The Wesleyan Connection

Anne Marcotty is a senior designer in the Office of University Communications. She is a member of the Wesleyan Web Redesign Team, which is redesigning the university web site, starting with the homepage, the major landing pages and the Office of Admission site.

Q: Anne, you came to Wesleyan in 2001. What were you hired in as, and what is the objective/purpose of your position?

A: I was hired as senior designer in the Office of University Communications. I design and produce many of the print pieces and some of the web sites for various departments in the university.

Q: Who are your “clients” on campus? Does this repeat year to year?

A: I have worked with many of the academic departments and programs over the years, but much of my recurring work is with University Relations, particularly the events staff and the Wesleyan Fund.

Q: What are a few examples of recent projects you’ve been working on?

A: The Reunion & Commencement brochures (more…)

The following promotions and appointments have been made to the Office of Diversity and Strategic Partnerships in July.

Trisha Gordon has been promoted to the position of affirmative action specialist/administrative manager. She will oversee the Office of Affirmative Action and specifically work with Human Resources on staff issues, diversity and sexual harassment prevention trainings, and work with me to develop a campus-wide affirmative action plan. She will oversee the Office of Diversity and Strategic Partnerships and manage all strategic initiatives. She will also continue to assist me in day-to-day operations, meetings, and special project. Gordon has been with Wesleyan since 2001 and has worked in the Office of the Vice President/Secretary of the University. Trisha earned her B.A. in history from Central Connecticut State University, a M.S. in business management from Saint Joseph College, and is a certified middle school teacher and affirmative action professional.

Frank Kuan has been promoted to executive director of the Center for Community Partnerships and will manage the Green Street Art Center and the Office of Community Service and Volunteerism. He will continue to represent Wesleyan in the community, on committees, and at special events, and continue to work closely with the Office of Service Learning. Kuan has been with Wesleyan since 1998 and has worked in various capacities throughout Wesleyan including director of community service, interim director of the Green Street Arts Center and director of community relations. Kuan earned a B.A. in biology, chemistry and Asian American Studies, and a M.S. in counseling from California State University, Fresno. He also serves on many board, commissions and committees in Middlesex County and in Middletown including Middletown Youth Services Bureau, Commission on the Arts, Middlesex United Way and the North End Action Team.

Renee Johnson-Thornton has been appointed to the position of dean of diversity and student engagement. She will focus on student issues campus-wide, manage the Dwight Green Interns, WesDEF and other student lead initiatives. She will continue in her role as associate coordinator for Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program. Johnson-Thornton has been with Wesleyan since 1998 and has served as associate director of the McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program, assistant to the dean of the college, assistant dean of the Student Academic Resource Network (SARN), and associate coordinator of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program. She earned her B.A. in English and African American Studies from Binghamton University, SUNY, M.A in liberal studies from Wesleyan University, and Ph.D (ABD) in education from the University of Rhode Island. Johnson-Thornton also is a board member of the Middletown School Board of Education.

The following recent Wesleyan employees have announced their retirement:

Carol Kosloski, Rosalind Eastaway, Rene Rinaldi, David Boule, Lisa Davis, Dianna Dozier, Linda Secord, Jane Tozer and Janice Guarino. Alan Nathanson will retire on July 17.

Patti Klecha-Porter, head coach of field hockey, assistant women's squash coach, director of the Wesleyan Adult Fitness Program, will be umpiring during the World Cup women's lacrosse championships in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Bill Welsh)

By Brian Katten, sports information director

Q: We understand that you will be umpiring during the World Cup women’s lacrosse championships in Prague, Czech Republic in June. How did this opportunity come about?

A: The World Cup is every four years. I have been at the last two World Cups representing the U.S. as an umpire in 2001 and 2005. U.S. umpires must apply and are ranked within our country. The number-one ranked umpire is an automatic umpire for the World Cup. This year, that’s me. Each country submits their candidates. A committee of IFL (International Federation Lacrosse) makes the final decision.

Q: How long have you been umpiring women’s lacrosse? Where and how did your interest start?

A: After playing collegiate field hockey and lacrosse (at Ithaca College) I joined a lacrosse club called Hampshire. We played on Sundays and umpired our own games. I have been umpiring since 1985, received my district rating (college umpiring) in 1987, my national rating in 1991 and my International rating in 1997.

