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The Threshold GazetteThe Threshold Program publishes its Gazette once or twice a year. The Gazette features articles on the Threshold Program, its curriculum, outreach, annual activities as well as the many achievements of its faculty, students, and alumni. Your can download the Summer 2007 Threshold Gazette as well as past issues at the bottom of this page, but first enjoy these excerpts from the Summer 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 editions. The Threshold Gazette, Summer 2007Class of 2007 Cross Threshold to Independence and OpportunitySixteen Threshold graduates received diplomas at the 2007 commencement ceremony on May 4, 2007. These highly motivated young adults with various learning challenges and other special needs spent the past two years following a path to become independent adults. They felt that going to college would make this possible, and the faculty in the Threshold Program helped them realize and hone their personal ambitions. “This is no easy ride,” said James Wilbur, Director of the Threshold Program. “But everyone rose to the occasion and we’re really proud of them.” Wilbur introduced President Margaret McKenna, president of Lesley University, who after nearly 22 years of service will be stepping down. “President McKenna leaves an extraordinary legacy of leadership at Lesley. She is close to our hearts for her unwavering support of Threshold as an integral part of the University,” Wilbur said.In addressing the graduates, President McKenna said, “Success is accepting who you are, your strengths, your weaknesses, and making the most of it. That is success. That is a successful person and you have all done that.” In referring to her departure after so many years, President McKenna said that the Threshold program and its graduates would remain one of her most meaningful experiences. “It is this program and what you have done and do that is the model for me in what true success really is in overcoming obstacles and  succeeding.”Student speakers Ani Chickering, Jessie Fire, Kristyle Hale, Jessica Miller and Lindsay Teehan addressed the audience of proud friends and family. Their words prompted tears and laughter from the crowd. Teehan captured the sentiment of many of her fellow graduates in her remarks. “In my two years at Threshold I have learned so much. I have learned how to travel in a city that at one time scared me to death. I learned how to deal with my disability realizing that I can do whatever I put my mind to. I may not be as good at reading or math as others, but I learned working hard, having a good head on my shoulders and being responsible are good tools toward success.” Two students in particular were recognized for displaying the vision of the Threshold Program. Board of Trustees member, Patricia Squire, presented Kristen Beaver and Eddie Shields with the Judith Kranes award for their leadership, motivation, and academic achievement. Long time program advocate Carol Streit, Associate Provost and Vice President of Enrollment Management, addressed the graduates and their families as well. She spoke about luck and what role it may or may not play in one’s life. “Luck doesn’t make things happen, you do. That is what you learned at Threshold. By trying hard and taking risks, by realizing that if you make a mistake it’s okay. By being patient, and persistent, by believing in yourself you can make things happen.” In her final remarks she said, “Take a look around you, and savor this moment. It is because of you, because you made it happen.” Jim Wilbur Receives Impact Award!This past December, at the Lesley University holiday party and awards ceremony, President McKenna presented four faculty and staff members with Impact Awards in recognition of their contributions to the Lesley Community. The awards are presented annually to University faculty and staff who have played an exemplary role in the institution’s mission of preparing men and women for careers that make a positive difference in the lives of others.“Every year we have more worthy candidates than we have awards to give,” said President McKenna. “This year’s four recipients all especially exemplify the values of our university.” This year Jim Wilbur, Director of the Threshold Program was chosen among those to be honored. Jim has been at Lesley for 15 years, throughout which, he “has been instrumental in helping hundreds of challenged students succeed and trust that they can live as independent adults,” McKenna said. The Threshold Gazette, Summer 2006Class of 2006 Cross Threshold to Independence and OpportunityEighteen Threshold graduates received diplomas at the 2006 commencement ceremony on May 5. These highly motivated young adults with various learning challenges and other special needs spent the past two years following a path to become independent adults. They felt that going to college would make this possible, but the faculty in the Threshold Program helped them realize that they each possessed what they were looking for all along. "This is no easy ride," said James Wilbur, Director of the Threshold Program. "But everyone rose to the occasion and we're really proud of them." President Margaret McKenna addressed the crowd as well, describing the changes she witnessed in each student during their time at Lesley. She acknowledged her appreciation for their friendly "hellos" and handshakes when crossing paths on campus and applauded them for living by Lesley's mission and becoming "engaged citizens." "The world needs you," she said. "We need you." One student in particular was recognized for displaying the vision of the Threshold Program. Board of Trustees member, Patricia Squire, presented Andrew Turlo with the Judith Kranes award for his leadership, motivation, and academic achievement. Student speakers Riemy El-Hibir, Edward Hanlon, Daniel Levin, and Davina Samuels addressed the audience of proud friends and family. Their words prompted tears and laughter from the crowd, especially as Hanlon graced the stage. "Before I begin, I have to get comfortable," he said as he removed his graduation cap and replaced it with a Red Sox hat instead. After the audience's laughter died down, Hanlon offered supportive words for his fellow graduates. "We all hope to learn what we're meant to become. I hope the best for my classmates," he said.
