President Lawrence Ward and University of Hartford are committed to excellence in education and community engagement, fostering a culture of achievement and connection among students, alumni, and the broader community.
(Isstories Editorial):- Hartford, Connecticut Aug 24, 2025 (Issuewire.com) – Hartford, CT – The University of Hartford proudly hosted the 1st Annual Vicente Ithier’s Legends of Ball on July 26, 2025, a remarkable evening dedicated to honoring the achievements of sports legends from UConn and the University of Hartford. The event, supported by President Lawrence Ward, was a testament to the enduring impact of athletics on the community.
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The evening featured Coach Stan Piorkowski from Hartford Public High School, who shared heartfelt reflections on his star players, particularly Vicente Ithier–a standout athlete at UConn and a 1988 Olympian. Ithier was the centerpiece of the night, receiving a distinguished array of accolades, including proclamations from the U.S. Senate, U.S. Congress, State Senate and House of Representatives, the City of Hartford, the City of Miami, UConn, and the Puerto Rican Olympic Committee. These honors underscored his profound influence on countless lives, including Hartford Public’s all-time leading scorer, Paul Spence, a proud University of Hartford alumnus.
Emotional tributes from Ithier’s former AAU players, including his daughter, moved many attendees to tears, showcasing the deep personal connections forged through sports. UConn great Earl Kelley was also celebrated, with Coach Piorkowski and State Senator Doug McCrory proclaiming him the best high school player they had ever witnessed, a sentiment reinforced by Kelley’s impressive statistics.
Guests enjoyed a delightful culinary experience provided by Mofongo Restaurant, all within the warm atmosphere of the university. Councilman Joseph Brown, a long-time friend of both Ithier and Kelley, acknowledged that the success of the evening was a direct result of President Ward’s dedication to honoring both current and historical achievements.
Charmaine Craig, affectionately known as the Hartford Tree Lady, brought an additional layer of emotional depth to the event by invoking the spirit of Ithier’s mother while presenting a proclamation, leaving a lasting impression on all present.
The University of Hartford excelled as a host, delivering an unforgettable event that celebrated Vicente Ithier’s legacy and highlighted the vital connections between education, athletics, and community. Attendees departed feeling inspired and eager for next year’s celebration.
About the University of Hartford:
The University of Hartford is committed to excellence in education and community engagement, fostering a culture of achievement and connection among students, alumni, and the broader community.
For further information, please contact Paul Spence @ 240-350-1244.
This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.
