Dr. Jonathan W. DatorB.A. in Psychology, '07
Associate Director of the Counseling Center at Providence College, providing individual therapy and group therapy to students as a Licensed Psychologist.
"I grew up in Greater Danbury after being born in Costa Rica. It was difficult enough being a first-generation college student, but I also lost my vision and became legally blind during my sophomore year at WCSU. While navigating various identity issues, my grades plummeted and I was on the brink of dropping out until I began accessing the great resources on campus such as faculty, staff and folks who became lifelong mentors. I brought my GPA up from the bottom to a respectable place and my time at WCSU changed my life as it taught me things can still be okay and working through difficult life transitions is possible. I now have Doctoral and Master's degrees, but still proudly display my WCSU diploma in my office: It represents resilience. It represents me."
Associate Director of the Counseling Center at Providence College, providing individual therapy and group therapy to students as a Licensed Psychologist.
"I grew up in Greater Danbury after being born in Costa Rica. It was difficult enough being a first-generation college student, but I also lost my vision and became legally blind during my sophomore year at WCSU. While navigating various identity issues, my grades plummeted and I was on the brink of dropping out until I began accessing the great resources on campus such as faculty, staff and folks who became lifelong mentors. I brought my GPA up from the bottom to a respectable place and my time at WCSU changed my life as it taught me things can still be okay and working through difficult life transitions is possible. I now have Doctoral and Master's degrees, but still proudly display my WCSU diploma in my office: It represents resilience. It represents me."
Jason P. DavisB.A. Graphic Design, '97
Director of Creative Services, Liaison International’s Enrollment Marketing Division
"From Student Center acquaintances to lifelong friends, student job to professional career, fun times to fond memories — so much of my current life is a direct result of my past experiences at WCSU. Who knew one place could shape so much of a person’s existence?"
Director of Creative Services, Liaison International’s Enrollment Marketing Division
"From Student Center acquaintances to lifelong friends, student job to professional career, fun times to fond memories — so much of my current life is a direct result of my past experiences at WCSU. Who knew one place could shape so much of a person’s existence?"
Shelby DavisB.A. Social Work, '08
Executive Director for City Youth Theater in Waterbury and a counselor for Waterbury public schools
“WCSU built a foundation for my leadership. Keep going — stick to your dreams, your goals, your vision. The road may be long, but you will get there.”
Executive Director for City Youth Theater in Waterbury and a counselor for Waterbury public schools
“WCSU built a foundation for my leadership. Keep going — stick to your dreams, your goals, your vision. The road may be long, but you will get there.”
Shaina DiazB.A. in Art, '12
Co-Owner & Lead Photographer of Shaina Lee Photography | My husband and I are wedding photographers serving couples in Connecticut, as well as the full Tri-state and New England areas.
"Being a student in the art program at WCSU helped me establish my foundational knowledge of photography while experimenting with different mediums of the art, much of which I still continue to use in my business and creative process today."
Co-Owner & Lead Photographer of Shaina Lee Photography | My husband and I are wedding photographers serving couples in Connecticut, as well as the full Tri-state and New England areas.
"Being a student in the art program at WCSU helped me establish my foundational knowledge of photography while experimenting with different mediums of the art, much of which I still continue to use in my business and creative process today."
Nicolas DiDomizioB.A. Music '10
Novelist (author of Burn It All Down and The Gay Best Friend)
"My favorite class at WCSU was a writing elective I took during my senior year — it sparked a passion in me for storytelling, which has since become my full-time career!"
Novelist (author of Burn It All Down and The Gay Best Friend)
"My favorite class at WCSU was a writing elective I took during my senior year — it sparked a passion in me for storytelling, which has since become my full-time career!"
