UHart H Magazine Spring 2026

University of Hartford Magazine is published annually for alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends.

Vice President for Marketing Communication MOLLY POLK

Editor

JONATHAN

EASTERBROOK ’87, M’90

News Editor MATT BESTERMAN

Art Direction

ALICIA POST LINDSTADT

Design

SANDY LE ’25

ELIZABETH SCHNELLER M’25

KEVIN SEPE ’99

Contributing Writers

CLARA FANG

KELLEY FREUND

MARY INGARRA P’20, P’24

JOEL SAMBERG

AMELIA SPONAUER M’25

Photography

NICOLE BEDARD

STEVE MCLAUGHLIN

JONATHAN OLSON

GARRETT UHDE, DEFINING STUDIOS

BETH WORRICK ’26

HARTFORD.EDU

CONTACT US: H , UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD MAGAZINE Office of Marketing and Communication, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117 editor@hartford.edu

ON THE COVER:

An abstract street map of Hartford linking UHart and the city.

Sophie Groenstein ’22 contributed to the Dream Murals exhibition at UHart’s Silpe Gallery.

Partnerships with Purpose

New alliances expanding UHart’s

Deeply Rooted in Hartford

The spirit that built a university for the community thrives anew.

Scholar Power

Three students share how local support makes dreams possible.

28 Wagging Away Worries

UHart’s comfort dog spreads joy across campus and beyond.

Hawks Landed

From campus to career, 2025 graduates put regional connections to work.

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H welcomes and appreciates comments and thoughts from readers and alumni. Email editor@hartford.edu.

Our Story in the Capital City

Time seems to move quickly, especially when the work is meaningful. I am honored to be moving with urgency and intention through my second year as UHart’s president.

Each day since my arrival, I have been reminded that there is absolutely nothing routine about the presidency. Every conversation, success, and challenge enhances my appreciation and admiration for the dedicated people and essential purpose that define our extraordinary university.

As a dynamic and contemporary institution of higher education, we make it a priority to capture and celebrate our community’s momentum in the pages of H magazine. By the time you finish reading this issue, there already will be exciting stories and a companion set of new achievements unfolding across campus and beyond.

This issue’s theme, which emphasizes our engagement with the Greater Hartford region, has significant and personal meaning for me. When I first considered UHart’s presidency, a driving motivator was the connections that our institution has with the capital city and our state.

My family has lived in Hartford since the 1940s. The city of Hartford provided

refuge, support, and new beginnings for my parents and their siblings. I am Connecticut born, raised, and educated. After living and working for nearly 30 years in Washington, D.C. and then Massachusetts, and having attended graduate school in Michigan and Pennsylvania, I feel blessed to be back home.

I am exceedingly proud of my family’s roots in Hartford. Our capital city has long been a leader in important industries while also being a center for the arts, culture, and leisure. What's more, a forward-thinking group of business and community leaders from the Hartford region were inspired almost 70 years ago to form the University of Hartford as an independent, multidisciplinary, transformative institution. Those leaders also wanted the University to share its name with the city, so we forever will be an integral part of the Hartford region. Partnerships, internships, mentors, and collaborative initiatives are what connect us to the city and region. It’s a shared responsibility and strategic priority; thus, we elevate it as one of UHart’s Critical Few Objectives. We have market-facing degree programs that relate directly to Hartford’s strengths. Indeed, some of our emerging local partnerships are featured in this issue of the magazine. As well, we highlight several graduates from the Class of 2025 who have joined local companies after (and in some cases, before) completing their degree and strengthening the workforce in Connecticut. We also share the inspiring stories behind the students and alumni who have made the most of scholarships generously provided by regional corporations.

Our transition to NCAA Division III athletics is now complete, and we are excited to be eligible for all conference and postseason championships—already having earned a few Conference of New England titles in 2025. In the pages that follow, you will meet many of our

impressive and talented student-athletes who make up Hawk Nation. There also is a story about one campus member whose favorite sport is frisbee—our comfort canine, Teddy. Teddy definitely has a dream job—and he also plays an important helping role in the broader community outside of campus.

In my last H magazine letter, I wrote about the notion of the University of Hartford being in the “dreams” business. Yet, we also are in the business of reality. The reality of relentlessly pursuing excellence in everything we do. The reality of preparing graduates for a future of personal and professional success. The reality of embracing new perspectives to meet the challenges of a constantly evolving world.

“What will continue to differentiate UHart, as we lean confidently into the future, is a consistent reimagining of excellence in what we do and how we pursue it.”

We are a special university—one defined by exceptional people and a deep connection to a remarkable city. What will continue to differentiate UHart, as we lean confidently into the future, is a consistent reimagining of excellence in what we do and how we pursue it. Excellence is not a destination to reach but rather a collective mode of travel. Together, we will embrace excellence, hold ourselves and each other accountable, and model it for our campus and alumni communities. The future is bright, and we are filled with gratitude for your encouragement, contributions, and support.

Why I Give to UHart.

“You gave me a chance as an older student and I want to pay it forward . —DAMON POSTLE ’07 ”

“

I give to the University of Hartford because UHart fosters a safe and inclusive environment for students to explore and try out new things and in doing so the students learn more about themselves, others, and the world at large.

”

—LINDA ISAACS P’25

“I want to give future students scholarship opportunities !

—VICTORIA LEVY ’25 ”

Congratulations

ANOTHER HONOR FOR WWUH RADIO

WWUH Radio, the University of Hartford’s non-commercial station, has once again earned statewide recognition—honored for Best College Radio Programming (2025) by the Connecticut Broadcasters Association. The honor follows last year’s award for Best Non-Commercial Station, underscoring WWUH’s enduring impact on listeners across Connecticut and beyond.

For more than five decades, WWUH has been powered by community spirit and volunteer passion, offering an eclectic mix of music, culture, and public affairs programming that reflects the diversity of its audience. Among its longestrunning programs and voices, which have been on the WWUH airwaves for between 45 and 50 years, are Rock ’N Roll Memory Machine with “Wild” Wayne Jones, New England’s longestrunning oldies show; Accent on Jazz hosted by Maurice D. Robertson, exploring the full spectrum of improvisational music; Gay Spirit with Keith Brown, Western New England’s longest-running program devoted to LGBTQ+ issues; and Cultura e Vida with Henrique N. Ribeiro, celebrating Portuguese music, history, and community life.

WWUH continues to embody the true spirit of public radio—educational, inclusive, and proudly independent— broadcasting 24/7 on 91.3 FM and streaming worldwide at wwuh.org.

UHART’S HURSEY CENTER RECEIVES AMERICAN ARCHITECTURE AWARD

With its gleaming exterior, distinctive shape, and iconic green roof, the Francis X. and Nancy Hursey Center for Advanced Engineering and Health Professions is a jewel at the center of the University of Hartford campus. Now its distinguished architectural features have received national recognition.

The Hursey Center is one of the recipients of the nation’s most prestigious building award, the American Architecture Award. The award description cites the building’s visually dynamic and complex interior and energy efficient building systems. It also praises the Center’s placement, which intentionally creates a series of gathering spaces around the building and across the quad.

Opened in 2021, the 60,000-square-foot Hursey Center houses facilities for UHart’s rapidly growing programs in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture,

such as a Makerspace and labs for the aerospace and robotics engineering programs. The building also features state-of-theart spaces for the occupational therapy, nursing, physical therapy, and exercise science programs in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions.

H MAGAZINE WINS UCDA DESIGN AWARD

The fall 2024 issue of H magazine, created by the Office of Marketing and Communication, has won an Award of Excellence from the University & College Designers Association (UCDA). This issue of H featured the beginning of President Ward’s tenure, alumni who reconnected with UHart to make a greater positive impact on the local community, students who interned with NBC Sports to work on televised coverage of the Paris Olympic games, and new additions that enhance the student experience.

The UCDA Design Awards recognize the best of design and creative work, and our entry ranked in the top 25% of submissions.

UCDA inspires designers and design educators working within educational institutions in North America and around the world by providing professional and personal development, community, best practices, and advocacy for the profession and education of design.

UNOTES

Inspiring Lessons from Hamilton Beyond

BRYAN TERRELL CLARK, WHOSE ROLES HAVE INCLUDED GEORGE WASHINGTON IN THE ICONIC MUSICAL, WOWED A CROWD IN MILLARD AUDITORIUM AND GAVE A MASTERCLASS FOR STUDENTS AT THE HARTT SCHOOL.

Shortly after Bryan Terrell Clark took the stage at the University of Hartford, he launched into the opening lines of his first song from the musical that’s been his biggest Broadway credit.

“Weareoutgunned!Outmanned! Outnumbered,outplanned!”

The rendition of “Right Hand Man” from Hamilton: An American Musical brought the crowd in Millard Auditorium to its feet. Clark, who played the role of George Washington from 2017 to 2020, was there to speak on “Finding Your Purpose: From Baltimore to Broadway’s Hamilton” as part of the University’s Helen Rogow Distinguished Visiting Lecturer Series.

“Your passions will lead you to places beyond your wildest dreams,” Clark said. “I’ve met presidents with this passion. I’ve become the person I wish

I saw as a child with this passion. But the passion alone is not as fulfilling as when you know why you’re doing what you do. So it’s worth slowing down a little bit and remembering, ‘What is it that I’m passionate about? When I was a kid, what were the things that I just naturally loved to do?’ Your compass is there.”

In his wide-ranging and inspiring talk, Clark touched on lessons from growing up in Baltimore, where his father struggled with drug addiction. In his teenage years, singing in a gospel choir and developing an interest in performing helped him find his voice.

“The arts are a powerful thing,” he said. “As a species, storytelling is truly the oldest form of technology we have. When the arts are neglected and attacked, the world gets sick. Civilizations have a decline in culture and health.”

“

IT’S WORTH SLOWING DOWN A LITTLE BIT AND REMEMBERING, ‘WHEN I WAS A KID, WHAT WERE THE THINGS THAT I JUST NATURALLY LOVED TO DO?’ YOUR COMPASS IS THERE.”

—

Before his role in Hamilton, Clark starred as Marvin Gaye in Motown: The Musical, and he’s gone on to other roles in theatre, film, and television.

Earlier in the day, Clark gave a masterclass for students at The Hartt School. As he led them in a series of acting exercises, he shared stories about his first steps toward Broadway success.

“I thought musical theater was corny,” he said, “and then I saw Rent and it changed my life. I started skipping school to find auditions, and I got callbacks, and at the last callback they were like, ‘How old are you?’ And I

said, ‘17.’ And they said, ‘Come back in a few years. You’ve got something.’”

Clark also answered the students’ questions about the art—and business— of performing. One asked him how to stay true to one’s art in such a highly competitive field.

“You’re going to find in the beginning that you’re trying to define yourself for other people,” Clark said. “It’s a part of the journey. At some point you’re going to go, ‘I’m going to just be me,’ and then it’ll just work. Your job is to consistently be who you are.”

“You Are Essential”

FORMER EDUCATION SECRETARY MIGUEL CARDONA BRINGS A MESSAGE OF HOPE AND REASSURANCE TO CAMPUS.

“This is the best time for educators to get into the profession,” former United States Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona advised College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions students and faculty during a visit to campus this past spring.

Cardona came to campus in April to give the keynote address at the “We Are ENHP” Scholarship Showcase, where ENHP students and faculty celebrate their research, creativity, and dedication.

“You are entering the best professions at a time in this country where our students and our patients need you the most,” Cardona said. “Today, we celebrate your projects and your commitment to being an essential member of our community, which helps ensure that we are healthy and will prosper as a country.”

To the assembled crowd in Gengras Student Union, Cardona had a simple message: you are essential.

“You are essential when you look a mother or a father in the eye and you assure them that their child will make a full recovery,” he said. “You are essential when you tell a loved one that their grandparent is going to be okay, and they’re going to make it. You are essential when you help a child see something in themselves that they didn’t even know they had.”

Cardona praised the work of the students and faculty in education, health and rehabilitation sciences, and nursing, who presented from the podium and in poster displays. “I’m blessed that you’re going to be frontliners in that work,” he emphasized.

BRIEFS

Imagine getting a dance lesson from the King of Pop. That dream became a reality for nearly 50 students of The Hartt School, as alumnus Jamaal Fields-Green ’18 returned to Hartford as the star of the national tour of MJ: The Musical at the Bushnell.

Fields-Green taught the aspiring performers some of the Tony-winning musical’s challenging, Michael Jacksoninspired choreography, including the song “Smooth Criminal.” Fields-Green is the only actor to play Jackson in all three global productions of MJ: on Broadway, in the national tour, and in London. He also runs his own production company, records his own music, and writes, directs, and stars in his own films.

“Deafblindness is not my biggest barrier. My biggest barrier is ableism.”

That was the resounding message from Haben Girma to a packed audience in Wilde Auditorium. Girma was the speaker at the spring 2025 Rogow Distinguished Visiting Lecturer Series, which brings celebrated authors, journalists, historians, academics, and artists to campus and the Greater Hartford area. Girma, the first deafblind woman to graduate from Harvard Law School, spoke on “Disability and Innovation”—a topic she brings to schools and organizations around the country as a human rights lawyer and disability advocate.

“There are many, many stories woven into our world of disability sparking innovation,” she says. “The difference is that now we’re more aware of ableism and we can talk about disability without the shame that often made these stories hidden and invisible in the past.”

Scholars of Excellence

UHART CELEBRATES THE RECIPIENTS OF A SCHOLARSHIP AIMED AT NURTURING HARTFORD’S HOMEGROWN TALENT.

Most scholarship recipients don’t expect to receive in-person kudos from the leader of a major corporation, but the University of Hartford’s Scholars of Excellence aren’t just any students. They’re among the top academically prepared students from the Greater Hartford area, in a scholarship program aimed at growing the state’s workforce and addressing rising unmet need in the region.

That’s why Stanley Black & Decker Executive Chair Donald Allan Jr. ’86 congratulated the first cohort of Scholars of Excellence personally at a special breakfast on the UHart campus.

“When I look at all of you and your young, excited, fresh faces ready to take on the world, I remember being there,” said Allan, who is also the chair of the University of Hartford Board of Regents. “It’s an exciting time and an exciting place. You’re going to love the journey you’re going to go on, but you’ll always remember the foundational experience you get here at the University of Hartford.”

Funded by a $3 million gift from Stanley Black & Decker, the Scholars of Excellence program gives students scholarship offers averaging more than $35,000 each.

The students who gathered in Auerbach Hall for the breakfast reception were able to jump-start those career opportunities by networking with a number of SBD employees who came to cheer them on, some of whom were UHart alumni. University of Hartford President Lawrence P. Ward said those employees are an example to students of what’s possible in their own lives.

“I grew up not knowing any corporate executive,” Ward said. “My mother was an elementary school teacher, and my father was a contractor. I had some trepidation when I was in college, meeting business professionals for the first time. It was their kindness, their patience, and their empathy that really helped me to see possibilities for my life. So trust me when I say you being here with our students is meaningful and we’re grateful for you.”

Round and Round

WITH A CUTTING-EDGE STUDY, CETA PROFESSOR CLARA FANG AIMS TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF TRANSPORTATION POLICY.

If you’ve driven in New England, chances are you’ve navigated a roundabout. Love them or hate them, roundabouts are becoming more popular as a traffic solution across the country.

