The oral histories archived here are the product of student research in courses taught by Dr. Charlotte Gradie (HI203 Medicine, Disease and History) and Dr. Gerald Reid (SO201 Poverty and Inequality in the US) during the Fall 2020 semester.
Submissions from 2020
Oral History Interview by Lisa Kaplan, Lisa Kaplan
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Dr. Moras is a sociology professor at Sacred Heart University and also is the Assistant Dean of Student Success for the College of Arts and Sciences. Her role as Assistant Dean became especially complicated very fast during Covid-19.
Oral History Interview with Aaliyah Tidwell, Aaliyah Tidwell and Charlotte Grens
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Aaliyah Tidwell is an undergraduate student in the Media Arts program (concentration in journalism). Several of her family members have had Covid-19, now recovered. She goes on to describe her experiences as a waitress in Bridgeport and working in a nursing home where several patients died and employees feared being at work.
Oral History Interview with Aimee Paniccia, Aimee Paniccia and Alyssa Santaniello
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Aimee Paniccia is an alumni of Sacred Heart University. During this Covid-19 oral history interview, she was asked about the mental, emotional, and financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on her personal life.
Oral History Interview with Alessandra Maniscalco, Alessandra Maniscalco and Alexandra Loria
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Alessandra Maniscalco was interviewed for the SO-201 Covid-19 Pandemic Oral History Project. She is a senior double majoring in Marketing and Sports Management at Sacred Heart University.
Oral History Interview with Alex Amankwah-Asare, Alex Amankwah-Asare and Alyssa Balestrieri
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Alex Amankwah-Asare is a Sacred Heart University student majoring in Biology. He is originally from Africa and had a very interesting perspective of the pandemic, giving insight about how Africa has dealt with it, as well as how he has dealt with it being alone in the US during it.
Oral History Interview with Amie E. Reilly, Amie S. Reilly and James Robertson
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
James Robertson interviews Professor Amie E. Reilly, his English professor from his first semester. Professor Reilly earned a BA in English from SHU. She describes her experiences during Covid-19.
Oral History Interview with Andrea Mendoza, Andrea Mendoza and Alyanna Mendoza
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Andrea Mendoza graduated from Sacred Heart University in 2019 with a degree in neuroscience. She was interviewed for SO-201 and the "Remembering COVID" archive.
Oral History Interview with Andy Kolar, Andy Kolar and Lydia Reppucci
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Andy Kolar is Associate Director of Bands at Sacred Heart University. He talks about his furlough from SHU during the summer and his experiences as the father of two young daughters returning to school during Covid-19.
Oral History Interview with Arturo Solis-Gereda, Arturo Solis-Gereda and Christian Barroso
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
This experience reflects society's situation in 2020 perfectly, an online-conducted interview is really keeping up with the times so to speak. Being able to connect with a Sacred Heart Alumni, whom was apart of the original four introductory classes at the University in its novice stages, speaks volumes on how "once you're a Pioneer you're always a Pioneer". The interview takes place with Ansonia and Central American native, Arturo Solis on November 22, 2020, at 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. The story, lifestyle, and experience of the interviewee is a cultural sonic boom, incorporating values and lessons from both Central and North America and how they are applied/conducted during these trying times of COVID-19.
Oral History Interview with Brian Merwin, Brian Merwin and Alec Brouillet
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Alec Brouillet interviews his cousin Brian Merwin, who is an alumnus who graduated from SHU with double majors in Business and Political Science. His business was already conducted remotely so Covid-19 did not affect that. His family includes his wife and four children; he describes how the pandemic has made them stronger together, although the children's activities have been impacted.
Oral History Interview with Brittany Welkes, Brittany Welkes and Lindsey Rosania
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Lindsey Rosania interviews Brittany Welkes, who graduated from SHU in 2019 with a major in Social Work and minor in Criminal Justice. She has just finished her MSW degree at Sacred Heart and has moved from Connecticut to New Hampshire. She describes her educational experience during the pandemic and expectations about working in her new job as a child protective services social worker.
Oral History Interview with Carlos Ruiz, Carlos Ruiz and Brianna Thomas
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Carlos Ruiz is currently a senior Marketing major at Sacred Heart University. Carlos is interviewed by Brianna Thomas to discuss his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this interview we discuss a series of questions pertaining to the social, educational and mental effects the pandemic placed on the individual.
Oral History Interview with Christina Sorrentino, Christina Sorrentino and Skylar Burke
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Christina Sorrentino works with undergraduate students at Sacred Heart as a success coordinator and with students with accommodations. Christina was interviewed for the Oral History project.
