The College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR) recently held an annual Scholars Celebration honoring student scholars, their families, and the donors whose generosity is supporting their academic journey.

Thanks to continued growth in giving for scholarships, students have the opportunity to enrich their educational experience while at UConn. The financial support also reduces the potential burden for families. In 2024, CAHNR awarded over $1,000,000 in total scholarship funding, the highest in the College’s history. This allowed for over 400 scholarships to 300 deserving students.

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The event kicked off with remarks from associate dean of academic programs and Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture, Kristen Govoni, who welcomed hundreds of students, their families, and current CAHNR donors. Guests also included donors who have committed to establishing scholarship funds in the future.

CAHNR Dean Indrajeet Chaubey expressed gratitude for the continued support from alumni, donors, faculty, and family that enables talented student scholars to explore their interests. He also reflected on the opportunities for the students made possible through these scholarships.

“Today marks an important milestone, but it’s also just one step in a journey filled with promise and opportunity. This moment reflects your strong foundation of curiosity, work ethic, and a commitment to service—qualities that equip you to create meaningful, lasting change no matter the career path you choose.,” said Chaubey.

The event also featured remarks from UConn Provost, Anne D’Alleva, who spoke about the caliber of CAHNR students and the supportive infrastructure provided by faculty and staff within the College.

“At CAHNR, learning goes beyond the classroom with farm, forest, research labs, and greenhouses right on campus. Students have opportunities to participate in hands-on learning and work with mentors to prepare themselves for exciting and rewarding careers in STEM fields as well as advance their studies in world-class graduate programs,” D’Alleva said.

CAHNR donor Ruthann Pritchard shared the the importance of philanthropy for students. Pritchard, along with family and friends, established a memorial scholarship to honor her daughter, Samantha Calzone, an animal science alumna and equine enthusiast who passed away tragically doing what she loved, riding horses. The Samantha Calzone endowed scholarship supports animal science students who wish to pursue careers in the equine industry.

“It is a hole in our hearts that can never be mended, but the scholarship allows us to help foster, and witness other students developing their passions and becoming experts in their chosen fields,” said Pritchard. “It has become my life’s mission, and the mission of my living daughter and her three daughters as they grow to continue to nurture and keep the scholarship growing – keeping Samantha alive in as many hearts and minds as we can.”

Elinor Addonizio ’25, an undergraduate student majoring in animal science with an equine science focus was the recipient of the Samantha Calzone scholarship. Addonizio closed the event by describing her experience and gratitude for the Pritchard’s generosity that has allowed her to fully immerse herself in her chosen career path.

“I always knew I wanted to work with horses, but I wasn’t sure in what capacity. The breeding program at UConn has opened my eyes to new opportunities, showing me that I can combine my deep love and respect for horses with a meaningful career,” said Addonizio. “To me, this scholarship is not just an award—it’s an opportunity that allows me to pursue my dreams with passion and purpose. I am honored to be carrying forward Sam’s legacy and to be a part of a community that empowers students to reach their full potential.”

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