That’s what’s driving UHart Professor Clara Fang to study how drivers behave in roundabouts, as well as their impact on the environment. Fang, the chair of the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture, has received a $217,000 research grant for the cutting-edge study from the Connecticut Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

Roundabouts allow for a continuous flow of traffic, reducing frequent stops, accelerations, and decelerations that are primary contributors to vehicle emissions. For that reason, they are touted as a potentially sustainable alternative to traditional intersections. Fang’s research will focus on some Connecticut roundabouts to explore how these designs might lower pollution levels and help improve air quality.

“Intersections are often hotspots for vehicle emissions due to the stop-and-go nature of traffic,” Fang explains. “Roundabouts, by promoting a more consistent speed, have the potential to reduce emissions of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, both of which are key pollutants in urban areas.”

Fang’s research team includes Song Wang, assistant professor of civil engineering, and two third-year undergraduate students, Kai Thammalath and Young Dinh. By participating in the project, the students will gain invaluable hands-on experience in data processing and simulation modeling, aligning with the University’s mission to give students applied learning opportunities that prepare them for future careers in engineering and research.

In 2023, Fang was awarded a grant for a previous study using artificial intelligence to evaluate and predict infrastructure needs of Connecticut’s more than 5,000 bridges. This new grant will position Fang’s high-resolution research on roundabout performance at the forefront of sustainable transportation, poised to shape future policies.

Continuing its commitment to helping students put their purpose to work in cutting-edge fields, UHart is launching undergraduate programs in neuroscience and finance & technology.

Offered through the Barney School of Business, the Bachelor of Science degree in finance & technology blends finance, data analytics, and technological innovation, with a curriculum that encompasses blockchain, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.

The bachelor’s degree program in neuroscience is offered through the College of Arts and Sciences. Program director Andrew Koob, associate professor of biology, says faculty developed the program in response to demand from prospective students.

Additionally, in 2025, the first cohort of students graduated from the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program in UHart’s College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions. The 30-credit fully online program prepares nurses to assume leadership roles in healthcare organizations or contribute to educating future practitioners. To that end, students also take courses in management through the Barney School of Business.

How much water does each of us need to drink? UHart researchers asked AI.

Bri D’Urso and Ben Kopf, both second-year computer science students in the College of Arts and Sciences, attended the Hartford AI Day 2025 conference to present a summary of research their department conducted in collaboration with UHart’s Hydration Health Center. The two students applied machine learning to reveal the biological and psychological factors that characterize a person’s hydration level.

The prestigious annual conference, spearheaded by Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, is designed to strengthen the city’s transformation into an AI center of excellence. D’Urso and Kopf presented in front of a record-setting 500 participants, including corporate and startup executives and researchers.

A Center for Jewish Life on Campus

WITH THE OPENING OF THE ZACHS HILLEL CENTER, UHART CELEBRATES ITS VIBRANT JEWISH COMMUNITY ON CAMPUS.

The University of Hartford has long been a center of Jewish learning and belonging, and the ribbon-cutting for the new Zachs Hillel Center for Jewish Life was a celebration of that legacy.

“What we’re celebrating is far more than just a physical space,” said President Lawrence P. Ward. “It’s a testament to the vibrancy of our Jewish community on campus.”

Dozens of members of UHart’s Jewish community attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the center, along with many of the donors whose generosity made the center possible, including members of the Zachs Family Foundation. Its president, Henry Zachs, wielded the ceremonial scissors to cut the ribbon.

The new space, located on the lower level of University Commons, is far larger than UHart’s previous Hillel Center. It includes a Kosher kitchen and a lounge area for students to congregate in their down time.

The fundraising effort also allowed UHart to create the role of Fain Family Endowed Director of Jewish Student Life, ensuring a trained Jewish professional on campus in perpetuity. Lisa Langsner, who holds that role, thanked all the donors whose inspiring and transformative contributions made the center possible.

“This center is for current students and the thousands of young people who aren’t here yet, but who deserve a place to feel seen, to be heard, to be reminded of their inherent value to this world,” said Langsner. “It’s for young people like my own daughters, who will grow up and know that no matter what, they will have a Jewish home away from home, and who will eventually build their own Jewish identities and make their own Jewish community.”

THIS CENTER IS FOR CURRENT STUDENTS AND THE THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO AREN’T HERE YET, BUT WHO DESERVE A PLACE TO FEEL SEEN, TO BE HEARD, TO BE REMINDED OF THEIR INHERENT VALUE TO THIS WORLD.”

— Lisa Langsner

Taking Their Skills Across the Globe

A GROUP OF UHART PHYSICAL THERAPY STUDENTS TRAVELED HALF A WORLD AWAY TO PROVIDE DESPERATELY NEEDED CARE.

Twelve physical therapy students—twice as many as last year—traveled halfway around the world to treat patients on the island of Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands.

The summer trip was the third year in a row that UHart students and faculty have worked at Eucon Medical Health Services. Three participants from 2024 went on the trip again in 2025.

“We are seeing people make the time to come every year and contribute,” said Thomas Bellama, applied associate professor of physical therapy, who leads the program. “That kind of continuity is great for the local community and to help our students practice at a high level when we get there.”

For the students who participate, spending a summer on the far-flung South Pacific island is a chance to acquire valuable career experience they might not have closer to home. “School prepares you to take the National Physical Therapy Exam and to be a competent clinician,” said Lindsay Coffey ’26, “but that doesn’t compare to experiencing it in real time.”

Ben Senra ’26 agrees. “In school we learned everything in isolation,” he said, “but going on this trip made me realize that the lines get blurred in real life clinical situations.”

The program helps fill a crucial gap in a place whose dire economic situation means qualified medical professionals are growing scarce. “Everyone seems to be leaving for better opportunities,” Bellama said. “No one is coming. Patients and people that we ran into in the community were grateful that we were still coming.”

Wesley Johnson ’26 said his experience in Saipan taught him how to problem-solve in real time with limited resources. “The trip exposed me to unpredictable clinical scenarios that simply cannot be replicated in a classroom setting, which helped solidify a strong foundation heading into clinical rotations,” he said.

Saipan boasts a varied mix of cultures, including Indigenous Chamorro, Japanese, Spanish, and American influences—and that’s part of the reason for the program. “Traveling to Saipan helped me to learn about how different cultures react and respond differently to pain and impairments,” said Blake Edwards ’26. “It was important to be able to recognize body language when a patient was uncomfortable during treatment in order to modify interventions appropriately.”

GLOBAL IMPACT

The trip to Saipan is just one way UHart’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences is making its mark around the globe.

Two Prosthetics & Orthotics students, Alex Chalifour MSPO ’26 and Kyle Moser MSPO ’26, took their skills to the island nation of Sri Lanka, where they helped fabricate and fit prosthetics for 30 patients at the Centre for the Handicapped in Kandy.

The trip was part of a longstanding partnership between UHart and the Limb Kind Foundation, which provides prostheses free of charge to children with limb loss around the world. The partnership has taken P&O students to places as far-flung as Kenya and Peru, and more trips are planned.

Chalifour says the experience was life-changing. “I was able to work with four patients of my own, where I formed meaningful connections and challenged myself clinically,” she says. “This trip was the pinnacle of what it means to do good, not just as a clinician, but as a human being.”

Duffy Felmlee, interim co-department chair of Rehabilitation Sciences and associate program director and clinical/applied professor of Prosthetics and Orthotics, says that this year, 10 of the prosthetic sockets were 3D printed as part of a series of pilot tests for how that technology can be applied in international settings.

“Alex and Kyle represented themselves and the program well on our second trip to Sri Lanka,” Felmlee explains. “Adapting to a new environment and working with the pediatric populations highlighted their skills and development in their final year at the University of Hartford.”

UHart in the News

University of Hartford students, faculty, and staff are regularly featured in local, regional, and national news outlets—and last year, we had a wealth of news to share.

SHARING HIS VISION

President Lawrence P. Ward has become a fixture in local media, with high-profile appearances in newspapers, on the radio, and on television.

Highlights included a front-page article in the Hartford Courant, which took a comprehensive look at how UHart athletics has grown and evolved during the transition to NCAA Division III. Ward and Director of Athletics and Recreation Alicia Queally were interviewed, along with student athletes and coaches.

NURSING STUDENTS FEATURED IN GOVERNOR'S NEWS CONFERENCE

Surrounded by more than a dozen UHart nursing students, Governor Ned Lamont chose the Immersive Simulation Suite in the Hursey Center to announce Connecticut’s participation in a compact meant at alleviating a nationwide nursing shortage.

The news conference was attended by all four local TV stations as well as other print and digital media.

In her introductory remarks, Edith Ouellet, executive director and chair of the nursing department, called the Multi-State Nurse Licensure Compact “a milestone for nursing in Connecticut.” It allows nurses from 43 states and territories to practice under a single license.

On the Connecticut Business and Industry Association's Bizcast podcast, Ward touched on UHart's efforts to partner with employers to create career pipelines for students. “We feel as though we have a responsibility as a University of Hartford to be supportive [of the Greater Hartford area],” he said. “Success for the region will mean success for the University of Hartford.”

Ward also appeared on “This Week in Connecticut” on WTNH-TV (Channel 8) and was a sought-after keynote speaker around the region.

In a December interview on WTIC Radio, Ward spoke about his emphasis on reimagining excellence: “Whether your job is in public safety, grounds and facilities, if you’re a biology or a business professor … everyone’s job is to have a relentless commitment to students and to pursue excellence,” Ward said.

SHOOTING FOR THE MOON

NASA aims to head back to the moon in the next few years with its Artemis program—and many of Connecticut’s high-tech companies want to be involved. UHart was a natural choice to host an April event in which more than 100 manufacturers and processors from across the state gathered to learn about how to work with the agency and its prime contractors. The event was covered by all four Hartford TV stations, as well as print and digital media.

“Since 1991, the University of Hartford has been proud to be the lead institution for the NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium, whose office is located on our campus,” said Hisham Alnajjar, the dean of UHart’s College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture and interim director of the NASA CT Space Grant Consortium. “This fruitful partnership has led to hands-on learning opportunities that position our students and faculty to be leaders in the aerospace technologies of the future.”

A CHANGED LANDSCAPE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION

University staff gave their perspective on changes to the higher education landscape. R.J. McGivney, associate provost of international affairs, contributed to a Sept. 3 front-page article in the Hartford Courant about the decrease in the number of international students at Connecticut universities. “These students bring so much to our classrooms,” he said, “[but] visa appointments are few and far between.”

RAISING AWARENESS

A total of 3,275 people were killed by distracted driving in 2023, which is why Harvey Gibbs DPT ’27 has been spearheading an annual event during Distracted Driving Awareness Month for the past four years. For the May 2025 event, state and local police brought a device called “the Convincer” to campus, which simulates a crash of 5 miles per hour. Many of the more than 650 students who attended stepped up to try it, and were surprised by the jolt they felt. “It definitely made me a lot more aware that it doesn’t matter how fast or slow you are driving,” one student told NBC Connecticut. “The impact is still a lot larger than you would think.”

A REMARKABLE RECOVERY

The University of Hartford is now part of the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program, which streamlines the admission process for qualified students. Shane Cicciarelli, associate vice president of enrollment and dean of admissions, spoke with WTIC-TV (Fox 61) about the process and its positive impact on students: “We're seeing a lot of wonderful feedback as students are being served their admission notifications, and they're receiving those with excitement and energy. We're already seeing an uptick in application volume for the University.”

A few weeks before she was due to start the semester, biochemistry major Jacqueline Tran ’28 suffered a health emergency—an ischemic stroke—that would have sidelined most 19-yearolds. But Tran was able to start her sophomore year on time, balancing recovery with her class schedule and responsibilities as a resident assistant. She told WTIC-TV (Fox 61) that she credits her faculty, friends, and especially her father for their unwavering support.

See "Words of Wisdom," page 41.

Piece by Piece

EB CARON IS A SCHOLAR OF THE MIND—AND THE PUZZLE BOARD

When she’s not teaching psychology as an associate professor at the University of Hartford’s College of Arts and Sciences, EB Caron takes a break by honing her cognitive skills through speed puzzling and by observing and assessing the intellectual reasoning of others who regularly tackle jigsaw puzzles.

It may seem like she goes from one type of work to another, but for Caron, speed puzzling lets her disengage from daily life and get into a flow state focused only on the puzzle, while still setting and achieving performance goals.

“Puzzling started as a family activity for me,” Caron explains. “We did them together, especially when my grandparents visited.”

A few years ago, she elevated her puzzling experience by engaging in speed puzzling with her family team, which included her husband, parents, and sister. “But I guess over time my level of interest outgrew my family’s,” Caron says. She still occasionally teams up with her husband, most recently for the Connecticut State Championship held on campus in Gengras Student Union. She also collaborates with friends from across the country. Even Caron’s two young children (ages four and eight) participate intermittently in library competitions. “They really enjoy them,” she says, “but you should know that there are always a lot of fun snacks around, and we usually win.”

The New Hampshire native has resided in the Connecticut towns of West Hartford, Farmington, and Simsbury. She joined the UHart faculty in 2022.

At one point, Caron and three fellow professors from the psychology department began researching the art, science, and sport of puzzling, particularly the cognitive skills of those who engage in it. “Expertise in puzzling has been associated with greater cognitive abilities,” Caron explains. “Understanding how that may differ among people with varying experience could have practical implications for how best to help individuals train for various activities.”

The professors secured initial funding from a deans’ research fund at A&S to support their research. Off campus, Caron’s passion for puzzling continues to thrive—and her calendar is packed.

One event, Puzzle Parley in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, is dedicated exclusively to wooden puzzles. “I participated in a puzzle-cutting workshop, so now I have a couple of small puzzles that I cut myself,” Caron says. “I’ve also had custom puzzles printed from photos I took.”

Then there’s the World Jigsaw Puzzle Championship. In 2023, Caron’s team, The Misfits, finished second.

Puzzling started as a family activity for me. We did them together, especially when my grandparents visited.” “

She also appeared on a German TV show called Das Coolste Hobby der Welt, which means “the coolest hobby in the world.” It is scheduled to air in early 2026.

Last spring, Caron took a trip to the Cosmosphere, an international science education center and space museum in

Hutchinson, Kansas, where she puzzled with a retired astronaut and another speed puzzler, creating video content for the museum and its space camp.

As if that’s not enough, Caron has co-hosted livestreamed puzzle competitions, including the 2025 USA Jigsaw Nationals in Washington, D.C., and frequently appears as a guest co-host on a speed puzzling podcast called Piece Talks. “I really enjoy learning and sharing the backstories of other puzzlers when I host, co-host, or appear as a guest,” she says.

This past fall, for the second consecutive year, Caron taught a 3-credit seminar on speed jigsaw puzzling for first-year students. In A&S, these seminars are required for students of all majors. “In 2024, my class included 13 students— mostly psychology majors—and this past semester, I had 15 students from psychology, biology, and criminal justice,” she explains. “Connecting firstyear students with a full-time faculty member in a small, discussion-based class has been shown to improve student engagement and retention,” Caron emphasizes. Several of her recent seminar students enjoyed the class so much that they started the UHart Jigsaw Puzzle Club, for which Caron

will serve as faculty advisor. “Getting to share my love of puzzling with students in a puzzle club has been a dream of mine since I started teaching, and my dream is finally coming true,” she says.

When she’s not assembling irregularly shaped pieces of cardboard or wood, Caron enjoys running, yoga, Pilates, and what she calls her new favorite non-puzzling activity: pound cardio drumming. She attends classes at a local YMCA.