Marlena DimichinoBBA Business Management, minor Marketing, '22
Project Engineer/Estimator
"I currently work for a general contractor in estimating. I worked for a mechanical contractor prior, while I was studying full-time at WCSU. I believe that WCSUwas part of what made it possible for me to get to where I am today, working in the field that I always wanted to be in, and working for a great company. The business and marketing classes that I took in my years at WCSU helped prepare me to “market” myself to an employer, which, I think, ultimately helped me land my dream job and launch me into a great career. The professors and resources that were available to me, like the Career Success Center, were also major factors in what helped me gain the confidence in my ability to be successful in my career and life after college."
Project Engineer/Estimator
"I currently work for a general contractor in estimating. I worked for a mechanical contractor prior, while I was studying full-time at WCSU. I believe that WCSUwas part of what made it possible for me to get to where I am today, working in the field that I always wanted to be in, and working for a great company. The business and marketing classes that I took in my years at WCSU helped prepare me to “market” myself to an employer, which, I think, ultimately helped me land my dream job and launch me into a great career. The professors and resources that were available to me, like the Career Success Center, were also major factors in what helped me gain the confidence in my ability to be successful in my career and life after college."
Jeff DiStasioB.B.A. MIS-Cybersecurity, '00
Director of Cloud Security Sales for Google Cloud
“Those years of hands-on, real-world experience that I acquired as a student worker at WCSU were a huge springboard. It helped me differentiate myself."
Director of Cloud Security Sales for Google Cloud
“Those years of hands-on, real-world experience that I acquired as a student worker at WCSU were a huge springboard. It helped me differentiate myself."
Eden Edwards HarrisB.A. Sociology, '19
Resident Director at WCSU
"I found my best friends, the love of my life and my passion for a career I didn’t know existed while at WCSU. The knowledge, connections and people are ones I’ll cherish for a lifetime."
Resident Director at WCSU
"I found my best friends, the love of my life and my passion for a career I didn’t know existed while at WCSU. The knowledge, connections and people are ones I’ll cherish for a lifetime."
Logan FarleyBFA Musical Theatre, '22
I have moved to NYC and am a full-time working musical theatre actor. I’ve been traveling for the last six months across the east coast doing various shows with different theatres
"WCSU gave me the intense and individualized training I needed to truly become a working professional actor. WCSU has some of the best professional faculty in the country and to be able to work so closely with them for four years, be able to use them as references, and listen to their knowledge and advice has truly set me apart from other working professionals in my field."
I have moved to NYC and am a full-time working musical theatre actor. I’ve been traveling for the last six months across the east coast doing various shows with different theatres
"WCSU gave me the intense and individualized training I needed to truly become a working professional actor. WCSU has some of the best professional faculty in the country and to be able to work so closely with them for four years, be able to use them as references, and listen to their knowledge and advice has truly set me apart from other working professionals in my field."
Anthony Fitz FiorenzaB.A. in Communication Studies with a minor in Justice and law Administration, '21
HR Partner with Amazon at IND2
"I would not have been able to make my way to the Midwest (and soon beyond) without the preparation, skills and mindset that I learned at WCSU: as a Kathwari Honors Student, an SGA senator, an R.A. for Housing and Res Life, a Student Ambassador at Admissions, a Career Peer Leader and as an Iota Eta Chapter Sigma Chi. WCSU provided the best opportunities that I feel in my heart are unmatched by any other organization in the state of Connecticut. Another 120 Years to WCSU!"
HR Partner with Amazon at IND2
"I would not have been able to make my way to the Midwest (and soon beyond) without the preparation, skills and mindset that I learned at WCSU: as a Kathwari Honors Student, an SGA senator, an R.A. for Housing and Res Life, a Student Ambassador at Admissions, a Career Peer Leader and as an Iota Eta Chapter Sigma Chi. WCSU provided the best opportunities that I feel in my heart are unmatched by any other organization in the state of Connecticut. Another 120 Years to WCSU!"
Rachel Fosco DeContiB.S. Justice and Law Administration - Corrections, '02
Business Analyst | Business Affairs with the Walt Disney Company
"I met so many great mentors at WCSU who helped me see the true potential in myself and have led me to a successful 15-year career with the Walt Disney Company. I can never thank my professors enough."
