Who Are You? Marie Hardin

In the 32nd episode of Who Are You?, Marie Hardin, Quinnipiac University’s 10th president, shares her journey as a first-generation college student to becoming a university president

Marie Hardin podcast image

Host: Joel Vanner 
Guest: Marie Hardin 

00:00 Who is Marie Hardin? 
01:18 What passions and experiences Marie had have growing up that helped shape her career path 
03:11 Marie's college experience and career path to Quinnipiac 
04:40 What drew Marie to Quinnipiac 
07:20 When Marie decided that she wanted to take the next step to become a university president 
09:45 What is Quinnipiac's most unique strength? 
11:03 Recommendation for first-year students 
13:25 Importance of being curious rather than judgmental 
14:30 Why is now a great time for Quinnipiac alumni to get involved/ stay involved with Bobcat Nation 
16:50 What are the headwinds in higher education and what effect does it have on Quinnipiac? 
19:23 How can alumni help fight against the headwinds in higher education 
22:17 What Marie hopes her legacy will be as president of Quinnipiac when she is done 

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Explore More Class Notes

1976

Jeraldlyn Mebane '76 retires after successful career

Jeraldlyn Mebane '76, of Bridgeport, Connecticut, is retired after a diverse career. Her career included 3.5 years at Avco Lycoming as a cost accountant; 20 years in corporate accounting and financial services (Clairol/Bristol-Myers Squibb CPG); nonprofit accounting for Kids in Crisis, a nonprofit organization; a family-owned real estate business and retail sales; as well as managing personal and family properties over the years. She said, "I always loved learning new things and staying challenged!"

Jennifer (Patterson) Obsuth headshot

2009

Jennifer (Patterson) Obsuth '09 establishes two companies

Jennifer (Patterson) Obsuth '09 is the founder of Reach Catalyst Group, a strategic marketing and communications firm, and the Female Forward Alliance, a female-focused nonprofit dedicated to empowering women, giving back and building connections throughout New Jersey.

Jennifer Moglia poses on a rooftop next to a Live Nation sign

2024, 2025

Jennifer Moglia '24, MS '25, joins Live Nation Entertainment in NYC

After graduating in May 2025, Jennifer Moglia '24, MS '25, returned to Live Nation Entertainment in New York City full-time as a venue marketing coordinator. She interned in the company's media and sponsorship division as a creative copywriting associate in 2023. Moglia now leads marketing efforts for iconic Long Island venues Jones Beach Theater and Westbury Music Fair, and assists with marketing for the newly renovated and reopened Brooklyn Paramount. She recently began leading the NYC chapter of LNE's women's employee resource group, WE Nation, and worked her first concert at Madison Square Garden, capturing content for a sold-out Maroon 5 show.

Yearbook photo of varsity men's ice hockey team from 1975

1978

Cliff Pollack '78 celebrates 50 years of varsity men’s ice hockey

Quinnipiac celebrates its 50th year of varsity men’s ice hockey in 2025. I'm one of the three captains of the inaugural team 1975-76. I currently still live in Hamden, and I’m the creator of the Area For Rest & Prayer on the Farmington Canal trail (4.3 mile marker in Hamden). This is an original team photo.

2000

Jonathan Block '00 announces promotion

After 23 years working for the State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) as an investigations social worker, I transferred to the State of Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) and was recently promoted to special investigator in their Gaming Division.

Joy Maini, JD '06, headshot

2006

Joy Maini, JD '06, joins Harris Beach Murtha's Trusts and Estates Practice

Joy Maini, JD '06, has joined Harris Beach Murtha's Trusts and Estates Practice Group as Senior Counsel. Joy brings nearly 20 years of experience as an estate planner. She also serves as fiduciary and represents fiduciaries in the administration of complex trusts and estates and develops family succession and business plans. She is based in the firm's Bantam, CT, office.

Ben Teicher poses with his award and another person from PR Daily

2016

Ben Teicher '16 earns PR Daily award

Ben Teicher '16 earned the PR Daily National Winner for Crisis/Reputation Management on behalf of the American Hospital Association for their response to the Change Healthcare cyberattack.

Savannah Reilly looks at the camera as her husband embraces her on their wedding day

2016

Savanna Reilly ’16 and Jake O’Brien marry

Savanna Reilly ’16 and Jake O’Brien were married on Sept. 13, 2025, before a wonderful gathering of family and friends at the Henry House in North Bennington, VT.

