Dr. Danielle King

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR) recently announced the names of Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) faculty members who are recipients of 2025-26 . The awards, presented for excellence in research and teaching, are given to assistant and associate professors in tenure-track or tenured positions, as well as adjunct faculty members, and are awarded at the CSCU university and CT State Community College level, with overall winners recognized in the teaching and research categories at the System level as well.

The Adjunct Faculty Teaching awards are given to recognize part-time faculty who have distinguished themselves as outstanding teachers with a record of accomplishment of increasing student learning and promoting instructional improvements for the programs/departments. Each of the 17 CSCU institutions may elect to nominate a candidate for an adjunct faculty teaching award and from this pool, the Board of Regents might award two Adjunct Faculty Teaching Awards.

�Թ�ͷ�� Adjunct Professor of History, Philosophy and World Perspectives Dr. Danielle King was named the recipient of the BOR Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award. A long-time WestConn employee with roles in several student-support offices, King, a WestConn alumna herself, has improved not only her own opportunities by obtaining a master’s degree and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership — she has opened doors for countless students who rightfully perceive her as a role model.

Reflecting on her award, King said, “Being honored with the CSCU Board of Regents Adjunct Faculty Teaching Award is especially meaningful as it represents my belief in the transformative power of education. This tremendous honor celebrates both personal educational achievements, as well as my commitment to inspiring, empowering, and challenging students to recognize the connections between the past and present, and to develop the tools required to become thoughtful, informed leaders. I am truly grateful for this recognition and thank the Board of Regents and Dr. Deneen Harris for affirming my scholarship and service to �Թ�ͷ��. This award acknowledges that teaching is not only the transmission of knowledge, but also the cultivation of curiosity, confidence, critical thinking, and possibility.”

In her letter nominating King for the award, Professor of Social Work Dr. Deneen Harris said, “Dr. King exemplifies the highest standards of teaching excellence, student mentorship, pedagogical innovation, and a model for lifelong learning. Dr. King’s impact relative to student learning, the creation of an inclusive learning community, and commitment to continuous evolution designed to prepare students for the future make Dr. King truly deserving of this recognition.”

Dr. Wynn Gadkar-Wilcox, chair of the department in which King teaches, said, “Danielle King has been teaching AAS 100 and occasional other offerings in African American Studies in our department for about 10 years now. Over the course of those 10 years, our sections of AAS 100 nearly always fill, and I have never heard students so universally praise a part-time faculty member as much as they praise Professor King.”

Social Work Department Chair and Professor Dr. Karen McLean added, “Dr. King is well-respected for her ability to build relationships and foster community around campus. Dr. King is not just a staff member at �Թ�ͷ��, she is a proud alumna and shows gratitude for the care and kindness provided to her as a student, and part of her fuel to ‘give back’ and serve as an example. While her primary role is as an office assistant in the campus Cashier’s Office, Dr. King has been a regular as an adjunct teaching faculty member and an advisor to student organizations. Dr. King continues to teach one of the only courses on campus that focuses on the African American experience in America. She has taught this course for over a decade and has become a ‘fan favorite’ with many students and alumni. In her teaching, Dr. King connects with students through her engaging lectures and classroom activities. Her focus, student-centered pedagogy that allows students to see, touch, and feel culture is impressive. Dr. King challenges students to pour into the literature, scholarship, and artifacts of African American culture as a way of literally ‘connecting’ with the experience.”

Kathwari Honors Program Director Dr. Brian Clements further explained: “Dr. King is known across the university not only as a versatile educator, but also as a vital member of the university community. I have worked with her for several years on the Racial Justice Coalition, where she has been an active and essential contributor. I know that she has been active in other committee work as well; which, as you know, is neither required nor expected of adjunct faculty. In 2022, she received the Outstanding Advisor Award from the university. Dr. King achieved all of this while serving the university in appointments to the Bursar’s Office, the Admissions Office, and Pre-Collegiate & Access Programs. Dr. King is committed to the well-being of our students, to bringing world-class educational experiences to them, and to building a community of support, respect, and success across the university.”

�Թ�ͷ�� changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals, and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.

Dr. April Moreira

The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education (BOR) recently announced the names of Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) faculty members who are recipients of 2025-26 . The awards, presented for excellence in research and teaching, are given to assistant and associate professors in tenure-track or tenured positions, as well as adjunct faculty members, and are awarded at the CSCU university and CT State Community College level, with overall winners recognized in the teaching and research categories at the System level as well.

The Faculty Teaching awards are given in recognition of Assistant and Associate Professors in tenure-track or tenured positions and adjunct faculty members who have distinguished themselves as outstanding teachers and have established a track record of promoting instructional improvements for their departments; or who are doing exceptional research, scholarly, and/or creative work.

�Թ�ͷ�� Associate Professor of Social Work Dr. April Moreira was named the recipient of a BOR Faculty Teaching Award at the university level.

Moreira said, “Receiving the Board of Regents Teaching Award is a profound honor. As a first-generation college student and a proud alumna of the Social Work program at WestConn, this recognition is incredibly meaningful to me. Every day, working alongside our students is a gift, and to be acknowledged for doing the work I love is truly humbling. Thank you to the Board, the university, my colleagues, and most importantly, the students who inspire me daily.”

In her letter nominating Moreira, Social Work Professor and Department Chair Dr. Karen McLean said, “Dr. Moreira is a proud 2004 graduate of the social work program, and like many others, came to �Թ�ͷ�� as a transfer student from Naugatuck Valley Community College. In her desire to advance her professional opportunities, in 2021 she earned a doctorate in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University as part of its first DSW cohort. She is a living example of what I call the ‘continuum of quality’ of our state colleges and universities and how collaboratively, they produce a strong, viable workforce. Dr. Moreira was driven by a desire to give back and serve as an example to others about their limitless potential.”

Fellow nominator, Professor of Social Work Dr. Deneen Harris, added, “What distinguishes Dr. Moreira most is her genuine commitment to mentorship and the overall well-being of her students. Colleagues and students alike frequently look to Dr. Moreira for guidance and support. Dr. Moreira is a great listener that provides thoughtful feedback, encouragement, and unwavering support. Students and colleagues trust Dr. Moreira. Students that are experiencing academic and/or personal challenges often turn to Dr. Moreira for support. I have personally witnessed the positive impact of Dr. Moreira’s mentorship on student confidence, professional readiness, and personal growth.”

