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Your classmates want to know about the milestones in your life. Send your news, including weddings, career changes, accomplishments, and publications to the Office of Alumni Relations at alumwne@wne.edu, or visit alumni.wne.edu/classnotes to submit your note online.

1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s | 2010s| 2020s

1970s

Robert Madison G’71 (MBA) published his second book, Biography of Lt. Richard Falley, Jr., Revolutionary Soldier, Patriot & Armorer, highlighting a slice of western Massachusetts history. He explores the long military career and contributions to the Revolutionary War of this Westfield and Montgomery Mass. Colonist.

John Hargrave L'77 (JD) has entered retirement from his firm in Barrington, N.J., John W. Hargrave and Associates. He practiced bankruptcy law and served as a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustee for 37 years. Hargrave was honored as the 2010-2011 pro bono lawyer of the year by the N.J. State Bar Association, was the founding member and former president of the N.J. Bankruptcy Trustee Association and is a member of the N.J. Bankruptcy Lawyers Foundation. At the Foundation, he helped create a financial literacy program which has been presented to young adults for over 20 years.

Paul Federici '78 (Accounting) was honored as the 2024 Grand Marshal of the East Longmeadow, Mass. Fourth of July Parade. The Grand Marshal is selected based on their actions and impact on the community.

Randy Economidy '79 (Marketing) was presented with the first annual Western New England University men's ice hockey Alumnus of the Year Award.

Stewart “Buz” Eisenberg L'79 (JD) was appointed by Gov. Maura Healey as a trustee for Greenfield Community College's (GCC) board of trustees. He served on the GCC faculty from 1996 to 2017, chaired the GCC Assembly from 2002 to 2017, is currently a member of the GCC Senior Symposium Board, and has been a practicing attorney for more than 40 years. Additionally, the GCC Buz Eisenberg Civic Engagement Scholarship, and WNE School of Law's Eisenberg Social Justice Fellowship was endowed in his honor.

1980s

Debra (Fuller) Gardner ’82 (English) has been recognized by the Glenmeadow Life Plan Center in Longmeadow, Mass. with an inaugural Age of Excellence Award. Glenmeadow has coined Gardner as the "champion of community voices". This recognition shines a spotlight on individuals that are not only redefining aging, but also reshaping our perceptions of what it means to live a life full of dedication and vigor beyond the age of 60. With over 20 years at The Reminder, Gardner has been dedicated to showcasing important local stories, as well as highlighting the efforts of individuals and nonprofits making a difference.

Athan Vontzalides L’83 (JD) has retired after 39 years of practice as a partner in the law firm of Ankeles, Vontzalides, Ambeliotis & Delaney LLP situated in Peabody, Mass.

The Honorable Philip Roche L’85 (JD) has stepped into retirement after serving as the county and family court judge for Steuben County, N.Y.

Kevin Roche L’87 (JD) has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2025 list for insurance law, insurance litigation, personal injury litigation – defendants, and professional malpractice law – defendants. He is an attorney with Halloran & Sage LLP. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on peer-review evaluation.

1990s

Teresa Conrad ’90 (Management) was elected as chairperson of Hanscom Federal Credit Union's board of directors. She has been a board member since 1999, served as vice chairperson since 2021, and held the position of chairperson of the Hanscom FCU Charitable Foundation since 2022.

Dean Dulchinos ’90/L’93 (Finance/JD) was appointed managing director and head of real estate credit at ORIX Corporation USA. He brings with him over 20 years of experience building and managing global commercial real estate platforms in senior leadership positions.

Edward Hourihan, Jr L’90 (JD) was named the 2025 "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers in America for Construction Law in Rochester, N.Y. Only one lawyer from a city in any practice area is nominated with this accolade every year. He is a litigation attorney and managing member of Bond, Schoeneck & King's Rochester office.

Vincent Liberti, Jr. L’92/’08 LLM (JD/LLM) has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2025 list for elder law, trusts and estates. He is an attorney with Halloran & Sage LLP. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on peer-review evaluation. Additionally, he just published the second edition of his book, Preparing for your Elder Years: Taking Charge of Estate Planning, Long-Term Care, Asset Protection, and Medicaid.

Jeremy Payson ’94/G’01 (Accounting/MBA) has been promoted to executive vice president, finance at Greenfield Cooperative Bank. He has been with the bank since 2022 and is recognized for fostering a culture of advancement within the company.

