On Friday, May 2, the Zachs Atrium at UConn Hartford rang with the sounds of the Senior Gala – a spirited, moving, and inspiring ceremony for the students who began their UConn careers here and will receive their degrees at commencement ceremonies in Storrs starting May 10.
“Today we celebrate your achievements, but even more, we celebrate your journey, your resilience, your brilliance, your ability to change the world for the better,” UConn Hartford Dean and Chief Administrative Officer Mark Overmyer-Velázquez told the crowd.
Many of the students in attendance received green cords to wear with their commencement regalia, marking them as the first in their family to graduate from college; some received red and blue cords, from the Center for Academic Achievement; some received medals from the Center for Access and Postsecondary Success (CAPS). But every student in attendance received a blue and white stole symbolizing one simple sentiment: Huskies Forever.
“I started my UConn career here in Hartford and then transitioned to Storrs, and if I could have stayed here all four years, I would have,” said Andy Lanza ’25 (ED). “Every time I come back here, I remember what I miss, and coming here today for this was the perfect end to the journey.”
The keynote speech was delivered by Miguel Cardona ’01 MA, ’04 6th Year, ’11 Ed.D., ’12 ELP, who served as U.S. Secretary of Education under President Joe Biden, the first UConn graduate to hold that position.
In his remarks, Cardona praised what was unmissable to anyone in attendance: the striking diversity of the students present.
“This is America,” he said. “This is what makes our country great. Look at this beautiful mosaic of people.”
But Cardona also challenged them. Himself a first-generation college graduate, he told the students not to make the mistake of settling for low expectations.
“I’m going to say something that I really want you to listen to: Your dreams and goals today are too small,” he said. “What you think of as your dreams and goals right now only represent a fraction of what you can accomplish. With your UConn degree, the possibilities are limitless. Don’t close the door on any part of your potential.”
Students took his message to heart.
“There were a lot of long days and long nights where I thought I couldn’t make it, but I really did, and I’m feeling really proud of myself,” said Ashley Chambers ’25 (SSW), who attended alongside her mother, whom she called “my rock.”
UConn Hartford, which moved to its downtown location in 2017, is home to programs that incorporate experiential learning that engages students with many cultural, political, social, and economic institutions of the surrounding metropolitan area.
What students emphasized again and again when talking about their experiences was the strong sense of community they felt at the campus, something that Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Anne D’Alleva singled out in her remarks, when she praised UConn Hartford for the sense of unity that is evident throughout its schools, departments, and programs.
“You get to build a stronger community, because everyone you meet, you’ll most likely have class with or be in clubs with, so it’s easy to build really strong, long-lasting relationships,” said Desirah Rijo ’25 (CLAS).
Understandably, then, as the event wound down, with students and their families mingling and stopping for selfies with the former U.S. education secretary, one sentiment stood out alongside the excitement of the day.
“I’m really going to miss this place,” said Kamara Garcia ’25 (CLAS).
