Recently we recapped Encore!Connecticut’s Fall 2022 graduation with Operations Coordinator Maura Maloney. Learn more about this special day below!
The UConn Encore!Connecticut Fall 2022 class held an in-person graduation on Saturday, December 10 at the Hartford Public Library. Over 40 graduates, family, friends, and Encore!Connecticut partners and instructors were in attendance. This was the first in-person graduation for the group since 2018 and it proved to be an inspirational and proud moment for the class as well as the audience.
Dr. David Garvey, Director of Encore Connecticut for UConn’s School of Public Policy (SPP) welcomed the guests and referred to a short poem written about Encore!Connecticut by one of last year’s graduates, Deb Lagana. It is titled “All the Places We’ll Go” which Dave compared to the future nonprofit job possibilities that are open to the new graduates.
The graduation keynote speaker was Larisa Kottke, President, and CEO of Leadership Greater Hartford (LGH). Larisa equaled the possibilities for the Encore!Connecticut graduates with that of one of LGH’s new employees. The person came from the private sector and brings a different perspective to LGH which opens up new possibilities for the organization. Larisa sees the Encore!Connecticut graduates has having the same potential to bring a wealth of experience and a different perspective that will be an asset to any organization. Stated Larisa, “the nonprofit sector has opportunities and is looking for the skills that this class can bring to the market!”
Jim Conti, the Encore!Connecticut class speaker, talked about being prepared for when opportunity presents itself. He explained,
Our Encore moments are about the varied organizations we wish to engage with, seeking a repeated effort and result consistent with our previous work experiences. The not so secret success formula of preparing and working hard for that opportunity to present itself, is one we all have chosen to use during our careers—and now seek to transition into a more purposeful and intentional line of work within the nonprofit sector.
It was an extra special day to be able gather together once again to celebrate the achievement of these 15 talented individuals. We can’t wait to see what they do next!