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For Izabella Velez '26, being a Charger is a family affair.

Her dad, Jason Vieira '94, graduated from the University of New Haven with a degree in accounting, and he now owns Jason Vieira CPA, LLC in Hamden, Conn. Izabella plans to follow in her father's footsteps.

"I grew up around accountants my whole life, and that career path felt like it really fit my talents and interests," she said. "After seeing the accounting program and meeting some of the professors at the University, my decision was a no brainer. I felt like everything I will need to succeed and thrive as a budding accountant was right at my fingertips."

'Investment in the limitless potential of the next generation of women leaders'

Velez is one of the first students to benefit from an innovative new relationship recently created between the University of New Haven and , where she is nearing her high school graduation.

The University and Sacred Heart Academy, a young woman's preparatory Roman Catholic high school in Hamden, Conn., recently announced a new articulation agreement that will provided qualified Sacred Heart Academy graduates with a minimum of a 50 percent tuition scholarship that would be renewable for up to four years.

Dolores Ennico '82 MBA, '17 Hon., a member of the University of New Haven's Board of Governors, who received an honorary doctorate from the University in 2017 ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ“ and who is also a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy and a member of its Advisory Board ÐÓ°ÉÔ­°æ“ helped spearhead the development of the new relationship.

"I am grateful to both President Steve Kaplan and President Shelia O'Neill for their leadership in establishing a creative relationship that will have a far-reaching impact on both institutions," says Ennico. "This is a significant and critical investment in the limitless potential of the next generation of women leaders."

'What a wonderful opportunity this is'

As part of the agreement, the University is establishing the University of New Haven/Sacred Heart Academy Scholarship that will be funded by the University. Accepted students from Sacred Heart Academy would also be eligible for additional need-based aid from the University as well as any state or federal aid for which they may qualify.

In addition, Sacred Heart Academy graduates who enroll at the University will be guaranteed a paid, on-campus job, if they desire to be employed while attending the University.

Sacred Heart students will also have the opportunity while in high school to take one course on ground at the University per year at no tuition cost, up to a maximum of three courses.

"We are so excited about this partnership, and we look forward to seeing how it can grow and deepen," said President O'Neill of Sacred Heart Academy. "What a wonderful opportunity this is for the girls of Sacred Heart Academy. Thank you so much, University of New Haven."

"This is a significant and critical investment in the limitless potential of the next generation of women leaders."Dolores Ennico '82 MBA, '17 Hon.

'We are excited to invest in their success'

As part of the collaboration, educators from both institutions will also develop a Women in Business summer academy that will be open to high school students. The university will also make slots available at a reduced costs for Sacred Heart Academy students to be part of summer academies at the university that focus on health professions and forensic science. In addition, university faculty members will also make periodic visits and deliver guest lectures at Sacred Heart Academy.

Sacred Heart Academy will also offer 50 percent tuition scholarship to qualified daughters of full-time University of New Haven faculty and staff, up to five students in any given year.

"We are exceptionally proud and excited for this partnership," said Greg Eichhorn, vice president of enrollment and student success. "We are looking forward to welcoming talented graduates of Sacred Heart Academy to our community, and we are excited to invest in their success."

'I'm thrilled to be attending the University in the fall'

Velez, the incoming University of New Haven accounting major, is excited to get involved with the University's esports program and is looking forward to getting to know her classmates.

On one of her initial visits to campus, she met Mary Miller, MBA, CPA, a distinguished lecturer in accounting. "I was already very fascinated with the school, and after listening to Prof. Miller talk about all the internship programs and courses that would be offered, it was a very easy decision from there."

Velez says her ultimate plan is to get her master's degree, sit for the CPA exam, and join her father's firm. Before that, she is excited to be a Charger.

"I'm thrilled to be attending the University in the fall," she said.