Alumni Association Board of Directors 2009-2010

Cheryl Starr Boillat '79, M.Ed. '97
cboillat@napsk12.org
North Adams, Massachusetts
Major:  B.S. Education, 1979; M.Ed., Education, 1997

Cheryl has taught in the North Adams Public school system for 22 years, having served as an administrator for four years. "Being on the Alumni Board allows me to contribute to the College and gives me the opportunity to serve as an example to my students and demonstrate the importance of service to the community." She attended MCLA when enrollment was at its highest and was fully immersed in campus life; holding a leadership position as a member of the nationally affiliated sorority Kappa Delta Phi, a cast member in various theatre productions, a member of the Sociology club, and host of the "Berkshire Beat" on local cable television.


William Caprari '75, M.Ed. '80  
bcap@bcn.net
North Adams, Massachusetts
Major:  B.S. Education, 1975; M.Ed., Education, 1980

Since 1976, Bill has been a long time dedicated employee at MCLA/NASC. He is a Vietnam veteran and the youngest recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal, the highest medal given during peace time, as well as the current senior member of the Alumni Board. His journey through NASC included: a four-year member of the baseball team, held several baseball records, captain of the '74 baseball team under the legendary baseball coach Joseph Zavattaro, the College's first Sports Team Director, and the recipient of the Louis Parisien Athletic/Academic award in 1974, the Buck Bullet Scholarship in 1972, and graduated with honors.

Pamela Kenny Connolly '82
pkcbuca@comcast.net
Westord, Massachusetts
Major:  History

My years at the College made a major impact on my life providing an excellent education, many lifelong friendships and wonderful memories.  Anyone who knows me well is aware of my devotion to this wonderful college in the Berkshires. As a student I was involved in athletics, on-campus work-study, and internships within the town of North Adams.

The College offers just as many opportunities for its student body as many of the larger, private schools.  I served in various elected student government positions such as Senator, SGA Cabinet Officer, and class vice president.  Since graduating I have remained involved with MCLA as a Class Agent promoting class correspondence, College fundraising, and reunion gatherings. My professional and volunteer experiences require tremendous networking.


Carol Cushenette Corrigan '76
cactjc@yahoo.com
Adams, Massachusetts
Major:  Physics

After Commonwealth Sprague Capacitors relocated I chose to stay in North Adams, and I became the Vice President of Operations at Boxcar Media. I currently work for a renewable energy company, Biomass Commodities, in Williamstown, MA. I have a strong background in business operations and analysis including coordination of programs and projects, developing and executing strategies and achieving significant contributions to the bottom line.

I am an advocate of public education and serve on the Adams - Cheshire Regional School District school committee. I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Berkshire Dance Theatre in Adams and I am on the Adams Events Planning Committee.


Anthony Dolan '84
dolanconnection@me.com
Acton, Massachusetts
Major:  English Communications

Tony is President of Resound Inc.  Tony has a long history developing informational, news, entertainment and learning communications for a wide variety of clients and broadcast outlets.  Current clients include Lockheed Martin, Hewlett Packard and The Institute of Coaching at Harvard Medical School.  He has been producing, directing and editing broadcast and business productions, domestically and internationally for over 20 years.

Beyond the field of ethics training, Tony recently worked on the nationally televised documentary Song for New Orleans, and edited a Pilgrimage into the Past broadcast on PBS.  He was senior editor for CBS/Eyemark's The Wild Wild Web weekly television show and was key to the production of numerous nationally broadcast television shows and was key to the production of numerous nationally broadcast television programs, commercials, public service announcements and news programs for all major broadcast networks.  From 1995 to 2005, Tony was an adjunct lecturer at Boston University's College of Communication.

Tony currently lives in Acton, MA with his wife, Karen and their two children.


David R. Flint '78
davidflint20@comcast.net
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Major: Elementary Education

The former Assistant Vice President of Operations at Randolph Savings Bank, Dave is a volunteer for youth sports programs in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Dave writes, "I've served as a member of the Board of Directors for the last three years and presented many new and innovative ideas to the Board.  I'm at the stage of my life where I've had many years of work and life experiences, yet am still young enough to understand the needs of college students and young alumni."

"My daughter Sarah is a recent graduate. She is a member of the MCLA class of 2007. I have a vested interest in the future of the College and the Alumni Association. In addition, I have established a successful Plymouth Chapter of the Alumni Association, which includes all of the south shore area of Massachusetts."

Cecelia Hamrock Kennedy '78
cmk5390@optonline.net
Madison, New Jersey
Major: Education

After five years as an educator, I have spent the last twenty-five years as a human resources and corporate manager in diverse industries including retail, social service, insurance and engineering.  My husband John '78 and I (CEO) sold our successful engineering services company in 2006.  I was a recipient of the 'Young Women in American Business Award' and a finalist for the 'NJ Entrepreneur of the Year' in 2005.  I believe MCLA provides for affordable quality education and solid life preparation and its graduates have an obligation to give back to the College to ensure the future for generations of students.

