The Brzozowskis

Robert ’69 and Antoinette ’70 Brzozowski

Toni as an Eastern cheerleader Eastern was known as Willimantic State College in 1966. Antoinette (Toni) Alves was a first-year student from Windsor, CT, and on the cheerleading squad. Bob Brzozowski was a second-year student from New Britain, CT, playing on the winning soccer team. The day of the tournament championship, their paths crossed for the first time. Cheerleader Toni was headed upstairs to her locker before catching the bus to the tournament at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Bob was headed downstairs to the bus. Toni said, “Hi, Bob,” and so it began. The team lost the championship in double overtime, but Bob and Toni had just started! They married in August 1968.

Bob as an Eastern soccer player Both Brzozowskis were back at Eastern that fall. Bob finished his credits and graduated in 1969 with a B.S. in Mathematics before being drafted into the Army. Toni continued her studies and graduated in 1970 with a B.S. in Elementary Education. While Bob fulfilled his military service at Fort Hood, TX, Toni began her teaching career with third graders in Killeen, TX.

In 1971, with service complete and expecting their first child, the Brzozowskis returned to Connecticut where Windsor became home. Bob taught mathematics at Windsor High School while taking computer science classes at Rensselaer. He earned his master’s degree in 1982 and left teaching to join the world of information technology. In 2007, the Brzozowskis established their own company, Birch Consulting Inc.

The Brzozowskis Meanwhile, they were blessed with a daughter, Genevieve, and a son, Robert. Toni juggled parenthood and professional life, teaching first and second grade in Windsor Public Schools for 17 years. She also earned her master’s degree in Reading at Central Connecticut State University, eventually earning her sixth-year degree at Central and becoming a language arts consultant in Windsor. Toni also worked at Central as an adjunct professor in the reading department.

In 1998, Toni became the language arts consultant for Region 13 Durham and Middlefield. After years of satisfying work in their fields, Toni and Bob have retired. It is a blessing for them to be able to have special time together for relaxing, family and travel. Who knew that the serendipitous “Hi, Bob” meeting would result in 53 years of happily married family life? It started in Willimantic at Eastern!