Gary E. Frank, has been named editor of Traditions, UConn's quarterly alumni magazine produced by University Relations. Frank, formerly public relations officer for the Wadsworth Atheneum, took over the helm of the three year-old magazine December 8.

"This is a critically important appointment for us as UConn begins to examine how the University Relations department can most effectively use the magazine to better communicate the University's story," says John Barry, associate director of University Relations."Gary brings a wealth of valuable experience to this position that will help him to effectively convey the University's strength and progress to UConn alumni."

Frank was chosen from approximately 130 applicants from across the country after a four-month search. The five-member search committee was chaired by Scott Brohinsky, director of governmental and university relations. William Colburn, director of Alumni Relations and a member of the search committee, says the job will be challenging for Frank.

"Traditions is a quality publication that has grown and improved dramatically in a very short period of time. Frank has the experience to continue to change and improve the publication. I believe he will help the University to create a comprehensive communications program," Colburn says.

Before the Wadsworth Atheneum, Frank was a manager in corporate media relations at Aetna Inc. from 1995 to 1996. His previous experience also includes stints as creative services manager in corporate relations at CIGNA Corp. from 1994 to 1995, communications consultant at Aetna from 1990 to 1994, and as a reporter for The Hartford Courant and Springfield (Mass.) Union-News.

Frank earned a B.S. in industrial relations from LeMoyne College in Syracuse, N.Y., and an M.S. in labor studies from the University of Massachusetts.

"I was attracted to this position for a few basic reasons," says Frank."First, a college campus is an exciting place to be, where there is a renewal of energy as new groups of students come through. I am also anxious to work in a position centered on writing, editing and managing a publication."

Inspired by novelist Richard Russo, the author of The Risk Pool, Nobody's Fool and Straight Man, Frank hopes to write his own novel someday. He lives in West Hartford and enjoys cross-country skiing, reading, writing and cycling.

Usha Palaniswamy