I have held board and / or committee roles with NJ Special Olympics-Area 3, Madison Board of Education, Madison PPEC, Madison Athletic Foundation and am an advisor to the Boy Scout Venture Crew 77.

We live in New Jersey with our son, Sean.


Cynthia Barrow Kuliga '63  
speakezcabk@verizon.net
Ware, Massachusetts
Major: Education

Cindy is a retired teacher and speech pathologist with the Quaboag Regional School District in Warren, MA.  She received her master's of education degree from North Carolina Central University in 1992 and E.S.L. Certification  from the University of Houston in 1985 and received a certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Language, Literacy and Culture at UMASS.


Buffy Duringer Lord, Esq. '98  
blord@docatty.com
North Adams, Massachusetts
Major:  History

Since graduating from MCLA, Buffy earned her J.D. in 2003 from Pepperdine University School of Law and became licensed to practice law in both Louisiana and Massachusetts.  "While my husband (Scott Lord '98) and I enjoyed living in other areas of the country, we realized we missed the Berkshires and in December 2004, we moved home to North Adams.  After we returned to North Adams, I joined the law firm of Donovan & O'Connor, LLP, where I am an associate attorney.  My practice is predominately focused on civil litigation.  In addition to my work with Donovan & O'Connor, LLP, I am an adjunct professor at MCLA and am a member of the Foundation Board.  I also perform volunteer work in the community with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Northern Berkshire United Way."


Beverly A. Low '84  
balow@mail.colgate.edu
Hamilton, New York
Major:  English

Beverly currently lives in upstate New York where she serves as Dean of First-Year Students at Colgate University. Prior to Colgate, she was the Director of Student Activities for several years at Hamilton College.

As an undergraduate, Beverly was a writer and editor for The Beacon, a member of the orientation staff, an intramural supervisor, and involved in a variety of campus activities and college committees. Beverly has a master's of education degree from the University of South Carolina and has presented numerous programs on the Milennial Generation and their transition to college.

Over the course of her employment in higher education, Beverly has coordinated several major events, mentored hundreds of students, dined with dignitaries, and managed an array of campus facilities. She is more content on the beach when visiitng her hometown of Gloucester, MA, but appreciates the rolling hills of upstate New York for cycling and hiking and the many challenging golf courses.


George Malone '83
George.Malone@fmr.com
Sterling, Massachussetts
Major:  History

I began a career in corporate America after graduating in 1983. The education I received at MCLA gave me the incentive to earn a masters degree from Boston College.I have been an active participant in my local community and I am a member of World Boston. WorldBoston is an organization with a mission to provide a private, non-profit, non-partisan forum on educating the public about matters of national and international significance. In addition, I bring over twenty years of business experience and have held a variety of leadership positions throughout my career at Fidelity Investments.I am interested in bringing a new perspective to the Alumni Board with a focus on strategic planning to further enhance the reputation of MCLA.


Alison McGonagle '05
alison_mcgonagle@emerson.edu
Haverhill, Massachussetts
Major:  English Communications

I served as the editor of The Beacon, Spires Literary and Art Magazine, and sat on the Judicial Board while at the College.  I was also recipient of the MCLA Hardman Scholarship in 2004.

Since graduating, I live in my birthplace and hometown, Haverhill, Massachusetts, and work at Wiley-Blackwell, an imprint of John Wiley & Sons, as an editor.  I am simultaneously pursuing a M.A. in Publishing and Writing from Emerson College.  I am a poetry editor at The Furnace Review, and do freelance writing for magazines and newspapers in the Merrimack Valley.  In 2006, I was awarded First Place in General News by the New England Press Association for a piece I published in the Andover Townsman.

I recall my days at MCLA with reverence and pride, and am honored to serve my alma-mater in this time of growth and change for the College and the community.

Brandon Pender '07 
bpender35@gmail.com
Allston, Massachusetts
Major:  English Communications

Brandon is a native of Queens, NY and transferred to the College from East Carolina University. He received his degree in English communications, with a concentration in film and broadcast media. While attending the College, he was involved in various student activities including president of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee, vice president of the Multicultural Society, a peer advisor and an officer in the African-American Studies Club, as well as a choreographer for the College's dance company. Brandon was the captain of the men's basketball team from 2005-2007, and taught dance to children at the North Berkshire Creative Arts Center, where he served as an intern. He received the Margaret Hart and Mitchell West Scholarships in 2006, as well as an Excellence Award; participated in the NCAA leadership Conference and was nominated for Who's Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges

Brandon is currently a research analyst for the Joint Committee on Economic Development for the state in Boston. He is also a member of Rainbow Tribe, The Dance Company.


