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

2009

Greenberg ’09 elevated to principal at Ernst & Young LLP

Eric J. Greenberg ’09 was elevated to Principal at Ernst & Young LLP in New York, where he is a member of the firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions Transaction Tax practice. He advises private equity sponsors and infrastructure investors on complex domestic and cross-border transactions, with a focus on structuring and tax diligence across large-scale infrastructure, renewable energy, and AI-driven investments.

Lax Coach AI logo

2014

Quinnipiac alum brings AI to the lacrosse field

Henry Graves ’14, a former member of the Quinnipiac men's lacrosse team, launched LaxCoach AI, an iOS app that uses artificial intelligence to analyze lacrosse shooting mechanics and deliver personalized coaching feedback. The app — built for men's and women's players at youth, high school and college levels — allows users to film a shot on their iPhone, upload the clip and receive a detailed breakdown of their mechanics in under a minute. The AI analyzes key phases of each shot, including wind-up, release, and follow-through, and tracking metrics such as hip rotation, wrist snap, elbow position, torso speed, and weight transfer. Feedback is calibrated across three skill tiers to match the player's experience level. Henry, who is currently completing his Master's in Computer Science at WPI, built the app after recognizing a gap in accessible skill development tools for lacrosse players. "Growing up, I'd watch Paul Rabil shooting videos on repeat, go outside and try to replicate what I saw — with no real way to know if I was getting it right," he said. "LaxCoach AI exists because every player deserves better than that." The app's branding and logo were developed by Kearney Sneath ’14, a former member of the Quinnipiac women's lacrosse team — as was Henry's wife, Michaela (Tinsley) Graves ’14. LaxCoach AI is available on the App Store. Learn more at laxcoachai.com or follow along at @laxcoachai on Instagram, TikTok and X.

Katherine Appleby headshot

2024

Katherine Appleby ’24 education, leadership and professional achievement updates

After graduating cum laude in 2024 with a degree in psychology, Katherine Appleby began her first year at the Yale School of Nursing as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner candidate. She was recently elected communications chair for Stomp Out Stroke, a community outreach initiative led by the Yale School of Medicine and Yale New Haven Hospital that promotes stroke awareness, prevention, and education in collaboration with neurology specialists and healthcare professionals. She was also elected vice president of the Yale Black Nurses Association. In her role as a behavioral nurse assistant at Regency House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, she was recognized as a Core Value Leader of the Month by National Health Care Associates.

A group of Quinnipiac alumni pose for a photo at a wedding

2016

Full house of ‘I Do’s’ for the ‘QU Crew’

Greg Thomas ’16 tied the knot in December 2025 with his wife, Lauren, joining longtime roommate and best friend Timothy Marks ’16, who is married to Heather Marks ’16. The group also includes close friends Gennaro Nardelli ’16 and his wife, Samantha. We saved the best for last — Greg was the final member of the squad to get married, making it a full house of “I do’s” for the “QU Crew.” The next generation of QU pride is already here, too. Timothy and Heather welcomed their son, Hudson, who turns two this July, and Gennaro and Samantha are parents to their son, Westyn, who celebrated his second birthday in April. From college friendships to growing families, the QU squad continues to celebrate life’s biggest milestones together.

person smiling looking at camera wearing a button down shirt

2010

Forbes recognizes Justin Wilcox ’10 as a leading CPA in Connecticut

Forbes published its second annual America’s Best-in-State CPAs list, naming the top accountants in each state. Those nominated were evaluated on a range of weighted criteria, including expertise, innovation, thought leadership, experience and service to the community and their profession. Wilcox was also recognized by Forbes last year, was named to the list again as a result of his work with complex tax issues for corporate clients and his innovative cryptocurrency practice.

Brendan Amoruso in a tuxedo posing for a photo

2010

Brendan Amoruso '10 named lead editor of Golden Trailer Awards

Brendan Amoruso '10 has been tapped to be the lead video editor for the 26th annual Golden Trailer Awards, on May 28, 2026, at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. The show will be hosted by comedian Morgan Jay. The Golden Trailer Awards have been honoring trailers, TV spots, teasers and digital ads since 1999, with a selective jury including the likes of Quentin Tarantino and Kevin Smith. As lead video editor, Amoruso will be driving the visual tone of the show, mentoring a team of junior editors, and crafting dynamic trailer packages that capture the energy, prestige and innovation of the industry’s biggest night for trailer houses. In the past, Amoruso has had four nominations at the GTA awards for his work on movie trailers.

