Alumni Class Notes / Archive

Nicole Santoro '23

After graduating CCSU in May 2023, Nicole went on to pursue a masters degree (also from CCSU) in Counselor Education with a specialization in Student Development in Higher Education. She says her time at CCSU really shaped her career path as she wasn’t really sure what she wanted to do prior. She hopes to come back and work for CCSU one day and help students along their higher education journey, just as others did for her.

Eric Burns '21

In 2024 Eric started a new job as an implementation specialist at Trinnex in Texas.

Bessie Fong '17

Bessie started her own video media production company. Bessie Fong Productions which offers full production services.

bessiefong.com

Bethany Grupp '15

Bethany was featured in Granby Living Magazine in 2024 spotlighting how she is helping people in Ghana and staying rooted to her hometown of Granby, CT.

Harrison Katz '12

Harrison started a new position as Director of Global Product Placement at Sun Chemical.

Ben Martino '11

Ben started a new position as a Cost Accountant at Gemma Power Supply.

Cory Rogers '20

In December 2023, Cory graduated with an MBA from Johns Hopkins University's Carey School of Business. In August 2024, he joined a STEM doctoral program at Southern Connecticut State University. In August 2024, he accepted an adjunct faculty role in School of Business at Central.

Jane Hikel '90

Jane published a memoir, Monkey Boulevard, (Ingram Press 2023). Her childhood was informed by the weight of history and her parents' survival as Polish forced laborers under the Nazi regime. As displaced persons after World War II, they settled in Ville Emard, a multi-ethnic borough of Montreal where her journey as a five-year-old began. This is the story of an immigrant's journey with its sense of dislocation and collision with new languages and culture that is survived with curiosity and humor.

Clifford Snow '93

Congratulations to Clifford who was inducted into the Bristol (CT) Sports Hall of Fame in November 2024 for many years of service as a Football Coach (1983-1994 High School, 1995-1998 College) and Athletic Administrator (1999-2018 Director of Football Operations at six Division 1 Universities).

Kelly Theriault '93

Kelly Kalat Theriault was chosen as Canton Public Schools 2024-2025 teacher of the year. Kelly has taught kindergarten at Cherry Brook Elementary School for the past 17 years.

Ryan Budd '15

Ryan Budd has accepted a position as the Head Men's and Women's Cross Country and Men's and Women's Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Coach at Western Connecticut Stae University.

“The Glass Menagerie”

An Extra Special Reunion of “The Glass Menagerie” cast 54 years after performing together in the Torp Theater at Central.

From left to right – Bill Brimmer, Linda DeRose Carlson ’71, Chris Holstgrubbe Napolitan ’68 and Ron Piretti got together in Hopewell Junction, NY to enjoy a Reunion.

Donna Bushka '83

Donna Bushka began her career at United Technologies (UTC), primarily working in the aerospace industry. She spent over a decade at Hamilton Standard, traveling across Asia to support field representatives and airline customers, before moving to Pratt & Whitney to manage international spare parts orders. After also working at Carrier in Contracts/Accounting, she took early retirement post-COVID a

Matt Friedman '84

Matt Friedman has spent the past 35 years living and working in Asia, dedicated to combating human trafficking. His latest book, Awakening the Advocate: Memoirs of a Modern Slavery Activist, released by Penguin Random House, builds on his previous work and shares over 100 stories highlighting modern slavery, his personal journey, and ways to drive change, with all proceeds supporting anti-trafficking efforts.

Lesbia Nieves '92

She was one of 14 veterans selected for the 20th class of honorees for induction into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.

Story on CT Insider

Chris Rocheleau '85

Chris Rocheleau was named Acting FAA Administrator in January 2025. He is responsible for leading the safe and efficient operation of the largest aerospace system in the world.

FAA Profile

Barbara Budaj '05

Barbara Budaj, an assistant dean at Central Connecticut State University, has been awarded the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching by the National Science Foundation, recognizing her dedication to STEM education. Barbara has served in various teaching and leadership roles, including mathematics curriculum supervisor and principal, before joining Central in 2022. She oversees student-teacher placements, supports future educators, and teaches in the Master of Arts in Teaching program, contributing significantly to the advancement of STEM education in Connecticut!

Madison Palumbo '23

Madison Palumbo has just started a new journey as a sports and news reporter for @6NewsCTX in Waco, Texas! Madison was a double major in Journalism and Strategic Communications and captain of the NCAA DI women's lacrosse team during her time at Central.

Chuck Breiner '67

Chuck Breiner who recently retired and moved to Florida shares that he is indebted to Central for the exceptional foundation he received to prepare him for the gratifying 53 year career in teaching and leadership in public education. He was a deans list performer at Central and went on to land his first teaching job right after graduation. He says he credits his professors especially Dr. Josephine Ryan and Dr. Ralph Goodell for all of their encouragement and support. We wish Chuck the best in his retirement!

Max Arzu '17

After graduating from Central, Max went on to get his MFA in Film & Television Production at Sacred Heart University. He is currently based in Dallas, Texas and works independently as a professional photographer. He shoots all types of events, but his main focus is shooting concerts!

Raul Ortiz '16

Raul served with the Hartford Fire Department from 1999 to 2018, rising through the ranks to Deputy Fire Chief before becoming Chief of the New Britain Fire Department, a role he continues to hold. He was recently inducted into CT State Firefighters Association Hall of Fame and serves as a Commissioner on Connecticut’s Commission on Fire Prevention and Control. Ortiz has also been recognized with multiple honors, including 50 Influential Latinos in Greater Hartford, 100 Men of Color Award in 2019, and was inducted into the Bulkeley High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.

Lenard Foust '17

Lenard is a NYC-based performing artist and part-time doctoral student in Dance Education at Columbia University, with a career spanning performances with recording artists, cruise lines, a ballet company, and musical theater productions. He holds an MFA in Dance Performance and a graduate certificate in World Performance Studies from the University of Michigan, has taught at institutions including Alabama State University and the University of Michigan, and was a Fulbright Scholar in China. Currently represented by LDC Artist Representation, his research investigates how Hip Hop and Jazz practices can enhance dance education and improve the professional readiness and employability of BFA dance graduates.

Cheryl Gonzalez '99

Cheryl Gonzalez has been appointed superintendent of the Mill River Union School District in Vermont. She most recently served as principal of Frank Ward Strong Middle School in Durham, CT. She earned both a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Science in Education from Central, as well as a postgraduate degree in Educational Leadership.

Olivia Carlson '20

Olivia Carlson made history as the first graduate of the Dance Education Entrepreneurial track. In 2020 she launched the QT Bears Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to its mission to offer comfort, hope, and love to children facing crises. She is now based in Los Angeles.

Ron Farina '15

Ron has built a powerful second career as an author highlighting the sacrifices of America’s veterans. His acclaimed works, including Who Will Have My Back and Out of the Shadows, which spotlights the courage of wounded soldiers and the caregivers who support them. In recognition of his impact, Farina was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame and continues to teach and write, using storytelling to honor those who have served.

Morgan Bengel '18

Morgan Bengel '18, is a recipient of this year's state Young Preservationist Award! https://preservationct.org/2025-connecticut-preservation-awards-recipients

Christina Volpe '18 & '20

Christina Volpe '18 & '20, is a recipient of this year's state Young Preservationist Award! https://preservationct.org/2025-connecticut-preservation-awards-recipients