THE GREEN | PLYMOUTH STATE ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES | WINTER 2021

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Norton R. Bagley ’41
Norton R. Bagley ’41 was posthumously inducted into the Pinkerton Academy Hall of Fame on September 23, 2021. Bagley was a Pinkerton Academy alumnus from the class of 1937 and taught at PTC and PSC for 32 years.
https://tinyurl.com/Bagley37
Claira (Pirozzi) Monier ’62
Claira (Pirozzi) Monier ’62 received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the NH Business and Industry Awards on October 20, 2021, in Manchester, for her career as the former executive director of the NH Housing Finance Authority.
1950s
’52 & ’57: 70th & 65th Reunions–Summer Reunion 2022
Louise (Rine) Pryor ’59 obtained her master’s degree in teaching at Plymouth State and went on to earn her CAGS in counseling at UNH. She is now retired from teaching, counseling, and from her work as a librarian.
1960s
’62 & ’67: 60th & 55th Reunions–Summer Reunion 2022

Charles Daileanes ’63 graduated from Plymouth Teachers College and was hired by Lexington Public Schools at age 20 while still in his senior year. He worked in the schools at Lexington for 38 years and retired at age 59. During his happy years in Lexington, he received the Teacher of the Year Award. He is now 79 years young, healthy so far, and happily married for 54 years. “Though I received multiple degrees after Plymouth, my days up there are as clear as a bell.”

Marilyn “Lynn” (Conway) Lira ’63 taught at Thoreau Elementary School for 39 years before retiring in 2009. She is presently a caretaker for an elderly aunt while helping to homeschool two of her youngest grandchildren. She loves using her experiences as a teacher to help educate her grandchildren.

Elaine (Currier) Keniston ’65 majored in education and was part of Plymouth Players, Symphonic Band, and the Clock student newspaper during her time at PSC. After graduating she taught English at Antrim High School for a year, then married a Plymouth State student whose dad ran the local movie theatre, Dale Keniston ’67. Together they raised three children. Elaine realized she wanted to pursue another field and attended NH Technical Institute and graduated with an associate’s degree in nursing in 1985. Her next 34 years provided fulfilling, challenging work in medical-surgical nursing, home health, and cardiology. Although she changed her field, she loved her time at PSC and recalls the great memories she has made and friendships, which she still keeps to this day, 70 years on—not to mention her husband of 53 years. Plymouth is the gift that has kept on giving!

Stephen L. Clark ’66 has published a second book, Tears of the Heart. His first work, Memorable Moments Frozen in Time was published in 2014. Both are currently available on Amazon.

Wayne Giles ’67 was class president during his sophomore to senior years and was in Who’s Who among American College Students his junior and senior years. After graduating he continued schooling and earned his MEd at Ball State University, Muncie, IN, and CAGS at Lesley University, Cambridge, MA. He is now retired and “loving every minute of it!”

Marlene “Marty” Lambert Guild ’68 earned a master of education in teaching English as a second language at Notre Dame College (Manchester, NH) in 1991.

Steve Beaupre ’62 ’70G was part of many student organizations during his time at Plymouth State such as the Clock, Conning Tower, International Club, Band, and others. After graduating he worked for the Plainfield School District for 42 years as a teacher and principal. Steve and his wife Donna were married in Meriden, NH, and have three children, S. Douglas, Darrell J., and Daniel S. In his years of teaching, he has been awarded the National Consortium for Teaching Canada Award UOM 1994, United Valley Interfaith Project Micah Hero 2013, and The Stephen H. Taylor Award for Community Service 2018. Currently Steve and Donna are retired and enjoy being a part of the Plainfield-Meriden, NH, community.

1970s
’72 & ’77: 50th & 45th Reunions–Summer Reunion 2022
Bonnie Breen-Wagner ’72
bonnie breen-wagner ’72

Alumna and Professor Emerita Dr. Bonnie Breen-Wagner ’72 is an active supporter of Plymouth State students and a generous donor, for which she was selected as the inaugural recipient of the employee philanthropy medal. This distinguished award has been renamed the Bonnie Breen-Wagner ’72 Philanthropy Award in her honor.

“Plymouth State shaped my life, and it is a life that I love. I was taught by great professors like Henry Vittum and Manny Sterling who had a lifelong impact on me. I have been happy my whole life because of all my experiences at Plymouth­—that is why I give back—I love Plymouth State.”