Three Quinnipiac alums in winter coats pose for a photo in front of an ice sculpture

1986, 2019, 1989

A Quinnipiac legacy, generations strong

For sisters Susan Ely Ehret ’86 and Sandra Ely Chow ’89, Quinnipiac has long been a shared foundation. That connection deepened when Sandra’s son, James Chow ’19, became part of the same alumni community. This winter, the sisters traveled to Japan to visit James, currently studying in Tokyo. Together they traveled to Sapporo, Japan, to experience the city’s 76th Snow Festival. They share: "Framed by an intricately sculpted snow castle, the moment captured more than a memorable trip — it reflected a lasting bond shaped by family, tradition and the enduring reach of a Quinnipiac education."

2021

Anand Veeraraghav, JD ’21, co-founded a community organization in Monroe, Connecticut

Last year, I started a community orchestra in Monroe with my brother, Avinash. We have been playing our instruments (me on viola, him on violin) since 2005, and we have had this idea in some form since 2014. We joined the Hamden Symphony Orchestra in 2023 (under the directorship of Quinnipiac's own, Vesna Mehinovic), and the idea was reinvigorated. With the help of Vesna and other musical personnel, we started this summer program in June 2025, gathering 40 volunteer musicians from around the state, ranging from middle school students to retirees, to put on a concert in July. It was a huge success –– so much so that we also had a holiday concert in December. Even though we are not musicians by profession (I work for the judicial branch), this has been an amazing and rewarding experience. We were even interviewed by WSHU! Visit their website at: monroectorchestra.org

1999, 2016

Bill Brucker ’99, MS ’16, named executive director of the Stamford Museum & Nature Center

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center (SM&NC) has announced Bill Brucker ’99, MS ’16, as its new executive director, succeeding Melissa Mulrooney, who is retiring after 20 years of leadership. Brucker, a Stamford resident, brings more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community engagement. Most recently, Brucker served as chief advancement officer at Family Centers, one of Fairfield County’s largest nonprofit providers of health, education and human services. He helped raise over $7 million annually, strengthened financial reserves, and expanded partnerships across Stamford and the surrounding region.

aerial view of a marina on a sunny day

1989

Michael T. van der Veen, JD ’89, update

Michael T. van der Veen, JD ’89, and his family purchased the Carousel Marina and Whale’s Tale Restaurant in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, five years ago. For the past three seasons, the marina has been named a finalist for Best Marina by Down East Magazine. The marina is also home to the largest charitable Bluefin Tuna Tournament on the East Coast. Visitors and alumni alike are welcome to stop by and experience the beauty of Boothbay Harbor for themselves. Michael and his wife, Marion, along with their two daughters, Jax and Emma Rose, are actively involved in operating the marina, the restaurant, and their marine construction business. In September 2025, Michael’s oldest daughter, Jax, was married at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. In addition to his work on the waterfront, Michael continues to run his law firm with a national practice based in Philadelphia.

Vanessa Dellheim headshot

2006, 2008

Vanessa Dellheim ’06, MPT ’08, nationally honored for clinical excellence by APTA

Vanessa Dellheim ’06, MPT ’08, was recently recognized with a national award of clinical excellence from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Dellheim received the 2026 APTA Mary Sinnott Award for Clinical Excellence in Acute Care. Dellheim is a clinical specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital, where she has served on the Inpatient Services team for 18 years, overseeing practice across orthopedic, burns and plastics, and medical ICU units. She earned her MPT from Quinnipiac University and her DPT from MGH Institute of Health Professions, and became board-certified in Geriatrics through APTA in 2017. A passionate mentor and national presenter — including at the American Burn Association and the American College of Emergency Physicians — Dellheim advances evidence-based practice through research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional service.