Harris continued, “In addition to contributions in the classroom, Dr. Moreira plays an integral role in strengthening our department’s community partnerships and service initiatives. Dr. Moreira serves as the faculty advisor for Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society. In this role she works closely with students to encourage academic excellence and community service. Dr. Moreira models what it is she expects from her students. Dr. Moreira managed to obtain her Doctorate in Social Work while teaching full time. Her students were able to watch her work. Dr. Moreira serves on several committees: she is a member of the Program Review Committee, the Racial Justice Coalition and the Emergency Response Team. In addition to her work with these committees, Dr. Moreira has close ties with the practice community. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and former field instructor, Dr. Moreira collaborates effectively with local agencies, contributes meaningfully to interdisciplinary projects, and advances scholarship that centers equity, empowerment, and advocacy for marginalized populations. Dr. Moreira’s work embodies the ethical commitments and values that define the social work profession.”

�Թ�ͷ�� changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals, and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.

Michael Azzi

Tuesday, May 19, 2026, will culminate two days of major milestones for New Fairfield resident Michael Azzi. On that day, he’ll be the final Azzi family member to graduate from �Թ�ͷ��, and the first to add a WestConn master’s degree to the Bachelor of Science in Justice and Law Administration- Legal Studies that he received from WestConn in 2024.

You could say attending WestConn has been a family affair, and it certainly began that way when Michael attended a sibling overnight experience while he was still in high school with his sister, Arianna, who was already a WestConn student.

“I had a lot of fun at family night with Arianna,” Azzi said. “She got two degrees in five years at WestConn, and her education has served her well in her career. The same is true for my sister, Sara, who graduated last year. I ended up having a great time during my years at WestConn, and I have no regrets as I prepare to graduate for the second time.”

Azzi’s Master of Science in Homeland Security will be the fifth WestConn degree earned in his family — his older sister, Arianna, received dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Business Administration in 2019; and his younger sister, Sara, received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2025.

Michael Azzi at AFROTC Field Training.

He may be the last to graduate, but Michael will be the first in his family to combine his studies with an Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) opportunity thanks to a WestConn partnership with Yale University. On Monday, May 18, the day before he earns his master’s degree, he will take the oath of office and be commissioned as an Intelligence Officer with the rank of 2nd Lt. in the United States Air Force.

Both events will be memorable for his family and for Azzi, who said that when he was in high school, he had “no clue” what he wanted to study or pursue as a career. “I knew I wanted to do something that would require a lot of hard work and schooling, and that would end up leading to a prestigious career,” he said. “Originally, I thought maybe that would be law school.” So, he enrolled at WestConn as a Justice and Law Administration – Legal Studies major, which offers good preparation for law school, among other careers.

“I fell in love with WestConn’s Justice and Law program, its professors and course material,” Azzi said. “But once I took a Homeland Security class taught by Adjunct Professor Chris Bittle, I knew I had found what I wanted to pursue. I learned about the military, policing, emergency management, community health, and counterterrorism, and it really exposed me to many of the different elements of homeland security. There was something about the way Professor Bittle explained the elements of homeland security that really opened up my eyes, and inspired patriotism and a desire to keep people safe. That one course changed my entire perspective.”

2022-24 SGA President Michael Azzi

Another eye-opener for Azzi was when he sat down with the then-Director of WestConn’s Career Success Center, Dr. Kathleen Lindenmayer, who graduated from the University of Rochester’s Naval ROTC program before spending 26 years in Naval Intelligence, advancing to senior positions and earning national recognition and numerous medals. Lindenmayer shared her ROTC experiences with Azzi and informed him that WestConn had a partnership with Yale University that would allow him to follow that path with the Air Force if he was interested.

In the fall of his senior year as an undergraduate, Azzi joined Yale’s AFROTC program — becoming, to his knowledge, only the third WestConn student to do so. The fall semester was a “trial” because he had to wait for an Enrollment Allocation that would come in the spring that would guarantee him a spot in the Air Force.

Once Azzi joined AFROTC as a cadet in the Air Force Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, he was “all in.” As a full-time undergraduate student, he made the 4:30 a.m. commute to New Haven several times a week to participate in practical training, physical training, academic coursework, and occasional weekend obligations. He managed all this while also serving as the university’s Student Government Association President from May 2022 through May 2024, and as co-founder of the campus Food Pantry, Wally’s Cupboard. He was a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success, and Alpha Phi Sigma – the Criminal Justice Honors Society. Azzi graduated with his bachelor’s degree cum laude in 2024, and spoke at Commencement in both 2023 and 2024.

2026 SGA President Owen Ibey presents Michael Azzi with the 2026 SGA President’s Award.

When he received his degree, he had completed one year in the AFROTC program, and the officer training program requires a commitment of three years as a student. The solution was obvious — Azzi would stay in the AFROTC program and reenroll at WestConn to pursue a master’s in Homeland Security.

“It wasn’t just that I needed to be a student for an additional two years,” Azzi explained. “I was completely inspired by the Homeland Security class I had taken as an undergraduate, and I wanted to learn more. I also have a really good relationship with JLA Department Chair and Professor Dr. Hassan Arslan, who coordinates the Homeland Security degree program, and he really sold me on it.”

Rather than spend the summer between his undergraduate and graduate programs taking it easy, Azzi embarked on an Air Force Field Training experience for three weeks at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. Then, he jumped right in to his new roles at WestConn. For the past two years, he has continued to fulfill his Air Force obligations while taking classes and serving as a Graduate Intern in WestConn’s Center for Student Involvement.

During this time, his “all-in” mentality has led to his receipt of a ROTC Commendation Award and The Military Order of the World Wars Reserve Officer Training Corps Gold Medal of Merit from the Air Force. He also earned the Justice and Law Administration Award of Excellence in Legal Studies, and the Staff Sergeant TJ Lobraico Jr. Award in Homeland Security Graduate Studies from WestConn. At the university’s recent Student Leadership Banquet, Azzi added to his accolades when he received the 2026 SGA President’s Award from Owen Ibey, who succeeded Azzi as an SGA President.

Michael Azzi at his 2024 WestConn Commencement.

