PWPA Luncheon to Honor President Salonen

April 13, 2018

University of Bridgeport

President Neil Salonen was honored for his years of service and leadership of the PWPA Scholarship Program at the University of Bridgeport. Dr. Thomas Ward, Dean of the College of Public and International Affairs, organized a luncheon with existing PWPA scholars and some staff.

After a delicious luncheon provided by Sonobano Restaurant in Hamden, CT, a ceremonial cake was presented. Since we didn’t want to sing “Happy Retirement to You,” we opted for “Happy New Start to You.” President Salonen cut the cake which everyone e… — After a delicious luncheon provided by Sonobano Restaurant in Hamden, CT, a ceremonial cake was presented. Since we didn’t want to sing “Happy Retirement to You,” we opted for “Happy New Start to You.” President Salonen cut the cake which everyone enjoyed.

Jonathan Stupple, a senior in the College of Public and International Affairs, then rose to thank President Salonen for his years of commitment and support of the program and commented that he wouldn’t have been able to come to UB without the PWPA s… — Jonathan Stupple, a senior in the College of Public and International Affairs, then rose to thank President Salonen for his years of commitment and support of the program and commented that he wouldn’t have been able to come to UB without the PWPA scholarship. His parents were missionaries for many years in Costa Rica, Russia and Egypt and the financial resources just weren’t there. He expressed several times his deep gratitude for the program.

President Salonen thanked Jonathan and then expressed his gratitude for the scholars’ investment in the University with their seriousness toward their studies, involvement in extra-curricular activities from student government, to the school newspap… — President Salonen thanked Jonathan and then expressed his gratitude for the scholars’ investment in the University with their seriousness toward their studies, involvement in extra-curricular activities from student government, to the school newspaper, soccer team, Model UN program among others. He was especially proud of the many positive comments several professors had made about the scholars’ attitude, hard work and exemplary character. He credited the church families with doing a good job in raising their children and the young people with responding with a good set of values.
President Salonen also related how Father Moon guided him when the University was having as especially difficult time with one politician. Father Moon recommended that he love and serve him. In doing this the politician may not have changed much, but everyone around him came to respect the university and support it.

President Salonen was then presented a framed document by representative couple, Nikolai Corley and Norie Toda. The document thanks President Salonen for his years of leadership and lists all 144 students who have received the PWPA scholarship betwe… — President Salonen was then presented a framed document by representative couple, Nikolai Corley and Norie Toda. The document thanks President Salonen for his years of leadership and lists all 144 students who have received the PWPA scholarship between 2007 and 2018. President Salonen was personally touched by the kind gesture and expressed his deep appreciation.

The luncheon ended with a series in Q & A at which President Salonen intimated his plans to move back to Maryland to be near his two children and help with his son’s business. He has been elected President-Emeritus by the Board of Trustees and always stands ready to help in any way he can. He looks forward to and wishes the new President, Dr. Laura Tremblay, all the best as she works to sustain the positive programs President Salonen has initiated and increase the ranking of the university.

After so many years of service, President Salonen will surely be missed, but the feeling among many is he has started us in the right direction and the future is bright at UB!