Q: You have done numerous NCAA tournament games, including this year’s NCAA Division III championship between Franklin & Marshall and Salisbury. Can you identify some of your more memorable experiences as an umpire?

A: I have been very fortunate to umpire some incredible games. The most memorable games have been the contests that are played so tightly. Everything is there – speed, power, quickness, precision passing, tight defense, and the match up of players is right on. These games leave everyone on an incredible emotion after the contest. I have seen them at all levels, high school, college and international.

Q: You were a very successful two-sport athlete at Ithaca College, you have been head coach of field hockey at Wesleyan since 1985 and you umpire women’s lacrosse. Can you describe how you derive satisfaction from the different venues?

A: I love to compete. As a coach I can see the hard work players put in at practice to compete as a whole. There success is due to the effort and concentration it takes to win. I thrive on improvement from our players and see them use their skills under pressure wisely. My role as a coach is to prepare our team for the contest, make practice more difficult than a game, rehearse special plays. On game day, I like to play to our teams strengths and find our opponents weakness. Nothing is better then calling a corner play and the team executes it to perfection. I also want our players to respect the game, play with passion and play all out.

When I umpire I appreciate the athlete who is strong, balanced, skilled and respectful of the rules. When I umpire I enjoy the run, the ability to anticipate where the pass is going next, where I can go to get in the best position to call the game. Just like coaching I analyze every game and go over it to improve for the next game.

I hold a level II field hockey rating (collegiate) and push our players to be knowledgeable about the rules. In both areas I push our athletes to consider coaching and umpiring!

Q: You also coordinate local umpiring of girls high-school lacrosse, don’t you? Please tell us about your activity in that area?

A: I am the Chair for the CWLOA and I am in charge of the umpires in Connecticut. I teach new umpires, refresh veteran umpires and then train advance umpires for collegiate level. I serve as the rule interpreter for Conn.

Q: You have three children and a husband who works in the West Hartford school district. Tell us a little about them. Do they ever get to make these international excursions with you?

A: I can not thank my family enough. I have been so fortunate to be able to umpire in the off season. Sometimes we have taken a family trip in which I am dropped off to umpire for the day, the family meets up with me later, and off we go to a night event. In Canada the family went to the zoo all day, I umpired and then we went to the Toronto Blue Jays game at night.

Our oldest Nathan is attending Ithaca College, majoring in physics and is into Triathlalons. Andrew a junior in high school and plays baseball. Our daughter Logan is an eighth grader. She enjoys softball. My husband Scott is the music director at Conard High School and has taken several tours with his jazz band. We share tour ideas, and fundraising. We all look forward to the summer for family time.

Q: With so much going on in your life around athletics, do you have time for any hobbies? If so, what attracts your attention?

A: I do enjoy gardening and bass fishing. Growing up on a dairy farm that still is in operation today I tend to still see if I can throw the bales of hay, pick fruit and milk! The country life recharges me every visit.

Diane Kischell will miss playing with the children at NPS.

For 25 years, Diane Kischell has cared for the children of dozens of Wesleyan employees and Middletown community members.

This month, Kischell, director and head teacher at the Wesleyan-affiliated Neighborhood Preschool (NPS), is retiring. She started at NPS in 1983.

“Diane’s teaching, mentorship and commitment have guided the Neighborhood Preschool, fostering a school where children can be themselves and where they develop a firm foundation of self-esteem and communication skills that sustain them as they grow,” says Suzanna Tamminen, director of Wesleyan University Press and mother of Hugh Barrett NPS ‘07, Fiona Barrett NPS ‘08 and Silas Barrett NPS ‘12.

Ana Perez-Girones, adjunct professor of romance languages and literatures, left her daughter, Hanna Westby NPS ‘06, in Kischell’s care for four years. Perez-Girones admired that Kischell would sit on the floor with the children, making herself approachable, while providing direction.

“What I loved about Diane’s approach to the kids was that it was so no-nonsense. She was direct, firm but not harsh, and she talked to the children as respectable people, young but smart,” Perez-Girones says. “Hanna was truly happy and secure there, and that place felt like home. If only every kid could go to daycare at a place like NPS, and with someone like Diane.”

