NEACUHOPast Presidents

Kim Gagne: 2013 – 2014Keene State University

“It was an honor to serve NEACUHO, the institutions and members.  It was a year of change for the organization and I am hopeful that the work still in progress and completed will sustain the organization for years to come.  My favorite part of being President was the opportunity to travel to so many different institutions as they hosted events.  In each location I found our community to be strong, welcoming and supportive of the personal and professional development all our members.”

Conference Site:

Bridgewater State University

Cindy Long Porter: 2012 – 2013Quinnipiac University

“As the incoming NEACUHO President my agenda was pretty clear:

1. Move forward the strategic plan goals related to finance2. Move forward the strategic plan goals related to structure and governance3. Continue to make our organization inclusive for all of our members4. Enhance our communication throughout the membership

I was fortunate enough to work with committed individuals who made significant process towards the first two goals and worked hard with the board and outreach to the membership to make NEACUHO a welcome environment whether this was one's first or twenty-first conference.”

Conference Site:University of New Hampshire

Paula Randazza: 2011 – 2012Rivier College

“I enjoyed moving the organization to incorporated status and commissioning NEACUHOs first ever strategic plan. I am proud to be a part of the business side of NEACUHO as it continues to evolve and happy to return each year to what feels like a family reunion.”

Conference Site:Northeastern University

Jen Hapgood-White: 2010 – 2011Binghamton University

“I was able to commission a 10 year self-study in which the organization reflected on its purpose and direction.  The self-study results have shaped the strategic plan which is leading the organization into the next 10 years.”

Conference Site:

Rochester Institute of Technology

Jeff Horowitz: 2009 – 2010Binghamton University

“My most memorable experience about being president - accepting the presidency role at the closing banquet of the NEACUHO Annual Conference that my institution hosted was amazing especially since I could have my family there to see what I did for a living.  But wrapping up my term with the announcement that that NEACUHO became a Not for Profit Status organization which later created the foundation to be a 501c3 organization was my biggest highlight.”

Conference Site:

Roger Williams University

Cathy Raynis Meeker: 2008 – 2009Manhattan School of Music

“I found NEACUHO was a safe place for me to learn, become a leader, and interact with some of the best, brightest, and nicest people in housing and student affairs.  Because of that NEACUHO is my professional organization of choice.  It is and always will be my home.”

Conference Site:

Binghamton University

Sabrina Tanbara: 2007 – 2008The Julliard School

“The most memorable thing about my presidency is that it went by too fast! Kidding aside, there are too many experiences that made my presidency memorable. I worked with a great Executive Board; we started the Social Issues Retreat; the Board began exploring the use of technology and  we focused on recognition of accomplishments and contributions of our members. All this and being able to meet so many members at all the conferences made my presidency a wonderful experience.”

Conference Site:

Westfield State College

Teri Panepento Travaglini: 2006 – 2007St. John Fisher College

“One of my goals as the President of NEACUHO was to raise spirit and build community across our organization.  My most memorable moments were around recognizing the contributions of our members and getting our name out through the NEACUHO store!”

Conference Site:

Castleton State College

Jon Conlogue: 2005– 2006Westfield State College

“I’m so proud of what we accomplished together for NEACUHO in 2005-06.  We presented the first NEACUHO Mid-Level Institute; we provided four RD2B conferences spread across two dates and several states due to popular demand; and we launched the Corporate Affiliate Plan with our first four Corporate Partners.  NEACUHO has been my professional ‘home’ for most of my career, and I look forward to what we will achieve in the future.”

Conference Site:

New York University

Maureen Wark: 2004 – 2005Suffolk University

“I was honored to serve as President of NEACUHO 10 years ago, during our 50th anniversary year. Reaching out to some past presidents with whom we had lost touch was educational and fun!  As a Westfield State alum, it was great to be a part of the 'Westfield State Sandwich' leadership with Kathi Bradford as my Past-President and Jon Conlogue as my President-Elect. I loved meeting so many people, seeing many campuses in the Region that I had never visited and developing professional friendships that I hold dear to this day. I would be remiss if I didn't mention my beloved Red Sox breaking 'the curse' and winning the World Series for the first time in 86 years in 2004 as well!”

