University of New Hampshire - HR/POD - 2006 AOP Conference Information

March 18, 2010 AOP Conference information coming soon...

Previous AOP Conferences

2008 AOP Conference

John DiFrancesco

The 10th AOP conference was held on March 19, 2008
with keynote speaker, John DiFrancesco

"Milestones plus Cornerstones equal Stepping Stones: Invitations to Transform Your Life"

Milestones can pass in a blur without a second thought, or they can be powerful moments where we change the path of our lives. They are invitations to pause and reflect, to ask ourselves questions and act upon the answers. Whether we accept that invitation is our choice.

John DiFrancesco has led a rich and varied life as a mechanical engineer, a software consultant and trainer, a public speaker, a life coach, and a career counselor. His true calling is to help people find their true calling. In addition to a career/life coaching practice and a little software consulting, he is passionately pursuing a Master of Education in Counseling at the University of New Hampshire.

2006 AOP Conference

"Gateways... through Professional
Growth & Development"

The 9th annual AOP Conference, sponsored by UNH Human Resources, was held in the Memorial Union Building on:

March 15 - 16, 2006

Dr. Nancy Puglisi

Nancy J. Puglisi, Ph.D.
Director of Organizational Wellness
University System of New Hampshire

Dr. Nancy Puglisi delivered the AOP Conference Keynote on March 15th and a Workshop on March 16th!

Nancy Puglisi, Ph.D. is the Director of Organizational Wellness at the University System of New Hampshire. Dr. Puglisi directs the Embrace Life Fully program (ELF), the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and organizational transformation programs for 4000 faculty and staff members employed by the University System. She has introduced alternative health care programs such as Therapeutic Touch, Meditation and Organizational Wellness, along with traditional health care practices including health screenings, resulting in an "integrated" and well-rounded health education curriculum. Also within the University System, Dr. Puglisi is an adjunct faculty member for the Graduate School at Plymouth State University where she serves as the director of Paths and Approaches to Transformation and Healing (PATH), Institute. She is also a faculty member at Granite State College of the University System of New Hampshire where she has received two distinguished teaching awards. In addition, Dr. Puglisi works as a trainer and consultant for various organizations. She is the recipient of the US Department of Health and Human Services Community Health Promotion Award; the College and University Personnel Association's Fred C. Ford Award for innovative ideas reflecting ingenuity and a comprehensive understanding of human resource management, and the National Association of the College and University Business Officers’ Award for creating a cost-effective health promotion program. She continues to strive towards producing resourceful and creative approaches to individual health promotion and organizational wellness.

Keynote - " Gateways to Awakening and Transformation”

“The greatest discovery of my generation is that man can alter his life simply by altering his attitude of mind.”

--William James (1842-1910)

2005 AOP Conference

"Soaring to New Heights...
Through Professional
Growth & Development"

March 15, 2005 - The 8th annual AOP conference, sponsored by the UNH Human Resources, was held in the Granite State Room, Memorial Union Building, from 8am - 4:30pm

Our keynote speaker was KC Christensen-Lang. 315 individuals attended from the UNH community, UNHM campus, Plymouth State College, Systems Office and College for Lifelong Learning, and participated in 24 professional development workshops.

KC Christensen-Lang
Success Coach, Joyologist and Certified Laughter Leader

KC Christensen-Lang delivered the
2005 AOP Conference Keynote and a Morning Workshop

KC Christensen-Lang, is the Owner/President of a unique, international coaching and laughter services company called Happiness is…offering powerful tools for positive living. She provides personal and corporate success coaching, humor, laughter and stress reduction programs, business training and upbeat presentations for universities, companies, hospitals, schools, groups, assisted living facilities, senior centers and communities.A former CEO with a life-long interest in the healing powers of humor, she has more than 30 years of experience in management, PR, marketing, customer service, development, business ownership, career advising, sales, writing, consulting and training. She believes in community service and has raised millions of dollars for nonprofits throughout the country as their chief fundraiser.Now as an enthusiastic Joyologist, professional Success Coach, keynote speaker, trainer and Certified Laughter Leader living in Maine, she supports professionals world-wide in reducing their stress, achieving their goals and finding more balance, joy and energy in their lives. She also partners with companies seeking to achieve success by enhancing their culture, improving employee morale and obtaining positive PR and profits. A proud mother of three children, she is a member of the International Coach Federation, Coachville, The Association of Applied & Therapeutic Humor, World Laughter Tour, the Wells Rotary Club, Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce and the York Chapter of Business Networking International. She believes that laughter is the best medicine and hopes you have a dose on a regular basis!

2004 AOP Conference

"Exploring Your Potential "

May 27, 2004 - The 7th annual AOP conference, sponsored by the UNH Human Resources, was held in the Granite State Room, Memorial Union Building, from 8am - 4:30pm

The rescheduled 2004 conference was entitled "Exploring Your Potential ". Our keynote speaker was Karen Abrami Fitzgerald. 320 individuals attended from the UNH community, UNHM campus, Plymouth State College, Systems Office and College for Lifelong Learning, and participated in 21 professional development workshops.

Karen Abrami Fitzgerald is a professional speaker and communications consultant for both corporations and non-profits. With a master's degree in organization and management, combined with her years of experience as a professional actress and singer, she brings a unique and fresh perspective to communication issues, using her theatrical background and musical skills as a foundation. Currently, Karen has moved to New York City to pursue her dream of working in professional theater, as well as continuing her professional speaker career.

2003 AOP Conference

"Own Your Future...Invest in Success"

March 20, 2003 - The 6th annual AOP conference, sponsored by the UNH Human Resources, was held in the Granite State Room, Memorial Union Building, from 8am - 4:30pm

The 2003 conference was entitled "Own Your Future...Invest in Success". Our keynote speaker was Lynn Durham, RN. 360 individuals attended from the UNH community, UNHM campus, Plymouth State College, Systems Office and College for Lifelong Learning, and participated in 21 professional development workshops.

Photo of Lynn Durham Lynn Durham is an author, wellness consultant, monthly columnist, adjunct professor, speaker, well being coach and the mother of three sons. Lynn is also a member of the National Wellness Association, the National Association of Self-Esteem, The Association of Applied and Therapeutic Humor, and the National Speaker Associations.

2002 AOP Conference

March 22, 2002 - The 5th annual AOP conference, "Bringing it All Together at UNH", featured former UNH President, Joan Leitzel and keynote speaker, Pulitzer author - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich. 350 individuals attended from the UNH community, UNHM campus, Plymouth State College, Systems Office and College for Lifelong Learning, and participated in 19 professional development workshops. The Irvine Professional Development Grant, sponsored by the AOP and the Office of Human Resources was announced at the conference.

Dr. Ulrich and Dr. Leitzel

Dr. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich and
17th UNH President Joan Leitzel.

Granite State Room

Granite State Room in the MUB, ready for the 2002 AOP Conference. The beautiful Cyclamen plants were donated by the Office of Sustainability and raffled off at end of the day in memory of Jackie Cilley.

Jackie Cilley This years AOP conference was dedicated to our fellow committee member and dear friend, Jackie.
She is missed but not forgotten....

Jacqueline (Jackie) Cilley
August 6, 1936 - February 10, 2002

AOP logo

The AOP Planning Committee announced a new logo at the conference, designed by 9 UNH Division of Continuing Education (DCE) graphic arts students enrolled in the Applications in Graphic Design: ADS, Corporate Identities, Direct Mail, Packaging and Space Design.