“Once a Charger; Always a Charger:” Graduate Commencement Speaker Shares Message of Love, Community, and Legacy

What could have ended up being a mistake, ended up being a life-changing destination for Vincent Tremulot-Blanchard ’25, MBA ‘26, who recently earned his Master of Business Administration degree.

Tremulot-Blanchard shared his story during the 2026 Graduate and Doctoral Commencement ceremony, telling his peers that if his name didn’t matter, he hoped his words and story would encourage them as they prepare for their next chapter.

“From the moment I stepped onto this campus, I felt something different,” Tremulot-Blanchard said. “I found a love that welcomed me, challenged me, and ultimately transformed me. A promise of a bright future, even far beyond what I could ever imagined.”

From meeting life mentors in his professors, gaining leadership skills by becoming a Resident Assistant, and feeling inspiration through his graduate assistant position with Charger Athletics, Tremulot-Blanchard, who hails from France, also realized he found a great deal love at the University of New Haven, which came in various forms.

He found love through his faith, for his community, and for leadership. He even found the love of his life. Tremulot-Blanchard married alumna Kiana (White) Tremulot ’23, ’24, M.S., back in January.

“More than roles, titles or achievements, as you heard, what I found is a loving community, a home away from home,” Tremulot-Blanchard said. “Just as my wife and many more here shaped me into the man and leader I am today, someone here has shaped you. Take a moment to think about it. A friend, a teammate, a professor, a mentor, someone pushed you, inspired you, and believed in you. Remember those whose footsteps you followed, and whose example pushed you to go even further.”

While the graduating Chargers won’t be physically on campus anymore, Tremulot-Blanchard reminded them that their impact still carries on, and they have a legacy of love and unity to leave behind.

“Everything we accomplished here, every challenge we overcame, let’s take that with us,” he said. “Let’s bring that same energy, that same excellence, that same love into the world, and let’s stay connected.”

As the world is connected now more than ever through digital means, Tremulot-Blanchard encouraged his peers to share their good news going forward.

“When we land that dream job, let’s share it,” he said. “When we close major business deals, save lives, build groundbreaking technologies, or do anything that would make the world a better place and would inspire others, let’s bring those stories back here. Let our success reflect the University and its community, just as this community once reflected on us.”

Speaking of technology, Tremulot-Blanchard even donned a pair of Meta glasses as he concluded his speech, saying “Let’s go Chargers” to a chorus of applause.

Even though the graduates arrived at the University of New Haven coming from all different backgrounds, Tremulot-Blanchard reminded them that they are leaving united by one thing: “The love of a community that reshaped us.”

President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., shared some words of wisdom for the new graduates, who surmised may be feeling a sense of nervousness and uncertainty as they look to the future.

“The rollercoaster of college is not unlike the rollercoaster of life,” Dr. Frederiksen said. The time you have spent on campus has positioned you for academic, professional, personal, social, global, and lasting success.”

As the graduates step out into the world, Frederiksen reminded them that they are entering a world that requires “tremendous wherewithal,” and that they’ll have to adapt to change, most times rather quickly.

One area, especially, creating challenges and opportunities is artificial intelligence. Frederiksen predicts that AI itself, likely, won’t replace people, those who are skilled in AI will replace those who are not.

“Lots of questions remain – including ethical ones," he said. “Like with every great tool and powerful innovation, how are we to use it? And what will it mean for the future of humanity. Let me plant this seed – as productivity reaches new heights – the question for your generation might well be the question of distribution. If indeed we can produce enough for everyone, who gets what and how?”

Regardless of the industry each graduate enters, Frederiksen shared this message: “Find your purpose, and enjoy the ride."

“You will likely feel the same uncertainty and nervousness you felt your first day of classes and maybe more than once – just remember how you made it here today,” he continued. “Just imagine the impact you will have on the future. Look around you. The future is here, and it is the future of the Charger.”