The Charger Blog
After accepting their degrees during the University鈥檚 Winter Commencement ceremony, graduates reflected on what they have learned and their favorite 黑料社s at the University, and look to the future.
December 18, 2019
From the first time she visited campus, Kayleigh Kish 鈥20 says she knew the University of New Haven would be a perfect fit.
鈥淏eing surrounded by a large student veteran population on campus made coming to the University of New Haven a smooth transition from active duty,鈥 said Kish, who enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserve in 2012 and will be going on her first overseas deployment this summer. 鈥淭he small campus provided a sense of community and a diverse environment.鈥
Hired as a police officer by the city of Milford during her senior year, Kish attended the police academy while completing her degree. She plans to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in clinical mental health counseling.
Kish, who majored in criminal justice, was among the more than 700 undergraduate and graduate students who were awarded their degrees during the University鈥檚 Winter Commencement ceremony on December 15.
For Bethany Hoschar 鈥20, who earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in forensic science, her research enabled her to travel to the Bahamas and to Cura莽ao. Active in the University鈥檚 Center for Wildlife Forensic Research, Hoschar, a member of the University鈥檚 Honors program, completed a project as part of the University鈥檚 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program.
鈥淢y coursework, the opportunities I have had, and my sorority, Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women in Technical Studies enabled me to take positions of leadership and step outside my comfort zone,鈥 said Hoschar, who plans to soon travel to Australia to conduct research. 鈥淚 have grown as a person, and I feel prepared for next steps in my life.鈥
One of Hoschar鈥檚 favorite memories of her time as a Charger was planning a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) event with Alpha Sigma Kappa for a local group of girl scouts.
鈥淭he girls had so much fun, and they asked to do it again,鈥 said Hoschar, who plans to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in biomedical sciences, and, eventually, her doctorate. 鈥淭hrough my sorority, I was able to work with many other organizations on and off-campus, and we helped to create a 'home' feeling on campus.鈥
Carolyn Olortegui 鈥20, who graduated with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in political science, participated in internships in the office of State Representative Dorinda Borer鈥檚 reelection campaign and in the Office of Connecticut State Treasurer Shawn Wooden.
Active in the University鈥檚 Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Olortegui has served as a Diversity Peer Educator, as well as president of the University鈥檚 Latin American Student Association. A member of the University鈥檚 NAACP chapter, she was also involved in the University鈥檚 Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) Council.
鈥淭he Myatt Center has been a second home for me at the University,鈥 said Olortegui, who recently earned an internship in the district office of Connecticut Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. 鈥淒irector Juan Hernandez has been an incredible resource. The Myatt Center is one of the reasons I became involved on campus, and my involvement with the Center has been one of the highlights of my time as a student.鈥
Andrew Rigoli 鈥20, 鈥22 M.S. is a veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps. After serving as a legal service specialist and working closely with the Naval Criminal Investigative Services, he got an inside look at the civilian side of the criminal justice field as a student while interning with the Seymour, Conn. Police Department. Now a corporate paralegal for Frontier Communications, he plans to pursue opportunities working for the government.
鈥淢y professors encouraged me to strive for more, to ask the uncomfortable questions, to separate myself from fact and opinion, and, most importantly, to listen 鈥 even when I might have disagreed with what someone was saying,鈥 he said. 鈥淎t the University, I was challenged every step of the way, but with the help of my fellow veterans, staff, and professors, I felt 鈥 and still feel 鈥 unstoppable.鈥
Meghan Mahar 鈥20, who majored in business management, says her time as a Charger taught her how to be resilient. Her involvement with and the Student Committee for Programming Events (SCOPE) enabled her to combine her love of music with her interest in management. She earned music marketing internships at Live Nation, Atlantic Records, and Paradigm Talent Agency.
A member of the University鈥檚 Honors program, she says one of her favorite memories as a student was cohosting Comedy Week, an event that annually brings the University community together.
鈥淚 hosted viral comedian Trevor Wallace in the German Club,鈥 says Mahar. 鈥淚t was filled to capacity with students, and the energy was electric. Everyone waited for hours to get a seat and I was so excited to see students from all parts of campus attending the show.鈥
University News
New affiliation will also feature Connecticut's largest healthcare network overseeing the university鈥檚 counseling and psychological services and athletic training for student-athletes.
The Charger Blog
Cristina Shaul 鈥25, a music major, turned an independent research project into a hands-on lesson in album production 鈥 compiling, licensing, designing, and marketing a limited-edition cassette that celebrates 10 years of creativity in the University鈥檚 Hip-Hop Technology and Production course.
The Charger Blog
Selected for a prestigious national fellowship, Mehdi Mekni, Ph.D., is leading efforts to transform computer science education through industry partnerships, stackable credentials, and workforce-driven learning.