H Magazine

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

Vice President for Marketing and Enrollment MOLLY POLK

Editor

JONATHAN

EASTERBROOK ’87, M’90

News Editor MATT BESTERMAN

Design

ELIZABETH SCHNELLER M’25

KEVIN SEPE ’99

JORDYN BROUSSEAU ’24

Art Direction

ALICIA POST LINDSTADT

Contributing Writers

LESLIE FELDMAN

KELLEY FREUND

MARY INGARRA P’20, P’24

JOEL SAMBERG

Photography

NICOLE BEDARD

NICHOLAS DELEO ’24

SETH KAYE

BRODY MONARCA ’23

JONATHAN OLSON

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: University

Lawrence

at UHart

Enhancing

Two UHart students get rare chance to be part of Olympics

Alumni reach back to their alma mater for expertise.

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

A LifeStar helicopter on the GSU quad? This immersive simulation gave students an inside look at a caring career that’s in high demand. P. 12

Conference of New England champions— congratulations to UHart’s women’s soccer team. P. 42

“Without fail, alumni have described a transformative experience they had while studying at UHart that changed their lives.”

Reimagining Excellence

Dear Friends,

Now six months into my presidency, I am as humbled and thrilled to be leading the University of Hartford as I was the day that I arrived on campus—and even more excited about our future. Quite simply, I feel blessed and honored to be back home to lead this institution at a pivotal moment in our history.

Let me begin by expressing my deep appreciation to the entire UHart community for your generous expressions of welcome and support over these recent months. Not only have I discovered what a special place UHart is, my wife, children, and parents have as well—they were all touched over Hawktober and Inauguration Weekend by the kindness they felt from so many.

Since my appointment, I have been honored to meet and visit with many UHart alumni across generations. It’s been both fascinating and illuminating to hear their stories and learn about this institution through the lives and experiences of its graduates. As I have reflected on what I have heard, I am struck by the central theme that runs through each individual story.

A common thread connects across the wide range of majors in our schools and colleges, across generations, across geography, and across identities. Without fail, alumni have described a transformative experience they had while studying at UHart that changed their lives. Most talk about a faculty member, in particular, who poked their nose into their life and kept it there.

Our alumni describe a transformative impact the University played in their individual journey of discovery and of new possibilities: a faculty member who made them realize that they were far more capable of success than they gave themselves credit for; a faculty

or staff member who believed in them when perhaps they didn’t fully believe in themselves. They had a transformative experience at the University of Hartford and then graduated inspired to have a transformative impact on others. This story repeats itself time and again.

It is what I call the “amplifying effect” of University of Hartford education. You may have come to the University to become an illustrator, occupational therapist, or accountant. Perhaps your plan was to be an electrical engineer, new venture entrepreneur, or exercise scientist. Whether you had a clear goal, such as to be a guidance counselor or school psychologist, or you didn’t know what you wanted to be but knew you could be something, the University of Hartford made an imprint on your life. And nothing about that dynamic has changed since 1957. We are still in the dreams business.

I value the opportunity that I have been given to play a supportive and transformative role in others’ journey of discovery, new possibilities, and excellence. Success for this university requires that we reimagine what excellence looks like. We have to turn things on their side and look at it from a new perspective. We need not abandon who we have been and everything we do. Rather, our collective challenge is to invest in what continues to work well, discern that which no longer serves us well, and then boldly embrace new thinking and possibilities for the future.

Together, across each of the constituencies that define our UHart community, we must focus on getting better each day. The beauty of each new day is that we get to improve upon what we did not get right yesterday. The pursuit of excellence is habit forming and will lead us into a new era of accomplishment and distinction at the University of Hartford.

President Lawrence P. Ward

THE ROSEN SOCIETY

Named for Bernie Rosen ’61, M’66 for his longtime consistent giving, the Rosen Society honors donors who give for two or more consecutive years.

Members of the Rosen Society are alumni, parents, and friends of the University—people who love UHart and want the next generation of students to thrive. Their loyal support is fueling innovation, shaping the University's future, and elevating the UHart experience for our students.

2+ 54% 1m+ VIP How could I not give back to a University that has given me so much?”

—Bernie Rosen ’61, M’66

A retired dedicated high school teacher of 24 years, Bernie was passionate about students succeeding and generously donated to the University for 52 consecutive years.

In his memory, the University will continue to honor Bernie’s legacy.

Become a Rosen Society Member.

Give for two consecutive years or more, and you are automatically celebrated among our loyal Hawks

54% of Rosen Society members are degreed alumni

Rosen Society members contributed $1,027,730 in FY24

Benefits of the Society include invitations to special events, early access to alumni events, VIP seating at commencement, and more

We Want to Hear from You!

H welcomes comments and thoughts from readers and alumni, and while we can’t print or personally respond to each letter or email, we promise that we do read and appreciate them. Comments published on this page express the views of the writers and not the University of Hartford or staff of H. Letters and emails are edited for clarity, space, and UHart style.

MAIL: H Editor, Office of Marketing and Communication, 200 Bloomfield Avenue, West Hartford, CT 06117

EMAIL: editor@hartford.edu

As a ’74 grad, it was a pleasure to see the article “Dressed for Success” in the recent University magazine I received.

If I had stayed in the Hartford area—I was living in Granby at that time—and was looking for a job, the Dressed for Success would have been a godsend.

To everyone associated with the Career Ready Closet, keep up the good work!

John Carlson A’74 Bosque Farms, New Mexico

I recently received the latest issue of H and enjoyed it as I always do lots to learn about the University and our alums.

As I recall, there hasn’t been a feature article about the doctoral program in clinical psychology (GIPP). The program is very well-regarded, receiving 300 to 400 applications a year for a maximum of 24 spots. John Mehm, who retired last December, was the director for many years and did a truly splendid job of shepherding the program. Our

graduates often stay in the Northeast and can be found in clinics, hospitals, other institutions, and private practice, importantly contributing to addressing the severe need for mental health services. And while many are relatively local, we also have alums working across the country.

Anne E. Pidano, PhD Professor Emerita Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology Department of Psychology University of Hartford

Editor’s Note: Learn more about the Graduate Institute of Professional Psychology at hartford.edu/gipp.

Around 1936, my mother, Pearl Sudarsky Sisk, enrolled me in a Saturday morning art class at the Hartford Art School. It was held in a large room still existing at the back of the old museum just south of the entry to the new and revolutionary white building on the northeast corner of the Atheneum site. I do not know what caused my mother to enroll me in this

class. It may have been some intuition that this silent and introspective youngest of many boys who preferred drawing houses and making models of buildings needed this sort of thing.

I would become an architect and lived in Chicago, Paris, London, New York, New Haven, and South Carolina before coming back to Hartford to open my own office.

About 25 years ago, I heard about the Life Drawing class/ program at the University of Hartford, and for $7—every Monday night for years—I got three hours of drawing with a live model. The group was usually about 15 to 20, including four or so students. It was jammed with members of the community, but the students who attended also benefited. In one instance, when we praised

the work of a young artist, she told us that no one had ever given her such encouragement. The “outsiders” formed a close cohort, thankful and loyal to the University.

This group met for about 20 years at the University of Hartford. A specific community developed around this group that is, sadly, no more.

Remnants remain. This writer, at age 92, is one of those remnants as well as possibly the oldest living student of the Hartford Art School.

Sidney Vaneyck Sisk West Hartford, Conn.

UNOTES

The Hursey Center’s iconic green roof continued to flourish this year, providing a tranquil addition to the quad and a habitat for hundreds of local species of birds, insects, and plants.

Taking the Reins

THREE SCHOOLS, TWO NEW DEANS

It isn’t just UHart as a whole that’s moving into a new era of leadership; two new deans have taken the reins of three of our schools and colleges this year.

Josie Brown (left) is the new dean of Hillyer College and the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), while Aarti S. Ivanic (right) now leads the Barney School of Business.

Brown came to UHart from Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she served as the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. Before that, she spent 17 years at Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts. She holds a doctoral degree from State University of New York at Stony Brook. Her areas of academic concentration include African American literature, Caribbean literature, and postcolonial theory and literature.

Ivanic, meanwhile, came to the University from Wagner College in Staten Island, New York, where she was the founding dean of the Nicolais

School of Business. She was previously the academic director of MBA programs at the University of San Diego Knauss School of Business. She holds a doctoral degree in marketing from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.

Brown succeeds Frances Altvater and Mark Blackwell, who led Hillyer and A&S, respectively, as interim deans since 2022.

“I am particularly excited to be joining Hillyer College and the College of Arts and Sciences,” Brown says. “This is a time of wonderful opportunity as we work together to modernize the curriculum and to foster opportunities between the two colleges, while also pursuing collaborations with the others on campus.”

Ivanic succeeds Carmen Cotei, who has served as interim dean since May 2023.

“The Barney School’s focus on career readiness, market-relevant academic programs, and strong industry partnerships prepares our students for an ever-changing world,” she says. “I am thrilled to join a community of scholars and leaders who value and emphasize student success.”

“I am excited to welcome Josie Brown and Aarti Ivanic to our campus community,” University of Hartford Provost Katherine Black says. “I believe both possess vast amounts of knowledge, experience, and passion to enhance the missions of their respective schools/colleges. I look forward to working with them to advance the goals of their schools, colleges, and the University of Hartford.”

Hartt Salsa All-Stars Bring the Beat to D.C.

The Hartt Salsa All-Stars gave a half-hour performance to wind up Education Secretary Miguel Cardona’s Educación en Acción Summit on October 15 in Washington, D.C. The day-long event featured leaders in higher education, best-selling authors, Latino influencers, and even a few celebrities.

BRIEFS

In a University “first,” 17 high school students from across Connecticut spent two weeks of their summer learning to be digital storytellers on the UHart campus. The brand-new program “Be the Change,” presented by the School of Communication, taught them the basics of video production, TV and video news, media literacy and activism, and the role of media in a democracy. The program builds on the success of longstanding partnerships between the School of Communication, FOX61, and Impact Teen Drivers. School of Communication Director Jack Banks says Impact Teen Drivers has expressed a desire to fund “Be the Change” on an annual basis.

UHart students will have the opportunity for advanced training in biomedical research, thanks to a more than $1.6 million award from the National Institutes of Health.

Salsa music star Frankie Negrón and singer/actor Mauro Castillo (Encanto) spoke with the group about their inspirational careers, giving them valuable advice and encouragement. Later, Negrón and Castillo went up on stage and performed a few numbers with the All-Stars. By the end of the show, the audience was on its feet and dancing, and the young performers were riding high.

Despite the group’s name, the nearly two dozen members of the Hartt Salsa AllStars come from several of UHart’s seven schools and colleges. The group was founded in 2022 by Hartt composition student and percussionist Nino Ciampa ’26, and is the first UHart music group devoted entirely to salsa music.

Before their set in the LBJ Auditorium, the All-Stars got a special tour of the White House with Secretary Cardona, walking the grounds, taking photos in the press briefing room, and playing a few frames in the Truman Bowling Alley.

The Educación en Acción Summit was the culmination of the U.S. Education Department’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.

The U-RISE Program (Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement) prepares students to enter and complete a biomedical research-focused graduate degree program, such as a PhD or MD/ PhD program, after graduating from UHart. Department of Biology faculty, Department Co-Chair and Professor Aime Levesque, and Assistant Professor Cindy Thomas-Charles worked to secure the award, which will support the training of 20 undergraduate students over five years.

U-RISE trainees will receive an annual scholarship of up to $30,000 that includes stipend, tuition assistance, and a travel allowance to present their research at scientific conferences. To qualify for the program, students must be a rising junior and have a cumulative GPA and major GPA of at least 3.0. Four students will be added to the program each year and training will occur during their junior and senior years.

To increase diversity and broaden participation in biomedical research, students traditionally underrepresented in this branch of the sciences are encouraged to apply, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds or those with disabilities.

Photos courtesy of U.S. Department of Education

UHart students, start your engines! Seventeen students from UHart’s branch of the Formula Society of Automotive Engineers (FSAE) made an annual trek to Michigan International Speedway, bringing a formula-style race car they designed and built themselves. The students pitted their engineering skills against teams from around the world, taking 67th place out of a field of 121—up from 79th place last year. “UHart’s race team made significant improvements in many categories,” says Associate Professor Ted Diehl, director of the mechanical engineering program, who advised the team. “Our primary goal has been continued improvement each year.”

Helping to Recruit the Future of the Secret Service

In a unique partnership, the University of Hartford is helping to train and recruit the next generation of U.S. Secret Service agents.

