Hamden Student Spotlight

The following students graduated from the University of New Haven on August 25, 2012:

Trisha Hunter of Hamden, CT received a Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

Schuyler Goines of Hamden, CT received a Masters in Business Administration.

Wayne Letitia of Hamden, CT received a Masters in Education.

Michael Naples of Hamden, CT received a Masters in Education.

Tahani Al Elaiwi of Hamden, CT received a Masters in Environmental Science.

Ivelisse Vazquez of Hamden, CT received a Masters in Health Care Administration.

Jonathan Leoni of Hamden, CT received a B.S. in Nutrition and Dietetics.

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Catharine "Cat" Balco of Hamden, an assistant professor of painting in the Hartford Art School at the University of Hartford, was honored with an Innovation in Teaching and Learning Award at the University's annual Faculty/Staff Kickoff on Wednesday Aug 29. The award honors faculty members who have shown exceptional dedication, innovation, and effectiveness in their teaching, as well as extensive interaction with students.

Balco has advanced the University's art program greatly with her Arts in Healthcare course, offering students exposure to the arts in the healthcare field while giving them the opportunity to make a difference in the larger community. Students in her class strive to enhance the lives of patients who are recovering from an illness, struggling with disabilities, or learning to accept drastic medical related changes in their lives. Becoming "artist-collaborators," students work one-on-one with patients, exposing them to art while developing relationships.

Balco came to the Hartford Art School with a Master of Fine Arts in painting from Yale University and experience working with patients in New York City hospitals. She also has been involved in a range of arts and healthcare workshops and initiatives.

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More than 500 new students began classes at American International College in Springfield, Mass. on September 5, following a two-day orientation program.

Nicole DeLillo of Hamden was among the new students attending AIC. DeLillo, a graduate of Hamden High School, is a Biology Major (BS) major.

Matthew Elia of Hamden was among the new students attending AIC. Elia, a graduate of Notre Dame High School, is a Sports & Recreation Management Major (BSBA) major.

Davante Mallard of Hamden was among the new students attending AIC. Mallard, a graduate of Notre Dame High School, is a Sports & Recreation Management Major (BSBA) major.

AIC, recently recognized by the Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the fastest growing U.S. colleges, is a private, coeducational institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs in the schools of Arts, Sciences and Education, Business Administration, Health Sciences and Continuing Education.

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Hamden resident Michael Dekpor has completed the Goodwin College Nursing Program and has been pinned into the profession.

On Thursday, August 16, Dekpor was one of about 50 students to receive a Goodwin Nursing Degree.

As an audience of family members and friends cheered, Dekpor lit a candle and recited an oath in the tradition of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale. Each student also traded their student nursing badge for an official pin, recognizing them as graduates of the Goodwin program and setting them on their professional courses.

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 Amanda K Bartram from Hamden, CT, was recently awarded aBachelor of Arts degree in Anthro Anthropological Perspective from the Harpur College of Arts and Sciences at Binghamton University.

Binghamton University is one of the four university centers of the State University of New York. Known for the excellence of its students, faculty, staff and programs, Binghamton enrolls close to 15,000 students in programs leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. Its curriculum, founded in the liberal arts, has expanded to include selected professional and graduate programs.

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More than 3,000 students graduated from Tufts University on May 20, during the university-wide commencement ceremony with author and former Navy SEAL Eric Greitens as the speaker.

The graduates from the School of Arts and Sciences and the School of Engineering included:

Ryan Marshall of Hamden, CT, with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering cum laude and Architectural Studies . Spring 2012 Dean's List

Marla Spivack of Hamden, CT, with a Bachelor's degree in International Relations magna cum laude and Economics magna cum laude . Spring 2012 Dean's List.

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Fairfield University, a Jesuit university founded in 1942 in Fairfield, Connecticut, awarded 1,328 degrees at its 62nd Commencement on Sunday, May 20, 2012, during two ceremonies on Bellarmine Hall Lawn, one in the morning for undergraduates, and one in the afternoon for those receiving graduate and doctorate degrees.

The following area residents received degrees:

Mark Adams, a resident of Hamden, CT, received a Master of Science degree from Fairfield University's School of Engineering.

Andrew Bishop, a resident of Hamden, CT, received a Master of Science degree from Fairfield University's School of Engineering.

Kenneth Frigo, a resident of Hamden, CT, received a Bachelor of Science degree from Fairfield University's School of Nursing.

Allison Iancale Vallance, a resident of Hamden, CT, received a Bachelor of Science degree from Fairfield University's School of Nursing.

Mark Mancini, a resident of Hamden, CT, received a Master of Arts degree from Fairfield University's Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions.

Kara Meagher, a resident of Hamden, CT, received a Master of Arts degree from Fairfield University's College of Arts and Sciences.

Christopher Northrop, a resident of Hamden, CT, received a Master of Science degree from Fairfield University's Charles F. Dolan School of Business.

Jordan Sweeney, a resident of Hamden, CT, received a Bachelor of Science degree from Fairfield University's School of Nursing.