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Parade of Classes

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By Doug Scanlon

Alumni at the 2021 Summer Olympics in Tokyo

Barry Weinberg ’73, athletic trainer, Israeli Baseball Team

Branwen Smith-King ’78, G’79, Secretary General, Bermuda Olympic Association

Jim Ronai ’88, G’89, strength and conditioning coach, physical therapist, and assistant athletic trainer, USA Baseball

Keith Bryant ’92, executive director, USA Judo

Christie Mehlhorn Gialloreto, G’96, head sports psychologist, Canadian Rowing Team

Stacy Michael Miller, G’98, director of national team support and services, USA Swimming

Chris Quetant ’11, manager, anti-doping, USA Track & Field

Elizabeth Sottile ’14, manager, member and event services, USA National Karate-do Federation

Stuart Sokoloff ’17, operations, Israeli Baseball Team

Gabby Guerard ’20, sports news desk editor, NBC Sports Group

Aboshioma “Sho” Obemeata, G’21, international teams coordinator, USA Track & Field

Read more at springfield.edu/tokyo

1950s

Frank Wolcott ’52, G’60, Dick Aronson ’58, CAS’71, Erik Kjeldsen ’54, G’62, and Jeff Cardinali ’61, G’63, gathered at Salvatore’s restaurant in Lawrence, Mass., to reconnect and share stories of their days on campus.

1952 Salvatore’s Restaurant in Lawrence was the recent scene of a reunion between Erik Kjeldsen, Dick Aronson, Jeff Cardinali, and Frank Wolcott — **1952** Salvatore’s Restaurant in Lawrence was the recent scene of a reunion between Erik Kjeldsen, Dick Aronson, Jeff Cardinali, and Frank Wolcott

Erik Kjeldsen ’54, G’62; Roger Ball ’60, G’65; Glenna Linke Ball ’62; Ron Ziemba, retired director of marketing and communications; Ron’s wife Maureen; Helen Kidess, wife of the late AA Kidess, G’35, DPE’58, founder of the Doggett International Center; and Andy Parke, CAGS’74, gathered recently at Reeds Landing where all are residents.

At left, from left to right are Roger Ball, Glenna Ball, Maureen Ziemba, Ron Ziemba, Helen Kidess, Andy Parke, and Erik Kjeldsen.

Jerry Plumley ’56 and his wife, Colleen, celebrated 65 years of marriage on Aug. 25, 2021.

1960s

Michael Mould ’61, DPE ’71 was honored by Misericordia University when they dedicated Dr. Michael Mould Court in the Anderson Center to recognize Mould’s contributions to Misericordia athletics. As director of athletics from 1990-2004, Mould spearheaded the school’s transition to NCAA Division III and its status as a founding member of the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference. He was inducted into Misericordia’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005.

1970s

In September 2021, Ron Carlson ’70 celebrated 50 years of teaching fire safety and prevention to Suffield, Conn., school children as a Suffield Fire Department volunteer.

Bob Surette ’70 was surprised with a retirement party given by his family. They were joined by family and friends from seven states for the affair in southern New Jersey. Surette taught health and physical education, from kindergarten through college, for more than 50 years. He received teacher of the year honors twice.

**1971** Max Kaywork, from left, Grace Dzindolet, and Kurt Aschermann

Kurt Aschermann ’71 and his grandson Max Kaywork met up with Grace Dzindolet, Class of 2022, at a Chatham Anglers game on Cape Cod during summer 2021. Dzindolet worked as a game day operations intern for the Anglers last summer.

Russell Smith ’73, G’77, CAS’84, criminal justice adjunct professor and internship supervisor, received the Correctional Education Association (CEA) Director’s Award for more than 25 years of outstanding service in support of correctional educators in Region I, which includes the New England and Middle Atlantic states, and Eastern Provinces of Canada. Smith serves as the CEA Region I co-chair for the membership and elections committees.

**1973** Dana Murgita and Russ Smith at Open House in November

In November, Smith and Dana Murgita ’84 donned their Springfield College swag and volunteered at the admissions open house.