Conference Site:

Boston College

Katheryn L. Bradford: 2003– 2004Westfield State College

“Being the President of NEACUHO was, and continues to be one of the highlights of my professional career. In my opening speech, I shared the following..."I BELIEVE IN NEACUHO … you, its membership, and how we can collectively impact and create an amazing future. To encourage your hearts and the heart of this organization, I ask you to participate in the following exercise with me …If you are new to our organization, think of the first person you met at your very first NEACUHO event. Think of how they brought you into this organization … remember the smile and excitement in their voice. Take a moment to thank them! For those of you who are returners for a second, 10th or even 15th time, think for a moment of the people in NEACUHO who have taught you something that touched your heart. Again, take a moment to check in with them and share your stories with each other. . .encourage each other’s hearts and the heart of this organization and we will always remain strong, inclusive and relevant.” Many things changed, began or became stronger during my term but, the most important and why I remain involved is because of the people!”

Conference Site:Bridgewater State University

Gary Bice Jr.: 2002– 2003Mount Saint Mary College

“It was amazing at how much openness and collegiality took place to create and ratify the Constitution and Bylaws on April 11, 2003. There were many challenging discussions but in the end everyone remembered that it was the good of NEACUHO that took precedence above personal ideology.”

Conference Site:

Stonybrook University

Beth Moriarty: 2001– 2002Bridgewater State College

“When I reflect on my presidency, I can’t believe how quickly it went by. It seemed like just when I was getting the hang of it, it was time to pass the gavel. NEACUHO has been an incredible part of my professional development. I cherish the friendships, the experience and I’m thankful for the numerous opportunities. . . Oh and I’ve won a few raffles over the years ”

Conference Site:

Cornell University

Henry Humphreys: 2000– 2001Saint John’s University

“Balancing the budget and strategic planning are essential for the future of NEACUHO”

Conference Site:

Western New England College

Tony Esposito: 1999– 2000Bridgewater State College

“Three main goals/accomplishments were: 1) Membership review and recommendations of strategies and protocols for future growth; 2) Precepts review and recommendations for revisions; 3) Development of technology solutions for improved communications and services. Overall it was an honor and privilege to work with such a dedicated and driven group of professionals striving to make a positive impact on the lives of resident students. Many smiles, a few tears, and a lot of love.”

Conference Site:

Fordham University/

College of Mount Saint Vincent

Paul Johnston: 1998 - 1999Colby College

“While I was the President of the organization in 1998-99, I never considered myself to be the voice of the organization.  I felt more like the conductor of a cherished orchestra that was only as good as the people who made the music.  And we made great music that year!  I will always reflect fondly on my colleagues who influenced my professional life and think of NEACUHO as a place that gives everyone an opportunity to go on and do great things.  Congratulations on your first 60 years and may the next 60 be just as rewarding.”

Conference Site:

Boston University

Robert Jose: 1997 - 1998Boston College

“What have I gotten myself into?”

Conference Site:

Binghamton University

Rich Bova: 1996 - 1997SUNY Purchase

“Some of the best moments of being President of NEACUHO came when we would discuss and plan for the expansion of the organization- real meaningful growth in the programs and services we offer in direct response to the wants and desires of the membership.  It was a very exciting time, and time for us to put our collective foot forward and build something very real, very sustainable, very much NEACUHO"

Conference Site:

Quinnipiac College

Valerie Randall Lee: 1995 - 1996University of New Hampshire

“I learned that the most important thing I could do was listen and move the organization in the direction the members wanted to go. The key was understanding the membership and letting go of my ego (sometimes they didn't want to go where I wanted to!). I also learned that being a leader means you are not always liked; you have to take a stand. By doing so, you naturally find yourself in opposition to others, sometimes even your friends. Don't take it personally! It is a mark of good leadership to know when to take a stand and when to move from your mark! But what I find most memorable of my time is that with Tom Ellett, we were able to combine the MACUHO and NEACUHO social at ACUHO-I. We recognized how the members of our organizations move amongst regions and the value of that network. I am so proud of the fact that this combined social has continued to this day.”

Conference Site:

Marist College

Tom Wozniak: 1994 - 1995Western New England College

“The best part was (and is) the people in NEACUHO, especially the colleagues and friends who supported and mentored me and those I have been privileged to mentor and support as well.  Much has changed since the mid-nineties, but the connections with folks who understand what you do and why you do it, that’s what makes everything worth it.”

