Celebrating the impact, legacy, and tenure of Anthony S. Caprio, Western New England University hosted alumni, community partners, and the campus community on September 27, 2021 for a ribbon cutting and official dedication of the Anthony S. Caprio Alumni Healthful Living Center (CAHLC).
Postponed due to the pandemic, the event honored Caprio, WNE's fifth president, for his 24 years of campus leadership and commitment to enhancing the WNE student experience academically, athletically, and socially, while leading WNE to national recognition as a University. Sharing glowing tributes and appreciation for Dr. Caprio, the event included remarks and reflections from Beverly Dwight, Vice President of Advancement; WNE President Robert E. Johnson; and Kenneth M. Rickson, WNE Board of Trustees Chairman.
Retiring in 2020, Caprio may have left campus, but his impact is ever present. "He has had a profound influence, directly and indirectly, on the lives of more than 24,000 students, representing more than one half of all WNE alumni," said Kenneth M. Rickson. "Your leadership and devotion to WNE will be long felt and always remembered and it is most fitting that we cement your legacy by dedicating this building to be known as the Anthony S. Caprio Alumni Healthful Living Center."
Following his retirement, the Board of Trustees also voted to name Dr. Caprio President Emeritus and presented him with a proclamation recognizing his integrity, tenacity, and unwavering dedication to the students and educational mission of the University.
"For nearly a quarter century, Dr. Caprio devoted himself to all things WNE, whether it be with students, faculty, staff at all levels, trustees, or alumni. He was attentive to the critical role that the University played in their lives and was remarkably attentive to the details that shape each of us," said Beverly Dwight.
Opened in 1993, the CAHLC is a 115,000 square foot facility that houses the University's athletics and recreation programs including the aquatics center, gymnasium with elevated indoor track, fitness center, training and weight rooms, and program administration offices.
"This building, this campus, this is the house that Caprio built," said President Johnson. "I am humbled to follow in your footsteps, by the things you have accomplished, and the things you have done over your tenure."
Concluding with remarks from Dr. Caprio, he reflected on the important role buildings play on campus, the people each building houses, and the thinking, creativity, and projects completed within each building that really count. He shared that buildings such as the CAHLC have played an important role in his life and in the lives of many within the campus community. "We've been here to celebrate, we've been here to graduate, we've been here to exercise, we've been here to cheer on our teams, and we've been here to discuss issues and have meetings, all good things," he said.
"My name is engraved on this building, but I want you to know that you, who have been such an important part of my life for almost 25 years, you are engraved in my mind and engraved in my soul" said Caprio.
Coming full circle, Caprio recognized that the CAHLC was the building where nearly a quarter century ago his "ship was launched" and he was introduced to the campus community. "I'm so pleased and so proud to be part of this University. I'm so proud of everyone who is engaged in this enterprise and am so very grateful to be recognized and remembered in this particular way. We've all worked hard to transform this University and the future is bright," he said.
