The University of Connecticut hosted an event, “UConn Forum: Economic Engine of a Thriving Connecticut,” on Oct. 31. Featuring presentations from various keynote speakers, the event allowed for a look at UConn’s role in Connecticut’s economic status.
The forum began at 8 a.m., taking place in UConn’s Rome Commons Ballroom. Various UConn programs set up tables within the ballroom, with presenters having the opportunity to discuss the economic impact of their program with those in attendance. Programs included UConn Research, the UConn College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the UConn School of Engineering and several more.
The first hour of the event was devoted to networking. According to a press release from UConn spokesperson Stephanie Reitz, attendants included “business and industry leaders, state and local policymakers, researchers and others,” as the event would “bring together top minds from academia, industry and government to brainstorm ways to collaborate for innovative, sustainable economic growth in the state and beyond.”
The event was run by UConn Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Anne D’Alleva, who acted as the master of ceremonies for the day. D’Alleva described the event as a way to foster “innovative solutions to some of our most pressing challenges” in a “unique opportunity for collaboration.”
UConn President Radenka Maric provided a welcome address, in a speech discussing UConn’s role in Connecticut economics. “I truly believe that education is a tool to better life and social mobility,” she said. “The University of Connecticut takes their role in economic development very seriously.”
Maric’s speech was followed by a brief video presentation by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, who was unable to attend in person. Lamont’s presentation discussed the importance of a sustainable future, and urged UConn graduates to remain within the state and help support its economy.
The final piece of the opening ceremony was a speech from Rodney Butler, the tribal council chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. Butler discussed the history of his tribe, whose people had faced economic struggle for many years before the building of Foxwoods Resort Casino allowed them to build a larger economy.
“There’s a profit mindset in building a strong economy, but the reason why we do it is to build a strong and thriving community,” Butler said in his speech. “It’s inspiring for this state to persevere and continue to grow.”
The opening ceremony was followed by a keynote address by Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe of the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), titled “Navigating the Economic Landscape: Connecticut’s Future.”
The rest of the forum was devoted to six different panel discussions, each featuring a moderator and three panelists.
The topics of the panels all considered various questions about the current state of Connecticut economics and infrastructure. Panels included topics related to national security, BioTech, infrastructure, artificial intelligence and more.
Panel speakers included multiple UConn leaders, such as Senior Vice President of Engineering Geoff Hunt, as well as industry professionals from companies such as Connecticut Innovations, Biohaven and Synchrony.
The event was part of UConn’s program “UConn Impact,” which helps organize events and facilitate discussions that allow students to step into the world of economics, engineering, business and technology.