{"id":252,"date":"2022-12-22T20:11:11","date_gmt":"2022-12-22T20:11:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/?page_id=252"},"modified":"2022-12-22T23:51:17","modified_gmt":"2022-12-22T23:51:17","slug":"120-wcsu-stories","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/120-wcsu-stories\/","title":{"rendered":"120 WCSU Stories"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-252\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-252-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-252-0\" data-stretch-type=\"full-stretched\" ><div id=\"pgc-252-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-252-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-image panel-first-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-image so-widget-sow-image-default-c67d20f9f743-252\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"sow-image-container\">\n\t\t<img \n\tsrc=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/120th_logo.png\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/120th_logo.png 319w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/120th_logo-300x235.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" title=\"WCSU 120th Logo\" alt=\"WCSU 120th Logo\" \t\tclass=\"so-widget-image\"\/>\n\t<\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><div id=\"panel-252-0-0-1\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-headline panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div class=\"panel-widget-style panel-widget-style-for-252-0-0-1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-headline so-widget-sow-headline-default-ad91ba5a321d-252\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t><div class=\"sow-headline-container \">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"sow-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<b>TRANSFORMING LIVES FOR 120 YEARS<\/b>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"decoration\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"decoration-inside\"><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"sow-sub-headline\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCommemorating our birthday by sharing <b>120 WCSU stories<\/b>.<br \/>New stories will be added weekly, check back to read more.\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-252-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-252-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-252-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<style type=\"text\/css\">#envira-gallery-247 {font-size: 16px; }#envira-gallery-247 .envira-caption{text-align: left !important;background-color: #eeeeee !important;padding: 20px !important;line-height: 1.35;font-size: 13px;}#envira-gallery-247 .envira-title{background-color: #002856 !important;color: white !important;padding: 10px !important;}.envira-gallery-wrap .envira-pagination {margin: 0 0 20px 0;clear: both;text-align: center;padding-top: 40px;border-top: 2px solid #d9d8d6;font-weight: bold;}.envira-gallery-wrap .envira-pagination span.page-numbers.current {display: inline-block;background: #002856;color: #fff;padding: 12px;font-weight: bold;}.envira-gallery-wrap .envira-pagination a.page-numbers {display: inline-block;padding: 12px;font-weight: bold;color: #002856;}@media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { #envira-gallery-247 .envira-gallery-item { width: 100% !important; } }<\/style><div id=\"envira-gallery-wrap-247\" class=\"envira-gallery-wrap envira-lazy-loading-disabled envira-layout-mason envira-gallery-theme-subtle\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageGallery\"><div class=\"envira-loader\"><div><\/div><div><\/div><div><\/div><div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-247\" class=\"envira-gallery-public envira-gallery-4-columns envira-clear enviratope\" data-envira-id=\"247\" data-gallery-config='{\"type\":\"default\",\"layout\":\"mason\",\"columns\":\"4\",\"gallery_theme\":\"subtle\",\"justified_margins\":1,\"justified_last_row\":\"nojustify\",\"lazy_loading\":0,\"lazy_loading_delay\":500,\"gutter\":15,\"margin\":15,\"image_size\":\"default\",\"square_size\":300,\"crop_width\":300,\"crop_height\":300,\"crop\":0,\"crop_position\":\"c\",\"additional_copy_0\":0,\"additional_copy_title\":0,\"additional_copy_caption\":0,\"additional_copy_title_caption\":0,\"additional_copy_0_mobile\":0,\"additional_copy_title_mobile\":0,\"additional_copy_caption_mobile\":0,\"additional_copy_title_caption_mobile\":0,\"gallery_column_title_caption\":\"title_caption\",\"gallery_column_title_caption_mobile\":\"title_caption\",\"additional_copy_automatic_0\":0,\"additional_copy_automatic_title\":0,\"additional_copy_automatic_caption\":0,\"additional_copy_automatic_title_caption\":0,\"additional_copy_automatic_0_mobile\":0,\"additional_copy_automatic_title_mobile\":0,\"additional_copy_automatic_caption_mobile\":0,\"additional_copy_automatic_title_caption_mobile\":0,\"gallery_automatic_title_caption\":\"0\",\"gallery_automatic_title_caption_mobile\":\"0\",\"justified_row_height\":150,\"description_position\":\"0\",\"description\":\"\",\"random\":\"0\",\"sort_order\":\"0\",\"sorting_direction\":\"ASC\",\"image_sizes_random\":[],\"isotope\":true,\"lightbox_enabled\":0,\"gallery_link_enabled\":0,\"lightbox_theme\":\"base_dark\",\"lightbox_image_size\":\"default\",\"title_display\":\"float\",\"lightbox_title_caption\":\"title\",\"arrows\":1,\"arrows_position\":\"inside\",\"toolbar\":0,\"toolbar_title\":0,\"toolbar_position\":\"top\",\"loop\":1,\"lightbox_open_close_effect\":\"fade\",\"effect\":\"fade\",\"supersize\":0,\"thumbnails_toggle\":0,\"thumbnails_hide\":0,\"image_counter\":0,\"thumbnails\":1,\"thumbnails_width\":\"auto\",\"thumbnails_height\":\"auto\",\"thumbnails_position\":\"bottom\",\"thumbnails_custom_size\":0,\"mobile\":1,\"mobile_width\":300,\"mobile_height\":300,\"mobile_lightbox\":0,\"mobile_gallery_link_enabled\":0,\"mobile_arrows\":0,\"mobile_toolbar\":1,\"mobile_thumbnails\":1,\"mobile_touchwipe_close\":1,\"mobile_thumbnails_width\":75,\"mobile_thumbnails_height\":50,\"mobile_justified_row_height\":80,\"keyboard\":true,\"standalone_template\":\"\",\"classes\":[\"\"],\"rtl\":0,\"slug\":\"120-wcsu-stories\",\"custom_css\":\"#envira-gallery-247 {\\r\\n    \\\/* margin-bottom: 20px; *\\\/\\r\\n    font-size: 16px; \\r\\n    \\\/*font-family: \\\"roboto\\\";*\\\/\\r\\n}\\r\\n\\r\\n#envira-gallery-247 .envira-caption{\\r\\n\\ttext-align: left !important;\\r\\n\\tbackground-color: #eeeeee !important;\\r\\n\\tpadding: 20px !important;\\r\\n\\tline-height: 1.35;\\r\\n\\tfont-size: 13px;\\r\\n}\\r\\n\\r\\n#envira-gallery-247 .envira-title{\\r\\n\\tbackground-color: #002856 !important;\\r\\n\\tcolor: white !important;\\r\\n\\tpadding: 10px !important;\\r\\n}\\r\\n\\r\\n.envira-gallery-wrap .envira-pagination {\\r\\n    margin: 0 0 20px 0;\\r\\n    clear: both;\\r\\n    text-align: center;\\r\\n    padding-top: 40px;\\r\\n    border-top: 2px solid #d9d8d6;\\r\\n\\t  font-weight: bold;\\r\\n}\\r\\n\\r\\n.envira-gallery-wrap .envira-pagination span.page-numbers.current {\\r\\n    display: inline-block;\\r\\n    background: #002856;\\r\\n    color: #fff;\\r\\n    padding: 12px;\\r\\n    font-weight: bold;\\r\\n}\\r\\n\\r\\n.envira-gallery-wrap .envira-pagination a.page-numbers {\\r\\n    display: inline-block;\\r\\n    padding: 12px;\\r\\n    font-weight: bold;\\r\\n\\t  color: #002856;\\r\\n\\t\\r\\n}\\r\\n\\r\\n@media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { \\r\\n#envira-gallery-247 .envira-gallery-item { \\r\\nwidth: 100% !important; \\r\\n} \\r\\n}\",\"pagination\":1,\"pagination_position\":\"below\",\"pagination_images_per_page\":30,\"pagination_prev_next\":\"numbered_previous_next\",\"pagination_prev_text\":\"&laquo; Previous\",\"pagination_next_text\":\"Next &raquo;\",\"pagination_scroll\":0,\"pagination_ajax_load\":2,\"pagination_button_text\":\"Load More\",\"pagination_lightbox_display_all_images\":0,\"mobile_pagination_images_per_page\":9,\"mobile_pagination_prev_next\":\"numbered_previous_next\",\"gutter_mobile\":15,\"show_more_text\":\"Click for more\",\"lightbox_html_caption\":0,\"download_all\":0,\"download_all_position\":\"below\",\"download_all_label\":\"Download All Images\",\"download\":0,\"download_custom_name\":\"120Gallery\",\"download_position\":\"top-left\",\"download_image_size\":\"default\",\"download_force\":0,\"download_invalid_password_message\":false,\"download_mobile\":0,\"download_lightbox\":0,\"download_lightbox_position\":\"top-left\",\"download_lightbox_force\":0,\"download_lightbox_mobile\":0,\"pagination_total_pages\":5,\"gallery_id\":\"247\"}' data-gallery-images='[{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bobby-Akbar.jpg\",\"title\":\"Bobby Akbar\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bobby-Akbar.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;Elementary Education\\\/CTA, minor in African American Studies, &#39;99&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nI am an award-winning Math Coach where I support teachers and students in my district.\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU made me into the man I am because I was a part of a diverse population of teachers, coaches and students who made me think outside the box and try new things!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bobby-Akbar-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bobby-Akbar-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bobby-Akbar-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bobby-Akbar.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bobby-Akbar.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bobby-Akbar.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bobby-Akbar.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bobby-Akbar-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bobby-Akbar-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bobby-Akbar.jpg\",\"index\":0,\"id\":312,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;Elementary Education\\\/CTA, minor in African American Studies, &#39;99&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nI am an award-winning Math Coach where I support teachers and students in my district.\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU made me into the man I am because I was a part of a diverse population of teachers, coaches and students who made me think outside the box and try new things!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bobby-Akbar-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Bobby Akbar\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jena-Alviti.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jena Alviti\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jena-Alviti.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in Photography, &#39;07&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nI&rsquo;ve been running my photography studio and business for 13 years out of my home in New Fairfield, CT. Photographing families, newborns and children (Best job ever!)\\n\\n&ldquo;Going to WCSU impacted my life in so many ways! I was able to continue to play a sport I love (women&rsquo;s lacrosse), which I now coach in the youth league. I met friends that are now my family, and one of those friends introduced me to my husband of 13 years! I loved how affordable going to school there was, so that I wasn&rsquo;t bogged down with a ton of debt after graduating. I had amazing professors and was able to explore art in all areas while putting my main focus on my concentration and am so grateful to be making a living in the arts.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jena-Alviti-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jena-Alviti-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jena-Alviti-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jena-Alviti.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jena-Alviti.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jena-Alviti.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jena-Alviti.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jena-Alviti-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jena-Alviti-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jena-Alviti.jpg\",\"index\":1,\"id\":337,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in Photography, &#39;07&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nI&rsquo;ve been running my photography studio and business for 13 years out of my home in New Fairfield, CT. Photographing families, newborns and children (Best job ever!)\\n\\n&ldquo;Going to WCSU impacted my life in so many ways! I was able to continue to play a sport I love (women&rsquo;s lacrosse), which I now coach in the youth league. I met friends that are now my family, and one of those friends introduced me to my husband of 13 years! I loved how affordable going to school there was, so that I wasn&rsquo;t bogged down with a ton of debt after graduating. I had amazing professors and was able to explore art in all areas while putting my main focus on my concentration and am so grateful to be making a living in the arts.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jena-Alviti-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jena Alviti\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski.jpg\",\"title\":\"Elizabeth (Polaco) Andrzejewski\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S Secondary Education\\\/7-12\\\/History, &#39;13&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nHigh school Social Studies teacher since 2014 with the Waterbury Public School system; TEAM mentor and Cooperating Teacher for student teachers\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU allowed me to develop the skills necessary to excel in the education field. I was able to create a small community with other education majors which made my time at WCSU more memorable, as I was a commuter student. I still discuss experiences I had from courses like NYC History &amp; Culture and Middle Eastern Culture with my students today. WCSU not only impacted my education, but my personal life and I am so grateful for the experiences I had while attending!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":414,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski.jpg\",\"index\":2,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S Secondary Education\\\/7-12\\\/History, &#39;13&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nHigh school Social Studies teacher since 2014 with the Waterbury Public School system; TEAM mentor and Cooperating Teacher for student teachers\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU allowed me to develop the skills necessary to excel in the education field. I was able to create a small community with other education majors which made my time at WCSU more memorable, as I was a commuter student. I still discuss experiences I had from courses like NYC History &amp; Culture and Middle Eastern Culture with my students today. WCSU not only impacted my education, but my personal life and I am so grateful for the experiences I had while attending!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Elizabeth (Polaco) Andrzejewski\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Aaron-F.-Atwood.jpg\",\"title\":\"Aaron F. Atwood\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Aaron-F.-Atwood.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;BM Performance, Classical, &#39;14 (pictured far right)&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\n\\n&&#163;34;I&#39;m currently in the 77th Army Band based in Fort Sill, Oklahoma; going through my 11th non-consecutive year on active duty between being an Army musician as well as a Marine Corps musician. While I could&#39;ve auditioned for and likely got into a conservatory or a college\\\/university with a reputation for a top tier music department: what took me to WCSU was the location (roughly three miles from where I grew up in Danbury) and music faculty; some of whom literally watched me grow up both physically and as a musician. More importantly they earned their pay and reputation as music faculty by still being able to teach me things despite already having a few years in the musical professional environment. No matter your level in any profession you never stop learning. You never go the route of complacency.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Aaron-F.-Atwood-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Aaron-F.-Atwood-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Aaron-F.-Atwood-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Aaron-F.-Atwood.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Aaron-F.-Atwood.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Aaron-F.-Atwood.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Aaron-F.-Atwood.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Aaron-F.-Atwood-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Aaron-F.-Atwood-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Aaron-F.-Atwood.jpg\",\"index\":3,\"id\":301,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;BM Performance, Classical, &#39;14 (pictured far right)&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\n\\n&&#163;34;I&#39;m currently in the 77th Army Band based in Fort Sill, Oklahoma; going through my 11th non-consecutive year on active duty between being an Army musician as well as a Marine Corps musician. While I could&#39;ve auditioned for and likely got into a conservatory or a college\\\/university with a reputation for a top tier music department: what took me to WCSU was the location (roughly three miles from where I grew up in Danbury) and music faculty; some of whom literally watched me grow up both physically and as a musician. More importantly they earned their pay and reputation as music faculty by still being able to teach me things despite already having a few years in the musical professional environment. No matter your level in any profession you never stop learning. You never go the route of complacency.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Aaron-F.-Atwood-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Aaron F. Atwood\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Leach-Audet.jpg\",\"title\":\"Ashley Audet&lt;br&gt;(formerly Leach)\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Leach-Audet.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communications, &#39;14&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSocial Media Lead for Edgewell Personal Care - Sun &amp; Skin decision (Hawaiian Tropic, Banana Boat, Wet Ones Wipes)\\n\\n&&#163;34;I will always look back on my time at WCSU with fond memories, in part because of my former professors like Lionel Bascom and JC Barone (who I still connect with regularly), who  are part of the reason I&rsquo;ve found a career that I love.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Leach-Audet-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":307,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Leach-Audet-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Leach-Audet-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Leach-Audet.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Leach-Audet.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Leach-Audet.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Leach-Audet.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Leach-Audet-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Leach-Audet-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Leach-Audet.jpg\",\"index\":4,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communications, &#39;14&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSocial Media Lead for Edgewell Personal Care - Sun &amp; Skin decision (Hawaiian Tropic, Banana Boat, Wet Ones Wipes)\\n\\n&&#163;34;I will always look back on my time at WCSU with fond memories, in part because of my former professors like Lionel Bascom and JC Barone (who I still connect with regularly), who  are part of the reason I&rsquo;ve found a career that I love.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Leach-Audet-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Ashley Audet&lt;br&gt;(formerly Leach)\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Suzanne-Bair.jpg\",\"title\":\"Suzanne Bair\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Suzanne-Bair.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;M.F.A. in Creative and Professional Writing with an emphasis in Nonfiction and Disability Studies &rsquo;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nMy thesis, The Business of Travel Writing: The Creation of Accessible Family Travel Magazine, was awarded high distinction. \\n\\n&&#163;34;I recently opened my own full-service boutique creative agency, Bair Media Group, which specializes in small business and personal brand development, providing end-to-end solutions that simplify projects and create an unforgettable brand identity. I am extremely grateful for my time at WCSU. WCSU allowed me to tailor my M.F.A. into a unique degree that incorporated both written and visual communication skills, which has propelled me forward into a career I love. I am extremely proud of the work that I have continued to do with my own magazine, Accessible Family Travel, and opening Bair Media Group.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Suzanne-Bair-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Suzanne-Bair-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Suzanne-Bair-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Suzanne-Bair.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Suzanne-Bair.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Suzanne-Bair.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Suzanne-Bair.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Suzanne-Bair-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Suzanne-Bair-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Suzanne-Bair.jpg\",\"index\":5,\"id\":383,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;M.F.A. in Creative and Professional Writing with an emphasis in Nonfiction and Disability Studies &rsquo;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nMy thesis, The Business of Travel Writing: The Creation of Accessible Family Travel Magazine, was awarded high distinction. \\n\\n&&#163;34;I recently opened my own full-service boutique creative agency, Bair Media Group, which specializes in small business and personal brand development, providing end-to-end solutions that simplify projects and create an unforgettable brand identity. I am extremely grateful for my time at WCSU. WCSU allowed me to tailor my M.F.A. into a unique degree that incorporated both written and visual communication skills, which has propelled me forward into a career I love. I am extremely proud of the work that I have continued to do with my own magazine, Accessible Family Travel, and opening Bair Media Group.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Suzanne-Bair-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Suzanne Bair\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT.jpg\",\"title\":\"Brittany Baisch, Ph.D., DABT\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Chemistry, Biochemistry and Spanish, &#39;08&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nRegulatory Toxicology Lead for a crop protection startup company located in Mystic, Connecticut. Also an adjunct professor for the WCSU Chemistry Department and on the BOD for the CT State Colleges and Universities Foundation.  \\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU was where it all started! I learned how to problem solve and ask scientific questions in a brand-new facility with state-of-the-art instrumentation, small lab sizes and dedicated faculty who had the hearts of teachers. The Chemistry department encouraged us to push our intellectual boundaries. WCSU offered many campus jobs to enhance my teaching and communication skills, and had connections in the greater Danbury area for paid internships. At WCSU, I gained fluency in Spanish from learning in the classroom with native and heritage speakers and participating in several study-abroad opportunities. Attending WCSU was one of my best life decisions!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":394,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT.jpg\",\"index\":6,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Chemistry, Biochemistry and Spanish, &#39;08&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nRegulatory Toxicology Lead for a crop protection startup company located in Mystic, Connecticut. Also an adjunct professor for the WCSU Chemistry Department and on the BOD for the CT State Colleges and Universities Foundation.  \\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU was where it all started! I learned how to problem solve and ask scientific questions in a brand-new facility with state-of-the-art instrumentation, small lab sizes and dedicated faculty who had the hearts of teachers. The Chemistry department encouraged us to push our intellectual boundaries. WCSU offered many campus jobs to enhance my teaching and communication skills, and had connections in the greater Danbury area for paid internships. At WCSU, I gained fluency in Spanish from learning in the classroom with native and heritage speakers and participating in several study-abroad opportunities. Attending WCSU was one of my best life decisions!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Brittany Baisch, Ph.D., DABT\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Barnett.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kevin Barnett\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Barnett.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Political Science, minor Sociology, &#39;19 &lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nWorks as an Admissions Counselor at UMass-Dartmouth.\\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU showed me the value of public education, the dedication of the professors, and what hard work can do for me. WCSU also allowed to me to grow and develop relationships through club athletics, playing rugby.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Barnett-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Barnett-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Barnett-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Barnett.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Barnett.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Barnett.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Barnett.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Barnett-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Barnett-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Barnett.jpg\",\"index\":7,\"id\":351,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Political Science, minor Sociology, &#39;19 &lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nWorks as an Admissions Counselor at UMass-Dartmouth.\\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU showed me the value of public education, the dedication of the professors, and what hard work can do for me. WCSU also allowed to me to grow and develop relationships through club athletics, playing rugby.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Barnett-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kevin Barnett\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katie-Bassett-Langin.jpg\",\"title\":\"Katie Bassett Langin\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katie-Bassett-Langin.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Art - Sculpture &amp; Graphic Design, &#39;08\\nM.F.A. Art - Mixed Media Painting, &#39;14&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nRegistrar for the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield \\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU did not simply provide me with an education; it gave me a life. I came to WCSU hoping to learn art techniques and receive a studio arts degree. Nearly 20 years later, I have three art degrees from WCSU and have stayed in the greater Danbury area for the enriching art community. WCSU&#39;s art department provided me with the knowledge to succeed and the support to thrive.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katie-Bassett-Langin-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":418,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katie-Bassett-Langin-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katie-Bassett-Langin-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katie-Bassett-Langin.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katie-Bassett-Langin.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katie-Bassett-Langin.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katie-Bassett-Langin.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katie-Bassett-Langin-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katie-Bassett-Langin-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katie-Bassett-Langin.jpg\",\"index\":8,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Art - Sculpture &amp; Graphic Design, &#39;08\\nM.F.A. Art - Mixed Media Painting, &#39;14&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nRegistrar for the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield \\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU did not simply provide me with an education; it gave me a life. I came to WCSU hoping to learn art techniques and receive a studio arts degree. Nearly 20 years later, I have three art degrees from WCSU and have stayed in the greater Danbury area for the enriching art community. WCSU&#39;s art department provided me with the knowledge to succeed and the support to thrive.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katie-Bassett-Langin-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Katie Bassett Langin\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amber-Bauer.jpg\",\"title\":\"Amber Bauer\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amber-Bauer.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in Art - Graphic Design, &#39;18&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nWorks at Ramsey Solutions in Tennessee as a graphic designer. \\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU, I was most impacted by my work study and being able to work on campus in both the Student Affairs office and Publications &amp; Design office. Having these opportunities allowed me to see the backend of WCSU, make long-lasting friendships and get ahead in my field.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amber-Bauer-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amber-Bauer-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amber-Bauer-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amber-Bauer.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amber-Bauer.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amber-Bauer.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amber-Bauer.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amber-Bauer-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amber-Bauer-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amber-Bauer.jpg\",\"index\":9,\"id\":304,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in Art - Graphic Design, &#39;18&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nWorks at Ramsey Solutions in Tennessee as a graphic designer. \\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU, I was most impacted by my work study and being able to work on campus in both the Student Affairs office and Publications &amp; Design office. Having these opportunities allowed me to see the backend of WCSU, make long-lasting friendships and get ahead in my field.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amber-Bauer-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Amber Bauer\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gabrielle-Book.jpg\",\"title\":\"Gabrielle Book, LCSW&lt;br&gt;(formerly Gabrielle DeVito)\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gabrielle-Book.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;17&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nCare Coordination at Danbury Hospital: At Danbury Hospital I assist patients in connecting to resources, obtaining services and needed medical equipment, and providing education on safety in discharge planning in hopes of building a healthier community. \\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a Social Work student at WCSU allowed me to build a strong foundation on my verbal, written and organizational skills that have allowed me to progress in my career and build lasting relationships in both my professional and personal life. I now work with two other WCSU Social Work Alums at Danbury Hospital!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gabrielle-Book-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gabrielle-Book-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gabrielle-Book-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gabrielle-Book.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gabrielle-Book.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gabrielle-Book.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gabrielle-Book.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gabrielle-Book-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gabrielle-Book-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gabrielle-Book.jpg\",\"index\":10,\"id\":327,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;17&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nCare Coordination at Danbury Hospital: At Danbury Hospital I assist patients in connecting to resources, obtaining services and needed medical equipment, and providing education on safety in discharge planning in hopes of building a healthier community. \\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a Social Work student at WCSU allowed me to build a strong foundation on my verbal, written and organizational skills that have allowed me to progress in my career and build lasting relationships in both my professional and personal life. I now work with two other WCSU Social Work Alums at Danbury Hospital!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gabrielle-Book-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Gabrielle Book, LCSW&lt;br&gt;(formerly Gabrielle DeVito)\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Clint-Brandon-Cave.jpg\",\"title\":\"Clint Brandon Cave\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Clint-Brandon-Cave.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Business Management - Small Business Entrepreneurship, &#39;17&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSenior Account Executive, Indeed; Freelance Photographer &amp; Videographer, Cave Digital Media \\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU gave me the opportunity to network and build relationships inside and outside of school, which helped guide me to the success that I have currently!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Clint-Brandon-Cave-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Clint-Brandon-Cave-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Clint-Brandon-Cave-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Clint-Brandon-Cave.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Clint-Brandon-Cave.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Clint-Brandon-Cave.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Clint-Brandon-Cave.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Clint-Brandon-Cave-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Clint-Brandon-Cave-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Clint-Brandon-Cave.jpg\",\"index\":11,\"id\":251,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Business Management - Small Business Entrepreneurship, &#39;17&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSenior Account Executive, Indeed; Freelance Photographer &amp; Videographer, Cave Digital Media \\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU gave me the opportunity to network and build relationships inside and outside of school, which helped guide me to the success that I have currently!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Clint-Brandon-Cave-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Clint Brandon Cave\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Waverly-Rose-Brim.jpg\",\"title\":\"Waverly Rose Brim\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Waverly-Rose-Brim.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Biology, &#39;17&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nFounder of Minorities in Medicine 501(c)(3) | Artificial Intelligence M.S. Student | Neurosurgery Postgraduate Research Fellow\\n\\n&&#163;34;I had phenomenal professors who poured into me while earning my degree at WCSU. Now, I have the opportunity to pour into others.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Waverly-Rose-Brim-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":419,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Waverly-Rose-Brim-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Waverly-Rose-Brim-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Waverly-Rose-Brim.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Waverly-Rose-Brim.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Waverly-Rose-Brim.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Waverly-Rose-Brim.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Waverly-Rose-Brim-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Waverly-Rose-Brim-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Waverly-Rose-Brim.jpg\",\"index\":12,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Biology, &#39;17&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nFounder of Minorities in Medicine 501(c)(3) | Artificial Intelligence M.S. Student | Neurosurgery Postgraduate Research Fellow\\n\\n&&#163;34;I had phenomenal professors who poured into me while earning my degree at WCSU. Now, I have the opportunity to pour into others.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Waverly-Rose-Brim-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Waverly Rose Brim\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord.jpg\",\"title\":\"Stephanie Browne Achord\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Elementary Education\\\/ Psychology &#39;05\\nM.S. Elementary Education\\\/ Reading &#39;09&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nThird Grade Teacher \\n\\n&&#163;34;I have been a full-time classroom teacher since 2005. Being a WCSU student had prepared me for the newest and best practices in an ever-changing education system.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord.jpg\",\"index\":13,\"id\":381,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Elementary Education\\\/ Psychology &#39;05\\nM.S. Elementary Education\\\/ Reading &#39;09&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nThird Grade Teacher \\n\\n&&#163;34;I have been a full-time classroom teacher since 2005. Being a WCSU student had prepared me for the newest and best practices in an ever-changing education system.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Stephanie Browne Achord\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Pamela-Brown.jpg\",\"title\":\"Pamela Brown\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Pamela-Brown.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S., Justice &amp; Law Administration with a minor in Political Science, &#39;86\\nM.A. English, &#39;88&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nOwner, PMB Writing &amp; Consulting\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU has been an integral part of my life. After earning my B.S. in Justice &amp; Law, I was inspired by my literature classes to change paths and pursue a Master&#39;s in English. I became an adjunct Professor of English and a tutor at WCSU and was grateful to share my love of writing and literature with students. I also became a published writer with a journalism career that has spanned over 20 years and I now have my own business offering editorial and marketing services. I recently published my first novel, &#39;Faithful Love,&#39; which is available on Amazon. WCSU provided me with the opportunity to pursue my lifelong passion and I am grateful for the impact it continues to have on my life.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Pamela-Brown-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Pamela-Brown-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Pamela-Brown-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Pamela-Brown.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Pamela-Brown.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Pamela-Brown.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Pamela-Brown.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Pamela-Brown-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Pamela-Brown-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Pamela-Brown.jpg\",\"index\":14,\"id\":370,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S., Justice &amp; Law Administration with a minor in Political Science, &#39;86\\nM.A. English, &#39;88&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nOwner, PMB Writing &amp; Consulting\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU has been an integral part of my life. After earning my B.S. in Justice &amp; Law, I was inspired by my literature classes to change paths and pursue a Master&#39;s in English. I became an adjunct Professor of English and a tutor at WCSU and was grateful to share my love of writing and literature with students. I also became a published writer with a journalism career that has spanned over 20 years and I now have my own business offering editorial and marketing services. I recently published my first novel, &#39;Faithful Love,&#39; which is available on Amazon. WCSU provided me with the opportunity to pursue my lifelong passion and I am grateful for the impact it continues to have on my life.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Pamela-Brown-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Pamela Brown\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amanda-Byrne.jpg\",\"title\":\"Amanda Byrne (formerly Parsons), LMFT\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amanda-Byrne.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Psychology, &#39;06&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSchool-based clinician employed by Community Health Center, Inc. (based at North Haven High School) and an independent contractor at Stokes Counseling Services\\n\\n&&#163;34;My time at WCSU was so memorable and paved the way for all the good in my life. I met my husband there. I made some of the best friends I still have to this day. I went on to earn a Master&#39;s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (SCSU &#39;09) in part because of the superior education I had at WCSU. I was initially drawn to WCSU&rsquo;s music program (one of the best in the state!), and even when I decided to make a change in major to Psychology, I knew it was still the best choice of colleges for me.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amanda-Byrne-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":464,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amanda-Byrne-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amanda-Byrne-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amanda-Byrne.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amanda-Byrne.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amanda-Byrne.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amanda-Byrne.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amanda-Byrne-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amanda-Byrne-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amanda-Byrne.jpg\",\"index\":15,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Psychology, &#39;06&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSchool-based clinician employed by Community Health Center, Inc. (based at North Haven High School) and an independent contractor at Stokes Counseling Services\\n\\n&&#163;34;My time at WCSU was so memorable and paved the way for all the good in my life. I met my husband there. I made some of the best friends I still have to this day. I went on to earn a Master&#39;s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (SCSU &#39;09) in part because of the superior education I had at WCSU. I was initially drawn to WCSU&rsquo;s music program (one of the best in the state!), and even when I decided to make a change in major to Psychology, I knew it was still the best choice of colleges for me.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Amanda-Byrne-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Amanda Byrne (formerly Parsons), LMFT\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bri-Anna-Caberson.jpg\",\"title\":\"Bri-Anna Caberson\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bri-Anna-Caberson.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Digital Interactive Media Arts, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nFilm industry, PA, second AC (camera assistant) and more recently, as a first AC\\n\\n&&#163;34;There were no roadblocks, no restrictions. I was able to dive right in and have freedom in my artistic expression. The professors were amazing.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bri-Anna-Caberson-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bri-Anna-Caberson-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bri-Anna-Caberson-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bri-Anna-Caberson.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bri-Anna-Caberson.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bri-Anna-Caberson.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bri-Anna-Caberson.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bri-Anna-Caberson-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bri-Anna-Caberson-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bri-Anna-Caberson.jpg\",\"index\":16,\"id\":313,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Digital Interactive Media Arts, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nFilm industry, PA, second AC (camera assistant) and more recently, as a first AC\\n\\n&&#163;34;There were no roadblocks, no restrictions. I was able to dive right in and have freedom in my artistic expression. The professors were amazing.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bri-Anna-Caberson-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Bri-Anna Caberson\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Audrey-Camino-Jara.jpg\",\"title\":\"Audrey Camino-Jara, LMSW\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Audrey-Camino-Jara.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A Social Work &#39;20; Fordham University MSW &#39;21&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nCurrently a social worker for an agency that has placed me in a middle school as a crisis counselor. I am trained to&nbsp;handle the majority of crises that occur during the school day with students, which varies as every day is unpredictable. Also, I connect parents to appropriate resources when necessary.