University of Connecticut officials pledged to increase the school’s outreach to greater New Haven area alumni at a recent event held in the Elm City.
About 70 UConn alumni, in attendance at the New Haven Lawn Club, came away impressed and energized after hearing the school’s president and the leader of UConn’s top scholarship, fundraising and alumni engagement organization talk up the university’s resume.
Alexander Babbidge, president of Babbidge Construction Co. in New Haven and who also received his MBA in business from UConn in 1999, came to the Sept. 24th event because he had never met UConn President Susan Herbst before. Herbst was in New Haven as part of her continuing National Series talks.
“She’s very impressive,” said Babbidge, who earned his undergraduate degree at Yale University in New Haven in 1986s. “I think UConn is headed in a great direction. She and Josh Newton [president and CEO of the UConn Foundation] bring a sense of passion that gets everyone excited about the future at UConn.”
Babbidge said his daughter is currently a senior at North Haven High School “and UConn is certainly a college that we’d love to consider” for her to attend next year.
UConn alumni first watched a film highlighting achievements over the past few years—from being ranked in the top 25 public universities in the country to its winning of national basketball championships—and then chatted with the president about the school.
“We’ve got a lot to brag about,” said Herbst. “We got hammered with applications this past year—more than 35,000—for a freshman class of about 5,200 (on all UConn campuses, including Storrs).”
Herbst added, “We are a comprehensive university. We have more and more international students. We’ve truly become global in our reach.” Additionally, Herbst said: “Our faculty is top-notch, laser-focused on our students.”
She continued that UConn enjoys the support of the state’s biggest cheerleader—Governor Dannel P. Malloy. “He is our advocate, especially when it comes to the type of growing research and economic development work that is happening at UConn.”
Herbst did caution, however, “We still do have our challenges, especially when it comes to funding.”
“Philanthropy is our future,” said UConn’s president. “Holding onto state funding is certainly not a given. That’s why the UConn Foundation work is so important.”
Newton said one of the goals of the Foundation “is to strengthen our alumni outreach.”
“You are going to see us more in New Haven, in Fairfield County, in Hartford,” continued Newton. “This is not a one-time visit.”
Katrice Sponzo, Assistant Director of Alumni Chapters & Networks at UConn, echoed Newton’s words: “We need to make New Haven a stronger network,” she said. She added that about a dozen New Haven area UConn alumni have expressed an interest in being “more involved” in UConn activities.
“My plan is to follow up with this group and host an open meeting in the next couple weeks to discuss expanding engagement opportunities for our alums and develop a volunteer advisory committee to aide in these efforts.”
In November, two other UConn National Series events are planned—one hosted by Michael Cantor of the law offices of Cantor Colburn LLP, and a UConn Foundation Board member, in Atlanta. Later that month an alumni event is planned in Baltimore, featuring Dr. Bruce Liang, Dean of the UConn School of Medicine.
UConn’s student-athletes are often lauded for their on-field achievements, but there’s an equally important—often unseen—dimension to the student-athlete.
UConn Today is publishing a series of profiles to highlight the academic prowess of these student-athletes.
Learn more about UConn Women’s Soccer goalkeeper Emily Armstrong ’16 (NEAG), who is studying elementary education with a focus in math.
Nicknamed “Kamikaze Friend Maker” by her mother because of her innate ability to make friends very easily at a young age, little did Montique Cotton Kelly, executive director of the UConn Alumni Association (UCAA) and UConn’s assistant vice president for alumni relations, realize that this attribute would one day serve her well. Called “Mo” by her family, friends, and colleagues, Cotton Kelly took the helm of the Alumni Association on June 13, 2014, after having served 18 years in various leadership positions at her alma mater, Bowling Green State University, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Cotton Kelly credits her military roots and tight-knit family for her success in alumni relations. Her father, who was in the U.S. Air Force, traveled frequently. Born in Canton, Ohio, the youngest of three children, she and her siblings lived on a couple of military bases. She recalls having attended many schools. By the time she graduated from high school in 1990, she had attended 13―three of them in Wisconsin. Cotton Kelly considers this a blessing, citing that it helped define part of her personality. She feels that her knack to establish friendships quickly is an integral part of alumni relations. She and her husband, James, have a son, Lincoln (7), and daughter, Kenya (3).
Cotton Kelly shares her journey from being a Falcon to a Husky, her vision for the Alumni Association, and what she’s most passionate about.
You are a Bowling Green State University (BGSU) alumna and worked there for 18 years. What attracted you to the executive director position of the Alumni Association?
I had lived in Connecticut from 1994 to 1996 and was familiar with what UConn had achieved academically. An executive search firm called regarding the position and I was flattered. I informed them twice that I couldn’t investigate it at the time. There was a lot going on at BGSU, and I couldn’t pursue the role until football season ended.
