Remembering Charles Stern

Dear UHart Community,

It is with deep sadness that the University shares the loss of a student and recent alumnus, Charles Stern. Charles passed away last week after a lengthy battle with leukemia.

We grieve alongside his family and friends, and want to express our heartfelt condolences in this incredibly difficult time.

As a UHart student in the College of Arts and Sciences, Charles was known for remaining a strong student while battling his illness, and for being a friend to so many. His family has shared his love of movies, like The Godfather, Pulp Fiction, and John Hughes productions. He was also an avid fan of the Yankees and Giants. Charles had been at home this semester, but cherished spending time on campus in his earlier years as a student.

A few members of our community had the chance to visit with Charles and his family in New Jersey last month. Provost Katherine Black, Dean Mark Blackwell, and his favorite faculty member, Professor Amy Schoenecker, presented Charles with his bachelor’s degree in political science in a ceremony at his home—a chance to celebrate his accomplishments, his time at UHart, and the impact he made on all who knew him.

Professor Schoenecker remembers that Charles "was the student who teachers wanted to teach because he simply wanted to learn. Charles left a mark on his peers and will be dearly missed by his UHart family." She added that he would even stay late after class to continue talking about political issues.

Though much of campus is quiet during winter break, you can reach Suzanne McNeil should you need help connecting to support services at smcneil@hartford.edu, or CAPS at burda@hartford.edu. Charles’ formal obituary can be read here.

Please keep Charles and his family in your thoughts, especially as we reflect on 2022 over the holiday season and spend time with our loved ones.

Sincerely,

Greg Woodward