When Lori Katz P’26 attended the University of Hartford Parents’ Breakfast last year, she never expected the conversation would lead to the launch of a new internship program at her company, providing a meaningful opportunity for a UHart student.
As the mother of a senior acoustical engineering major in UHart’s College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture (CETA), Lori already had strong ties to the University. However, she wanted to do more than cheer from the sidelines; she wanted to give back in a way that would make a real difference for students.
“I’ve always believed internships are one of the most valuable experiences a college student can have,” Lori shares. “They give students the chance to see what it’s really like to work in their field and discover what they like and what they don’t.”
For 25 years at her previous company, Lori hosted summer interns through a formal program. When she joined her current organization, she saw an opportunity to build something similar from the ground up. After discussing her idea with Dean Ivanic at the Parent’s Breakfast, Lori stayed in touch. Months later, when her company was ready to bring on its first intern, that connection paid off.
“Dean Ivanic introduced me to Professor David Stec in the Barney School of Business,” Lori recalls. “He sent out our job description to his supply chain students, and after interviewing several candidates, we offered the internship to Max Czellecz ’26, a standout student.”
From day one, Max impressed the team with his professionalism and enthusiasm. “He was well-spoken and confident when discussing his classes and interests in supply chain management,” Lori says. “We knew right away that no matter what we threw at him, he’d excel.”
Max took on two major projects during his internship: updating supplier pricing and lead times in the company’s ERP system. Working remotely with the purchasing and planning team, he quickly proved to be a valuable contributor.
“He fit in so well,” Lori observes. “Even though we’re a ‘work from anywhere’ company, he jumped right in—participating in meetings, speaking up, and asking questions. It was our team’s first time mentoring an intern, and it turned out to be a rewarding experience for everyone.”
For Lori, the internship was not just a professional success; it was personal. “My son is a senior at UHart and just completed an internship in New York City with a UHart alum,” she says. “As a parent, you always want your child to have every opportunity to succeed. Helping another UHart student felt like a way to pay it forward.”
That sense of connection is exactly what Lori values most about the UHart community. “Getting involved makes you more connected—not just to your student but to the whole university,” she adds. “Through this experience, I got to know Barney faculty, staff, and students. It really strengthened my sense of what it means to be part of the UHart family.”
Lori’s advice to other parents and alumni? “Encourage your students to seek out internships and encourage your companies to offer them,” she emphasizes. “It gives students experience, confidence, and a head start. We all benefit when we help each other.”
Lori Katz P’26, University of Hartford parentI’ve always believed internships are one of the most valuable experiences a college student can have. They give students the chance to see what it’s really like to work in their field and discover what they like and what they don’t.