UConn is an incredible institution. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of it? The position was an obvious next step for me professionally. I knew that I could evolve the UCAA and work strategically to engage alumni and show what a unified front can do.
Mo Cotton Kelly and her family in the Husky Plaza at the Alumni Center (from left to right): Mo’s husband, James, daughter Kenya, Mo, son Lincoln, and mother Brenda. (Photo/Josh Proulx)
You’ve been in your current position for seven months. What are your immediate priorities?
I’m reviewing staffing, budget, and goals that were established before I arrived. I’m looking at our membership-dues model, wanting to make it inclusive. I’m also reviewing how we’re communicating with alumni. I would like to do more data mining. I think it’s critical for harnessing new names. I’m also aligning our goals with the University’s, making sure that we’re in synch with each other. I underestimated the amount of decentralization on campus and would like to make it look like we’re one institution. Whether you’re from the Neag School of Education or the School of Dental Medicine, it’s one pipeline, one UConn.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
I love meeting our alumni and getting to know our alumni base and my colleagues. Everyone has been very welcoming and so willing to help. I enjoy sharing the great things about UConn―from its great history and traditions to the master plan of our campus. The UCAA should be the happiest place in the world and a conduit of all good things happening.
What are some of the challenges you’re facing?
One of the challenges is how to better engage our more than 223,000 alumni worldwide and get their support. We have many ways for our alumni to be engaged, from networking events to career resources. However, the challenge is how to work together as a community. Last October, we launched two new signature events: Huskies Forever Weekend, which was attended by more than 1,600 alumni and friends, and An Evening with Champions, a sold-out event attended by more than 425 people that raised money for UConn student scholarships. Both events showcased what a unified UConn can achieve.
Another challenge is the decentralization of all alumni services on campus. It’s a big animal and communication will play a critical role in this. We need to bring people to the table to represent one UConn and change the culture from exclusion to inclusion. I’m also revamping our membership model.
I’d like to build a stronger reunion programming at UConn. Last, but not least, how do we define engagement and how do we reuse it? I’d like to develop metrics on how to measure engagement success.
How are you further engaging UConn alumni?
Mo Cotton Kelly emceeing the inaugural 5K Run/Walk at Huskies Forever Weekend on Oct. 26, 2014, in Storrs. (Photo/Julia Chianelli)
We have many ways to get alumni engaged. If athletics is their thing, get them to sports events. If academics is their thing, get them to a poetry reading. President Susan Herbst is engaging alumni through our Presidential National Series events. This is the first time that we’ve had our president out on the road, meeting alumni. The fact that she’s willing to travel to Texas, Florida, and California as well as around our state, speaks volumes, and the post-event surveys indicate that our alumni enjoy seeing her and hearing her vantage point.
There’s no difference between UConn and BGSU alumni. No matter where you are, wherever you find alums—they love their institution. We have rabid UConn alumni. I want to engage our alumni locally—whether they’re in Connecticut, Boston, or New York—and let them know that the Alumni Association is here to help them stay connected with the University and other alumni. I’d like to help them stay engaged and spread that engagement.
The UCAA is also working with students on campus. We cannot have engagement or traditions without them. I want our students to know that the UCAA is not only here in the present but also after they graduate, and that they’re an alum from Day One.
We’re also working with such affinity groups as the UConn Alumni Marching Band, our Greek organizations, and Cultural Centers. They’re gravitating toward a shared experience at UConn. I want to bring our alumni and students together. It’s not the year you graduated, but the affinity that’s just as important. I want to help alumni relive their moments and see the changes on campus while helping students create memories.
How do you envision the future of the Alumni Association?
I envision the UCAA to be a more inclusive organization. I want to evolve the existing culture and make it more integrated into the fabric of our University. Currently, we’re a patchwork quilt that’s not part of a seam. We need to be a seamless operation—one UConn—and we’re on our way. The alumni relations world is a people business and we need to continue to deliver great customer service to our graduates. I want to get our alumni reenergized and excited about their alma mater.
Mo Cotton Kelly with (from left to right) Josh Newton, president of the UConn Foundation, UConn President Susan Herbst, and Dan Toscano ’87 (BUS) at the Presidential National Series event on Sept. 18, 2014, in Westport, Conn. (Photo/Defining Photo)
What do you want alumni to know about you?
I want alumni to know that I’m very family-oriented. I love my children and husband. My mom lives with me, and I’m fortunate to have a supportive family unit. My family helps me be a better person. My husband gave up his job to relocate to Connecticut. Everybody was all in, and it made the decision to leave my beloved alma mater easier. I had to make some sacrifices, but I can’t have it all. I work for work-life harmony not work-life balance. If you strive for harmony, you’ll be a healthier person.