Forty-four years ago, Arleen Howard Dennison ’76, Doug Dennison ’75, Mark Powers ’76, and Mark Hersey ’77 worked together at the Cranston, R.I., YMCA. Doug says they all went on to big things; Powers became a Connecticut state legislator before starting a lobbying firm, Arlene served 11 years with the YMCA and ended up as vice president at Florida Coast Technical College, Hersey went into executive retail management positions, and Doug served 10 years with the Y while maintaining a successful real estate career as an auction project manager. In 2019, they reunited in Cranston.

**1976** From left, Arleen Howard Dennison, Doug Dennison, Mark Powers, and Mark Hersey

Fred Marcil ’76 was inducted into the Berne-Knox-Westerlo (N.Y.) High School Athletic Hall of Fame with the 2021 class. He served for 40 years at the school, including as coach, athletic director, assistant principal, physical education teacher, special education teacher, track and cross country coach, and modified cross country coach. His track teams were three-time sectional champions, and six-time league champions. In his retirement, he is a volunteer coach of track, cross country, and wrestling.

**1977** Andy Mazur, left, and Allan Wilson following a tennis match

Andy Mazur, G’77, retired entrepreneur and former adjunct professor at Springfield College, first met Allan Wilson ’65 a few years ago on the tennis court at a Cape Cod club. Wilson was an adjunct professor and soccer and lacrosse coach at the University of Hartford before retiring to Cape Cod. Coincidentally, they both spent their winters in Marco Island and met again on the tennis courts at the YMCA.

Robert Noto ’77 was inducted into the Amsterdam (N.Y.) School District Hall of Fame at a ceremony held on Oct. 1, 2021. During his 34-year career, he taught physical education at every level, coached in the football program, and was a part of two state championship teams and numerous section titles. He served for 10 years as the school district athletic director.

Joe Rafferty ’77 was elected to the Maine State Senate, representing District 34, comprising Acton, Kennebunk, Lebanon, North Berwick, Wells, and part of Berwick. He has been the head football coach at Kennebunk High School since 1978 and is looking forward to starting his 43rd season this fall.

Eileen Sears Bow ’79, Laurel Greco-Vicidomino ’79, Lisa Raccaro Sacramone ’80, Nancy Vitalone-Raccaro ’80, and Teresa Saletnik Mazik ’79, G’90, CAS’96, got together for lunch recently. They have been friends since they met at Springfield College and continue to meet up several times a year.

**1979** Eileen Sears Bow, Laurel Greco-Vicidomino, Lisa Raccaro Sacramone, Nancy Vitalone-Raccaro, and Teresa Saletnik Mazik

1980s

Mary Gallagher ’83, Donna Dorr Osborne ’83, Carol Gall Brown ’83, and Laura Abbruzese Harney ’83 recently spent the weekend together on Long Island proving laughter is the best medicine! Friends for over 40 years, they enjoyed a weekend playing with nine, six-week-old Lab puppies while supporting Laura during a difficult time. Here’s to a healthy 2022!

**1983** In front, Laura Abbruzese Harney; in back from left, Mary Gallagher, Donna Dorr Osborne, and Carol Gall Brown

Jeff Coelho ’84, G’85, reached out to showcase the influence Springfield College is having at West Point. “Spirit, Mind, and Body is active and thriving at the United States Military Academy!” writes Coelho, who is director of instruction and professor in the Department of Physical Education. Joining him in the Department of Physical Education are: Dan Jaffe, G’12, PhD’15, assistant director of the human performance lab, powerlifting coach, and associate professor; Drew Van Dam ’00, associate director of guidance and testing, and assistant professor; Tim Goetz ’04, G’07, course director of military movement (applied gymnastics), and instructor; Bart “Woody” Woodworth, G’92, retired director of operations, and assistant professor; and Ned Crossley ’67, G’72, retired director of 4th class gymnastics, head men’s gymnastics coach, and assistant professor. Suzannah Coelho ’92 is a physical education teacher at West Point Middle School.

