Noon to 3 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis
The University of Hartford has soared to new heights over the past decade and here's your chance to do the same. You'll rise in a hot-air balloon to get a birds-eye view of our beautiful 350-acre campus and the surrounding area. Please note that these rides will not take place if rain or wind is in the area.
1 p.m., Gray Center Amphitheater.
Fresh off a top 20 showing in last season's NBC hit show, "America's Got Talent," this family of musicians will truly inspire all ages with this special Community Day performance. In the event of rain or temperatures below 60 degrees, this concert will be held in Gengras Student Union South Cafeteria.
Take a relaxing ride for two on board Tiny the baby elephant or Lucy the polar bear. You'll even have a safari guide alongside these mechanical animals. Perfect for child and parent.
Entrance, Mortensen Library
Remember when penny candy was really a penny? Well, we'll do one better. Free candy (as supplies last) from yesteryear and so much more as we relive a time before the age of the Internet and self-serve gasoline.
(Chernak-Fox Park adjacent to the front steps of Gengras Student Union)
The President's College continues its tradition of keeping literature and language both alive and fun. This year, it's a celebration of Edgar Allan Poe's 200th birthday with a reading of each of his 50 poems.
Community Day joins the national celebration of President Lincoln's 200th birthday. Our Lincoln presenter brings to life the nation's 16th President and answers questions regarding Lincoln's administration and growing up on the nation's frontier. Please come and listen to Lincoln deliver the Gettysburg Address at 12:15 and 2:45 p.m. in the Gray Center Amphitheater (rain site, Gengras Student Union South Cafeteria).
(Mortensen Library)
The Connecticut Historical Society displays items from its extensive Civil War collections. In honor of the Lincoln Bicentennial, one case will focus on Abraham Lincoln's Presidential campaign in 1860 and the other will highlight items used by soldiers during the Civil War, as well as prints and photographs. This display is made possible by a grant from the Connecticut Humanities Council.
(Mortensen Library)
In celebration of Abe Lincoln's birthday, students from the University's College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions will be reading stories with themes about Lincoln and his family, the Civil War, and slavery.
The Second Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery Regiment helps guests learn about authentic artillery weapons, uniforms, tactics, and history of the Civil War. Uniformed volunteers will educate the public about the military role of the regiment and provide living history demonstrations.
(11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., main parking area)
Make sure you come early and enjoy this mobile petting zoo, sponsored by the Hawk Spirit wing of our newest campus residence, Hawk Hall.
(Woods Family Center for Learning and Instruction, Mortensen Library)
Youth and instructors from the I.T. (Information Technology) Community Support Project present mini hands-on workshops in such areas as Art & I.T., Digital Photography and Photoshop, and Animation. Participants will be able to take home examples of their work in print and on CD. The I.T. Community Support Project is funded through a grant form the National Science Foundation to the University of Hartford’s Center for Professional Development and is a collaboration with Hartford Public Schools. A year-round program, open to all Hartford students, the project provides after-school and summer activities in information technology and paid internship experiences for youth, grades 7-12.
(Parking Lot K-Visitor)
Join the Physical Therapy Student Association for this important bicycle safety clinic. Bring your bikes and be ready for the spring and summer biking season. Helmet fitting, bike license-plate fitting, bike mechanic, road safety, and more.
(Gengras Student Union)
Project Horizon provides a relaxing oasis from outdoor Community Day activities. Registered Nurses (RNs) answer questions & give advice. Look for our interactive exhibits in Suisman Lounge of Gengras Student Union.
Project Horizon has special treats planned. Come to “The nurse is in” station. Like Lucy in Peanuts for “5 Cents per consultation”, ask about bone & heart health; learn about healthy eating, safety & injury prevention.
Project Horizon 2009 initiatives
“The Nurse Is In” – 5 Cents Per Consultation
Like Lucy in Peanuts-come for a nursing consultation for a nickel.
“Bone Health & Safety”-Learn to strengthen your bones & prevent injuries.
“Dental Health & You”-Learn to keep your teeth & gums healthy.
“Holistic eating”-Discover nutrition “101” for busy parents & kids.
Returning Old Favorites
“Comfort Station” Relaxation Stations
Enjoy a cup of herbal tea or a glass of spring water.
Discover the health benefits of drinking water & herbal teas.
“Hands’ On” blood pressure & heart health station
Learn how to take a real blood pressure & pulse. For kids & big people too.
