Where Are They Now?

WCSU Class of 2012. Where are they now?

Nicole Struth ’12 graduated from WCSU with a degree in Political Science and a minor in conflict resolution. She currently works as the Education and Special Projects Director at the World Affairs Council of Connecticut, where she works to manage and expand CTWAC’s education related programs such as the annual Model UN, reaching over 1100 Connecticut high school students each year. Nicole completed a dual graduate degree program, receiving an M.A. in International Relations from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and a Masters of Development Studies from the International Institute of Social Studies at the Erasmus University Rotterdam. Prior to her studies, Nicole served as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Washington State assisting with the management of a college preparedness program for underserved high school students. Nicole has extensive travel experience that includes living abroad in Germany and The Netherlands.

Where are they now?

Matt Nartowicz was not only a student at WCSU, but also a star athlete on the football team. His squad was recognized at the 2016 Homecoming celebration for their undefeated record (10-0) during the 1999

Matt Nartowicz 2020

season. He also holds a WCSU championship ring from the 2001 season.

Matt attributes much of his success, he was recently promoted to SVP, Chief Retail Officer of American Community Bank, to the solid foundation he built as a student and as an athlete of Western Connecticut. He has tremendous pride and gratitude when he speaks about his experiences at your university.

Matt’s dedication to his profession is second to none which has allowed him to elevate thru the ranks of the banking industry (he started as a teller) while going above and beyond to serve the communities in which he works. Matt was named Long Island Business News’ 2015 40 under 40 that recognizes outstanding members of the business community under the age of 40 that have a proven track record of career success, are involved in mentoring and also find time to give back. Matt has served as a Board member and President of the Chamber of Commerce in the towns in which his bank serves. In 2015, he was also awarded Community Banking Hero that honors the achievements and dedication of financial professionals who go above and beyond for their institution and community. In 2019, Schneps Media named him as one of their annual Kings of New York that celebrates successful men in business who lead by example, making positive change in the community and workplace.

Most recently, Matt was named a Hometown Hero in Glen Cove, NY because of the tireless hours he dedicated to supporting local Long Island businesses during the pandemic that were in peril of shuttering their doors permanently due to the shutdown. He worked around the clock to help them get the financial help they needed thru the government’s paycheck protection loan program. He personally processed several hundred loans when their own financial institutions turned them away – he gave these businesses hope and many have survived because of Matt’s commitment.

Matt is also a proud father of 2 children, ages 7 and 9. When he’s not working he enjoys spending time with friends and family and has turned into an avid golfer.

WCSU Class of ’97 & ’07. Where are they now?

Robert Flade December 2019

Robert Flade in 2007, prior to receiving his master’s degree from WCSU

Robert Flade graduated from WCSU with a B.S. in Nursing in 1996 and a Master of Science in Advance Practice Nursing-Clinical Nurse Specialist in 2007.

After 22 years at Hartford HealthCare, where he rose to the role of Regional Director for Emergency Departments, Flade moved to Hachey & Associates, where he is the senior consultant.

“WCSU provided a great foundation in my undergrad and then expanded that knowledge in my M.S. program for me to not only provide safe patient care, but to then lead amazing departments. Over the years since I graduated and put what I learned at WCSU to work, I was a staff RN, a Clinical Manager, a Director, a Senior Director and then a Regional Director. Without the foundation and advanced knowledge that WCSU provided in leadership, I would not have had these amazing opportunities.”

WCSU Class of ’07: Where are they now?

Elaine Nadal graduated from WCSU in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education-Spanish. A Naugatuck Valley Community College transfer student, Elaine was awarded the President-to-President Scholarship, which provided full tuition for her to continue her education to convert her associate degree from NVCC to a bachelor’s degree at WCSU. At the time of her WCSU graduation, she said, “I love teaching! It is a strong passion. I truly feel that adolescents need role models. I have had excellent experiences with my teachers. I remember my third-grade instructor who took time out of her schedule to teach me English. She changed my life. I want to do the same for others.”

Elaine Nadal just before her graduation in 2007.

A dozen years later, Elaine is a published writer and teacher of Spanish at Amity Middle School.

“During my time at WCSU, I learned about education, language, culture and poetry. I am grateful for having received a full scholarship, as it enabled me to accomplish my career goals.

Elaine Nadal in December 2019

Also, WCSU offered me the opportunity to travel and take courses in Spain and Puerto Rico. I am now a teacher of Spanish and have written two books of poetry: ‘When’ and ‘Sweat, Dance, Sing, Cut,’ both published by Finishing Line Press. I am currently working on a novel.”