Local Entrepreneur Makes Seven-Figure Gift to Support First-of-its-Kind Sales Institute at University of New Haven

The University of New Haven announced it has received a seven-figure commitment from local entrepreneur David Sussman that will support the development of a first-of-its-kind sales institute that will be located in the new home of the University’s Pompea College of Business that is being developed on its main campus in West Haven.

“The Sussman Family Sales Institute at the Pompea College of Business will serve as a global beacon of modern sales excellence, redefining how the world views, teaches, and innovates in the profession of sales,” says Sussman, a long-time benefactor of the University and a member of the Pompea College of Business’ Advisory Board.

“As the first-of-its-kind sales institute in Connecticut, it will seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technology, ethical leadership, and cross-industry collaboration to develop graduates who are among the world’s most sought after sales innovators,” continued Sussman. “Our flagship competitions, mentorship networks, and global exchange programs will set a new standard for experiential learning, with leading faculty as the intellectual cornerstone, inspiring the next generation and setting the pace for sales education across Connecticut and beyond.”

“We are most grateful for the generosity of David and for the longstanding support of the Sussman family,” said Jens Frederiksen, president of the University of New Haven. “David is a true pioneer in brilliantly integrating innovative sales practices for his successful insurance business that has enabled it to excel in an incredibly competitive marketplace. The Sussman Family Sales Institute will have a transformative impact on our students’ futures and in advancing our mission of delivering an unparalleled return on investment for our graduates.”

Through the Sussman Family Sales Institute, students will study and apply the most successful sales strategies, prepare for local and national competitions, and network with industry leaders.

Two of the last three years, University of New Haven students finished among the best in the nation at the National Collegiate Sports Sales Championship. During the fall semester, a University of New Haven student finished in the top third of more than 100 students competing at the Northeast Sale Competition.

Sussman first got involved with the University through his mother, Janice, a 1983 graduate of the University’s Executive MBA program and a former member of its Board of Governors.

“She’s always been a guide who inspired me, kept me together and pushed me forward,” he said.

A sought-after motivational speaker, Sussman, spoke to students at the University’s inaugural “Charge Back” program last summer. Earlier this year, he hosted a panel discussion with students who took part in the first cohort of his Uccountability program, a peer-to-peer achievement system that provides structure, support, and consistent accountability to help anyone accomplish their goals.

“David is among the Pompea College’s most dedicated and passionate supporters,” said Brian T. Kench, dean of the Pompea College of Business. “The Sussman Family Sales Institute truly embodies his life’s work of creating opportunities and making a difference for others.”

At the end of the 2024-25 academic year, the University’s Pompea College of Business moved back to the West Haven campus from its nearby Orange campus, where it was located for more than a decade in the former worldwide headquarters of Hubbell. The University is scheduled to break ground later this year on a donor-funded on-campus facility for the Pompea College.