MERICA EASTTM - Hartford Hawks

MERICA
EAS TM
UNIVERSITY OF
HARTFORD
2008-09 WOMEN’S GOLF

2008-09 HARTFORD WOMEN’S GOLF
Name Cl. Hometown/High School
Megan Claxton Sr. Calgary, Alberta/Bishop O’Byrne
Catie Dillman Jr. Cicero, NY/Cicero-North Syracuse
Paige Gauthier Jr. Claremont, NH/Stevens
Sadie Heald Jr. New Haven, CT/Hopkins
Marissa Kallaugher Fr. East Longmeadow, MA/East Longmeadow
Emily Linn Fr. Englewood, NJ/Dwight Englewood
Kara Sikorski Jr. Hatfield, MA/Smith Academy
Kelsey Walsh Fr. Falmouth, MA/Falmouth
Head Coach: Donna Harris (Eastern Conn. State ’73) – Sixth Season
Assistant Coach: Michelle Abell (Minnesota ’97) – First Season

QUICK FACTS
CONTENTS
2008-09 Team Photo and Roster Inside front cover
Hartford Quick Facts 1
Head Coach Donna Harris 2
Assistant Coach Michelle Abell 2
2008-09 Preview 3
2007-08 Review 3
Megan Claxton 4
Catie Dillman 4
Paige Gauthier 5
Sadie Heald 5
Kara Sikorski 6
Marissa Kallaugher 6
Emily Linn 6
Kelsey Walsh 6
President Walter Harrison 7
Director of Athletics Patricia H. Meiser 7
University of Hartford 8
Catie Dillman
QUICK FACTS
Location West Hartford, CT 06117
Founded 1877
Enrollment 4,842
President
Walter Harrison
Director of Athletics
Patricia H. Meiser
Nickname
Hawks
Colors
Scarlet and White
Conference
America East
Head Coach
Donna Harris
Assistant Coach
Michelle Abell
Women’s Golf Offi ce Phone (860) 768-5060
Letterwinners Returning/Lost 5/1
Newcomers 3
Sports Information Director/Golf Contact David Longolucco
Sports Information Offi ce Phone Number (860) 768-4620
Sports Information Offi ce Fax Number (860) 768-4068
SID E-mail
longolucc@hartford.edu
Athletics Web Site
HartfordHawks.com
ATHLETICS MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the University of Hartford Athletics Department is to
enhance the educational and personal development of all students by
providing equitable intercollegiate, intramural, and recreational athletics
opportunities in an environment that promotes excellence and
wellness. We value academic achievement as the primary measure
of a successful student-athlete and integrity as the hallmark of a successful
program.
ON THE COVERS
Senior Megan Claxton appears on the front cover of the 2008-09 University
of Hartford Women’s Golf Media Guide. Claxton ranked second
on the team in stroke average last season and will be a leader for the
Hawks this year. Juniors Sadie Heald, Kara Sikorski and Paige Gauthier
appear on the back cover.
TEAM PHOTO
(L-R) Assistant Coach Michelle Abell, Sadie Heald, Paige Gauthier,
Catie Dillman, Kara Sikorski, Emily Linn, Megan Claxton, Kelsey Walsh,
Head Coach Donna Harris, Marissa Kallaugher.
Emily Linn
CREDITS
The 2008-09 University of Hartford Women’s Golf Media Guide is a
production of the Hartford Sports Information Offi ce. It was written and
designed by Sports Information Director David Longolucco. Editorial
assistance was provided by Dan Ruede, Sarah Cote and Donna Harris.
Photography was provided by Steve McLaughlin, Bob Stowell and Jeff
Feldmann. Printing supplied by the Pyne-Davidson Company of Hartford,
CT.
2008-09 HARTFORD WOMEN’S GOLF • 1

COACHING STAFF
DONNA
HARRIS
Head Coach
Sixth Season
Eastern Conn. State ’73
Donna Harris enters her sixth year as head coach of the Hartford women’s
golf program. In 2004-05 she led the Hawks to their fi rst-ever
America East Championship and was named America East Coach of
the Year. She previously served as the Hawks’ associate coach for the
2002-03 season.
Harris is very active in Connecticut state golf and brings with her
24 years of competitive golf experience and a long resume of achievements.
Last summer she won the Connecticut Women’s Golf Association
(CWGA) Championship for the third straight year, becoming only
the sixth player in the event’s 89-year history to win three in a row.
She’s also a two-time winner of the Connecticut Women’s Golf Association
Senior Championship (2008, 2006), the Connecticut Senior
Amateur (2008, 2007) and the Connecticut Women’s Tournament of
Champions (2005, 2003).