Kevin Greene L’95 (JD) has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2025 list for labor and employment litigation. He is an attorney with Halloran & Sage LLP located in Hartford, Conn. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on peer-review evaluation.

Thomas Dawley, Jr. ’95 (Criminal Justice) was appointed as the police chief of the Pittsfield, Mass. Police Department after serving a year as interim chief. Since joining the Pittsfield Police Department in 2002, he served as a patrolman, then climbed the ranks to a patrol sergeant, patrol lieutenant, and eventually the detective bureau captain overseeing the crimes scene, digital forensics, and anti-street crime units.

Karin Sloan DeLaney L’95 (JD) joins Bousquet Holstein PLLC as a member of the firm’s trusts and estates practice. She joins Bousquet Holstein after ten years of successfully leading her boutique trusts and estates law firm, Sloan DeLaney, PC, in Baldwinsville, N.Y. Bringing nearly 30 years of experience, her blend of big firm practice with small firm personalization has earned her a trusted reputation in the area.

Allen Falke L’96 (JD) has been honored in The Best Lawyers in America 2025 list in the field of tax law. He has been recognized in Best Lawyers since 2022. Falke is the practice leader of Mirick O'Connell’s Trusts and Estates Group and a member of the firm’s business group. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on peer-review evaluation.

Kristen (Blake) Gordon ’96 (Management Studies) started a new position as director of alumni relations at Central Connecticut State University.

Susan McCoy L’96 (JD) has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2025 list for trusts and estates. She is an attorney with Halloran & Sage LLP. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on peer-review evaluation.

The Honorable Francisco Calderon L’97 (JD) has been elevated from Cohoes, N.Y. City Court Judge to the esteemed role of New York State Court of Claims Judge. Prior to his tenure on the bench, he served as an assistant district attorney for 16 years in Albany County, after serving eight years as their deputy conflict defender ensuring fair legal representation for all.

Lt. Mark Gualtieri ’98/G’00 (Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice Administration) has been promoted to lieutenant with the Billerica Police Department in Billerica, Mass. He has been with the department since 1995, transitioning from the town's fire department, and was promoted to sergeant in 2002, then was placed on the NEMLEC Tactical Police Force as a SWAT officer in 2004.

Clarissa Wright L’99 (JD) was elected as a 2024 Black Leader of Massachusetts. Practicing law for the past 22 years; she first served in the Worcester, Mass. district attorney’s office, later moving to Hampden County where she has been the assistant district attorney for the last 12 years. Wright also engages in volunteer work locally through the district attorney’s office, Women Lawyers of Color, at the local Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. chapter, and as a Board of Bar Overseer.

2000s

Joshua Pedersen ’00 (Accounting) has been named a partner at HarperWhitfield P.C., a certified public accounting firm. Pedersen has been with the firm since 2000, first as a staff accountant, then manager, and later promoted to director in 2023. His clients include those in the construction, consulting, investment advisory, manufacturing, real estate, and wholesale distribution industries, as well as religious, educational institutions and private foundations.

Brad Malicki L’00 (JD) has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2025 list for real estate law. He is an attorney with Halloran & Sage LLP. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on peer-review evaluation.

Jeffrey Rousseau ’00 (Criminal Justice) was appointed as the district 3 representative on the Enfield, Conn. Town Council. He currently serves as the captain and commander of the Hartford, Conn. Detective Bureau.

Jessica Hansen ’02 (Sport Management) has been promoted to senior director of finance and human resources for the Springfield Thunderbirds. She has been with the organization since 2017 and is key in growing the team's in-game charitable presence.

Jody Lemoi ’02/G’04 (Sport Management/MBA) has been promoted to the director of budgeting, strategic finance, and financial systems at Mount Wachusett Community College.

Lt. Commander John Harring ’03 (Criminal Justice Administration) was promoted to operations commander at the Billerica Police Department in Billerica, Mass. He joined the department in 2001, and then became a K-9 handler in 2009. Harring was promoted as the commander of the NEMLEC K-9 Unit, then moved up the ranks to Sergeant in 2014, and Lieutenant in 2020.

Shelley Rose ’03 (History) has been promoted to professor of history at Cleveland State University and enters her 14th year of teaching at the institution. Additionally, she was awarded the 2024 Outstanding Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Award for their College of Arts & Sciences.

