketball and softball. Her success as a head coach of a Division-I basketball team highlights her continued contributions to academics and athletics at the collegiate level. Nick Nicolau was inducted into the 1995 SCSU Football Hall of Fame. He was also the first SCSU alumnus hired as a head coach in collegiate football. He lived with Harry and Mary Inglese during his studies at SCSU. After graduating he went on to earn a doctorate degree in physical education and had a highly successful career in football, as both a collegiate and NFL coach. Eleanor Nicolau was an honored educator and is his dedicated spouse.

The Raymond & Betty Kelleher D 'Amato Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Raymond and Betty D'Amato in appreciation of the education they both received from New Haven State Teachers College, now Southern Connecticut State University. This education provided a solid foundation for their life work in working with children.

The Kim Laliaberti '98 Endowed Scholarship was established by the class of 1998 in memory of Kim, who passed away the year she graduated.

The Roberta Daniels DeFonce Annual Scholarship Fund was established by Roberta Daniels Defonce, '66, on March 16, 2001, to assist students attending Southern Connecticut State University.

The Ruth Landow Markle Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by the late Ruth Landow Markle, '35, B.S., '69, M.S. '72 in 1991 in appreciation of the education she received.

The Sandy Myerson,'69 Endowed Scholarship Fund. Sandy Myerson, ’69 was a renowned and avid competitive swimmer in the state of Connecticut in the late 1960s. She was a graduate of the physical education and science program in the earlier years of Southern Connecticut State College. She broke records as a freshman and sophomore, while at the time Southern did not have a formal swim team for women. Her strengths were in the 100-yard and 200-yard breaststroke, 100-yard individual medley and multiple relays. She entered competitively with the Women’s College New England Swimming Championship and also attended the National Women’s Swimming Competitions, all of which she did on her own without the formalities of training with a college team or representing a university. Upon hearing of her success and accolades, President Hilton C. Buley recognized her efforts and offered a tuition-free semester as a means to thank her for representing Southern in a positive light, acknowledging her hard work and dedication to her sport and academics. It was not until her junior year when Ms. Kay Fromer, a physical education department faculty person, helped to institute a formal women’s swim team on campus, where Ms. Myerson went on to do exceedingly well in her last few years as an upperclassman. This allowed Ms. Myerson to accomplish many goals as a student athlete, providing her with the support and encouragement by faculty and peers to continue with her studies, and after graduating SCSU, she attended graduate school at the University of Michigan on a fellowship that included coaching the University of Michigan’s women’s swim team. These opportunities allowed her to further her abilities to teach, coach and mentor many students for decades thereafter. Her strong support for women’s athletics has allowed her the opportunity to create a scholarship fund in her name. As Ms. Myerson has been provided the opportunities to succeed in her academic career as a student athlete, she too would like to give back to a deserving student athlete, whose passion for collegiate swimming for Southern while maintaining good academic standings will continue Ms. Myerson’s legacy to for many years to come.

The Muriel Davis Grossfeld Endowed Gymnastics Scholarship will serve as a lasting tribute honoring Muriel Davis Grossfeld for her innumerable contributions to the fields of coaching and education and nationally and internationally to the sport of gymnastics, which she has earnestly promoted, standardized and popularized since the early 1960s. Ms. Grossfeld is an exceptional human being, educator, mentor, Brevet judge, champion and friend. As befits her accomplishments and tireless effort, she was inducted into the U.S.A. Elite Coaches Hall of Fame, U.S.A. Gymnastics Hall of Fame, U.S.A. Association of Independent Gymnastics Clubs Hall of Fame and the Women's Sports Hall of Fame. Consistently an influential driving force promoting women's gymnastics and the concept of excellence at all levels in the U.S. for the past 50 years, Ms. Grossfeld was a legendary gymnast who scored the first perfect 10.00 in the U.S. at the 1964 Olympic Trials. She won 18 National AAU Championship titles, was a member of three Olympic teams, coached two Olympic teams, coached two Pan American Games Teams and numerous Olympians, World Championship team members, and Pan American Game’s team members. Overall, she coached more than 75 national champions during her tenure, and still made time for any gymnast who asked for help. Since the early 1960s when she was a volunteer coach for SCSC (known then as Southern Connecticut State College) in a "borrowed" gym, she inspired her athletes to adopt high standards, and many became highly respected coaches, judges and officials in the sport, and several also became AIAW champions. It was about this time that Ms. Grossfeld began her physical fitness crusade as Campbell Soup's spokeswoman for the Club Fifteen program. A member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness who toured the country to promote fitness, she also served as a premier commentator for CBS Sports Gymnastics broadcasts. In 1967, one of the premier gymnastics schools opened in the U.S. -- Grossfeld's School of Gymnastics -- which soon became the school of choice for aspiring gymnasts in the U.S. to train. This scholarship is established to thank Muriel Davis Grossfeld for her vision, candor, focus, mentoring and coaching, for her love of gymnastics and for her imparted inspiration that has benefited so many for so long, and which will continue to benefit student-athletes through this scholarship in perpetuity.