In 2002 she won the CWGA Championship and fi nished as runner-up
at the Endicott Championship, a tri-state tournament featuring
competitors from Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. A
former member of the Golf Club of Avon, she won 10 club championships
during a 12-year stretch.
Harris was one of three Connecticut women to play in the USGA
Mixed Team Championship in 1999 and won the 1994 Southern New
England Women’s Golf Association Championship. Off the course, she
was a board member for the CWGA for two years (2001-02) and has
worked on the fundraising committee for the University of Hartford
Lady Hawks Golf Classic the past 10 years.
Harris graduated from Eastern Connecticut State College in 1973
with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She and her husband
Steve reside in Avon, CT. The two have three daughters (Jennifer,
30; Lauren, 27; and Katie, 24) and one granddaughter (Hanna, 1).
MICHELLE
ABELL
Assistant Coach
First Season
Minnesota ’97
Michelle Abell joins the women’s golf team as an assistant coach for
the 2008-09 season. She will assist in all practice and training sessions
while traveling with the team for tournaments.
In addition to her duties at Hartford, Abell serves as an instructor
for both Jane Blaylock LPGA Clinics for Women and USGA/LPGA
Girls Golf. Her previous coaching experience came at Moundsview
High School in Minneapolis, MN, where for three seasons she served
as girls golf coach at the varsity and junior varsity levels. An avid and
competitive skier, she also served as the downhill ski racing coach at
both Woodbury and Richfi eld High School.
Abell has been active in the youth golf scene at many levels. She
was an instructor for the PGA’s First Tee Program in Washington, DC,
teaching the game of golf and life skills to inner city children in the
area. She also spent three years in a similar role for the Fairway Foundation
in Minneapolis, MN.
Abell graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1997 with a
degree in pre-law. She also attended the University of Arkansas Little
Rock for one year on a women’s golf scholarship.
2 • 2008-09 HARTFORD WOMEN’S GOLF

2008-09 PREVIEW/2007-08 REVIEW
The University of Hartford women’s golf team is
looking forward to another successful spring season.
The Hawks made great strides during the fall and will
look to carry that momentum over into the fi nal fi ve
tournaments of the year.
Head coach Donna Harris returns fi ve letterwinners
from last year’s squad and also adds three newcomers
to the roster. The group will have to overcome
the loss of Juliana Carrillo, who graduated last spring
after one of the best careers in the program’s history.
She led the team in scoring average over her fi nal
three seasons and was a three-time all-conference
selection.
Several players have stepped up to fi ll the void.
Junior Sadie Heald (New Haven, CT) posted one of
the lowest stroke averages (83.56) on the team during
the fall and carded four rounds of 80 or better.
Classmate Paige Gauthier (Claremont, NH) wasn’t far
behind Heald in stroke average (84.00) and recorded
a career-low round of 78 at the ECAC Championship.
Harris will count on each to continue their strong play
into the spring.
Senior Megan Claxton (Calgary, Alberta) is the
veteran presence in Hartford’s lineup. She has played
in every tournament over the past three years and will
be counted on to lead the team. She ranked second
on the team in stroke average last season and will
look to close out her career on a high note.
Junior Kara Sikorski (Hatfi eld, MA) showed great
consistency during the fall, playing in every tournament
and tying her career-low round (80) at the Mt.
Holyoke Invitational. Strong contributions from Sikorski
and classmate Catie Dillman (Cicero, NY) would go
a long way toward Hartford’s success.
Emily Linn (Englewood, NJ) had the most impact
of the three golfers in the freshmen class. She played
in the fi nal fi ve tournaments and led the team in stroke
average (82.22). She also recorded the best fi nish by
a Hartford golfer during the fall, a tie for eighth at the
Sacred Heart Invitational. Classmates Marissa Kallaugher
(East Longmeadow, MA) and Kelsey Walsh
(Falmouth, MA) saw limited action but will look to
make their mark in the spring.
The Hawks start the spring season with a headto-head
competition against Rutgers University in Port
St. Lucie, FL on March 18, a warm-up before playing
at Georgetown University’s Hoya Invitational in Beallsville,
MD on March 30-31. Hartford will then play a
tri-match against Central Connecticut State University
and Boston University on April 11 at Wethersfi eld
Country Club in Wethersfi eld, CT.
The fi nal tune-up before the conference tournament
will come at the annual Hartford Invitational on
April 20-21. The 36-hole event will be played at Rockledge
Golf Club in West Hartford, CT. Included in the
fi eld of nine teams are Albany, Central Connecticut
State, Fairfi eld, Hampton, Lehigh, Mount St. Mary’s,
Sacred Heart and Wagner.
