The West Haven area has received a significant snowfall with 16 inches of snow already on the ground. Due to this and the extensive campus clean-up operations that will need to take place: All in-person day and evening classes scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026 will transition to being held online or remotely..
Campus operations for residential students will be modified based on expected conditions. Separate messages will be sent from various offices and departments regarding changes to normal hours of operation. Current students, faculty, and staff can find the latest information about operations on myCharger (login required).
Only essential employees, as previously determined by their respective department leaders, should report to campus. All other employees should fulfill the requirements of their role remotely.
Residential students should be prepared to move their vehicles, if requested, for snow removal operations. If you are parked on a public street in West Haven, please move your vehicle off-street as a snow parking ban has been issued prohibiting vehicles from parking on all public streets. A list of off-street parking lots can be found on the City of West Haven’s website.
The Charger Blog
Nearly every winter, Audrey Blondin, J.D., MPH, and her husband head to Nicaragua where they help provide eyecare for individuals in need. Dedicated supporters of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH), a nonprofit that has already helped enhance vision and eye health for thousands of people, they are leaders of the organization’s Connecticut chapter.
September 29, 2022
Audrey Blondin, J.D., MPH, and her husband, Matt Blondin, an optometrist, first visited San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, with Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH) in January 1999. They were so moved by the experience that they returned the following year, and, eventually, took on leadership roles with the organization.
They formed VOSH-CT, a nonprofit, that has returned to the Central American country nearly every January ever since. The nonprofit has provided eyecare to more than 50,000 people in need throughout the southern Nicaragua area.
“Being able to provide the gift of sight to those in need is a very humbling and rewarding experience,” said Dr. Blondin, an adjunct faculty member in the University’s Department of Population Health and Leadership. “It is also wonderful to be able to mentor the optometry students who learn so much by helping the patients and by working with each other and with the doctors.”
Committed to fostering vision and eye health to individuals around the world, VOSH facilitates the provision and sustainability of vision care for those who cannot obtain nor afford eyecare. Its 100 chapters around the world support sustainable eye clinics, as well as optometry schools and educators in areas that do not offer sufficient eye care.
“Many of the residents of San Juan del Sur and the surrounding areas have little to no access to eye care and eyeglasses,” explains Dr. Blondin. “We are able to supply eyeglasses, sunglasses, and eye medications to those in need. We are also able to help support small businesses and local residents who provide the mission with food, transportation, and security.”
Secretary and treasurer of Connecticut’s chapter, VOSH-CT, Dr. Blondin is also the mission organizer. In addition, she co-directs the chapter with her husband, who is chair of the Connecticut State Board of Optometry and president of VOSH-CT. She is in charge of the mission’s fundraising, volunteers, logistics, and supplies.
“I am known locally at the clinic as ‘La Jefa’ – The Commander!” said Dr. Blondin. “It has been a wonderful experience for our children and the children of our volunteers to help out on these missions when they were in high school, college, and graduate school.”
VOSH-CT is planning to return to Nicaragua in January 2023. Dr. Blondin is passionate about the work the organization has done in the region as well as the impact they have made. She hopes to continue to increase their outreach and the support of their volunteers.
“We are currently seeking additional volunteers, especially those who speak Spanish,” she said. “Our mission would not be possible without the gracious and generous support we have received over the years.”
If you are interested in volunteering, supporting, or learning more about VOSH-CT, please contact Dr. Blondin at audbl@aol.com.
The Charger Blog
Entrepreneur David Sussman partnered with the University of New Haven to pilot Uccountability, a program designed to strengthen student success through structured peer accountability. Students from the first cohort shared the far-reaching impact of their experiences.
University News
The University of New Haven has signed a master research agreement with Capewell Aerial Systems, a Connecticut aerospace manufacturer, to provide hands-on engineering projects and internships focused on aviation safety and advanced manufacturing.
Charger 360
Kat Swistak '26 reflects on her journey from a small town in New Jersey to the University of New Haven to study forensic science. A marketing minor, she talked about her work with Charger Athletics, including serving as the social media manager for women's rugby and field hockey as well as being part of Chargers Creative, the student-led group that supports social and digital media that generate millions of impressions for the University's Division I athletics teams. This work, as well as her involvement with the Office of Marketing and Communications student content team has broadened her career aspirations to work in content creation. She also talked about her plans for the Women in Sports Club, which she hopes will be her legacy as a Charger. "I'm so glad that I came here. I wouldn't have been able to grow and be who I am without coming here."