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Charger Nation Rallies Together to Help University Exceed Giving Day Goals

As part of the UniversityӰԭs recent Giving Day and Founders Day celebration, nearly 1,200 Chargers from across the globe celebrated the UniversityӰԭs 102nd birthday and raised more than $140,000 that will support important organizations, initiatives, and projects at the University.

May 5, 2022

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications


The Giving Day and Founders Day celebration brought the University community together.
The Giving Day and Founders Day celebration brought the University community together.

When Sophia Gambale Ӱԭ22 was a sophomore at the University of New Haven, she started her position as a lab manager for the UniversityӰԭs Center for Wildlife Forensic Research. Passionate about the labӰԭs important hands-on research, she has been involved with a variety of exciting projects since, and sheӰԭs grateful for the opportunities sheӰԭs had in the lab.

A forensic science major, Gambale has conducted research as part of the UniversityӰԭs Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program, and she has assisted with NASA Connecticut Space Grant-funded research exploring thermal variations in marshes and the impact of climate change. She recently shared her passion for the labӰԭs work Ӱԭ and introduced members of the University community to some of the labӰԭs live animals, including cockroaches Ӱԭ at the UniversityӰԭs Founders Day and Giving Day celebration.

ӰԭWe are passionate about animals, wildlife, and the labӰԭs mission,Ӱԭ she said. ӰԭThis event lets us share what we are doing and discuss our research. The support we get from this helps us ensure the animals have their needs met and are well cared for.Ӱԭ

Sophia Gambale Ӱԭ22 (right) and her Center for Wildlife Forensic Research colleagues introduced the University community to some of the labӰԭs animals.
Sophia Gambale Ӱԭ22 (right) and her Center for Wildlife Forensic Research colleagues introduced the University community to some of the labӰԭs animals.
ӰԭI am proud to do this for the UniversityӰԭ

The Center for Wildlife Forensic Research was one of 15 projects that donors could support as part of Giving Day. Gambale and her fellow lab members were at one of the many tables set up in the Beckerman Recreation Center where students and staff whose organizations were also among the Giving Day projects shared their work and passions with the University community.

Donors who supported the University on its 2nd annual Giving Day could make a gift in support of a particular project. ӰԭHonor the past, build the futureӰԭ was the theme of the event, and the University exceeded its goals of raising $100,000 from 1,000 donors in 24 hours. Nearly 1,200 donors contributed more than $140,000.

ӰԭCOVID has impacted studentsӰԭ experience, and we want to continue to bring the spirit back to campus,Ӱԭ said , vice president for advancement, at the kickoff. ӰԭWe want to focus on student activities that arenӰԭt always in the spotlight. I couldnӰԭt be more grateful to be a part of this and to support this. I am proud to do this for the University.Ӱԭ

Tiara Starks Ӱԭ22 and Charlie at the Giving Day kickoff.
Tiara Starks Ӱԭ22 and Charlie at the Giving Day kickoff.
ӰԭAn experience like no otherӰԭ

Founders Day, which celebrated the UniversityӰԭs 102nd birthday, brought students, staff, faculty, and alumni together for a fun day that included games, prizes, and food trucks. Chargers also attended the Giving Day kickoff, which included music from , the UniversityӰԭs radio station, and a performance by the Ӱԭ both Giving Day projects.

Recipients of Giving Day support also included the Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion, the , the WomenӰԭs Leadership Fund, and the .

Tiara Starks Ӱԭ22, a communication major, was excited to see the University community come together to celebrate Giving Day.

ӰԭI am glad to see students get even more involved,Ӱԭ she said. ӰԭItӰԭs important that students take part in this, and the impact of donations is great. It has been exciting and wonderful to see so many people come together to support the University. ItӰԭs an experience like no other.Ӱԭ

Members of the University community at the celebration.
Members of the University community at the celebration.
ӰԭSet me up for successӰԭ

Dawn Alderman '99, '03 M.S., president of the Board of Directors of the UniversityӰԭs Alumni Association, described the event as Ӱԭvery energizing."

ӰԭIӰԭm excited to be on campus to learn more about these great projects and to take part in these wonderful activities,Ӱԭ she continued. ӰԭBeing here in person as an alum and seeing everyone so excited is great. ItӰԭs an incredible group of students.Ӱԭ

Gambale, the Center for Wildlife Forensic Research lab manager, also enjoyed taking part in the event and sharing in the excitement. Planning to pursue her masterӰԭs degree in ecology, evolution, and ecosystems at after graduating this month, she is excited for the future and is grateful for the meaningful experiences sheӰԭs had as a Charger.

ӰԭI wouldnӰԭt be able to have had the opportunities IӰԭve had at the University without this kind of support,Ӱԭ said Gambale. ӰԭThis has set me up for success.Ӱԭ

Charlie celebrates with members of the Chargers Dance Team.
Charlie celebrates with members of the Chargers Dance Team.

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