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2007

Features

22

In the Name of Justice
Students at Suffolk Law School are changing the juvenile
justice system one teen at a time.
BY MICHAEL BLANDING

30

22

His Turn at Bat
In the battle of the sporting goods big leagues,
Rob Zeytoonian ’95, M.Ed. ’99 has established
himself as a real player. Now, this one-man team is ready
to grow—knock on wood.
BY KEN SHULMAN

36

COVER STORY: Curtain Call

From stagehand to starring roles, Paul Benedict ’60
is wrapping up a 40–year acting career. What will he do
for an encore?
BY RENÉE GRAHAM

Departments

06
10

RAMblings
A $2 million grant to ease anxieties... Surviving Survivor

SUFFOLK ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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The Bottom Line
A Conversation with Sawyer Business School
Dean William O’Neill

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2

Scenic Suffolk
SAM Contributors

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[ Volume III, No. 1 ]

Suffolk
Vice President for Advancement
Kathryn Battillo
Executive Director, Alumni Association
Ellen S. Solomita
Executive Editor
James Wolken
Editor-In-Chief
Andy Levinsky
Art Director
Kaajal S. Asher
Contributing Editors
Kenneth Fonzi ’06
Thomas Gearty
Stephanie Gallagher
John Shaw
Ellen S. Solomita

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64

Staff Writer
Renée Graham
Contributing Writers
Michael Blanding
Dave Enders
Ken Shulman

Departments

42
43

(CONT I NU E D)

Suffolk Time Capsule
A visit from a civil rights and anti-war icon
circa 1969
Alumni Association
A commencement to remember...a season
of alumni activities

Contributing Designers
Katie Fanara
Austin Bousley
Contributing Photographers
John Gillooly
Justin Knight
Copy Editor
Elizabeth Durant
Production Manager
John Shaw

Suffolk Alumni Magazine (ISSN 1556-8970) Copyright ©
2007 by Suffolk University, is published quarterly by Suffolk University, 8 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108, in
conjunction with the Suffolk Alumni Association. Issues
are published in the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer, and

53

Advancing Suffolk University
Communication technology entrepreneur
has the giving spirit...investing in the campus–
the cornerstone of a strong foundation

mailed to all known alumni of Suffolk University as part of
the beneﬁt of their having graduated from the University.
The purposes of Suffolk Alumni Magazine are to report
news of Suffolk University and its alumni; provide a medium for the exchange of views concerning Suffolk University affairs; and in other ways provide editorial content
that relates to the shared and diverse experiences and

57

Class Notes
Your news

interests of Suffolk University alumni. This publication is
guided by Suffolk’s principles of freedom of expression
and accepted standards of good taste. Opinions expressed are those of the signed contributors and do not
necessarily represent the opinions of the editors or the

64

BackStory
Neil O’Callaghan BSBA ‘00 gets the last laugh

ofﬁcial position of Suffolk University. Application to mail
at non-proﬁt periodical print rate pending at Boston, MA
and additional mailing ofﬁces. POSTMASTER: Please send
address change, Form 3579, to Suffolk University Alumni
Association, 8 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108.

Cover photo by Steven Vote

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Editor’s Note

Like a Catcher in the Rye
I have always found that mercy bears
richer fruits than strict justice.
–ABRAHAM LINCOLN

R

ecently, an administrator at a nearby
college favored me with lunch in
exchange for some editorial guidance. It seems his alumni magazine
was having trouble engaging readers, and there
was curiosity as to how SAM was able to cover
so many big subjects (the Iraq war, Katrina, the
environment) without stepping into a political
quagmire. The question was posed several times
and in different guises, each attempting to discover my secret.
While the compliment was ﬂattering, the answer was much more prosaic: It isn’t sophisticated editorial judgment on my part as much
as this magazine’s editorial beat. That is, SAM
is fortunate to cover a university that has a long
track record of teaching toward the big issues of
its time. Being the only university in American
history to begin ﬁrst as a law school, Suffolk’s
culture inherently leans toward the intersection
of social justice, education, public service, and
business. It is why so many alumni describe their
Suffolk education as “life transforming,” and why
“big” themes so often appear in our pages—the
current issue being no exception.
This issue SAM takes a fascinating look at
our Law School’s Juvenile Justice Center (JJC),
which was founded in 1998 with a grant from
the US Department of Justice, but today is sup-

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ported primarily by Suffolk funding.
The JJC’s mission is straightforward: provide high-quality representation for indigent
youth, while giving Suffolk law students real
world experience with the legal system. While
the JJC mission is straightforward, the work is
anything but.
Legal experts from both sides of the political
aisle agree America’s juvenile court system is overwrought. For the better part of a decade, tough
anti-crime political rhetoric, fueled by senseless
and tragic school shootings, (most notably Colombine High School), has led to zero-tolerance
policies that, no matter how well intentioned, end
up punishing the many for the sins of a few.
“Seventy percent of juvenile crime is non-violent,” says JJC Managing Director Lisa ThurauGray. “This gives society a wonderful opportunity
to help get these kids back on track.”
Thurau-Gray is the ﬁrst to say that not all juveniles get a raw deal. “There are bad teens just like
there are bad adults,” says Thurau-Gray. “Violent
criminals should suffer the consequences of their
actions.” But she and her hardworking team have
also encountered many young people who, because of an unstable home life, just need an adult
to help them navigate adolescence, which is why
education and communication is also a big part
of the JJC’s work.
“As adults, we forget how stressful a teenager’s
world can be,” Thurau-Gray says. “Peer acceptance, self-esteem issues, school, holding a job,
dating—these are big things for kids to handle
and life is a lot more complicated than when we

were young. Add to that a brush with the law and
suddenly a young person’s life can take a tragic
turn and appear shockingly bleak.”
Our story on the JJC (page 22) provides a rare,
behind-the-scenes look at a “big” issue, which is
par for the course with this alumni magazine.

...

And speaking of behind the scenes, you’ll notice that this issue of SAM is stylistically different than past issues. Led by SAM’s new editorin-chief, Andy Levinsky, and art director Kaajal
Asher, we’ve undertaken a redesign to make your
alumni magazine a more satisfying read.
Mr. Levinsky, an accomplished journalist who
has worked in both print and television, brings
to SAM a gift for producing compelling stories.
He also demonstrated a keen eye for talent when
he hired Ms. Asher, who enjoyed an award–winning career at both CXO Media and the Harvard
Business Review before joining Suffolk.
Another new star to join the SAM team is former Boston Globe reporter and columnist Renée
Graham. Ms. Graham, who enjoyed a stellar 18
year career at the Globe, wrote our cover story
this issue on Suffolk alumnus Paul Benedict
’60, star of countless Broadway productions but
known to most of us (despite his best efforts) as
Mr. Bentley from the TV sitcom The Jeffersons.
Since big ideas require big talent, I can safely
report that SAM is in very good shape.

JAMES WOLKEN, Executive Editor

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“When I meet another Suffolk graduate, I know that we
have several beliefs in common. Hard work is rewarded,
opportunity is created, and all people matter. These
values are part of our shared “Suffolk DNA”.
Institutions are created by great individuals. Great
institutions are sustained by committed people.
This campaign is the best time for each of us to give
back to this great university.”

I believe in the
Power to Change.
I support Suffolk.
Nique Fajors ’89
Vice President, Marketing
Capcom Entertainment
Suffolk Campaign Supporter

We invite you to join us in building a future for Suffolk as astonishing as our past. To learn more about The Power to Change: The Campaign for Suffolk University,
visit www.suffolk.edu/giving. Or call the Suffolk University Ofﬁce of Advancement at 617-573-8443.

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Contributors

Scenic Suffolk

Michael Blanding (“In the Name of Justice,”
pg. 22) is an award-winning magazine writer
whose work has appeared in The Nation,
The New Republic, Boston Magazine, and
The Boston Globe.

Renée Graham (“Curtain Call,” pg. 36) is the
pop culture correspondent for Here and Now
on WBUR-FM, National Public Radio in Boston.
Graham has been a staff writer at the Miami
Herald, Syracuse Herald-Journal, and Boston
Globe. She has also written for Essence,
Sojourner, and Nieman Reports.

California–based artist Scott Laumann has
completed commissions for numerous clients
including Time, Rolling Stone, GQ, Arnold
Schwarzenegger, the Los Angeles Times, Dow
Jones, the Grammy Awards, Warner Brothers,
and Netscape. His paintings can be found in
galleries in the U.S. and abroad.

Photographs by Steven Vote, an award-

[
6

SUFFOLK CAMPUS: ROOM WITH A VIEW The spire of the historic Park Street Church

(foreground) and Tremont Street skyline as seen by SAM staff photographer Tom Gearty from
the president’s ofﬁce at 73 Tremont Street, the Rosalie K. Stahl center.

SUFFOLK ALUMNI MAGAZINE

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]

winning location photographer originally
from Sydney, Australia, have been featured in
American Photo, Popular Photography, PDN,
and Applied Arts. His work has been
recognized by Graphis Photo Annual.

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Letters to the Editor

RE: THE SPEAKER SPEAKS
Salvatore DiMasi, JD’71, DPA ’05
Thank you for your proﬁle of Speaker of
Massachusetts House of Representatives Salvatore
DiMasi. As an organization dedicated to making
affordable, quality health care available to all
Massachusetts residents, we deeply commend
Speaker DiMasi for his visionary leadership in
the passage of Chapter 58, our health reform
law. We at Health Care For All have seen how
this landmark legislation has helped so many
vulnerable residents, some of whom have been
without health insurance for a number of years.
Speaker DiMasi truly had their interest at heart
when drafting the legislation.
What impressed us most was how the Speaker
took the time to learn the policy backwards and
forwards. He understood all sides of the issue,
particularly how consumers would be impacted
by policy decisions.
Speaker DiMasi continues to stay involved in
the implementation of Chapter 58. He watches
the process closely to ensure it honors the original intent of health reform, providing comprehensive affordable and accessible health care to
everyone in the Commonwealth.
—John McDonough
Executive Director
Health Care For All

He’s known to speak softly and carry a big gavel. So how
will Salvatore DiMasi JD ’71, DPA ’05 adjust to the glare
of the spotlight created by a leadership shake-up on
Beacon Hill? Read his lips.

The Speaker

Speaks
By Michael Blanding

F

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHLEEN DOOHER

or political symbolism, you can’t do much better than Salvatore DiMasi’s

24

Suffolk Alumni Magazine | Spring 2007

childhood bedroom. The current Speaker of the Massachusetts House of
Representatives grew up in a cold-water ﬂat in the North End, sharing a room
with three brothers (and a bed with one) and walking two blocks to a public
bathhouse for showers. But his tenement was also next door to the Old North
Church, an icon in our nation’s history that many Americans associate with Paul
Revere and the highest ideals of democracy.
For years growing up, DiMasi looked at the spire of the church as he drifted
off to sleep, incited the wrath of the vicar by bouncing rubber balls off its bricks,
and earned nickels with other kids reciting Longfellow’s “The Midnight Ride of
Paul Revere” for tourists. Decades later, when he climbed up to the venerable
wooden pulpit in 2005 for the annual lantern-lighting ceremony honoring

Spring 2007 | Suffolk Alumni Magazine
M

25

I found the proﬁle on Speaker DiMasi very welldone, especially the reporting on the Speaker’s
work that lead to obtaining passage of Chapter
58, the Commonwealth’s landmark health insurance reform statute.
—Brian Gilmore BS’69, MPA’’76

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RE: TRAIL BLAZER
Bob Ford MPA ‘97, JD ‘97
I ﬁrst met Bob Ford about seven years ago while
I was Director of Conservation in the Town of
Boxford, where Bob was on the Planning Board
and very active in the local land trust (BTA/
BOLT). Bob made a big impression over the
phone with his deep, commanding voice and
passion for conservation. He made a bigger
impression by doggedly working to protect one
piece of land after another in spite of the inevitable challenges (scarce funding, political hurdles,
etc.). Bob’s achievements in Boxford loom large
(and ever larger), and I know he will play a key
role in conserving ecologically sensitive land in
the Sudbury Valley now that he is Director of
Land Protection for the Sudbury Valley Trustees.
You’ve come a long way Bob – keep going!
—Ken Pruitt
Executive Director
Massachusetts Association of
Conservation Commissions

want Chris and the Foundation’s generosity to
The Food Bank to be overlooked.
In honor of our 25th anniversary last year,
Chris and the Foundation awarded The Greater
Boston Food Bank $25,000 to be distributed
as $1,000 grants to 25 community hunger-relief agencies–among them food pantries, soup
kitchens and emergency shelters–in The Food
Bank’s network. These grants helped our member agencies provide the equivalent of more
than 52,000 meals.
The Spinazzola Foundation’s mission is to feed
hungry bodies and minds by supporting hunger
and homelessness relief and by funding culinary
scholarships. For the past 22 years it has fulﬁlled that mission and continues to do so. The
Foundation’s support helps The Greater Boston
Food Bank fulﬁll its mission to help end hunger
in eastern Massachusetts.
Chris has more than continued his father’s
legacy. He has honored it by overseeing the
Foundation with compassion, generosity, and
integrity.
—Catherine D’Amato

RE: A FULL PLATE
Chris Spinazzola BA ‘76
It goes without saying that for the past 22 years
the Anthony Spinazzola Foundation Gala has
been the premiere charitable event for the hospitality industry in Boston. Chris has afforded
those of us lucky enough to know his father the
opportunity to honor his legacy.
So too, Chris perpetuates Anthony’s ideals. It’s
quite obvious Chris inherited the “passion for
the restaurant business gene” from his father.
Quite admirably, Chris ensures that the Anthony
Spinazzola Foundation similarly inﬂuences others by cultivating the creative talents of those who
may not have otherwise had the opportunity.
I’m pleased Chris is being duly recognized for
his own stewardship and contribution to the restaurant industry.
—Roger Berkowitz
President & CEO, Legal Seafoods

In reading your pitch-perfect proﬁle of Chris
Spinazzola in the spring 2007 issue of Suffolk
Alumni Magazine, I noticed that The Greater
Boston Food Bank was missing from the list of
organizations that receives support from the
Anthony Spinazzola Foundation. I would not

President & CEO, The Greater Boston Food Bank
Editor’s Note:

As SAM went to press, we learned that the
Anthony Spinazzola Foundation ceased operation on August 31st, 2007. In retrospect, perhaps
Chris Spinazzola ’76 was a victim of his own success. Who knew that a 1986 dinner organized by
friends to honor the late Boston Globe restaurant critic would draw more than 1,100 guests,
raise $100,000 to establish a namesake memorial scholarship fund for culinary education, and
become an annual event, much less one of the
nation’s premiere industry fundraisers? Nor did
Chris Spinazzola, a restaurateur, anticipate a second career building and overseeing a charitable
foundation. Yet the more than $4 million raised
by the Anthony Spinazzola Foundation since its
founding in 1992 has had such a major impact on
its beneﬁciaries (organizations which ﬁght hunger and homelessness, the Grow Clinic of Boston
Medical Center, and culinary arts students in
Massachusetts) that it’s understandable why
Chris Spinazzola expressed such ambivalence
about its closure. It’s also clear why this family
man attributes his decision, in part, to a desire
to spend time with his wife Marjorie, who under-

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went a bone marrow transplant. A ﬁtting tribute
to Chris Spinazzola’s extraordinary generosity
would be support of One Family, a non-proﬁt
organization dedicated to ending homelessness
among Massachusetts families which his wife ran
until last year.

whitewashing of Barnicle’s history. Apparently
Janet Cooke was unavailable.
As for Barnicle’s prediction of a strong comeback for newspapers...the late, great Bill Homer
would have kicked me out of his Intro to
Journalism class had I made such an absurd (and
unsubstantiated!) claim.
—Jim Scanlan, BSJ ‘87

Re: THE FOCUS OF LEADERSHIP
Dean Robert H. Smith
Thank you for your article entitled “The Focus
of Leadership” which highlighted the tenure of
Dean Robert H. Smith at the Law School. Since
becoming Dean in 1999, Bob Smith has led this
Law School in a very positive direction. With his
enthusiastic support of the admissions ofﬁce in
terms of increases in scholarship funds and outreach efforts, we have been able to attract outstanding students to the Law School. These extraordinary men and women have helped to raise
the academic proﬁle of the student community
as well as increase all types of diversity. We now
enroll students from all over the world and from
all walks of life. As a result, our students perform
well in and out of the classroom, compete “head
to head” with other Boston law school graduates
for jobs in top ﬁrms, and pass the bar at much
higher rates.
Bob Smith has been an outstanding CEO of
Suffolk University Law School. He has led by
example–always fair, supportive, inclusive, and
with the utmost integrity. He is admired by many
at Suffolk as well as the Boston academic and
legal community. We will miss his guidance and
leadership, but look forward to working with him
when he returns to the faculty in January.

RE: INSTITUTIONAL MEMORY
Professor Stanley Vogel’s Enduring
Suffolk Legacy
I just received my copy of the recent alumni
magazine (always a good read). I am compelled
to add my note of admiration for Prof. Stanley
M. Vogel to the wonderful article contributed by
Andy Levinsky. I was an English major at Suffolk
and was blessed (the best descriptive word I can
think of at the moment) to have been a student in
several classes taught by Dr. Vogel. My memories
of those classes are very vivid due in great part to
both the clarity of the presentation of the material and the caring attitude that were hallmarks
of Dr. Vogel’s teaching methods.

Suffolk
Alumni Magazine

> Net Gain
Environmental Lawyer
Peter Shelley’s Fish Tale

> Full Plate
Restaurateur/Philanthropist
Chris Spinazzola:
Thousands Served

> Also in This Issue:
•
•
•

Travel Back to Suffolk Circa 1949
Got a Big Job Interview? Phone It In
One Graduate’s 40-Day Fast

The Speaker

Speaks

Sal DiMasi Captures the Hill

Spring 2007 $3.95

—Gail Ellis

Vol. II, No. 3

Dean of Law Admissions
Suffolk Law School

I have never before written a “letter to the editor,” but I had to after reading Levinsky’s article.
—John G. McNamara, BA ‘69, JD ‘72

As a graduate of Suffolk University, I became an
English teacher, tutor, and ﬁnally an educational
advocate for students with special needs. I was
pleased to read the recent article on my former
professor, Dr. Stanley Vogel, who inﬂuenced me
with his love of literature and by making certain
we knew everything about anything. His total
preparation for every class as well as his seriousness of purpose served as an excellent model
and I have always strived to put the same standards in place for myself and the young people
I teach. We have all beneﬁted from Dr. Vogel’s
inﬂuence and we hope he knows how grateful
we shall always be.
—Esther Ross, BA ‘67

RE: THE BREADWINNER
Irene Cook EMBA ‘05
It was a pleasure to read the feature on Irene
Cook in your spring issue. She is the embodiment of what is best about our university: Suffolk
provided Irene with an opportunity, and she has
made the most of it.
As one of my students in the EMBA program,
Irene exhibited the intelligence, judgment, and
determination required for executive leadership. Just as important, Irene effuses a genuine
warmth and empathy for people, as evidenced
by her trademark hugs. These personal traits,
along with her abilities, will undoubtedly enable her to sustain her success as she pursues
her career goals.

Write to Us

—Robert E. Rosenthal, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Communication and Journalism

RE: EXTRA! EXTRA! WORLD CLASS
JOURNALISTS DEBATE FUTURE OF NEWS
Suffolk Today
Had you described the keynote speaker of the
“Journalism in the Changing Media” conference
as “Disgraced plagiarist Mike Barnicle” instead of
“Boston media veteran Mike Barnicle,” I would
only have disagreed with your choice of keynoter.
Now I disagree with your choice and with your

Suffolk Alumni Magazine
8 Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108-2770

...

