The University of Hartford is thrilled to celebrate the Class of 2023!
Here is everything students and special guests need to prepare for the occasion.
Questions can also be answered by visiting the full Commencement FAQ.
Commencement 2023
Sunday, May 14
XL Center in downtown Hartford (1 Civic Center Plaza, Hartford)
- Graduate Ceremony (master's and doctoral recipients), 9 a.m.
- Undergraduate Ceremony (associate and bachelor's recipients), 2 p.m.
Commencement Speakers
Graduate students will be addressed by Greg Barats, CEO and president of HSB Group, parent company of Hartford Steam Boiler, a leader in equipment breakdown insurance, inspections, and engineering-based risk management.
Undergraduates will hear from Nicole Hughey M’99, senior vice president and head of diversity, equity, and inclusion at SiriusXM, one of the most popular and influential audio broadcast entertainment companies in North America.
Transportation for Graduates & Faculty
- A round-trip shuttle will be available for graduating students and faculty participating in the ceremonies. Shuttle pickup will be on UHart campus in Millard Circle, 90 minutes prior to each ceremony start time. The shuttle will return to campus directly after each Commencement ceremony.
- Graduate Degree Ceremony: Shuttle will leave Millard Circle at 7:30 a.m.
- Undergraduate Degree Ceremony: Shuttle will leave Millard Circle at 12:30 p.m.
Parking for Guests
- Guests must provide their own transportation.
- Parking garages are available near the XL Center.
- Street parking is also available for free and without time limitations all day every Saturday and Sunday (excluding holidays). You can find additional information about parking
Tickets for Guests
- Graduating students may invite as many guests as they would like, at no charge.
- No tickets are required.
- Audience seating is first-come, first-served.
Livestream
- The ceremonies will be livestreamed at Hartford.edu/commencement.
- Recordings will be available in the days following Commencement at Hartford.edu.
Awards for the 2022-23 Academic Year
UHart is pleased to announce the top faculty and student awards for the 2022-23 academic year:
Professor Bin Zhu (biology), recipient of the Humphrey R. Tonkin Award, which honors a full-time faculty member for scholarly and/or artistic creativity. Zhu is known as an outstanding researcher focusing on aquatic species and water quality.
Professor Laura Pence (chemistry), recipient of the Oscar and Shoshana Trachtenberg Award, given to a faculty member in honor of sustained, consummate service to the University. Pence has led many important initiatives focusing on reaccreditation, faculty advancement, and strategic planning.
Associate Professor Mehmet Dede (music and performing arts management), recipient of the Donald W. Davis University Interdisciplinary Studies Award, presented to faculty who are highly effective interdisciplinary teachers and scholars, have made significant contributions to the UIS program, and are true advocates for interdisciplinary education. Dede has advanced course offerings in diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging.
Assistant Professor Rachel Walker (history and philosophy), recipient of the Belle K. Ribicoff Junior Faculty Prize, given to outstanding junior faculty members who demonstrate excellence in teaching, scholarly or creative activity, and service. Walker concentrates on a number of sweeping and challenging aspects of American history.
Alecsander Boyd ’23, recipient of the Marion A. Bills Memorial Scholarship, awarded to a student who wishes to attend a graduate program at a top university in Great Britain. Boyd will attend Imperial College London to study in its MSc Economics & Strategy for Business program.
Victoria Rozario ’23, recipient of the Agnes and Cornelious Barrett Endowed Scholarship, presented to an exemplary graduating senior based on academic excellence and community service either within campus or for a town or organization in Greater Hartford.
Omario Ricketts ’23, recipient of the Belle K. Ribicoff Prize, given to an exemplary graduating senior who has demonstrated academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, originality of thought, and a commitment to extracurricular activities and community service.