Student Accomplishments

Kayvon Atherton, Bradley Galinsky, Arthur Huber, Joy Metzger, Faythe Thibodeau, Gustavo Pimentel Castellanos and Colleen Ryan have been inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society, May 2023

The 2023 History Department Student Awards winners are: Herbert Janick Award: Kayvon Atherton and Michelle Rochniak; John Leopold Award: Hailey Strom; Eric Roman Award: Will Jones; Saad History Honors Award: Joseph Guarna

Matthew Conversano has been accepted into Hofstra University’s MS in Physical Education program.

Joseph Guarna will be working as a Legislative Intern in the Connecticut General Assembly in Hartford during the Spring 2023 semester.

The Echo is back! WCSU’s student newspaper has returned thanks to a collaboration with the Clio staff. Students across the Arts and Sciences, including many History majors, are publishing articles each week at The Echo‘s online site: https://theecho.wcsu.edu/category/clio/

Francine Accuosti will be starting graduate school this May 2022! She will be enrolling in a Masters Program at Arizona State University with a concentration in Latin America and public history AND she will be concurrently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Public History at SUNY Empire State.

Karen Keeler has won the 2022 Library Research Award for her WRD presentation “The Battle of Charcoal Run: Political Fractiousness in Northern Fairfield County at the start of the Civil War”. Karen worked as a Student Archives Assistant this year in Haas Archives. Congratulations, Karen! Her poster can be viewed here: https://archives.library.wcsu.edu/relatedObjects/wrd/2022/keeler.pdf

Alysha Olson won the Provost’s Award for her research poster “The Patriot Game: Women in the Irish Republican Army” at WRD this May 2022! Congratulations, Alysha! Her poster can be viewed here: https://archives.library.wcsu.edu/relatedObjects/wrd/2022/olson.pdf

Dafina Berisha, Stephanie Miller, Erin Murray, Alysha Olson, Ryan Perreault, Kristen Roessler, Shannon K. Rupar, Hailey Strom and Ava Westervelt were inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society, May 2022

The 2022 History Department Student Awards winners are: Herbert Janick Award: Rebecca Clark; John Leopold Award: Evan Walker; Eric Roman Award: William Coghlan; Saad History Honors Award: Ryan Perreault

Eight History students will be presenting their research at WestConn Research Day this May 2022: Francine Accuosti “Christianity and Conversion in the Mayan World”; Meghan Geraghty ” The Prison Amongst Us: A History of Danbury’s Federal Correctional Institution”; Joseph Guarna “The End of the American Experiment? A Historical Comparison Between the Contemporary United States and Nations that Experienced a Transition to Totalitarianism”; Karen Keeler “The Battle of Charcoal Run: Political Fractiousness in Northern Fairfield County at the start of the Civil War”; Stephanie Miller “Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre: Strong Women, Religion, and the Byronic Hero”; Alysha Olson “The Patriot Game: Women in the Irish Republican Army”; Michelle Rochniak “Influence of Roman Culture and Mythology on the Writings of Veronica Franco” and Ava Westervelt “Viewing the CCC through 1930s Magic Lantern Slides”, which is based on the research she conducted in the WCSU archives for her Janick Fellowship.

Ryan Perreault has been awarded a scholarship from WCSU’s  Alumni Association. Our Alumni Association awarded over $30,000 in scholarships to thirteen undergraduate and three graduate students in May 2022. All WCSU students who meet the criteria are welcome to apply. These scholarships are based on academic achievement, involvement in University and community activities, and service. Applicants must have a minimum of 24 credits and a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Congratulations, Ryan!

Five WCSU History students presented their research papers at the 6th annual  Making History: A CSU Conference on March 25, 2022 at Southern Connecticut State University: Kayvon Atherton “Comparative Revolutions: Latin America”;  William Coghlan “Are the Green Flags Ready?” Recruitment of the Irish Brigade in the Civil War”; David Frankel “The Art of Not Being Governed: A Comparison of Zomia and Appalachia; Joseph Guarna “End of the American Experiment?: A Comparison of Current American Democracy with Historical Examples of Nations that Faced Similar Upheaval” and Michelle Rochniak “Influence of Roman Culture and Mythology on the Writings of Veronica Franco”. This conference features the work of undergraduate and graduate students from all four CSU universities and rotates around the four campuses annually.

