Perhaps it\u2019s because Phil is part of his family\u2019s first generation to go to college, or because Lorraine is the very first in her family to attend. Or maybe it\u2019s because they\u2019ve seen, firsthand, the transformative power of education.<\/p>\n
Whatever the reason, it would be hard to find more devoted champions of UConn than Philip and Lorraine Hritcko.<\/p>\n
As the UConn School of Pharmacy celebrates its 100th anniversary, the couple has made history of their own with a $5 million planned gift, one of the largest in the School\u2019s century-long existence. This transformational bequest builds on a legacy of giving that already includes generous scholarships and deep involvement in student support. It\u2019s a gesture rooted not just in philanthropy, but in a vision for the School\u2019s next century.<\/p>\n
Phil, who is dean of the School of Pharmacy, and Lorraine, the managing director and head of risk solutions at Conning, both strongly believe in giving back. And they understand the difficulties that many first-generation students face.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are a lot of first-generation students at UConn, but they also have many challenges to meet to be able to attend college. And some of those challenges are financial,\u201d Phil says. \u201cConsequently, any help and assistance we can provide to those students so that they can become successful, is a legacy that we would like to leave behind.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Hritckos know they are making a difference because they often receive letters from their scholarship recipients, thanking them for their support.<\/p>\n
\u201cSome of the stories are both uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time,\u201d Lorraine says. \u201cStudents talk about living out of their cars and being homeless growing up. They talk about how our gift, our contribution, makes a difference for them being able to have food and buy books and educational materials they need for their courses.\u201d<\/p>\n
Recent graduate Ashley Roding, who just earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree, says the Hritcko scholarship had a huge impact on her and her family.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s such a stress relief knowing there is someone there supporting you in your pursuit of education, especially while you\u2019re trying to juggle your workload and extracurricular activities,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
Roding started a year-long community pharmacy residency at the Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass. earlier this summer. She is grateful to the Hritckos for their guidance and support during her time at UConn.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are both such genuine people,\u201d Roding says. \u201cThey are so authentic and really care about the success of students, both personally and professionally.\u201d<\/p>\n
In this Centennial year, the Hritckos\u2019 gift aligns perfectly with the school\u2019s bold future. It will establish enduring support for scholarships and academic excellence, directly contributing to UConn\u2019s university-wide campaign, Because of UConn, which is focused on putting students first and championing innovation.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving the ability to work in such a fine institution, having all the resources that are available to us, and being able to work with such talented faculty, researchers, staff, and students, has made a big impact on my life,\u201d Phil says. \u201cFrom the standpoint of giving back, I’ve taken much more from UConn than UConn has given to me monetarily.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Hritckos\u2019 bequest will provide scholarships and funding for the school, supporting the University\u2019s fundraising campaign to put students first and support academic and innovation excellence.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn my role as dean of the School of Pharmacy, I see the impact of the research and innovation that’s occurring here within our school,\u201d Phil says. \u201cThat work is having a major impact on our health care delivery systems and in the development of new drugs and new drug delivery systems.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPhil and Lorraine\u2019s amazing generosity and deep commitment to the School of Pharmacy, its students, and its success is an inspiring and incredibly impactful example of Husky pride,\u201d UConn President Radenka Maric says. \u201cWe are profoundly grateful for their vision, altruism, support, and friendship as we celebrate their most recent gift and a century of excellence in the UConn School of Pharmacy.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Hritckos are actively involved in the University and UConn\u2019s $1.5 billion fundraising campaign, Because of UConn<\/em>. Lorraine is also a member of the UConn Foundation\u2019s board of directors.<\/p>\n \u201cPhil and Lorraine embody the spirit of Because of UConn<\/em>,\u201d says President and CEO of The UConn Foundation Amy Yancey. \u201cThey continue to share their love for UConn and their passion for student success. They are helping both our students and UConn move boldly into the future with their generous gift and their time. It is because of their commitment that we\u2019ll be able to carry that spirit forward through many generations of Pharmacy students today and tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n The Hritckos are inspired by the difference they are making in students\u2019 lives now and the legacy they will leave behind.<\/p>\n As they reflect on the School of Pharmacy\u2019s 100-year journey, the Hritckos are most proud of the impact they are already seeing. \u201cWhen students go out into the world and make a difference, when they succeed despite all odds, you realize we helped make that happen<\/em>,\u201d Lorraine says. \u201cAnd that\u2019s the kind of legacy we\u2019re proud to leave behind.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n