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Meet the Orientation Ambassadors!


Name: Nicholas Raymond Gleifert
Year: Sophomore
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Plainville, CT


Nick is a Programs Council Representative, former Orientation host, and a brother of Beta Mu Sigma.

"Everyone here, and especially everyone who works within Student Life, is great. I love being able to make an impact in ProCon and do things I didn't think I ever would. I have an appreciation for this school as if it was my family. I love being able to call Southern my home away from home."

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Name: Willie Epps
Year: Junior
Major: Sports Management
Hometown: Norwalk, CT

Willie Epps OA
Willie is a wide receiver on the SCSU football team and a member of Phi Beta Sigma. He is also a Senior Orientation Ambassador and has experience with Hall Council.

"I had the opportunity to get involved through Orientation and find my niche. Once I began participating in SCSU organizations and teams, I met individuals with similar interests and enthusiastic, eager personalities like mine."

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Name: Ryan Morgan
Year: Junior
Major/Minor: Journalism/Political Science
Hometown: Stafford Springs, CT



Ryan is the News Editor for Southern News and a member of the Society of Professional Journalists. She is also the Vice President of Academic Affairs for Delta Phi Epsilon, a member of the Honors College, and an avid field hockey player.

"I love the community atmosphere here on campus. The friends I've made here have become a support system I'm lucky to have!"

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Name: Andrell Hoyte
Year: Junior
Major: Business Management
Hometown: West Hartford, CT

Andrell Hoyte OA

Andrell is the Vice President of Residence Hall Association, a Student Government Representative, a veteran Orientation Ambassador, and a desk attendant in Chase Hall.

"Southern has amazing hospitality. As a transfer student, I was happy to learn how inviting the people at Southern are. Unlike my previous school, it's easy to get involved, and the people I've met here have become great resources and great friends."

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Name: Kaitlyn Hoffmann
Year: Senior
Major: Liberal Studies with concentrations in Psychology, Wellness, and Theater.
Hometown: Shelton, CT

Ben & Kaitlyn OA

Kaitlyn is the President of Omega Zeta Pi, Treasurer for Greek Life Council, a Student Orientation Coordinator, and a Peer Mentor in the FYE/Inquiry program. She is planning on getting her Master's degree in Higher Education Administration.

"I love Southern because of the people, environment, and mentors. It's been a great experience overall!"

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Name: Erin Rose Dyer
Year: Sophomore
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Providence, RI

Erin Dyer OA
Erin is the President of Habitat for Humanity, a member of Zeta Delta Epsilon, and has worked on the Big Event and Leadership Retreat Committees.

"I absolutely love this school because it's become a second home to me. The professors I've had thus far are great and the classes are fun! The students here are awesome! I've met a lot of great faculty, staff, and students. I've become heavily involved and met a lot of great, life-long friends because of Southern. I've had so many opportunities so far. I've traveled, I've learned a lot about myself and other people, I've tried new things, and have experienced so much! I literally could not be happier with my choice of coming here! I could go on and on about why I love Southern!"

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Name: Ciara Chaly


Year: Sophomore


Major/Minor: Information & Library Science/Art History


Hometown: Middletown, NJ

Ciara Chaly OA

Ciara is a Peer Mentor for the Honors College and a member of the Residence Hall Association Programming Board. She is also the RHA representative for the Last Lecture Committee and a member of the Information & Library Science Club. A former track star, she also acts as a student worker for the Office of Campus Recreation.

"It's easy to get involved. There is a large emphasis on leadership, which is something I value."

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Name: Ashley Bell
Year: Junior
Major: Math
Hometown: Riverhead, NY

Ashley Bell OA

Ashley is on the track team and works in the equipment room at Moore Field house. She is also a member of the Math Club.

"There are so many activities brought to campus by ProCon and other organizations. I also love its diversity. The atmosphere and people here are great, and so is the Education program"

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Name: Jackie Ajello
Year: Junior
Major: Science Education
Hometown: Warren, CT

Jackie Ajello OA

Jackie is a Community Coordinator in Farnham Hall and is the manager of Phonathon. She is also the Chair of ProCon's Entertainment Committee and a FACE Model for BSU.

"The size of its community is perfect; it's not too small and not too big. The campus is very diverse. I love everything Southern has to offer its students!"

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Name: Felix Reyes
Year: Sophomore
Major: Theater
Hometown: West Hartford, CT
 
Felix is a member of the Organization for Latin American Students and a CLA in Residence Life. He is also a member of Crescent Players, Hall Council E-Board, and is involved in Stage Performance.

"Southern has a lot of diversity, a sense of possibility, and many opportunities for leadership."