&nbsp;&nbsp;\\n\\n&&#163;34;I am happy I chose WCSU to pursue my education toward becoming a social worker. This program challenged me and pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. The Social Work department professors set us up for success in working in the field and I&#39;m grateful for that.&&#163;34;&nbsp;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Audrey-Camino-Jara-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":466,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Audrey-Camino-Jara-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Audrey-Camino-Jara-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Audrey-Camino-Jara.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Audrey-Camino-Jara.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Audrey-Camino-Jara.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Audrey-Camino-Jara.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Audrey-Camino-Jara-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Audrey-Camino-Jara-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Audrey-Camino-Jara.jpg\",\"index\":17,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A Social Work &#39;20; Fordham University MSW &#39;21&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nCurrently a social worker for an agency that has placed me in a middle school as a crisis counselor. I am trained to&nbsp;handle the majority of crises that occur during the school day with students, which varies as every day is unpredictable. Also, I connect parents to appropriate resources when necessary.&nbsp;&nbsp;\\n\\n&&#163;34;I am happy I chose WCSU to pursue my education toward becoming a social worker. This program challenged me and pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. The Social Work department professors set us up for success in working in the field and I&#39;m grateful for that.&&#163;34;&nbsp;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Audrey-Camino-Jara-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Audrey Camino-Jara, LMSW\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Ann-Catena.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jessica Ann Catena\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Ann-Catena.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communication - Communication Studies, &#39;12&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\n\\n&&#163;34;I attended WCSU as a transfer commuter student from Westchester County, New York. The entire Communication Dept. made me feel very welcome. Taking two radio courses and class credit at the campus radio station WXCI, influenced how to express my music knowledge. As a student and alumna, I&#39;ve mentored WXCI students, participated at their annual alumni weekend anniversary of the station, created their social media position, and helped produce WCSU&#39;s annual TV program &&#163;34;Election Connection&&#163;34; to simulcast live state election results. WCSU&#39;s Communication Dept. recruited me to their Media Arts Advisory Council in 2014, which assists networking opportunities for students. The Career Success Center&#39;s resume workshops and career fairs helped me gain internships at both of Danbury&#39;s local radio stations: Berkshire Broadcasting (98Q\\\/WLAD) and Townsquare Media Danbury (i95\\\/The Wolf)! I&#39;ve also learned that networking can lead to amazing opportunities from any aspect of your life. I started my own weekly music podcast &&#163;34;Music Notes with Jess&&#163;34; in 2019, available to stream on multiple digital platforms. Since its original launch, listeners tune in worldwide and audience size has quadrupled! Professional training, utilizing my media and networking experience has helped my dreams come true, thanks to WCSU. Graduating from there is my proudest accomplishment. Happy 120th WCSU!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Ann-Catena-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":397,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Ann-Catena-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Ann-Catena-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Ann-Catena.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Ann-Catena.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Ann-Catena.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Ann-Catena.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Ann-Catena-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Ann-Catena-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Ann-Catena.jpg\",\"index\":18,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communication - Communication Studies, &#39;12&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\n\\n&&#163;34;I attended WCSU as a transfer commuter student from Westchester County, New York. The entire Communication Dept. made me feel very welcome. Taking two radio courses and class credit at the campus radio station WXCI, influenced how to express my music knowledge. As a student and alumna, I&#39;ve mentored WXCI students, participated at their annual alumni weekend anniversary of the station, created their social media position, and helped produce WCSU&#39;s annual TV program &&#163;34;Election Connection&&#163;34; to simulcast live state election results. WCSU&#39;s Communication Dept. recruited me to their Media Arts Advisory Council in 2014, which assists networking opportunities for students. The Career Success Center&#39;s resume workshops and career fairs helped me gain internships at both of Danbury&#39;s local radio stations: Berkshire Broadcasting (98Q\\\/WLAD) and Townsquare Media Danbury (i95\\\/The Wolf)! I&#39;ve also learned that networking can lead to amazing opportunities from any aspect of your life. I started my own weekly music podcast &&#163;34;Music Notes with Jess&&#163;34; in 2019, available to stream on multiple digital platforms. Since its original launch, listeners tune in worldwide and audience size has quadrupled! Professional training, utilizing my media and networking experience has helped my dreams come true, thanks to WCSU. Graduating from there is my proudest accomplishment. Happy 120th WCSU!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Ann-Catena-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jessica Ann Catena\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Janelle-Chandler.jpg\",\"title\":\"Janelle Chandler\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Janelle-Chandler.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;M.F.A. Illustration, &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nFreelance Botanical Artist and Illustrator\\n\\n&&#163;34;In my time at WCSU, I learned to grow in the areas I was most uncomfortable in my art practice and personal life. It really was paramount to my growth as an individual.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Janelle-Chandler-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Janelle-Chandler-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Janelle-Chandler-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Janelle-Chandler.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Janelle-Chandler.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Janelle-Chandler.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Janelle-Chandler.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Janelle-Chandler-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Janelle-Chandler-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Janelle-Chandler.jpg\",\"index\":19,\"id\":335,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;M.F.A. Illustration, &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nFreelance Botanical Artist and Illustrator\\n\\n&&#163;34;In my time at WCSU, I learned to grow in the areas I was most uncomfortable in my art practice and personal life. It really was paramount to my growth as an individual.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Janelle-Chandler-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Janelle Chandler\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Chapman.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jessica Chapman\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Chapman.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;Bachelor of Science in Nursing, &#39;12&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nBreast Health Nurse Practitioner\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU Nursing school gave me the skills and confidence to be a great Nurse and the encouragement to further my degree to become a Nurse Practitioner!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Chapman-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":340,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Chapman-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Chapman-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Chapman.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Chapman.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Chapman.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Chapman.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Chapman-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Chapman-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Chapman.jpg\",\"index\":20,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;Bachelor of Science in Nursing, &#39;12&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nBreast Health Nurse Practitioner\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU Nursing school gave me the skills and confidence to be a great Nurse and the encouragement to further my degree to become a Nurse Practitioner!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Chapman-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jessica Chapman\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/replaceDonna-Christopher.jpg\",\"title\":\"Donna Christopher\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/replaceDonna-Christopher.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Political Science, &#39;86&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nJournalist\\n\\n&&#163;34;I worked for six years full-time at the United Nations and attended college part time as a non-trad student for seven years, ultimately earning my degree at WCSU. By the time I transferred to WCSU, I had attended three colleges and earned enough credits plus attended Norwalk C.C. for several semesters to receive my associate degree in liberal arts and sciences, humanities options, and additional credits in French and business. The semester I completed my degree I had the first of three children. I had initially planned to return to the UN when they went to school but went to work instead for a half-dozen companies and nonprofits, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the U.S. Census Bureau, and while working full time became a stringer for several local publications including the Redding Pilot, Women&#39;s Forum, Business Digest and a few others, ultimately becoming a full-time journalist in 2004, a career I&#39;ve been working in since.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/replaceDonna-Christopher-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":441,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/replaceDonna-Christopher-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/replaceDonna-Christopher-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/replaceDonna-Christopher.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/replaceDonna-Christopher.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/replaceDonna-Christopher.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/replaceDonna-Christopher.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/replaceDonna-Christopher-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/replaceDonna-Christopher-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/replaceDonna-Christopher.jpg\",\"index\":21,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Political Science, &#39;86&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nJournalist\\n\\n&&#163;34;I worked for six years full-time at the United Nations and attended college part time as a non-trad student for seven years, ultimately earning my degree at WCSU. By the time I transferred to WCSU, I had attended three colleges and earned enough credits plus attended Norwalk C.C. for several semesters to receive my associate degree in liberal arts and sciences, humanities options, and additional credits in French and business. The semester I completed my degree I had the first of three children. I had initially planned to return to the UN when they went to school but went to work instead for a half-dozen companies and nonprofits, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the U.S. Census Bureau, and while working full time became a stringer for several local publications including the Redding Pilot, Women&#39;s Forum, Business Digest and a few others, ultimately becoming a full-time journalist in 2004, a career I&#39;ve been working in since.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/replaceDonna-Christopher-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Donna Christopher\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Maggie-Cleary.jpg\",\"title\":\"Maggie Cleary\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Maggie-Cleary.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;BSN, minor Women&rsquo;s Studies, &lsquo;18&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nWorks in Cardiac\\\/Telemetry RN at Danbury Hospital and launched a scrub business with my sister called Summertime Scrubs.  Summertime Scrubs is looking to offer more bright, fun scrub designs to brighten up your work days.\\n\\n&&#163;34;My time at WCSU definitely helped me learn how to make connections, and my time in the honors program taught me to think outside the box. These things have allowed me to grow in my career and become an entrepreneur.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Maggie-Cleary-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":444,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Maggie-Cleary-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Maggie-Cleary-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Maggie-Cleary.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Maggie-Cleary.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Maggie-Cleary.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Maggie-Cleary.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Maggie-Cleary-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Maggie-Cleary-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Maggie-Cleary.jpg\",\"index\":22,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;BSN, minor Women&rsquo;s Studies, &lsquo;18&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nWorks in Cardiac\\\/Telemetry RN at Danbury Hospital and launched a scrub business with my sister called Summertime Scrubs.  Summertime Scrubs is looking to offer more bright, fun scrub designs to brighten up your work days.\\n\\n&&#163;34;My time at WCSU definitely helped me learn how to make connections, and my time in the honors program taught me to think outside the box. These things have allowed me to grow in my career and become an entrepreneur.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Maggie-Cleary-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Maggie Cleary\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jane-K.-Cleland.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jane K. Cleland\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jane-K.-Cleland.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;M.F.A. Creative and Professional Writing, &#39;12&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAuthor of the Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries and Agatha-award winning books on the craft of writing\\nContributing Editor, Writers Digest Magazine\\nLecturer, Lehman College, City University of New York\\n\\n&&#163;34;Earning an MFA in Creative &amp; Professional Writing changed my life. I landed a tenured job at a major university and joined a small community of dedicated, welcoming and supportive writers.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jane-K.-Cleland-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":334,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jane-K.-Cleland-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jane-K.-Cleland-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jane-K.-Cleland.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jane-K.-Cleland.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jane-K.-Cleland.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jane-K.-Cleland.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jane-K.-Cleland-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jane-K.-Cleland-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jane-K.-Cleland.jpg\",\"index\":23,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;M.F.A. Creative and Professional Writing, &#39;12&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAuthor of the Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries and Agatha-award winning books on the craft of writing\\nContributing Editor, Writers Digest Magazine\\nLecturer, Lehman College, City University of New York\\n\\n&&#163;34;Earning an MFA in Creative &amp; Professional Writing changed my life. I landed a tenured job at a major university and joined a small community of dedicated, welcoming and supportive writers.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jane-K.-Cleland-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jane K. Cleland\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Conroy.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kayla Conroy\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Conroy.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Theatre Arts Performance, &#39;10&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nOwner\\\/Producer, Three Bright Lights; Award-winning Web series, &&#163;34;Human Telegraphs&&#163;34;\\n\\n&ldquo;My directors and teachers, including Frank Herbert, Pam McDaniel and Sal Trapani, helped make my time at WCSU an amazing experience.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Conroy-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":348,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Conroy-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Conroy-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Conroy.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Conroy.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Conroy.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Conroy.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Conroy-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Conroy-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Conroy.jpg\",\"index\":24,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Theatre Arts Performance, &#39;10&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nOwner\\\/Producer, Three Bright Lights; Award-winning Web series, &&#163;34;Human Telegraphs&&#163;34;\\n\\n&ldquo;My directors and teachers, including Frank Herbert, Pam McDaniel and Sal Trapani, helped make my time at WCSU an amazing experience.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Conroy-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kayla Conroy\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ryan-Cooke.jpg\",\"title\":\"Ryan Cooke\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ryan-Cooke.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;14&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nClient Success Specialist at Indeed\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU&#39;s incredible Social Work program granted me the tools to follow my passion and better help people in my day-to-day activities. My co-curricular involvement encouraged me to hone my focus more on students, and given my heavy involvement in Housing &amp; Residence Life, I pursued a master&#39;s degree in Higher Education Administration and acquired a Residence Director job at Post University, which I did alongside teaching a College Success course to first year students. After a few years, I was excited to return to my first love, WCSU, as a Resident Director, and I strived to provide the same positive experience that I had for others. After a few years of helping students graduate and transition into the workforce, I joined Indeed as a Client Success Specialist where &&#163;34;I help people get jobs&&#163;34; (it&#39;s so much more than just a slogan). The tools that WCSU taught me have helped me along this journey, and I hope that my actions have and continue to truly make a difference to others. Most importantly, WCSU gave me true happiness. It was there that I met the love of my life: Danielle Scarmella (BA in Social Work, Class of &#39;13). Almost 12 years later, we celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary renewing our vows in Mexico (this picture). Thank you for everything, WCSU!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ryan-Cooke-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":439,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ryan-Cooke-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ryan-Cooke-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ryan-Cooke.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ryan-Cooke.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ryan-Cooke.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ryan-Cooke.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ryan-Cooke-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ryan-Cooke-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ryan-Cooke.jpg\",\"index\":25,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;14&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nClient Success Specialist at Indeed\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU&#39;s incredible Social Work program granted me the tools to follow my passion and better help people in my day-to-day activities. My co-curricular involvement encouraged me to hone my focus more on students, and given my heavy involvement in Housing &amp; Residence Life, I pursued a master&#39;s degree in Higher Education Administration and acquired a Residence Director job at Post University, which I did alongside teaching a College Success course to first year students. After a few years, I was excited to return to my first love, WCSU, as a Resident Director, and I strived to provide the same positive experience that I had for others. After a few years of helping students graduate and transition into the workforce, I joined Indeed as a Client Success Specialist where &&#163;34;I help people get jobs&&#163;34; (it&#39;s so much more than just a slogan). The tools that WCSU taught me have helped me along this journey, and I hope that my actions have and continue to truly make a difference to others. Most importantly, WCSU gave me true happiness. It was there that I met the love of my life: Danielle Scarmella (BA in Social Work, Class of &#39;13). Almost 12 years later, we celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary renewing our vows in Mexico (this picture). Thank you for everything, WCSU!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ryan-Cooke-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Ryan Cooke\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Coronel.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jessica Coronel\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Coronel.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Secondary Education (concentration in Spanish), &#39;14&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nEd.D. Candidate for the Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership\\nAssociate Director - Pre-Collegiate and Access Programs at WCSU\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU is a hidden gem! Some of my best experiences include studying abroad in Spain and traveling to five different countries with clubs and other programs. As a first-generation student, WCSU provided support and programs to help me be successful. No wonder, I decided seven years ago to work here and continue to support first-generation and low-income students. I also decided to enroll in the Ed.D. program for its curriculum and flexible structure.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Coronel-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":398,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Coronel-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Coronel-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Coronel.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Coronel.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Coronel.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Coronel.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Coronel-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Coronel-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Coronel.jpg\",\"index\":26,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Secondary Education (concentration in Spanish), &#39;14&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nEd.D. Candidate for the Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership\\nAssociate Director - Pre-Collegiate and Access Programs at WCSU\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU is a hidden gem! Some of my best experiences include studying abroad in Spain and traveling to five different countries with clubs and other programs. As a first-generation student, WCSU provided support and programs to help me be successful. No wonder, I decided seven years ago to work here and continue to support first-generation and low-income students. I also decided to enroll in the Ed.D. program for its curriculum and flexible structure.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Coronel-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jessica Coronel\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lois-Crucitti.jpg\",\"title\":\"Lois Crucitti\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lois-Crucitti.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;BSN &#39;71; MSN &#39;97&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nPart-time School Nurse for the CT Technical School Educational System\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU provided me with an excellent education to pursue a Nursing career that I have loved and has spanned many decades. I have been fortunate enough to still call many of my classmates dear friends. I have also been blessed to have met my husband, the love of my life, on my first day of orientation. I have stayed connected to this gem of a university, and have seen it grow into a well-respected institution of higher education. I have met many  wonderful individuals along the way who have shared my passion for WCSU.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lois-Crucitti-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":359,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lois-Crucitti-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lois-Crucitti-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lois-Crucitti.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lois-Crucitti.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lois-Crucitti.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lois-Crucitti.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lois-Crucitti-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lois-Crucitti-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lois-Crucitti.jpg\",\"index\":27,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;BSN &#39;71; MSN &#39;97&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nPart-time School Nurse for the CT Technical School Educational System\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU provided me with an excellent education to pursue a Nursing career that I have loved and has spanned many decades. I have been fortunate enough to still call many of my classmates dear friends. I have also been blessed to have met my husband, the love of my life, on my first day of orientation. I have stayed connected to this gem of a university, and have seen it grow into a well-respected institution of higher education. I have met many  wonderful individuals along the way who have shared my passion for WCSU.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lois-Crucitti-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Lois Crucitti\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Helen-Curtin.jpg\",\"title\":\"Helen Curtin\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Helen-Curtin.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;MBA, &rsquo;07&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nFinancial Advisor, Edward Jones\\n\\n&ldquo;Making the choice to enroll as a nontraditional student at WCSU was one of the three best decisions I&#39;ve made in my life. The student-centric faculty is high caliber and approachable, and I got the skills I needed to transform my career from design to financial services. Years later, WCSU feels like family to me.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Helen-Curtin-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":329,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Helen-Curtin-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Helen-Curtin-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Helen-Curtin.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Helen-Curtin.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Helen-Curtin.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Helen-Curtin.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Helen-Curtin-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Helen-Curtin-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Helen-Curtin.jpg\",\"index\":28,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;MBA, &rsquo;07&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nFinancial Advisor, Edward Jones\\n\\n&ldquo;Making the choice to enroll as a nontraditional student at WCSU was one of the three best decisions I&#39;ve made in my life. The student-centric faculty is high caliber and approachable, and I got the skills I needed to transform my career from design to financial services. Years later, WCSU feels like family to me.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Helen-Curtin-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Helen Curtin\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Monique-Daley.jpg\",\"title\":\"Monique Daley\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Monique-Daley.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communication &amp; Media Arts, &#39;03&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDiversity Officer, Wheeler Health\\n\\n&ldquo;I had immigrated from Jamaica for high school and seeing so many people of color as administrators at a smaller university like WCSU really helped shape some and offset other situations. I could see the years of work by people of color to activate change on campus, which gave me a strong background in advocacy right from the start.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Monique-Daley-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Monique-Daley-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Monique-Daley-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Monique-Daley.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Monique-Daley.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Monique-Daley.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Monique-Daley.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Monique-Daley-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Monique-Daley-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Monique-Daley.jpg\",\"index\":29,\"id\":366,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communication &amp; Media Arts, &#39;03&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDiversity Officer, Wheeler Health\\n\\n&ldquo;I had immigrated from Jamaica for high school and seeing so many people of color as administrators at a smaller university like WCSU really helped shape some and offset other situations. I could see the years of work by people of color to activate change on campus, which gave me a strong background in advocacy right from the start.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Monique-Daley-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Monique Daley\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Jonathan-W.-Dator.jpg\",\"title\":\"Dr. Jonathan W. Dator\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Jonathan-W.-Dator.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in Psychology, &#39;07&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAssociate Director of the Counseling Center at Providence College, providing individual therapy and group therapy to students as a Licensed Psychologist.\\n\\n&&#163;34;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&#39;s degrees, but still proudly display my WCSU diploma in my office: It represents resilience. It represents me.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Jonathan-W.-Dator-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Jonathan-W.-Dator-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Jonathan-W.-Dator-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Jonathan-W.-Dator.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Jonathan-W.-Dator.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Jonathan-W.-Dator.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Jonathan-W.-Dator.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Jonathan-W.-Dator-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Jonathan-W.-Dator-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Jonathan-W.-Dator.jpg\",\"index\":30,\"id\":322,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in Psychology, &#39;07&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAssociate Director of the Counseling Center at Providence College, providing individual therapy and group therapy to students as a Licensed Psychologist.\\n\\n&&#163;34;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&#39;s degrees, but still proudly display my WCSU diploma in my office: It represents resilience. It represents me.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Jonathan-W.-Dator-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Dr. Jonathan W. Dator\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jason-P.-Davis.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jason P. Davis\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jason-P.-Davis.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Graphic Design, &#39;97&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDirector of Creative Services, Liaison International&rsquo;s Enrollment Marketing Division\\n\\n&&#163;34;From Student Center acquaintances to lifelong friends, student job to professional career, fun times to fond memories &mdash; 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&rsquo;s existence&#63;&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jason-P.-Davis-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":396,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jason-P.-Davis-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jason-P.-Davis-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jason-P.-Davis.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jason-P.-Davis.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jason-P.-Davis.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jason-P.-Davis.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jason-P.-Davis-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jason-P.-Davis-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jason-P.-Davis.jpg\",\"index\":31,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Graphic Design, &#39;97&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDirector of Creative Services, Liaison International&rsquo;s Enrollment Marketing Division\\n\\n&&#163;34;From Student Center acquaintances to lifelong friends, student job to professional career, fun times to fond memories &mdash; 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&rsquo;s existence&#63;&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jason-P.-Davis-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jason P. Davis\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shelby-Davis.jpg\",\"title\":\"Shelby Davis\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shelby-Davis.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;08&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nExecutive Director for City Youth Theater in Waterbury and a counselor for Waterbury public schools\\n\\n&ldquo;WCSU built a foundation for my leadership. Keep going &mdash; stick to your dreams, your goals, your vision. The road may be long, but you will get there.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shelby-Davis-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shelby-Davis-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shelby-Davis-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shelby-Davis.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shelby-Davis.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shelby-Davis.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shelby-Davis.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shelby-Davis-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shelby-Davis-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shelby-Davis.jpg\",\"index\":32,\"id\":380,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;08&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nExecutive Director for City Youth Theater in Waterbury and a counselor for Waterbury public schools\\n\\n&ldquo;WCSU built a foundation for my leadership. Keep going &mdash; stick to your dreams, your goals, your vision. The road may be long, but you will get there.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shelby-Davis-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Shelby Davis\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shaina-Diaz.jpg\",\"title\":\"Shaina Diaz\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shaina-Diaz.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in Art, &#39;12&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nCo-Owner &amp; 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.\\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shaina-Diaz-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shaina-Diaz-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shaina-Diaz-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shaina-Diaz.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shaina-Diaz.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shaina-Diaz.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shaina-Diaz.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shaina-Diaz-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shaina-Diaz-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shaina-Diaz.jpg\",\"index\":33,\"id\":378,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in Art, &#39;12&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nCo-Owner &amp; 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.\\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Shaina-Diaz-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Shaina Diaz\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nicolas-DiDomizio.jpg\",\"title\":\"Nicolas DiDomizio\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nicolas-DiDomizio.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Music &#39;10&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nNovelist (author of Burn It All Down and The Gay Best Friend)\\n\\n&&#163;34;My favorite class at WCSU was a writing elective I took during my senior year &mdash; it sparked a passion in me for storytelling, which has since become my full-time career!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nicolas-DiDomizio-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nicolas-DiDomizio-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nicolas-DiDomizio-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nicolas-DiDomizio.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nicolas-DiDomizio.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nicolas-DiDomizio.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nicolas-DiDomizio.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nicolas-DiDomizio-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nicolas-DiDomizio-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nicolas-DiDomizio.jpg\",\"index\":34,\"id\":368,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Music &#39;10&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nNovelist (author of Burn It All Down and The Gay Best Friend)\\n\\n&&#163;34;My favorite class at WCSU was a writing elective I took during my senior year &mdash; it sparked a passion in me for storytelling, which has since become my full-time career!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nicolas-DiDomizio-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Nicolas DiDomizio\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marlena-Dimichino.jpg\",\"title\":\"Marlena Dimichino\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marlena-Dimichino.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;BBA Business Management, minor Marketing, &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nProject Engineer\\\/Estimator\\n\\n&&#163;34;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 &ldquo;market&rdquo; 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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marlena-Dimichino-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":438,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marlena-Dimichino-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marlena-Dimichino-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marlena-Dimichino.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marlena-Dimichino.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marlena-Dimichino.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marlena-Dimichino.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marlena-Dimichino-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marlena-Dimichino-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marlena-Dimichino.jpg\",\"index\":35,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;BBA Business Management, minor Marketing, &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nProject Engineer\\\/Estimator\\n\\n&&#163;34;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 &ldquo;market&rdquo; 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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marlena-Dimichino-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Marlena Dimichino\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jeff-DiStasio.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jeff DiStasio\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jeff-DiStasio.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. MIS-Cybersecurity, &#39;00&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDirector of Cloud Security Sales for Google Cloud\\n\\n&ldquo;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jeff-DiStasio-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jeff-DiStasio-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jeff-DiStasio-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jeff-DiStasio.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jeff-DiStasio.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jeff-DiStasio.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jeff-DiStasio.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jeff-DiStasio-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jeff-DiStasio-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jeff-DiStasio.jpg\",\"index\":36,\"id\":336,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. MIS-Cybersecurity, &#39;00&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDirector of Cloud Security Sales for Google Cloud\\n\\n&ldquo;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jeff-DiStasio-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jeff DiStasio\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eden-Edwards-Harris.jpg\",\"title\":\"Eden Edwards Harris\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eden-Edwards-Harris.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Sociology, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nResident Director at WCSU\\n\\n&&#163;34;I found my best friends, the love of my life and my passion for a career I didn&rsquo;t know existed while at WCSU. The knowledge, connections and people are ones I&rsquo;ll cherish for a lifetime.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eden-Edwards-Harris-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eden-Edwards-Harris-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eden-Edwards-Harris-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eden-Edwards-Harris.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eden-Edwards-Harris.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eden-Edwards-Harris.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eden-Edwards-Harris.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eden-Edwards-Harris-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eden-Edwards-Harris-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eden-Edwards-Harris.jpg\",\"index\":37,\"id\":248,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Sociology, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nResident Director at WCSU\\n\\n&&#163;34;I found my best friends, the love of my life and my passion for a career I didn&rsquo;t know existed while at WCSU. The knowledge, connections and people are ones I&rsquo;ll cherish for a lifetime.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eden-Edwards-Harris-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Eden Edwards Harris\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Logan-Farley.jpg\",\"title\":\"Logan Farley\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Logan-Farley.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;BFA Musical Theatre, &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nI have moved to NYC and am a full-time working musical theatre actor. I&rsquo;ve been traveling for the last six months across the east coast doing various shows with different theatres\\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Logan-Farley-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Logan-Farley-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Logan-Farley-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Logan-Farley.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Logan-Farley.