Mark Spillane and Charlie Doe in formal wear hold best man sign at a wedding

2015

Mark Spillane ’15: From random roommates to lifelong friends

Mark Spillane ’15 writes: Charlie Doe '15 and I met when we were randomly paired as roommates in the fall of 2011. You never know what to expect with a random roommate pairing but ours turned out okay! Not only did we live together for all four years at Quinnipiac, but we've remained close friends in the years since our 2015 graduation. We both married QU alums and were each best man in each other's weddings. We frequently argue about who had the better speech (both were great), and I'll always contend mine was best. There are too many great memories to count, and they all started thanks to Quinnipiac, where we both now work.

group of people smiling wearing matching Quinnipiac hockey hat sitting in blue stadium seats

1969, 1970

Karl Zaehringer ’69, Bill White ’69 and Ken Shepard ’70 enjoy a lifelong friendship that began in their very first class

Karl, Bill and Ken met the first day of classes in September of 1965 and have been friends ever since. Their friendship has grown in the 60+ years since that first class, as all three have been part of each other's weddings and even godparents to each other's kids. These days, they stay connected to Quinnipiac as season ticket holders to the men's ice hockey games.

Quinnipiac alumna Erin Moody poses for a picture with family and friends from Quinnipiac

2005

Erin R. Moody ’05 reflects on her Quinnipiac friends becoming family

I showed up at Quinnipiac in the fall of 2001 with no clue that the people I met my freshman year would become my forever family. Back then, we were just a bunch of kids trying to figure out how to do laundry without shrinking everything and pretending we understood what 'credit hours' meant. But somewhere between late‑night laughs, cafeteria adventures, and the beautiful chaos of Mountainview and The Hill, something real took root. By the time we graduated in 2005, our bond was already solid — but I had no idea it would only get stronger. These are the people I rely on, the ones who show up, the ones who know my history because they lived every ridiculous, hilarious, emotional moment right alongside me. And the best part? Every time we’re together, we snap right back into our old rhythm. Same jokes. Same laughter. Same 'how did we survive college' energy. It’s like stepping straight back onto campus, except now we have better skincare routines and slightly earlier bedtimes. One of my favorite full‑circle moments: in college, we used to talk about taking a big trip together when we turned 40. At the time, 40 felt like a distant, mythical age — basically ancient. Well, plot twist ... we hit 40 two years ago, and we actually did it. We took the trip. We kept the promise our younger selves made, and it was everything we hoped for — proof that some friendships don’t fade, they just get funnier and more meaningful with time. I never expected that a random mix of freshmen would become my lifelong circle. But they did. And the bond we built at Quinnipiac is stronger than blood. It’s love, loyalty and a lifetime of shared memories. They’re my people. My family. And I’m grateful every single day that Quinnipiac brought us together.

Quinnipiac alumna April Bryant and her classmates from the Class of 1993 pose for a picture during a girls' weekend!

1993

Ladies from Class of 1993 enjoy girls' weekend!

In May 2025, ladies from then Quinnipiac College Class of 1993 spent a girls' weekend in Mystic, Connecticut. We ate, drank, shopped and — more than anything — laughed! Ever since we graduated, we gather at least once a year! Included in the picture from the Class of 1993 are April (George) Bryant, Kate (Wassel) McCoy, Colleen (Leonard) Prendergast, Laura (Delisi) Palumbo, Lynne (Bizewski) Hurley, Angela (Bucchignano) Mile and Rachelle (Bloomfield) Scharf. Missing is Laura (Kirkyla) Jalinskas.

Quinnipiac alumna, Stacie Galicki, poses for a picture with her friends from Quinnipiac

1994

Stacie Galicki ’94 celebrates enduring friendships

Thirty-five years of us. Stacie, Michelle, Jenn, Bridget, Maura, Rebecca, Denise and Alisa. In 1990, we met at Quinnipiac College as roommates in Larson and Irma. Our friendship took us to Troup, Perlroth and the Hill. After graduating in 1994, our friendship only got stronger with weddings, babies, deaths, vacations, many girls' weekends and everything in between. It’s hard to believe we started with no cell phones and now we have continuous daily updates in our group chat that keep us more connected than ever. It feels like we still live next door to each other. We have 19 children between us with two QU alumni, with hopefully more to come. These girls became more than roommates; they are family, best friends for life.