The Bruce Hutchinson Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2002 by Sharon Hutchinson and the Swim Team Alumni Club (STAC).

The Daniel Ort Scholarship was established by his wife of 50 years, Sharon, in memory of celebrated Professor Emeritus Daniel Ort, and furthers his long-demonstrated commitment to Southern and its students. Ort taught English and comparative literature at Southern from 1966 until he retired in 1997. He pioneered the concept of “team teaching” at the university, promoting an interdisciplinary approach that continues today in the Honors College.

The Fund was established to honor a long time athletic trainer, William J. McCarthy, of Southern Connecticut State University, who retired in 1990.

The Frew Family Annual Scholarship was established by Robert and Susan Frew to assist a student attending Southern Connecticut State University, majoring in computer science.

The Peter and Alice Ferraro Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Peter and Alice Ferraro by their daughter Susan Ferraro Murray.

The Emma and Henry Christmann Memorial Scholarship was established by Ann E. Christmann, '71 and '79, to honor the memory of her parents, Emma Carolina Rudman and Henry Frederick Christmann. Children of immigrants, they passed on to their children a love of learning and an appreciation for hard work.  The scholarship is intended to assist a person earning his or her degree or certificate without having to work many hours in outside employment to finance his or her education.

This scholarship is being established by Ann Marie Narciso, and her family, in memory of Ann Marie Narciso's son, Vincent M. Narciso ("Vinnie"), a 2005 graduate of the University, who untimely passed away on October 7, 2006, at the age of 27. Vinnie graduated from Kennedy High School in Waterbury, Connecticut, in 1997, where he played basketball.  Vinnie began working while in high school to save money for college, and while commuting to Southern from Waterbury, he worked at a factory to pay for his education. In addition to working during the day and attending Southern at night, Vinnie found time to coach a local youth basketball team.  After seven years of hard work, both in and out of school, Vinnie graduated from Southern with a bachelor of science in management.  At the time of his death, using his degree, Vinnie held the position of assistant manager at Walgreens in Danbury, Connecticut. Vinnie's life was an example of how one should live.  Vinnie was known for his quick wit, sharp mind, and determination and for making time for others.  This scholarship is to carry on Vinnie's legacy -- that of achievement through hard work and making time for those who matter most in one's life.
 

The Dr. Michael F. Tobin Endowed Scholarship Fund. Dr. Michael F. Tobin had a lifelong passion for learning. He devoted his adult life to the field of education. In a period spanning four decades -- first as a teacher, then as an administrator and finally as a tenured professor at Southern Connecticut State University, where he served with distinction -- Dr. Tobin shared his wit, wisdom and enthusiasm for learning with students and colleagues. He loved his work and would unabashedly tell one and all that "there is nothing in the world that I would rather do than teach." The establishment of this scholarship in his name is a fitting tribute to Dr. Tobin. It realizes his wish to be forever remembered as an advocate for education. Through this fund, designed to help provide students with the opportunity to pursue a degree in education, Mike will live on as a champion of learning.