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Logan-Farley.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Logan-Farley.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Logan-Farley-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Logan-Farley-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Logan-Farley.jpg\",\"index\":38,\"id\":358,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;BFA Musical Theatre, &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nI have moved to NYC and am a full-time working musical theatre actor. I&rsquo;ve been traveling for the last six months across the east coast doing various shows with different theatres\\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Logan-Farley-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Logan Farley\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Anthony-Fitz-Fiorenza.jpg\",\"title\":\"Anthony Fitz Fiorenza\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Anthony-Fitz-Fiorenza.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in Communication Studies with a minor in Justice and law Administration, &#39;21&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nHR Partner with Amazon at IND2\\n\\n&&#163;34;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!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Anthony-Fitz-Fiorenza-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":442,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Anthony-Fitz-Fiorenza-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Anthony-Fitz-Fiorenza-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Anthony-Fitz-Fiorenza.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Anthony-Fitz-Fiorenza.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Anthony-Fitz-Fiorenza.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Anthony-Fitz-Fiorenza.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Anthony-Fitz-Fiorenza-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Anthony-Fitz-Fiorenza-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Anthony-Fitz-Fiorenza.jpg\",\"index\":39,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in Communication Studies with a minor in Justice and law Administration, &#39;21&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nHR Partner with Amazon at IND2\\n\\n&&#163;34;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!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Anthony-Fitz-Fiorenza-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Anthony Fitz Fiorenza\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Fosco-DeConti.jpg\",\"title\":\"Rachel Fosco DeConti\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Fosco-DeConti.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Justice and Law Administration - Corrections, &#39;02&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nBusiness Analyst | Business Affairs with the Walt Disney Company\\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Fosco-DeConti-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":402,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Fosco-DeConti-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Fosco-DeConti-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Fosco-DeConti.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Fosco-DeConti.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Fosco-DeConti.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Fosco-DeConti.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Fosco-DeConti-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Fosco-DeConti-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Fosco-DeConti.jpg\",\"index\":40,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Justice and Law Administration - Corrections, &#39;02&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nBusiness Analyst | Business Affairs with the Walt Disney Company\\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Fosco-DeConti-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Rachel Fosco DeConti\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephen-Fox.jpg\",\"title\":\"Stephen Fox\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephen-Fox.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Management, &#39;18\\nM.B.A. Management, &#39;21&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nIndustrial Engineering Supervisor at United Parcel Service\\n\\n&&#163;34;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&rsquo;s never too late to go to college, and in 2014 I decided to pursue my bachelor&rsquo;s and master&rsquo;s degrees in business. It wasn&rsquo;t easy for me to work and attend college full-time, but it can be done and I&rsquo;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&rsquo;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!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephen-Fox-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":404,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephen-Fox-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephen-Fox-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephen-Fox.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephen-Fox.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephen-Fox.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephen-Fox.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephen-Fox-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephen-Fox-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephen-Fox.jpg\",\"index\":41,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Management, &#39;18\\nM.B.A. Management, &#39;21&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nIndustrial Engineering Supervisor at United Parcel Service\\n\\n&&#163;34;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&rsquo;s never too late to go to college, and in 2014 I decided to pursue my bachelor&rsquo;s and master&rsquo;s degrees in business. It wasn&rsquo;t easy for me to work and attend college full-time, but it can be done and I&rsquo;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&rsquo;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!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephen-Fox-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Stephen Fox\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lauren-Kappel.jpg\",\"title\":\"Lauren Fox Kappel\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lauren-Kappel.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Marketing, &#39;13&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDirector of Enrollment &amp; Student Support at AIHT Education  \\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lauren-Kappel-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lauren-Kappel-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lauren-Kappel-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lauren-Kappel.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lauren-Kappel.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lauren-Kappel.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lauren-Kappel.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lauren-Kappel-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lauren-Kappel-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lauren-Kappel.jpg\",\"index\":42,\"id\":356,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Marketing, &#39;13&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDirector of Enrollment &amp; Student Support at AIHT Education  \\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lauren-Kappel-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Lauren Fox Kappel\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Allie-Freitas.jpg\",\"title\":\"Allie Freitas\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Allie-Freitas.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Marketing, &#39;11,&lt;\\\/strong&gt; Magna Cum Laude\\nDirector, Global Patient Advocacy (Gene Therapy, Rare Disease)\\n\\n&&#163;34;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&rsquo;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Allie-Freitas-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":415,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Allie-Freitas-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Allie-Freitas-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Allie-Freitas.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Allie-Freitas.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Allie-Freitas.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Allie-Freitas.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Allie-Freitas-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Allie-Freitas-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Allie-Freitas.jpg\",\"index\":43,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Marketing, &#39;11,&lt;\\\/strong&gt; Magna Cum Laude\\nDirector, Global Patient Advocacy (Gene Therapy, Rare Disease)\\n\\n&&#163;34;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&rsquo;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Allie-Freitas-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Allie Freitas\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marissa-Fraser.jpg\",\"title\":\"Marissa (Mayes) Fraser\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marissa-Fraser.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Elementary Education (concentration in History), &#39;04, M.S. Education (option in Reading), &#39;09&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nResidency Host Teacher &amp; Third Grade Teacher, Danbury Public Schools\\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marissa-Fraser-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marissa-Fraser-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marissa-Fraser-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marissa-Fraser.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marissa-Fraser.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marissa-Fraser.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marissa-Fraser.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marissa-Fraser-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marissa-Fraser-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marissa-Fraser.jpg\",\"index\":44,\"id\":363,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Elementary Education (concentration in History), &#39;04, M.S. Education (option in Reading), &#39;09&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nResidency Host Teacher &amp; Third Grade Teacher, Danbury Public Schools\\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Marissa-Fraser-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Marissa (Mayes) Fraser\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Fairidi-Galicia-Roman.jpg\",\"title\":\"Fairidi Galicia-Roman\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Fairidi-Galicia-Roman.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Marketing, &#39;18 &lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nMarketing Manager for Rainfocus, an event management company. \\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Fairidi-Galicia-Roman-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Fairidi-Galicia-Roman-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Fairidi-Galicia-Roman-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Fairidi-Galicia-Roman.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Fairidi-Galicia-Roman.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Fairidi-Galicia-Roman.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Fairidi-Galicia-Roman.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Fairidi-Galicia-Roman-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Fairidi-Galicia-Roman-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Fairidi-Galicia-Roman.jpg\",\"index\":45,\"id\":325,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Marketing, &#39;18 &lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nMarketing Manager for Rainfocus, an event management company. \\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Fairidi-Galicia-Roman-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Fairidi Galicia-Roman\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Daryn-George-Rowley.jpg\",\"title\":\"Daryn George-Rowley\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Daryn-George-Rowley.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Art - Graphic Design, &#39;88&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\n\\n&&#163;34;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&#39;ve had two long corporate jobs as a designer since then and now back to freelancing! Thanks, WCSU!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Daryn-George-Rowley-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Daryn-George-Rowley-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Daryn-George-Rowley-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Daryn-George-Rowley.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Daryn-George-Rowley.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Daryn-George-Rowley.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Daryn-George-Rowley.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Daryn-George-Rowley-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Daryn-George-Rowley-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Daryn-George-Rowley.jpg\",\"index\":46,\"id\":317,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Art - Graphic Design, &#39;88&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\n\\n&&#163;34;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&#39;ve had two long corporate jobs as a designer since then and now back to freelancing! Thanks, WCSU!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Daryn-George-Rowley-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Daryn George-Rowley\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Richard-Giorgi.jpg\",\"title\":\"Richard Giorgi\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Richard-Giorgi.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. American Studies &#39;07&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nVP, Sales Enablement &amp; Marketing, Swiss Re\\n\\n&&#163;34;When I came to WCSU I didn&rsquo;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&rsquo;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Richard-Giorgi-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":403,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Richard-Giorgi-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Richard-Giorgi-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Richard-Giorgi.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Richard-Giorgi.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Richard-Giorgi.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Richard-Giorgi.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Richard-Giorgi-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Richard-Giorgi-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Richard-Giorgi.jpg\",\"index\":47,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. American Studies &#39;07&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nVP, Sales Enablement &amp; Marketing, Swiss Re\\n\\n&&#163;34;When I came to WCSU I didn&rsquo;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&rsquo;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Richard-Giorgi-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Richard Giorgi\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Thomas-Guardado.jpg\",\"title\":\"Thomas Guardado\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Thomas-Guardado.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A., Focus on Marketing - Minor in Professional Writing, &lsquo;16&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nOwner of ChitChat Marketing, LLC\\nI 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.\\n\\n&ldquo;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, &lsquo;Hey, I could do that!&rsquo; So I started while still in school, and my business has been growing tremendously for the past 8 years. If it weren&#39;t for that professor, I don&#39;t think I&#39;d be doing what I do today.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Thomas-Guardado-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Thomas-Guardado-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Thomas-Guardado-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Thomas-Guardado.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Thomas-Guardado.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Thomas-Guardado.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Thomas-Guardado.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Thomas-Guardado-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Thomas-Guardado-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Thomas-Guardado.jpg\",\"index\":48,\"id\":385,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A., Focus on Marketing - Minor in Professional Writing, &lsquo;16&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nOwner of ChitChat Marketing, LLC\\nI 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.\\n\\n&ldquo;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, &lsquo;Hey, I could do that!&rsquo; So I started while still in school, and my business has been growing tremendously for the past 8 years. If it weren&#39;t for that professor, I don&#39;t think I&#39;d be doing what I do today.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Thomas-Guardado-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Thomas Guardado\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alycia-Hamilton.jpg\",\"title\":\"Alycia Hamilton\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alycia-Hamilton.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Direct\\\/Interactive Marketing, &#39;04&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSVP Group Account Director and Chicago Account Capability Lead at Digitas North America\\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alycia-Hamilton-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alycia-Hamilton-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alycia-Hamilton-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alycia-Hamilton.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alycia-Hamilton.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alycia-Hamilton.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alycia-Hamilton.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alycia-Hamilton-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alycia-Hamilton-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alycia-Hamilton.jpg\",\"index\":49,\"id\":303,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Direct\\\/Interactive Marketing, &#39;04&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSVP Group Account Director and Chicago Account Capability Lead at Digitas North America\\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alycia-Hamilton-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Alycia Hamilton\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renan-Max-F.-Hamoy.jpg\",\"title\":\"Renan Max F. Hamoy\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renan-Max-F.-Hamoy.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Contract Major - Finance, Political Economy, &#39;12&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nTechnology Partnership Leader, Synchrony\\n\\n&&#163;34;I use the skills I was taught at WCSU in my job at Synchrony now. This position requires a technology and business mix.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renan-Max-F.-Hamoy-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renan-Max-F.-Hamoy-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renan-Max-F.-Hamoy-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renan-Max-F.-Hamoy.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renan-Max-F.-Hamoy.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renan-Max-F.-Hamoy.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renan-Max-F.-Hamoy.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renan-Max-F.-Hamoy-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renan-Max-F.-Hamoy-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renan-Max-F.-Hamoy.jpg\",\"index\":50,\"id\":375,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Contract Major - Finance, Political Economy, &#39;12&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nTechnology Partnership Leader, Synchrony\\n\\n&&#163;34;I use the skills I was taught at WCSU in my job at Synchrony now. This position requires a technology and business mix.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renan-Max-F.-Hamoy-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Renan Max F. Hamoy\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Handberry.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kayla Handberry\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Handberry.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;20; Quinnipiac University, Advanced Standing MSW Social Work, &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSocial Worker for the Torrington Public Defenders Office GA \\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Handberry-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Handberry-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Handberry-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Handberry.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Handberry.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Handberry.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Handberry.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Handberry-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Handberry-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Handberry.jpg\",\"index\":51,\"id\":349,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;20; Quinnipiac University, Advanced Standing MSW Social Work, &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSocial Worker for the Torrington Public Defenders Office GA \\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kayla-Handberry-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kayla Handberry\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rayna-Havelock-LMHC-LPC-NCC.jpg\",\"title\":\"Rayna Havelock LMHC, LPC, NCC\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rayna-Havelock-LMHC-LPC-NCC.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, &lsquo;18&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nI have my private practice specializing in Trauma and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). Encompass Mental Health Counseling PC in Ridgefield, CT \\n\\n&ldquo;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.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rayna-Havelock-LMHC-LPC-NCC-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rayna-Havelock-LMHC-LPC-NCC-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rayna-Havelock-LMHC-LPC-NCC-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rayna-Havelock-LMHC-LPC-NCC.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rayna-Havelock-LMHC-LPC-NCC.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rayna-Havelock-LMHC-LPC-NCC.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rayna-Havelock-LMHC-LPC-NCC.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rayna-Havelock-LMHC-LPC-NCC-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rayna-Havelock-LMHC-LPC-NCC-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rayna-Havelock-LMHC-LPC-NCC.jpg\",\"index\":52,\"id\":373,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, &lsquo;18&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nI have my private practice specializing in Trauma and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing). Encompass Mental Health Counseling PC in Ridgefield, CT \\n\\n&ldquo;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.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rayna-Havelock-LMHC-LPC-NCC-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Rayna Havelock LMHC, LPC, NCC\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/James-S.-Heffner-Jr.-M.Ed_.jpg\",\"title\":\"James S. Heffner, Jr., M.Ed\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/James-S.-Heffner-Jr.-M.Ed_.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;Dual B.A. in English and Political Science, minor in Conflict Resolution, &#39;13; M.Ed. in Education from Post University, &#39;15.; Ed.D. Candidate in Organizational Leadership at Northeastern University expected completion in &#39;24&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDirector of Culture, Organizational Development, and Learning at Post University. I serve as the university&rsquo;s culture transformation leader, the Eagle Institute for Learning &amp; Development director, and the Emerging Leaders Program coordinator.\\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/James-S.-Heffner-Jr.-M.Ed_-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":422,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/James-S.-Heffner-Jr.-M.Ed_-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/James-S.-Heffner-Jr.-M.Ed_-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/James-S.-Heffner-Jr.-M.Ed_.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/James-S.-Heffner-Jr.-M.Ed_.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/James-S.-Heffner-Jr.-M.Ed_.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/James-S.-Heffner-Jr.-M.Ed_.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/James-S.-Heffner-Jr.-M.Ed_-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/James-S.-Heffner-Jr.-M.Ed_-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/James-S.-Heffner-Jr.-M.Ed_.jpg\",\"index\":53,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;Dual B.A. in English and Political Science, minor in Conflict Resolution, &#39;13; M.Ed. in Education from Post University, &#39;15.; Ed.D. Candidate in Organizational Leadership at Northeastern University expected completion in &#39;24&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDirector of Culture, Organizational Development, and Learning at Post University. I serve as the university&rsquo;s culture transformation leader, the Eagle Institute for Learning &amp; Development director, and the Emerging Leaders Program coordinator.\\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/James-S.-Heffner-Jr.-M.Ed_-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"James S. Heffner, Jr., M.Ed\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gail-Hill-Williams.jpg\",\"title\":\"Gail Hill Williams\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gail-Hill-Williams.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Marketing concentration Sales, &#39;87&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAward-winning author, high performing Sales Manager, Sales Trainer, Business Development Professional, Project Manager, Program Manager and HR professional\\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gail-Hill-Williams-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":395,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gail-Hill-Williams-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gail-Hill-Williams-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gail-Hill-Williams.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gail-Hill-Williams.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gail-Hill-Williams.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gail-Hill-Williams.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gail-Hill-Williams-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gail-Hill-Williams-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gail-Hill-Williams.jpg\",\"index\":54,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Marketing concentration Sales, &#39;87&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAward-winning author, high performing Sales Manager, Sales Trainer, Business Development Professional, Project Manager, Program Manager and HR professional\\n\\n&&#163;34;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.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Gail-Hill-Williams-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Gail Hill Williams\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Luke-Holden.jpg\",\"title\":\"Luke Holden\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Luke-Holden.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Managerial Accounting, &#39;16&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nProject Accountant at Pavarini McGovern in Manhattan, New York. I handle all the financial aspects of a construction project.\\n\\n&&#163;34;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!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Luke-Holden-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":361,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Luke-Holden-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Luke-Holden-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Luke-Holden.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Luke-Holden.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Luke-Holden.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Luke-Holden.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Luke-Holden-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Luke-Holden-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Luke-Holden.jpg\",\"index\":55,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Managerial Accounting, &#39;16&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nProject Accountant at Pavarini McGovern in Manhattan, New York. I handle all the financial aspects of a construction project.\\n\\n&&#163;34;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!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Luke-Holden-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Luke Holden\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eric-Holley.jpg\",\"title\":\"Eric Holley\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eric-Holley.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communications &amp; Media Arts, &#39;03&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSenior Director at Mass Mutual, Middletown High School Basketball Coach\\n\\n&ldquo;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.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eric-Holley-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":324,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eric-Holley-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eric-Holley-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eric-Holley.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eric-Holley.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eric-Holley.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eric-Holley.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eric-Holley-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eric-Holley-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eric-Holley.jpg\",\"index\":56,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communications &amp; Media Arts, &#39;03&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSenior Director at Mass Mutual, Middletown High School Basketball Coach\\n\\n&ldquo;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.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Eric-Holley-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Eric Holley\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/A.M.-Hupp-Huppmann.jpg\",\"title\":\"A.M. &lsquo;Hupp&rsquo; Huppmann\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/A.M.-Hupp-Huppmann.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Management, &#39;17&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSmall business owner and musician\\n\\n&ldquo;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.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/A.M.-Hupp-Huppmann-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":300,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/A.M.-Hupp-Huppmann-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/A.M.-Hupp-Huppmann-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/A.M.-Hupp-Huppmann.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/A.M.-Hupp-Huppmann.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/A.M.-Hupp-Huppmann.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/A.M.-Hupp-Huppmann.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/A.M.-Hupp-Huppmann-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/A.M.-Hupp-Huppmann-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/A.M.-Hupp-Huppmann.jpg\",\"index\":57,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Management, &#39;17&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSmall business owner and musician\\n\\n&ldquo;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.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/A.M.-Hupp-Huppmann-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"A.M. &lsquo;Hupp&rsquo; Huppmann\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Karla-Huwae.jpg\",\"title\":\"Karla Huwae\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Karla-Huwae.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Health Promotion Studies - Community Health, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nCertified Community Health Worker at City of Danbury Department of Health &amp; Human Services, and graduate student at the University of Albany School of Public Health\\n\\n&&#163;34;I gave it my all because I said I would, I could, and I did!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Karla-Huwae-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":344,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Karla-Huwae-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Karla-Huwae-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Karla-Huwae.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Karla-Huwae.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Karla-Huwae.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Karla-Huwae.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Karla-Huwae-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Karla-Huwae-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Karla-Huwae.jpg\",\"index\":58,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Health Promotion Studies - Community Health, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nCertified Community Health Worker at City of Danbury Department of Health &amp; Human Services, and graduate student at the University of Albany School of Public Health\\n\\n&&#163;34;I gave it my all because I said I would, I could, and I did!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Karla-Huwae-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Karla Huwae\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mezak-Theo-Huwae.jpg\",\"title\":\"Mezak (Theo) Huwae\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mezak-Theo-Huwae.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communications &amp; Theatre Arts &#39;02&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nChef at a year-round children&rsquo;s camp.\\n\\n&&#163;34;As an international student, I was able to fulfill my dream of graduating from college in America.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mezak-Theo-Huwae-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":364,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mezak-Theo-Huwae-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mezak-Theo-Huwae-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mezak-Theo-Huwae.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mezak-Theo-Huwae.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mezak-Theo-Huwae.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mezak-Theo-Huwae.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mezak-Theo-Huwae-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mezak-Theo-Huwae-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mezak-Theo-Huwae.jpg\",\"index\":59,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communications &amp; Theatre Arts &#39;02&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nChef at a year-round children&rsquo;s camp.\\n\\n&&#163;34;As an international student, I was able to fulfill my dream of graduating from college in America.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mezak-Theo-Huwae-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Mezak (Theo) Huwae\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kristina-Jenney.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kristina Jenney\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kristina-Jenney.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;14&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\n\\n&&#163;34;During my time at WCSU I majored in Social Work and was an RA in Grasso Hall. Since graduation I went on to get my Master&rsquo;s in Social Work at Fordham University in 2015. I immediately found my niche working with children and families who have experienced loss and trauma. I have worked in Residential Treatment Centers in Westchester County, New York, for the past seven years. For five of those those seven years I have worked with children ages 6 to 18 &nbsp;who have a range of diagnoses at ANDRUS Children&rsquo;s Center in Yonkers.. I was recently promoted from a Residential Clinician to the Director of Admissions for the campus and have joined a group therapy practice where I will be providing individual therapy to children and families. There isn&rsquo;t a day that goes by that I don&rsquo;t miss being at WCSU. I learned so much about community and myself. It was an absolutely amazing experience. Happy 120 Years!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kristina-Jenney-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":354,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kristina-Jenney-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kristina-Jenney-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kristina-Jenney.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kristina-Jenney.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kristina-Jenney.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kristina-Jenney.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kristina-Jenney-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kristina-Jenney-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kristina-Jenney.jpg\",\"index\":60,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;14&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\n\\n&&#163;34;During my time at WCSU I majored in Social Work and was an RA in Grasso Hall. Since graduation I went on to get my Master&rsquo;s in Social Work at Fordham University in 2015. I immediately found my niche working with children and families who have experienced loss and trauma. I have worked in Residential Treatment Centers in Westchester County, New York, for the past seven years. For five of those those seven years I have worked with children ages 6 to 18 &nbsp;who have a range of diagnoses at ANDRUS Children&rsquo;s Center in Yonkers.. I was recently promoted from a Residential Clinician to the Director of Admissions for the campus and have joined a group therapy practice where I will be providing individual therapy to children and families. There isn&rsquo;t a day that goes by that I don&rsquo;t miss being at WCSU. I learned so much about community and myself. It was an absolutely amazing experience. Happy 120 Years!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kristina-Jenney-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kristina Jenney\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Olivia-Kelly-Osnoski.jpg\",\"title\":\"Olivia Kelly Osnoski\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Olivia-Kelly-Osnoski.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Biology, &#39;20; M.S. Addiction Studies, &#39;21&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nUniversity of Tennessee Medical School student\\n\\n&ldquo;The small student-to-faculty ratio at WCSU was highly influential in my success. I was always asking questions, utilizing the faculty office hours. ... So many professors just go out of their way to be encouraging and make you feel supported.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Olivia-Kelly-Osnoski-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":369,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Olivia-Kelly-Osnoski-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Olivia-Kelly-Osnoski-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Olivia-Kelly-Osnoski.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Olivia-Kelly-Osnoski.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Olivia-Kelly-Osnoski.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Olivia-Kelly-Osnoski.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Olivia-Kelly-Osnoski-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Olivia-Kelly-Osnoski-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Olivia-Kelly-Osnoski.jpg\",\"index\":61,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Biology, &#39;20; M.S. Addiction Studies, &#39;21&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nUniversity of Tennessee Medical School student\\n\\n&ldquo;The small student-to-faculty ratio at WCSU was highly influential in my success. I was always asking questions, utilizing the faculty office hours. ... So many professors just go out of their way to be encouraging and make you feel supported.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Olivia-Kelly-Osnoski-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Olivia Kelly Osnoski\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lisa-Kilcourse.jpg\",\"title\":\"Lisa (Villamana) Kilcourse\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lisa-Kilcourse.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;M.S. Counselor Education: School Counseling, &#39;09.&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSchool counselor at&nbsp;Head O&#39;Meadow Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, and a&nbsp;Director on the Connecticut School Counselor Association Board of Directors&nbsp;\\n\\n&&#163;34;Earning my Master&#39;s at WCSU taught me so much professionally&nbsp;and personally. I knew there were a few options, but the location allowed for me to work while also obtaining my degree. The close-knit faculty to our cohort provided me the boost to believe in myself and to always continue my learning and growth. The CT state school education system is top notch and I am proud of the education I received at WCSU. I enjoy being able to give back when I can and have stayed connected with those who went through the program with me. I have been lucky enough to be able to site supervise interns and practicum interns from the WCSU program. I believe in the WCSU program, philosophy, and coursework. The members of the faculty and staff are well-versed in current educational as well as current counseling topics and concerns. I have been happy to see their response supporting their students and internships during and post COVID. WCSU has stayed current and relevant while providing a welcoming, positive and safe school culture.&&#163;34;&nbsp;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lisa-Kilcourse-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":470,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lisa-Kilcourse-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lisa-Kilcourse-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lisa-Kilcourse.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lisa-Kilcourse.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lisa-Kilcourse.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lisa-Kilcourse.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lisa-Kilcourse-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lisa-Kilcourse-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lisa-Kilcourse.jpg\",\"index\":62,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;M.S. Counselor Education: School Counseling, &#39;09.&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSchool counselor at&nbsp;Head O&#39;Meadow Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, and a&nbsp;Director on the Connecticut School Counselor Association Board of Directors&nbsp;\\n\\n&&#163;34;Earning my Master&#39;s at WCSU taught me so much professionally&nbsp;and personally. I knew there were a few options, but the location allowed for me to work while also obtaining my degree. The close-knit faculty to our cohort provided me the boost to believe in myself and to always continue my learning and growth. The CT state school education system is top notch and I am proud of the education I received at WCSU. I enjoy being able to give back when I can and have stayed connected with those who went through the program with me. I have been lucky enough to be able to site supervise interns and practicum interns from the WCSU program. I believe in the WCSU program, philosophy, and coursework. The members of the faculty and staff are well-versed in current educational as well as current counseling topics and concerns. I have been happy to see their response supporting their students and internships during and post COVID. WCSU has stayed current and relevant while providing a welcoming, positive and safe school culture.&&#163;34;&nbsp;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lisa-Kilcourse-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Lisa (Villamana) Kilcourse\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Taryssa-Kilian.jpg\",\"title\":\"Taryssa Kilian\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Taryssa-Kilian.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;Contract Major - B.A. Philosophy with minor in Psychology, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\n\\n&&#163;34;My current job title is IICAPS Mental Health Counselor. WCSU changed the trajectory of my life. I had no intention of ever going to college. I was a struggling kid with no direction. That changed once I was supported by mental health professionals who gave me hope and steered me toward WCSU. After I began school, I found a passion for learning. Now I&rsquo;m on the other side, working with kids much like myself. Thank you WCSU for teaching me; I am grateful.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Taryssa-Kilian-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":384,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Taryssa-Kilian-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Taryssa-Kilian-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Taryssa-Kilian.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Taryssa-Kilian.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Taryssa-Kilian.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Taryssa-Kilian.