Curtiss E. Porter, director of UConn's Stamford campus, on December 8 gave city Mayor Dannel Malloy the deed to the University's former campus on Scofieldtown Road.

The transfer completes UConn's move to a downtown campus at 1 University Place, a move that strengthens UConn's commitment to the city and enables the University to better serve the needs of students and area businesses, Porter said.

The deed for the property was approved by Atty. General Richard Blumenthal, who said, "The ceremony marks another momentous step in the continuing partnership between UConn and Stamford - a partnership that will heighten and broaden the commitment they share to educational excellence.

"Using this property as a magnet school will fulfill the dedication to superior education and scholarship exemplified by UConn itself and the Stamford public schools. It is a 'win-win' for Stamford and UConn - and the whole state," Blumenthal said.

Porter said the University closed one chapter of its history when it moved out of the rural campus and opened another when it moved downtown to the former Bloomingdale's building at the corner of Washington Boulevard and Broad Street..

"The construction of the downtown campus is one of the first UCONN2000 projects and a significant part of the transformation of the University into one of the most prominent universities in the nation. Our new location has helped us strengthen our partnership with the city and with the many high tech businesses in the area," he said, noting the University is especially pleased to see the old campus being used for educational purposes.

Malloy accepted the deed to the 34-acre campus and gave Porter a check from the City of Stamford for $2 million. The expenditure, approved by the city's Board of Representatives, paves the way for the city to construct a middle school and park on the site.

"This is a great day for the city," said Malloy. "The city benefits two ways: the old campus will be put to good use and the new campus is right downtown, accessible to the business community and the transportation center."

The Scofieldtown Road property was given by the city to the University in 1959 and includes three buildings, which the city plans to tear down.

Karen Grava