**1984** At left: front row, from left, are Jeff Coelho, Suzannah Coelho, Ned Crossley, and Tim Goetz; Back row, from left, are Bart “Woody” Woodworth, Drew Van Dam, and Dan Jaffe

Joy Wolcott ’84, G’01, is an elementary school physical education teacher and competitive amateur masters bikini bodybuilder in Hawaii. “Those glory days on the women’s swimming and diving team shaped me into a confident and self-disciplined lifetime athlete. I am grateful to my parents for their support and what can easily be considered the finest education in the nation,” says Wolcott.

Pete Avdoulos ’85 and other swimming alumni recently got together with 93-year-old Coach Charlie “CJ” Smith ’55. Joining Avdoulos were Doug Backlund ’84, Tim Flannery ’86, G’89,current Head Coach John Taffe, hall of famer Larry Jordan ’86, G’94,and Birnie Williams ’89.

**1985** Pictured at a recent gathering of swimming alumni are Doug Backlund, Tim Flannery, current Head Coach John Taffe, Larry Jordan, Charlie Smith, and Birnie Williams. Pete Avdoulos is behind the camera.

Karl Henrikson, G’87, recently retired as the longest-tenured University of Southern Maine men’s basketball coach in program history. His coaching career spanned more than 40 years at the high school, college, and professional levels.

Brad Vernet ’87, Katy Healey Vernet ’87, G’91, Karen Rooney Thomas ’87, Eileen Tinsley Scullin ’87, Nancy Townsend, and Jen Gannon ’87 supported Deb Sylvia McMullen ’87, head field hockey coach at East Greenwich (R.I.) High School, as she coached her team to their third-consecutive — and eighth overall — state championship.

**1987** Brad Vernet, from left, Katy Healey Vernet, Karen Rooney Thomas, Eileen Tinsley Scullin, Deb Sylvia McMullen, Nancy Townsend, and Jen Gannon

1990s

Karin Jeffers ’90, G’92, received a 2021 Woman of Impact award by BusinessWest. The award recognizes women “who are actively leading and making a difference for their companies and their communities, and acting as role models and mentors for our region’s future leaders.” Jeffers currently is the president and chief executive officer of Clinical and Support Options.

Maria D’Agostino Crawford ’91 was a recent guest on the podcast 3,2,1 iRelaunch, hosted by Carol Fishman Cohen. As a regular listener of the podcast series, Crawford says she has always found it to be inspiring and confidence building.

Tina Rehbein Champagne ’79, G’98, OTD, was presented with the Jane Koomar Memorial Award for Innovation by ATTACh, the Association for Training on Trauma and Attachment in Children. The award was given for Champagne’s continued work integrating trauma practices in the field of occupational therapy. She is the chief executive officer for Cutchin’s Programs for Children & Families in Northampton, Mass.

Rich Wood ’99, G’01, PhD, was recently a featured guest on the podcast The Groves Connection with Robert Groves, MD. Wood is executive advisor of complex chronic care transformation for CVS Health.

2000s

Rob Sweeney ’00 and Maureen MacLellan Sweeney ’02 brought their daughters Mackenzie and Katie for a campus visit.

**2000** At left, Rob and Maureen MacLellan Sweeney on campus with daughters Mackenzie and Katie

Zaida Govan ’02, G’08, was named vice president of youth services for Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, Inc. Govan directs the organization’s educational programming, including after-school, summer, and college readiness programs. Govan is a licensed clinical social worker and community organizer who has worked with the Mason Square Health Task Force and its Drug Free Communities efforts.

Anita Lee, G’02, DPE ’05, has been named to the Hartford HealthCare East Region Board of Directors. Hartford HealthCare is a comprehensive health care system in Connecticut. Lee is a professor and founding faculty member of the health sciences department at Eastern Connecticut State University.

