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Holly LaPrade headshot

Holly LaPrade ’06 earns HR scholarship

Holly LaPrade headshot

Holly LaPrade ’06 was recently selected as the recipient of the Andy Thiede HR Certification Scholarship. The scholarship was created by Andrea (Andy) Thiede, a human resources professional from Berlin, CT, with a passion for helping others in the HR field. LaPrade is a human resources manager with the Banton Construction Company.

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Quinnipiac staff

June 10, 2025

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2021

Anand Veeraraghav, JD ’21, co-founded a community organization in Monroe, Connecticut

Last year, I started a community orchestra in Monroe with my brother, Avinash. We have been playing our instruments (me on viola, him on violin) since 2005, and we have had this idea in some form since 2014. We joined the Hamden Symphony Orchestra in 2023 (under the directorship of Quinnipiac's own, Vesna Mehinovic), and the idea was reinvigorated. With the help of Vesna and other musical personnel, we started this summer program in June 2025, gathering 40 volunteer musicians from around the state, ranging from middle school students to retirees, to put on a concert in July. It was a huge success –– so much so that we also had a holiday concert in December. Even though we are not musicians by profession (I work for the judicial branch), this has been an amazing and rewarding experience. We were even interviewed by WSHU! Visit their website at: monroectorchestra.org

aerial view of a marina on a sunny day

1989

Michael T. van der Veen, JD ’89, update

Michael T. van der Veen, JD ’89, and his family purchased the Carousel Marina and Whale’s Tale Restaurant in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, five years ago. For the past three seasons, the marina has been named a finalist for Best Marina by Down East Magazine. The marina is also home to the largest charitable Bluefin Tuna Tournament on the East Coast. Visitors and alumni alike are welcome to stop by and experience the beauty of Boothbay Harbor for themselves. Michael and his wife, Marion, along with their two daughters, Jax and Emma Rose, are actively involved in operating the marina, the restaurant, and their marine construction business. In September 2025, Michael’s oldest daughter, Jax, was married at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. In addition to his work on the waterfront, Michael continues to run his law firm with a national practice based in Philadelphia.

Quinnipiac alumna Erin Moody poses for a picture with family and friends from Quinnipiac

2005

Erin R. Moody ’05 reflects on her Quinnipiac friends becoming family

I showed up at Quinnipiac in the fall of 2001 with no clue that the people I met my freshman year would become my forever family. Back then, we were just a bunch of kids trying to figure out how to do laundry without shrinking everything and pretending we understood what 'credit hours' meant. But somewhere between late‑night laughs, cafeteria adventures, and the beautiful chaos of Mountainview and The Hill, something real took root. By the time we graduated in 2005, our bond was already solid — but I had no idea it would only get stronger. These are the people I rely on, the ones who show up, the ones who know my history because they lived every ridiculous, hilarious, emotional moment right alongside me. And the best part? Every time we’re together, we snap right back into our old rhythm. Same jokes. Same laughter. Same 'how did we survive college' energy. It’s like stepping straight back onto campus, except now we have better skincare routines and slightly earlier bedtimes. One of my favorite full‑circle moments: in college, we used to talk about taking a big trip together when we turned 40. At the time, 40 felt like a distant, mythical age — basically ancient. Well, plot twist ... we hit 40 two years ago, and we actually did it. We took the trip. We kept the promise our younger selves made, and it was everything we hoped for — proof that some friendships don’t fade, they just get funnier and more meaningful with time. I never expected that a random mix of freshmen would become my lifelong circle. But they did. And the bond we built at Quinnipiac is stronger than blood. It’s love, loyalty and a lifetime of shared memories. They’re my people. My family. And I’m grateful every single day that Quinnipiac brought us together.

Quinnipiac alumna, Gina McAllister, poses for a picture with several Quinnipiac alumni outside

2011

Gina McAllister-Conte ’11 on QU forever friends

From freshman year to forever friends ❤️ What started as a simple pool party has grown into our annual QU BBQ and a tradition we look forward to every year. We’ve been friends since freshman year, some of us even from the same orientation group. It's been so special watching our QU family grow with husbands, wives and children along the way. Forever grateful to Quinnipiac for friendships that truly last a lifetime.

Quinnipiac alumna Amy Crain poses for a picture with her roommates inside a series of picture frames

2004

Amy Crain ’04 reflects on the enduring friendship of the ‘Lucky 7’

Denise (Tretola) Lopresti, Stephanie (Thomson) Stephenson, Diane Whittaker, Cali (Hettrich) Thorngate, Val Pensa, Jen (Starnes) Neve and myself all met at different times at Quinnipiac - some were roommates, dorm mates, classmates or OLs - but what became rooted and what remains long after graduation is the kind of friendship that changes you for the better. Post-graduation, we always found ways to get together (Reunions at SideStreet!) and celebrate major milestones with each other or provide support when it was needed most. But in this last decade is where we really found our niche at staying connected both daily (via Marco Polo) and also annually by taking girls weekend trips as a group - and those moments we share have really solidified our story as the "Lucky 7."