“I’ve also grown a vegetable garden for the past two summers,” she smiles, quickly adding that gardening can sometimes be a puzzling pursuit, “especially when you’re trying to figure out why cucumber plants aren’t thriving or what animal is eating your beets.”

Caron says she would love to puzzle every day, but as a professor and mom, it’s just not possible. Overall, her life may seem puzzling, but it fits together perfectly for her.

UHart’s collaborations with businesses and organizations give students hands-on experiences that prepare them for their futures— while fueling innovation and talent pipelines across the Hartford region.

The University of Hartford has a long history of creating strong community partnerships. In fact, you might say it’s in UHart’s identity—it was a partnership between three academic institutions, the Hartt School of Music, the Hartford Art School, and Hillyer College, that first formed the University in 1957.

UHart’s partnerships with local businesses and organizations are key to providing students with opportunities to gain real-world experiences that contribute to their readiness to take on challenges after graduation. These opportunities take the form of internships, collaborative projects, classroom guest speakers, or the chance to explore different career paths. An annual Career Exploration Day provides students with the opportunity to visit company sites across the Greater Hartford area, tour facilities, shadow current employees, network, and learn from HR representatives what companies are looking for when hiring talent. This is complemented each year by a series of career-related events, including a giant career and internship fair in the Sports Center’s Chase Arena. This past October, students and alumni had the opportunity to meet more than 100 community partners, including employers from for-profit, nonprofit, government, and entrepreneurial enterprises.

These partnerships strengthen local businesses and organizations by creating talent pipelines and providing access to the University’s valuable resources—from state-of-the-art facilities and faculty expertise to campus events and research opportunities. The benefits go both ways: students gain real-world experience while communities gain innovative solutions to local challenges. Together, these collaborations help retain graduates in the state and drive economic growth, all while fostering strong town-and-gown connections.

Here is an in-depth look at four of the newest emerging partnerships that are helping UHart create a more impactful Hartford region.

During his second year in the Barney School of Business, Matthew Elwell ’25, MBA ’26, says he hadn’t yet cemented his exact career path. But an internship with Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) piqued his interest. As a double major in sports management and marketing, he thought the internship might provide a rich experience in the different concentrations found at a sports organization.

/ UNIVERSITY

UHart has a couple of connections to SOCT. John Papa, now the director of the University’s sports management program, previously worked at ESPN, where he helped get television coverage for a Special Olympics event. Christy Miller, who is in her fourth year as an adjunct professor in the same program, also serves as the senior director of donor impact at SOCT. The two have recently begun to funnel students like Elwell from the sports management program into internships with SOCT. During his time with the organization, Elwell came up with a way to streamline

data entry processes using skills he learned in UHart’s Technical Skills for Business course and helped create an inventory and tracking system for SOCT’s equipment and materials.

Miller says the organization is looking for other unique ways to partner with UHart and colleges throughout the state. In January 2025, SOCT athletes played during the halftimes of UHart men’s and women’s basketball games. University students ran a cornhole tournament for SOCT last April and more opportunities are in the works. With the Special Olympics USA Games to be held in June 2026, SOCT and the University of Hartford want UHart to be the home of the SOCT USA team, with athletes training at campus facilities once a month. In the future, Miller hopes to have athletes visit some of the medical classes offered at the University.

“Many medical professionals don’t get enough training on how to treat someone with an intellectual disability,” Miller says. “By visiting these classrooms, our athletes can teach future health care providers the best ways to work with them.”

Elwell now works in UHart’s Office of Development and Alumni Affairs, but maintains a relationship with SOCT’s marketing department, where he captures video content, edits social media posts, and designs digital media assets for events and local programs. That continued involvement is exactly what Miller hopes will come from these partnerships.

“Getting students involved at a young age in the nonprofit world might change their career trajectory once they see the rewards,” she says.

Elwell also recognizes the value of the relationship between universities and local organizations.

“Partnerships like these are so essential because they allow for the opportunity to create mutual growth, innovation, and impact,” he says. “This collaboration, in particular, amplifies our shared mission of creating a more inclusive and engaged community.”

BERKLEY FINANCIAL SPECIALISTS, A BERKLEY COMPANY

When Andrea Sullivan, vice president of business operations for Berkley Financial Specialists, set out to form a partnership with the University of Hartford, she was focused on creating recognition among UHart students of the W. R. Berkley Corporation brand— one of the largest commercial lines property and casualty insurers in the United States that comprises over 60 businesses, including Berkley Financial Specialists.

“Many of our competitors were already partnering with universities, so it was clear to me that we were at a competitive disadvantage in terms of attracting talent,” Sullivan says. “We wanted to build a relationship with a local university that was highly regarded in

the business space and the insurance space so that when job opportunities arise, we’re not just casting a net out to the universe. We’re able to have a more curated approach.”

The company began participating in UHart’s Career Exploration Day, helping students with mock interviews, and Sullivan and a colleague served as guest speakers in UHart classes. While they were speaking in Kenneth Goroshko’s class, Goroshko pitched the idea of a collaborative, multidisciplinary project. This fall semester, that idea came to life. Students from the Barney School of Business, the Department of Mathematics, and the Computer Science and Engineering program are currently building a tool for Berkley Financial Specialists that will create efficiency in the company’s underwriting process using AI. While there are some guardrails around data privacy and security, Sullivan says there are few other restrictions, and that the cross-disciplinary approach mimics how businesses like Berkley Financial Specialists would approach such a project. Goroshko is excited for students to have the opportunity to work with real-life scenarios. So often in the classroom, a case study or data presented to students is skewed because it’s being used for teaching purposes, intentionally trying to teach a specific lesson. But this project uses real-time data under actual market conditions that will help students prepare for their work post-graduation. As for Berkley Financial Specialists, not only will they walk away with a tool they can introduce to their organization, but the company will also receive a less tangible benefit as well.

“We get to see what else is possible with the next phase of our relationship with the University of Hartford,” Sullivan says. “We have the chance to work directly with students of different backgrounds and from different schools at UHart, develop that talent pipeline, and make connections that could be beneficial in the future.”

HANWHA AEROSPACE

USA

When it comes to creating partnerships, Hanwha Aerospace USA’s philosophy is the more, the better. According to Jamie Rochford, the organization’s human resources director, the company works to make connections with Connecticut’s entire technical community, which includes technical high schools and universities across the state. So, when the University of Hartford reached out and asked if Hanwha wanted to participate in their career fair, the answer was yes.

“We were very excited about the size of UHart’s program and that it’s specifically tailored to aerospace manufacturing engineering,” Rochford says. “That’s unique to UHart.”

The partnership has grown from that original career fair. Hanwha has since begun participating in UHart’s Career Exploration Day, providing students the opportunity to see the organization’s shops, learn more about the parts produced in their facilities, and understand the processes in place.

UHart student Bryce Roberts landed a summer internship with Hanwha after visiting the facility on Career Exploration Day. During his time with the company, he worked on a few smaller projects, such as tool wear analysis and part hardness testing, as well as

larger projects that included creating production part approval processes. Internships like Roberts’ allow students the opportunity to take theories learned in the UHart classroom and apply them in a real-world setting. And because they are working alongside students from other schools, UHart interns can see what other students have learned in different classes across the state.

Interns are also given a lot of autonomy and the chance to explore areas of the field or projects they’re particularly interested in. Roberts says he and his fellow students were entrusted with important and impactful work.

“The quick turnover from learning a skill to having to put it into practice kept it very engaging and ensured that those skills would stick with me,” says Roberts. “I think my time with Hanwha will prove invaluable for my future career.”

And for UHart students interested in aerospace, their careers don’t have to take them far away from campus. Aerospace Alley is an industrial hub in Connecticut (extending into western Massachusetts) that has the highest concentration of aerospace engineers in the country. University partnerships with companies in Aerospace Alley provide the chance to show students that they don’t have to leave Connecticut to launch their careers with a wellestablished organization.

“The statistics with aerospace and Connecticut are astounding,” Rochford says. “For anyone who has a passion for aerospace, this is the place to be doing it.”

MASONICARE

Masonicare, Connecticut’s only fully integrated senior care continuum, delivers vibrant, award-winning senior living backed by a full spectrum of care solutions. So it’s no wonder that when Masonicare approached the University of Hartford about joining their studentin-residence program, UHart said yes.

Masonicare launched its student-inresidence program in partnership with Quinnipiac University in 2016, offering participants housing in the assisted living community for an academic year. While there, students gain experience in the field of senior care and create meaningful connections with residents. When Chérie Macri took the helm of the program last year, she onboarded the University of New Haven and UHart and added more program components to ensure students were given the most beneficial experience possible. Students now also meet with a different member of Masonicare’s leadership team once a month to learn more about the industry. In addition to time spent participating in activities alongside residents and having meals with them, students are also required to lead eight hours of community activities a week. These activities range from painting shells and creating memory boxes to lawn bowling.

“The premise of this program is relationship-centered living,” Macri says. “It seeks to break the stereotypes that exist on each side and for each generation to see the beauty in the other.”

UHart student Analayevka Jimenez Baez ’28 was drawn to the program because of the opportunity to live alongside older adults and learn from their life experiences.

“I’ve always felt a deep connection to older generations,” she says. “They carry so much wisdom, warmth, and perspective. The idea of having ‘bonus grandparents’ as neighbors while practicing hands-on patient care was incredibly appealing.”

The student-in-residence program helps UHart fulfill its mission as an age-friendly university. In 2018, the school joined the Age-Friendly University Global Network, a group of more than 120 institutions committed to promoting positive and healthy aging and enhancing the lives of older members of the global community. Every day, about 12,000 people in America turn 65. The student-inresidence program is not only preparing students to work with these older adults, but it is also enriching the lives of Masonicare residents.

Jimenez Baez hopes to take the lessons she learned during the program into her future career, maybe even returning to Masonicare in a professional role. JonPaul Venoit ’96, Masonicare’s president and CEO, says that is exactly the program’s purpose.

“This program is designed to immerse students in a real-world senior care environment, where they can see the impact of their work on residents’ lives,” he says. “I want them to experience the value of collaboration, the importance of empathy, and the satisfaction that comes from making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Ultimately, I hope they leave inspired and better prepared to shape the future of aging services.”

LAZ PARKING

A site that welcomes students during Career Exploration Day, Laz Parking has hired multiple interns from the University. The company also attends UHart’s Accounting Career Fair as well as the main career and internship fair held in the Sports Center. Three student interns have gone on to become full-time employees with Laz Parking, a privately owned parking management company that operates over 1 million parking spaces throughout the United States.

STATE OF CONNECTICUT

This past spring, the State of Connecticut held a career event on a college campus for the first time—and it was hosted at the University of Hartford. The Gengras Student Union buzzed with activity as more than 100 students met representatives from a dozen state agencies, including Energy and Environmental Protection, Transportation, Economic and Community Development, and Emergency Services and Public Protection. They explored full-time jobs, internships, and summer roles—while also getting insider tips on career paths and the state’s application process.

MANY OTHER BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS ARE TEAMING UP WITH UHART. A SAMPLING:

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF HARTFORD

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford hires UHart academic interns each year and takes part in Career Exploration Day. Their long-standing partnership with The Hartt School Community Division reached a new milestone last spring with a daylong leadership conference titled Future Ready. Students ages 10 to 18 gathered on campus for interactive sessions focused on leadership development, communication, goal-setting, self-esteem, and the importance of inclusive excellence and belonging.

NEW BRITAIN MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART

A host site for UHart students on Career Exploration Day, the New Britain Museum of American Art is also hiring student workers through the federal work-study program. As the first museum dedicated to acquiring American art in the country, the New Britain Museum of American Art’s collection contains more than 9,000 works representing more than three centuries of

CONNECTICUT SCIENCE CENTER

A multifaceted partnership has developed with the Connecticut Science Center (CSC), which has hired UHart interns and student workers. The CSC is working this year with Crested Communications, the student-run agency in the School of Communication, on public relations, advertising, and branding campaigns. UHart faculty, staff, and students also attend STEM nights held at the Science Center, with recent representation from the Rocketry Club, Formula I race car team, and respiratory care faculty.

From the start, the University of Hartford has been more than a place of learning—it’s been part of the fabric of Connecticut’s capital city.

As UHart’s seventh and current president, Lawrence P. Ward, explains: “Because we carry the city’s name, we must remain demonstrably engaged with its employers, elected leaders, and civic organizations. Our success as a university is crucial to the economic success of the region, much as the region’s success is crucial to our own.”

Even before the University was chartered in 1957, Hartford has shaped who we are— first as a collection of separate schools downtown, then as a local university for commuters, and now as a vibrant university with a national and global reach. The city’s legacy of innovation in business, technology, culture, and the arts has continually inspired UHart’s growth and purpose.

Yet no matter how far the University’s reach extends, its roots remain firmly here. The University was created for the community, by the community a vision that continues to guide the institution today. Under President Ward’s leadership, that founding spirit is taking on new energy.

Just as the University of Hartford’s roots trace back to the late 1800s, so does the institution’s connection to the city of Hartford. In fact, all three of the University’s founding schools and colleges were located in downtown Hartford.

[1] The YMCA building downtown where Hillyer College was born.

[2] The Cheney building, the first location of the Hartford Art School.

[3] This building at 187 Broad Street in Hartford housed the Hartt College of Music.

[4] On May 7, 1959, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at Bushnell Memorial Hall in Hartford, for UHart’s Alexander S. Keller Memorial Lecture Series. This speech was significant not just for its content, but also for its timing: it came early in King’s national prominence and it helped spread his message of integration, love, and justice to new audiences.

[5] For almost a half century, the University of Hartford’s Summer Place has provided a uniquely empowering summer camp enrichment experience for youth througout the region—letting campers build their own schedules from dozens of courses and sports.

[6] In 1990, the Hartford chapter of Say Yes to Education started at Annie Fisher Elementary School, with the University of Hartford pledging tuition assistance to a class of fifth-graders. The program provided students with tutoring, afterschool programs, summer opportunities, mentorship, and college visits. Pictured are two students with their mentor at a Say Yes to Education event in 1994.

[7] Through Educational Main Street, which started in 1990, UHart students were placed as tutors in nearby Hartford schools. It served as a powerful example of how a university can contribute to local educational equity. By placing its students in public schools, UHart helped support urban education while simultaneously training future teachers.

[8] The Hartt Community Division has a long and respected history of providing exceptional music—and more recently, dance—instruction to individuals of all ages throughout Greater Hartford.

[9] Radio station WWUH embodies UHart’s enduring connection to the Hartford community. For more than five decades, the station has served as a cultural hub and a voice for the region—staying on the air through challenges from the Blizzard of ’78 to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pictured here outside the WWUH studios, longtime General Manager John Ramsey represents the dedication and spirit that have kept the station broadcasting, bridging campus and community through generations of change.

POWER

SCHOLARSHIPS FUNDED BY LOCAL COMPANIES ARE MAKING EDUCATION POSSIBLE FOR TALENTED

UHART STUDENTS

ACROSS CAMPUS

AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD, WE TAKE PRIDE IN FORGING MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL COMPANIES THAT SHARE OUR COMMITMENT TO STUDENT SUCCESS.