Next year will mark the 25th anniversary of the Threshold Program—a comprehensive, non-degree, campus-based program at In her closing remarks to the graduates, Carol Streit, Associate Provost and Vice President of Enrollment Management, compared each student's journey down an unknown path towards the glorious reward of discovering what had been missing from their lives to the story of The Wizard of Oz. Each student was on a quest for courage, compassion, and intellect, she said, and "the Threshold Program required that you use them. All you had to do is look inside." Threshold Faculty Present at National ConferenceThe faculty at Threshold feel strongly about participating in national conferences, to both share their expertise and gain new insights that they can bring back to our campus and program. This year, five members of our team traveled to Jacksonville, Florida for the annual conference put on by the National Learning Disabilities Association, and they collectively led three educational sessions: Patricia Morrissey & Carole Noveck presented: Fran Yuan presented: Fran Osten, Fran Yuan, Terry Bromfield presented: Update from Alumni Correspondent Cheri CandeloriHey Everybody - I hope all is well with everyone - summer will be officially here June 21st. I can't wait!! The weather here in Jersey has been pretty HOT . . . and I'm lookin' forward to going to Long Beach Island, NJ (LBI) this summer!! Enjoy your summer and I look forward to seeing all of you at the Unofficial Threshold Website and the next Threshold Reunion. I just wanted to update everyone about the new Unofficial Threshold Alumni Website at the following web address: www.freewebs.com/threshalumwebcafe. There are Blogs, an Alumni Directory, Threshold News, Questionnaires, etc. If you have pictures, news, or whatever else, please don't hesitate to email them. You can reach me at the following email addresses ccinjrsy@optonline.net or threshalum@optonline.net. 2006 Threshold Semi-Formal Dance is Huge Success
The dance will take place again next year in April 2007 . . . so watch your mail for the announcement! More and more alumni have been attending this exciting event each year. If you know an alum who is not receiving our mailings, have them contact the Threshold office to update their address. The Semi -Formal is a wonderful time to catch up with old friends as well as to make some new ones. Next year's dance in 2007 will also be in celebration of Threshold's 25th anniversary. The date will be on March 31st. The location and exact time of this gala event will soon be finalized and we will be sending out specific information in a separate mailing to all current students and alumni. This is sure to be a very exciting evening, so save the date! The Threshold Gazette, Summer 2005Threshold Graduates its 22nd ClassThe Threshold Program at Lesley University graduated its 22nd class on May 6th 2005. "I was nervous and scared when I came to Threshold two years ago," remembered Michele Capotorto. "Threshold has given me the tools to go out into the world next year in Transition Year, and work in the Early Childhood field." Jessica Golden spoke about how she will use the skills that she learned at Threshold for the rest of her life. She now enjoys cooking, and feels Mark Fuoco feels that he matured while attending the program, and has gained friendships that will last a lifetime. Michael Simone offered advice for the class of 2006: welcome the incoming group of students, make them feel as comfortable as possible, have fun, and learn as much as you can. Each of graduating speakers thanked their families, friends, and the Threshold staff. The Judith Kranes Award was presented to David Armbrister, and Michael Simone, two students who the faculty felt best exemplified the program's Core Values of achieving their responsibilities at school, work and in their community. Additionally, these students are recognized for their level and sense of character, kindness, responsibility and self-determination. The commencement speaker, Dr. David Rose, co-executive Director of CAST (Center for Applied Special Technology) read excerpts from Kurt Vonnegut's Sunscreen Speech. He also discussed the advances, and legislation occurring in education, and called the Class of 2005 "the future of education." He encouraged the graduates to continue with their education, so that further advancements with individualized learning can be made. Alumni Connections & Threshold Q & AQ & A with Eddie HanlonQ: Why were you interested in coming to Threshold? EH: I was interested in threshold because I wanted to live on my own and get way from my town and see the City. I loved it because I can take the train to Boston and see my Sox and Celtics. Q: How was your first year? EH: My 1st year want really well. I got to meet a whole new group of kids from all over and staff. They helped