Inauguration of
Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.D.

10th President

March 26-27, 2O26

 

Presenting Sponsor – Ives Bank

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

Weaving Our Strengths. Building Our Future.
Jesse M. Bernal, Ph.d., 10th President

Thursday, March 26

6:00 p.m. Presidential Inaugural Gala 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 (Formal Attire)

Friday, March 27

11:30 a.m. Community Luncheon & WestConn Showcase
WCSU Westside Campus

2:00 p.m. Investiture Ceremony
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

Shuttle services will be provided for pick up and drop off to events.

$25,000+ WestConn 10 Presenting

$15,000 Presidential Sponsor


Kathwari Family Foundation

$5,000 Deep Blue Sponsors

Northwell Health - Deep Blue Sponsor $7500
Newtown Saving Bank - $5000 - Deep Blue Sponsor

$2,500 Starburst Orange Sponsor

Image 2-21-26 at 1.40 PM
DFM
HAWLEY-LOGO

$1,000 Community Supporter



David Zavarelli, CFP, LPL Financial

NY CONN - $1000 Community Sponsorship - PAID



Jerry and Faye Walton

$500 Supporter

DPV Transportation

Fiorita Kornhaas & Company, PC

The Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, Inc.

Anthony & Barbara Giobbi

Norbert E. Mitchell Co.

Engraved Products

Lisa Anne Cerbone Montalto

Charles and Melissa Stephens

Danbury Student and Business Connection

Ingersoll Auto of Danbury

Elizabeth K. Salame

NEVES Plumbing Services

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

Inauguration Gala Tickets — $175