I’m also passionate about my friends. I’m a very social person, so you’ll always see me talking with students and staff. I’ll always make time for an alum, staff member, and friend. I believe that when alums travel from Connecticut or California, it’s important to spend a few minutes with them to say thank you. I want them to know that UConn is their home and that our doors are always open for them. Always spend time with an alum who wants to spend time with you. I’m also a rabid Huskies athletics fan.
There’s a renaissance taking place at UConn. The sky’s the limit, and I love being a part of a sky’s-the-limit organization. One of my goals is to make UConn one of the best institutions in America. The UCAA is part of a spoke in the wheel―and together, we can make it happen.
Editor’s note: Stay connected with Mo on her monthly blog.
The UConn Foundation has received a $1.5 million commitment that will help students majoring in political science or a business discipline pay for college.
Alumnus Richard Minoff ’75 has bequeathed the scholarship funds for students in those majors. The gift will be evenly split between the political science department and the School of Business, helping students well into the future.
“Richard’s generous gift will help business focused students to afford a UConn education and, once here, to concentrate on their studies, not their finances. We are tremendously grateful for his bequest,” says John A. Elliott, dean of the School of Business.
The donation is one of the latest to the Foundation’s Transform Lives scholarship initiative, which aims to raise $150 million, effectively doubling the amount available for scholarships and student support.
The gift will help students like Katie Cavanaugh ’17, who is actually double majoring in both political science and management information systems. Cavanaugh, 20, of South Windsor, says financial aid allows her to do business internships and research and has given her parents some financial relief.
“Having that funding has made UConn a gift for me and my family and has taken the burden off them,” she says.
Jeremy Teitelbaum, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, says the planned gift will help many like Cavanaugh.
“With more than 600 undergraduate majors, political science is one of the most popular programs of study at UConn. For many of these aspiring public servants, Mr. Minoff’s gift will make earning an excellent political science education financially possible,” Teitelbaum says.
Minoff, a successful pharmaceutical marketing and brand executive from Lansdale, Pa., majored in political science at UConn and went on to business school at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. Amazingly, he was able to finish both college and business school combined in 3.5 years.
As he looks back on his career, Minoff says he realizes that his education at the University of Connecticut has been the foundation for his success. He has fond memories of influential professors who stoked his desire to learn both at the Storrs campus and the Stamford branch. He says his liberal arts education at UConn gave him a strong foundation that has taken him far around the world.
“I do believe strongly in a liberal arts education,” he says. “I believe one of the reasons I’ve been able to do so well globally is my knowledge of art, of philosophy, of history and politics, and even astronomy. Really, it’s being well-rounded and being taught to think critically, to think broadly–that was originally nurtured at UConn. I’m fortunate if I can help other people move forward to develop their skills in these areas.”
UConn Foundation President and CEO Joshua R. Newton thanked Minoff for his gift.
“His generous bequest is critical to our goal of providing more scholarship aid to UConn students,” Newton says.
After graduating UConn, at age 23, Minoff briefly worked as a fulltime college professor at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania but says he quickly realized he could not live on an $11,200 salary. He then took a job working for Mobil Oil in New Orleans. When the company asked him to relocate to another country, his wife urged him to change careers and get into the pharmaceutical industry.
He rose rapidly through the management ranks at GlaxoSmithKline, and then Wyeth Pharmaceutical as director of marketing. After more than a dozen years as a pharmaceutical executive, he moved into the global healthcare communications and advertising industry. He was a founding member of one firm, which he grew from seven employees to 135, and then joined one of his former agencies, Dorland Global as managing partner to turn around that failing organization. Over the next five years, he grew Dorland Global into a global powerhouse and the second largest privately held global healthcare communications companies in the world. Then he sold the firm to Huntsworth PLC, a London-based mega media company and agreed to stay on for two years as President and CEO.
Minoff, who is widowed and has a son, Greg, and granddaughter, Maddie, now runs his own boutique pharmaceutical and life sciences consultancy called 1 Global Partners. In 2011, he also became associate professor and director of the Undergraduate Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Business Program at The University of the Sciences in Philadelphia where he teaches a range of marketing and sales courses.
During his career, he has launched more than 75 brands and companies, including billion-dollar breakthrough drugs such as Avastin, Diovan, Glivec, Lamisil, and Neoral. He is proud that he has been able to help bring life-prolonging drugs to patients suffering from deadly illnesses, such as cancer. Clearly “you can transform lives,” he says.
“‘I was able to help patients make it to their child’s weddings, graduations and other significant life events for which they are grateful. When you have the ability to help bring a drug into the world from a marketing standpoint, that’s a legacy. That’s something to be proud of.”
