“Once a Hawk, Always a Hawk” says Maria Melgar Garcia ’18. Maria, a proud alum, shared that UHart will always feel like home. Maria enjoyed ever momenf of her UHart experience. She has fond memories of hiking Talcott Mountain in the crisp fall air, cramming for her finals in the Harrison Library, experiencing campus snow days, grabbing late night snacks at Hawks Next, and of course the legendary Spring Fling.
Traveling 300 miles from home, Maria came to UHart as a scared and timid 18 year old, but she left with lifelong friendships. All these years later, she still can’t imagine her life without them.
Maria was a first-generation student and remembers just how much receiving University of Hartford donor scholarships and grants impacted her time here. “I didn’t realize then just how valuable that financial support was,” she reflects. “I am so grateful to the donors who helped make my education possible. Now as an alumna, it feels meaningful to pay it forward- to contribute to the same opportunities that once shaped my path.”
Maria is a donor who’s giving is rooted in gratitude. She is hopeful that her philanthropic beliefs will inspire other young alumni to give back in whatever way they can. “I hope my giving reminds others that we were all once in the shoes of a student,” she says. “Giving back is a way to honor the community that supported us to leave the world a little better than we found it.”
Maria Melgar Garcia, Class of 2018I am so grateful to the donors who helped make my education possible. Now as an alumna, it feels meaningful to pay it forward- to contribute to the same opportunities that once shaped my path.”