Beloved Professor Encourages University of New Haven’s Class of 2026 to ‘Be Grateful, Bold, and Generous’

More than 1,000 undergraduate candidates crossed the stage at the University of New Haven’s 103rd undergraduate Commencement on Saturday morning, celebrating years of perseverance, growth, and achievement during a ceremony under bright sunshine at Kathy Zolad Stadium.

A beloved professor, campus minister, alumnus, and retired New Haven fire chief, Martin “Marty” J. O’Connor delivered the ceremony’s keynote address, offering graduates three simple but powerful guiding principles: “Be grateful. Be bold. Be generous.”

Introducing Prof. O’Connor, University President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D. described him as “the true conscience of our community,” praising his decades of service to both the University and the city of New Haven.

“A proud University of New Haven graduate, he has been a Charger for more than 50 years,” Dr. Frederiksen said. “He is a regular presence at all University events, and he has developed a far-reaching reputation for his thoughtful messages and profound wisdom.”

‘Be grateful. Be bold. Be generous.’

O’Connor opened his remarks with humor, joking that because Commencement speakers are often celebrities, athletes, or public figures, students may have been disappointed not to see Bad Bunny or baseball star Aaron Judge take the stage. The laughter gave way to reflection as he shared lessons drawn from his own life and career.

“The three things that I hope you remember: Number 1 – Be grateful. Number 2 – Be bold. And Number 3 – Be generous,” O’Connor told graduates. “My hope is that these suggestions might make the road ahead of you a little less bumpy, a bit more fulfilling, and maybe even the source of joy and satisfaction in your lives.”

Prof. O’Connor urged the graduates to meaningfully share their gratitude with the people who supported them throughout their journeys. “If you haven’t thanked them already, take the time very soon to let them know how grateful you are,” he said. “And I mean a real thank you, not a cheesy text.”

‘Possibilities that I would never have considered on my own’

Drawing from his own experience as a University of New Haven student more than five decades ago, Prof. O’Connor reflected on the transformative role the University played in his life.

“I came to the University after something of a false start at another school,” he said. “What I found here is what I hope you have found as well: people who really cared about me, people who wanted to challenge me, people who wanted to help me think about possibilities that I would never have considered on my own.”

As the graduates prepare to enter a rapidly changing world shaped by technological advancement and uncertainty, Prof. O’Connor challenged them to embrace courage and adaptability.

“The world into which you now walk will demand nothing less,” he said. “You will simply have to be bold, be explorers, to flourish in your time and place.”

Quoting Shakespeare, he reminded students not to let fear prevent them from pursuing opportunity. “Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.”

‘The world needs you’

Prof. O’Connor concluded by encouraging graduates to use their education in service of others and to remain engaged with the world around them.

“The world needs you,” he said. “Now, more than ever, it needs your enthusiasm, your creativity, your capacity for sorting through the cynical and discordant voices that ring in all of our ears.”

Moments after his address, the University announced the creation of the Martin J. O’Connor Stevens Heights Engine Company #5 Fire Science Endowed Scholarship Fund, which was established through a philanthropic gift from the Stevens Heights Volunteer Engine and Hose Company #5, a West Haven-based nonprofit. The scholarship will support students pursuing careers in the fire service, honoring Prof. O’Connor’s decades of leadership and public service.

The ceremony also included the presentation of an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree to O’Connor. During the reading of the formal citation, he was recognized as a “passionate educator,” “dedicated public servant,” and the “thoughtful heart and soul of our Charger family.”

‘Find your purpose and enjoy the ride’

Presiding over Commencement, President Frederiksen reflected on the journey graduates experienced during their years at the University and encouraged them to embrace the uncertainty and opportunity that lies ahead.

“Your University of New Haven degree is a testament — a shield — a launchpad that no one can take from you,” Dr. Frederiksen said. “Carry it, use it, lean on it, and you will persevere.”

Speaking directly to the realities of a rapidly changing world, President Frederiksen acknowledged the growing role of artificial intelligence and the adaptability graduates will need moving forward.

“AI will not replace people,” he said. “However, people who are AI literate will likely replace people who are not. AI is a tool and while widespread adoption might take a little longer than expected, it is bound to impact every sector of society.”

Dr. Frederiksen urged students to move forward with confidence and emphasized that the University experience prepared graduates for much more than professional success.

“No matter what sector you enter, make sure to you give it your all,” he said. “Find your purpose and enjoy the ride. The world needs Chargers who work, live, and lead with integrity, grit, and desire for impact — locally, nationally, and globally.

“You will always have a home here at the University of New Haven,” he said.

‘Be where your feet are’

U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal ’00 Hon. spoke to the graduates as well. He congratulated them and encouraged them to approach the future with openness, optimism, and compassion. He applauded the diversity of the Class of 2026, and encouraged all, particularly international students, to pursue opportunities in the U.S.. “Connecticut needs you,” he shared.

Blumenthal reminded students that, “Your mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if you don’t open it,” while emphasizing that “love wins,” “faith wins,” and “hope wins.”

Student speaker Samantha Villa ’26 brought a personal perspective to the ceremony, reflecting on the importance of slowing down and appreciating the present moment. Villa, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, centered her remarks on a piece of advice from her grandmother: “Be where your feet are.” “When I first got to the University of New Haven, I thought that college was supposed to feel like running,” Villa said. “Chasing goals, chasing deadlines, chasing the next big thing.”

‘We are ready’

Villa reflected on the pressure many students feel to constantly achieve, balancing academics, leadership positions, internships, study abroad experiences, and future plans all at once. But a conversation with her grandmother during her sophomore year changed her perspective.

“I realized I didn’t need advice about my future,” she said. “I needed permission to stop running.”

Villa recounted the moments that defined her experience at the University, from studying abroad in Prato, Italy, to leadership experiences with Phi Sigma Sigma, participating in Mock Trial and the Legal Society, and the everyday interactions that became meaningful memories.

Villa asked graduates to literally look down at their feet and reflect on the journey that brought them to Commencement Day.

“They carried you through Charge-In, first roommate experiences, late-night studying, early-morning classes, finals, homecoming, heartbreaks, breakthroughs, homesickness, Charge-Out, victories, and all the moments in between,” she said. “Today, they are standing on the ground where you became a University of New Haven graduate.

“Class of 2026, take one last look at where your feet are today,” she said. “Then look up, because wherever they land next, we are ready.”

‘The beginning of what comes next’

The ceremony recognized undergraduate candidates from each of the University’s five academic colleges Dr. Frederiksen gave a special shoutout to nine members of the Chargers baseball team – as well as all student-athletes graduating who competed during the University’s first year in Division I – who received their degrees before heading to compete, and pick up a win, later that afternoon.

As graduates officially moved their tassels from right to left and streamers filled the stadium, the emotion of the moment reflected not only the end of a college journey, but the beginning of what comes next.

Throughout the morning, speakers returned again and again to themes of gratitude, resilience, service, and community, all reminders that success is measured not only by achievement, but by the impact graduates leave on the people and communities around them.

And as the Class of 2026 left Kathy Zolad Stadium as alumni, Prof. O’Connor’s words remained at the heart of the celebration.

“Be grateful,” he said. “Be bold. Be generous.”