Through scholarships made possible by organizations such as Stanley Black & Decker, Pratt & Whitney, and Hartford Steam Boiler, we are helping talented students overcome financial barriers and pursue their educational dreams. These collaborations do more than provide financial support—they open doors to opportunity, encourage academic persistence, and strengthen the pipeline of future leaders in our region.

By investing in our students, these companies are also investing in the vitality of our community, ensuring that higher education remains accessible and that our graduates are prepared to contribute their skills and knowledge to the workforce.

Together, we are creating a powerful model of collaboration where students thrive, businesses benefit from a talented pool of emerging professionals, and our community as a whole grows stronger. Discover how past and present scholarship recipients are maximizing this support to achieve their goals and dreams.

STANLEY BLACK & DECKER SCHOLARSHIP

De’Kyiah Morey

De’Kyiah Morey ’24 has a Bachelor of Science degree and an abundance of confidence. The BS in finance is from the Barney School of Business, and the confidence comes, in part, from the “Be a Force for Good” scholarship from Stanley Black & Decker, which she received in her junior year.

The scholarship provider, Stanley Black & Decker, is an international leader in hand tools, power tools, and storage solutions, and the 172-year-old company is known for committing funds only to those initiatives in which they wholeheartedly believe. Developing an average of a thousand new products each year (including many world’s firsts) and selling 50 tools every second, Stanley Black & Decker is serious about its obligations to tomorrow’s manufacturing professionals.

“The first person I called when I learned that I had received the scholarship was my dad,” Morey proudly recalls. “And then I treated myself to a good dinner to celebrate!”

Then she got back to the business of planning her future, which included her studies at Barney and her Stanley Black

& Decker internship, where she performed such duties as guest services, financial planning and analysis, and tools and outdoor controllership.

“Be a Force for Good” scholarships, which launched in 2022, are exclusively designated for UHart students who demonstrate financial need and maintain a high academic standing.

Morey has many recollections of her UHart undergraduate days. For one thing, she points out that as a commuter, she relied on Starbucks® to help her get through some of the longer days on campus. A much more serious memory is about all the close relationships she was able to form with peers and professors.

“Since the classes were small, professors cared about and were invested in my success in a truly one-on-one manner, and not only success inside the classroom but outside, as well,” she notes.

When she received a note from the Barney administrator telling her she was nominated to apply for the scholarship,

Morey’s first thought was that she would never be selected. “When I was selected,” she says, “I was shocked—and completely thrilled.”

Morey is currently in her last year of a two-year rotational program at Stanley Black & Decker, working in global strategic sourcing on a remote basis. The company’s New Britain, Connecticut, headquarters is not far from her home, so she is able to stop in frequently, which she does for meetings, consulting, and the chance to build more relationships that can help as her career gets going. On the job, she helps manage projects designed to bring cost containment into the supply chain process. Her previous intern experience, coupled with what she learned at Barney, helps immeasurably. These include skills in inventory levels and distribution plants, and how to manage time zone differences in order to work with colleagues overseas.

“ “ THE SUPPORT I EXPERIENCED FROM THIS SCHOLARSHIP NOT ONLY EASED THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF MY EDUCATION BUT ALSO GAVE ME THE CONFIDENCE TO PURSUE OPPORTUNITIES I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD QUALIFY FOR. IT REINFORCED FOR ME THAT OTHERS

PRATT & WHITNEY SCHOLARSHIP

Brianna MontanoVazquez

’27

Brianna Montano-Vazquez ’27 says that one of the engines that drives her desire to explore several industrial specialties is the scholarship she received from Pratt & Whitney.

“ NOT ONLY DID THE SCHOLARSHIP EASE MY FINANCIAL BURDEN AND MAKE IT EASIER TO CONCENTRATE ON MY STUDIES, BUT IT FOSTERED IN ME A DESIRE TO REALLY KNOW WHAT A COMPANY LIKE P&W IS ALL ABOUT.

Brianna Montano-Vazquez ’27

“

“My professional goals constantly change, probably because I like to stay completely open to all the different fields and careers within the engineering world. And although I don’t have anything set in stone yet, I do know that I want to do something related to the world of engine design and development,” Montano-Vazquez adds. Indeed, that’s another engine that drives her to work hard as a UHart student. Her exceptional academic standing is a testament to her drive and a big contributing factor to her having been awarded the Pratt & Whitney (P&W) scholarship.

The scholarship, which she received at the beginning of her sophomore year, provides far more than financial assistance to deserving students; it also offers professional development, career advising, and company mentorships. Undergraduate recipients like Montano-Vazquez are paired with UHart alumni currently working at P&W, which is the world’s leading manufacturer of jet propulsion systems. She met her first P&W mentor (they change each year the scholarship is in effect) at a kickoff event on the UHart campus in October 2024, in the new Francis X. and Nancy Hursey Center for Advanced Engineering and Health Professions.

In addition to her studies and her frequent email consultations with her mentors, the busy scholarship recipient is also a residential assistant for College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture students; chairs the student organization of the National Society of Black Engineers; is a member of a second student group, the Society of Women Engineers; and is treasurer for a third student group, the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers.

Montano-Vazquez says her mentors are always forthcoming with advice whenever she inquires about school projects, building a resume for now and for the future, and dozens of other important topics.

“What I love about my student life here at UHart is being part of the campus community,” she states. “It is very welcoming. There’s something for each and every student. There’s a place for everyone.” And soon, there will be a place for her in the world of professional engineering.

When she’s not studying engineering or enjoying all that the UHart campus has to offer, Montano-Vazquez relaxes by drawing, exercising, and spending time with her family, friends, and dog.

HARTFORD STEAM BOILER SCHOLARSHIP

Jalen Grant

’28

Jalen Grant ’28 is studying business analytics and managerial economics, and he credits the Hartford Steam Boiler scholarship he received as a major factor in his ability to balance studying, networking, and participating in campus life.

Grant, a sophomore whose home is in Windsor, Connecticut, but who has decided to live on campus to maximize his college experience, is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree and is considering a minor in finance.

Known by his instructors and peers as a highly determined and motivated student, Grant’s goals as an undergraduate are to build strong connections that can help his future professional endeavors, to build his independence, and to learn as much as he possibly can.

Grant hopes to continue his schooling after graduation to obtain a master’s degree and then pursue a position in which he can work on efficiency initiatives and problem solving as part of a major corporation’s continuous improvement program.

The Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB) scholarship certainly helps him focus on that goal. The scholarship was established last year for students who have an exemplary academic standing and financial need, and who plan to pursue business analytics, supply chain and logistics management, risk management and insurance, marketing, computer science and engineering, or cyber security.

HSB is an industry leader in insurance for equipment breakdown, cyber risk, data breach, identity recovery, and employment practices liability. Along with financial help, the company offers its scholarship recipients additional support by providing access to HSB professionals for guidance, exposure to real-world corporate experiences, and potential internships.

Grant’s current HSB mentor has been very helpful, he says, and he is very much looking forward to more meetings and making more on-site HSB connections. For students like Grant, HSB is the perfect match when it comes to a locally based corporation that provides a wide range of career development support.

“

BEING A RECIPIENT OF THE HARTFORD STEAM BOILER SCHOLARSHIP SIGNIFICANTLY EASES MY COLLEGE JOURNEY BY PROVIDING MOTIVATION, NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES, AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT. IT ENABLES ME TO FULLY ENGAGE ON CAMPUS AND EVEN TO SUPPORT OTHERS IN WAYS THAT I MYSELF HAVE BEEN SUPPORTED.

UHART’S COMFORT DOG BRIGHTENS DAYS, EASES STRESS, AND BRINGS A LITTLE EXTRA JOY THROUGHOUT CAMPUS AND THE SURROUNDING COMMUNITY.

Wagging

“The more I learn about people,” Mark Twain once stated, “the more I like my dog.”

Twain, who for almost 20 years lived just a few miles from the University of Hartford, would have been one of Teddy’s legion of fans had the two been able to cross paths. Teddy, for those who still have not been embraced by his presence, is the K-9 comfort dog who helps out from one corner of campus to the other. In fact, his responsibility—calming nerves and spreading positivity—is performed not just on campus, but throughout the surrounding communities and elsewhere in the state.

“Teddy has a job to do, and he knows it and loves it,” says Public Safety Officer Michael Calderon, who is the four-year-old black Labrador’s handler and best friend. “He helps with stress, calms nerves, fills voids for students who are missing their pets at home, assists in crisis intervention, and so much more.”

Teddy also visits children’s hospitals, attends Connecticut law enforcement and military funerals, goes to UHart and other local sporting events, and helps immeasurably on campus during student move-in days. According to Calderon, Teddy brightens more days and inspires more thank-yous than anyone can count. Not surprisingly, hundreds of people on campus and off have stories to tell and opinions to share about Teddy’s residency at the University of Hartford.

“Teddy contributes to a positive and calming atmosphere throughout campus,” says Noel Casiano, associate dean of student academic services and associate professor of psychology and human services at Hillyer College. “His presence helps many students manage the pressures and stresses that often come with college life.” When asked what Teddy would study at UHart if he were able to attend classes, Casiano did not take long to make an association between the black lab and his own academic field. “I’m certain he’d be a psychology major,” he speculates. “The field of psychology

is deeply committed to understanding human behavior and emotions and helping people manage challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Teddy embodies many of the qualities that make an effective mental health professional, such as compassion, a non-judgmental attitude, and an innate ability to provide comfort.”

Casiano recalls a particularly hectic day on campus recently, where his email backup and to-do list kept growing and growing, yet classes and lectures still loomed for him in the hours ahead. “I was rushing from my office to a classroom, and I was enormously stressed. I rounded the corner near the Gengras Student Union and caught a glimpse of Teddy. He was lounging in the shade with Officer Calderon. As soon as he spotted me, his tail started to wag. I couldn’t help but smile. I went over to him, knelt beside him—and the moment I placed my hand on his head, my tension began to disappear.”

Emily Massicotte ’28, a theatre major at The Hartt School, has a similar story, though a completely different take on what Teddy can be when he grows up.

AwayWorries

“He comes to visit us at the performing arts center and the Lincoln Theater all the time,” Massicotte recounts. “I especially love seeing him when I’m having a tough day. The way he calms me down is almost magical. And that’s why I’m convinced that he could become a famous TV dog—a major character in a series in which the dog helps out to a greater degree and solves more problems than any of the humans in the show.”

Massicotte isn’t far off. While Teddy may never be as famous as Mark Twain, he has been featured in the media a number of times—in print, online, and on TV. He even has his own business card, with a QR code that students and staff can scan to request some quality Teddy time.

Teddy came to UHart from an organization based in New York City called Puppies Behind Bars (PBB), whose initial function was to work with incarcerated individuals and which then expanded into training service dogs for veterans, first responders, and public safety officials. Since its founding, PBB has trained more than 2,500 dogs.

Teddy was trained for almost two years, and Calderon was required to spend two weeks in New York learning how to work with him. Calderon must be recertified annually and initially had to go through an extensive approval process before being paired with Teddy. Recertification is most likely just a formality at this point, for Teddy and Calderon are completely in sync. The best of friends. An effective team. Teddy goes home with him at the end of his campus shift, where a fellow

“Teddy contributes to a positive and calming atmosphere throughout campus” “Teddy contributes to a positive and calming atmosphere throughout campus”

canine, a shih tzu named Colby, awaits the two of them. Teddy and Colby are also best friends. Then again, Teddy hasn’t met a dog yet he doesn’t consider a friend.

Public Safety Chief Michael Kaselouskas spent several years looking into the idea of bringing a comfort dog to campus. Now that the program is in full operation, the chief treats his canine subordinate with the same respect, dedication, and positive reinforcement that he gives all his officers and support staff—one difference being that for positive reinforcement, Teddy gets a cookie treat. Kaselouskas is proud of the program and completely comfortable with the idea of a canine officer—though he admits he’s still surprised when he comes to work in the morning and sees a doggie bed in the office.

“Teddy loves attention, belly rubs, chin scratches, and even compliments,” says Calderon. “When it comes to general wellness, he’s the best there is. He is amazing at connecting with the students.”

When students feel homesick, Teddy visits their residence hall and offers the kind of companionship that many say only a dog—particularly Teddy—can provide.

When Teddy celebrated his third birthday last fall in what many people know is one of his favorite spots on campus, the Gengras Student Union lawn, 10 other K-9 comfort and service

dogs from other Connecticut groups and organizations attended the party. In addition to the customary hugs, Frisbee tosses, and other shows of affection, Teddy also received many toy bears—Teddies for Teddy as they officially became known—that were donated to the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center.

In November 2024, Teddy and his handler were honored at the ninth annual Bark Twain Bash, which recognizes special animals and their friends. The K-9 duo received a Service of Excellence Award for their work with UHart students and faculty, as well as with surrounding communities. The event benefits Kenway’s Cause, an animal rescue organization in Hartford, and the Mark Twain House and Museum, where the event was held. Calderon and Teddy were honored for the comfort and support they provide to members of the campus and Greater Hartford communities in times of joy and crisis.

Mark Twain once commented that if you make an effort to help a dog in need, that dog will never come back to bite you—a trait regrettably not attributable to all human beings, he added. Of course, Twain was famous for his literate and humorous criticism and cynicism—which is why when all is said and done, he and Teddy might not have seen eye to eye on every single issue. After all, Teddy loves everyone, all the time.

HAWKS LANDED

UHART GRADUATES FROM THE CLASS OF 2025 ARE TAKING FLIGHT—TURNING CAMPUS CONNECTIONS INTO CAREERS AND JOINING THE LOCAL WORKFORCE.

AMANDA BURGESS

Amanda Burgess ’25, M’26 was a finance major in the Barney School of Business honors program. With her passion for personal finance, investing, and budgeting, Burgess got a jumpstart on her career by interning at Hightower Advisors, which provided insight into the wealth management industry and solidified her goal of becoming a financial advisor.

At the University of Hartford, career development isn’t a oneway street—it’s a partnership with Connecticut companies that powers both student success and local business growth. While students gain hands-on experience, sharpen skills, and build networks, our business partners tap into a pipeline of fresh ideas, talent, and energy.

This collaboration fuels innovation on both sides. Students graduate with confidence and connections, while businesses strengthen their teams and their ties to the community. It’s a shared investment that pays dividends—today and for the future.

Meet a small sampling of UHart graduates from the Class of 2025 who transformed campus connections into careers—choosing to build their futures in the local community— with many receiving employment offers prior to graduation.

As part of the 3+1 accelerated program, she is continuing her studies at UHart and completing her MBA while working as a client relationship associate for WHZ Strategic Wealth Advisors, the first step in her journey to becoming a financial advisor.

Burgess credits the Allan Center for Career and Professional Development, the Center for Student Success, faculty, and staff as valuable resources during her undergraduate studies. “Networking events were extremely helpful and taught me how to step out of my comfort zone and talk to people I didn’t know.”

Burgess notes that events like career fairs and résumé workshops helped her achieve her professional goals.

Professor of Finance Malek Lashgari assisted Burgess in securing her position at WHZ by serving as a reference. “Thanks to him and my other two professional references, the hiring team felt confident I would be a great fit,” Burgess explains. “I applied the enhanced communication skills I learned at UHart during the job interview, along with proper business etiquette.”

DILLON JONES

Dillon Jones ’25, M’26 says the networking skills he learned at the Barney School of Business helped him land a role at Stanley Black & Decker as part of the UHart scholarship program. As a 3+1 student, Jones completed his undergraduate studies, majoring in management. His dream is to own and manage his own business one day.

