Their Advice to Students: Develop Confidence, Strive for Excellence, Have No Regrets
The School of Business inducted five outstanding business leaders into its 'Hall of Fame' on Friday. Seated from left: Laurie Havanec '82, '94 JD and Trisha Bailey, Ph.D. '99, '23 H. Standing (from left): Interim Dean Greg Reilly; Gregory Lewis '91; UConn President Radenka Maric; Robert Skinner '93 and John Hodson '85. (Thomas Hurlbut Photo)
The School of Business inducted five extraordinary business leaders into its Alumni Hall of Fame on Friday night, at a joyful ceremony that included a sold-out crowd of 400 at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.
The new inductees included:
- Trisha M. Bailey, Ph.D. '99, '23 H, a serial entrepreneur and owner and CEO of Bailey's Pharmacy & Medical Equipment & Supplies;
- Laurie A. Havanec '82, '94 JD, the retired Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at CVS Health;
- John Hodson '85 President of True Benefit;
- Gregory P. Lewis '92 retired Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Honeywell International; and
- Robert J. Skinner '93, Founding Partner & Co-CEO of IEQ Capital.
Each of the inductees, all alumni who have had remarkable careers and made significant contributions to society, shared their personal stories about their journeys, their passion for helping others and their love of UConn.
Bailey: UConn Saw the Light in Her When Others Didn't
Bailey is a serial entrepreneur who, in addition to running her flagship company, oversees 15 other businesses. She has been named the JP Morgan Chase Woman of the Year. She made the largest single donation in history to UConn Athletics, and is involved in numerous philanthropic endeavors in the U.S. and Jamaica. Bailey, a mother of five, is also the author of the book "UNBROKEN'' about her life's journey and her unwavering values of compassion, excellence, and empowerment.
She told the audience that in 1990 she left behind a life of poverty of Jamaica to relocate to Hartford. A high school counselor had once told her she wasn't "college material,'' she recalled. "She doesn't know what she's talking about!'' Bailey remembered thinking that day. The UConn audience cheered at her response. UConn, she said, saw the light in her when others didn't, and gave her a full scholarship.
She hopes that her success inspires many other girls and women.
"Make sure your excellence is so profound it cannot be denied,'' she said. "I want young girls across the globe to see that this honor is for you. Keep striving. You are amazing!''
Havanec Astonished by Today's UConn Students
Havanec, who recently retired from CVS Health, oversaw 300,000 employees in her role in talent development and acquisition, compensation and benefits, and diversity, equity and inclusion. She earned her bachelor's degree in marketing from UConn, and six weeks after the birth of her second child, she returned to earn her JD degree from UConn Law. In 2019, she endowed a need-based scholarship to help other women attend law school. She is a two-time cancer survivor who advocates for early detection and prevention.
She returned to Storrs last week, for the first time in 20 years, and said the experience was exhilarating. She was impressed by the sophistication, real-life decision-making, and leadership she found in the students. She said the student investors at the School of Business' Hillside Ventures are exceptional.
"When they leave UConn, they'll be amazing sponsors for the university,'' she said. "I know it is scary leaving college. Be courageous. Go out there and show the world what you have!''
Havanec, a passionate UConn basketball fan, also gave a shout-out to the UConn women's basketball team, just days after they won the national championship. "They overcame so much adversity,'' she said. "They are role models for all of us!''
Hodson Spoke About The Deeper Meaning of Dreams
Hodson, founded his employee benefits company, True Benefit, to foster inclusivity, ethics, and community engagement. He has worked tirelessly to improve insurance policies for the transgender community. In addition, he has created scholarships for transgender students and has supported UConn's 'Name, Image and Likeness' initiatives.
In his award acceptance speech, he spoke about a recurring dream that he was on the golf course and something-a tree branch, an octogenarian, or a storm-prevents him from completing his round.
"I know it was a metaphor for 'Am I good enough?,'" he said. As his company grew, so did his stress and the pressure to not disappoint his stakeholders. He was in his early 50s when he met his wife, who believed in him and pushed him to the next level. Now he dreams of standing on the fairway and "smoking'' the shot. He said he wouldn't be where he is today without help from great friends.
His message to students is one of compassion. "I think it is a lot harder to be a student today than it was when I was growing up,'' he said. "Just be yourself, be kind to yourself, and don't do it alone. Lean on others and you'll be OK.''
Lewis: Push Past Fear; Don't Lose Your Humanity
Lewis has worked for Honeywell, a Fortune 100 company, since 2006. Most recently he was the Senior Vice President and CFO, providing leadership through corporate headquarter relocation, COVID-19, and economic and geo-political shifts. In February, he stepped down as CFO and became a special advisor to the CEO as the company separates into three.
He praised his parents for showing him the pathway to success, teaching him care and compassion, and to strive to be the best every day. He told students and young alumni that he owes his success to doing hard things and doing them well; demonstrating leadership; and always caring about others.
"Push past fear and uncertainty, say yes a lot, and don't lose your humanity,'' he said. "No one succeeds alone. Don't live with regret. Struggle and failure is a step toward growth.''
Lewis, who met his wife Barbara (Reynolds '89) at UConn, and raised two daughters together, spoke of his love for his family and the 40 people there to support him. He is active in community organizations including serving as the Chair of the Charlotte (NC) Small Business Innovation Fund, as a member of an organization fighting homelessness, and on the Board of Medtronic.
Skinner: Play for the Name on the Front of the Jersey
Skinner's company, IEQ Capital, merges intellectual and emotional factors in investing. He has been named one of America's top wealth advisors by Forbes. He is active in the board of several golf charities including PGA REACH, the foundation associated with PGA of America.
Planning to become a lawyer, Skinner instead found himself in the business world and wanted to build a company.
"UConn is my family. I have great memories and great friendships from those years,'' he said. "At UConn I found myself. I developed the grit, excellence, and the belief that I can do something really big.''
In accepting his award, he told the audience to "play for the name on the front of the jersey, not the name on the back.''
He praised former UConn men's basketball head coach Jim Calhoun, who was in attendance with current coach Dan Hurley and assistant coach Luke Murray, whom he met his freshman year. "He got my fire burning, got me to believe in winning and doing things that others don't think you can,'' he said. "I'm beyond grateful for the recognition. Every day I think about being a Husky!''
