Harold C. LaMott ’62 is enjoying his retirement between York, ME, and St. Augustine, FL, after 35 years of teaching music and volunteering in music and theatre in Dover, NH.
Sylivia (Fusegni) Peterlin ’61 played intramural sports for four years and was a member of the Newman Club and Mary Lyon house committee. The month she graduated, she married Duane Peterlin, welcoming a daughter and a son in the following years. She worked with the Apprentice Academic Program of the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard for 10 years, receiving a certificate of appreciation for her contribution to the program. Currently an adjunct professor teaching math at Great Bay Community College in Portsmouth, NH, Peterlin says, “I enjoyed the math classes that Miss Smith taught and have always liked working with numbers.”
Dorothy M. (Donigian) Nazarian ’62 majored in physical education, was involved in the PE department, and was a cheerleader while at Plymouth State. After graduating, she raised a family and obtained her LNA certificate. Nazarian recently started her own business called “Dorothy Cleans and More” and now lives in Campton, NH. She has 13 grandchildren.
Bernard P. Fitzgerald ’63 has retired from being a principal for 39 years in Vermont.
Nancy A. (Smith) Stephenson ’64 has had a long and successful career in music. She has worked in the Gilford school system, in Belmont, and at Sant Bani School, all the while teaching piano lessons at her home. She also served as an organist for church services, weddings, and funerals. In 2005 she retired from working in schools and focused on individual lessons. Stephenson is currently retired and enjoys playing the organ for her local church.
Paul Cotton ’64 is currently spending his retirement with his wife, splitting their time between Laconia, NH, and South Padre Island, TX. “We are fortunate enough to still travel with very good health and count our blessings but wonder how we got to this point in life so quickly!” Paul has this message for PSU students: “Make every day count.”
George T. Bond ’65 obtained his bachelor of education, and his mother and grandmother also graduated from Plymouth State. Bond is an army veteran and is currently retired and living in Canaan, NH.
Alna Stevens ’65 majored in elementary education. After graduating, she taught at Loudon Elementary School in Loudon, NH. Currently retired, she has been a substitute teacher for the past 15 years to keep in touch with colleagues and students she worked with at Loudon. She says it’s “…fun getting to meet children of former students.”
Elizabeth “Libby” S. Hunter ’67 was honored throughout her career for distinguished service as a public employee from the Utah state legislature and received an Outstanding Achievement Award in Human Services from the YWCA of Salt Lake City. Hunter retired from the state of Utah in 1999 and from service as a deacon at the Cathedral Church of St. Mark and the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, Salt Lake City.
Bruce A. Stevens ’67 majored in mathematics education. After graduating Stevens taught and was part of the administration at Lebanon Middle School (NH) until he retired after 36 years in 2002.
Joyce (Young) Stoehr ’68 was part of Kappa Delta Phi and chose Plymouth State because she wanted to attend a small school. After graduating, she married Jeffry Stoehr and taught math at Pentucket Junior High School for 13 years before leaving to bring up her two children. Sixteen years later, she returned to the classroom at Masconomet Regional High School, teaching math for another 10 years before retiring in 2007.
Barbara (Rockafellow) Perry ’69 majored in physical education, health, and recreation and during her time at Plymouth State she played field hockey, basketball, and tennis. Perry went on to enjoy a wonderful teaching and coaching career. Now retired on Peaks Island, ME, she still enjoys tennis and continues to be very active. She has a daughter and two beautiful granddaughters.
Raymond Grady ’69 was inducted into the North Andover Educator Hall of Fame in Massachusetts after being nominated by former students and colleagues. The honor came as a humbling surprise to Grady, who has been retired from teaching for the past 15 years.
Dr. Frances Dolloph ’70 retired in 2020 to Salt Lake City, UT, after a combined 50 years in secondary and higher education.
Dorothy Ann Gallagher ’71 is now a retired teacher with great memories and friends from PSC. She loves the alumni gatherings that happen in her area and the ones that occur at Plymouth State’s beautiful campus.