UHart is participating in the Special Agent Talent and Achievement Recruitment Program, also known as the STAR Program, and the Secret Service Police Engagement and Recruitment Program, also known as the SPEAR Program. In the STAR Program, college seniors with at least a 3.0 grade point average can apply to be a special agent as early as January 1 of their senior year.

The University kicked off the partnership with a recruitment event in February. Aspiring agents were able to take the Applicant Physical Abilities Fitness Test, the written examination,

professional interview, and security interview all within a few days.

The hiring event was led by Kent McCarthy ’96, assistant special agent in charge of administration and recruitment at the Secret Service’s New York Field Office. McCarthy says the hiring process normally takes close to two months.

The goal of the STAR and SPEAR programs is to prepare aspiring Secret Service agents to make it through the hiring steps before graduation, so they can receive an expedited job offer if they qualify.

The University of Hartford is one of a select few locations in the tri-state region (Conn., N.Y., N.J.) to offer these kinds of hiring events.

Two UHart professors joined an exclusive and distinguished circle this spring, becoming the latest of our faculty to receive Fulbright Global Scholar Awards. Sundeep Muppidi, professor of communication in the College of Arts and Sciences, is spending seven months in India during the 2024–2025 academic year, conducting research into the Telugu-language film and creative media industries. K. Kayon Morgan, assistant professor of educational leadership in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, is embarking on a four-month, multi-country project to explore how groups of Black people in South Africa and Jamaica engage in anti-colonial expressions of liberation and resistance. Morgan is the first Department of Education faculty member to receive a Fulbright award at UHart.

“This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to helping students secure employment after graduation.”

KELLY MCGEEVER ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR,

CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Kent McCarthy ’96, assistant special agent in charge of administration and recruitment for the Secret Service’s New York Field Office, speaks with students at a recent UHart career fair.

Creating New Opportunities

NEW GIFTS & SCHOLARSHIPS

The generosity of our donors continues to pave the way for future success and career readiness for our students.

In March, Donald Allan Jr. ’86, president and CEO of Stanley Black & Decker, and his wife, Marilyn, made a generous gift in support of career and professional development at UHart. In recognition of that gift, the University has created the Allan Center to showcase the many career-related initiatives and programs that are available to students.

Then, in May, Stanley Black & Decker made another gift focused specifically on creating a robust local workforce. The $3 million will provide scholarships to students from 29 towns in the Greater Hartford region.

“Stanley Black & Decker, Pratt & Whitney, and other industry leaders in Connecticut recognize the talented pipeline of students receiving an exceptional and hands-on educational experience at UHart, and what that means for the future of our workforce in the state.”

— DONALD ALLEN JR. ’86 BOARD OF REGENTS CHAIR

Beginning in 2025, the newly formed scholarships will be awarded to the top academically prepared incoming students from the Greater Hartford region. These students join the ranks of current scholars, selected each year, who enjoy access to SBD employees for monthly mentoring sessions, résumé-building workshops, and leadership development programs. They are also guaranteed first-round interviews for internships.

“We’re seeing more UHart graduates go on to become employees at Stanley Black & Decker,” said Allan, who is the chairman of the University’s Board of Regents.

“I think that’s a very powerful connection our students feel to the community, but it’s also a powerful connection between a corporation and a university.”

The connection is especially meaningful in Connecticut. Of the state’s private colleges and universities, the University of Hartford has the most alumni living and working in Connecticut, 31,567 reported in 2021.

Along with access and opportunity, these scholarships focus on another vital component of the student experience: career readiness. That preparedness for what the future holds remains a priority for the University and its corporate partners, says Alex Coury, associate vice president for corporate partnerships and career experiences.

“At the University of Hartford, our commitment to student success extends beyond classroom learning,” says Coury. “Thanks to the support of dedicated corporate partners like Stanley Black & Decker, our students have access to internship programs, networking events, career-preparation workshops, career fairs, and guest speakers. These are the immersive learning experiences that ensure UHart students enter the workforce prepared to lead and excel.”

Board of Regents members joined students on Oct. 17 to celebrate the new Allan Center for Career and Professional Development. Donald Allan Jr. ’86 (top right) is a passionate advocate for career readiness.

A “Standout” Lecture from a Sports Marketing Icon

Who better to give a presentation titled “Stop Standing Still, Start Standing Out” than a man dressed like a giant banana?

Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment and owner of the popular Savannah Bananas baseball team, wowed the crowd at the Chase Arena on the UHart campus in March, dressed in his trademark yellow tuxedo and yellow bowler hat.

UHart students and area residents alike packed the arena, looking to be inspired and entertained.

No one would argue Cole lives by the motto of the lecture’s title, and it’s helped him transform an exhibition team into

one of the most popular sports entertainment shows in the world.

Frequently quoting lessons he learned from studying the lives and careers of P.T. Barnum and Walt Disney, Cole shared his story with the eager and appreciative crowd—a story that has its share of struggles as well as successes.

“Being normal gets only normal results,” Cole told the packed arena. “If you’re not being criticized, you’re playing it too safe.”

Cole’s appearance at UHart was part of the Rogow Distinguished Lecturer Series, devoted to bringing celebrated authors, journalists, historians, academics, and artists to the Greater Hartford region.

“It’s all about standing out, because being normal gets only normal results. If you’re not being criticized, you’re playing it too safe.”

Flying High for the Eclipse

When the solar eclipse darkened the skies across a swath of America in April, some UHart students were at their brightest.

A total of 13 students and three faculty members from the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture launched two high-altitude balloons from Carbondale, Illinois and Oak Ridge, Missouri. The onboard instruments collected data about solar radiation and temperature during the eclipse. The launch was the culmination of more than a year’s work as part of the NASA-supported Nationwide Eclipse Ballooning Project.

JESSE COLE

SAVANNAH BANANAS OWNER

Hosting High-Profile Guests to Educate and Inspire

The University of Hartford continues to be a venue of choice for federal and state officials. In a single week this year, UHart hosted two high-profile visitors to announce policy and to have important conversations shaping the future of those they serve.

On January 31, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont chose the Hartford HealthCare Immersive Simulation Labs located in the Hursey Center to announce his fiscal 2025 budget proposal. It was a fitting venue, as the proposal included a recommendation that application fees required for workers to obtain certain jobs in the health care, education, and child care fields be eliminated.

The goal is to encourage job-seekers to enter these rapidly growing fields—exactly the kinds of opportunities for which the Hursey Center was created to train students.

For the second year in a row, a team of UHart physical therapy students flew to Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands, helping to improve the quality of life for hundreds of patients, mostly military veterans. But for two of the students, the highlight of the trip involved military and family history. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Saipan during World War II, and the students, whose relatives served on Saipan and neighboring Tinian, were honored as part of the festivities. The mayor of Saipan presented Katherine Bray DPT’25 and Cara DiMercurio DPT’25 with medals to take back to their families, representing the continued gratitude of the people of the Marianas.

A few days later, on February 2, United States Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and his wife, Marissa Perez Cardona, a college and career coordinator, were at the Wilde Auditorium to speak on diversity, particularly as it relates to their own lives and careers. In a very real sense, it was a visit from a neighbor: Cardona was raised in Meriden, Connecticut, where he also began his career as a fourth-grade teacher. He went on to become the youngest elementary school principal in the state, and to serve two years as commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Education.

During the event, officially titled “Prosperity, Power, and Progress: The Significant Strides Made by the Latinx/Hispanic Community,” the Cardonas spoke on topics that included advice for minority populations, ways to get ahead, and the importance of role models. “What makes us different is what makes us unique,” Miguel Cardona said. Marissa Perez Cardona added, “Never forget where you came from. My mother was my biggest role model because she instilled in me faith, family, and a passion for education.”

Affirming the University of Hartford’s commitment to sustainability, staff from the University and HyAxiom, a leading global fuel cell and hydrogen solutions provider, gathered to celebrate the installation of four stationary fuel cells on the southeastern side of campus.

Among the HyAxiom team were several UHart alumni: Philippe Lachelier ’08 M’10, Deepthi Teegala ’11, and Gene Moir ’13. The fuel cell units are expected to generate 1.8 MW and will significantly reduce the load on the electrical grid that serves the campus as well as lower the chances of brownouts during times of peak electricity demand. The University can choose to use the heat byproduct from the units for nearby East Hall in the future.

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona (far right) with his wife, Marissa Perez Cardona, in a discussion on campus moderated by Hillyer College Associate Professor Noel Casiano.

UHart in the News

University of Hartford students, faculty, and staff have become familiar faces in local news outlets—and this year, we’ve had plenty of news to share.

“LANDING” A CAREER IN HEALTH SCIENCES

When a Hartford HealthCare LifeStar helicopter landed on the quad outside the Hursey Center last spring, it wasn’t an emergency, but an interactive learning opportunity for some UHart respiratory care and nursing students. News 8 was on hand to capture the lifelike simulation—complete with a manikin “patient.” The event was an opportunity for aspiring health care and medical students to learn about the roles of respiratory therapists, ER nurses, and EMTs, and the UHart programs that can help them enter these vital and rapidly growing professions.

AHEAD OF THEIR TIME

On paper, they’re a lot like other students, juggling classes, papers, and research projects. But 12-year-old Nigel Morgan and his 15-year-old brother Xander have the distinction of being UHart’s youngest students—and they caught the attention of FOX61, WFSB, and the Middletown Press

Nigel is majoring in chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, and aspires to earn his doctorate degree by the age of 18. Xander, meanwhile, is majoring in aerospace engineering in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture.

Their parents, ENHP Assistant Professor Kayon Morgan and Sacred Heart University faculty member T. Lee Morgan, are justly proud of their illustrious sons.

BUILDING FOOD SECURITY FOR HARTFORD

In July, Levo International, Inc. gathered 150 corporate volunteers on the UHart campus to begin construction on a neighborhood farm that will supply thousands of pounds of fresh produce per year—including to UHart’s food pantry, “The Nosh.”

NBC Connecticut and News 8 were on hand to interview volunteers and speak with UHart staff about how the new hydroponic farm will help shore up food security both on and off campus.

ELECTION-YEAR SPOTLIGHT

Election-year politics has dominated the headlines this year, and UHart students and faculty lent their enthusiasm and expertise to a number of stories. Local TV viewers got to hear from students attending a presidential debate watch party at the Hawk’s Nest and learn about UHart’s efforts to help students register to vote.

When the Supreme Court handed down its landmark ruling on presidential immunity, Jilda Aliotta, associate professor of politics, economics, and international studies, appeared on several local stations to give her perspective. And Associate Professor Bilal Sekou was once again a familiar face and voice on local television and radio, offering his commentary on the twists and turns of an election season like no other.

DON’T FORGET TO HYDRATE... BUT NOT TOO MUCH

It’s well known that most Americans don’t drink enough water—but is it possible to be too hydrated? To explore that question, The Wall Street Journal turned to UHart Associate Professor Colleen Muñoz, director and co-founder of the Hydration Health Center.

That article led to an appearance on HuffPost’s podcast, “Am I Doing it Wrong?” “[Drinking too much water] is a real thing,” Muñoz told the hosts. “[It doesn’t happen] as often as you would think, relative to somebody who is underhydrated—that’s definitely a more common scenario—but it’s something we need to pay attention to.”

INTRODUCING...

“Career readiness is a key component of everything we do,” said new Barney School of Business Dean Aarti Ivanic in a November interview with the Hartford Business Journal. Ivanic spoke about how Barney’s local partners like Stanley Black & Decker and Pratt and Whitney are helping students make the transition to full-time employment. She also spotlighted Barney’s recent in-demand academic programs such as business analytics, supply chain management, and sports management, as well as its master’s program in healthcare administration.

THE JOY OF TEACHING

Carolina Flores Shapes the Next Generation of Musicians

Musically speaking, Carolina Flores D’08 wasted no time when she arrived in the United States from her native Spain in 1990. Almost immediately, she began a music career as a choral director at churches throughout New York City. That career lasted 30 years—but is just one small movement of an entire score of activities that has not only defined her own life but, as an educator, has helped shape the lives of hundreds of students.

Today, Flores serves as associate professor of choral music and director of choral activities at UHart’s The Hartt School. She has previously taught at the Manchester campus of the Connecticut State Community College (CSCC), University of Rhode Island, and other institutions in the region.

“Teaching is a joy that comes through witnessing the growth of my students, the personal connections, and the continual learning that keeps me intellectually engaged,” Flores says. “Shaping the next

generation of musicians is a joyful and gratifying responsibility.”

Flores received two music degrees at top conservatories in Spain, one in education and one in piano. She continued her musical training at the Manhattan School of Music (N.Y.) in piano performance and at The Hartt School, where she earned her doctorate in musical arts (DMA) in choral conducting.