The season concludes at the 2009 America East
Championship on April 25-26 at Shaker Ridge Country
Club in Albany, NY. The Hawks, who fell short of the
conference title by only one shot last season, have fi n-
ished as runner-up the past three seasons. Hartford is
looking to change the story line this year and bring the
title back to West Hartford. A win would be the second
in fi ve years, as the Hawks took home their fi rst-ever
conference championship in 2005.
The Hartford women's golf team enjoyed a solid season
in 2007-08. The Hawks competed in 11 events
and posted runner-up fi nishes at three tournaments,
including falling only one stroke shy at the America East
Championship.
The fall season was highlighted by a head-to-head
win against Central Connecticut State University and a
second-place fi nish at the Mt. Holyoke Invitational. The
Hawks wrapped up the fall with a third-place showing
at the Fairleigh Dickinson Invitational.
After a slow start to the spring season, Hartford
picked things up over the fi nal three events. The Hawks
fi nished fourth at their own tournament before wrapping
up the year with consecutive runner-up fi nishes
at the CCSU Spring Invitational and the America East
Championship. Albany shot 657 to win the conference
title by a single shot.
Senior Juliana Carrillo played in every tournament
and led the team in scoring average (83.80) for the third
straight year. She also tied for medalist honors at the
conference championship and earned all-conference
honors for the third time in her career.
The rest of the Hawks also enjoyed strong seasons.
Junior Megan Claxton posted the lowest scoring
average of her career (84.80), recorded fi ve top-10
fi nishes and carded a career-low round of 75. The
sophomore class also stepped up their game. Sadie
Heald led the group in scoring average (85.35) and
fi nished fourth at the America East Championship to
earn all-conference honors. Paige Gauthier (86.89) and
Kara Sikorski (89.06) also posted career-low scoring
averages and played in 10 of 11 events.
2007-08 STATS & RESULTS
SCORING LOW
PLAYER ROUNDS STROKES AVERAGE ROUND
Juliana Carrillo 20 1676 83.80 75
Megan Claxton 20 1696 84.80 75
Sadie Heald 20 1707 85.35 76
Paige Gauthier 18 1564 86.89 82
Kara Sikorski 18 1603 89.06 80
Catie Dillman 14 1271 90.79 82
Brittani Hebenton 1 96 96.00 96
Events: 11 • Rounds: 20 • Strokes: 6,783 • Average: 339.15
DATES TOURNAMENT TEAMS PLACE SCORE CHAMPION
Sept. 15-16 Dartmouth Invitational 14 4th 657 (+81) Harvard (603)
Sept. 22-23 Mt. Holyoke Invitational 15 T-2nd 666 (+90) Boston Univ. (663)
Sept. 29 CCSU Shootout 2 1st 512 (+74) Hartford (512)
Oct. 6-7 ECAC Championship 15 10th 657 (+81) Harvard (600)
Oct. 12-13 Rutgers Invitational 18 T-13th 692 (+116) Bethune-Cookman (624)
Oct. 22-23 Fairleigh Dickinson Invitational 8 3rd 670 (+94) Fairleigh Dickinson (646)
March 19 Pinehurst Tournament 3 3rd 371 (+83) Siena (344)
March 21 - April 1 Tina Barrett Longwood Invitational 15 14th 727 (+151) Ball State (622)
April 14-15 Hartford Invitational 6 4th 674 (+98) Sacred Heart (653)
April 19-20 CCSU Spring Invitational 8 2nd 679 (+95) Fairleigh Dickinson (657)
May 3-4 America East Championship 3 2nd 658 (+82) Albany (657)
2008-09 HARTFORD WOMEN’S GOLF • 3

PLAYER PROFILES
MEGAN
CLAXTON
Senior
Calgary, Alberta
Bishop O’Byrne
2007-08: Played in all 11 tournaments ... led Hartford in four tournaments
... her stroke average of 84.80 ranked second-best on the team
... notched top-10 fi nishes at fi ve events, including a tie for sixth at the
CCSU Shootout ... carded a career-low round of 75 on the fi nal day of
the Dartmouth Invitational to fi nish tied for 12th overall ... also posted
the lowest 36-hole total of her career at Dartmouth (160).
2006-07: Played in all nine tournaments ... led Hartford in two tournaments
... had a stroke average of 86.82, third-best on the team ...
recorded a top-fi ve fi nish in the head-to-head match against Central
Connecticut State, posting a round of 82 to tie for third overall ... fi n-
ished seventh at the America East Championship ... posted her best
round (80) on the fi nal day at the Dartmouth Invitational en route to a
tie for 46th overall.