Jones notes that his experiences at UHart contributed to his professional growth and helped him develop his professional skills. He utilized resources such as the Allan Center for Career and Professional Development and the Center for Student Success, as well as the support of faculty, staff, and advisors.

“Barney, specifically, prepared me very well,” Jones says. “They hosted various networking events and staff taught me how to handle professional interactions. Barney excelled in teaching me how to network, apply the skills I learned in class, and become a proper business professional.”

Jones believes the connections made at UHart contributed to his success, pushing him to be both a better student and person. “I was able to grow and expand my horizons.”

On campus, Jones was active in extracurriculars, serving as finance chair within the Student Government Association, aiming to enhance the student body’s learning experience. He was also a member of the Barney Leadership Council, the Gospel Choir, STRIDE, and of course, the Stanley Black & Decker scholarship program.

Jones’s favorite part of the experience was “the family he made.” He cites Hawktober and other campus events as rewarding to help plan and enjoyable from the student perspective. His advice to incoming students? “Try everything and don’t be afraid to talk to upper-level students.”

SANDY LE

Sandy Le ’25 left UHart with a strong sense of purpose and a bright future in design. “UHart taught me how to present my work thoughtfully, develop a strong portfolio and website, and believe in my capabilities,” Le shares. These skills were further recognized when she landed an internship at GO Agency in Hartford— even before graduation—and when she was honored in the online publication Graphic Design USA.

Le, a visual communication design (VCD) major at the Hartford Art School, was drawn to design by the belief that visual language serves as a universal connector that transcends cultural, linguistic, and geographical divides. “Design is a conversation,” she reflects. “It’s about resonating with your audience, solving problems, and reinforcing ideas in powerful ways.”

Le credits her professors, peers, and the Civic Design group—UHart’s student visual communication agency—with giving her the space to grow as both an artist and a professional. Her internship experiences were equally valuable: During her junior year, she worked as the print designer for UHart’s literary magazine, Aerie, and during her senior year, she collaborated closely with the creative team in UHart’s Office of Marketing and Communication.

Beyond the classroom, Le’s relationships within the VCD department opened doors to professional opportunities through design organizations such as AIGA and CADC, forging important connections.

BARNEY EXCELLED IN TEACHING ME HOW TO NETWORK, APPLY THE SKILLS I LEARNED IN CLASS, AND BECOME A PROPER BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL. ”

—DILLON JONES

What she’ll remember most about her college experience, Le says, is “The tight-knit community and upbeat atmosphere on campus that made every day special. I’ll never forget that first day of classes—it was really the start of something life-changing.”

SHAILYNN WILLIAMS

Shailynn Williams ’25, a Barney School of Business graduate, had a job offer lined up before she graduated last May. She is working at Fresh Start Worx, a local nonprofit at which she interned and continued afterward to do social media and donor relations work. Her full-time work there focuses on workforce development.

Williams became interested in marketing through her passion for being creative and innovative, especially with the everchanging trends on social media. She was also interested in how companies get customers to buy their products over other competitors, specifically using social media as a leveraging tactic.

Williams says that Barney and UHart have helped her prepare for different scenarios in the professional setting. “The workshops and resources the University has available for students are really helpful,” she says. “The résumé building workshop was great when I was applying for internships.” Williams cites Barney courses, like the BAR classes, for teaching her so many useful things—how to act in a professional setting, what employers in her field look for, how to build an effective résumé, and which interview techniques work best.

THE RÉSUMÉ BUILDING WORKSHOP WAS GREAT WHEN I WAS APPLYING FOR INTERNSHIPS. ”

—SHAILYNN WILLIAMS

KYLA DEBENEDETTO

Radiologic Technology graduate Kyla DeBenedetto ’25 said she was drawn to the field because of her passion for helping people. “Radiology is a beautiful field where I get to impact the lives of my patients daily, and where I am constantly learning on the job,” she says.

DeBenedetto was offered a full-time role as magnetic resonance imaging technologist at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport, where she had been serving a clinical rotation. St. Vincent’s is affiliated with Hartford HealthCare, one of UHart’s industry partners.

“My clinical experience played a significant role in achieving my goals professionally. Starting as early as sophomore year gave me ample time to perfect my skills and feel confident in my work.”

DeBenedetto was active with organizations and events on campus, like the Red Key Society and the Hartford Events and Activities Team, which helped raise her confidence level. “These leadership roles taught me the importance of working in a team setting, while also taking charge and enjoying what I am doing,” DeBenedetto says.

Her advice for incoming students: “Get involved beyond the classroom! I found my best memories through getting involved. It truly made my experience at UHart one of the most magical.”

TOM EYTAN

Digital Media and Journalism graduate Tom Eytan ’25 says his involvement with UHart’s student-run television station STN2 and his work with the student-run marketing agency Crested Communications guided his passion for creating digital content. At STN, he gained hands-on experience as an anchor, author, and social media creator. At Crested Communications, he was the social media manager for Special Olympics Connecticut and “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band.

At the School of Communication, Eytan took digital media and journalism courses that further confirmed his career goals. “After reporting on Hartford Wolf Pack games, traveling to Make-A-Wish Connecticut, and working closely with a federal organization, I had no doubt that the digital media field is the right career for me.”

After completing an internship with ConnectiCon, Eytan was hired for a full-time position with this organization that runs Connecticut’s longest-running pop-culture convention each summer. “My social media experience with Crested Communications set me up perfectly for a social media and publications internship with ConnectiCon,” says Eytan. “It was one of the main reasons why I landed this opportunity.”

JILLIAN BRADLEY

When Jillian Bradley ’25, a graduate of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA), attended a career fair on campus, she was offered an internship with the Gilbane Building Company. Even better, the company subsequently offered her a full-time position after graduation.

Bradley’s passion is developing fresh ideas about buildings and then bringing those ideas to life. “As I progressed through my coursework, I became increasingly fascinated by the coordination, problem solving, and strategic planning required to successfully execute an architectural project,” she says. That’s what led her to also pursue a minor in project management from the Barney School of Business. Over the course of her studies, Bradley has gained insights into the collaboration between architects, engineers, and contractors.

“CETA’s emphasis on career development has opened many doors for me, from networking events and career fairs to connections with industry professionals. The collaborative environment allowed me to build lasting relationships with peers who share my passion for the field.”

As an intern, Bradley worked on two major projects

GUIDED BY MENTORSHIP, DRIVEN BY PASSION

RYAN HUGHES FINDS

HIS PATH

The personal and professional development that Ryan Hughes ’25 experienced at the University of Hartford is something for which he will always be grateful. However, it was the continued support and guidance he received from UHart’s faculty and alumni networks in the days after graduation that kept Hughes grounded and led him to a career-launching opportunity with NBC Sports in Stamford, Connecticut.

Three months to the day of his graduation, Hughes, a digital media and journalism major, began his role as a digital video production assistant. He produces highlight packages for various platforms, including NBC Sports’ website and YouTube channel.

Hard work was the cornerstone of his years on campus. As sports director for the student-run television network for two years, Hughes managed a team of sports journalism students and oversaw the weekly agenda of sports pr

He also worked with his classmates in a field production course to produce an inspiring documentary for MakeA-Wish Connecticut, the state organization that grants life-changing wishes to critically ill children. “It was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done,” he recalls. From going to Trumbull (Connecticut) for interviews to the post-production side—it was all incredible. It’s one of those experiences I’ll never forget.”

Adding to his busy schedule was a full class load and extensive work with UHart athletics, leaving Hughes with little room for rest or downtime.

“Everyone on campus said I’m probably the busiest person they knew,” Hughes says. “I like to keep myself busy—sometimes to my detriment.”

But he wouldn’t trade his UHart experiences—and the close-knit feel of campus—for anything.

“In high school, especially during the COVID era, you didn’t really have that sense of community,” Hughes explains. “Coming to UHart, you could really be yourself and do whatever you wanted to do. hat was the best part.”

Hughes also credits his time on campus with helping him grow both personally ofessionally.

“I’ve really built up the skills I needed to succeed—working with people, communication, leadership,” he said. I had so many opportunities to develop. I feel like I became the best version of myself.”

PROFILES IN PASSION

Meet the dedicated and inspiring studentathletes of Hawk Nation

The University of Hartford’s multiyear transition to NCAA Division III athletics reached a successful conclusion in September 2025, marking a new era for Hartford Athletics. As a full member of the Conference of New England, the University is now eligible for all conference and postseason championships.

The heart of this new chapter in Hartford Athletics is found in the student-athletes themselves—the ones putting in the work, supporting their teammates, and bringing Hawk Nation to life every day. We introduce you in this issue to some of the student-athletes whose dedication and passion help define Hartford Athletics.

In high school, Sara was a standout in both field hockey and lacrosse, serving as a field hockey captain and becoming a state champion. From Shrub Oak, New York, Sara is now a senior at UHart studying computer engineering, and plays midfield for the Hawks.

Combining Strengths / “I love being able to call myself a student-athlete because that requires a balance of action and dedication, which is a very effective combination of skills to have. I get to push myself to excel in competitive athletics while also diving into challenging, rigorous engineering courses. It’s truly the best of both worlds in one college career.”

Standout Matchup / “One game I’ll never forget was the CNE [Conference of New England] semifinals against Roger Williams University. My team was not expected to win, and we even fell behind by nine goals in the first quarter. But all my teammates came together and worked incredibly hard to fight back. In the end, we pulled off a comeback, won the game, and advanced to the CNE finals. It was great to be part of it and will remember the experience forever.”

Determined to Win / “I think the main thing my coaches and teammates might say that identifies me more than anything else is my tenacity. Everyone knows that I am not afraid to fight back when I have to and that I don’t give up easily. In fact, that’s true both on and off the field.”

Aidan Ezra ’27 / Men’s Lacrosse ALL IN

Aidan skillfully and conscientiously juggles his studies in the field of construction management technology with a perfect attendance record on the lacrosse field. A sophomore midfielder from New Milford, Connecticut, he started all 17 games for the Hawks during this past season, with 28 goals, 19 assists, 10 ground balls, and one game-winning goal.

The Key to Success / “If there’s any major lesson I take away from my sport, it’s that if you want to be a great player on a great team, you have to put as much time and effort into it on and off the field as you possibly can. I find this also relates to the classroom, to relationships, and to planning for the future.”

One of Many Goals / “If I had to identify just one thing my coaches or teammates would probably say about what makes me stand out, it would be my determination to succeed at everything I do.”

Life as a Student-Athlete / “What I love most about being part of the sports community at UHart is that it becomes a family with a strong bond. When I go onto the field with my tight-knit teammates, it’s a very special feeling.”

Kaosi Chijoke ’27 / Men’s Basketball A PATTERN OF PROGRESS

Kaosi spends his class time learning and researching biomedical engineering, and his playing time rebounding and defending on the basketball court. The junior forward from Suwanee, Georgia, started all 25 games for the Hawks in his sophomore year, averaging 13.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists. He had a career-high 19 points twice in the 2023–24 season and looks forward to more successes in games to come.

Standing Tall / “Basketball is all about dedication. It’s also about learning to live with the fear of falling short—and learning how to use that to do better. In the past, I lacked confidence in my abilities and often felt as if I didn’t do my best. But working hard becomes an addiction, and improvements usually follow. This can also be applied to the real world as well.”

Band of Buddies / “Every year I’ve been here and playing on the court, we have had a close-knit group in which all players love and respect one another. It’s wonderful. My teammates are my brothers for life.”

Looking Up / “My devotion to LeBron Raymone James is why I play basketball in the first place. I pattern my game after him. He’s a great role model for all young men and has shown what it’s like to have a passion for something without losing sight of one of the most important things in life—family. As far as I’m concerned, he’s the greatest athlete of all time.”

Shelby Frashure ’26 / Women’s Lacrosse HARD WORK PAYS OFF

Shelby, a junior who plays defense for the Hawks, knows how important it is for people to understand the needs, motivations, and challenges of students like her. That’s why she was honored to serve as co-president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, created to provide insight into the student-athlete experience. From Pasadena, Maryland, Shelby is studying civil engineering and is also the

first Hawk in program history to hit 50 caused turnovers and is the career record holder with 51 so far.

A Sharp Focus / “One lesson lacrosse has taught me is the importance of discipline. You must manage your time and push through even the most difficult challenges. Good discipline carries over into the classroom, helping me stay focused on assignments and study habits, and also helps with friendships, where I always make the effort to be reliable and supportive.”

Outside the Box / “I like to take on crazy challenges outside of my sport. I run marathons with an organization called ASA (Athletes Serving Athletes) and completed an Ironman 70.3. My coaches and teammates usually laugh and say I’m a little bit nuts for actually finding the fun in all that, but I just enjoy pushing myself and testing my limits.”

Good Pushes / “What makes it easy to love being a student-athlete at UHart is the incredible support system we have. From the coaches to the athletic trainers and everyone in between, the staff truly cares about us as athletes and as people. They push us to be our best and are there when we need encouragement, guidance, or just someone to listen to us. That makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

Crystal Gallagher ’24 (Grad) / Women’s Tennis SERVING UP PRIDE

Crystal comes from Wallingford Connecticut, where she made her high school and her family proud as an award winner for sports and academics. As a graduate student at UHart studying physical therapy, she’s back in the classroom and back on the court, ready to make many people—and herself— prouder than ever.

Eye on the Ball / “Tennis has taught me how to stay composed under high-pressure situations, because much of tennis is a high-pressure situation. It requires me to be mentally focused, which is what I’ve worked on and think I’ve achieved. What’s more, it’s the same kind of focus that helps me academically in my graduate courses.”

Singing Praises / “I love traveling with my team. I love eating meals with them on the road, singing songs in the van, and visiting other beautiful campuses. Those kinds of shared experiences and connections make being a student-athlete worth all the hard work. Balancing academics and athletics

can be difficult for a graduate student, but UHart is essentially one big support system that makes it all fun, exciting, and manageable.”

Improving Daily / “Another thing I focus on is learning from my mistakes, learning how to continually improve, and supporting my teammates. Through it all, I try to stay humble and grounded. With all that at play, it’s easy to be excited about the journey to come.”

Joe, a pitcher, struck out 36 batters in just over 39 innings in his sophomore year, and though he had to sit out the next season due to an injury, his momentum and skill are all he needs to be assured that his next outing on the mound will be a strong one. Now a junior, the health sciences student from West Hartford, Connecticut, is raring to go.

Taking a Swing / “The most valuable lesson baseball has taught me is that the occasional failure makes you stronger. It’s in those moments that you learn the most about yourself. That has proven to be true in the classroom, with all my friendships, and even for future planning. Setbacks are a chance to better myself.”

Cheering Each Other On / “There’s truly nothing stronger than being part of a team, and I’ve made some of my best friends for the rest of my life through the University of Hartford. I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing people who push me to be my best.”

A Game to Remember / “My baseball career at UHart is special to me for several reasons, but there’s one that stands out. When I first got here, we played at the University of Rhode Island. My dad grew up in Rhode Island, so many extended family members came to see me play. I was thrilled to have pitched seven strikeouts in six innings. Plus, we won the game! What makes it even more unforgettable is that it was the last time my grandfather got to see me play before he passed away. Having him there to watch me pitch is a memory I’ll cherish forever.”

