A&S Student Brittany Wallace '12 Honored at State Capitol

State Representative Richard Roy (D-Milford) presents a citation to Brittany Wallace '12 at the State Capitol.

Brittany Wallace, a graduating senior double majoring in politics and government and English in the College of Arts and Sciences, was honored by the Connecticut General Assembly on April 18 during the annual College Academic Day at the State Capitol.

Every year, state lawmakers recognize at least one outstanding student from each of Connecticut’s public and private colleges and universities. The students are selected for the honor by their respective schools, based on academic achievement and extra-curricular involvement. In addition to honoring exceptional students, the event draws attention to the important roles that Connecticut’s colleges and universities play in the state’s economy and quality of life.

During their day at the State Capitol, Wallace and the other honorees were recognized in the House chamber. Each student received an official citation from the Connecticut General Assembly.

This is the first of two major honors to be presented to Wallace this spring. She also has been selected as the winner of the University's John G. Lee Medal, which is awarded each year at Commencement to a graduating senior from Greater Hartford who has excelled academically and demonstrated a deep commitment to the community.

Wallace constantly challenges herself in the classroom and in the community. When she was close to completing the requirements for her major in politics and government, she chose to pursue a second major in English. Her final two semesters, at the maximum 18 credits each, have been filled with demanding upper-level English courses. Wallace has received countless honors during her four years at the University, including President’s or Dean’s List standing every semester but one.

Outside the classroom, Wallace has an impressive history of volunteerism and community service. She is active in her hometown of Windsor, Conn., volunteering with the town health department to assist at events such the annual flu clinic and family day. She has spent numerous hours volunteering for FoodShare, interning at the headquarters of the Merrick Alpert for U.S Senate campaign, tutoring the younger children in her family, and assisting her elderly neighbors when they need help. A love for protecting society has led Wallace to intern at the Metropolitan District, where she has worked for two summers as a public safety officer.

Wallace represented the University of Hartford at a West Point conference, working with other delegates to write a policy paper on the use of cyberspace. She is a member of Alpha Chi and Sigma Tau Delta honor societies.