Every year, about 29,000 donors give to support the University of Connecticut through a private gift. Some of them give because of a favorite professor. Others because they met their future spouse here. The reasons are as individual as the donors themselves, but all of these expressions of philanthropic vision help make the University of Connecticut stronger!
To all of our donors, thank you! Please take a moment and tell us why UConn matters to you!
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"UConn changed my life and allowed me to pursue my aspirations and dreams. I still have and have had a wonderful life that could have only happened by my graduation. The fact that is was affordable in 1960, my freshman year, and the incredible generosity of the scholarship fund made it possible for me to achieve my dreams. This would have never happened without UConn." |
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"I give to support the UConn Ski Team, which has been a source of great happiness and pride for my daughter for the past four years.” |
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"My undergraduate nursing program was the foundation for a fabulous career in nursing leadership. As we strive to reach the challenge of 80% BSN nurses by 2020 in the Future of Nursing Report, I feel fortunate that my path started at UConn in such an excellent program. I was fortunate to receive scholarships and financial aid during my journey. I'm hoping my small contribution will help someone else." |
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"I give to support the School of Business and am proud UConn has continued to improve every year. It was a great school when I attended and it's amazing the progress that has taken place since I graduated. That progress takes a dedicated staff and financial support." |
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Close to Home Co-Chair Jennifer Person '92 talks about the importance of faculty and staff giving, and why she supports the arts. |
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Close to Home donor M. Kevin Fahey talks about the importance of faculty and staff giving, and why he supports UConn's students |
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Close to Home Co-Chair Rob Hoskin talks about the importance of faculty and staff giving, and why he supports students, cancer research and the arts. |
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"I graduated from the Waterbury Campus of UConn. I am now a professor at one of Connecticut’s community colleges. I still have contacts at the Waterbury campus and actually taught a biology lab there for a semester. It is a great asset to students who want to stay home for two years before going to Storrs, and it is a stepping stone for success." |
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"The most rewarding experience I had at UConn was volunteering for the Women's Center. Funds were very tight back then (1990-1991). I hope my small gift can help them accomplish their goals this year." |
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"I give to support the Campus Sustainability Fund and the M. Kevin Fahey Endowment fund. The reason I chose to donate is because UConn has been a tremendous influence in my life and I have enjoyed my time as a student. My donation, although small, will be used to help two areas that are important to me, which are improving the environmental foot print of the university and supporting my former adviser, M. Kevin Fahey (photo, right), in his goal to help provide financial support to future SUBOG members. I am honored to be able to call myself an alumni of the University of Connecticut and hope to support the experiences of future students." |
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"It is important to give back to my school because it laid the foundation for my current success." |
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"I donated to UConn’s Department of Accounting to support the initiatives of our Department Head, Professor Mohammed Hussein and Tax Professors: Amy Dunbar, John Phillips and Michael Redemske. The dedicated professors and faculty gave me the practical technical base to launch my career. The Department has continued their commitment to their Alumni through many outreach programs that truly support our current undergraduate and graduate students and research initiatives. Proud to be an UConn Alumnus. Go Huskies!" |
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"Like so many others, I felt compelled to do something to help the people most affected by the terrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. It was a horrible event that we have a difficult time wrapping our heads around. Words are hard to come up with to describe feelings and reactions. We instinctively want to do something positive and supportive in an otherwise horrific situation and it was heartwarming to see the outpouring of compassion by so many individuals. Current efforts are addressing the immediate situation and I was moved to look further into the future. Contributing to the UConn Foundation’s Sandy Hook School Scholarship Fund just felt right for me, not only because I am a proud alumna of UConn, but also because the scholarship money will provide a glimmer of hope for the future." |
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"The NCAA introduced heat acclimatization guidelines in 2004. Secondary school athletes comprised the largest population of athletes nationwide yet no such guidelines were specific for them. Eliminating catastrophic heat illness in secondary school athletics has been a personal mission since 2004. I took charge of a sub-committee creating guidelines while serving concurrent terms with the NATA and NFHS. As a member of the KSI Medical Advisory Board, I'm now able to join their mission in promoting state-to-state adoption of the NATA Heat Acclimatization Guidelines. Together, the KSI staff will one day see the elimination of exertional heat stroke in secondary school athletics. Douglas Casa, PhD at UConn was an integral part of the process and the reason for my involvement with KSI." |
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"I give to support the Student Union and the programs that have roots there. While at UConn, I feel that my involvement in activities sponsored by Student Union organizations helped me develop strong and valuable core behaviors that allow me to be successful in my profession of health care. Although my career is not related to student activities, I feel that my value for customer service, organization, integrity and teamwork were all lessons I learned while being a member of the Student Union Board of Governors." |