Marlene “Marty” Lambert Guild ’68 / Michael Evans ’74
Left: Marlene “Marty” Lambert Guild ’68
Right: Michael Evans ’74

Michael Evans ’74 majored in history at Plymouth State. He retired in 2014 after 40 years in banking.

Mary Alix ’74 retired from the Information Technology Department at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts in December of 2020. Alix had worked in IT for 25 years at MIT, Lucent Technologies, and Lotus Development, among others. Prior to this, she also worked in banking at a variety of financial institutions in Boston and in Philadelphia. Although her retirement plans for travel and other pursuits have been upended by the pandemic, she has been supporting her granddaughter’s graduate studies in health sciences and her eight-year-old grandson’s budding (we hope) NHL career, as well as learning a new language, catching up on reading all the books she bought but never got around to reading, and indulging in her creative interests: writing, fine arts, and the culinary arts.

Thomas Cassese ’75, ’84G is vice president of Hydroflow sales at Barnes International, a Division of Komline-Sanderson.

Kathy (Fiorini) DiGiusto ’75 has recently retired and is enjoying life in Braintree, MA.

Donald Sweet ’75 was part of the Football Team (1971–74), wrestling (1971–72), and TKE (1972–75). Plymouth helped prepare him for his career by giving him opportunities for leadership as an RA and dorm supervisor. Football taught him the value of teamwork and discipline. Dr. Henry Vittum turned him on to lifelong learning. Sweet has been honored with the Ut Prosim award from Plymouth State, and as a Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary International. He also went on to complete his MBA at the University of Connecticut in 1981 and DBA at Nova Southeastern University in 2004.

Mary (McMullen) Thompson ’75 majored in elementary education and was part of Delta Zeta, Plymouth Players, Polyphonic Choir, and Percussion Ensemble. After graduating she was an elementary school teacher and married David G. Thompson ’77. The Thompsons have been married for 43 years, have five grandchildren, and are enjoying retirement in Harrisville, NH.

Christopher Ames ’76 was part of Plymouth Players and Symphonic Band during his time at PSC. He is currently the human resources administrator for Raising Special Kids, a nonprofit organization in Phoenix, AZ, that helps families with special needs children.

John “Jack” Mayhew ’76 retired this year after 20 years as a professor at Weber State University in Ogden, UT. His wife Kim also retired after a 40-year career in the ski industry, most recently as president and COO of Solitude Mountain Resort. They live in Park City, UT, but also enjoy spending time on Newfound Lake, NH.

George Morville ’76 was honored at the Patriots’ Path Council 39th Annual Sussex County Distinguished Citizen Awards with the Victor Avondoglio Lifetime Service Award.

Cathy (Neal) Williams ’76
Cathy (Neal) Williams ’76
Nancy Fraher ’77
Nancy Fraher ’77

Cathy (Neal) Williams ’76 attended Plymouth State because it had an excellent teacher preparation program. In June 2021, she retired from John Stark Regional High School in Weare, NH, where she taught students with special needs. She also coached the John Stark unified basketball and volleyball teams. Cathy and her husband Ken have a two-year-old great granddaughter, Georgia, who lives in Alberta, Canada.

Nancy Fraher ’77 graduated from Plymouth State on a Saturday and took over for a teacher on maternity leave the following Monday! This began a wonderful 35-year career in Candia. Now retired, Fraher says, “Being a positive influence on children cannot be compared to anything.”

Nancy Lou Keenom ’77 spent 34 years teaching physical education, coaching track & field and field hockey, and as a Red Cross first aid/CPR/AED instructor at the McKelvie School in Bedford. Keenom has been enjoying retirement since 2016 and has been membership director on the board of directors of the NH Ski Club since 2017. She enjoys giving back to a club that gives so much and keeps her physically active.

Peter Wyman ’79 retired from banking in 2017. He lives on Cat Island, located on the southern coast of South Carolina near Hilton Head Island. His two children, Madison and Alexander, both currently attend college, Furman University and University of South Carolina respectively. Peter has been enjoying his retirement with his spouse and closest friend Karen, who he has shared all these experiences with for the last 21 years. The couple has a pet rabbit and cat named Moneypenny.

1980s
’82: 40th reunion–Summer Reunion 2022 ’87: 35th Reunion–homecoming 2022
Shelley Zola ’83
Shelley Zola ’83 celebrating her retirement on Cape Cod.

