Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi delivered remarks at Westfield State’s Civic Leadership event on Sept. 20. Joining students, faculty and staff at the event were area school superintendents, legislators, mayors, city councilors, and other elected officials. In addition to thanking the officials for their service and leadership, President Torrecilha specifically acknowledged State Sen. Donald Humason Jr. ’89 (R-Westfield) and State Rep. John Velis (D-Westfield) for their advocacy on the university’s behalf that resulted in a $75,000 earmarked funding for the Banacos Academic Center.