UHart's Top 20 Moments of 2025

The 2025 calendar year was an exciting one for the University of Hartford. Let's take a look back at our most memorable moments.

1. Our momentum propelled UHart forward.

This year, momentum moved UHart forward—fueling student success and creating a place where students belong and thrive.

President Lawrence P. Ward shares how UHart prepares students to put their purpose to work.

2. We're enhancing the student experience.

UHart announced a $2.8 million investment to transform Konover Campus Center!

The reimagined Konover Campus Center will feature spacious indoor and outdoor dining areas, a large brick pizza oven, spaces for social gathering, and more.

We cut the ribbon on the newly opened Zachs Hillel Center

With a long history of Jewish learning and belonging, the University of Hartford celebrated that legacy through the ribbon cutting of the newly renovated Zachs Hillel Center for Jewish Life in April. The Center features a meeting space, a Kosher kitchen, and a lounge area for students to congregate in their down time.

We're creating more gathering spaces.

A multiphase project has been launched to clean and revitalize the area along Park River near Alumni Plaza, transforming it into a welcoming outdoor gathering space for students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors.

3. We welcomed our new Hawks!

President Ward joined students, residential life staff, academic administrators, and many volunteers to welcome the University of Hartford Class of 2029 during Move-In Weekend. More than 1,200 new undergraduate students joined the UHart community over move-in weekend, including 1,100 first-year students and 115 transfer students. We also welcomed 645 new graduate students.

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4. We congratulated our Stanley Black & Decker Scholars at the first annual breakfast celebration.

The $3 million gift from Stanley Black & Decker provides scholarships to students from 29 towns within the Greater Hartford region, addressing rising unmet need, and providing pathways for our students.

5. 300+ UHart students visited 20 industry partners at Career Exploration Day.

From corporate conference rooms to crash test simulators—more than 300 students boarded buses for a taste of what a future career might look like. UHart’s Career Exploration Day gave the students a chance to connect with representatives of nearly 20 industry partners from a wide range of industries.

6. We created Hawk Advantage, extending academic support to more students.

Starting in fall 2026, Hillyer College will extend its strengths of personalized support, small classes, and student-focused learning to more students through the Hawk Advantage program. The new program is part of a larger transition to join Hillyer College with the College of Arts and Sciences.

7. We welcomed explorer Céline Cousteau for campus-wide professional development experience.

Staff, faculty and students attended a meaningful program that transformed how we connect with others and created a lasting impact. The annual Fall Professional Development session sponsored by Office of Inclusive Excellence and Belonging and Women's Advancement kicked off a series of monthly development and training opportunities for the campus community dedicated to learning, growth, and connection.

8. Our Hawks claimed back-to-back soccer championships.

Hartford Hawks Women's Soccer 2025 CNE Champions

The University of Hartford women’s soccer team shut out Endicott College to capture the 2025 Conference of New England Championship, securing the program's second straight title. The win earned the Hawks a return trip to the NCAA Tournament, making it another memorable season on the field. Men's golf and men's track & field also were crowned conference champions in 2025!

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9. We brought NASA and aerospace leaders to campus.

NASA and its prime contractors were welcomed on campus for a defining aerospace outreach event that connected students, faculty, manufacturers, and industry leaders from across Connecticut. As the lead institution for the NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium, UHart brought together innovators from organizations such as NASA, SpaceX, and Northrop Grumman to explore collaboration and future aerospace careers.

10. We secured a major grant to transform general education.

With a three-year grant from the Davis Educational Foundation, UHart is advancing inclusive, innovative, and reimagined general education course design. The initiative supports faculty as they reshape learning experiences to better prepare students to succeed across disciplines, helping them thrive in our dynamic academic community.

11. Joseloff Gallery debuted an exhibition focused on global contemporary artists who also tattoo.

Human Marks: Tattooing in Contemporary Art brought together fifteen global contemporary artists to explore how tattooing shapes their art practices in experimental and revelatory ways.

12. Our community soared to a record Day of Giving.

Day of Giving united alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, and friends in a 24-hour celebration of generosity and impact. Through campus events, friendly competitions, matching challenges, and widespread participation, Hawks came together to support scholarships, academic programs, student life, and campus priorities. By the close of the day, more than 1,800 donors from across the country had raised over $550,000, demonstrating the power of collective support and a shared commitment to helping students thrive.

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13. Our nursing program was in the news.

Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont joined University of Hartford nursing students and health care leaders in the Hursey Center’s Immersive Simulation Suite to announce the state’s participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact. The news conference drew statewide media attention and highlighted how hands on learning at UHart prepares nurses to meet critical workforce needs.

14. We celebrated 25 Years of the Hartt Theatre Division.

The Classes of 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003 visited the Mort and Irma Handel Performing Arts Center for a celebration of their experiences at Hartt. Hosted by alumni Wil Fisher '00, Matthew F. Lewandowski II '00, Bob Martin '00, and Dana Mierlak '01, the August event drew dozens of guests from all over the country.

15. We honored Barney School alumni.

The Barney School of Business welcomed alumni, students, faculty, and staff to honor distinguished graduates at its annual Hall of Fame ceremony. The evening recognized professional achievement, leadership, and service while offering students the opportunity to connect with accomplished alumni whose careers reflect the values and impact of a Barney education.

16. We launched a new student residency partnership with Masonicare.

The University of Hartford partnered with Masonicare to launch a new Students in Residence program, creating an immersive living and learning experience within a senior living community. Through hands-on engagement and service, the program connects classroom learning to real-world practice, preparing students to apply their purpose in health-related and community-focused careers.

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17. We strengthened connections with industry partners.

UHart's annual Industry Partnership Breakfast, brought together local employers, academic leaders, and students to celebrate collaboration and workforce development. Conversations focused on aligning industry needs with academic programs, creating pathways for internships and careers, and reinforcing how UHart’s intentional preparation helps students build real world skills and put their purpose to work.

18. We launched new majors to expand academic opportunity.

New undergraduate majors were introduced to meet student interest and evolving workforce needs, including programs in finance and technology and neuroscience. Developed through collaboration among faculty and industry partners, the majors strengthen interdisciplinary learning, expand career options, and prepare students to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

19. We celebrated Hawktober and secured funding for campus improvements.

Hawktober celebrated what it means to be a Hawk, bringing together students, alumni, families, friends, and staff for a weekend of spirited fall traditions. The festivities captured the energy of the UHart community and kicked off an exciting year of events and celebrations for alumni and parents. During the weekend, the community rallied behind a giving challenge to install lighting around UHart’s new track facility. Led by the track’s namesake—UHart alumnus and Board of Regents member Kevin Grant ’82, M ’86—the “Let’s Glow Together” challenge helped us to secure lights for the track.

20. We celebrated the Class of 2025 at Commencement!

Hawks from across disciplines took the stage at the 2025 Commencement at the XL Center in downtown Hartford, where more than 1,500 graduates and their guests gathered to celebrate academic achievement and the beginning of new chapters. With themes of resilience, compassion, and purpose woven throughout the ceremony, speakers encouraged graduates to carry curiosity, empathy, and leadership into a dynamic world.

The ceremony also marked the culmination of President Ward’s first year as UHart’s seventh president. Delivering the undergraduate Commencement Address, President Ward reminded graduates of their readiness for what lies ahead: “Regardless of the path you choose—artist, scientist, engineer, clinician, educator, problem solver, thought leader, difference maker—know that you already have all that you need to find success.”

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