Families gathered in Burt Kahn Gymnasium for Campus Perks: Coffee and Conversation with President Marie Hardin, where they were able to catch up with old friends, meet fellow Bobcats and listen to Hardin discuss the university’s future.

“I was at the North Haven campus this morning, where we had the Roaring Start Bobcat 5K. It was fantastic, and it reminded me of a really exciting feature of Quinnipiac,” Hardin told the crowd. “We’re a university on the move.”

That momentum, Hardin said, can be seen in Quinnipiac’s recent U.S. News & World Report rankings, including its recognition for undergraduate teaching.

“They’ve just started a new category of rankings for universities, and that’s Best Undergraduate Teaching,” Hardin said. “We’re very proud of our undergraduate teaching and the fact that we are in the top 100 of that ranking. And remember, that’s out of more than 2,000 universities in the U.S.”

Hardin also noted the university’s continued campus development, including the new School of Business and The SITE, as well as plans for a new all-you-care-to-eat dining facility.

“As you walk around, you’re going to see some construction. We’re always on the move in terms of building,” Hardin said. “But we’re always building and moving as an institution in ways that we hope benefit you and your family.”

For Leni and David Rock of Connecticut, Bobcat Weekend was an opportunity to experience Quinnipiac through the eyes of their daughter, Addie, a first-year applied business major in the university’s 3+1 program.

“This is our first event, and we got here bright and early,” David said. “We’re excited to spend some time on the Quad, go to the hockey game tonight and maybe check out Movie Night Under the Giant. There’s a lot of fun stuff going on, and we’re making the most of it.”
For Leni, hearing from Hardin was one of the reasons she wanted to attend the morning event. She was most impressed by Hardin’s enthusiasm for Quinnipiac students.

“I think she’s really awesome,” Leni said. “I got to watch her in action last year at a hockey game, and you can just tell she loves these kids. I have no expectations today other than she is going to be as amazing as always.”

David said he appreciates the vision Hardin has shared for the university’s future.

“Every time we’ve heard her talk, she lays out a really concise vision for the school going forward,” he said. “We love being a part of the community at this time, as the university continues to grow, and to have her leading Quinnipiac is really exciting to watch as parents.”

Jackie Kulik traveled from New Jersey to spend the weekend with her first-year daughter, also named Jackie, who is studying criminal justice. Kulik made the most of the visit, exploring campus, attending a women’s hockey game and watching a tennis match.

“I’m here this morning because I figured this would be a nice way to see what’s going on and be part of everything here,” Kulik said. “The whole weekend has been lovely. People are so friendly, and that’s a comforting thing as a parent. It helps you understand just how well everyone takes care of our students while they’re here.”

For Megan (Flanagan) Grzebin ’02, Bobcat Weekend was a chance to share Quinnipiac with the next generation and reconnect with someone who shared her own college years.
Grzebin, a business graduate, returned to campus with her daughter, Maya, a first-year student in the health sciences with an interest in physical therapy. Joining them was Grzebin’s former college roommate, Carri (Preavy) Rock ’02, from Vermont, who also graduated in 2002 with a degree in accounting.

The Quinnipiac connection runs deep for both families, stretching across generations. Grzebin’s father, Dennis Flanagan ’72, is a trustee emeritus of Quinnipiac’s Board of Trustees, while Rock’s brother, Corey, is a 1999 Quinnipiac graduate.

For Rock, who had not returned to campus since graduating 24 years ago, the weekend offered a chance to see just how much Quinnipiac had changed. New residence halls, expanded facilities and the growth of the campus made a lasting impression, while familiar landmarks, including Tator Hall and the cafeteria, brought back memories of their college years.

For Grzebin, who has returned to campus more frequently since her daughter enrolled, seeing the university through Maya’s experience offered a different perspective. Both alumnae also enjoyed hearing from President Marie Hardin, whose connection with students made an impression on Grzebin.

“She has so much energy! And she’s a great president,” Grzebin said. “Even while rushing across campus after the 5K to get to her next event, we saw her stop and take time to talk to students. The whole weekend had been just beautiful. And as an alumna and parent, I can proudly say this university is doing a great job.”