WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — The University of Hartford campus is abuzz, as the new academic year has arrived.
Many of those making their way to the university this weekend embarked on a new experience. Among them is first-year UHart President Lawrence Ward, who celebrated the beginning of his first school year on campus by welcoming members of the Class of 2028.
According to a university spokesperson, UHart is welcoming 1,368 students to the Class of 2028 as part of its largest applicant pool in 10 years. The class consists of 1,232 first-year students, 136 transfer students, 115 student-athletes, 52 international students and a record 21 Hartford Promise Scholars.
On Saturday morning, Ward shook the hands of students and parents. The university reports that he even helped carry some students’ belongings into their residence halls.
Ward gave the welcome address at Friday’s morning orientation session and spoke to new UHart students about the significance of building friendships with their peers and the faculty.
He also spoke on developing courage and discipline and being resilient when failing to meet expectations, which will happen. Ward also told students they should be vocal about what they believe in, all according to the university.
“You are gifted and thoughtful young people, and we need to hear your voices,” Ward said. “We need to be in conversation with each other. That’s what inclusive excellence looks like. A college campus is built on the fruitful exchange of ideas – even, or especially, when we disagree.”
Ward began his tenure at UHart on July 1. The university describes him as a natural leader with Connecticut roots, as he and his wife are both from the Greater Hartford area.
For the previous decade, Ward served as vice president for learner success and dean of campus life at Babson College in Wellesley, Mass.
Regarding the Class of 2028, almost half of the incoming students are from Connecticut. Other popular home states include Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Texas, Florida and California, the university says.
New students come from a total of 32 different states. International students come from countries including, but not limited to, Jamaica, Bangladesh, China and Nepal.
The university says that in-demand programs such as nursing, art, architecture, radiologic technology, business, analytics, mechanical engineering and music theatre are driving the increased growth in applications to UHart.
RELATED: Quinnipiac University President Judy Olian will step down following the 2024-2025 academic year
The university has more than 100 undergraduate academic programs across subjects in fields including the arts, humanities, businesses, engineering and technology, education and the health professions.
The university also notes that several major capital projects are becoming realities, with new facilities such as the Grant Family Track and Field being scheduled to open in the near future.
One of Ward’s priorities is strengthening partnerships with major corporations, elected officials, civic organizations and colleges and universities in neighboring communities to build on UHart’s educational and economic ecosystem, the university says.
For example, a $3 million gift from Stanley Black & Decker will offer scholarships to students from 29 towns in the Greater Hartford area.
----
Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
----
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
----
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.