Luis Quisumbing’s eyes light up as he talks about his membership in the student-run UConn Formula SAE race car organization. The latest car took first place for acceleration in a recent college competition, beating more than 100 other entries. The technology and innovation it incorporates might also be applied to other fields, including the defense industry.
Aria Penna is developing expertise in investing, and is particularly intrigued by companies developing technology that can make the world more green. She has become more knowledgeable about sustainability, and can quickly identify promising startups.
Although five decades separate the two business students from UConn alumna Antonietta ‘Toni’ Boucher ’02 MBA, their perspective is the same: Who better than UConn students and alumni to create, support, bolster and lead companies that are going to change the world?
“When I talk to these students, I see my own children, I see my own grandchildren. The School of Business is a place of innovation. There is wonderful talent here,’’ said Boucher, a former Connecticut state legislator who served for 22 years.
Gift Increases Business Potential Exponentially
Earlier this year, Boucher gave the School of Business an $8 million gift to support expanded business development for entrepreneurs who are developing scientific, engineering, or technological breakthroughs. New this fall, some business entrepreneurship courses are catering exclusively to STEM students. In addition, the School and its strategic partners will offer assistance to newer science and tech companies seeking to fast-track their growth.
Greg Reilly, head of the management and entrepreneurship department, said Boucher’s gift will STEM students to take courses that were never before available to them.
“An engineering student may, for example, put those skills and talent to work in new ways by developing technical startups and analyzing the market potential that they offer,’’ he said. “It’s really very exciting and offers incredible business development potential.’’
Boucher’s gift is the largest individual donation to the School of Business and marks the first time an academic department has been named for a benefactor. In honor of Toni Boucher and her late husband, Henry ‘Bud’ Boucher, the school renamed its management department to the Boucher Management and Entrepreneurship Department.
“Toni stands out as a genuine philanthropist,” said Michael Van Sambeck, assistant vice president for Principal Gifts. “Her intent and actions mirror her profound philanthropic spirit. She’s always asking ‘What can we collectively accomplish for UConn, the local community, and most importantly, our students?’ This enduring focus on the students and the overall advancement of Connecticut truly distinguishes her.”
Boucher is fascinated by innovation.
“I want students and faculty to come up with ideas, whether it is a new food product, an engineering innovation, a medical breakthrough, a new kind of clothing, a new source of energy, help for special-education children, or a better computer chip,’’ she said. “Entrepreneurship can develop from any discipline. It’s limited only by what your imagination can provide.’’
Try, Try Again
Born in Italy, Boucher immigrated to the U.S. at age 5, traveling in the bottom of a ship and suffering from extreme sea sickness. Her family believed in hard work and her experience made her a staunch believer in offering people the opportunity to rise from poverty.
Boucher served as the chief deputy leader in the state Senate and assistant minority leader in the state House of Representatives. Outside of the legislative sphere, she has been the director of a leading investment company, held executive positions with Fortune 500 companies, co-founded a marketing design agency, and served as principal of a software and consulting firm.
Her allegiance to UConn began after she enrolled in the MBA program here. She was determined to complete her degree, but she was also juggling a full-time job that required travel, her commitments in the legislature, and raising three children. Due to the circumstances, the School extended the deadline for her to complete her degree.
“I loved the program, and I had wonderful professors and brilliant peers,’’ she said. “UConn cared about me, and now I can reciprocate.’’
Toni and Bud had spoken of their philanthropic goals in 2020, the year that they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Bud, a management consultant and entrepreneur, had reached a pinnacle in his business career. Although he didn’t attend UConn, he served as a guest lecturer in some of the courses and held the university in high esteem. Bud passed away in January 2021, just weeks after he was diagnosed with leukemia.
Toni Boucher said she feels her husband’s support in her advocacy for the UConn management and entrepreneurship program and is pleased that it honors his legacy and entrepreneurial drive.
“I still feel like I’m doing this in partnership with him,’’ she said. “I want to invest in the passion my husband had for giving people with ideas an opportunity to learn through failures and then to succeed. Try, try again. He embodied that. He never quit.’’
Boucher recently had the privilege of learning about a new medical technology that will likely revolutionize the healthcare industry. “It’s inspirational. It is a once-in-a-century achievement,’’ she said. “To me, investing in something incredible like that is so much more exciting than, say, buying a Tesla.’’
Students Aria Penna (left) and Luis Quisumbing (right) pose for a photo with donor Toni Boucher ’02 MBA (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business