A New Innovation Center

Breaking New Ground

This fall, the University broke ground on the Bergami Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation. This 44,000-square-foot, three-story facility is the centerpiece of The Charger Challenge, the University’s inaugural $100 million campaign. It is named in honor of longtime University benefactors Samuel S. Bergami Jr. EMBA ’85, HON ’02, and his wife, Lois.

(Featured left to right): Matthew Consigli, Consigli Construction; Nancy Rossi, Mayor of West Haven; Philip H. Bartels, Board of Governors; Anemone Schweizer-Kaplan; Steven H. Kaplan, Ph.D., President; Samuel S. Bergami Jr., Board of Governors; Lois E. Bergami; William L. Bucknall Jr., Board of Governors Chair; Jillian Jacques ’19, student speaker; Jay Brotman, Svigals + Partners.

University Announces New Board of Governors Chair, Vice Chair

William L. Bucknall Jr. ’63, ’65, HON ’08 began his term as chair of the Board of Governors on July 1, 2018.

Bucknall joined the Board in 1992, serving as chair from 1998 to 2000. He rejoined the Board in 2006 and was named vice chair in 2012. Bucknall has received many recognitions by the University, including a Distinguished Alumni Award in 1999, an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration in 2008, and the President’s Award in 2013.

A prominent human resources professional who has been a leader in his field nationally, Bucknall served as senior vice president of United Technologies Corp. for 16 years before retiring in January 2008.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of New Haven and was a Sloan Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned his master’s degree.

A tireless advocate of the arts and literature and an inveterate world traveler, Bucknall has two daughters and four grandchildren. He resides in North Palm Beach, Florida. Charles E. Pompea ’71, EMBA ’90, HON ’06 began his term as vice chair of the Board of Governors on July 1, 2018. Pompea has served on the Board for over two decades. This marks his second term as vice chair after an interim period as an emeritus Board member.

Pompea is the former chair, president, and CEO of Primary Steel Inc., working there for more than 40 years. Under his leadership, Primary Steel grew into one of the top five processors of steel plating in the country, with revenues of $600 million. Pompea earned a B.S. in Management and an Executive MBA from the University of New Haven. In 2006, the University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration.

A dedicated supporter of local civic and philanthropic agencies, Pompea has five children and resides with his wife Tamera (Tammy) in Hobe Sound, Florida.

William L. Bucknall Jr. ’63, ’65, HON ’08

Charles E. Pompea ’71, EMBA ’90, HON ’06

JOINING

Board of Governors

Raphael G. Crawford, M.S. ’00 President, Catalysts Division, Albemarle Corporation

Shelley Stewart Jr. ’90 Vice President, Sourcing & Logistics, Chief Procurement Officer, DuPont USA