2005-06: Played in all 10 tournaments ... had a stroke average of
89.47 ... fi nished eighth overall at the America East Championship ...
twice carded an 83, her low round of the year ... one of her rounds of
83 came at the Monmouth Hawks Invitational, which followed a round
of 87 and placed her 14th overall.
CATIE
DILLMAN
Junior
Cicero, NY
Cicero-North Syracuse
2007-08: Played in eight tournaments ... had a stroke average of
90.79 ... carded her low round (82) on the fi rst day of the Dartmouth
Invitational and tied for 35th overall ... best fi nish was 11th at the
CCSU Shootout.
2006-07: Played in the fi nal six tournaments ... had a stroke average of
90.46 ... carded her career-low round (81) on the fi rst day of play at the
Monmouth Hawks Invitational and tied for 11th overall ... also posted
the lowest 36-hole total of her career at Monmouth (169) ... recorded
a top-10 fi nish at the America East Championship (8th).
Before Hartford: A fi ve-year varsity letterwinner in golf at Cicero-North
Syracuse High School ... a two-year team captain ... an All-Onondaga
League First Team selection ... named team MVP in 2004 ... a four-time
scholar-athlete award recipient ... also the top-ranked Nastar downhill
ski racer at her home mountain and qualifi ed for Nastar Nationals in
Park City, UT.
Personal: Born April 14, 1988 ... enrolled in the Barney School of Business
... majoring in entrepreneurial studies.
Before Hartford: Played one year of golf at Bishop O’Byrne High
School.
Personal: Born February 11, 1987 ... enrolled in the Barney School of
Business ... majoring in economics and fi nance.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year Rounds Strokes Average Low
2005-06 19 1700 89.47 83
2006-07 17 1476 86.82 80
2007-08 20 1696 84.80 75
Career 56 4872 87.00 75
CAREER STATISTICS
Year Rounds Strokes Average Low
2006-07 13 1176 90.46 81
2007-08 14 1271 90.79 82
Career 27 2447 90.63 81
4 • 2008-09 HARTFORD WOMEN’S GOLF

PLAYER PROFILES
PAIGE
GAUTHIER
Junior
Claremont, NH
Stevens
2007-08: Played in 10 tournaments ... had a stroke average of 86.89
... shot her career low round (82) on the fi nal day of the America East
Championship to fi nish eighth overall ... posted the lowest 36-hole total
of her career at the Mt. Holyoke Invitational (166) ... shot 83 at the
CCSU Shootout and fi nished fourth overall.
2006-07: Played in eight tournaments ... had a stroke average of 91.07
... shot her low round (83) in her collegiate debut at the Dartmouth
Invitational ... shot 89 and tied for ninth overall in the head-to-head
match against CCSU ... tied for 11th overall at the America East Championship.
Before Hartford: Played golf at Stevens High School ... fi nished in fi fth
place at the New Hampshire Women’s High School Golf Tournament ...
also an All-State First Team selection in fi eld hockey ... was named to
the Class I Senior Classic Team for fi eld hockey ... a two-year captain of
the golf, fi eld hockey and swim teams ... went to the New England High
School Swimming Championship ... also played tennis.
Personal: Born May 30, 1988 ... enrolled in the College of Education,
Nursing and Health Professions ... majoring in human services.
SADIE
HEALD
Junior
New Haven, CT
Hopkins
2007-08: Played in all 11 tournaments ... led Hartford in three tournaments
and recorded fi ve top-10 fi nishes ... had a stroke average of
85.35, the third-lowest on the squad ... tied her career low round (76)
on the fi rst day of play at the ECAC Championship, fi nishing tied for
seventh overall ... also posted the lowest 36-hole total of her career at
the ECAC Championship (154) ... shot 82 and tied for second overall
at the CCSU Shootout ... earned America East All-Conference honors
by fi nishing fourth at the America East Championship.
2006-07: Played in seven tournaments ... led Hartford in one tournament
... had a stroke average of 87.77 ... fi nished fourth at the America
East Championship and earned all-conference honors ... carded her
low round (76) on the fi rst day of play at the Monmouth Hawks Invitational
and tied for third overall ... tied for seventh in the head-tohead
match against CCSU with a round of 86 ... named America East
Women’s Golfer of the Week on April 3.
Before Hartford: A four-year varsity letterwinner in golf at the Hopkins
School ... team captain as a senior ... an honorable mention selection
at the 2005 FAA Championship ... also played four seasons of fi eld
hockey, including two years on the varsity.
Personal: Born January 8, 1988 ... enrolled in the College of Arts and
Sciences ... majoring in biology.
