the Informer

Recognizing his outstanding leadership in the Hartford area, President Walter Harrison was one of three winners of this year’s Polaris Award this past week.

The award is given annually as a fund raising event for the organization Leadership Greater Hartford, and is presented to three recipients who “provide a powerful light and example for others to follow,” according to the organization.

Harrison, who says he was “humbled and flattered to be notified that I was to receive the award,” does outstanding work for the community and devotes much of his time aiding in aspects outside of the University.

He won the award among two other devoted citizens of Hartford: Stephen Adamowski, superintendent of Hartford public schools, and Nicola Allen, a resident who greatly improved neighborhoods by planting gardens.

Even among 25 other nominees for the award, President Harrison has done more than his share for not only the campus community, but the community of Hartford as well.

Regardless of having made innumerable improvements to the University of Hartford since being appointed president in 1998, Harrison credits the students, faculty, and staff of the school with his winning of the award.

“A great part of that award really goes to our wonderful University community who has embraced our mission as a private university with a public purpose, in ventures like our two magnet schools, our work with Upper Albany Main Street and Project Horizon, and the literally dozens of other activities our students, faculty and staff take part in to make Greater Hartford a better Place.”

Some of his involvement in the community, such as serving on the Board of Connecticut Conference and Independent Colleges, comes as no surprise, but other community involvement is a bit unexpected.

Commitments such as being president of the board of the Hartford Stage Company or being involved with the Greater Hartford Arts Council and Saint Francis Hospital seem a little our of the ordinary for the president of a college.

“I gain much more joy from my volunteer work than in the time and energy I contribute,” said Harrison.

Setting a fantastic example for the students of this university, Harrison was sure to articulate that “Hartford is a wonderful place to live, and I am proud to be part of the community,” one that he believes students should be proud to live in.