UConn's value to the state

Photo: Paul Horton

President Philip E. Austin in the new Information Technologies Building.

The cover story in this edition of UConn Traditions focuses on the University's impact on the state of Connecticut. The story summarizes the ways in which UConn touches the lives of Connecticut residents in virtually every community across the state.

The value of a major university can be measured in many ways. Though not easily quantifiable, creative scholarship in the humanities, basic research in the sciences, exciting athletic, artistic and cultural events, health care, and social service all represent our role in Connecticut. More readily measured is UConn's contribution to our state's economic vitality. A study by the Connecticut Center for Economic Analysis shows that UConn accounts for $3.1 billion of goods and services produced by state residents. Additional analysis shows that for each state dollar spent on UConn, gross state product increases $6.18. The state's financial contribution to the University gives rise to $800 million in private and federal investment.

Both the tangible and intangible contributions of the University of Connecticut contribute to the quality of life for our alumni. Most of UConn's 160,000 graduates live and work in Connecticut. Our alumni constitute a significant part of the state's skilled professional workforce, lead many of Connecticut businesses, schools and community organizations, and hold high positions in government and non-profit organizations. Through their work and community activities, they fulfill the University's ongoing mission of service to the state; as residents of Connecticut, they share in the economic development and cultural benefits that stem from the University's presence. And all our alumni, wherever they live, share a sense of pride in knowing their University is ranked among some of the finest public institutions in the nation - not to mention a surge of enthusiasm as they root on our men's and women's basketball teams in the NCAA tournament.

One of the most significant ways for alumni to maintain a lasting connection with the University is by joining the UConn Alumni Association. As you will see in another feature in this edition of Traditions, the Association provides the mechanism for alumni to stay connected to the University, to monitor our progress and contribute in a variety of ways to our continuing success.

One theme emerges clearly from this edition of Traditions: UConn alumni are essential to Connecticut, both in their contribution to a vibrant state economy and to the ongoing transformation of Connecticut's flagship university.