Elliott says that Minoff’s contributions to the pharmaceutical industry to market life extending cancer medications are remarkable.
“He is an inspiration to our students, many of whom, like Richard, believe that social benevolence should be part of the fabric of every successful company, and that improving the world is not an optional endeavor,” Elliott says.
Getting good grades in a good major at a good school are important steps to launching a successful business career, but a key component that shouldn’t be overlooked is the importance of social interaction.
Graduate students at UConn’s School of Engineering who are members of the Student Association of Graduate Engineers (SAGE) live the mantra of the group’s mission statement: “to expand professional and social opportunities given them to better engage in community life.’’
Recently five of those SAGE members were given $3,000 scholarships for, in the words of Associate Dean Mei Wei, “the time and efforts put in to realize and recognize the importance of engaging in social activity.”
“Landing a job after you leave UConn,’’ said Wei, “involves so much more than how well you did in your classes. SAGE teaches the importance of being successful, how to interview, how to be practical, how to be engaging.’’
Added Aida Ghiaei, Director of Graduate Outreach & Diversity at the School of Engineering and SAGE’s advisor: “We have ongoing activities that all stress the same theme—the importance social interaction plays in professional development.’’
The scholarships, part of a $1 million bequest from former Electrical Engineering UConn Professor John Lof, were awarded to:
Morad Behandish, a PhD candidate in mechanical engineering
Bahar Deljoo, a PhD student in materials science and engineering
Drew Clearfield, a PhD candidate in materials science and engineering
Paul Wortman, a PhD candidate in electrical and computer engineering
Kamyar Momeni, a PhD candidate in biomedical engineering
Lof joined the faculty at UConn in 1952, as an assistant professor of electrical engineering. As the next generation of computers were developed, he advised and assisted UConn in opening an engineering computer center. He was the director of the Computer Center and also taught courses in computer programming.
Wortman, who is a sixth-year graduate student, said he came to UConn “shy and quiet. I didn’t know a lot of people. SAGE has taught me the importance of interacting.’’
In the spirit of SAGE, the five recipients of the scholarships didn’t find out they were being singled out until, first, all of the SAGE members enjoyed an ice cream social hour. Then the names of the scholarship recipients were announced as their peers cheered and applauded.
The UConn Foundation is in the midst of its Transform Lives initiative that aims to double the amount of financial support, including merit and need-based scholarships that the foundation raises for the benefit of the UConn student body.
The Foundation recently reported it raised nearly $78 million in contributions and pledge commitments during fiscal year 2015, including $16.3 million for scholarship and student support.
Noel Thomas flanked by Jim (left) and Marylee Oleksiw (right).
UConn’s prowess in the sporting world is well known. UConn Nation has come to expect—and receive—national championships in exchange for their loyalty and passion.
What sometimes gets lost in that effort, however, is that student-athletes are no different than “regular” students. The need for scholarship support to keep attracting these top students to UConn has never been higher.
As the cost of tuition continues to rise, private support is more essential than ever for the success of our 24 varsity sports and more than 700 student-athletes. And what also sometimes gets forgotten is that UConn student-athletes continue to excel: more than 50 percent earned a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
In the 2014-15 academic year, $12 million was paid by the Athletic Department in tuition costs, as 216 athletes received partial scholarships and 196 received full scholarships. That cost will be going up this year.
UConn’s championship success has been achieved in large part due to the continued generosity of donors, season ticket holders, alumni and friends who annually support UConn Athletics.
This year a new fundraising initiative, the “Drive for 5K,” is being launched with the goal of increasing the number of contributors from 4,400 to 5,000.
The “Drive for 5K” comes at the same time the UConn Foundation is in the midst of its Transform Lives fundraising initiative that aims to double the amount of financial support—including merit and need-based scholarships—that the Foundation raises for the benefit of the UConn student body.
There are tangible benefits to making a donation to UConn Athletics. A gift enrolls you in The UConn Club and provides priority seating and parking privileges at games, invitations to special events, tax benefits and other exclusive benefits associated with membership.
Numbers are great—but to put a face on one of the scholarship recipients, meet Noel Thomas, a junior wide receiver from Norwalk, Conn., who caught 26 passes, gained 305 yards and caught a team-high four touchdowns during the 2014 season.
Noel, a junior majoring in communications who says it’s his dream “to be a coach someday,” is this year’s recipient of the Oleksiw Family Football Scholarship.
“My family has one less thing to worry about” thanks to the scholarship, said Noel. “I have a lot of self-motivation to keep my grades up. Plus we have a good team of academic advisors to help us out.”