Tamminen says she and fellow parents have relied on Kischell’s good nature, deep knowledge and steadfast practicality. Through her teaching and her extraordinary leadership at NPS, Kischell has made a profound difference in the lives of many families in the local community.

Kischell looks forward to spending more time with her own family, especially her new grandson, and to exploring new hobbies. Her favorite activity has been and remains playing with children.

Jody Viswanathan, library assistant in World Music Archives, put her child, Kerey NPS ‘92 in the care of Kischell in 1989. They’ve remained close friends ever since. Viswanathan admires Kischell as both a gifted teacher and as a specialist in early childhood development.

“Beneath that wonderful, unassuming, unaffected person who gets right down on the floor with the kids is a tremendously insightful,intuitive, well-trained, well-read, incredibly astute person,” Viswanathan says. “There’s only one Diane — and being the one and only, she’s an unbelievably hard act to follow.”

A potluck retirement party will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 12 at 115 High Street. Letters also can be written to Diane c/o NPS, 115 High Street, Middletown, CT 06457.

The following faculty members retired from Wesleyan University in May 2009. Their names, positions at Wesleyan, and Ph.D/D.Phil institutions are below:

ANTHONY ANIELLO INFANTE
Professor of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (1984–2009)
Professor of Biology (1978–1984)
Associate Professor of Biology (1972–1978)
Assistant Professor of Biology (1967–1972)
Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

PETER KILBY
Professor of Economics (1976–2009)
Associate Professor of Economics (1970–1976)
Assistant Professor of Economics (1965–1970)
D.Phil., Oxford University

R. LINCOLN KEISER
Professor of Anthropology (1990–2009)
Associate Professor of Anthropology (1977–1990)
Assistant Professor of Anthropology (1972–1977)
Ph.D., University of Rochester

ÁKOS ÖSTÖR
Professor of Anthropology (1988–2009)
Ph.D., University of Chicago

JOHN T. PAOLETTI
William R. Kenan Professor in the Humanities (2005–2009)
Professor of Art History (1980–2009)
Associate Professor of Art History (1972–1980)
Ph.D., Yale University

ROBERT J. ROLLEFSON
Professor of Physics (1986–2009)
Associate Professor of Physics (1980–1986)
Assistant Professor of Physics (1973–1980)
Ph.D., Cornell University

GAY SMITH
Professor of Theater (1997–2008)
Associate Professor of Theater (1989–1997)
Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles

ALFRED TURCO
Professor of English (1980–2009)
Associate Professor of English (1974–1980)
Assistant Professor of English (1969–1974)
Instructor in English (1967–1969)
Ph.D., Harvard University

Wendy Norton, a cashier for Bon Appétit Management Co., sets up pastry and dessert trays before the breakfast and lunch crowd.

Q: Wendy, how many years have you worked at Wesleyan?

A: I’ve worked at Wesleyan 10-and-a-half years. I started at WesShop and worked there two years. I’ve also worked at Summerfields, a half year at MoConn and a half year the Davenport Campus Center in food prep. I’ve worked here at Usdan in The Martketplace since it opened two years ago. Summerfields had a very homey atmosphere, but the best part about working here in Usdan is that I get to meet more students.

Q: What hours do you work?

A: I’m here 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Monday through Friday during the academic year, and I work some nights when we cater events. In the morning, I help set up pastries. Breakfast opens at 8 a.m. and ends at 10:30 a.m. Then I help set up desserts for lunch. Our bakers, Mike and Dennis, make amazing desserts. They make everything fresh the night before.

Q: Why do you like coming to work every day?

A: I like to see the students. They make me happy with their smiling faces and big hugs.

Q: Do you get to know the students on an individual basis?

A: Yes. I enjoy getting to know them. I learn about their classes, their families and where they are from. And now, because of Facebook, I can keep in touch with them easier after they graduate.

Q: Speaking of, there is a “Wes Loves Wendy” fan club on Facebook, 103-members strong.

A: That’s what I’ve heard.

Q: What do meals cost in The Marketplace?

