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Donor Stories

Making a Difference, One Story at a Time

The University of Hartford is strengthened by a community of supporters who believe in the potential of our students and the promise of their future. Through their generosity, donors help provide transformative experiences, expand access to education, and ensure that Hawks have the resources they need to succeed. Explore the stories behind their impact.

Finding their path and each other at UHart
Oct 20, 2026

Finding their path and each other at UHart

Sometimes, the most meaningful moments in life come when we reach a fork in the road. For Douglas “Doug” Mance '76 and Laura Kelly Mance A'75, '77, the University of Hartford was one of those turning points. Their paths to UHart were different, but the experiences they found here shaped their futures, brought them together, and inspired a lasting commitment to giving back.

Maris is paying it forward, ensuring that our future students have the same opportunities that she did.
Sep 07, 2026

Maris is paying it forward, ensuring that our future students have the same opportunities that she did.

As a member of the Alumni Advisory Council, Maris continues to stay actively involved, demonstrating her commitment to students and the university’s success.

Glady's Dunn '60
Aug 12, 2026

Glady's Dunn '60

As a world traveler, educator, and global citizen, Gladys Dunn ’60 was ahead of her time. She understood that travel was more than a pastime; it was an opportunity to learn from the lived experiences of others. Gladys and her husband, Robert, believed that true exploration extended far beyond the sights and sounds of new places; it meant immersing themselves in unfamiliar places and new cultures.

Katy Henchy Markert ‘18, M’20
Jun 08, 2026

Katy Henchy Markert ‘18, M’20

Katy Henchy Markert ‘18, M’20 has a meaningful and memorable relationship with the University of Hartford which can be defined by her passion, commitment, and generosity.

George Landis '66 and Luella Landis '66, M'70
Apr 08, 2026

George Landis '66 and Luella Landis '66, M'70

George and Luella Landis are making a difference every day at the University of Hartford. The couple, who met in 1963 as undergraduates at the school, has spent their lives giving back to the place where they first met and fell in love.

For Ebony Wright Campell, service isn’t a career—it’s a way of life.
Jan 06, 2026

For Ebony Wright Campell, service isn’t a career—it’s a way of life.

As a sophomore at UHart, Ebony lost her mother in the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center. The loss was devastating, and one that could have derailed her path forward. But instead, it fueled her ambition to fulfill lifelong goal, and her mother’s dream, of obtaining her bachelor’s degree.

Transforming the lives of students through philanthropy
Dec 08, 2025

Transforming the lives of students through philanthropy

Dr. Catherine Certo’s journey with the University of Hartford began in 1997, when she was recruited to lead the development of the University’s Physical Therapy program. As she worked closely with students in her program, she became acutely aware of the financial challenges they faced. Dr. Certo decided to be proactive to help ensure financial assistance to all students in need for the DPT Program.

Dave McLellan ’76
Oct 01, 2025

Dave McLellan ’76

Dave McLellan ’76 first discovered The Hartt School in thanks to a friend from high school who was in his first year at the University of Hartford.

Denise Colburn Gunter '77
Sep 30, 2025

Denise Colburn Gunter '77

Denise Colburn Gunter '77 is connecting to the University of Hartford through her legacy. 

Maria Melgar Garcia '18
Sep 09, 2025

Maria Melgar Garcia '18

“Once a Hawk, Always a Hawk” says Maria Melgar Garcia ’18. Maria, a proud alum, shared that UHart will always feel like home. 

Dr. Mya T. Bowen '00, M'02, M'05, D'13
Sep 01, 2025

Dr. Mya T. Bowen '00, M'02, M'05, D'13

Mya Bowen received her first degree from the University of Hartford in 2000, graduating cum laude with a bachelor’s in business administration. Though only in her thirties, she knows it’s never too early to plan for the future.

Patricia Rissmeyer ‘78
Jul 23, 2025

Patricia Rissmeyer ‘78

For Patricia Rissmeyer, there’s no separating a distinguished 45 year career from her UHart education, one she feels fortunate to have received.

Reverend Denise Tracy '72
Jul 15, 2024

Reverend Denise Tracy '72

I was very fortunate as a student at the University of Hartford. I received a four-year scholarship for voice lessons and music theory in an auditioned competition when I was in the 9th grade. Thanks to my mother, Theresa B. Tracy, when it was time for me to enter the University in 1968, I already knew the school well.

Lifetime champion of peace, justice, and women's education.
Jul 08, 2024

Lifetime champion of peace, justice, and women's education.

Mims' willingness to live fully and embrace challenges inspired The Women’s Advancement Initiative to adopt her “Just Say Yes” philosophy as a core value of its LEAD (Leadership Education and Development) program for today’s students. The design of LEAD was inspired by the way students at Hartford College for Women were supported and challenged.

A legacy for generations of students.
Oct 17, 2023

A legacy for generations of students.

Edward Louis Friedman's career at the University of Hartford spanned nearly four decades. A professor of electrical engineering, Friedman upheld only the highest standard of pedagogy, unequivocally dedicated to his students and the University, approaching each day on campus with honor and great responsibility.

Attending the University of Hartford was transformational in many ways for Robin Sahner—in fact, it changed the direction of her career entirely.
Oct 05, 2022

Attending the University of Hartford was transformational in many ways for Robin Sahner—in fact, it changed the direction of her career entirely.

As an alumna, Robin remained connected with the University through its newsletters and was particularly drawn to UHart’s commitment to community outreach. It was values like these that inspired Robin to become a loyal donor to the causes that resonate most with her, like scholarship support.