Time management, said Noel, is a challenge for student-athletes, especially during the time of year when the sport the athlete is playing is in season. “Studying—and playing—is a full-time commitment,” he said. “But it’s a commitment that I am more than willing to make.”
Noel’s scholarship donors, the Oleksiws, have a long history of contribution and service to the UConn Club and the UConn Division of Athletics.
Jim ’75 (ENG) and Marylee Oleksiw said they are thrilled to help pay for Noel’s education. “He and his teammates,” said Marylee, “are such an impressive group of young men. We are so happy to be able to help him, on and off the field.”
“We just wanted to do what we could to support the (football) program,” said Jim Oleksiw.
A native of Manchester, Conn., Jim was an engineering major at UConn and served as a resident assistant in Buckley Hall. Marylee is from a small town in Massachusetts and grew up watching sports as a cheerleader at her high school. Both of their children are also UConn graduates.
The Oleksiws are faithful followers of the Huskies both at home and on the road. They have attended all four of the men’s basketball team’s appearances in the Final Four and all five of UConn’s bowl games in football. They have also attended numerous women’s Final Fours and followed the Huskies to locations such as Hawaii and the Virgin Islands.
“Supporting UConn athletics is a family activity for us,” said Marylee. “When our kids were young coming to UConn sporting events was a big part of our lives.”
“And it still is,” added Jim.
If you have questions about the “Drive for 5K” or any other fundraising question, please call the UConn Athletic Development Office at (860) 486-3863 or email at [email protected].
While delving into his family’s genealogy in 2010, UConn Accounting Professor Rob Hoskin realized the value of keeping track of one’s history, both big and small.
For the last five years, in addition to tracing his own roots, Hoskin has explored the vast and ever-changing history of the School of Business, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this academic year.
Hoskin perused volumes of faculty minutes, dug through archived photographs, and even tapped the memories of long-time School employees to produce the book titled, “History of the University of Connecticut School of Business Administration: 75 years on the road to excellence: 1940-2015.’’
All proceeds from the sale of his book will benefit a scholarship for UConn business students. To order a copy, please visit the publisher’s bookstore or Amazon, which also has a version for the Kindle.
Castles, stunning scenery—and a rousing game of shuffleboard with the Auriemmas: This summer, alumni travelers had the experience of a lifetime cruising down the Rhine River. The seven-day cruise was hosted by Geno and Kathy Auriemma and featured wine tastings, excursions in Heidelberg, Cologne and Amsterdam, and meals at local restaurants.
Sounds amazing, right? But you don’t have to take our word for it. Alumni travelers Fran and Bob DelBoca, Ray and Marilyn Peracchio, and Deborah Faucette gave us first-hand accounts of their trip.
Was this your first trip with UConn Alumni?
Fran and Bob DelBoca: This was our first trip. We’d been meaning to travel on the Rhine so when we found out about this trip, there was no hesitation! Other guests had known each other from previous trips, but they went out of their way to be friendly to us.
Ray and Marilyn Peracchio: Our first trip was to Puglia and Sicily. It’s wonderful to go on a trip with fellow alumni because we have a lot in common and it’s a great time.
Deborah Faucette: My first trip was a cruise from Cannes down to Sorrento, Positano, and the beautiful isles of Ischia and Capri. I’d been told about the trip by a colleague on the pharmacy advisory board—and UConn Board of Trustees member—Rick Carbray.
Tell us about the trip. Any highlights?
Rhine Castle
FBD: It was family, instant camaraderie. You got to see a lot of different sites—not just the usual tourist destinations. At Rüdesheim we went to a musical instrument museum, which was really neat. Geno and Kathy are very gracious, warm, welcoming hosts, very inclusive.
RMP: We visited three fantastic towns on the Rhine and spent the day sightseeing. Everything was just perfect—the boat, the people, the tour guides. The food was magnificent!
DF: One of my favorite days was the cruising day of our itinerary, where most of us were on the top deck of the ship—the weather was in the seventies and there was not a cloud in the brilliant blue sky. An impromptu shuffleboard tournament broke out—none of us had every played before—and fellow travelers cheered on as teams of two attempted to defeat Kathy Auriemma. We’d call out for a break any time a castle would appear on the cliffs of the riverside. I never would have thought I’d learn the game of shuffleboard on the top deck of a ship on the Rhine. You can’t plan that!
Geno and Kathy Auriemma are gracious hosts who make a point to get to know every co-traveler. They set a tone of travelling as a family, which is so warm and welcoming.
Say I’m an alum who’s on the fence about UConn Alumni travel opportunities—maybe I’m not sure what the cost entails, or I’m worried that I won’t know anyone. What advice would you give me?
