More than 800 alumni came from as far away as California to reconnect with fellow Huskies during Alumni Weekend, which took place June 1-2 at the Storrs campus. This article features alumni from the Classes of 1962 and 1987. Although there’s a 25-year gap between the classes, their schools of thought are remarkably similar.
Joe Krzanowski ’62 (PHARM) and Patricia (Teper) Krzanowski ’62 (PHARM), Tampa, Fla.
Joe and Patricia Krzanowski’s love of UConn and desire to reconnect with former classmates were among the reasons they came back to Storrs. Joe, a professor emeritus in the department of molecular, pharmacology, and physiology at the University of South Florida in Tampa, received UConn’s Distinguished Pharmacy Alumni Award on June 2.
The couple met in freshman chemistry class, while working on a special project at Beach Hall. They’ll be celebrating their 49th wedding anniversary soon.
When asked what they were most proud of as alums, they both agreed that it was the education they received at UConn. “The School of Pharmacy was years ahead of its time compared to other universities,” said Joe. “Seeing the level of academic excellence continue makes me very proud to be an alum.”
They spoke warmly of the former dean of the School of Pharmacy, Harold Hewitt. “Dean Hewitt always stressed the importance of quality,” said Patricia. “He always told his students, ‘What you say to a patient is as important as the medication you put in the prescription bottle.’”
Their fondest memory of UConn is eating hot fudge sundaes at the Dairy Bar. Patricia also loved the independence she felt as a student.
Their advice for prospective UConn students? “Work hard, be yourself, and be honest. You can accomplish anything if you put your mind to it.”
Irene Liu ’87 (BUS) and David Patterson, St. Louis, Mo.
Irene Liu and her boyfriend, David Patterson, drove from St. Louis, Mo., for Alumni Weekend. Irene was hoping to run into some former classmates and wanted to show David her “roots and old stomping ground.”
Liu is a marketing consultant for small businesses and Patterson is in marketing/broadcast media production.
As an alum, Liu is most proud of how UConn has grown. “It’s changed so much since I was a student, and it’s so much more advanced and sophisticated,” she said. “I’m very envious yet proud.”
As an undergraduate, Liu was a recipient of the Jacob M. Duker Memorial award, which is given to the undergraduate marketing major who excels in the promotion/advertising area at UConn. The award is based on achievements in specified marketing courses.
“While I was at UConn, I didn’t realize how privileged I was to be here,” Liu said. Before she graduated, she already had three job offers. “I give UConn credit for that,” she added.
Her fondest memories of UConn include living in McMahon Residence Hall for four years. “I also loved the feeling of being grown up, gaining independence, and spreading my wings,” she said.
Liu’s advice for students wanting to enter the School of Business? “Study hard, get good grades, and associate yourself with good people. Expose yourself to as many things as you can, and find your passion.”
