![\"Two](\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/55234780893_9123655b37_k-200x300.jpg\")
According to the institute\u2019s executive director Stephany Santos, the time is right to illuminate the impact of VII\u2019s students, sponsors, the college, and the university.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt VII, we believe that STEM is for everyone,\u201d Santos says. \u201cEveryone is part of the stem, the root, and the flower. This rebrand is an opportunity to pause, celebrate our achievements, and refocus on our future growth.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 2021, Mark and Betsy Vergnano donated $3 million to launch the institute. In 2024, the Vergnanos donated another $3 million to UConn Engineering, which established the Vergnano Endowed Chair and earmarked additional support for institute programming and staff development.<\/p>\n
Mark Vergnano said he is particularly proud of the retention the institute has seen in its students through scholarships that set students up for success during matriculation. VII\u2019s ongoing programming continues to support students toward graduation. He credits the institute\u2019s mission growth from simply trying to attract more students into the field of engineering to empowering individuals and communities to thrive authentically and contribute meaningfully to engineering and science.<\/p>\n
\u201cImpact falls into two categories,\u201d Mark Vergnano says. \u201cThe first category is asking the question, \u2018how do we impact these students\u2019 lives so that they can be successful?\u2019 The second category is the impact these students will have in the future. Whether they go into academia or into industry, we want to make sure that their careers are going to make an impact on the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
During the institute\u2019s next chapter, Mark is looking forward to increased engagement from students and sponsors.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really want to see active involvement,\u201d Mark Vergnano says. \u201cI want our students to understand that the institute is a place for them to be successful. They have to be bold in taking advantage of leadership opportunities. And for our industry partners, we remind them that this is a pipeline of talent for them…. their involvement is going to shape this pipeline in a way that is most beneficial for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Over the years, VII has offered programming designed for K-12 students, admitted incoming students, and current students.<\/p>\n
\u201cVII creates a continuum of support that meets students at every stage of their journey,\u201d UConn Engineering Associate Dean Dan Burkey says. \u201cFrom early outreach to programs and ongoing student engagement opportunities, we\u2019re seeing real impact in how students persist, connect, and ultimately graduate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Institute donors and leaders celebrated the rebrand, among students, staff and faculty achievements in an event on April 24.<\/p>\n
The annual Vergnano Institute for Impact Showcase celebrates VII students, student leaders, and faculty\/staff partners that contribute to the success of the institute during the academic year.<\/p>\n The keynote speaker was Lisa Oliver, who is the managing director of infrastructure governance and strategy at Cigna. Her message to students was an extension of VII\u2019s vision to embrace what makes them human and lean into the beautiful challenges the next chapter has in store.<\/p>\n Several dozen VII students were recognized for their achievements, with a special recognition for graduating seniors.<\/p>\n Complete with \u201cwalk-up\u201d songs, each winner was called to the podium to accept their award and take the mic for one minute. In those minutes, VII officially became the Institute for Impact.<\/p>\n Students used their time to thank their peers, friends, parents, Santos and the Vergnanos for their unwavering support throughout their years at UConn. They shared how their involvement with VII shaped them, supported them, and carried them through the years.<\/p>\n \u201cThey shared words of wisdom for the newly elected leaders and those who don\u2019t see themselves as leaders yet,\u201d Santos says. \u201cFor one minute, everyone in attendance became part of our students\u2019 journey to amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/55233728812_13225b7285_k-300x200.jpg\")