CAREER STATISTICS
Year Rounds Strokes Average Low
2006-07 15 1366 91.07 83
2007-08 18 1564 86.89 82
Career 33 2930 88.79 82
CAREER STATISTICS
Year Rounds Strokes Average Low
2006-07 13 1141 87.77 76
2007-08 20 1707 85.35 76
Career 33 2848 86.30 76
2008-09 HARTFORD WOMEN’S GOLF • 5

PLAYER PROFILES
KARA
SIKORSKI
Junior
Hatfi eld, MA
Smith Academy
2007-08: Played in 10 tournaments ... had a stroke average of 89.06
... carded her low round (80) on the fi nal day of the Mt. Holyoke Invitational
and fi nished tied for 25th overall ... shot 82 to tie for second at
the CCSU Shootout ... also notched a top-10 fi nish at the America East
Championship (T-8th).
2006-07: Played in seven tournaments ... had a stroke average of
90.93 ... fi nished sixth in the head-to-head match against CCSU ...
carded her low round (85) against CCSU ... best fi nish at a tournament
was a tie for 23rd overall at the Monmouth Hawks Invitational.
Before Hartford: A fi ve-year varsity letterwinner in golf at Smith Academy
... played at the number one position on the boy’s team her fi nal
two seasons ... qualifi ed for the New England High School Championship
... named to the All-Western Massachusetts Scholastic Golf Second
Team and a Daily Hampshire Gazette All-Star as a junior ... had a
stroke average of 42.0 as a junior and match play record of 10-5-3 ...
also a four-year varsity letterwinner in fi eld hockey ... helped her team
to a Western Mass championship and state fi nals appearance in 2003
and a league championship in 2005 ... named to the 2005 All-Western
Mass Team and the All-League Team.
Personal: Born April 21, 1988 ... enrolled in the College of Education,
Nursing and Health Professions ... majoring in elementary education.
MARISSA
KALLAUGHER
Freshman
East Longmeadow, MA
East Longmeadow
Before Hartford: Played three years of golf at East Longmeadow High
School ... shot a low competitive round of 78 ... also played one year
of basketball.
Personal: Born January 13, 1990 ... enrolled in the Barney School of
Business ... majoring in entrepreneurial studies.
EMILY
LINN
Freshman
Englewood, NJ
Dwight Englewood
Before Hartford: Played four years on the co-ed golf team at Dwight
Englewood School ... an all-state selection as a senior ... team captain
and MVP as a senior ... a three-time all-county selection ... fi nished in
the top 10 at the New Jersey State High School Championship all four
years ... had a tournament scoring average of 78.6 in 2007 ... a twotime
winner of the Bergen County Tournament (2006, 2007) ... won the
WMGA Girls Championship (2006) and the WMGA “Maureen Orcutt”
Championship (2005, 2006) ... won the 2002 St. Andrews Links Trust
“Quaich Trophy” at The Old Course ... also played four years of varsity
fi eld hockey and was an all-state and three-time all-county selection ...
received her high school’s senior award for excellence in athletics.
Personal: Born December 1, 1989 ... born and raised in Bermuda and
moved to the United States in 2003 ... enrolled in the Barney School of
Business ... major is undecided.
KELSEY
WALSH
Freshman
Falmouth, MA
Falmouth
CAREER STATISTICS
Year Rounds Strokes Average Low
2006-07 14 1273 90.93 85
2007-08 18 1603 89.06 80
Career 32 2876 89.88 80
Before Hartford: Played varsity golf at Falmouth High School ... as a
senior in 2008, fi nished sixth at the state tournament at Woodland
Country Club ... a three-time Boston Globe All-Scholastic (2006, 2007,
2008) selection ... a three-time Boston Herald All-Scholastic (2006,
2007, 2008) selection.
Personal: Born August 13, 1989 ... enrolled in the College of Arts and
Sciences ... majoring in psychology.
6 • 2008-09 HARTFORD WOMEN’S GOLF

ADMINISTRATION
WALTER
HARRISON
University of Hartford
President
Growth, vitality, and service to the community are key attributes of Walter Harrison’s
fi rst 10 years as president of the University of Hartford. Since his appointment
as the University of Hartford’s fi fth president in 1998, the University
has experienced a period of energy and momentum unmatched in its history.
President Harrison has overseen dramatic improvements in academic quality,
fi nances, and fundraising.
More than 7,300 students (5,600 undergraduates and 1,700 graduate
students) study at the seven schools and colleges of the University of Hartford,
which is classifi ed as a doctoral research–intensive university by the Carnegie
Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The institution has seen a 15
percent increase in undergraduate enrollment, and a 23 percent increase in
degrees awarded, over the past decade. A highly visible fi gure on campus, President
Harrison is known for his enthusiasm for student life and University activities,
and is fondly referred to as Walt by many students.