Hailey Strom has been accepted to study abroad in Greece! She has been chosen to participate in the Summer 2022 academic session at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens. Hailey will be studying Hellenistic culture, archeology and trade economies throughout the Aegean and the Mediterranean. WCSU’s Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences offers fully funded scholarships and travel grants for this incredible program. To learn more about Hailey’s studies, see https://www.ascsa.edu.gr/programs/summer-session-and-seminars

Ava Westervelt is one of this year’s Janick Fellows. She will spend the semester working in the WCSU archives researching and creating an exhibition on a collection of lantern slides from the Connecticut branch of the Civilian Conservation Corps. Her exhibit can be viewed here: https://archives.library.wcsu.edu/studentOmeka/exhibits/show/ccc-exhibit/magic

Meghan Geraghty is one of this year’s Janick Fellows. She will spend the semester working in the WCSU archives researching and creating an exhibition about the men’s Correctional Facility in Danbury and its history. Her exhibit can be viewed here: https://archives.library.wcsu.edu/omeka/exhibits/show/f-c-i 

The 2021 History Department Student Awards winners are: Herbert Janick Award: Kathryn Schwarz and Ed Dougherty; John Leopold Award: Kathryn Schwarz;  Saad History Honors Award: Kellie Bielonko and Sam Mortara

Samantha Mortara is working as  legislative intern at the Connecticut General Assembly in Hartford for the Spring 2021 semester.

Ashley Vairo will be entering the University of San Francisco in the Fall 2020 semester to pursue a Masters degree in Museum Studies

The 2020 History Department Student Awards winners are: Herbert Janick Award: Lauren Kerton; John Leopold Award: Marina Coddaire; Eric Roman Award: Vincent Pizano; Saad History Honors Award: Lauren Kerton

Lauren Kerton received the 2019 NASPA Region 1’s “Catch a Rising Star” award! NASPA, the Association of Student Administrators in Higher Education is an international organization that celebrates student contributions to their universities. This award honors a student who has “made a significant contribution to their home campus; demonstrated academic achievement; exceeded the expectations of their respective leadership positions; and shown an interest in the field of student affairs.” https://www.naspa.org/awards/region-i-catch-a-rising-star-scholarship-state-award

A record number of graduating seniors will be starting graduate programs in the Fall 2019 semester. Courtney Barreira will earn a PD in School Counselling at Fordham University. Kendyl Harmeling will be attending the University of Louisville (on a full ride!) to study Writing and Composition. She plans to complete an MA in English. Stephen Kipp has been accepted into the PhD program at the University of Delaware to study Political Science. Zachary Schroeder will pursue a Masters from the Elliott School of International Affairs in Security Policy Studies at George Washington University. Zach plans to join the FBI and to specialize in European terrorism. Nathaniel Walker has been accepted into the PhD program at Brandeis University to study Political Science. Congratulations everyone!

Madison Herring has been awarded an internship at the Gunn Historical Museum for the Summer 2019.

Kendyl Harmeling has been chosen to be the Student Speaker at Commencement this May 19, 2019. Her commencement address entitled “The Architecture of Change” will reflect on what WCSU has meant to her and how being a History major has directed the big decisions in her life. Congratulations, Kendyl!

Virginia A. Abraham, Colton P. Everett, Ryan N. Sahle and Kathryn C. Schwarz were inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society, May 2019.

The 2019 History Department Student Awards winners are: Herbert Janick Award: Brandon Lisi; John Leopold Award: Nathanial Walker; Eric Roman Award: Matthew Latini; Saad History Honors Award: Robert Hopkins

Two WCSU History students presented their research papers at the 5th annual  Making History: A CSU Conference on March 22, 2019 at Southern Connecticut State University: Morgan Moore, “The Assassination of Fashion Designer Gianni Versace: A Historiographic Interpretation” and  Nathanial Walker, “We Might Be Sorry About the Oil: National Identity and Petropolitics in Canada”. This conference features the work of undergraduate and graduate students from all four CSU universities and rotates around the four campuses annually.

Marina Coddaire has been awarded a legislative internship! Marina will be working in Hartford at the General Legislative Session during the Spring 2019 semester through the end of the legislative session in June.

Nicole Ortiz, Jennifer MacKenzie and Joseph Sciortino were inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society, May 2018.

