The Charger Blog
For Imani Cooper ’26, her experience as a student has been about more than classes and textbooks. The University’s innovative Nashville Study Away Program, hands-on internships, and alumni connections all gave her real-world experience that continues to shape her future in the music industry.
The Charger Blog
Alexis Fernandez ’26 reflects on her growth at the University and the decisions that shaped the journey of the Class of 2026 to Commencement.
The Charger Blog
Sravan Chowdary Gogineni ’26 M.S. reflects on overcoming early challenges as an International student at the University of New Haven and how discipline, sport, and community shaped his graduate journey.
The Charger Blog
Mia Ribellino ’25, ’26 M.S. shares her journey from growing up attending homecoming with her father George Ribellino ’95 to joining him as a proud alum, highlighting tradition and lifelong Charger pride.
University News
The Class of 2026 includes more than 1,100 undergraduates and nearly 2,000 graduate students hailing from 46 states, 31 countries, and 152 cities and towns across Connecticut. Long-time University of New Haven professor Martin J. O’Connor, a member of the New Haven Fire Department for three decades who retired as chief, will give the Commencement address on Saturday.
Charger 360
Jan Jones, associate professor of practice in hospitality and tourism management, and the highest rated guest in Charger 360 history, returns to the show to for the finale of season 4 to turn the tables and interview hosts Bruce Barber and J.W. Stewart. J.W. explained the inexplicable: never having a cup of coffee and experienced his first cup of joe on the show. Both Bruce and J.W. shared their most embarrassing (learning) moments, which for Bruce occurred early in his radio career and J.W. during his first year at ESPN. J.W. reflected on the advice several ESPN luminaries offered that has stayed with him throughout his career. They also discussed their shared love of lobster and offered their own messages of positivity.
University News
Janet J. Jensen ’17 Hon., founder of The Jensen Project, a highly regarded nonprofit that has infused more than $11 million into the anti-trafficking efforts, is supporting the establishment of the Jensen Community Center for Applied Justice as well as the development of survivor-center initiatives to combat human trafficking that can be scaled and shared nationwide.
University News
University of New Haven-Riyadh is scheduled to open in Fall 2026 with the launch of a College of Business and Digital Innovation that is expected to attract an inaugural incoming class of up to 500 students to pursue degrees in the University’s signature programs in business, entrepreneurship and digital innovation.
The Charger Blog
Jailene Resto ’26 looks back on her journey from first-year uncertainty to preparing to graduate, sharing a heartfelt reflection on community, and inspiring words about what comes next.
The Charger Blog
At the University of New Haven’s annual iFest, one of campus’s most anticipated and meaningful annual traditions, students celebrate global heritage through vibrant performances, international cuisine, and interactive cultural displays.
The Charger Blog
Oluwatoyosi Tomiwa Kehinde ’26 reflects on her time at the University of New Haven and how her involvement in the campus radio station WNHU helped her discover her voice.
University News
Ganesh Balasubramanian, Ph.D., is one of the newest members elected to the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering. The recognition highlights groundbreaking research in high-entropy materials and underscores the growing impact of the University of New Haven’s faculty among Connecticut’s leading scientists and engineers.
University News
Following National College Decision Day on May 1, the University announced it has received nearly 1,400 deposits for incoming first-year students from an application pool of more than 22,000.
Charger 360
Gabby Teel ’26, an exercise science major and member of the Chargers track and field team, reflects on her decision to come to the University. “I came up here and fell in love.” She shared how she balances her academic and athletic commitments as well as earning an NEC title in the triple jump this year after qualifying for the NCAA Division II National Championships last year. She also shared how, as an introvert, she put an emphasis from the start of her time on campus to talking to everyone, building connections and getting involved on campus. “The people here are so welcoming.”
The Charger Blog
To help celebrate the 10th anniversary of the University’s innovative Nashville Study Away Program, Mattingly Creter ’26 MBA ’27 spoke with Steve Fishell one of the program’s original professors, to highlight his background and teaching philosophy.
The Charger Blog
English professor Randall Horton, Ph.D., has been recognized as a 2026 Writing Freedom Fellow, a distinction that highlights his literary work and lived experience while supporting his next creative project.
The Charger Blog
During a Fulbright Specialist Program assignment to Madagascar, Professor Mehdi Mekni helped modernize a technology institution’s curriculum through industry-recognized microcredentials, expanding the global impact of an innovation model pioneered at the University of New Haven.
University News
A newly signed master research agreement with The Lighting Quotient will connect University expertise with advanced optical engineering and lighting-design innovation.
The Charger Blog
The Savings Opportunity and Affordable Repayment (SOAR) Act would protect student-loan borrowers and provide a clearer path to debt relief.
The Charger Blog
Graduating Charger Beatrice Glaviano ’26 shares honest regrets, personal growth, and advice for students just getting started or still finding their way.