Quinnipiac alumna Jessica Grace poses for a picture with several of her alumnae friends

2015

Jessica (Sola) Grace ’15 shares over a decade of friendship

Meeting in our 2012 sophomore year our friendship began and has only gotten better since! We’ve experienced everything together from heartbreak to celebrations and everything life has offered us in between. We are each other’s soulmates.

Quinnipiac alumni Meghan Witheril, Katie (Koproski) Mattice, Deena (DeLucia) Scigliano, and Christina Fink pose for a picture with their kids in New York City

2004, 2005

MAT alumnae continue Quinnipiac friendship

We met our freshmen year while in the MAT program for elementary education. We graduated with our bachelor’s degrees in 2004 and with our master’s degrees in 2005. A lot has changed over the years, but our friendship has stood the test of time. And we are all still teaching!!! Pictured: Meghan Witheril ’04, MAT ’05, Katie (Koproski) Mattice ’04, MAT ’05, Deena (DeLucia) Scigliano ’04, MAT ’05, and Christina Fink ’04, MAT ’05

Freshman Roommates Dana Cirincione-Welles and Charity Kuchyt reconnect in New York City and enjoy dinner with their spouses at a restaurant

2007

Freshman roommates Dana Cirincione-Welles '07 and Charity Kuchyt '07 reconnect

Dana Cirincione-Welles 07 and Charity Kuchyt '07 reconnected in New York City with their husbands recently to see a Broadway show. Although we are separated by miles and are in different states, we try to get back together once in awhile to catch up with each other over dinner, or in this case, dinner and a show. This past weekend we saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child together before going off to dinner.

Kyle Adams and Matt Warner pose for a picture at the top of Sleeping Giant Mountain

2018

Kyle Adams ’18 and Matt Warner ’18, MHS ’20, maintain close friendship

Being part of the Quinnipiac alumni community is a privilege! I'm super grateful for Quinnipiac strengthening lifelong connections and bringing me closer to people like Matt Warner ’18, MHS ’20. Matt and I met in middle school, were friends throughout high school, and got even closer during our time together at QU. We still see each other to this day and will be watching the Super Bowl together this February! The picture included is from our first day of freshman year hiking Sleeping Giant in August 2014.

Kyle Adams and John Shepherd pose for a photo at On the Rocks for an alumni event

2018, 2023

John Shepherd ’23 highlights the value of alumni connections

After graduating with a double major in criminal justice and sociology, John Shepherd ’23, joined the Quinnipiac Office of Development and Alumni Affairs in 2024 as assistant director of next generation and affinity giving. He shares that working at Quinnipiac has given him the opportunity to strengthen his ties with fellow alumni. He writes: "Working at Quinnipiac has given me the chance to build meaningful connections with people I’m now fortunate to call friends. I’m especially grateful for Kyle Adams ’18; it’s been a privilege to work alongside him on the same team, and I’m glad our paths crossed through this job."

Jennifer (Patterson) Obsuth headshot

2009

Jennifer (Patterson) Obsuth '09 establishes two companies

Jennifer (Patterson) Obsuth '09 is the founder of Reach Catalyst Group, a strategic marketing and communications firm, and the Female Forward Alliance, a female-focused nonprofit dedicated to empowering women, giving back and building connections throughout New Jersey.

Jennifer Moglia poses on a rooftop next to a Live Nation sign

2024, 2025

Jennifer Moglia '24, MS '25, joins Live Nation Entertainment in NYC

After graduating in May 2025, Jennifer Moglia '24, MS '25, returned to Live Nation Entertainment in New York City full-time as a venue marketing coordinator. She interned in the company's media and sponsorship division as a creative copywriting associate in 2023. Moglia now leads marketing efforts for iconic Long Island venues Jones Beach Theater and Westbury Music Fair, and assists with marketing for the newly renovated and reopened Brooklyn Paramount. She recently began leading the NYC chapter of LNE's women's employee resource group, WE Nation, and worked her first concert at Madison Square Garden, capturing content for a sold-out Maroon 5 show.

2000

Jonathan Block '00 announces promotion

After 23 years working for the State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) as an investigations social worker, I transferred to the State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and was recently promoted to special investigator in their Gaming Division.

