The Big Day for Class of 2005

Posted  5/13/2005
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A sea of chairs awaits members of the Class of 2005 and their guests.
Approximately 1,300 students will graduate Sunday at the University of Hartford’s 48th annual Commencement.

The main, university-wide ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. on the front lawn of Gengras Student Union (weather permitting), and will be followed by diploma presentation ceremonies at designated sites around campus. For a list of diploma presentation sites, and for complete information on all aspects of Commencement, please visit www.hartford.edu/commencement.

Find out what to do in the event of rain on Sunday.

Four individuals who have distinguished themselves in human services, business, literature, and the arts will be presented with honorary degrees and will make brief remarks to the graduates and their families. This year’s honorary degree recipients are:
  • Michael Bangser, who is stepping down this fall after more than 15 years as president of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving;


  • Richard Booth, CEO of Hartford Steam Boiler Insurance Co. and chairman of the MetroHartford Alliance;


  • Gregory Rabassa, an award-winning translator and author;


  • Willie Anthony Waters, general and artistic director of Connecticut Opera.
Read more about the four honorary degree recipients.

Four faculty members will be honored at Sunday’s ceremony for exceptional accomplishments in the areas of teaching, scholarship, service, and contributions to the All-University Curriculum. Peter Harvey, a highly regarded musician and educator who passed away in March, will be honored posthumously with the Donald W. Davis All-University Curriculum Award. Harald Sandstrom will be presented with the Roy E. Larsen Award for Excellence in Teaching; Robert Carl will receive the James E. and Frances W. Bent Award for Scholarly and/or Artistic Creativity; and Raymond J. McGivney will be recognized with the Oscar and Shoshana Trachtenberg Award for Service to the University.

Read more about the faculty award winners.

In addition, three graduating students will be honored for their outstanding achievements. Julia M. Case will be awarded the 2005 John G. Martin Scholarship, Meghan S. Hegarty will receive the Belle K. Ribicoff Prize, and Ramiz I. Khoda will be presented with the John G. Lee Medal.

Read more about the student award winners.