Stephen Mulready M’77, former UHart interim president and Barney dean, and Kristin Wait M’91 were honored for their professional accomplishments and contributions to the business community. Three Barney students also received scholarships sponsored by the Board of Visitors.
The induction ceremony in Wilde Auditorium brought together alumni, university leadership, faculty, staff, students, and members of the Barney community. Remarks were shared by Board of Visitors Chair Kim Goodwin M’00, Co-Chair Mike Storiale M’05, University President Lawrence P. Ward, and Dean of the Barney School Aarti Ivanic, who celebrated the inductees and the importance of supporting the next generation of business leaders.
Mulready directed most of his remarks toward the students in the audience. He reflected on how two Barney professors helped shape his leadership philosophy and career. Dr. Grillo, his management and organizational behavior professor, taught him to look beyond the mechanics of a task and focus on people and their effectiveness; while Dr. Armentano, Mulready’s economics professor, sparked his interest in risk management by emphasizing the importance of anticipating unexpected consequences of business decisions.
Mulready shared how these lessons guided him throughout his career at Aetna, from advancing through six supervisory positions to leading field operations and eventually turning around an underperforming business unit. He emphasized the importance of preparation, building relationships, and lifelong learning. Encouraging students to carry those lessons into their own careers, he advised them to act ethically, remain inquisitive, collaborate, and celebrate the success of others. “In the theme of the Barney School of Business, you will be competent, confident and connected,” he said.
Wait also reflected on the lasting influence of her Barney education and how it helped shape her professional journey. She explained that Barney gave her more than an MBA: “It gave me an honest foundation on which I needed to pivot and set myself up for my future. It also gave me the confidence to move in ways I hadn't envisioned for myself,” she said.
The evening also recognized three Barney student scholarship recipients. Antwone Gardner ’29, a management major, sings in and serves as events coordinator for the University of Hartford Gospel Choir. He is also a contracted singer and worship leader at his local church. Passionate about leadership, service, and personal growth, Gardner hopes to build a career that makes a meaningful impact on others.
Laylah Alfatihah ’29, a finance major with a minor in risk management and insurance, is a member of the Honors Program and Hartford Steam Boiler Scholars Program. She has made the Dean’s List and President’s List, serves as a preceptor, and works as a Business Administrative Assistant at an environmental laboratory. After graduation, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in healthcare administration, with the goal of improving business operations in hospitals.
Yadiel Santana ’29, a finance major, has earned a 3.8 GPA and made the President’s List and Dean’s List. A bilingual student, Santana brings strong communication skills and an interest in evaluating investment opportunities and analyzing market trends. He is actively seeking internship opportunities to prepare for a career in the financial industry.
All three students expressed gratitude for the scholarships and the support of the Barney Board of Visitors as they continue pursuing their academic and professional goals.
The Barney School of Business Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes graduates whose professional achievements, leadership, and contributions reflect the impact of a Barney education.