Riley Brutvan ’24 (Grad) / Men’s Cross Country A STEP BEYOND

Riley, a graduate student in music production and composition, has a very clear vision of what it takes to make the most of one’s passions while keeping focused on health and good planning for the future. From Gardiner, New York, as a competitive runner, Riley has plenty of all-conference and all-district successes behind him, but also a bright future ahead.

Priorities / “As much as I love my sport, I also realize how important it is to take time for myself. That has proven to be valuable beyond measure. College athletics can get overwhelming, and sometimes the thing that separates finishing the year strong from burning out early is having the strength to step away to recharge and rebuild mentally. That way, you don’t end up building an antagonistic relationship with your sport or your friends.”

Running for Life / “Cross country is enriching in so many ways. For instance, it exposes me to people I might otherwise never meet, from coaches to teammates who have offered perspectives on life that are refreshingly different from others or from my own. The sport puts me in tune with my mind and body in ways that aren’t possible for me when I’m not being physically active.”

Memorable Incident / “At a championship track meet in high school, I lost my shoe in the first event of the day and ran the last five laps with one shoe. But it was still a personal best—at the cost of a golf ball-sized blister. My coach taped up my foot, I put my spikes back on, and ran three more events that day, helping my team win the meet against a big rival. My takeaway? Never give up.”

SOARING

When Chris runs, it’s like there’s no gravity involved—which is why the fact that he’s studying aerospace engineering seems to make perfect sense. A junior from Hamden, Connecticut, Chris sprints and jumps for the Hawks with the kind of skill and energy that attracts attention. He holds the

record for the 100 meters, is ranked ninth nationwide for the indoor long jump, and was an all-state selection nine times.

Pleasant Surprise / “I’ve been fortunate enough to experience a moment I never thought I’d see. It was when I won the 100-meter dash final at the Trinity College Invite in Hartford during my sophomore year. It was my first time winning a finals heat. I never thought I’d get that far—but I did!”

True to Me / “I’m sure most of my teammates recognize in me at least one unique trait: I tend to do my own thing regardless of how it makes me look to other people.”

Bonus Round / “What I love most about being a student-athlete here at UHart, and what I’m most proud of, is that there is proof almost every single day that all the hard work I put in, as an aerospace engineering student and as a track student-athlete, pays off in so many wonderful ways.”

Carly Mayhood ’26 / Softball SHARED PURSUITS

Carly pitches with her left hand, but her passion does not come out of left field. It’s been at the core of her game since she started playing. A junior from Newton, New Jersey, studying early childhood education, Carly takes her role as a Hawks pitcher very seriously and has the accolades, friendships, and memories to prove it. She played 20 games this past season, throwing 72 strikeouts, and was named an All-American Scholar-Athlete by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

Confident Outlook / “I have learned that success does not come without hard work, discipline, and a positive mindset. That same kind of determination keeps me focused in the classroom, helps me show up for my friends when they need support, and drives me to work toward my goals for the future.”

Road Scholars / “I went with my team to Florida this year and Arizona last year, and they were unforgettable experiences that brought our team closer together while competing against some amazing opponents. Playing in different environments, facing tough competition, and representing the Hawks with pride are memories that will never leave me.”

The Long Run / “Softball provides lifelong friendships through a love of the game. The early mornings, long practices, and tough losses are all worth it because of the memories, the laughter, and the bonds we share. The college years fly by in the blink of an eye, but I would not trade a single moment for anything.”

Kylee Connally ’26 / Volleyball CAPITAL MOVE

Kylee’s coaches and teammates say that she brings Southern charm to New England. That’s true—but she also brings a limitless amount of hard work and dedication—both to her nursing courses and the volleyball court. A setter, Kylee, a senior from Dallas, Texas, helps the Hawks to achieve consistent strong showings and many victories. Her season high a few months ago—28 assists, four aces, and 11 digs in a winning game against Massachusetts Maritime Academy—was just one of many highlights.

Time Management / “I knew that going to college as a nursing major and an athlete was going to be a challenge because of all the early morning practices, late-night games, clinical lectures, lab work, and more. But it taught me how to plan ahead and prioritize my time. Studying and doing assignments can often be done before practice or even on the bus to away games. Discipline is essential to college sports and obviously to nursing, too.”

Northern Exposure / “It’s fun sharing with my teammates all the experiences of living in the South, since it is so different from life in New England. From time to time, we’ll compare traditions, joke about how we say certain words, and tell stories about life before college. It’s not just enjoyable and interesting, but it also helps build a strong team dynamic.”

Feeling at Home / “Leaving my home and family in Dallas to come to UHart was scary at first. But the support system of coaches, advisors, professors, and teammates have made West Hartford feel like an extension of my life in Texas. I know all the hard work will pay off. I’ve learned a lot about myself as a person, which I know I’ll carry with me into the future.”

Taryn Blevins ’27 / Women’s Basketball SMILING AT SUCCESS

Taryn came from St. Louis, Missouri, to study nursing at UHart and to use her skills as a guard to help the Hawks achieve some impressive scores. Now a junior, she is always quick to credit the collective effort and energy of her team members for the wins and near-wins. Last season, she played all 26 games (25 the year before), not long ago scored a season-high 18 points in a game against Nichols College and was named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.

Going the Distance / “You can’t take shortcuts if you want results. Sometimes you have to be comfortable being uncomfortable, because that’s where growth happens. It’s true in the study of nursing, too. I’ve learned how to stay patient, communicate, and lift others up when they need it. It’s a good mindset both on and off the court.”

Destressing / “I’m proud of my leadership skills and my sense of humor. I like to be someone who can keep the group focused, but I also know when it’s time to crack a joke to ease the tension. A good laugh can shift the energy of the whole team. It brings us closer, keeps morale high, and helps us bounce back after tough moments.”

Standing Up and Standing Out / “The family atmosphere and the chance to do what I love every day is what’s most important to me. Early mornings, long practices, and late nights of studying all serve to remind me how grateful I am to be here and on this team. I’m thankful for the opportunity to represent my school while growing as a student and a person.”

Madison DiPasquale ’26 / Women’s Track and Field DRIVEN

Madison, a senior from Wallingford, Connecticut, studying criminal justice, says that her future profession will require physical, mental, and emotional strength—which is not unlike the qualities she needs as a thrower on the Hawks track team. She does indeed use those qualities well, having been

named Field Athlete of the Year by the Conference of New England, holding a school record for outdoor shotput (12.89 meters), and achieving several other accomplishments.

On Track to Success / “My teammates and I have a genuine passion for the sport. We love to compete. Practices are intense, but also a lot of fun, because everyone is invested and supportive. You can feel the energy. All my teammates are involved in that, and it’s that kind of energy that motivates me to give it my best effort.”

A Team of Peers / “I try to bring energy and encouragement to everything I do every day, even when things are tough. Staying upbeat helps more than just me—it helps the whole team stay motivated. I love creating and being part of an environment where everyone feels valued and confident. It builds a stronger, more connected team, and that’s something I’m proud of every day.”

Good Counsel / “Being an athlete means losing from time to time, and all that means for me is that I have a desire to work hard and get better all the time. I need to be strong mentally, now and in my future criminal justice roles. If I happen to work in or around prisons, for instance, that will be one of the most unpredictable places to be, and I’ll need all the mental and emotional strength I can get.”

Ayden Rzewuski ’28 / Women’s Cross Country FINDING THE RIGHT PATH

Compared to many student-athletes, Ayden came to cross country and track a little late—just about four years ago. But she’s made it her own with the enthusiasm and commitment that seems to have been a long time in the making. Toward the end of high school, she was already a team captain and outdoor 5K record holder. From North Attleboro, Massachusetts, Ayden is now a UHart sophomore studying computer and electronic engineering, and running fast for fun, fitness, and fulfilment.

A New Route / “My switch to running during high school was a pivotal moment for me. I had been involved with another sport but was falling out of love with it and not sure what direction to take. Something gave me the impulse to join cross county after I tried the 400-meter hurdles—and I never looked back. My love for running continues to grow every day.”

Keep Going / “I think the most important thing running has taught me is that through determination and dedication, hard work is bound to pay off. Things get difficult now and then in all parts of life, but the value of perseverance and self-reliance always proves itself.”

Friendly Advocates / “The family dynamic is what makes being a student-athlete at UHart so special. I have never met more supportive and well-rounded people who continue to push me every day toward success and my personal best. They help make me a better athlete and a better person.”

Finding Strength When Life Tilts

Jacqueline Tran, a sophomore from Waterford, Connecticut, had a health scare just before the fall semester began. The biochemistry student had a stellar year in 2024–25 as a member of the women’s golf team (she was named an All-American Scholar by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association), but her true sport is finding joy in every new day. Below, she shares her story and advice on how to overcome life’s unexpected challenges.

It was a typical afternoon in July 2025. I was working as a waitress in Waterford and suddenly felt dizzy and lightheaded. So I left early to rest up before my stepmother’s birthday dinner. Later that day, I had a hard time walking straight, but I didn’t pay much attention to it at first. The next morning, my room was spinning. I called my sister for help, and she and my father took me to the emergency room, where I received an MRI. That’s when I received the shock of my life: I was told I suffered a stroke—an ischemic stroke in my brain stem.

I was only 19.

For three days, I stayed in the hospital and had more than my fill of napping, Jell-O, and pudding. My family was worried. My father knew that the next few months were going to be very difficult for me. “Your life is not going to be the same for a while,” he warned.

That may have been true, but my main concern was whether or not I’d be able to go back to school. I had just finished my first year and was anxious to return to campus. Why? Because being a student at UHart means everything to me. I had so much to look forward to—classes, social events, golf tournaments, being a residential assistant… I just had to go back.

My experience proved that life can slip away at any moment— which is why it’s important to live a fulfilling life, no matter what. My family comes from a Buddhist heritage, which instilled in me the notion that suffering and surviving a stroke is a spiritual thing—that I am meant to achieve as much in life as I can.

My dad took care of me during my recovery. He researched therapies and doctors. He had to take many weeks off work because I was having trouble speaking and moving. I could not have done it without him, though he was not on board with my goal of getting back to school as quickly as possible. But he knew how badly I wanted that.

Spending time with people who make me happy and doing things that make me feel content is what I focus on now. My advice to anyone going through a serious life challenge is to try your hardest to use the experience as fuel to move forward. It is extremely fulfilling to get through something so difficult— chase after that accomplishment!

Repeat to yourself that you can beat any setback. Face it head-on. Mine didn’t beat me! It only made me stronger.

JUST RELEASED

Share your newly released book, album, or film with the UHart community. Email editor@hartford.edu.

Speculative fiction writer Ryan C. Bradley ’12 (A&S) released his fourth book, Say Uncle, last spring. It captures teenager Braden O’Riley, who is hoping for the best summer of his life. Instead, his quirky and mysterious uncle moves in, bringing with him an unusual book filled with strange symbols. Braden soon discovers that this summer will be far from ordinary.

At age 23, Lynn Davis A’66 (A&S) left the city of Hartford for Tel Aviv, Israel, setting out on a life that would pull her between two very different worlds. Her recently released A Memoir of Two Cities: Hartford and Tel Aviv weaves five decades of experiences through nearly two hundred letters, travel logs, photographs, and films, offering an intimate, richly textured journey of identity, belonging, and change.

Jennifer Hernandez D’15 (ENHP) has released Courageous Choices: Stories of Resiliency in Teen Mothering, drawing on her dissertation to explore the journeys of teen mothers. Her book highlights their emotional strength, optimism, and resilience as they navigate the challenges of young motherhood and transition into successful adulthood.

Yifrah Kaminer M’00 (Barney) has published Elijah PolitiKally InKorreKt Prophet: Future/Past, a contemporary psychological drama with biblical associations taking place in a psychiatric emergency department in Boston. This is his third book following two recent children’s books available on Amazon.

Robert R. Madison A’64 (Ward) recently published his second book titled Biography of Lt. Richard Falley, Jr., Revolutionary Soldier, Patriot & Armorer—detailing the life of the Western Massachusetts colonial figure. The book highlights Falley’s significant role in the American Revolution, focusing on his service in the French and Indian War, his commissioning as an officer, and his establishment of a secret armory at the base of Mt. Tekoa to manufacture weapons for the Continental Army.

Amber Sayer M’16 (ENHP) published her debut novel, Finally Found: An Autistic Girl’s Adventures Through Adolescence: Book 1, in October 2024, following 12-year-old Keira as she navigates middle school and her autism diagnosis. Written for middle-grade and young adult readers, the book helps neurodiverse girls feel seen and neurotypical readers better understand autistic perspectives. Drawing on her own autism diagnosis and experience, Sayer has since expanded the series with Keira’s Christmas Countdown and Keira’s Search for Silver Linings

Professor Hemchandra Shertukde (CETA) published Power Electronics: DC-DC Converters for HVDC Transformations this past summer. The book offers a comprehensive guide to high-voltage direct current power electronics, combining theory and practical applications, and serves as an essential resource for power system design, renewable energy integration, and electronic circuit development.

Lisa Wisniewski D’17 (ENHP), building off her doctoral dissertation, has published Navigating Education as a Forgotten Immigrant: Perspectives from the Eastern European Community. It examines the educational experiences of Eastern European immigrants in the United States. Through personal accounts, her book reveals the community’s challenges, contributions, and identity development, offering an insightful and meaningful contribution to understanding the immigrant experience.

Michael Casey ’15 (Hartt) has a new release (his ninth) called Valencia, which has been featured in Spotify’s Best Jazz of 2024, NPR, BBC, and more. In his newsletter, NBA icon and avid jazz fan Kareem Abdul-Jabbar called it “a lovely jazz performance that soothes the soul.”

Flutist Mary Matthews D’14 (Hartt) leads listeners into a world of folklore, fairytales, and proverbs with Flutelore, her latest album with the Newfound Chamber Winds. The album showcases her artistry as she navigates themes ranging from comedy and spirituality to the fantastical, inviting audiences to experience the flute in its most evocative and imaginative form.

ALUMNI NOTES

DEAR FELLOW HAWKS,

It is a true honor and privilege to continue serving on the Alumni Council, now taking on the role of president. The University of Hartford has profoundly and lastingly impacted my life, and I am thrilled to continue engaging with our incredible students, dedicated alumni, and committed leadership, faculty, and staff.

I want to extend my warmest congratulations to our 2025 Anchor Award winners! You are an outstanding example to us all. As we look ahead, remember that nominations are always open for the next round of Anchor Awards. Please start thinking now about which of our fantastic alumni we should recognize next year.

Receiving H Magazine in the mail is always a mini-event for me. I relish the opportunity to go through the pages, read about the latest campus news, and see what the wider community of Hawks is doing. I especially love flipping through the Hawk Notes to see if I recognize any familiar names. You can help keep this tradition alive—please remember to submit your updates and notes for publication.

This October, I had the wonderful opportunity to visit campus for Hawktober Weekend. During my visit, I joined the Hispanic Latino Student Association lunch and spent time with some of our first-year students. I shared stories about all the fun we had on campus and hopefully inspired a few new activities in their minds! It was also exciting to see the new Grant Family Track and Field for the first time. It is truly beautiful and was being put to excellent use by many students enjoying the fresh air on a Friday afternoon.

It is my sincere wish that UHart continues to feel like a home to all our current students, and that we, as alumni, will have the opportunity to stop in every so often to see all the exciting new developments.

Go Hawks!

Addis Crooks-Jones ’02 Alumni Advisory Council President

Contribute a Note!