me stay on track. Q: What have you enjoyed about your experience at Threshold so far? EH: Oh there is so many things but what I think I have enjoyed the most was just being in the city and waking up on a Saturday morning and knowing I was on my own. Q: What were your biggest challenges and/or concerns when you first arrived in September? EH: I only had one. That was whether or not I would wake up in time for class each day because my mom used to wake me and say "Get up, time for school and make sure you don't wear your PJ's to school". Q: Do you have the same worries now that you have finished your first year? EH: Nope, I get up and go to class. But I still go to class in my PJ's sometimes. Kidding Q: What was your favorite class and why? EH: Oh that's a hard one but I liked Marcia Mishley's Business and Support Services best. I liked this class because she helped me when I had problems at work and that made me think "Now I can do it and I am ready for anything". Q: What will you be doing this summer? EH: Sleep! No, I am working two jobs. I work with a plumber redoing homes and helping him clean up a new shop he just bought. My 2nd job is in a cemetery. I am doing landscaping and its not that bad because I get to be in the fresh air and I enjoy working with my bosses. Q: What advice can you offer to incoming first year students? EH: My advice is to do something so new that it can scary. You have people that know you can do it, and in the end, they will be so proud of you. I wish the class of 2007 good luck this fall and I hope to become friends with you .If you want me to show you around campus, I will. The Threshold Gazette, Summer 2004Jim Wilbur Completes First Year as New Threshold DirectorLesley's Threshold Program celebrated two milestones in 2003 – the first was its 20th anniversary, and the second was the appointment of James Wilbur as the program's new director.The leadership team also includes Helen McDonald in the role of associate director and director of admissions. Founded in 1982 by professor Arlyn Roffman, Threshold is the first college-based program in the country to provide comprehensive training in vocational and independent living skills to young adults with learning challenges and other special needs. Wilbur is Threshold's third director, and his appointment marked his 13th year with the program, whose aim is to help students achieve independence. "It's incredibly gratifying because we get unbelievable results," he says of the progress made by the more than 400 students who have completed the Threshold program over the years. "We get a big bang for our effort." Wilbur came to Threshold in 1991 after serving as a treatment director for special needs children in Boston. When one of his clients became a Threshold student, Wilbur took on a kind of parental role to supervise the teenager's progress. When a full-time job at Threshold opened, Wilbur took it. The Threshold experience is powerful for many students, and the skills they learn invaluable, Wilbur says. "For many, it's the first time they've had a peer group, friends, and people who are interested in them as people," Wilbur says. The reunion celebration Threshold held in April 2003 was particularly telling of its success, Wilbur says. "The most exciting part was how in touch they were with one another," he said of the 140 alumni who attended. "It wasn't a bunch of strangers running into each other." An informal survey taken at the reunion also revealed that more than 90 percent of the 104 alumni surveyed are employed and doing quite well. Many also have families of their own. When asked about Threshold's future, Wilbur says he has a number of goals. Among them are reexamining the curriculum so that it continues to be current, bolstering faculty development efforts and raising money for scholarships. He also expressed his appreciation to Lesley. The university's affiliation with Threshold offers a normalized college experience for its students and is key to the success of the program, he says. "We can't exist without Lesley University," Wilbur says. "Lesley is an incredibly welcoming place for our students." Threshold Graduates its 21st ClassThe Threshold Program at Lesley University graduated its 21st class recently. The two-year campus-based program teaches academic, career and life skills to students with learning challenges. "Every student and every parent has traveled a journey of unheralded heroism and courage to get here today," Lesley University President Margaret A. McKenna told the audience gathered in the Harvard-Epworth Church. She noted that many of the graduates had worked much harder than other students to earn their diplomas. McKenna said the ceremony was a chance to bring the community together to celebrate the achievements of the 24 graduates and their families. But the students were just as interested in