Travelers Donates $500,000 To UConn For Hartford Housing Stipends

STORRS, CT — The UConn Foundation Thursday announced a $500,000 gift from Travelers that will be spread over the next five years to help cover the cost of room and board for "qualified students" at a planned 200-bed residence hall on Pratt Street in Hartford.

School officials called the donation "a pivotal moment for the UConn Hartford campus," which will offer student housing for the first time when the apartment-style units open in fall 2026.

The project involves transforming a former law office into a "vibrant residential community," officials said.

"Thanks to this generous gift from Travelers, more students will have access to our new residence hall, which will have a transformative impact on their education and lives," said Mark Overmyer-Velázquez, the campus dean and chief administrative officer at UConn Hartford. "The residence hall will serve as a catalyst for learning as well as connecting students to the rich historical, cultural, political, and business resources of our capital city."

In a 2023 survey, about 70 percent of UConn Hartford undergraduates expressed interest in nearby student housing. Many students noted that affordability is crucial, given that most currently reside with parents.

The new housing initiative aligns with UConn’s vision, alongside state and local leaders, to establish Hartford as a "college town," where students play an integral role in the city’s cultural landscape, officials said.

"Our relationship with UConn spans decades, and we are proud to be a part of the university’s efforts in expanding its presence in downtown Hartford," said Andy Bessette, thew executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Travelers. "UConn’s dedication to excellence in education is why it was one of our inaugural partners when we started our school-to-career pipeline program, Travelers EDGE, 17 years ago. Together, we are helping to build a brighter future for our city and state."

Travelers EDGE, a program that aims to give students increased access to higher education and career preparation, has supported 133 UConn scholars since its inception, with 93 interning at Travelers and 35 graduates accepting full-time jobs at the company.

"We are thrilled that Travelers is making this transformational investment in UConn, our students, and the city of Hartford through this $500,000 donation," UConn Vice President for Student Life and Enrollment Nathan Fuerst said. "This visionary gift ensures the success of UConn’s expanded footprint in Hartford and helps alleviate the financial barriers facing many students who choose to live downtown. It also brings more scholars to downtown, where many will stay and establish deep roots."

The new residence hall is one of many initiatives UConn has underway in Hartford. The university recently opened its new Community Intersections & Innovation Space for research and academic use near the XL Center and is opening a cafe for students next fall in the Hartford Times main campus building.

The UConn Foundation also recently launched the Hartford Residential Scholars Enhancement Fund to raise additional funds to support qualifying UConn Hartford students.