The Charger Blog
'Once a Charger; Always a Charger:' Graduate Commencement Speaker Shares Message of Love, Community, and Legacy
Nearly 2,000 students were awarded degrees during the 2026 Graduate and Doctoral Commencement Ceremony.
The Charger Blog
In honor of Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement that celebrates the power of individuals to make a difference, Brittany Woodson ’20 reflects on the impact philanthropy has had on her, and on the entire University of New Haven community.
December 2, 2019

I am a proud member of the Student Philanthropy Council at the University of New Haven. It is our goal to share our mission of "spreading the spirit of giving" throughout the University community.
I believe that philanthropy means not only giving monetarily, but also giving your time to a cause that is important to you. As a student, I recognize the impact of philanthropy every single day. I see it when I am working out at the Beckerman Recreation Center, I see it when I am conducting an engineering project using state-of-the art equipment, and I see it when I am watching our football team win a game on our incredible field.
I believe it is important to take the time to recognize that everything we, as students, have access to is available to us because of the generosity of others. It is important not to take for granted all of the resources that surround us, that come from those who support the University and its mission.
"I believe it is important to take the time to recognize that everything we, as students, have access to is available to us because of the generosity of others."Brittany Woodson ’20

The individuals that make up this extraordinarily generous community have made it a part of their goal to give back to a place that we all love. It is evident that our campus is a testament to the power of philanthropy, and I am inspired by my peers, our alumni, and our faculty and staff members who, together, make a difference on the lives of students.
Although my time as a student is coming to an end, my relationship with the University is only just beginning. I plan on giving back to the University of New Haven for years to come, so that I, too, will make a difference on the lives of future students.
If you would like to show your support for the Student Philanthropy Council and the impact the University has made on your life, consider visiting the University’s giving page to make a contribution.
The Charger Blog
Nearly 2,000 students were awarded degrees during the 2026 Graduate and Doctoral Commencement Ceremony.
University News
Longtime professor, campus minister, and alumnus Martin J. O’Connor ’76, Hon. ’26 inspired the University of New Haven’s newest graduates with a heartfelt Commencement address centered on gratitude, courage, and service. The University also celebrated Prof. O’Connor’s decades of impact on the Charger community with the presentation of an honorary doctorate and the announcement of a new endowed scholarship in his name.
The Charger Blog
To conclude the 10th Anniversary celebration of the University’s Nashville Study Away Program, Abigail Martin ’27, ’28 MBA reflects on a networking opportunity she had a celebration event and how the experience helped commemorate her time in Music City.