“My academic track in Homeland Security at WestConn and my participation in AFROTC tie directly to each other,” Azzi said. “Both have given me so much insight about my future career in respect to crisis and disaster management, and time and resource efficiency. It’s been a wonderful cross-training experience. Add to that my leadership experience as SGA President, the flexibility I have been afforded in my work as a Graduate Intern, and WestConn’s cross-town agreement with Yale AFROTC, and they have all worked together to provide me with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Azzi is eagerly anticipating his first assignment, which will send him to Intelligence Officer Training School at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas. After that, he said, “I hope to be stationed abroad using the leadership and academic skills I have obtained at WestConn to ensure the safety of our nation.”

He added, “Going to WestConn is so much more than some people think. There are many seemingly hidden opportunities and all you have to do is open your eyes and look, or ask someone. Once you open that door, you can make so much of something you didn’t even know was there. I had so many great experiences, and because of the size of the university, each student can find their own spotlight.”

On May 18 for Azzi’s Air Force oath of office, and May 19 for his graduate commencement ceremony, the spotlight will deservedly be on him.

�Թ�ͷ�� changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals, and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.

Fabio and Natalia Avendano

When New Fairfield resident Natalia Avendano receives her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in Psychology at �Թ�ͷ��’s Commencement ceremony on May 18, 2026, she will be fulfilling a goal that began many years ago as a young girl growing up in Medellin, Colombia. From an early age, Avendano knew she wanted a career in medicine; she even aspired to become a pediatrician one day. What she didn’t know at the time was that plans often take the long way around, goals don’t always get accomplished in predetermined timeframes, and sometimes feeling uncomfortable provides the best possible outcome.

Because of life’s unavoidable detours, Avendano will receive her degree this month at the age of 40. Cheering her on at Bridgeport’s Total Mortgage Arena will be a large crew of supporters, including her high school sweetheart, now husband, Fabio; her daughters Tatiana and Sofia; her parents; her best friend; and aunts and uncles who are coming all the way from Colombia. She also was acknowledged by her classmates — who are closer in age to her eldest daughter — and who voted her a peer leader last semester.

Avendano has a lot to celebrate. In addition to receiving her degree as the fulfillment of her childhood dream — she is reveling in her husband’s remission from leukemia, which was diagnosed last summer, and through which she steadfastly stayed by his side while simultaneously supporting her daughters and completing her degree program.

Looking back, Avendano recalled how, at the age of 16, she persuaded her parents to allow her to move from Medellin to New Jersey to live with her grandparents so she would be well-situated to attend high school and college in the U.S. — the necessary first steps toward her dream of a medical career.

She ended up living with her aunt in Mt. Kisco, and graduated from Fox Lane High School in Bedford, New York. Avendano worked at Staples to save money for college, with the expectation of enrolling at Westchester Community College. When the tuition was higher than anticipated, she decided to keep working to save enough money. Plans were put on hold by the birth of her first child, and by the time she was 23, she had welcomed both of her daughters and was focused on raising her family with Fabio. She found work as a technician/aide at Northern Westchester Hospital, which at least got her close to the medical career she sought.

Tatiana, Natalia, and Sofia Avendano

In 2015, Avendano faced the devastating loss of her grandmother, who was like a mother to her. She wanted to honor her by finally pursuing the degree that had eluded her thus far. So, she enrolled at Naugatuck Valley Community College when her oldest daughter was 11, and she and Fabio had to tag-team childcare so she could attend one class per semester, and he could continue running his audio-visual/smart home technology company.

Then the pandemic arrived, and in the midst of microbiology classes, Avendano’s degree aspirations were put on hold once again. When things started to open up, she decided to transfer to WestConn to attain her degree.

“In hindsight, it was a big blessing for me to bite the bullet and come to WestConn,” she said. “It was my first time at a university, which is so much bigger than a community college. I was just so happy to get in, even though I did not get in for nursing or even pre-nursing because I had to take chemistry and microbiology.”

It took her three tries to pass chemistry, and she said her last attempt was pretty much “now or never.” She explained, “My professor was Dr. Forest Robertson, and he’s smart, knows what he’s talking about, and won’t accept mediocrity. There I was, a grown woman, going to his office hours every single time he was available, asking him to keep explaining things until I ‘got it.’ He pushed me hard to get a better grade, and his class, more than anything, prepared me for nursing classes. I ended up with a B in Chemistry!”

Small victories are sometimes short-lived, however, and by spring 2025, Fabio started having health problems that required Emergency Room visits, doctors’ appointments, and ultimately a referral to New York Presbyterian for a bone marrow biopsy that revealed leukemia. “He was admitted that day and spent a month in New York City,” Avendano said. “I was his crutches and his ears; every medical call came to me. My daughters stayed with their grandparents at home, and I stayed with him as he went through lumbar punctures and aggressive chemotherapy.

Tatiana, Fabio, Natalia, and Sofia Avendano

“I wasn’t going to finish my degree, but everyone — including my husband — insisted that I absolutely had to finish,” she said. “Family is very important to me; my husband and my children are my life, and I felt guilty about continuing. But the village that wrapped their arms around me and my family — from my nursing school friends to my family — they lifted me up so I could hold him up.”

Avendano added, “My classmates were texting me every day to see if I was eating and taking care of myself. I didn’t want my professors to know what was going on because I didn’t want to take a leave of absence, but my classmates approached Professor of Nursing Dr. Eileen Campbell to see what my options were at the time. She paved the way with compassion, empathy, and words of encouragement that enabled me to complete my program. Dr. Campbell is an angel on earth. You only need one ray of light sometimes, and she was it.”

With Commencement around the corner, Avendano said she is looking forward to passing the NCLEX exam on the first try, and getting her feet wet applying to several different hospitals. “My passion is 100 percent the ICU,” she said. “Covid fascinated me with the one-to-one, critical thinking that was required to care for these patients. I like that type of nursing, and that’s how it works in the ICU. You develop a relationship with your patients and their families.”

Avendano said her practicum rotations were in ICU, Labor and Delivery, Telemetry, and the Emergency Department. “I spent some time in the Emergency Room at Danbury Hospital for my practicum, and was fascinated by the chaotic, disorganized feeling you get there, but I’m so grateful I got the ER experience, because I learned flexibility and I absolutely loved it,” she said. “That, and Covid taught me that it’s okay to be uncomfortable. You learn more about yourself when you’re uncomfortable.”