A: Breakfast is $5.50, lunch is $7.99 and dinner is $9.25. It’s all buffet style and students can use their meal plans or pay with “points.”

Q: Do you eat any meals here at the Marketplace?

A: Yes. I loved the baked goods, the pizza and the Mongolian grill. That’s also a favorite of the students.

Q: Do you attend any Wesleyan related events?

A: Yes. If a student asks me to attend their dance recital or sports event, I will go. I’ve been to many football, baseball and lacrosse games. I love going to the games to support the Wesleyan Cardinals. I also love the a cappella and choir groups here, like the Wesleyan Spirits, New Group and Quasimodal.

Q: Where are you from and where do you live now?

A: I was born in Greenwich and grew up in Cos Cob, Conn. Now I live in Durham with my husband, Ken, and my three children, Amanda, 18, and twin sons, Jay and Brandon, 16. The boys keep me very busy. I’m always driving them to track meets, baseball and basketball games. Amanda also works for Bon Appétit

Q: You were recently honored as a 2009 Morgenstern-Clarren Social Justice Employee Prize winner, created in memory of Peter Morgenstern-Clarren ‘03 who pursued social justice while a student at Wesleyan. How did that make you feel?

A: I couldn’t believe it. I felt so honored.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: I enjoy cake decorating, taking pictures and gardening. Well, I shouldn’t say gardening. I don’t have a green thumb at all. But I’m pretty good at pulling weeds.

Amy Walsh, assistant director of employee benefits, says offering an attractive benefits package is an excellent retention tool.

Q: Amy, you were hired as the assistant director of employee benefits in Human Resources on April 13. What attracted you to the position?

A: Being in a position where I can work directly with people and help them is so important to me. That is what I love about the Human Resources field. I feel that as an HR staff member, the first step is to be an advocate and a true resource for the employees. From a benefits perspective, many folks come to Human Resources confused and needing clarification on specific benefit plans. It’s so important for employees to understand what is covered and how to access various services. I feel privileged to be able to help in this capacity.

Q: Does your office oversee both staff and faculty benefits?

A: Yes, we do oversee benefits for all employees, including staff and faculty. Offering an attractive benefits package is a wonderful retention tool. When an organization offers quality benefits, it shows a commitment to and an investment in its employees.

Q: What are typical questions employees ask about their benefits?

A: The majority of questions are focused mainly on benefit eligibility, claims and understanding specific plan coverage details.

Q: Where is your office located and how to you prefer people contact you?

A: We are at 212 College Street. Anyone should feel free to stop by, call or email.

Q: How do you spend most of your time?

A: My days can be varied. Many folks stop by here in person, I also speak with them on the phone and email. I plan on attending various meetings on campus to meet more of the Wesleyan employees.

Q: How are things going so far?

A: Things are going great. I have been enjoying meeting people and learning more about Wesleyan and what my role will be here.

Q: Where did you attend college and what did you major in?

A: I graduated from Eastern Nazarene College in the Boston and majored in Social Work. I worked in the non-profit world before getting into Human Resources which gave me a wonderful foundation for my career. Being able to work with diverse groups in different capacities was a great life opportunity and taught me so much.

Q: Where do you live, and do you have family?

A: I live in Southington with my husband, Bruce and my son, Grayson. Grayson is 9 months old so I do not have a lot of time for hobbies! I enjoy spending as much time as possible with him and my husband when I am not working. He is such a wonderful addition to our lives.

Q: Anything else you would like to say about working at Wesleyan so far?

A: I am looking forward to meeting more of the Wesleyan faculty and staff. Everyone I have met so far has been so nice and welcoming. I am really excited to be here.

A university center cashier and an electrician are the co-recipients of a new social justice employee award.

Wendy Norton, a cashier for Bon Appétit, received a Peter Morgenstern-Clarren '03 Prize.

Wendy Norton, a cashier for Bon Appétit, and Ron Bowman, a journeyman electrician for Physical Plant – Facilities, are the 2009 Morgenstern-Clarren Social Justice Employee Prize winners. The award was created in memory of Peter Morgenstern-Clarren ‘03 who pursued social justice while a student at Wesleyan.

