By Kandyce Aust
Director of Alumni Relations
Congratulations to the Homecoming 2006 Committee for putting together an outstanding weekend of events and activities for alumni, staff, parents, and friends: Pat DiCosimo ’69; Nat Kennedy ’66; Michael Lemay ’90, ’92; Deborah Lesser ’84; Bobbi McNeil ’94; Joe Persio ’72; Kelly Szelka ’93, M’95; Mark Vining ’82; Wayne Webster ’96; and Professor Ed Weinswig.
A special thank-you to Deborah Lesser for her efforts on behalf of Friday evening’s event, Martinis, Manhattans, and Monte Carlo, as well as Michael Lemay for his wonderful idea! Music for the evening was provided by the talented Latanya Farrell ’97 and her band. The following are the generous friends of the Office of Alumni Relations who donated the many gifts and prizes for the evening:
American Laser Centers
Annual Fund Office
Arugula Bistro
Brescia’s Printing Services
Butterfly Restaurant
Pat DiCosimo ’69
Dillon Mailing and Printing
Friends of the Alumni Association
The Hair Company and Spa
The Hartt School/Lori Cartwright
Kingswood Step to Beauty
Deborah Lesser ’84
Robin Lindemann
Ninety-Nine Restaurants
Pasticceria Italia
Realty Executives/Dianne Rechel
Recognition/Jeff Lederman
Kerry Rochefort
Undercover Entertainment/Gregg Sireci
University of Hartford Bookstore
University of Hartford Department of Athletics
West Side Wines
Hats off to Nat Kennedy ’66, the man behind the Alumni Musicians Spotlight (and in front of the mike!), as well as the talented lineup of musicians, including Kent Aldrich ’89, Nick Cutroneo ’07, Tony Harrington ’77, Chuck Oakes ‘74, Daniel Salazar Jr. M’86, and Anne Marie Williams ’93.
The weekend provided something for everyone. Whether it was a swim in the pool at the Reich Family Pavilion, supervised by Michele Swanson ’92, or perhaps a bratwurst at the Hawktoberfest, alumni, friends, and family enjoyed a beautiful weekend in the fall sun. The caricature artist was kept busy throughout the day Saturday, as were the massage therapists and Mary Kay representative at the Rejuvenation Station.
Pat DiCosimo ’69 hosted the Alumni Artisan Marketplace, where guests could shop to their hearts’ content as talented alumni displayed and sold handcrafted jewelry, pottery, ceramics, photography, and so much more.
CETA, GIPP, and the Health Professions welcomed back alumni with tours, refreshments, and lots of socializing. The Anchor Awards recognized distinguished alumni from all seven schools and colleges of the University. The evening was hosted by the alumni board under the leadership of Alumni Association President Paul Sittard ’85 and Wayne Webster ’96, vice president.
Former classmates and longtime friends gathered at the Hawk’s Nest on Saturday evening to share memories and catch up.
The fun didn’t end there. Delta Gamma alumnae and collegians gathered Sunday morning for a continental breakfast hosted by Tracey Stead ’00. The afternoon continued with the 30th anniversary celebration of the nursing alumni at their reunion luncheon.
We’re already planning for Homecoming 2007, October 19-21, which will be the closing for the University’s 50th anniversary celebration. If you want to be a part of the planning for this exciting weekend, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 860.768.2409 or alumni@hartford.edu.
We’d like to introduce the new copresidents of the Hartford Alumni Chapter, Michele ’92 and Brian ’91 Swanson of Rocky Hill, Conn. If you are interested in getting involved with the Hartford Alumni Chapter, please contact the Office of Alumni Relations.
