The University of Hartford (UHart) and the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) have partnered to offer the James Randazzo ’83 Endowed Scholarship for incoming first-year students in the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture. The scholarship was founded in 2018 and is in honor of Randazzo, an alumnus of the University who earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1983. Randazzo has been with MDC for over 34 years, most recently as the manager of water treatment and supply since 2014.
“While still a student at the University of Hartford, I toured the MDC and was so amazed by the water treatment facilities that I knew I wanted to work there one day,” Randazzo says. “Over three decades later, it’s particularly gratifying to have this scholarship support engineering students from the communities that the MDC serves in such a direct way, and I am equally as proud to have it be at my alma mater.”
In February 2015, MDC appointed Scott Jellison as the agency’s chief executive officer after serving as chief operating officer since 2006. Jellison, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1987, is also a proud alumnus of the University.
Scott Jellison ’87, Chief Executive Officer, Metropolitan District Commission (MDC)We are thrilled to have the MDC partner with the University of Hartford to provide scholarships to the engineers of the future. I can think of no one better for this scholarship to be named after than Jim Randazzo, as his dedication to the MDC is unparalleled.
The purpose of this endowed scholarship is to provide financial assistance to students with a declared concentration in an engineering degree program. To qualify, students should maintain a 2.8 GPA and be from a Metropolitan District Commission member town, which at the date of the signed agreement includes the towns of Hartford, West Hartford, East Hartford, Wethersfield, Newington, Rocky Hill, Bloomfield, and Windsor; and second preference will be given to student(s) from East Granby and South Windsor. Recipients of this scholarship are selected by the Office of Student Financial Aid in conjunction with the dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Architecture. Recipients are awarded for one academic year, with the potential of renewal in subsequent years through completion of their degree program, providing that recipients continue to meet the conditions of eligibility and that funds are available.
“We are very proud of our relationship with our alumni as they go on to find success in their field,” says Hisham Alnajjar, dean of the College. “Their willingness and desire to help pave the way for future engineers by giving them an opportunity to attend the school of their choice speaks volumes.”
Alnajjar adds how important the impact scholarships such as the James Randazzo ’83 Endowed Scholarship have on incoming students. “Students who are awarded scholarship assistance may not need to work a part-time job while they are pursuing their degree,” Alnajjar says. “This allows students to focus more on their academics and involvement at the University.” Alnajjar emphasizes this type of scholarship assistance can truly go a long way, propelling students to succeed at UHart and beyond. The first cohort of recipients consisted of five students for the 2020-21 academic year, who received a combined total of $11,834 in scholarship assistance.
Paige DiCiccio ’24, a civil engineering major with a concentration in construction, was one of this year’s recipients. She shared how grateful she was to Randazzo, MDC, and the University of Hartford for offering her such a scholarship. “You have offered me the opportunity of an education that I know I wouldn't be able to receive if I had chosen to attend any other college,” she says. “I am ecstatic to be able to pursue my education at the University of Hartford to major in civil engineering, and can already feel the love and support that I know will carry throughout all my four years here.”
Clarence Jubac ’24, a biomedical engineering major, expressed the same level of gratitude and adds, “I hope one day to pay it forward and support future students.”
To learn more about endowed scholarships and their impact on UHart students, please visit hartford.edu/giving.