March 2013

As I joined my colleagues recently to testify in support of restored funding for New Hampshire's four-year public universities and colleges, it was heartening to look around the State House hearing room and see the students, parents, and business leaders who took time out of their busy days to testify as well.

As UNH Advocates, they represent nearly 1,500 citizens who have signed up to support our efforts to keep UNH affordable for New Hampshire families. Their personal stories typify the life-changing opportunities that we provide— opportunities that many could not access otherwise.

These advocates inspire us because we know how much UNH means to them, and how much more they can offer to New Hampshire because of the outstanding public higher education our citizens can access right here in the Granite State.

Best regards,
Mark W. Huddleston, President
University of New Hampshire

Parents, students, businesses testify in Concord

A UNH student from Manchester whose parents were unemployed her last two years of high school. A couple from Alstead whose family debt will far exceed their home mortgage if they help their two children pay for college. A one-time college dropout who earned a college degree late in his career and became New Hampshire’s top homeland security official.

Packing a recent state Senate hearing, they added their personal stories to the growing number of students, parents, alumni and business leaders who are urging lawmakers to restore support for New Hampshire’s public universities and colleges.

“It’s not just my story. It’s the story of thousands of students like me all over New Hampshire,” said Ali Fortin, a UNH junior whose family struggled after both her parents were laid off when she was in high school.  MORE >>

Career Fair draws record numbers

A record 140 employers attended the UNH Career Fair last week, boosting business participation by nearly 60 percent and signaling that employers recognize the value of UNH talent as the economy recovers.

"A great, great career fair. One of the BEST the entire state has to offer," wrote Paul Driscoll, a recruiter for Comcast's Northeast Division in Manchester.

The semi-annual fair drew some 1,000 UNH students and alumni in all disciplines, prompting organizers to move to larger quarters in the Whittemore Center. The jobseekers came well prepared, with many taking advantage of coaching on resume writing and interviewing skills, said Krystal Hicks, coordinator of field experience for the UNH Advising and Career Center.

The fair earned a resounding review from Sunday News business columnist Christopher Thompson, who offered some sound advice to job-seeking students.

North Country natives help region's students attend UNH

With the help of North Country natives Craig Rydin '73 and Linda Labnon Rydin '71, more students from Berlin, N.H., will be able to attend UNH.

"We wanted to show our affinity with, and respect for, where we came from," Linda explains, "and we wanted to show our support of UNH." Adds Craig, "Education is our number one priority when we talk about making charitable gifts."

Today,the Rydins live in Avon, Conn., where Craig is chair of the Yankee Candle Company and sits on many corporate boards. Linda is actively involved in volunteer activities. Both believe they are who they are today because of strong family and community roots in Berlin. That made their decision to endow a series of scholarships for students from Berlin who attend UNH an easy one.   MORE >>

Research dairies earn gold