Business Analyst | Business Affairs with the Walt Disney Company
"I met so many great mentors at WCSU who helped me see the true potential in myself and have led me to a successful 15-year career with the Walt Disney Company. I can never thank my professors enough."
Stephen FoxB.B.A. Management, '18
M.B.A. Management, '21
Industrial Engineering Supervisor at United Parcel Service
"I was a nontraditional student at WCSU. I began my UPS career in 2002, straight out of high school. I was loading and unloading trailers and had no intention of attending a university. However, it’s never too late to go to college, and in 2014 I decided to pursue my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business. It wasn’t easy for me to work and attend college full-time, but it can be done and I’m proud of what I have achieved. You will meet a lot of interesting people in the WCSU community. Their life experiences will humble you and forever change your worldview. I learned a lot about different cultures and myself in the process. The faculty work hard and are invested in their students -- they want to see you succeed! I’m thankful to all who helped me in this journey. The real-world skills I learned at WCSU have endless possibilities in the global environment of business. Remember: no one can take your education away from you!"
M.B.A. Management, '21
Industrial Engineering Supervisor at United Parcel Service
"I was a nontraditional student at WCSU. I began my UPS career in 2002, straight out of high school. I was loading and unloading trailers and had no intention of attending a university. However, it’s never too late to go to college, and in 2014 I decided to pursue my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business. It wasn’t easy for me to work and attend college full-time, but it can be done and I’m proud of what I have achieved. You will meet a lot of interesting people in the WCSU community. Their life experiences will humble you and forever change your worldview. I learned a lot about different cultures and myself in the process. The faculty work hard and are invested in their students -- they want to see you succeed! I’m thankful to all who helped me in this journey. The real-world skills I learned at WCSU have endless possibilities in the global environment of business. Remember: no one can take your education away from you!"
Lauren Fox KappelB.B.A. Marketing, '13
Director of Enrollment & Student Support at AIHT Education
"I meet with individuals interested in continuing their education by pursuing a career in the Allied Healthcare Field and explain the health care programs offered at AIHT Education. The lessons learned at WCSU have led me to become the resilient, strong business leader I am today and helped me build a career filled with joy, passion and purpose."
Director of Enrollment & Student Support at AIHT Education
"I meet with individuals interested in continuing their education by pursuing a career in the Allied Healthcare Field and explain the health care programs offered at AIHT Education. The lessons learned at WCSU have led me to become the resilient, strong business leader I am today and helped me build a career filled with joy, passion and purpose."
Allie FreitasB.B.A. Marketing, '11, Magna Cum Laude
Director, Global Patient Advocacy (Gene Therapy, Rare Disease)
"WCSU provided me with the critical business and interpersonal skills needed to excel in the business world. I was able to leverage key connections with my professors to gain valuable career insight. Special thanks to Dr. Drozdenko, Donna Coelho, and Dr. Ben Oumil. My time spent reinvigorating our WCSU Marketing Club was absolutely the highlight of my time spent at the university. I’ve spent the last decade traveling the world empowering rare disease patients while capturing key insights from their diagnostic/treatment journey in order to better serve future community members."
Director, Global Patient Advocacy (Gene Therapy, Rare Disease)
"WCSU provided me with the critical business and interpersonal skills needed to excel in the business world. I was able to leverage key connections with my professors to gain valuable career insight. Special thanks to Dr. Drozdenko, Donna Coelho, and Dr. Ben Oumil. My time spent reinvigorating our WCSU Marketing Club was absolutely the highlight of my time spent at the university. I’ve spent the last decade traveling the world empowering rare disease patients while capturing key insights from their diagnostic/treatment journey in order to better serve future community members."
Marissa (Mayes) FraserB.S. Elementary Education (concentration in History), '04, M.S. Education (option in Reading), '09
Residency Host Teacher & Third Grade Teacher, Danbury Public Schools
"Being involved in Kappa Chi Alpha Sorority gave me so many of the professional skills that I use in my career. I developed friendships within the Greek community and within the greater university community. Some of my closest friends came from my time at WCSU. Now I give back to the WCSU community by serving as a host teacher for the Elementary Education Residency Program."