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Taryssa-Kilian-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Taryssa-Kilian-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Taryssa-Kilian.jpg\",\"index\":63,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;Contract Major - B.A. Philosophy with minor in Psychology, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\n\\n&&#163;34;My current job title is IICAPS Mental Health Counselor. WCSU changed the trajectory of my life. I had no intention of ever going to college. I was a struggling kid with no direction. That changed once I was supported by mental health professionals who gave me hope and steered me toward WCSU. After I began school, I found a passion for learning. Now I&rsquo;m on the other side, working with kids much like myself. Thank you WCSU for teaching me; I am grateful.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Taryssa-Kilian-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Taryssa Kilian\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renee-Kitson.jpg\",\"title\":\"Renee M. Kitson\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renee-Kitson.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;BBA, &#39;92; MBA, &#39;97&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSr. Principal Manager - IMCD US, LLC\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU was the basis for my professional career, which I am so proud of. This university showed me the opportunities that were available to me, and the staff and faculty were supportive of me in so many ways.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renee-Kitson-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":376,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renee-Kitson-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renee-Kitson-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renee-Kitson.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renee-Kitson.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renee-Kitson.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renee-Kitson.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renee-Kitson-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renee-Kitson-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renee-Kitson.jpg\",\"index\":64,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;BBA, &#39;92; MBA, &#39;97&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSr. Principal Manager - IMCD US, LLC\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU was the basis for my professional career, which I am so proud of. This university showed me the opportunities that were available to me, and the staff and faculty were supportive of me in so many ways.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Renee-Kitson-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Renee M. Kitson\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mallory-Knutson.jpg\",\"title\":\"Mallory Knutson\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mallory-Knutson.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Education with focus on Communication, &#39;06&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nThird grade teacher in Seymour, Connecticut \\n\\n&ldquo;Attending WCSU will change your life, and for the best! It is the perfect place to develop lifelong friendships and relationships, and to challenge yourself academically and gain valuable learning experience,&rdquo; Knutson said. &ldquo;It is a great opportunity for athletes to still play competitively and it is a great place to foster independence and allow you to grow individually. Attending WCSU has really been one of the best decisions I ever made. Trust me, it&rsquo;s a decision you won&#39;t regret!&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mallory-Knutson-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":432,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mallory-Knutson-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mallory-Knutson-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mallory-Knutson.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mallory-Knutson.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mallory-Knutson.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mallory-Knutson.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mallory-Knutson-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mallory-Knutson-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mallory-Knutson.jpg\",\"index\":65,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Education with focus on Communication, &#39;06&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nThird grade teacher in Seymour, Connecticut \\n\\n&ldquo;Attending WCSU will change your life, and for the best! It is the perfect place to develop lifelong friendships and relationships, and to challenge yourself academically and gain valuable learning experience,&rdquo; Knutson said. &ldquo;It is a great opportunity for athletes to still play competitively and it is a great place to foster independence and allow you to grow individually. Attending WCSU has really been one of the best decisions I ever made. Trust me, it&rsquo;s a decision you won&#39;t regret!&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mallory-Knutson-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Mallory Knutson\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Joann-Kokorus.jpg\",\"title\":\"Joann Kokorus\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Joann-Kokorus.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in History, &#39;05\\nM.A. in History, &#39;07&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nVice President, BSA &amp; OFAC Officer, Liberty Bank, in Middletown, CT\\n\\n&&#163;34;Attending WCSU has helped me grow in more ways than one. I have made so many connections and friendships during my 6 years at WCSU. In addition, the professors challenged me in many ways, which has brought many successes in my career at Liberty Bank, as well as in my position as a part-time adjunct professor of History at Naugatuck Valley Community College. I have the best of both worlds ... a job that I love and a passion for my hobby, which is sharing my knowledge of history with my students.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Joann-Kokorus-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":443,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Joann-Kokorus-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Joann-Kokorus-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Joann-Kokorus.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Joann-Kokorus.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Joann-Kokorus.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Joann-Kokorus.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Joann-Kokorus-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Joann-Kokorus-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Joann-Kokorus.jpg\",\"index\":66,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in History, &#39;05\\nM.A. in History, &#39;07&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nVice President, BSA &amp; OFAC Officer, Liberty Bank, in Middletown, CT\\n\\n&&#163;34;Attending WCSU has helped me grow in more ways than one. I have made so many connections and friendships during my 6 years at WCSU. In addition, the professors challenged me in many ways, which has brought many successes in my career at Liberty Bank, as well as in my position as a part-time adjunct professor of History at Naugatuck Valley Community College. I have the best of both worlds ... a job that I love and a passion for my hobby, which is sharing my knowledge of history with my students.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Joann-Kokorus-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Joann Kokorus\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alexis-Koukos.jpg\",\"title\":\"Alexis Koukos\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alexis-Koukos.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Financial Accounting, minors in Finance &amp; Professional Writing, &lsquo;16&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nProgram Assistant, WCSU Foundation\\nFounder, SuPEERior Student &amp; Consulting\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU will always hold a special place in my heart. I recall coming to the Midtown campus as a young child with my mom who was a professor at the time and being in awe of the historic buildings and feeling the energy of students bustling from one class to the next. Fast forward to when I was faced with deciding on what college to attend. After learning about the WCSU Honors program and the amazing opportunities and experiences in my own backyard, the choice was easy. The four years I spent at WCSU were the best years of my life. I made lifelong friendships, learned from intelligent and engaging professors, met many mentors who continue to advise me, and became super involved on campus and in the Danbury community. Taking the knowledge and experiences I had in and out of the classroom at WCSU, I have forged a successful career in the nonprofit sector, established my own business, and now I have happily returned to my alma mater to further the university&rsquo;s legacy and impact.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alexis-Koukos-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":417,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alexis-Koukos-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alexis-Koukos-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alexis-Koukos.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alexis-Koukos.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alexis-Koukos.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alexis-Koukos.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alexis-Koukos-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alexis-Koukos-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alexis-Koukos.jpg\",\"index\":67,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Financial Accounting, minors in Finance &amp; Professional Writing, &lsquo;16&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nProgram Assistant, WCSU Foundation\\nFounder, SuPEERior Student &amp; Consulting\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU will always hold a special place in my heart. I recall coming to the Midtown campus as a young child with my mom who was a professor at the time and being in awe of the historic buildings and feeling the energy of students bustling from one class to the next. Fast forward to when I was faced with deciding on what college to attend. After learning about the WCSU Honors program and the amazing opportunities and experiences in my own backyard, the choice was easy. The four years I spent at WCSU were the best years of my life. I made lifelong friendships, learned from intelligent and engaging professors, met many mentors who continue to advise me, and became super involved on campus and in the Danbury community. Taking the knowledge and experiences I had in and out of the classroom at WCSU, I have forged a successful career in the nonprofit sector, established my own business, and now I have happily returned to my alma mater to further the university&rsquo;s legacy and impact.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alexis-Koukos-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Alexis Koukos\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dave-Kozlowski.jpg\",\"title\":\"Dave Kozlowski\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dave-Kozlowski.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. History, &#39;99&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAttorney at Morrison Cohen LLP, New York, NY\\n\\n&&#163;34;The wonderful History Department ignited within me a perpetual love of learning, investigation, and exploration into the past and present. Extracurricular activities molded me into both a leader and a team member. Living on campus helped me hone interpersonal skills and forge lifelong friendships. All of these things &mdash; and the person I am &mdash; were facilitated by WCSU.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dave-Kozlowski-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":423,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dave-Kozlowski-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dave-Kozlowski-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dave-Kozlowski.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dave-Kozlowski.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dave-Kozlowski.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dave-Kozlowski.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dave-Kozlowski-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dave-Kozlowski-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dave-Kozlowski.jpg\",\"index\":68,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. History, &#39;99&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAttorney at Morrison Cohen LLP, New York, NY\\n\\n&&#163;34;The wonderful History Department ignited within me a perpetual love of learning, investigation, and exploration into the past and present. Extracurricular activities molded me into both a leader and a team member. Living on campus helped me hone interpersonal skills and forge lifelong friendships. All of these things &mdash; and the person I am &mdash; were facilitated by WCSU.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dave-Kozlowski-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Dave Kozlowski\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Sam-Kwapong.jpg\",\"title\":\"Dr. Sam Kwapong\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Sam-Kwapong.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;07&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDirector of International Student and Scholar Services at Xavier University\\n\\n&&#163;34;I have been working in higher education since I graduated in 2007 with my bachelor&#39;s degree from WCSU. As an international student, not knowing the culture very well, I was apprehensive about getting involved, but from professors to RAs and RDs, I was able to enjoy my college life. I am very proud of my time at WCSU and because of my experience I was able to go on and obtain my master&#39;s degree and doctoral degree. An African boy from humble roots of Ghana now is the head of the International Student and Scholar Service department, have published multiple research articles, won awards and have walked alongside numerous other international students. Proud of WCSU and appreciate everything this university has done for me.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Sam-Kwapong-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":421,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Sam-Kwapong-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Sam-Kwapong-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Sam-Kwapong.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Sam-Kwapong.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Sam-Kwapong.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Sam-Kwapong.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Sam-Kwapong-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Sam-Kwapong-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Sam-Kwapong.jpg\",\"index\":69,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;07&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDirector of International Student and Scholar Services at Xavier University\\n\\n&&#163;34;I have been working in higher education since I graduated in 2007 with my bachelor&#39;s degree from WCSU. As an international student, not knowing the culture very well, I was apprehensive about getting involved, but from professors to RAs and RDs, I was able to enjoy my college life. I am very proud of my time at WCSU and because of my experience I was able to go on and obtain my master&#39;s degree and doctoral degree. An African boy from humble roots of Ghana now is the head of the International Student and Scholar Service department, have published multiple research articles, won awards and have walked alongside numerous other international students. Proud of WCSU and appreciate everything this university has done for me.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Sam-Kwapong-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Dr. Sam Kwapong\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Isabela-Lamorte.jpg\",\"title\":\"Isabela Lamorte\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Isabela-Lamorte.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;21&lt;\\\/strong&gt; \\n\\n&&#163;34;I graduated summa cum laude. I am currently a permanent supportive housing case manager for ARC - the Association of Religious Communities. WCSU changed my life. I had the most amazing professors and classmates who taught me so much about social work, being humble, cultural competence and humility, and more. LOVE WCSU.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Isabela-Lamorte-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":332,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Isabela-Lamorte-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Isabela-Lamorte-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Isabela-Lamorte.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Isabela-Lamorte.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Isabela-Lamorte.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Isabela-Lamorte.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Isabela-Lamorte-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Isabela-Lamorte-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Isabela-Lamorte.jpg\",\"index\":70,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;21&lt;\\\/strong&gt; \\n\\n&&#163;34;I graduated summa cum laude. I am currently a permanent supportive housing case manager for ARC - the Association of Religious Communities. WCSU changed my life. I had the most amazing professors and classmates who taught me so much about social work, being humble, cultural competence and humility, and more. LOVE WCSU.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Isabela-Lamorte-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Isabela Lamorte\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Hannah-Lauth.jpg\",\"title\":\"Hannah Lauth\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Hannah-Lauth.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in Art with a Concentration in Painting, &#39;20&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nArt Educator K-12, and recent Master&#39;s graduate of Columbia University\\n\\n&&#163;34;My time at WCSU created a foundation for lifelong learning, set into motion my artistic inquiry and interest in education, and encouraged my pursuit of graduate studies at Columbia University. I will always miss Professor Sabrina Marques&#39;s painting classes and the ways in which she challenged us to think conceptually and deeply about our work.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Hannah-Lauth-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":328,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Hannah-Lauth-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Hannah-Lauth-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Hannah-Lauth.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Hannah-Lauth.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Hannah-Lauth.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Hannah-Lauth.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Hannah-Lauth-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Hannah-Lauth-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Hannah-Lauth.jpg\",\"index\":71,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in Art with a Concentration in Painting, &#39;20&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nArt Educator K-12, and recent Master&#39;s graduate of Columbia University\\n\\n&&#163;34;My time at WCSU created a foundation for lifelong learning, set into motion my artistic inquiry and interest in education, and encouraged my pursuit of graduate studies at Columbia University. I will always miss Professor Sabrina Marques&#39;s painting classes and the ways in which she challenged us to think conceptually and deeply about our work.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Hannah-Lauth-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Hannah Lauth\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Elaina-Layden.jpg\",\"title\":\"Dr. Elaina Layden\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Elaina-Layden.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Psychology, &#39;10; M.S. Applied Behavioral Analysis &#39;17&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nWent on to obtain a Ph.D. in Psychology and owns a private practice as a licensed trauma therapist.\\n\\n&&#163;34;I was originally a history major and I took a class with Dr. Barrett, who pushed me to be the best version of myself and inspired me to change my major. I also had Dr. Nelson who was tough, but compassionate, and she held my infant son so I could take an exam. I had an amazing experience at WCSU and find those memories to be so important to my journey of becoming a therapist.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Elaina-Layden-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":320,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Elaina-Layden-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Elaina-Layden-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Elaina-Layden.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Elaina-Layden.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Elaina-Layden.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Elaina-Layden.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Elaina-Layden-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Elaina-Layden-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Elaina-Layden.jpg\",\"index\":72,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Psychology, &#39;10; M.S. Applied Behavioral Analysis &#39;17&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nWent on to obtain a Ph.D. in Psychology and owns a private practice as a licensed trauma therapist.\\n\\n&&#163;34;I was originally a history major and I took a class with Dr. Barrett, who pushed me to be the best version of myself and inspired me to change my major. I also had Dr. Nelson who was tough, but compassionate, and she held my infant son so I could take an exam. I had an amazing experience at WCSU and find those memories to be so important to my journey of becoming a therapist.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Elaina-Layden-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Dr. Elaina Layden\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alicia-Leite.jpg\",\"title\":\"Alicia Leite\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alicia-Leite.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Political Science, &#39;05&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSupervising Planner, Customer Experience Unit at CTDOT\\n\\n&ldquo;My anthropology and social sciences classes at WCSU opened my eyes to things I had never experienced or learned growing up. Professors like Dr. Stephen Ward, Dr. Averell Manes and Dr. Rob Whittemore expanded my world view significantly. I was the first person in my immediate family to attempt to obtain a four-year degree, and going to college literally was life-changing for me.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alicia-Leite-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":302,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alicia-Leite-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alicia-Leite-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alicia-Leite.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alicia-Leite.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alicia-Leite.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alicia-Leite.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alicia-Leite-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alicia-Leite-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alicia-Leite.jpg\",\"index\":73,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Political Science, &#39;05&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSupervising Planner, Customer Experience Unit at CTDOT\\n\\n&ldquo;My anthropology and social sciences classes at WCSU opened my eyes to things I had never experienced or learned growing up. Professors like Dr. Stephen Ward, Dr. Averell Manes and Dr. Rob Whittemore expanded my world view significantly. I was the first person in my immediate family to attempt to obtain a four-year degree, and going to college literally was life-changing for me.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Alicia-Leite-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Alicia Leite\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Lin.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jessica Lin\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Lin.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Political Science with minors in Psychology and Conflict Resolution, &#39;15; M.S. Counseling Education, &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nMental Health Therapist and Community Outreach Coordinator for Healing Springs Wellness Center&nbsp;\\n\\n&&#163;34;After graduating in 2015, I was hired as the Assistant Director of WCSU&#39;s Kathwari Honors Program and Center for Creativity &amp; Compassion from January 2016 until September 2022, where I found my passion for working with individuals on their mental health, career and academic services, and life transitions and challenges. After receiving my master&#39;s in Counseling Education, I became a Mental Health Therapist and the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Healing Springs Wellness Center. Attending WCSU has been one of the best decisions that I have made in my life. Even as a student, I was offered and took advantage of so many challenges, opportunities and experiences. Most importantly, it gave me a home away from home surrounded by friends, students, staff and faculty who were more like family and were always there for me, accepted me for who I am, and challenged me to become better in many ways. Thanks WCSU! I miss you all so much!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Lin-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":462,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Lin-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Lin-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Lin.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Lin.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Lin.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Lin.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Lin-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Lin-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Lin.jpg\",\"index\":74,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Political Science with minors in Psychology and Conflict Resolution, &#39;15; M.S. Counseling Education, &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nMental Health Therapist and Community Outreach Coordinator for Healing Springs Wellness Center&nbsp;\\n\\n&&#163;34;After graduating in 2015, I was hired as the Assistant Director of WCSU&#39;s Kathwari Honors Program and Center for Creativity &amp; Compassion from January 2016 until September 2022, where I found my passion for working with individuals on their mental health, career and academic services, and life transitions and challenges. After receiving my master&#39;s in Counseling Education, I became a Mental Health Therapist and the Community Outreach Coordinator for the Healing Springs Wellness Center. Attending WCSU has been one of the best decisions that I have made in my life. Even as a student, I was offered and took advantage of so many challenges, opportunities and experiences. Most importantly, it gave me a home away from home surrounded by friends, students, staff and faculty who were more like family and were always there for me, accepted me for who I am, and challenged me to become better in many ways. Thanks WCSU! I miss you all so much!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Lin-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jessica Lin\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kathleen-Lindenmayer.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kathleen Lindenmayer, Captain, USN (Ret.)\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kathleen-Lindenmayer.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;University of Rochester&lt;br&gt;BA Architectural Studies 1984\\nWCSU MBA, &#39;13&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDirector of WCSU Career Success Center; previous career in the U.S. Navy, as an intelligence officer   \\n\\n&&#163;34;After my MBA, I never left WCSU! After working for a few years with the Ancell School (helping them prepare them for the first AACSB accreditation), I became the Career Center Director. WCSU showed me the importance of having a great higher education institution in our own backyard.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kathleen-Lindenmayer-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":346,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kathleen-Lindenmayer-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kathleen-Lindenmayer-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kathleen-Lindenmayer.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kathleen-Lindenmayer.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kathleen-Lindenmayer.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kathleen-Lindenmayer.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kathleen-Lindenmayer-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kathleen-Lindenmayer-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kathleen-Lindenmayer.jpg\",\"index\":75,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;University of Rochester&lt;br&gt;BA Architectural Studies 1984\\nWCSU MBA, &#39;13&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDirector of WCSU Career Success Center; previous career in the U.S. Navy, as an intelligence officer   \\n\\n&&#163;34;After my MBA, I never left WCSU! After working for a few years with the Ancell School (helping them prepare them for the first AACSB accreditation), I became the Career Center Director. WCSU showed me the importance of having a great higher education institution in our own backyard.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kathleen-Lindenmayer-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kathleen Lindenmayer, Captain, USN (Ret.)\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Farrah-Marin.jpg\",\"title\":\"Farrah Marin\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Farrah-Marin.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;17 &lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nLMSW, Care Coordinator at Nuvance Health\\n\\n&&#163;34;The social work program at WCSU prepared me to work with individuals, communities and families to address their needs and create change. I&rsquo;m thankful for my incredible professors who inspired and guided me throughout my undergraduate degree.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Farrah-Marin-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":326,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Farrah-Marin-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Farrah-Marin-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Farrah-Marin.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Farrah-Marin.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Farrah-Marin.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Farrah-Marin.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Farrah-Marin-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Farrah-Marin-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Farrah-Marin.jpg\",\"index\":76,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;17 &lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nLMSW, Care Coordinator at Nuvance Health\\n\\n&&#163;34;The social work program at WCSU prepared me to work with individuals, communities and families to address their needs and create change. I&rsquo;m thankful for my incredible professors who inspired and guided me throughout my undergraduate degree.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Farrah-Marin-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Farrah Marin\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Marotta-Daddona.jpg\",\"title\":\"Rachel Marotta Daddona\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Marotta-Daddona.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Media Arts, &#39;13&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nPost Production Producer for &&#163;34;The Karamo Show,&&#163;34; NBCUniversal and affiliate channels.\\n\\n&&#163;34;As the post production producer, I am responsible for overseeing the post production process of every episode. I put the elements together to tell the story, which includes editing, audio, animation and graphics. WCSU laid the ground work to work in TV and film production. The professors are hands-on and care about their students. The opportunities to participate in projects while being a student are endless; they encourage you to succeed and go out into the world and use the degree you worked so hard to get. I am proud to be an alum of WCSU!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Marotta-Daddona-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":372,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Marotta-Daddona-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Marotta-Daddona-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Marotta-Daddona.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Marotta-Daddona.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Marotta-Daddona.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Marotta-Daddona.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Marotta-Daddona-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Marotta-Daddona-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Marotta-Daddona.jpg\",\"index\":77,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Media Arts, &#39;13&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nPost Production Producer for &&#163;34;The Karamo Show,&&#163;34; NBCUniversal and affiliate channels.\\n\\n&&#163;34;As the post production producer, I am responsible for overseeing the post production process of every episode. I put the elements together to tell the story, which includes editing, audio, animation and graphics. WCSU laid the ground work to work in TV and film production. The professors are hands-on and care about their students. The opportunities to participate in projects while being a student are endless; they encourage you to succeed and go out into the world and use the degree you worked so hard to get. I am proud to be an alum of WCSU!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Rachel-Marotta-Daddona-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Rachel Marotta Daddona\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mariana-Martins-LMSW.jpg\",\"title\":\"Mariana Martins, LMSW\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mariana-Martins-LMSW.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;20&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nLicensed Master Social Worker that serves as the KidTalk Counselor at Kids In Crisis. I provide assessment, crisis intervention, on- on-one and group counseling and support to kids and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, bullying, family conflict, academic issues, grief\\\/loss, substance abuse issues, abuse\\\/neglect, justice involvement and lack of basic needs.\\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU, shaped me into a professional that is a confident leader, strong collaborator and a great listener. I wouldn&rsquo;t be where I am today without the critical skills WCSU taught me.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mariana-Martins-LMSW-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":362,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mariana-Martins-LMSW-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mariana-Martins-LMSW-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mariana-Martins-LMSW.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mariana-Martins-LMSW.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mariana-Martins-LMSW.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mariana-Martins-LMSW.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mariana-Martins-LMSW-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mariana-Martins-LMSW-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mariana-Martins-LMSW.jpg\",\"index\":78,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;20&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nLicensed Master Social Worker that serves as the KidTalk Counselor at Kids In Crisis. I provide assessment, crisis intervention, on- on-one and group counseling and support to kids and adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, bullying, family conflict, academic issues, grief\\\/loss, substance abuse issues, abuse\\\/neglect, justice involvement and lack of basic needs.\\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU, shaped me into a professional that is a confident leader, strong collaborator and a great listener. I wouldn&rsquo;t be where I am today without the critical skills WCSU taught me.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mariana-Martins-LMSW-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Mariana Martins, LMSW\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Joanna-Mattei.jpg\",\"title\":\"Joanna Mattei\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Joanna-Mattei.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;M.H.A., &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSupervisor of Outpatient Scheduling &amp; Pre-Registration at Nuvance Health\\n\\n&&#163;34;The graduate program at WCSU tied together my current work experience with the expertise and knowledge of my professors. I gained confidence in my field and I was able to apply the educational content of the courses, as well as gain a network of professionals.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Joanna-Mattei-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":399,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Joanna-Mattei-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Joanna-Mattei-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Joanna-Mattei.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Joanna-Mattei.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Joanna-Mattei.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Joanna-Mattei.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Joanna-Mattei-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Joanna-Mattei-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Joanna-Mattei.jpg\",\"index\":79,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;M.H.A., &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSupervisor of Outpatient Scheduling &amp; Pre-Registration at Nuvance Health\\n\\n&&#163;34;The graduate program at WCSU tied together my current work experience with the expertise and knowledge of my professors. I gained confidence in my field and I was able to apply the educational content of the courses, as well as gain a network of professionals.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Joanna-Mattei-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Joanna Mattei\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Andrew-Matusiak.jpg\",\"title\":\"Andrew Matusiak, LCSW\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Andrew-Matusiak.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Psychology, &#39;05&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nFounder, President and CEO of a mental health group practice in Litchfield County with multiple site locations, including a holistic Wellness Center.\\n\\n&ldquo;WCSU provided me with an excellent foundation in psychology, as well preparing me for Fordham grad school, where I graduated in 2013 with my MSW.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Andrew-Matusiak-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":306,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Andrew-Matusiak-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Andrew-Matusiak-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Andrew-Matusiak.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Andrew-Matusiak.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Andrew-Matusiak.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Andrew-Matusiak.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Andrew-Matusiak-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Andrew-Matusiak-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Andrew-Matusiak.jpg\",\"index\":80,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Psychology, &#39;05&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nFounder, President and CEO of a mental health group practice in Litchfield County with multiple site locations, including a holistic Wellness Center.\\n\\n&ldquo;WCSU provided me with an excellent foundation in psychology, as well preparing me for Fordham grad school, where I graduated in 2013 with my MSW.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Andrew-Matusiak-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Andrew Matusiak, LCSW\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Sheila-Medina-.jpg\",\"title\":\"Sheila Medina\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Sheila-Medina-.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Accounting - Financial Accounting, B.B.A. Management Information Systems, &#39;21&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nRisk and Financial Advisory Analyst at Deloitte\\n\\n&ldquo;It wasn&rsquo;t easy to give up time with friends and doing fun things while taking six classes a semester to make my goals real, but I think that with effort and commitment, it is possible to achieve anything in life. WCSU made it convenient in every way: a short commute; affordability; and professors who were easy to talk to, pushed me to do more and provided great advice. They encouraged me to join campus organizations and clubs, which gave me so many contacts and helped strengthen my resume.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Sheila-Medina--75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":379,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Sheila-Medina--150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Sheila-Medina--300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Sheila-Medina-.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Sheila-Medina-.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Sheila-Medina-.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Sheila-Medina-.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Sheila-Medina--500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Sheila-Medina--272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Sheila-Medina-.jpg\",\"index\":81,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Accounting - Financial Accounting, B.B.A. Management Information Systems, &#39;21&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nRisk and Financial Advisory Analyst at Deloitte\\n\\n&ldquo;It wasn&rsquo;t easy to give up time with friends and doing fun things while taking six classes a semester to make my goals real, but I think that with effort and commitment, it is possible to achieve anything in life. WCSU made it convenient in every way: a short commute; affordability; and professors who were easy to talk to, pushed me to do more and provided great advice. They encouraged me to join campus organizations and clubs, which gave me so many contacts and helped strengthen my resume.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Sheila-Medina--75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Sheila Medina\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mikayla-Melaas.jpg\",\"title\":\"Mikayla J. Melaas\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mikayla-Melaas.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. in Interactive Marketing, &#39;17&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAssociate Consumer &amp; Market Insights Manager at Unilever\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU provided me with a multitude of professional opportunities from being a member of the WMA (Western Marketing Association) and working on real-world case studies, to starting my career with an on-campus Marketing internship for Sodexo. Being a student at WCSU has truly shaped my career and brought me to where I am today.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mikayla-Melaas-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":365,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mikayla-Melaas-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mikayla-Melaas-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mikayla-Melaas.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mikayla-Melaas.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mikayla-Melaas.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mikayla-Melaas.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mikayla-Melaas-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mikayla-Melaas-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mikayla-Melaas.jpg\",\"index\":82,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. in Interactive Marketing, &#39;17&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAssociate Consumer &amp; Market Insights Manager at Unilever\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU provided me with a multitude of professional opportunities from being a member of the WMA (Western Marketing Association) and working on real-world case studies, to starting my career with an on-campus Marketing internship for Sodexo. Being a student at WCSU has truly shaped my career and brought me to where I am today.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Mikayla-Melaas-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Mikayla J. Melaas\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Deanna-Melillo-LMSW.jpg\",\"title\":\"Deanna Melillo, LMSW\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Deanna-Melillo-LMSW.