It’s been quite the journey to get to her degree, and Avendano is grateful for those who helped her get to this point. “I’m not sure who’s more excited about me not being in school any more — me, or my kids and my husband,” she said. “They’re looking forward to having me back full-time instead of studying for 13 hours at a time. My children are amazing, and they pushed me not to give up when it felt impossible to be there for my husband when he needed me the most, as well as for my beautiful daughters.”

Fortunately, Fabio is now in remission and feeling much better, so the entire family has much to celebrate as Avendano finally fulfills her dream.

�Թ�ͷ�� changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals, and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.

Yadira Reinoso

Some students have opportunities handed to them on a silver platter, while others have to work hard and create their own opportunities. Yadira Reinoso is in the latter category, and her curiosity and determination to learn have yielded her Associate and Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology, and admission to �Թ�ͷ��’s Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program.

Moving to Danbury at the age of 7, Reinoso found herself immersed in a new culture with a different language and unfamiliar food. “It was an entirely new world,” she said.

Undaunted, she made her way through the Danbury Public Schools, and took extra classes in the summer to strengthen her English skills. By the time she arrived at Danbury High School, Reinoso was an outstanding student with a promising future — until someone unfortunately misled her into believing that high school graduation is usually the end of the road for non-native English speakers. This left her feeling extremely frustrated. “I was distraught to hear that I was a good student with no future,” she said. “Suddenly my hard work seemed unimportant, and I began to let my classwork slide and became somewhat of a rebel.”

Fortunately, before it was too late, Reinoso discovered that she had been misinformed, and that opportunities do exist for First Generation students like her. She reapplied her efforts and returned to her usual straight-A academic record. One of her classes, a Psychology course called “Brain and Behavior,” completely resonated with her. “I knew then I wanted to study Psychology in college,” she said. “It became one of my passions to help my community and other communities have a voice.”

Because she was entirely responsible for her college tuition, Reinoso enrolled at Naugatuck Valley Community College and took classes at both their Danbury and Waterbury campuses. The pandemic caused a pause in her studies, but she persisted and graduated in 2024 with an Associate Degree in Psychology, and a 3.42 GPA. Reinoso then immediately enrolled in WestConn’s Psychology program to pursue her bachelor’s degree.

Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Mary Murphy with Yadira Reinoso at the Eastern Psychological Association Conference in Boston.

“WestConn was an adjustment from NVCC,” she said. “I joined WestConn’s Psych Alliance and met so many beautiful people who steered me in the right direction.” As a result, Reinoso found herself attending the Eastern Psychological Association Conference in Manhattan in 2025 as an observer. “I loved it! I wanted to be a presenter,” Reinoso said. “I wanted to become more involved and when I saw a post that Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Mary Murphy was recruiting students to help with her research, I reached out to her immediately.”

Reinoso spent the next four months working closely with the professor to complete the research, “Skillsetter Simulation Training in Graduate Addiction Counseling: Confidence, Satisfaction, and Self-Evaluation Accuracy,” and design a poster presentation for the Eastern Psychological Association Conference in Boston in late February 2026. She will present her findings at WestConn’s Research Day in May as well.

“Dr. Murphy is one of my biggest blessings,” Reinoso said. “Not only for the chance to present our research, but she has also told me about many on-campus opportunities, like the Hancock Student Leadership Program. With her encouragement, I applied for and was awarded a Hancock Student Leadership internship. She also helped me interview to be a student mentor for next year, prepare for my upcoming graduation, apply to the master’s program, and she shares job opportunities with me.”

Along the way, Reinoso joined the Psychology Honors Society, Psi Chi, and the National Honor Society. The Hancock Student Leadership internship has been at Danbury Grass Roots, a nonprofit, after-school program for low-income, at-risk students. The internship ends when she graduates in May, but Reinoso wants to continue as a volunteer because it aligns with her desire to help her community through tutoring and support.

Reinoso started her new job with an Applied Behavioral Analysis provider in late April, and will begin her master’s degree program in May after receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Commencement.

Yadira Reinoso at the Eastern Psychological Association Conference in Boston.

She’s achieved a great deal since having to overcome her fear that there would be no opportunities for her after high school. As a First Generation student, she’s had to juggle her academic obligations with her job at Red Lobster that has helped her pay her own way. A Macricostas Scholarship and WestConn’s Financial Aid office have helped her fill the gap so she will graduate debt-free.

Reinoso said her family, her friends, her boyfriend, and even her puppies have been pillars of support as she approaches graduation. “My boyfriend, Jimmy, has been there to encourage me on the days I’ve been overwhelmed and didn’t want to continue,” she said. “He’s helping me make sure I get to where I want to be. My Shih Tzu, Dante, has been with me during the late nights studying, and my new Havanese puppy, Lupita, keeps Dante from being lonely while I’m at school.”

Her dad, a head chef, and her mom, a home daycare provider, are incredibly proud of her, she said. “They see me studying, and they try to help me, give me advice and encouragement. They say it all the time: ‘We brought you to the U.S. to follow your dreams, to be a better version of yourself.’”

Her dream, Reinoso said, is to “Open my own practice where I can use my counseling skills to give back to the Latin community and others who need support. I want to help kids early in their lives, but also remind adults that it’s never too late to seek help.”

Asked what advice she would offer to other students who may also have been misinformed that there are no opportunities after high school for them, Reinoso said, “Everyone has their own timeline in life. Just because someone seems ahead doesn’t mean you’re behind. Focus on your own journey, do everything with love and care, and be proud of how far you’ve come. Your future is what truly matters.”

�Թ�ͷ�� changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals, and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.

Ashley DeSiata

Fred Rogers is credited with saying, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” �Թ�ͷ�� graduate student Ashley DeSiata is the epitome of a helper, and despite some unavoidable health setbacks, she has continued to exhibit that mindset while pursuing her Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Born and raised in Meriden, DeSiata initially was interested in becoming a paramedic. An autoimmune disorder diagnosis led her to reconsider the rigorous physical demands a career in emergency response would require, and she shifted her sights to psychology. DeSiata received a bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology from UMASS Amherst in 2020 and began her career as a Behavior Technician working with children with Autism and developmental disabilities at SYNCT Collaborative Therapy in Newington.

There, DeSiata amassed clinical experience with a focus on skill acquisition and supporting positive behavior changes. “I have a strong interest in supporting the Autism community and promoting meaningful and socially significant outcomes for clients and their families,” she said.

