Chris DeFrancesco '94 (CLAS)

Chris DeFrancesco has been writing for UConn Health since 2007. He is a proud graduate of UConn’s journalism program. As an undergraduate in Storrs he was one of the play-by-play voices of UConn men’s and women’s basketball on WHUS-FM, a writer for the Daily Campus, and a campus shuttle bus driver. He’s been a freelance writer, editor of two weekly newspapers (Bloomfield Journal and Windsor Locks Journal), and most notably a reporter and anchor on WTIC NewsTalk 1080. He is a four-time winner of the Connecticut Associated Press Broadcasters Association Walt Dibble Award for Personal Excellence in Radio. His work also has earned recognition from the Connecticut pro chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. Chris is an elected officer in his union (UHP Local 3837) and serves on the board of the Newington Children’s Theatre Company, Connecticut’s longest-running youth theatre program. He lives in Newington with his wife, Caroline, daughter, Audrey, and their dogs, Spot and Alex.


Author Archive

Future Awaits UConn Health Center Class of 2012

Eighty-nine medical, 47 dental, and 30 graduate students received their degrees at the Health Center’s 41st commencement on Sunday.

From left: First-year medical students Liza Karamessinis, Sahar Barfchin and Kelsey Sokol are the founders of "Greatest Gift" at the UConn Health Center, an effort to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation. (Priyanka Ghosh for UConn Health Center)

Medical Students Holding Bone Marrow Drive

Three first-years have organized a bone marrow donor registration drive at the UConn Health Center, scheduled for Monday, May 14.

Sharon Levesque (left) and Kathy Williams are Emergency Department Nurses. Williams is a 2012 Nightingale Award winner; Levesque won a Nightingale Award in 2009. (Janine Gelineau/UConn Health Center Photo)

Health Center Celebrates Its Nurses

National Nurses Week is May 6-12. The annual Nightingale Awards Gala is May 10.

(left to right) Dr. Bruce Liang, head of cardiology who served as interim medical school dean, talks with the Health CenterÕs new executive vice president for health affairs and medical school dean, Dr. Frank Torti, during a welcome reception May 2. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health Center Photo)

New Health Center EVP, Medical Dean Arrives

The UConn community welcomes Dr. Frank Torti with a reception May 2, which will be followed by a town hall meeting May 8.

UConn Health Center May Programs, Events

Here’s what’s happening in May and early June.

Shuttle Service Improvements Coming to Health Center

Changes include a student shuttle to off-campus housing and dedicated Munson Road service effective April 30.

Nurse practitioner Karen Metersky, patient Zana Khan, and patient navigator Pam Nixon listen to clinical research assistant Melissa Parente. Parente, Metersky and Nixon organized the gynecologic cancer support group that holds its first meeting April 26. (Chris Defrancesco/UConn Health Center Photo)

Gynecologic Cancer Support Group Forming at Health Center

A new support group for those touched by had ovarian, endometrial, cervical, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer holds its first meeting this Thursday.

Joanne Healy and June Sponzo together have nearly 50 years and thousands of hours of volunteer service to the UConn Health Center.

Hail to the Volunteers

Nearly 400 volunteers give their time to the UConn Health Center, which is celebrating them during National Volunteer Week.

Dr. Edison Liu (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health Center Photo)

Jackson Lab CEO Chosen as Commencement Speaker

The UConn Health Center has invited Dr. Edison Liu to give this year’s commencement address.

Parking sign (Shutterstock)

Health Center Prepares for Parking Changes

Patient valet and additional campus shuttle service highlight the initial steps as the first Bioscience Connecticut groundbreaking nears.