Residency Host Teacher & Third Grade Teacher, Danbury Public Schools
"Being involved in Kappa Chi Alpha Sorority gave me so many of the professional skills that I use in my career. I developed friendships within the Greek community and within the greater university community. Some of my closest friends came from my time at WCSU. Now I give back to the WCSU community by serving as a host teacher for the Elementary Education Residency Program."
Fairidi Galicia-RomanB.B.A. Marketing, '18
Marketing Manager for Rainfocus, an event management company.
"Being a student at WCSU allowed me to meet people that inspired me and provided opportunities that put me on an accelerated track in my career."
Marketing Manager for Rainfocus, an event management company.
"Being a student at WCSU allowed me to meet people that inspired me and provided opportunities that put me on an accelerated track in my career."
Daryn George-RowleyB.A. Art - Graphic Design, '88
"I came back home to Danbury, got married and found a job that was to become the impetus for my definite career choice. I had a lot of transferable credits under my belt and headed back to WCSU for my degree in Graphic Design. As a newly married person, I could stay local and keep working. Additionally, I was given credit hours in a work-study program while keeping the position. I worked hard managing a 30-hour work week while carrying a full schedule of classes. I was slightly older by now and put my head down and got more out of college studies and my great instructors than ever before. For me, it was the convenience of this wonderful university in my own city offering graphic design as a major. I was able to freelance from home when my baby was born two years later. I've had two long corporate jobs as a designer since then and now back to freelancing! Thanks, WCSU!"
"I came back home to Danbury, got married and found a job that was to become the impetus for my definite career choice. I had a lot of transferable credits under my belt and headed back to WCSU for my degree in Graphic Design. As a newly married person, I could stay local and keep working. Additionally, I was given credit hours in a work-study program while keeping the position. I worked hard managing a 30-hour work week while carrying a full schedule of classes. I was slightly older by now and put my head down and got more out of college studies and my great instructors than ever before. For me, it was the convenience of this wonderful university in my own city offering graphic design as a major. I was able to freelance from home when my baby was born two years later. I've had two long corporate jobs as a designer since then and now back to freelancing! Thanks, WCSU!"
Richard GiorgiB.A. American Studies '07
VP, Sales Enablement & Marketing, Swiss Re
"When I came to WCSU I didn’t know what to expect. I was attracted and ultimately decided to attend because I wanted to major in American Studies and I was accepted into the University Scholars program. Majoring in American Studies gave me the foundation I needed to achieve success in my career. Having an interdisciplinary major honed my communication, research and writing skills. I had access to internships and I was prepared to succeed with a job offer from my internship upon graduation. More importantly, WCSU is where my life literally changed as I met my wife there. Together, these former New Yorkers decided to call Connecticut home and raise our family here. I’m proud to be a WCSU alumnus, a place where I received the educational foundation to grow my career and met the person I now share my life with."
VP, Sales Enablement & Marketing, Swiss Re
"When I came to WCSU I didn’t know what to expect. I was attracted and ultimately decided to attend because I wanted to major in American Studies and I was accepted into the University Scholars program. Majoring in American Studies gave me the foundation I needed to achieve success in my career. Having an interdisciplinary major honed my communication, research and writing skills. I had access to internships and I was prepared to succeed with a job offer from my internship upon graduation. More importantly, WCSU is where my life literally changed as I met my wife there. Together, these former New Yorkers decided to call Connecticut home and raise our family here. I’m proud to be a WCSU alumnus, a place where I received the educational foundation to grow my career and met the person I now share my life with."
Thomas GuardadoB.B.A., Focus on Marketing - Minor in Professional Writing, ‘16
Owner of ChitChat Marketing, LLC
I own and operate a digital marketing agency that supports small to medium size businesses in their marketing efforts. I work with tons of businesses across the country and help them leverage the internet as a lead-generation funnel to reach revenue goals through SEO, PPC advertising and Web Design.