Oral History Interview with Christine Mitchell-Robinson, Christine Mitchell-Robinson and Keelin Mauser
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Christine Mitchell-Robinson is the Residence Hall Director of Touissant and a student affairs professional. I interviewed her because I knew that this pandemic would be a unique experience for her. While most of the students, faculty, and staff were able to leave Sacred Heart University in March 2020, she had to stay with students that were unable to return home.
Oral History Interview with Cynthia Hojnacki, Cynthia Hojnacki and Jenna Feger
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Professor Cynthia Hojnacki is my current Catholic Intellectual Teachings (CIT) professor for the Fall 2020 semester. She is an adjunct professor at Sacred Heart University, a wife, and a mother. I chose to interview her because I believed that she would provide an interesting perspective on the COVID-19 pandemic and how she is living in this "new normal". During our interview, we shared stories, recalled memories of before the pandemic, and talked a little bit about what we believe is in store for our future.
Oral History Interview with Daria Sanfilippo, Daria Sanfilippo and Rebecca Oliveira
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Daria Sanfilippo received her undergraduate degree from Sacred Heart University and recently received a graduate degree from SHU in Human Resource Management. In this interview she discusses the hardships and difficulties she experienced due to the pandemic, especially since she graduated during the outbreak.
Oral History Interview with Denise Tiberio, Denise Tiberio and Sam Angiolelli
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Denise Tiberio is the Associate Dean of Student Activities, overseeing all areas of student life. Covid-19 has meant rethinking everything that is normally done for students, including celebrations such as senior week and commencement. She felt a great deal of support from her colleagues and the SHU community.
Oral History Interview with Diane Nietupski, Diane Nietupski and Michael Nietupski
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Interview with Diane Nietupski, mother of Michael Nietupski. We spoke about her experience with Covid-19 teaching grades K-8 online and adult ESL and having caught the virus.
Oral History Interview with Elizabeth Venezia, Elizabeth Venezia and Amanda Gallombardo
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Liz is an alumnus who completed both her undergraduate (Class of 2013) and graduate, MS in Occupational Therapy (2020) at SHU. In this interview, she explains the impact COVID-19 has had on the completion of her MSOT program and her personal life.
Oral History Interview with Emily Bryan, Emily Bryan and Kamryn Desrosiers
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Dr. Bryan is a professor in the English Department. She was interviewed for the COVID-19 oral history project.
Oral History Interview with Emily Coyle, Emily Coyle and Caitlin Carney
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Caitlin Carney interviews senior nursing student Emily Coyle, who speaks about how her clinical education and personal life has been affected.
Oral History Interview with Eric Bodeker, Eric Bodeker and Jenna Zabaneh
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Eric Bodeker is a classmate of mine I met at SHU. I chose to interview him to get insight as to what it was like to live on campus during the covid pandemic and also to learn what it is like to live at home with a big family during this time.
Oral History Interview with Evan Mastriano, Evan Mastriano and Trisha Signorello
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Evan Mastriano is a Residence Hall Director at The Ridge Apartments and Townhouses on campus and a graduate degree student. Evan talks about his personal experience throughout the pandemic and how it has impacted his family, education, and job.
Oral History Interview with Francesca McCaffrey, Francesca McCaffrey and Juliana L. Beaton
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
I interviewed my suitemate Francesca McCaffrey who had to be quarantined in Sacred Heart's West Campus Guest House because she had COVID-19.
Oral History Interview with Gary Rose, Gary L. Rose and Richard Cuite
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Richard Cuite interviews Gary Rose, a professor from his freshman year. Professor Rose speaks about his personal and teaching experience during the Covid-19 pandemic, his educational background, and the current political year.
Oral History Interview with Giancarlo Astrella, Giancarlo Capolino and Gavin Astrella
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Giancarlo Capolino is a junior at Sacred Heart University studying Political Science and Communications. He is the President of Beta Theta Pi and he talks about how COVID-19 has affected the fraternity. The ability to make interpersonal connections is much more difficult. He also talks about his life at home and how it not only affects him but his family.
Oral History Interview with Grace Crisci, Grace Crisci and Jennifer O'Connell
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Grace Crisci is a senior majoring in early childhood education and plans to continue at SHU to receive the Master degree in Education. She describes how it is hard to maintain relationships with friends and family and how stressful day to day tasks surrounding the pandemic have been.
Oral History Interview with Gregory Golda, Gregory Golda and Jaclyn Montano
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Gregory Golda is the professor for my Democratic Technologies course. In this interview, he discusses his personal experiences regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has affected him.
Oral History Interview with Helena Kizildag, Helena Kizildag and Alexandra Franco
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Helena Kizildag is a graduate student in the Physical Therapy program and obtained her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science at SHU. Covid greatly affected her as she is in the health field. We spoke about how she was able to cope during the pandemic.