RE: SAM
Thank for the magazine! Great read. Would you
know by any chance know who I might be able to
contact in the Alumni Association if I wish to hire
a Suffolk attorney?
—AJ Joseph

E–mail letters to:
sam@suffolk.edu

Editor’s Note: contact Ofﬁce of Career Development,
617-573-8148, lawcareerdev@suffolk.edu

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The Bottom Line

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SAM: You’ve been dean since 2001. Have you noticed a change in
the type of student who is applying?
Dean O’Neill: Yes, we are dealing with the Millennial student now. These
students are busy individuals who are very involved in their community.
They love to learn and are highly motivated to succeed. They are globally
focused, organized, creative, and technologically advanced. They’ve never
known a world without cell phones, computers, CDs, or DVDs.
SAM: Why do you think so many students are seeking a business
education today?
Dean O’Neill: I think they want a practical education that gets them
into the business world immediately upon graduation. Others are looking to start their own businesses and we have established the Center for
Entrepreneurial Studies to help these students. Regardless of their career path, our students learn to think critically, communicate effectively,

Dean O’Neill: No, generally today’s business student is socially conscious.
They also have very strong feelings about corporate responsibility. Many
choose to work in the non-proﬁt, healthcare, or government sectors,
applying the skills they receive from a business degree. The new BSBA
curriculum has a strong focus on social responsibility and service and is
one of the central themes of this new curriculum. Employees need to be
encouraged to get out into the community—to be involved and understand the community better. They need to go beyond the four walls of
their ofﬁces and feel comfortable in the community with the individuals
who buy their products or services.
SAM: So even if they are bottom line focused, social
consciousness is now part of the bottom–line.
Dean O’Neill: Community involvement has always has been part of the
bottom line. It’s just that more people recognize it now.

In a wide ranging conversation with SAM, Sawyer Business School
Dean William J. O’Neill weighs in on such topics as a new curriculum for
the undergraduate program, the importance of globalization, and the
difference between “The Apprentice” and the real world.
embrace change, and network. Accepting change is very important for
business students. I’d like our students to become change agents.

SAM: You mentioned the new curriculum for the BSBA program
this fall. What prompted the changes?

SAM: You use the phrase “change agent,” and I know you
mentioned it in your presentation in May to the Dean’s Advisory
Board. That’s not a phrase you often hear associated with
business.

Dean O’Neill: The changing dynamics of the workplace. The business
world is demanding savvier employees with leadership skills, critical thinking, and an in-depth understanding of global business perspectives.
Our new curriculum focuses on leadership, innovation, networking,
knowledge, and service [LINKS]. The LINKS philosophy is interwoven
throughout our undergraduate and graduate curricula.
The new BSBA curriculum centers around six themes: globalization,
ethics and corporate social responsibility, diversity, leadership, teamwork,
and networking. Also, we are introducing business courses earlier in the
program during the student’s ﬁrst and second years.
We’ve developed an online portfolio that serves as a repository of
knowledge for students to build and maintain throughout their Suffolk
careers. Students will be able to capture their entire undergraduate experience in their portfolio. They can post writing samples, video clips,
papers, case analyses, and reﬂective pieces about learning experiences
while traveling or completing internships. In the student’s third year they
can create a personal web page which will assist them with job recruitment by presenting themselves effectively to prospective employers.

Dean O’Neill: If a business doesn’t embrace change, the competition will
force them out of business. To be successful in business, you must embrace change. A business needs to continuously improve services to customers and their internal operations. Many businesses bring about societal changes with the technical changes they make. Take the way we listen
to music. The iPod has signiﬁcantly changed the way people interact with
music just as the Walkman changed the dynamic of how people listened
to music in the ’80s. Applying new technologies is where businesses make
their greatest contribution to society as well as their proﬁts.
SAM: Not to stereotype here, but students going into the
business world probably are fairly focused on the bottom line. So
when you start talking about giving back to the community, do
you start to see a lot of eye rolling?

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Cohort experiences allow students to connect with their classmates
around speciﬁc topics. In their ﬁrst year, students take a freshman course
which introduces them to the culture and diversity of Boston and the
Suffolk Community. As part of this course, students learn about the city
on the Boston Duck Tours. They later analyze a case study of Boston
Duck Tours in their Business Foundations class. During the fall semester,
the CEO of the Boston Duck Tours, Cindy Brown, will speak to students
about the challenges and opportunities of the company.
SAM: Do you actually have to change the MBA curriculum
corresponding to the bachelor’s in any way?
Dean O’Neill: No, faculty are continuously improving the MBA and
other graduate degree programs each year. Due to their prior business
experiences, the MBA student receives a more advanced level of knowledge and skills than the BSBA student. Also, the LINKS concept has been
interwoven in the MBA curriculum.
SAM: This year, you have a record number of full time faculty
coming on board. Presumably, you’re competing with many
different business schools for the same faculty. How do you go
about attracting them here?
Dean O’Neill: I think our Boston location, as well as our strong focus
on teaching and research, are signiﬁcant factors. Our global mission is
also very important and a number of our faculty specialize in global business research. Half of our current faculty are international and represent
many diverse regions in the world.
SAM: Sawyer Business School now has its ﬁrst endowed chair.
Do you think it will help retain faculty in the future?

Dean O’Neill: The Wall Street Journal is a valuable daily newspaper.
Rupert Murdoch has a reputation for sensationalizing news and therefore the future role of the Wall Street Journal under Murdoch’s ownership is uncertain.
SAM: What do you consider required reading material for
businesspeople?
Dean O’Neill: I read The Economist all the time. It provides ﬁrst-rate
business, economic and government reporting about issues around the
world. The relationship between government and business is interconnected and The Economist provides an excellent overview of this
interdependence.

“Regardless of their career path, our
students learn to think critically,
communicate effectively, embrace
change, and network. Accepting
change is very important for business
students. I’d like our students to
become change agents. “
SAM: How do you feel about the emergence of corporate leaders
like Bill Gates and Warren Buffet as philanthropists?

SAM: A Suffolk graduate who has made an innovative
contribution is R.J. Valentine.

Dean O’Neill: The emergence of corporate philanthropists began at the
turn of the last century with the Rockefellers, Carnegies, and Mellons.
They gained great wealth for themselves and also established charitable
foundations, which are still with us today. They focused on improving
various elements of our society, in such areas as hospitals, educational
institutions, museums, and many other areas. Today’s corporate philanthropists are continuing that tradition, but are more directly involved in
the funding and monitoring the results of their contributions.

Dean O’Neill: R.J. is a very successful businessman who has been giving

SAM: Your take on The Apprentice?

Dean O’Neill: Yes, the Carol Sawyer Parks Endowed Chair will help us
attract and retain seasoned entrepreneurs and will assist us with funds
for academic research and grants. We are extremely appreciative to the
Sawyer family for their continuous generosity to the Business School.

back to his community for many years. In conversations with him about
how he would like to help the Business School, he came up with the
idea that he would sponsor eighty percent of a student’s tuition, provide
an internship, and personally mentor the student. Now to me this is the
perfect model, and I would love to replicate it with other alumni. This
model is very unique: a ﬁnancial gift made personal through mentoring.
One of the Business School’s priorities for the coming year is ﬁnding
internships and mentors for our students that will help them get some
experience in a professional job while they are students.
SAM: A few general questions on the business landscape. Your
take on The Wall Street Journal sale to Rupert Murdoch...

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Dean O’Neill [laughs]: It’s entertainment. It isn’t the way the real business world operates. People are not ﬁred because they failed the ﬁrst time
in their decision making. Maybe after a series of failures, but not with
their ﬁrst failure. There are some elements of the show that depict the
real business world, such as the intensity of business and the need to produce positive results and proﬁts.
SAM: What do you consider to be the best business advice
you’ve ever heard?
Dean O’Neill: “Whatever you do, have a passion for what you are doing.” S

FALL 2007

9/20/07 3:47:53 PM

What if there was
a magic button that
instantly put you in
touch with thousands
of Suffolk Alumni?
{ Actually, there is. }
ENTER the ONLINE COMMUNITY

Does Suffolk’s on-line community work? Just

folk alumni in top positions in every industry throughout New

ask Dianne Grattan MBA ’02.

England,” says Diane. “And with the ‘opt-in’ option, I know it’s

“To do my job, I need to speak with leaders across industries—

okay to contact them.” Dianne says she is getting a great re-

healthcare, business, technology,” says Diane.

sponse from her fellow graduates.

How does she ﬁnd those leaders? Through the Suffolk Alumni

Her success is just one example of how the Online Community

Association’s Online Community, which

can work for you. You can also get a permanent Suffolk e-mail

offers an ‘opt-in’ button for alumni inter-

address, create your own yellow page ad, ﬁnd old friends, or

ested in being contacted by other Suffolk

make new connections.

alumni.

Whether you’ve just graduated or celebrating your 25th re-

“In the Online Community, you’ll ﬁnd Suf-

union, the Suffolk Online Community will work for you!

The Online Community is free to all Suffolk alumni. Share in Suffolk’s strength by registering today via the Alumni Association website: www.suffolk.edu/alumni

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RAMblings
News on Campus and Beyond

STUDY ABROAD

TECHNOLOGY

Go East–Far East–Young Student

Can You Hear Me Now?
Suffolk is making the wireless connection in
a big way. This fall, 95 percent of the Boston
campus will be wireless, up from just ﬁve percent during the last academic year. The exponential leap comes at a time when students
are using laptops and other wireless devices
more than ever.
Members of Suffolk I.T. department sat
down with students and found that wireless was a key to fulﬁlling their technological
needs. Enterysys Networks of Andover, MA,
donated a large portion of the required equipment. Enterysys has also agreed to update
the network within the next 12 to 18 months
as needed. And for those all-night cramming
sessions, students can access a new, 24-hour
support center in case they encounter any
unexpected electronic nightmares.

S

SUFFOLK STUDENTS can now include Vietnam and Japan to their ever-growing list of

countries where they can study abroad.
With the addition of Hoa Sen University in Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon Internation-

sity in Osaka, Japan, Suffolk now has an afﬁliation with more than 50 schools across the
globe—a far cry from the eight schools associated with the program when it began just ﬁve

years ago. Last year, more than 300 undergraduates and 50 graduates participated.
“We’re now getting calls from juniors in high school who are interested in studying

“We’re always
looking at new places to send more students, and I
expect the program to continue to grow.”

abroad,” said Study Abroad Program Director Youmna H. Hinnawa.

For more information about the program, go to www.suffolk.edu/studyabroad.

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ART CREDIT HERE
ILLUSTRATION TOP BY STEPHEN WEBSTER

al University in Vietnam, as well as Sophia University in Tokyo and Kansai Gaidai Univer-

FALL 2007

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RAMblings

says
who

?

The C. Walsh also hosted a
live broadcast of National
Public Radio’s Says You! game
show in May.

ACADEMICS

College Unveils New Curriculum

T H E AT R E A R T S

From C. Walsh to
Off-Broadway

T

The Theatre Department is singing a new
tune now that one of its productions is set to
make its off-Broadway debut.
A professional company, the Transport

Group Theatre, will produce Suffolk’s 2006
show Crossing Brooklyn (called Begin Again
during its Suffolk run) during its 2007-2008
season.
“To have this performed in New York City,
the center of the musical universe, is like getting a trophy,” remarked Theatre Department
Chair Marilyn Plotkins.
The musical, written by veteran composers
Laura Harrington and Jenny Giering, is a story
of love and renewal set against the backdrop of
the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Plotkins said it was a big enough coup when
the two women agreed to write for a univer-

T

he College of Arts and Sciences this fall will roll out what Dean Kenneth
S. Greenberg terms “the most signiﬁcant curriculum change in the history of the College.”

The radically revamped curriculum includes new and more demanding courses,
more opportunity to connect theory with practice, and a better way for students
to adjust more quickly to college life.
“These changes preserve the best of the College’s old curriculum while introducing new elements that will make our offerings competitive with the best
liberal arts colleges in the country,” said Dean Greenberg, who led the four-year
review process that engaged both faculty and students.
The most apparent change is the conversion of courses from three credits to
four. According to Dean Greenberg, this will allow students more opportunity—
and faculty more time—to dig deeper into subject matter.
Incoming freshmen will also now select a faculty advisor for their ﬁrst year,
based upon their choice of one of over 50 new Freshman Seminars. These broad-

sity theatre, since most amateur productions

ly-focused courses present an opportunity for freshmen to engage in critical think-

do not make it off campus. Now, with a profes-

ing and include such choices as “Poverty and Inequality,” “Philosophy of Art and

sional company producing the show, Suffolk

Beauty,” “Science in the Ancient World,” and “The Problem of Freedom.” Thanks to

jumps to the forefront of a growing movement

small class sizes, the seminars will enable advisors to get to know their students

to create and nurture musicals away from the

quickly and to guide them better during their crucial ﬁrst year in college.

klieg lights of Broadway and its critics.
“This is the wave of the future,” predicted
Plotkins, “and it puts Suffolk on the map.”

A new requirement called the Extended Classroom Experience will ensure that
all students have an opportunity to connect theoretical with practical knowledge.
Students may choose to study abroad, complete an internship in the Congress or
the Statehouse, volunteer in museums and soup kitchens, or engage in an extensive assortment of other activities linking their classrooms to the outside world.

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9/20/07 3:47:56 PM

RAMblings
ENVIRONMENT

Rams spring ahead to
successful season

A

Reduce, Reuse,
Reward

ll four of Suffolk’s spring sports qualiﬁed for post-season play, while a Suffolk
softball player was named player of the year by the Great Northeast Athletic
Conference (GNAC).

Baseball: Suffolk compiled a 23-17 record, going 11-3 in the GNAC, before bowing to Worces-

ter Polytechnic Institute in the ﬁnals. The team was led by junior ﬁrst baseman Nick Martinho,
who hit .364 with six homers and 33 RBI, and junior outﬁelder Greg DeMarco, who batted .414
with two homers and 30 runs scored. The pair joined teammates Jeison King, Marc Exarhopoulos, Kevin Silva, Steve Durant, and Reid Jackson as GNAC all-conference picks.
Golf: Suffolk ﬁnished sixth in the ﬁrst-ever GNAC-Alliance championship, as Jason Anderson
shot an 85, good for 17th overall. Eric Rifﬂe shot an 88 and Jori Karstikko had a 91.
Men’s Tennis: Juniors Pedro Soares and Chris Delisi were selected to the GNAC ﬁrst team.
Soares, who played No. 1 singles, went 4-0 in league play and 5-2 overall, and was undefeated in
doubles. Delisi was 5-0 in GNAC play, and 9-2 overall as the No. 2 singles player, while going 8-1
in doubles. The team ﬁnished second in the GNAC with a 4-1 record (8-3 overall) but lost in the
league semiﬁnals.
Softball: Sophomore pitcher/inﬁelder Jess Ferreira was named GNAC player of the year, as

AL GORE WOULD BE PROUD.

Suffolk’s recycling program has placed the

she followed up last year’s Rookie of the Year effort by posting a 12-15 record, a 3.94 ERA, and

University in the top half of colleges and univer-

striking out 181 batters. At the plate, Ferreira hit a robust .458 with six home runs, six triples, and

sities participating in Recycle Mania, a national

eight doubles, and ranked 51st nationally with a .777 slugging percentage. These stats earned

recycling competition.

her an honorable mention with the Division III All-New England team. The Rams went 15-22 overall and 10-12 in the league, good enough to make it into the GNAC playoffs in coach Vicki Schull’s
second and ﬁnal season at the helm. However, the team was eliminated in the ﬁrst round.

Since the summer of 2006, Suffolk has more
than tripled the amount of paper, glass, metal,
plastic, and cardboard recycled, going from 30
tons to over 95 tons, and has cut the amount it
throws away by almost 15 percent.
The University also formed several partnerships with organizations such as Extras for Creative Learning and Dump and Run, which reuse
items no longer needed on campus.
Campus Sustainability Coordinator Erica
Mattison MPA ’07 will continue her mission to
educate, expand, and enhance the recycling program this academic year. Mattison is developing
an energy management plan that she predicts
will lead to such improvements as more efﬁcient
light bulbs, renovation of the heating and cooling systems for maximum energy efﬁciency, and
promotion of environmentally preferred purchasing methods.

Pedro Soares and Chris Delisi were GNAC ﬁrst team doubles partners.

Go to www.suffolk.edu/recycling for more information.

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RAMblings

P O P C U LT U R E

Suffolk Alum a Survivor
COURTNEY YATES BA ’03 has survived work-

(Flying Dragon) team. The two opposing

ing at Logan Airport, a high-end hair salon,

teams will be marooned on separate islands

and historic homes in Salem, Massachusetts,

on Zhelin Lake in Jiangxi Province.

where she donned a period costume as an
“interpreter.”

Yates described herself in a video proﬁle
as being the “anti-Survivor” contestant, add-

Now, she will try to survive shifting alli-

ing she had no set strategy on how to keep

ances, elaborate challenges, and a series of

from being voted off the show. “This whole

tribal council votes to win the $1 million ﬁrst

thing is like a whim,” she said. “If the cards

place prize on Survivor: China. The hit CBS

go my way, great. If they don’t, whatever.”

television reality series began its 15th installment on September 20th at 8 p.m..

A website called BoDog.com has handicapped the 16 contestants, and Yates is tied

The Melrose native, who currently lives

for 10th with 13-1 odds of being the ﬁnal

and works as a waitress in New York City,

survivor. Here at Suffolk, she’s the odds-on

will be one of the eight-person Fei Long

favorite.

HONORS

Annual SUMMA Pre-Commencement
Dinner Highlights Graduate Achievements

T

of New Orleans, and was one of several for-

ments of every graduate. Some of

week before Hurricane Katrina devastated the

> Chanterelly

the more dramatic examples were highlighted

city and closed the university. Suffolk waived

year of her Suffolk experience at the Madrid

by President David J. Sargent JD ’54 on May 19

the tuition for Rialo and his fellow travelers,

campus before arriving in Boston. The daugh-

during the annual Commencement-eve dinner

enabling them to transfer to the Boston cam-

ter of a career diplomat, Chanterelly became

that introduces honorary degree recipients,

pus. Rialo lived with the family of a professor

ﬂuent in six languages at Suffolk. She gradu-

and thanks the University’s generous benefac-

in the Sawyer Business School prior to his

ated summa cum laude from the College of

tors, SUMMA and Frost Society members. This

graduation.

Arts and Sciences and will pursue a PhD in

distinctive group included:

> Li Ghou Lei Riley, who ﬂed to the United

economics.

>

he Class of 2007 had 1,672 great

will now be reunited with her extended family

stories to tell, reﬂecting the achieve-

mer Dakar students who arrived less than a

in China.
Dubois, who spent the ﬁrst

States after seeing friends and college class-

Presenting these snapshots of graduates

mates shot in the 1989 Tiananmen Square

whose lives had been changed by Suffolk,

ity into a degree from Suffolk Law School, and

massacre. Riley overcame polio to earn a

President Sargent assured the audience that

a career representing the handicapped for

master’s degree in the States, working full

“they, in turn, will change the lives of count-

the Boston Greater Legal Service Agency.

time and raising two young daughters as a

less other people.”

> Vidal Rialo, who had originally transferred

single parent while attending Suffolk Law at

from Suffolk’s Dakar campus to the University

18

Robin Powell, who channeled her con-

cern at unfair treatment based on her disabil-

night. She graduated on the Dean’s List, and

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See page 49 for more on this year’s Commencement festivities.

FALL 2007

9/20/07 3:47:59 PM

RAMblings
SOCIAL CHANGE

Giving with their Heart and S.O.U.L.S.
There’s more to an education than sitting in a

in the upcoming Colleges of Distinction service

classroom. That’s where Suffolk’s Organization

learning guidebook.

for Uplifting Lives through Service, or S.O.U.L.S.,
comes in.

a great way for them to do it.”
Some of the center’s projects include assist-

“It’s a nice recognition, and it validates what

ing the needy and victims of weather-related

we are trying to do,” said Carolina Garcia, the

tragedies during Alternative Spring Break, work-

In recognition of the curriculum-based service

center’s director, who noted that 21 classes in-

ing at local food pantries, and mentoring at-risk

learning opportunities and initiatives to promote

cluded a service learning component last year—

preschool children.

social change that the University has developed

up from six classes just two years earlier. “Stu-

over the past ten years, Suffolk will be included

dents learn best through experience, and this is

For more information, go to www.suffolk.
edu/campuslife/139.html.