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;21&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nWorks at an agency called Kids in Crisis, which provides emergency shelter, crisis counseling and community education programs for children of all ages and families facing crises. Also works at Western Middle School, employed through Kids in Crisis, working to identify and help students navigate difficult&nbsp;personal, family and school-related issues&nbsp;\\n\\n&&#163;34;After graduating, I went straight back to school and received&nbsp;my Master&#39;s Degree in Social Work in&nbsp;eight months. Upon graduating with my MSW, I took my LMSW licensing exam and passed in the state of Connecticut. I have just recently received&nbsp;my LMSW license in the state of New York as well. I am so thankful that my chosen career path is social work, as I love to help others and give back to the communities and people that need it the most. It is clich&eacute;, but social work is about changing the world, whether that is through small or large changes and I am thankful to get to do that in my everyday life. None of this would have been possible without the support and guidance of my professors and field placement&nbsp;supervisors at WCSU, thank you a million!!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Deanna-Melillo-LMSW-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":468,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Deanna-Melillo-LMSW-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Deanna-Melillo-LMSW-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Deanna-Melillo-LMSW.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Deanna-Melillo-LMSW.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Deanna-Melillo-LMSW.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Deanna-Melillo-LMSW.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Deanna-Melillo-LMSW-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Deanna-Melillo-LMSW-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Deanna-Melillo-LMSW.jpg\",\"index\":83,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;21&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nWorks at an agency called Kids in Crisis, which provides emergency shelter, crisis counseling and community education programs for children of all ages and families facing crises. Also works at Western Middle School, employed through Kids in Crisis, working to identify and help students navigate difficult&nbsp;personal, family and school-related issues&nbsp;\\n\\n&&#163;34;After graduating, I went straight back to school and received&nbsp;my Master&#39;s Degree in Social Work in&nbsp;eight months. Upon graduating with my MSW, I took my LMSW licensing exam and passed in the state of Connecticut. I have just recently received&nbsp;my LMSW license in the state of New York as well. I am so thankful that my chosen career path is social work, as I love to help others and give back to the communities and people that need it the most. It is clich&eacute;, but social work is about changing the world, whether that is through small or large changes and I am thankful to get to do that in my everyday life. None of this would have been possible without the support and guidance of my professors and field placement&nbsp;supervisors at WCSU, thank you a million!!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Deanna-Melillo-LMSW-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Deanna Melillo, LMSW\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ana-Mendieta.jpg\",\"title\":\"Ana Mendieta\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ana-Mendieta.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Political Science, minor in Spanish, &#39;14&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAssistant Director of Multicultural Affairs at Sacred Heart University\\n\\n&&#163;34;As a first-generation student, I appreciated the emphasis on the value of getting involved for the greater good. WCSU sparked an interest in service learning in me.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ana-Mendieta-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":305,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ana-Mendieta-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ana-Mendieta-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ana-Mendieta.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ana-Mendieta.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ana-Mendieta.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ana-Mendieta.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ana-Mendieta-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ana-Mendieta-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ana-Mendieta.jpg\",\"index\":84,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Political Science, minor in Spanish, &#39;14&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAssistant Director of Multicultural Affairs at Sacred Heart University\\n\\n&&#163;34;As a first-generation student, I appreciated the emphasis on the value of getting involved for the greater good. WCSU sparked an interest in service learning in me.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ana-Mendieta-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Ana Mendieta\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Phillip-Milani-Wyness.jpg\",\"title\":\"Phillip Milani-Wyness\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Phillip-Milani-Wyness.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Political Science, &#39;13&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSelf-Employed Content\\\/Copywriter &amp; Marketer\\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU was very helpful in my personal development and toward guiding me to my right career path. At WCSU I had the privilege to know many professors and staff who made it a joy to learn from and were always there for me when I needed advice with either academics or career. Also, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad for a semester in the Czech Republic during spring &rsquo;11. This experience broadened my horizons further and it&rsquo;s where I live today since being accepted for a Master&#39;s degree in International Relations at Anglo-American University in 2014.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Phillip-Milani-Wyness-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":371,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Phillip-Milani-Wyness-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Phillip-Milani-Wyness-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Phillip-Milani-Wyness.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Phillip-Milani-Wyness.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Phillip-Milani-Wyness.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Phillip-Milani-Wyness.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Phillip-Milani-Wyness-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Phillip-Milani-Wyness-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Phillip-Milani-Wyness.jpg\",\"index\":85,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Political Science, &#39;13&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSelf-Employed Content\\\/Copywriter &amp; Marketer\\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU was very helpful in my personal development and toward guiding me to my right career path. At WCSU I had the privilege to know many professors and staff who made it a joy to learn from and were always there for me when I needed advice with either academics or career. Also, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad for a semester in the Czech Republic during spring &rsquo;11. This experience broadened my horizons further and it&rsquo;s where I live today since being accepted for a Master&#39;s degree in International Relations at Anglo-American University in 2014.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Phillip-Milani-Wyness-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Phillip Milani-Wyness\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Briana-Morrissey.jpg\",\"title\":\"Briana Morrissey\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Briana-Morrissey.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Digital and Interactive Marketing, &lsquo;16\\nMBA, &lsquo;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDigital Marketing Specialist, BELIMO\\n\\n&&#163;34;My time at WCSU challenged me in the best way possible. My professors (especially Dr. Drozdenko and Donna Coelho) encouraged and challenged me to become my best self and my friends supported me. I look back fondly on my time with the Western Marketing Association and am thankful for how much I learned inside and outside the classroom &ndash; it has truly shaped me into the dedicated employee I am today. My positive experience as an undergraduate made selecting a graduate program an easy decision.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Briana-Morrissey-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":436,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Briana-Morrissey-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Briana-Morrissey-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Briana-Morrissey.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Briana-Morrissey.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Briana-Morrissey.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Briana-Morrissey.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Briana-Morrissey-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Briana-Morrissey-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Briana-Morrissey.jpg\",\"index\":86,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Digital and Interactive Marketing, &lsquo;16\\nMBA, &lsquo;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDigital Marketing Specialist, BELIMO\\n\\n&&#163;34;My time at WCSU challenged me in the best way possible. My professors (especially Dr. Drozdenko and Donna Coelho) encouraged and challenged me to become my best self and my friends supported me. I look back fondly on my time with the Western Marketing Association and am thankful for how much I learned inside and outside the classroom &ndash; it has truly shaped me into the dedicated employee I am today. My positive experience as an undergraduate made selecting a graduate program an easy decision.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Briana-Morrissey-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Briana Morrissey\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Nguyen.jpg\",\"title\":\"Bianca Nguyen\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Nguyen.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;Double B.A. in Graphic Design and Communication Studies with a minor in International Studies, &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nMarketing Coordinator\\nAs a Marketing Coordinator, I develop email campaigns, social media content and any projects relating to the marketing of a company. My current main tasks at my job are social media management, advertising and video production.\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU will forever be a part of me because the university has provided me an endless array of opportunities for my education and career path. One of the best things WCSU provided me with was the opportunity to work at various departments on campus, which helped me become skilled in my career field and provided me the chance to be involved on campus!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Nguyen-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":310,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Nguyen-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Nguyen-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Nguyen.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Nguyen.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Nguyen.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Nguyen.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Nguyen-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Nguyen-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Nguyen.jpg\",\"index\":87,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;Double B.A. in Graphic Design and Communication Studies with a minor in International Studies, &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nMarketing Coordinator\\nAs a Marketing Coordinator, I develop email campaigns, social media content and any projects relating to the marketing of a company. My current main tasks at my job are social media management, advertising and video production.\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU will forever be a part of me because the university has provided me an endless array of opportunities for my education and career path. One of the best things WCSU provided me with was the opportunity to work at various departments on campus, which helped me become skilled in my career field and provided me the chance to be involved on campus!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Nguyen-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Bianca Nguyen\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ibrahim-Noccioli.jpg\",\"title\":\"Ibrahim Noccioli\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ibrahim-Noccioli.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Financial Accounting, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSenior Accountant &amp; President of my LLC\\n\\n&&#163;34;My experience at WCSU was very wholesome in that I made lasting friendships with both professors and classmates with whom I communicate often about life, similar hobbies\\\/interests, and career advice. I transferred to WCSU from UCONN Storrs and I was amazed by how much better the education and teaching styles WCSU offered were in the Ancell School of Business. I was lucky to witness and be a part of the accounting program receiving accreditation status and see firsthand the excellence that was expected of me as a student. The classroom sizes are smaller than that of the big universities and colleges, and the education and networking opportunities gave me all of the tools necessary to excel upon graduation. I owe much of my success to WCSU, the staff\\\/faculty, my professors and the friends I made.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ibrahim-Noccioli-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":330,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ibrahim-Noccioli-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ibrahim-Noccioli-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ibrahim-Noccioli.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ibrahim-Noccioli.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ibrahim-Noccioli.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ibrahim-Noccioli.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ibrahim-Noccioli-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ibrahim-Noccioli-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ibrahim-Noccioli.jpg\",\"index\":88,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Financial Accounting, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSenior Accountant &amp; President of my LLC\\n\\n&&#163;34;My experience at WCSU was very wholesome in that I made lasting friendships with both professors and classmates with whom I communicate often about life, similar hobbies\\\/interests, and career advice. I transferred to WCSU from UCONN Storrs and I was amazed by how much better the education and teaching styles WCSU offered were in the Ancell School of Business. I was lucky to witness and be a part of the accounting program receiving accreditation status and see firsthand the excellence that was expected of me as a student. The classroom sizes are smaller than that of the big universities and colleges, and the education and networking opportunities gave me all of the tools necessary to excel upon graduation. I owe much of my success to WCSU, the staff\\\/faculty, my professors and the friends I made.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ibrahim-Noccioli-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Ibrahim Noccioli\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Justin-ODonnell.jpg\",\"title\":\"Justin O&rsquo;Donnell\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Justin-ODonnell.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;M.F.A. in Creative and Professional Writing &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nCorporate Communications Manager\\n\\n&&#163;34;The writing program at WCSU renewed my love for writing, challenged my way of thinking, and encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming an author.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Justin-ODonnell-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":343,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Justin-ODonnell-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Justin-ODonnell-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Justin-ODonnell.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Justin-ODonnell.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Justin-ODonnell.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Justin-ODonnell.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Justin-ODonnell-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Justin-ODonnell-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Justin-ODonnell.jpg\",\"index\":89,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;M.F.A. in Creative and Professional Writing &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nCorporate Communications Manager\\n\\n&&#163;34;The writing program at WCSU renewed my love for writing, challenged my way of thinking, and encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming an author.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Justin-ODonnell-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Justin O&rsquo;Donnell\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Albert-Oliveira.jpg\",\"title\":\"Albert Oliveira\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Albert-Oliveira.jpg\",\"alt\":\"WCSU 120 stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Marketing, &#39;20&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nManaging partner at Venatus Management\\n\\n&&#163;34;I work at Venatus Management, a marketing agency that I started with my partner during my senior year at WCSU. Since graduating, I&#39;ve worked on business accounts both large and small on a variety of projects and industries. Being a first-generation student, I was fortunate to have many great mentors and peers within the Ancell businesses school that pushed me to learn and become the best version of myself. That drive for continuous improvement is what led me to be where I am today, with a successful company and a team of WCSU graduates who share my passion. Many of the fundamental skills I learned and use today were directly established by my mentors at the Ancell School of Business, who guided my path consistently. Without the opportunities that WCSU has provided me, there wouldn&rsquo;t be Venatus Management.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Albert-Oliveira-75x50_c.jpg\",\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Albert-Oliveira-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Albert-Oliveira-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Albert-Oliveira.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Albert-Oliveira.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Albert-Oliveira.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Albert-Oliveira.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Albert-Oliveira-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Albert-Oliveira-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Albert-Oliveira.jpg\",\"index\":90,\"id\":585,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Marketing, &#39;20&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nManaging partner at Venatus Management\\n\\n&&#163;34;I work at Venatus Management, a marketing agency that I started with my partner during my senior year at WCSU. Since graduating, I&#39;ve worked on business accounts both large and small on a variety of projects and industries. Being a first-generation student, I was fortunate to have many great mentors and peers within the Ancell businesses school that pushed me to learn and become the best version of myself. That drive for continuous improvement is what led me to be where I am today, with a successful company and a team of WCSU graduates who share my passion. Many of the fundamental skills I learned and use today were directly established by my mentors at the Ancell School of Business, who guided my path consistently. Without the opportunities that WCSU has provided me, there wouldn&rsquo;t be Venatus Management.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Albert-Oliveira-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Albert Oliveira\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Doug-Ouimette.jpg\",\"title\":\"Doug Ouimette\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Doug-Ouimette.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Justice and Law Administration, &#39;09&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nStand-Up Comedian\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU is where I met my lifelong friends and is the first place I ever saw my future wife. These are the people that support and motivate me to chase my dreams. I also learned how to effectively present to audiences, a skill that is very important in stand-up comedy. In addition to the many presentations I did, I took an acting class that I reflect on often and I won my very first stand-up comedy competition as a student at WCSU.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Doug-Ouimette-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":319,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Doug-Ouimette-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Doug-Ouimette-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Doug-Ouimette.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Doug-Ouimette.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Doug-Ouimette.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Doug-Ouimette.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Doug-Ouimette-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Doug-Ouimette-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Doug-Ouimette.jpg\",\"index\":91,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Justice and Law Administration, &#39;09&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nStand-Up Comedian\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU is where I met my lifelong friends and is the first place I ever saw my future wife. These are the people that support and motivate me to chase my dreams. I also learned how to effectively present to audiences, a skill that is very important in stand-up comedy. In addition to the many presentations I did, I took an acting class that I reflect on often and I won my very first stand-up comedy competition as a student at WCSU.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Doug-Ouimette-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Doug Ouimette\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/LaQueshia-Outlaw-Clemons.jpg\",\"title\":\"LaQueshia Outlaw Clemons\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/LaQueshia-Outlaw-Clemons.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S, Justice and Law Administration, &#39;11&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nState of CT Public Defender Social Worker in the Middlesex Superior Court\\n\\n&&#163;34;I act as a consultant to attorneys by performing diagnostic screening of clients for socialpsychiatric problems and incorporate an appropriate treatment plan in the legal disposition of the criminal case. Within my position, I provide crisis counseling to clients and their families, as needed. I obtain and analyzes confidential psychological, medical and social history of clients. I facilitate client&rsquo;s admissions into specific programs and serve as a liaison. Finally, I assist public defenders in presenting information to the courts. I also have a private practice as a financial therapist where I help change your mindset around your personal finances. Being a student at WCSU was a wonderful experience. I built amazing relationships and truly enjoyed the smaller classroom experiences. Obtaining my Justice and Law Administration degree prepared me for working within the criminal justice field by having hands-on experiences with probation, the court system and corrections system. The trips and internships to these different places helped prepare me for what was to come within my career today.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/LaQueshia-Outlaw-Clemons-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":355,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/LaQueshia-Outlaw-Clemons-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/LaQueshia-Outlaw-Clemons-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/LaQueshia-Outlaw-Clemons.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/LaQueshia-Outlaw-Clemons.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/LaQueshia-Outlaw-Clemons.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/LaQueshia-Outlaw-Clemons.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/LaQueshia-Outlaw-Clemons-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/LaQueshia-Outlaw-Clemons-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/LaQueshia-Outlaw-Clemons.jpg\",\"index\":92,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S, Justice and Law Administration, &#39;11&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nState of CT Public Defender Social Worker in the Middlesex Superior Court\\n\\n&&#163;34;I act as a consultant to attorneys by performing diagnostic screening of clients for socialpsychiatric problems and incorporate an appropriate treatment plan in the legal disposition of the criminal case. Within my position, I provide crisis counseling to clients and their families, as needed. I obtain and analyzes confidential psychological, medical and social history of clients. I facilitate client&rsquo;s admissions into specific programs and serve as a liaison. Finally, I assist public defenders in presenting information to the courts. I also have a private practice as a financial therapist where I help change your mindset around your personal finances. Being a student at WCSU was a wonderful experience. I built amazing relationships and truly enjoyed the smaller classroom experiences. Obtaining my Justice and Law Administration degree prepared me for working within the criminal justice field by having hands-on experiences with probation, the court system and corrections system. The trips and internships to these different places helped prepare me for what was to come within my career today.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/LaQueshia-Outlaw-Clemons-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"LaQueshia Outlaw Clemons\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Paolello-Nesello.jpg\",\"title\":\"Bianca Paolello Nesello\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Paolello-Nesello.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Secondary Education - History with a minor in Psychology, &#39;13;  M.S. Counselor Education, &#39;16&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSchool Counselor &amp; cheerleading coach at Brookfield High School, and Licensed Professional Counselor for my own small business in Danbury, Embracing Change Psychotherapy, LLC.\\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU was the best decision I ever made. The campus life, staff, professors and my peers shaped me into the person and professional I am today. I am especially grateful for my involvement in Student Affairs as both an undergraduate and graduate intern; these involvements taught me the 21st century soft skills that have made me successful in my life and career!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Paolello-Nesello-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":311,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Paolello-Nesello-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Paolello-Nesello-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Paolello-Nesello.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Paolello-Nesello.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Paolello-Nesello.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Paolello-Nesello.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Paolello-Nesello-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Paolello-Nesello-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Paolello-Nesello.jpg\",\"index\":93,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Secondary Education - History with a minor in Psychology, &#39;13;  M.S. Counselor Education, &#39;16&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSchool Counselor &amp; cheerleading coach at Brookfield High School, and Licensed Professional Counselor for my own small business in Danbury, Embracing Change Psychotherapy, LLC.\\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU was the best decision I ever made. The campus life, staff, professors and my peers shaped me into the person and professional I am today. I am especially grateful for my involvement in Student Affairs as both an undergraduate and graduate intern; these involvements taught me the 21st century soft skills that have made me successful in my life and career!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Bianca-Paolello-Nesello-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Bianca Paolello Nesello\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-P.-Paris.jpg\",\"title\":\"Corey P. Paris\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-P.-Paris.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B. A. Political Science, &#39;14&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nChief Development Officer, Children&#39;s Learning&nbsp;Centers of Fairfield County; The Honorable State Representative, Stamford District 145&nbsp;&nbsp;\\n\\n&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve learned that in any major decision regarding your life, you should always take a risk. If you take a risk, it will lead you somewhere you would not have thought possible to have gone before. Deciding to study at WCSU was a risk that is paying off. I put myself through college as a financially independent student and ended up being SGA President. That in some ways has led to my current role as a Connecticut State Representative. WCSU was a cradle of opportunity for me, and it proves that anything is possible when you take a risk with your life.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-P.-Paris-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":467,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-P.-Paris-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-P.-Paris-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-P.-Paris.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-P.-Paris.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-P.-Paris.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-P.-Paris.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-P.-Paris-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-P.-Paris-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-P.-Paris.jpg\",\"index\":94,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B. A. Political Science, &#39;14&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nChief Development Officer, Children&#39;s Learning&nbsp;Centers of Fairfield County; The Honorable State Representative, Stamford District 145&nbsp;&nbsp;\\n\\n&ldquo;I&rsquo;ve learned that in any major decision regarding your life, you should always take a risk. If you take a risk, it will lead you somewhere you would not have thought possible to have gone before. Deciding to study at WCSU was a risk that is paying off. I put myself through college as a financially independent student and ended up being SGA President. That in some ways has led to my current role as a Connecticut State Representative. WCSU was a cradle of opportunity for me, and it proves that anything is possible when you take a risk with your life.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-P.-Paris-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Corey P. Paris\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steve-Phillips.jpg\",\"title\":\"Steve Phillips\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steve-Phillips.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communications, &#39;10&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nFounder of real estate technology startup Restately\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU was always there for me, even through all my mistakes and hardest times. There was always someone, somewhere in the WCSU family that was there to help me at any time.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steve-Phillips-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":411,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steve-Phillips-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steve-Phillips-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steve-Phillips.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steve-Phillips.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steve-Phillips.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steve-Phillips.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steve-Phillips-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steve-Phillips-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steve-Phillips.jpg\",\"index\":95,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communications, &#39;10&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nFounder of real estate technology startup Restately\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU was always there for me, even through all my mistakes and hardest times. There was always someone, somewhere in the WCSU family that was there to help me at any time.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steve-Phillips-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Steve Phillips\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Leah-Principe.jpg\",\"title\":\"Leah Principe\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Leah-Principe.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A Media Arts, concentration in Media Production, minor in Photography, &#39;17&lt;\\\/strong&gt; \\nMedia studies assistant teacher at Sacred Heart Greenwich \\n\\n&&#163;34;I help girls in high school find their voice in filmmaking by teaching them the basics of storytelling, editing and camera work. I love what I do! I am grateful for the education and resources that were available to me during my time at WCSU because it helped prepare me for the real world.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Leah-Principe-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":250,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Leah-Principe-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Leah-Principe-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Leah-Principe.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Leah-Principe.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Leah-Principe.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Leah-Principe.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Leah-Principe-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Leah-Principe-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Leah-Principe.jpg\",\"index\":96,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A Media Arts, concentration in Media Production, minor in Photography, &#39;17&lt;\\\/strong&gt; \\nMedia studies assistant teacher at Sacred Heart Greenwich \\n\\n&&#163;34;I help girls in high school find their voice in filmmaking by teaching them the basics of storytelling, editing and camera work. I love what I do! I am grateful for the education and resources that were available to me during my time at WCSU because it helped prepare me for the real world.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Leah-Principe-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Leah Principe\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ruth-Quattro.jpg\",\"title\":\"Ruth Quattro\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ruth-Quattro.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A in Communication Studies, &#39;16\\nWent on to earn a Master in Public Health from UMass Amherst &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nProject Coordinator for Communication and Outreach for Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition\\n\\n&&#163;34;Because of the small class sizes and the option to create long-lasting relationships with professors and peers at WCSU, I was able to find a career path in food equity that I&#39;m passionate about.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ruth-Quattro-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":377,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ruth-Quattro-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ruth-Quattro-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ruth-Quattro.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ruth-Quattro.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ruth-Quattro.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ruth-Quattro.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ruth-Quattro-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ruth-Quattro-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ruth-Quattro.jpg\",\"index\":97,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A in Communication Studies, &#39;16\\nWent on to earn a Master in Public Health from UMass Amherst &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nProject Coordinator for Communication and Outreach for Gretchen Swanson Center for Nutrition\\n\\n&&#163;34;Because of the small class sizes and the option to create long-lasting relationships with professors and peers at WCSU, I was able to find a career path in food equity that I&#39;m passionate about.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ruth-Quattro-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Ruth Quattro\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nary-Rath.jpg\",\"title\":\"Nary Rath\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nary-Rath.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;18&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU jump started my amazing and fulfilling career as a social worker. Since graduating from WCSU, I earned my master of social work; completed a fellowship in Washington, D.C., in the U.S. Senate; and relocated to California to work in my dream job advocating for the Southeast Asian community as California Program Manager for the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC). I lead the statewide California programs for a civil rights nonprofit that advocates for the advancement of Southeast Asian American refugees and immigrants, and I lead coalitions of community partners that work on racial justice, healthcare and mental health.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nary-Rath-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":367,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nary-Rath-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nary-Rath-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nary-Rath.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nary-Rath.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nary-Rath.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nary-Rath.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nary-Rath-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nary-Rath-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nary-Rath.jpg\",\"index\":98,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;18&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU jump started my amazing and fulfilling career as a social worker. Since graduating from WCSU, I earned my master of social work; completed a fellowship in Washington, D.C., in the U.S. Senate; and relocated to California to work in my dream job advocating for the Southeast Asian community as California Program Manager for the Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC). I lead the statewide California programs for a civil rights nonprofit that advocates for the advancement of Southeast Asian American refugees and immigrants, and I lead coalitions of community partners that work on racial justice, healthcare and mental health.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Nary-Rath-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Nary Rath\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kimberly-Reddington.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kimberly Reddington\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kimberly-Reddington.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Marketing, &#39;09&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nOwner of linkedkim Marketing LLC\\n(Picture: WCSU Ancell School of Business Marketing Week 2021 - Big Idea Competition Judge)\\n\\n&&#163;34;My favorite part of WCSU&#39;s Ancell School of Business was the real-life marketing project we had the opportunity to work on. We were paired up with a local business that needed some guidance on strategy. It was then I realized this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I am now seven years into my own business and still come back to WCSU every semester to provide the students with the same opportunity I was given, now with my own clients. The relationships I have built with Ancell students and alumni of all ages will last a lifetime. I am forever grateful for WCSU, the Ancell School of Business, Ron Drozdenko and Donna Coelho.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kimberly-Reddington-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":401,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kimberly-Reddington-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kimberly-Reddington-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kimberly-Reddington.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kimberly-Reddington.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kimberly-Reddington.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kimberly-Reddington.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kimberly-Reddington-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kimberly-Reddington-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kimberly-Reddington.jpg\",\"index\":99,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Marketing, &#39;09&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nOwner of linkedkim Marketing LLC\\n(Picture: WCSU Ancell School of Business Marketing Week 2021 - Big Idea Competition Judge)\\n\\n&&#163;34;My favorite part of WCSU&#39;s Ancell School of Business was the real-life marketing project we had the opportunity to work on. We were paired up with a local business that needed some guidance on strategy. It was then I realized this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. I am now seven years into my own business and still come back to WCSU every semester to provide the students with the same opportunity I was given, now with my own clients. The relationships I have built with Ancell students and alumni of all ages will last a lifetime. I am forever grateful for WCSU, the Ancell School of Business, Ron Drozdenko and Donna Coelho.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kimberly-Reddington-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kimberly Reddington\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Guillermo-Alexis-Gizmo-Rivera.jpg\",\"title\":\"Guillermo Alexis \\\"Gizmo\\\" Rivera\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Guillermo-Alexis-Gizmo-Rivera.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communications and Media, &#39;03&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nVisual Effects Artist\\\/Supervisor. 2013 Emmy Winner &ldquo;Sunday Night Football Open,&&#163;34; 2022 Nominated Autodesk Best Flame Artist of the Year&nbsp;\\n\\n&&#163;34;Attending WCSU gave me the foundation to be successful &nbsp;in a very competitive industry, Visual Effects. The professors and staff prepared me to think critically and expand my understanding in the building and creation of a film. I was exposed to the latest cameras and editing tools of the day, and given a great deal of knowledge in film studies and theory. After graduating, I had the confidence and the tools to compete, and build a career in entertainment and film industry. WSCU and its culture instilled in me a teamwork mentality that allowed me to achieve my dreams and make a living out of it. Additionally, Litchfield Hall is where I met the love of my life and partner Caroline; we have two amazing &nbsp;kids, and are still together after 20 years.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Guillermo-Alexis-Gizmo-Rivera-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":469,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Guillermo-Alexis-Gizmo-Rivera-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Guillermo-Alexis-Gizmo-Rivera-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Guillermo-Alexis-Gizmo-Rivera.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Guillermo-Alexis-Gizmo-Rivera.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Guillermo-Alexis-Gizmo-Rivera.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Guillermo-Alexis-Gizmo-Rivera.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Guillermo-Alexis-Gizmo-Rivera-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Guillermo-Alexis-Gizmo-Rivera-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Guillermo-Alexis-Gizmo-Rivera.jpg\",\"index\":100,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communications and Media, &#39;03&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nVisual Effects Artist\\\/Supervisor. 2013 Emmy Winner &ldquo;Sunday Night Football Open,&&#163;34; 2022 Nominated Autodesk Best Flame Artist of the Year&nbsp;\\n\\n&&#163;34;Attending WCSU gave me the foundation to be successful &nbsp;in a very competitive industry, Visual Effects. The professors and staff prepared me to think critically and expand my understanding in the building and creation of a film. I was exposed to the latest cameras and editing tools of the day, and given a great deal of knowledge in film studies and theory. After graduating, I had the confidence and the tools to compete, and build a career in entertainment and film industry. WSCU and its culture instilled in me a teamwork mentality that allowed me to achieve my dreams and make a living out of it. Additionally, Litchfield Hall is where I met the love of my life and partner Caroline; we have two amazing &nbsp;kids, and are still together after 20 years.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Guillermo-Alexis-Gizmo-Rivera-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Guillermo Alexis \\\"Gizmo\\\" Rivera\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Forest-J.-Robertson.jpg\",\"title\":\"Dr. Forest J. Robertson\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Forest-J.