Jocelyn Roby L’04 (JD) has entered self-employment starting Massachusetts Title Services, a company where she provides title exams and title related services to real estate attorneys in the Commonwealth.

Warren Nelson, Jr. ’05 (Law Enforcement) has officially retired after 32 years of loyal service to the Town of Bolton, Mass. He joined Bolton in 1992 as a patrolman, then progressed up the ranks becoming a patrol supervisor, sergeant, and then lieutenant before being appointed as the chief in 2015.

Patricia Troiano ’05 (Sport Management) was promoted to superintendent for recreation in the Town of Greenwich, Conn., Parks and Recreation Department. She is grateful to the University for providing a solid foundation for her career advancement.

Kelly Touhey-Childress ’06 (Psychology) has been named the programs and people cultivator for the Racial Unity Team, a New Hampshire nonprofit. She joined the team in 2022, serving as the administrative director. In her new director-level position, Touhey-Childress will provide management, planning, and leadership for the volunteers and community partners, as well as help meet strategic planning goals.

Jessica Caron ’08 (Social Work) began a new position as account executive at Carelon Behavioral Health.

Stephen Hennessey, Jr. ’08 (Sport Management) has returned to Franklin Pierce University, starting a new position as their associate athletic director. He was previously with the institution from 2013-2022 as an associate director of admissions.

Daniel Carey ’09/G’10 (Accounting/MSA) has been promoted to senior vice president, chief financial officer at Cambridge Savings Bank. He brings 16 years of progressive experience, working in the banking and accounting fields, with him to his new role. Carey will lead highly skilled finance teams while also providing financial reporting guidance, compliance, and capital management. He will be instrumental in advancing the bank’s financial goals and strategic vision.

2010s

Joshua Risen L’10 (JD) was appointed as the town clerk for Great Barrington, Mass. He will serve as the town’s chief election officer, maintain and preserve the town’s archives and vital records, among other roles. Prior to Risen's promotion, he served as an office administrator for the town manager and selectboard.

Tim Conrod ’11/G’13 (Sport Management/MBA) has begun a new position as director, global business development at Shutterstock where he’ll be focusing on developing strategic partnerships with the world’s leading companies in the generative artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning space.

Jillian Strycharz ’11 (Management) was promoted to deputy chief human resources operations - employment services with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. She has been with the organization since 2014.

Casey O'Connell L’12 (JD) has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America 2025 list for real estate law. He is an attorney with Halloran & Sage LLP. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on peer-review evaluation.

Alyssa Caliguri ’13 (Psychology) was promoted to director of admissions and student affairs at Webb Institute. She has been with the institution since 2022, first serving as the assistant director of admissions and student affairs, then as the associate director of admissions and student affairs.

Dennis Carnelli L’13 (JD) has been distinguished in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, for appellate practice, commercial litigation and insurance law in the same city for the fifth year in a row. Additionally, he has been honored in the 2024 Super Lawyers, as well as Super Lawyers: Rising Star from 2019-2021 and then again in 2023, for the areas of business litigation and civil rights. Carnelli is an experienced civil litigation attorney at Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, P.C. Best Lawyers lists are compiled based on peer-review evaluation.

Lindsay D. DiSantis L’13 (JD) has been elected as a new corporator for the Community Bancorp of the Berkshires, MHC, the parent company of Adams Community Bank. She is a managing partner at Hunter, Graziano & DiSantis P.C. in Lee, Mass. DiSantis brings a unique skillset to the position, which will play an indispensable role in guiding and managing the banking activities.

Shaune Sousa ’13/L’16 (Political Science/JD) has started a new position as a trust advisor at Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP.

Kristen Whitlow ’13 (Communications - Public Relations) has started a new position as digital communications manager at Mount Holyoke College.

Hannah Faulkner ’14 (Psychology) received a promotion at the Center for Children with Special Needs, transitioning to the new position of consultation director. She has been with the organization since 2018 helping provide consultative services to special education programs within public school systems.

Kelsey Jobe ’15 (Mathematical Sciences) has started a new position as mathematics instructor at Central Carolina Community College. She is excited to be serving the community in which she lives.

Mark Simmons ’15 (Sport Management) has started a new role as parks and recreation and youth services bureau director for the Town of Preston, Conn. He brings with him over a decade worth of experience in various progressive roles in recreation and programming for all age groups, including seniors. Additionally, he was named top 30 under 30 for the National Recreation and Park Association last year and welcomed his first daughter, Emersyn, in February. 