Ready for the next step in her career, she started to look into Applied Behavior Analysis graduate programs. One of her supervisors at work had graduated from WestConn’s well-respected ABA program, and spoke very highly of it. “I did some research and saw WestConn’s program had won a national award,” DeSiata said. “I was excited to make it into the program so I could become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and have the opportunity to make the greatest impact on my client’s lives. Following graduation, I plan to pursue certification as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst after obtaining all of my fieldwork experience and look forward to positively impacting the future families and clients I will serve,” she said.

At WestConn, DeSiata has maintained a 3.94 GPA and joined the Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society. She also engages in activities involving her local fitness community and enjoys participating in and volunteering at community events such as fundraising walks — finding a way to merge her love of fitness with helping others.

Unexpectedly, she experienced a serious medical crisis during her graduate school journey. She began to lose her vision, experienced intense headaches, and dealt with neurological symptoms that were initially difficult to explain. After months of appointments and uncertainty, she was hospitalized and diagnosed with a pituitary condition that required neurosurgery. She underwent major surgery, spent several days in intensive care, and then faced a long and exhausting recovery period.

Her professors in the ABA program, Drs. Stephanie Kuhn, Adam Brewer, and Antonia Giannakakos, were understandably concerned while simultaneously impressed by her resilience.

“Despite significant pain, temporary vision loss, hormonal complications, and restrictions on her ability to work, Ashley remained committed to completing her coursework,” Kuhn, Brewer and Giannakakos wrote. “Continuing in the program during this time required constant adjustment and perseverance. What stood out to faculty was not only that Ashley continued, but how she did so. She was honest about her limitations, maintained a steady effort, and remained committed to her long-term goals. Even as she continues to undergo medical monitoring and recently learned of a new mass that requires close follow up, Ashley has remained focused on completing her degree and moving forward.”

Given all the challenges she was facing, it would have been understandable if DeSiata had taken a step back, or refrained from going above and beyond to conserve her energy. But, according to her professors, she did exactly the opposite.

“Ashley has demonstrated leadership and service in ways that may not always be visible on paper,” Kuhn, Brewer and Giannakakos wrote in a letter to WestConn Provost Dr. Stephen Hegedus. “In an online program where formal leadership roles are limited, she consistently supported her peers. She made a point to check in with classmates, organize study efforts, and offer encouragement during stressful points in the semester. These actions helped create a sense of connection and support within her cohort. In her professional role, Ashley has taken on responsibilities that go well beyond her formal position. Although she does not hold an official leadership title, she regularly assists with training, supports colleagues with programming questions, and steps into leadership roles when needed. She has led client social groups, helped onboard new staff, and became someone others naturally turn to for guidance. This has been especially notable given her ongoing health challenges.”

Recognizing that DeSiata was precisely the kind of student the Provost’s Student Award for Academic Achievement and Resiliency was created to celebrate, Kuhn, Brewer and Giannakakos sent a nomination letter to Provost Dr. Stephen Hegedus. “Ashley has been an outstanding student in the program, but what truly sets her apart is the persistence and determination she has shown while facing circumstances that would have understandably derailed many students,” they wrote. “Ashley’s journey through this program reflects resilience, maturity, and a strong commitment to both learning and service. Her ability to persist through significant medical and personal challenges while continuing to support others makes her highly deserving of this recognition.”

In addition to the unwavering advice and support she received from her professors, DeSiata credits the dedication of her husband, Anthony, who spent every single day with her in the ICU at Yale during her surgery, and the love of her chihuahuas, Peach, Rocky, Buster Brown, and Emma, who herself has a pituitary tumor. “She’s my little tumor twin,” DeSiata quipped. “She’s doing great. We’re both good, and we’ve both healed up.”

DeSiata said her health issues have led her to realize that she’s “stronger than I thought I was and have done things I never thought I could or would.” She added, “It’s never too late to find what will make you feel accomplished. It’s okay to try new things, fail, and get back up after setbacks. It’s about overcoming adversity: you literally just have to keep going.”

�Թ�ͷ�� changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals, and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.

Grace Parkosewich

�Թ�ͷ�� senior Grace Parkosewich’s last name begins with a “P,” which is fitting, because one of her defining personality traits is Perseverance. A student-athlete, Parkosewich is studying Justice and Law Administration, and is a member of the Wolves’ . A participant in the Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society, Parkosewich has maintained a GPA hovering near 3.6, and she’s been a National Fast-Pitch Coaches Association All-American Scholar-Athlete since 2023. A regular on the Dean’s List, Parkosewich will graduate this May with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

As if juggling a challenging academic program with participation in an NCAA Division III sport isn’t enough, Parkosewich also became a member – and captain – of the university’s winning Moot Court Team, where she not only was the 2025 Schramm Cup Champion, but also a Regional Tournament Quarterfinalist and American Moot Court Association (AMCA) National Tournament Qualifier. Last year, Parkosewich was ranked 4th of 64 competitors, in the Top 1.4% nationally in the 2026 season, and is the highest-ranked National Advocate in WestConn program history.

With such a stellar resumé, one might wonder where perseverance comes into play.

Just before her freshman year at WestConn, Parkosewich, a Seymour resident, found herself facing several health challenges. “I lived in survival mode,” she said. “I’ve had to mature a lot in order to be truly happy. I found I can’t let life throw me off course. It has made me appreciate things about WestConn and my personal life.”

Her softball coach, Heather Stone, explained that Parkosewich exemplifies resilience, growth, dedication, and leadership. “The summer before her freshman year, Grace was hospitalized and diagnosed with lupus and multiple autoimmune diseases,” Stone wrote in her letter to Provost Dr. Stephen Hegedus nominating Parkosewich for the Provost’s Student Award for Academic Achievement and Resiliency. “Despite beginning college amid serious health challenges, she persevered through a difficult first year both academically and athletically. Her sophomore and junior years brought repeated hospitalizations, emergency hip surgery, and ultimately a full hip replacement at age 20. Yet through every setback, Grace remained determined to excel.

“Although her medical journey interrupted her softball career, Grace continues to work tirelessly with hopes of returning to the field before graduation,” Stone added. “Her perseverance, leadership, and unwavering positivity in the face of adversity truly distinguish her.”