FBD: It was instant family, instant camaraderie. And it was a good value—you could choose different levels of state rooms, you didn’t have to worry about the details, and everything was high-quality. The boat we were on was brand-new and well-appointed. Our tour guides were very knowledgeable. It was overall a Grade-A travel trip—and we travel a lot, so we have a basis for comparison. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend these trips to anyone.
RMP: We’ve gone on many, many trips, both with alumni and by ourselves. And on alumni travel trips, you never have to worry about making friends. We all have something in common because we’re all UConn alumni. It’s amazing how quickly you become friends on a tour. You could be complete strangers and by the time it’s over, you’re all brothers and sisters, just about.
DF: I’ve been on at least six trips with UConn Alumni and we’ve had nothing but the best: five-star hotels, air-conditioned buses for excursions, local travel guides, and special UConn activities, such as private tours and special dinners. UConn takes care of all of the hassles and removes the headaches of planning. I basically show up with my suitcase. My most taxing decisions are what to eat, what to drink, or what to buy. Isn’t that what vacation is all about? Although I’ve traveled extensively on my own, I find myself going to the alumni travel page first to plan future trips.
Another benefit of traveling on an alumni trip is that even if you don’t know anyone, you are still connected through UConn. And sometimes you get to reconnect. On one of my trips, an alum recognized me as a former waitress at Huskies back in the ’70s—and he and his wife are now two of my closest friends! There’s always something to be gained when you put yourself out there, just beyond your comfort zone.
There are plenty of blog posts, personality tests, and news articles out there for recent grads, professionals looking to move ahead in their career, or those who want to transition to a different industry entirely. But it often seems as if it’s a mile wide and an inch deep. Where do you go when you can’t Google the in-depth advice you’re looking for?
John Brady, CEO of Protem Partners
John Brady, CEO of Protem Partners, gives some advice for those who want to get to the next level in their career—and haven’t found the answers in a personality quiz or updated LinkedIn profile.
Have a new job? Have a plan.
“I really like to see them set up a 90-day plan to understand not just their goals and objectives, but those of their direct reports, supervisors, and other people around them,” says Brady. “If you can understand where your peers, superiors, and reports are, you can think about your role differently. That sets you up to understand the context of your work within the department or organization.”
If you are part of a smaller company, it might take fewer than 90 days to get a handle on who’s who. In that case, Brady recommends focusing on partners, vendors, or other relevant marketplace players.
Rethink the concept of “time management.”
“Most people talk about time management, but time marches on,” said Brady. “We have to think more about what we do with the resources available to us. In many ways, our office environment and the tools we have at our disposal don’t set us up very well to do our best and most important work.”
It could be as simple as turning off the email alerts on your computer or not checking messages until you’ve completed a task.
“Successful people are doing what will add value at the end of the quarter, the month, the year, and those are the people who get tapped for opportunities,” he adds.
Sign up for a career webinar or workshop. We promise your eyes won’t glaze over.
In addition to sessions on resource management, UConn Alumni offers webinars and in-person workshops nationwide on topics such as: networking for introverts or those in the tech industry; reinventing your career and communicating your value; and conveying ideas in a way that inspires action. Keep an eye on our events page for the latest information.
If you’re a new alum, tap into the resources already available on campus.
“UConn has great resources for new alumni,” says Brady. “Its Center for Career Development offers support for those first two or three years—and it’s one of the more robust programs that I’ve seen. We encourage people to take that level of support first.” The Center for Career Development has a job board, career counseling, and other resources for Huskies who graduated within the last several years.
If you’re not, help other Huskies get a foot in the door.
If you’re an established professional looking to help a new alum get a foot in the door, you can contribute to the Center’s blog or post a job yourself—or use the UConn Alumni Community App to connect Huskies within your network.
If you do sign up for a consultation, be prepared to answer questions—but don’t bother bringing your resume or LinkedIn profile. “We go out of our way not to ask [for those materials],” says Brady. “That’s how you’ve presented yourself historically, not the way you want to present yourself in the future.”
“We help people who are looking to take their career to the next level—whether that’s an alum looking to take on a management role, increase her sales numbers, or create a nonprofit,” says Brady. “UConn is there for alumni throughout their professional lives.”
Shari and Michael Cantor have been proud members of the University of Connecticut community, beginning when they attended as undergraduates.
Since then, their connection to the university has evolved and deepened, and their ties to UConn are even stronger. Shari, the Deputy Mayor of West Hartford, was recently appointed by Governor Dannel Malloy to UConn’s Board of Trustees. Michael Cantor is also currently a board member of the UConn Foundation.
Elevating UConn to top-10 status
The Cantors recognize that UConn has had a powerful and positive impact on their lives, their four sons’ lives, and their community. They give to numerous schools and programs at UConn because they believe so strongly in its importance to the quality of life for everyone in Connecticut, and they envision a future for UConn as a top-10 destination school for the country’s best and brightest.