-Robertson.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in Chemistry, &#39;07&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAssociate Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at WCSU; I teach pre-nursing majors in the Survey of Chemistry sequence, and (bio)chemistry majors, biology majors, pre-health students (pre-med, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, etc.) in the Organic Chemistry sequence. I will also be teaching non-science majors in my newly developed Survey of Forensic Chemistry course that will be rolled out in Fall 2023.\\n\\n&&#163;34;I chose to attend WCSU because it was a local university, it had a very reputable Chemistry program, and the cost of tuition was very low. As a student in the Chemistry program, I was equipped with a chemical toolbox by faculty who loved their craft; this motivated me to do well in my studies so that I might attend graduate school and become a Chemistry professor so that I might one day equip Chemistry students (and others) with a toolbox that would allow them to be successful no matter what career path that they chose to pursue. I was able to attend Dartmouth College in order to earn my Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry and then do a postdoctoral position at Yale University before landing my position at WCSU as an Assistant Professor in 2014.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Forest-J.-Robertson-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":321,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Forest-J.-Robertson-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Forest-J.-Robertson-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Forest-J.-Robertson.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Forest-J.-Robertson.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Forest-J.-Robertson.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Forest-J.-Robertson.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Forest-J.-Robertson-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Forest-J.-Robertson-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Forest-J.-Robertson.jpg\",\"index\":101,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in Chemistry, &#39;07&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAssociate Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at WCSU; I teach pre-nursing majors in the Survey of Chemistry sequence, and (bio)chemistry majors, biology majors, pre-health students (pre-med, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy, etc.) in the Organic Chemistry sequence. I will also be teaching non-science majors in my newly developed Survey of Forensic Chemistry course that will be rolled out in Fall 2023.\\n\\n&&#163;34;I chose to attend WCSU because it was a local university, it had a very reputable Chemistry program, and the cost of tuition was very low. As a student in the Chemistry program, I was equipped with a chemical toolbox by faculty who loved their craft; this motivated me to do well in my studies so that I might attend graduate school and become a Chemistry professor so that I might one day equip Chemistry students (and others) with a toolbox that would allow them to be successful no matter what career path that they chose to pursue. I was able to attend Dartmouth College in order to earn my Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry and then do a postdoctoral position at Yale University before landing my position at WCSU as an Assistant Professor in 2014.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Forest-J.-Robertson-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Dr. Forest J. Robertson\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Sarah-L.-Robinson.jpg\",\"title\":\"Sarah L. Robinson\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Sarah-L.-Robinson.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Anthropology\\\/Sociology, &#39;11&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nFinance &amp; Logistics Manager at Tech180, a tech startup that manufacturers testing equipment for aerospace. \\n\\n&&#163;34;At WCSU I gained valuable critical thinking skills and information literacy that has served me in every aspect of my life. The social sciences department helped expand my perspective and taught me how to be a citizen of the world. Many of the friends I made in college are still treasured friends even years later.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Sarah-L.-Robinson-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":445,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Sarah-L.-Robinson-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Sarah-L.-Robinson-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Sarah-L.-Robinson.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Sarah-L.-Robinson.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Sarah-L.-Robinson.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Sarah-L.-Robinson.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Sarah-L.-Robinson-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Sarah-L.-Robinson-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Sarah-L.-Robinson.jpg\",\"index\":102,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Anthropology\\\/Sociology, &#39;11&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nFinance &amp; Logistics Manager at Tech180, a tech startup that manufacturers testing equipment for aerospace. \\n\\n&&#163;34;At WCSU I gained valuable critical thinking skills and information literacy that has served me in every aspect of my life. The social sciences department helped expand my perspective and taught me how to be a citizen of the world. Many of the friends I made in college are still treasured friends even years later.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/4Sarah-L.-Robinson-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Sarah L. Robinson\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Regina-Romblad-Siergiej-LCSW-.jpg\",\"title\":\"Regina Romblad (Siergiej), LCSW\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Regina-Romblad-Siergiej-LCSW-.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, B.A. Music - Classical Voice, minor in Theatre Arts (technical focus), &#39;09 &lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nTherapist at Gainesville Community Counseling Center in Gainesville, Florida \\n\\n&&#163;34;I am so thankful to have met my husband Mike at WCSU, to have had such wonderful experiences in the music, social work and theatre arts departments, and to have made a difference through seven SGA-sponsored mission trips!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Regina-Romblad-Siergiej-LCSW--75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":374,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Regina-Romblad-Siergiej-LCSW--150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Regina-Romblad-Siergiej-LCSW--300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Regina-Romblad-Siergiej-LCSW-.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Regina-Romblad-Siergiej-LCSW-.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Regina-Romblad-Siergiej-LCSW-.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Regina-Romblad-Siergiej-LCSW-.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Regina-Romblad-Siergiej-LCSW--500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Regina-Romblad-Siergiej-LCSW--272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Regina-Romblad-Siergiej-LCSW-.jpg\",\"index\":103,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, B.A. Music - Classical Voice, minor in Theatre Arts (technical focus), &#39;09 &lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nTherapist at Gainesville Community Counseling Center in Gainesville, Florida \\n\\n&&#163;34;I am so thankful to have met my husband Mike at WCSU, to have had such wonderful experiences in the music, social work and theatre arts departments, and to have made a difference through seven SGA-sponsored mission trips!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Regina-Romblad-Siergiej-LCSW--75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Regina Romblad (Siergiej), LCSW\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kate-Rosenschein.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kate Rosenschein\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kate-Rosenschein.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;BSN and B.A. in Psychology, &#39;18&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nCurrently an SRNA (Student Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist)\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU was the beginning of my commitment to lifelong learning, where I now have the privilege of working toward my DNP in Anesthesia for the United States Navy at Uniformed Services University.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kate-Rosenschein-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":345,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kate-Rosenschein-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kate-Rosenschein-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kate-Rosenschein.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kate-Rosenschein.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kate-Rosenschein.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kate-Rosenschein.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kate-Rosenschein-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kate-Rosenschein-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kate-Rosenschein.jpg\",\"index\":104,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;BSN and B.A. in Psychology, &#39;18&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nCurrently an SRNA (Student Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist)\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU was the beginning of my commitment to lifelong learning, where I now have the privilege of working toward my DNP in Anesthesia for the United States Navy at Uniformed Services University.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kate-Rosenschein-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kate Rosenschein\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jermar-Rountree.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jermar Rountree\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jermar-Rountree.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. History, &#39;08&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDistrict Teacher Lead for PE and Health for six charter schools in the Center City network; has led the Physical Education Cadre at the Office of the State Superintendent of Education; 2023 Washington, D.C. Teacher of the Year\\n\\n&ldquo;I wake up every morning excited about what I can teach my kids at school and how I can help my sister,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;What I do every day is my passion.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jermar-Rountree-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":338,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jermar-Rountree-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jermar-Rountree-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jermar-Rountree.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jermar-Rountree.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jermar-Rountree.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jermar-Rountree.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jermar-Rountree-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jermar-Rountree-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jermar-Rountree.jpg\",\"index\":105,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. History, &#39;08&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDistrict Teacher Lead for PE and Health for six charter schools in the Center City network; has led the Physical Education Cadre at the Office of the State Superintendent of Education; 2023 Washington, D.C. Teacher of the Year\\n\\n&ldquo;I wake up every morning excited about what I can teach my kids at school and how I can help my sister,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;What I do every day is my passion.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jermar-Rountree-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jermar Rountree\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Chriss-Sari.jpg\",\"title\":\"Chriss Sari\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Chriss-Sari.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Supervisory Management, &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAnalyst at Goldman Sachs \\n\\n&&#163;34;If it weren&rsquo;t for the experiences I went through and learned from during my years at WCSU, I would never have gotten here. I am where I am today because of my mindset: it is important to believe in yourself because if you don&rsquo;t, then who will&#63;&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Chriss-Sari-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":314,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Chriss-Sari-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Chriss-Sari-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Chriss-Sari.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Chriss-Sari.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Chriss-Sari.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Chriss-Sari.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Chriss-Sari-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Chriss-Sari-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Chriss-Sari.jpg\",\"index\":106,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Supervisory Management, &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAnalyst at Goldman Sachs \\n\\n&&#163;34;If it weren&rsquo;t for the experiences I went through and learned from during my years at WCSU, I would never have gotten here. I am where I am today because of my mindset: it is important to believe in yourself because if you don&rsquo;t, then who will&#63;&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Chriss-Sari-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Chriss Sari\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jill-Sarver-Rossi.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jill Sarver Rossi\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jill-Sarver-Rossi.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;M.F.A. in Painting, &#39;10&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nExecutive Director of Rome Art Program, a NYC-based nonprofit art education organization that hosts students in Rome, Italy.\\n\\n&&#163;34;My life changed when I met WCSU M.F.A. Coordinator and Professor, Margaret Grimes, who encouraged me to study painting with an up-and-coming art program in Rome in the summer of 2009. I&#39;m now the Director of that very program.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jill-Sarver-Rossi-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":249,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jill-Sarver-Rossi-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jill-Sarver-Rossi-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jill-Sarver-Rossi.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jill-Sarver-Rossi.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jill-Sarver-Rossi.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jill-Sarver-Rossi.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jill-Sarver-Rossi-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jill-Sarver-Rossi-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jill-Sarver-Rossi.jpg\",\"index\":107,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;M.F.A. in Painting, &#39;10&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nExecutive Director of Rome Art Program, a NYC-based nonprofit art education organization that hosts students in Rome, Italy.\\n\\n&&#163;34;My life changed when I met WCSU M.F.A. Coordinator and Professor, Margaret Grimes, who encouraged me to study painting with an up-and-coming art program in Rome in the summer of 2009. I&#39;m now the Director of that very program.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jill-Sarver-Rossi-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jill Sarver Rossi\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kit-Sathong.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kit Sathong\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kit-Sathong.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Economics, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\n\\n&&#163;34;I am a first generation immigrant, naturalized American citizen, and a product of Danbury&rsquo;s moderate\\\/low-income housing. WCSU made a college education possible for me; the affordable tuition made it a clear and easy choice. The quality of education and support I received from my professors are immeasurable and have contributed largely to my success as a graduate student pursuing a Master of Public Health in NYC and in life as a global citizen and a New Yorker. WCSU will always have a special place in my heart. From studying late in the Haas Library then walking over to the Science Building (to study even later) to running with the first group of cross country runners, serving as a member of Rotaract Club, Finance Club and a SGA senator &mdash; those memories are unforgettable. Thank you for making the college experience possible for me, WCSU. I am so proud to be an alum!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kit-Sathong-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":353,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kit-Sathong-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kit-Sathong-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kit-Sathong.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kit-Sathong.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kit-Sathong.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kit-Sathong.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kit-Sathong-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kit-Sathong-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kit-Sathong.jpg\",\"index\":108,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Economics, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\n\\n&&#163;34;I am a first generation immigrant, naturalized American citizen, and a product of Danbury&rsquo;s moderate\\\/low-income housing. WCSU made a college education possible for me; the affordable tuition made it a clear and easy choice. The quality of education and support I received from my professors are immeasurable and have contributed largely to my success as a graduate student pursuing a Master of Public Health in NYC and in life as a global citizen and a New Yorker. WCSU will always have a special place in my heart. From studying late in the Haas Library then walking over to the Science Building (to study even later) to running with the first group of cross country runners, serving as a member of Rotaract Club, Finance Club and a SGA senator &mdash; those memories are unforgettable. Thank you for making the college experience possible for me, WCSU. I am so proud to be an alum!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kit-Sathong-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kit Sathong\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lorraine-Sautner.jpg\",\"title\":\"Lorraine Sautner\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lorraine-Sautner.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. English\\\/Writing, &#39;89\\nMaster&rsquo;s degree in Information and Library Science from Pratt Institute &lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDirector of Private Grants and Foundation Partnerships\\nNuvance Health\\n\\n&&#163;34;The knowledge, writing skills and experience that I gained at WCSU and the ECHO continue to fuel my career as a healthcare fundraiser. Today I manage a multi-million-dollar grants portfolio for a large not-for-profit health system. It&rsquo;s challenging and very rewarding work.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lorraine-Sautner-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":360,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lorraine-Sautner-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lorraine-Sautner-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lorraine-Sautner.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lorraine-Sautner.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lorraine-Sautner.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lorraine-Sautner.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lorraine-Sautner-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lorraine-Sautner-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lorraine-Sautner.jpg\",\"index\":109,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. English\\\/Writing, &#39;89\\nMaster&rsquo;s degree in Information and Library Science from Pratt Institute &lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDirector of Private Grants and Foundation Partnerships\\nNuvance Health\\n\\n&&#163;34;The knowledge, writing skills and experience that I gained at WCSU and the ECHO continue to fuel my career as a healthcare fundraiser. Today I manage a multi-million-dollar grants portfolio for a large not-for-profit health system. It&rsquo;s challenging and very rewarding work.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Lorraine-Sautner-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Lorraine Sautner\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steven-Scebelo.jpg\",\"title\":\"Steven Scebelo\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steven-Scebelo.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A., &#39;88&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nPresident, NFL Players Inc.\\n\\n&&#163;34;My WCSU experience inspired me to thrive, providing me with the guidance and tools to help refine my raw skills, and allowing me the room I needed to blaze my own trail and learn what it means to be a leader.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steven-Scebelo-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":382,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steven-Scebelo-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steven-Scebelo-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steven-Scebelo.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steven-Scebelo.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steven-Scebelo.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steven-Scebelo.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steven-Scebelo-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steven-Scebelo-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steven-Scebelo.jpg\",\"index\":110,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A., &#39;88&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nPresident, NFL Players Inc.\\n\\n&&#163;34;My WCSU experience inspired me to thrive, providing me with the guidance and tools to help refine my raw skills, and allowing me the room I needed to blaze my own trail and learn what it means to be a leader.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Steven-Scebelo-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Steven Scebelo\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Austin-Scelzo.jpg\",\"title\":\"Austin Scelzo\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Austin-Scelzo.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Music Education, &#39;17&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSelf Employed Bluegrass Musician and Teacher\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU gave me a strong foundation as a musician, teacher and innovator. After teaching in the public schools for years, I used my background in formal education to bridge my love of teaching with my love for Bluegrass, folk and Americana music.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Austin-Scelzo-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":309,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Austin-Scelzo-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Austin-Scelzo-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Austin-Scelzo.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Austin-Scelzo.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Austin-Scelzo.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Austin-Scelzo.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Austin-Scelzo-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Austin-Scelzo-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Austin-Scelzo.jpg\",\"index\":111,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Music Education, &#39;17&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSelf Employed Bluegrass Musician and Teacher\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU gave me a strong foundation as a musician, teacher and innovator. After teaching in the public schools for years, I used my background in formal education to bridge my love of teaching with my love for Bluegrass, folk and Americana music.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Austin-Scelzo-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Austin Scelzo\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kay-M.-Schreiber.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kay M. Schreiber\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kay-M.-Schreiber.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. in Marketing, &#39;79&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nCommunity Liaison with SYNERGY HomeCare and Owner, Kay&#39;s Tours\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU&#39;s influence on my life is far reaching. One of the main things I attribute to my college experience is learning to speak in front of the classroom with confidence. That has assisted me along the way in my many different jobs. Also, it has been wonderful in terms of meeting fellow alumni along life&#39;s journey.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kay-M.-Schreiber-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":400,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kay-M.-Schreiber-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kay-M.-Schreiber-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kay-M.-Schreiber.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kay-M.-Schreiber.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kay-M.-Schreiber.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kay-M.-Schreiber.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kay-M.-Schreiber-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kay-M.-Schreiber-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kay-M.-Schreiber.jpg\",\"index\":112,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. in Marketing, &#39;79&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nCommunity Liaison with SYNERGY HomeCare and Owner, Kay&#39;s Tours\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU&#39;s influence on my life is far reaching. One of the main things I attribute to my college experience is learning to speak in front of the classroom with confidence. That has assisted me along the way in my many different jobs. Also, it has been wonderful in terms of meeting fellow alumni along life&#39;s journey.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kay-M.-Schreiber-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kay M. Schreiber\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Zachary-Schroeder.jpg\",\"title\":\"Zachary Schroeder\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Zachary-Schroeder.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Political Science and History, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nIntelligence Analyst\\n&nbsp;\\n&&#163;34;My four years at WCSU are among my happiest memories. The friendships I made have endured to this day, while the education I received provided the foundation for my career. WCSU enabled me to connect with brilliant professors, explore my passions, and ultimately form a roadmap for career success that brought me from WCSU, to graduate school at George Washington University, to my dream job helping to keep people safe as an intelligence analyst!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Zachary-Schroeder-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":405,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Zachary-Schroeder-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Zachary-Schroeder-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Zachary-Schroeder.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Zachary-Schroeder.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Zachary-Schroeder.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Zachary-Schroeder.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Zachary-Schroeder-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Zachary-Schroeder-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Zachary-Schroeder.jpg\",\"index\":113,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Political Science and History, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nIntelligence Analyst\\n&nbsp;\\n&&#163;34;My four years at WCSU are among my happiest memories. The friendships I made have endured to this day, while the education I received provided the foundation for my career. WCSU enabled me to connect with brilliant professors, explore my passions, and ultimately form a roadmap for career success that brought me from WCSU, to graduate school at George Washington University, to my dream job helping to keep people safe as an intelligence analyst!&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Zachary-Schroeder-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Zachary Schroeder\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brigid-Schulenburg.jpg\",\"title\":\"Brigid Schulenburg\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brigid-Schulenburg.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;BBA in Management Information Systems and Supervisory Management, &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nI will be starting work as a Data Science and Engineering Associate for Optum Technology\\n\\n&&#163;34;Attending WCSU positively impacted my life in many ways. I am appreciative for all the opportunities I have been given, the connections I have made, and the friendships that I will always cherish. When I decided to change my major, my advisor was a huge help in making everything a smooth transition. I am also grateful for the wide array of resources available on campus that helped me through my time as an undergraduate student and afterwards when entering the workforce.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brigid-Schulenburg-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":437,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brigid-Schulenburg-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brigid-Schulenburg-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brigid-Schulenburg.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brigid-Schulenburg.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brigid-Schulenburg.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brigid-Schulenburg.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brigid-Schulenburg-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brigid-Schulenburg-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brigid-Schulenburg.jpg\",\"index\":114,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;BBA in Management Information Systems and Supervisory Management, &#39;22&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nI will be starting work as a Data Science and Engineering Associate for Optum Technology\\n\\n&&#163;34;Attending WCSU positively impacted my life in many ways. I am appreciative for all the opportunities I have been given, the connections I have made, and the friendships that I will always cherish. When I decided to change my major, my advisor was a huge help in making everything a smooth transition. I am also grateful for the wide array of resources available on campus that helped me through my time as an undergraduate student and afterwards when entering the workforce.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Brigid-Schulenburg-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Brigid Schulenburg\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katrina-Sebastian.jpg\",\"title\":\"Katrina Sebastian\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katrina-Sebastian.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Musical Theatre, &#39;15&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAsst. Manager, Marketing and Operations, for Trixie Cosmetics.\\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU instilled in me the flexibility I use to think creatively and roll with the punches in work and life.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katrina-Sebastian-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":347,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katrina-Sebastian-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katrina-Sebastian-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katrina-Sebastian.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katrina-Sebastian.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katrina-Sebastian.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katrina-Sebastian.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katrina-Sebastian-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katrina-Sebastian-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katrina-Sebastian.jpg\",\"index\":115,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Musical Theatre, &#39;15&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAsst. Manager, Marketing and Operations, for Trixie Cosmetics.\\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU instilled in me the flexibility I use to think creatively and roll with the punches in work and life.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Katrina-Sebastian-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Katrina Sebastian\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kelly-Wight-Silva.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kelly (Wight) Silva\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kelly-Wight-Silva.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Art - Graphic Design, &#39;11&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDirector of Corporate Sustainability at Breckinridge Capital Advisors in Boston, MA\\n\\n&&#163;34;I have so many great memories, lifelong friendships, and an education that set me up for success far greater than I could have imagined. I&rsquo;ve changed paths from my original degree, but I still carry the lessons that were instilled in me during my time at WCSU.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kelly-Wight-Silva-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":350,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kelly-Wight-Silva-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kelly-Wight-Silva-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kelly-Wight-Silva.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kelly-Wight-Silva.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kelly-Wight-Silva.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kelly-Wight-Silva.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kelly-Wight-Silva-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kelly-Wight-Silva-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kelly-Wight-Silva.jpg\",\"index\":116,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Art - Graphic Design, &#39;11&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nDirector of Corporate Sustainability at Breckinridge Capital Advisors in Boston, MA\\n\\n&&#163;34;I have so many great memories, lifelong friendships, and an education that set me up for success far greater than I could have imagined. I&rsquo;ve changed paths from my original degree, but I still carry the lessons that were instilled in me during my time at WCSU.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kelly-Wight-Silva-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kelly (Wight) Silva\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Angelo-Simoni-Jr..jpg\",\"title\":\"Angelo Simoni, Jr.\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Angelo-Simoni-Jr..jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Marketing, minor in Justice and Law Administration, &#39;06&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSenior Executive Director of Compliance, Equity &amp; Student Relations, and Title IX Coordinator - for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities\\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU was a true highlight in my life and I look back on that time very fondly.&nbsp;By engaging as a student there and taking on leadership roles on the campus, it helped mold me into the successful professional I am today and for that, I am truly appreciative.&&#163;34;&nbsp;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Angelo-Simoni-Jr.-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":465,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Angelo-Simoni-Jr.-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Angelo-Simoni-Jr.-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Angelo-Simoni-Jr..jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Angelo-Simoni-Jr..jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Angelo-Simoni-Jr..jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Angelo-Simoni-Jr..jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Angelo-Simoni-Jr.-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Angelo-Simoni-Jr.-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Angelo-Simoni-Jr..jpg\",\"index\":117,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Marketing, minor in Justice and Law Administration, &#39;06&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSenior Executive Director of Compliance, Equity &amp; Student Relations, and Title IX Coordinator - for the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities\\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU was a true highlight in my life and I look back on that time very fondly.&nbsp;By engaging as a student there and taking on leadership roles on the campus, it helped mold me into the successful professional I am today and for that, I am truly appreciative.&&#163;34;&nbsp;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Angelo-Simoni-Jr.-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Angelo Simoni, Jr.\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Sousa-Santos-LCSW.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jessica Sousa Santos, LCSW\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Sousa-Santos-LCSW.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;13 &lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nLicensed Clinical Social Worker in Private Practice- Support:YOU. \\n\\n&&#163;34;I am currently providing individual and group psychotherapy to adolescents and adults. Being a student at WCSU impacted my career by creating a learning environment to explore and learn to integrate the core values and ethics the discipline has. It provided me with the foundation I needed to grow into the social worker I am now.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Sousa-Santos-LCSW-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":341,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Sousa-Santos-LCSW-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Sousa-Santos-LCSW-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Sousa-Santos-LCSW.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Sousa-Santos-LCSW.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Sousa-Santos-LCSW.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Sousa-Santos-LCSW.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Sousa-Santos-LCSW-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Sousa-Santos-LCSW-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Sousa-Santos-LCSW.jpg\",\"index\":118,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#39;13 &lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nLicensed Clinical Social Worker in Private Practice- Support:YOU. \\n\\n&&#163;34;I am currently providing individual and group psychotherapy to adolescents and adults. Being a student at WCSU impacted my career by creating a learning environment to explore and learn to integrate the core values and ethics the discipline has. It provided me with the foundation I needed to grow into the social worker I am now.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessica-Sousa-Santos-LCSW-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jessica Sousa Santos, LCSW\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Ardizzone-Spinetti.jpg\",\"title\":\"Stephanie (Ardizzone) Spinetti\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Ardizzone-Spinetti.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Computer Science, &lsquo;10\\nRensselaer Polytechnic Institute, M.S. in Information Technology, &lsquo;11&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nData Engineering Lead at Kyndryl&nbsp;\\n\\n&&#163;34;The experiences I had at WCSU, in and out of the classroom, gave me not only the technical foundation to begin my career, but, more importantly, the skills and the desire to always keep learning that have helped me find success, both professionally and personally. By instilling in me a curiosity to explore new ideas, as well as the skills to research effectively, I have been able to successfully jump into new opportunities, setting me apart from others in my field and allowing me to remain competitive in an ever-changing technical landscape. I can look back with pride and say it all started here.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Ardizzone-Spinetti-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":471,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Ardizzone-Spinetti-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Ardizzone-Spinetti-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Ardizzone-Spinetti.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Ardizzone-Spinetti.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Ardizzone-Spinetti.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Ardizzone-Spinetti.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Ardizzone-Spinetti-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Ardizzone-Spinetti-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Ardizzone-Spinetti.jpg\",\"index\":119,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Computer Science, &lsquo;10\\nRensselaer Polytechnic Institute, M.S. in Information Technology, &lsquo;11&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nData Engineering Lead at Kyndryl&nbsp;\\n\\n&&#163;34;The experiences I had at WCSU, in and out of the classroom, gave me not only the technical foundation to begin my career, but, more importantly, the skills and the desire to always keep learning that have helped me find success, both professionally and personally. By instilling in me a curiosity to explore new ideas, as well as the skills to research effectively, I have been able to successfully jump into new opportunities, setting me apart from others in my field and allowing me to remain competitive in an ever-changing technical landscape. I can look back with pride and say it all started here.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Stephanie-Ardizzone-Spinetti-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Stephanie (Ardizzone) Spinetti\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-Stepeck.jpg\",\"title\":\"Corey Stepeck\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-Stepeck.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work &#39;18&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nPalliative Care Social Worker at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, FL\\n\\n&&#163;34;A palliative care social worker is a specialized type of social worker who assists patients and their families when they&#39;re terminally ill or living with a chronic illness. Being a student at WCSU impacted my professional and personal life in so many positive ways. One major impact the university had was connecting me with social work professors\\\/mentors who displayed so much passion for their work and a genuine interest in the success of their students.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-Stepeck-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":316,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-Stepeck-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-Stepeck-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-Stepeck.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-Stepeck.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-Stepeck.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-Stepeck.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-Stepeck-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-Stepeck-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-Stepeck.jpg\",\"index\":120,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work &#39;18&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nPalliative Care Social Worker at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, FL\\n\\n&&#163;34;A palliative care social worker is a specialized type of social worker who assists patients and their families when they&#39;re terminally ill or living with a chronic illness. Being a student at WCSU impacted my professional and personal life in so many positive ways. One major impact the university had was connecting me with social work professors\\\/mentors who displayed so much passion for their work and a genuine interest in the success of their students.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Corey-Stepeck-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Corey Stepeck\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Kristina-Testa-Buzzee.jpg\",\"title\":\"Dr. Kristina Testa Buzzee\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Kristina-Testa-Buzzee.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communications, &#39;89 &lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nChief Regional Workforce Development Officer for CT State Community College and oversee the community college short-term workforce development training and continuing education programming at Norwalk, Housatonic and Gateway campuses\\n\\n&&#163;34;As a first-generation student from Norwalk, going to college was foreign to me. As a direct result of my counselor at Norwalk High putting an application to WCSU in front of me, I landed at WCSU in the fall of 1985. I had been involved in student leadership programs in high school so I was inclined to get involved in college - but little did I know how much I would. I was involved with student clubs, served as an RA for 3.5 years, SGA senator for 3 years and served as president my senior year. I met many, many role models and mentors who encouraged my personal, academic and personal growth. By the beginning of my sophomore year, I knew I wanted to work on a college campus as a professional to support students in their own success. Fast forward to 2023 and I have pursued a 35-year career in higher education. I have to say that the last 15 years have been the most rewarding as I returned to Connecticut and work in the community colleges in CT and am proud of my alumni status.