Alex Leafer and wife are lifted on chairs by a crowd of people on their wedding day

2013

Alex Leafer ’13 marries Kendall in Utah

Alex Leafer ’13 met his wife, Kendall, 18 years ago at a film program. After 11 years of friendship, they started dating in 2018 and were married on Sept. 6, 2025, on a mountain in Park City, Utah.

Luretha McClendon Tolson headshot

2002

Luretha McClendon Tolson, JD '02, joins Halloran Sage

Halloran Sage is pleased to welcome Luretha McClendon Tolson, JD ‘02. Luretha joins the firm as a Partner and an experienced litigation attorney. Read more on the breadth of Luretha’s practice on her bio page: https://halloransage.com/attorney/luretha-mcclendon-tolson/

Jeremiah Cottle in his military uniform receiving his diploma from National Defense University

2003

Jeremiah Cottle, JD '03, graduates from National Defense University

I recently graduated from the National Defense University - College of International Security Affairs with a Master of Arts in Strategic Security Studies, Irregular Warfare Concentration. I also received Joint Professional Military Education Phase II Certification. I was one of only a few U.S. civilians to attend among U.S. and foreign military students. The institution is a U.S. Department of Defense senior leadership school where I was nominated and sent by my employer of 18 years, the U.S. Secret Service (USSS). I have returned to the USSS to bring back strategic skills to support the agency's dual mission of national leadership protection and financial crimes investigation. See attached photo of me receiving my degree from University President and USN Vice Admiral Peter T. Garvin. I am a 2003 JD graduate of the Quinnipiac School of Law.

Bethany Allen headshot

2006

Bethany Allen ’06 promoted to Chief Advancement Officer

Bethany has been with Sherrill House Inc., for just over three years and was recently promoted to Chief Advancement Officer. She is the first female on C-suite at Sherrill House and manages all fundraising and development, as well as all marketing and communications needs.

2015

Erica Kleinbaum '15 opens periodontist practice

I am excited to announce the opening of my new periodontal practice, Dr. Erica Kleinbaum, GUMDOC MA, serving the south shore and south coast of Massachusetts through our Brockton and Taunton office locations. I offer full scope periodontal care and provide services such as extractions, implants, laser periodontal therapy, gum grafting and treatment of periodontal disease. To learn more, please visit www.gumdocma.com for hours and information.

Holly LaPrade headshot

2006

Holly LaPrade ’06 earns HR scholarship

Holly LaPrade ’06 was recently selected as the recipient of the Andy Thiede HR Certification Scholarship. The scholarship was created by Andrea (Andy) Thiede, a human resources professional from Berlin, CT, with a passion for helping others in the HR field. LaPrade is a human resources manager with the Banton Construction Company.

Robyn Swanson smiling in a blue and red top

1994

Robyn Swanson ’94 earns Award of Excellence

Robyn Swanson ’94, of Cromwell, CT, is senior vice president at Ellafi Federal Credit Union (formerly Seasons FCU), the first financial institution in Connecticut designed to serve women and their allies. She was recently honored with the Award of Excellence at the Hartford Business Journal’s 2025 Women in Business Awards.

Tanya Bovee heashot

2001

Tanya Bovée, JD '01, earns Trailblazer Honoree award

Tanya A. Bovée of nationwide employment law firm Jackson Lewis P.C. has been named a Trailblazer Honoree by the Korean American Lawyers Association of Greater New York (KALAGNY). She is a principal in the firm’s Hartford office and has more than 20 years of experience representing management across industries including life sciences, retail, automotive, manufacturing and hospitality.

Flyer for Minty's Scoop on School book by Samantha Castella

2016

Samantha (Fanelli) Castella '16 publishes children's book

Hello! I am Samantha Castella (formerly Fanelli), a QU Class of 2016 graduate, and I'm so excited to announce I wrote a children's book, Minty's Scoop on School! As a mom and pediatric PT, I'm passionate about helping kids grow with confidence, which is why this story is so close to my heart! Minty is a mint chocolate chip ice cream cone who's nervous about her first day of school, afraid she won't fit in - until she discovers that being unique is what makes her so special! I can't wait to share this sweet story about self-acceptance and friendship with you all! You can check out my book on Amazon now at www.amazon.com/dp/B0F27FSYH2 - THANK YOU!

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