The awards were announced April 1 by interim awards coordinator Marina Melendez, associate dean/class dean of 2010. Eligible employees included custodians, dining staff, grounds crew, and building maintenance staff.

Norton is celebrating her 10th year working at Wesleyan, nine of which she has been a cashier. She’s worked in WesShop and Summerfields, and currently tends the second-floor Marketplace inside Usdan University Center.

“I love being a cashier because I get to spend all day meeting with wonderful students,” she says. “I love getting to know them and their smiles and kind remarks keep me going all day.”

According to one nomination letter, Norton “is a mother to these students when they are so far away from home. She knows them by name, she hugs them if they need a hug. She asks how their day is going, or how their classes are. She makes every student that enters the Usdan dining area feel important.”

Another letter cited Norton’s love for the university. “Aside from the cafeteria crowd, Wendy has spent countless hours working special events all while representing Wesleyan’s high level of taste. Wendy is a valuable employee who speaks highly about Wesleyan University.”

Electrician Ronnie Bowman also received the employee prize.

Bowman began his career at Wesleyan in January 2000 after working as an electrician for 25 years.

“I always try to build a rapport with the students by talking with them about where they are from, their family, and their experience as students at the university,” Bowman says. “I enjoy the opportunity to learn about the diversities that make the students at Wesleyan so interesting.”

A staff member applauded Bowman’s flexibility above and beyond his job description.

“I have seen him on many occasions switch gears to support the needs of others,” the nomination letter says. “I have known him to become teary-eyed when telling me a story about a student who was hurting or in trouble – especially since in his role, the level of help he could offer was limited. He wants our world to be a better place and works hard each day to make a difference wherever he finds himself.”

Bowman, who also serves as the pastor of Seedtime and Harvest Ministries in Bloomfield, Conn., always leaves a card behind in every student room he services. They read “I am blessed to have served you today. Have a blessed day.”

“I really enjoy serving others. I am very grateful to be recognized for the Morgenstern-Claren Award and hope that my presence on the Wesleyan campus will continue to be a positive impact on others,” he says.

Morgenstern-Clarren’s activism included securing benefits for Wesleyan custodial staff, participating in the United Student and Labor Action Committee, and contributing his leadership to the campus chapter of Amnesty International. Peter’s parents, Dr. Hadley Morgenstern-Clarren and the honorable Pat Morgenstern-Clarren of Shaker Heights, Ohio, are sponsoring this award that honors their son’s activism for the public good.

Nominations for the award required an essay from a faculty, staff or student that explains how the selected employee is one who has contributed to student success and life at Wesleyan.

The recipients will receive a $1,500 award.

“Because this is the first year, the committee decided to split the financial gift between the recipients,” Melendez, associate dean/class dean of 2010. “The committee felt that both Ron and Wendy are very worthy of this honor.”

Karen Anderson was promoted to associate provost on April 20. Anderson served as associate dean of Continuing Studies and director of the Graduate Liberal Studies Program since 2006, and has been at Wesleyan since 2002. She earned her MA and Ph.D from the University of Chicago, where she studied the history of religions, specializing in Hinduism and Sanskrit literature. Before coming to Wesleyan, she directed the annual conferences of the American Theological Library Association, and taught at DePaul University and the University of Chicago’s Graham School of General Studies. She has also taught four GLSP courses.

At the GLSP, Anderson has been responsible for developing the curriculum, recruiting faculty, managing student services, and incorporating new technologies. She has worked closely with faculty to enhance the curricular offerings and to revise the requirements for graduation.

“I am delighted that she will join the Academic Affairs staff in this important position, and I am very grateful to the many colleagues who participated in the interview process and provided invaluable feedback,” says Joe Bruno, vice president for Academic Affairs and provost.

Sheryl Culotta, who has been the GLSP’s associate director for academic services, became interim director of the Graduate Liberal Studies Program on April 20. Sheryl earned her BA degree from Colgate University and her JD from the University of California Hastings College of Law. She brings to Wesleyan three years of experience at Stanford University’s Master of Liberal Arts program, where she was assistant director. In her four years at Wesleyan, Culotta has been responsible for managing curricular logistics, student advising, the enrollment process, and all student policies and procedures. She is currently leading the process of improving the online enrollment system.