The University of Hartford alumni network is vast, with a diverse community of more than 80,000 strong throughout the United States and around the globe. UHart alumni are making their marks everywhere—in the arts, in business, in STEM, in government, and more— and have incredible stories to tell. You were once students, and now you’re alumni for life. Keep those bonds strong and stay connected. Class notes are posted throughout the year online. A selection of recently submitted class notes is included in this issue.

MAIL: Class Notes Editor, Development and Alumni Affairs, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117

ONLINE: hartford.edu/class-notes

1970s

David Brunelle ’70 (Barney) R was nominated for the Hometown Hero Award by the Nassau County, Fla., Council on Aging for his role with CHORE Volunteers, who provide critical home improvements for county seniors and MLK Jr. projects. He was inducted into the UHart Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003 for basketball achievements.

1980s

David Murray ’80 (Hartt) R is a professor of bass and director of the school of music at Butler University. In August of 2024, Murray received the distinguished professor award, an award granted annually across the entire campus.

Allan Hoffman ’72 (ENHP) R was named president emeritus at the Institute for Clinical Social Work (ICSW) in Chicago. ICSW is a fully regionally accredited graduate school offering PhD and MS degrees in clinical counseling.

Nina C. Kasser Sidell ’80, M’84 (A&S), is an award-winning author and keynote speaker who enjoys speaking to audiences about various types of wellness. Since earning a master’s degree in expressive arts therapy from Lesley University, she has been practicing psychotherapy in her private practice.

Following 24 years of military service and 10 years of law enforcement duty, Edward Chesky Jr. ’85 (A&S) and his wife have retired to the Tampa Bay, Fla., area. During his career, Chesky served as the chief of Counter Proliferation Weapons of Mass Destruction for the Pacific Command, and reporting officer for the International Missile Technology Regime Treaty. Following his military career, Chesky worked in law enforcement.

Kim Izzarelli M’87 (Barney) is currently serving in the Peace Corps as a Youth Development Coordinator in Belize. You can listen to her interview on WanderingTheWorld.com.

In April, Mark Winarsky A’89, ’91, M’93 (Hillyer, A&S, Barney) R retired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after almost 22 years of federal service. Before joining CDC, he served as a supervisor for the Department of Emergency Services at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City. Winarsky will spend retirement traveling, enjoying his classic car (1969 Buick Electra 225 Convertible), and enjoying quality time with his wife and

1990s

With more than 32 years of distinguished service in law enforcement, including 28 years with the Westchester County District Attorney's Office, Andrew Grascia A’90, ’91 (Hillyer, A&S) R has built an exemplary career grounded in dedication, expertise, and leadership. A graduate of the New York

City Police Academy in 1993, Grascia was promoted to detective with the MTA in 1996. A year later, he joined the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office as a criminal investigator, marking the start of a remarkable tenure.

Susan Montgomery ’90 (HAS) R is an artist in residence at the Kinney Center for Interdisciplinary Studies at UMass Amherst. Her exhibit Fatal Flora: Renaissance Revenge Narratives is on view through January 30, 2026.

(A&S) R recently wrapped up four years as FDA and marketing counsel at the pet retailer Chewy, where she specialized in pet food and supplement regulations and helped shape compliant, creative marketing campaigns. Gottesman has now brewed up a fresh adventure as marketing and R&D counsel at Keurig Dr Pepper, where she advises on advertising and product innovation across some of the country’s most beloved food and beverage brands. Gottesman’s son Noah is now a sophomore at UHart.

Two years back, Peter Furlong M’95 (Hartt) was called to London at the last minute to rehearse and perform as Siegfried in Wagner’s opera Siegfried (known as the Everest of tenor roles) with London’s Regents Opera at Covent Garden. Furlong was back in London as Siegfried in Wagner’s Götterdämmerung (The Twilight of the Gods) and to reprise the role of Siegfried as Regents Opera

presented Wagner’s complete Ring Cycle last February.

Pradip Singh ’96 (A&S) is currently the director of the Housing Authority of New Orleans.

Work by artist Alicia Renadette ’97 (HAS) was featured in the exhibition Entangle at Fenway Gallery in Boston, Mass., last spring.

Kevin Bechard ’99, M’02 (Barney) was recently appointed editor-in-chief of World Traveler magazine (www. worldtravelermagazine.com), where he directs the publication’s editorial vision. Bechard also joined Fairfield University in 2023 as an instructor of practice in marketing. A recognized authority on Sub-Saharan African business and Asian market practices, he integrates global perspectives into both his teaching and editorial work.

Ireneusz Lacki ’99 (Hartt) has a new position as director of intellectual property licensing at Sony Music Entertainment in New York City. Lacki is excited to lead a licensing team, ensuring proper clearance, licensing, and royalties payment for recorded music releases on various Sony Music record labels.

2000s

Javier Colon ’00 (Hartt) returned to NBC’s The Voice this fall for an All-Star performance. The inaugural winner of The Voice in 2011, Colon competed alongside five other veteran Voice artists in a head-to-head sing-off special taped in Los Angeles on September 6, 2025.

Bob Martin ’00 (Hartt) won Best Documentary at the Lindsey Film Festival at the University of Northern Alabama for their documentary Shiners: Voices from Owsley County about youth in rural Appalachia. Martin and McClellan were roommates for three years and graduated in 2000 from the first class of the BFA acting program at Hartt. McClellan teaches at Triton College and makes films, while Martin is a Kentuckybased theater and media maker.

Aisha E. Johnson Miller ’00 (A&S) has been named one of two inaugural executives in residence at Urban College of Boston, a private, nonprofit, two-year college in Massachusetts. Designed to cultivate mentorship, foster learning, and expand social capital for students, particularly those from underserved communities, the program will empower the next generation of leaders.

brings her expertise to this engaging and informative show. The podcast breaks down financial taboos and creates an open dialogue about money management. It is available on major podcast platforms, including Spotify

Henry Dziekan III ’06 (HAS), pictured at left in the above photo, is a co-founder of the hot sauce brand Hook & Arrow, whose newest release, Spicier Sauerkraut & Mustard, was featured on Season 27 of the popular YouTube series Hot Ones—the show where celebrities take on progressively spicier wings while answering tough questions from host Sean Evans. Hook & Arrow, founded by Dziekan and his brother Sam during the COVID lockdown, is a small-batch condiment company based in Branford, Conn.

Petrini is the first woman to hold that position.

Christopher Boorman M’05 (Barney) has released his debut course on Teachable.com: “7 Mistakes Managers Make...and How to Fix Them!”

Kelly L. Cofiell Turner ’05 (HAS) has co-launched a new podcast, Millennial Money Matters. As a mortgage loan officer and financial enthusiast, Turner

2010s

Michaela Catallozzi ’11 (CETA) R is one of six women receiving the New England Women in Construction Trailblazer Award. Catallozzi is a project manager with C.E. Floyd Company.

Kyle Torrence ’11 (Hartt) is part of the cast of Season 25 of Food Network’s Worst Cooks in America.

Courtney Mason ’12 (HAS) met her husband, Scott Klasner ’13 (CETA), at UHart through Greek life. He was a member of Sigma Nu, studying mechanical engineering at CETA, while she was a member of Delta Zeta, studying

illustration at HAS. They started their careers in New York City, got married, traveled internationally to more than a dozen countries, and have established themselves as industry leaders in their fields. Klasner is a senior associate at Syska Hennessy Group, a global leader in MEP and commissioning services. Mason is an art director at Comcast Advertising, the global advertising division of Comcast.

Justin Wilcox M’14 (Barney), a partner at Glastonbury-based accounting and advisory firm FML, has been named to Forbes’ inaugural Best-In-State CPAs 2025 list. Wilcox joined FML straight out of UHart, and in less than 10 years, became the youngest partner in the firm. He heads the firm’s cryptocurrency accounting practice, which he founded in 2018.

Michael Casey ’15 (Hartt), see recently released album, page 42.

Amber Sayer M’16 (ENHP) R, see recently published book, page 42.

Olivia Hansen ’17 (Hartt) is an actor and filmmaker who has spent eight years in New York City pursuing musical theatre and acting. She recently completed a 13-city film festival run with a feature film she produced. Hansen has now ventured into writing, directing, producing, and starring in her first short film, Lipstick. Meet. Pig. a feminist, dark comedy based on her experiences in the service industry. Hansen brought two other Hartt alumni onto the producing team: Michael Coale Grey ’14 (Hartt), an associate producer based in Los Angeles, and Dana Rose Eisman ’17 (Hartt), an actor, producer, and educator in New York City, who serves as both associate producer and actor in the film.

2020s

Erin Proctor ’21 (Hartt), now a playwright based in New York City, had her first full-length piece, Plague Play, published by 1319 Press last spring. Plague Play premiered in Miami, Fla., in 2023, and made its New York City premiere at IATI Theater in 2024.

Congratulations to Our 2025 Anchor Award Recipients

They’re CEOs and entrepreneurs, musicians and military members, educators and advocates. Twelve University of Hartford alums were honored with the highest alumni award the University has to offer—an Anchor Award—on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025.

The Anchor Awards recognize and celebrate alumni who have excelled professionally and made significant contributions to their communities.

Distinguished Alum, awarded to an alum who embodies the highest caliber of personal and professional accomplishment, strength of character, and representation of University values.

James Alibrandi ’84 (CETA)

Outstanding Alum: Early Career Professional, recognizing an alum who has demonstrated exceptional early career success and future potential.

Stephen Cusano ’15 (Hartt)

Jillian Foley Cusano ’16 (Hartt)

Alexander Robertson ’20 (Hartt)

Kelly Tischbein ’18 (University Studies)

Exceptional Professional Success, recognizing an alum whose career accomplishments are especially exceptional.

Robin McGuinness M’98 (ENHP)

Charles Pious ’80, P’09 (Barney)

Howard Schnee ’92 (Barney)

Impact on Social Responsibility & Civic Engagement, awarded to an alum whose professional success focuses on improving their community.

Ezra Shanken A’00, ’02 (A&S)

Kenniel Martin A’06, ’07 (Barney)

Impact on the University of Hartford, awarded to an alum who has had a remarkable impact on the University through their philanthropic support and/or service.

Celia R. Lofink ’79, P’16 (ENHP)

Posthumous Honor, recognizing the remarkable achievements and lasting legacy of an individual who made significant contributions to UHart during their lifetime.

Francis Besancon C’63, ’67 (ENHP)

We Congratulate & Welcome

ENGAGEMENTS

Rachel Cisto ’15 (A&S) and Blain Kindred are engaged to be married after meeting in 2023 in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. An early 2026 wedding in Montana is planned. [1]

Alexia Salafia ’22, M’24 announced that Maxwell Jaekle ’22, M’23 proposed to her in Paris by the Seine River. Both graduates of CETA’s architecture program, they met during their second-year studio class and have been together for almost five years. They are both excited for this next chapter of their lives. [2]

WEDDINGS

Jodi Green A’89, ’91 married Robbie Lefkowitz on January 3, 2025. [3]

Beth Rosenberg ’91 and Ron Plante ’91 got married in Washington, D.C., on September 28, 2024, with many of their friends from the University of Hartford in attendance. They met in 1988 as sophomores, stayed in touch after graduation, and many (many) years later, took their friendship down a new road. [4]

Madeline Makings ’17 and Geoffrey Hook ’18 were married on November 9, 2024, in San Diego. They met during their senior year and started dating shortly after. Celebrating alongside them were friends from the UHart graduating classes of 2017, 2019, and 2025. [5]

Brooke Movitz ’21 (ENHP) and Matt Guerra ’21 (Barney) got married on August 3, 2024. They met their freshman year of college and have been together ever since. [6]

Lillian Hinkle M’22 (Barney) married Michael Peck September 7, 2024, at Mystic Seaport Museum. She has been living and working in Washington, D.C., for more than three years, and the couple plans to settle in Connecticut.

HATCHLINGS

Kathryn (Carta) Flannigan ’11 (A&S) and husband Trevor Flannigan welcomed Dean on April 2, 2025. She is a member of the Founders’ Society. [7]

Nicole E. Coco Walker ’11 and her husband, Rob, welcomed their baby boy Dominic Robert Walker on July 25, 2024. [8]

Sarah Carlyle Laskey ’13 (HAS) and her husband, Zach, welcomed their baby boy Benjamin Robert Laskey on April 16, 2025. [9]

Megan D. Vanasse Sanna C’14, C’15, ’15 and her husband, Kevin Sanna ’16, M’18 (Barney), met at UHart and got married, and they now have a son named Oliver. Kevin is a lacrosse coach at UHart. [10]

Sarah Tobias Bowers ’15, M’16 (ENHP) welcomed Audrey Ruth Bowers on January 26, 2025. [11]

Katelyn (Whitburn) Reddy ’16 (A&S) and her husband, Anush Reddy, welcomed their son Henry in August 2024. The family lives in the Silicon Valley area of California. [12]

Remembering Three Professors Who Touched Generations of Students

JOEL KAGAN ———

Joel Kagan, a highly accomplished and respected member of the University of Hartford faculty for 46 years, died in November 2024.

Throughout his UHart career (1970 to 2016), Kagan served in a variety of roles, including chairman of the math, physics, and computer science department for a quarter of a century; associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; and associate professor of mathematics.

“Joel was a vigilant steward of all university resources. He kept meticulous records and paid thorough attention to every detail,” says Provost Katherine Black, who took over the associate dean position from Kagan. “There are spreadsheets full of complex formulas that Joel created that are still in use today. We are so grateful for the care that he brought to his work over the years.”

Kagan graduated from Rutgers University and received his MBA and PhD in mathematics and an MBA in computer science from Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey.

In addition to his professional diligence at A&S, Kagan had a diverse range of interests, including art, music, basketball, racquetball, and magic. He was co-owner of a magic studio, a member of the Society of American Magicians, and a devotee of unique instruments such as the Native American flute. He worked with craftsman nationwide to create a unparalleled collection of original musical instruments.

“Joel was a wonderful friend and mentor,” remembers James McDonald, associate

dean of finance in A&S and associate professor and chair in the Department of Physics. “His focus was always on how we could better serve our students. He was the very model of a supportive department chair and fostered an environment where faculty could be innovative and collaborative. I can’t think of the University without thinking about Joel.”

MICHAEL KAHN ———

Michael Kahn, a professor of clinical psychology who held a host of other administrative roles during 31 years of service at the University of Hartford, died in January 2025.

Kahn, the only child of German-Jewish parents who had escaped the Nazi regime, was born in 1936 in what is now Israel. When he was 2 years old, his family settled in New York City, and throughout his school years they moved several times, often due to financial difficulties. Due to a difficult homelife, for his own peace of mind Kahn escaped into music—jazz, mostly—and also developed an interest in psychoanalysis and family dynamics, which would eventually play a major role in his career.

He attended the City College of New York, where he received a bachelor's degree in English literature. He followed that by enrolling in a master’s program in psychology at the New School for Social Research.

While in school, Kahn worked at a Lucite sheeting company—at times a dangerous job involving toxic chemicals. At the age of 21, he accepted the company’s offer to become a salesman, then sales manager, and finally, at 29, vice president of sales and marketing.

When he turned 30, married and with two daughters, Kahn decided to leave

sales and marketing behind to become a psychologist. He studied at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he focused on family therapy.