Shelley Zola ’83 was part of the Women’s Basketball and Lacrosse teams during her time at PSC. She is excited to be retiring in December 2021 after a long, successful career with AT&T as a senior process manager. Zola has held many roles with AT&T and has been part of the evolution, growth, and technological changes experienced over the past three decades. She is excited about the next phase of her life!

Thomas Adamakos ’85 has been in education since 1996, beginning as a teacher of US History to eighth grade students in Nashua. Currently, he is principal of Amherst Street Elementary School in Nashua, NH, where he has served in this role for the past three years.

Deborah A. (Dery) Morin ’87 majored in accounting and appreciates all the information she learned through her studies. After graduation she spent most of her years in banking and has created a diverse position for herself. Her daughter, Lucille Morin, graduated from PSU on May 8, 2021.

Lisa Joly ’88 majored in economics at PSC. Recently she started a new position as category manager with the Emerson Group, working closely with CVS to develop targeted product assortments to meet their shopper needs.

Scott Reynolds ’89 majored in meteorology and was part of the American Meteorological Society, serving as cofounder and first president (1988–89) at PSC. After graduating he was able to start his career with the National Weather Service. Reynolds says, “What I love the most about what I do? Knowing that the weather support I provide to our FAA partners helps minimize the impacts of significant weather on the aviation industry, even if it’s only a small piece of the puzzle. Also, having the opportunity to give back by mentoring future meteorologists (and even mentoring a few graduates too).” Reynolds received his master’s degree in emergency management from Millersville University (PA) in 2020.

Stephen Campbell ’85
Stephen Campbell ’85

Steve Campbell ’85 was drawn to Plymouth State for its size, community, and strong business program. Joining the Clock as a writer, he discovered his deep passion for journalism. After working first as a reporter, then bureau head for the Portland Herald Press, which saw him in DC for 10 years, he transitioned to the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). Using his background in business and journalism, he worked his way from editor to acting president and CEO. Not only did Plymouth State set Campbell up for professional success, but the bonds he made with students, faculty, and staff at the Clock, in his dorm, classes, and fraternity are still as strong as ever.

“I owe so much to Plymouth and encourage current students to become involved with campus life. I love Plymouth, still do, and continue to credit my success in my career and life to my experience there. It was critical in helping me pursue my career and my relationships persist to today.”

1990s
’92 & ’97: 30th & 25th Reunions–homecoming 2022
John Marrapese ’90
John Marrapese ’90

John ’90 and Martha Marrapese recognized that more was needed to protect the quality and character of New Hampshire’s pristine lakes, so they decided to make a difference. John’s parents gave so much of themselves during a decades-long fight protecting the shores of Webster Lake from outsized development. John and Martha began their scholarship to build on this legacy, honor his parents, and support tomorrow’s leaders in conserving New Hampshire’s lakes. Plymouth State is proud to be a part of the Marrapese family’s lasting impact on this beloved natural resource.

“The Marrapese ‘Keep NH Lakes Clear’ scholarship was created to help fund studies to preserve the pristine waters in NH that are so vital to us all. PSU is the perfect place to establish this fund as an environmental leader in the state of NH. The Marrapese family is proud to be part of it and will be for generations.”

Eric Hughes ’91 went to Plymouth State and eventually became a member of the music faculty. Soon afterwards he joined a band called Blaggards, and now can be found touring and performing songs from their latest album, Blagmatic. blaggards.com.

Ellen Pietrzak  Kotzin ’92, ’94G
Ellen Pietrzak Kotzin ’92, ’94G

Ellen (Pietrzak) Kotzin ’92, MEd ’94 was part of theatre, chorale, the International Students Organization, and French AT, and minored in theatre and German at PSC. She recently retired from teaching French after 32 years to follow her acting career. Kotzin had been doing community theatre as well as films and commercials, and has recently appeared in the series, The Chair and Archive 81 (both on Netflix), and American Rust on Showtime, filmed in Pittsburgh, PA. “I look forward to being a part of more productions where I live in Pittsburgh.” She and her husband of 23 years, Mark, have two children, Noah and Molly.

Tavia Cederberg ’92, CPA at accounting firm Leone, McDonnell & Roberts, has been promoted to principal with the firm. https://tinyurl.com/cederberg92.

