Former UConn Student Creates
A former University of Connecticut student who left to pursue his dreams during the dot-com boom of the late-1990s has created a scholarship to support undergraduate students in the School of Business.
Christopher Balfe attended UConn from 1997 to 2000, majoring in management information systems. Today, he is the general manager / chief operating officer of Mercury Entertainment Group in New York City. Among other projects, Mercury produces the “Glenn Beck Program,” syndicated to more than 260 radio stations and XM Satellite Radio. The company also co-produces Beck’s show on CNN’s Headline News, along with a print magazine and annual tours for the radio host.
Balfe’s scholarship gift was made in the name of his parents, Michael and Patricia ’66 (ED) Balfe, who he says played an instrumental role in his decision to go to UConn.
“UConn’s had a big impact on my entire family,” Balfe says. “My mother always told us about her great experience there, and really set the tone for my brothers and me to attend.”
After working in the Internet industry for several years, Balfe left a lucrative consulting job in 2003 to join Beck’s staff at a time when the host’s national syndication efforts were just getting started. He managed Mercury’s growth as its signature radio program became the third-highest rated talk show in the nation. Balfe’s older brother Kevin ’97 (BUS) has joined him, serving as the creative director for Mercury’s print division and a consulting producer on the TV show. His younger brother, Colin, has also moved to New York and now works for the USO.
Chris says that his success in business allows him to see the impact UConn has had on his career, as well as the value of alumni giving.
“I think that if alumni feel that part of their success is attributable to UConn, they should absolutely give something back,” he says. “You find that you grow in college, maybe even more outside of the classroom than with any classes you take, and the whole experience was great for my brothers and me. Today, I can see how my education helped me understand the interdependence between technology and business that I use every day.”
“I hope my scholarship helps some family support their student who’s struggling to attend college, and I hope it helps that student get more from the UConn experience, without worrying about money,” he adds.
Balfe says the experience of watching his own parents support three children through UConn made scholarships a philanthropic priority for him.
“I watched my parents make those tough decisions between saving for their own retirement and saving for their children’s education. It’s a tough decision and a challenge for every family, whether you make $40,000 a year or $140,000 a year. I am blessed to be in a place right now where I can give something back.”
To support the School of Business, please contact Diana L. Timlin, CFRE, Director of Development, at 860.486.2656.
