University of Bridgeport debuts new business school

Alumni, dignitaries and the man of the hour ”“ Ernie Trefz ”“ gathered recently to cut the ribbon on the new University of Bridgeport Ernest C. Trefz School of Business at 230 Park Ave. on the university campus.

Ernie Trefz, center in tan coat, breaks ground on the new building in 2013.

UB alumni Marian Heard, Class of ”™63, and trustee Thomas O”™Hara, Class of ”™84, who provided for the school”™s Jacobson Wing Lobby and Raymond O”™Hara Auditorium, attended. They were joined by Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, state Sen. Andres Ayala Jr., D-Bridgeport, state Rep. Ezequiel Santiago, D-Bridgeport, and Bridgeport City Council members Denese Taylor-Moye and Jack Banta.

David E.A. Carson, former CEO of People”™s United Bank, introduced Trefz, a longtime supporter and trustee of the university for whom the school is named.

Trefz is a principal in Trefz Corp., founded with his brother, Christian J. Trefz, and now a family business that owns 44 McDonalds and the Bridgeport Holiday Inn.

The Trefz School of Business recently hired seven faculty members, all of whom have practical experience working in business. It also launched its online MBA program in January, with input from leaders from the state”™s corporate community.

“With its official opening, the Ernest C. Trefz School of Business takes us into the forefront of the business world so our students can achieve success in today’s competitive environment,” UB President Neil A. Salonen said in a statement. “As a friend, Mr. Trefz has supported UB and encouraged its success. As a UB trustee, his invaluable counsel has guided the university for over 30 years. As a businessman, he has inspired many well beyond the boundaries of this campus. We are proud to honor his legacy and his vision.”