Precise timing may be essential for musical performances but, for a good reason, it did not work out with such precision on the road to her doctorate.

“I hoped to complete it in three years,” she recalls, “but between balancing full-time studies, having a full-time church job, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses at Hartt, and raising a child, it took an extra three years.”

Did it matter? Not at all. Between the church work and the teaching, every day of those six years was filled with musical activity—far beyond specific DMA coursework.

Then, in 2023, Flores became interim director of choral activities at Hartt while still teaching full time at CSCCManchester and serving as the artistic chorale director of the Manchester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale.

She also continues to perform as a substitute organist at churches, which she thoroughly enjoys because it allows her to meet people from many different denominations, “and to experience a wide range of organs,” she adds enthusiastically.

Shaping the next generation of musicians is a joyful and gratifying responsibility.” “

“When I was 6 years old, I asked my parents for a piano,” she remembers. “They didn’t know all that much about music and thought I was simply asking for a toy. I think they believed it was a wish that would soon be forgotten. I was too young to enroll in a music conservatory, so they enrolled me instead at a local music school, where I began playing the organ. Two years later, I finally received a piano of my own.” Flores was a good enough player to convince her parents to give her formal piano training at a top music conservatory as soon as she turned 8 years of age.

After receiving a degree called a Grado Superior at the conservatory in Madrid, she was hit with the realization that there were no further options in Spain to continue the study of piano. Many skilled pianists sought such opportunities abroad. So did she.

Her several roles—teacher, conductor, performer—are deeply intertwined, she acknowledges, each fulfilling in its own way. “I experience joy through collaboration with musicians, whether it’s in rehearsal or during a performance,” Flores says. “Performing provides a sense of accomplishment and

a way to engage and move people emotionally.”

She tells all her students that the fundamentals essential for a life or career in music include a strong work ethic, resilience, consistent and efficient practice, a willingness to learn, the ability to adapt, and a passion to share music with others. Other elements include embracing every opportunity to perform, exploring different genres and styles, enjoying the process as much as the results, and never shying away from vulnerabilities. “I tell them to think of music performance like a tapestry,” Flores explains. “The side we don’t see is filled with threads going in many directions, but the side we do see is a beautiful, cohesive scene.”

While most of the singers in her classes and groups are music majors, the ensembles with which Flores works are composed of students from diverse fields, such as psychology, communications, art, and acoustical engineering. “Many students tell me they look forward to choir rehearsals because they find them both fun and therapeutic,” she says. The choir ensembles are open to any University of Hartford student.

F lores F ile The

Carolina Flores —

Associate Professor of Choral Music and Director of Choral Activities

Education —

DMA, Choral Conducting, The Hartt School, University of Hartford

MM, Piano Performance, The Manhattan School of Music, New York

BM, Piano Performance, The Manhattan School of Music, New York

Degree in Music Education, The Superior Conservatory of Music; Zaragoza, Spain

Degree in Piano Pedagogy, The Royal Superior Conservatory of Music; Madrid, Spain

Honors —

Excellence in Teaching Award, Connecticut State Community College, 2015

Excellence in Teaching Award, National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development, 2016

National Hispanic Heritage Employee Award, Connecticut State Community College, 2018

Recipient of prizes in several national piano competitions

Performing —

Performed at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Cami Hall, and Rockefeller Center

Was a soloist with the Manhattan Symphony Orchestra

Has sung with such exclusive ensembles as the Yale Camerata, Pro Arte Singers, and Voices of Concinnity

Member of Concora (short for Connecticut Choral Artists), which is known as one of the premier musical forces in the state of Connecticut

Directed international choral tours in Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Italy, and Spain

Leading kinesthetic vocal warmups at the beginning of a rehearsal.

“WE” MOMENT A

Lawrence P. Ward begins his tenure as UHart’s president eager to unite students, alumni, faculty, and staff in search of a common goal—to reimagine excellence

His first day on the job as the president of the University of Hartford, Lawrence P. Ward stood on the quad and gave some remarks at a community picnic. And as he spoke, he looked across at his office building where he noticed that big silver letters were affixed, literally right under where he would sit in his new role, spelling out the word “Administration.”

It’s not a word Ward is fond of. You see, teaching and preaching are the Ward family businesses. His grandmother was a missionary. His grandfather was a minister. And so is Ward’s brother. His mother was a teacher and, later, a human resources executive. So, at his core, Ward considers himself not an administrator up on the third floor, pushing paper from one end of the desk to the other, but as an educator and connector. Those 14 silver letters up on that office building were not spelling out the type of culture that Ward wanted to build on campus.

And so, one of his first orders of business as president was to remove the letters. They’re still on the parking lot side of the building, to help visitors find their way. But if a visitor happens to be lost on the quad side, Ward knows exactly what will happen.

“They will ask somebody,” he says. “And we ought to be a friendly, engaging, inclusive community where someone would not only tell you where to find the administrative building, but on a good day, walk you over there and learn something about your story.”

This is Ward’s story: As a kid growing up in Vernon, Connecticut, he credits his parents with showing him the definition of dedication and integrity in any occupation. His father, a respected contractor, shared great pride in the trust of clients as they handed him keys to their home. Ward also fondly recalls his mother’s commitment to teaching, first in West Hartford and later in Rockville. It was there that the seeds of a career in education were sown, even if he was too young to know it at the time. Back then, he dreamed of a career as a special agent.

Later, in high school, Ward began focusing on something more tailored to his personality. He was one of the top 10 minority students in the state, which earned him a

Day of Pride Scholarship, a full ride to the University of Connecticut, where he studied business administration. Ward was a born leader, and his mother would later tell him that the things that would come out of his mouth always sounded more advanced than his age. The opportunity to be a teaching assistant for a business communication course at UConn reinforced Ward’s path towards a career in higher education.

“I remember the first lesson I taught, I could literally see the light bulbs going off from the students who were in the class,” he says. “And I thought, ‘That’s pretty cool.’”

And then there were members of the faculty and administration at the school who became mentors of sorts. Having those relationships allowed Ward to see the difference he could make in higher education.

Ward began his master’s degree program at the University of Michigan in 1996. As a graduate assistant, he worked alongside the vice president of student affairs and the dean of students. Ward would go on to provide corporate training in higher education for a small startup before he headed to American University.

“I convinced them, having no experience working in academic affairs, that I could build an undergraduate degree program,” Ward jokes. He served as the director of American’s undergraduate business programs, eventually becoming associate dean of all the degree programs in the business school. During his 13-year tenure at American, Ward completed his doctorate with the University of Pennsylvania’s executive format program, traveling between Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.

But Ward actually considered leaving higher education at one point. Around the time he was preparing for an

interview with an investment bank to become the head of college recruiting, he left campus one night and found two students sitting on a bench at the exit of the parking garage. Ward knew one of the students, but not the other. One said, “Good night, Dean Ward.” And the other said, “Good night, sir.” It hit Ward in that moment that he belonged in higher ed.

“Sometimes you just have these moments of clarity,” Ward says. “You realize the impact that you’re having whether you know a student or not. They know who you are.”

President Ward interacts with incoming students and their parents during Orientation. In the welcome address, he encouraged students to get involved and speak out about what they believe in.

Ward would go on to Babson College in Massachusetts to become the associate vice president for student affairs. Within 30 days, unpacked boxes still in his office, there was a resignation within the department, and he was promoted. During his 10 years at Babson, as vice president for learner success and dean of campus life, Ward advanced fundraising priorities that enhanced student well-being, built a championship athletics culture, and strengthened the college’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“Being on the academic side at American University and in student and campus life at Babson has really built out my portfolio and prepared me for this role at the University of Hartford,” Ward says.

The geography was one of the things that attracted him to his new role. His family has been in the Hartford region since the 1940s. His mother taught in the West Hartford public school system,

“This is very much a homecoming. This is where we are from, this is where we call home, and we are delighted to be back. It’s a university that I believe in, a region that I believe in and that I think matters. And to come back as president, in a way that I can really influence both the economic and the educational ecosystem in this area, was especially attractive.”

his father is president emeritus of the Hartford Jazz Society, and the two now live in Bloomfield. Ward’s wife, Katerie, is from Rocky Hill, and her grandfather served as postmaster general for the city of Hartford.

“This is very much a homecoming,” Ward says. “This is where we are from, this is where we call home, and we are delighted to be back. It’s a university that I believe in, a region that I believe

in and that I think matters. And to come back as president, in a way that I can really influence both the economic and the educational ecosystem in this area, was especially attractive.”

As was UHart’s diversity, in every aspect.

“For a school of our size, it’s quite unusual to have this wide range of majors and disciplines,” Ward says. “From health professions and engineering, to the

President Ward is presented with Hartford jersey #7 by student-athletes, welcoming him as the seventh president in school history.

REFLECTIONS

One of my fondest recollections that continues to define Larry today goes back to an early childhood experience. When I picked him up from pre-school one day, his teacher reported with great annoyance that Larry had refused to take a nap. His explanation to her was ‘naps are for people who are sleepy and I am not sleepy.’ He preferred to read a book. At age four, he thought for himself, distinguished himself, and articulated his choices with confidence. That early sense of self-discipline and confident decision-making matured through his teen years. Not only did he become a natural leader who surely enjoyed his fair share of fun and academic success, but today he is the consummate human being who definitely is not ‘sleepy.’”

Wyrot Ward, mother

“ “ “

Larry is an exceptional leader who not only sets high expectations but empowers others to rise to the occasion. He has this remarkable ability to create space for people to think deeply, and more importantly, to trust that they already have the answers within them.”

Jennifer Murphy, Director of Strategic Initiatives at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, a mentee of President Ward and a former doctoral student of his at UPenn.

“

The thing I learned from my dad is that leadership isn’t always about being a template for others to fit. It’s about being a source of inspiration for others to grow from. It’s about allowing those around you to flourish in their own light—and stepping in when they don’t feel sure of their next steps.”

“

Emerson Ward, daughter

I once heard a quote that said ‘all else being equal, [your] leadership is about how people experience themselves, around you.’ Dr. Ward embodies this quote. He makes everyone around him better, empowering them to always think about quality and impact. That is what I admire most about Dr. Larry Ward.”

Shatiek J. Gatlin, current MBA student at Columbia who is a mentee of President Ward and a former student of his at Babson.

My entire life, my father has made sacrifice after sacrifice for our family. When it comes to something or someone that he is passionate about, there is nothing that he will not do to see them succeed. For as long as I have known him, his greatest passion was guiding young people where they needed to go. And I have no doubt that that is what he will continue to do here.”

Aidan

Ward, son

liberal arts, there’s a lot that you can leverage with that sort of tour de force of academic disciplines. This will also be the most diverse student body that I’ve worked with. That’s very exciting.”

Ward considers himself to be an engaging servant leader who is supportive, working to empower and develop others. He loves to bring people together around a common mission, a reputation he developed at both American and Babson—and that he will continue at UHart.

“But the pomp and circumstance of a college presidency doesn’t drive what I do,” Ward explains. “I’m more attracted to the challenges associated with higher ed, and I love to provide clarity and direction. I think this is especially important for where we are at this moment in time.”

And “this moment in time” in higher education is not short on challenges. The value of a college degree is being questioned, as is the traditional education path—high school, college,

LEADERSHIP

job. Ward believes that employers are becoming increasingly interested in what skills and knowledge a person has (whether they gathered those through an apprentice program, a certification, or watching YouTube), rather than the degree they have.

Demographics are also an issue. Birth rates declined during the Great Recession, and now there are fewer students of college age. College officials refer to this as the “enrollment cliff.” Beginning in 2025 and over the next four years, the number of 18-year-olds will drop by 15 percent, meaning colleges will lose approximately 576,000 students. Colleges in the Midwest and the Northeast are expected to be hit the hardest.

Universities are also still dealing with the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Ward, the pandemic was a real-time market test for higher education.

“The institutions that were generally healthy before COVID came out okay, and the institutions that had vulnerabilities did not,” he says. “It’s not unlike how people were impacted by the virus.”

A popular and engaging speaker and panelist, President Ward is highly sought after to share his knowledge of successful leadership.

We asked him to select his top three leadership principles or sayings:

To whom much is given, much is expected.”

“ Sometimes, you have to turn things on their side and look at it from a different perspective.”

So, what can universities do about it?

“There is no going back,” Ward says. “To me, the answer for the University of Hartford is to reimagine what excellence on a college campus looks like. Reimagine how we deliver education, provide services, the type of students and faculty we attract, who we serve. We need to reimagine all of that to remain market relevant.”

As Ward settles into his role at UHart, he has some priorities he wants to focus on. One is to strengthen the financial posture of the institution.

