Wendy (Overbaugh) Hickey ‘94CommonTraveling aPathRosanne (Ursino) Klovee ‘918
When Wendy Hickey and Rosanne Klovee met, little did they know just how much they had in common. The two hit itoff immediately and discussed their plans to become family law attorneys. When we sat down with Rosanne andWendy, they happily recounted memories of their days at <strong>Fisher</strong>.A couple of years ago, while walking toward their offices,Rosanne and Wendy started talking about law school. Both attendedSuffolk Law School while working full-time as paralegals.One of them, neither remembers which, mentioned that she hadattended <strong>Fisher</strong>. The two laughed about the similar paths they hadfollowed prior to and since earning degrees in Paralegal Studies.Rosanne recalled a hot August day, shortly after she hadinformed her parents that she would not be going to collegebut planned to find a job and marry her high school sweetheart.Her parents were less than enthused. So, on this particularsummer day, Rosanne’s mother told her that a representativehad called from <strong>Fisher</strong> to ask where Rosanne had decided toattend school. The caller surely didn’t expect Rosanne’s mothercrying about how her daughter was throwing her life away.Rosanne’s mother had news of her own: Rosanne was goingto take the Green Line for the first time for an interview at <strong>Fisher</strong>.After waiting beside the marble staircase, Rosanne wasinterviewed by the head of Admissions.the beauty of the neighborhood, the friendly staff, and thearchitecture. Wendy decided to attend <strong>Fisher</strong> 15 minutes afterarriving for her tour.Wendy credits <strong>Fisher</strong>’s caring teachers, including CharlesPerkins, Karen Myers, and Dean Walton, with giving her theconfidence to further her education at law school — somethingshe never imagined she would do. Even more, as an RA,Wendy gained “the tools to assert myself and work with mypeers in a position of authority – a great ability to have whentrying to negotiate a divorce settlement or arguing an issueto a judge.” Sixteen years later she is still employed byNissenbaum Law Offices where she now handles all aspectsof high end, high conflict family law cases.The one thing Wendy found missing from her <strong>Fisher</strong> experiencewas athletics. Wendy complained to anyone who would listenthat she wanted to play basketball. Then, to her surprise, <strong>Fisher</strong>▲▲▲One hour later, Rosanne was enrolled. Her mother was thrilled!After a short time, Rosanne was as well. She enjoyed her classes,particularly those with Dean Walton and David Smith. She fondlyremembers Karen Myers and couldn’t forget former PresidentCharles Perkins, who would see Rosanne and whisper as shewalked down the hall: “Rosanne Ursino – Star!” (Rosanne andWendy shared a good laugh when Wendy told her ProfessorPerkins would whisper “Wendy Overbaugh – Star!”)“I chalk it up to fate that I ended up there,” says Rosanne, whois grateful to <strong>Fisher</strong> for instilling in her the “self-respect I neededto appreciate and embrace education.” Today, Rosanne is acompassionate advocate for her clients at Carney & Bassil.She has been recognized as a Rising Star by Boston Magazineand Super Lawyers Magazine.Wendy’s decision to attend <strong>Fisher</strong> was perhaps as unexpectedas Rosanne’s. Growing up in a Connecticut suburb, she wantedto attend a big college in a big city. Wendy, a huge collegebasketball fan, wanted a Big East school. However, likeRosanne, Wendy’s parents had different ideas. Her parentsconvinced her to visit <strong>Fisher</strong>. “Shock,” is the only word Wendycould think of to describe her impression of <strong>Fisher</strong> – the intimacy,formed a basketball team for Wendy’s second year. “ Wepracticed at Wheelock because there was no gym. Therewere only seven members of our team and we only won onegame – but we had a great time! We were so happy to havea team that we were willing to do whatever it took.” Wendyrecalled one game where <strong>Fisher</strong> only had four players. Ratherthan forfeit, Wendy suited-up her 13-year-old sister.Rosanne and Wendy have become good friends. Their livestook yet another similar turn and the two were there to supporteach other. Rosanne struggled with infertility, including the lossof six pregnancies. Finally, her son Jack was born in 2005and her family became complete in 2008 when she broughther daughter, Anna, home from Guatemala. Wendy wentthrough similar struggles, but, after three losses, Wendy gavebirth to twins, Caitlyn and Colman, who are now sixteenmonths old. When the twins had their first birthday party,Rosanne was there, and when Anna’s adoption was finalized,Wendy was there.Rosanne and Wendy aspire to practice together. For now, theyknow that whatever paths they take, the lessons they learnedat <strong>Fisher</strong> will guide the way.www.fisher.edu/alumni 9
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