From thrilling basketball games to graduations to hosting political leaders, the Chase Arena on the University of Hartford campus has had plenty of memorable moments. But probably none like Tuesday, March 5, when a man dressed like a giant banana stirred hundreds into a state of excitement with his energetic presentation on ways to find passion in life and make it stand out.
Jesse Cole, dressed in his trademark yellow tuxedo and yellow bowler hat, is the founder of Fans First Entertainment and owner of the popular Savannah Bananas baseball team. It’s the success he has had with the Savannah Bananas—transforming an exhibition team into one of the most popular sports entertainment shows in the world—that provides the foundation of his motivational presentations.
Cole’s appearance at UHart was part of the Rogow Distinguished Lecturer Series, devoted to bringing celebrated authors, journalists, historians, academics, and artists to the Greater Hartford region.