Chris Pagliuco ’99 and his new book, The Great Escape of Edward Whalley and William Goffe

For a history writer, uncovering an engaging but forgotten story among dusty and long-untouched archives must be like the prospector who catches the glint of gold among the dirt in the bottom of his pan. And Christopher Pagliuco ’99 is one such history writer, with a new book, The Great Escape of Edward Whalley and William Goffe: Smuggled through Connecticut (The History Press), to show for his efforts.

The book tells the story of Puritans Edward Whalley and William Goffe, who joined the parliamentary army against the tyrant, King Charles I, in the English civil wars. Under their battlefield leadership, the army trounced the Royalist forces and then cut off the king’s head. Yet when Charles II regained the throne, Whalley and Goffe fled to the colonies aboard the ship Prudent Mary—never to see their families or England again. Even with the help of New England’s Puritan elite, including Reverend John Davenport, they struggled to stay a step ahead of searches for their arrest in Boston, New Haven (where they hid out in Judges Cave), and the outpost of Hadley, Massachusetts. Forced to live as fugitives, these former major generals survived many frontier adventures in 17th century New England.

Besides working as a freelance writer, Chris teaches high school history in Madison, Connecticut, and serves as town historian in Essex and on the editorial team of Connecticut Explored, a quarterly history magazine. He lives with his wife, two daughters and two dogs in Ivoryton, Conn. If you remember Chris, or have read his book, drop him a line.

Alums: Share your love of Keene State and encourage prospective students. The Admissions Office can really use your help. We’ll be offering a one-hour information and training session on June 2nd—the Saturday of Reunion Weekend. The session will offer important insight and prepare you to help out at a college fair and meet with prospective students and families. The session will take place at 4 p.m. in the Admissions Office in Elliot Hall. For more information or to sign up, please contact Peg Richmond, Director of Admissions (800-KSC-1909 or 603-358-2276).

KSC prides itself on its longstanding motto, “Enter to learn, go forth to serve,” so you’ll find lots of stories in this spring’s issue of Keene State Today that reflect this commitment. There’s Will Wrobel’s (’08) inspiring story of personal transformation—a story that likely applies to many grads who have passed through the Appian Gates. And Josh Tuscher’s (’06) evolution from janitor to new media technologist for the VA. And Mark Newton’s (’87) path to become Timberland’s VP of Social Responsibility. And read how the campus’ new TDS Center will enrich our nation’s skilled workforce, or how the Cohen Center’s Civic Leadership Initiative engages civic leaders in a program that really makes a difference. There’s lots to be proud of at KSC; read some of those great stories in Keene State Today!

Gilly Moon ’09

Jon Gottlieb, who directs the Sound Design Program at California Institute of the Arts only accepts three students into the program a year. This fall, his first choice was Design/Technical Theatre major Gillian Moon ’09.

Gilly knows where she wants to go, and how to get there. After graduation, she worked as a sound intern for the Trinity Repertory Company. After that, she continued to work in audio, “Taking whatever gigs I could,” she said. “Besides theater, I have also done a lot of corporate and themed production work. Taking time off and actually working in my field I think helped me get accepted. I developed not only good technical skills, but I gained a lot of interpersonal skills and developed a clear vision of how I want to approach my goals artistically. I was also able to meet ‘sound guys’ who were up to date in the industry, and who also wanted to be my friends and mentors.

“The theatre profs at KSC taught me how to work and talk with people in a very creative, collaborative, and challenging environment. Which is what you often find yourself in in theatre!” Sounds like that’s a lesson she learned well. If you know Gilly, drop her a comment.

Samantha Massahos—KSC employee, grad student, and ’10 alum.

Samantha Massahos is a KSC employee (with Campus Safety), a graduate student, and alumna of the Class of 2010. And she’ll be competing for the title of Miss New Hampshire at the end of April. She’s currently serving as Miss Capital Area with a  platform of Advocating for Survivors of Sexual Violence. And she’d like your help: Help her get into the top 12 at Miss NH this year by going to the Miss NH website AND the Miss NH Fan Page and voting for her. Make sure you open the confirmation email and clink of the confirmation link to complete the voting process.

Says Sam: “Thank you—it is very much appreciated! I look forward to representing the Keene State College community at this year’s competition!”