UHart Congratulates First Scholars of Excellence

That's why Stanley Black & Decker Executive Chair Donald Allan Jr. '86 congratulated the first cohort of Scholars of Excellence personally at a special breakfast on the UHart campus.

"When I look at all of you and your young, excited, fresh faces ready to take on the world, I remember being there," said Allan, who is also the chair of the University of Hartford Board of Regents. "It's an exciting time and an exciting place. You're going to love the journey you're going to go on, but you'll always remember the foundational experience you get here at the University of Hartford."

Funded by a $3 million gift from Stanley Black & Decker, the Scholars of Excellence program not only gives students scholarship offers averaging more than $35,000 each-it also gives them access to SBD employees for monthly mentoring sessions, résumé-building workshops, and leadership development programs. The students are also guaranteed first-round interviews for internships.

The students who gathered in Auerbach Hall for the breakfast reception were able to jump-start those career opportunities by networking with a number of SBD employees who came to cheer them on.

University of Hartford President Lawrence P. Ward offered the students words of encouragement as they embark on their college journeys. "Collectively, you represent the future, not only of the University of Hartford, but also of industry," Ward said.

He also thanked the SBD employees who attended, saying they are an example to students of what's possible in their own lives.

"I grew up not knowing any corporate executive," Ward said. "My mother was an elementary school teacher, and my father was a contractor. I had some trepidation when I was in college, meeting business professionals for the first time. It was their kindness, their patience, and their empathy that really helped me to see possibilities for my life. So trust me when I say you being here with our students is meaningful and we're grateful for you."