Sad News for the UHart Community

Dear University of Hartford Community,

It is with tremendous sadness that I share the news of the death of one of our incoming first-year students. Melissa Marchese passed away this past weekend after she was involved in a motor vehicle accident in her hometown of Shoreham, New York.

Melissa planned to major in Early Childhood Education in our College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions. She has been recognized for her outstanding academic and athletic achievements and was committed to joining Hartford Athletics in the fall. Director of Athletics Mary Ellen Gillespie has shared that Melissa recently attended Orientation and was excited to come to Hartford and compete at the Division I level as a member of our softball team.

Melissa’s family and friends remember her as brilliant, funny, and kind. In a final act of generosity, she was an organ donor, saving the lives of others.

It is always difficult to make sense of the death of someone so young and full of promise. If you are impacted by this loss and need support, please do not hesitate to contact Suzanne McNeil, assistant vice president for Student Success, at smcneil@hartford.edu or 860.768.4260.

Our hearts go out to Melissa’s many loved ones, and I ask you to join me in keeping them in your thoughts and prayers.
 

Sincerely,

Gregory Woodward
University of Hartford President