Southern Owls in the News
Stay in the know with profiles on accomplished alums, in-depth interviews with Southern’s faculty, Owl sightings from around the globe, and much, much more.
“Working as a nurse, I would meet new grads on the med-surg floor. Most had never heard of a nurse anesthetist or thought about their long-term career goals. So, I’d talk to them about it. Let them know, ‘You can do this. Put in the time and the work. It’s all possible.’”
Cephas Ayellakai, ’20, a talented Southern School of Nursing grad, is advancing his career with a doctoral degree through a prestigious Yale program. Along the way, he’s making time to inspire others from diverse backgrounds to do the same.
Looking back on his own education, from his early days at Southern through his graduate work, Lonnie Garris III says it has all led to where he is today. “It prepared me to go into the entrepreneurial space I’m in now,” he says.
Following a military career in national security, Lonnie Garris III, ’93, launched Cool Amps Energy Solutions, a green-technology startup that developed an environmentally friendly process for recycling lithium batteries.
“Bryan is truly a devoted, compassionate, and award-winning healthcare professional who has made an indelible mark on all those that he comes in contact with. He’s deeply admired and respected by his colleagues at Griffin Health and serves as a model for others.” – From the 40 Under 40 nomination statement.
Bryan Bostic, ’16, of Ansonia, was recently named to the 2024 Westfair Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list for his compassion and devotion as a healthcare professional and his commitment to his community.
“I’ve had the idea for a Black-owned sports rap radio station for a while. It’s important to the city (of Detroit) and the culture. Four years ago, the sports station in town had NO Black hosts in a city that’s 80% Black. That had to change.”
In June, Parker launched Sports Rap Radio, the nation’s first sports-talk radio station completely owned by and featuring African American talent. It’s an idea he’s held throughout his notable broadcasting career, and today it’s a reality.
“My aim was to be a school principal, which I achieved, and now I have to thank the Namibian people for the honor they have bestowed on me to be their president. I take on this heavy mantle cognisant of the weight of responsibility.”
For the first time, a Southern alumnus has ascended to the leadership of a country. Nangolo Mbumba, ’71, has become Namibia’s fourth president, taking office following the passing of President Hage Geingob. Mbumba is expected to serve out the rest of Geingob’s term, culminating in elections this November.
“I can’t remember a more exciting time to be in this field. With changes in legislation and funding and a focus on prevention, the stars are aligned to make a real difference in the lives of kids and families.”
Governor Ned Lamont has announced his decision to nominate a seasoned professional with a career at the Connecticut Department of Children and Families that dates back to 1988, Jodi Hill-Lilly, ’88, M.S.W. ’94. She most recently served as the Deputy Commissioner of Administration, a role she’s held since 2019.
“Christine is truly an exceptional educator, dedicated to her students and colleagues. Her passion for teaching shines through in all aspects of her work. She’s not just a teacher but also a mentor, leader, and inspiration to those around her.” – Joseph DiBacco, Ansonia Superintendent of Schools
Christine Davis, ‘96, M.A. ‘05, SYC ‘14 of Ansonia High School has been named the school district’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. She’s been a lead English teacher, a master teacher (mentoring other teachers), and now heads up the education pathway program, where Ansonia students can earn credits at Southern Connecticut State University.
“Professor Lavin’s unwavering commitment to pushing creative boundaries and enhancing my skills significantly impacted my growth as an artist. His blend of encouragement, rigorous challenges, and kindness was instrumental in shaping my journey.”
Jewelry designer Stephanie Howell, ’11, is inspired by nature. It’s a winning formula: her namesake company S. Howell Studios won first place in the 2023 Halstead Grant competition for new jewelry businesses. She majored in studio art with a concentration in jewelry and metals, guided by Terrence Lavin, professor of art and design.
“My research aims to investigate where performing aerobic exercise can combat the negative effects of glucocorticoids on aged skeletal health.”
Representing more than 50,000 members from 90 countries, the American College of Sports Medicine is well-positioned to recognize excellence—and they see it in Grant Laskin, ’18, M.S. ’20. The Southern alumnus is one of two recipients of a 2023-24 ACSM Doctoral Student Research Grant, each totaling $5,000. The grant was awarded for Laskin’s research on aerobic exercise-mediated prevention against glucocorticoid myopathy in aged skeletal muscle.
“There were these amazing people, talking about everything I was interested in. I just threw myself into it. ”
As an undergraduate, Michelle Ritchie, ’15, studied Connecticut coastlines ravaged by Hurricane Sandy and other environmental issues. Now, she’s an assistant professor at the Institute for Disaster Management at the University of Georgia. She found her major—and professional calling—through classes taken to meet Southern’s liberal arts requirements: an environmental course taught by Suzanne Huminski, sustainability coordinator, and a geography course from Heidkamp.