“

To me, the answer for the University of Hartford is to reimagine what excellence on a college campus looks like. Reimagine how we deliver education, provide services, the type of students and faculty we attract, who we serve. We need to reimagine all of that to remain market relevant.”

This will involve the recruitment, enrollment, and retention of students; reengaging alumni and donor populations who will invest in the University; and being fiscally responsible in managing resources.

Ward also wants to focus on building back the culture of the institution, as he believes it’s taken a hit. He says this can happen when an institution experiences an organizational crisis, when staff is worried about job security, and when the industry is changing rapidly. Ward also feels the tensions associated with the recent transition from Division I to Division III athletics. For him, the focus now needs to be strengthening how the UHart community works together, supports one another, and communicates with each other.

“On any given day, the financial posture and the organization culture are neck and neck as to which one is the higher priority,” Ward says. “And they are not mutually exclusive.”

Another major priority is a commitment to student success.

Eventually, every good leader must stand up in some truth.”

“We’re a private institution, and not huge, but given our price point in the marketplace, we had better be focused on ensuring our students are successful,” Ward says. “Now, that looks different depending on the student, but we just have to be relentlessly committed to that within and beyond the classroom.”

Ward also wants to focus on engaging with the Greater Hartford community, partnering with elected officials, local businesses like Stanley Black & Decker and Hartford HealthCare, and community organizations. These connections will not only advance the opportunities for students, but boost economic opportunities in the region.

As Ward gets to work, he says he wants to be disciplined in focusing on demonstrating his value during the first few years of his contract, rather than

considering the legacy he wants to eventually leave at the University of Hartford.

“I have to earn the trust of our community every day,” he says. “By focusing on these first few years, it doesn’t mean I expect to be here for a short period of time; it just means I want to try to win the first half before the second.”

Outside of the UHart bubble, Ward teaches crisis management at the University of Pennsylvania in the same doctoral program he graduated from. He loves to travel. Martha’s Vineyard is his happy place, and he recently enjoyed work trips to Turkey and Switzerland. Ward loves golf, but in the past couple of years, he’s begun to play pickleball.

“I won’t say that I’m addicted yet, because that has a very precise meaning in pickleball,” Ward says. “There are some crazy pickleballers out there.

PICKLEBALL

His simple advice for others

“

Get to the ‘kitchen’ (no volley zone) line as soon as possible and don’t take this game so seriously.”

The Ward family—President Ward and his wife, Kate, are flanked by their children, Aidan and Emerson.

While President Ward feels at home on the golf course, he has also been drawn in by the nation’s latest craze—pickleball.

taking to the pickleball court:

TRAVEL

President Ward loves to travel around the country and world to take in different customs and ways of life. Some of his favorite recent travel adventures include Turkey, India, Martha’s Vineyard, and Switzerland. An assortment of travel photos is below.

But I love the workout, I love the social nature of it, and I love learning how to get better at the sport.”

In Massachusetts, Ward played three times a week, and would love to do that in Hartford, so finding his pickleball home has become a nonwork-related priority.

After growing up listening to WWUH, the University of Hartford’s radio station, music has become a big part of Ward’s life. Every fall at Babson College, he gave a presentation to incoming parents using Motown videos and song lyrics; it became known as the Motown

Presentation. He loves the creativity of music and finds inspiration in all forms, from jazz to country.

“My Spotify ‘Liked’ list is so diverse, it’s almost comical,” he quips.

Ward’s return to the Hartford area is also a homecoming for his wife, Katerie, who grew up in Rocky Hill. The two met in 1992, when they both worked at Aetna in Washington, D.C. When Katerie saw there was a new sales guy in the office, also from Connecticut, she reached out by sending Ward an email. And when she didn’t hear back, she showed up in his office.

“Are you just going to ignore my email?” she asked.

“What’s email?” Ward responded.

The couple celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary in June. They have two children: Aidan, 21, lives in New York City, and works for an electric bike and skateboard shop in the West Village. Emme, at 18, just began her first year at the University of Michigan.

Ward says Aidan and Emme value and appreciate what he does for a living. That Motown presentation Ward gave each fall at Babson? Every year, his children watched him from the balcony.

MUSIC

Be Happy

Mary J. Blige • My Life

President Ward enjoys listening to an incredibly wide range of music, as a sampling of his playlist below illustrates.

We Got Our Own Thang

Heavy D & The Boyz • Big Tyme

Hot Thing

Prince • Sign O’ The Times

Whenever I Call You “Friend”

Kenny Loggins, Stevie Nicks • Nightwatch

Takin’ It to the Streets

The Doobie Brothers, James Taylor • Takin’ It to the Streets

Every Little Thing I Do

Soul For Real • Candy Rain

You Make Me Feel So Free — Live

Van Morrison • A Night in San Francisco

#Beautiful

Mariah Carey, Miguel • Me. I Am Mariah

Sara Smile

Daryl Hall & John Oates • Daryl Hall & John Oates

All I Ask Adele • 25

“They’d seen it, they’d heard the same jokes over and over, and they still showed up every year,” Ward says. “They know that it’s an important moment, that it’s important to me and the impact we try to have on others.”

The last few months, Ward has had many opportunities to reflect on the impact he hopes to make in the field of higher education, as he’s been interviewed by local media, including the Hartford Courant and Hartford Business Journal. He says oftentimes in such cases, there are a few too many “I” statements from a new president: “I want to do this. I want to do that.”

Change

Christina Aguilera • Change

Wild Love — Acoustic

James Bay • Wild Love (Acoustic)

Mister Holland

Gregory Porter • All Rise (Deluxe)

Broken Halos

Chris Stapleton • From A Room: Volume 1

Sunday Morning

Maroon 5 • Songs About Jane

I Believe

Marvin Sapp • I Believe

I’ll Be Good To You

Quincy Jones, Ray Charles, Chaka Khan • Back On the Block

Water Under Bridges

Gregory Porter • Liquid Spirit

All Your’n

Tyler Childers • Country Squire

The Second Time Around Shalamar • Big Fun

“But this is not a ‘me’ moment,” Ward says. “Any attention I’m bringing to the University is designed to showcase who WE are as a community, what OUR potential is, what OUR possibilities are. It’s designed to showcase what a gem of a university this is, how dedicated our faculty and staff are (particularly to our students), how incredible our student body is, and what a rich history we have. It’s a ‘WE’ moment.”

Buy Dirt

Jordan Davis, Luke Bryan • Buy Dirt

Never Too Much

Luther Vandross • Never Too Much

Outstanding

The Gap Band • The Gap Band IV

Candy Rain

Soul For Real • Candy Rain

Behind the Lines — Live

Phil Collins • Face Value (Deluxe Edition)

If You Let Me Stay

Sananda Maitreya, Michael H. Brauer • Introducing the Hardline According To Sananda Maitreya

I Can Dream About You

Dan Hartman • I Can Dream About You

Almost is Never Enough Ariana Grande, Nathan Skyes • Yours Truly

HARTFORD

1. President Ward delivers an inspiring Inauguration address.; 2. Aidan Ward; 3. Lynnae Labato ’25 performing Home from The Wiz; 4. Kristen Harris A’00, ’02 and Farah Suede ’25 present the University Charter

5. Reception in Hursey Center; 6. Emerson Ward; 7. President Emeritus Walter Harrison; 8. Laura Pence presenting the University Mace; 9: Reverend Fredd Ward

New at UHart

Through the help of generous donors, UHart enhances the student experience

GRANT FAMILY TRACK AND FIELD

This striking new addition to campus features a 400-meter, eight-lane full-pour track surrounding a new field tailored to field hockey, as well as an adjacent throwing area. The complex was made possible by a leadership gift from Regent Kevin Grant ’82, M’86, along with corporate partners including Stanley Black & Decker, CVS/Aetna, and Robinson & Cole LLP, with support from alumni and friends of the University.

ALLAN CENTER FOR CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Allan Center helps students leverage their academic success into internships, career, and relationship-building opportunities. A gift by Board of Regents Chair Donald Allan Jr. ’86 and his wife, Marilyn, in support of career readiness, led to the creation of the Center.

ZACHS HILLEL CENTER

A Gold-Medal Exper ience

Two UHart students get rare chance to be part of Olympics TV coverage

“Be someone!” is a time-honored axiom that college students are used to hearing as they look toward their post-collegiate careers. But in a perfectly routine and even motivational twist on the old chestnut, two students were recently told to “Shadow someone!” instead.

One educator at the University of Hartford, Susan Cardillo, associate professor of digital media and journalism in the College of Arts and Sciences, could not be happier about that. One current and one former student won a highly competitive process to secure NBC Sports internships this past summer to work on televised coverage of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Shadowing—closely watching and listening to professionals as they go about their work and assisting them whenever they ask for help—is often an intern’s most valuable tool for future success. One of Cardillo’s central goals is to help secure internships for young women interested in sports broadcasting careers (see sidebar on p. 33), and for her, this summer was a slam dunk. Albani Hunt ’24, who doublemajored in digital media & journalism and computer science, and Taylor DePaolo-Daily ’26, who is also studying

This internship has definitely been a gamechanger for me.”

digital media and journalism, interned at the NBC Sports studio in Stamford, Connecticut, during the Olympic Games in Paris this past summer.

“Albani and Taylor are extremely hard-working women who are not afraid to take charge and do whatever it takes to get the job done,” says Cardillo, who is exceedingly proud of both—and the strides being made to open more doors for women in the field.

“This internship has definitely been a game-changer for me,” says Hunt, whose on-campus experience was already extensive, having worked for three years with UHart’s mobile sports production studio for STN-2, the student television network that broadcasts many Hartford Hawks games in a variety of sports. She is certain that experience—which

included two years as a senior producer— was a contributing factor to her selection by NBC Sports.

“The most challenging part was getting through the first few days,” Hunt recalls. “I spent a lot of time just trying to calm my own nerves as I attempted to acclimate to the environment. Before this internship, I had never worked at a facility as large as NBC Sports. Luckily, I found myself getting comfortable pretty quickly, probably because I was surrounded by such an amazing group of people. That helped a lot.”

For DePaolo-Daily, the game change came from the realization that her love of storytelling was finally going to be put to the test by interning with NBC professionals in crafting stories to tell about the Olympic Games and athletes to a worldwide audience. “Even when I was young, I believed that my skills would be more useful behind the scenes,” she relates. “In high school, I made highlight reels for the school’s robotics team, and as a freelancer for Yale University, I do some technical direction and graphic operations for games that are broadcast on ESPN.”

As part of her internship, DePaolo-Daily served as a graphics maintenance engineer supporting all production technicians in the control and server room, and also helped assure that NBC Sports experienced no problems with global streaming function.

“I worked with so many NBC professionals,” she explains. “By the end of the internship, I had worked with every single member of the engineering department. That included a UHart graduate named Colin Whitehill ’21, and that was very nice because he was a familiar face who was able to introduce me to everyone there.”

Hunt came away from the internship with practical experience in dozens of responsibilities she may be called upon to perform one day. “My favorite part was being in the control rooms as events were happening in Paris and getting a unique behind-the-scenes perspective

of what goes on,” she adds. “It gave me a feel for the reality of an Olympic broadcast. I shadowed assistant directors and producers. I sat in on what’s called clip cutting, graphic generation, electronic video systems operation, and much more. The opportunity was beyond what I could have imagined.”

The internships were not without their challenges, some having more to do with adjusting to Paris time than with anything technical. But even challenges like that were easily surmountable, particularly whenever Hunt and DePaolo-Daily took a moment to realize the exclusivity of what they were doing, and the fact that in some ways they were now trailblazers, given how few sports broadcasting internships had been given to women over the last few decades.

Both UHart NBC Olympics interns say that for every challenge they faced, there was a thrill, such as working with

Albani Hunt ’24 was one of two UHart students who interned at the NBC Sports studios in Stamford, Conn., during the Olympic Games in Paris.

I worked with so many NBC professionals.”

such highly accomplished broadcast professionals from NBC Sports, NBC headquarters in New York City, veteran freelancers, and many others.

Hunt and DePaolo-Daily credit the help and guidance they received from Cardillo during the internship application process for their NBC Sports successes.

“She truly cares about assisting students and preparing them for their careers,” Hunt says. “She is unwavering in her support once you prove yourself to be a dedicated student. She has been a huge advocate for me, not just in acquiring the internship, but in other career opportunities in TV production. By the

end of my sophomore year, I knew that is what I wanted to pursue.”