RESEARCH

Professor Anxious to Begin
$2 Million Study

A

Associate Professor of Psychology Susan Orsillo hopes to use a $2 million, ﬁveyear grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to show how people
can overcome their anxieties.
Orsillo and fellow researcher Liz Roemer of the University of Massachusetts-

Boston have been developing their treatment, called acceptance-based behavior
therapy, for the past seven years. According to Orsillo, generalized anxiety disorder is among the most difﬁcult types of anxiety disorders to treat.
The researchers will follow a diverse group of random clients over a nine-

month period and compare acceptance-based therapy to the more established
treatment called applied relaxation.
“There is growing interest in integrating mindfulness into psychotherapy,”
Orsillo said, noting that nearly 75 percent of clients using their treatment
method have seen marked improvement. “Our ﬁndings to date have been very
promising.”
Once the grant is completed, the pair plans to disseminate their ﬁndings to
clinicians in the ﬁeld.

sam@

large

ROBOTIC REWARDS: Under the guidance of Associate Professors Craig Christensen and Mostapha Ziad, Suffolk engineering
students placed ﬁrst and third at the annual Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers robotic competition this past spring. The tenmember team created an autonomous robot that used ultrasonic sensors to “see” the walls and get to the middle of a grid maze.
MUSSELING OUT SCALLOPS: Care for a side of mussels with your order? Associate Professor of Biology Thomas Trott has
found that if the intense dredging needed to harvest scallops continues, mussels may overtake scallops in Cobscook Bay, ME.
Downeast Magazine plans a report on Trott’s research, which was conducted at Suffolk’s R.S. Friedman Field Station on the bay.

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RAMblings
KUDOS
MONEY

Retail Discounts?
Advantage:
Suffolk Students

T

Suffolk Law Reaches Top Tier of U.S. News survey
In the rapidly-expanding ﬁeld of health and biomedical law, Suffolk is a rising star.
The Law School was recently ranked 17th nationally by U.S. News & World Report,
based upon a fall 2006 survey of law professors. Suffolk has had a health law concentration for about a decade.

wo distinctions of life in Boston

“This is a wonderful recognition for the health law concentration and for the speak-

include the high cost of living

er series, law journal, advanced legal studies programs, and other activities that have

and the profusion of students.

gained the attention of the academic community,” noted former Law School Dean

Yet scholars attending Suffolk can take

Robert H. Smith.

advantage of a special program to keep
their costs under control.
Student Advantage allows students to
use their ID as a discount card at more

COMMUNITY SERVICE

than 20,000 businesses nationwide, at
the price of $45 for four years. The local
list includes restaurants such as Fajitas
& Ritas, D’Angelo’s, Dominos, and Fire +
Ice, retailers like Foot Locker and Urban
Outﬁtters, and entertainment attractions
such as the New England Aquarium, AMC
Boston, and The Comedy Connection.
“That is awesome,” said junior Charlie
Latham of the program that is entering
its second year on campus. “They offer

Suffolk Senior Gives Kids a Jumpstart

S

SHARI KURTZMAN IS LEARNING THE BUSINESS OF CARING.

The senior Sawyer Business School student recently won the American Eagle Outﬁtters’

Spirit of Service Award for her work through Jumpstart-Boston, a national early education
organization that serves children in the neighborhoods of Roxbury and Dorchester.
Kurtzman was one of ﬁve students awarded $5,000 during a June ceremo-

ny in Los Angeles. She was selected from Jumpstart’s national network
of 3,000 college students, based upon a thorough application and review process. During her ﬁrst three years, she has offered guidance
to her fellow Suffolk students and helped research new means of
reaching more preschool children. Not one to rest on her laurels,

so many great discounts.”
Venus Williams BS ’00, manager of Campus Card Systems, says Suffolk is also looking into a program where an ID card can
double as a debit card, so parents can
help manage—or at least control—their

this year Kurtzman will help lead the 40 Suffolk students who
participate in the program.
“I came to Suffolk not really knowing what I wanted from a
college,” Kurtzman said. “Through Jumpstart I have found a passion and drive I had never known. Now I just run with it and I’m
excited to see where it will lead.”

offspring’s spending.

sam@

large

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HAIL TO THE CHIEF: Provost Patricia Maguire Meservey was chosen to become president of Salem State College, effective
August 1, 2007. Meservey, who promoted faculty scholarship and strategic planning in the academic and administrative realms,
joined Suffolk in 2004.
A GOOD PERCENTAGE: Suffolk students took home ﬁve of 13 awards at the 18th annual National Association of Black
Accountants award reception this past spring. Nancy Douyon received $10,000, Kerlin Aristilde and Hugette Konate were awarded
$2,500 apiece, Aicha Belemkoabga received $1,000, and Eric Compaore garnered the Outstanding New Student award.

FALL 2007

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2nd Annual

Sponsors To Date:

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Practice Makes Perfect
Defending youth for Suffolk’s Juvenile
Justice Center, Megan Bayer JD ’07
‘learned by doing.’ Today, she applies
the experience to municipal law.

SUFF_1-64.indd 22

9/20/07 3:48:12 PM

By M I C H AE L B LANDING

In
the
name
of

WHY ARE SUFFOLK LAW
SCHOOL STUDENTS
REPRESENTING YOUNG
CLIENTS OVERLOOKED
BY THE SYSTEM?

Justice
P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y L E A H FA S T E N

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23

9/20/07 3:48:16 PM

t’s an early spring morning, and in a few minutes,
Suffolk Law School student Megan Bayer will be standing before a judge on behalf of a teenager accused of
trespassing. The trouble is, she has yet to see a police
report or a complaint. As she hurries through the courtroom gallery, Bayer knows her advocacy before the
judge could mean the difference between dismissal,
probation, or even juvenile detention for “Jamal,” one of
a dozen juveniles (names changed for conﬁdentiality)
crowding the hallway outside of the courtroom at the
Edward Brooke Courthouse in Boston.
Bayer’s client, a 15-year-old in a black hoodie, towers
over the petite law student. The district attorney reads
the charges, alleging Jamal had been hanging around
on the steps of the school with another student who had recently been
expelled. When police told them to leave, the DA says, Jamal and his
friend allegedly walked around to the bleachers in back of the school
and mouthed off to the cop before they were arrested.
Bypassing Bayer, Judge Terry Craven asks Jamal’s mother, who is sitting in the front row, what she thinks. “He’s respectful except when he
feels like I’m always on him,” she replies. The judge shoots back: “Of
course you are always on him. You are his mother.”
Bayer stands on tiptoe to whisper in her client’s ear, then turns to address the judge. “Your Honor, the district attorney offered a deal we are
interested in taking at this time,” she says. In a strong voice, she spells
out the details of a plea bargain she’d been able to work out on the ﬂy
before the case was called. She says Jamal will plead “no contest”—a less
harsh sentence than “guilty”—in return for a sentence of ten hours of
community service.
Judge Craven accepts—under one condition. Before she’ll dismiss the
charges, she motions to Jamal’s sweatshirt, which has a picture of Al
Pacino on the front. “If memory serves, that picture is from the movie
Scarface that gloriﬁes the sale of drugs and violence,” she says, turning
back to the boy’s mother. “Upon returning home, he is to give you that
sweatshirt and never wear it again.”
“I’ll cut it up,” she promises.
“You’re all set, Jamal,” says Judge Craven.
So it goes in the overloaded juvenile court system, where decisions
shaping the future of teenagers are made in the span of a few minutes.
In this heated environment, students like Megan with the Juvenile Justice Center (JJC)—now in its eighth year at Suffolk—play a vital role in
ensuring that the cash-strapped system works the way it should. At the
same time, they obtain a crash course in how justice really works for
kids on the margins of society, getting a ﬁrst-hand look at a system that
(because of privacy restrictions) few get a chance to see.
Every Wednesday during the school year, nearly a dozen Suffolk students cram into a small antechamber of the courtroom, scrambling to
learn the details of cases that have come in from the previous night in
order to provide the best advocacy for their clients. “We are like ER

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According to
Massachusetts
state law, “they
shall be treated,
not as criminals,
but as children
in need of aid,
encouragement,
and guidance.

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Tipping the Scales of Justice
Juvenile Justice Center Managing
Director Lisa Thurau-Gray and her
staff empower youth with legal
information and representation.

SUFF_1-64.indd 25

9/20/07 3:48:21 PM

doctors on call,” says Pierre Monette, one of two attorney advisors and
Associate Visiting Clinical Professors for the JJC. “This is our ER.” A big
man with a shaved head, Monette serves as on-the-spot counselor to the
Suffolk students, shuttling back and forth to confer with the court clerk,
anxious parents, and teenage clients. Later, Suffolk students reﬁne
their techniques in debriefings with Monette and his fellow advisor,
attorney Ken King.
Unlike the adult system, the juvenile courts are intended to rehabilitate, not punish. According to Massachusetts state law, “they shall be
treated, not as criminals, but as children in need of aid, encouragement,
and guidance.” In practice, however, the system has become more punitive since the 1990s. “Most of the kids who come in here are not hardcore criminals,” says Monette. Rather, they are brought in on trespassing
or minor drug offenses. Once in the system, though, they are often set
up to fail, with onerous probation requirements instead of programs to
keep them out of trouble. A few missed appointments or broken curfews
and they are quickly ratcheted up to jail time. “There is a belief from
some that the only remedy is to lock them up,” says Monette. “I don’t see
that as a means to help.”
This is where the Suffolk students come in, serving as a check on the
system by upholding the rule of law. “The burden of proof is still on the
prosecutor,” says Monette. “I think a lot of times [prosecutors] think if
[juveniles] are there, they must have done something wrong. We have
to remind people, ‘Where is the evidence?’”

A ‘Holistic’ Approach
After Jamal steps down, another Suffolk Law student, Ronen Morris,
stands up next to Stephen, a tall boy wearing a beige collared shirt. The
prosecutor rattles off charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest
on the subway. “There is no mention of resisting arrest in the police
report,” interjects Morris. Judge Craven pores over the report, reading it aloud. “‘A large group of juveniles being loud and using profane
language,’” she says, unable to ﬁnd anything about resisting arrest. “I’m
going to dismiss it without prejudice.”
Later, over sandwiches across from the courthouse, Morris vents his
frustration. “In class you learn what the police can do—here you learn
what the police do do,” he says. “You are not going up against the facts;
you are going up against the police ofﬁcer. Oftentimes, the judge knows
these kids better than we do. It’s hard to break into that cycle sometimes.”
Student lawyers like Bayer and Morris help to even the odds and give
their juvenile clients a fair shake. Unlike many of the trial attorneys who
contract to represent indigent youth in the court, JJC has a case worker
and an education attorney on staff to assist clients with the services they
need to get back on track.
The program is a win-win for the court, says Judge Craven, training
students who may one day return knowing how to navigate the juvenile
justice system. “On a selﬁsh level, they will be far more valuable to us if
they come back as litigators because they have been through it.”

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Some ofﬁcers
even started to
open up about
difﬁculties they
were having
with their own
children.
– Lt. Detective Mark Gillespie,
MBTA Transit Police

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9/20/07 3:48:27 PM

The combination of energetic students and institutional support has
made JJC a national model for effectively representing youth. “The
work they do is indispensable,” says Patricia Puritz, director of the National Juvenile Defenders Center. “They are providing the kind of holistic representation that is extraordinarily unique and has been proven to
lead to better outcomes. There are not enough law schools around the
country that provide this level of support.”
While many cases are often pled out in court, others go to trial, requiring Suffolk students to spend hours conducting research and interviews. During her tenure, Bayer landed two substantial cases. The ﬁrst
was a young man arrested during a major drug bust at a housing project
in Jamaica Plain. Bayer’s client, “Stephen,” was allegedly dealing a small
amount of marijuana on the property. Upon meeting him, she found out
that his mother was an addict, and that she had recently kicked him out
of the house, leaving him with few options. “He clearly had some tough
stuff going on,” she says.
The district attorney offered a plea deal but refused to show her client
the video evidence the state had against him. Bayer pushed for months
to see it. “I said we need to be able to show our client what he’s pleading guilty to,” says Bayer. Eventually, the DA relented and provided the
video, which turned out to have poor sound quality—making a trial a
gamble at best for the prosecution.
Tired after months in lockup, Stephen decided to plead guilty anyway.
Still, Bayer feels good that he was able to make an informed decision.
Over the course of the trial, Bayer visited Stephen several times in detention. “We talked about his behavior problems and encouraged him
to get good feedback in detention,” she says. “I hope he chooses to do
the right thing.”
In the other case, Bayer and fellow Suffolk student attorney Stephanie
Zwieyen represented “Kevin,” a 13-year-old boy accused of assault and
battery. The charges stemmed from a ﬁght Kevin had with a nine-yearold boy, whom he allegedly pulled a knife on. When the two Suffolk
students interviewed their client, however, they found that he was shy
and soft-spoken, admitting to the ﬁght but claiming he had only shown
the knife to the other boy earlier in the day.
The two hired a private investigator, who, in interviewing the victim’s
family, discovered that they didn’t want to see the Kevin punished. Nevertheless, the DA refused to offer a meaningful plea deal, and the Suffolk students counseled their client to take the case to trial. In preparation, they solicited one of Kevin’s teachers to write a letter explaining
that he was a good kid who was rarely in trouble in school. The trial
strategy paid off when the attorneys appeared in court for a pre-trial
hearing and the victim failed to show up. A new prosecutor who had
been assigned to the case offered a plea of six months probation with
anger-management therapy.
“We were very happy,” says Bayer. “It took a while, but the judge eventually agreed.”
For teenagers with few positive adult role models, the experience of
having a dedicated advocate to defend them can be life-changing. “It
makes a huge difference to a lot of these clients to feel like someone

stood up for them,” says managing director Lisa Thurau-Gray, who runs
the JJC program.

A Breakthrough Case
In addition to representing clients in the courtroom, the Center also
works in the community to help young people avoid the system in the
ﬁrst place. Its most successful intervention was with the Massachusetts
Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Transit Police. In the late 1990s,
the MBTA implemented a zero-tolerance policy regarding rowdiness on
the subway, resulting in a rash of arrests. “You had judges throwing out
cases at the speed of light,” says Thurau-Gray, sitting behind her desk in
a cramped ofﬁce in downtown Boston.
In 1999, Thurau-Gray hit the media to detail harassment claims, hoping to negotiate a settlement. Transit cops who secretly disapproved of
the zero-tolerance policy began leaking information, leading to more
damaging media reports. Following a legislative hearing in 2001, the
MBTA suspended its policy and the police chief ’s contract was not
renewed. The JJC, which had represented over 60 youth arrested by
MBTA police in two years, ﬁled suit on behalf of 11 young people alleging violation of civil rights. The 2003 settlement included $5,550 for
each teen. Most importantly, police agreed to participate in trainings
with the JJC.
“We decided if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em,” says Lieutenant Detective Mark Gillespie, head of juvenile and investigative services for the
MBTA Transit Police. “Wherever there is change, there is resistance.”
Gillespie concedes that Thurau-Gray was “very much disliked by the ofﬁcers” and credits her with great courage in confronting a hostile police
department.
Thurau-Gray set up focus groups with both ofﬁcers and youth, and
spent hours on the MBTA platforms observing their interactions.
“There are certain ofﬁcers who have ‘magic’ with kids and get them to
comply,” she says. “We wanted to deconstruct what makes them understand the youth so well.” She recalls watching one ofﬁcer respond to a
ﬁstﬁght that might have led a less-experienced ofﬁcer to overreact. Instead, he walked quietly up to the two, put a hand on each of their shoulders and said “Friends, is this how we behave as ladies and gentlemen?”
Thurau-Gray started to realize that the best ofﬁcers were the ones who
treated kids like kids—distracting them or defusing tension, rather than
confronting them head-on. “One of the things we tell ofﬁcers is if kids
want respect, give them respect. It surprises them and puts them off
balance.”
The breakthrough for ofﬁcers was when many of them realized that
much of what JJC taught was identical to the way they treated their own
kids at home. “I stood up there and said, ‘I have to tell my own child
ﬁfteen times to do something,” Gillespie recalled. “‘So what makes you
think these kids are going to be any different?’ I heard from several ofﬁcers afterwards that had an impact.” Some ofﬁcers, he said, even started
to open up about difﬁculties they were having with their own children
who had been arrested, or problems during their own adolescence.

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Gradually, the department changed its tactics to use more persuasion
and community outreach, relying on arrests as a last resort. Since JJC
ﬁled suit six years ago, annual arrests of juveniles on the MBTA have
decreased by half.
The Center’s philosophy is one of shared responsibility, training police (recent departmental additions include Cambridge and Somerville)
and educating young people. When the JJC decided to distribute wallet-sized cards to hand out to youth detailing the consequences of getting arrested, ofﬁcers saw such a valuable tool that the MBTA printed
100,000 copies. The Center also has offered programs to educate young
people about police and the courts (see sidebar, “Double Jeopardy”). The
ultimate goal is to reduce tension on both sides.
“What you have is a terrible climate of fear because of ﬁrearms,” says
Thurau-Gray. “The unpredictability creates a hypervigilance out there,
where the kids are so scared and mistrustful of police, and vice versa.”

