This year in academics

In 2023, hundreds of students studied around the world. Bobcats traveled Down Under for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and explored India to learn about its business climate. Students traveled throughout Europe — including walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival and exploring the history of fashion in Italy. The School of Nursing introduced a new tradition by hosting its inaugural White Coat Ceremony to commemorate students taking the next step in their careers. The School of Law earned yet another national ranking and the School of Computing and Engineering honored its students at the annual hard hat ceremony. The university earned elite national and federal recognition, as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. The recognition has been designated by the National Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cybersecurity.

Hartford HealthCare provided students in the School of Health Sciences and related programs more opportunities by donating a simbulance as part of our innovative and expansive partnership, which provides cutting-edge educational opportunities for our Bobcats. Students hosted conferences and panels across our campuses and throughout the country — including at the annual occupational therapy conference in February and the Global Asset Management Education Forum in March, the largest of its kind in the world. The School of Medicine hosted its annual Perspectives on Equity Advancement: Research and Learning Symposium where grants were awarded to support student initiatives. The School of Education spread positivity on the North Haven Campus through a unique project launched by a professor who is impacting the lives of future educators. These are just a few of the ways each school has continued to trailblaze and make a mark on the university this year.

This year in athletics

From the court and field to the ice and every arena in between, our athletics teams have left an indelible mark on this year. The Bobcat roar echoed throughout the world as the men’s ice hockey team skated to the 2023 NCAA Division I national championship, making history for the team and showing the world what it means to be a Quinnipiac Bobcat. Women's golf made its third consecutive appearance in the NCAA Regionals this year. Women's soccer earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament. Women's cross country matched their best finish in the NCAA Regionals. Women’s tennis coach Paula Miller earned her 100th career win and the team earned its ninth MAAC title this fall. Acrobatics & tumbling claimed four national titles earlier this year and the women’s soccer team took home its second consecutive MAAC championship. Women's ice hockey head coach guest coached for the Capitals as the year came to a close.

This year in milestones

Quinnipiac soared to new heights this year, reaching milestones in academic programs, campus expansion — and beyond. The Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine celebrated a decade of education, creativity and influence on the Bobcat community on its 10th anniversary. This achievement inspired the origin of a new podcast to chronicle the school’s past. The School of Nursing invited alumni from the past 50 years to honor the school’s first graduating class. The School of Law celebrated 45 years of history and its Inaugural Alumni Association Awards.

On our Mount Carmel Campus, the hum of bulldozers and cranes has filled the air since the spring, with students eagerly watching the progress of construction on the South Quad. Students, alumni, faculty and staff gathered in May to sign a beam that was added to one of the new buildings, set to open next academic year. Along with the new home of the School of Business, an academic building and residence hall are all set to be completed during the next academic year. This year was defined by determination and perseverance that will be etched into our history.

This year in the community

Our commitment to fostering unity and empowering the local community shined through various partnerships, philanthropic endeavors and events throughout 2023 — and even Hamden's Independence Day fireworks celebration. The annual Big Event inspired hundreds of Quinnipiac students and alumni to participate in a day of service this April. From yard work to gardening, the volunteer work breathed new life into public spaces across Hamden and beyond. A month later, 18 graduates of the Quinnipiac Entrepreneurship Academy and Connecticut Community Outreach Revitalization Program (ConnCORP) partnership toasted the program’s success, which focuses on supporting small business owners of minority, women and veteran-owned establishments, by providing education in entrepreneurship and other tools for professional growth. Speaking of veterans, the university was recognized as a top place for members of the military to earn a degree.

When Halloween rolled around, Boomer hosted his annual Boo Bash on the Quad and extended invitations to families and friends throughout the local area. Costumes were encouraged and many games, crafts and other festivities were held to embrace the holiday. As 2023 came to a close, we were proud to co-host the annual Hamden Senior Holiday Gift Run to bring love and cheer to 100 senior citizens in Hamden who might not have other places to spend the holiday season.

This year in university growth and development

Thousands of donors rallied behind the university's mission, showcasing their commitment to education, research, and nourishing a climate of academic excellence. The university earned a $3 million grant from CT Health Horizons to be allocated over three years to help combat the shortage of nurses and social workers in the community by offering tuition assistance. The School of Medicine also raised nearly $1 million this year to educate and nurture future generations of diverse, compassionate and humanistic physicians by supporting students with financial need. 

In June, two professors earned a total of $30,000 in grants for their Mill River sustainability project. This money equipped their team with the resources to investigate and sample water quality in the nearby Quinnipiac River. When autumn arrived, the university announced a major partnership with PepsiCo that will elevate all areas of campus experience from the environment to athletics: $3.6 million will be distributed throughout the next decade in the form of student scholarships and other initiatives. Student entrepreneurs are now benefitting from the groundbreaking deal between Quinnipiac and Stony Creek Brewery in the creation of the Bobcat Golden Lager. Proceeds from the sales will support the student fund and executives from the brewery have offered their services as mentors, transforming innovation on campus.

This year’s record-breaking Bobcat Challenge raised more than $950,000 to benefit student-athletes and their well-being. Alumni, students and fans came together to support Quinnipiac varsity sports and pave the way for future success in these programs. Former men’s ice hockey player Jeff Kinkead '84, and his wife, Mimi, also made the single-largest philanthropic gift to Quinnipiac athletics, set to be dedicated this winter. Their dedication and charity toward the future of the programs will not be forgotten. Additionally, the Bobcat Family Challenge on Giving Tuesday, raised more than $400,000 to benefit the student experience. 

This year in student experience

Across all three of our campuses, thousands of students engaged in entertainment, career opportunities and events that made a mark on their time as Bobcats in 2023. The Student Programming Board (SPB) hosted its annual Wake The Giant concert this spring, featuring popular rap icon Offset. Thousands of students gathered to jam out and were captivated by the vibrant musical atmosphere in our very own M&T Bank Arena on the York Hill Campus in May. The performances didn’t end there — the annual Fall Fest co-hosted by SPB and the WQAQ radio station knocked the socks off the audience with musical guest, The Peach Tree Rascals. Food trucks, lawn games and the classic mechanical bull all added to the festivities of the day in November.

Within the academic realm, a journalism professor has set students up for success at ESPN. His former position at the company allowed him to develop a program where Quinnipiac students can connect with professionals as mentors, which will open many doors for the university. We also launched a new partnership with Handshake, a digital platform that grants access to thousands of internships and jobs. This revolutionary software, and our collaboration, will ease the transition from college to the workforce for all students. Bobcat Weekend reached new heights with a record number of alumni, students and families in attendance. New connections were formed, old bonds strengthened and the annual event proved to be a huge success. Quinnipiac continues to prioritize the needs of students and support their passions all year long.

2023 was an outstanding year full of extraordinary memories, new possibilities and pivotal moments in our university’s history. Now, let us carry forward this momentum and continue to embrace the future that lies ahead.