On June 14, 2025, the Connecticut Academy of Physician Associates gathered members, past presidents, students, and special guests for a memorable evening in celebration of ConnAPA’s 50th Anniversary. The milestone dinner honored the past five decades of advocacy, education, and leadership while looking ahead to the next 50 years of the PA profession in Connecticut.
The evening began with a cocktail hour followed by the anniversary program. ConnAPA President Cayla Daniele opened the celebration by welcoming attendees and reflecting on the organization’s history — from its founding by a small group of visionary leaders in 1975 to the strong, unified voice for PAs it has become today.
The program, emceed by Immediate Past President Sarah Adams, featured remarks from several leaders who have shaped the PA profession:
- Dr. Bill Kohlhepp, former AAPA President and longtime educator, shared reflections on the early days of ConnAPA and the growth of the PA profession nationally.
- A video montage (below), produced by Alec William, highlighted stories from ConnAPA’s past, present, and future.
- Tricia Marriott, past ConnAPA President and current Director at Large, spoke on the Academy’s evolution through clinical, educational, and advocacy perspectives.
- Jason Prevelige, past ConnAPA President and AAPA President/Chair of the Board, reflected on ConnAPA’s leadership at both the state and national level.
- Beth Cuoco, President of the Connecticut PA Foundation (CTPAF), shared the Foundation’s ongoing impact through scholarships, community outreach, and professional development.
The celebration concluded with a toast to ConnAPA’s past, present, and future. As Sarah Adams reminded the audience, anniversaries are not only a time to reflect but also a call to imagine what comes next. ConnAPA will continue to serve as the voice for PAs in Connecticut — advocating for modern practice laws, fostering mentorship, leading in education, and strengthening the PA community for generations to come.
A highlight of the evening was the formal 50th Anniversary Proclamation from the AAPA House of Delegates, presented by Cayla Daniele, honoring ConnAPA’s five decades of service and leadership to the PA profession.
The evening closed with ConnAPA’s annual business meeting, marking not just the end of a celebration, but the beginning of the Academy’s next 50 years.