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Name: Erin McGuckin
Year: Sophomore
Major: Elementary Education - History
Hometown: Ledyard, CT

Erin McGuckin OA
 
Erin is the Operations Manager for SCSU TV. She is a Representative-at-Large for Student Government, as well as for the Class of 2013. Erin is also a Peer Mentor.
 
"I feel like I'm part of a great community, and I get the chance to interact with amazing people. I love how Southern is so diverse and offers so many opportunities for students in so many different fields. It's a great place!"

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Name: Kyle Berg
Year: Sophomore
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Stonington, CT

Kyle Berg OA

Kyle is involved with the Wilkinson Hall Council and is really excited to get involved with the New Student Orientation program this summer.

"Southern is small enough where you get to know people, but big enough to be a college."

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Name: Donny Palumbo


Year: Freshman
Major: Social Work


Hometown: East Haven, CT

Donny Palumbo OA 

Donny is a member of Service Team and Habitat for Humanity.

"I love Southern for a lot of reasons, including connecting with people, the great things you get to do, and the chances you have to help others."

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Name: Antonio Carter, Jr.
Year: Junior
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Jamaica, Queens, NY



Antonio is a Community Coordinator in Farnham Hall, a member of NAACP, and a football player.

"Southern has been home for the last three years. I have met some of my best friends here at Southern, and it's really comfortable here."

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Name: Amanda Shortt
Year: Senior
Major: Secondary Education - Math
Hometown: Middlebury, CT

Amanda Shortt OA
Amanda is a member of Omega Zeta Pi and sits on the Academic Committee for Greek Life.

"I love the atmosphere here; it's small and close to home."

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Name: Edward Gallegos
Year: Junior
Major: Photography
Hometown: West Hartford, CT


Eddie is a Senior Programmer for Programs Council and a member of the Black Student Union.

"Southern is open and inviting to all students. You can be yourself and grow intellectually, socially, and personally. You get to soar high and fly like an owl!"
 
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Name: Natalie Sabino
Year: Sophomore
Major/Minor: Organizational Communication/Library Science
Hometown: Middlefield, CT

Natalie Sabino OA

Natalie is on the Programming Board for Residence Hall Association and is a delegate for Student Government Association.

"I love knowing the people here. I consider everyone in this community to be my family. I know if I need something, someone will be there."
 

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Name: Brittany Niemczyk
Year: Sophomore
Major: Nursing
Hometown: Vernon, CT



Brittany is a pole-vaulter on the track team and competes in the 400.

"I love going to school here because of the campus and everything it has to offer. I think the university is small enough, but there's always something to do. I also love the nursing program and the track team."

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Name: Benjamin McNamee
Year: Senior
Hometown: Wallingford, CT
Major/Minor: Secondary Education - History/Political Science

Ben & Kaitlyn OA
Ben is the President of Student Government Association. He is also a Peer Mentor and is involved with Colleges Against Cancer.

"Southern has the size of a big school, but the feel of a small school."

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Name: Nicole Cassidy
Year: Junior
Major: Elementary and Special Education - Spanish
Hometown: Milford

Nicole Cassidy OA


Nicole is the Vice President of Student Government Association and the President of Colleges Against Cancer. She has been a Community Coordinator in Farnham Hall and is a member of the Zeta Delta Epsilon Service Honors Society.

"There are so many chances to get involved around campus, as well as many leadership opportunities. There is a club for everyone, and if there isn't, you can create one!"

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Name: Dorice 'Dori' Dorvilier
Year: Sophomore
Major: Sociology with a concentration in Criminology
Hometown: Bridgeport, CT



Dori is a Programs Council Representative and is involved with Steppin' Up Drill Team, FACE, SAFAC, and the Homecoming and Spring Week Committees.

"Getting involved and meeting people really helped me open up. I'm excited to share my story!"

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Name: Azaria Drakeford


Year: Senior 
Major: Sociology


Hometown: Manchester, CT 

Azaria Drakeford OA
Azaria is a member of NAACP, West Indian Society, and is a desk attendant in Schwartz Hall.

"There are so many truly amazing people I've met, professors and students included!  I love SCSU because I believe that anyone, no matter what their background or ethnicity, can find their niche here!"

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Name: Evan Bieber


Year: Senior
Major: Liberal Studies with a concentration in Wellness & Psychology
Hometown: West Hartford, CT



Evan is the Programs Chair for Programs Council and Philanthropy Chair for Beta Mu Sigma.

"I love the students and faculty, the connections I've made, and the ways I've been able to help people. Southern has helped me become a better leader."

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Name: Dave McQuade
Year: Sophomore
Major:
Hometown: Fairfield, CT

Dave McQuade OA

Dave is the Co-Board Chair for Student Government and is a Community Coordinator in Wilkinson Hall. He is the President of Men's Club Volleyball and is a member of Sports Medicine Club, Service Team, and is a student worker for University Athletics.

