“You all have earned and have now formally been gifted with each of the rights, privileges, and attendant responsibilities of a UHart degree,” Ward said. “From this moment forward, may you be inspired to share your education, your talent, creativity, passion, resilience, and your humanity such that others in the world may benefit from your gifts. Since 1957, this has defined the amplifying effect of the University of Hartford.”
Ward assumed leadership of UHart on July 1, 2024. During his initial year, Ward has furthered the University’s deep commitment to student success, including investments into career and professional development, support services, and campus facilities. He has also focused on positioning the University as a strategic partner and leader in the economic and educational vitality of the Greater Hartford region and the state of Connecticut.
David Thompson, ’89 M ’91, vice president of commercial services for Boston Scientific and vice chair of the University’s Board of Regents, addressed master’s and doctoral degree recipients during the morning ceremony. He encouraged graduates to make the most of the 1,440 minutes of each day, to stay curious throughout life, and to be kind. He, too, quoted Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Katelyn Birdsey ’25, Graduate, University of HartfordOur country — and our world — is facing deep divisions, uncertainty, and challenges that can often feel overwhelming. But I truly believe that our generation has something powerful to offer in response: empathy, resilience, and the courage to question the status quo.
More than 1,500 graduates and their invited guests packed the arena for the dual celebrations. Kindness, caring, and compassion were themes throughout the day. “Our country — and our world — is facing deep divisions, uncertainty, and challenges that can often feel overwhelming,” said Katelyn Birdsey ’25 in her charge to her fellow undergraduates. “But I truly believe that our generation has something powerful to offer in response: empathy, resilience, and the courage to question the status quo. We’ve grown up witnessing both hardship and hope. And because of that, we know that change doesn’t happen overnight — it happens through people who care, who show up, who listen, and who lead with compassion.”
Ward also referred to the challenging world the Class of 2025 is facing. “I recognize that you all have endured a lot during your time on campus,” he said, “including a global pandemic, war, political tribalism, and a coarsening of civil discourse, particularly on social media.”
But, Ward said, UHart’s faculty and staff have helped to guide the graduates through it all. “As a result, what you now have is an extraordinary education from the University of Hartford. What you now have is this special group of friends and classmates to share a lifetime of memories. What you now have is the benefit of 80,000 other alumni who have your back.”
“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.”