The purpose of the fund is to support the University by providing scholarship support for University students enrolled in the University’s School of Arts and Sciences

SGA - Ricky Lee Blakes, Jr. Endowed Leadership Scholarship Fund will serve as a lasting tribute honoring Ricky Lee Blakes, Jr.'s dream to become a teacher and mentor in the community. He never doubted himself or the potential good of others. From his humble beginnings, Ricky broke through barriers, bridged gaps and strove to make people happy, and he touched their lives in a profound way. To Ricky, excellence and success were obtainable with a positive attitude and a leader's spirit. Ricky participated in many programs throughout his school years that helped him gain work experience, develop his musical and theatrical talents, to give back and help improve the community and help others. A very talented performing artist, Ricky studied music and acting at Karen Green Studios and he founded the Steppin' Up Drill Tearn. Ricky continued to contribute his talents at Southern Connecticut State University through musical and theatrical performances; and he undertook a mentoring role as a Resident Advisor. He was a member and treasurer of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and a past president of the Black Student Union (BSU).

Sisters Laura Palmieri and Donna Palmieri, '92, established the Nancy B. Palmieri Memorial Scholarship in their late mother’s memory. There was no doubt in their minds about which students they wanted to help the most. The scholarship is awarded annually to a Southern student studying to become a teacher, a nod to their mother’s beloved profession and her alma mater. It was Nancy Palmieri, '68, M.S. '75, who first dreamed up the idea for the scholarship after she and Donna visited an elderly cousin. The cousin had told them about a scholarship she started in memory of her deceased son. Nancy told Donna that she wanted to endow a scholarship of her own at Southern someday, saying how wonderful it would be to help students with their tuition while paying tribute to a loved one. But Nancy would not live long enough to see her wish come to fruition. Donna approached her sister, Laura, and together they decided to honor their mother’s memory by caring out her plan themselves.

"The Dorothy J. Martino Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Dorothy J. Martino. Dorothy believes scholarship support is a very important part of giving back to the university in return for the excellent education I received. I established an endowed scholarship to help deserving and talented students meet some of their need as they pursue their degrees. "

The Pamela and Christian Rendeiro Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 by Pamela Rendeiro, professor emeritus of political science, in gratitude for 25 happy years of teaching and being taught by Southern students. It also marks the satisfaction of collegial association and of contributing to the growth and development of the University. Pamela was a member of the political science faculty at Southern from 1963 until her retirement in 1989. The fund will be used to assist students who have heavy family responsibilities, be they children, parents or grandparents, which make outside earning difficult.

Joan A. Finn, who held a doctorate in physical education, was a professor of exercise science and the director of the Human Performance Laboratory at Southern Connecticut State University. A member of Southern’s faculty since 1976, she devoted her early career to teaching at K-12 public schools, and coaching sports teams and individuals at both the interscholastic and intercollegiate level. Finn taught undergraduate classes in exercise physiology and sports medicine as well as graduate courses in heart physiology, adult fitness and cardiac rehabilitation, and adaptation to endurance training. She was a member of the American College of Sports Medicine. Having spent her early years in Longmeadow, Mass., Finn remained connected to the state, summering in Wales. She was deeply passionate about her field of study, and dedicated to teaching and her students. Her interests included a love of Irish culture, birding, traveling, and nature.

The Geraldine Frankel Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Geraldine Frankel to assist students attending Southern Connecticut State University majoring in special education, secondary level.

The Dr. Gioacchino S. Parrella Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1994 by Ida V. Parrella, '35, in memory of her brother.  Dr. Parrella was an outstanding, caring surgeon who lived a life of service for his patients and community.  Dr. Parrella received scholarships while attending Yale University and Yale School of Medicine.  Upon graduation he served in the armed forces. He was discharged with the rank of captain in 1946 and was appointed chief resident surgeon at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Newington.  Dr. Parrella entered the private practice of surgery in Milford in 1950. He served as chief of surgery at Milford Hospital from 1957 to 1985. Dr. Parrella left behind an impressive legacy in the field of surgery. He served the New Haven community with skill, compassion and intellectual integrity until his death on April 12, 1994.
 

Ms. Carol A. Stone was born in Hartford, CT on August 18, 1929. She was a graduate of Wethersfield High School , Class of 1947 and obtained her B.S. in Library Sciences in 1952 from Southern. She went to receive an MLS in Library Sciecnes from Syracuse University in New York in 1954. Moving to Miani in 1954, she joined the Miami-Dade County Public Library staff in the catologing department, ultimately becoming Supervisor for the Departments of Periodicals and Governement Documents. She has been honored for forty years of service to Miami-Dade County and by her friends and associates of the Miami-Dade Public Library Main Branch. This endowment was established by Ms. Janet Stone MacCullough to honor Carol Stone's legacy.

