For immediate release- July 17, 2006

For more information contact Amy Pszczolkowski, 860.253.3001

Professor Frederic J. Sokol retires after 31 years of service

Frederic J. Sokol began his state service at Asnuntuck Community College on August 15, 1975. After 31 years of teaching, he is retiring from teaching to pursue writing and other adventures. Professor Sokol received a Doctor of Philosophy from The Union Institute and University.

Through his tenure at the college, Sokol served as acting academic dean, chair of the humanities department and later the liberal arts and sciences department, and was recognized as the first recipient of the Educational Excellence and Distinguished Service Award at Asnuntuck.

In addition, he served as editor of the Connecticut Quarterly and as a drama and film critic for the Springfield newspapers for many years.

Sokol directed the first college production ("Yes, My Darling Daughter") at the Phoenix Avenue location in 1977 and one the following year, too. The second play, "Barefoot in the Park," included Professor Fred Stefanowicz in the cast.  He produced and directed annual and later semi-annual plays through 2005, both at the college and at City Stage in Springfield.

Longtime colleague and friend, Professor Bob Bergquist, commented, “Fred was instrumental in getting the theater program started and running for over 25 years at the college and touched the lives of hundreds of students who took theater production courses.  He is already sorely missed.”

At a college celebration of the work and service of Fred Sokol, President McLeod granted him Emeritus status. In honor of the many plays he directed, the college has framed and hung a gallery of his play production posters in the lobby outside the auditorium of the college.  The college is planning to hire a new instructor in the performing, visual and communication arts area to continue the courses and opportunity for students to take part in theatre at the college level.

xxx

© 2007 Asnuntuck Community College
170 Elm Street Enfield, CT 06082
860.253.3000

Asnuntuck Community College is accredited by the Board of Governors for Higher Education and by the New England Association of Schools and College, Inc


This site is maintained by Ben Durant, Webmaster