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"We are retired UConn employees, and when we first moved to Connecticut, we lived in Brookfield Center, which is very close to Newtown. We wanted to do something about this terrible tragedy and we saw Geno Auriemma on TV talking about this scholarship fund. " |
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"I graduated UConn in 1991, and I have fond memories of the place that I carry with me today. The training and education I received at UConn have led me to a great job as a professor at a great, small New England college in a great location, and it all started with those crazy days at UConn. The instructors, the friends I made that I have today, the 3 a.m. celebrations after beating Clemson in the sweet 16, even to the relationship with my wife (who didn't graduate from UConn, but she loves UConn) has been reinforced by my experiences at UConn and post-UConn. With my father having heart disease, I think the Calhoun Cardiology Center is a great place to put my charitable contributions. Finally, I have followed UConn basketball since I was a little kid, and now that I have a kid of my own (complete with an array of UConn Onesies), I can't think of a better way to honor and continue my connections and support of my alma mater than this giving.”" |
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"Our family established a scholarship in memory of Mark’s brother and sister. We had all begun our collegiate careers in different schools, but ultimately all transferred to UConn. We knew that it was the best fit. We were ecstatic when our son decided to transfer to UConn too. We continue to get a nostalgic sense of community and belonging every time we visit our son on campus." |
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"I am donating to the University of Connecticut for a few reasons. First of all, I am an alumnus of the University. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at UConn, and understand the importance of making sure the university continues to grow. I understand the extreme importance of The Fund for UConn because giving that can be directed to priority needs is vital to a university's health. Also, I graduated fewer than two years ago and came back yesterday to walk around and visit some friends. The new buildings are so impressive it made me want to be a part of the success even though I am no longer a student, and that has led me to give today. Everyone wants to remain a part of a "winner" and UConn is exactly that." |
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"I became a UConn fan in 2004 when both basketball teams won the national championship. I remember looking back and thinking "If that's not greatness, then what is?" I have followed all sports since then. In my 16 years, UConn has given me more joy than anything else. My dream is to attend UConn and become a Husky forever." |
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"I gave as a thank you to Coach Jim Calhoun for all the years of great thrills he provided us." |
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"I gave to honor the Coach whose spirit will live on forever in the hearts of UConn fans. Thanks for all the memories!!" |
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"I grew up in Connecticut watching UConn basketball. Coach Calhoun has provided so many lasting memories over the years. His retirement seems kind of surreal and I wanted to help provide a gift from The Boneyard to show my appreciation. Thank you, Coach!" |
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"I never felt such pride as I did the night that UConn won its first national championship. It may be 'just a sport,' but winning that basketball game in 1999 set in motion a new way of thinking about UConn for many people, basketball fans and otherwise." |
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"I can trace back every significant time period in my life to a major accomplishment of Jim Calhoun's basketball program. Jim's successes are like the rings of a tree, I smile thinking about each one and what it meant to me at a different point in my life. In the face of challenges, it is not strange for me to ask what Jim Calhoun would do. For the pride of the state and the sense of community he built, and because I believe that giving to this cause is the best way I can say thank you for everything it’s meant to me personally, it’s my pleasure to help fight heart disease in his name." |
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"My late husband, William Stoddard, Jr.,'69, and I are both grads. We didn't meet at UConn, but it was a connection. I had the privilege of being able to get an education without needing scholarships or loans. I'd like to think my support enables other students to do the same." |
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"I gave to support UConn Rugby. Rugby provided an important opportunity to bond with students and develop valuable character traits. When I was at UConn, we lived in constant fear that the program could be eliminated. Hopefully, the support of alumni can ensure the tradition of UConn Rugby can continue for future generations." |
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"I give to support the mission of the Division of Student Affairs to help develop future leaders and to provide a platform to enjoy the full Husky experience. Student activities—particularly USG—provided me unparalleled opportunities to develop outside the classroom while applying the principles acquired from our amazing faculty." |
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"My husband and I have had a very successful life due, in large part, to our education at UConn...both in class and out. The cultural events, the relationships with professors and other students all contributed to our growth and ‘education.'" |
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"More than 20 years later, I continue to have greater economic insight than colleagues and competitors, many of whom went to elite schools. Of course, my UConn Honors experience also helped me get into Columbia Business School, so I allow myself to play both "cards," if you will. The opportunity to excel and achieve was there for me and I want to help make sure it is there for others." |