Michael A. Reopell '85
Michael.A.Reopell@williams.edu
North Adams, Massachussetts
Major:  Computer Science

Mike received an M.B.A. in 1994 at Western New England College. He currently serves as Director of Advancement Information Systems at Williams College and has worked in the business of managing information technology for alumni and development operations for over 20 years.

A veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard, Mike is a former member and past president of the MCLA Alumni Board, past representative to the MCLA Foundation Board. He also worked at MCLA during his (non-traditional) degree years as the Veterans Representative and Staff Assistant to the Registrar.

"Having many years of experience in the higher education industry - I have a strong sense of how important the alumni community can be to the institution.  The foundation of every successful donor program in higher education can be directly attributed to the quality of the relationships that exist with the institution and the alumni community."


Christine Robare '94
crobare@williams.edu
Stamford, Vermont
Major:  Business Administration - Accounting

Christine has worked at Williams College since 1999 in the Alumni Relations and Development office. Prior to that, she spent ten years working for a local public utility company, starting in customer service and working her way up to the financial analyst position, after completing her degree as a non-traditional student. She returned to the classroom in 1998 and earned her M.B.A. from Western New England College in 2000.

"I have always believed in giving back to my community and am very happy to have the opportunity to give back to my alma mater."


Alyssa "Laini" Sporbert '92  
Laini.Sporbert@williams.edu
North Adams, Massachusetts
Major:  Psychology

Laini earned her master's in counseling psychology from Cambridge College, and has been working with substance abuse education/counseling and health education at Williams College for 10 years. She currently serves on the Board of the Elizabeth Freeman Center, the Arts Advisory Board for the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition, and UNITY (United, Neighboring, Interdependent, Trusted Youth) Program. Also, she volunteers for the Cultural Council of the Northern Berkshires and runs the Railway Cafe. Now in its 7th season, the Railway Cafe is a monthly concert series that takes place at MCLA Gallery 51.

While at the College, Laini was an orientation leader, a DIGS leader/trainer, an ADEPT peer educator, a psychology intern and TA, and in theatrical and choral productions.

"I'm glad to have ended up right where I started. I'm pleased to participate in the growth and development of my alma mater - and love to encourage other alums to participate, too."


Andrew Zabak '80  
azaback@longmeadowcapital.com
Farmington, Connecticut
Major:  Business Management

My career in venture capital has provided me with the experience of sitting on privately held company boards of directors. As a result, I understand the complexities of setting strategy, policies and corporate governance as a board member. In addition, as a manager of several investment funds, I am comfortable in the fundraising environment, having raised substantial capital from institutions and wealthy family offices for our investment partnerships.

Over the years, my wife Doreen '79 and I have lived in many parts of the country and now have settled back in New England for the past 12 years.  We have enjoyed living in various parts of the country and have established many long-term professional and personal relationships that we have leveraged in both our business and personal life.

Jameek Clovie, Student Government Association Representative
jc2819@mcla.edu
Brooklyn, New York
Major:  English Communications

Jameek Clovie attended Science Skills Center High School in Brooklyn, New York and decided to come to MCLA to spend the next four years exploring opportunities for a successful career. Jameek was elected president of the Student Government Association for the 2009-2010 school year. Jameek's interests are music, modern history, politics and theatre. After graduation, Jameek plans to pursue a one-year teaching position in China and graduate school.


Member Emeriti:

Alma Benedetti '37
North Adams, Massachusetts
Major:  Elementary Education; B.S. 1937

Alma is a retired first grade and art teacher from the North Adams School system. After graduation from State Teachers College at North Adams she continued her education with a master's of education from North Adams State College, as well as attending Columbia University and the University of Massachusetts during the summers. Her local volunteer efforts include the North Adams Public Library and the North Adams Garden Club. Alma serves as a Class Agent for the class of 1937, is a member of the Taconic Society and received an honorary degree from the College in 1999.


Paul Egan '67
Essex, Massachusetts
Major: Science and Mathematics

Paul graduated from the College with a BA in Science & Math. He was President of his graduating class, a member of Student Government, Intramurals and was selected as a member of Who's Who in American Colleges & Universities, 1967. For many years, Paul served as President of the Alumni Board of Directors and never missed a meeting or alumni gathering during his many years of involvement on the Alumni Board. Paul is a Co-Class Agent for the class of 1967 with Jeanne Slaney Peterson. Paul received a Masters in Administration from Salem State in 1979. A former teacher, Paul is President of the Scott Group, Inc., a consulting firm responsible for quality control of larger construction projects, especially schools.