In 1970, Kahn was hired by the University of Hartford as director of its new Psychological Services Center; his executive skills were invaluable in guiding the psychology department’s emerging master's program in clinical practices. Several years later, in response to industry trends, the department moved toward developing a doctoral program. As interim director of that program, Kahn helped create the Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology. He then moved into its associate director position, as well as director of academic affairs. He regularly offered his students unique perspectives by integrating his previous managerial experiences with his clinical work.

Kahn served on the editorial boards of many professional journals, co-authored a book called The Sibling Bond, which was translated into four languages, and co-edited Siblings in Therapy. He was also a faculty guest at the Washington School of Psychiatry and served with the summer faculty at Smith College. For 50 years, he supervised and taught family therapy for psychiatric residents at the UConn Department of Psychiatry in Farmington.

Kahn retired from UHart in 2001 and joined the Emeriti Association. He had been the editor of the Emeriti Matters newsletter, which he helped found.

LUIZ DE MOURA CASTRO

Luiz de Moura Castro, who taught piano and inspired students at The Hartt School for more than 40 years, died this past April after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

De Moura Castro was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he made his public debut on the piano at the age of 9. An honors student at the National School of Music of the Federal University and the Lorenzo Fernandez Academy of Music, he continued his studies in Hungary, at the Liszt Academy of Budapest.

At Hartt, where he chaired the piano program for 15 years, de Moura Castro developed a reputation based on unparalleled expertise and deep insight into aptitudes and motivations. Colleagues noted his conviction in the fact that beauty and honesty exist in every note of music, and that it is incumbent upon every artist to discover and make the most of that beauty.

“Luiz was cherished by all who crossed his path. He was truly valued as an educator, coach, and mentor to all who came under his guidance,” says Dale A. Merrill, dean and professor of dance at The Hartt School. “Several generations of his students are now virtuosos in their own right, performing and teaching across the world. His tenure helped further the mission of our school both to internal and external audiences.”

De Moura Castro had played in concert halls around the world; in the United States, those venues included Carnegie Hall, the Smithsonian Institute, and the Kennedy Center. His work can also be heard on more than 50 CDs, and he was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2002.

He was inducted into The Hartt School Hall of Fame Class of 2020–21. And while de Moura Castro's life was music, he left plenty of time to engage with his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends in other at-home, off-hour pursuits.

NINA PARANOV FAGAN

Few people have shaped the sound and spirit of The Hartt School quite like Nina Paranov Fagan, whose name became synonymous with excellence, artistry, and quiet dedication behind the recording console. A lifelong member of The Hartt School family and daughter of co-founder Moshe Paranov, Nina carried forward her family’s legacy with her own unique gifts—combining musical sensitivity with technical mastery to preserve and elevate the performances that defined generations of Hartt artists.

A staff member at The Hartt School for 50 years described by colleagues as “the most quiet backbone of the institution,” Nina passed away this past October.

Her connection to Hartt ran deep. Growing up surrounded by musicians, faculty, and students, she developed a profound understanding of the creative process from an early age. After studying at Hartt herself, she joined the School’s professional ranks in 1961 as audio director, founding the Hartt Recording Studio soon after. From those early days of reel-to-reel tape through the digital era, Nina was both engineer and artist—meticulously capturing performances, guiding young musicians through their first studio sessions, and ensuring Hartt’s music would endure long after the final applause.

Over the decades, Nina engineered thousands of recordings and trained countless students who went on to careers in recording and performance. She was a trailblazer in preserving the School’s history, championing the transfer of Hartt’s analog archives to digital formats to protect them for future generations. Her fingerprints can still be heard in the sound archives of nearly every department—from opera and orchestral performances to jazz and chamber recitals.

There are so many remarkable people that have built the history of The Hartt School,” says Dee Hansen, professor emerita of music education and author of One Hundred Years of Hartt: A Centennial Celebration of The Hartt School (2020). “When I began

to explore the founding of Hartt programs, she became larger than life. Nina was clearly an exceptional, special person. She overcame incredible odds as a woman and a woman with a disability to be one of the most important curators of Hartt history. She has left us with a jaw-dropping gold mine of our musical heritage, all catalogued and lovingly preserved for future generations.

Beyond her technical brilliance, Nina was beloved for her warmth, mentorship, and humor. She possessed an ear for detail and an eye for potential, encouraging students to listen deeply— not only to the music, but to one another. Her generosity extended beyond the studio; with her husband, Edward Fagan, she helped establish scholarships supporting Hartt students in pursuit of their artistic dreams.

In recognition of her lifelong impact, Nina was inducted into The Hartt School Hall of Fame (Class of 2019–20) and honored by the University’s Founders’ Society for her enduring support and service. Yet for those who knew her best, her legacy lives most vividly in the countless moments she helped capture—the performances that became memories, the students who found confidence through her guidance, and the community she nurtured with compassion and grace.

Through her artistry, mentorship, and unwavering dedication, Nina Paranov Fagan ensured that Hartt’s music—and the people who make it—will always be heard.

Those wishing to share a memory of Nina or record the ways she touched their lives may do so through our Share A Memory form, which will be preserved in the University of Hartford Archives and Special Collections.

NANCY C. HURSEY

Nancy C. Hursey, whose name graces the Francis X. and Nancy Hursey Center for Advanced Engineering and Health Professions at the center of campus, passed away peacefully this past October.

Though she graduated from the St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing, Nancy became an honorary member of the University of Hartford family through her husband, Frank Hursey A’73, ’77. Together, their generosity and vision helped shape one of the University’s most transformative facilities—the Hursey Center, a cornerstone for innovation in engineering and health professions.

“I’m so proud of what Frank has done at the University that I feel like I’m part of it,” Nancy reflected a few years ago. “And everyone is so kind here. They treat me like I’m aduate.”

Born in Hartford and residing for many years in West Hartford, Nancy was a registered nurse for 40 years, with an abiding passion for her profession and an unshakable dedication to helping people. She held positions at Saint Francis Hospital, the UConn Health Center, and the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain.

Diagnosed with diabetes as a child, Nancy spent considerable time in the hospital and attributed her passion for nursing to the kind and empathetic nurses who helped her. Once she became one, she served in many capacities, including intensive care units and discharge offices, where she helped coordinate comprehensive follow-up care for patients. She also provided care on a volunteer basis at a local church for people who could not afford to see a doctor.

Guided by Nancy’s compassion and spirit of giving, the Hursey Family Foundation has touched lives from Uganda to UHart—creating a legacy that will endure for generations.

Nancy was married to Frank for 58 years and was a devoted mother to three children. She found great happiness in her nine grandchildren.

BERNIE ROSEN

Bernard Rosen ’61, M ’66, an esteemed educator and philanthropist known to many as Bernie, passed away in December 2024 at the age of 95. His legacy endures through the profound impact he had on all who knew him and through his estate, of which the University is the sole beneficiary.

The Bernard H. Rosen Endowed Scholarship Fund, created while Bernie was still alive, will now exceed $1.5 million thanks to a generous legacy gift. This scholarship will be a lasting symbol of Bernie’s philanthropy and commitment to the University of Hartford.

In honor of his lifelong giving, the Rosen Society was established in 2013 to recognize UHart donors for consecutive years of giving. Its members include alumni, parents, and friends who demonstrate a deep commitment to UHart and a desire to provide the best education and college experience for each new generation of students. These sentiments were at the core of Bernie’s own motivations.

In a 2016 video produced by UHart, he described how his professors engaged with him one-on-one to help him adjust to the challenge of being 14 years older than the incoming first-year students (he was 32 when he enrolled). “Everyone made themselves available and were always very understanding,” he said. “How can I not support a university that was so good to me?”

Bernie’s career in education began in the early 1960s as a teacher at South Windsor High School, where he worked for more than five years. He then spent 24 years (1971–1995) at New Britain Senior High School as an instructor of accounting and business law, while also serving as chair of the business department and vice principal. In 1996, he came out of retirement to serve as a part-time substitute teacher and acting vice principal at Cromwell High School. Bernie later returned to New Britain Senior High School as “Retired Housemaster” before fully retiring in 2000. Those who knew him recognized that he lived the values he taught, especially the importance of learning, knowledge, and an understanding of history and current events.

Bernie, whose father was from Poland and mother from Lithuania, grew up in the North End of Hartford, which, while predominantly Jewish, was also home to Irish, French, Italian, and African American families. This cultural diversity was something he held in high regard for the wealth of culture and rich social engagement it brought to the community. Bernie attended Hartford’s Weaver High School and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UHart. Following in his father’s footsteps, he served in the Connecticut National Guard and was activated in 1950, eventually being stationed in Germany for two years.

Bernie’s students and colleagues admired him not only for his steadfast support, but also for his humor, wit, intellect, and humility. Beyond his dedication to UHart, he also contributed generously to the Connecticut Historical Society, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, and the Hartford Public Library.

Bernie expressed a “tremendous sense of pride” for UHart, and in that 2016 video, he noted the many campus enhancements, stating he was certain “we’re on the right path to even greater things.” He received a 2020 UHart Anchor Award for Outstanding Alum, an annual recognition given to those who positively impact the University of Hartford.

“Bernie truly enjoyed supporting UHart in so many areas,” says Jenn Carr, associate director of donor relations. “He used to tell me that his time here shaped his life and that working hard for his education provided the greatest rewards. His goal was to encourage and support people who wanted to work hard for their education. For those of us who were fortunate enough to meet Bernie, he was a blessing in so many ways. His light, kindness, and unwavering belief in education were inspiring.”

WE REMEMBER...

As UHart matures in ways that its founders may not have dared to imagine, one inevitable result of a growing alumni base is the increasing number of our classmates to whom we must say goodbye.

Updated In Memoriam listings are posted quarterly online and can be accessed at: hartford.edu/in-memoriam

An Unconventional Path, a Lasting Impact

GUIDED BY HIS UHART EXPERIENCE, JOSEPH KUNKEL ’06 IS SHAPING SUSTAINABLE FUTURES FOR INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES WORLDWIDE.

Toward the end of his high school career, while deciding where to attend college, Joseph Kunkel faced a challenge. As a member of the Northern Cheyenne nation, Kunkel had two primary career interests—architecture and engineering—one of which he intended to pursue on behalf of the Native American community. He didn’t know where to turn for help in exploring both fields. Then, during his research, he discovered the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture at the University of Hartford.

It felt almost as if he had engineered this opportunity himself.

Kunkel, whose mother was a nurse and whose father worked for the New Jersey state government in its housing division, grew up in a modest-sized municipality in New Jersey. This background made him appreciate the small-town vibe of the UHart campus and the surrounding West Hartford community. It didn’t hurt that he quickly formed a tight-knit group of friends, found a passion for playing on the tennis team, and received a scholarship. Once academics began, Kunkel found that his professors were particularly skilled at forecasting what the professional future could hold for someone like him. They also excelled at suggesting academic and post-academic pathways to help him find his ultimate niche.

“I remember them well to this day, 19 years later—people like Professors James Fuller and Daniel Davis. I still recall Professor Fuller’s Means & Methods course as if it were yesterday.” Fuller is currently the chair of the architecture department.

Kunkel received his undergraduate degree from UHart in 2006 and his master's at the University of Maryland in 2009.

Today, as a senior executive with the award-winning MASS Design Group based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he directs a lab focused on sustainable native community designs.

Kunkel began his career in corporate architecture before working on affordable housing initiatives, similar to his father’s work in New Jersey. After that, he established a nonprofit foundation for sustainable native communities, leading him to his current role at MASS Design Group.

“It was an unconventional path that got me here,” he admits, “but it makes a lot of sense to me. It’s challenging—but I thrive on those challenges.”

MASS, which stands for Model of Architecture Serving Society, was founded on the principle that architecture's influence extends beyond individual buildings and plays a critical role in supporting communities that need to balance history with current needs. Today, MASS has a team of over 100 architects, landscape architects, engineers, builders, furniture designers, writers, filmmakers, and researchers representing 20 countries around the world.

In 2018, Kunkel received a Rauschenberg SEED grant from the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation to expand his work in community development-based art. The following year brought him two more honors: a Creative Capital Award for his work on the Northern Cheyenne Healing Trail and an Obama Fellowship in recognition of his contributions to Indigenous communities.

MASS has garnered its own impressive accolades, including the American Institute of Architects Award, the Architecture Innovator of the Year from the Wall Street Journal, a ranking as

number four in Architect Magazine’s “Top 50 Firms in Design,” and a National Design Award in Architecture from the Cooper Hewitt/Smithsonian Design Museum.

“In tribal communities, sustainability has different meanings,” says Kunkel. “For one tribe, it might mean cultural sustainability, while another might define it as access to community resources or new opportunities for its people.” That’s why his professional life cannot be easily pigeonholed into a single description. His roles and goals with the MASS Design Group are as broad as they are vital.

It was an unconventional path that got me here, but it makes a lot of sense to me. It’s challenging—but I thrive on those challenges.”

“I always ask the people we meet with, ‘How can we support your vision?’

Then I plan meetings with tribal leaders, CEOs, and other business and community managers, create proposals, put together teams, and check on the teams—a plethora of projects,” he concludes in his modest, soft-spoken way—a personal style that belies the complexity and significance of his work and his capacity to effect positive change.

SNAP SHOTS OF 2025

COMMENCEMENT

More than 1,500 graduate and undergraduate students and their invited guests celebrated the Class of 2025 at a pair of ceremonies last May. Lawrence P. Ward gave his first Commencement address as UHart president.

CAREER TO CLASSROOM

Thanks to UHart’s network of industry partners, more than 1,000 students had the opportunity to network and receive real-life career advice from alumni and industry professionals during the second annual Career to Classroom Day last spring.

BARNEY HALL OF FAME

Blazing a trail for their fellow Hawks to follow, Olivia Schmidt M’95 and Jarrod Moses A’89, ’91 are the 2025 inductees into the Barney School of Business Board of Visitors Alumni Hall of Fame.

ALVARIUM BREWING

University of Hartford alumni, staff, and friends gathered together at Alvarium Brewing in New Britain, owned by Brian Bugnacki ’05, to celebrate the kickoff of Day of Giving 2025.

Pictured left to right: Jim Lombard, President Lawrence P. Ward, and Steven Rothman ’75.

HAWKTOBER WEEKEND

From the incredible SGA Hawktoberfest to the Athletics Throwback Party, campus was buzzing with Hawks celebrating together. The food, the fun, the memories—this is what Hartford spirit is all about.

Save the Date for Hawktober 2026, Oct. 2–4.

Far more than a simple dining spot, Konover is being refashioned into a space for social gathering and a center of campus life.

The outdoor patio and pond area will support casual dining and serve as a venue for more formal events, including live music featuring student artists.

Decades

From crisp tablecloths and set menus to global flavors, grab-and-go favorites, and indulgent desserts, dining at the University of Hartford has always reflected the rhythms of student life. Across the decades, campus meals have been a place to gather, celebrate, debate, and recharge—where friendships were formed over shared tables and latenight snacks fueled long conversations. What began as formal dining with limited choices has evolved into a vibrant, food-court-style experience offering variety, flexibility, and something for every appetite.

That evolution continues as the University of Hartford’s reimagined Konover Campus Center is scheduled to open in summer 2026. Featuring spacious indoor and outdoor dining areas, a large brick pizza oven, and welcoming spaces designed for connection, this $2.8 million investment will transform the residential side of campus— creating a new hub where food, community, and campus life come together.

ONCE A HAWK ALWAYS A HAWK

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