Charger Nation News

Read the latest University news, check out feature stories about signature University programs, or see our faculty quoted in some of the most well-known newspapers, TV shows, and radio programs.

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Charger 360

Charger 360 - Season 4, Episode 20: Sereana Vulaona ’27 and Coach Emily Record

Women’s rugby player Sereana Vulaona ’27, a criminal justice major, and head coach Emily Record discuss their journeys to the University. Sereana, who only started playing rugby her senior year of high school, joined the show from California, where she is training with the Team USA rugby team. “Sereana works really hard,” said Coach Record. “It is a testament to her work ethic that she is able to go out and perform.” Sereana shared what she enjoys most about being a Charger, and Coach gave an overview of her recruiting pitch, the team and the sport, and the difference between the formats with seven and 15 players on the field as well as what it takes to succeed in rugby.

Charger 360

Charger 360 - Season 4, Episode 19: Mia ’25, ’26 M.S. and George Ribellino ’95

Father and daughter Mia Ribellino ’25, ’26 M.S. and George Ribellino ’95 reflected on their shared affinity for being Chargers. “I grew up coming to campus as a kid and always joked it was my dream school,” said Mia, who earned a bachelor’s degree in forensic science and is now pursuing a master’s degree in emergency management. George, a native of Florida, looked back on his involvement as a student, including hosting postgame shows on WNHU and serving as editor of the Charger Bulletin. “I can’t tell you how much this school has done for me,” he said. Remembering the support he received across campus when his mother passed away when he was a student and the lifelong friends he has from his time as a Charger, he added, “It is truly a family. Mia also talked about her work as an RA and highlighted the impact of Enhanced Learning Communities in the residence halls as well as the role faith and community plays in her family. “I’m beaming with pride,” dad said, as Mia responded, “I have a great role model.”

University News

University of New Haven Announces New Partnership Providing Continuing Education for K-12 School Finance and Operations Personnel

University of New Haven Announces New Partnership Providing Continuing Education for K-12 School Finance and Operations Personnel Through a new collaboration with the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), the University of New Haven will provide a series of micro-credential opportunities for members of the education community interested in increasing their knowledge of school business operations.

Charger 360

Charger 360 - Season 4, Episode 18: Ceyda Mumcu ’07 M.S.

Ceyda Mumcu ’07 M.S., John R. Gehring Professor and chair of the Department of Sport, Tourism & Hospitality Management, shares her journey from growing up in Turkey, pursuing her passion for basketball, earning a spot on the national team, and playing professionally, to moving to the U.S. to pursue a master’s degree in sport management at the University of New Haven. After pursuing her Ph.D. at the University of Mexico, she returned to the University as a professor. “Once you find a home, you come back,” she said. She outlined her focus on networking and creating opportunities for students to participate in competitions and hands-on learning opportunities from Day One. She also talked about the Pompea College of Business being the first higher education partner with Major League Baseball’s New York Mets and what that means for students.

Charger 360

Charger 360 - Season 4, Episode 17: Paul Lavoie

Paul Laovie, vice president for innovation and applied technology, shares his journey from being a first-generation high school graduate, beginning his career in the supermarket industry, and becoming the youngest store manager in the company’s history. He reflected on going back to school at nights and his career in sales and marketing as well as running a marketing agency and consulting business, before transitioning into manufacturing and being named the State of Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer, a role he held for several years prior to joining the University. He talked about the vision for the University’s Elevation Center that is being developed in a 133,000 square foot facility adjacent to campus, industry collaborations he’s pursuing for the Center – including a concept in which the University would be part of a group creating a national hub for supply chain excellence – and his commitment to helping ensure graduates are better than ready for the careers of the future. “Our job is to stay one step ahead,” he said. “This is where higher education needs to go. We need to lean into industry.”

Charger 360

Charger 360 - Season 4, Episode 16: Katie Asiel ’26

Katie Asiel ’26, a communication major and a crew member on Charger 360, stepped in front of the camera to share her journey to the University of New Haven, calling it a happy accident that she learned about the school. It was a visit to campus that resonated most with her when she, coincidentally, met Charger 360 co-host Bruce Barber, the general manager of WNHU. “Differently from other schools, the way that you spoke about the school and students in general was so inspiring to me.” She also reflected on serving as the director for a student-created film called “My Man,” a romance thriller that will be submitted for a student production award, as well as attending the Cannes Film Festival as a sophomore. “It was such a magical experience.”