Opening in fall 2024, the Grant Family Track and Field will be named in recognition of UHart alumnus and member of the Board of Regents, Kevin Grant '82, M '86, thanks to his generous leadership gift to the University.
In addition to Grant’s gift of $1 million, the reimagined complex—which will feature a 400-meter, eight-lane “full pour” track surrounding a new field tailored to field hockey, as well as an adjacent throwing area—was made possible through gifts from corporate partners including Stanley Black & Decker, CVS/Aetna, and Robinson & Cole LLP., along with support from alumni and friends of the University.
For Grant, the motivation to enhance UHart’s campus through this transformative project can be traced back to his own passion: distance running. Self-trained at the age of 17, Grant’s achievements range from completing an impressive list of elite marathons to scaling mountains from Kilimanjaro to Denali and Everest.
Kevin Grant '82, M '86, Board of Regents member“I wasn’t a collegiate athlete, I learned on my own. What I love about this facility is that it’s totally inclusive—anyone who has the inclination, it’s going to be available to them. It’s a track and facility that’s available for the entire University community and my family and I are very proud to support it.”
That community includes a growing number of club and intramural sports teams, all part of the University’s commitment to create an inclusive student experience, one that is rooted in health, wellness, and belonging.
The new facility also comes at a time of great promise for the University of Hartford’s athletic programs, which recently completed its transition into an NCAA Division III model. Built to NCAA standards, the new facilities create an opportunity for the University to serve as a potential host for NCAA regional and national tournaments for both track and field and field hockey.
“At a time of such growth and excitement for athletics here at the University of Hartford, Mr. Grant’s gift reflects the collective enthusiasm of our alumni and friends who believe in the valuable role that athletics, recreation, and student wellness play in the academic experience,” says Alicia Queally, director of athletics and recreation.
“The impact of this new facility will extend beyond our student-athletes and coaching staff,” she continues. “It’s truly a gift to our entire UHart community.”
While his own athletic journey started nearly 50 years ago, Grant is still reaping the benefits of his commitment to exercise and prioritizing a healthy lifestyle, something he hopes this facility will inspire others to do.
“I found that exercise grounded me. It was about working towards a goal, getting one notch better, and before you know it, you’ve achieved a level of success you didn’t know was possible,” he says. “Hopefully, people will use this new facility to get fit, stay fit, and improve their lives for the better.”
If you would like to discuss making a gift in support of this project, contact Rebecca Brandt, Sr. Director of Development and Grants, at brandt@hartford.edu or 860.768.2416. The opening of the Grant Family Track and Field will be celebrated in the fall with a community BBQ and naming ceremony.