Bethany Harvey ’94 recently published her first book, Dipped In it, a memoir of her year-long self-reflection on grief at the sudden loss of her father. DippedInIt.com

2000s
’02 & ’07: 20th & 15th Reunions–homecoming 2022

Jonathan Hunt ’00 majored in business management and was recently named the executive director of Whaleback Mountain in Enfield, NH. He is responsible for overseeing the operations, programs, and strategic plan of the organization, while also focusing on fundraising, communications, and community and corporate outreach. “Ski It To Believe It!”

Rhonda hodge ’02
Rhonda hodge ’02

Dr. Rhonda Hodge’s experience as a psychology undergrad was rooted in meaningful relationships with faculty and fellow students. “They were like family. Plymouth State is still home.” The importance of connection continues to influence her work at her own practice, Harmony Psychiatric Services. Her approach is innovative and includes medication management combined with exercise and nutrition to help treat the symptoms of mental illness.

“Alumni have a vital role to play in the success of students. It takes a village. We all have something to offer and helping grow this community elevates us all.”

Bethany Gates ’02
Bethany Gates ’02

Bethany Gates ’02 majored in communication studies and during the Covid-19 pandemic, reconnected with a few college classmates and was convinced to create a blog to house her writing portfolio. An active writer for the Clock as a student, Gates used to pen opinion columns, including a horoscope column, “Goddess Beth Knows All,” and a feature column, “Human Nature.” Visit her storytelling blog affectionately called “the Madness.” bethanywgates.com

Tina Philbotte ’01, ’08G was appointed the inaugural chief equity officer for Manchester schools. Her appointment was featured on NHPR. https://tinyurl.com/philbotteNHPR

Michael Longo ’05
Michael Longo ’05

Michael Longo ’05 has recently been promoted to associate director of new business for DCM Inc, a boutique telemarketing and tele-fundraising firm for performing arts, political, and advocacy organizations in the US. Previously he has managed million-dollar fundraising campaigns at DCM on behalf of prestigious clients such as Carnegie Hall and The Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Christopher Trapp ’07
Christopher Trapp ’07
Caitlin (Billé) Bowne ’08 with husband John and daughter Adeline (age 4), 2020, Cape Cod.
Caitlin (Billé) Bowne ’08 with husband John and daughter Adeline (age 4), 2020, Cape Cod.

Christopher Trapp ’07 was named to the 2021 Cape and Plymouth Business Media’s 40 under 40 list in August 2021. https://tinyurl.com/ctrapp07.

Lydia Perry ’06 is currently working as a therapist with a private practice group in Mystic, CT. She is a licensed professional counselor and licensed alcohol and drug counselor with the State of Connecticut and is pursuing a PhD in marriage and family therapy at Antioch University in Keene, NH, with an interest in secondary PTSD in military families.

Caitlin (Billé) Bowne ’08 was part of AMS, Contemporary Dance Ensemble, and PSU Democrats during her time at PSU. Currently she is the associate director of drug supply at Alkermes Inc., a company specializing in medicines for addiction recovery, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, and oncology research and drug discovery. Caitlin married John James Bowne III on October 12, 2014, at the Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport, ME. Together they welcomed Adeline Ann Bowne on September 8, 2016. “While I did not end up in my field of study, I did end up in a STEM field for which my degree did come in useful given that the courses I took gave me a great foundation.”

Bobby-Ann (Estes) Dostie ’09 majored in graphic design and has recently become the owner/marketing director of ONE Successful Business. https://onesuccessfulbiz.com

2010s
’12 & ’17: 10th & 5th Reunions–homecoming 2022

Sarah Airozo ’10 is the program director of Big Oak Child Care Center in Madison, WI. This nonprofit, play-based child care center strives to promote strong partnerships with families and create a sense of community that is thoughtful, warm, and compassionate.

Ashley Pinkham ’10
Ashley Pinkham ’10

Ashley Pinkham ‘10 recalls her time in Boyd where she met lifelong friends who would become family, where mentor Professor Yurewicz helped her realize her potential, and where she put in the work that led to her success. As an infectious disease nurse practitioner and DNP candidate, Ashley is on the frontlines, making important contributions amid a global pandemic.

“I was more than a number at Plymouth. My professors knew me and were invested in my success, and it made all the difference in my career.”

Christopher Greiner ’11
Christopher Greiner ’11

Christopher Greiner ’11 majored in marketing and was part of PACE, serving as the promotions chair for three years before becoming president. He credits his time with PACE for providing him with important managerial, organizational, and leadership skills to help him with his career. Greiner is currently the director of corporate relations at the National Association of Wholesale-Distributors.

