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from Central Connecticut State University
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Media contact: Bart Fisher, Associate Director of Marketing and Communications
(860) 832-1624; Fisherb@ccsu.edu 
 

Four CCSU Students Receive Barnard Awards

NEW BRITAIN (April25, 2008) Four CCSU students with distinguished academic records and exceptional leadership qualities were honored recently with the Connecticut State University Henry Barnard Foundation Award. They are: Katelyn Marie Ferranti, a biomolecular sciences and mathematics major; Allison Godbout, an elementary education major with a concentration in mathematics; Lara Jane Kaplan, a psychology major and sociology minor, of Madison; and Ryne Nutt, an accounting major and criminal justice minor. 

In all, 12 recipients were named for the award from Central, Eastern, Southern and Western Connecticut State Universities. The recipients were selected for their academic and leadership qualities from among the more than 4,000 CSU students who receive bachelor's degrees during the 2007-2008 academic year. To be eligible, graduating seniors must have attained a grade point average of at least 3.7, while demonstrating an outstanding record of volunteer service. The award ceremony took place on April 22 at the Aqua Turf in Southington. 

Katelyn Marie Ferranti of Manchester is a biomolecular sciences and mathematics major at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) with a 3.90 GPA. A tutor at The Learning Center at CCSU, Ferranti tutors students in pre-algebra through Calculus 3. As a student teacher and project manager in CCSU’s “Partners in Science” and “Great Explorations” outreach programs, and a math and science tutor at Bulkeley High School in Hartford, Ferranti reaches out to middle and high school students, helping expose them to the wonders of science. She has also conducted cardiac fibroblast and cardiac myocyte research at CCSU and made a poster presentation at the 61st Annual Eastern Colleges Science Conference at the College of Mount St. Vincent. Ferranti also serves as president of the Biology Club.

Allison Godbout of Bristol will graduate from Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) in May as an elementary education major with a concentration in mathematics. She currently has a 3.87 GPA and has been on the Dean’s List each semester. She is treasurer of both Kappa Delta Pi and Alpha Upsilon Alpha, a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society and has been active with the Nutmeg Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. She has taught K-5 and special education in Avon, Bristol, Hartford, and New Britain. She spearheaded an effort for New Britain Social Services to raise money to purchase school supplies for children.  

Lara Jane Kaplan of Madison is a psychology major and sociology minor at Central Con­necticut State University (CCSU) with a 3.78 GPA. Her many accomplishments include earning the Honorary Undergraduate Scholar Award from the New England Psychological Association, the CCSU Department of Psy­chology Outstanding Research Award and the CCSU Department of Psychology Academic Excellence Award. She has also served as a member of Psi Chi, the National Honor So­ciety in Psychology, the Golden Key International Honour Society, National Honors Society and CCSU Honors Program. Kaplan has been a member of Best Buddies, working with adults with mental disabilities and mentored New Britain students through Nutmeg Big Brothers/Big Sisters. 

Ryne Nutt, originally from Ohio, now lives in New Britain. He is an accounting major and criminal justice minor at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) where he will gradu­ate in May. He currently has a 3.97 GPA and was on the Dean’s List each semester. He has been honored as ESPN The Magazine’s Aca­demic All-American, named to the CoSIDA ESPN The Magazine’s Academic All-District Football Team, received College Sporting News Mid-Major All-American honors and named to the All New England Football Team. He also earned the prestigious 62nd Annual Nils V. “Swede” Nelson Award by the Gridiron Club of Greater Boston. In addition, he has earned the Accounting Department Outstanding Senior Award and the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants Scholarship. Nutt is a member of Delta Mu Delta, the CCSU Accounting Society, and was co-captain of the CCSU Football team.

The Henry Barnard Foundation was established in 1983 as the private development foundation of the CSU system. Barnard scholars receive an engraved crystal book award and a check for $250 from the CSU System Foundation.

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