Hawktober Reunion and Family Weekend 2023 was a massive success, bringing together alumni, parents, students, and friends of UHart! Despite the rainy start, we welcomed more than 1,200 individuals to campus.
We kicked off the weekend on Friday, Oct. 20, with the 2023 Anchor Awards, which recognized 10 outstanding alumni, all in different stages of their careers. The honorees ranged from Savannah Bananas third baseman and social media sensation Jackson Olson ’20, who was awarded the Early Professional Success award, to the newly retired, former CEO of Hubbell Incorporated, David Nord ’79, who received the most prestigious Anchor Award, the Distinguished Alum Award. The awardee’s speeches had everyone in attendance laughing, crying, and everything in between. Learn more about our awardees.
The annual Track and Field 5K launched the day of festivities on Saturday, Oct. 21, with over 50 runners participating—even in the pouring rain! The Parents’ Breakfast saw a great turnout—approximately 650 parents participated in Hawktober Weekend activities! Hawktoberfest welcomed more than 600 alumni, students, and parents into Konover Campus Center for student performances, snacks, games, and even some dancing. Check out a few images from Hawktoberfest below.
The rest of Saturday was filled with gallery exhibitions, informational sessions, an alumni author visit, and athletics games. The Return of the Pub, a part of the 50(ish) Reunion, brought back the infamous Pub that UHart had on campus back in the 1970s. The original Pub Master cut the ribbon and welcomed back over 50 graduates from the 70s, with a DJ spinning vinyl, pub snacks, and of course, plenty of beer!
The annual Jazz Brunch was a hit on Sunday morning, Oct. 22, with tickets selling out once again. With delicious food and an amazing performance by alumna Latanya Farrell M’97, M’98, it was a must-see event. Sunday afternoon debuted two new attractions—the Alumni Art Marketplace and the Mini-Hawk Party. The Alumni Art Marketplace showcased alumni vendors, selling various types of art. From jewelry and stickers, to notebooks and canvases, there was something for everyone. The Mini-Hawk Party was complete with a bounce house, face painting, balloon animals, the student race car, and guest appearances from Howie the Hawk and Chompers, the face of the Hartford Yard Goats.
Hawktober 2023 was definitely one for the books!
We’d love your feedback! If you attended Hawktober 2023, please fill out our post-event survey.