During President Harrison’s tenure, the University has undertaken a
vigorous and comprehensive building campaign. Many of the University’s residence
halls have been renovated, and Hawk Hall, the University’s new fi ve-story,
208-bed residence for fi rst-year students, was completed during the summer
of 2007. The oval-shaped Alumni Plaza, constructed out of concrete of various
colors and fi nishes, now provides students with a large gathering spot on the
residential side of campus.
At the heart of this construction campaign are three major additions to
the University’s signature academic programs: The Renée Samuels Center of
the Hartford Art School (opened in January 2007), the Integrated Science, Engineering,
and Technology Complex (opened in 2005), and the Mort and Irma
Handel Performing Arts Center (opened in September 2008), which houses the
Dance and Theatre divisions of The Hartt School. The Handel Center, located in
the Upper Albany and Blue Hills neighborhoods of Hartford, one mile east of the
University’s campus, also contains space for community activities.
Two buildings have been renovated to house two of the University’s leading
liberal arts programs: Psychology (East Hall) and Communications and Cinema
Studies (Abrahms Hall). In 2006, the University opened new state-of-the-art
athletic fi elds for soccer, lacrosse, softball, and baseball.
The University’s vibrant relationship with the Greater Hartford community
is a hallmark of President Harrison’s tenure. The University has become a recognized
leader in helping to improve public schools. It is the only private university
in the country with two public magnet schools on campus—the University of Hartford
Magnet School and the University High School of Science and Engineering.
President Harrison’s community involvement is extensive. He serves on
the boards of directors of the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges
and the Hartford Consortium of Higher Education. He is currently the president
of the board of the Hartford Stage Company. He serves as trustee or director of
a number of other Hartford-area organizations, including the Greater Hartford
Arts Council, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, the Connecticut Science
Center, and Suffi eld Academy. He is also a director of WorldBusiness Capital, an
international fi nance fi rm based in Hartford.
Refl ecting his longtime interest in intercollegiate athletics, President Harrison
chairs the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Committee on Academic
Performance, the group charged with implementing academic reforms among
the nation’s leading intercollegiate athletic programs, and serves on a number
of other NCAA committees. He is the immediate past chair of the NCAA Executive
Committee. He also serves on the Presidential Advisory Committee of the
Association of Governing Boards.
All this is a long way from President Harrison’s beginnings as a scholar of
American literature and culture. A native of Pittsburgh, he graduated from Trinity
College in Hartford in 1968, then earned a master’s degree from the University
of Michigan in 1969. After an interim of three years to serve as a captain in the
United States Air Force, President Harrison earned a doctorate from the University
of California–Davis. His doctoral dissertation, “Out of Play: Baseball Fiction
from Pulp to Art,” was one of the earliest scholarly treatments of baseball and its
place in American life.
In 1982 President Harrison left full-time teaching to take an administrative
position at Colorado College. He joined Gehrung Associates University Relations
Counselors in 1985, becoming president of the fi rm shortly thereafter. In
1989 President Harrison moved to the University of Michigan, where he became
vice president of university relations and secretary of the university.
President Harrison and his wife, Dianne, a scholar of 19th-century Victorian
literature and mystery literature, make their home in Russell House, the
president’s residence at the University of Hartford.
PATRICIA H.
MEISER
Director of Athletics &
Special Assistant
to the President
Pat Meiser, in her 16th year at the University of Hartford, serves as the director
of athletics and special assistant to the president.
One of only 22 women director of athletics among the 329 institutions
competing at the Division I level, Meiser has 37 years of experience in coaching
and athletics administration. In May of 1999, she was named one of the nation’s
top 50 women’s sports executives by Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal,
and in June of 2006 she was named the Northeast Region I-AAA GeneralSports
TURF Systems Athletics Director of the Year.
At Hartford, Meiser heads a team that is responsible for growing the athletics
and academic quality of the program, enhancing revenue and extending the
program into the community.
In Meiser’s tenure, seven sports (women’s basketball, men’s soccer, women’s
soccer, men’s golf, women’s golf, men’s tennis and women’s volleyball)
have won America East Conference championships and either reached NCAA
Division I tournament or national postseason play. Basketball, in particular, has
emerged with Meiser’s hiring of Jennifer Rizzotti and Dan Leibovitz. The women’s
basketball team has been crowned America East Conference champion and
reached the NCAA Tournament in 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2008. The men’s team
set a school record with 18 wins in 2007-08 and advanced to the America East
Championship fi nals for the fi rst time in school history.
