The session, the first in a series of Listening Labs led by President Marie Hardin, was held during the university’s new Common Hour, designed to strengthen connections on campus. Through conversation and reflection, participants engaged in an interactive discussion to explore the power of listening and examine how shared values will shape the university’s future.

"As a new president, it's incredibly important for me to understand this institution. I've already fallen in love with Quinnipiac, so check that box," said Hardin. "But I want to learn more about what makes our university special, and I'm convinced it’s these values that drive and unify us.”

As she opened the session, Hardin explained that Listening Labs are a way for her to hear directly from the community she now leads. Each of the four planned sessions will provide participants with an opportunity to share their perspectives and contribute to shaping the university’s direction. She noted that these insights will help inform Quinnipiac’s strategic visioning process, with the fall semester devoted to exploring core values and the spring focused on developing an action-oriented plan to propel the university “powerfully into the future.”

“Values are really important when you think about a strategic plan. First, our shared values are a source of strength for us — for any community — and they are the foundation of our common purpose as an institution,” said Hardin. “Second, values help answer the ‘why.’ In many ways, the values we share will guide why we choose the steps we take. And if we choose to stretch ourselves, which we will because we are capable, these collective values propel us forward, giving us compelling reasons to move ahead."

The Listening Lab session was organized by a team that also included Bethany Zemba, vice president for strategy and community relations and chief of staff; Tom Ellett, chief experience officer; Dan Kim, vice president for marketing and communications; Jim Ryan, associate vice president for marketing and communications; and Kayla Collins ’27, a 3+3 student in the physical therapy program.  

Zemba described the event as “experiential learning.”

“The idea behind this is really to engage in meaningful listening but also provide an opportunity for you to share your thoughts,” said Zemba to participants. “And our goal is for you to walk away from today’s session with an idea about what a core value statement, one that represents our entire community, might look like as we move forward with our strategic visioning.”

Ellett reiterated that the goal was for all attendees "to feel heard, feel connected to one another and have an opportunity to strengthen important listening skills." 
For faculty member Gabriel Acevedo, assistant teaching professor of sociology, the session revealed more than he expected.

“I came here today thinking I’d just hear about the university’s future, but I ended up learning more about my colleagues and myself,” he said. “I would encourage others to attend these sessions. It was a great experience overall.”

As a student representative, Collins said the open conversation between faculty and students especially resonated with her.

“I think the discussion was really important because as students, we don’t always know what the faculty and staff are experiencing. And they don’t always get a good picture of our lives as students,” said Collins. “Understanding how to respect each other will help everyone grow in the community.”

For future educator Megan Pollard ’28, MAT’29, a math major in the 4+1 MAT program, the event underscored the reason she chose Quinnipiac.

“I’ve always found a way to get involved in the community no matter where I may be, and for this, I felt the exact same sense of gratitude,” said Pollard. “I’m so grateful that I attend a school in which the upper management is always looking to hear from the students and staff, and to incorporate their feedback.”

As the session drew to a close, Hardin said that these types of conversations are essential as the university navigates both its challenges and opportunities ahead.

“This is the first of four listening sessions. But I’m encouraged already by the candor in the room and also the real commitment to what this university brings in terms of value to our students. I also see a willingness to be bold at the same time. And that to me is a real powerful combination,” said Hardin. “We are facing some very challenging times in higher education. But I truly, deeply believe that this institution has what it takes to not only survive but thrive. And that has been proven by what I’ve seen here today.”

Upcoming Listening Lab Dates and Locations:

Each session will follow the same format — we ask that you attend just one.

Mount Carmel Campus – SITE Auditorium (SITE 201)

• Monday, Sept. 29 | 1–2:15 p.m.

North Haven Campus – Brooke A. Goff Courtroom (SLE 102)

• Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 10-11:15 a.m.

• Monday, Oct.13 | 1-2:15 p.m.