Double
Jeopardy
An educational game helps JJC
Managing Director Lisa Thurau-Gray
show the added burden of youth in
the legal system
f you appear to be anywhere from 7 to 17,
the very ﬁrst thing Lisa Thurau-Gray will do upon meeting

Looking at ‘The Bigger Issues’
Since their victory with the MBTA, the JJC has continued advocating
on a number of other fronts. At a recent Boston City Council hearing,
Thurau-Gray testiﬁed against a new Boston Housing Authority policy
on trespassing that would increase authorities’ power to arrest young
people in public housing. Additionally, JJC has been pushing for a proposed law that would purge juvenile CORI (Criminal Offense Record
Information) records from potential employers for minor offenses.
JJC’s advocacy work often overlaps with its court work. At City Hall,
Suffolk Law School student Phil Vicini bolstered Thurau-Gray’s testimony, describing his successful defense of a client charged with trespassing in a housing project. This spring, Lyslynn Lacoste, who enrolled
at Suffolk speciﬁcally to participate in the JJC program, accompanied
Thurau-Gray in her meetings with several legislators to advocate for the
CORI bill. A former youth worker, LaCoste plans to apply her education
to advocacy work upon graduation.
“I wanted to show them this isn’t just a bill–it’s affecting real people,”
says Lacoste. “If the supports were there for these children, they wouldn’t
be in the system they are in. You have to look beyond the criminal act to
the bigger issues involved.”
Reﬂecting on her experience with the JJC, Megan Bayer believes “the
whole ‘innocent until proven guilty’ [premise] is missing from the juvenile justice system. Some district attorneys and probation ofﬁcers seem
to be difﬁcult just to be difﬁcult, and they can’t think about other ways
that we could work together to get the best resolution for the client.”
Following her graduation last spring, Bayer began practicing municipal law with the Boston ﬁrm of Kopelman and Paige. Though she may
never set foot in a juvenile criminal court again, the program provided a
unique and valuable perspective applicable to her clients today.
“It was deﬁnitely the best class I took,” she says. “It’s amazing how
much more you learn by actually doing something.” S

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you is to hand you her business card, often followed by
a piece of candy. The age range represents the legal deﬁnition of “juvenile” in Massachusetts, an important distinction
for the 46–year–old Managing Director of Suffolk University’s
Juvenile Justice Center.
On this late spring afternoon, Thurau-Gray pulls into a parking lot in a gritty section of Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood
and reaches for the candy, cards, and an easel in the back of
her ’92 Honda. Thurau-Gray is a constant blur of activity, known
to shift, eat, and carry on a cellphone conversation simultaneously. “I generally close my eyes and hope [for the best] when I
get into her car,” is how JJC staff member Ken King puts it.
Exhausted from a morning of multi-tasking, Thurau-Gray
steels herself with a ﬁnal swig of coffee before setting up in a
classroom at the youth service organization Mission Safe. She
will be playing host of “Juvenile Justice Jeopardy,” an educational game loosely based on the TV show. The concept was
developed by the Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy
and adapted by the JJC to educate young people about the juvenile justice system.
Pre-teens and teenagers wander in randomly and restlessly.
Sugar does not seem like the answer but Thurau-Gray sets up
her prize trough of sweets and begins distributing her card to
the mystiﬁed group. “You can call me and we will ﬁle a com-

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plaint if you’ve been mistreated by the police,” she explains.
Standing in front of the room in her seersucker suit and opentoed shoes, she looks more like a school principal than an attorney. Yet the moment she begins, Thurau-Gray morphs into a
hybrid of motivational speaker and stand-up comic.
“I am going to talk about sex now because you’re all getting

surprising to learn that both of her parents were teachers, or
that her career choice was inﬂuenced by them, albeit in unexpected ways.
“My mother survived the Holocaust as a child,” she says. “The
thought of her being completely vulnerable and unprotected and
a target of adults probably explains a large part of my psyche.”

bored,” she says, launching into a scenario in which a 16–year–old

Following undergraduate and graduate degrees in anthropol-

boy and a 15–year–old girl are having a consensual relationship.

ogy from Barnard College and Columbia University and a law

The question is whether he can be charged with statutory rape.

degree from Yeshiva University, Thurau-Gray directed the Na-

Following discussion and role plays, Thurau-Gray explains that

tional Committee for Public Education and Religious Liberties,

because “he is not underage and she is, he could be charged.”

an advocacy organization promoting the separation of church

Other topics have a similarly incendiary potential. Thurau-

and state in public schools. She came to Boston in 1999 as Spe-

Gray uses the 1989 Central Park jogger case to illustrate per-

cial Projects Director for Juvenile Justice Center. The following

ception vs. reality on crime and racial inequities in the justice

year, she added the role of Director for New England Juvenile

system. Such candor has not always endeared her to authori-

Defender Center to her responsibilities before becoming Man-

ties. Thurau-Gray recalls one presentation in which a program

aging Director of the JJC in 2004.

director pulled a ﬁre alarm to get her to stop speaking after she

“I became a lawyer so I could threaten people more menac-

questioned a claim of probable cause based on the color of a

ingly,” Thurau-Gray quips. “You threaten someone with a report

youth’s pants. Yet as frank as her presentations are, it’s difﬁcult

or some research and they just snicker. You threaten them with

to discern any agenda in Thurau-Gray’s message to youth. On

a lawsuit and they pay more attention.”

the one hand, she warns that “all of you are at risk, not because

Following an animated conversation, Thurau-Gray debriefs

you’ve done anything wrong necessarily but because, if you’re

her audience. “Did I tell you anything that surprised you and if

a kid of color living in Boston, your chances of getting stopped

so, what was it?,” she asks. “Everything,” a boy replies, passing

and pat-frisked by a police ofﬁcer are very high.” On the other,

the candy around as his friends ﬁle out. Another wants to know

she counsels kids who resist arrest in the role play, “You must

when she is coming back. After the presentation, Thurau-Gray ac-

never act like that, ever.” While she advises young people never

knowledges the thoughtful and in some cases, incredibly sophis-

to say a word to police without a parent, guardian, or lawyer

ticated responses, yet she seems resigned to certain limitations

present, she also reminds them there are “good police ofﬁcers

of the format. “In spite of distributing my cards liberally, I rarely

who do not like to arrest kids at all” and are just looking for

hear from young people after a [presentation],” she shrugs.

mutual respect.

As if on cue, a girl who has been waiting for the room to clear

Balance aside, there are seemingly no questions Thurau-

steps forward. During the presentation, she was loud, border-

Gray won’t ask—or answer. One girl wonders aloud whether

ing on disruptive, but now she is barely audible. The girl asks

it’s actually possible to request a new attorney. Another asks

if she completes a six-month period without incident whether

what pleading the Fifth really means. Thurau-Gray quizzes the

she can escape her record of court involvement. Thurau-Gray

group on their understanding of terms like “probable cause”

answers her question, invites her to call, and offers a piece of

and the “right to remain silent.” Watching her banter, it’s not

candy for the road.

– ANDY LEVINSKY

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Can One–Man Team Rob Zeytoonian ’95
Make it in the Sporting Goods Big Leagues?

His Turn at

ba

Rob Zeytoonian knows his baseball swing isn’t right. “You’re supposed to keep your weight like this,” he tells a visitor, his body
mass pitched slightly to the rear, the sample bat in his hands still
shrouded in its plastic cover. He’s alone in the stands of the Holy
Cross College baseball stadium in Worcester, Massachusetts. The
Worcester Tornadoes take the ﬁeld below for batting practice,
the air popping with the sound of horsehide striking wood.

BY KEN SHULMAN

.

ILLUSTRATION BY SCOTT LAUMANN

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AT SUFFOLK, we weave our education from the bright, tough, lasting ﬁbers of personal connection and real-world experience,
and we produce students equipped with the skills and conﬁdence to stride straight into the world of work.

The keys to our success: established scholars and promising young professors who make time for research but who have
made teaching the center of their lives. To preserve that experience for tomorrow’s students, however, we need to confront
certain ﬁnancial realities. Today’s market for top faculty is briskly competitive, and the dizzy price of living in Boston makes
recruiting new talent even tougher.

The path to our bright future: endowed chairs and professorships, funds for young scholars, and innovative centers of
excellence. As generations of Suffolk graduates have proven, success depends on capitalizing on your strengths. And at
Suffolk, our greatness rests in our faculty.

Most universities are cut
from the same cloth—and
it’s tweed.

To ﬁnd out how you can help lay the foundation for Suffolk’s future, contact the
Ofﬁce of Advancement at (617) 573-8443 or visit www.suffolk.edu/giving

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“My weight was always too far forward,” says
Zeytoonian, balancing his ﬁve-foot-six frame. The
34-year-old former Suffolk University inﬁelder
unwraps the white maple bat and settles into his
stance. His eyes widen. His shoulders rotate. His
hips pivot. The skin on his knuckles redden as the
shining wooden bat whips forward and snaps to a
stop over an imaginary home plate.
Zeytoonian pauses and looks at the bat that
bears his company name and logo, as if remembering that he’s no longer a baseball player and
coach, but the founder, CEO, CFO, president, lead
designer, quality-control specialist, sales manager,
bookkeeper, and sole employee of the Zorian Bat
Company, based in Cranston, Rhode Island. The
company is named after his paternal and maternal
families—Zeytoonian and Krikorian. Its clients
include minor league teams like the Tornadoes,
as well as Little League, college, and professional
baseball players.
Zeytoonian sets his bat against a rail to ﬁeld a call
on his cell phone. It’s a minor league client—one of
250 pros who use Zorian Bats. “Z,” the player says,
“I need some lumber.” Zeytoonian promises to send
a batch of bats after the game. He slips his own bat
back into its cover, ﬁdgeting with the worn Red Sox
cap atop his clean-shaven head.
“I always stepped too soon,” he says, slipping the
bat back into its cover.. “It kept me from being a
power hitter. I think I was always just a little too
eager at the plate.”
Eagerness may have hampered Zeytoonian’s
home run stroke, but that same quality has kept
him alive in a bruising business. As a one-man
outﬁt, Zorian must compete with sporting goods
heavyweights like Rawlings, Louisville Slugger,
and Hillerich and Bradsby, the ofﬁcial supplier for
Major League Baseball. Most minor league teams
have an ofﬁcial supplier as well. Zeytoonian has to
give players a reason to buy a Zorian bat when they can get one for free.
He goes to spring training in Florida in the winter, to high school tournaments in the spring, to Little League games in the evenings and semipro contests through the summer. He attends conventions and organizes
tournaments, working 12 to 14 hours a day since he started the company
in 2003. To some extent, he’s driven by competition. For Zeytoonian,
however, baseball is more than a business—it’s a part of his history.

“A Sense of Urgency”
Born in 1972 into a close Armenian-American family, Zeytoonian has
had a lifelong love affair with baseball since he was six years old, playing
on the sandlots of his native Arlington, Massachusetts. He went on to
high-school stardom in Weatherford, Oklahoma, followed by four years
of varsity ball at Suffolk. He wasn’t the most gifted athlete, but he was
undeniably determined.

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At Suffolk, Zeytoonian was the heart of the varsity baseball team, hitting leadoff and playing shortstop between 1992 and 1995. He spent
long hours in the gym and on the ﬁeld, eventually bench-pressing twice
his weight and mastering every aspect of the game. His teammates still
remember his boundless passion and determination. “He was a ball of
energy,” says Tim Murray ’94, a corrections ofﬁcer in Shirley, MA, and
former Suffolk catcher. “He wasn’t the biggest guy. He didn’t have the
most talent, but he made the most of everything he had. He never wanted to rest. And when things got tough, he would just try harder. He’s
doing that now with Zorian.”
After graduating with an English degree in 1995, Zeytoonian played
on a series of semi-professional teams while eking out a living as a
college baseball coach. In 1998, he returned to Suffolk to pursue a
master’s degree in higher education administration. The following
year, he accepted a job as assistant coach at the College of Wooster in

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Wooster, Ohio, where he continued to play ball. “I played as hard as I
ever did,” he recalls, his eyes darting to follow a line drive a Tornadoes
player has sent sailing over the left-ﬁeld fence. “That was well hit,” he
notes. The phone rings again, this time from a client on Cape Cod.
“Z” promises to be there in the morning. “Yeah,” he says, slipping the
phone back into his pocket. “I’d lose sleep when we lost. I was completely exhausted after every game, would grab a rake and rake the
foul lines just to wind down.”
At the end of the 2001 season, Zeytoonian left Ohio and returned
home to visit his family in Arlington. One afternoon, they received an
alarming phone call. Zeytoonian’s brother, Dan, a captain in the U.S.
Army, had been badly injured in a skydiving accident, and was in critical condition in a North Carolina hospital. The entire family ﬂew down
to be at his bedside. “The surgeon came out and told us he’d done all he
could,” says Zeytoonian’s uncle Charlie Krikorian. “Now it was up to God
and Dan.”
Dan Zeytoonian pulled through and resumed his military career, but
the incident had a profound effect on Rob. “I was in bad shape,” he recalls, his eyes clouding over. “Dan and I were close. We were like twins.
And seeing him like that, the idea that I could lose him, it gave me a
sense of urgency. I knew this was it, this was my life. I couldn’t make any
more excuses. I started asking myself where I wanted to be, and I realized I was where I wanted to be, with my family, and in the game I loved.
I just needed to ﬁgure out another way to stay in baseball.”

day. I called Rob. He delivered. He’s earned our loyalty.”
Zeytoonian doesn’t have a detailed business plan. He runs his company the way he played ball—hard, at full throttle, with long drives, seemingly endless workdays, and whatever else it takes to stay in business.
A sale to a minor league player today. A contract with a Cape Cod team
tomorrow. A delivery of two bats to a Little League father who wants
his kid to swing wood instead of metal. While metal bats are used from
Little League through the college level, traditionalists like Zeytoonian
believe the game is best played with wood. “One thing I like about baseball is its purity,” says “Z.” “You get out what you put in. And wood is part
of that purity. With aluminum, it’s all about power. There’s no ﬁnesse.
The game is better, and harder, when it’s played with wood.”
Those who favor wood over aluminum also cite safety as a reason to
keep metal bats out of the pros. High school and college players might
appreciate the additional power of metal bats. But along with more
home runs, aluminum could produce potentially-lethal line drives in
the hands of a 220-pound hard-swinging pro. “Look at how hard my
players are hitting the ball with wood right now,” says Gedman. “Now
imagine the pros, who are two times as strong, swinging aluminum. If
they connect, they are liable to kill a pitcher or an inﬁelder. There’s just
not enough time to react.”
“Z” oversees all aspects of the business. He even commissioned the logo from a Venezuelan artist in Miami he found through the phone book.
He makes his bats in American mills —another rarity in today’s global

“I knew I would be an entrepreneur. I knew it would be
baseball. And I knew I wanted it to be mine [and] that
no one would care about it the way I care about it.”
Taking Care of Business
Zeytoonian moved back to Massachusetts and squeezed out one ﬁnal season on the diamond in 2002 as player-coach of the Lexington Blue Sox.
The following year, he founded Zorian. “I knew I would be an entrepreneur,” he says. “I knew it would be in baseball. And I knew I wanted it to
be mine–that no one would care about it the way I could care about it.”
The ﬂedgling businessman had everything to learn, about choosing
maple and ash, about turning them into bats, and especially about running a company. “It’s not like baseball where you start out in little league,
and there are parents and coaches to help you learn from your mistakes,”
he observes. “In business, you start out in the big leagues.” Zeytoonian
got brushed back several times in his ﬁrst two years. He was a complete
unknown. Competition with the majors was ﬁerce. A trusted colleague
tried to copy his manufacturing process and steal his clients. But he
hung on and hustled, just like he did on the diamond. Little by little,
his efforts paid off. “He takes care of us,” says former Red Sox catcher
Rich Gedman, a 13-year major-league veteran and current manager of
the Worcester Tornadoes. “We met two years ago on a practice ﬁeld in
Florida. He introduced himself, gave me his card. I didn’t think much of
it. But then last year we were out of bats and I had a game on the next

economy. And family is never far from his mind. Zorian bat model numbers are named after various relatives: CK for Uncle Charlie Krikorian,
DK for his cousin, Danielle. In 2004, Zorian’s ﬁrst year in business, the
company sold just over 1,000 bats. Two years later, sales topped 5,000.
This year, he hopes to sell 10,000, perhaps even to hire some ofﬁce or
sales help. He has twelve clients playing in the major leagues but because of licensing agreements, “Z” can’t use their names. Still, he’s tickled that his bats have made “the show.”
“We use the highest quality hardwoods, and we turn a good bat,” says
Zeytoonian. “But the reason we’re in business is because of the effort I
put in. It’s like when I played ball in high school. Most people couldn’t
wait to get out of practice. I never wanted them to end. I never want this
to end.” He starts to explain further but is interrupted again, this time
by the hitting coach from the visiting Atlantic City Surf. A few Surf players saw the Zorian bats the Tornadoes were swinging. They’d like to try
them out. “Z” talks price with him. The coach nods and says he can buy
bats for less. “Z” hands him the sample. “I’ll wait a few innings after his
guys have had a couple of hits with this,” he says knowingly. “Then I’ll
stop by the dugout to ask for it. It may not come to anything today. But
at least they’ll know who I am.” S

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P H O T O G R A P H Y

B Y

S T E V E N

{

B Y

V O T E

R E N É E

G R A H A M

}

Curtain

Call

AS HE CALLS IT A WRAP ON AN ACCLAIMED FOUR-DECADE
ACTING CAREER, PAUL BENEDICT ’60 WANTS TO BE REMEMBERED FOR
SOMETHING—ANYTHING—BESIDES HIS DEFINING ROLE.

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It’s four hours
before Paul Benedict takes the stage for one of
his ﬁnal performances in Harold Pinter’s acerbic No Man’s Land at the American Repertory
Theatre (ART) in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
He relaxes in an ofﬁce overlooking Brattle
Street, where giddy Harvard University graduates, still in caps and gowns, pose for pictures,
hug classmates, and ponder their futures.
For the actor, it’s reminiscent of a similar
day 47 summers ago when he was 21 years old,
fresh out of college, and trying to decide what
to do with his life. With an English degree from
Suffolk University, Benedict thought he might
pursue a career in journalism. Then, while
traipsing through Boston’s Theater District, he
noticed a man smoking a cigarette in the doorway of the Charles Playhouse.
“I turned and walked over and said, ‘Hi, do
you need anybody?’ And he said, ‘Yeah, we need
a janitor. Fifteen bucks a week.’ And I said, ‘I’ll
take it,’” Benedict recalls with a laugh. “I walked
away and thought, ‘What the hell are you doing? You just worked like a dog to get yourself
through college.’ Then I thought, ‘Son of a gun—
is that what you had in mind all this time? Is
that what you really want?’ I knew this wasn’t
about being a janitor. This was about being in
the theater.”

MOVIN’ ON UP
From an inauspicious start sweeping ﬂoors in
one of Boston’s great theaters, Benedict fashioned a career spanning more than four decades on the stage, in ﬁlms, and in television.
“I never studied acting, I just started doing
it,” says Benedict. “I became a janitor, and after a few months I was asked to build sets and
run the box ofﬁce,” he remembers. “Eventually,
someone asked me to do a walk-on, and I never
really looked back.”
With his distinctive face—a remnant of the
rare disorder acromegaly, characterized by en-

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largement of the extremities, that he suffered in
his youth—Benedict is perhaps best known for
his role as Harry Bentley, the genial, bemused
British neighbor on the long-running sitcom,
The Jeffersons. (For ﬁve years, he was also the
Number Painter on Sesame Street.) He has appeared in more than 50 ﬁlms, including The
Goodbye Girl, Waiting for Guffman, and The
Addams Family.
Still, the veteran actor has garnered his most
distinguished roles in the theater, performing
works by Eugene O’Neill, Terrence McNally,
and the Nobel Prize-winning Pinter. No Man’s
Land, his tenth Pinter play, may also be Benedict’s last leading role on stage.
“I’m tired. I’m old,” the white-haired Benedict, 69, says when asked why he may give up
major stage roles. It’s a remarkably unvarnished
comment from someone who has spent decades
in an industry where many seem pathologically
addicted to facades and falsehoods. Instead,
Benedict is engaging, straightforward, and
quick with funny stories in which he is often the
piquant punch line.
“It’s not so much the performances as the rehearsals,” he says. “We can do eight or nine hours
a day, and at my age, you start to go gaga.”
In fact, Benedict was already considering retirement before taking the role of Hirst, an alcoholic writer, in No Man’s Land. He thought
his farewell to the stage would be as Ebenezer
Scrooge in an elaborate production of A Christmas Carol in Princeton, NJ, last December. It
took a call from an old friend to lure him back.
David Wheeler, who directed No Man’s Land,

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is still recognized for the role—“You just have to
grit your teeth and smile,” he says with a shrug—
but it was a part he never wanted. Money, the
actor admits, is “what the series was about.”
Conceived by famed TV director Norman Lear,
The Jeffersons was a spin-off from his landmark
sitcom, All in the Family. Benedict met Lear
when he was cast in his ﬁrst ﬁlm, the raucous
1971 satire Cold Turkey. Four years later, Lear
wanted Benedict for the part of Bentley.
At the time, Benedict was living in Los Angeles, and he confesses, “I kind of needed a job.”
After much cajoling, Lear convinced Benedict
to take a part that came with a steady paycheck,
but little artistic satisfaction.
“I thought the thing was so bad, it didn’t have
a prayer of going more than two episodes, but
it went 11 seasons,” says Benedict, who left the
series as soon as his seven-year contract was fulﬁlled. Two years later, he returned for the series’
ﬁnal two seasons after it “dawned on me that I
could really use that money.”
“Don’t get me wrong; it was a decent job with
a good cast and they were lovely people,” Benedict asserts. “But I just didn’t like doing a series,
damn it.”
The role also likely contributed to an incessant misconception about Benedict: many people believe he’s British.
“That’s because I’ve played so many goddamned Englishmen,” he says with a wry chuckle. “About ﬁve times a year someone will stop
me on the street and say”—and here Benedict
eases into a spot-on British accent—‘Hello, I’m
a fellow countryman of yours,’ and I’ll say, ‘No,
you’re not.’”

“

OFF INTO THE SUNSET
Though born in New Mexico, where Benedict’s
father was stationed in the U.S. Army, the actor
is essentially a Massachusetts native. His family moved there when Benedict was six months
old, and despite spending periods of time in

They
usually
had him in
small roles,
but he was
clearly
a master
talent.