Quinnipiac alumna, Gina McAllister, poses for a picture with several Quinnipiac alumni outside

2011

Gina McAllister-Conte ’11 on QU forever friends

From freshman year to forever friends ❤️ What started as a simple pool party has grown into our annual QU BBQ and a tradition we look forward to every year. We’ve been friends since freshman year, some of us even from the same orientation group. It's been so special watching our QU family grow with husbands, wives and children along the way. Forever grateful to Quinnipiac for friendships that truly last a lifetime.

8 people dressed up smile for a photo at a wedding

1977

Susan Prunka Polaski ’77 celebrates 50 years of friendship

I became friends with Eileen, Laurie and Nancy first semester freshman year. Over the course of two years, we were suite mates (in Dorm D it was called then), and then roommates at the apartments (23A). We remain friends to this day, 50 years later. Nancy, Laurie and I were heartbroken to lose Eileen nine years ago, but she will be in our hearts forever. <3 We have many memories while at Quinnipiac (the Rat, May weekends, Billy Joel concert, mixers esp the Halloween ones!) We had different majors, so weren't in many classes together, but living together made us friends for life. So many others, other roommates and friends - Beth, Jim, Mary, Donna M, Sue M, Linda - with whom we also have fun memories, and we also stayed in touch all these years. We are all blessed!

Quinnipiac alumna Amy Crain poses for a picture with her roommates inside a series of picture frames

2004

Amy Crain ’04 reflects on the enduring friendship of the ‘Lucky 7’

Denise (Tretola) Lopresti, Stephanie (Thomson) Stephenson, Diane Whittaker, Cali (Hettrich) Thorngate, Val Pensa, Jen (Starnes) Neve and myself all met at different times at Quinnipiac - some were roommates, dorm mates, classmates or OLs - but what became rooted and what remains long after graduation is the kind of friendship that changes you for the better. Post-graduation, we always found ways to get together (Reunions at SideStreet!) and celebrate major milestones with each other or provide support when it was needed most. But in this last decade is where we really found our niche at staying connected both daily (via Marco Polo) and also annually by taking girls weekend trips as a group - and those moments we share have really solidified our story as the "Lucky 7."

Quinnipiac alumna Linda Semple poses for a picture with friends from Quinnipiac

1997

Linda Semple ’97 honors over 20 years of friendship

Linda Semple ’97 reflects on 20 years of Quinnipiac friendships: "QU gave me my forever friends. Although we only lived together our senior year, we have been great friends ever since. We all live in different states and get together when we can, but text often! Remaining friends for so many years shows how tight our QU bond really is."

Quinnipiac alumna Catherine Campbell poses with friends for a picture

2014

Catherine Campbell ’14 celebrates friendship this Valentine's Day

From Commons to Forever: They say you find your soulmates in college and for us, that meant finding the friends who would walk through every stage of life by our side. Our journey began in 2010 as freshmen meeting in Commons. What started as a random introduction in the dorm turned into a fifteen-year "Bobcat bond" that only grew stronger as we moved through every stage of the QU experience. We navigated the evolution of campus life together: moving from Old Village to the sunsets and mountain views at York Hill, and finally getting a taste of the "real world" in our off-campus house on Whitney Avenue while we tackled grad school. Our time at QU was defined by the best of Hamden and New Haven: Numerous hikes up Sleeping Giant. Endless, coffee-fueled study marathons at Arnold Bernhard Library. Dancing on the benches at Aunt Chilada’s and legendary nights out at Toad’s Place. Since leaving the Bobcat bubble, we’ve remained best friends into our adult lives, celebrating marriages, babies, promotions, and every major milestone in between. This Valentine’s Day, we’re sending a huge "Thank You" to QU for the best memories and for giving us a friendship that truly is for keeps. Once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat! 🐾

Quinnipiac alumna Jessica Grace poses for a picture with several of her alumnae friends

2015

Jessica (Sola) Grace ’15 reflects on over a decade of friendship

Meeting in our 2012 sophomore year our friendship began and has only gotten better since! We’ve experienced everything together from heartbreak to celebrations and everything life has offered us in between. We are each other’s soulmates.

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