David Thompson, ’89 M ’91, vice chair of the University’s Board of Regents and vice president of commercial services for Boston Scientific, will provide the morning graduate address at the University of Hartford’s 2025 Commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 18, at the XL Center in downtown Hartford. The afternoon commencement address to undergraduates will be given by President Lawrence P. Ward.
For 24 years, Thompson has held prominent roles in the international medical technology firm, including vice president of the cardiac rhythm management and diagnostics division and vice president of the clinical solutions department. He has been responsible for augmenting the company’s commercial growth, ensuring outstanding customer experiences, and leading collaborative efforts with health care professionals on innovative technologies designed to improve cardiac outcomes.
In addition to his work at Boston Scientific, Thompson engages in seminars and conferences, including a recent panel as part of the 50th anniversary of the Association of Black Cardiologists at its Policy Pulse Summit.
At UHart, Thompson earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and his MBA in marketing from the Barney School of Business. He was a dedicated member of the Hartford Hawks men’s basketball team, an experience he credits with honing the collaborative traits and work ethic that he has carried into the business world. He was named team captain in his final year.
In addition to serving as a regent, Thompson is regularly on campus to mentor students through career preparation and programming and has generously supported UHart projects and initiatives over the years. Most recently, he moderated an engaging panel discussion of regional leaders at UHart’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. observance program to commemorate the life and legacy of the civil rights leader.
President Lawrence P. Ward became the University of Hartford’s seventh president on July 1, 2024, after a successful 10-year tenure at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where he served as vice president for learner success and dean of campus life.
During his initial year at UHart, President Ward has furthered the University’s deep commitment to student success, including investments into career and professional development, support services, and campus facilities. He has also focused on positioning the University as a strategic partner and leader in the economic and educational vitality of the Greater Hartford region and the state of Connecticut.
Challenging the campus community to reimagine excellence, he is committed to making the most of UHart’s connections and momentum. This includes strengthening ties across industry, with programs like Scholars of Excellence, which just extended scholarship offers, funded in partnership with Stanley Black & Decker, to top students from 29 towns in the Greater Hartford region.
Ward has also established regular meetings with elected leaders in the area, welcoming constituents and communities to campus for dialogue and programming. In March, more than a dozen Connecticut state agencies visited UHart to recruit students—the first time the State of Connecticut has held a career event on a college campus.
Ward earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut, his master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Michigan, and his doctorate in higher education management from the University of Pennsylvania, where he holds a faculty appointment in the Graduate School of Education.
A Connecticut native, Ward has received the Distinguished Alumni Award and William B. Castetter Alumni Award of Merit from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (2023); been recognized as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Business Leaders of Color, Charles River Chamber of Commerce, MetroWest, Massachusetts (2023 and 2020); and been honored with the Pillar of the Profession Award by the NASPA Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education (2021).