Inauguration of
Dr. Jesse M. Bernal
10th President
March 26-27, 2O26
Weaving our strengths.
Building our future.
An inauguration formally begins a presidency, but more importantly, it brings our community together to welcome, weave our strengths, and widen opportunity. At WestConn, the celebration will be funded entirely through sponsorships and philanthropy. Any funds not used directly for inauguration events will be redirected to community grants or scholarships, and university leadership has pledged to raise or match every dollar in support of students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
This reflects our theme: Weaving our strengths. Building our future.—expanding opportunity, strengthening partnerships, and helping every learner thrive.
Inauguration Schedule of Events
Thursday, March 26
6:00 p.m.
Presidential Inaugural Gala
(space limited)
The inauguration gala represents more than a ceremonial milestone-it is a celebration of collective purpose. While an inauguration formally begins a presidency, the gala brings our community together to welcome new leadership, weave our shared strengths, and affirm our commitment to expanding opportunity. Weaving our strengths. Building our future.
The Amber Room Colonnade, Danbury, Connecticut
Friday, March 27
11:30 a.m.
Community Luncheon & WestConn Showcase
WCSU Westside Campus
2:00 p.m.
Investiture Ceremony
(space limited, overflow available)
Visual & Performing Arts Center, WCSU Westside Campus
4:30 p.m.
Inauguration Toast
Celebrating 20 Years of Science
WCSU Midtown, Science Building
7:00 p.m.
WCSU Jazz Showcase
This performance features outstanding student jazz ensembles presenting a varied repertoire of jazz standards and original works. The program reflects both the rich tradition of jazz and the students’ individual creativity through fresh arrangements and compositions. Featuring WCSU Jazz Combos; Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra.
Visual & Performing Arts Center, WCSU Westside Campus
$25,000+ WestConn 10 Presenting
$15,000 Presidential Sponsor
Irfan Kathwari Foundation, Inc
$5,000 Deep Blue Sponsors
$2,500 Starburst Orange Sponsor
$1,000 Community Supporter
David Zavarelli, CFP, LPL Financial
$500 Supporter
DPV Transportation
Fiorita Kornhaas & Company, PC
The Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, Inc.
Anthony & Barbara Giobbi
Norbert E. Mitchell Co.
CLOSED – THANK YOU Ives Bank
WestConn10 Inauguration Presenting Sponsor — $25,000+ (Limited)
- Exclusive presenting sponsors naming recognition on all publications/event/website, including stage recognition at all events
- Premium table for 10 at gala dinner
- Sponsor 5 students at gala dinner
- Reserved seating for 5 at Investiture
- Logo prominently featured on all inaugural materials
- Speaking opportunity at one event
Presidential Sponsor — $15,000 (Limited)
- Logo in programs, website, gala and designated event sponsor of your choice
- Special stage recognition during gala and designated event sponsor of your choice
- Seats for 10 at gala dinner
- Sponsor 2 students at gala dinner
- Reserved seating for 5 at Investiture
Wolves Inauguration Sponsor — $10,000
- Logo in programs, website, gala and designated event sponsor of your choice
- Special stage recognition during gala
- Seats for 8 at gala dinner
- Sponsor 2 students at gala dinner
- Reserved seating for 5 at Investiture
Deep Blue Sponsor — $5,000
- Logo on website and in programs
- Seats for 8 at gala dinner
- Sponsor 2 students at gala dinner
- Reserved seating for 3 at Investiture
Starburst Orange Sponsor — $2,500
- Logo on website and in program
- Seats for 6 at gala dinner
- Sponsor 2 student at gala dinner
- Reserved seating for 2 at Investiture
Community Supporter — $1,000
- Name in program and website
- Seats for 4 at gala dinner
- Reserved seating for 1 at Investiture
Supporter — $500
- Name in program and website
- Seats for 2 at gala dinner