The Jean Z., Otto A. and Andrea Z. Kruger Endowed Scholarship was established in 2002 by Jean Kruger to assist education majors at Southern Connecticut State University and to honor the memory of her beloved husband and daughter. The scholarship furthers the family’s long-held belief in the power of education to change lives — a power Jean and Otto Kruger experienced firsthand as Southern graduates.

The couple had an extremely strong work ethic and spirit of patriotism which can be traced, in part, to their immigrant roots. Otto came to the United States from Germany when he was 7 years old, while Jean’s parents immigrated to the U.S. from Poland.

A true American success story, Otto worked in a Connecticut foundry and also built houses, attending Southern in the evening to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. A member of the Class of 1956 at Southern, he also went on to receive a 6th year certificate from the University of Connecticut. He launched his 23-year career in education as a teacher at Laurel Ledge School in Beacon Falls, Conn., and was named principal of the school in 1971, a position he held until his retirement. A World War II U.S. Marine Corps veteran, he was a member and past commander of the David S. Miles Post 174, American Legion. He died in 2000.

The late Jean Kruger '59 had an extremely colorful life and, in many ways, was ahead of her time. In addition to enjoying a distinguished teaching career, she was a pilot, a professor, an exceptional gardener, and a world traveler who visited every continent.  Jean initially made her living as a hairdresser, also attending Southern in the evening to earn her teaching credentials. She later served as an assistant professor at the university. Jean spent many years educating young children as well, and ended her career teaching elementary-age students at the Barnard School in New Haven. “She often talked about how much she loved teaching . . . working with young people who would go out in the world and do great things. That was something she and my grandfather had in common,” says Jean Batty, the couple’s granddaughter and the daughter of Andrea Kruger, who is also honored through the scholarship.

Andrea, the couple’s only child, was noted for her academic success and artistic talent. She graduated valedictorian of Ansonia High School, attended Smith College on a full scholarship, and also studied at Yale University. She passed away six months prior to her father.

Today, the family continues its commitment to access. Jean Batty, who holds a master’s degree in public administration, helps consumers navigate Medicaid and Medicare services. In 2012, she received the Massachusetts Unsung Hero Award for advocacy on behalf of those with disabilities.
 

The Southern Connecticut State University Julia A. Kobus Endowed Scholarship Fund has been established by Julia A. Kobus, '74.

The Bruce Hutchinson Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in 2002 by Sharon Hutchinson and the Swim Team Alumni Club (STAC).

The Nancy Laine Marano Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Nancy Laine Marano, professor of education at Southern Connecticut State University. Dr. Marano was a dear friend, valued colleague and trusted student advisor. She valued elementary education and treasured language arts. She was a dedicated teacher who believed in high standards, and most of all, in students. She was active and involved in the University's academic life, and participated in many committees and boards including the Writing Across the Curriculum Committee (later named in her honor), as faculty advisor to the Future Teachers of America and as a member on the Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board.

Sisters Laura Palmieri and Donna Palmieri, '92, established the Nancy B. Palmieri Memorial Scholarship in their late mother’s memory. There was no doubt in their minds about which students they wanted to help the most. The scholarship is awarded annually to a Southern student studying to become a teacher, a nod to their mother’s beloved profession and her alma mater. It was Nancy Palmieri, '68, M.S. '75, who first dreamed up the idea for the scholarship after she and Donna visited an elderly cousin. The cousin had told them about a scholarship she started in memory of her deceased son. Nancy told Donna that she wanted to endow a scholarship of her own at Southern someday, saying how wonderful it would be to help students with their tuition while paying tribute to a loved one. But Nancy would not live long enough to see her wish come to fruition. Donna approached her sister, Laura, and together they decided to honor their mother’s memory by caring out her plan themselves.

