Evan J. Blass has been named recipient of the Marion A. Bills Scholarship. It is presented biennially to a deserving UHart senior who wishes to pursue graduate study at a top university in Great Britain.
Blass has been one of the most active seniors on and off the UHart campus, a pattern that has followed him throughout his entire school career in support of his professional ambition. He plans to become an attorney focused on special education law and activism on behalf of gaining full educational access for all. With a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, a minor in sociology, and a full complement of advocacy experience, research skills, and strategic internships, his objective seems clearly within reach.
A 4.0-GPA student, Blass reached his degree goal in an accelerated timeframe and is looking forward to overseas study to add to his interest in, devotion to, and knowledge of criminal justice, sociology, and how the intersection of the two plays a role in modern society.
“Evan embodies the intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and personal character the University likes to reward. His academic journey, research and study agenda, career aspirations, and commitment to the community are extraordinary,” says Kelly McGeever, associate professor and director of the criminal justice program. “He has consistently demonstrated that rare mix of brilliance, compassion, and ambition.”
Blass founded and presided over the Pre-Law Society at UHart, whose mission is to provide resources, networking, and support for students interested in entering the legal profession. Other on-campus roles have been just as significant, including service as managing editor of the student news site The Informer, and his student ambassadorship for both A&S and the Honors program.
Blass was a legislative intern for the Connecticut General Assembly, where he received exceptional reviews for his work researching and drafting bill proposals. He was asked to stay on once the internship concluded to serve as a policy researcher and communications specialist. Blass also served as a mentor for a local organization called Connectikids, which provides role models for students in the Hartford public elementary school system.