Last fall, UConn Waterbury launched “Walkbury,” an innovative program designed to harmonize the campus community with the vibrant culture, history, and businesses of downtown Waterbury. The initiative encourages students, staff, faculty, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) members to explore the city’s unique offerings and deepen their connection to the local community.

This program is part of the larger Ideas + Impact initiative, which also launched last fall thanks to a generous donation from UConn Waterbury alum Mike Peluso ’99 (BUS). Ideas + Impact supports student-initiated and campus-initiated social impact projects, empowering students to make meaningful contributions to their communities. Walkbury embodies the spirit of Ideas + Impact by fostering engagement, building connections, and creating opportunities for learning and growth.

“Ideas + Impact is about giving students the tools to make a difference, and Walkbury is a perfect example of that mission in action,” says Peluso. “It’s rewarding to see how UConn Waterbury is inspiring students to engage with their community in meaningful ways.”

Over the fall semester, Walkbury hosted four (and more to come!) food and cultural tours in partnership with Waterbury Regional Chamber’s Main Street Waterbury that brought the UConn community directly into the heart of downtown Waterbury. The tours, held during lunch hours and morning coffee meetups, offered opportunities to visit local landmarks, enjoy the city’s culinary delights, and hear from community leaders including alumni.

The food tours featured stops at popular eateries, including Seven Villages, Grand Street Tavern, and Nature’s Love Juice Bar, where participants sampled delicious offerings while meeting business owners. These events provided a taste of what downtown has to offer and underscored the importance of supporting local businesses.

Adding depth to the experience, UConn Waterbury emeritus faculty member Ruth Glasser led the historical and cultural components of the tours. Participants learned about Waterbury’s architectural gems, including City Hall and the iconic clock tower inspired by Torre del Mangia in Siena, Italy.

During the tours, Mayor Paul Pernerewski welcomed the group at City Hall, sharing insights on the city’s ongoing revitalization and hosting a Q&A session focused on career development and civic engagement.

The tours also drew the attention of prominent Connecticut leaders, including State Senator Joan Hartley and State Representative Geraldo Reyes, who joined participants to emphasize the significance of community involvement and partnership.

“This program is about more than walking tours or discounts,” says Fumiko Hoeft, dean and chief administrative officer of UConn Waterbury. “It’s about fostering understanding and building harmony between UConn and the community. Walkbury is a natural extension of Ideas + Impact, as both aim to inspire students and encourage them to engage meaningfully with the world around them.”

Community and Collaboration

At its heart, Walkbury is about creating meaningful connections. Through partnerships with local businesses, participants receive exclusive discounts upon presenting a valid UConn or OLLI ID. These collaborations encouraged the UConn community to explore downtown, discover new favorites, and contribute to the local economy.

Lynn Ward, president and CEO of the Waterbury Regional Chamber, applauds the initiative: “Programs like Walkbury not only drive business but also create lasting relationships between the campus and the city. We’re thrilled to see so many UConn members engaging with downtown.”

One of the highlights of the Walkbury initiative was the public opening of Spirit Café, located in the Rectory Building next to the Palace Theater. Previously available only to UConn students and staff, the café now serves as a welcoming space for both the campus and local community to gather over breakfast and lunch.

“The Spirit Café represents what Walkbury is all about,” says Hoeft. “It’s a space where people from all walks of life can connect, share ideas, and enjoy great food in the heart of downtown.”

From cozy cafes to cultural landmarks, Walkbury celebrates Waterbury as a city of rich history and vibrant culture. By offering students, faculty, staff, and OLLI members the chance to explore and engage with the city, the initiative highlights what makes Waterbury unique and fosters a sense of belonging for all UConn members.

Mayor Pernerewski has words of praise for the program, saying, “Walkbury is an excellent example of how a university and a city can work together to build community. It’s about making sure every UConn member feels at home here in Waterbury.”

With a successful first semester under its belt, Walkbury is poised to continue its mission of fostering harmony between UConn Waterbury and the downtown community. As part of the broader Ideas + Impact initiative, the program will continue to empower students and the entire UConn Waterbury community to engage with the city and make a lasting difference.

For more information or to share ideas for collaboration, email walkbury@uconn.edu or contact Heather Price at 203-236-9846.

Through Walkbury and Ideas + Impact, UConn Waterbury is creating bridges between campus and community, showing that when we walk together, we grow together.