CCSU Alumni Reflect on their Success

Tiffany Moffo Simpson ’03, Assistant Director for Student Center Services

Central Connecticut State University

Being involved in our Student Center while in college has helped Central alumni achieve their dreams. I communicated with several of them recently, and what they say about their experience shows how important such participation is in shaping a life and preparing a student for future success.

“I participated in the process, shared ideas, and was part of something there,” said Annemarie Seifert ’95, Georgia Southern University’s associate vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.

Richard Kneece ’93, CEO, Massachusetts Technology Corporation, said the Student Center greatly impacted him. “I learned about planning, budgeting, managing people and time management.”

Eugenia “Ina” Hatziagelides BA ’89, MS ’93, guidance counselor, Moraitis School, Greece, said she honed her communication and problem solving skills while working for the Student Center. “It really built up my self confidence and my sense of responsibility,” she said. “When I later applied for work as a professional I felt that I had the experience of a true work environment behind me.”

Amanda Padua ’07, kindergarten teacher, Saint Thomas the Apostle School, said she adapted quickly to the workforce because of the skills she acquired. “Working there was a fabulous experience for me as it allowed me the opportunity to organize myself and my goals.”

Kent Hurlburt BS ’96, MS ’03 said he applies what he learned to his job as Yalesville Elementary School’s principal. “The staff teaches you life skills with an educational flare,” said Hurlburt, West Hartford Public Schools’ 2003-2004 Teacher of the Year.

Daniel Reyes ’05, social worker, Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families added, “It helped to build the foundation in my eyes that anything is achievable,”

As compared to others, “Student Center employees are better prepared” for jobs, said Mike Makoski ’03, Fitchburg State College’s assistant director of operations.

Alumni gained priceless expertise. “Experience matures you and makes you prepared for things to come,” said Karyn Ronski ’99, medical technologist II, Division of Human Genetics, Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Connecticut Health Center.

Walter Henderson ’97, who has his own chiropractic practice, Berlin, Conn., said students should “treat their experience as more than a paycheck.”

Maria Santilli BA ’04, MS ’07, CCSU’s assistant director for Student Center Operations, agreed. “Students should understand that it is more than just a job and realize the impact that they make on every student.”

As they graduate and leave their legacy, alumni encourage students to seize the moment.

“College is all about fit, opportunity and making the most of the opportunities in front of you,” said Paul Sutera BS ’97, MS ’99, Quinnipiac University’s associate vice president for development.

Hannah Daniels ’99, senior program manager, Sloan, London Business School, United Kingdom, agreed. “The University is all about helping students to maximize their opportunities.”

Alumni encourage students to develop relationships prior to graduation.

“The people I met there are good people,” said Odunayo Ogundiran ’08, component integration engineer, Sikorsky Aircraft. “I still keep in touch with them.”

Rodoula “Rose” Matsa ’06, an elementary teacher, Paphos, Cyprus, agreed. “I have many great memories, made lifetime friends and met some wonderful people.”