Governor Was a Hit With the Next Generation at UConn Dorm Opening

STORRS, CT — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy was a hit with the next generation in more ways than one last week at the University of Connecticut.

First, the governor was one of the keynote speakers at the ceremony opening UConn's 212,000-square-foot, $105 million Next Generation Hall, a residential complex designed for STEM student, or those studying science, technology, engineering and math.

He then grabbed the ceremonial big scissors and cut the ceremonial ribbon to formally open the building.

Malloy then took a tour and had a pleasant surprise when he dropped in on a student he wound up having a connection with.

“Hi,” the governor said to a amazed Sophia Russell as he popped his head into her room. She was in the midst of moving into what has been nicknamed "Next Gen Hall" with the help of her parents.

Russell paused for a moment in semi-shock and then said hello back. She and Malloy exchanged pleasantries for several minutes.

It turns out, Russell is a graduate of Westhill High School in Stamford, where Malloy was part of the first graduating class in 1972.

“The Hill!” Malloy said as Russell and her parents smiled.

Russell said she was thrilled the guv dropped in and also thrilled be part of the high-tech digs.

"The dorm is really nice," she said. "The facilities are really good and the views are amazing."