President Lawrence P. Ward to be Inaugurated Hawktober Weekend

The inauguration ceremony, to be held in Lincoln Theater at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, will be the high point of Hawktober 2024. The homecoming weekend brings together alumni, students, parents, families, and friends of the University for three days of fun, beloved traditions, and new connections.

Ward became UHart's seventh president on July 1. A dynamic leader in the national higher education landscape with deep Connecticut roots, Ward arrived at UHart after a successful 10-year tenure at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where he served as vice president for learner success and dean of campus life.

Following the inauguration ceremony, there will be a reception in Ward's honor at the Francis X. and Nancy Hursey Center for Advanced Engineering and Health Professions. Those wishing to attend the inauguration should RSVP by October 8.

This year, Hawktober Weekend will also feature the ribbon cutting of the Grant Family Track and Field, which will take place Saturday at 2:30 p.m.

Other Hawktober events include:

• Anchor Awards Ceremony, October 25, Wilde Auditorium-celebrating the success and accomplishments of talented alumni
• Pathways: HAS Faculty Art Show, October 25, Joseloff Gallery-the latest creations from the esteemed faculty of the Hartford Art School
• Hawktoberfest, October 26, Athletic Fields-food trucks, student performances, music, games, and activities for the entire family
• Something Rotten, all weekend, Lincoln Theater-the hilarious musical hits the UHart mainstage, mashing up 16th-century Shakespeare and 21st-century Broadway
• Hartford Track and Field 5K, October 27, Chase Arena-a road race (run, walk, or dance) through campus, with a 100-meter dash for Hawks age 10 and under
• Jazz Brunch, October 27, Gengras Student Union-featuring alumna and recording artist Latanya Farrell M'97, M'98
• Plus, campus tours, networking events, the Alumni Art Marketplace, and much more!

Some events require registration. See a full schedule of events and registration information.