Conference Site:

Westfield State College

Chip Yensan: 1993 - 1994University of Rhode Island

“My term as President came without the President Elect apprenticeship, so that was a memorable toss into the deep end of the presidential pool! Serving as President during a year when the annual conference was held in Canada presented some memorable logistical moments, but our friends and colleagues at Dalhousie University did a phenomenal job hosting the conference in Halifax that year. Otherwise, the highlight of any leadership term within NEACUHO is the professional interface and exchange, and this was certainly the case for me. Executive Committee colleagues who demonstrated patience, provided guidance and support, and focused their collective energy on our efforts to move the organization forward will always be appreciated andremembered fondly”

Conference Site:Dalhousie University

Dan Slattery: 1992 - 1993Simmons College

"After spending several years attending national NASPA & ACPA meetings I found a home in NEACUHO while attending its regional conference in the mid-80's at SMU (now UMASS-Dartmouth). NEACUHO was/is such a welcoming community to newcomers that I immediately joined the Exhibits & Displays Committee and spent the next ten years working within the organizational leadership team. The friendships and collegial relationships forged during that time and beyond have stayed with me throughout my career path along the Northeast corridor and even to the West Coast and back. I maintain those relationships through new found on-line connections and look forward to those times that we spend together however few and far between they might be. It's as if time stood still every time it happens".

Conference Site:

Long Island University

C.W. Post Campus

Kevin Kelly: 1991- 1992Saint Joseph’s College

“What can one say about a term that immediately follows the Grande Dame of NEACHUO…  Ms. Carol Boucher!    Actually, for my year as President, I was fortunate to assemble an amazing Executive Board team.   Collectively, we initiated the very first “Self Study” process as the springboard to creating a strategic plan.   We also made progress toward assembling a standard operating procedures manual and had a great annual conference at the U. of Maine.   Moreover,  we took the chance on choosing Dalhousie (Nova Scotia) as the 1994 conference site, which turned out to be a wonderful international conference.  Overall, it was a time of focusing on strengthening and expanding the organization.”

Conference Site:

University of Maine Orono

Carol Boucher: 1990 - 1991Quinnipiac College

"When I became President we were developing several "special interest" committees that didn't really do anything except increase their memberships.  My goal was to challenge them to develop topical drive-ins around the region that offered specific programs geared to those interested in a particular topic.  We achieved that goal with an eager response from the NEACUHO membership.  I thought that was a pretty big deal.

 I could not answer this question without expressing my gratitude for the friendships and the memories I have of NEACUHO.  I was a better professional because of all that I learned from my colleagues and I became a better person for the same reason.”

Conference Site:

University of Connecticut

Brian McAree: 1988- 1989Ithaca College

“My most wonderful memories of my year as President of NEACUHO are of the many colleagues of mine who became lifelong friends as a result of the great work we did together to achieve the goals of the Association.  The annual conference that year was at RPI (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), and our hosts and Conference Committee did a fantastic job organizing a series of events and educational programs that celebrated our profession.  The close connections that I made as President with colleagues throughout the Northeast stayed with me through my career.  NEACUHO is the best!!!”

Conference Site:

Renssalear Polytechnic Institute

Robert Capalbo: 1987- 1988Boston College

“Some of my most memorable experiences in Residential Life were those I shared with colleagues at the annual NEACUHO conferences.  Because they were held on the campus of the host institution,  all of us in attendance benefitted from seeing the vision and philosophy of our colleagues  lived out on their campuses.  NEACUHO’s membership at the time consisted  predominantly of  younger professionals (under 30) and some senior leaders (30-45) thus our meetings were quite often three days of mentoring with each group benefitting from the knowledge and experience of each other.  I share the pride that all of us now literally, senior leaders, feel as we note how many of those younger professionals have replaced us and created truly inclusive residential communities.  Congratulations to everyone; we could not have done it without each other.”

Conference Site:

Ithaca College

Jerry Stein: 1986 - 1987SUNY Stony Brook

"The leadership teams that preceded and followed  me were all committed to making the organization a more inclusive one, reaching out to new members, and to welcome and embrace the diversity of new and diverse professionals in our region.  I'd like to think that I helped contribute to that goal and that it helped propel our organization to what it has become.”

Conference Site:

SUNY Buffalo

Susan Decker Grant: 1985 - 1986Syracuse University

"In 1984, Chuck Lamb was president, I think.  I remember him encouraging me to run for president.  "You can do this," he said.  And I did!  I remember trying to connect people from all states to participate in committees and a working with the Boston University staff for a great conference!”

