Save the Date: Hawktober 2026, Oct. 2–4
Hawktober is one of our favorite fall traditions on campus—a weekend dedicated to reconnecting, celebrating, and making new memories with the people who make our community so special. Join alumni, parents, families, students, faculty, and friends for a vibrant weekend filled with campus events, spirited gatherings, athletic competitions, and opportunities to experience all what makes UHart such a special place.
Whether you're returning to familiar places or coming back to UHart for the first time, Hawktober offers something for everyone. We can't wait to welcome you back to campus.
Check back soon for registration!
Full Schedule of Events
Check back often as we continue to build upon the events hosted throughout the weekend!
A Taste of Home
Visit us at Commons Dining Hall for a chance to see family recipes highlighted at the Taste of Home lunch! Aramark will be featuring 8-12 UHart family dishes, submitted by UHart students and their families.
50(ish) Reunion Check-in
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | University Commons
50(ish) Reunion Lunch
Noon to 1:30 p.m. | University Commons Private Dining Room
UHart Archives Pop-up Exhibit
1 to 4 p.m. | KF Room, Harrison Libraries
The exhibit will feature items covering the history of the University and its schools, as well as select materials from various special collections.
50(ish) Reunion Then and Now Tour of Campus
1:30 to 3 p.m. | Departing from Commons
Take a stroll through campus reminiscing about areas on campus where you made memories and see what's new at the University of Hartford.
50(ish) Reunion Culture Hour
3 to 4 p.m. | Various Locations
Join us for presentations and conversations on various topics:
- Innovation at the University of Hartford
- Art at the University of Hartford
- Connections with Current Students
50(ish) Reunion Coffee House & Memory Share
4 to 5 p.m. | Gengras Student Union
As we kick-off a wonderful reunion, join us for a cup of coffee and a chance to reminisce about what made the University a unique place to learn in the 70's... and what shenanigans you'll never forget!
50(ish) Reunion Cocktail Hour & Reunion Dinner
5 to 7 p.m. | 1877 Club
Celebrate the 50th milestone reunion with a look back at UHart's past, and a look forward at UHart's future. During the dinner the Class of 1976 will receive their official golden H pins.
Shabbat Service and Dinner
5:15 p.m. Service, 6 p.m. Dinner | Zachs Hillel Center and Commons Dining Hall
Alumni, students and their parents are invited to attend a Shabbat service, followed by a delicious catered dinner.
Reopening of The Pub
7 to 9 p.m.
Come and sit back, enjoy a drink and some great music. From 7-8 p.m. there will be a private event for our 50(ish) reunion group. At 8 p.m. The Pub will open up to all!
UHart Parents Breakfast Social
9 to 11 a.m. | GSU Hawk Lounge
Hosted by the Director of Parent Engagement & Philanthropy and UHart's Parent Council, we invite you to join fellow parents for a casual meet and greet over a catered breakfast. Connect with other families going through a similar UHart experience and enjoy great conversation. Mingle with campus leadership and chat with UHart staff who can answer your questions on the student experience and learn ways in which you can stay more connected as a proud parent!
50(ish) Reunion Brunch
9 to 10 a.m. | 1877 Club
Wake-up and rejuvenate with brunch and new stories of campus fun.
UHart Archives Pop-up Exhibit
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | KF Room, Harrison Libraries
The exhibit will feature items covering the history of the University and its schools, as well as select materials from various special collections.
Stretch & Stride
11 a.m. to Noon | Grant Family Track and Field
Campus Recreation will host a stretch and walk around the Grant Family Track and Field. After the group’s last lap, we’ll continue on to Alumni Stadium to watch our UHart Field Hockey team face off against the University of New England.
Field Hockey vs. University of New England
Noon | Al-Marzook Field
Cheer on the 2026 Women's Field Hockey team as they take on University of New England.
