The rebrand signals a shift in focus from access alone to the broader, lasting impact of that work on students' academic journeys, career trajectories, and the communities they will go on to influence
Vergnano Institute for Impact Executive Director Stephany Santos welcomes the audience to the 2026 VII Showcase on April 24. (Claire Galvin/UConn Photo)
The evolution of the Vergnano Institute for Impact began with a simple question: what happens after opportunity is created? For faculty and staff within the University of Connecticut College of Engineering, the answer has taken shape over the past several years through a growing ecosystem of programs, partnerships, and student success stories, now reflected in the institute's new name.
Formerly known as the Vergnano Institute for Inclusion, and commonly referred to as VII, the institute has become a cornerstone of the college's efforts to support students from first exposure to engineering through graduation and beyond. The rebrand signals a shift in focus from access alone to the broader, lasting impact of that work on students' academic journeys, career trajectories, and the communities they will go on to influence.
According to the institute's executive director Stephany Santos, the time is right to illuminate the impact of VII's students, sponsors, the college, and the university.
"At VII, we believe that STEM is for everyone," Santos says. "Everyone is part of the stem, the root, and the flower. This rebrand is an opportunity to pause, celebrate our achievements, and refocus on our future growth."
In 2021, Mark and Betsy Vergnano donated $3 million to launch the institute. In 2024, the Vergnanos donated another $3 million to UConn Engineering, which established the Vergnano Endowed Chair and earmarked additional support for institute programming and staff development.
Mark Vergnano said he is particularly proud of the retention the institute has seen in its students through scholarships that set students up for success during matriculation. VII's ongoing programming continues to support students toward graduation. He credits the institute's mission growth from simply trying to attract more students into the field of engineering to empowering individuals and communities to thrive authentically and contribute meaningfully to engineering and science.
"Impact falls into two categories," Mark Vergnano says. "The first category is asking the question, 'how do we impact these students' lives so that they can be successful?' The second category is the impact these students will have in the future. Whether they go into academia or into industry, we want to make sure that their careers are going to make an impact on the world."
During the institute's next chapter, Mark is looking forward to increased engagement from students and sponsors.
"I really want to see active involvement," Mark Vergnano says. "I want our students to understand that the institute is a place for them to be successful. They have to be bold in taking advantage of leadership opportunities. And for our industry partners, we remind them that this is a pipeline of talent for them…. their involvement is going to shape this pipeline in a way that is most beneficial for them."
Over the years, VII has offered programming designed for K-12 students, admitted incoming students, and current students.
"VII creates a continuum of support that meets students at every stage of their journey," UConn Engineering Associate Dan Burkey says. "From early outreach to programs and ongoing student engagement opportunities, we're seeing real impact in how students persist, connect, and ultimately graduate."
Institute donors and leaders celebrated the rebrand, among students, staff and faculty achievements in an event on April 24.
The annual Vergnano Institute for Impact Showcase celebrates VII students, student leaders, and faculty/staff partners that contribute to the success of the institute during the academic year.
The keynote speaker was Lisa Oliver, who is the managing director of infrastructure governance and strategy at Cigna. Her message to students was an extension of VII's vision to embrace what makes them human and lean into the beautiful challenges the next chapter has in store.
Several dozen VII students were recognized for their achievements, with a special recognition for graduating seniors.
Complete with "walk-up" songs, each winner was called to the podium to accept their award and take the mic for one minute. In those minutes, VII officially became the Institute for Impact.
Students used their time to thank their peers, friends, parents, Santos and the Vergnanos for their unwavering support throughout their years at UConn. They shared how their involvement with VII shaped them, supported them, and carried them through the years.
"They shared words of wisdom for the newly elected leaders and those who don't see themselves as leaders yet," Santos says. "For one minute, everyone in attendance became part of our students' journey to amazing."
View more photos from the VII Showcase online.
