Goodwin University has announced details for its upcoming 12th Annual Summer Clambake and Auction, one of the school’s signature scholarship fundraising events for students with demonstrated financial need.
On Friday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m., under a party tent on the banks of the scenic Connecticut River, guests will gather to enjoy a lobster feast including classic New England chowder and a raw bar provided by Flanders Fish Market and Restaurant of East Lyme. Meat and veggie options will also be available.
The University is pleased to announce that popular WFSB on-air personality and host of Hello Connecticut, Renée DiNino, will return as this year’s Honorary Chair. Music and entertainment will be provided by DJ Adam of iHeart Media. A silent auction with a variety of prizes and opportunities will round out the evening. Those who cannot attend in person can still enjoy participating via an online auction. All proceeds from the Clambake support Goodwin’s student scholarship fund.
KeyBank is once again stepping up as the Presenting Sponsor for the fundraiser. “KeyBank has a long history with and has been a proud supporter of Goodwin over the past 20 years,” said Matt Hummel, Market President & Commercial Banking Executive for Connecticut and Western Massachusetts at KeyBank. “The annual clambake has become a signature event for the region, raising valuable funds that help students, foster innovation, and promote community. All things that align with Key’s core mission and values. We’re excited to be a part of it.”
Following the main course at the Clambake, guests will enjoy desserts from Perfect Poundcakes of East Hartford, Brown Butter Creations of Glastonbury, and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.
The timing also adds extra excitement to the University’s calendar. “The Clambake comes right on the heels of our Commencement ceremony on June 4, so the University is very much in celebration mode,” said Lee Housley ’13, ’15, Goodwin graduate, board chair of the Goodwin Foundation, which oversees fundraising for the University, and Leadership and Development Manager at Hanwha Aerospace USA.
“We ‘re proud to support a wide range of adult learners,” she added. “Eighty-eight percent of our students depend on financial aid to graduate, and 61% represent the first generation in their families to attend college. Goodwin has long been recognized as an official Military Friendly School and last year was awarded status as a member of the Age-Friendly University Global Network.” Newsweek recently named Goodwin the #1 school in Connecticut and #32 in the nation for women for 2026.
Together, the Summer Clambake and Auction offers an evening of celebration with a powerful purpose — bringing the Goodwin community together to expand access to education and invest in student success.
Save the date!
Date: Friday, June 12, 2026
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: One Riverside Drive*, East Hartford, CT 06118
*For GPS: 211 Riverside Drive
Early bird tickets: $160 per person (until June 1)
Order an early bird ticket online
Standard tickets: $175 per person (after June 1)
Order a standard ticket online
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, and other information, contact Heidi Carlson at hcarlson@goodwin.edu or 860-727-6747.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.