DePaolo-Daily says she would love to do some sports documentary work, and perhaps become a TV editor. With a spirited grin, she adds, “Did I hear someone say Milan?” That’s where the Olympics will be held in winter 2026. It’s a spirit shared by Hunt, who also artfully whispers, “How amazing would it be to work on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics?”

That prospect only adds to the excitement of imagining what the next few years will have in store for them, professionally speaking. “There’s a lot I want to accomplish,” Hunt says confidently.

If these well-deserved internships are any indication, Hunt and DePaolo-Daily may very well have some college students shadowing them one day.

Professor Helps Women Break into Sports Media Careers

Susan Cardillo, associate professor of digital media and journalism at the School of Communication, has been at the University of Hartford for eight years. Although every one of those years has been marked by professional satisfaction and success, the last few have been particularly rewarding because one of her principal goals is being realized: more women are studying for sports broadcasting careers and getting jobs and internships in the field.

“We are seeing more women in front of the camera in sports, but there’s still a huge gender gap, especially behind the camera,” says Cardillo, who teaches courses in digital media and television production. “I want to help prepare young women for these roles.”

Her advice for women going into sports broadcasting is to have the presence of mind to let nothing get in the way. “Just do it,” she says.

Cardillo has helped more than a dozen UHart students land jobs in sports media over the past two years with the likes of ESPN, NBC Sports, and the Boston Celtics. And while that list is still dominated by males, Cardillo continues to work tirelessly to help women break into sports-related careers. “There will be more to come,” she promises.

At a recent World Educational Media and Technology Conference, Cardillo won an award for a comprehensive paper she authored on creating documentaries for social change. She had an earlier career as a production manager and associate producer for DeLaurentiis Pictures, and spent 20 years as a stage, television, and film actress.

Susan Cardillo, associate professor of digital media and journalism, takes a handson approach to working with students such as Amanda Simmons ’26 (right).

FULL FULL

Alumni reach back to their alma mater for expertise

DIRECT KICK Direct Kick

UHart Students Help Alumnus Build Community-Based Soccer Organization

The collaboration began during the spring semester of 2021, when students in UHart’s Making Sense of Social Media course worked with Kenniel Martin ’07 and the Hartford Lions Soccer Academy as their “client.” Eager to reconnect with his alma mater, Martin, who was a business management major, sought to create a partnership with the School of Communication and its students. He needed assistance with marketing efforts, particularly in creating social media content, making it a perfect match for this particular class.

The Hartford Lions Soccer Academy (HLSA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to positively impact the development of youth in the Greater Hartford community by providing them with soccer and life-enriching opportunities, to create and nurture valuable soccer instruction, and to enhance their social and physical health by fostering a positive and safe environment. Martin, who was a standout member of the Hartford Hawks men’s soccer team from 2003 to 2007, is the founder and executive director of HLSA.

“Immediately after graduation, I began playing professional soccer,” explains Martin, who works for the State of Connecticut Department of Social Services as a fiscal administrative officer. “I had the incredible opportunity to play in Romania, Finland, and Turkey. During breaks from my travels, I would return home and stay connected to the University of Hartford community by volunteering at basketball games. I also used the University’s facilities to stay in shape, which helped me maintain my fitness for the demanding professional soccer schedule.”

CIRCLE CIRCLE

Martin founded HLSA in 2018, rooted in a deep desire to give back to the community that had given him so much. “I didn’t want to be part of an organization that just focused on soccer. It was important to me that the academy had a strong sense of community, enrichment, and an educational component—not just for the kids but for their families as well, because they are the core of what we do.”

Under the enthusiastic guidance of Sarah Miner, assistant professor in the School of Communication and faculty director of the student-run agency named Crested Communications, students explored social media theories, concepts, and activities through the practical lens of an actual client. “This not only provided an invaluable experiential learning opportunity, but also allowed the students to build their portfolios,” Miner notes. “Moreover, it instilled in them a sense of responsibility and ownership over the project, enhancing their overall learning experience.”

Miner believes that this partnership offered significant benefits to both the students and Martin. By engaging in an experiential learning project, the students had the chance to develop their professional skills and competencies, with the course serving as a strong foundation. Additionally, they improved their business communication skills through extensive correspondence with Martin. “Moreover, since the project was centered around a community-based youth organization, the experience fostered a supportive environment focused on kids and families,” Miner observes. “This left the students with a deep sense of pride, purpose, and altruism, enriching both their learning experience and their personal growth.”

For Martin, the students provided a valuable collection of content that he could utilize as needed. This collaboration also allowed him to gain a clearer understanding of the type of content that would help him effectively reach his target audience and achieve his goals for the organization’s growth and sustainability.

I didn’t want to be part of an organization that just focused on soccer. It was important to me that the academy had a strong sense of community, enrichment, and an educational component—not just for the kids but for their families as well, because they are the core of what we do. —KENNIEL

Miner adds that students were given several learning objectives aimed at enhancing the HLSA organization’s social media presence and online community. Using Patrick Hanlon’s book The Social Code as a guide, students conducted an in-depth analysis of the Hartford Lions brand, assessing how it was presented online and whether its community was connected through these elements. Additionally, the students developed social media personas to ensure the content was aligned with Martin’s target audience.

“After completing these activities and others, the students created evergreen content that Kenniel can use repeatedly,” Miner says. “Their final project included a content calendar, social media templates, and 14 weeks of Facebook content. In the end, the students presented their ideas and content through a PowerPoint presentation, showcasing their work, social media content, and recommendations for the future.”

MARTIN ’07

Martin adds that Miner has been a huge supporter of the Hartford Lions Soccer Academy from day one. “Professor Miner’s support has been instrumental in our growth,” he emphasizes. “I’ve had the opportunity to do presentations for her classes, and in turn, they have consistently provided us with interns who have made a significant impact on our organization. Her commitment to connecting her students with real-world experiences has been a tremendous asset for us, and I’m looking forward to continuing our collaboration with Professor Miner and her students in the future.”

SERVING UP SOLUTIONS Serving Up Solutions

Alumna, Students, and Community Organization Benefit from Partnership

In today’s competitive job market, practical experience often stands as a crucial differentiator for graduates entering the workforce. Classroom learning provides the foundation, but applying that knowledge in real-world situations bridges the gap between theory and practice.

Lillian Wonderly ’23, a UHart alumna who had a dual major in communication and English, works as a planning analyst for the Community Renewal Team (CRT), which offers programs and services to help individuals, families, and communities work toward stable and successful futures. In fall 2023, she helped her organization join forces with students in the Operations Management course in the Barney School of Business, under the direction of Aydin Oksoy, assistant professor of entrepreneurship

“I reached out to Professor Oksoy on behalf of Nancy Isa, CRT’s director of nutrition, seeking help from his students in improving the productivity of our Elderly Nutrition Meals on Wheels program,” Wonderly explains. “CRT’s commercial kitchen produces and delivers meals to home-bound seniors (age 60 and over) throughout Central Connecticut. As a UHart alum, I know the value students can bring to real-world projects.”

Students engaged in an analysis of Wonderly’s strategic position and ways to improve CRT’s kitchen productivity. One entrepreneurial idea was to leverage the second-largest commercial kitchen in the Hartford area to engage in classes and generate income. This could also help folks learn how to start a restaurant to help in social mobility via the kitchen. A second idea pertained to renting out the idle space in CRT’s 3,000-square-foot freezer/refrigeration system.

Oksoy says that students were placed randomly in teams and introduced to the client; he facilitated the conversations—but students led them. The students, initially tasked with deriving an economic if-then statement, submitted the individual components of the main task throughout the semester for feedback, compiled all segments, and constructed their own presentation.

“CRT is moving forward with all of the recommendations provided by the students,” Isa reports. “With their strategies, we’ve strengthened resource management, especially

in streamlining our meal preparation and delivery processes. By improving the overall speed and quality of service to our seniors, we can ensure that meals are delivered consistently to those who rely on us. Dr. Oksoy’s students have made a meaningful impact on our community. Their support has been extremely beneficial to our Meals on Wheels program.”

As a grant writer for CRT, which has more than 40 programs, Wonderly has found the student support with the Meals on Wheels program extremely helpful. “Our programs are primarily funded by state and federal grants, and the Meals on Wheels program has faced significant budget cuts, which have impacted our ability to provide for malnourished and at-risk seniors,” Wonderly says. “The UHart students have conducted thorough analyses of our meal preparation, delivery service processes, and food assembly lines. Their insights have helped us make more efficient use of our resources and time, optimizing our services at a critical moment when we have no extra time or money to spare.”

The partnership with the Barney School of Business expanded further as Professor David Stec, director and clinical instructor of supply chain and logistics management the Barney School’s newest program—took things to the next level and had his students conduct an in-depth logistics project during the spring 2024 semester.

Student teams immersed themselves within the food service operations of the CRT to provide process analysis and operations improvement support to increase productivity related to the Meals on Wheels program. The students analyzed and improved hot and cold meal preparation, inventory ordering, site supply ordering, and replenishment. They also assisted in establishing workplace organization systems for dry storage and freezer storage.

Both Oksoy and Stec feel that students gain invaluable experience—and that there is no substitute for the reality of a live client with respect to experiential learning. They also think that it is much more valuable when it occurs by organic channels through UHart alumni and faculty. Because of the initial success of the collaboration, Oksoy is reengaging with CRT with a class of seniors this fall.

As UHart alum, I know the value students can bring to real-world projects… By applying their strategies, we’ve been able to reduce inefficiencies, better manage our resources, and improve the overall speed and quality of service to our seniors. This has been crucial in ensuring we continue to provide nutritious meals to seniors throughout Central Connecticut. —LILLIAN

WONDERLY

’23

“Students learn that communication skills are paramount, as is their intrinsic motivation to complete the task out of a sense of professionalism and respect to the client,” Stec explains. During the project, students effectively learn how to diagnose a firm and its environment to then suggest strategic trajectories available for the client to consider; the suggestions reflect the creativity portion of the curriculum.

“Students must blend aesthetical appeal with the quality of content to show that they have taken the task seriously,” Stec continues. “The final presentation to the client mimics a typical business meeting and is meant to improve their confidence when under such circumstances.”

“In my opinion, a healthy student-alumni-faculty network is a significant competitive advantage for the University of Hartford,” Stec emphasizes. “To me, the organic nature of how things came about is a strong testament to the strong bonds already created across UHart, and hopefully, sharing this story will encourage even more collaborations.”

HAWK NATION

Reaching Your Personal Best

In sports and in life, Connor Green encourages others to simply enjoy the experience

If ever he decides to move away from coaching—although it’s highly unlikely given his success and fulfillment— Connor Green can easily consider broadcasting, acting, or social media influencing. That’s because Green, the University’s head cross country and track & field coach, has been featured on several YouTube videos and podcasts where he has displayed an extremely personable style marked by honesty, sincerity, and amiability.

“We have an open-door policy here that students frequently use,” says

Green, who is in his second season as head coach. “And while having an office full of student-athletes can make it challenging to get things done, it demonstrates how much they enjoy the environment we are fostering.”

Student-athletes are indeed enjoying the atmosphere at the University of Hartford because of leaders like Green and several initiatives he is part of, including the new track and field on campus, the community-minded spirit of the athletics program, and the department’s demonstrable success

ensuring that students and graduates thrive in more than just athletics.

“In no uncertain terms, what I found out in my own journey from college to career was that I have a desire to help people achieve their goals,” Green emphasizes. “I discovered a rewarding career path.”

Making that discovery was not necessarily quick, but it’s a testament to Green’s integrity that he recognized and acted upon it with such conviction. At first, he began to pursue a career

What I found out in my own journey from college to career was that I have a desire to help people achieve their goals.”

exclusively in teaching. “It wasn’t until I started my undergraduate studies that I realized education alone wasn’t the right path for me,” he explains. “So I switched my focus to exercise science and began volunteering as a coach at my alma mater, Wethersfield High School.”

Green came to UHart after eight productive years as head coach of the boys indoor track and field team and the girls outdoor track and field team at Southington High School. There, his teams broke more than 60 school records between the indoor and outdoor seasons, and several of his Blue Knights enjoyed individual success. He coached 31 national qualifiers, 14 Connecticut state champions (Class LL), and four New England champions.

Once at UHart, Green served two seasons as assistant coach in charge of jumps, sprints, and hurdles, before being elevated to head coach for cross country and track & field.

Adding to his impressive career story is the fact that he eventually did recognize how much he loved the teaching life, which at one time he thought he’d pass up. After receiving his associate degree in exercise science from Manchester Community College, Green earned a bachelor’s degree in the same discipline from Central Connecticut State University, then a master’s degree in coaching education and athlete development from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Now, in addition to coaching, he teaches as an adjunct instructor in UHart’s exercise science department, “And I absolutely love it,” he is quick to add.