“Shari and I came from modest means,” says Michael Cantor. “We both went to UConn. Shari received a degree in accounting and is a CPA. My degree was in chemical and materials engineering, and then I went on to law school. My undergraduate and law school education were instrumental in helping me establish one of the top intellectual property law firms in the country.”
The Cantors enjoy UConn sports—UConn basketball is a family passion—and believe that the competition aspect in sports helps drive the effort to make UConn one of the top academic colleges in the country. They also continue to step forward with funding to help UConn achieve the goal of being in the conversation when the topic of best universities—and not just in sports—is discussed.
The Cantors spread their donation dollars to UConn around, making healthy contributions to the Schools of Business, Engineering, and Law, to UConn Health, and to the campus Hillel House, where Shari served as board president for three years. And it doesn’t end there, as they also contribute money to the marketing and branding of the university. Last year, for instance, their contributions helped pay for a full-page advertisement in The New York Times, promoting UConn as a highly ranked public university with growing enrollment and faculty.
The couple’s most recent gift to the School of Law will be used to help fund the education of students who demonstrate an interest in pursuing a career in intellectual property or patent law, as is practiced at Cantor Colburn, the law firm Michael Cantor co-manages. Today, Cantor Colburn is one of the nation’s largest and most productive full-service intellectual property law firms, with 100 attorneys and offices in Hartford, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Houston, and Detroit.
This gift to UConn comes amid the UConn Foundation’s student support initiative to raise $150 million in scholarships and fellowships.
“This scholarship fund will make a tremendous difference for our students,” said UConn Law School Dean Timothy Fisher. “At a time when the cost of law schools has risen higher than ever, it is crucial to be able to help those in need. The Cantor family already contributes to UConn in many ways; the law school is truly fortunate to be part of this family’s great spirit of giving.”
Michael Cantor says: “UConn needs to be a top-10 school, like Michigan, or UNC. We want to help make that happen. UConn touches our family in many different ways and we care about all aspects of UConn. That’s why we donate.”
All in the family
The Cantors great respect and love for the University has been passed down to their family. In addition to Shari and Michael, their son Benjamin graduated from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in May and starts at the law school in August. Their son Joshua enters UConn’s MBA program this fall. Michael has been an adjunct professor in the law school teaching patent law for about 20 years, is a former member of the Institute of Materials Sciences Advisory Board, and is a Founding Fellow of UConn’s Academy of Distinguished Engineers and Hall of Fame.
“The Cantors’ passion for UConn is inspiring,” says Joshua Newton, president and CEO of the UConn Foundation. “The strength of their relationship with their alma mater is evident on so many levels—from their active alumni and board engagement to their willingness to support multiple programs and future generations of UConn grads. They truly embody the UConn spirit.”
“We are very committed to UConn,” says Shari Cantor. “Just look at what UConn has done for us—given us a great education at a very reasonable cost. UConn is an incredible deal and a valuable education. We want to do everything we can to ensure others have that same opportunity.”
A gift to UConn is a gift to Connecticut
“We also hope our gift will spur others to donate,” she adds, “We truly believe that UConn as Connecticut’s flagship university is an important part of the state economy and the continued success of the university is an important element of the economy.”
Adds Michael Cantor: “We want to make Connecticut a destination location for college-age teens, just like New York or Boston. And it doesn’t end there. Connecticut should be a place where young people starting their careers after college strive to be.”
Firefly Hollow Brewing Co. is housed in a long, red brick warehouse off a busy street in downtown Bristol. Its unassuming exterior conceals a welcoming, industrial-chic tasting room and brewing facility, with dark wooden floors, comfy red chairs, and a happy throng of beer lovers.
Bill Collins ’98 (CLAS) and Dana Bourque ’10 (CAHNR), along with a third partner, Rich Loomis, opened the brewery in 2013 after a successful Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. “A lot of the people who supported us, we could connect back to who we knew at UConn,” Bill said. “It’s those people who believed in us enough to help us take that next step.”
Bill’s the business guy. He grew up in a small-business family in Connecticut and took MBA courses at UConn after finishing his undergraduate degree. “The MBA classes were helpful, and I also worked with people at UConn to prepare my small business plan and apply to the state for a job loan, which will help us build our capacity and create those jobs.”
And as a fun side note: Bill and his wife met in college, when they were both part of the UConn Marching Band.
UConn alumni Dana Bourque ’10 (CAHNR) (left) and Bill Collins ’98 (CLAS) (right)
Dana is the master brewer. “Studying nutritional science, there was a big food science aspect to it, it’s chemistry, microbiology, so it was a good foundation for all the science I use,” he said. That scientific knowledge allowed him to get into the American Brewer’s Guild and learn the craft. “I’d love nothing more than to see Connecticut’s beer culture rival what Colorado and Oregon offer.”
