The generosity of our donors continues to pave the way for future success and career readiness for our students.
In March, Donald Allan Jr. ’86, president and CEO of Stanley Black & Decker, and his wife, Marilyn, made a generous gift in support of career and professional development at UHart. In recognition of that gift, the University has created the Allan Center to showcase the many career-related initiatives and programs that are available to students.
Then, in May, Stanley Black & Decker made another gift focused specifically on creating a robust local workforce. The $3 million will provide scholarships to students from 29 towns in the Greater Hartford region.
Beginning in 2025, the newly formed scholarships will be awarded to the top academically prepared incoming students from the Greater Hartford region. These students join the ranks of current scholars, selected each year, who enjoy access to SBD employees for monthly mentoring sessions, résumé-building workshops, and leadership development programs. They are also guaranteed first-round interviews for internships.
“We’re seeing more UHart graduates go on to become employees at Stanley Black & Decker, said Allan, who is the chairman of the University’s Board of Regents. “I think that’s a very powerful connection our students feel to the community, but it’s also a powerful connection between a corporation and a university.”
Donald Allan Jr. ’86, Board of Regents ChairStanley Black & Decker, Pratt & Whitney, and other industry leaders in Connecticut recognize the talented pipeline of students receiving an exceptional and hands-on educational experience at UHart, and what that means for the future of our workforce in the state.
The connection is especially meaningful in Connecticut. Of the state's private colleges and universities, the University of Hartford has the most alumni living and working in Connecticut, 31,567 reported in 2021.
Along with access and opportunity, these scholarships focus on another vital component of the student experience: career readiness. That preparedness for what the future holds remains a priority for the University and its corporate partners, says Alex Coury, associate vice president for corporate partnerships and career experiences.
“At the University of Hartford, our commitment to student success extends beyond classroom learning," says Coury. “Thanks to the support of dedicated corporate partners like Stanley Black & Decker, our students have access to internship programs, networking events, career-preparation workshops, career fairs, and guest speakers. These are the immersive learning experiences that ensure UHart students enter the workforce prepared to lead and excel.”
This story was published in the Fall 2024 edition of H, UHart's magazine.