“As a student at WCSU, I was very confused about what I wanted to do. I actually had a rough first couple of years academically. In my final two years, I had a professor who operated her own SEO firm and I thought, ‘Hey, I could do that!’ So I started while still in school, and my business has been growing tremendously for the past 8 years. If it weren't for that professor, I don't think I'd be doing what I do today.”
Owner of ChitChat Marketing, LLC
I own and operate a digital marketing agency that supports small to medium size businesses in their marketing efforts. I work with tons of businesses across the country and help them leverage the internet as a lead-generation funnel to reach revenue goals through SEO, PPC advertising and Web Design.
“As a student at WCSU, I was very confused about what I wanted to do. I actually had a rough first couple of years academically. In my final two years, I had a professor who operated her own SEO firm and I thought, ‘Hey, I could do that!’ So I started while still in school, and my business has been growing tremendously for the past 8 years. If it weren't for that professor, I don't think I'd be doing what I do today.”
Alycia HamiltonB.B.A. Direct/Interactive Marketing, '04
SVP Group Account Director and Chicago Account Capability Lead at Digitas North America
"At WCSU, I learned to speak my voice and value the opinions and knowledge of others. I also saw the advantage of nurturing relationships. Both have given me the ability to consistently grow and learn.”
SVP Group Account Director and Chicago Account Capability Lead at Digitas North America
"At WCSU, I learned to speak my voice and value the opinions and knowledge of others. I also saw the advantage of nurturing relationships. Both have given me the ability to consistently grow and learn.”
Renan Max F. HamoyB.A. Contract Major - Finance, Political Economy, '12
Technology Partnership Leader, Synchrony
"I use the skills I was taught at WCSU in my job at Synchrony now. This position requires a technology and business mix."
Technology Partnership Leader, Synchrony
"I use the skills I was taught at WCSU in my job at Synchrony now. This position requires a technology and business mix."
Kayla HandberryB.A. Social Work, '20; Quinnipiac University, Advanced Standing MSW Social Work, '22
Social Worker for the Torrington Public Defenders Office GA
"WCSU provided me with a great understanding of myself and others. It was filled with diversity in both staff and students, which is something I never had experienced throughout all of my education. It was because of the foundation I built at WCSU that helped me excel through my MSW field work at Quinnipiac University."
Social Worker for the Torrington Public Defenders Office GA
"WCSU provided me with a great understanding of myself and others. It was filled with diversity in both staff and students, which is something I never had experienced throughout all of my education. It was because of the foundation I built at WCSU that helped me excel through my MSW field work at Quinnipiac University."
Rayna Havelock LMHC, LPC, NCCM.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, ‘18
I have my private practice specializing in Trauma and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). Encompass Mental Health Counseling PC in Ridgefield, CT
“WCSU was a wonderful place for me to grow and learn a second career. I soaked up every class and learned about myself and made lasting friendships.”
I have my private practice specializing in Trauma and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). Encompass Mental Health Counseling PC in Ridgefield, CT
“WCSU was a wonderful place for me to grow and learn a second career. I soaked up every class and learned about myself and made lasting friendships.”
James S. Heffner, Jr., M.EdDual B.A. in English and Political Science, minor in Conflict Resolution, '13; M.Ed. in Education from Post University, '15.; Ed.D. Candidate in Organizational Leadership at Northeastern University expected completion in '24
Director of Culture, Organizational Development, and Learning at Post University. I serve as the university’s culture transformation leader, the Eagle Institute for Learning & Development director, and the Emerging Leaders Program coordinator.
"My involvement in the Sigma Chi Fraternity taught me invaluable leadership lessons that I use to navigate my career and personal life. Coupled with my liberal arts and social sciences education in English and political science, I learned the skills necessary to be an effective communicator, critical thinker and dynamic contributor in any organization or community."