Justice and Law Administration Assistant Professor Dr. Michaela Flippin agreed. In her letter to the Provost, she wrote, “Grace Parkosewich stands out as one of the most resilient and tenacious students I have had the pleasure of teaching. I taught Grace in JLA 405, a research seminar class that requires students to produce a polished manuscript by the end of the term. In the beginning, Grace’s writing was strong, but lacked a narrative flow, often relying too heavily on legal jargon endemic to her work with �Թ�ͷ��’s Moot Court team. Grace made it her mission to develop her writing into something that is accessible to all readers, noting that her desire to be an attorney will require her to guide folks through a legal landscape that is not easily traversable without significant professional guidance. Her growth across the semester was nothing short of remarkable. Grace never took feedback as an obstacle to success, but rather a challenge to meet in the pursuit of excellence. I can think of no student more deserving of this award.”

Associate Professor of Justice and Law Administration and Moot Court Adviser Thomas A. Miller, JD, added his input for the Provost’s consideration, “Grace Parkosewich has grown in the face of adversity. In her time at �Թ�ͷ��, she nearly died from an infection related to lupus, and she had her hip replaced. Despite this, she became captain of the Moot Court team, won �Թ�ͷ��’s internal moot court tournament, and advanced to the American Moot Court Association’s National Championship Tournament. At that tournament, she was the fourth highest-scoring orator in her bracket, which featured 64 orators from many of the nation’s most elite schools.”

Miller continued, “Grace is dedicated to helping others succeed. I saw it when she helped make every single member of the Moot Court team better this year through her leadership. I have seen it in the work that she has done in the Tutoring Center. I have heard her softball teammates discuss her incredible qualities. I believe so strongly in her leadership that I have recruited her to be an assistant coach for next year’s Moot Court team. Despite significant health setbacks, with excellence, she has completed every task assigned to her (and many that she took on of her own initiative). When she needs to improve, she always improves. I am beyond proud to have been her Moot Court coach and professor.”

Parkosewich said at one point, Miller had observed her on campus visibly upset. “He was encouraging and excited to have me on the Moot Court team,” she said. “That moment with him motivated me to dedicate myself fully into Moot Court. Now I plan to take the LSAT in the fall, find a paralegal position for the next year, and enroll in law school in Fall 2027.”

Looking back, Parkosewich said, “Don’t wait for the storm to pass — learn to walk through the storm. The person you will become is the strongest version of yourself. You’ll look back and realize you became the person you needed to be. It’s beautiful to experience. Anyone who has a success story has been through it and has scars. I was able to succeed because of support from my mom, my family, my roommates and teammates, and my professors. Their constant encouragement has been huge.”

�Թ�ͷ�� changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals, and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.

Gianna Fanelli

�Թ�ͷ�� has announced that Danbury resident Gianna Fanelli is a recipient of the coveted Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award for 2026. The award is given to two outstanding seniors, and Fanelli was selected from an extremely competitive field of fellow students for this prestigious Connecticut State Colleges and Universities honor.

An academically gifted student with many interests, Fanelli graduated from Immaculate High School and while she had plenty of opportunities, she decided she wanted to remain in Danbury to be near her family while attending college. Her father, Thomas Fanelli Jr., is a WestConn alumnus, so following in his footsteps felt “very connecting,” and committing to his alma mater didn’t feel as scary as spending four years geographically separated from her loved ones, she said.

Like her father, Fanelli was admitted to WestConn as a Biology major. Her original intent was to build upon the degree to attend dental school and pursue a career in dentistry. “I performed well, yet despite the grades, something felt misaligned,” Fanelli said. “I had competence, but not conviction.”

She changed direction, a decision Fanelli acknowledged “required honesty” and the realization that “success without passion was not enough.” She decided to double-major in Financial Management and Psychology — not only an abrupt departure from Biology, but seemingly two non-aligned pursuits.

Fanelli saw it another way. “These disciplines challenge me in different, yet complimentary ways,” she said. “Together, they gave me both structure and perspective. It has clarified the kind of professional I aspire to become — someone who understands the financial frameworks that drive organizations, and the human dynamics that sustain them. After graduation, I intend to build a career in Human Resources within a financial corporation, where I can contribute not only to operational success, but to the well-being of the people behind it.”

With a new direction in her sights and the goal of earning both a Bachelor of Business Administration in Financial Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology upon graduation in May 2026, one might think that Fanelli would have little time for additional pursuits. That would be an incorrect assumption, because Fanelli is simultaneously enrolled in classes for a WestConn Master of Business Administration that she will obtain in December 2027.

“I never pursued excellence to impress others,” Fanelli said. “I pursued it because I understand what it cost, and I refuse to waste what was sacrificed for me.”

The sacrifice she refers to was made by her father, who raised her and her brother as a single parent while oftentimes holding down more than one job to support the family. “My father took on the responsibility of supporting us financially, emotionally, and physically,” Fanelli said. “He demonstrated that hard work and integrity are non-negotiable. Without his sacrifices and the endless support of my family, I would not have had the opportunity to pursue higher education — let alone my master’s degree. His example instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude and accountability that continuously guide my academic and personal choices.”

Fanelli has maintained a 3.97 GPA while pursuing her dual undergraduate majors and graduate degree, but also has found time to be engaged in numerous on- and off-campus endeavors.

She is a member of the Finance Club, which she said enabled her to connect with other students who had similar interests. She also has been active with the Psychology Department’s  PsychAlliance, and has served as a Peer Academic Leader. Fanelli undertook a Student Practicum Internship with the university’s Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion within the Office of Intercultural Affairs in 2025, and points to this experience as extremely valuable. “I had the opportunity to work with people who had different backgrounds and perspectives,” she explained. “This will be so important in the situations I will experience in a corporate environment in the future.”

Off-campus, Fanelli is a monthly volunteer with , writing handwritten letters to seniors nationwide to combat loneliness and foster emotional connection. She’s a bookkeeper for Infinity Partners LLC, a local, family-owned real estate company, where she also assists with in-person interactions with tenants.

A member of the university’s Kathwari Honors program, Fanelli also is the recipient of a Connecticut State University Trustees four-year academic scholarship. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. Fanelli was the recipient of the Finance Department Award in 2025.

