Alumni

“Bringing Theory to Practice” – Hunter (’14) Starts STEM Student Mentoring Program

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Truth Hunter (HESA Class of 2014), Assistant Director for Bard Educational Opportunity Programs at Bard College, started a peer mentoring program called “Bringing Theory to Practice.”

Hoping to help historically underrepresented students who are pursuing majors in the STEM fields, Hunter hopes that the program can provide students the opportunity to build “soft skills,” such as working effectively in groups and building networks, as well psycho-social skills that will increase students’ success in the classroom.

Hunter hopes that conversations with the Bringing Theory to Practice participants can minimize the stigma related to asking for help, encourage students to utilize their available resources, and spur students to create a network of support that serves as a source of motivation. A more detailed write up about Hunter’s efforts can be found in an article in the online magazine Oblivion, available at the following site: https://oblivionpub.wordpress.com/2016/04/08/bringing-theory-to-practice-creating-a-culture-of-support-and-collaboration-in-stem/.

Here at UConn HESA we are always proud to hear about the efforts of our graduates and the impact that they are able to make as their careers progress. We wish Truth the best of luck in her continued efforts at Bard, and appreciate her call to bring theory to practice in the field of student affairs.

 

Rapoport (’11) Selected for NACA Mid Atlantic Regional Conference Planning Committee

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Elizabeth Rapoport (Class of 2011)  was recently selected to serve on the NACA Mid Atlantic Regional Conference Planning Committee as the Volunteer Center Coordinator; her fourth consecutive year serving as a part of the RCPC for this region. Elizabeth would be more than happy to connect with any students who are interested in a career in Student Activities to share with them how to leverage NACA as a graduate student and young professional!

DiGorio (’13) Presents #CSAM14: Moving into Your Role as a New Professional

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Rollins College

Jeremy DiGorio, a 2013 graduate of the UConn HESA program, collaborated with colleagues from NASPA, Oregon State University, and University of Miami to present the ” #CSAM14: Moving into Your Role as a New Professional” webinar.

This dynamic webinar  incorporated the viewpoints of five new professionals in the field of higher education and student affairs who shared their confessions, job searching tips, and  lessons from their first few years in the field. Free to  both NASPA and non-NASPA members alike, this type of support for undergraduates, graduates, and new professionals bolsters interest our field and further backs the supportive nature of related professional organizations.

We are proud to recognize Jeremy’s contribution to the field and join him in celebrating “Careers in Student Affairs Month!”

http://www.naspa.org/events/csam2014-moving-into-your-role-as-a-new-professional

Austein ’06 Presents about Enrollment Management

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Thanks to Chad K. Austein (HESA ’06) for sharing some presentations he completed this year!

  • “Ellucian Recruiter: Best Practices for a Successful Enrollment Management Operation,” Kean University, January 2014
  • “Implementing an Enterprise CRM Strategy,” American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), April 2014
  • “Ellucian Recruiter: Best Practices for a Successful Enrollment Management Operation,” New Jersey Association of College Admissions Counselors (NJACAC), upcoming presentation, June 2014

AFA Award Presented to Greg Fink, HESA ’11

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AFA Outstanding Change InitiativeCourtney McKenna (Associate Director, Student Center & Campus Life, Quinnipiac University) and Greg Fink (Assistant Director) were honored with the Outstanding Change Initiative Award at the 2013 Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors Annual Meeting.  Additionally, McKenna and Fink presented their 2-year transition for the fraternity and sorority community toward a university-centered learning paradigm.  Below is the presentation description:

“As institutions of higher education are forced to prove their value through scrutiny of what a college education currently provides, some institutions have begun implementing a learning paradigm–a philosophy that asks all community members (faculty, staff and administrators) to reexamine and rework policies and practices to ensure that student learning is at the core.  Presenters will provide insight into practices taken for a fraternity/sorority community to align itself with an institutional learning paradigm while simultaneously ensuring fraternities and sororities are reliable student learning vehicles.  Just as an intentional focus on values congruence can elevate a fraternity and sorority community through position actions, intentional focus on enhancing student learning can highlight why fraternities and sororities exist, while also supporting an institutional mission. ”

Well done Greg!

Pho (’12) Receives Award

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Kim Pho, HESA Class of 2012, was awarded the Richard D. Blackburn New Professional Award.
Richard D. Blackburn’s influence on and encouragement of new professionals is reflected in this award honoring an individual who demonstrates the potential for excellence in the field of college union and student activities. Congratulations Kim!

Andrade (‘12) recognized at NACA South Regional Conference

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Kathy Andrade (‘12) who is currently the Assistant Director of Student Activities & Student Organizations at The University of Miami was awarded Outstanding Educational Session Presented by Professional Staff: “Engaging Students through Social Media” at the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) South Regional Conference in Chattanooga, TN. Congratulations Kathy!