Director of Culture, Organizational Development, and Learning at Post University. I serve as the university’s culture transformation leader, the Eagle Institute for Learning & Development director, and the Emerging Leaders Program coordinator.
"My involvement in the Sigma Chi Fraternity taught me invaluable leadership lessons that I use to navigate my career and personal life. Coupled with my liberal arts and social sciences education in English and political science, I learned the skills necessary to be an effective communicator, critical thinker and dynamic contributor in any organization or community."
Gail Hill WilliamsB.B.A. Marketing concentration Sales, '87
Award-winning author, high performing Sales Manager, Sales Trainer, Business Development Professional, Project Manager, Program Manager and HR professional
"As a proud graduate from WCSU, I received my undergraduate degree in Business Administration. While at WCSU, I was active in PAC - serving as its President and Treasurer. I also served on the SGA, was a cheerleader, Freshman Orientation Leader, AMA member and also resurrected the Homecoming King and Queen tradition. In addition, I represented WCSU as one of the 250 girls out of 3,000+applicants nationwide selected to take part in the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty restoration in a weeklong celebration in NYC based on being nominated by former WCSU President Steven Feldman."
Award-winning author, high performing Sales Manager, Sales Trainer, Business Development Professional, Project Manager, Program Manager and HR professional
"As a proud graduate from WCSU, I received my undergraduate degree in Business Administration. While at WCSU, I was active in PAC - serving as its President and Treasurer. I also served on the SGA, was a cheerleader, Freshman Orientation Leader, AMA member and also resurrected the Homecoming King and Queen tradition. In addition, I represented WCSU as one of the 250 girls out of 3,000+applicants nationwide selected to take part in the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty restoration in a weeklong celebration in NYC based on being nominated by former WCSU President Steven Feldman."
Luke HoldenB.B.A. Managerial Accounting, '16
Project Accountant at Pavarini McGovern in Manhattan, New York. I handle all the financial aspects of a construction project.
"WCSU helped give me the confidence to succeed in any aspect of business I encounter. From day-to-day work to large situations, I have confidence that I know how to work with all of them thanks to WCSU!"
Project Accountant at Pavarini McGovern in Manhattan, New York. I handle all the financial aspects of a construction project.
"WCSU helped give me the confidence to succeed in any aspect of business I encounter. From day-to-day work to large situations, I have confidence that I know how to work with all of them thanks to WCSU!"
Eric HolleyB.A. Communications & Media Arts, '03
Senior Director at Mass Mutual, Middletown High School Basketball Coach
“The sports system created the person I am today. I wanted to teach young men to leverage all the opportunities available to them, just as I utilized all of my opportunities as a student-athlete at WCSU.”
Senior Director at Mass Mutual, Middletown High School Basketball Coach
“The sports system created the person I am today. I wanted to teach young men to leverage all the opportunities available to them, just as I utilized all of my opportunities as a student-athlete at WCSU.”
A.M. ‘Hupp’ HuppmannB.B.A. Management, '17
Small business owner and musician
“I used my GI Bill benefits. I went to school every day and had a full-time schedule, and then at night I would take classes online. I am extremely proud to be a graduate of WCSU.”
Small business owner and musician
“I used my GI Bill benefits. I went to school every day and had a full-time schedule, and then at night I would take classes online. I am extremely proud to be a graduate of WCSU.”
Karla HuwaeB.S. Health Promotion Studies - Community Health, '19
Certified Community Health Worker at City of Danbury Department of Health & Human Services, and graduate student at the University of Albany School of Public Health
"I gave it my all because I said I would, I could, and I did!"
Certified Community Health Worker at City of Danbury Department of Health & Human Services, and graduate student at the University of Albany School of Public Health
"I gave it my all because I said I would, I could, and I did!"
Mezak (Theo) HuwaeB.A. Communications & Theatre Arts '02
Chef at a year-round children’s camp.
"As an international student, I was able to fulfill my dream of graduating from college in America."
Chef at a year-round children’s camp.
"As an international student, I was able to fulfill my dream of graduating from college in America."