Executive Director of Enrollment Operations Named ‘Irish Woman of the Year’

When Selina (Moylan) O’Toole ’10, ’14 M.S. moved to the United States from Ireland to become a Charger, she found a “second home” at the University of New Haven. She went on to become a member of the women’s soccer team, to earn two degrees, and, now, to serve as the University’s executive director of enrollment operations for Graduate Admissions.

Moylan, now Selina O’Toole, has long been a welcoming presence the University community, and she has remained active in the local Irish community. She is currently serving her second – and soon to be third – term as vice president of the New Haven Gaelic Football & Hurling Club (NHGF&HC), which has recognized her as its “Irish Woman of the Year.”

“Selina is no stranger to a kitchen, and she can usually be found helping in that area preparing Irish breakfasts, dinners, or any other social event,” said Joan Hall, NHGF&HC secretary/treasurer and coordinator of the award committee and banquet. “Her two sons Gavin and Nathan are now players on the club's football team. The Irish American community is proud and honored to call Selina ‘one of their own.’”

‘Selina gives every ounce she has’

Since 1985, NHGF&HC has annually recognized a man and a woman who further its mission to promote and foster knowledge, information, and understanding of Irish culture. O’Toole was recognized at the club’s annual banquet earlier this month along with Peter Burke, who was honored as "Irish Man of the Year."

In addition to her service to NHGF&HC and to the Irish community, O’Toole has become an important part of the Charger community. She is committed to supporting students on their academic journey, often working nights and weekends.

“Selina O’Toole is, simply put, the colleague of the year,” said Gregory Eichhorn, MBA, vice president for enrollment and student success. “She is always there to support students, her team, and all those at the University all while raising two terrific boys and juggling a myriad of community activities. We are all so thankful for her!”

When she was herself a student at the University, O’Toole helped the Chargers women’s soccer team advance to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament, earning All American and All Conference awards in three of her four years on the team.

Laura Duncan, then an assistant coach for Fairfield University, remembers O’Toole as an athlete. She had the opportunity to coach with O’Toole a few years later. When Duncan joined Charger Nation, becoming the women’s soccer team’s head coach, O’Toole was assistant coach.

“Selina gives every ounce she has to everyone else,” said Duncan. “She has a full-time job and two boys who are heavily involved in various activities, and she jumps right in there with them. Selina has been involved with the Irish Club for a long time, and she takes a lot of pride in the efforts she gives to them, too.”

‘She is loved by so many’

O’Toole, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in management of sport industries from the University, was honored as a member of the Chargers 40-Year Anniversary of Women’s Athletics Team. Soon after earning her master’s degree, she was inducted into the University’s Athletics Hall of Fame.

“Selina was an energetic Charger leader for the women’s soccer team, not only as an accomplished and contributing soccer player, but as a team leader who played a major role in the team’s success,” said Debbie Chin, who was a coach and administrator at the University for more than 40 years, including nearly 25 as athletic director, retiring in 2017. “The team could count on Selina to encourage, support, and challenge her teammates to strive to be the best and give their all when they stepped on the pitch as evidenced by the program’s success. There is no one more deserving of being named the prestigious 2022 Irish Woman of the Year.”

After earning her bachelor’s degree, O’Toole established her own bar and restaurant in downtown New Haven, which she owned for four years. She then rejoined the University as a staff member in 2015.

Coach Duncan attended the ceremony at which O’Toole was recognized to see her colleague and friend celebrated for her “huge accomplishment” and “wonderful recognition."

“I personally am very proud of the woman Selina has become,” continued Duncan. “I have known her since her playing days, and I have seen her become a young mother, a business owner, and, now, hold a very high-level position at the University of New Haven. She is loved by so many people because of the way she finds time for them, and I am proud to see her win this award.”