UHart Scholars of Excellence recognized by top Stanley Black & Decker official

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — A top official from the world’s largest tool company congratulated members of the University of Hartford’s Scholars of Excellence at a special breakfast held on the West Hartford campus Thursday morning.

Stanley Black & Decker Executive Chair Donald Allan Jr., a UHart alum and chair of its Board of Regents, recognized the first cohort of Scholars of Excellence personally.

UHart’s Scholars of Excellence are the top academically prepared students from the Greater Hartford area, who are enrolled in a scholarship program at the university.

The program aims to grow the local workforce and address the rising, unmet need in the region. A $3 million gift from Stanley Black & Decker funded the program.

In a release from the university Friday, Allan is quoted telling the students that wherever life takes them, they’ll always carry fond memories of their time and experiences at UHart.

“When I look at all of you and your young, excited, fresh faces ready to take on the world, I remember being there,” Allan said. “It’s an exciting time and an exciting place. You’re going to love the journey you’re going to go on, but you’ll always remember the foundational experience you get here at the University of Hartford.”

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The Scholars of Excellence program provides students with scholarship offers averaging more than $35,000 each. They are also given access to Stanley Black & Decker employees for monthly mentoring sessions, resume-building workshops and leadership development programs.

Students in the program are additionally guaranteed first-round interviews for internships with the company, which has more than 50 American manufacturing facilities and over 100 worldwide.

The scholars who gathered in Auerbach Hall for the breakfast reception on Oct. 16 were able to network with several Stanley Black & Decker employees, who arrived to root them on.

UHart President Lawrence Ward encouraged the students to keep working hard as they continue their college journeys.

“Collectively, you represent the future, not only of the University of Hartford, but also of industry,” Ward said.

He also praised the Stanley Black & Decker employees who were on-hand, noting that they are an example to students of what is possible in their own lives.

“I grew up not knowing any corporate executive. My mother was an elementary school teacher, and my father was a contractor,” Ward said. “I had some trepidation when I was in college, meeting business professionals for the first time.”

Ward recalled that it was their kindness, patience and empathy that helped him see the possibilities for his own life.

“So, trust me when I say you being here with our students is meaningful, and we’re grateful for you,” Ward said.

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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com. 

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