The Nancy Laine Marano Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Nancy Laine Marano, professor of education at Southern Connecticut State University. Dr. Marano was a dear friend, valued colleague and trusted student advisor. She valued elementary education and treasured language arts. She was a dedicated teacher who believed in high standards, and most of all, in students. She was active and involved in the University's academic life, and participated in many committees and boards including the Writing Across the Curriculum Committee (later named in her honor), as faculty advisor to the Future Teachers of America and as a member on the Autism Spectrum Disorders Advisory Board.

The CSU-AAUP Doris Werner Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1993 in memory of Doris Werner. Doris was director of communication for CSU-AAUP and coordinator for the SCSU-AAUP Chapter from 1979 until her untimely passing in 1993. During those years Doris had an impact on Southern: she edited numerous campus and statewide newsletters for AAUP, arranged hundreds of meetings for the Executive Committee, organized many special meeting for the Southern community and much more. Doris will be most remembered for her sensitive and careful manner with which she dealt with faculty questions, concerns and problems. She was there for faculty. If she did not know the answer to a question, she would find out and get back to the individual. She had a special way of working with people. Doris was a college English teacher -- a job she loved -- prior to joining the CSU-AAUP staff. This love of teaching marked her involvement with many students over the years. The students employed by AAUP were her students, and she was a very capable teacher. She helped them with their course work, and other assignments, and helped them through life's large and small problems. Because of her deep and sincere interest in education, Doris would be very pleased with the establishment of the CSU-AAUP Doris Werner Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Milford J. Deprey was dedicated to excellence in science education. This scholarship, created by his children, will allow his special dedication to educate science teachers at Southern to continue.

The Marco and Alda Samela Memorial Scholarship Fund. Mr. and Mrs. Marco Samela, parents of scholarship donors Lorraine and Margaret Samela, had a lifelong passion for learning. This passion was a result of their own inability to pursue a secondary education because of the financial stresses of the Great Depression. Both Marco and Alda gave up their opportunity to continue their education and entered the workforce as a machinist and seamstress, respectively, so that they could provide their families with the necessary finances during a very difficult economic time in American history. Throughout their lives, they were dedicated to the importance of maintaining a solid education for self-improvement. They shared their enthusiasm for learning by encouraging their own children to seek post-secondary degrees and pursue professional careers. Alda always exemplified an indomitable spirit, which never wavered, even when she became a paraplegic at the age of 42 until her death at age 75. This endowed scholarship is being established by their daughters to honor their love of learning and their philosophy that education is an important tool for a better life. They will always be remembered for their selfless attitude and strong work ethic.

This scholarship was created by Louise G. O'Neal (1939 – 2022) to further the educations of women in collegiate sports. Ms. O’Neal was a Women's Basketball Hall of Fame member, coaching pioneer and legendary college administrator. Ms. O'Neal retired in 2006 following a successful career in college athletics for more than 40 years as a professor, coach and administrator at Southern Connecticut State University, Yale University, Dartmouth College, and Wellesley College. Her commitment to women at all levels of college athletics was profound with generations of women student-athletes, coaches and administrators indebted to her for her tireless efforts to make a difference then, as well as through to today's generation.

A passionate and fierce advocate for women's rights, Ms. O'Neal was not only instrumental in helping to bring about change for women in college athletics but also excelling personally at the highest levels as a coach and administrator. She was a force within the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) as well as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), serving those organizations regionally and nationally while also helping at the international level with the USA Women's National Basketball Team, including having several of her players selected for Olympic teams.

As a head coach, O'Neal's greatest achievements were during her time at SCSU where she led her teams to a 144-37 record with eight straight national championship appearances while reaching the Final Four,  four times. As a women's college basketball coaching pioneer, she revolutionized the women's game with pressing and fast break play that today is commonplace in all of women's basketball. When she moved on to Yale as a head coach and administrator, she helped to elevate not only the women's basketball team to success but the entire women's athletic program which was recently immortalized in the ESPN documentary celebrating the 50th anniversary of Title IX "37 Words Part 2: These Are Our Bodies." She left Yale for a distinguished 10-year athletic administrative career at Dartmouth College, becoming the Senior Associate Athletic Director and serving on numerous campus, Ivy League, and NCAA committees while the Dartmouth athletic program achieved great success at the conference and national levels for both men and women.