Alvin Fortson ’71 was able to graduate after serving four years in the US Air Force, thanks to the GI Bill. While enrolled at age 27, he married and had three sons. He obtained his teaching degree, earned a paralegal certificate, and is currently retired and living in North Carolina.
Wendy L. (Schmid) Tetrault ’71 earned a degree in education. During her 33 years as a classroom teacher and 11 years as a substitute, she received the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers Award. Tetrault worked for NH Marine Patrol for 46 years before retiring in 2019 and was recognized in the state police newsletter for her service. She was the first and only woman in a patrol boat, working with dispatch, boating education, moorings, and even gave commercial pilot tests. She married Gerald Tetrault July 6, 1995, on the Mount Washington cruise ship, where they still go every year for the dinner dance cruise.
Gordon Knapp ’72 majored in history and was part of Choir, Chamber Choir, Plymouth Players, and Model UN. He married while attending Plymouth State in 1969 and has three sons and four grandchildren. After a career in sales that spans over 45 years, Knapp is now retired.
The Reverend Ellen M. (Smith) Sloan ’72 has retired after 25 years in the field of education and 19 years serving as an Episcopal priest. Sloan also holds a master’s degree in history from Dartmouth College, a PhD in organizational development and administration from the University of Connecticut, and a master’s degree in divinity from the General Theological Seminary in New York City.
Stephen Dente ’73 majored in education with a focus on physics and chemistry and was part of Kappa Delta Phi fraternity. After graduating he decided to start his own business. “Being my own boss allows me to create my own program and move in whatever direction I need. Plymouth taught me the value of relationships with people.” He has been in business with Ken Simpson ’70 for 45 years and has been awarded Greater Derry NH Business of the Year in 1998 and the Greater Derry Citizen of the Year in 2020.
Peter Cofran, ’74, ’88G has been hired by Special Olympics of New Hampshire to be its director of schools. He will be overseeing the state’s programs in high schools, middle schools, and elementary schools, including NHIAH Unified Sports Program.
Linda S. Dickman ’74 majored in elementary education. After graduating, she went on to become a library media specialist at Pulaski Road Elementary School. She says, “Plymouth gave me all the elements of a full education, not only equipping me to be a teacher but also a good librarian! I was taught to see things across the curriculum and how they are interrelated.”
Debra L. Bickford ’75 majored in physical education and was part of many groups on campus such as the Field Hockey and Ski teams, Delta Zeta, Student Senate, and 1975 Homecoming chair. She taught for two years before moving to North Carolina and working at a health club company for 14 years. Bickford is now semi-retired as a nanny of two children.
Kenneth B. Williams ’75 ’80G is an active and celebrated alumnus of Plymouth State. As a senior he received the Ernest L. Silver Award and Van A. Hartman Award. He has served in multiple roles on many boards and obtained recognition as NH Principal of the Year and National Distinguished Principal. He served two terms as the Alumni Association president and representative to the USNH Board of Trustees. Williams is a recipient of the Ut Prosim Award, Alumni Achievement Award, and Distinguished Alumni Award, and is now retired and spending time with his family.
Nancy Crane ’75 attended Plymouth State because of its excellent teacher prep program. After graduating she taught at an elementary school for over 38 years and her experience at Plymouth State helped her receive the skills she needed to teach. Crane also is a member of the American Federation of Teachers. She is currently retired from the Nashua, NH, School District and says, “ I loved the satisfaction of watching my students thrive and grow in my classroom.”
Robert C. Blackstock ’75 was part of the varsity Cross Country Team, Business Majors Club, and Outing Club. His education at Plymouth gave him the confidence to achieve a career in different branches of US government and computer technology. He received a service award from the US Department of Veterans Affairs in 1978, and additional service awards from the US Postal Service in 1989, 1990, and 1992 and from the US Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs (national passport center) in 2015. Blackstock is currently retired from being a government professional.
