ScHOLAR2S House Visits Legislators, Alumni in Washington

Students from the Learning Community traveled to the Capital to attend events surrounding the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference.

Orlando Wright ’01 (CLAS), ’03 MSW greets Scholars House students at the reception on September 14, 2018.

Orlando Wright ’01 (CLAS), ’03 MSW greets Scholars House students at the reception on September 14, 2018.

Students from the UConn ScHOLA2RS House Learning Community visited Washington, D.C. last week to attend events surrounding the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference. While there, they met with UConn alumni and Connecticut legislators at a special networking reception honoring the students and their supporters.

The event, held by the UConn Foundation, was attended by students and alumni from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Engineering, the Neag School of Education, and the School of Nursing.

Former Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd greeted students and spoke about his longtime support for the University and its programs, and UConn Foundation Board of Trustees member Jonathan Greenblatt ’77 (CLAS) hosted the program.

Junior sport management major Sebastien Kerr ’20 (ED) spoke about the impact that Scholars House has had on his life, and the importance of having a support group of peers that come from a similar background, who want to see him “be great and do great.”

“It was really nice to meet people who care about Scholars House as much as I do,” Kerr said.

Now in its third year, the ScHOLAR2S House Learning Community supports the scholastic efforts of male students who identify as African American or Black through academic and social support, access to research opportunities, and professional development, with the goal of increasing the retention and success of students of color.

“When you can get students, alums, and legislators in a room together, that’s where the magic happens,” said UConn Foundation Vice President for Alumni Relations Mo Cotton Kelly. “These are some of our brightest young men. There could not have been a better moment for them.”