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
Kiana (White) Tremulot ’23, ’24, M.S. and Vincent Tremulot-Blanchard ’25, ’26 MBA met on campus at the University of New Haven nearly four years ago. They are now celebrating their first Valentine’s Day since they were married earlier this year.
February 13, 2026
We met in August 2022 at the University of New Haven. I, Kiana, was a senior focused on my future, and Vincent, was a first-year student from France chasing the American college dream. Neither of us were looking for a relationship, as we were both still healing from the past. But God and a snoring roommate brought us together.
We started off as friends, with me using my “French charm” to try and win Kiana over. But like every French man, I do not like to waste my time, so soon enough, I asked Kiana out, which she happily answered with a "No..."
Still, our connection deepened, especially during one conversation that lasted until 5 a.m. That night, Vincent expressed his deepest feelings, and he, “laid all his cards on the table,” unsure if I felt the same. My reply? “You got potential.”
Then our story begins!
On May 12, 2023, I asked Kiana to be my girlfriend. Over the next year, we built countless memories as Chargers, sharing meals, laughing together. We even took a spring break trip to Seattle, where I helped Kiana learn to ski.
After Kiana earned her Master’s in human resources in May 2024 and began her career in Seattle as an employee listening specialist with Boeing, we faced the challenge of a long-distance relationship. Though difficult, the separation brought clarity, sparking deep conversations about our future, including marriage.
On May 23, 2025, aboard a cruise on the Seine River in Paris, I asked Kiana to spend forever with him. She said yes.
Falling in love with Kiana was the easiest thing I ever had to do in my life.
More recently, on January 8, we got married in Westfield, New Jersey, joining our lives forever, surrounded by family and friends. Now we are waiting to begin the next chapter of our love story together, forever, after Vincent graduates this May.
My life is so much better with Vincent in it.
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.