Celebrating Student Achievement and Donor Contributions at the 2025 Scholars Event
On a recent occasion, more than 130 students, joined by family members, faculty, and generous donors, attended the annual Scholars Celebration organized by the University of Connecticut’s (UConn) College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR). This notable gathering serves both as an acknowledgment of student achievements and a platform for expressing gratitude to the donors who play a vital role in funding scholarships essential for student success.
The CAHNR has shown impressive philanthropic support this year, awarding over million in scholarships. These financial resources not only alleviate the financial burdens faced by many families but also empower students to immerse themselves more deeply in their academic and professional pursuits. The scholarships span a wide array of disciplines, offering much-needed assistance across all majors within the college and enhancing educational access for deserving students.
Associate Dean of Academic Programs Kristen Govoni inaugurated the celebration with a warm welcome to attendees. In his address, Interim Dean Kumar Venkitanarayanan highlighted the transformative impact of the support provided by alumni, donors, family members, and faculty members. “This moment is a milestone in your academic journey, but it’s also a reflection of something bigger: your dedication to learning and your desire to make a difference,” Venkitanarayanan remarked, emphasizing the students’ role in shaping the future.
Amy Gorin, Vice Provost for Health Sciences and Interdisciplinary Initiatives, elaborated on the integral nature of CAHNR’s hands-on learning opportunities, noting that scholarships offer more than just financial aid; they serve to open doors for research, fieldwork, and other experiential learning endeavors in critical domains such as health, environmental science, and food systems.
Former interim dean Cameron Faustman also shared insights about the motivations behind the Cameron and Carol Faustman Food Science Scholarship, noting the importance of recognizing students’ potential beyond their immediate academic performance. He believes in nurturing young minds to broaden their horizons for future opportunities following their educational experiences. Faustman expressed a profound appreciation for the journey through higher education, pointing out its role in fostering lifelong friendships and intellectual independence.
The event further included a heartfelt speech from student recipient Savanah Battles, who spoke passionately about how the CAHNR scholarships have allowed her to pursue her academic ambitions without the overwhelming stress of financial constraints. “Thanks to scholarships like these, I’ve been able to focus on my education instead of being consumed about how I’d afford tuition or textbooks,” she reflected.
The Scholars Celebration reaffirms the college’s commitment to advancing the land-grant mission of UConn, which aims to enhance education, promote scientific advancement, and engage communities across Connecticut. By fostering strong connections among students, alumni, and donors, CAHNR underscores the significance of collective support in paving the way for future innovators and leaders in agriculture, health, and natural resources.
For those interested in following the ongoing initiatives and updates from CAHNR, connecting through their social media channels offers a glimpse into their community-focused endeavors and achievements.
