Connected by Opportunity

He was referring to the valuable connections made when personnel from regional commerce and service organizations, University educators, and campus administrators gather to explore ideas and opportunities that help students prepare for the future. The breakfast on campus was attended by 120 representatives from 73 businesses and associations. By all measures, the Industry Partner Appreciation Breakfast continues to grow in popularity-a clear indication that UHart's community partners, virtually all of whom are potential employers of UHart students, have a strong interest in forging connections with the University.

For the second year in a row, the Industry Partner Appreciation Breakfast functioned as what event organizers call a Reverse Career Fair, in which employers and organization delegates are given the opportunity to connect directly with academic and administrative staff members, rather than following the typical career fair protocol in which attendees visit the tables of outside participants. Several UHart deans, faculty members, and administrative staff members hosted tables highlighting their own programs, creating new possibilities for collaboration.

"We could not do our work in the Allan Center (for Career and Professional Development), or anywhere else on campus, for that matter, without the opportunities you present to us," said Alex Coury, associate vice president for industry partnerships and career experiences, during one of several speeches to kick off the breakfast.

Guests included representatives from Travelers, Special Olympics, Hartford HealthCare, Masonicare, Berkley Financial, the City of Hartford, The Wadsworth, CVS Health, and dozens of other businesses and organizations.

Nancy LaGrecca, UHart's newly installed provost and vice president for academic affairs, told guests and participants how enthusiastic she was about the growing network represented by the event.

"I am so excited to work with all of you to transfer so many incredible skills that our students are learning out into the field to help grow and enrich your industries, your companies, and our communities," LaGrecca said. "We have areas of prestige and renown throughout the University-in our School of Business, in engineering, technology, health professions, the arts, and so much more-second to virtually no other school in the country, all rooted in an incredible core of liberal arts."