FSAS Annual Meeting - 2008

Thursday, June 5, 2008

(2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004)

The Family Studies Alumni Society (FSAS) held its Annual Meeting and Dinner on June 5, 2008 at the UConn Alumni House on the Storrs campus. The evening began with a reception where guests met old friends and new, and enjoyed the opportunity to view the HDFS Honors students’ poster displays.

The meeting began with a warm welcome from HDFS Professor and Department Head Ronald Sabatelli, Ph.D, who then introduced FSAS President Jennifer Fairbanks ’00. Jennifer presented a report about the yearly activities of the Society. She honored the past president, Cathy Foley Geib ’92, and the Members who were stepping down from their positions; Beena Achhpal ’00, Gayle Carroll ’97, and Shirley Randazzo ’77, ’84. Jennifer then nominated Stephanie Rubenzahl ’04, Anne Cremé ’76, ’82, and Karen Grudzinski ’08 to the FSAS Board. FSAS Treasurer Gina Proia ’03, ’06, seconded this motion and a successful vote was held.
A special greeting was given by the UConn Alumni Association’s (UCAA) Executive Director, Lisa Lewis. The FSAS worked in collaboration with the UCAA to organize this year’s Annual Meeting & Dinner, and is excited about continued efforts which are sure to facilitate increased networking and membership for the FSAS.

Following dinner, HDFS Professor JoAnn Robinson, Ph.D., presented the 2008 Human Development and Family Studies Outstanding Student Award to Colleen Deasy ’08, B.A. who was recognized for her many impressive efforts and outstanding achievements in human development and family studies.
Faculty presentations were given in turn by HDFS professors: Associate Professor Anita Garey, Ph.D., spoke of the HDFS Honors Program; Associate Professor Jane Goldman, Ph.D., presented “Working to improve work/life balance at the University of Connecticut”; and Assistant Professor Kathryn Libal , Ph.D., enlightened the crowd with a media presentation entitled, “The Iraq War, Forced Migration, and Iraqi Families: A view from humanitarian organizations”. Professor JoAnn Robinson Ph.D., HDFS Director of Early Childhood Education Training, explained about a need for a “boundless playground” which would be accessible for all children ages 2-5 years, including those in a wheelchair or other handicapping condition (see page 3).

The recipient of the 2008 Lorraine Wetherell Family Studies Alumni Society Distinguished Service Award was Keith Bellizzi ’03, Ph.D., who was unfortunately unable to attend the meeting to receive the award. In Keith’s absence, Professor Thomas O. Blank, Ph.D., gave an enthusiastic overview of Keith’s involvement and devotion to the study of cancer prevention, control, and survivorship. Until this summer, Keith was a Health Scientist in the Office of Cancer Survivorship at the National Cancer Institute where he conducted research and helped set the national agenda for cancer survivorship research. His research and publications focused on the quality of life of older cancer survivors; the role health behaviors play in attenuating late effects of cancer; resilience and growth in the aftermath of cancer; and caregiver and family issues. His work has received national and international recognition and has been featured in diverse media outlets. The Department of Human Development and Family Studies is thrilled to welcome Keith and his family back to Connecticut and to our program this fall.

Read more about Keith Bellizzi, PhD. '03 recipient of the 2008 Lorraine Wetherell Family Studies Alumni Society Distinguished Service Award.