Because of UConn – Your Stories

What gives you Husky Pride? Every story we receive celebrates the impact this university has had on your lives, whether through education, community, or personal growth.

Every story adds to the collective voice that moves UConn boldly into the future. Thank you for highlighting how UConn empowers faculty and students alike to achieve their goals and make a difference.

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What’s your Because of UConn story? Tell us today.

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"I also make it a priority to give back: I regularly host high school students who are interested in pursuing dentistry as a career, as well as dental assistant students who are training for their future in the profession. My hope is to do for them what UConn once did for me - open doors, spark hope, and show that dreams are possible, even when barriers stand in the way. DR. CYNTHIA ALEGRE '04'13 DENTAL RESIDENT"
In 2003, Dr. Steven Lepowsky believed in me — a foreign-trained dentist — and gave me the opportunity to join the AEGD program at the UConn School of Dental Medicine. That chance widened my knowledge of dentistry and confirmed what I truly wanted to do: specialize in pediatric dentistry.
After completing the AEGD two-year residency program, I moved to Seattle, started a family, and when my twin daughters turned three, I applied to UConn’s pediatric residency program. Once again, UConn believed in me. Dr. Mina Mina and Dr. Bina Katechia, who are now dear friends, welcomed me into the program and gave me the chance to pursue my dream. My residency years were some of the best of my life, filled with strong bonds, lasting friendships, and the guidance of outstanding faculty.
Today, 12 years after graduating from residency, I am fortunate to still do what I love most: being a pediatric dentist. I run two private practices and have built a dedicated team that makes us who we are. I also make it a priority to give back: I regularly host high school students who are interested in pursuing dentistry as a career, as well as dental assistant students who are training for their future in the profession. My hope is to do for them what UConn once did for me — open doors, spark hope, and show that dreams are possible, even when barriers stand in the way.
Thank you, UConn — to Dr. Steven Lepowsky, Dr. Mina Mina, Dr. Bina Katechia, all the other wonderful faculty, and my incredible co-residents — for being such an important part of my story. I am forever grateful.
Yours truly,
Cynthia
Dr. Cynthia Alegre ’04 ’13 Dental Resident
"Because of UConn, I am very fortunate to have an incredible rewarding career."
"This is something I learned from my time at UConn - the importance of giving back to the community. Carter Welch, '99 (NEAG), '11 Ph.D."
As members of the Neag Alumni Board we are committed to the goals of “Because of UConn” and advancing UConn’s impact and reputation. We know that support through such fundraising advances the experience for students and alumni alike. The Neag School of Education offers a cutting edge education marked by talented and expert professors who lead related fields in both research and practice. The educational experience at Neag is built upon collaboration, strong cohorts, action research, and truly wrestling with real problems of practice to strengthen our fields locally and nationally. Neag continues to attract amazing students as undergraduates and graduates poised to make lasting impacts in public schools, career, and higher education. My UConn story started as an undergraduate in Sports Medicine in 1995 where I met my closest friends, who to this day remain my closest friends 25 years later. Although my wife is a UConn graduate as well, we did not meet until after college when I was working in a physical therapy clinic thanks to my UConn degree. My career path would shift, again from my learning at UConn, – to become a public school teacher and administrator. My impact as an educator and school/district leader is because of UConn and the amazing professors and classes I had there. And my inspiration to pursue teaching at the collegiate level also came from the amazing professors I had while in Neag’s doctoral and executive leadership program. Through 25 years of learning and education as a student and practitioner, UConn has been the foundation and I am so grateful for the life and impact I have. Lastly, in addition to the UConn Neag Alumni Board, I serve on several other boards, which provide me both purpose and service opportunities to make a difference in my community and this is something I learned from my time at UConn – the importance of giving back to the community. It is an honor to serve and give back to UConn and Neag, both of which gave so very much to me!
Carter Welch ’99 (NEAG), ’11 Ph.D.
"Because of UConn, I have cherished possessions and memories to carry with me." Kalli Taylor '23 BUS
Photo of a smiling woman. "Because of UConn, I am fortunate to be part of the change we all dream to see!" Monique Santiago
"Because of UConn, I met my wife and some of my best friends." Matthew Schumacher '16 (ED)
Headshot of Julie Wood '71 (NEAG), '72 MA with the quote "UConn helped me create a firm foundation that I've been able to build on over the years"
It was the 1970s, with all the social upheaval that came with that era. UConn was my safe haven, my intellectual base, my chance to learn who I was and what I wanted to become as an educator. I went on to have a multi-faceted career as an educator, culminating in my work as an international consultant in literacy development and children’s media. UConn helped me create a firm foundation that I’ve been able to build on over the years.
Julie Wood ’71 (NEAG), ’72 MA