Joy Maini, JD '06, headshot

2006

Joy Maini, JD '06, joins Harris Beach Murtha's Trusts and Estates Practice

Joy Maini, JD '06, has joined Harris Beach Murtha's Trusts and Estates Practice Group as Senior Counsel. Joy brings nearly 20 years of experience as an estate planner. She also serves as fiduciary and represents fiduciaries in the administration of complex trusts and estates and develops family succession and business plans. She is based in the firm's Bantam, CT, office.

Ben Teicher poses with his award and another person from PR Daily

2016

Ben Teicher '16 earns PR Daily award

Ben Teicher '16 earned the PR Daily National Winner for Crisis/Reputation Management on behalf of the American Hospital Association for their response to the Change Healthcare cyberattack.

Bethany Allen headshot

2006

Bethany Allen ’06 promoted to Chief Advancement Officer

Bethany has been with Sherrill House Inc., for just over three years and was recently promoted to Chief Advancement Officer. She is the first female on C-suite at Sherrill House and manages all fundraising and development, as well as all marketing and communications needs.

2015

Erica Kleinbaum '15 opens periodontist practice

I am excited to announce the opening of my new periodontal practice, Dr. Erica Kleinbaum, GUMDOC MA, serving the south shore and south coast of Massachusetts through our Brockton and Taunton office locations. I offer full scope periodontal care and provide services such as extractions, implants, laser periodontal therapy, gum grafting and treatment of periodontal disease. To learn more, please visit www.gumdocma.com for hours and information.

Robyn Swanson smiling in a blue and red top

1994

Robyn Swanson ’94 earns Award of Excellence

Robyn Swanson ’94, of Cromwell, CT, is senior vice president at Ellafi Federal Credit Union (formerly Seasons FCU), the first financial institution in Connecticut designed to serve women and their allies. She was recently honored with the Award of Excellence at the Hartford Business Journal’s 2025 Women in Business Awards.

Tanya Bovee heashot

2001

Tanya Bovée, JD '01, earns Trailblazer Honoree award

Tanya A. Bovée of nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. has been named a Trailblazer Honoree by the Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY). She is a principal in the firm’s Hartford office and has more than 20 years of experience representing management across industries including life sciences, retail, automotive, manufacturing and hospitality.

Flyer for Minty's Scoop on School book by Samantha Castella

2016

Samantha (Fanelli) Castella '16 publishes children's book

Hello! I am Samantha Castella (formerly Fanelli), a QU Class of 2016 graduate, and I'm so excited to announce I wrote a children's book, Minty's Scoop on School! As a mom and pediatric PT, I'm passionate about helping kids grow with confidence, which is why this story is so close to my heart! Minty is a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone who's nervous about her first day of school, afraid she won't fit in - until she discovers that being unique is what makes her so special! I can't wait to share this sweet story about self-acceptance and friendship with you all! You can check out my book on Amazon now at www.amazon.com/dp/B0F27FSYH2 - THANK YOU!

Flyer for new psychological thriller book The Faces She Sees by Elizabe Scozzari

2012

Elizabeth Scozzari ’12 publishes psychological thriller

On September 30, 2025, my debut psychological thriller, “The Faces She Sees,” is being released! This has been a dream of mine since the English department at QU was so encouraging. I’m ecstatic to be sharing this news with you all!

1986

Susan Thomas '86 shares life updates

I have passionately worked in environmental conservation since QC and recently switched to a veterinary diagnostic company. Hubby and I currently live in central MA and have 3 sons (pilot, mechanical engineer and college freshman in environmental science). I have been a leader with BSA for 15 years and enjoy all types of outdoor adventures in my free time. Would LOVE to hear from my fellow Class of '86 "Bobcats"!!!

2015

John-Raphael Pichardo, JD '15, selected as Leadership Council on Legal Diversity fellow

I have been chosen as a Fellow for the 2025 Class of the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity (LCLD). LCLD fellowship prepares high-potential, mid-career attorneys from diverse backgrounds with professional and personal development opportunities, leadership training, relationship-building resources, and access to LCLD Members (Managing Partners and General Counsel).

Justin Wilcox headshot

2010

Justin Wilcox '10 named to Forbes’ inaugural Best-In-State CPAs 2025 list

Justin Wilcox '10, a partner at Glastonbury-based accounting and advisory firm FML, has been named to Forbes’ inaugural Best-In-State CPAs 2025 list. FML is the only firm in Connecticut to have three CPAs receive this honor. This year’s list identifies 1,000 of the finest CPAs from across all 50 states. Wilcox joined FML straight out of college and in less than 10 years became the youngest partner in the firm. He heads the firm’s cryptocurrency accounting practice, which he founded in 2018. Wilcox oversees U.S. federal and state tax compliance for FML, including U.S. foreign information reporting and financial accounting. He has also done pro bono tax filings and consulting for UConn’s Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship (CCEI) program for the past seven years and is part of their summer fellowship.

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