Nearly 1,400 new Hawks from the largest applicant pool in a decade have arrived at the West Hartford campus.

UHart President Lawrence Ward speaks at new-student orientation. Courtesy photo

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It was a day of “firsts” on the University of Hartford campus Friday, as President Lawrence P. Ward began his first semester at the helm of the University by welcoming new first-year students to UHart’s class of 2028.

President Ward shook the hands of students and parents, and even helped carry some students’ belongings into their residence halls.

UHart President Lawrence Ward helps with student move-in. Courtesy photo

Ward also gave the welcome address at Friday morning’s orientation session, speaking to first-year students about the importance of building friendships with faculty members, developing courage and discipline, and being resilient in the face of disappointment. He also encouraged students to speak out about what they believe in.

“You are gifted and thoughtful young people and we need to hear your voices,” Ward said. “We need to be in conversation with each other. That’s what inclusive excellence looks like. A college campus is built on the fruitful exchange of ideas – even, or especially, when we disagree.”

A national education leader with deep Connecticut roots, President Ward, who began his tenure July 1, comes to UHart after 10 years as vice president for learner success and dean of campus life at Babson College in Wellesley, MA. He and his wife, Katerie, are both from the Greater Hartford area.

UHart is welcoming 1,368 students to the class of 2028 from its largest applicant pool in a decade. The class includes 1,232 first-year students, 136 transfer students, 115 student-athletes, 52 international students, and a record 21 Hartford Promise Scholars.

UHart President Lawrence Ward greets students at orientation. Courtesy photo

Just over half the incoming class is from Connecticut, while other popular home states include Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Texas, Florida, and California – 32 states in all. International students hail from countries as varied as Jamaica, Bangladesh, China, and Nepal.

Driving the continued growth in applications are in-demand programs such as nursing, art, architecture, radiologic technology, business analytics, mechanical engineering, and music theatre. In all, the University boasts more than 100 undergraduate academic programs that span the arts, humanities, business, engineering and technology, education, and the health professions.

UHart also has a number of major capital projects coming to fruition, with new facilities such as the Grant Family Track and Field scheduled to open in the coming months. One of President Ward’s priorities is to strengthen partnerships with major corporations, elected officials, civic organizations, and other local colleges to expand UHart’s educational and economic ecosystem. A $3 million gift from Stanley Black & Decker, for example, will provide scholarships for students from 29 towns within the Greater Hartford area.

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