In his first season as head coach, Green led the women’s cross country team to second place and the men’s cross country team to third in the Eastern College Athletic Conference championships.

One of the most important projects in which he’s involved is the revitalization of Hartford’s Keney Park, where he hopes to develop a cross country course not just for his own student-athletes, but for any sports group in the city. “Many local schools currently host their meets wherever they can find an applicable place, which can be a huge challenge,” Green explains. “Having this dedicated course available could be a game changer for these programs.”

Keney Park hosted the inaugural University of Hartford Invitational this past September, bringing together nine colleges and eight high schools. The event will become an annual home meet for the Hawks men’s and women’s cross country programs each fall.

Having this dedicated course available could be a game changer for these programs.”

While growing up, Green played soccer, basketball, and baseball. It wasn’t until high school that he fell in love with track and field. He had a high school coach named Jeff Weber, recognized as one of the most successful track coaches in Connecticut, with whom he still speaks. “Jeff had a knack for firing up the team at just the right moments, but he also understood that as long as we enjoyed the experience and kept things simple, success would follow.” Green recalls. “This invaluable lesson is something I carry with me to this day.”

Whether at home in New Britain with his wife, in a classroom with young scholars, or on the track with student-athletes, Green carries his confidence, composure, and enthusiasm both to have fun and help people reach their personal best.

Conference of New England Is Here

A modernized name and logo for the athletics conference in which the University of Hartford participates were unveiled this past August. The former Commonwealth Coast Conference is now known as the Conference of New England (CNE).

“This new identity builds on the strength of our history as a conference while also highlighting its forward momentum and growing reach, including our geographic footprint, reputation, and quality of the athletic experience we offer studentathletes,” says Marisa Kelly, president of Suffolk University and chair of the CNE Board of Directors. “The Conference of New England is increasingly competing on a regional and even a national level, and the reimagination of the brand shines a new light on our momentum and growth.”

The CNE enters its 40th year as a conference and last changed logos in 2019. However, this is the first name change for the conference in its 40-year history. Its membership is exclusively from the New England states.

“This rebranding better aligns with the makeup of our member institutions and captures the spirit of collaboration and innovation that drives our conference,” notes Endicott College President Steven R. DiSalvo. “It emphasizes our collective goal to enhance the student-athlete experience through robust competition and comprehensive support. The Conference of New England stands as a testament to our shared vision for a brighter future, where our studentathletes continue to excel and inspire.”

Head Hawk

Q & A with Director of Athletics and Recreation Alicia Queally

Alicia Queally, with an impressive résumé in collegiate athletics administration over two decades—including at three other universities in Connecticut— was named director of athletics and recreation at the University of Hartford in November 2023. Below, she shares with Hawk Nation information about herself and the future goals she has set for Hartford Athletics.

Q: What first attracted you to the University of Hartford?

A: Having competed against UHart while working at two other Connecticut institutions, I’ve met and worked with several individuals who have either worked at UHart or are still working here today. When the director of athletics and recreation position opened last year, I knew that it was a role that I wanted to explore further.

I consider myself a transformative and servant leader. With that, I thrive on setting people up for success and showing them that they can work outside of their comfort zone to achieve their individual and team goals. It was clear that with the recent NCAA transition, everyone was out of their comfort zone in a much different way; however, I knew that they each had the resiliency and passion to continue to be great. So far, they have proven me right. Everyone on campus and within the department has been great to work with each day.

Q: When did your passion for sports first start to develop?

A: I’ve always loved the idea of being on a team. As the youngest of three siblings, I was active in many different sports and activities throughout my childhood. Depending on what sport or activity my older siblings were interested in, that was what that my parents signed me up for as well! My family moved around throughout my childhood due to my

dad being in the military, so I relied heavily on my teammates for friendships and stability. I believe it helped to shape how I lead and respond when faced with adversity. Sports isn’t always about the games, as much as it is about the team members who make up each team. The daily accountability, the need to “show up” and push yourself and your teammates to be at their best each day to reach your goals, that’s always been exciting to me and has driven my passion for sports. This is what I strive to bring to the department each day here at Hartford.

Q: What areas of opportunity do you see for Hartford Athletics in the Greater Hartford community?

A: I see us expanding our network within the Greater Hartford community. We have an obligation to provide outreach and opportunity to those in our community to not only see our beautiful campus, but for us to also step outside of the front gate to get to know our local community and its members. In addition, it is important for our department to take part in activities that positively influence the youth in our surrounding community through leadership, support, and athletic opportunities. I want our local community members to know that they can count on the University of Hartford and the Department of Athletics and Recreation any time that they need us.

Q: How do you see alumni playing a role today?

A: Our alums are the backbone of our institution and we must always make

a conscious effort to honor the traditions of the past here at UHart. That starts with us continuously engaging with our alumni. They each have a powerful story to tell about their experience here on campus and it’s important that they take time to tell us about it. It is always great to have them engage with our current student-athletes, whether it be to talk about their time here on campus, their career path, or how they are making an impact on the world. I encourage each of them to reach out and engage with our department. Once a Hawk, always a Hawk!

Q: Over the next few years, what are your top three goals for Hartford Athletics?

A: It’s important that our goals be simple, yet impactful over the next couple of years. First, we will look to establish programming and support systems that will help our student-athletes realize the full potential of their academic performance, personal development, and athletic abilities. In turn, we will not only compete for championships while they are here on campus, but we will also provide a solid base for our studentathletes to become leaders within their chosen career path. It will also be important to re-engage with our alums, stakeholders, and fans, by telling our story, by celebrating our past, present, and future. Daily, we will continue to raise the standard as we move forward— in the classroom, on the playing surface, and in the community.

Beloved Former Women’s Soccer Coach Remembered

Austin Daniels displayed a quiet demeanor but his players’ success on the field and in the classroom spoke loudly

Austin Daniels, former head women’s soccer coach who led the Hawks to six NCAA Tournament appearances— including a trip to the Final Four in 1992—died on July 14. His long and courageous battle with cancer never detoured him from enjoying his work and friendships—including with many of his former players.

A Hartford native who devoted his lifetime to developing the sport of soccer among youth and college players, Daniels compiled a stellar 103-35-6 record during seven seasons at UHart (1989–95). He recruited and developed seven All-Americans during his coaching career, and was named the 1989 National Soccer Coaches Association of America Coach of the Year.

The 1992 season was most memorable as the Hawks posted a 19–2 record and advanced to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament, eventually falling to Duke, 1–0. Daniels was inducted into Hartford Alumni Athletics Hall of Fame in 2014.

Austin had a great ability to connect with his players and with so many people of all ages and cultures.”

“Because of our day-to-day working relationship for seven years, I was able to see a coach and person who went beyond athletics with his players by helping them learn to do battle not only on the soccer field but in the academic arena and their personal lives,” says Andrea (Miller) Marshall, former assistant AD for academics and, later, associate director of the Center for Student Success.

“Austin had a great ability to connect with his players and with so many people of all ages and cultures, which his huge phone contact list can attest to. Austin’s skills, passion, and personal values transferred to his players, friends, and family. He will be greatly missed but incredible memories will be forever.”

“He was a special person—like a brother to me and was loved by my daughters,” notes Ted Stavropoulos, retired senior associate AD for facilities in the Department of Athletics. “He worked hard everywhere he went and in everything he did. I am going to miss him greatly.”

I came to the sport because I loved it and I wanted to help grow the game.”

Following his years at Hartford, Daniels went west to launch the women's soccer program at the University of Colorado. In 2001, he became technical director of Connecticut Academica FC before beginning a three-year reign as head coach of the New England Mutiny (Women’s Premier Soccer League). In 2004, Daniels was named the league’s Coach of the Year as the Mutiny advanced to the national finals.

More recently, Daniels served as technical director for the Arizona Youth Soccer Association, technical advisor for the United States Soccer Federation, and director of coaching for the Ballistic United Soccer Club. Throughout all of his roles, he valued the chance to emphasize to soccer coaches at all levels that incorporating a fun environment was as important as teaching the skills and drills.

At the National Soccer Coaches Association of America convention this past January, Daniels was inducted into the Black Coaches Community Hall of Fame. This prestigious national honor was one of multiple inductions for Daniels through the years (Hartford Alumni Athletics Hall of Fame, Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame, Connecticut Girls’ Soccer Hall of Fame, Women’s Premier Soccer League Hall of Fame, Watkinson School Hall of Fame).

“I've never thought of awards,” Daniels said this past January. “I came to the sport because I loved it and I wanted to help grow the game.”

And that he did—along with helping countless youth and college students become better soccer players and human beings.

Remembering Basketball Standout Jack Ayer

Jack Ayer ’94, a prolific three-point shooting guard who played for the Hawks from 1990 to 1994, died on Oct. 13. “The entire University of Hartford community is saddened to hear about Jack’s passing,” said Director of Athletics and Recreation Alicia Queally. “We extend our deepest condolences to Jack’s family, friends, and the countless youth that he positively impacted throughout his life. He was an inspiration to many, and may his passion for life and sport live on through us all.”

Ayer played in 94 games for the Hawks, scoring 906 points. He stands fifth all-time in school history in three-point percentage (36.9 percent) and fifth all-time in free-throw percentage (81 percent). As a senior, Ayer was named a Second-Team All-Conference selection, averaging 13.8 points per game.

He shared his love of sports with his two sons, coaching them throughout their lives. He volunteered his talents as a youth coach in Hebron for soccer, baseball, and basketball. Most recently, he coached at RHAM High School.

Ayer earned a bachelor’s degree in communication from UHart in 1994.

A Click Away

Follow the day-to-day news and achievements of Hartford Athletics through social media and the Hartford Hawks website! HartfordHawks.com instagram.com/hartfordhawks x.com/HartfordHawks youtube.com/@hartfordathletics

14–3–2 Hawks’ season record.

0.58

Number of goals allowed per game.

Stress Less, Live More!

Helpful ways for a balanced life

Noel Casiano, associate professor of psychology and human services in the University of Hartford’s Hillyer College, is also the program coordinator for the human services concentration for the College and University.

Life is full of positive and negative experiences. Stress is a natural part of life that we will have to manage. On the other hand, managing stress is challenging and we can find benefits by learning positive ways to manage and cope.

It is also important to note that there are three kinds of stress. The three kinds of stress are positive, tolerable, and toxic stress. In all three levels of stress, the body releases the stress hormone called cortisol.

Positive stress is what motivates us to get out of bed every morning, to achieve our daily responsibilities and keep us focused. Once we achieve these daily tasks, we return to some sense of balance and harmony psychologically and biologically.

Tolerable stress is more pronounced as it can last longer than those short-term based stressors called positive stress. Examples include a loss of a romantic relationship, a job loss, or trying to manage our monthly budget to pay off bills and debts. This type of stress is tolerable because it is buffered when we have positive relationships or connections to other people or support animals.

Now the more serious type of stress is what is called “Toxic Stress.” Examples of toxic stress can be experiences of abuse or neglect, domestic violence, and exposure to ongoing traumatic situations. On top of these very painful, traumatic, and long-term adversities, overproduction of the stress hormone has negative impacts on our body.

While cortisol in short-term exposure can help us with daily non-traumatic life situations, long-term and ongoing exposure of cortisol in the body attacks the telomeres in our DNA and genetics. When we have shortened telomeres in our DNA and genetic structure, we are more susceptible to many kinds of medical illnesses and inflammation of the body.

Here are some tips to consider when managing tolerable stress and decreasing toxic stress in your life:

Ask for help: Consider seeking a licensed mental health professional so that you can learn ways to get the emotional support you need, increase your problem-solving skills, build resilience, find validation and empathy.

Find balance in life: Learn how to manage your time, embrace the outdoors, manage social media, and find ways to balance family, work, and personal time.

Manage your nutrition and physical health: Understand how poor nutrition and stress can have negative impacts on your overall physical and psychological health. Decreasing caffeine, not abusing alcohol or drugs, and reducing foods rich in fats and sugar are key.

In my recently released book, Stress Less, Live More, I share 10 tips to be able to manage your stress and find balance in life.

Also, you will better understand the risks to your psychological, emotional, and biological health. For more information: drnoelcasiano.com

RECENTLY PUBLISHED

Books involving members of the UHart community

Luella D. Landis ’66, M’70 (ENHP) has written and selfpublished A Green Canoe and Other Essays. Her husband, George ’66 (A&S), produced the photographs for the book, which is a unique collection of mostly nature-related essays.

Professor Ben Grossberg (A&S) director of creative writing, won the prestigious 2023 James Alan McPherson Prize for his newest novel, The Spring Before Obergefell, as awarded by the Association of Writers and Writing Programs.

