Advancement Updates

Introducing Bull Hall

Utica University celebrated the renaming of the Economic Crime and Justice Studies building in honor of two of the University’s most generous benefactors: Larry ‘74 and Cora “Corky” Bull.

On May 12, 2022, the Lauren and Cora Bull Hall was officially dedicated in a ceremony, at which President Laura Casamento delivered remarks honoring the Bulls’ long history of philanthropy and engagement with the University, including their recent $2 million gift in support of the new Pioneer Track and Field Complex. “Their philanthropy is equaled by their history of extraordinary service to the institution. As a founding member of the Utica Board of Trustees, one of the longest serving trustees, and the only two-time chairperson of the Board, Larry Bull has helped guide Utica through some of the most pivotal and monumental moments in its maturation as an institution,” said President Casamento. “He was extraordinarily influential in the growth of the physical plant and the expansion of innovative academic programs, both of which are symbolized by the ECJS Building. The Bulls are also the benefactors of the Utica University medallion and the principal namesakes of the Bull Family Board Conference Room.” Constructed in 2008, the former Economic Crime and Justice Studies building is home to Utica University’s cybersecurity, criminal justice, fraud and financial crimes programs, as well as meeting and instructional spaces, research laboratories for computer forensics, and more. 

President Casamento, Larry, and Cora Bull pose in front of the Bull Hall dedication plaque.

42

ADVANCEMENT UPDATES

A Family Tradition of Philanthropy

The Center for Career and Professional Development is now The Jeremy C. Thurston ’00 Center for Career Readiness, thanks to a contribution from alumnus and trustee Jeremy C. Thurston ‘00. The Thurston name is familiar to members of the Utica University community: In 2018, the University dedicated Thurston Hall, the state-of-the-art home for Utica’s Construction Management program and a project made possible by lead donor and 1968 alumnus Gary Thurston, Jeremy’s father. Jeremy, a class of 2000 graduate and current president of the Hayner Hoyt Construction Group, has been an active member of the Utica alumni community and a generous donor to the University for decades, noted Provost Todd Pfannestiel at the dedication ceremony, which was attended by members of the Thurston family, including Jeremy and his wife, Carrie [1]. Most recently, he helped establish The Hayner Hoyt Corporation Construction Management Scholarship at Utica University, which will provide $5,000 annually to a Construction Management student, with preference given to female students and those from historically under-represented communities. “Just like his father before him, Jeremy Thurston has been an integral part of Utica University’s growth and expansion for many years. A longtime champion of our Construction Management program, Jeremy has been instrumental in the program’s success and, more important, in the success of its alumni,” Pfannestiel said.

Utica Hits a Give Day Milestone [2]

For 36 hours on April 6-7, 2022, Utica students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends stepped up to demonstrate how “Utica Starts with U.” As part of the University’s annual Give Day, more than 400 generous donors helped raise a staggering $61,135 to support students through The Fund for Student Success. Social media challenges, giveaways, and a high-traffic photobooth for students in the Ralph F. Strebel Student Center helped make the fundraising event the University’s most successful Give Day yet. “It’s always incredible to see the Utica community come together to support our students,” said Interim Vice President for Advancement Amy Lindner. “But the excitement, energy, and generosity of this year’s Give Day was unprecedented. On behalf of our students, we are beyond grateful.”

1

‘Check’ This Out [3]

Shortly after Utica’s name change was announced in February 2022, loyal donors and alumni Jack ‘66 and Pat Mulhall ‘66 of Sherborn, Massachusetts, proudly displayed their annual donation — and what we believe is the first-ever check written to Utica University. Thank you, Mulhalls!

2

3

43