“

approached Benedict about doing a reading of
the play for the ART’s leadership.
“I wanted to use Paul and Max [Wright,
Benedict’s co-star in the play] the same time
I chose the play. It was good literature, and I
thought those actors would be excited by the
project, so I got in touch with them,” Wheeler
says. “We did an act of the play, and it was those
actors’ performances, more than the play, that
really persuaded [ART ] to do it.”
A respected director credited with fostering
the early careers of such luminaries as Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, and Dustin Hoffman,
Wheeler has known Benedict since 1963, when
he invited the then-ﬂedgling actor to join the
Theatre Company of Boston.
“I was going around to see what the other
small theaters were doing, and also to raid
them of their talent,” says Wheeler, who also
gave Benedict his start as a director. “Paul was
clearly the most talented member of the Image
Theatre [in Boston]. They usually had him in
small roles, but he was clearly a master talent.”
Robert Brustein, founding director of the
ART and the Yale Repertory Theatre, remembers Benedict as “a legend” with the Theatre
Company of Boston, performing works by such
playwrights as Pinter, Edward Albee, and Bertholt Brecht.
“He has a quality of sympathy, a quality of
affection, depth, warmth, and intelligence that
you don’t often ﬁnd in actors,” says Brustein, an
artist-in-residence at Suffolk, who has known
and worked with Benedict for more than 20
years.
“He brings to his roles a kind of comprehensive sense of the world as well as the character,”
he continues. “He gives it a kind of dimension
you don’t often ﬁnd on the stage.”
One could also ﬁnd such qualities in Benedict’s
portrayal of Harry Bentley, the affable United
Nations translator, on The Jeffersons. Benedict

– david wheeler, director

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“

Just once,
I’d like
to play
an axe
murderer
or a
psychopath...I’d
be terriﬁc
at it.

New York and Los Angeles for work, the Bay
State has always been home to this man with a
lifelong love of acting.
As a child, Benedict was enthralled by movies and was particularly fond of Casablanca,
Since You Went Away with Claudette Colbert
and Jennifer Jones, and later, the great works
of Billy Wilder, such as Sunset Boulevard and
Some Like It Hot.
“I had long-since decided I would write, and
thought I had no chance to be an actor,” Benedict says. “But the idea never went away. When
I was ﬁve or six and I saw the cowboys riding off
into the sunset, I thought, ‘That’s for me.’”
Back in the 1950s, Suffolk didn’t have the
extensive theater department the University
enjoys today. Benedict was introduced to acting
after joining a small drama club founded by students. He did some backstage work at ﬁrst and
eventually began “acting a little in plays. That
was my ﬁrst taste of it,” he explains.
Benedict recalls his years at Suffolk as “great,
and there were some wonderful professors
there.” He majored in English with a minor in
journalism—only to discover late in his senior
year there was no minor in journalism.
“When it was time to graduate, the dean called
me in and said ‘Mr. Benedict, you’ve written here
that your minor is journalism. We don’t give a
minor in journalism. How did this happen?’”
Benedict says. Two days before graduation, the
dean agreed to give Benedict his degree. “‘But,”
the dean told the relieved Benedict, “it will be
the only one.’”

“

ENCORE
Now, as Benedict contemplates retiring as an
actor, he’s looking forward to trying his hand at
writing (“before I can’t tell an A from a B,” he
jokes), as well as indulging his other interests.

He loves the Boston Red Sox, the New England
Patriots, and jazz, and describes himself as a
“small-time collector” of paintings.
Benedict, who lives on Martha’s Vineyard, also hopes to spend more time in Vermont, which
he anointed his “favorite state in the union since
they were the ﬁrst to try to impeach George
Bush [the son], and good for them.”
Wherever his life takes him next, Benedict
has few regrets about his career. Sure, he wishes
he’d been considered for more dramatic roles: “I
remember saying to people, ‘Just once I’d like to
play an axe murderer or a psychopath. I’d love
it, I’d be terriﬁc at it,’” he says. Still, he is proud
of his longevity in a notoriously capricious business, and of the solid career that has carried him
from a janitor’s job at the Charles Playhouse to
Broadway and Hollywood. Tellingly, after so
many years, he still regards his craft with tremendous affection and respect.
Creating a character, he says, “comes to you
in physical ways, in emotional ways, in mental
ways. And very slowly, as you come to understand the character, as you begin to absorb it,
and hopefully when it works, you reach the
point where the blood runs differently in your
veins.”
At the same time, and perhaps most important, Benedict has survived and thrived with
both his humility and humor intact.
A few years ago, Benedict stopped for dinner at a New York restaurant before attending
a show at Lincoln Center. After he was seated,
a waiter came over and, recognizing Benedict,
gushed, “Mr. Benedict, it’s an honor. I’m an actor because of you.”
“I said, ‘That’s wonderful, thank you. That’s
very, very nice,’” Benedict says. “And he said,
‘I saw a couple of your performances and decided not to be an accountant, and [decided]
instead to be an actor.’ He took my order, and
when he returned he said, ‘On the other hand,
S
I’m a waiter because of you.’ I laughed for ten
minutes!”

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Time Capsule

1969 on

campus in ’69

Major theatre production: The Glass
Menagerie
Suffolk Basketball Team Record 10-10
Suffolk Law School approves awarding of
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree
Speakers on campus: Washington Post
columnist Jack Anderson, birth control
advocate Bill Baird
Suffolk community participates in National
Moratorium protest against Vietnam War
Suffolk University Political Science Club
Poll: 75% of women and 52% of men
thought marijuana should be legalized.

off

campus in ’69

NBA Championship: Boston Celtics
defeated LA Lakers (4-3)
Median Household income $8,389
(current dollars)
Grammy Winner, Record of the Year:

(Cambridge, England)
Sesame Street debuts on public television

The More Things Change...
In 1969, Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) co-founder Julian Bond
addressed Suffolk University students. Bond was barred from serving in the Georgia legislature for his opposition to the Vietnam War before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that
he could not be denied the position for his views. He is pictured with Suffolk University
President John Fenton (r).

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Cost of a ﬁrst-class stamp: 6 cents
Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin, Jr. take
ﬁrst walk on the Moon
World Series: N.Y. Mets defeated
Baltimore Orioles (4-1)
At Wilbur Theatre, Boston: You’re a Good
Man, Charlie Brown

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUFFOLK UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES

“Mrs. Robinson,” Simon & Garfunkel
First in vitro fertilization of human egg

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ALUMNI
news

A Letter
from Ellen

T

ime, talent, and treasure. Informally, these have become the hallmarks of the Alumni Association.
Time, that most precious of commodities, is
your gift of yourself, and now is prime time
to volunteer for your Alumni Association.
Talent is your expertise, bolstering our efforts to create a diverse student population,
providing internships, career opportunities,
and mentorships, and sharing your knowledge in so many different ways. Treasure
is the generous philanthropic support of
alumni like you.
As I write to you, the Alumni Association
is preparing to go live with our career network. If you wonder how much of a difference this innovation can make for you, ask
Diane Grattan MBA ’02 what it did for her

You may have wondered how the Alumni
Association has managed to simultaneously
manage such ambitious projects and initiatives. The answer is time—ours, but most
of all, yours. The excitement and energy the
Alumni Association has generated is a direct result of your generosity. As always, we
look forward to partnering with the UAC.
Time, talent, and treasure. Together, they
make up the foundation of your Alumni
Association. My sincerest thanks and
Warmest Regards,
(or take a look on page 13 and see for yourself ). Meanwhile, we’ve launched a new
website, appointed a new UAC executive
committee, and, with this issue, given this
magazine we call “SAM” a whole new look.

ELLEN S. SOLOMITA

Last year, 12 million tourists visited Boston.
They didn’t even have an invitation.

But you do.

We invite you to reconnect with Suffolk University and come back to
Boston for Alumni Weekend, June 13-15, 2008.
See what’s new at Suffolk, catch up with friends, and use our dynamic
downtown location as a base to explore Boston. Mark your calendar
now—memory lane has an exit on Beacon Hill.

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Alumni News
SAM@work >
The term “meteoric rise” could have been coined to describe Nique Fajors BSBA ’89. This Sawyer Business School graduate began his career in brand management at Procter & Gamble and has gone on to
leadership positions with Atari, Snyder Communications, The U.S. Department of Commerce, and The White House. Recently, he
became Vice President of Marketing at Capcom, an interactive entertainment company. Nique was honored with a 2007 Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award at Suffolk’s Reunion Weekend in June. Here, he shares some of the secrets of his success.

1

Become an expert about one of your key competitors and
share that knowledge

2

a letter to the company CEO offering a solution

3

potential hires

4

Identify one area of improvement in the company and write

Assist human resources in stafﬁng by recommending

Take a leadership role in company–sponsored volunteer
service events

Ways to Get
Noticed on the Job

5

by Nique Fajors, Vice President
of Marketing, CAPCOM

Contact Nique via Suffolk’s Alumni website: www.suffolk.edu/alumni

Be passionate in your daily interactions with all co-workers,
not just senior management

Call your mater.
{She misses you}.
The Alumni Association is a direct line for keeping in touch with your
alma mater–and the rest of the Suffolk family. It costs nothing to join,
but pays you back with instant access to your network of fellow alumni
all over the world. Sign up for a permanent email address, access the
Online Community, hear about special events like Suffolk Red Sox Night,
and receive important news about Reunion 2007.
Stay connected to Suffolk.
Send your mailing address, e-mail, and phone to SuffAlum@suffolk.edu.
Or call us at 6(17) 573-8443. Or fax to (617) 573-8711.

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Summer Suffolk Style
Baseball, sailing, Pops-whatever your preferred way to celebrate the season, you could spend it with
fellow graduates and other friends at one of the many Alumni Association summer events.
b

a

Alumni Spinoff From lunch in the
Gator Pit to a 3-to-2 victory over the Vermont
Lake Monsters, the 7th Annual Lowell
Spinners Alumni Night was another home

Knock Your Socks Off Following a July 22nd pre-game lunch and alumni party, our Sox (Red)

run for the Merrimack Valley Alumni chapter.

beat their Sox (White) 8-5 at Fenway. (above: l to r, Priscilla Hollenbeck JD ’91, Luke, Madeline, Jack, and

(Above: Donna Kasich and Ken Block JD ’82)

Thomas Hollenbeck ’98 )

c

d

A Warm Reception for Suffolk Jazz Fans before a Boston Pops concert at Symphony Hall.

Suffolk Sets Sail in a Salem Sound sunset

Grammy award-winner Dianne Reeves paid tribute to the legendary Sarah Vaughan. (Above: Friends

schooner spectacular (Above: John Thomas

of Suffolk University William and Nancy Geary)

and Rebecca Wallis BS ’02)

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Alumni News
Reunion 2007
Suffolk Alumni Come Home for the Weekend
Reunite, reconnect, relive, reunion—these were the watchwords for this capstone event of the Centennial
Celebration. As those in attendance will conﬁrm, Reunion 2007 was picture perfect.
a

b

Boston by Foot Alumni explored the neighborhoods of Boston surrounding the Suffolk campus in two
walking tours. Nine designated sites comprised The Heart of the Freedom Trail. Destinations of luminaries from
Ralph Waldo Emerson to Louisa May Alcott highlighted Literary Landmarks: Beacon Hill’s 19th Century Lights.

d

c

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e
a > Christopher Sulllivan, JD ’82
b > Richard Colello, BSBA ’66, MBA ’67 and
Jeanne Colello, with Boston by Foot tour guide

c > Walter Pienton, BSBA ’53, Dorris Pienton
d > Anthony Diliso, AB ’62
e > Inset: Kenneth Fonzi, BA ’06,
Joseph McDonough, BSBA ’67, Linda Blessing

f > Edward Bradley, Jr., BSBA 57,
Mark Haddad, MPA ’93

g > Onyen Yong, JD ’93
h > Law School Dean Robert H. Smith
i > Nique Fajors, BSBA ’89 (SBS Achievement),
Karen DeSalvo, BA ’88 (CAS-Achievement),
Bill Fonte, BSBA ’83, MBA ’89 (SBS Service),
Richard Trafaglia, BA ’73 (CAS Service)

j>

(l to r) Harry Spead, BSBA ’57, Dean Kenneth
Greenberg, VP Kathryn Battillo,
George Torrey, BSBA ’56, MAE ’57, Edward
Bradley, BSBA ’57, Dean Robert Smith, George
Lerra, MA ’57, Fred Gilgun, JD ’57, Anthony

All Aboard Alumni enjoyed a leisurely lunch and Boston Harbor cruise aboard the

Parro, JD ’57, Dean William J. O’ Neill

paddleboat Lexington.

f

g

h

A Tribute to His Tenure At the Law School reunion dinner, Robert H.
Smith hears words of praise and thanks for his service as Dean of Suffolk
Law School (1999-2007).

i

j

Three Cheers for Suffolk’s Fantastic Four Graduates of the

Twice as nice Induction into the Half Century Club was an additional

College of Arts and Sciences and Sawyer Business School were honored

honor for members of the Class of 1957. New and current members were

with achievement and service awards at a special reunion weekend dinner.

feted at the annual tribute luncheon.

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Alumni News

University Alumni
Council Update

I

n my new role as President of the University Alumni Council, I am dedicated
to strengthening the mutually beneﬁcial,
life-long partnership between the University
and its graduates. My wife Mary-Susan (Potts)
Santone ’87 and I have maintained close, cherished ties to Suffolk. We encourage all alumni
to devote their time and talents to fostering
the University’s reputation, and ensuring its
continued success. I look forward to promoting the efforts of each of the alumni boards, as
well as working with UAC Vice-President Hal
Leibowitz JD ’85 and Clerk Jessica Massey
JD ’03 to expand our volunteer base and increase beneﬁts and resources available for our

Alumni Association members. Most importantly, I welcome the opportunity to discover
how the UAC can best serve its alumni, and
how we may all contribute to what we foresee
as another century of achievement and accomplishment at Suffolk. As we move forward, I
pledge that the UAC will remain unwavering
in its commitment to you, our fellow alumni.
Sincerely,

Dante Santone BS ‘88
President, UAC

Suffolk University Alumni Boards 2008 >
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

LAW SCHOOL

SAWYER BUSINESS SCHOOL

Lori Atkins, BS ’01, JD ’04 *

Joyce Anagnos, JD’97

Edward J. Bradley, Jr., BSBA’57

Barbara- Ann Boehler, BA ’93, JD ’96

Stephen P. Bik, JD’71

Richard Duchesneau, BSBA’69

Allan Caggiano, BA ’99

Doris E. Desautel, JD’99

Maureen Feeney, BA’75, MPA’76 (Clerk)

Alan M. Chapman, BS ’62

Gearoid P. Grifﬁn, JD’01

Irene Fitzgerald, BSBA’91, MS’93

Cynthia Davis, BA ’98

Hal J. Leibowitz, JD’85 (Vice President) *

Patricia Gannon, MPA’97

Anthony DiIeso, AB ’62 (President) *

Thomas W. Madonna, JD’80 *

Dianne Grattan, MBA’02

Jill Gabbe, BA ’73 (Alumni Trustee)

Jessica A. Massey, JD’03 *

Peter Hunter, BSBA ’81, JD ’92 (Alumni Trustee)

Laurie Jackson, BA ’03 *

Gregory P. Noone, JD’90

Robert Jones, BSBA’72

Cheryl Larsen, MED ’77 (Clerk)

Carlotta M. Patten, JD’98

Richard Lockhart, MBA’73

Arthur Makar, MED ’92

Russell A. Gauderau, JD’68 (Alumni Trustee)

David Morse, MBA’94

Lance Morganelli, BA ’02

Richard L. Scheff, JD’81 (President) *

Angela Nunez, BSBA’82, MBA’87, APC’96 *

Laura Piscopo, BA ’02

Stephanie Taverna Siden, JD’99

Elaine O’Sullivan, MPA’97

Dante Santone, BS ’88 *

Michael S. Varadian, JD’82

William Popeleski, Jr., MBA’87 (President) *

Annunziata Varela, BA ’94, MA ’96

Damian Wilmot, JD’00

Rachelle Robin, MBA’87

Michael Walsh, BS ’84, JD ’87

Nathanael E. Wright, JD’98

Tara Taylor, MBA’00 *

(Vice President)

Onyen Yong, JD’93 (Clerk)

Roger Wellington, MPA’01 (Vice President) *

Katherine (Winn) Gatewood, BA ’96
*MEMBER OF THE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI COUNCIL

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ANNUAL FUND INDEX
Number of books authored by Alfred Aman, new dean of Suffolk Law School: 5
Cost to buy Dean Aman’s textbook on administrative law for the Suffolk Law Library: $48.95
Number of volumes in Suffolk Law library: 360,000
Number of active Suffolk alumni: 60,000
Boston’s population in 1825: 60,000
Number of Suffolk students who lived on campus from 1906 to 1994: 0
Number who live on campus today: 771
Total number when the new dorm at 10 West Street opens: 1,045
Percentage of current applicants who request on-campus housing: 95
Percentage of Suffolk graduates who give to the Annual Fund: 10
National average for a four-year private university: 24
Amount of international trade by US companies in 1990: $363 billion
Amount of international trade by US companies in 2005: $1.037 trillion
Percentage of Sawyer Business School faculty with international teaching experience: 73
Percentage of all Suffolk faculty who hold doctoral degrees: 91
Suffolk’s faculty payroll in 1945: $7,822
Faculty payroll for 2007: $82,000,000
Career points scored by Suffolk Hall of Fame basketball player Maureen “Moe” Brown: 1,458
Number of Suffolk Rams sports teams to make it to post-season play in 2006-2007: 11
Rank of Suffolk Rams among all breeds of sheep registered in the United States: 1
Annual dues to belong to the Montana Suffolk Sheep Breeders Association: $25
Annual dues to belong to the Suffolk University Alumni Association: $0
A great ﬁrst gift to the Annual Fund if you’ve never given before: $25
Percentage of your gift that helps Suffolk students receive a superior education: 100
Number of thanks from us to you for your generous support: 1,000,000
Make a gift to the Annual Fund now via our fast, secure
Web server at www.suffolk.edu/giving.
The Suffolk Annual Fund. Every student, every day.

1-888-4-SUFFOL(K)

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Alumni News
In a League of Their Own
First Hall of Fame Awards Celebrates Suffolk Sports Legends
On the surface, the eight individuals inducted along with two teams into the Suffolk University Athletic Hall of Fame
seemed so different from one another: women, men, 1940’s to 1990’s, basketball, hockey, tennis, baseball. Yet the
crowd of more than 300 gathered on May 10th at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Cambridge for the awards dinner discovered a striking similarity: the story of each talented athlete mirrored the Suffolk experience of drive and determination.
“All some players need is a chance, a vehicle to reach their highest potential,” said men’s tennis legend Robert
Rauseo ‘84, MBA’90. Rauseo dedicated his award to his father Sal, a 1960 Suffolk graduate who was captain of the men’s
Basketball team, “for showing me Suffolk athletics before I could walk or talk.”
The evening was ﬁlled with such poignant personal moments, highlighting not only athletic achievement but monumental teamwork and dedication, and ensuring that this inaugural event is destined to become a Suffolk tradition.

b

a

d

c

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f

g

h

i

j

k

a > Inductee James Nelson, Men’s Basketball

e > Inductee

Coach and Director of Athletics since 1966 and MC

Women’s Basketball, Softball, and Tennis (1990-

Paul Vaccaro, Men’s Basketball (1982-1986)

1994), named team MVP each of her four years

ﬁrst Director of Athletics (1946-1978)

b > Inductee Brian Horan, Ice Hockey (1988-1992),

f > Inductee Ellen Crotty Pistorino, Women’s

i > Inductees 1974-1975 Basketball Team. Shown

all time leading scorer with wife Cheryl (standing);

Basketball and Softball (1984-1988), single-game

here (l to r) Jim Byrne, Dave Parsons, Chris Tsiotos

children Kerry and Mathew (front row); and Ashley

Suffolk women’s basketball scoring record and

and Kevin Clark

and Shaley (l to r back row)

Coach James Nelson

j > Hockey Inductees John O’ Toole BS ‘91

c > Inductee Donovan Little, Men’s Basketball

g > Inductee Robert Rauseo, Men’s Tennis

and James Ignazio BSBA ‘91, and former Suffolk

(1975-1979), all-time leading scorer

(1980-1984), won 19 consecutive matches at #1

registrar Mary Heffron MA ‘67

d > Inductee Bill Burns, Jr., head coach for the

position on Suffolk Men’s Tennis Team

k > George Doucet, Baseball Coach, 1962-1975

Maureen “Moe” Brown, BS ‘94,

h > Nancy and Jessica Phifer, daughter and granddaughter of Inductee, the late Charies Law, Suffolk’s

1990-1991 Ice Hockey Team (also inductees)

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Alumni News
Commencement 2007
“Inspiration Everywhere”
You could feel it from the rafters of the TD Banknorth Garden: the excitement of over 10,000 in attendance,
including 1,672 graduates of Suffolk Law School, the College of Arts and Sciences, and Sawyer Business School;
the appreciation of honorary degree recipients and speakers for all it means to be a part of a Centennial
Commencement; the anticipation of the crowd. On that Sunday in May, inspiration was truly everywhere.