Kelsey Armstrong ’16 (Secondary Education - English) started a new position as associate director of athletics for academic success at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She brings with her experience from Sacred Heart University where she had served in student-athlete support services since 2019.

David Cherry ’16 (Sport Management) has started a new role as an area manager II for Amazon.

Sarah Normandie L’16 (JD) recently published her first novel, All These Threads of Time, under the pen name Sarah Crowne. It debuted on Amazon and ranked in the Top 100 Teen & Young Adult (YA) science fiction, as well as in the Top 10 for YA time travel new releases. In November she published her second book, Rebel Writers: The Genius Behind the Pen. Additionally, she works as in-house counsel for a Fortune 500 company.

Rachel Bean ’17 (Biomedical Engineering) was promoted to senior research and development engineer at AngioDynamics. She has been with the medical technology company for over 5 years.

Paul Harris, Jr. ’17 (Sport Management) has started a new position as programs manager with the Dallas Stars (NHL) and the Dallas Stars Foundation.

Paige (Young) Kinney ’17 (Secondary Education - Mathematical Sciences) has started a new position as senior data analyst at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn.

Natasha Mercado-Santana ’17/G’19 (Marketing Communications, Advertising/Communication) has started a new role as marketing and event manager at BusinessWest, the business journal of western Massachusetts. 

Nicole Powers ’17 (Mechanical Engineering) has been promoted as a materials and process engineer at Kamatics.

Chaskiesha Figueroa ’18 (Sociology - Crime & Society) started as area coordinator at the University of Vermont - Burlington after serving as community coordinator for the University of Cincinnati, Ohio for 3 years.

Meghan Flaherty ’18 (Communications - Public Relations) received a promotion to senior assistant director of admission at Lasell University. She has been with the institution since 2022.

Garrett Jones ’18 (Criminal Justice) has started a new position as senior management, membership sales with the New York Islanders.

Jennifer (Luba) Kazeroid ’18/G’20 (Sport Management/Organizational Leadership) transitioned into a new role in June 2023 as the director of finance and business services for the University of Massachusetts Amherst Athletics Department. She has been with the institution since 2020.

Ryan Kazeroid ’18/G’19 (Accounting/MSA) began a new role in October 2023 as the director, finance & administration for the American Hockey League (AHL).

Devin Kindred ’18 (Management and Leadership) has transitioned to Nichols College as the director of residence life & community standards.

Iman Mazza ’18 (Accounting) has been promoted to manager, finance transformation at PwC. She has been with the company since 2017, starting as an assurance intern, then ranking up to assurance associate, assurance senior associate, and then to management consulting - finance transformation senior associate.

Ryan Samuels ’18 (Accounting) has been promoted to senior tax manager at PwC.

Michael Spagnolo ’18 (Accounting) was promoted to manager at PwC. He has been with the firm since his internship in 2018, transitioning to full-time in 2019.

Kristen Breen ’19 (Sport Management) has joined the Denver Broncos as their community programs and events coordinator.

Caitlyn Marchand ’19 (English) has transitioned into a new position as a pathway coach at Bunker Hill Community College.

Tyler Simons ’19 (Sport Management) has transitioned into a new role at Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School as the athletic director/dean of students. He is the school’s first ever full-time athletic director and dean of students, and has been with the institution since 2020.

2020s

Erin Butts ’20 (Actuarial Science) of MassMutual has obtained her Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA) designation. FSA is a professional certification awarded by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) to actuaries who have completed a rigorous educational training program and have passed a series of challenging exams. The FSA designation signifies an expert-level understanding of actuarial science and the ability to apply that knowledge to real-world problems related to risk management, insurance, financial planning, and other domains.

Cole Eiber ’20 (Criminal Justice) has graduated from St. John's University School of Law and accepted an offer as the assistant district attorney in Queens, N.Y. District Attorney’s Office.

Ryan Hartnett L’20 (JD) has been selected for inclusion in “Upstate New York Super Lawyers – Rising Star” for 2024. He is an associate attorney practicing at Hancock Estabrook, LLP in their corporate, tax, and startup & emerging business practice areas. With a focus on federal, state, and local tax law, Hartnett assists clients in developing creative solutions to high-stakes business matters to meet clients’ short- and long-term interests.

Matthew Nardi L’20 (JD) has been promoted to senior associate attorney at Rafi Law Group, Arizona’s leading personal injury law firm. Nardi will continue to provide exceptional legal representation to clients in personal injury cases, further strengthening the firm's commitment to delivering justice for those in need.