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"I give to support the Honors Program as a young Honors alum. I went to UConn, and so did my sister (photo: Kaitlin '11, left. Heather '09, right); both of us were in the Honors Program. We both found a family at UConn in the Honors Program. I knew from the very first day of orientation that I was in the right place when the Honors Program welcomed me with open arms. I treasure every minute of my undergraduate experience. I absolutely loved my time at UConn and I have the Honors Program to thank for a lot of that for giving me a small community to be a part of, a family and friends I will have for a lifetime. GO HUSKIES!" |
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"I give to the University of Connecticut because I am so grateful for the outstanding educational and leadership opportunities that I experienced there. From my truly unique experiences as a member of SUBOG to my political science internship at the State Capitol, UConn taught me to be an active citizen in my community." |
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"I have contributed to the Foundation fund for the English Department, because our graduate students do not receive travel funds from the Research Foundation until they have passed their PhD examinations in their third year. Since they are gifted and ambitious, their proposed talks regularly are accepted at conferences even in their first years in the MA / PhD programs - and they need support to enable them to attend. This is our investment in the future of our students, whose successes in turn carry a public message about the reputation of the university." |
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"The life and education experience I had at UConn changed my life for the better in innumerable ways. I give back to acknowledge the debt of gratitude I owe." |
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"My late father, Guy ('50), attended UConn on the GI Bill after WWII. He instilled in me a sense of pride in a UConn education and the value of a dollar, so I was very happy to attend UConn. We then passed on this same encouragement to my daughter Amy ('06), a very proud 3rd generation UConn grad! I gladly support UConn knowing that with every advancement our University makes, our degrees appreciate in value." |
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"I have a few special causes that I always lend my support to, and UConn is one of them. I give to the Fund for UConn and now I also give to the newly established M. Kevin Fahey Endowment for Student Activities. I truly believe that every success I have had in life can in one way or another be attributed to my experiences at UConn and from having been a member of the Student Union Board of Governors." |
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"I gave to support the School of Social Work where I was the oldest student on campus making a career change at age 70 after 35 years in research and administration in public mental health to clinical work in substance abuse. The professors and instructors gave me exactly what I needed and was looking for in preparation for my current job as a counselor/clinician providing services for persons with co-occurring disorders of substance abuse and mental illness who are mandated for treatment. I am deeply grateful for the excellence in teaching, the opportunity to pursue some research, and the friendship of my younger peers. It was a wonderful three years!" |
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"I owe a great debt to UConn. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the 2nd year of the Honors Program as an Electrical Engineering major in the fall of 1965. My 4 years as an undergraduate and additional year as a graduate student gave me the excellent preparation I needed for a successful career of 40 years as an application systems programmer / analyst. Not to mention all the cherished memories I have of the wonderful times I enjoyed with my friends at Storrs. I am now working part time and relishing my semi-retirement. I have had a really great life, and I want to give something back to UConn for all she has given me." |
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"We give to the School of Business and the School of Fine Arts. The education, experience and guidance we both received as students has had an enormous impact on our careers and ability to live and work in Connecticut. We are continually proud of the University and glad to see the value of our degree increase every year. UConn!" |
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"As library director at the UConn Health Center, I know firsthand that the excellent quality of our library facility is the result of generous donations from friends. Those donations make a real difference. I'd also like to make a difference." |
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"The Summer Institute in 1993 and my Aetna Fellowship made a profound impact on my life, both personally and professionally, for which I will always be grateful. I just wanted you to know that my recent donation to the Connecticut Writing Project is a small way of expressing my appreciation to all of you. The CWP literally changed my life. Keep up the great work." |
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"On many occasions prior to his death in 2008, my father, Theodore S. Chase, UConn Class of 1948, would express his love for UConn, intimating that his years as an undergraduate in Storrs were some of the best years of his life. Because of his experience, I, too, went to UConn and graduated in 1974. My experience seemed to mirror my father's, and my memories of UConn hold as dear a place in my heart as they did for him. Along with my sister, two uncles, and currently two nieces, all UConn graduates or current students, UConn remains a mainstay in the Chase family. UConn has provided me with the tools and education that were a foundation for my life after graduation. In memory of my father who inspired all of my family's UConn ties, my gift to UConn will continue throughout my life." |
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"I'm thankful for the education I received at the UConn School of Business and School of Medicine. It created a sturdy foundation for my career." |
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"I am giving my pledge to help support the UConn Rugby endowment. I was a member of the team from '81-'85 and the friendships that I established there have lasted ever since. The club made my time at UConn very memorable."