Heather Sharp ’02, G’07, Kim Capodiece Bennett ’04, G’06, Marci Mullady ’02, and Maureen MacLellan Sweeney ’02 are educators at Pathways Academy of Technology and Design magnet school in the Hartford, Conn., public school system. Sharp is the assistant principal, Bennett is a school counselor, and Mullady and Sweeney teach special education.

Alex Spence ’03 and hiswife, Shannon, welcomed their first child, Henry Felton Spence, on Aug. 31, 2021. Additionally, the Concord-Carlisle High School tennis team, which Spence coaches, won the Massachusetts Boys Division II state title last spring.

Peter Gillen ’04, G’07, EdD, was named to the board of directors of the New England League of Middle Schools, a non-profit organization that supports school improvement, positive student outcomes, and the development of solutions for success. Gillen is currently the principal of West Springfield (Mass.) Middle School, having been named the 2019 Massachusetts State Middle School Principal of the Year, and is the co-founder of NPT Education, LLC.

Amanda Alpert ’05 won her sixth Women’s Football Alliance Championship with the Boston Renegades. With the win, the Renegades won their third-consecutive championship title since 2018 (excluding the cancelled 2020 season).

Justin Fenlon ’06 was promoted to assistant director, athletic business operations and travel at the University of Memphis.

Alex Langbein ’07, G’11, was awarded the 2021 Founders’ Cup for Teaching Excellence. The award, established in 1993, is presented to an outstanding faculty member representative of the best qualities of teaching at Montclair (N.J.) Kimberley Academy, inside and outside of the classroom, including coaching and mentoring.

Rachel DiSaia ’07, associate director, next chapter implementation and coordination at Ryerson University, recently served as the project manager and writer for a presidential task force at the university. The task force was charged with examining the legacy of the university namesake, Egerton Ryerson, and understanding the role of commemoration on campus. Said DiSaia, the university board of governors voted unanimously in favor of implementing all task force recommendations.

Friends Heather Kelly Sayward ’09, G’11, Taryn Scampoli Johnson ’09, Sarah Loiselle Buckley ’09, Olivia Astle Reed ’09, Samantha Rhodes ’09, Sue Jenney ’09, G’11, Ellery McLaughlin ’09, G’10, and Alison Leighton Zirpolo ’09 gathered recently with some future Springfield College students.

**2009** Heather Kelly Sayward, Taryn Scampoli Johnson, Sarah Loiselle Buckley, Olivia Astle Reed, Samantha Rhodes, Sue Jenney, Ellery McLaughlin, and Alison Leighton Zirpolo

Melissa Caruso ’09, vice president, hockey operations/governance for the American Hockey League (AHL), won the James C. Hendy Memorial Award given to the outstanding executive in the AHL for 2020-21. Caruso, who joined the AHL office in 2009, is one of three women who make up the AHL hockey operations department, and is the second woman to be recognized with the Hendy award, following Charlotte Checkers CEO Tera Black in 2015-16.

2010s

Jes Charette Fallon ’10, G’13, was recently selected a BusinessWest 40 under Forty. She works as the director of business systems at Clinical & Support Options, which provides mental health services.

**2011** Matt and Jamie Kriger Dugan with daughter Julie

Matt ’12, G’15, and Jamie Kriger ’11 Dugan welcomed their daughter Julie Grace, born on March 2. (Showing true Springfield College spirit, Jamie called the alumni office days before Giving Day, worried that she would go into labor before being able to make her gift and helping to secure a matching challenge gift.)

Tiana Davis ’12 has been named the new deputy public health commissioner by the City of Springfield (Mass.). Prior to this, Davis was a clinical manager for a local homeless center and worked at Mercy Medical Center for eight years.

Hira Byrne Paulin ’12, G’13, was a guest on the Apple Podcast Veterans in Academics with Ernest McClees Jr. Paulin is a rehabilitation and disability counselor who provides support to student veterans in accessing campus disability services, academic accommodations, and information on personal rights and protections.

