Our Community, Strengthened Through Tradition.
Part of what makes UHart so special are the things that bring us together.
Over the years, a number of traditions have brought students, alumni, parents, faculty, and staff together to share in their UHart pride. From midnight breakfast to Hawktober Weekend, and everything in between—our community is able come together to build a shared history of proud Hawks!
The Big H Photo
Each year during Opening Weekend, UHart's newest incoming class comes together to form a large H for a drone photo. This photo becomes a treasured keepsake, and can be found hanging on Harry Jack Gray Center each year as we celebrate that year's graduating class and their first days on campus.
Midnight Breakfast
Midnight breakfast is a time-honored tradition and one of UHart students' favorite events. Held during exams each semester, students gather for a study break and some yummy treats served by faculty and staff. If you peek outside before the event, students can be found lining up outside of commons long before the doors open to be one of the first to grab a sticky cinnamon bun (a crowd favorite)!
Hawktober
Hawktober is UHart's annual Homecoming and Family Weekend. Hosted in October each year, students, alumni and families gather together to cheer on our Hawks in home games, enjoy food at Jazz Brunch and the Parent's Breakfast, and participate in reunions throughout the weekend. The weekend is jam-packed with feel good vibes and nostalgia.
Alumni Plaza
Situated between Hawk Hall and the Commons, at the foot of the Hog River Bridge, Alumni Plaza has become a natural gathering place for campus events, BBQ's, and more. You can find students dodging the H in the center as they walk through the plaza until commencement weekend, because an old wives' tale passed on through the years is that a student won't graduate on time if they do!
Painting the Anchor
The Anchor, located near Bates House, represents one of UHart’s longest-standing and most widely-recognized traditions. It has become a traditional spot for rival campus organizations, sororities, and fraternities to display their colors. Any club or organization on campus may sign up to “paint the anchor” through the Dean of Students office. The number of coats of paint on the Anchor through the years is incalculable!
Day of Giving
Each year our community comes together in the spirit of philanthropy through our Day of Giving. Through individual gifts, donor matches, and a day filled with fun activities—we are able to secure a bright future for Hawks, together!
Howie the Hawk and Teddy
Howie the Hawk, our beloved mascot, and Teddy, our campus comfort dog, are total celebrities around here. When you catch them around campus, or at a game, you'll be sure to see people lining up for a quick high five, or belly scratch (for Teddy, of course)!
Spring Fest
Hosted by the student organization, Hartford Events and Activities Team (HEAT), each spring, Spring Fest is an awesome event on campus that offers UHart students a wide range of entertainment and activities.
Alma Mater Song
The Alma Mater of the University of Hartford is proudly sung at Commencement exercises and other formal events. Music by Stephen Gryc; lyrics adapted from Henry Fonte.
Verse 1:
Oh, University of Hartford,
A legacy that will not end,
Your banners high and colors brilliant
Give strength as we this world amend.
Chorus:
Light the fire of our soul's passion,
As we proudly sing your praise.
Truth will guide our ev'ry action,
Now, tomorrow, all our days.
Verse 2:
University of Hartford,
Where first our thoughts were all set free,
With peer, true friend, and mentor we toiled,
For honor, truth, and honesty.
Chorus:
Light the fire of our soul's passion,
As we proudly sing your praise.
Truth will guide our ev'ry action,
Now, tomorrow, all our days.
The Fight Song
You will hear the fight song playing early and often when cheering on the Hawks. The words and music were composed by Stephen Gryc.
Fly High
Fly high, Hawks, fly high,
And know that victory is nigh,
Let's try, Hawks, let's try,
For we know it's do or die.
By courage be led.
Have pride in the dear old white and red.
Fly high, Hawks, fly high,
And soar to glory in the sky.
Music performed by University of Hartford Pep Band. Lyrics by Hartt School students. Conducted by Michael Morris.