Sarah Waterhouse ’20 (Secondary Education - English) has joined the faculties of Western New England University, University of Bridgeport, and South College as an adjunct professor of English.

Allison Buzzeo ’21 (Arts and Entertainment Management) has been promoted to assistant director of undergraduate admission at Suffolk University. She has been with the institution since 2021.

Jason Ortiz L’21 (JD) joined the Royal Law Firm as a business litigation attorney. He brings several years of trial experience, having tried many cases to verdict. Ortiz specializes in commercial litigation, including matters involving construction disputes, evictions, insurance defense, employment, as well as other civil disputes.

Allison Bruehwiler ’22/G’23 (Sport Management/Organizational Leadership) has started a new position as the recreation and senior programs coordinator for Preston Parks and Recreation in Preston, Conn.

Kristina Bullock ’22 (Accounting) has been promoted at MP CPAs from associate to the position of senior associate. She has been with the firm since 2021.

Sarah Jackman ’22 (Biology, Forensic Biology) is starting a new position as a forensic scientist in the DNA unit with the Massachusetts State Police.

William LaFosse ’22 (Marketing) has been promoted to Western New England University's annual giving officer. He has been with the University's advancement division since 2022, serving as the assistant director of gift processing.

Brian Moss ’22 (Accounting) has been promoted at MP CPAs from associate to the position of senior associate. He has been with the firm since 2022.

Taylor Pedley ’22 (Mechanical Engineering - Mechatronics Concentration) has been promoted to systems engineer II - requirements management at ZF Group. She has been with the company since 2022.

Thomas Thayer ’22 (Business Analytics and Information Management) has been promoted to senior strategic sourcing analyst with Collins Aerospace. 

Bryce Thompson ’22 (Accounting) has been promoted at MP CPAs from associate to the position of senior associate. He has been with the firm since 2021.

Lindsey Carey ’23/G’24 (Civil Engineering - Environmental Concentration) has started a new position as staff environmental engineer at ECC.

Ryan Hoover ’23 (Criminal Justice) started a new role as the residence director at Westfield State University. Prior to this position, he served as the resident director at Saint Anselm College for the 23-24 academic year.

Danielle McCarthy ’23 (Marketing, Sport Management) joined Franklin Pierce University as their director of athletic communications.

John "Jack" Williams IV L’23 (JD) has joined Fitzgerald Law, a business advisory law firm with locations in Massachusetts and Connecticut. He will focus on transactional matters, including commercial real estate and finance, corporate governance, and business contracts.

John Falco ’24 (Business Analytics and Information Management) started a new position as IT assurance associate at Grant Thornton (US).

Connor Fallon ’24 (Biomedical Engineering) has started a new position as prosthetic technician at Hanger Clinic. The company is the nation’s leading provider of orthotic and prosthetic care, specializing in the treatment of mobility and musculoskeletal conditions caused by illness, injury, or congenital differences.

Riley Franzo ’24 (Biomedical Engineering) has started a new position as R&D electrical engineer 1 at Boston Scientific. She had interned part-time with company since 2022.

Maria Khan ’24 (Pharmaceutical Business) has started a new position as a hospital account liaison with AdaptHealth.

Rachel Knauerhase L'24 (JD) has joined Bulkley Richardson as an associate in their business department. She brings with her intern experience from her time at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office and at a boutique litigation firm in Connecticut. The firm is excited to bring on Knauerhase's eagerness to learn and believes she has a promising future as a lawyer.

Andrew Loin L’24 (JD) has joined Bulkley Richardson as an associate in the real estate and business departments. He was a summer associate at the firm in 2023 and completed internships with Green Miles Lipton and the Hampden Probate and Family Court. Loin brings with him an exceptional work ethic and a service-minded approach that will help the firm support the legal needs of their clients.

Lukas Radina ’24 (General Business) is transitioning off-ice and becoming an assistant coach for the men's ice hockey team at Western New England University. In his final season competing as a Golden Bear, Radina was honored with the Quinn Robelle Award as Most Outstanding Teammate.

Ethan Roy ’24 (Biomedical Engineering) has started a new position as product quality engineer at Neuraxis.

Theodore Zwinski ’24 (Comm/Media & Journalism) has started a new position as a news producer at WWLP-22 News.