From classmates to soulmates, the connections forged at UHart culminated in their recent wedding.
For Ashleigh Basel Plaza '23, M'26, and Marcelino Plaza '23, the University of Hartford was more than the place where they earned their degrees—it was where they found lifelong friendships, launched rewarding careers, and met the person they would marry.
The couple, who both graduated from UHart's Acoustical Engineering and Music Program, recently celebrated their wedding this summer surrounded by family, friends, and many of the classmates who shared their college journey. Both Ashleigh and Marcelino earned degrees in engineering (acoustics); Ashleigh also holds an MBA.
Their wedding also served as an unofficial mini UHart reunion, celebrating numerous strong UHart connections. Ashleigh's maid of honor was Grace Harty '23 (health science), D'26 (physical therapy), whose friendship with Ashleigh began during a Newman Club retreat before their first year on campus. Although the two had originally been matched as roommates, they both opted to potentially room with others, hoping to meet students from different backgrounds. According to Ashleigh's mother, Lori Basel, "fate had other plans. They (Ashleigh and Grace) quickly became inseparable, rooming together for their sophomore, junior, and senior years."
Grace witnessed Ashleigh and Marcelino's relationship grow from classmates to life partners. During her maid of honor speech, she summed up their bond simply: "Marcelino and Ashleigh, you are two of my favorite people in the entire world."
Also celebrating alongside the newlyweds were fellow alumni Tyler Mendela, '25 (biology); Jill Caldarola, '23, M'26 (nursing); and Noah Ackermann '23 (health science), D'26 (physical therapy). Marcelino first met Tyler, Noah, and Jill while serving as a resident assistant, and those friendships have remained strong well beyond graduation. In another full-circle UHart connection, Noah served as the resident assistant for Ashleigh and Grace during their senior year. Noah and Jill are now preparing for a milestone of their own as they marry this November.
The ceremony itself included another meaningful University of Hartford connection. Lisabeth Miller of The Hartt School, Ashleigh's longtime voice teacher, performed during the church ceremony, bringing another beloved member of the UHart community into the couple's special day.
For Ashleigh's mother, Lori, the wedding reflected everything she has come to appreciate about the University of Hartford. "UHart has had such a positive effect on my life and that of my family," she explains. "My daughter wanted to combine mechanical engineering and music, and UHart's Acoustical Engineering and Music Program 100 percent accomplished that goal."
The interdisciplinary program not only matched Ashleigh's academic interests but also introduced her to Marcelino, who was studying alongside her. Through the guidance and professional connections of Bob Celmer, former head of the program, both graduates secured full-time positions immediately after earning their degrees. Today, they are each three years into successful careers in the acoustical engineering field.
Lori believes her daughter's experience highlights what makes the University of Hartford exceptional. "When people asked why she chose UHart when she had offers from other prestigious engineering schools, my answer was always the same: UHart has some very unique programs, and it was the perfect fit for her," she emphasizes. "I feel that UHart is truly concerned with the overall well-being and success of each student. Most importantly, my daughter and her new husband absolutely loved their experience there."
For Ashleigh, the lasting impact of her college years goes far beyond academics. "UHart will always have a special place in my heart," she says. "I entered college unsure if I would make new friends and met not only my husband but also my maid of honor. I was encouraged to take chances and explore all of the opportunities at my fingertips, which allowed me to grow and build connections that will truly last a lifetime."
Marcelino echoes that sentiment. "My time at UHart was probably the most formative experience of my life," he asserts. "I met friends that I will stay in touch with for the rest of my life in addition to meeting my wife. I learned how to be a good student, employee, manager, and friend all on that campus. I don't know when Hartford will stop feeling like home for me and my wife, but I wouldn't hold my breath."
From friendships forged in residence halls and student organizations to careers launched through faculty mentorship, the Plaza's story is a testament to the lifelong connections that begin at UHart. Their wedding wasn't just a celebration of two graduates beginning married life together—it was a joyful reunion of a community that continues to shape their lives long after Commencement.
Marcelino Plaza '23, CETAMy time at UHart was probably the most formative experience of my life