William O. Stumpf ’76 majored in elementary education and was a member of Omega Omicron fraternity. He has been inducted into three athletic halls of fame: Nashua High School, Plymouth State College, and NHIAA as a coach. Stumpf is a retired US Army SFC and retired from social work after 42 years at Gateways Community Services. He enjoys fishing and spending time with his three children and four grandchildren and continues to coach track and field at Nashua High School South. He is still married to his wife Janet after 39 years.
Melanie (Hayes) Devoid ’76 is an adjunct professor at White Mountain Community College in Berlin. She returned to teaching after an astounding recovery from a traumatic brain injury she sustained in 2012. “Students are amazing no matter their age … the pandemic challenged us all, but we have persevered … my recovery continues and so does my teaching!” Devoid has a master’s degree from Grand Canyon University and is a volunteer librarian, Shelburne Library trustee, and unedited voice writer in support of survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
Janet E. Condon- Krieger ’77 retired as a school counselor after working for the Onteora Central School District in Boiceville, NY, for 29 years. In her last year there, the senior class elected her as its commencement speaker. She and her husband of 31 years, Eric, were inspired by their first trip to Zimbabwe and have plans to travel again as soon as it is safe.
Catherine A. Owen ’77 participated in lacrosse and tennis while at Plymouth State. “It was the Plymouth State team spirit that taught me how to be competitive, and the importance of staying both physically and mentally fit that carries you through life.” Owen retired in 2010 from International Orientation Resources where she had been a relocation coordinator.
Frank Ferrari ’78 majored in business and was part of the Football Team. He chose Plymouth because of the skiing, the Football Team, and the business program. After graduating he became very successful owning and managing real estate in NJ.
Stephen Demarais ’80 majored in marketing and was part of the Alpha Theta Fraternity. He began a career in lighting design supply that has spanned over 40 years. Stephen married his best friend, Carol Demarais, and has three sons.
Heather L. Johnson ’80 has some great Plymouth State memories, including the annual Tubing Regatta, viewing “The Riot” from a distance, and her visits to Squam Lake. Johnson has worked for Mutual of Omaha Mortgage, HECM as a reverse mortgage consultant since 2005. About her job she says, “What I love about what I do is helping families have a more comfortable retirement while staying in their own home.”
Julie S. (Mulligan) Bishop ’81 has retired and enjoys staying active in the outdoors.
Eleanor M. (Yammerino) Tejero ’82 majored in Spanish and minored in psychology. She was an international flight attendant for United Airlines for 30 years before retiring in Manhattan Beach, CA.
Lynda A. Kuhne ’82 says, “PSC gave me a strong foundation and laid the groundwork for my success professionally.” After graduating with a BS in PE and athletic training, she went on to earn a BS in physical therapy from UNE in 1990, and her MBA from UNH in 2006. Kuhne is currently a director of rehabilitation services and ancillary clinics as well as several other departments at Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport, MA. She loves working with people and being able to use both her teaching and business degrees.
Ann N. (Rousselle) Smith ’84 graduated with a degree in management and went on to earn an MS in occupational therapy at Springfield College in 1996. She has been a practicing occupational therapist for 25 years. She and her husband have been the proud owners of the Weskeag Inn Bed & Breakfast for the last three years, located in South Thomaston, ME. (weskeag.com)
Patricia J. (Dubreuil) Ainsworth ’85 transitioned after over 25 years of teaching at White Mountains Regional High School to her new job as dean of students and instruction in July 2020. Ainsworth is working on her master’s in educational leadership through SNHU with a cohort of North Country educators. She looks forward to continuing work in public education.
Patricia D. Hoyt ’85 majored in education with a minor in psychology. She obtained her teaching certification and a position at Groveton Elementary School. She applied for a teaching position at Campton Elementary School in 1987 and has been teaching there for 34 years. She says, “I have really enjoyed this profession and I will miss my students and the CES school community.”