Enjoy our Galleries on Campus
Noon to 5 p.m. | Joseloff Gallery and Silpe Gallery
Joseloff Gallery Presents: Hartford Art School Faculty Biennial
Hartford Art School Faculty exhibit in the Joseloff Gallery with a range of mediums. Participating artists: Marion Belanger, Power Boothe, Ellen Carey, Leslie Cober, Zach Dunn, Jenni Freidman, JLS Gangwisch, Andrae Green, Jared Holt, Reagenn Holt O’Reigaekn, Stephanie Lanter, Valerie Lyons, Dillon McGuire, Gregery Miller, John Nordyke, Jeremiah Patterson, Shayna Piascik, Kasey Ramirez, Jerry Rodríguez Sosa, Carol Schwartz, Mark G. Snyder, Matt Towers, Charlie Weber, Emily Weiskopf, Paco Winebox, Rebecca Zablocki
Slipe Gallery Presents: There’s No Place Like Home! The Wonder of Animal Dwellings
The Guild of Natural Science Illustrators – New England connects professionals who promote, educate, and celebrate the visual communication of science. Starting in 1968, the Guild began with a small group of illustrators at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC in 1968. The New England Chapter supports artists through networking, workshops, and exhibits.
Study Abroad 101 for Parents & Students
1 to 2 p.m. | Location TBA
Interested in an educational experience overseas? University of Hartford offers everything from the traditional study abroad experience to internships, research, service-learning/volunteer, and teach abroad programs. Students can study abroad in over 50 different countries, and there are options available from one week to one year and everything in between. Education abroad can be an excellent resume booster (did you know only 11% of U.S. college students choose to study abroad?) and every UHart student is eligible to participate. You'll be able to hear directly from the International Center and study abroad alumni. Join us to learn more and get your questions answered!
Presidents' College Lifelong Learning Course for Reunion Participants and Parents
2 to 3 p.m. | Wilde Auditorium
Women's Soccer vs. Wentworth Institute of Technology
3 p.m. | Al-Marzook Field
Cheer on the 2026 Women's Soccer team as they take on Wentworth Institute of Technology.
Men's Soccer vs. Wentworth Institute of Technology
Featuring a special celebration of the 1996 Men's Soccer Team during halftime.
6 p.m. | Al-Marzook Field
Hawktober 5K
8 a.m. Check in opens, 9 a.m. Race begins
Separate registration required (registration will be available soon)
Race, run, walk or jog your way through campus alongside UHart alumni, students, families, and friends at our annual Hawktober weekend 5K. Race registration includes a t-shirt and race bib; proceeds support our Cross County/Track and Field Programs.
Simchat Torah Program
10 a.m. to noon | Zachs Hillel Center
Jazz Brunch
11 a.m. | Cafe, Gengras Student Union
Join fellow alumni, parents and students for everyone’s favorite part of Hawktober weekend: the annual Jazz Brunch.
Tickets are $40/person and includes brunch, your first beverage, and all the smooth jazz you can handle. Space is limited. Registration will open soon!
While You're in the Area
The towns surrounding our campus offer some wonderful opportunities to explore and participate in events. Below are some great opportunities to fill your weekend with activities in the area while also enjoying all that Hawktober has to offer! Not sure where to stay while visiting? Check out our travel page for area hotels and driving directions.
Farmers Market & Outdoor Activities (Event Information)
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. l Connecticut Old Statehouse and West End Farmer's Market, Hartford
Yoga in Our City (Event Information)
5:30 p.m. l Pope Park, Hartford
Stars Hollow Saturday (Event Information)
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. l Pratt Street, Hartford
WeHa United Jazz
1 to 5 p.m. l Blue Back Square, West Hartford
Yoga in Our City (Event Information)
10 a.m. l Colt Park, Hartford
Blue Back Farmer's Market
10 a.m. to 1 p.m. l Blue Back Square, Town Hall Parking Lot, West Hartford
Auerfarm Fall Festival (Event Information)
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. l Auerfarm, 158 Auer Farm Road, Bloomfield