"I believe it's not the institution, it's the people that attend Southern that make the experience rewarding. Also, the opportunities it's given me have allowed me to do the things I love to do!"

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Name: Bethany Tuller


Year: Junior


Major: Journalism


Hometown: Tolland, CT 

Bethany Tuller OA
Bethany is involved in Southern News, WSIN Radio Station, and Student Government Association.

"Southern feels like its own world. There are so many different things to do on campus, and everyone has their own niche. No matter what you like, you will always find someone with the same interests as you. It's like your own home away from home."

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Name: Bob Benway
Year: Junior
Major: Secondary Education - Math
Hometown: Milford, CT

Bob & Maggie OA
Bob is a Representative-at-Large for Student Government Association, a Peer mentor for the Freshman class, and a new Student Orientation Ambassador.

"I'm proud of the prestigious education program they have and because of Student Government Association. I feel like I can reach my ultimate goals here. I love all the different individuals who want to become leaders just like me."
 
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Name: Margaret Lonczewski
Year: Junior
Major: Public Health
Hometown: South Windsor, CT

Bob & Maggie OA
Maggie is the Treasurer of Students for a Sensible Drug Policy and a member of Student Government Association. She is a Community Coordinator and desk attendant in West Campus, as well as an Honors College Peer Mentor.

"I love the community I have been able to create for myself here. The professors, advisors, and students have made my experience here at Southern, and I would not be who I am or doing the things I am today if it wasn't for them. I never was set on going to one specific college. Even coming to Southern, at first I didn't really care as long as I was going to college. Then my roommate and I started getting involved in Student Life, and I haven't looked back!"

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Name: Patrick O'Connor
Year: Junior
Major/Minor: Sociology/Political Science & Criminal Justice
Hometown: Greenwich

Patrick O'Connor is the captain of the Men's Rugby team and the Treasurer for Student Government Association. He is also a student worker for the Intramural Program.

"There is so much to get out of this school beyond academics."

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Name: Ronald Solomon Huggins, Jr.
Year:
Major: Political Science
Hometown: New Haven, CT

Ronald Huggins OA
Ronald has overcome much adversity in his life, and he fears and keeps God first, giving Him honor for every accomplishment, including being President of James Hillhouse High School Student Council and being honored by President Bill Clinton for raising money to help build a school in Sri Lanka after a tsunami. He is also President of Mayor DeStefano's Youth Council and the Board of Young Adult Police Commissioners. He is also an active member among the youth in his community and plans to pursue a career in politics.
 
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Name: Scott Westenberger
Year: Sophomore
Major/Minor: Secondary Education - English/English Theatre
Hometown: 

Scott Westenberger OA

Scott works at the Help Desk and is involved with the many concerts on campus. He is also a member of Southern News.

"My favorite part is the great atmosphere and friendly people. I've never felt more at home."

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Name: Sarah Green


Year: Freshman


Major: Secondary Education - English


Hometown: West Haven, CT

Sarah is a member of Student Government Association and is a Representative-at-Large for the Service Team. She is also a Southern News Staff Writer, a member of the Freshman Leadership Program, and is involved with various committees.

"I love people and the sense of community found within the clubs and organizations."

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Name: Chris Hazelton
Year: Junior
Major/Minors: Elementary Education - Liberal Studies/Environmental Studies, Geography, Public Health
Hometown: Bristol, CT

Chris Hazelton OA
Chris is on the football team, an Athletic Super Fan, and a third-year Orientation Ambassador.

"Southern is a small community that works together, but at the same time, it's big enough to get lost in if you need to. It has something for everyone, whether you're a sports super fan like me, or someone who loves to focus on their studies."

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Name: Stefan Keller
Year: Junior
Major: Social Work
Hometown:


Stefan is the Chair of the Service Team and a board chair for Student Government Association. He is also Vice President of Colleges Against Cancer and Habitat for Humanity, and he's a member of Best Buddies.

"I believe there are opportunities for everyone here, and you can have a great college experience as long as you're looking for it!"

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Name: Monique Beason

Year: Sophomore

Major: Nursing

Hometown: Hartford, CT

The reason I love Southern because they create many opportunities for students to get involved and make things happen on campus. I have to admit Southern wasn't my first choice, but each day that I went to class, hanging out at the student center, studying in the library, at a meeting for Proconn or Hall Council, and etc I realized I made the right choice more and more. Southern strives to build a community among the students which is something that I love. That they don't only see us as students getting an education for a career, they see more than that. They see that each student that comes here has a something special about them that they can contribute to the Southern community. These things are what gave me the spirit and love that I have for Southern and I will never regret coming here.