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University of Hartford Welcomes Class of 2029 to Campus

1,200 New Undergraduates, 600 Graduate Students Join UHart this Semester

The link for photos and video was incorrect in the original release. It has now been corrected.

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West Hartford, CT (08/22/2025) — It was a celebration of Hawk pride on the University of Hartford campus, as the University welcomes the incoming class of 2029 and all of its returning students.

Welcoming students at orientation Friday morning, President Lawrence P. Ward encouraged them to believe in themselves and their resiliency as they embark on their college journey. "There is nothing more powerful than believing that you can be successful in college," he said. "Rest assured, it's a partnership between students, families, and the University. These are such dynamic young people. Our first job is to just build them up with confidence and then watch them fly."

"Above all else," he told the students, "I don't need you to be anything that you're not. I just need you to be yourself-your true and authentic self-and that will be more than enough."

Ward then embarked on what has become an annual tradition: helping incoming students move in, and greeting them and their families in their new dorm rooms.

During move-in weekend, nearly 2,900 students are moving into University residence halls. This semester, UHart welcomes more than 1,200 new undergraduate students and more than 600 graduate students.

The University also welcomes its first Scholars of Excellence this year. This new scholarship program, funded by a $3 million gift from Stanley Black & Decker, is open to the top academically prepared students from 29 towns in the Greater Hartford area, addressing rising unmet need within the region.

In addition, 16 Hartford Promise scholars are joining UHart this fall, adding to the nearly 50 scholars already enrolled.

Ward says his second year as president will focus on creating an overall strategic plan for the University, and strengthening UHart's partnerships with industry, government, and other educational institutions. To that end, the University recently hosted more than 100 participants from more than 70 organizations for its second annual Industry Partner Breakfast. Participants enjoyed a "reverse career fair" as they exchanged information with UHart deans, department chairs, and faculty.

For more information about the University of Hartford, visit www.hartford.edu.

Spread across seven dynamic schools and colleges, the University of Hartford has been guiding the purpose and passion of students for over six decades. On our 350-acre campus alongside Connecticut's capital city, approximately 4,100 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students representing 48 states and 51 countries come together for a common purpose: to collaborate across different disciplines, diversify perspectives, and broaden worldviews. We're a four-year private university focused on advancing the public good through meaningful connections within our communities. Our unique approach to comprehensive education gives us the critical perspectives that lead to impact change, regionally and beyond. With degree programs spanning the arts, humanities, business, engineering and technology, education, and health professions, we focus on doing the work that matters.

Media Attachments

President Lawrence P. Ward addresses students at orientation. Courtesy: University of Hartford

University of Hartford President Lawrence P. Ward greets students at move-in. Courtesy: University of Hartford

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