Marguerite (Brazeil) Bourgeois ’86 says her MEd in counseling prepared her for a second career in education. After teaching high school and raising four sons (two of whom attended Plymouth State) she spent 15 years in career counseling at Plymouth State and then another 13 years at New Hampshire College (now SNHU), where in addition to becoming the associate director of career counseling, she also served as an adjunct English professor and developer of the Continuous Quality Improvement training program.
Leslie A. Poore ’87 majored in physical education and was part of Alpha Theta Fraternity. Recently he has completed his 32nd year of teaching PE at Lisbon Regional School, where he has also been the athletic director for 15 years.
Front row: Susanne Hastings ’89, Deb West, and Tom Kelly ’89. Back row: Michael Hogan and Dave West ’89
Ellen (Mikalu) Nakamura ’88 majored in marketing with a minor in travel & tourism. She was part of the Cheerleading Team, was an admission representative, admission fellow, resident assistant, and student union programming rep during her time at Plymouth State. After graduation she worked for ABC Travel in Boston and traveled all over the world leading tours, and in California for a student travel company. She is now retired but runs her own international student travel program.
Diana M. Morin ’88 says that through Plymouth State she gained a well-balanced, interdisciplinary education, one that has fed her teaching career for over 30 years. She earned her master of science in teaching in English and writing from UNH in 2010. In 2018 she won the Susan Grahm Pisinski Award for Dedication to Excellence in Teaching, nominated for the award by her colleagues in the Hopkinton School District (NH). After 32 years of teaching, Diana has decided to retire at the end of the 2020–2021 school year.
Amy K. Bassett ’90 was selected to serve as district director of the Small Business Administration’s New Hampshire district office in December 2020. Bassett has served as the district director of SBA’s Maine district office since her appointment in January 2017.
Sandra M. Caswell ’91 ’97G completed two degrees while working at Plymouth Regional High School. She always wanted to teach internationally, especially after meeting a lot of international teachers who were studying at Plymouth State during the summers. As of this year, she has been working at international schools more than half of her 30-year career in education. She is still teaching, still learning, and still exploring the world.
Christine LeClair ’91, ’96G taught high school for eight years and at the college level for 17 years, earning the NH Governors Citation for Teaching in 2000. She now teaches for SNHU as a composition instructor where she earned her MA and MFA. She was the recipient of the Outstanding Graduate Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing award at SNHU in 2016, and recipient of the Outstanding College Students of America in 1989.
Traci (Walker) Griffith ’91 was part of the Women’s Soccer Team and chose Plymouth for the education program as well as for soccer. She is currently the executive director of a Boston public school with over 800 students and three schools and she says, “PSC provided me a foundation to dream of creating a school community that was welcoming and inclusive with children at the center.”
Sarah R. (Rutledge) Hundgen ’92 majored in K–8 elementary education and was involved in Kappa Delta Pi, an international honor society in education. After graduating she was a substitute for 20 years in SAU 48. Her husband, Donald L. Hundgen ’92, ’05G, majored in English and then obtained his MEd in mental health counseling. After graduating he became an artist and had his paper, “On the Conversion of John Millington Synge” published in the Journal of Evolutionary Psychology. Donald worked for Genesis of Plymouth and Laconia for an interval as a mental health counselor. Together Sarah and Donald created The Hundelrut Studio in 1989, a greeting card and art business. Their shop and gallery present his work of paintings, papier-mâché sculptures, handmade painted boxes, and a variety of products featuring his pen & ink drawings. Donald says, “My verse is inside our greeting cards.” They have both retail and wholesale catalogs upon request. Hundelrut Studio is located on Tenney Mountain Highway in Plymouth, and online at https://hundelrutstudio.com.
Timothy Miller ’92 majored in applied computer science and was part of the Chi Alpha Fraternity and student government. He is currently the quality assurance leader at Cummins, Inc.
