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
Storyteller, Civil Rights Activist Encourages Students to 'Be Brave with Your Life’
The University’s annual Leadership Day symposium enables students to learn from experts and each other as they develop their own leadership skills and learn what it means to be a leader.
February 21, 2020
Lismarie Pabon ’22 left the University of New Haven’s recent Leadership Day feeling inspired.
"This got me excited about pursuing my dreams," said Pabon, a criminal justice major. "I’d like to own my own business one day."
An annual symposium offered to undergraduate and graduate students, Leadership Day, the longest running co-curricular leadership experience at the University, enables students to grow as leaders while learning from leaders.
"This got me excited about pursuing my dreams."Lismarie Pabon ’22
"Leadership Day is a truly unique event," said Andrew Mayer, M.Ed., associate director for leadership development in the University’s Center for Student Engagement, Leadership, and Orientation. "Coordinated by the undergraduate student leadership interns, it creates opportunities to challenge participants' understanding of 'leadership,' while they build connections with their fellow student leaders."
As part of the symposium, students attended some of the more than 20 educational sessions – many of which were led by students and staff members. They also shared their own stories during "Charger Chats," discussing their leadership journeys and the challenges they have encountered.
A highlight of Leadership Day was Sam Ramirez-Herrera, an entrepreneur, filmmaker, writer, and civil rights advocate, sharing her story. Ramirez-Herrera, who considers herself to be a storyteller at her core, moved to the United States from Mexico when she was seven years old, and she grew up as an undocumented immigrant.
"Be brave with your life," encouraged Ramirez-Herrera, who started OffThaRecord.com, a creative content agency and digital magazine based in Atlanta. "It is scary sometimes, and it takes courage to pursue your truth, your dreams."
Her message resonated with Reah Thomas-Hill ’21, a psychology major.
"I am inspired," she said. "When Ms. Ramirez-Herrera told us to bring our fire and make our mark, that was especially meaningful for me."
Recent News
University News
Beloved Professor Encourages University of New Haven’s Class of 2026 to ‘Be Grateful, Bold, and Generous’
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
Nashville Study Away Program Hosts 'How Nashville Became Music City' as Part of its 10th Anniversary Celebration
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.