Revenue enhancement has also been an area of growth for Hartford under
Meiser’s leadership. This has taken place through an expanded fund raising
and alumni relations effort, development of a corporate sponsorship program,
implementation of a licensing program and successful grant submissions. Most
signifi cantly, Hartford athletics embarked on a $10 million athletics capital campaign
in April of 2003. The campaign, called Home Field Advantage, funded the
renovation of the existing soccer and lacrosse fi eld, the relocation and construction
of a softball fi eld, the construction of a baseball fi eld and will include construction
of a track surrounding an all-purpose fi eld. The ground breaking for
Home Field Advantage took place in April of 2005, and Phase I of the project was
completed in 2007. Phase II is presently under way.
Meiser’s commitment to academics is well documented and demonstrated
through the success of her student-athletes. Hartford has been among the
leaders in The America’s East’s Academic Cup standings each of the past 10
years. The Hawks won the Cup in 1996-97. This past academic year, the average
student-athlete GPA was 2.98.
Reaching out in the community is important for Meiser. She is past chair of
the Greater Hartford Convention and Visitors Bureau and her appointment came
at a critical time as the city opened a $350 million convention center. Meiser
was named a Connecticut “Woman of Merit” by the Girl Scouts in June 2000.
She is a board member of both the Connecticut Special Olympics and the Connecticut
Women’s Hall of Fame. In October of 2007, Meiser served as Co-Chair
of the CWHF Gala that celebrated the 35th anniversary of Title IX. The evening
brought together the top female Olympians and national champions with ties to
the state of Connecticut.
Meiser has also been involved with various intercollegiate committees and
organizations at the conference, regional and national levels. She serves on
the Executive Committee of NACDA and is a past President of the Division I-AAA
Athletics Directors Association (NACDA), has been a professional sport liaison,
member of the soccer rules committee and active as a NCAA Certifi cation representative.
Over the years, she has also served a variety of roles in the America
East Conference and is presently a member of the Executive Committee.
Prior to joining the Hawks, Meiser was the associate athletics director for
administration and senior women’s administrator at the University of Connecticut.
During her 10 years at Connecticut, she played a pivotal role in the rejuvenation
of the athletics program.
Before arriving at Connecticut, Meiser was the head women’s basketball
coach and a tenured faculty member at Penn State (1971-81). She gave the
fi rst women’s basketball scholarship at Penn State in 1974 and advanced the
program to Top-20 status in the late 1970s. In addition, she coached the Gold
Medal-winning East team in the inaugural 1979 National Sports Festival.
Meiser holds a bachelor’s degree in health and physical education (1969)
from West Chester University and a M.Ed. in education (1971) and an MBA in
business administration (1986) from Penn State. She is a native of Lancaster,
PA, and has four children: Katherine, 36, wife of Jason Steadman of London;
Christopher, 34, husband of Renee Jansen, of Boston; Julie, 32, wife of Robert
Rioux of State College, PA; and Daniel, 30, of West Hartford. She also has one
grandson, Lincoln.
2008-09 HARTFORD WOMEN’S GOLF • 7

UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD
SMALL CLASSES, BIG OPPORTUNITY
At the University of Hartford, classes are small, but the list of academic
offerings is not. The University is a comprehensive, independent institution,
offering educational and career programs in 89 undergraduate
and 33 graduate areas of study in its seven schools and colleges. It
prides itself on providing the intimacy of a liberal arts college with the
creativity and intellectual excitement of a university.
While the range of studies offered at the University is diverse, so,
too, are the people. Enrolled are 4,842 full-time undergraduates, 841
part-time undergraduates, and 1,653 graduate students, representing
45 states and 58 countries. The full-time student-to-faculty ratio is
14:1.
TRADITION
The University of Hartford dates back to 1877, when the fi rst of its
original three schools was founded. The Hartford Art School (1877),
Hillyer College (1879), and The Hartt School (1920) joined in 1957 to
form the University of Hartford.
The origins of the University can be traced back to the wife of
Mark Twain. Mrs. Samuel Clemens, along with Harriett Beecher Stowe
of Uncle Tom’s Cabin fame, formed an art society that later became
the Hartford Art School.
EXPANSION
The University has undertaken several ambitious building projects
over the past half decade. A $34-million Integrated Science, Engineering,
and Technology complex, which included major renovations to the
adjacent Dana Hall (one of the original buildings on campus), opened
in 2005. On its heels, new turf athletics fi elds brought a much different
look to the opposite end of campus, benefi tting students, faculty, staff,
alumni, and community residents.
The new Renée Samuels Center opened in January 2007, providing
the Hartford Art School with new space for its photography and
media arts programs.