Lucie (LaPlante) Villeneuve ’94 founded Outdoor ESCAPES New Hampshire, LLC in 2003, offering private custom guided adventures, tours, and lessons statewide, year round. Villeneuve uses her Plymouth State education to operate every aspect of her outdoor adventure company as a wilderness guide and outdoor educator. “What I love most is that I use my college education every day to help grow my family, make my own business schedule that works around family responsibilities, and pass on my love of learning about nature, history, and survival skills.”
(outdoorescapesnewhampshire.com)
Sherri (Potter) Hamm ’93 married in 2014 and she and her husband John welcomed a son in 2015. Hamm earned a master of science in management from Emmanuel College in Boston.
Thomas Murphy ’94 chose to attend Plymouth State because he was a NH resident and loved the campus. Currently in sales, he loves introducing consumers to products and services they will benefit from.
David Intraversato ’94 coaches girls varsity soccer in Freeport, ME, and girls varsity ice hockey in Yarmouth, ME. He credits his education at Plymouth State for his success as a coach and sees the strength of other Plymouth State alumni. “We have three Plymouth alumni on our coaching staff in Freeport, and the camaraderie we shared immediately was excellent. There is something magical about Plymouth State, and those that went there understand.”
Joseph Padula ’95 majored in business administration and was part of the Rugby Team. He went on to Boston College Carroll School of Management and obtained his MBA in 1998. He and Christy R. (Tharp) Padula ’95 were married in 2017 after he proposed in front of Smith Hall.
Robert J. De Planche ’97G had previously obtained an associate’s degree in art in general studies as well as a bachelor’s of professional studies before earning an MBA from Plymouth State at age 65. De Planche has enjoyed many careers in his life such as engineering manager for the James River Company and senior project manager for Industra Engineering. He has been elected chairperson twice for both procurement and contracts and of the election committee in a 55+ community. De Planche received a faculty award in recognition of outstanding achievement in management and was first runner-up for “Best Consulting Report of 1995” Small Business Institute. He was elected mayor of Berlin, NH, in 1997, and in 1998 was invited by the dean of Plymouth State to give the convocation speech. In 2014, he and his wife Joan renewed their vows on Waikiki Beach for their 60th wedding anniversary.
Edward Lombardi ’97 is currently working as a technical support manager at Bottomline Technologies in Portsmouth, NH.
Stephen G. Maguire ’97 majored in education. Currently he is in his 24th year of teaching and in July of 2020 started a podcast called “Obsessed with the Weather” that already has 15 episodes. The podcast deals with all things weather and has featured interviews with an Emmy Award winner and a New York Times bestselling author.
Melissa M. Roy ’00 has recently become principal of Barnette Elementary School in Huntersville, NC.
David M. O’Neil ’01 majored in management at Plymouth State and is now the HR coordinator for the Windham (NH) School District. “I love being able to help people.”
Sandra G. Kinne ’01 majored in marketing and minored in art. “Plymouth State will always be a special place to me. I met some of the best people in my life at Plymouth and wouldn’t be where I am today without it.” She is now a senior accountant in the finance office of a junior boarding school in NH.
Jason R. Arnold ’05G chose Plymouth State because it offered a multitude of pathways to attain an MEd while working and juggling a family. In addition to the beautiful campus and outstanding faculty, Arnold says, “PSU allowed me to further my knowledge in special education and as a community, we were able to learn and grow together. I have been a special educator for 22 years and PSU gave me more tools for my toolbox.”
Lauren Lynch ’05 majored in early childhood education and was part of the PACE program and the Tau Omega Sorority. Lynch has been teaching for over 15 years and for about six years as the lead teacher in pre-K at Wooded Acres Preschool LLC in Kingston, MA. She recently earned her Director II certification.
Annette C. (Beaudoin) Therrien ’06 majored in English education (5–12) and minored in theatre. She is a teacher at the McKinlet Prep High School, a Boston Public School for students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. “Every day is a challenge, but I love it. My coworkers are my family, my knowledge and skills are valued, and I have found my voice as a leader.” Annette married Joe Therrien on May 30, 2009, in Derry, NH. In 2013 she earned her degree in language and literacy in special education at Simmons College and her certificate in moderate special needs (5–12). She is now a certified reading specialist.