She said that one of the “most defining” academic experiences of her undergraduate career was her Honors thesis, “The Psychology of Financial Stress.” She explained that this interdisciplinary project allowed her to “integrate both of my majors by examining how financial stability and instability influence mental health and decision-making. Through this work,” she said, “I came to understand that economic systems are ultimately human systems, and meaningful change requires both analytical precision and empathy.”

When she was notified that she was qualified to apply for the Barnard Award, Fanelli said she was very excited. “It felt right, everything felt aligned, and I was drawn to pursue it. I felt I was a potential candidate, and I worked really hard to get here,” she said. “Because I can be very sociable, sometimes people have mistaken that for a lack of seriousness and have doubted my academic abilities. It stinks to have someone doubt you like that. Hard work is the biggest driver in overcoming that. If you are driven to succeed, the possibilities are endless.”

As a result, Fanelli said, “I am driven to support and uplift those around me as I understand how powerful it is to feel seen, supported, and capable. Education has given me structure and confidence, but it has also given me perspective — the awareness that my accomplishments rest upon a foundation built by others’ sacrifice. I am filled with gratitude, especially for my father who believed in me and my education even when life required him to carry more than most. To get the Barnard Award is not just recognition for the work I’ve put in, but his too.”

�Թ�ͷ�� changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals, and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.

Hannah Alexander

�Թ�ͷ�� has announced that Oxford resident Hannah Alexander is a recipient of the coveted Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award for 2026. The award is given to two outstanding seniors, and Alexander was selected from an extremely competitive field of fellow students for this prestigious Connecticut State Colleges and Universities honor.

Alexander is no stranger to being recognized for her accomplishments. As a high school student, she split her time between Oxford High School and New Haven’s Educational Center for the Arts, where she participated in the elite Connecticut Regional program to perform on her cello in a statewide orchestra.

Her love of music dates back to fourth grade, so understandably, Alexander is a Music Performance major at WestConn. But what might be surprising is that she has a dual major, and also is pursuing a Justice and Law Administration – Legal Studies degree.

Alexander noted that the ability to simultaneously pursue two seemingly disparate majors is one of the things that made WestConn the best choice for her.

“Even though other programs also offered me scholarships, there was just something different about WestConn,” she said. “I felt very secure in my choice to come here, and I would encourage anyone to consider this option. Meeting with teachers and current students can’t be replicated. WestConn is the most friendly and welcoming place I looked at, and is so different from typical conservatory settings. Here, there is camaraderie and everyone lifts each other up.”

Alexander added, “None of the other schools I considered could have offered a dual major experience this way, and I could not be more grateful for how the university supported me and made it work in my schedule.”

While at WestConn, Alexander has maintained a 3.91 GPA and has been the recipient of the Strong Scholarship, the JUMY Foundation Scholarship, and the �Թ�ͷ�� Presidential Scholarship. In addition to the time she spends in Kathwari Honors Program activities, Alexander is a three-time elected E-board member of the Strings Club, a member of the Brass Club, and a member of the JLA Society. She is a bass trombonist in addition to being a cellist. She also serves as a Precollegiate Access Program, Promoting Academically Successful Students mentor, and has a hand in running music events on campus as a crew member.

She is a two-time winner of the �Թ�ͷ�� Music Department’s Soloists’ Competition, and the soloist selected to play the Elgar Cello Concerto with the �Թ�ͷ�� Orchestra in this year’s spring concert. Her chamber group won the �Թ�ͷ�� Furman Music Competition in 2025. In 2024, she participated in a community event called , a project of concerts based on a private collection of violins, violas and cellos, all collected since the end of World War 2. During the event, Alexander performed on a recovered cello.

When asked about her most memorable experiences at WestConn, Alexander’s responses reveal her dual interests. “I have a new cello professor, Dr. Eliot Bailen, and I have absolutely loved my instruction under him. I’ve been so lucky,” she said. “I performed in my junior recital last May, which was a half-hour solo, and it was amazing. I’m very proud of it. This spring, I have my senior recital coming up, and I’m super excited. It will be an hour, and I get to ask some of my peers to join me onstage.”

In the same breath, Alexander explained that she has joined the university’s award-winning Moot Court Team at the suggestion of the coach, Associate Professor of Justice and Law Administration Thomas A. Miller, JD. “I’ll be participating in the Schramm Cup this spring, and I am working my tail off,” she said. “I really enjoy Professor Miller’s class, and I was so excited and honored to be hand-picked for the team. It’s the most challenging class I’ve had.”

While she is grateful to all of the WestConn faculty and staff who have provided her with opportunities and supported her on her journey, Alexander said she has heartfelt appreciation for Dr. Fernando Jimenez, fondly known as “Dr. J” in the Music Department. “He has been one of my biggest supporters and certainly a favorite of mine, throughout numerous ensemble and conducting classes I’ve taken with him,” she said. “Additionally, I have taken private trombone lessons with him, and he has encouraged my pursuit of all things musical despite my busy schedule. I have been lucky enough to play as his first-chair cellist in the �Թ�ͷ�� Symphonic Orchestra since my freshman year, and he has selected me to perform as a soloist not once, but twice, during my time here. He has been a wonderful mentor and inspiration in my life.”

When she found out that she was eligible to apply for consideration for a Barnard Award, Alexander said she was surprised and full of nervous anticipation. When she was notified that she had been selected, she said her entire family was very excited. “What a wonderful day it was,” she said, adding that she is proud to share the honor with fellow Barnard Award winner Gianna Fanelli. “I want to acknowledge how proud of her I am, as well as inspired by her challenging dual degree accomplishments.”

After her May 2026 graduation, Alexander plans to continue teaching private cello lessons at Southbury Music School, where her own early lessons took place, and at the Danbury Community Conservatory, where she teaches underprivileged students. She also performs with the Danbury Symphony and at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Oxford, and takes gig calls at other area churches. She has applied for a paralegal position at the Danbury Courthouse, with the goal of moving up to working in the Clerk’s office. She gained field experience in an internship with the Probation Office last summer, and hopes to turn that field work into courtroom work to prepare for her future legal career. Alexander plans to take the LSAT exam this summer, and to apply to entertainment law programs in fall 2027.

“While I know music is and will always be a huge part of my life, I am ready to explore additional avenues and begin to branch out from my musical cocoon,” Alexander wrote in her Barnard Award application. “After graduating, I hope to go to an Ivy League Law School. I’m interested in commercial law and its ties to the music community in areas like intellectual property and copyright law. I am hopeful that one day I will work as a legal advocate for musicians’ rights and compensation.”

