The entire University of Hartford community expresses its profound sadness at the death of former congresswoman and alumna of The Hartt School Mia Love ’97. Love passed away Sunday, March 23, after a battle with brain cancer.
“We are saddened by the loss of Mia, a valued member of our music theatre alumni,” said Dale Merrill, dean of The Hartt School and Hartford Art School. “At 49, she achieved much and left a lasting impact on our community. Her talent and dedication to the arts and her community will be remembered fondly.”
After earning her music theatre degree from The Hartt School, Love moved to Utah in 1998, where she became active in politics. She represented Utah’s 4th Congressional District from 2014-2018. During her two terms, Love served on the House Financial Services Committee and was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. She was the first Haitian American and the first black Republican woman to serve in Congress.
Love returned to UHart in 2017 to give the undergraduate Commencement address and to accept an honorary Doctor of Laws.
In her address to approximately 1,000 members of the graduating class, Love, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, spoke about her parents’ hard work to provide her with a college education, and how her time as a UHart student helped her rise to her full potential.
“Stepping onto this campus,” she said, “the thought of being a mayor, a mother or a member of Congress were not remotely in my mind. But when I stepped off this campus, I was ready to rise to new roles, responsibilities and opportunities.”
“You are the rising generation,” she told the graduates. “You are the leaders, not just for tomorrow, but for today.”
Mia Love '97, from her 2017 commencement address"You are the rising generation. You are the leaders, not just for tomorrow, but for today. I challenge you to raise your sight, not just your status, as you enter the workforce and a world desperately in need of your energy, talent and commitment."