Thomas E. Forbes ’06G graduated with a master of education after previously obtaining a BS in business. Forbes retired from the state of New Hampshire where he was a transition assistance program (TAP) instructor. Being a veteran, he valued helping others who were leaving the military and loved his time as both a veterans representative and a TAP instructor.
Imatiaz Nizami ’08PELI was part of the Pakistani Educational Leadership Institute (PELI), a US State Department program centered at Plymouth State, in 2008. He is now a project manager with Greenstar Social Marketing.
Jamiee Callahan ’08 majored in physical education and health teacher certification and played for the Soccer and Basketball teams. After graduating she went into a career in health education. She says, “PSU prepared me for my current career in health education. I love teaching and working with young people to improve their mental and physical well-being.”
Nancie O’Connell ’08, ’11G was part of Kappa Delta Phi NAS as an undergraduate at PSU and returned to obtain her master of education with a minor in the neurodevelopmental approach to teaching; she is currently working toward her CAGS. O’Connell teaches 4th grade at Maple Avenue Elementary School in Claremont, NH.
Stefanie Webb ’10, a seasoned government affairs professional, was named head of federal government affairs at goPuff in March 2021. goPuff’s mission is to make daily life effortless by delivering food, drinks, cleaning supplies, home needs, OTC medication, and more in just minutes.
Billy J. Morgan ’11 attended Plymouth State because he loved the atmosphere of the school and the small town made him feel at home. Since graduating Morgan has had two children, and is the VP of sales at Infab Corporation. He is also working toward his MBA from Boise State University.
Amberlee Barbagallo ’12 is starting a new position as assistant director of operations at Dartmouth College Alumni Relations.
Samantha E. Reuss ’12 majored in English and was part of the Field Hockey Team during her time at PSU. She continued her education and obtained her master of arts in liberal studies at Wesleyan University in 2020. Currently she is a teacher at Eaglebrook School in Deerfield, MA.
Danielle O’Malley ’12 earned her BFA in studio art. She has had residencies at Watershed Center for the Ceramic Arts in Newcastle, ME; the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art in Great Falls, MT; and at the Red Lodge Clay Center in Red Lodge, MT. Her first solo exhibition was in Boston at the Boston Sculptors Gallery. She has exhibited internationally, and her work is included in collections including the Northwest Art Gallery in Minot, ND; Silver Bow Art Gallery in Butte, MT; and the Taoxichuan Art Center in Jingdezhen, China. O’Malley served as a demonstrating artist at several universities, completed a ceramics-focused post-baccalaureate program at Montana State University, and has assisted many artists in Helena, MT. In 2021 she earned a master of fine arts degree from UMASS, Dartmouth. (omalleyart.net)
Brittney L. Gondek ’12 is currently self-employed as the CEO of Brittney Gondek Design, which focuses on residential and commercial design, and a commercial real estate broker with The Gondek Group, where she is CEO and director of investment sales. She says that Plymouth State helped her grow into her entrepreneurial future. Over the course of her career she has had many accomplishments such as The Gondek Group real estate award and earning both Top 1% in Network and Top 5 Commercial Teams in the Nation, in 2020.
Dr. Matthew C. Allen ’13 completed his doctorate of chiropractic medicine in April 2020. He returned to the area with his wife Amanda and their three sons to open Evolution Chiropractic in Keene, NH, in January.
Stephanie Gray-Lemay ’13G was part of the Kappa Delta Pi honor society during her time at PSU and now teaches a careers in education course. She says, “My experience through teaching and going through the education program at PSU allowed me to bring a lot of my knowledge to my students.” She says what she enjoys most about her job is being able to create and implement lessons and activities that also enhance her knowledge and abilities as a teacher.