The book—a romance but not a fairytale—is about “real guys who have real problems, yet still manage to find connection.” It was released this past October.

Markham Rollins ’80 (Barney) has written his first book, The Evolving Man: Life Virtues Men Don’t Talk About. Its purpose is to give men of all ages hope, inspiration, guidance, and a sense of community that men seem to get too little of.

Yvette Cole M’16 (ENHP) recently wrote a children’s book about Harriet Tubman, titled Harriet’s Dinner Party, a captivating picture book that is based on historical fiction. It’s narrative encourages critical thinking, empathy, and exploration of essential life concepts. The book is suitable for children in grades K–3.

Jack McLarney ’91 (CETA) authored the book The Book of Batch Scripting: From Fundamentals to Advanced Automation with No Starch Press. It’s an entertaining exploration of bat files for seasoned coders, as well as anyone who wished to automate repetitive tasks on a Windows computer.

Michael Babcock ’86 (HAS) designed, typeset on a Model 31 Linotype, printed the type on a Vandercook Sp15, and is currently binding a limited-edition book of poetry for a local author. We Owe the Dead the Truth by Gwendolyn Jensen was published in 2023.

A Shared Journey of Resilience and Discovery

We read many books during the long and relentless course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, a University of Hartford faculty member has co-written one taking us back in time to those lonely and anxious days of isolation—an experience that we can all relate to.

Joyce Ashuntantang, professor of English in Hillyer College, has teamed up with Eric Chinje, an accomplished international communication expert, to produce Lockdown Chronicles: A Journey through Memory. The poignant book comprises a collection of letters exchanged during the pandemic lockdown in the United States between the two distinguished Cameroonians, Ashuntantang and Chinje.

“Maybe it was the boredom from the confinement or the fear of impending doom, but three months into the lockdown, Eric and I decided to confront the existential questions that were swirling inside us,” Ashuntantang shares. “The epistolary medium allowed us to be intentional about documenting our reflections and the space to do so in a convivial manner. However, once we started, the letters took on their own life, capturing fragments of our memoir, our search for purpose in life, and socio-political commentary on various subjects, including grief, faith, and mortality.

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

“By the time our friendly COVID-19 lockdown activity was over, we had exchanged over 26,000 words. The plan was not to publish these letters. Still, after reviewing them, we decided to add our unique pandemic experience in the public domain to help achieve what Chinua Achebe calls “a balance of stories.”

ALUMNI NOTES

Campus comfort canine Teddy, a member of UHart’s public safety team, takes in the happenings on campus alongside Howie the Hawk.

HAWKTOBER 2024

HOMECOMING AND FAMILY WEEKEND

The many smiling faces and proud award recipients from a special three days on campus.

HOLIDAY GREETINGS TO MY FELLOW HAWKS

It continues to give me enormous pleasure to chair the Alumni Advisory Council. This is my third year doing so, and the honor of representing more than 80,000 alumni worldwide can never be overstated. As I often state, Hartford is my second home, and our alumni and current students are members of my extended family. That’s the way it feels, and that’s why I love it so much.

Through its enjoyable features and departments, H magazine continues to emphasize how special, unique, and interesting our alumni, students, faculty, and staff prove to be year in and year out. Not only do I learn something new with every issue, but I often have a memory or two churned up when I read about some of the activities in which I was involved. With that in mind, I encourage you to share your own stories and memories online or through a member of the Alumni Advisory Council.

I enjoyed a special moment in October when I had the honor to present, along with Student Government Association President Farah Suede, the University charter to President Lawrence P. Ward at his Inauguration ceremony. It was a great privilege to be part of what will undoubtedly be a long and continuing series of wonderful memories for President Ward—not unlike the memories each one of us has about our UHart experiences.

Here’s to a wonderful future for our university.

Kristen Harris A’00, ’02, R

Chair Alumni Advisory Council

FOLLOW UHART ALUMNI ON SOCIAL: @UHartAlumni Search UHart Alumni

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/submit-note

1970s

Actor and writer John Jiler ’71 (A&S) attended the Edinburgh Festival, where his solo show, The Rosenberg/Strange Fruit Project, was nominated for a British Theatre Award.

David (Volosin) Katz ’77, AD ’84, M’89 (Hartt) has retired after 38 years as founding music director of the Chicago Bar Association Symphony Orchestra, receiving the honorific of Founding Music Director Laureate. Katz led the Midwest’s unique ensemble of attorneys and judges more than 150 times in his long tenure, including three appearances at the Chicago Symphony’s Orchestra Hall. His book about his nearly four decades making music with Chicago lawyers titled Wonderful Counsellor will be published later this year by DelGatto Press. Katz is a past recipient of a Hartt Alumni Award (2019).

1980s

Erik Wexler ’85 (A&S), M’87 (Barney), has been selected as the next president and CEO of Providence, a large Catholic health system that spans seven Western states and 51 hospitals.

After a successful career as an executive leader in biotech that took her all over the world, Karen Gillis ’87 (A&S) retired

from Abbott Laboratories after 26 years and started a luxury travel business. Last year, she launched The Pampered Tourist to translate her love of culture, food, and globetrotting into a new venture to help individuals make the most of their vacations. She specializes in travel experiences to Asia, Europe, and Mexico by river, land, or sea with a particular eye for hard-to-find speakeasies, local cuisine, and hidden gem locations to explore.

Erik Hansen ’88 (A&S) accepted the position of vice president of Legacy Safety and Security to help manage the company’s growth. A graduate of UHart’s criminal justice program, Hansen had a successful and rewarding career in law enforcement. Following his retirement in 2014, he served as an executive protection agent for a New York family, and later continued in the executive protection field as a private contractor, eventually forming The ETC Collective, LLC. Along with his role at Legacy Safety and Security, Hansen is also involved in several humanitarian projects in central Africa, including helping with biodiesel initiatives that will have a positive impact on the lives of artisanal miners as well as helping to reduce food insecurity issues on the local level.

1990s

Jodi Green ’91 (A&S) was elected for a second term as president of IAPE TNGCWA Local 1096, a 1,400-member union that represents the workers of Dow Jones, which publishes The Wall Street Journal

Ilyssa Panitz ’91 (A&S), a founding member of Sigma Kappa sorority, is starring in the new TV series called Ways Thru Divorce, which made its debut in June on Your Home TV.

Russell Shannon ’98 (CETA) has been promoted to science and technology lead of the Cyber Warfare Department within the Naval Air Systems Command. Following his graduation from UHart, Shannon completed his doctorate as a member of the University of Oxford’s Robotics Research Group.

2000s

After 15 years, Nicole Gesmondi ’05 (HAS) relocated her photography studio from Providence to Warwick, Rhode Island. She purchased a 4,000-square-foot building in December 2023 that is closer to her home and more convenient for guests to utilize her full-service wedding and portrait studio.

Dylan Marko Bell ’07 (A&S) is the codirector of photography and co-editor on a Jodie Foster executive produced documentary. The documentary is an official 2024 Sundance Film Festival Selection.

Eli Naparstek ’09 (A&S) was named CEO of Recovery Centers of America at Danvers (Mass.). He has spent his entire career in the mental health and recovery field and has served in multiple leadership roles since joining Recovery Centers of America in 2016.

Jackie Roche ’09 (HAS) illustrated journalist Maurice Chammah’s reporting on mitigation specialists, who research the lives of prisoners on death row to spare them from execution. The full story is on The Marshall Project’s website.

2010s

Chevalier Lovett ’10 (University Studies), COO of Florida Rising, was named to the 40 Under 40 List as published by the Orlando Business Journal.

Jason Krane ’10 (A&S) was recognized as the 2024 Outstanding Nonprofit Advocate by the New Jersey Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Darren Deoraj ’12 (A&S) was elected President-Elect of Healthcare Leaders of New York, the largest chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Stephen Cusano ’15 (Hartt) and Jillian Foley Cusano ’16 (Hartt) are the proud owners of Parkville Sounds in Hartford. They had the idea to create a space where musicians can work in Hartford, and quickly realized more than just musicians needed this space. With Jillian’s dance background and Stephen’s experience as a jazz musician, they came together to reimagine Hartford’s creative space—and are just getting started. To learn more about how to catch a live show, book space, or take a dance class with Hartt alums, visit parkvillesounds.com

Agustin Muriago D’17 (Hartt) has recently released SUR, his first solo recording. SUR features piano works from Muriago’s native Argentina and was produced with support from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, where he serves as assistant professor of keyboard skills. A Yamaha artist, Muragio recorded the CD on Yamaha’s new CFX at its piano salon in New York City. The album was released on Albany Records and is available to stream on all major platforms.

LISTEN UP

to

stories, fun memories, and advice and tips for current students on how they can get started on their careers after graduation. Listen to what UHart Hawks get up to after they leave the nest!

Have a great story to tell? Email us at alumni@hartford.edu

Chaz Davis ’16 (A&S), who ran track and completed his degree at UHart despite his failing eyesight, is the director of youth services for the Colorado Center for the Blind. He enjoys witnessing blind youth find their own confidence and success as they experience new and challenging activities. A U.S. Paralympian and American record holder in the sport of track and field, Davis views running as a powerful social and emotional outlet, and is passionate about improving accessibility in the world of endurance sport.

The life of Jackson Olson ’20 (Barney) took an unexpected turn when he became a social media influencer and a player for the renowned Savannah Bananas. In this episode of Hawk to Hawk, Olson reveals how his two degrees in business administration paved the way for his success, emphasizing the importance of time management and professionalism. From the playing field to the world of social media, Olson’s story is a testament to the power of determination and adaptability.

Daileann Hemmings ’06, M’11 (ENHP) earned two degrees from UHart, with a focus on community and public health. An RN with over 20 years of nursing experience, she is currently program director at Maternal Health Equity at Hartford Hospital. There, her role responsibilities include addressing health disparities and reducing maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly among individuals of color.

Listen to what UHart graduates are up to after leaving the nest.

hartford.edu/alumni-podcasts

Recent Hawk to Hawk Podcast features include:

The Hawk

Hawk Podcast features UHart alumni

Pair of Distinguished Alumni Address Graduates at Commencement 2024

The indelible influence of teachers, the challenges of the pandemic, and the unwavering support of family were recurring themes at the University of Hartford’s 2024 Commencement ceremonies this past May. More than 1,200 graduate and undergraduate students and their guests filled the XL Center in downtown Hartford, where two distinguished UHart alumni delivered the Commencement addresses.

During the morning ceremony, Jay Malave M’98, chief financial officer of Lockheed Martin, one of the nation’s leading global security and aerospace companies, addressed doctoral and master’s degree recipients. Later in the day, UHart undergraduates heard from Georgia State Senator Sonya Halpern M’90, a persevering advocate for equity and opportunity.

Halpern told undergraduates, “For many of you, there was no prom. No senior trip. And a scaled down or virtual graduation, if you even had one. But this bright and beautiful day makes up for all of your challenges and sacrifices.”

Halpern, who received her MBA from UHart, emphasized to graduates that we never know where life will take us. “There will be twists and turns, pauses and plateaus, trials and triumphs that you cannot even begin to predict or even imagine,” she noted. “Every great achievement begins with the decision to start. But it’s not just about the courage to leap; it’s about the perseverance to keep moving forward, even when the finish line shifts.”

Malave, speaking at the graduate ceremony, recalled how his Introduction to Accounting professor at UHart influenced his career path. He said Professor James Bannister, currently chair of the accounting department at the Barney School of Business, inspired him to pursue a master’s degree in accounting. “I know what you’re thinking,” he joked, “who in their right mind could be inspired by Intro to Accounting? But I knew then what I wanted to do … that decision, based on one course and one professor, changed my career trajectory and gave me the foundation I needed to one day become the CFO of Lockheed Martin.”

A total of 1,272 undergraduate and graduate students received degrees, including 22 associate degrees, 749 bachelor’s degrees, 407 master’s degrees, and 94 doctoral degrees.