Oral History Interview with Isabel Barahona, Isabel Barahona and Clare Gagliano
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Isabel Barahona is a senior majoring in Spanish at SHU who expects to enter the accelerated nursing program. Her parents are both nurses and Isabel works as a certified nursing assistant with elderly patients at a local institution. She describes how her life and that of her family has changed and evolved during the pandemic.
Oral History Interview with Jacqueline Vernarelli, Jacqueline Vernarelli and Emily Rentz
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Jacqueline Vernarelli is a professor in the Master of Public Health program at Sacred Heart University. She has a background in epidemiology and in the interview talks about her work as a professor and other experiences during this Covid-19 pandemic.
Oral History Interview with James Proodian, Hannah Proodian and James Proodian
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Doctor Proodian is a small business owner located in Long Branch, NJ. He owns a sports chiropractic office named Natural Healthcare Center. He speaks about his business and having to furlough employees during the pandemic, as well as his experiences with patients and family.
Oral History Interview with Jenna Yates, Jenna Yates and Abigail Santella
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Interview with Jenna Yates, who graduated from Sacred Heart University in 2020. After school closed in the spring she ended up moving to California, where she has found a job. She talks about living far from home during the pandemic and how her life has changed.
Oral History Interview with Joseph Lombardi, Joseph Lombardi and Kimberly Larino
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Joseph Lombardi is a SHU alumnus who works as a speech pathologist. As an essential worker, he details changes in his work experiences he's had with dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Oral History Interview with Joshua Miletes, Joshua Miletes and Christopher Sherwood
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Interview with Christopher Sherwood's friend Joshua Miletes, who has lost a job and started a new job during the pandemic.
Oral History Interview with Judy Badia, Judy Badia, Nicole Badia, and Martina Lakhaisy
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Judy Badia is a nurse at White Plains Hospital. She has been a nurse for 29 years. She is also a two time graduate of Sacred Heart University, with BSN and MSN degrees. She is in the frontlines of COVID-19 and had interesting experience that needs to be heard. She is the mother of Nicole Badia.
Oral History Interview with Karl Dabek, Karl Dabek and Jarrett Collins
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Karl Dabek is a senior at Sacred Heart majoring in Accounting. He was unable to attend his internship in person during the summer. He also talked about the impact on his parent's Polish deli during the pandemic.
Oral History Interview with Kathleen O'Gara, Kathleen O'Gara, Dana Sabatino, and Jarrett Collins
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Kathleen O'Gara is a professor at Sacred Heart University. She discussed the impact that Covid-19 had on her professional and personal experiences.
Oral History Interview with Kaylie Gariepy, Kaylie Gariepy and Anthony Vignola
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Kaylie Gariepy is a commuter student at SHU, majoring in Business Management. She describes how her work and family life were impacted during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Oral History Interview with Kelly Aarons, Kelly Aarons and Graham Templeman
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Kelly is a Sacred Heart University SRSA, and an assistant nurse at Stamford Hospital.
Oral History Interview with Lisa Smith, Lisa B. Smith and Rachel Sherwood
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Interview with Lisa Smith, a psychology professor at SHU and a licensed clinical psychologist, specializing in geriatrics.
Oral History Interview with Molly Higbie., Molly Higbie and Bianca Abel
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Molly Higbie is the Assistant Director of Global Health Programs at Sacred Heart University. Professor Higbie was interviewed for the oral history project about how COVID-19 affected her life.
Oral History Interview with Richard Magee, Richard M. Magee and Kamryn Desrosiers
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Dr. Magee is professor in the English Department. He was interviewed for the COVID-19 oral history project.
Oral History Interview with Ryan Gibson, Ryan Gibson and Shawn Tischler
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Shawn Tischler interviews Ryan Gibson, his strength and conditioning coach at Sacred Heart University.
Oral History Interview with Stefan Ayanian, Stefan Ayanian and Ronald Petrillo
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Stefan is a senior at SHU. He is a communications major and plans on going into sports broadcasting. He is also planning on coming back to SHU for grad school.
Oral History Interview with Stephanie Watson, Stephanie Watson and Christian Appel
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Interview with Stephanie Watson, Head Athletic Trainer of Club Sports at Sacred Heart University. She was furloughed from April through July 2020. She speaks about club athletics and her personal experiences during this time.
Oral History Interview with Stephen Henn, Stephen Henn and Harry Parks
HI-203, Medicine, Disease & History
Stephen Henn is a businessman and adjunct professor in the Welch College of Business & Technology. He is Harry Parks's Compliance professor. He speaks about Covid-19 and how it is affecting business.
Oral History Interview with Tara Gillan, Tara Gillan and Olivia Basil
SO-201, Poverty and Inequality in the US
Tara Gillan is a New York City Department of Education Title 1 educator. She is the interviewer's mother. She talks about her transition to permanently working remotely and other work and family experiences during the pandemic.