In 1990, she became the Director of Athletics and Physical Education at Wellesley College, continuing to serve on various campus, conference, and national committees while the Wellesley College Athletic Program achieved tremendous success during her 16-year career at the helm. Ms. O'Neal received numerous honors and accolades in her lifetime in addition to the national Women's Basketball Hall of Fame including the Women Leaders in College Sports National Administrator of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award, Women's Basketball Coaches Association Jostens-Berenson Service Award for lifelong commitment and service to the game of women's basketball, Ivy League Legend, the Connecticut Women's Basketball and Southern Connecticut State University Athletic Hall of Fames, the New England Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Wellesley College Athletics Hall of Fame. O'Neal was a native of Fort Worth, TX, and received her B.S. Degree from North Texas State University and her M.S. Degree from the University of Wisconsin. She was also a graduate of the Harvard Institute for Educational Management and the Institute for Higher Education Administration at Bryn Mawr College. O'Neal had many passions in life including lifelong learning, golf, cats, and travel, particularly to France where she instilled in her friends, on many meticulously planned trips, a love of French food, wine, and the countryside.

 

The Marco and Alda Samela Memorial Scholarship Fund. Mr. and Mrs. Marco Samela, parents of scholarship donors Lorraine and Margaret Samela, had a lifelong passion for learning. This passion was a result of their own inability to pursue a secondary education because of the financial stresses of the Great Depression. Both Marco and Alda gave up their opportunity to continue their education and entered the workforce as a machinist and seamstress, respectively, so that they could provide their families with the necessary finances during a very difficult economic time in American history. Throughout their lives, they were dedicated to the importance of maintaining a solid education for self-improvement. They shared their enthusiasm for learning by encouraging their own children to seek post-secondary degrees and pursue professional careers. Alda always exemplified an indomitable spirit, which never wavered, even when she became a paraplegic at the age of 42 until her death at age 75. This endowed scholarship is being established by their daughters to honor their love of learning and their philosophy that education is an important tool for a better life. They will always be remembered for their selfless attitude and strong work ethic.

The Anna L. LoPresti Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1988 to assist Seymour High School students attending Southern Connecticut State University. Miss LoPresti completed a 45-year career in education in Seymour, serving in many capacities including principal of Maple Street School, now known as the Anna L. LoPresti School.

The IMAGINE Scholarship is a collaborative initiative originally created by members of the Alumni Association's Executive Board who wished to pool resources to establish a scholarship for students in financial need. We hope to make a difference and "pay it forward" as we reflect in gratitude on our own experiences at SCSU. Imagine the difference we can make working together to make an affordable contribution to a student's future at SCSU.

The Helen Grillo Scholarship Fund was established by her colleagues and friends to honor her many years of service and fine teaching both in the community and at the University. Helen's dedication to her student has been exemplary. In addition to academic support, she herself offered financial assistance to many of the students to allow them to complete their education. This scholarship fund has been established so that deserving students may receive scholarships in Helen's name.

When Patricia Cubeta Zibluk and her sister Pam Cubeta Rogers lost both our grandfather and father in 1993, we found ourselves talking about how to remember them. We realized that everyone who spoke about them always focused on one of two things: their love of travel and passion for education. Our grandfather, a first-generation college student and child of Sicilian immigrants, became the director of Wright Tech in Stamford, and as children, we spent our holidays in foreign countries learning their traditions and some language, an experience considered essential for being a well-educated person by my father. It came to us that the ideal way to honor these men was to establish a scholarship that would help students attain the international education they considered so important. International experiences are life-changing. Having the Paul J. Cubeta and John P. Cubeta scholarship associated with those experiences ensures that they will not only be remembered, but that they would approve of their legacy.

When Patricia Cubeta Zibluk and her sister Pam Cubeta Rogers lost both our grandfather and father in 1993, we found ourselves talking about how to remember them. We realized that everyone who spoke about them always focused on one of two things: their love of travel and passion for education. Our grandfather, a first-generation college student and child of Sicilian immigrants, became the director of Wright Tech in Stamford, and as children, we spent our holidays in foreign countries learning their traditions and some language, an experience considered essential for being a well-educated person by my father. It came to us that the ideal way to honor these men was to establish a scholarship that would help students attain the international education they considered so important. International experiences are life-changing. Having the Paul J. Cubeta and John P. Cubeta scholarship associated with those experiences ensures that they will not only be remembered, but that they would approve of their legacy.