Sonya Halpern M’90

Jay Malave M’98

We Congratulate & Welcome

WEDDINGS

Sophia Clark ’21 (A&S) and Marcus LaFlamme ’19 (A&S) wed in August 2024. The couple met at a party in the Village Apartments in spring 2018 and share that they are so grateful for the University. [1]

Caitlin Izzo Hoover ’16 (A&S) and Richard Hoover ’16 (A&S) were married February 3, 2024, surrounded by many UHart alumni. Caitlin and Richard met at the University of Hartford in 2013 and graduated in 2016. They reconnected a couple years later during law school and the rest is history! [2]

Katy Henchy ’18, M’20, R (A&S) and Justin Markert were married on August 4, 2024. Katy’s teammates from UHart’s volleyball team helped them celebrate: Chandler Goodwin, Rachel Moll ’17 (CETA), Paola Llerandi ’17 (ENHP), Alyse Wenzel ’18 (A&S), Brianna Pacileo ’18 (A&S), and Daniel Rombola ’18, M’18 (Barney). [3]

HATCHLINGS

Baker, son of Chris Winn ’13 (A&S) [4]

Glandina “Dina” (Morris) Lyga ’04, R (Barney) and her husband, Matthew Lyga, welcomed their first baby, Ciara Ryleigh, on July 13, 2023. [5]

Asher, son of Alana Hushaw ’12 (A&S) [6]

Marissa Giammarino Marotte ’12 (A&S) and husband, Ben, welcomed Matthew Marotte on September 13, 2023. [7

Lessons for a Lifetime

Remembering a Pair of UHart Professors Who Touched Generations of Students

GLEN ADSIT, HARTT

Glen Adsit, a respected and distinguished professor and band director at The Hartt School, died in January 2024.

Having joined the University in 2000 as an associate professor and director of bands, Adsit’s enthusiasm and motivational style quickly made his name practically synonymous with excellence in music education and community involvement. Many colleagues note how his enthusiasm for music was virtually contagious. He was a musical innovator, mentor, and inspiration to students and colleagues alike.

“Glen left a tremendous legacy at The Hartt School that will endure for years to come,” says Hartt Dean, Dale Merrill. “His passion for music and music education was unquenchable. He never stopped planning for the next concert, the next recording, or the next great opportunity for his students.”

Adsit’s teaching philosophy focused on building well-rounded individuals who appreciated art beyond simply performing music. His instructional style combined discipline with compassion, and resulted in a reputation for being an inspiration and an excellent advisor.

Many of Adsit’s former students went on to successful careers in music. These personal and professional attributes of his were among those noted when he was presented with the Roy E. Larsen Award in 2014, which recognizes outstanding teaching at the University of Hartford. The following year, Adsit was named one of the “Top 40 Educators Making a Difference” by Music For All, an organization that sets standards for school music ensemble performances and music education advocacy.

Under Adsit’s guidance, the Hartt Wind Ensemble had the honor of performing at such prestigious venues as New York’s Carnegie Hall, the Central Conservatory in Beijing, and Harpa in Iceland. He also co-directed Hartt’s graduate instrumental conducting degree program, and led Hartt’s ensemble dedicated to new music, called Foot in the Door. Adsit considered new music one of his most cherished musical specialties.

Adsit founded the National Wind Ensemble Consortium Group and the Institute for the Advancement of Secondary and Primary Instrumental Repertoire Excellence, both of which commission top composers to write music for primary, secondary, and professional-level ensembles. In addition, he served as president of the College Band Directors National Association.

The impact Adsit had on the musical community beyond campus was no less influential, including such activity as teaching master classes at Loomis Chaffee Wind Ensemble. Another role of great importance to local young musicians was his work as conductor of the Greater Hartford Youth Wind Ensemble for the Hartt School’s Community Division, which offers music and dance programming for students of all ages.

“Glen developed that group into one of the premier high school ensembles in the Northeast,” says Thomas Scavone, director of the Hartt Community Division. “He was deeply committed to each student and was always there to help them in any way possible.”

Adsit will be sorely missed at the Hartt School and across the entire University. There will be treasured echoes of his influence with every musical note heard throughout campus.

BARBARA INTRILIGAOR, ENHP

Barbara Ann Intriligator, professor emeritus and a founder of the educational leadership doctoral program, died peacefully this past April.

Intriligator was a valued member of the UHart community for 33 years, arriving on campus as an associate professor in 1991, later playing an instrumental role in developing the EdD program, and then earning faculty emeritus status upon her retirement in 2012.

Dedicating her academic and professional life to education, Intriligator was passionate about the educational leadership program—and the success of each student in it.

“A staunch supporter of the University of Hartford and a strong advocate for the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership for Social Justice, Dr. Intriligator studied interorganizational relationships and arrangements,” says Karen Case, associate professor of administration and supervision in ENHP. “She heavily involved doctoral students in her research, shepherding graduate students through to the dissertation process. Dr. Intriligator expected excellence. She was steadfast in her teaching and advising, and with exacting standards helped shape the program to continue her legacy of quality and distinction.”

However, her contributions to campus went far beyond the EdD program.

“Dr. Barbara Intriligator was a key player and supporter of the development of the University of Hartford Magnet School—an interdistrict school that brought leaders and then children and families together from seven area school districts,” explains Professor Emeritus Regina Miller. “This 10-year planning and then building project was an effort that involved University of Hartford faculty and leadership in work that required much learning about governmental rules and regulations and the ways in which each partner city and town achieve this vision. The school is living proof that hard work and collaboration can make great things happen.”

Always eager to share her expertise with the academic community, Intriligator authored multiple papers, including “Establishing Interorganizational Structures That Facilitate Successful School Partnerships,” a 1992 organizational framework for establishing effective partnerships between school systems, social service providers, universities, and the private sector.

At the end of the day, though, students knew they were priority number one.

“The best words to describe Barbara Intriligator are that she was quite a character, a force like a mother bear,” shares Randi Ashton-Pritting M’98, D’03, who retired in 2021 as director of Harrison Libraries and earlier went through the EdD program. “Basically, don’t mess with her students. She opened her personal library to her students as well as her wealth of knowledge and information. To me, Barbara became not only my advisor, but my mentor and my friend. She opened her home, her heart, and her time to me as well as many others. When I got bogged down with my dissertation, Barbara helped to ‘unbog’ me with a not-so-gentle push (more like a shove).”

Defining Friendship

In each issue, H looks at bonds and friendships formed at UHart that continue strong today.

When it comes to enduring group friendships, the University of Hartford campus has been a starting point for many. It is not uncommon to hear of reunions of students who met on campus 10, 20, or even 30 years ago, and who have maintained the kind of attachments that define the word friendship.

Seven such friends, from all over the country, got together at the 1877 Club in the Harry Jack Gray Center during Hawktober Weekend 2023 to help celebrate one of their own receiving an Anchor Award, the University’s most prestigious alumni honor. It was a lively and wistful reunion of college chums who, after 35 years, can now be called lifelong friends.

Jolie Rocke ’89, R, who was the one being honored, remembers the first time the newly formed group of friends, none of whom were from Hartford, visited the capital city and then had to get back to campus. “We missed the bus!” she recalls with a laugh. “This is not New York or Boston or New Jersey. Realizing that we were actually in Hartford, Connecticut, was one of my favorite experiences.”

We bonded, and we’ve stayed bonded,” Rocke adds. “No matter how often we stay in touch or not, we’re always sisters. Hopefully the next generation will learn something from us and continue to carry on the traditions that we brought.

The seven complete each other’s sentences and thoughts based on some basic commonalities of past experience, a love of life, and an optimistic worldview. “Whenever we get together, it’s like we were together yesterday,” observes Jacqueline Kimble ’87, “as if no time elapsed.”

“We often tell the same stories each time we meet, but they get funnier every year,” says Lisa Downing ’87, ’89. Indeed, laughter is one of their main ingredients, which is not to say that a touch of seriousness doesn’t seep into every reunion.

There’s laughter, seriousness—and surprise: Rocke was unaware that her six college friends would be there. A few fibbed and told her they were unable to make it. But they all made it. Rocke was grateful—but not shocked, for that’s what friendship is all about.

The other friends in the group include Selette Jones Jemison ’90, Kanari Haywood ’89, Michelle Hart ’89, R, and Maris Campbell Johnson ’87, ’89, R

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

SGA Reunion | March 7, 2025

LEAD Reunion | May 3, 2025

50(ish) Reunion | Hawktober Weekend, Fall 2025

Want to get involved in planning a reunion? hartford.edu/reunions

From left to right: Kanari Haywood ’89, Jolie Rocke ’89, Michelle Hart ’89, Jacqueline Kimble ’87, Maris Campbell Johnson A’87, ’89, Selette Jones Jemison ’90. Not in photo: Lisa Downing A’87, ’89

Hawk Hangout [1]

uhartalumni | We had so much fun at our Providence, Boston, Philly, and NYC Hawk Hangout events! Thank you to all the Hawks who joined us!

Career to Classroom [2]

uhartcareer | The Allan Center for Career and Professional Development collaborated with Development and Alumni Affairs to host its first Career to the Classroom Day. UHart alumni were invited back into the classroom to speak about their journey from college to a professional career.

Alumni Getting Together [3]

These Hawks, all from the Class of 2019, took a trip to Medellin, Colombia! From left to right: Anthony Eulie, R , Reggie Dormelas, Joe Eulie, R , Ali Goldinak, Tom Dimauro, Anthony Masseur, Nick Kennedy, and Tyler Arnold

Amelia Pereira Spotlight [4]

In honor of the UEFA European Championship, we’re highlighting Amelia Pereira ’13, who is blazing trails for women in sports everywhere! Pictured with women’s soccer head coach John Natale.

Who do UHart? [5]

Amanda Torres-Compere A’09, ’11 (Hillyer, A&S) and Asiah Compere ’11 (A&S) met while attending the University of Hartford (2007–11). We were introduced through our mutual friend and fellow UHart alum, Jasmine Staton , and our friendship easily blossomed. After graduating in 2011, we returned home to New York and New Jersey and our friendship grew into something more and we found ourselves in love.

In 2021, Asiah proposed to Amanda under the moss-covered gazebo at the center of the Rose Garden at Elizabeth Park in Hartford and we had a UHart-themed engagement photo shoot. We got married on September 23, 2023, at Hartford City Hall.

Soaring with the NBA [6]

Kathy Behrens ’85, R , President, Social Responsibility & Player Programs for the NBA, hosted President Ward and a group of alumni and donors at the NBA headquarters in New York City.

Warm Welcome [7]

Georgia State Senator Sonya Halpern M’90 hosted President Ward and a group of alumni at her home in Atlanta. It’s safe to say President Ward got a warm welcome to Atlanta from an awesome group of alumni!

BE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Update your info at hartford.edu/alumni-update to stay connected with the UHart network.

MOVIE TIME

We asked members from all segments of the campus community to tell us about their favorite movies watched in 2024, whether a current release seen in a theater or an older movie streamed at home.

ALICIA HANSEN

Director of Harrison Libraries

My choice is Deadpool & Wolverine. Nowadays, I don’t look for a movie to be poignant. I want funny. This film delivered. As a proud Cajun, I cracked up at Tatum’s delivery. Reynolds was on point. Quips about Jackman’s real life in theater were genius. With f-bombs at every turn, it's raunchy, but boy was it funny.

AARON ISAACS

Vice President of Student Success and Dean of Students

I got a chance to watch Inside Out 2, the heartwarming sequel that brilliantly explores emotions for both kids and adults. Getting my twin 4-year-olds and 8-year-old to sit still while belly-laughing throughout is one impressive feat! A delightful mix of humor and emotional depth.

DILLON JONES ’26

Business management major in 3+1 program, Barney School of Business; Student Government Association Finance Chair

The movie I enjoyed was Deadpool & Wolverine. I liked it due to the Easter eggs that were related to the comics. I am also a huge Marvel fan.

JOHN PENCE ’95

Member of University of Hartford Alumni Advisory Council

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is my selection. As a fan of 1981’s The Road Warrior, including 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road, I'm impressed by how director George Miller has seamlessly updated the action-packed, gritty, postapocalyptic themes of his original three Mel Gibson-led vehicles into a fresh and engaging reinvention of the franchise. And perhaps someday when she’s old enough, my now 6-year-old daughter will have an easier time than I have accepting that the same visionary director is also responsible for one of our current family favorites, Happy Feet.

MARGARET TARAMPI

Director of University Interdisciplinary Studies, Associate Professor of Psychology

Killers of the Flower Moon was deeply moving and intellectually and emotionally transformative. Anchored by the true story of Mollie Burkhart from the Osage Nation and her family, the story lays bare in no small detail the nefarious nature of the 1920s Reign of Terror. The powerful storytelling envelops viewers around the tragic history and brutal reality of exploitation and systemic injustices faced by the Osage people. This left me both unsettled and inspired on my journey toward cultural humility.

HAWK ALUMNI SCHOLARSHIP

WE WANT OUR HAWKS TO CONTINUE TO SOAR...

That is why we have created a scholarship for alumni to attend UHart for their graduate studies.

The Hawk Alumni Scholarship provides a scholarship equivalent to a 25% tuition discount for UHart alumni entering select graduate degree programs.