The recognition highlights Zemba’s work to strengthen the relationship between Quinnipiac and the town of Hamden, where the university has been an important part of the community for nearly a century. In her role, Zemba serves as a key liaison between the university, local government, businesses and community organizations, helping foster communication and identify opportunities for collaboration.

Strong town-gown relationships are an important part of Quinnipiac’s role as a member of the Hamden community. As the town’s largest employer, the university’s impact extends well beyond its campuses. Quinnipiac students, faculty and staff live, work, volunteer and participate in activities throughout Hamden, while the university contributes to the local economy and partners with the town on initiatives that directly benefit residents.

In recent years, Quinnipiac and Hamden have collaborated on a range of projects supporting education, youth athletics, recreation, cultural programming and community life. In 2024, Quinnipiac committed to a three-year partnership with the town to help ensure that Hamden Middle School students could continue participating in interscholastic sports. The university also contributed $152,000 toward the replacement of tennis courts at Hamden High School, helping provide local students with improved athletic facilities.

The partnership has also helped support some of Hamden’s most visible community traditions. Quinnipiac has sponsored the town’s Fourth of July celebration and fireworks at Town Center Park, helping bring the event back after a four-year hiatus. The celebration drew thousands of residents and provided an opportunity for the university and town to come together for a community-wide event.

Quinnipiac also supported the major mural project honoring the Indigenous Quinnipiac people and the region’s natural environment. The outdoor mural, created by internationally recognized artist ARCY, provides an opportunity to recognize the history and heritage of the community while creating a new cultural landmark in Hamden.

Other collaborations have included support for public skating at the Louis Astorino Rink, summer concerts and other community events, as well as efforts to support Hamden’s participation in the Sustainable CT program.

Quinnipiac students and fellows have worked with town officials on sustainability initiatives, providing research and other assistance as Hamden works to advance its environmental goals.

These projects illustrate the practical value of a strong town-gown relationship. Rather than operating as separate institutions, Quinnipiac and Hamden are working together on initiatives that support young people, strengthen recreational and cultural opportunities, preserve community traditions and improve the quality of life for residents.

For Quinnipiac, being a good neighbor means more than simply having its campuses in Hamden. It means listening to community needs, maintaining open communication with town leaders and residents and using the university’s resources, expertise and people to contribute to the community. It also means recognizing that the university and town share many of the same priorities and can accomplish more when they work together.