Public Safety is tracking a significant snowfall that will be arriving in our area late Sunday morning (Jan. 25). It will snow heavily throughout the day and evening eventually tapering off Monday (Jan. 26) with 10-14 inches expected statewide. A sleet and freezing rain mix is also possible along the shore. Temperatures will be in the teens and twenties.
Due to this significant winter storm and the extensive campus clean-up operations that will need to take place, all in-person day and evening classes scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026 have been cancelled. All scheduled in-person classes will transition to being held online or remotely. Additional information on the virtual format for each class will be provided by your instructor.
Faculty have been asked to prepare for Online or Remote sessions in the event of in-person meeting cancellations. These options will be determined by the Faculty member and all questions should be directed to the Faculty teaching each course section. Faculty also have been asked to be very understanding and accommodating of the individual situations of their students who may have difficulty managing these alternative online or remote class meetings on short notice.
Please note that 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.
Campus operations for residential students, unless otherwise noted, will operate as scheduled, though hours may be modified or changed based on the conditions. Separate messages will be sent from the Peterson Library, the Beckerman Recreation Center, and Dining Services regarding any changes to their normal hours of operation. The Bergami Center for Science, Technology, and Innovation will remain open for residential students to use for study space and to participate in online classes.
Off-campus students that live in the City of West Haven should abide by the city’s parking ban during inclement weather to avoid having their vehicle tagged and towed. Please check the City of West Haven’s website for further information on their snow parking ban.
The Charger Blog
In a heartfelt celebration on Giving Day, the University of New Haven honored Rich DeMusis ’77, a beloved alumnus, dedicated staff member, and generous donor whose giving has spanned nearly half a century.
May 15, 2025
When Rich DeMusis first set foot on the University of New Haven campus as a student in the 1970s, he had no idea how deeply the institution would shape the rest of his life. Now, more than 50 years later, his journey has come full circle — as an alumnus, a devoted staff member, and one of the University’s most consistent supporters.
“This place gave me my start,” said DeMusis. “It only felt right to keep giving back.”
DeMusis has made a gift to the University every year for the last 30 consecutive years — and for 49 years in total. During this year’s Giving Day celebration, that extraordinary commitment was formally recognized with a special tribute honoring his lifelong dedication to supporting the University.
“Rich truly embodies the spirit of the University of New Haven in every sense of the word,” said Shauntaye Williams-Monroe, associate director of alumni communications. “As an alum, a dedicated staff member, and a donor, Rich is a living reminder of what it means to believe in the mission of the University and to carry it forward with heart, dedication, and humility.”
The decision to honor DeMusis on Giving Day wasn’t just about his impressive giving streak. It was about the way he has done it — with humility, grace, and unwavering belief in the power of education.
“Rich was the perfect person to recognize,” said Darcy Turner, executive director of advancement services. “He has not only been a generous donor for 50 years, but he is also an alum and a hard-working staff member. An amazing trifecta! And in the end, he is so humble, appreciative, and unassuming.”
Giving Day, held annually each spring, brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff, families, and friends of the University to rally support for everything from scholarships to student organizations. This year, more than 800 donors helped raise more than $315,000. Part of the celebration was a surprise event to award DeMusis for his philanthrhopy over the years.
“It was emotional,” said DeMusis. “I didn’t expect it at all.”
Giving Day is more than a fundraising campaign — it’s a reflection of the Charger community’s shared values. That’s why, this year, the Advancement team leaned into recognizing faculty and staff whose giving mirrors the impact they already make every day through their work.
“We wanted to celebrate all who have given this year — and encourage others — so this part of the celebration was meant to demonstrate how much we appreciate our employees giving back when they already give so much of their time and effort,” said Turner. “Rich’s recognition really brought that message home.”
Brian Otis, EMBA, vice president of University advancement, emphasized the importance of celebrating individuals such as DeMusis who exemplify selfless giving. “Humanity depends on the generosity of many,” Otis said. “People like Rich remind us what a difference one person can make over time.”
“Giving Day is an annual, all-day event where we show our collective Charger pride to raise funds in support of the University of New Haven,” added Turner. “All gifts — whether in support of the Annual Fund, or a particular passion, sport, or scholarship — play an important role in providing brighter futures for our students.”
That future starts with students today. With senior class giving opportunities built into Giving Day, students are encouraged to begin their philanthropic journeys while they’re still on campus. DeMusis’s example showed how those first steps can turn into a lifetime of impact.
The positive response to honoring DeMusis was immediate. “It just felt so good to do,” said Turner. “We’ve already decided we should do it every year.”
That means DeMusis won’t be the last staff member or donor recognized in this way. But his story has set a precedent rooted in quiet generosity, lifelong service, and a deep belief in the University’s mission.
“He never asked to be recognized,” said Williams-Monroe. “That’s what made honoring him so special.”
University News
New University-wide council will advance strategic partnerships, immersive student opportunities, and innovative research, supporting the University’s strategic plan the development of its pioneering Center for Innovation and Applied Technology.
The Charger Blog
Entrepreneur David Sussman, Pompea College of Business Advisory Board Member and chief visionary officer of The Family Security Plan®, is collaborating with University of New Haven students, faculty, and staff to create a program and app that helps Chargers support each other to achieve academic, personal, and professional goals. It’s called Uccountability.
University News
Vice President for Innovation and Applied Technology Paul Lavoie will serve on the Board of Directors and as America’s Chief Manufacturing Officer for the newly launched American Manufacturing Futures Institute.