Celebrating Shelton's Scholars

On a weekly basis, Patch recieves a handful of emails highlighting the academic achievements of Shelton natives in their higher education learning work. The following is a list of those mentioned, their college or university, and their reason for being honored.

The following area residents received degrees during the 2011 Graduate Commencment at Quinnipiac University on May 15:

• Natasha A. Bencivenga, Master of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology
• Pankaj Bhargava, Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
• Brian W. Brinsmade, Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
• Brett A. Carroll, Master of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology
• Richard D. Carroll, Master of Business Administration
• Lori Lynn Tall, Doctor of Physical Therapy
• Amy E. Vaughan, Master of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology
• Michael Carbone was inducted into Financial Management Association's National Honor Society. Individuals accepted for membership have the distinction of belonging to the only international honorary society which specifically recognizes the achievement of finance majors who demonstrate expertise in finance and financial decision making.

From Keene State College, Commencement ceremony on May 7:

• John Brunelle, (B.S.)
• Lori Hayducky, (B.A.)
• Stephen Maguire, (B.S.)
• Josh Messina, (B.S.)

From Saint Joseph's College, Commencement ceremony on April 27:

• Melissa Gerhard recieved The Beth Bye Scholarship Award

From Pace University:

• Lauren Ostrofsky's documentary wins "Best in Category" in the Indie Short Film Competition. Ostrofsky, majoring in Communications at Pace University, helped write, direct, film, and produce the half-hour documentary titled: "The Life of an American Ambassador: The Netherlands" that follows the life of Fay Hartog-Levin, the American Ambassador to Holland.
• Nussair Petrus Habboush earned a JD degree from Pace Law School on May 8.

From Housatonic Community College:

• Sarah Main participated in an “elevator pitch” with HCC Prof. Pam Pirog of Monroe, and placed second in the competition held at Gateway Community College. The elevator pitch is a capsule summary of a business proposal that can hopefully motivate potential investors to lend financial support. According to HCC's Public Relations Coordinator Anson Smith, "the idea is to try to get your point across in a convincing way in 60 seconds -- the time it would take for an elevator to go up a few floors." Main’s proposal was for a boutique that would sell therapeutic teas, a business dream she hopes to make a reality.