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Kristina-Testa-Buzzee-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":416,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Kristina-Testa-Buzzee-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Kristina-Testa-Buzzee-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Kristina-Testa-Buzzee.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Kristina-Testa-Buzzee.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Kristina-Testa-Buzzee.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Kristina-Testa-Buzzee.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Kristina-Testa-Buzzee-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Kristina-Testa-Buzzee-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Kristina-Testa-Buzzee.jpg\",\"index\":121,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communications, &#39;89 &lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nChief Regional Workforce Development Officer for CT State Community College and oversee the community college short-term workforce development training and continuing education programming at Norwalk, Housatonic and Gateway campuses\\n\\n&&#163;34;As a first-generation student from Norwalk, going to college was foreign to me. As a direct result of my counselor at Norwalk High putting an application to WCSU in front of me, I landed at WCSU in the fall of 1985. I had been involved in student leadership programs in high school so I was inclined to get involved in college - but little did I know how much I would. I was involved with student clubs, served as an RA for 3.5 years, SGA senator for 3 years and served as president my senior year. I met many, many role models and mentors who encouraged my personal, academic and personal growth. By the beginning of my sophomore year, I knew I wanted to work on a college campus as a professional to support students in their own success. Fast forward to 2023 and I have pursued a 35-year career in higher education. I have to say that the last 15 years have been the most rewarding as I returned to Connecticut and work in the community colleges in CT and am proud of my alumni status.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Dr.-Kristina-Testa-Buzzee-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Dr. Kristina Testa Buzzee\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Tirella-CPA.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kevin Tirella, CPA\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Tirella-CPA.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Financial Accounting, &#39;15; MBA, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAssociate Manager - CPA consultant for accounting\\\/finance\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU had a dramatic impact on my life and set the foundation of my success in accounting. I had several outstanding professors who introduced me to the world of accounting that led to me joining the Big 4 (Deloitte!), obtaining my CPA designation, and meeting so many amazing individuals. Thank you, WCSU!\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Tirella-CPA-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":352,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Tirella-CPA-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Tirella-CPA-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Tirella-CPA.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Tirella-CPA.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Tirella-CPA.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Tirella-CPA.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Tirella-CPA-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Tirella-CPA-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Tirella-CPA.jpg\",\"index\":122,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Financial Accounting, &#39;15; MBA, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nAssociate Manager - CPA consultant for accounting\\\/finance\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU had a dramatic impact on my life and set the foundation of my success in accounting. I had several outstanding professors who introduced me to the world of accounting that led to me joining the Big 4 (Deloitte!), obtaining my CPA designation, and meeting so many amazing individuals. Thank you, WCSU!\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Kevin-Tirella-CPA-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Kevin Tirella, CPA\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Tyler-Hitchcock.jpg\",\"title\":\"Ashley Tyler-Hitchcock MA, LADC\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Tyler-Hitchcock.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Psychology, &#39;15&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nLicensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, owner and lead behavioral health clinician of small private practice\\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU offered me educational foundation, structure, encouragement, flexibility, direction and competency that I bring with me to any path I choose with my education and career.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Tyler-Hitchcock-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":308,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Tyler-Hitchcock-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Tyler-Hitchcock-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Tyler-Hitchcock.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Tyler-Hitchcock.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Tyler-Hitchcock.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Tyler-Hitchcock.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Tyler-Hitchcock-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Tyler-Hitchcock-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Tyler-Hitchcock.jpg\",\"index\":123,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Psychology, &#39;15&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nLicensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, owner and lead behavioral health clinician of small private practice\\n\\n&&#163;34;Being a student at WCSU offered me educational foundation, structure, encouragement, flexibility, direction and competency that I bring with me to any path I choose with my education and career.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Ashley-Tyler-Hitchcock-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Ashley Tyler-Hitchcock MA, LADC\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessel-Vitonera.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jessel Vitonera\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessel-Vitonera.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Justice and Law Administration, &#39;16&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nState of Connecticut Judicial Branch Adult Probation Officer\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU impacted me to become a better leader in my career and gave me the experience to further my growth.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessel-Vitonera-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":339,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessel-Vitonera-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessel-Vitonera-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessel-Vitonera.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessel-Vitonera.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessel-Vitonera.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessel-Vitonera.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessel-Vitonera-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessel-Vitonera-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessel-Vitonera.jpg\",\"index\":124,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Justice and Law Administration, &#39;16&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nState of Connecticut Judicial Branch Adult Probation Officer\\n\\n&&#163;34;WCSU impacted me to become a better leader in my career and gave me the experience to further my growth.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jessel-Vitonera-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jessel Vitonera\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Maria-Volonte.jpg\",\"title\":\"Maria Volonte\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Maria-Volonte.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Anthropology\\\/Sociology, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nRegistrar for the Humanities at Yale University\\n\\n&&#163;34;The lessons I learned at WCSU continue to propel me forward in my career. I now work at Yale University and use the skills I picked up in many of my classes on a daily basis. I work with data every day, creating and operationalizing surveys, just as I did in my Research Methods class back in 2018. That, along with many other courses, set the foundation for the professionalism and knowledge I now uphold.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Maria-Volonte-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":433,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Maria-Volonte-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Maria-Volonte-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Maria-Volonte.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Maria-Volonte.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Maria-Volonte.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Maria-Volonte.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Maria-Volonte-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Maria-Volonte-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Maria-Volonte.jpg\",\"index\":125,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Anthropology\\\/Sociology, &#39;19&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nRegistrar for the Humanities at Yale University\\n\\n&&#163;34;The lessons I learned at WCSU continue to propel me forward in my career. I now work at Yale University and use the skills I picked up in many of my classes on a daily basis. I work with data every day, creating and operationalizing surveys, just as I did in my Research Methods class back in 2018. That, along with many other courses, set the foundation for the professionalism and knowledge I now uphold.&&#163;34;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Maria-Volonte-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Maria Volonte\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Iris-Will.jpg\",\"title\":\"Iris Will\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Iris-Will.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. in Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Law Enforcement and a minor in Accounting, &#39;15&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSpecial Agent with the United States Secret Service\\n\\n&ldquo;WCSU taught me how to strive for excellence and that anything is possible. WCSU did this by hiring the best professors. I still use the lessons and concepts I learned there in my career every day.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Iris-Will-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":331,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Iris-Will-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Iris-Will-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Iris-Will.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Iris-Will.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Iris-Will.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Iris-Will.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Iris-Will-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Iris-Will-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Iris-Will.jpg\",\"index\":126,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. in Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Law Enforcement and a minor in Accounting, &#39;15&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nSpecial Agent with the United States Secret Service\\n\\n&ldquo;WCSU taught me how to strive for excellence and that anything is possible. WCSU did this by hiring the best professors. I still use the lessons and concepts I learned there in my career every day.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Iris-Will-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Iris Will\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jacob-Wycoff.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jacob Wycoff\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jacob-Wycoff.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 WCSU Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Operational Meteorology, &#39;08&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nMeteorologist, WBZ-TV CBS Boston \\n\\n&ldquo;My life would be completely different had I not gone to WCSU &mdash; from my wife and kids to my career. I am incredibly grateful for the path I&rsquo;ve been able to follow.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jacob-Wycoff-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":333,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jacob-Wycoff-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jacob-Wycoff-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jacob-Wycoff.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jacob-Wycoff.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jacob-Wycoff.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jacob-Wycoff.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jacob-Wycoff-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jacob-Wycoff-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jacob-Wycoff.jpg\",\"index\":127,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Operational Meteorology, &#39;08&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nMeteorologist, WBZ-TV CBS Boston \\n\\n&ldquo;My life would be completely different had I not gone to WCSU &mdash; from my wife and kids to my career. I am incredibly grateful for the path I&rsquo;ve been able to follow.&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Jacob-Wycoff-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Jacob Wycoff\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"},{\"status\":\"active\",\"src\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Tom-Zarecki.jpg\",\"title\":\"Tom Zarecki\",\"link\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Tom-Zarecki.jpg\",\"alt\":\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\",\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;MBA &lsquo;04&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nWCSU Adjunct Professor of Marketing, Ancell School of Business\\nAnnouncer at WJMJ radio, Hartford\\nDirector of Marketing and Social Media at Handyworks Remodeling and Design, Wallingford\\n\\n&ldquo;Getting along with people! Keeping things positive and upbeat! Yes, that&rsquo;s what people learn at WCSU &hellip; seriously. WCSU provides a great place to grow your experiences to strengthen your career. I&rsquo;m a good example: Receiving both my B.A. and MBA here (17 years apart), now as a WCSU faculty member for over 15 years, I&rsquo;ve gotta say that getting to know 100+ students every year, freshmen to seniors, and watching them grow, is truly an enjoyable experience. And yes, working with WCSU faculty and staff is fun, too! My time at WCSU helped me focus on growing my career in media, marketing and radio, just as your time here can help grow your ideas for your future!&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Tom-Zarecki-75x50_c.jpg\",\"id\":420,\"meta\":{\"aperture\":null,\"credit\":null,\"camera\":null,\"caption\":\"\",\"created_timestamp\":null,\"copyright\":null,\"focal_length\":null,\"iso\":null,\"shutter_speed\":null,\"title\":\"\",\"orientation\":null,\"keywords\":null,\"resized_images\":null},\"thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Tom-Zarecki-150x150.jpg\",\"medium\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Tom-Zarecki-300x300.jpg\",\"medium_large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Tom-Zarecki.jpg\",\"large\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Tom-Zarecki.jpg\",\"1536x1536\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Tom-Zarecki.jpg\",\"2048x2048\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Tom-Zarecki.jpg\",\"post-thumbnail\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Tom-Zarecki-500x198.jpg\",\"sow-carousel-default\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Tom-Zarecki-272x182.jpg\",\"full\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Tom-Zarecki.jpg\",\"index\":128,\"video\":false,\"opts\":{\"caption\":\"&lt;strong&gt;MBA &lsquo;04&lt;\\\/strong&gt;\\nWCSU Adjunct Professor of Marketing, Ancell School of Business\\nAnnouncer at WJMJ radio, Hartford\\nDirector of Marketing and Social Media at Handyworks Remodeling and Design, Wallingford\\n\\n&ldquo;Getting along with people! Keeping things positive and upbeat! Yes, that&rsquo;s what people learn at WCSU &hellip; seriously. WCSU provides a great place to grow your experiences to strengthen your career. I&rsquo;m a good example: Receiving both my B.A. and MBA here (17 years apart), now as a WCSU faculty member for over 15 years, I&rsquo;ve gotta say that getting to know 100+ students every year, freshmen to seniors, and watching them grow, is truly an enjoyable experience. And yes, working with WCSU faculty and staff is fun, too! My time at WCSU helped me focus on growing my career in media, marketing and radio, just as your time here can help grow your ideas for your future!&rdquo;\",\"thumb\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.wcsu.edu\\\/success-stories\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/231\\\/2022\\\/12\\\/Tom-Zarecki-75x50_c.jpg\",\"title\":\"Tom Zarecki\"},\"gallery_id\":\"247\"}]' data-lightbox-theme='{&quot;arrows&quot;:true,&quot;margins&quot;:[120,0],&quot;gutter&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;thumbs_position&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;base_template&quot;:&quot;&lt;div id=\\&quot;envirabox-247\\&quot; data-envirabox-id=\\&quot;247\\&quot; class=\\&quot;envirabox-container envirabox-theme-base_dark envirabox-wrap\\&quot; role=\\&quot;dialog\\&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=\\&quot;envirabox-bg\\&quot;&gt;&lt;\\\/div&gt;&lt;div class=\\&quot;envirabox-outer\\&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=\\&quot;envirabox-inner\\&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=\\&quot;envirabox-caption-wrap\\&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=\\&quot;envirabox-title\\&quot;&gt;&lt;\\\/div&gt;&lt;\\\/div&gt;&lt;div class=\\&quot;envirabox-toolbar\\&quot;&gt;&lt;div class=\\&quot;envira-close-button\\&quot;&gt;&lt;a data-envirabox-close class=\\&quot;envirabox-item envirabox-close envirabox-button--close\\&quot; title=\\&quot;Close\\&quot; href=\\&quot;#\\&quot;&gt;&lt;\\\/a&gt;&lt;\\\/div&gt;&lt;\\\/div&gt;&lt;div class=\\&quot;envirabox-navigation\\&quot;&gt;&lt;a data-envirabox-prev title=\\&quot;Prev\\&quot; class=\\&quot;envirabox-arrow envirabox-arrow--left envirabox-nav envirabox-prev\\&quot; href=\\&quot;#\\&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;\\\/span&gt;&lt;\\\/a&gt;&lt;a data-envirabox-next title=\\&quot;Next\\&quot; class=\\&quot;envirabox-arrow envirabox-arrow--right envirabox-nav envirabox-next\\&quot; href=\\&quot;#\\&quot;&gt;&lt;span&gt;&lt;\\\/span&gt;&lt;\\\/a&gt;&lt;\\\/div&gt;&lt;div class=\\&quot;envirabox-stage\\&quot;&gt;&lt;\\\/div&gt;&lt;\\\/div&gt;&lt;\\\/div&gt;&lt;\\\/div&gt;&quot;,&quot;load_all&quot;:false,&quot;error_template&quot;:&quot;&lt;div class=\\&quot;envirabox-error\\&quot;&gt;&lt;p&gt;{{ERROR}}&lt;p&gt;&lt;\\\/div&gt;&quot;,&quot;inner_caption&quot;:false,&quot;caption_position&quot;:false,&quot;arrow_position&quot;:false,&quot;toolbar&quot;:true,&quot;infobar&quot;:false,&quot;show_smallbtn&quot;:false,&quot;idle_time&quot;:false,&quot;click_content&quot;:false,&quot;click_slide&quot;:false,&quot;click_outside&quot;:false,&quot;animation_duration&quot;:false,&quot;transition_duration&quot;:false,&quot;small_btn_template&quot;:&quot;&lt;a data-envirabox-close class=\\&quot;envirabox-item envirabox-close envirabox-button--close\\&quot; title=\\&quot;Close\\&quot; href=\\&quot;#\\&quot;&gt;&lt;\\\/a&gt;&quot;}' data-parsed-attrs='{\"id\":\"247\",\"cache\":true}'><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-312\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-1 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Bobby-Akbar.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-1   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-312\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Bobby-Akbar.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Bobby-Akbar.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Bobby Akbar\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;Elementary Education\/CTA, minor in African American Studies, &#039;99&lt;p&gt; I am an award-winning Math Coach where I support teachers and students in my district.  &quot;WCSU made me into the man I am because I was a part of a diverse population of teachers, coaches and students who made me think outside the box and try new things!&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"0\" data-envira-item-id=\"312\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Bobby-Akbar.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Bobby-Akbar.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Bobby-Akbar.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Bobby Akbar\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-312'>Bobby Akbar<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-312'><strong>Elementary Education\/CTA, minor in African American Studies, '99<\/strong><br \/>\nI am an award-winning Math Coach where I support teachers and students in my district.<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"WCSU made me into the man I am because I was a part of a diverse population of teachers, coaches and students who made me think outside the box and try new things!\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-337\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-2 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jena-Alviti.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-2   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-337\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jena-Alviti.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jena-Alviti.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Jena Alviti\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in Photography, &#039;07&lt;p&gt; I&amp;acirc;&amp;#128;&amp;#153;ve been running my photography studio and business for 13 years out of my home in New Fairfield, CT. Photographing families, newborns and children (Best job ever!)  &amp;acirc;&amp;#128;&amp;#156;Going to WCSU impacted my life in so many ways! I was able to continue to play a sport I love (women&amp;acirc;&amp;#128;&amp;#153;s lacrosse), which I now coach in the youth league. I met friends that are now my family, and one of those friends introduced me to my husband of 13 years! I loved how affordable going to school there was, so that I wasn&amp;acirc;&amp;#128;&amp;#153;t bogged down with a ton of debt after graduating. I had amazing professors and was able to explore art in all areas while putting my main focus on my concentration and am so grateful to be making a living in the arts.&amp;acirc;&amp;#128;&amp;#157;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"1\" data-envira-item-id=\"337\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jena-Alviti.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jena-Alviti.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jena-Alviti.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Jena Alviti\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-337'>Jena Alviti<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-337'><strong>B.A. in Photography, '07<\/strong><br \/>\nI\u2019ve been running my photography studio and business for 13 years out of my home in New Fairfield, CT. Photographing families, newborns and children (Best job ever!)<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\u201cGoing to WCSU impacted my life in so many ways! I was able to continue to play a sport I love (women\u2019s lacrosse), which I now coach in the youth league. I met friends that are now my family, and one of those friends introduced me to my husband of 13 years! I loved how affordable going to school there was, so that I wasn\u2019t bogged down with a ton of debt after graduating. I had amazing professors and was able to explore art in all areas while putting my main focus on my concentration and am so grateful to be making a living in the arts.\u201d<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-414\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-3 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski.jpg\" alt=\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-3   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-414\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Elizabeth (Polaco) Andrzejewski\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S Secondary Education\/7-12\/History, &#039;13&lt;p&gt; High school Social Studies teacher since 2014 with the Waterbury Public School system; TEAM mentor and Cooperating Teacher for student teachers  &quot;WCSU allowed me to develop the skills necessary to excel in the education field. I was able to create a small community with other education majors which made my time at WCSU more memorable, as I was a commuter student. I still discuss experiences I had from courses like NYC History &amp;amp; Culture and Middle Eastern Culture with my students today. WCSU not only impacted my education, but my personal life and I am so grateful for the experiences I had while attending!&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"2\" data-envira-item-id=\"414\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Elizabeth (Polaco) Andrzejewski\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-414'>Elizabeth (Polaco) Andrzejewski<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-414'><strong>B.S Secondary Education\/7-12\/History, '13<\/strong><br \/>\nHigh school Social Studies teacher since 2014 with the Waterbury Public School system; TEAM mentor and Cooperating Teacher for student teachers<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"WCSU allowed me to develop the skills necessary to excel in the education field. I was able to create a small community with other education majors which made my time at WCSU more memorable, as I was a commuter student. I still discuss experiences I had from courses like NYC History &amp; Culture and Middle Eastern Culture with my students today. WCSU not only impacted my education, but my personal life and I am so grateful for the experiences I had while attending!\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-301\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-4 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Aaron-F.-Atwood.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-4   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-301\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Aaron-F.-Atwood.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Aaron-F.-Atwood.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Aaron F. Atwood\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;BM Performance, Classical, &#039;14 (pictured far right)&lt;p&gt;  &quot;I&#039;m currently in the 77th Army Band based in Fort Sill, Oklahoma; going through my 11th non-consecutive year on active duty between being an Army musician as well as a Marine Corps musician. While I could&#039;ve auditioned for and likely got into a conservatory or a college\/university with a reputation for a top tier music department: what took me to WCSU was the location (roughly three miles from where I grew up in Danbury) and music faculty; some of whom literally watched me grow up both physically and as a musician. More importantly they earned their pay and reputation as music faculty by still being able to teach me things despite already having a few years in the musical professional environment. No matter your level in any profession you never stop learning. You never go the route of complacency.&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"3\" data-envira-item-id=\"301\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Aaron-F.-Atwood.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Aaron-F.-Atwood.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Aaron-F.-Atwood.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Aaron F. Atwood\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-301'>Aaron F. Atwood<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-301'><strong>BM Performance, Classical, '14 (pictured far right)<\/strong><br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"I'm currently in the 77th Army Band based in Fort Sill, Oklahoma; going through my 11th non-consecutive year on active duty between being an Army musician as well as a Marine Corps musician. While I could've auditioned for and likely got into a conservatory or a college\/university with a reputation for a top tier music department: what took me to WCSU was the location (roughly three miles from where I grew up in Danbury) and music faculty; some of whom literally watched me grow up both physically and as a musician. More importantly they earned their pay and reputation as music faculty by still being able to teach me things despite already having a few years in the musical professional environment. No matter your level in any profession you never stop learning. You never go the route of complacency.\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-307\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-5 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Ashley-Leach-Audet.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-5   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-307\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Ashley-Leach-Audet.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Ashley-Leach-Audet.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Ashley Audet&lt;br&gt;(formerly Leach)\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communications, &#039;14&lt;p&gt; Social Media Lead for Edgewell Personal Care - Sun &amp;amp; Skin decision (Hawaiian Tropic, Banana Boat, Wet Ones Wipes)  &quot;I will always look back on my time at WCSU with fond memories, in part because of my former professors like Lionel Bascom and JC Barone (who I still connect with regularly), who  are part of the reason I&amp;acirc;&amp;#128;&amp;#153;ve found a career that I love.&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"4\" data-envira-item-id=\"307\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Ashley-Leach-Audet.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Ashley-Leach-Audet.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Ashley-Leach-Audet.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Ashley Audet&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(formerly Leach)\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-307'>Ashley Audet<br>(formerly Leach)<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-307'><strong>B.A. Communications, '14<\/strong><br \/>\nSocial Media Lead for Edgewell Personal Care - Sun &amp; Skin decision (Hawaiian Tropic, Banana Boat, Wet Ones Wipes)<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"I will always look back on my time at WCSU with fond memories, in part because of my former professors like Lionel Bascom and JC Barone (who I still connect with regularly), who  are part of the reason I\u2019ve found a career that I love.\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-383\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-6 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Suzanne-Bair.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-6   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Suzanne-Bair.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Suzanne-Bair.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Suzanne Bair\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;M.F.A. in Creative and Professional Writing with an emphasis in Nonfiction and Disability Studies &amp;acirc;&amp;#128;&amp;#153;19&lt;p&gt; My thesis, The Business of Travel Writing: The Creation of Accessible Family Travel Magazine, was awarded high distinction.   &quot;I recently opened my own full-service boutique creative agency, Bair Media Group, which specializes in small business and personal brand development, providing end-to-end solutions that simplify projects and create an unforgettable brand identity. I am extremely grateful for my time at WCSU. WCSU allowed me to tailor my M.F.A. into a unique degree that incorporated both written and visual communication skills, which has propelled me forward into a career I love. I am extremely proud of the work that I have continued to do with my own magazine, Accessible Family Travel, and opening Bair Media Group.&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"5\" data-envira-item-id=\"383\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Suzanne-Bair.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Suzanne-Bair.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Suzanne-Bair.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Suzanne Bair\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-383'>Suzanne Bair<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-383'><strong>M.F.A. in Creative and Professional Writing with an emphasis in Nonfiction and Disability Studies \u201919<\/strong><br \/>\nMy thesis, The Business of Travel Writing: The Creation of Accessible Family Travel Magazine, was awarded high distinction. <br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"I recently opened my own full-service boutique creative agency, Bair Media Group, which specializes in small business and personal brand development, providing end-to-end solutions that simplify projects and create an unforgettable brand identity. I am extremely grateful for my time at WCSU. WCSU allowed me to tailor my M.F.A. into a unique degree that incorporated both written and visual communication skills, which has propelled me forward into a career I love. I am extremely proud of the work that I have continued to do with my own magazine, Accessible Family Travel, and opening Bair Media Group.\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-394\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-7 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-7   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-394\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Brittany Baisch, Ph.D., DABT\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Chemistry, Biochemistry and Spanish, &#039;08&lt;p&gt; Regulatory Toxicology Lead for a crop protection startup company located in Mystic, Connecticut. Also an adjunct professor for the WCSU Chemistry Department and on the BOD for the CT State Colleges and Universities Foundation.    &quot;WCSU was where it all started! I learned how to problem solve and ask scientific questions in a brand-new facility with state-of-the-art instrumentation, small lab sizes and dedicated faculty who had the hearts of teachers. The Chemistry department encouraged us to push our intellectual boundaries. WCSU offered many campus jobs to enhance my teaching and communication skills, and had connections in the greater Danbury area for paid internships. At WCSU, I gained fluency in Spanish from learning in the classroom with native and heritage speakers and participating in several study-abroad opportunities. Attending WCSU was one of my best life decisions!&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"6\" data-envira-item-id=\"394\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Brittany Baisch, Ph.D., DABT\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-394'>Brittany Baisch, Ph.D., DABT<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-394'><strong>B.A. Chemistry, Biochemistry and Spanish, '08<\/strong><br \/>\nRegulatory Toxicology Lead for a crop protection startup company located in Mystic, Connecticut. Also an adjunct professor for the WCSU Chemistry Department and on the BOD for the CT State Colleges and Universities Foundation.  <br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"WCSU was where it all started! I learned how to problem solve and ask scientific questions in a brand-new facility with state-of-the-art instrumentation, small lab sizes and dedicated faculty who had the hearts of teachers. The Chemistry department encouraged us to push our intellectual boundaries. WCSU offered many campus jobs to enhance my teaching and communication skills, and had connections in the greater Danbury area for paid internships. At WCSU, I gained fluency in Spanish from learning in the classroom with native and heritage speakers and participating in several study-abroad opportunities. Attending WCSU was one of my best life decisions!\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-351\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-8 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Kevin-Barnett.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-8   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-351\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Kevin-Barnett.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Kevin-Barnett.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Kevin Barnett\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Political Science, minor Sociology, &#039;19 &lt;p&gt; Works as an Admissions Counselor at UMass-Dartmouth.  &quot;Being a student at WCSU showed me the value of public education, the dedication of the professors, and what hard work can do for me. WCSU also allowed to me to grow and develop relationships through club athletics, playing rugby.&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"7\" data-envira-item-id=\"351\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Kevin-Barnett.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Kevin-Barnett.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Kevin-Barnett.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Kevin Barnett\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-351'>Kevin Barnett<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-351'><strong>B.A. Political Science, minor Sociology, '19 <\/strong><br \/>\nWorks as an Admissions Counselor at UMass-Dartmouth.<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"Being a student at WCSU showed me the value of public education, the dedication of the professors, and what hard work can do for me. WCSU also allowed to me to grow and develop relationships through club athletics, playing rugby.\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-418\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-9 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Katie-Bassett-Langin.jpg\" alt=\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-9   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-418\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Katie-Bassett-Langin.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Katie-Bassett-Langin.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Katie Bassett Langin\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Art - Sculpture &amp;amp; Graphic Design, &#039;08 M.F.A. Art - Mixed Media Painting, &#039;14&lt;p&gt; Registrar for the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield   &quot;WCSU did not simply provide me with an education; it gave me a life. I came to WCSU hoping to learn art techniques and receive a studio arts degree. Nearly 20 years later, I have three art degrees from WCSU and have stayed in the greater Danbury area for the enriching art community. WCSU&#039;s art department provided me with the knowledge to succeed and the support to thrive.&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"8\" data-envira-item-id=\"418\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Katie-Bassett-Langin.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Katie-Bassett-Langin.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Katie-Bassett-Langin.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Katie Bassett Langin\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-418'>Katie Bassett Langin<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-418'><strong>B.A. Art - Sculpture &amp; Graphic Design, '08<br \/>\nM.F.A. Art - Mixed Media Painting, '14<\/strong><br \/>\nRegistrar for the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield <br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"WCSU did not simply provide me with an education; it gave me a life. I came to WCSU hoping to learn art techniques and receive a studio arts degree. Nearly 20 years later, I have three art degrees from WCSU and have stayed in the greater Danbury area for the enriching art community. WCSU's art department provided me with the knowledge to succeed and the support to thrive.\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-304\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-10 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Amber-Bauer.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-10   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-304\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Amber-Bauer.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Amber-Bauer.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Amber Bauer\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. in Art - Graphic Design, &#039;18&lt;p&gt; Works at Ramsey Solutions in Tennessee as a graphic designer.   &quot;Being a student at WCSU, I was most impacted by my work study and being able to work on campus in both the Student Affairs office and Publications &amp;amp; Design office. Having these opportunities allowed me to see the backend of WCSU, make long-lasting friendships and get ahead in my field.&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"9\" data-envira-item-id=\"304\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Amber-Bauer.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Amber-Bauer.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Amber-Bauer.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Amber Bauer\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-304'>Amber Bauer<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-304'><strong>B.A. in Art - Graphic Design, '18<\/strong><br \/>\nWorks at Ramsey Solutions in Tennessee as a graphic designer. <br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"Being a student at WCSU, I was most impacted by my work study and being able to work on campus in both the Student Affairs office and Publications &amp; Design office. Having these opportunities allowed me to see the backend of WCSU, make long-lasting friendships and get ahead in my field.\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-327\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-11 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Gabrielle-Book.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-11   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-327\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Gabrielle-Book.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Gabrielle-Book.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Gabrielle Book, LCSW&lt;br&gt;(formerly Gabrielle DeVito)\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#039;17&lt;p&gt; Care Coordination at Danbury Hospital: At Danbury Hospital I assist patients in connecting to resources, obtaining services and needed medical equipment, and providing education on safety in discharge planning in hopes of building a healthier community.   &quot;Being a Social Work student at WCSU allowed me to build a strong foundation on my verbal, written and organizational skills that have allowed me to progress in my career and build lasting relationships in both my professional and personal life. I now work with two other WCSU Social Work Alums at Danbury Hospital!&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"10\" data-envira-item-id=\"327\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Gabrielle-Book.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Gabrielle-Book.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Gabrielle-Book.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Gabrielle Book, LCSW&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(formerly Gabrielle DeVito)\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-327'>Gabrielle Book, LCSW<br>(formerly Gabrielle DeVito)<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-327'><strong>B.A. Social Work, '17<\/strong><br \/>\nCare Coordination at Danbury Hospital: At Danbury Hospital I assist patients in connecting to resources, obtaining services and needed medical equipment, and providing education on safety in discharge planning in hopes of building a healthier community. <br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"Being a Social Work student at WCSU allowed me to build a strong foundation on my verbal, written and organizational skills that have allowed me to progress in my career and build lasting relationships in both my professional and personal life. I now work with two other WCSU Social Work Alums at Danbury Hospital!\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-251\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-12 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Clint-Brandon-Cave.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-12   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-251\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Clint-Brandon-Cave.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Clint-Brandon-Cave.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Clint Brandon Cave\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.B.A. Business Management - Small Business Entrepreneurship, &#039;17&lt;p&gt; Senior Account Executive, Indeed; Freelance Photographer &amp;amp; Videographer, Cave Digital Media   &quot;Being a student at WCSU gave me the opportunity to network and build relationships inside and outside of school, which helped guide me to the success that I have currently!