The 2018 History Department Student Awards winners are: Herbert Janick Award: Jessica Plouffe; John Leopold Award: Stephen Kipp; Eric Roman Award: Jennifer MacKenzie; Saad History Honors Award: Kendyl Harmeling; John Friel Award and Scholarship: John Wisker; Truman Warner Award: James Pisano

Steven A. Bates, Alissa A. Carrozza, Justin H. Cirisoli, Ralph A. DeLuca, Teresa Mussi Dias, Kendyl Harmeling, Thomas M. Kulo, Gregory C. Osborne, Justin H. Quader, Zachary J. Schroeder, Stephany S. Stokes, Kara Mae Swenson, Meghan J. Timan and Nathanial A. Walker were inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society, May 2017.

The 2017 History Department Student Awards winners are: Herbert Janick Award: Lynn Schoenbeck; John Leopold Award: Alec Florio; Eric Roman Award: Neil Burton; Saad History Honors Award: Cody Clark; John Friel Award and Scholarship: Kyle Coughlin; Truman Warner Award: Lauren Kerton

Three History majors presented at WestConn Research Day this May 2017: Lynn Schoenbeck, Stephany Stokes and Kara Swenson all designed posters and talks for this exciting day. Stephany Stokes and Kara Swenson earned Provost’s Awards for their projects! https://www.wcsu.edu/wrd/

Lynn Schoenbeck has won a national photography contest! Her work was selected from thousands of entries to be included in the Wildlife Conservation Society’s 2017 calendar. Her photo will be featured on the October page. Visit http://blog.wcs.org/photo/assignments/2017-color-in-nature-calendar-contest-wild-view-wildlife/

Cody Clark and Alec Florio’s oral history project is now available at the Haas Library website. Cody and Alec interviewed Viet Nam war veterans and are making those interviews available to the public for research and educational purposes.  http://archives.library.wcsu.edu/studentOmeka/exhibits/show/vietnam

Jessie Britton, Amanda O’Boy and Andrew Vince have published their article, “A Poisoned Past Book Review Assignment: Reading and Writing Academic Book Reviews as an Effective Pedagogical Tool” in the New England Journal of History 73:1 (Fall 2016), 116-131. Three History majors have been published!  Congratulations! For more information or to order a copy, visit https://www.nejh.org/browse-issues

The 2016 History Department Student Awards winners are: Herbert Janick Award: Wendy McGrath; John Leopold Award: Lauren Kerton; Eric Roman Award: Elizabeth Young; Saad History Honors Award: Kyle Coughlin; Truman Warner Award: Carlos Cadena

Kara Swenson, winner of the Fall 2016 Janick Fellowship, has completed her project entitled “Plumbing the Depths: Candlewood Lake”. Kara worked in the WCSU archives and also in the field to uncover the history of the creation of Candlewood Lake. Her project can be found here: http://archives.library.wcsu.edu/omeka/exhibits/show/candlewood/foreward

Lynn Schoenbeck, winner of the Fall 2016 Janick Fellowship, has completed her project entitled “Turning Over a New Leaf: Identification of a Medieval Manuscript Leaf”. Lynn worked with an uncataloged single sixteenth century vellum folio and recovered an impressive amount of information about its origin and creation. Her project is posted here: http://archives.library.wcsu.edu/omeka/exhibits/show/medieval

Cody Clark will intern at the Mayor’s Office during the Fall 2016 semester.

Carlos Cadena, John Caley, Kyle Coughlin, Lesley Lema, Nathan Seper, Gabrielle Tripuzzi, Rollie Issa, Shari Marie Duffy and Gabriel Shvartsman were inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society, May 2016.

Jon Thomas Caprino, winner of the Fall 2015 Janick Fellowship, spent a semester working in the archives and walking underneath our campus while researching his project “The Hidden Old Main”. JT traced the history of our campus’ architectural development. His project can be studied here: http://archives.library.wcsu.edu/omeka/exhibits/show/the-hidden-old-main

Cody Clark will serve as a campaign intern for the New Milford Democratic Party this Fall 2015  semester.

Clark Cody, William Gurry, Lauren Kerton, Kelly Marchwinski, Robert McMahon, Rachel Petersen and Damion Sprueill were inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society, May 2015.

Kelsey Caviola will enroll at the University of Edinburgh next Fall.

Amy Nassef was inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society, May 2014.

Amanda O’Boy will present her research at WestConn Research Day this May 2, 2014. Her presentation is titled “The Similarities of Motherhood Used as a Political Tool in Medieval Europe and the United States of America”. https://www.wcsu.edu/wrd/

Miramanee Blackwell will be working as Legislative Intern at the Connecticut General Assembly in Hartford during the Spring 2014 semester. As an intern, she will be writing constituent correspondences, attending business meetings for her assigned Representative and conducting research for bills.