Suffolk Stands Tall with (left to right) Nicholas Macaronis, JD ’54, LLD ’00,
Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Commencement speaker Bill Russell, NBA
champion, civil rights advocate, and author; and Suffolk University President
David J. Sargent, JD ’54.

Worth the Wait John Gardner, JD ’31 (center), one of the

Garden Party Graduates, friends, and families at the TD Banknorth Garden

University’s oldest living graduates and recipient of an Honorary

MPA ’07, Brian J. Smith, JD ’07, and Veronica Carlino, BA ’07. Carolyn Carideo, JD ’07

JD ’78 and his son Elliot Gardner.

52

listened to inspiring words from student commencement speakers Justin C. Spencer,

Doctor of Laws degree, sits with Suffolk Trustee Deborah Marson,

(right) sang the national anthem for the crowd.

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Advancing
Suffolk
Excellence as a Cornerstone
THE POWER TO CHANGE campaign aims to build strong infrastructure for Suffolk

PHOTO BY PETER VANDERWARKER; SET DESIGN BY RICHARD CHAMBERS

A

first-rate education often includes the study of abstract
theories and hypotheses, but these days, a top-flight
education also requires something more tangible,
namely, a world-class campus—which is no easy task when you’re
located in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the
country. Suffolk University’s main campus, nestled in the tight
confines of Boston’s historic Beacon Hill, has presented more
than its share of challenges over the years. Through decades of
creativity and gumption, however, Suffolk’s leaders have carved
a university out of the spare corners of Beacon Hill.
The days of nooks and crannies, however, are done. Through careful borrowing and investments, Suffolk
has begun to shape a campus that is
among the best in Boston and equal to
the ﬁrst-rate education that it delivers.
“We are not the type of school that
requires a lot of lawn mowers,” says
President David J. Sargent. “We are
not quaint. We are not bucolic. We
are—much to the beneﬁt of our students—a school that is at the very
center of a world-class city. It makes
for a completely unique educational
opportunity.”
It was this singular location that
drove Sargent to include Suffolk’s
“one-of-a kind-campus” among the top priorities of The Power to
Change—Suffolk’s record-setting $75 million capital campaign.
“We are very proud of our urban location,” says Sargent, “and we
are equally proud of our tradition of investing in people ﬁrst. But today we see a need to offer learning and living spaces that are worthy
of the people of Suffolk and in step with the demands of the times.”
Growing enrollments, new academic programs, and competition
from peer institutions are just a few of the demands facing Suffolk
today. Through the capital campaign, the University hopes to raise
money for renovations to the school’s science labs, a new TV/video
studio, the creation of a student center, and renovations to the C.
Walsh Theatre. According to Kathryn Battillo, vice president of Advancement, there are also attractive naming opportunities for do-

nors who may be looking to memorialize their philanthropy.
“Suffolk’s campus is truly inspiring,” says Battillo. “We are neighbors to the Statehouse and City Hall, surrounded by American history at every corner. With Boston’s world famous Freedom Trail running directly past our library, hundreds of thousands of tourists walk
through our campus every summer. For a philanthropist looking to
make an impact, Suffolk’s campus is a special opportunity.”

Strengthening the Foundation
When Sargent became president in 1989, Suffolk’s campus comprised
around 286,000 square feet. Today, that number has expanded to
approximately 1.3 million. A new law
school, two new residence halls (with a
third on the way), and the recent addition of the Rosalie K. Stahl building at
73 Tremont Street are a few of the additions that have elevated Suffolk pride
and given the University some much
needed breathing space. Established in
one of Boston’s most prestigious neighborhoods (Beacon Hill) with a growing
presence in one of the city’s newly fashionable sections (The Ladder District),
Suffolk now arguably has the most desirable campus in town.
For Battillo, there is a direct connection between the quality of the campus and the caliber of the educational experience. “Keeping our facilities on par with our programs
and people is an ongoing priority,” she explains. More than just keeping up appearances, “there’s a real cause and effect here. Talk with any
student or faculty member and you quickly understand why a ﬁrstrate campus directly supports what they do.”
President Sargent concurs. “We just celebrated our Centennial anniversary, which was a wonderful accomplishment worthy of its citywide celebration,” says Sargent. “But while nostalgia is a lovely thing,
it makes for an uninspiring science lab. Our classrooms, commons
areas, libraries, and science labs must be of sufﬁcient quality to serve
our students. Renovations to existing facilities are as critical as adding new buildings.” S

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Advancing Suffolk

Philanthropy in Action > Centennial Scholarship Donors

T

he Centennial Scholarship Program has raised over $10 million to date in new scholarship
support for Suffolk University. We are deeply grateful to the following donors who have embraced the
mission of Suffolk University and the Centennial Scholarship Program and made new or additional
scholarship commitments of $50,000 or more as of September 5, 2007.

Robert E. Anders, BSBA ’50

Morris and Margaret McInnes and Family

Albert Auburn, JD ’47

Patricia Maguire Meservey and Richard G. Meservey

Richard M. Rosenberg, BSJ ’52, DCS ’91
and Barbara Rosenberg

Michael L. Barretti, Sr., EMBA ’82

Metro Property Partners, LLP - Michael D. C. Scott,
BSBA ’99, Michael Hecker and Michael Reilly

Sidney J. Rosenthal, AA ’55, JD ’56
and Marilyn G. Rosenthal

Kathleen A. Meyer, JD ’78
and Andrew C. Meyer, Jr., JD ’74, LLD ’99

Thomas J. Ryan, JD ’74 and Margaret Ryan

Kathryn and Thomas Battillo
The Honorable Lawrence L. Cameron, JD ’51, DJUR ’67

Nathan R. Miller, DCS ’03

Pamela Scangas, BA ’72 and Patricia Scangas

Campus Stores of Massachusetts, Inc.

Alice Moore Trust

Donald J. Scott, JD ’41

Robert W. Casby, JD ’82

Robert F. Muse, JD ’50

John C. Scully, DCS ’86 and Barbara A. Scully

The Honorable Salvatore J. Basile, JD ’39, LLM ’42 and
Jennie B. Basile

David J. Sargent, JD ’54, LLD ’78 and Shirley Sargent

Raymond J. Ciccolo, BSBA ’59

Aung Myint

Mrs. George C. Seybolt *

Professor H. Edward Clark

NEWIRE (New England Women in Real Estate)

Larry E. Smith, BSBA ’65

Richard I. Clayman, JD ’72

John A. Nucci, MPA ’79 and Family

Michael S. Smith, BSBA ’61

The William F. Connell Charitable Trust

James W. O’Brien Foundation

Stanley W. Sokoloff, JD ’66 and Susan Sokoloff

Robert B. Crowe, BA ’70, JD ’73

John J. O’Connor, BSBA ’73, DCS ’06

James G. Sokolove, JD ’69

Diane P Davis, BS ’83
.

Suffolk University Law School Class of 1969

Marguerite J. and Russell V. Dennis

The Estate of Arnold W. Olsson, JD ’43
and Edith Olsson

Brian G. Doherty, JD ’77

Charles T. O’Neill, JD ’76 and Mary Ellen Neylon, Esq.

Gerard F. Doherty, JD ’60 and Marilyn M. Doherty

William J. O’Neill, Jr., JD ’74 and Ann O’Neill

Suffolk University Law School Dean’s
Advisory Committee

Dennis M. Duggan, Jr., JD ’78

Professor Laurie W. Pant

in honor of Dean Robert H. Smith

Professor and Mrs. Clifford E. Elias, LLD ’99

William A. Popeleski, Jr., MBA ’87

Estate of Helen Jane Sullivan

John E. Fenton, Jr. and Theresa A. Fenton

John Tegan, Jr., BA ’64 and Lorraine Tegan

The Honorable Paul J. Fitzpatrick, BA ’56, JD ’57

Richard P Quincy and The Quincy
.
Charitable Foundation

Francis X. Flannery, MBA ’64, DCS ’91 and Family

Jerome Lyle Rappaport, LLD ’98 and Phyllis Rappaport

Richard A. Voke, BA ’70, JD ’74

Foley Hoag LLP

The Jerome Lyle Rappaport Charitable Foundation

John N. Wilson, Jr.

Daniel N. Ford, BA ’77

Dean Michael R. Ronayne, Jr. Memorial Fund

Paul F. Zerola, JD ’01

Suffolk University Law School Class of 1981

Dr. George N. Torrey, BSBA ’56, MAE ’57

Margaret E. Ford Trust

* deceased

Christine Newman Garvey, JD ’72
Elizabeth and Russell A. Gaudreau, Jr., JD ’68
Michael G. George, BS ’83

THE POWER TO CHANGE Results

I. Steven Goldstein

The Campaign for Suffolk University

Ernst Guerrier, BS ’91, JD ’94
Jeanne M. Hession, JD ’56, DJS ’74
and Marguerite E. Hession
William T. Hogan III, JD ’81
John M. Hughes and Family
J. Robert Johnson, BSBA ’63, MBA ’68
and Sandra Johnson
Professor Catherine T. Judge, JD ’57, LLM ’60 *
Friends of Suzanne King, JD ’88 Memorial Fund
James A. Lack, JD ’96
Herbert and Lois Lemelman

A GOAL IN SIGHT
$75 Million Goal
$70 Million
$60 Million
$50 Million
$40 Million
$30 Million
$20 Million
$10 Million

$45.4 Million

61%
$10.25 Million

55%

Deborah Marson, JD ’78
Total amount raised of $75M campaign goal

Michael J. McCormack, JD ’72

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Total amount raised of $18.6M scholarship goal

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A Tradition Continues –
Centennial Commencement Eve Dinner
A prelude to graduation that has become a Suffolk signature event, Commencement Eve Dinner
honors members of Summa, the University’s leadership giving circle, Honorary degree recipients, and
Frost Society members. Celebrants enjoyed an evening of inspiration at the Fairmont Copley Plaza.
a

b

Bill Russell (left) with Peg and Morris McInness,

Inset: Kathleen F. Ramirez, President David J. Sargent, JD’54, and Trustee

Associate Dean, Sawyer Business School

George A. Ramirez, JD ‘99

c

d

Veronica Ford, Harold Cohen, JD ’ 55, and granddaughter Emily Cohen

Pamela Scangas, BA ’72, James E. Nelson,
Director of Athletics

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Inside Out
For communication technology entrepreneur John Tegan ’64,
Suffolk opened a window to a new world BY DAVE ENDERS

A

T THE IMPRESSIONABLE AGE OF 19,

John Tegan had to decide: in or out?
The founder of Communication Technology Services, a successful national communications infrastructure service company based
in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Tegan had once
contemplated a very different path. As a seminary
student at a Benedictine mission in New Jersey, he
was one of only eight candidates who had made it
to Christmas break, and would soon be starting
his year of silence and prayer. To the Benedictines,
this is an important start to a lifelong inward
journey. Tegan’s Benedictine brothers encouraged him not to rush his decision. Why not ﬁrst
take a look at the outside world, they urged. He
took their advice and became the ﬁrst in his working class Revere family to go to college. Suffolk
was possible, he says, because they accepted his
credits from seminary and because the ﬂexible
class hours allowed him to work his way through
school moonlighting as a longshoreman.
A 1964 College of Arts and Sciences graduate
with a degree in English, Tegan admits he had
no idea where he was heading when he ﬁrst
arrived at Suffolk. “Like most nineteen-year olds

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at the time, I didn’t know what I wanted to do,”
Tegan recalls. Working from 4 p.m. to midnight
unloading railcars and attending school during
the day, he earned the liberal arts degree he says
has served him well.
At Suffolk, Tegan became a leader. Noting a
lack of Catholic organizations, he started the
school’s ﬁrst Newman Club. Tegan also liked
the wide mix of alumni. “We called Suffolk the
‘Last Chance Corral’ because the school seemed
to want to give everybody a shot at a good higher
education.” Even more impressive, he says, “the
professors knew you on a personal basis and
took an interest in you.” Even the administration
took an interest. “I came into the Bursar’s ofﬁce
one semester and told them I would have to
drop out. I just didn’t have the tuition.” But the
Bursar would not give up on Tegan so easily. “She
arranged a scholarship for me and I was able to
stay in school,” he recalls. “There was always
that kind of warmth at Suffolk.”
After graduation, Tegan found employment as
a teacher, but with a wife and two kids to support,
he kept a constant lookout for new opportunities.
In 1968, he read a want ad from Honeywell EDP

seeking “bored school teachers.” Tegan confesses
that he had to look up just what EDP meant
(Electronic Data Processing). Sure enough, it
turned out to be the ﬁrst question out of the
interviewer’s mouth. Out of some 200 applicants
interviewed, he was one of six who got the job in the
promising computer data processing ﬁeld. Tegan
learned information systems from the ground
up and later landed a job at Digital Equipment
Corporation. At DEC, innovative and opportunistic
thinking was not just encouraged, it was expected.
This corporate culture became obvious in the late
1980’s when, facing an economic downturn, DEC
management asked employees what could be
done to avoid layoffs. Tegan suggested following
the lead of Xerox Corporation and allowing DEC
employees to incubate new spin-off companies
that, if successful, would operate independently
and in partnership with DEC.
Again, Tegan recognized an opportunity.
One limiting factor he noticed was the lack
of installation companies. During Tegan’s
employment at DEC, he had the foresight to earn
a second degree in Manufacturing Engineering.
In 1990, at 48 years old, he and his wife “invested
every nickel we had for the next four years to
launch Communication Technology Services.”
The risk paid off as CTS became a leading player
in communication infrastructure, serving clients
like Sun Microsystems, IBM, Lockheed Martin,
GE and Fleet Bank. Today, Tegan’s children run
the company while he remains active as a senior
consultant in semi-retirement.
Tegan hopes to share his decision to step out
into the world with generations of Suffolk alumni
to come. He serves on the Dean’s Advisory Board
and is a generous contributor to the Centennial
Scholarship Fund. “I see this as a good way to
help other people get the same opportunity
I had. That’s what Suffolk has always been
about…opportunity.”
He also offers Suffolk his expertise as a
guest lecturer at Dr. Karen Bishop’s courses on
entrepreneurship. “There was never any cookiecutter success quotient at Suffolk,” Tegan says.
“Students are encouraged to step out of the box,
and get an inkling of what success and failure
[are] really about.”
Today, John Tegan continues to support many
of the institutions that helped him on his way.
Inward or outward, it appears the journey is one
in the same. S

PHOTO BY TOM GEARTY

Advancing Suffolk

FALL 2007

9/20/07 3:49:44 PM

ClassNotes
UNDERGRADUATE

1969

1973 > Reunion June 13-15, 2008

Suffolk graduates Dick Duchesneau and Andy Gala

Richard Bevilacqua (BS) writes, “I was named director of

1960

(both BSBA) and their spouses embarked on a walking tour

internal and interactive communications at Covidien (former-

NESAD > “I have been living and working here in my na-

of the Tuscan region of Italy this summer. To keep up their

ly Tyco Healthcare), a medical supplies and devices company

tive Vermont since 1985 as a freelance designer/illustrator

strength along the way, they sustained themselves with good

headquartered in Mansﬁeld, MA.”

and as creative director for Advanced Animations,” writes

Tuscan food and—most importantly—Tuscan wine.

Richard Edney (Illustration). “While with Advanced, we

“I received my PhD in environmental biology from Wayne

built many of the animatronic elements for Universal Studios

1971

State University in Detroit in 1980,” Gerald (Jerry) Filbin

shows such as Terminator, ET’s Home Planet, and Men in

“I will be retiring this June after working in the Plainville (MA)

(BS) writes. “I am currently living in Washington, DC, where

Black. We also built ﬂoats for Disneyworld’s Mickey’s Jam-

Public Schools for 33 years,” William Fasulo (BA) writes.

I am employed as the director of the U.S. Environmental

min’ Jungle Safari, the Tokyo Fantalusion Parade, and themed

“I was a Peace Corps teacher in Liberia, West Africa from

Protection Agency’s innovative pilots division in EPA’s Ofﬁce

events for Las Vegas casinos, such as MGM Grand and Sam’s

1971-73. With substitute teaching, I have worked in educa-

of Policy, Economics, and Innovation. Prior to that position,

Town. Prior to relocating here in Vermont with my wife, Paula,

tion for 35 years. I have an MEd from Boston College (1983).

I served as the agency’s coordinator for community-based

and daughter, Caitlin, I spent many years as an illustrator for

I was awarded the Laura M. Warcup Distinguished Educator

environmental protection.” Jerry has lived in the DC area for

Hewlett Packard and Raytheon and as a freelance designer.”

Award [as Teacher of the Year] by the Norfolk County Teach-

over 20 years, working as a consultant before joining the

ers Association. I am looking forward to new career oppor-

EPA. Prior to that, he held a variety of research and academic

tunities after I retire.”

positions. Since coming to the DC area, Jerry has served as

1962
“I am the newly-elected president of the CAS Alumni Board

an adjunct faculty member in the graduate school of engi-

of Directors,” Anthony T. DiIeso (BA) announces. “Your

1972

neering at Johns Hopkins University and also served for six

ideas and suggestions are needed to improve the effective-

Pamela Scangas (BA) was married in September.

years on the board of directors of Whitman-Walker Clinic, the

ness of the Alumni Association. Please visit Suffolk and par-

region’s largest community-based care provider for people

ticipate in the many alumni activities.”

with HIV and AIDS.

1966

1974

Bob LeBlanc (BSBA), a former trustee of Suffolk University,
was recently elected a member of the board of overseers

Stay Connected

“I have accepted a position as senior technical-support engineer to Raytheon Network Centric Systems and the Depart-

of the USS Constitution Museum. He writes, “I am also a

ment of Homeland Security,” writes Ramona Preston (BA).

member of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee

“Working as a systems analyst, I have spent many years doing

where I serve as deputy counsel, chair of the rules commit-

computer programming and markup language development

tee, and Sargent At Arms of the party conventions. I am an

in Boston and in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I have won numerous

attorney with ofﬁces in Methuen and Boston specializing in

industry awards for my work, particularly in document infor-

criminal law, government relations, and strategic initiatives

You can reach your classmates in

mation typing architecture for the Department of Defense. I

for private clients with interests in legislation and develop-

this section through the Suffolk

have traveled extensively throughout Europe and the Middle

ment activities.”

University Alumni Association

East and speak ﬂuent German, Russian, and Arabic.”

Online Community.

1968
Mel Sudalter (BA) was preparing to become a ﬁrst time
grandfather this summer. Mel has three daughters, ages 31,
30, and 25. A frequent companion of his mentor, Dr. Stanley
Vogel, Mel winters in Florida and summers in Kennebunk-

...

If you are not currently a member,
please email SuffAlum@Suffolk.edu
for a user i.d. and password.