And Firefly Hollow is one of a cluster of breweries trying to do just that. Since Connecticut relaxed its permit laws in 2013—allowing tasting rooms and manufacturing facilities to be in the same place—there’s a new community of small-business owners throughout Connecticut offering craft beer that rivals what’s on tap in other states.
The growing industry helps other local businesses, too: Firefly Hollow gives its spent grain to a nearby farm, which uses it to feed sheep and cows.
How to Taste Craft Beer in Five Easy Steps
All beers are comprised of four basic ingredients: water, malt, hops, and yeast. But where do you start with craft beer? What sets it apart from a Blue Moon or Bud Light? We settled into a few of those comfy red chairs with Bill, Dana, and a table full of tasting glasses to find out.
Firefly Hollow’s White Brick Saison
Step 1: Get a flight. Collins recommends throwing caution to the wind and ordering the full range of what a brewery has to offer—most will offer five or six beer tastings in what’s known as a flight or paddle.
“You want to start with the lightest beer, then move on to any medium-bodied beer, and finish with really strong flavors—either IPAs or roasty porters and stouts,” said Collins. If you try strong beers first, the hops and roast malt profiles will overwhelm lighter beers and you’ll miss their flavor profile. We started with Firefly Hollow’s White Brick Saison. Step 2: Take a good look at your beer. Before sampling your beer, Collins recommends holding the glass up to the light. We hoisted our tasting glasses of saison and examined its light straw-colored hue, with just a hint of lacy carbonation on top. If it’s cloudy, that usually means either it’s an unfiltered wheat beer or a hefty IPA, while stouts and porters are often close to opaque.
Step 3: Give your beer a sniff. A huge part of a beer’s taste is its aroma, and it’ll also give you hints of what style of beer it is. Our saison—a farmhouse-style beer that originated in Belgium, often highly carbonated, fruity and spicy, with a distinct tartness from the yeast—smelled like biscuits and sour apples.
If you get a huge whiff of pine, grapefruit, or floral notes upfront, that means your beer has a generous helping of hops. Caramel, toffee or toast aromas signal a more malt-forward beer, while dark beers—stouts and porters—will smell like chocolate or coffee.
Step 4: Toast your friends and take a sip (finally!). The saison was crisp, pleasant, and refreshingly tart—pretty much what the eye and smell tests indicated. And if you haven’t met a hoppy beer you like, give them a shot anyway. Just because you didn’t like the pale ale your friend made you try doesn’t mean that the whole style of beer won’t be to your liking.
Step 5: Rinse and repeat. You don’t have to finish every beer in your flight, but taste them all and finish the ones that are most to your liking. And if the tasting glass isn’t enough, feel free to order another pint!
Ready to put your new knowledge to the test? You’ll get a chance to sample a wide range of craft beer and local wine at the Huskies Forever Weekend Beer and Wine Tasting. Firefly Hollow will be joined by local brewers and vineyards in the area—many of whom are owned by or affiliated with other UConn alumni. Cheers!
Richard T. Carbray ’75 (PHR) of Rocky Hill, Conn., has been re-elected by UConn alumni to a second four-year term on the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees. Carbray is the owner/pharmacist of Apex Pharmacy and Home Care Center in Hamden and graduated in 1975 from UConn with a degree in pharmacy.
During his first term on the board, he has served on the Academic Affairs, Financial Affairs, Institutional Advancement, Honors and Awards, Joint Audit and Compliance, and Building, Grounds and Environment committees. Since 2013, he also has held an appointment on the UConn Health board of directors, and serves as chair of its Building, Grounds and Environment Committee.
“For the last four years, I have had the privilege and honor of serving as a trustee for the University of Connecticut,” Carbray said in his nomination statement. “During that time, the board has diligently worked on the development of the most complete capital improvement plan for UConn’s physical needs for the next 25 years. This is the largest plan of its kind that the University has ever undertaken.”
“I have witnessed firsthand, and actively participated in, the steady rise of UConn’s reputation as one of the top 20 public universities in the country,” he added. “With the addition of Next Generation Connecticut, UConn’s reputation will be further enhanced.”
Carbray’s involvement with the University goes well beyond his tenure as an alumni trustee.
He was a member of the UConn Alumni Association’s board of directors for seven years, serving as the board’s president from 2004 to 2006. The 1998 Pharmacist of the Year as recognized by the Connecticut Pharmacist Association, he was named a distinguished alumnus of the School of Pharmacy in 2004, and received the University’s Alumni Service Award in 2010.
This article was originally published by UConn Today.