Behavioral neuroscientist Katherine Curtin Grill ’13, PhD, is dedicated to helping youth. Her commitment to assisting high school and college students with mental health support systems has earned Neolth, the company she co-founded and for which she serves as chief executive officer, recognition on the 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 List in the education category. Grill earned her bachelor of science degree in art therapy.

Ethan Grossman ’13, in October, won the Olympia Amateur Overall and officially became a professional bodybuilder. While at Springfield College, he cofounded the bodybuilding club. He is married to Annie Bridson ’13.

This past summer, Kristiann Kassay ’14 spent 57 days riding her bike from San Francisco to New York City. She writes, “In my lifetime, I don’t know if I will ever do something that epitomizes spirit, mind, and body more than this bike ride. Every day was a physical, mental, and emotional challenge. It is hard to put into words how I felt rolling into Battery Park after riding 3,878 miles from coast to coast. I was lucky enough to see two of my best Springfield buddies towards the end of the trip, Kathleen Allen ’14 and Greg Tozzi ’14, who supported me in those last few days.”

**2014** Kristiann Kassay at the Top of Monarch Pass, the highest elevation point on the trip

Moriah Billups ’15 recently donated blood to the Red Cross. Billups, not a fan of needles, agreed to the donation as long as her husband, Ian Wyman ’16, was the one administering the donation. Wyman joined the Red Cross after working as a paramedic in both Springfield and Manchester, Mass., for several years.

**2017** Stuart Sokoloff, left, and Barry Weinberg

Stuart Sokoloff ’17 and Barry Weinberg ’73, recently met up for dinner in Florida. Sokoloff is in medical device sales in Arizona, and Weinberg is the former head athletic trainer and senior medical advisor for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Springfield College alumni in Tempe, Ariz., gathered recently to show that the Humanics philosophy is alive and well out west. Gathering were Stuart Sokoloff ’17, Scott Picard ’11, Jonathan Stone ’17, Lilly Barraclough ’19, Jake Garrity ’19, and Kate Sarnacki ’21.

Jack Weinberger ’18, a Springfield College baseball pitcher, recently completed a full professional season with the New Jersey Jackals in the Frontier League. At the end of the season, he was promoted to the Charleston Dirty Birds of the Atlantic League, the top MLB partnered professional league in the country. “I had the opportunity to play alongside so many teammates with MLB experience. I learned so much through them and improved my game a lot throughout my long season,” he said.

2020s

Kevin Gaiss ’20, aWCAX News (South Burlington, Vt.) reporter, recently interviewed Vermont National Education Association President Don Tinney ’80 while Gaiss was working on a story about returning to school in the face of the COVID-19 Delta variant. Tinney taught high school English for 31 years and is in his second term as union president, representing 13,000 Vermont educators.

Jacquelyn Jeanne “JJ” Antoine, G’20, has been named as the director of athletics for Salem Academy and College after a national search. Antoine joins the Salem College staff after serving as the assistant director of athletics and senior women’s administrator at the State University of New York at Oswego since 2018.

**2021** Allie Brennan ’21 at Paul Brown Stadium, home of the Cincinnati Bengals, where she was the team’s long-term corporate partnership activation and sales intern.

Hannah Fowle ’21 and her father Timothy Fowle ’90, and family friend Tom Anderson ’89, were at Gillette Stadium for Employee Appreciation Day. Hannah recently accepted a job with the New England Revolution as an inside sales representative.

**2021** Tom Anderson, Hannah Fowle, and Timothy Fowle

Kris Rhim ’21 is the multimedia features reporter for the Atlanta Falcons, and responsible for player-personality features and Atlanta-relevant stories. Rhim also was interviewed on the Oprah Winfrey network livestream on July 8, as part of the celebration of Lift Every Voice, a digital project experience Oprah Daily created to collect stories of 50+ Black elders as captured by young, Black journalists. He took part in the livestream, in which Oprah spoke to three legends featured and some of the journalists who spoke to them. Rhim has held positions at USA Today, the Boston Globe, Philadelphia Magazine, and is an alum of the New York Times and Sports Journalism institutes.