1976
“I am currently the director of Massachusetts Ofﬁce of State
Auditor’s Bureau of Special Investigations,” notes Bruce

Carmichael (BA). Bruce was reelected to the board of directors of United Council on Welfare Fraud (UCOWF) last fall

Registration is free and the easiest way

during its national conference in Tampa, FL. “I have served on

to stay in touch with Suffolk University’s

the national board since 2002. I serve concurrently as a mem-

60,000 graduates worldwide. (Due to privacy

ber of the National Association of State Welfare Fraud Direc-

concerns, we are unable to print or provide

tors. State welfare fraud directors promote program integrity

individual contact information.)

port, ME, with a permanent residence in Newton, MA.

issues with federal ofﬁcials, providing insight into efforts regarding prevention, detection, and elimination of fraud, and
the recovery of taxpayer monies.”

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Class Notes

“I just celebrated my 30th year with

which was founded in Worcester in 1895.

ing around….Mark!” There’s a full length version of the entire
“History of Art,” written for his senior art history ﬁnal project

Easter Seals Massachusetts and I
have been president and CEO for the

1982

for Charles Guilliano, and a song written for his wedding,

past 11 years,” writes Kirk N. Jos-

Ann Coyne (BS) was recently appointed associate dean of

“More to Live For.” His new CD, Don’t Get Me Started, was

lin (BSJ). “I started soon after gradu-

students at Suffolk University.

recently released.

ating from Suffolk. My ﬁrst job was as

William Wood (BS) writes, “I live

an advocate for people with disabilities and their families.”

in southern California (Costa Mesa)

“I was featured in the Suffolk University International Observer, International Alumni Newsletter Winter 2005-2006 issue,”
writes Melissa Julian (BS). “I’m a 1989 graduate, now a lob-

1978 > Reunion June 13-15, 2008

and work as a communications con-

Barbara (Smith) Fraser (BS) credits her Suffolk Univer-

sultant, specializing in technical and

sity degree as “the best tool to help me achieve my dream.”

marketing writing, project manage-

She writes, “When I graduated from Suffolk, my dream was

ment, and website development. I

NESAD > Dave Swanson (Graphic Design) is the direc-

to move to a small New England town in Maine or Vermont

sing tenor in a church choir, a college

tor of design for Fidelity Investments in Smithﬁeld, RI. Dave

and teach, have lots of animals, and live a slower pace of

chorale, and other groups. I also completed a CD of original

lives in Foster with his wife and three children, two-year-old

life. It took me years to accomplish that dream, but here I

songs (I wrote, sang, and played guitar) featuring styles such

Zoe, four-year-old Clara, and

am in a small Vermont town doing what I love, teaching high

as pop, ballads, funky blues, and rock.”

six-year-old Max. “It’s just non-

school students and living on a 200-acre, 11-bedroom farm

1984

visit. I spend my summers kayaking, horseback riding, hik-

Michael Walsh, Esq. (BS) was elected vice president of the

magniﬁcent mountain views. My degree from Suffolk made
this happen for me. For 30 years I counted on my Suffolk
degree to land a great job to bring me one step closer to my
dream, while keeping me competitive in both the world of

Paciﬁc policy in Brussels.”

stop, taking care of a house, a

with all my animals and plenty of room for my children to

ing, quilting, reading on my screened porch, and enjoying the

byist/consultant on European Union-Africa, Caribbean, and

CAS Alumni Board of Directors.

1987

dog, and three small children,
then trying to ﬁt in my own
stuff,” writes Dave. “I’ve redeﬁned patience.”

NESAD > Deven Winters (Fine Arts) and his wife packed
for a move back to Mesquite, TX, where he is taking a job at

1993 > Reunion June 13-15, 2008

id Software, a pioneer in ﬁrst-person shooter (FPS) PC game

Michael D. Hurley (BSJ) is the director of marketing and

education and business. At 56, I am in a wonderful place both

titles. As a designer, he’ll be creating levels, gameplay ele-

communications at Wentworth Institute of Technology. “My

professionally and personally. I am so very grateful!”

ments, and some basic art. “I want to go there to be able

wife Ana and I live in Walpole and are expecting our ﬁrst child

to learn from the masters, develop my next-gen art and be-

in October,” Michael writes.

1979

come even more well-rounded,” Deven writes. He also says

“My life since Suffolk has had many turns,” writes Sister

that he’ll be starting a children’s book this fall written by his

1995

Maryanne Ruzzo (BS). “I did cell culture on cystic ﬁbrosis

wife. “The newest member of our family is getting big…and

“In 2003, my sister Tara Rogers and I opened Skribbles Learn-

at Children’s Hospital Boston, then on eye melanoma at Mas-

is almost as tall as his four-and-a-half-year-old brother. My

sachusetts Eye and Ear Inﬁrmary, and then worked as an operations manager at a small pharmaceutical company. From
there I made a major change and felt called to work with
special needs children doing music and religious studies at

oldest son, Joshua, can read and write a little bit. He also
reconﬁgured my Xbox to read Chinese and it took us two
hours to undo it. He’s is getting really good at games and
problem solving.” Deven is thinking of becoming a teacher of
3D graphics and perhaps starting his own company as well.

Saint Coletta’s in Braintree, MA. In 1989, I entered the Sisters

ing Center, LLC,” writes Juliane Blackmore (BSBA). “I am
happy to announce the opening of our second child care
center in Northborough, MA. I handle the business operations and Tara oversees the centers’ directors. With the addition of the new center, Skribbles will care for more than
200 children. It is a blessing to be able to work together and

of Charity and spent several years ministering with home-

1989

take part in the development of young minds. We consider

less women at The Women’s Inn at Pine Street. I worked in

“I am the owner of Boundless Online, an online Web-market-

ourselves very lucky.”

my religious community for a few years after I studied and

ing and Web-hosting business,” writes Lisa Ebisch (BA). “As

am presently a chaplain at Boston Medical Center. I love the

if ten years in marketing for a publishing company wasn’t

1998 > Reunion June 13-15, 2008

connection between my biology studies years ago and my

challenging enough in today’s Internet world, I purchased

NESAD > Melissa Horvath (Graphic Design) started a

religious years by doing ministry at a hospital. I loved my time

a Web-services business and renamed it Boundless On-

new job in May as senior interactive art director at VML in

at Suffolk and continue to remember and receive fruits from

line for its boundless possibilities. Now I live in a paperless

the gifts I received while I was a student there.”

world and ﬁnd the challenge of competing with other Web
development companies energizing and rewarding.” Lisa
and her husband Paul have three boys: ﬁve-year-old Blaise;

1980
Patricia L. Jones (BSBA), CPA and principal of the ﬁrm P.L.

three-year-old Cole; and 18-month-old Aslan. They reside in

State Savings Bank. Patricia is also a trustee of the bank

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clients as Colgate-Palmolive, as well as Melissa’s main accounts, Burger King and TurboTax. In addition to the new job,
Melissa is making plans for her wedding on November 9.

Springﬁeld, MO.

Jones & Associates, PC, was recently appointed to serve as
director as well as member of the audit committee of Bay

New York. VML, a subsidiary of Young & Rubicam, has such

“I was just wondering when my class is going to have a reNESAD > Mark Fisher (DIP) “just released my ﬁfth CD,

union,” writes Sibouh Kandilian (BS). “Perhaps next year

featuring songs of love, songs of glory, and stories revolv-

when it is the tenth-year reunion!” [Editor’s Note: Class of ’98

FALL 2007

9/20/07 3:49:47 PM

reunion is in 2008]. A lot has happened to me since I graduat-

Jennifer Magee (BS) received her Doctor of Dental Medi-

NESAD > Nicole Wang (Graphic Design, BFA ’02) has

ed. I suffered a hemorrhagic brainstem stroke after six brain

cine degree from the University of Connecticut in May. Jen-

relocated to Emeryville, CA, and has taken a position with

surgeries that I had on my pediatric brainstem tumor. It was

nifer returned to Boston to begin a one-year residency at

Arc Worldwide in San Francisco. The company deals in pro-

really nice to meet my college professor at a fund-raiser a

Brigham and Woman’s Hospital in general dentistry. “In other

motional, interactive, direct, and shopper marketing, and

few weeks ago called Ride for Research. It was my ﬁrst time

exciting news,” she writes, “I got engaged over the winter to

is owned by the Publicis Group (owner of Digitas, Nicole’s

[attending] this event, held annually by the Brain Tumor Soci-

Josh Aigen, an industrial designer currently working at Wen-

former employer). Nicole’s move followed a two-month Eu-

ety. Today, I have to live with a number of disabilities, such as

tworth Institute of Technology, and am beginning to plan the

ropean vacation. “After working three years straight in a fast-

double vision and right-facial paralysis. I have difﬁculty with

wedding for next summer!”

paced agency like that,” she writes, “I felt I really needed a

balance and writing also, and I live with chronic ringing of the
ear and headaches. As a result of my stroke, I was not able

loooong vacation!”

2001
2004

to be an eye doctor, but hopefully I can do something with

NESAD > Laura Granlund (BFA) writes “The most current

my degree in biology.”

news is that I am going to have some artwork featured in

NESAD > Juliana Abislaiman (Graphic Design) left Artea-

a book called Plush You by Kristen Rask, coming out in

ga & Arteaga Advertising and has a new job with McCann

November.”

Erickson in Puerto Rico.

1999
“I just want to let my classmates know what I have been
up to since graduation,” writes Carmen Amador-Herrera

2002

“I got married in June of 2006 to Noah Davisson and we are

(BS). “I went back to school. I want to thank Lori Rosenberg,

“I recently purchased a condo in Winchester, MA, and am

now expecting our ﬁrst child, a boy, in October,” writes Cal-

from the sociology department, for helping me get accepted

currently working in the technology department as a com-

lie Davisson (CAS).

and for believing in me. Lori, you are in part responsible for

puter tech for the Medford Public Schools,” writes Joshua

my success—thank you. I graduated in 2002 and started

Glionna (BS).

working as a mental health provider for several places, in-

Elisa Hahn (BSBA) has been working as a senior internal
auditor at Investors Bank & Trust (acquired by State Street in

cluding Children’s Hospital and East Boston Health Center.

After receiving her criminology and law degree, Evelyn

July). “As an IA,” she writes, “I am able to travel internation-

My area of expertise has been couples therapy, which I enjoy

Vega-Johnston (BS) married Kyvah Johnston, of Boston, in

ally to conduct mutual-fund accounting audits with complex

very much. In 2004, I married my ﬁancé, with whom I have

January 2003. She is a proud mother of her two-year-old son,

fund structures. I am working towards my MBA and studying

two children: Isamar, age 16, and Leonardo, age eight. We

Kyvah N.J. Johnston. She is also stepmother to eight-year-old

for my certiﬁed internal auditor exam.”

are also raising our 11-year-old niece, Ruby. The children are

Myah. The family resides in Newton, MA.
“Hi everybody!” writes Felipe Irar-

doing very well. At the moment I am working at IBA, a

After graduation, Anne (Pluta) Zeeman (BSBA) worked

razabal (BSBA). “I am a marketing

community-based

agency,

for ﬁnancial services and consulting ﬁrms in various market-

graduate from Chile. I would like to

and my future plans include

ing roles, including director of marketing for a MetLife agency

share with you the birth of my ﬁrst

going back to school to get a

and for the Odyssey Companies. “A few months after getting

daughter, Martina, born May 7.”

law degree or an MPH.”

married in September 2005, my husband, Jeff, and I moved
to Washington, DC,” Anne writes. “Last summer, after trav-

NESAD > Victoria Masters (Graphic Design) has left

Lesley Peters (BSBA) recently started work at the Massa-

eling to Mexico and to London to be on BBC 4’s Genius, I

Charity Folks and is now a junior creative director at Creative

chusetts Convention Center Authority as a senior accountant.

started my full-time MBA. I’d love to hear from any alumni in

Gorillas, also in New York. Creative Gorillas is an advertising

Washington, DC, southern Maryland or northern Virginia, and

and marketing ﬁrm with a number of clients in the real estate

anyone from my class.”

and development ﬁelds.

2000
“I just launched my literary blog, Savvy Verse & Wit,” writes

Serena M. Agusto-Cox (BA). “The blog and online shop

2003 > Reunion June 13-15, 2008

Julie T. Pham (BSBA) writes,

will promote artistic talent through thoughtful discussions of

Joe Diver (BS) was appointed chief information ofﬁcer

“I switched careers and am

books, poems, and photography. My own photography is cur-

for Berkshire Health Systems in 2005. “I am leading Berkshire

now an entertainment jockey

rently featured on many of the products in the shop, and I am

Health Systems in the implementation of a complete elec-

(EJ) for a brand-spanking-new

working on a series of literary-themed logo shirts and bags

tronic medical record and computerized physician order

website, OurStage.com.” Julie’s

as well. In May, I attended a one-day writer’s conference in

entry (CPOE),” Joe writes. “I also serve on the advisory board

show is called The Daily Spam

Bethesda, MD, where I made contact with other writers, pub-

for Medical Information Technology (MEDITECH) and Patient

with Julie Pham.

lishers, and agents. Workshops highlighted the submission

Keeper. Both are leaders within the healthcare industry. I am

processes for magazines, the state of the poetry market, the

married to Karen (Dockrey) of Randolph, MA, and we have

In March, Gail Sparacino-Vina (BS) attended the Alliance

increased use of the Internet in publishing and promotion, and

two children.”

for Lupus Research (ALR) 2nd annual national volunteer

many other topics. Overall, the experience was phenomenal,

meeting and advocacy day in Washington, DC. “I was among

particularly as a means for networking with other writers.”

125 others chosen nationwide by the ALR to speak with

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Class Notes

members of Congress to help get increased federal funding

the board and emeritus general agent of the Herman Finan-

for Lupus research,” Gail writes. “I lobbied Congress to estab-

cial Group in Oak Brook, IL.”

Veritas Global, LLC, a business intelligence and global investigative ﬁrm, added Robert Pertuso (BSBA ’76, MBA) to its
staff as a managing director in May. “Bob brings a wealth of

lish a program within the Department of Defense speciﬁcally
dedicated and earmarked to lupus research. I recounted to

1956

experience to our investigative operations,” said chief oper-

members of Congress my personal experiences with ﬁghting

Judge Darrell L. Outlaw (BA ’55/MA ’56) has been elected

ating ofﬁcer Gregory Suhajda. “His experience with the FBI

lupus since August 2004. I helped shed light on the serious

president of the New England School of Law Corporation. A

in complex white-collar criminal investigations, organized-

impact this disease has on individuals and families, and the

corporation member since 1992 and of the board of trustees

crime investigations, and counter-intelligence operations

importance of lupus research. At the ALR national awards

for 24 years, he most recently served as corporation treasurer.

will bring added depth to our ability to assist clients with

dinner in DC, I received

Judge Outlaw is the past president of the William Lewis Law

complex investigative needs. Additionally, his post-FBI expe-

the founder’s award for

Society (now the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association)

rience serving as the director of corporate investigations for

my work establishing

and a board member of Project Commitment, which pro-

a Fortune 500 company will also allow us to better serve our

the inaugural Austin

motes careers in law and the importance of the legal system.

corporate compliance clients.”

Walk With Us To Cure

The former chairman of the Massa-

Lupus 2006 that raised

chusetts Commission Against Dis-

1979

$45,000.”

crimination was appointed associate

Deutsches Altenheim of West Roxbury has named Gregory

judge of Dorchester District Court in

C. Karr (EMBA) as its new chief executive ofﬁcer. In this role,

2005

1981 and has, since his retirement in

he will be responsible for oversight of the entire Deutsches

Heather Davis (BS) recently spent two weeks traveling

1993, focused on mediation, arbitra-

Altenheim campus, which includes the German Centre for

through Europe. She writes, “I enjoyed it so much that I have

tion, and mental health law.

Extended Care, a 133-bed nursing facility offering skilled

decided to pursue my master’s degree there!”

nursing, Alzheimer’s care, respite, and hospice services,

1973 > Reunion June 13-15, 2008

post-acute rehabilitation, and outpatient rehabilitation; Se-

“I recently announced my candidacy for the Lynn School

“I am a senior receptionist at the First Marblehead Corpo-

nior Place, an adult day health program; and Edelweiss Vil-

Committee,” writes Charlie Gallo (BA). “I am presently an

ration,” writes Carol Kaplan Levine (AB ’71, MEd). “First

lage, moderately-priced assisted-living apartments. He and

evening student at Suffolk University Law School and work at

Marblehead helps provide private college loans to students

his wife, Judith, are longtime residents of Dover, MA. Their

the Boston law ﬁrm of Weston Patrick, PA.”

who wish to further their educations. My daughter, Heather, is

son, Alden, and daughter, Bailey, are both graduates of Do-

beginning her third year at California State University, North-

ver-Sherborn High School.

Timothy Hislop (BS) received a master’s in education

ridge. My daughter, Amy, also works at First Marblehead.”

1986

policy, planning, and administration and is currently in his
second year teaching seventh grade. Timothy is engaged to

1976

Julie Minton (MCO) has recently joined South Bay Mental

be married in June 2008.

“Hi everyone,” writes Anne Koteen (MBA). “Things have

Health as a trauma therapist.

been crazy at our house lately....our daughter, Jenny, just
“After I graduated from Suffolk, I

graduated from high school and is interning at both Fidelity

1989

started working for Ernst & Young,”

Investments and Senator Kennedy’s ofﬁce currently. We are

“I am the membership development and marketing direc-

writes Thuy Vu Dropsey (BSBA). “I

all very proud and excited! My husband is working for SAP

tor at the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS),” writes

have had a chance to come back to

in Cambridge, MA. I am working at Koteen Associates, doing

George Dudley (MBA). “With over 18,600 physician mem-

Suffolk as a recruiter and met many

information technology search and placement.” Anne enjoys

bers, the MMS is the state’s leading advocate for physicians

very ﬁne and enthusiastic candi-

serving client companies, new business development, and

and their patients. I live in Wilmington, MA.”

dates. The events remind me of myself during my last year at

working with candidates.

1990

Suffolk. Recently, I had a baby girl, Agatha.”

1977

“Real estate sales continue to happen in the Wellesley area

2006

Cheryl Larsen (MEd) was elected clerk of the CAS Alumni

where I am associated with Coldwell Banker Residential Bro-

Melissa Sibiga (BSBA) is back from a global seminar to

Board of Directors.

kerage,” writes Bobby Morgenstern (EMBA). “In addition

China and currently enrolled in Suffolk’s MBA program.

to consulting with those with real estate needs, I recently

1978 > Reunion June 13-15, 2008

Burt Herman (BSBA ’53, MEd) writes, “May 1 was my 50th

ding and toured the country. Our two-week adventure took
us from the foothills of the Himalayas, where we took an

you, Suffolk!”

1954

12-year-old son and my father-in-law. We attended a wed-

in MA public schools,” Faith Brouillard Hughes (MEd) explains. “I retired on June 14 after 26 years in the ﬁeld. Thank

GRADUATE

had the opportunity of a lifetime to travel to Nepal with my

“I got my MEd at Suffolk in 1978 in order to teach chemistry

aerial tour of Everest; to the Royal Chitwan National Park for
a safari; and to the urban center of Katmandu.”

anniversary with Transamerica Life Companies as an agent
in Boston, general manager in Chicago, and now chairman of

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1993 > Reunion June 13-15, 2008

Conference in Reno, NV, this summer. The theme, “Work-

1999

“I guess I will toot my own horn,” writes Caroline Coscia

“I am in my 14th year at Fidelity In-

ing Women Moving Forward: Deﬁne Your Future,” offered

(MPA), and for good reason: Caroline received the public

vestments managing implementa-

information, resources, and tools designed for the many

service award at the commencement ceremony of the pub-

tions for ultra-high net-worth family

transitions and phases of life. Ruth presented a workshop

lic policy doctoral program at McCormack School of Policy

ofﬁces,” writes Todd Altomare

on “The Four Keys to Networking Conﬁdence and Success”

Studies. The award recognizes a student for service to the

(MBA). “Amiee and I had our second

and provided individual career and life-coaching sessions to

university, the university community, and the public policy

child in February, Soﬁa Isadora Alto-

conference attendees.

mare. Her big brother, Lorenzo, is doing great and loves trucks!”

program.