In fall 2007, Hawk Hall, a fi ve-story residential facility for fi rst-year
students and its adjacent Alumni Plaza, a new outdoor gathering place
for students, greeted students returning to campus.
Now open just a mile from the University’s main campus, the
Mort and Irma Handel Performing Arts Center houses fi ve dance studios,
four theatre rehearsal studios and two black box theatres. It is a
vibrant center for dance and theatre instruction and performances at
one of the key gateways to the city of Hartford.
The University of Hartford also houses two public magnet schools
on its campus—an elementary school for students from Hartford and
several neighboring towns and University High School of Science and
Engineering, which saw its legacy class graduate this past June.
QUALITY
The University prides itself on its growing academic reputation, best
illustrated by a consistent year-to-year increase in applications (more
than 12,000 received annually) and selectivity (the University’s acceptance
rate is lower than at any time in its history). The educational
experience takes place in small, supportive classroom environments.
LOCATION
The charm of the suburbs and the opportunities of the city all come
alive at the University of Hartford. Situated on a 340-acre, wooded,
suburban campus, the University borders Hartford, West Hartford, and
Bloomfi eld. Midway between Boston and New York City, downtown
Hartford, only fi ve miles away, is gaining a name for itself.
HARTFORD AND THE REGION
Dubbed “New England’s rising star,” Hartford is enjoying a renaissance
fueled by the development of its riverfront. With retail and residential
development taking off, downtown Hartford is poised to become a
24-hour hub of culture, arts, and entertainment.
Within Hartford’s borders, one can tour the home of Mark Twain,
mingle with 5,000-plus years of art at the Wadsworth Atheneum, and
explore history at the oldest state house in the country. The Bushnell
and Hartford Stage Company offer traveling Broadway shows and other
award-winning productions.
The XL Center and New England Dodge Music Center offer topname
concerts while the former is home to the American Hockey
League’s Hartford Wolfpack.
The surrounding Connecticut countryside offers unlimited and
varied get-away possibilities, including skiing, spring garden tours,
fall festivals, and two of the world’s largest casino and entertainment
complexes.
It’s no wonder noted economist Richard Florida has ranked Hartford
in the “Top 20” of cool places to live, work, start a family and have
fun.
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
Numerous social, recreational, and entertainment alternatives exist
for students on campus. More than 100 groups, clubs, and organizations,
including campus media, student government, fraternities and
sororities add to student life. The Campus Activities Team (CAT) is a
student-run organization whose sole purpose is to schedule events for
student enjoyment.
The University of Hartford has gained a national reputation for
the quality of cultural activities and fi ne-arts exhibits on its campus.
The Hartt School and the Joseloff Gallery of the Hartford Art School are
highly respected. Lincoln Theater, the Sports Center, and three auditoriums
host numerous special events throughout the year.
STUDENT LIVING
The University of Hartford offers fi ve different housing options, all with
the security and tranquility of a suburban campus. Students begin in
traditional residence halls as freshmen, but may opt for three different
types of apartment-style living during their upperclass years.
Food options are plentiful on campus, with two traditional dining
facilities, a sit-down restaurant, nighttime eatery, deli, premium coffee
outlet, juice and smoothie bar, and the Village Market, the University’s
own on-campus grocery store.
8 • 2008-09 HARTFORD WOMEN’S GOLF

UNIVERSITY OF
HARTFORD
2008-09 WOMEN’S GOLF SCHEDULE
Date Day Event Location (Course)
Sept. 13-14 Sat.-Sun. Dartmouth Invitational Hanover, NH (Hanover CC)
Sept. 20-21 Sat.-Sun. Mt. Holyoke Invitational South Hadley, MA (The Orchards GC)
Sept. 27-28 Sat.-Sun. Yale Invitational New Haven, CT (Yale University GC)
Oct. 3-5 Fri.-Sat. ECAC Championship Williamsburg, VA (Kiskiack CC)
Oct. 10-11 Fri.-Sat. Rutgers Invitational Piscataway, NJ (Rutgers GC)
Oct. 26-27 Sun.-Mon. Sacred Heart Invitational Fairfield, CT (Great River GC)
March 18 Wed. vs. Rutgers Port St. Lucie, FL (PGA Village)
March 30-31 Mon.-Tue. Hoya Invitational Beallsville, MD (Four Streams GC)
April 11 Sat. vs. Boston University, CCSU Wethersfield, CT (Wethersfield CC)
April 20-21 Mon.-Tue. Hartford Invitational West Hartford, CT (Rockledge GC)
April 25-26 Sat.-Sun. America East Championship Albany, NY (Shaker Ridge CC)
WWW.HARTFORDHAWKS.COM
W.HARTFORDH
RD
HAWKS.COM