Erin (Norris) Maggio ’12 majored in meteorology and was on the Field Hockey Team. She began a career in emergency management, working with people from a variety of backgrounds and business sectors. Her time at PSU helped prepare her by establishing a strong foundation, matching all her skills to what she does, and learning time management, which has helped her balance the multiple aspects of her job, which can change daily. In June she had her first child. See Arrivals

Kara Ryan ’13 majored in physical education and was part of the Volleyball Team. Ryan moved to California two years ago and is working as an adventure crew member. She says, “I get to interact with guests of all ages and experience levels as I guide them through our zip line, rock climbing, and several other adventures.” Ryan is thankful to her professors at Plymouth State for teaching her how to adapt to any situation she might find herself in, and how to enjoy her job.

Alyssa Hammond ’14 recently started working at Worcester State University’s Department of Earth, Environment, and Physics as a Technician I (GeoSciences Tech). She manages all the equipment and software used by classes and researchers under the Earth & Environment umbrella, including geography/GIS, geology, environmental science, and meteorology.

Leah Swanson ’16
Leah Swanson ’16

As a driven, multi-sport athlete, Leah found success at Plymouth State on the basketball court, the soccer field, and in Hyde Hall, where she earned a BS in marketing with a concentration in public relations. Leah now plays an active role in Plymouth State’s athletics program as head coach to the Women’s Basketball Team and assistant coach for the Women’s Soccer Team. Leah is a true pillar of the Plymouth State community. She is both a mentor and donor whose support of student athletes is changing lives.

“Having had the opportunity to be an athlete at Plymouth State and the honor of continuing my career here has been nothing short of a dream. When it came to giving back to athletics and the Strength and Conditioning Lab, there was no question in being a part of doing so! I want nothing more than to see success for our current and future student athletes. It’s an absolute pleasure to be a part of a community that is so supportive of each other and willing to pay it forward!”

Ryan Battaglia ’18
Ryan Battaglia ’18

Miranda (Beaudry) McAlister ’16 majored in elementary education and was part of the Delta Zeta sorority. After graduating McAlister went straight to teaching and loves every minute of it. She says, “I get to be creative and help kids gain confidence in their skills. Teaching is an incredibly rewarding and challenging career, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with children every day!” She credits Plymouth for equipping her with a wide range of knowledge about the classroom, from teaching styles to behavior management strategies. In 2020 she graduated from Western Governors University with a master’s degree in instructional design. This past July she married Dakota McAlister. See Exchanging Vows

Ryan Battaglia ’18 gets to apply his marketing degree every day in his role as an admissions counselor right here at PSU. He thanks his professors for his love of learning and the experiences he had working with his Clusters projects for skills in client and project management. Battaglia says, “It is an amazing feeling to work with students and to guide them toward their future selves.” He also loves being part of the Plymouth community and all of the activities the area has to offer.

Fiona McEnany ’18
Fiona McEnany ’18 received the Young Person of the Year Award from Stay-Work-Play NH. An activist devoted to equity and social justice, she is in a microbiology and immunology PhD program at Dartmouth College.
Allegra K. Boverman photo.
Adam Correia ’19
Adam Correia ’19

After graduating with a degree in marketing, Adam Correia ‘19 filled his truck with everything he owned and moved to Fort Myers, FL, to begin working at Gartner. This year, despite the challenges of the pandemic, he made Winner’s Circle and was promoted to account executive. Adam lists Plymouth State’s ability to support students and position them for opportunities as parts of his success.

“Mentorship allows alumni to continue to play a role in the Plymouth State community. I’ve had many Plymouth students reach out to me about Gartner; I did the same when I was a student. It’s important we keep a connection between the students, faculty, and alumni to strengthen our network for future opportunities. We’ve all learned something in our experiences worth sharing with one another.”

Jewelia Durant ’20
Jewelia Durant ’20 at Dartmouth’s Geisel School of Medicine White Coat Ceremony for the class of 2025. August 28, 2021

Emma Kilian ’19 is the permit records information coordinator for the Environmental Resource & Regulatory Support Bureau at the South Florida Water Management District.

2020s

Jewelia Durant ’20 was accepted to medical school at Dartmouth this past spring and started classes this fall as part of Geisel School of Medicine’s MD class of 2025. As a first-generation college student, she is so grateful for the support she received from the wonderful faculty at PSU who helped to inspire and encourage her on her journey to becoming a physician.