2001
“I think about my two Suffolk experiences fondly and with

1995

Aurelio Manuel Valente (MEd) is currently a doctoral

“I am currently living in Vermont and am the alumni relations

student in higher education. His ﬁrst manuscript, entitled

appreciation,” writes Kathryn Fisher (BS ’79, MPA). “I am

director at Vermont Law School,” writes Annie Janeway

“Passion and Purpose: Best Practices and Strategies for In-

currently residing in Nashua and working in Goffstown, NH,

(MEd). “After being part of the development ofﬁce at a Mas-

tegrating Service-Learning in the First Year of College,” will

as the executive secretary for the town administrator and

sachusetts prep school and three liberal arts colleges, I am

be published in the July issue of the Journal of College and

board of selectmen. This is a career change for me since I

trying out work in the graduate school arena. I appreciate

Character. Aurelio is also working with colleagues on a chap-

left being a paralegal last year after 26 years in that ﬁeld.

reading Suffolk Alumni Magazine as I help put together the

ter called “Ethics in Higher Education” for the third edition of

I have ﬁnally been able to cross over using the master’s

law school magazine for VLS. The Suffolk magazine is impres-

the Handbook for Student Affairs.

degree that I earned in 2001. I am busy with two grown
daughters and a marvelous, smart grandson, Jakob. My

sive and a good model.”

2000

youngest daughter is about to ﬁnish her four-year degree

1996

Ruth Hegarty (BA ’98, MS) was a featured speaker at

in the fall and displays a lot of my own intellectual bent

“I was awarded outstanding faculty member of the Sawyer

the Business and Professional Women/USA 2007 National

and academic achievements. My oldest daughter is very

Business School for 2007 by the Student Government Associ-

successful as the assistant director of Knowledge Begin-

ation,” writes William F. Mee (MBA). “I have been instruct-

nings Daycare in Chelmsford, MA. I miss all my fellow stu-

ing at the SBS since fall 1996 as an adjunct professor, and

dents and professors who have deﬁnitely shaped my life.”

for the past three years as an instructor in the information

2003 > Reunion June 13-15, 2008

systems and operations management department.”

Erin Brick-McManus (MEd) recently moved to Suwanee,
Susan Scott (EMBA) writes, “I

GA, and works as an admissions advisor at Life University in

am a senior consultant at Calyp-

Marietta, GA.

tus Group and have been selected
to present a paper entitled, ‘The Role

“Since graduating from Suffolk University in 2003 with my

of Social Capital in Creating Effective

MBA, I have started a number of businesses that have been

Global Supply Chains’ at the Acad-

How to Get Arrested:

emy of International Business (AIB)

A Motivational Story for Actors

conference in Indianapolis.” The paper is a precursor to her

by Michael J. Wallach (JD’74)

successful,” writes Linda Samuels (EMBA). Examples include Premier Capital, which offers alternative ﬁnancing and
consulting for businesses; The Science of Learning Center, offering academic tutoring in all subjects; and Focus Technology,

dissertation as she pursues a doctorate in business admin-

1997
“My daughter, Mckinlee Anne, is almost four months old (born March
8),” Heather Hodgson (EMBA)
writes. “She went on her ﬁrst hike in
NH and has also worked with me in
my business, Unpacking Solutions, just listed on Angie’s List in

The conventional wisdom in Hollywood that it’s

a manufacturer of an iPod-like device that improves memory

all about who you know is debunked by Michael

istration.

and reduces stress. “My newest business, BillionaireBabies,

J. Wallach (JD’74) in his book How to Get Arrested:

provides seminars, products, and success coaching to em-

A Motivational Story for Actors. After a brief ten-

power children of all ages to start successful businesses. My

ure with the District Attorney’s Ofﬁce in Queens,

son, Charles, just received his PhD in mathematics from the

Wallach applied his knowledge of the law to the

University of Texas; my daughter, Marilyn, is working in hospi-

entertainment business. Managing the careers of
actors for over 20 years and teaching a popular
course, “The Business of Acting,” for UCLA Extension, convinced him that it’s possible to succeed

Boston as an outstanding service provider. It is a small family

with no connections. His advice is outlined in a

business that provides services to those who are moving. Our

reader-friendly novella following two actors on a

unique niche is unpacking and putting your home in order

quest for stardom. Yet the book is designed for

after a move. I would love to see classmates at the clambake
at the Crane Estate; it’s been ten years since we ﬁnished.”

those seeking inspiration in any profession.

tal administration; and my son-in-law, Sam, is an assistant professor at Tufts University. Sam and Marilyn have two children:
three-and-a-half year-old Abigail and two-year-old Sophia.

2004
Karmle L. Conrad (MHA) writes “I have left Impact, Inc.,
and decided to expand my small business. The Mind Body
Soul Connection has now become The Conrad Center. “
“Things are great!,” writes Sean Glennon (BA ’’01, MSPS).

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Class Notes

LAW

“I got married last year to my high-school sweetheart and
we bought a house in Quincy. We are co-directors of a com-

already out of college (Duke and Columbia). My youngest
daughter is in her last year of high school.”

munity choir in Quincy that we established three years ago.

1955

I work for the City of Quincy in the department of planning

For the past 15 years, Ronald D.J. Saloman (JD) has served

1982

and community development. I ad-

as the chief stadium announcer for the Eastern Region of Lit-

Tom Doyle (JD) sends greetings from Tuscany. “I’m email-

minister federal grant programs, and

tle League Baseball, which covers 11 states and the District

ing this message from the emergency room of a rural hospi-

serve as the city’s representative on

of Columbia. In August, he served in this volunteer position

tal in Castelﬁorentino, Italy, where I am with my 18-year-old

the Boston Harbor Islands Advisory

again at the annual regional tournament in Bristol, CT.

son who is suffering apparently from his ﬁrst ﬂight-induced
migraine. We are here celebrating his acceptance to Mid-

Council.” Sean misses Beacon Hill
and always enjoys coming back to

1972

dlebury College and my wife’s 50th birthday. A trip to the

Suffolk for various events.

“It is with great sadness that I report the death of Avrom

emergency room was not on our itinerary, but that’s life.”

Herbster, a Law School graduate, Class of 1972,” writes Bob

Alissa Porcaro (MBA) wel-

Damiano (JD). “Avrom was a lifelong resident of Peabody,

“Margo (Haist) (JD 81) and I will be empty nesters in the

comed her second daughter,

MA, and a graduate of Boston University prior to his entry

fall,” writes Edward L. Wallack (JD). Their daughter, Court-

Megan Elisabeth, in January.

into the Suffolk Law community. He was one of the most

ney, is starting her freshman year at Hobart and William Smith

“The entire family took part

popular students at the Law School during his three-year at-

Colleges, and their son, Zachary, will be a junior at Syracuse

in their ﬁfth Race for the Cure

tendance. Following graduation, he entered the National La-

University. “Sapers & Wallack moved to Newton Corner after

in Hartford, CT, on June 2 in

bor Relations Board at the Washington, D.C., ofﬁce where he

19 years in Cambridge, which means I can easily meet Margo

memory of my mother-in-law, Ann Porcaro,” Alissa writes.

worked for three years, then transferring to Boston. He rose

for lunch after she ﬁnishes teaching her reading classes at

to the level of hearing ofﬁcer until he left in 2006, due to the

the Cabot Elementary School.”

2005

serious illness that ended his life on March 1.” A true Suffolk

Kimberly Clapp (MSMHC, MSCJ) married Robert J. Silva

supporter and proud graduate, Avrom will be missed dearly

III on July 14. The ceremony took place at St. Richard Parish

by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

1983 > Reunion June 13-15, 2008
When Gerald Heng’s (JD)
daughter was six, she had to

in Danvers, MA, and the reception was held at Danversport

1974

sit though her father’s Doctor

Robert A. Faneuil (JD) is now representing athletes as

of Jurisprudence award at Suf-

Chris Bogdanovitch (MHA) has been promoted to senior

well as radio and television personalities, including himself.

folk. Gerald and Eileen Heng,

therapeutic specialty consultant at Pﬁzer Pharmaceuticals in

“I co-anchor a sports talks show called ‘The Rob and Bob

Dad and Mom to Sharmaine

Boston, MA.

Show’ on WBNW 1120 AM (Boston). I look forward to taking

Heng, [returned] the favor by attending Philadelphia Music

calls from my fellow alumni.”

Hall for her Doctor of Jurisprudence award on May 15, 2006.

“My book for actors, How to Get Arrested: a Motivational

1987

Story for Actors, was picked up by a national book distributor

“I have been practicing criminal defense in New York City for

Yacht Club.

John Ryan (MBA) has been appointed to the board of directors of the Massachusetts March of Dimes.

Daniel M. Sigel (MEd) coordinated the U.S. men’s and

and will be re-released this September,” Michael J. Wal-

almost 20 years now,” writes Javier Damien (JD). “I also

women’s ultimate Frisbee teams for the 2007 Pan American

lach (JD) writes. “Previously, I handled sales, which suddenly

live and practice criminal defense in New Jersey. I have been

Games, held August 6-12 in Mexico City.

took off after receiving attention by the industry in Holly-

a frequent ‘talking head legal expert’ on Court TV for the last

wood.” A major Hollywood studio is in the planning stages of

four years. I also appear on Fox News TV and CNN. Personal-

producing a reality show based on the book.

ly, I am an avid snow skier and marathon runner. I completed

2006

my 11th marathon in Big Sur, CA, in April. I look forward to

“For those of you who don’t know, Hope and I are expecting our ‘ﬁrst’ this November, on Thanksgiving Day,” writes

1977 > Reunion June 13-15, 2008

completing my 12th marathon in Quebec City, Canada. I’m

James Davenport (MBA). James works at MassMutual.

Paul G. Keough (JD) is married with four kids, ages twelve,

glad to see that Suffolk Law is getting the respect and cover-

nine, seven, and four. The family lives in Roslindale, MA.

age it deserves. The new law school is beautiful.”

Robert Fortes (MPA) is the assistant general manager for

1981

1988 > Reunion June 13-15, 2008

strategic planning and performance at the Massachusetts

“I now reside in Waltham where I have opened a meal as-

“I could go on and on about Suffolk

Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA). “So,” he writes, “it is a

sembly business called ‘The Supper Shop,’ writes Cath-

University and what it did for me

very good thing I just recently completed Professor Gregg’s

erine (Rohrs) Matthews (JD). “It’s been a lot of fun for a

and what a difference it has made

class.”

mature woman to start a business, learn all about comput-

in my life,” writes Donna A. Dan-

2007

ers, accounting, and marketing. I still keep my Indiana law

iels (JD). “I grew up in Boston with

license current, though. I have three daughters and two are

ﬁve children in our family. My father
died when I was a teenager. Suffolk

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gave me the chance that not a lot of people around me got. I

2003 > Reunion June 13-15, 2008

a hefty 10 pounds and 9 ounces and

trace much of whatever success I have had in my life to Suf-

Krystal Lyerly (JD) lives in Boynton Beach, FL, and is corpo-

is just perfect (see photo for proof!)

folk Law School—Professors Fenton, Sargent, Kate Day, Joe

rate counsel in Boca Raton, FL.

He has been lucky enough to have a

Cronin—the list goes on. Presently, I am in private practice

dozen Suffolk alums come visit and

and live in Newton, MA, with my husband, Charles Kouyoum-

A lot has happened in the life of Jessica Reilly (JD). “I recent-

welcome him into the world! Two of

jian, and our twin sons, Richard and Alexander.”

ly had a beautiful baby boy,” she writes. “Jackson Buck Razza

Jackson’s grandparents (Michael S. Razza and Barbara

was born on April 2 at Brigham and Women’s. He weighed

N. Mason) also attended Suffolk Law School.”

The Milton Hoosic Club was the venue for the May 27 wed-

2004

ding of Denise I. Murphy (JD), a partner at Rubin and
Rudman, LLP, and David W. White, a principal at Breakstone,
White & Gluck, PC, and incoming president of the Massachusetts Bar Association. The bride was escorted by her two
sons, William and Scott Weinstein. The groom was accompa-

Share Your News
Class notes are a great way to let your fellow alumni
know what is happening in your post-college life, from

nied by his two children, Amanda and Daniel White-Lief. The

career changes to family news. And now, with Suffolk

couple will reside in Westwood with their children and plan a

Alumni Magazine’s expanded class notes section,

Andrea (Carroll) Haney (JD) and Brian M. Haney (JD)
were married in October 2006 in Osterville, MA. Andrea is
employed in the ofﬁce of the general counsel at Brown
Brothers Harriman & Co. Brian is an associate with the law
ﬁrm of Cooley Manion Jones, LLP. Brian and Andrea honeymooned in Los Cabos, Mexico and reside in Boston.

connecting (or reconnecting) with your classmates is

fall honeymoon in Ireland.

simpler than ever.

1992

2005

SAM prefers class notes in your own words.

“I have a full life with my own

Judy (Loitherstein) Kalisker (JD) writes, “I’m working

Here’s a SAMple:

practice and with my ﬁve chil-

as director of corporate integrity in the legal department of

“Hi, SAM: My name is John Doe (BSBA in Finance, 2002),

dren,” writes Wayne Car-

Boston Scientiﬁc Corporation, based in Natick, MA. I was

and I’ve been very busy since graduation. I’m now work-

roll (JD), who established a

married in 2006 to Martin Kalisker, and we live in Natick with
our two beagles.”

ing at Smith & Brown Financial Services in Providence,
RI, where I have relocated with my family. My wife Sarah
and I recently adopted our ﬁrst child, Scarlet Rose, a
beautiful toddler from South Africa. We just returned

1993 > Reunion June 13-15, 2008
Paul McCarthy (JD) was appointed senior associate athletic director at the University of Connecticut.

boutique patent-law practice
in Arizona. Wayne volunteers
as a cub scout master for his sons’ cub scout pack.

from a family vacation in Disneyland. The West coast
was nice, but we’d never leave our New England roots!”

Krista (Zanin) Grifﬁth (JD) married Ted Grifﬁth in Septem-

SAM class notes can run from a line to a paragraph.

ber 2005. “We live in Wilmington, DE, where I am a deputy

Longer submissions may be edited for space and con-

1998 > Reunion June 13-15, 2008
Lynne Afrow Ellis (JD) welcomed her daughter, Abigail
Dayne Ellis, on May 24. She is married to Matt Ellis and works
in the legal ofﬁce of Partners Health Care.

attorney general for the Delaware Department of Justice,”

tent. We welcome photographs. Electronic submissions

Krista writes. “Last year, I served as a law clerk to the Hon-

should be high resolution (300 dpi minimum).

orable James T. Vaughn Jr., president judge of the Delaware

Via Web:

Via E-mail:

Maureen Pomeroy (JD) mar-

classnotes@suffolk.edu

Country Club. Several other Suffolk Law School graduates from
1998 and 1999 attended the ceremony and reception.

2000

2006
Last spring, while a fourth–year evening student at the Law
School, J. Alain Ferry (JD) created a website for his soft-

ried Bill Bushee in Atkinson, NH,
in August 2006 at the Atkinson

Superior Court.”

www.suffolk.edu/alumni

Via Post:
Attn: Class Notes
Suffolk Alumni Magazine

ware law class with Professor Kirk Teska. That project received national press and grew into what is now a lost items

8 Ashburton Place

recovery service, helping people anonymously recover their

Boston, MA 02108

lost valuables. Alain’s venture will be proﬁled on a nationally-

Congratulations to Dino M. Colucci JD ‘88

broadcast investigative news program on iPod theft.

whose name was chosen in a random drawing from the

Mary Garippo (JD) and David Grifﬁn (JD) welcomed

scores of alumni who submitted their class notes for

Dennis E. Healy (JD) and Jessica L. Ziady (JD) were mar-

their son, Matthew, on May 17. He joins three-year-old

the fall 2007 issue of SAM. Dino won tickets to a Boston

ried on March 3 in Miami, FL. Vanessa Fazio (JD) was in

brother, Steven. Mary is an assistant general counsel at

Red Sox game.

the wedding. Jessica is an assistant district attorney at the

the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents, and

To enter the drawing for the winter issue of SAM,

Brockton District Court, and Dennis is working temporarily at

Dave has his own law practice in Boston. The family lives in

submit your news via web or e-mail. From class notes

downtown Boston.

a ﬁrm in Belmont, MA.

submitted electronically by October 29, 2007,
one name will be selected randomly. S/he and a guest
will attend Suffolk Alumni Celtics Night at TD Banknorth
Garden February 13th, 2008.

FALL 2007

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SUFFOLK ALUMNI MAGAZINE

63

9/20/07 3:49:57 PM

BY NEIL O’CALLAGHAN BSBA ‘00

Striking Out at the Improv

T

HE ALARM GOES OFF BUT I’m already

awake. I had tossed and turned through
the night, enduring what could at best
be described as restless slumber. I tried focusing
on my breathing. I read books. I drank milk. I
counted sheep. I did everything short of running
in place while reciting state capitals. Welcome
to a typical night before an audition.
When I moved to Chicago to pursue improv
and acting, I knew auditioning would be part of
the package. I consider myself an able performer
and a quick-witted improviser, but under the
microscope, I tend to get locked inside my head.
It’s not unlike in baseball when a hitter slumps.
Any batting coach worth his salt will tell you the
worst thing a hitter can do is think.

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I arrive at the middle school classroom wearing
a softball shirt for my doubleheader after today’s
improv audition. The role is with the stage
troupe “Chemically Imbalanced Comedy.” It’s an
unwritten rule that all improv companies and
shows be named after some groan-inducing pun
(“Bird Flu over the Cuckoo’s Nest”) or logical
improbability (“Postcards from Prison” – my
previous troupe).
I know I’ll have to exhibit trust around complete
strangers – the type of trust that only comes with
years of camping trips. I must make myself look
good under the guise of making others look good,
but not so good that they look better than me.
When not performing, I’ll have to laugh at what
others are doing to appear supportive, but not

too loud or hard in the event that no one laughs
at anything I do.
I hand my resume and headshot to the woman
running the show. After a few warm-ups, we
dive into the bread and butter of improv – twoperson scenes. The back row of the classroom
is comprised of folks currently in the group.
Someone calls out my name and I step forward.
There is no suggestion to start the scene, so I start
fumbling around with some imaginary objects
on a counter. My scene partner enters and refers
to me as “Doctor.” I make my character a loud,
bombastic mad scientist and she becomes my
assistant. It turns into a great scene in which my
assistant is only aiding my insane experiments
as a means to college internship credits. At
least I thought it was great. Judging from the
lack of response, maybe it was too over-the-top
for this crowd. My heart begins to race, but I’m
conﬁdent I’ll rebound in my next scene.
This time, a woman plays an athleticallychallenged nerd. I decide I’ll be a nerd too, but
one who excels at whatever sports he tries. My
partner and I exhibit real on-stage chemistry, but
again there is little reaction from the back row.
Finally, I decide that whatever the scenario for
my last scene, I’m going to play it straight and
say as few words as possible. Unfortunately, this
strategy only seems to annoy my zany partnerand it’s my ﬁnal shot.
Two warm-ups and three scenes over, the
current members of this troupe have seen all
they need to see. Leaving the building, I know
I’m not going to get a callback unless they
need someone to clean the theatre after their
new cast performs. Regardless, I take notes,
deciding what I’ll work on before rushing off
to my softball game. I go 3-for-4 with a home
run and three runs scored in our ﬁrst win of the
season. And as long as I remain at the top of my
game, I resolve not to lose any sleep over my
next audition. In my dreams. S
Neil O’Callaghan, a former columnist and editor-in-chief of
The Suffolk Journal, is PhD coordinator for the Department
of English at University of Illinois at Chicago. O’Callaghan
is currently taking classes at Improv Olympic.

ILLUSTRATION BY ALEX NABAUM

BackStory

FALL 2007

9/20/07 3:49:59 PM