A Commitment to Extending the Impact of UConn Championships

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by David Griggs

The "Flutie Effect" is named after Doug Flutie, Boston College's quarterback in 1984. During a close game against the University of Miami, Flutie launched a last-second 48-yard “Hail Mary” touchdown pass, securing a dramatic 47-45 victory. This iconic moment not only won the game but also significantly boosted Boston College's national profile. 

In the following academic year, Boston College experienced an estimated 30% increase in applications, a surge attributed to the extensive media coverage and the heightened profile from this athletic achievement. This phenomenon demonstrated that high-profile sports successes can strengthen both a university's reputation and admissions statistics.

The Flutie Effect has since been observed at other universities as well. Thanks to a series of overtime trick plays, Boise State’s victory over Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl led to a significant increase in national attention and a spike in applications. Even the University of Denver, thanks in part numerous NCAA skiing championships, has built a unique niche, attracting students who are passionate about skiing and winter sports.

Due a legacy of NCAA basketball championships over the years, Connecticut is fortunate to have experienced the Flutie Effect firsthand, thanks to our amazing UConn men’s and women’s basketball teams. Following back-to-back NCAA championship titles from UConn’s men’s team, this year is no exception.

This April, thousands of fans crammed into downtown Hartford for a victory parade that not only celebrated the Huskies’ athletic achievements but also brought together our community in an awesome display of pride. As exciting as the parade was, it was just the beginning of new UConn energy in Hartford. 

In fact, UConn’s Hartford campus has experienced a 25% increase in first choice applications to its downtown campus! UConn’s presence downtown has been a great success story for Hartford.  Thanks to this campus, we have an even more energetic downtown with students attending class, participating in internships, and enjoying restaurants, arts, and cultural institutions.   

“UConn’s Hartford campus has experienced a 25% increase in first choice applications to its downtown campus! UConn’s presence downtown has been a great success story for Hartford.”

The Flutie Effect currently at play in Hartford isn’t just a boost for higher ed; it's a catalyst for economic growth and a more vibrant capital city. Here are some actions we can take to ensure increased enrollment at UConn is connected to a strategy that makes Hartford an even better place for living, learning, and doing business: 

  • Enhance Housing Options: Support the development of student-friendly housing and amenities.

  • Foster a Business-University Collaboration: Encourage Hartford’s businesses and organizations to find increased opportunities to partner with UConn for internships, cooperative education programs, and research projects. This not only retains talent but also keeps businesses at the cutting edge of innovation.

  • Organize Networking Events: Develop and support networking events that convene business leaders, UConn faculty, and students to foster collaboration and mentorship opportunities.

  • Focus on Hartford’s small businesses and cultural institutions: Offer special promotions for students at local retail stores, restaurants, and cultural venues to enhance their living experience and boost local commerce.

  • Cultivate a Welcoming Community Environment: Make sure students are aware of Hartford’s many cultural and social events that appeal to both younger students as well as long-term residents.

  • Commitment to Hartford: Maintain a commitment to public safety and beautiful urban spaces.

By embracing the continued strong growth of UConn’s Hartford campus, we are not just supporting an important educational institution; we are enriching our community's cultural fabric, boosting our local economy, and building a future that attracts and retains the talented workforce the capital region’s employers are counting on. Let's work together to take advantage of these new opportunities and make Hartford a top choice for students and businesses alike.

David Griggs is President and CEO of the MetroHartford Alliance.