11:30 a.m., Gray Center Amphitheater.
Singer and guitarist Joe Sanchez, a freshman acoustics major, performs a variety of contemporary and Top 40 songs. In the event of rain or temperatures below 60 degrees, this concert will be held in Gengras Student Union South Cafeteria.
Be a TV star for a dayÑor at least a few minutes. Deliver a newscast at the anchor desk and then take home a DVD with you. Current wait times and guide near main food area outside Gray Center.
(2 p.m., Gray Center Amphitheater)
The Preludio Quartet from The Hartt School performs. It was formed in the fall of 2006 and is committed to the performance and interpretation of standard saxophone quartet repertoire, transcriptions, and new works for saxophone quartet.
Since its formation, the quartet has been awarded with the Best in Chamber Music Award for Hartt’s Chamber Music Program. Other accolades include being featured at the 31st International Saxophone Symposium at George Mason University, recently winning 2nd place at the finals of the 2008 MTNA Chamber Music Competition in Denver, Colorado, and appearing as soloists with the Hartt Wind Ensemble performing Michael Colgrass's Urban Requiem. In May, Preludio will be traveling to compete in the semi-final round of the 36th Annual Fischoff Competition, the world’s largest chamber music competition.
In the event of rain or temperatures below 60 degrees, this concert will be held in Gengras Student Union South Cafeteria.
(Session I from 12:15 to 12:35 p.m.; session II from 12:40-1 p.m.; Bliss Auditorium, Fuller Music Center)
A fun-filled 20 minute introduction to Jazz Dance. Parents, this is not just for kids. Come shake things up and learn how dance can be fun, rewarding, and healthy!
(Bliss Auditorium, Fuller Music Center)
11:15 a.m. Bodyka Trio (string)-A unique string trio of talented young Hartt Community Division students will perform a variety of music selections. (Violin, Violin and Viola). 11:40 a.m. Harp-Harpist Brandee Younger, Community Division Faculty member will be performing a vast selection of solo works for Harp! It is not everyday that you and your children are exposed to this kind of instrument! Come see how the Harp works and enjoy the talents of this fine young harpist! 1:45 p.m. Piano Trio-A piano trio comprised of Hartt Community Division students will perform chamber selections. (Violin, Cello and Piano).
(Gengras Student Union)
Students from The Hartt School's chapter of the National Association for Music Education bring their horns, violins, and trumpets for children to touch and play.
Author Bill Farrell, a University alumnus, will appear in full fishing gear and let the kids learn all about fishing equipment (those plastic worms are a big hit). He will also read from his book Walter's Pond: The True Story of Three Brothers Who Went Fishing for Trouble.
(Gengras back patio)
Regents Park, one of the residential complexes at the University, sponsors various arts and crafts, including face painting. New campus organization Phi Gamma offers kids the chance to fill up containers of all shapes and sizes with sand art.
(performance at 11:30 followed by worskhop with kids/Lawn)
Root, root, root for the home team. The cheerleaders will perform and then work with youth on some of their favorite cheers.
Hartford Hawks baseball doubleheader vs. New Jersey Tech, noon, mention Community Day at the gate to receive free admission.
Youth baseball day. Wear your team jersey, t-shirt, or cap. Join the team on the field for the national anthem and bat and run the bases after the game. Register by calling 768.6990.
This active campus organization will show how its making an impact across the globe in showing off its rooftop rainwater harvesting system, art education project, and Kenya water purification project.
Students from the University's College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture will show off the high-performance race car they are designing and building in preparation for an international competition.
Brownies, cookies, chocolate. It's our popular dessert table courtesy of the students, teachers, and staff of the University of Hartford Magnet School.
Stop by the University bookstore for complimentary vitamin water and treats, enter a drawing for a pop-up tent, and browse the large selection of University of Hartford clothing and giftware. Pick up your 10% discount coupons at our event info centers.
(held from 11 a.m. to noon at the University of Hartford Magnet School)
A perfect opportunity for families to learn about these programs for Summer Place's youngest campers.
Considering taking that first step to starting your own small business? Come speak with the Entrepreneurial Center and discover what's involved in small-business ownership.
This fall, the University will host its second Relay for Life, a fun-filled event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of the American Cancer Society. Learn more and meet the student organizers.
For the sixth year, the University will host the Special Olympics Connecticut Eastern Regional Games in May. Learn about this event and volunteer opportunities.