The Dr. Dorothy R. and Dr. Morris A. Granoff Scholarship Fund was established by their friends and colleagues to recognize a student who demonstrates excellence in pursuit of higher education. Dr. Dorothy Granoff retired in 1985 after 34 years of dedicated service as medical director of Student Health Services. Dr. Morris A. Granoff served as part-time university physician from 1970-1976.

The Manson Van B. Jennings Scholarship Fund was established in honor of the late President Emeritus Manson Van B. Jennings who served as president from 1971 to 1981. He labored nobly to insure continued development and promote improvement. During his tenure, the College expanded its educational offerings in professional studies and liberal arts, setting the stage for the institution to become a multi-purpose University. In honor of his dedicated service and many accomplishments, the Dr. Manson Van B. Jennings Science Grant was established in 1982. Upon Dr. Jennings' death in March 1999, his brother, Addison Jennings, revised the grant.

The Frederick DeVita and Teresa M. Sirico Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Teresa M. Sirico in honor of Frederick DeVita. Mr. DeVita has been a wonderful mentor to Teresa, and she wanted to establish this scholarship fund as a way of thanking him for his generous spirit and for sharing his love of life.

The Mary McNulty Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1988 by John Williamson, class of 1943, in appreciation of the educational opportunities he received at New Haven State Teacher's College, now Southern Connecticut State University. The scholarship is established as a memorial to Mary McNulty, a long time staff member of the Association of American Publishers.

 
The John H. Williamson Endowed Scholarship Fund was established in honor of John H. Williamson by his children, Valerie, Lisa, John Jr. and Jackie Williamson.

The Violet M.  Bornemann Scholarship Fund is established by Violet M. Bornemann, '54, M.S. '67, in appreciation of the education she received at New Haven State Teachers College, now Southern Connecticut State University. Miss Bornemann retired in 1985 after 31 years of teaching in both the West Haven and North Haven school systems. The fund will be used to assist elementary education majors attending Southern Connecticut State University.

 

Mary Joy Sherlach was one of the first educators killed at the Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. Along with Principal Dawn Hochsprung and lead teacher Natalie Hammond, Mary proceeded towards the danger that morning, looking to assure the safety of everyone in the building.  While the circumstances of the morning were certainly most unusual, Mary’s selfless actions were not.  Mary’s approach to her school, just as in her life in general, was one where she was “all in.” Throughout her entire life, Mary knew that she would pursue a career where she would be helping others handle any and all problems they might be facing. She left behind her husband, Bill, and daughters Maura and Katy. Three and a half years later, her grandchild Mackenzie Joy Schwartz was born, sharing Mary’s middle name and initials.

Born in Vestal, N.Y., on February 11, 1956, Mary was the daughter of Jack and Annetta Greene and had four siblings. After attending Vestal High School, Mary went on to graduate from the State University of New York at Cortland, magna cum laude, with a degree in psychology, and worked in a number of jobs for the State of New York. After taking some time off to have her children, Mary went back to school at Southern Connecticut State University to obtain her master’s degree. After working on an interim basis in a couple of school systems, Mary landed the job at Sandy Hook Elementary School, where she worked for 18 years, striving every day to make life better for “her kids” and their families.

This scholarship is meant to assist a deserving Southern student who is pursuing the master’s degree in school psychology with the same passion with which Mary pursued hers.

This endowed scholarship fund was created by Professor Olafs Zeidenbergs in support of Southern's fine arts program.

The Class of 1938-Bruce Erickson Endowed Scholarship Fund was established by Rebecca Flanders Erickson Fraundorfer in memory of her son Bruce Erickson. Rebecca is a graduate of the New Haven State Teachers College and is a member of the class of 1938. Bruce was an assistant professor at Rockefeller University and a professor of chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was active in several professional organizations, made numerous research contributions and was honored by the American Peptide Society when they established the Bruce W. Erickson Young Investigators Awards. He loved teaching and sharing his knowledge of chemistry with his students.