Theodore Billett, Kevin Blakely, Megan DeAngelis, Meagan English, Nicholle Jejer, Shannon McDonald, Kaleigh Metayer, Alicia Moniz, Marissa O’Loughlin, Kara Pescetelli, Benjamin Saavedra, Annmarie Savarese, Patrick Shea and Elizabeth Young were inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society, May 2013.

Sophomore Sean Keenan received an internship at the Mark Twain House and Museum, Samuel Clemens’ main residence from 1874 to 1891, for summer 2012. Sean also studied abroad in China in the fall 2013 semester.

Ryan Bachman has been selected as a finalist for the Deerfield Institute Fellowship.

Patrick Shea was named the Janick Fellow in Archival Management at the WCSU archives for the Fall 2012 semester.

Shannon McDonald, Jordan Orfitelli, Kara Pescetelli and Emily Gillaugh will present their research at WestConn Research Day this May 4, 2012. Their presentation is titled “Presenting Local History to the Public and Application of Theory”. Through an online exhibit, theses students will present the Picket family who resided in Danbury, CT in the eighteenth century. Personal artifacts were used to tell their story. The online exhibit shows the importance of going beyond the conventional avenue of the study of history, and the importance of research in an undergraduate curriculum. It also addresses the importance of making scholarly sources easily accessible to the public.https://www.wcsu.edu/wrd/

Jessica Gamache will be presenting her conference paper “Women in Comics” at the New England Popular Culture Association’s annual conference right here at Western Connecticut State University on November 12, 2011.

Shannon McDonald will present her research at WestConn Research Day this May 12, 2011. Her presentation is titled “Social and Gender Roles Misplaced: The Duchess of Devonshire and the Election of 1784”. https://www.wcsu.edu/wrd/

Amanda O’Boy will present her research at WestConn Research Day this May 12, 2011. Her presentation is titled “Two New Worlds: Lost Identity of Pocahontas”. https://www.wcsu.edu/wrd/

Ryan Bachman, Mary-Lynn Boyts, Tyrone Elliott, Richard Kokinchak, Matthew Mango, Stephen Muffatti, Christoperh O’Reilly, Garielle Sasche-Skidd, Eric Small and Michael Stewart were inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society, May 2011.

Ryan Prescott will be participating in the Reacting to the Past teaching conference at Barnard College, June 2010.

Fred Salcido will present his research at WestConn Research Day this May 13, 2010. His presentation is titled “The Existence of Maritime Piracy in American History”. https://www.wcsu.edu/wrd/

Timothy Danner, Michael Murphy, Chester Ostroski, Gina Petriccione and Heather Thomas were inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society, May 2010.

Kimberly Carter will present her research at WestConn Research Day this May 14, 2009. Her presentation is titled “Probation Nation: An Evaluation of the Efficacy of Probation Since its Establishment in America”. https://www.wcsu.edu/wrd/

David DaCruz will present his research at WestConn Research Day this May 14, 2009. His presentation is titled “Policing the Poor: Human Rights and Police Brutality in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil”.https://www.wcsu.edu/wrd/

Jamie Cantoni will present her research at WestConn Research Day this May 14, 2009. Her presentation is titled “Victorian Fashion: A Middle Class Makeover”.https://www.wcsu.edu/wrd/ Jamie’s work was also chosen for the Dean of Art and Science’s luncheon presentation. Good work, Jamie!

Gessika Alhayek, Robert Antonio, Cheyrisse Boone, Amanda Bria, Jamie Cantoni, Ian M. Dow, Thomas Fingerman,  Schuyler Merritt, Harold Olcese, Erin Olivo, Ryan Prescott, Tracey Scalzo, William Stalvey, John Weand and Kristina Wippermann were inducted into Phi Alpha Theta, the National History Honor Society, May 2009.

John Coleman presented his paper  “Richard the Lionheart and the Retreat from Jerusalem” at the 3^rd Annual Undergraduate Conference of Medieval and Early Modern Studies at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA on December 6, 2008. http://assets.moravian.edu/static/medieval/

David Roman has won the university-wide 2008 WCSU-AAUP Student Leadership Award! David, who is President of the History Society, was nominated and selected by WCSU faculty.