UConn will be well represented when the Connecticut NAACP branches play host to a reception to honor the “100 Most Influential Blacks in the State of Connecticut.” The event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 23 at the Foxwoods Resort Casino and feature entertainment by rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur Nas.
The 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut Award Ceremony will celebrate many renowned influencers, while also recognizing community leaders and industry trailblazers who often go unrecognized for their exceptional work in the community.
“I am incredibly proud of the fact that so many distinguished members of the UConn family are being honored by the state NAACP,” says UConn President Andrew Agwunobi. “These leaders make extraordinary contributions to our university and our state every day and are vital to the rich, diverse cultural landscape we have in Connecticut. I extend my warmest congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.”
UConn trustees, staff, faculty and current students that are among the group of 100 are:
Michael Bradford ’98 (BGS), Vice Provost for Faculty, Staff and Student Development; Professor of Dramatic Arts
Sanford Cloud Jr., Chairman, UConn Health Board of Directors; UConn Board of Trustees
Andréa Comer ’23 MPA, Deputy Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
Dr. Cato T. Laurencin, Professor, UConn and UConn Health; CEO, Connecticut Convergence Institute for Translation in Regenerative Engineering
Eboni S. Nelson, Dean of UConn Law
Charlene Russell-Tucker, UConn Board of Trustees (Commissioner, Department of Education)
UConn alumni among the group of 100 are:
Ayesha Clarke `06 (CLAS), ’18 MSW, Chairman, Hartford Board of Education
Michael T. Conner `14 (ED), Superintendent, Middletown Public Schools
Veronica L. Delandro `09 MPA, State Coordinator, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Vannessa Dorantes `98 MSW, Commissioner, Department of Children and Families
Duncan Harris `92 (CLAS), CEO, Capital Community College
Michael Jefferson ’95 JD, Civil Rights Attorney
Sibongile Magubane `76 (CLAS), Commissioner, Department of Motor Vehicles
Melissa McCaw `14 MPA, Secretary, Connecticut Office of Policy and Management
Hon. Richard A. Robinson `79 (CLAS), Chief Justice, Connecticut State Supreme Court
Emmanuel R. Sanchez, ’17 (CLAS), Connecticut State Representative, 24th District
