University of New Haven Brings Centennial Celebration to Florida

More than 200 members of the University community charged into Boca Raton, Florida, to reflect on the past and to commemorate the start of the University’s second century of success.

February 24, 2020

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

Nicole Pacapelli ’14, ’16 MBA, a former member of the University of New Haven women’s soccer team and a former assistant coach, was one of about 200 members of the University community who gathered recently in Boca Raton, Florida, for a special reception as part of the University’s yearlong celebration of its Centennial.

"I want to be an active alum and give back to the University community, athletic department, and women's soccer program as much as I can," said Pacapelli, who earlier this month was named an assistant women’s coach at Binghamton University. "It was great to meet other alumni and to make connections with people who share the same love that I do for the University of New Haven."

Hosted by Ernie Schaub ’72, ’08 Hon. and Sandie Schaub, the celebration at the exclusive Boca Raton Resort and Club brought alumni, faculty, staff, students, and supporters together to celebrate the University’s milestone anniversary.

"We had a great time at the event," said Ernie Schaub, a member of the University’s Board of Governors, who served as president and CEO of EnPro Industries before retiring in 2008. "It was wonderful to see and talk to so many University of New Haven supporters. Sandie and I were very pleased to have sponsored such a festive celebration."

Alumni met current students and learned about some of the innovative work they are conducting. Students in the Lee College showcased their cutting-edge research – requested by the White House – that is examining whether a new method of interviewing will help security clearance investigators identify who is lying during an interrogation.

"Meeting the students and talking to them about their projects made the event special for us."Michael Hartnett ’69, ’08 Hon.

Cybersecurity students also showed guests how easy it is for a device to capture one’s cyber activity, while guests also tried out virtual reality education software that is being used to educate the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The student showcases were especially impactful for Michael Hartnett ’69, ’08 Hon., chairman, president, and chief executive officer of RBC Bearings.

"Meeting the students and talking to them about their projects made the event special for us," said Hartnett, a former Board member. "They are wonderful ambassadors for the University, and we were very impressed."

Reminiscing the past, looking to the future, and celebrating a shared passion for the University brought alumni together for a memorable evening.

"I wanted to meet the alumni who made the University what it is today," said Allen Love ’88, ’90 MPA, a member of the University’s Board of Governors and senior vice president in charge of anti-money laundering (AML) for TD Bank and deputy global AML officer for TD Financial Group. "Seeing the countless possibilities of what the University can become was very exciting."

The event in Boca Raton followed celebrations held last year in New York City and Boston. Special events throughout 2020 are planned to commemorate the University’s Centennial year.

Philip Bartels ’11 Hon., a member of the University’s Board of Governors and a former Board chair, enjoyed the event in Boca with his family.

"It was a wonderful event enjoyed by all in celebration of our University’s ongoing, and indeed, proud transformation into a leading educational institution," he said.