WNE honors Anthony S. Caprio with Healthful Living Center dedication

Date: 10/7/2021

SPRINGFIELD – Western New England University (WNE) dedicated the Alumni Healthful Living Center to former University President Dr. Anthony S. Caprio during a Sept 27. ribbon cutting event.

Caprio, whose 24 years of service made him WNE’s longest-tenured president, was joined by faculty, alumni and students to celebrate the dedication. Vice President for Advancement at Western New England University Beverly Dwight emceed the event, opening by reflecting on Caprio’s impact as a colleague for two decades. “This public acknowledgement seals Caprio’s legacy in a very tangible way,” said Dwight. She also listed some of Caprio’s accomplishments during his tenure, including the raising of $85 million for special initiatives and providing significant advancements in the university’s operation.

WNE’s current president Dr. Robert E. Johnson spoke about the pride he feels from Caprio’s tenure. “This is the house that Caprio built,” said Johnson. The president pledged to follow in Caprio’s footsteps, proclaiming the school will honor his legacy while never forgetting the impacts he made. “Once a golden bear, always a golden bear,” said Johnson, referencing the school’s mascot.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees Kenneth M. Rickson acknowledged Caprio’s profound influence across several facets in the school, but he singled out one particular accomplishment. “Dr. Caprio’s crowning achievement was gaining WNE recognition as a university,” said Rickson.

He also acknowledged the former president’s leadership throughout his tenure, including his challenging last year in office. Rickson recognized Caprio’s COVID-19 leadership as “extraordinary,” revealing that the president laid out a thoughtful plan for the school’s fall 2020 re-opening before leaving office.

Caprio concluded the event with his address, sharing his appreciation about a day that holds special weight to him. “It’s a very special day to me…it’s allowed me to return to campus after a long hiatus,” said Caprio. The former president acknowledged the meaning behind the building’s dedication; but he also stressed the importance of the individuals inside the building who make the university’s goals a reality. “An important aspect of this is that the building simply houses those who create this university,” said Caprio.

Caprio was gifted a tribute book compiled with warm memories from those he impacted, along with a framed photograph of the university magazine cover that recognized his tenure. After receiving President Emeritus status, Caprio shared how his experiences at WNE will continue to stick with him. “My name is engraved in this building … but you all are engraved in my mind and my soul,” said Caprio.