Photo, from left: J.R. LaPierre, Steve Carr, Kevin Bennett and Chris McGrath |
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"I gave this year in honor of my beloved Uncle Erwin Wirth (photo, left) who passed away unexpectedly in October. He was an avid fan of UConn basketball and attended many games along with his wife, my Aunt Ella. My entire family are proud of the UConn heritage and presence in their state. I cherish the education and degree in marketing that I received from UConn and am a proud alumnus and supporter. Go Huskies!" |
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"I started at UConn as an Allied Health student and finished in the School of Nursing. UConn has many fantastic programs, like the School of Business, School of Pharmacy, and Physical Therapy, to name a few. I want to help students with fewer means gain access to those programs." |
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“I give to support the UConn Marching Band because I was in the UCMB from 1974-1978 under the direction of Dr. Gillespie and David Maker. The experiences of the marching band are the most memorable from my 4 years at UConn. It's a great institution of dedication, pride and excellence. Keep On Marching!” |
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"The word 'cancer' is one of the most fearsome words in our vocabulary. Dr. Deckers’s compassion, encouragement and calm confidence gave my mom the courage to fight this frightening disease. He, together with the remarkable team of physicians, nurses and staff at the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center saved my mom's life. She is now six years cancer-free and enjoying life with my dad to its richest potential. I am forever grateful to them all." |
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"Our daughter has loved her years at UConn. Excellent education and an excellent college experience." |
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"My parents grew up in Connecticut. My dad and his brother both served in the military, and when they returned from their service they both enrolled in UConn under the veteran's plan. Fast forward many years and 3,000 miles to Northern California where I have lived and raised my family. When it came time for my youngest to apply to colleges, she wanted to include UConn and I couldn't have been more surprised. The old photos, and memories, shared by her grandpa and great uncle must have had an influence on her. Once we visited, the deal was sealed.
Fueled by her desire to live someplace other than California, UConn was the place that had everything she wanted. Including her 91-year old great uncle still living just a handful of miles away, a proud alum. She has found her place at UConn and we have been so impressed with the education and life experience UConn provides. That's why we support the school through the Parent's Fund, helping provide other kids with the opportunity to attend." |
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"UConn matters to me because it is very important to my father. My dad, John A. Howell '50, has been contributing to the Alumni Association for as long as I can remember and talks about his experience at UConn all the time. He was accepted to Yale and encouraged as a fleet selection by the Navy to go to the US Naval Academy, but has always been happy that he chose UConn. He was very happy there and proud to have received such a fine education. He went on from there to lead a tremendously successful life and he attributes it to the education he received. I wanted to do something special for his birthday in his honor and to thank UConn for giving him such a wonderful start and foundation in life.
So many thanks for the opportunity to give him a gift that truly will mean something to him!" |
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"I gave to the Foundation today because I thought it would make a great Christmas gift for my father, whose name is on the endowment. My father clearly believes in the programs at UConn and I felt this would be a nice gift." |
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"I give so that the University of Connecticut, where I spent the five best years of my youth, will help to serve the many disadvantaged children through community outreach. Not everyone has advantages I had growing up, and I feel this community work is crucial. Go UCONN!" |
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"I give to support my alma mater, which provided me the foundation for my career in the pharmaceutical industry. I have always appreciated the quality of the faculty." |
Click for more stories, "Direct from Donors."