The Rose Impellitteri Comcowich Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1997 by the late Rose Comcowich, ’24.  Mrs. Comcowich was an accomplished and highly respected elementary teacher in Ansonia for 20 years. She was the wife of William J. Comcowich, former superintendent of schools in Ansonia, and sister of Vincent R. Impellitteri, former mayor of New York City.
 

The Alumni Association was established in 1925 as a way for alumni of what was then the New Haven State Normal School to stay in contact with the school and each other after graduation. Over the years, the Alumni Association’s role in the life of the institution has grown. Its members now contribute to many scholarship and program funds, share career and professional expertise, create internships, and support today's students as mentors in attaining their academic, career, and life goals. Along with the Division of Institutional Advancement, including the Office of Alumni Relations, the Alumni Association plans events and builds networks that enable alumni to reconnect with Southern, with each other, and with students. An important goal of the Association is to help Southern continue to provide the high quality education that current and future students deserve.

In 2000, as the Alumni Association observed its 75th year, a 75th Anniversary Committee voted to establish the 75th Anniversary Alumni Scholarship Fund in celebration of this diamond anniversary. The committee viewed the fund as another opportunity to assist SCSU students financially as they worked to achieve their academic goals.

Each year, the Alumni Association is proud to support a student with this important scholarship. Giving of time, talent and treasure are hallmarks of the Alumni Association’s mission. Past and present members of the SCSU Alumni Association hope students who receive this scholarship will be particularly dedicated to the university after graduation through volunteer service with the Association and by giving back to the university in the form of annual gifts, program, and/or scholarship support. Alumni strengthen opportunities for students and are always welcome at Southern.

The University Women's Association Endowed Scholarship Fund was originally established by the SCSU Women's Association during November 2000 to provide scholarships to students attending Southern Connecticut State University. This scholarship is in recognition of Edith DeBonis, Genevieve Pajeski, and Agnes Porter.

The Mary A. Lehman Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1995 by Thomas J. Lehman, 61 Year, '80. The fund will assist undergraduate students attending Southern Connecticut State University . Mr. Lehman, associate director emeritus of fiscal affairs, was a longtime member of the administrative faculty and manager of the University's Business Office before his retirement in 1990. He will always be remembered for his kindness and caring way in assisting any student who came to him. For Mr. Lehman the student always came first.

The James W. Moore Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1994 in honor of his lifelong dedication, involvement, and commitment to the Physical Education program at the University. Dr. Moore, professor emeritus of physical education, spent 27 years at Southern as a professor and administrator. He developed Southem's health, physical education and recreation program into one of the most comprehensive academic specializations in the country.

Vern Williams was a longtime member of the Connecticut photography and drone journalism community and pioneered drone photojournalism courses at Southern. He helped develop and teach courses in the new drone minor at the university, and is also credited with creating a Drone Academy for the public where professionals, using drones for their businesses, can learn better photographic techniques. Other courses he instructed were photojournalism, layout and design, journalism technology, and The First Amendment and the media. Williams was also a member of the Undergraduate Curriculum Forum and the Remembrance Garden Committee at Southern and served as design adviser for Crescent magazine as well as photo consultant and design adviser to the Southern News.
 
Williams also served as photo director of the New Haven Register for 15 years, where he supervised the photographic and video coverage of the news. His previous experience included serving as photography and design editor for The Sun Herald in Biloxi, Miss.; design editor and photographer for the Island Packet, of Hilton Head Island, S.C.; and an independent documentary photographer. His teaching experience includes work at Southeastern Associated Press Managing Editors Association, University of South Carolina, and Cornell University.
 
Vern Williams earned a BFA Rochester Institute of Technology, Photographic Illustration and M.P.S., Cornell University, Communication.

The Walter Cheetham Scholarship Fund was established by his many SCSU colleagues, friends and former students to honor him on his retirement from Southern Connecticut State University.  Mr. Cheetham joined the Special Education faculty in 1960 and retired in 1992. In addition to his teaching duties, he served as adviser to almost every student who completed the Special education program during his tenure.  He also served as an assistant chairperson of the department during it tremendous growth years.  Mr. Cheetham has been described as the most popular person ever to serve on the Special Education faculty at SCSU.  This scholarship is only a small tribute to his dedication and service to Southern Connecticut State University and the Special education department.