News & Events

Fall 2023 Academic Honors Recipients

��Ǻ�� congratulates students named to our Fall 2023 Dean’s List or Commendable Scholar List.

Financial Aid Advisor Speaks About Federal Student Loan Forgiveness

Financial Aid Advisor Kristen Mercado presented and spoke on a panel at the 58th Annual State Convention of the Connecticut NAACP, held recently at Foxwoods Resort & Casino. Mercado participated in a one-hour seminar that centered on federal student loan forgiveness, including supporting loan forgiveness to underserved populations.

��Ǻ�� Offering Fully Online Degree Completion Program

Now enrolling! Designed for students who have started—but not completed—a degree, this accelerated program offers both a 2-year (A.A.) and a 4-year (B.A.) degree. Two options are available for focused study in high-demand career tracks: (1) Business and (2) Health and Human Services.

Alum Offers Insights Into Graduate School

��Ǻ�� alumna Brittney Marcucci (’20) took time out recently from her busy schedule as a graduate student to talk to a ��Ǻ�� class about her experiences in graduate school. She offered insights into finding, applying to, and thriving in graduate school to a Graduate School and Beyond class taught by Nancy Parent, Ph.D.

Children’s Learning Center Welcomes New Director

The Children’s Learning Center at ��Ǻ�� recently welcomed Jill Fidrych as its new director. In her role, she will oversee the operations of the center and lead the staff in providing a nurturing and safe educational environment for its preschool program.

��Ǻ�� Partners with Community to Address Food Insecurity Among Students

To address food insecurity among students, ��Ǻ�� established the Mariner Market, an on-campus food pantry for students. The College increased the capacity of the market recently by joining the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center network in Southeastern Connecticut.

Students Pulling Over at ‘Academic Rest Stop’

After conversations about the increasing prevalence of mental health concerns on college campuses, Dr. Tracy Y. Espy, ��Ǻ�� president, and Dr. Betsy Beaulieu, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, sought to create a quiet place for students to decompress and feel welcome on campus.

Ventresca Named Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach

Kristin Ventresca has been named the next head coach of the ��Ǻ�� women’s lacrosse team, as announced recently by Director of Athletics Matt Finlayson. Ventresca will make her collegiate head coaching debut for the Mariners, who posted a 3-9 record in 2023, the most wins for the program since 2018.

Award-Winning Journalist to Record Podcast with Students

Award-winning journalist Julio Ricardo Varela will produce a “Latino Rebels Radio” podcast focused on neuro-inclusivity, belonging, and radical hospitality as a social justice movement in conversation with ��Ǻ�� students on Fri., Sept. 22, 1–2:30 p.m. in the Weller Center at ��Ǻ��. The public is invited to attend.

��Ǻ�� Welcomes Four New Faculty

��Ǻ�� announces four new full-time faculty members for the Academic Year 2023-2024 in the areas of criminal justice, science, sport management, and communication: Dr. Timothy Daty, assistant professor of criminal justice; Christy Dukehart, visiting assistant professor of sport management; Dr. Richard W. Sanders, associate professor of chemistry; and Michael H. Stoner, visiting instructor of communication.

Kishorn Joins ��Ǻ�� as Associate Athletic Director

The ��Ǻ�� Department of Athletics is happy to announce the recent hiring of Ashley “Stick” Kishorn as Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator.