To the UConn Community,

As we approach the end of the year and embrace the holiday season, I’m reminded that the most meaningful gifts are often the simplest ones. One such gift is the invaluable bond of friendship that comes from being part of the UConn family.

Over the past year, the challenges posed by federal and state budgets have clearly shown how our community has managed to navigate tough times with grace. I have witnessed the remarkable transformations that take place when we unite around a common purpose, both in the classroom and beyond. It’s truly uplifting to see how kindness, empathy, and compassion enhance the unique atmosphere at UConn for our students, faculty, staff, and alumni alike.

Thanks to your dedication, our students can wholeheartedly chase their educational dreams, explore innovative opportunities, and focus on the vital initiatives at UConn and UConn Health—all driven by the spirit of Husky Pride.

These efforts lie at the heart of our Because of UConn Campaign, which serves as the philanthropic engine propelling the priorities outlined in our Envision 2034 Strategic Plan. The four pillars of this plan—Students First, Academic & Innovation Excellence, Health & Wellness of People & Planet, and Husky Pride—come to life through this campaign, collectively shaping UConn’s journey for the next decade.

I’m thrilled to share that we have raised nearly $800 million towards our ambitious $1.5 billion goal. Since our public launch in April, we’ve gained wonderful momentum by strengthening partnerships, engaging new donors, and deepening our connections with alumni, faculty, and friends.

Here are just a few highlights that showcase how the Campaign and our strategic plan are already making a difference:

• Students First — We strive to create an environment where every Husky can succeed, thrive, and graduate quickly and affordably. The Students First Fund has given more than 800 students in need the ability to stay in school since the start of the Campaign. Even modest gifts can change a life, ensuring students finish what they start.
• Academic & Innovation Excellence — Programs like Hillside Ventures and Werth Institute are empowering students to turn their ideas into reality. Alumna Hayley Segar, who attended the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the School of Business, went on to successfully pitch her business idea on ABC’s Shark Tank.
• Health & Wellness of People & Planet — Grateful patient, Donald Reefe, and his wife, Jean, credit the Calhoun Cardiology Center with saving his life after a heart attack and are leaving a $1.5 million bequest to the School of Medicine to support research and care.

• Husky Pride — UConn received a record-breaking 66,241 applications, welcoming over 7,000 new students this fall, with 8,744 students being first-generation students. Along with our 26 national championships across all sports, every story and every success builds momentum for UConn and raises our national profile.

This great work is possible because of you and your support. I leave you today with a message from Dan Toscano, Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Because of UConn Campaign Co-Chair, who will share an update on the latest Campaign activity.

You are an important part of our UConn community and family. I am grateful for all your efforts to make the Because of UConn Campaign and UConn successful, and I encourage you to enjoy this time with friends and family. The world moves forward because of UConn, and all we do is possible because of YOU.

Radenka Maric
President