celebrating the achievements of the Threshold faculty and staff, who had served as teachers and mentors "I was scared and frightened the first time I was in the dorm," remembered Bonnie Bratton. Two years later, everything had changed. "I had friends, very close friends, who felt like brothers and sisters, and teachers who were role models," Bratton said. Christina March had discovered an interest in early childhood education at Threshold that she plans to pursue after graduation. Andrew DiNoia and Bryan Hoyle talked of trips to the movie theater, around town on the T, and frequent pilgrimages to Starbucks that had the staff at the coffee shop on a first-name basis with the students. The Judith Kranes Award was presented to Jennifer Edmondson and Kathleen Medina, two students who staff felt best exemplified the program's mission to build leadership skills, to promote academics, socialization, independent living, and to establish vocational skills. The students' classmates gave the two award-winners high-fives and claps on the backs when they returned to their seats. The commencement speaker, Peter J. McDonald, headmaster of the Eaglehill School in Hardwick, Mass., spoke about the meaning of success, which he defined as "making a profound and enduring difference in the lives of others." McDonald advised the students to find something they love to do, and to pursue it with passion, vigor, and purpose. Dedication of Renovated Teaching KitchenOnce upon a time Threshold students learned to cook in the tiny kitchen in McCormick Hall, just outside of Arlyn Roffman's office door. (Arlyn was the founding director of Threshold in 1982.) Yes, green bean surprise wafted around the office. We are now expecting many wonderful meals to be produced by Threshold budding chefs as they get ready to cook in their own homes one day. Gone are the three bean casseroles, and instead students are preparing interesting dishes such as broccoli-cheese chicken, southwestern vegetable soup, fajitas and pancakes with sauteed apples. When you are in the neighborhood, stop by! Download the Threshold Gazette:PC users: right-click link and select "Save Target As" to save to your desktop.
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As Dr. Robert Desimone, Director of the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT and globally renowned neuroscientist, delivered his keynote address, he commended the faculty for the work they have done with the Threshold students and admitted that despite the countless advances he has made in brain research, he can only "hope to make a difference to students in the way that the Threshold professors have." Dr. Desimone has done extensive research examining the brain mechanisms underlying attention, memory, and executive control and has received several awards including the Troland Prize of the National Academy of Sciences, and the Golden Brain Award of the Minerva Foundation.
Lesley University for highly motivated young adults with diverse learning disabilities and other special needs. All are interested in careers in one of Lesley's vocational fields of study—Business and Support Services and Early Childhood Studies—and all have a strong desire to become independent adults.
The 2006 Threshold Semi-Formal dance place again at the beautiful ballroom at the Tremont Boston Hotel. Over 100 people attended, including over 50 alumni. Dinner was served at 8:00 pm, and was followed by a delicious dessert. The crowd danced to the music of David Natola until midnight. It was great to see all of the alumni, some who traveled great distances to attend. It was also wonderful to see all of the alumni who have attended the dance every year since they graduated. 
The two- year campus-based program, founded in 1982 by Professor Arlyn Roffman, provides comprehensive training in vocational and independent living to young adults with learning challenges and other special needs. Lesley University President Margaret A. McKenna compared our local sports teams, the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots, who both had winning seasons, to the Class of 2005. "Your perseverance, teamwork and dedication to your education and to each other make you, like our beloved teams, champions. We are all very proud of you," she said. President McKenna also acknowledged the strong friendships made at Threshold. The audience also listened as four members of the graduating class reflected about how the Threshold experience had affected them.
ready to pursue her career as a Teacher's Aide.
over the past two years. Students gave Threshold director James Wilbur and other faculty members an enthusiastic standing ovation after his welcoming remarks. The students also listened as five of their classmates spoke about how the Threshold experience had affected them.
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