Perhaps it’s because Phil is part of his family’s first generation to go to college, or because Lorraine is the very first in her family to attend. Or maybe it’s because they’ve seen, firsthand, the transformative power of education.

Whatever the reason, it would be hard to find more devoted champions of UConn than Philip and Lorraine Hritcko.

As the UConn School of Pharmacy celebrates its 100th anniversary, the couple has made history of their own with a $5 million planned gift, one of the largest in the School’s century-long existence. This transformational bequest builds on a legacy of giving that already includes generous scholarships and deep involvement in student support. It’s a gesture rooted not just in philanthropy, but in a vision for the School’s next century.

Phil, who is dean of the School of Pharmacy, and Lorraine, the managing director and head of risk solutions at Conning, both strongly believe in giving back. And they understand the difficulties that many first-generation students face.

“There are a lot of first-generation students at UConn, but they also have many challenges to meet to be able to attend college. And some of those challenges are financial,” Phil says. “Consequently, any help and assistance we can provide to those students so that they can become successful, is a legacy that we would like to leave behind.”

The Hritckos know they are making a difference because they often receive letters from their scholarship recipients, thanking them for their support.

“Some of the stories are both uplifting and heartbreaking at the same time,” Lorraine says. “Students talk about living out of their cars and being homeless growing up. They talk about how our gift, our contribution, makes a difference for them being able to have food and buy books and educational materials they need for their courses.”

Recent graduate Ashley Roding, who just earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree, says the Hritcko scholarship had a huge impact on her and her family.

“It’s such a stress relief knowing there is someone there supporting you in your pursuit of education, especially while you’re trying to juggle your workload and extracurricular activities,” she says.

Roding started a year-long community pharmacy residency at the Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass. earlier this summer. She is grateful to the Hritckos for their guidance and support during her time at UConn.

“They are both such genuine people,” Roding says. “They are so authentic and really care about the success of students, both personally and professionally.”

In this Centennial year, the Hritckos’ gift aligns perfectly with the school’s bold future. It will establish enduring support for scholarships and academic excellence, directly contributing to UConn’s university-wide campaign, Because of UConn, which is focused on putting students first and championing innovation.

“Having the ability to work in such a fine institution, having all the resources that are available to us, and being able to work with such talented faculty, researchers, staff, and students, has made a big impact on my life,” Phil says. “From the standpoint of giving back, I’ve taken much more from UConn than UConn has given to me monetarily.”

The Hritckos’ bequest will provide scholarships and funding for the school, supporting the University’s fundraising campaign to put students first and support academic and innovation excellence.

“In my role as dean of the School of Pharmacy, I see the impact of the research and innovation that’s occurring here within our school,” Phil says. “That work is having a major impact on our health care delivery systems and in the development of new drugs and new drug delivery systems.”

“Phil and Lorraine’s amazing generosity and deep commitment to the School of Pharmacy, its students, and its success is an inspiring and incredibly impactful example of Husky pride,” UConn President Radenka Maric says. “We are profoundly grateful for their vision, altruism, support, and friendship as we celebrate their most recent gift and a century of excellence in the UConn School of Pharmacy.”

The Hritckos are actively involved in the University and UConn’s $1.5 billion fundraising campaign, Because of UConn. Lorraine is also a member of the UConn Foundation’s board of directors.

“Phil and Lorraine embody the spirit of Because of UConn,” says President and CEO of The UConn Foundation Amy Yancey. “They continue to share their love for UConn and their passion for student success. They are helping both our students and UConn move boldly into the future with their generous gift and their time. It is because of their commitment that we’ll be able to carry that spirit forward through many generations of Pharmacy students today and tomorrow.”

The Hritckos are inspired by the difference they are making in students’ lives now and the legacy they will leave behind.

As they reflect on the School of Pharmacy’s 100-year journey, the Hritckos are most proud of the impact they are already seeing. “When students go out into the world and make a difference, when they succeed despite all odds, you realize we helped make that happen,” Lorraine says. “And that’s the kind of legacy we’re proud to leave behind.”

Support the Philip and Lorraine Hritcko Pharmacy Endowment.