2010 Henry Barnard Student Awards

Douglas Hackenyos

Douglas Hackenyos of West Suffield, CT was among the twelve scholars recognized at the Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Awards presented by the Connecticut State University System Foundation. To be considered for a Barnard Award, a student must have at least a 3.75 GPA and a record of significant community service.

Douglas, a biology major and biochemistry minor with a 3.77 GPA has been on the Dean's List each semester. As a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, he has set up Halloween events for local children and organized the collection of care packages for American troops fighting in Afghanistan. Douglas will pursue his graduate studies at the Doctor of Pharmacy Program at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Worcester.

Casey Bessette

Bessette, a theatre major, has distinguished herself as a performer in a wide range of dramatic and comedic roles. Her work as Celia in Shakespeare's "As You Like It" resulted in her being singled out as an Irene Ryan Scholarship candidate, for which she competed at this year's Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. In addition, Bessette has written an original research paper on the history of regional theatre in Windham; served as a publications assistant in support of Professor David Pellegrini's work as book review editor for the New England Theatre Journal; served as a deejay for Eastern's campus radio station and as a member of the University's Drama Society; and for more than four years, has lent her time and talents to the Riverfront Children's Center where she volunteers in the preschool classroom, all while maintaining a 3.97 GPA.