�Թ�ͷ�� changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals, and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.

(l-r): 2026 Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award winners Hannah Alexander and Gianna Fanelli

Two multi-faceted students have been named Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award winners for 2026 by �Թ�ͷ��. Hannah Alexander, of Oxford, and Gianna Fanelli, of Danbury, were selected from an extremely competitive field of fellow students for this prestigious Connecticut State Colleges and Universities honor. The award, given to exceptional seniors, recognizes students who have outstanding academic achievement and engagement in service and other activities in the university, regional and global communities.

Alexander and Fanelli are members of the university’s Kathwari Honors Program, which promotes student enrichment built on the fundamental premise that knowledge is an open set of questions and ideas to be explored through highly interactive and interdisciplinary courses, experiential learning, research opportunities, and community engagement. Both students also have taken full advantage of the options available to them at WestConn, and are pursuing dual degrees.

Alexander will graduate in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Music in Performance – Cello, and a Bachelor of Science in Justice and Law Administration – Legal Studies. At the same ceremony, Fanelli will receive a Bachelor of Business Administration in Financial Management, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Fanelli also is concurrently taking classes to earn a Master of Business Administration in December 2027.

The academic rigor and creativity demonstrated by Alexander and Fanelli’s pursuits are evident in how both have found a way to successfully combine divergent interests into readily identifiable educational and career paths.

Fanelli explained, “The Financial Management and Psychology disciplines challenge me in different, yet complimentary ways. Together, they gave me both structure and perspective. It has clarified the kind of professional I aspire to become — someone who understands the financial frameworks that drive organizations, and the human dynamics that sustain them.”

She said one of the “most defining” academic experiences of her undergraduate career was her Honors thesis, “The Psychology of Financial Stress,” which allowed her to integrate both of her majors by examining how financial stability and instability influence mental health and decision-making. “Through this work,” she said, “I came to understand that economic systems are ultimately human systems, and meaningful change requires both analytical precision and empathy. After graduation, I intend to build a career in Human Resources within a financial corporation, where I can contribute not only to operational success, but to the well-being of the people behind it.”

Alexander’s decision to pursue degrees in both Music Performance and Legal Studies has provided her with different venues in which to share her knowledge and demonstrate her skills. “I performed in my junior recital last May, which was a half-hour solo, and it was amazing,” she said. “I’m very proud of it. This spring, I have my senior recital coming up, and I’m super excited. It will be an hour, and I get to ask some of my peers to join me onstage.” At the same time, Alexander has joined the university’s award-winning Moot Court team, and will be participating in the Schramm Cup this spring. “I was so excited and honored to be hand-picked for the team. It’s the most challenging class I’ve had,” she said. “While I know music is and will always be a huge part of my life, I am ready to explore additional avenues and begin to branch out from my musical cocoon. After graduating, I hope to go to an Ivy League Law School. I’m interested in commercial law and its ties to the music community in areas like intellectual property and copyright law.”

Both students have demonstrated that engaging in what inspires you can yield impressive results.

Fanelli has maintained a 3.97 GPA while pursuing her dual undergraduate majors and graduate degree, but also has found time to be engaged in numerous on- and off-campus endeavors. She is a member of the Finance Club, she has been active with the Psychology Department’s  PsychAlliance, and has served as a Peer Academic Leader.

Fanelli undertook a Student Practicum Internship with the university’s Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion within the Office of Intercultural Affairs in 2025, and points to this experience as extremely valuable. “I had the opportunity to work with people who had different backgrounds and perspectives,” she explained. “This will be so important in the situations I will experience in a corporate environment in the future.”

Off-campus, Fanelli is a monthly volunteer with LoveForOurElders.org, writing handwritten letters to seniors nationwide to combat loneliness and foster emotional connection. She’s a bookkeeper for Infinity Partners LLC, a local, family-owned real estate company, where she also assists with in-person interactions with tenants. Fanelli also is the recipient of a Connecticut State University Trustees four-year academic scholarship. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. Fanelli was the recipient of the Finance Department Award in 2025.

Alexander has maintained a 3.91 GPA and has been the recipient of the Strong Scholarship, the JUMY Foundation Scholarship, and the �Թ�ͷ�� Presidential Scholarship. Alexander is a three-time elected E-board member of the Strings Club, a member of the Brass Club, and a member of the JLA Society. She is a bass trombonist in addition to being a cellist. She also serves as a Precollegiate Access Program, Promoting Academically Successful Students mentor, and has a hand in running music events on campus as a crew member.

She is a two-time winner of the �Թ�ͷ�� Music Department’s Soloists’ Competition, and the soloist selected to play the Elgar Cello Concerto with the �Թ�ͷ�� Orchestra in this year’s spring concert. Her chamber group won the �Թ�ͷ�� Furman Music Competition in 2025. In 2024, she participated in a community event called , a project of concerts based on a private collection of violins, violas and cellos, all collected since the end of World War 2. During the event, Alexander performed on a recovered cello.

Alexander plans to continue teaching private cello lessons at Southbury Music School, where her own early lessons took place, and at the Danbury Community Conservatory, where she teaches underprivileged students. She also performs with the Danbury Symphony and at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Oxford, and takes gig calls at other area churches. Alexander gained field experience in an internship with the Probation Office last summer, and hopes to turn that field work into a paralegal or Clerk’s Office internship to prepare for her future legal career.

Alexander plans to take the LSAT exam this summer, and to apply to entertainment law programs in fall 2027. She acknowledged the mentorship and opportunities provided to her by professors in WestConn’s Music and Justice and Law Administration departments. “I am hopeful that one day I will work as a legal advocate for musicians’ rights and compensation,” she said. “My goal as both a musician and budding member of society is to infuse the same passion I have for music into everything that I do, and more importantly, share it with others around me.”

Fanelli said, “I am driven to support and uplift those around me as I understand how powerful it is to feel seen, supported, and capable. Education has given me structure and confidence, but it has also given me perspective — the awareness that my accomplishments rest upon a foundation built by others’ sacrifice. I am filled with gratitude, especially for my father who believed in me and my education even when life required him to carry more than most. To get the Barnard Award is not just recognition for the work I’ve put in, but his too.”

�Թ�ͷ�� changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals, and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.