&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"11\" data-envira-item-id=\"251\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Clint-Brandon-Cave.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Clint-Brandon-Cave.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Clint-Brandon-Cave.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Clint Brandon Cave\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-251'>Clint Brandon Cave<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-251'><strong>B.B.A. Business Management - Small Business Entrepreneurship, '17<\/strong><br \/>\nSenior Account Executive, Indeed; Freelance Photographer &amp; Videographer, Cave Digital Media <br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"Being a student at WCSU gave me the opportunity to network and build relationships inside and outside of school, which helped guide me to the success that I have currently!\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-419\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-13 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Waverly-Rose-Brim.jpg\" alt=\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-13   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-419\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Waverly-Rose-Brim.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Waverly-Rose-Brim.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Waverly Rose Brim\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Biology, &#039;17&lt;p&gt; Founder of Minorities in Medicine 501(c)(3) | Artificial Intelligence M.S. Student | Neurosurgery Postgraduate Research Fellow  &quot;I had phenomenal professors who poured into me while earning my degree at WCSU. Now, I have the opportunity to pour into others.&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"12\" data-envira-item-id=\"419\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Waverly-Rose-Brim.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Waverly-Rose-Brim.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Waverly-Rose-Brim.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Waverly Rose Brim\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-419'>Waverly Rose Brim<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-419'><strong>B.A. Biology, '17<\/strong><br \/>\nFounder of Minorities in Medicine 501(c)(3) | Artificial Intelligence M.S. Student | Neurosurgery Postgraduate Research Fellow<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"I had phenomenal professors who poured into me while earning my degree at WCSU. Now, I have the opportunity to pour into others.\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-381\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-14 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-14   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-381\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Stephanie Browne Achord\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Elementary Education\/ Psychology &#039;05 M.S. Elementary Education\/ Reading &#039;09&lt;p&gt; Third Grade Teacher   &quot;I have been a full-time classroom teacher since 2005. Being a WCSU student had prepared me for the newest and best practices in an ever-changing education system.&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"13\" data-envira-item-id=\"381\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Stephanie Browne Achord\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-381'>Stephanie Browne Achord<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-381'><strong>B.S. Elementary Education\/ Psychology '05<br \/>\nM.S. Elementary Education\/ Reading '09<\/strong><br \/>\nThird Grade Teacher <br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"I have been a full-time classroom teacher since 2005. Being a WCSU student had prepared me for the newest and best practices in an ever-changing education system.\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-370\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-15 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Pamela-Brown.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-15   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-370\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Pamela-Brown.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Pamela-Brown.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Pamela Brown\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S., Justice &amp;amp; Law Administration with a minor in Political Science, &#039;86 M.A. English, &#039;88&lt;p&gt; Owner, PMB Writing &amp;amp; Consulting  &quot;WCSU has been an integral part of my life. After earning my B.S. in Justice &amp;amp; Law, I was inspired by my literature classes to change paths and pursue a Master&#039;s in English. I became an adjunct Professor of English and a tutor at WCSU and was grateful to share my love of writing and literature with students. I also became a published writer with a journalism career that has spanned over 20 years and I now have my own business offering editorial and marketing services. I recently published my first novel, &#039;Faithful Love,&#039; which is available on Amazon. WCSU provided me with the opportunity to pursue my lifelong passion and I am grateful for the impact it continues to have on my life.&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"14\" data-envira-item-id=\"370\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Pamela-Brown.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Pamela-Brown.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Pamela-Brown.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Pamela Brown\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-370'>Pamela Brown<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-370'><strong>B.S., Justice &amp; Law Administration with a minor in Political Science, '86<br \/>\nM.A. English, '88<\/strong><br \/>\nOwner, PMB Writing &amp; Consulting<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"WCSU has been an integral part of my life. After earning my B.S. in Justice &amp; Law, I was inspired by my literature classes to change paths and pursue a Master's in English. I became an adjunct Professor of English and a tutor at WCSU and was grateful to share my love of writing and literature with students. I also became a published writer with a journalism career that has spanned over 20 years and I now have my own business offering editorial and marketing services. I recently published my first novel, 'Faithful Love,' which is available on Amazon. WCSU provided me with the opportunity to pursue my lifelong passion and I am grateful for the impact it continues to have on my life.\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-464\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-16 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Amanda-Byrne.jpg\" alt=\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-16   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Amanda-Byrne.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Amanda-Byrne.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Amanda Byrne (formerly Parsons), LMFT\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Psychology, &#039;06&lt;p&gt; School-based clinician employed by Community Health Center, Inc. (based at North Haven High School) and an independent contractor at Stokes Counseling Services  &quot;My time at WCSU was so memorable and paved the way for all the good in my life. I met my husband there. I made some of the best friends I still have to this day. I went on to earn a Master&#039;s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (SCSU &#039;09) in part because of the superior education I had at WCSU. I was initially drawn to WCSU&amp;acirc;&amp;#128;&amp;#153;s music program (one of the best in the state!), and even when I decided to make a change in major to Psychology, I knew it was still the best choice of colleges for me.&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"15\" data-envira-item-id=\"464\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Amanda-Byrne.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Amanda-Byrne.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Amanda-Byrne.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Amanda Byrne (formerly Parsons), LMFT\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-464'>Amanda Byrne (formerly Parsons), LMFT<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-464'><strong>B.A. Psychology, '06<\/strong><br \/>\nSchool-based clinician employed by Community Health Center, Inc. (based at North Haven High School) and an independent contractor at Stokes Counseling Services<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"My time at WCSU was so memorable and paved the way for all the good in my life. I met my husband there. I made some of the best friends I still have to this day. I went on to earn a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (SCSU '09) in part because of the superior education I had at WCSU. I was initially drawn to WCSU\u2019s music program (one of the best in the state!), and even when I decided to make a change in major to Psychology, I knew it was still the best choice of colleges for me.\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-313\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-17 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Bri-Anna-Caberson.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-17   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Bri-Anna-Caberson.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Bri-Anna-Caberson.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Bri-Anna Caberson\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Digital Interactive Media Arts, &#039;19&lt;p&gt; Film industry, PA, second AC (camera assistant) and more recently, as a first AC  &quot;There were no roadblocks, no restrictions. I was able to dive right in and have freedom in my artistic expression. The professors were amazing.&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"16\" data-envira-item-id=\"313\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Bri-Anna-Caberson.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Bri-Anna-Caberson.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Bri-Anna-Caberson.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Bri-Anna Caberson\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-313'>Bri-Anna Caberson<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-313'><strong>B.A. Digital Interactive Media Arts, '19<\/strong><br \/>\nFilm industry, PA, second AC (camera assistant) and more recently, as a first AC<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"There were no roadblocks, no restrictions. I was able to dive right in and have freedom in my artistic expression. The professors were amazing.\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-466\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-18 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Audrey-Camino-Jara.jpg\" alt=\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-18   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-466\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Audrey-Camino-Jara.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Audrey-Camino-Jara.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Audrey Camino-Jara, LMSW\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A Social Work &#039;20; Fordham University MSW &#039;21&lt;p&gt; Currently a social worker for an agency that has placed me in a middle school as a crisis counselor. I am trained to&amp;Acirc;&amp;nbsp;handle the majority of crises that occur during the school day with students, which varies as every day is unpredictable. Also, I connect parents to appropriate resources when necessary.&amp;Acirc;&amp;nbsp;&amp;Acirc;&amp;nbsp;  &quot;I am happy I chose WCSU to pursue my education toward becoming a social worker. This program challenged me and pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. The Social Work department professors set us up for success in working in the field and I&#039;m grateful for that.&quot;&amp;Acirc;&amp;nbsp;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"17\" data-envira-item-id=\"466\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Audrey-Camino-Jara.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Audrey-Camino-Jara.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Audrey-Camino-Jara.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Audrey Camino-Jara, LMSW\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-466'>Audrey Camino-Jara, LMSW<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-466'><strong>B.A Social Work '20; Fordham University MSW '21<\/strong><br \/>\nCurrently a social worker for an agency that has placed me in a middle school as a crisis counselor. I am trained to\u00a0handle the majority of crises that occur during the school day with students, which varies as every day is unpredictable. Also, I connect parents to appropriate resources when necessary.\u00a0\u00a0<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"I am happy I chose WCSU to pursue my education toward becoming a social worker. This program challenged me and pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. The Social Work department professors set us up for success in working in the field and I'm grateful for that.\"\u00a0<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-397\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-19 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Ann-Catena.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-19   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-397\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Ann-Catena.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Ann-Catena.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Jessica Ann Catena\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communication - Communication Studies, &#039;12&lt;p&gt;  &quot;I attended WCSU as a transfer commuter student from Westchester County, New York. The entire Communication Dept. made me feel very welcome. Taking two radio courses and class credit at the campus radio station WXCI, influenced how to express my music knowledge. As a student and alumna, I&#039;ve mentored WXCI students, participated at their annual alumni weekend anniversary of the station, created their social media position, and helped produce WCSU&#039;s annual TV program &quot;Election Connection&quot; to simulcast live state election results. WCSU&#039;s Communication Dept. recruited me to their Media Arts Advisory Council in 2014, which assists networking opportunities for students. The Career Success Center&#039;s resume workshops and career fairs helped me gain internships at both of Danbury&#039;s local radio stations: Berkshire Broadcasting (98Q\/WLAD) and Townsquare Media Danbury (i95\/The Wolf)! I&#039;ve also learned that networking can lead to amazing opportunities from any aspect of your life. I started my own weekly music podcast &quot;Music Notes with Jess&quot; in 2019, available to stream on multiple digital platforms. Since its original launch, listeners tune in worldwide and audience size has quadrupled! Professional training, utilizing my media and networking experience has helped my dreams come true, thanks to WCSU. Graduating from there is my proudest accomplishment. Happy 120th WCSU!&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"18\" data-envira-item-id=\"397\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Ann-Catena.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Ann-Catena.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Ann-Catena.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Jessica Ann Catena\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-397'>Jessica Ann Catena<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-397'><strong>B.A. Communication - Communication Studies, '12<\/strong><br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"I attended WCSU as a transfer commuter student from Westchester County, New York. The entire Communication Dept. made me feel very welcome. Taking two radio courses and class credit at the campus radio station WXCI, influenced how to express my music knowledge. As a student and alumna, I've mentored WXCI students, participated at their annual alumni weekend anniversary of the station, created their social media position, and helped produce WCSU's annual TV program \"Election Connection\" to simulcast live state election results. WCSU's Communication Dept. recruited me to their Media Arts Advisory Council in 2014, which assists networking opportunities for students. The Career Success Center's resume workshops and career fairs helped me gain internships at both of Danbury's local radio stations: Berkshire Broadcasting (98Q\/WLAD) and Townsquare Media Danbury (i95\/The Wolf)! I've also learned that networking can lead to amazing opportunities from any aspect of your life. I started my own weekly music podcast \"Music Notes with Jess\" in 2019, available to stream on multiple digital platforms. Since its original launch, listeners tune in worldwide and audience size has quadrupled! Professional training, utilizing my media and networking experience has helped my dreams come true, thanks to WCSU. Graduating from there is my proudest accomplishment. Happy 120th WCSU!\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-335\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-20 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Janelle-Chandler.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-20   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-335\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Janelle-Chandler.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Janelle-Chandler.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Janelle Chandler\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;M.F.A. Illustration, &#039;22&lt;p&gt; Freelance Botanical Artist and Illustrator  &quot;In my time at WCSU, I learned to grow in the areas I was most uncomfortable in my art practice and personal life. It really was paramount to my growth as an individual.&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"19\" data-envira-item-id=\"335\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Janelle-Chandler.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Janelle-Chandler.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Janelle-Chandler.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Janelle Chandler\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-335'>Janelle Chandler<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-335'><strong>M.F.A. Illustration, '22<\/strong><br \/>\nFreelance Botanical Artist and Illustrator<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"In my time at WCSU, I learned to grow in the areas I was most uncomfortable in my art practice and personal life. It really was paramount to my growth as an individual.\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-340\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-21 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Chapman.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-21   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-340\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Chapman.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Chapman.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Jessica Chapman\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;Bachelor of Science in Nursing, &#039;12&lt;p&gt; Breast Health Nurse Practitioner  &quot;WCSU Nursing school gave me the skills and confidence to be a great Nurse and the encouragement to further my degree to become a Nurse Practitioner!&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"20\" data-envira-item-id=\"340\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Chapman.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Chapman.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Chapman.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Jessica Chapman\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-340'>Jessica Chapman<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-340'><strong>Bachelor of Science in Nursing, '12<\/strong><br \/>\nBreast Health Nurse Practitioner<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"WCSU Nursing school gave me the skills and confidence to be a great Nurse and the encouragement to further my degree to become a Nurse Practitioner!\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-441\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-22 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/replaceDonna-Christopher.jpg\" alt=\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-22   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/replaceDonna-Christopher.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/replaceDonna-Christopher.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Donna Christopher\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Political Science, &#039;86&lt;p&gt; Journalist  &quot;I worked for six years full-time at the United Nations and attended college part time as a non-trad student for seven years, ultimately earning my degree at WCSU. By the time I transferred to WCSU, I had attended three colleges and earned enough credits plus attended Norwalk C.C. for several semesters to receive my associate degree in liberal arts and sciences, humanities options, and additional credits in French and business. The semester I completed my degree I had the first of three children. I had initially planned to return to the UN when they went to school but went to work instead for a half-dozen companies and nonprofits, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the U.S. Census Bureau, and while working full time became a stringer for several local publications including the Redding Pilot, Women&#039;s Forum, Business Digest and a few others, ultimately becoming a full-time journalist in 2004, a career I&#039;ve been working in since.&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"21\" data-envira-item-id=\"441\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/replaceDonna-Christopher.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/replaceDonna-Christopher.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/replaceDonna-Christopher.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Donna Christopher\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-441'>Donna Christopher<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-441'><strong>B.A. Political Science, '86<\/strong><br \/>\nJournalist<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"I worked for six years full-time at the United Nations and attended college part time as a non-trad student for seven years, ultimately earning my degree at WCSU. By the time I transferred to WCSU, I had attended three colleges and earned enough credits plus attended Norwalk C.C. for several semesters to receive my associate degree in liberal arts and sciences, humanities options, and additional credits in French and business. The semester I completed my degree I had the first of three children. I had initially planned to return to the UN when they went to school but went to work instead for a half-dozen companies and nonprofits, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the U.S. Census Bureau, and while working full time became a stringer for several local publications including the Redding Pilot, Women's Forum, Business Digest and a few others, ultimately becoming a full-time journalist in 2004, a career I've been working in since.\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-444\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-23 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/4Maggie-Cleary.jpg\" alt=\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-23   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/4Maggie-Cleary.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/4Maggie-Cleary.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Maggie Cleary\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;BSN, minor Women&amp;acirc;&amp;#128;&amp;#153;s Studies, &amp;acirc;&amp;#128;&amp;#152;18&lt;p&gt; Works in Cardiac\/Telemetry RN at Danbury Hospital and launched a scrub business with my sister called Summertime Scrubs.  Summertime Scrubs is looking to offer more bright, fun scrub designs to brighten up your work days.  &quot;My time at WCSU definitely helped me learn how to make connections, and my time in the honors program taught me to think outside the box. These things have allowed me to grow in my career and become an entrepreneur.&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"22\" data-envira-item-id=\"444\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/4Maggie-Cleary.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/4Maggie-Cleary.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/4Maggie-Cleary.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Maggie Cleary\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-444'>Maggie Cleary<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-444'><strong>BSN, minor Women\u2019s Studies, \u201818<\/strong><br \/>\nWorks in Cardiac\/Telemetry RN at Danbury Hospital and launched a scrub business with my sister called Summertime Scrubs.  Summertime Scrubs is looking to offer more bright, fun scrub designs to brighten up your work days.<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"My time at WCSU definitely helped me learn how to make connections, and my time in the honors program taught me to think outside the box. These things have allowed me to grow in my career and become an entrepreneur.\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-334\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-24 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jane-K.-Cleland.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-24   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jane-K.-Cleland.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jane-K.-Cleland.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Jane K. Cleland\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;M.F.A. Creative and Professional Writing, &#039;12&lt;p&gt; Author of the Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries and Agatha-award winning books on the craft of writing Contributing Editor, Writers Digest Magazine Lecturer, Lehman College, City University of New York  &quot;Earning an MFA in Creative &amp;amp; Professional Writing changed my life. I landed a tenured job at a major university and joined a small community of dedicated, welcoming and supportive writers.&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"23\" data-envira-item-id=\"334\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jane-K.-Cleland.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jane-K.-Cleland.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jane-K.-Cleland.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Jane K. Cleland\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-334'>Jane K. Cleland<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-334'><strong>M.F.A. Creative and Professional Writing, '12<\/strong><br \/>\nAuthor of the Josie Prescott Antiques Mysteries and Agatha-award winning books on the craft of writing<br \/>\nContributing Editor, Writers Digest Magazine<br \/>\nLecturer, Lehman College, City University of New York<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"Earning an MFA in Creative &amp; Professional Writing changed my life. I landed a tenured job at a major university and joined a small community of dedicated, welcoming and supportive writers.\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-348\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-25 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Kayla-Conroy.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-25   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-348\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Kayla-Conroy.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Kayla-Conroy.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Kayla Conroy\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Theatre Arts Performance, &#039;10&lt;p&gt; Owner\/Producer, Three Bright Lights; Award-winning Web series, &quot;Human Telegraphs&quot;  &amp;acirc;&amp;#128;&amp;#156;My directors and teachers, including Frank Herbert, Pam McDaniel and Sal Trapani, helped make my time at WCSU an amazing experience.&amp;acirc;&amp;#128;&amp;#157;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"24\" data-envira-item-id=\"348\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Kayla-Conroy.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Kayla-Conroy.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Kayla-Conroy.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Kayla Conroy\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-348'>Kayla Conroy<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-348'><strong>B.A. Theatre Arts Performance, '10<\/strong><br \/>\nOwner\/Producer, Three Bright Lights; Award-winning Web series, \"Human Telegraphs\"<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\u201cMy directors and teachers, including Frank Herbert, Pam McDaniel and Sal Trapani, helped make my time at WCSU an amazing experience.\u201d<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-439\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-26 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Ryan-Cooke.jpg\" alt=\"120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-26   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-439\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Ryan-Cooke.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Ryan-Cooke.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Ryan Cooke\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Social Work, &#039;14&lt;p&gt; Client Success Specialist at Indeed  &quot;WCSU&#039;s incredible Social Work program granted me the tools to follow my passion and better help people in my day-to-day activities. My co-curricular involvement encouraged me to hone my focus more on students, and given my heavy involvement in Housing &amp;amp; Residence Life, I pursued a master&#039;s degree in Higher Education Administration and acquired a Residence Director job at Post University, which I did alongside teaching a College Success course to first year students. After a few years, I was excited to return to my first love, WCSU, as a Resident Director, and I strived to provide the same positive experience that I had for others. After a few years of helping students graduate and transition into the workforce, I joined Indeed as a Client Success Specialist where &quot;I help people get jobs&quot; (it&#039;s so much more than just a slogan). The tools that WCSU taught me have helped me along this journey, and I hope that my actions have and continue to truly make a difference to others. Most importantly, WCSU gave me true happiness. It was there that I met the love of my life: Danielle Scarmella (BA in Social Work, Class of &#039;13). Almost 12 years later, we celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary renewing our vows in Mexico (this picture). Thank you for everything, WCSU!&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"25\" data-envira-item-id=\"439\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Ryan-Cooke.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Ryan-Cooke.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Ryan-Cooke.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Ryan Cooke\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-439'>Ryan Cooke<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-439'><strong>B.A. Social Work, '14<\/strong><br \/>\nClient Success Specialist at Indeed<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"WCSU's incredible Social Work program granted me the tools to follow my passion and better help people in my day-to-day activities. My co-curricular involvement encouraged me to hone my focus more on students, and given my heavy involvement in Housing &amp; Residence Life, I pursued a master's degree in Higher Education Administration and acquired a Residence Director job at Post University, which I did alongside teaching a College Success course to first year students. After a few years, I was excited to return to my first love, WCSU, as a Resident Director, and I strived to provide the same positive experience that I had for others. After a few years of helping students graduate and transition into the workforce, I joined Indeed as a Client Success Specialist where \"I help people get jobs\" (it's so much more than just a slogan). The tools that WCSU taught me have helped me along this journey, and I hope that my actions have and continue to truly make a difference to others. Most importantly, WCSU gave me true happiness. It was there that I met the love of my life: Danielle Scarmella (BA in Social Work, Class of '13). Almost 12 years later, we celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary renewing our vows in Mexico (this picture). Thank you for everything, WCSU!\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-398\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-27 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Coronel.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-27   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Coronel.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Coronel.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Jessica Coronel\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.S. Secondary Education (concentration in Spanish), &#039;14&lt;p&gt; Ed.D. Candidate for the Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership Associate Director - Pre-Collegiate and Access Programs at WCSU  &quot;WCSU is a hidden gem! Some of my best experiences include studying abroad in Spain and traveling to five different countries with clubs and other programs. As a first-generation student, WCSU provided support and programs to help me be successful. No wonder, I decided seven years ago to work here and continue to support first-generation and low-income students. I also decided to enroll in the Ed.D. program for its curriculum and flexible structure.&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"26\" data-envira-item-id=\"398\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Coronel.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Coronel.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Coronel.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Jessica Coronel\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-398'>Jessica Coronel<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-398'><strong>B.S. Secondary Education (concentration in Spanish), '14<\/strong><br \/>\nEd.D. Candidate for the Doctor of Education in Instructional Leadership<br \/>\nAssociate Director - Pre-Collegiate and Access Programs at WCSU<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"WCSU is a hidden gem! Some of my best experiences include studying abroad in Spain and traveling to five different countries with clubs and other programs. As a first-generation student, WCSU provided support and programs to help me be successful. No wonder, I decided seven years ago to work here and continue to support first-generation and low-income students. I also decided to enroll in the Ed.D. program for its curriculum and flexible structure.\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-359\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-28 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Lois-Crucitti.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-28   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-359\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Lois-Crucitti.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Lois-Crucitti.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Lois Crucitti\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;BSN &#039;71; MSN &#039;97&lt;p&gt; Part-time School Nurse for the CT Technical School Educational System  &quot;WCSU provided me with an excellent education to pursue a Nursing career that I have loved and has spanned many decades. I have been fortunate enough to still call many of my classmates dear friends. I have also been blessed to have met my husband, the love of my life, on my first day of orientation. I have stayed connected to this gem of a university, and have seen it grow into a well-respected institution of higher education. I have met many  wonderful individuals along the way who have shared my passion for WCSU.&quot;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"27\" data-envira-item-id=\"359\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Lois-Crucitti.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Lois-Crucitti.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Lois-Crucitti.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Lois Crucitti\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-359'>Lois Crucitti<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-359'><strong>BSN '71; MSN '97<\/strong><br \/>\nPart-time School Nurse for the CT Technical School Educational System<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\"WCSU provided me with an excellent education to pursue a Nursing career that I have loved and has spanned many decades. I have been fortunate enough to still call many of my classmates dear friends. I have also been blessed to have met my husband, the love of my life, on my first day of orientation. I have stayed connected to this gem of a university, and have seen it grow into a well-respected institution of higher education. I have met many  wonderful individuals along the way who have shared my passion for WCSU.\"<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-329\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-29 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Helen-Curtin.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-29   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Helen-Curtin.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Helen-Curtin.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Helen Curtin\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;MBA, &amp;acirc;&amp;#128;&amp;#153;07&lt;p&gt; Financial Advisor, Edward Jones  &amp;acirc;&amp;#128;&amp;#156;Making the choice to enroll as a nontraditional student at WCSU was one of the three best decisions I&#039;ve made in my life. The student-centric faculty is high caliber and approachable, and I got the skills I needed to transform my career from design to financial services. Years later, WCSU feels like family to me.&amp;acirc;&amp;#128;&amp;#157;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"28\" data-envira-item-id=\"329\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Helen-Curtin.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Helen-Curtin.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Helen-Curtin.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Helen Curtin\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-329'>Helen Curtin<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-329'><strong>MBA, \u201907<\/strong><br \/>\nFinancial Advisor, Edward Jones<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\u201cMaking the choice to enroll as a nontraditional student at WCSU was one of the three best decisions I've made in my life. The student-centric faculty is high caliber and approachable, and I got the skills I needed to transform my career from design to financial services. Years later, WCSU feels like family to me.\u201d<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"envira-gallery-item-366\" class=\"envira-gallery-item envira-gallery-item-30 enviratope-item\" style=\"padding-left: 8px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-right: 8px;\"  itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-item-inner\"><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-top-right\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-left\"><\/div><div class=\"envira-gallery-position-overlay envira-gallery-bottom-right\"><\/div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Monique-Daley.jpg\" alt=\"120 WCSU Stories\" class=\"envira-gallery-image envira-gallery-image-30   \" height=\"300\" id=\"envira-gallery-image-366\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Monique-Daley.jpg, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Monique-Daley.jpg 2x\" tabindex=\"0\" title=\"Monique Daley\" width=\"300\" data-caption=\"&lt;strong&gt;B.A. Communication &amp;amp; Media Arts, &#039;03&lt;p&gt; Diversity Officer, Wheeler Health  &amp;acirc;&amp;#128;&amp;#156;I had immigrated from Jamaica for high school and seeing so many people of color as administrators at a smaller university like WCSU really helped shape some and offset other situations. I could see the years of work by people of color to activate change on campus, which gave me a strong background in advocacy right from the start.&amp;acirc;&amp;#128;&amp;#157;&lt;\/p&gt;&lt;\/strong&gt;\n\" data-envira-gallery-id=\"247\" data-envira-index=\"29\" data-envira-item-id=\"366\" data-envira-src=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Monique-Daley.jpg\" data-envira-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Monique-Daley.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Monique-Daley.jpg 2x\" data-title=\"Monique Daley\" itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  data-envirabox=\"247\" \/><div class=\"envira-gallery-captioned-data envira-gallery-captioned-data-subtle\"><span class='envira-title envira-gallery-captioned-text title-366'>Monique Daley<\/span><span class='envira-caption envira-gallery-captioned-text caption-366'><strong>B.A. Communication &amp; Media Arts, '03<\/strong><br \/>\nDiversity Officer, Wheeler Health<br \/>\n<br \/>\n\u201cI had immigrated from Jamaica for high school and seeing so many people of color as administrators at a smaller university like WCSU really helped shape some and offset other situations. I could see the years of work by people of color to activate change on campus, which gave me a strong background in advocacy right from the start.\u201d<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"envira-pagination envira-pagination-ajax-load\"  data-envira-post-id=\"252\" data-type=\"gallery\" data-page=\"1\" data-per-page=\"30\" data-max-pages=\"5\"><span aria-current=\"page\" class=\"page-numbers current\">1<\/span>\n<a class=\"page-numbers\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/envira\/120-wcsu-stories\/?page=2\">2<\/a>\n<a class=\"page-numbers\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/envira\/120-wcsu-stories\/?page=3\">3<\/a>\n<span class=\"page-numbers dots\">&hellip;<\/span>\n<a class=\"page-numbers\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/envira\/120-wcsu-stories\/?page=5\">5<\/a>\n<a rel=\"next\" class=\"next page-numbers\" href=\"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/envira\/120-wcsu-stories\/?page=2\">Next \u00bb<\/a><\/div><\/div><noscript><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Bobby-Akbar.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jena-Alviti.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Elizabeth-Polaco-Andrzejewski.jpg' alt='120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Aaron-F.-Atwood.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Ashley-Leach-Audet.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Suzanne-Bair.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Brittany-Baisch-Ph.D.-DABT.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Kevin-Barnett.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Katie-Bassett-Langin.jpg' alt='120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Amber-Bauer.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Gabrielle-Book.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Clint-Brandon-Cave.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Waverly-Rose-Brim.jpg' alt='120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Stephanie-Browne-Achord.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Pamela-Brown.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Amanda-Byrne.jpg' alt='120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Bri-Anna-Caberson.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Audrey-Camino-Jara.jpg' alt='120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Ann-Catena.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Janelle-Chandler.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Chapman.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/replaceDonna-Christopher.jpg' alt='120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/4Maggie-Cleary.jpg' alt='120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jane-K.-Cleland.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Kayla-Conroy.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Ryan-Cooke.jpg' alt='120 Western Connecticut State University Success Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Jessica-Coronel.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Lois-Crucitti.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Helen-Curtin.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><img src='https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/231\/2022\/12\/Monique-Daley.jpg' alt='120 WCSU Stories' class='envira_noscript_images ' \/><\/noscript>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-252-2\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-has-style\" ><div class=\"siteorigin-panels-stretch panel-row-style panel-row-style-for-252-2\" data-stretch-type=\"full-stretched\" ><div id=\"pgc-252-2-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell panel-grid-cell-empty\" ><\/div><div id=\"pgc-252-2-1\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell panel-grid-cell-empty panel-grid-cell-mobile-last\" ><\/div><div id=\"pgc-252-2-2\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell panel-grid-cell-empty\" ><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>TRANSFORMING LIVES FOR 120 YEARS Commemorating our birthday by sharing 120 WCSU stories.New stories will be added weekly, check back to read more. Bobby AkbarElementary Education\/CTA, minor in African American Studies, &#8217;99 I am an award-winning Math Coach where I &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":132,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"university-homepage.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-252","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/252","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/132"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=252"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/252\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wcsu.edu\/success-stories\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=252"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}