Conference Site:

Boston University

Charles Lamb: 1984- 1985University of Southern Maine

“I concluded my presidency at the annual held at the then named SMU; Southeastern Massachusetts University (Now UMASS-Dartmouth) with the infamous Kevin Hill and Bill Kehoe serving as hosts.  The shift in program offerings was occurring away from basic housing and operations related topics to more residence life and staff issues.  I can’t recall who the keynote was.  I do remember the participants were housed in suites for one of the first times and the “social interactions” continued into the VERY early morning hours and a group of us sat outside and watched the sun come up.  Then as now there was a great group of people involved in NEACUHO management and others who attended who truly cared about the profession, their staff and particularly the students. Thank goodness certain aspects of NEACUHO haven’t changed.  NEACUHO is where I and others grew up professionally and for that I’ll be forever grateful.”

Conference Site:

Southeastern Massachusetts University

Kevin Hill: 1982 - 1983Southern Massachusetts University

“I can think of so many positive aspects of being associated with NEACUHO . A few of the most important ones for me were the friendships I made, getting insights into “best practices,” and the general re-energizing that happened whenever I was able to be with colleagues that understood what we all worked with on an on-going basis. My involvement on committees and the executive board helped me grow personally and professionally.”

Conference Site:

Bowdoin College

Don Blumenthal: 1981- 1982Quinnipiac College

“My fondest memory during my presidency is the comradery with my colleagues during the hard working days and the fun filled evenings. Best wishes to all and happy sixtieth to NEACUHO!”

Conference Site:

SUNY Albany

Ed Shanahan: 1976- 1977Wesleyan University

" As president of NEACUHO, I learned far, far more than I feel I contributed to the organization and the personal and professional lives of those with whom I worked. I will always be indebted to the many colleagues and dear friends, some of whom have regrettably drifted away over the years, for their support and their generosity of time and talent."

Conference Site:

SUNY Purchase

Madison Boyce: 1975 - 1976SUNY Buffalo

“During my tenure as President of NEACUHO-I our Association had the unique experience of celebrating the Bi-centennial of this country. As a consequence our Executive Board extended my term from March 1975 through June 1976. This permitted the normal conference plans to continue without disruption and allowed the members to enjoy the Bi-centennial. The incumbent, Ed Shanahan, then ascended the chair for a “shortened” term.”

Conference Site:

Boston College

Deanne Molinari: 1971 - 1972SUNY Purchase

“My most memorable moment is tough.  I was President 40 years ago. One obvious is all the friends and colleagues I worked with, many of whom are still friends today.  Another I can see as clearly as if it was yesterday is a bunch of us sitting around a lounge on some campus with Harris Schwartz, then from Columbia, chairing the meeting and a bunch of us arguing/discussing what we were going to call the Principles of Organization we were working on.  We ended up with Tenets of Organization.  I cracked up when I first received an email from AJ Place last year beginning the effort to rework the Principles/Tenets of Organization.  The more things change  . . . . . .”

Conference Site:

University of Vermont

Presidents Not Pictured

Richard Couture: 1989- 1990 Conference Site:Ithaca College University of Vermont

Martha Hildebrant: 1983- 1984 Conference Site:Boston College Syracuse University

Rosemary McDaniel: 1980- 1981 Conference Site:Wesleyan University Saint Mary’s University

Dick Collins: 1979- 1980 Conference Site:Boston College Yale University

Paul Brown: 1978- 1979 Conference Site:SUNY Purchase University of New Hampshire

Presidents Not Pictured

Mary Lou Wendal: 1977- 1978 Conference Site:SUNY Oneonta University of Massachusetts

Bill Paleen: 1974- 1975 Conference Site:Cornell University North Adams State College

Harris Schwartz: 1973- 1974 Conference Site:Columbia University Ithaca College

Chuck Jankey: 1972- 1973 Conference Site:Williams College Brown University

Bill Tirpaeck: 1970- 1971 Conference Site:University of Rhode Island Williams College

Presidents Not Pictured

Vern Elsmore: 1969- 1970 Conference Site:University of Maine University of Maine

Chet Malinosky: 1969- 1970 Conference Site:University of Rochester University of Maine

Robert Hill: 1967- 1968 Conference Site:Brown University Brown University

Irene Boyce: 1966- 1967 Conference Site:Brown University Brown University

Don Taylor: 1965- 1966 Conference Site:Skidmore College Skidmore College

Presidents Not Pictured

Ed Wilmont: 1964- 1965 Conference Site:Northeastern University Northeastern UniversityFran Gordon: 1963- 1964 Conference Site:University of New Hampshire University of New Hampshire