The Charger Blog

University of New Haven Receives 'Live United' Award from United Way of Greater New Haven

The longtime chair of the UniversityӰԭs United Way Campaign, Greg Overend, executive director of student engagement, leadership, and orientation, accepted the award that celebrates the UniversityӰԭs community impact

August 2, 2024

By Caitlin Truesdale, Office of Marketing and Communications

Greg Overend (second from right) and fellow honorees at the LIVE UNITED award ceremony. Everyone is standing outside, in a line, and smiling.
Greg Overend (second from right) and fellow honorees at the LIVE UNITED award ceremony.

For over a decade, Greg Overend, executive director of student engagement, leadership, and orientation at the University of New Haven, has been a driving force behind the UniversityӰԭs longstanding relationship with . His unwavering commitment and leadership have inspired countless faculty, staff, and students to engage in community service and philanthropy.

ӰԭIӰԭve been doing this for a while, and I see the value,Ӱԭ says Overend. ӰԭI see what the United Way does, I see how the money is spent, and I see that it is value added. If this is how I can give back, I think itӰԭs great.Ӱԭ

Overend takes pride in the UniversityӰԭs support of the United WayӰԭs work. ThatӰԭs why it was especially rewarding for him that the United Way selected the University to receive its ӰԭLive UnitedӰԭ award, which recognizes an organization that exemplifies what it means to LIVE UNITED through their history of collective giving, advocating, and volunteering.

Greg Overend accepted the 'Live United' award on behalf of the University of New Haven. He holds a microphone and stands in front of a red and blue step and repeat
Greg Overend accepted the 'Live United' award on behalf of the University of New Haven.

ӰԭI was happy to hear we received the award,Ӱԭ he says. ӰԭI am thankful to the United Way for honoring us, and for the recognition of what we as a university do to make an impact.Ӱԭ

'What we have done collectivelyӰԭ

Overend, who has co-chaired the UniversityӰԭs United Way Planning Committee for the last 10 years, accepted the award on the UniversityӰԭs behalf at the United WayӰԭs LIVE UNITED Celebration earlier this summer.

ӰԭThe University of New Haven has raised a cumulative total of $409,000 over the past 12 years... University of New Haven employees and students also give thousands of hours of volunteer serviceӰԭreading to children, sorting and packaging diapers, or working in a community garden,Ӱԭ Jennifer Heath, president & CEO of the United Way of Greater New Haven remarked.

Overend emphasized the community-wide effort behind earning this achievement.

ӰԭWe received this award because of what we have done collectively,Ӱԭ he says. ӰԭWe have faculty and staff who regularly support United Way, and a dedicated committee. IӰԭm just the guy leading the group.Ӱԭ

The committee led by Overend organizes various events each year, ranging from the United We Dine event to a cute dog photo contest, engaging the University community in creative ways to help raise money for the United Way. Through these efforts, the University not only raises awareness but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.

'Passion for the communityӰԭ

Jessica Teta, senior director of development at the United Way of Greater New Haven, expressed her gratitude for OverendӰԭs leadership. "It has been a great honor to work with Greg and the University of New Haven. We are so grateful for his outstanding leadership and commitment every year. The time he dedicates to leading the committee and managing the campaign is truly a testament to his character and passion for the community."

University of New Haven volunteers for the United Way painting a classroom at West Haven Child Development Center. Students holding paint brushes look at the camera and smile, each wearing a red or blue Live United shirt.
PUNH Volunteers' photo: University of New Haven volunteers for the United Way painting a classroom at West Haven Child Development Center.

United Way is dedicated to creating solutions for the regionӰԭs most pressing challenges in education, health, and financial stability. By partnering with organizations such as the University of New Haven, United Way is able to connect community knowledge with strong relationships, take action-oriented approaches, and ground their work in racial and social justice.

The award, Overend says, is a testament to the Charger communityӰԭs commitment to serving the local community, cultivating inclusivity, and making a difference.

ӰԭDonations made by our employees make a real difference for real families,Ӱԭ says Overend. ӰԭWe can help everyone thrive by improving access to education, food, stable housing, and opportunities to build financial stability. It takes a village.Ӱԭ