Inauguration Details
The University of Hartford community is cordially invited to the Inauguration of President Ward. Please confirm your attendance at the Inauguration ceremony and Hursey Center reception by October 8. You will receive an email confirmation and event reminder prior to the Inauguration events.
Saturday, October 26
Ceremony
10 a.m.
Lincoln Theater
Reception (immediately following ceremony)
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Francis X. and Nancy Hursey Center for Advanced Engineering and Health Professions
Sunday, October 27
Sunday Morning Worship Service
President Ward’s brother, Rev. Fredd Ward, invites guests to join his congregation and the Ward Family in celebration and worship in person or online.
10 a.m.
12 South Main Street, West Hartford, Conn.
Honoring President Ward
Lawrence P. Ward became the University of Hartford’s seventh president on July 1, 2024.
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.
Empowering Excellence
President Ward is leading UHart into a new era of excellence. Join us in celebrating President Ward's leadership and the bright future ahead. Your generous gift will help us achieve our goals and make a lasting impact for our students and the UHart community.
Hawktober Weekend
The Inauguration is during the University's annual Hawktober Weekend. We invite you to take part in a diverse array of additional events throughout our family & friends weekend. (Events requiring a ticket are indicated with an asterisk.)
Visit www.hartford.edu/hawktober for more information on other exciting events.
Something Rotten! Musical Theatre Performances*
The Hartt School’s renowned musical theatre program presents the Broadway hit Something Rotten! Five shows will be offered throughout the weekend. Tickets are required and available at www.hartford.edu/tickets.
Jazz Night in the Gallery
4:30–6 p.m., Joseloff Gallery
The HAS Faculty Art Show unveils the latest creations from the esteemed faculty of the Hartford Art School.
(Following ceremony and reception)
Women’s and Men’s Soccer Games
Noon and 4 p.m., Al-Marzook Field
Hawktoberfest at the games will include food trucks, a beer garden, family fun zone, and more!
Ribbon Cutting: Grant Family Track and Field
2:30 p.m.
Grab your sneakers and join the Grant Family, partners, and friends to celebrate our new track and field!
Archives and Special Collections Pop-Up Exhibit
1–4 p.m., Harrison Libraries
The exhibit will feature items covering the history of the University and its schools—with a special focus on the former presidents of the University— as well as select materials from various special collections.
Sunday Morning Worship Service at First Church
10 a.m., 12 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT
President Ward’s brother, Rev. Fredd Ward, invites you to join his congregation and the Ward Family in celebration and worship.
Jazz Brunch*
11 a.m.–1 p.m., Gengras Student Union
Cap off the weekend with a delicious New Orleans-themed brunch accompanied by lively jazz music featuring alumna and recording artist Latanya Farrell M’98. Tickets are required and this event sells out every year, so reserve your seats today at hartford.edu/hawktober.