Jack Bresnahan ’14 says of Plymouth, “I loved playing the Steinway piano in the Silver Center, working at the Outdoor Center, and sharing a sandwich at Biederman’s. Afternoons had a way of turning into adventures in Plymouth, but since graduation many of my outdoor adventures have been put on pause because of my health. Today, I am reaching out to my fellow Panthers hoping to find a liver to change my life. The liver can regenerate itself, quickly growing back to normal size, so a healthy person can donate a piece of their liver to someone in need. My family and my partner’s family have all tried, but unfortunately, none are a match. Please visit tinyurl.com/jackbres to learn more about transplants, being a living organ donor, and to read my story and to share it with friends and family. Thanks! We’re all a match for someone.” jackb0707@gmail.com #aliverforJack
Caitlin (Ketcham) Sharman ’14G is the first athletic trainer at Geneva High School (NY) and is currently building the program there and working with local healthcare facilities to expand their network. Caitlin married Nicholas Sharman on June 6, 2020.
Allyson Bowden ’15 majored in environmental science and policy. In October 2019, after working just over four years as a radiological control technician at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Kittery, ME, she was hired by the US Environmental Protection Agency in Boston, MA, as a federal on-scene coordinator.
Sydney (Marchesseault) Campbell ’15 majored in business administration and was part of the Contemporary Dance Ensemble. She married Justin Campbell in Lake Tahoe on April 24, 2019, and they welcomed a son on December 6, 2019. Campbell is back at PSU working on her master’s degree in school counseling.
Christopher A. Holmes ’15 majored in business management and professional sales and said the sales courses were “a great tool” for him to use in the workplace. Holmes now works for 2N Telecommunications as inside sales representative based in the Czech Republic, where he helps people prevent and solve their security issues.
Taylore Aussiker ’17G and Martina Macakova ’05 currently teach at White Mountains Regional High School. The two alumnae recently collaborated on a children’s bilingual picture book called Kiki and Lexi Graduate in the Pandemic. Outside of the classroom, Aussiker illustrates and designs books for local authors in Vermont and New Hampshire (taussikerdesigns.com), and Macakova is the founder of Bright Ideas in Spanish Classroom, LLC (brightideasinspanishclassroom.com), where she provides assistance and inspiration for educators who want to connect their teaching to world language and culture.
Kaleb Phelps ’19 and his girlfriend Elizabeth started their own professional window and gutter cleaning business based out of the Lakes Region, Summit Window Cleaning LLC. During their first year, they built a solid customer base and saw the true demand of window cleaning, especially in their area in the lakes and mountains. After a busy first season they were awarded “Best of the Lakes Region.” Since then, business has more than doubled and going into their third season, they have expanded into other areas and need to hire help because they are so busy!
Gary J. Zirpolo ’19 earned a degree in sports management from PSU and hit the ground running, working with the Maine Mariners. After landing an exciting position with Gillette Stadium Zirpolo says, “This journey would not have been possible without the help from my professors, advisors, friends, and family. I look forward to this new chapter and am hopeful to see everyone back in the stands soon.”
Brianna Mercier ’20 taught in the afterschool program in the Manchester Schools through the Manchester Community Music School. Currently, she is interning with an outreach program through the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra. Mercier says, “Plymouth State allowed me to get experience working with a variety of age groups. Without my spring internship I would not have the job I have now. The thing I love most about what I do is having the opportunity to be a positive influence on the kids I work with.”
Kirsten Enwright ’20DPT was a student therapist in the Panther Physical Therapy Pro Bono Clinic and a public relations officer for the PSU Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Club. PSU’s DPT program prepared Enwright for her career with multiple hands-on educational experiences and a comprehensive educational program geared at preparing students for clinical care directly after graduation (as opposed to the estimated three-month adjustment time seen with other program graduates). Furthermore, she says, “We were also exposed to multiple interprofessional experiences that helped to round out our knowledge of other professions that we may work with in the field.”