Notable Alumni of the University of New Haven

The University of New Haven, a diverse and vibrant community of more than 9,200 students from across the globe, has produced a distinguished array of alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Located in West Haven, Connecticut, between New York City and Boston, the University has earned recognition for its academic excellence from sources like U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. This article explores some of the most notable alumni who have emerged from this institution, highlighting their achievements and impact on society.

Overview of the University of New Haven

Before delving into the accomplishments of its alumni, it's important to understand the University of New Haven itself. The University's main campus spans 82 acres in West Haven, with additional satellite campuses in Orange, Connecticut, and Prato, Italy. The University of New Haven joined the New American Colleges and Universities in June 2015.

The University is composed of several colleges and schools, including:

College of Arts and Sciences
Pumpea College of Business
School of Health Sciences
Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences

The University of New Haven boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, with an average class size of 19 students. The University has 273 full-time faculty members in addition to part-time and adjunct faculty.

Notable Alumni in Politics and Public Service

Several University of New Haven alumni have distinguished themselves in the realm of politics and public service, shaping policies and serving their communities.

Jamaal Bowman: Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in sports management in 1999, Jamaal Anthony Bowman is an American politician and former educator. He served as the United States Representative for New York's 16th congressional district.

Vivian Davis Figures: As a Democratic member of the Alabama Senate, representing the 33rd District in Mobile County since 1997, Vivian Davis Figures has been a dedicated public servant. She was initially elected to serve the remaining term of her late husband, Senator Michael Figures.

Idris Jusoh: Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Haji Idris bin Jusoh is a Malaysian politician who served as Chairman of the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) from May 2020 to June 2023, the Minister of Higher Education and Minister of Education II in the Barisan Nasional (BN) administration under former Prime Minister Najib Razak from May 2013 to the collapse of the BN administration in May 2018.

Michael J. Rubio: Michael J. Rubio is a former California State Senator representing the 16th Senate District before resigning on February 22, 2013. He previously served as Fifth District Kern County Supervisor representing the communities of Arvin, Lamont, and East Bakersfield.

Neil O'Leary: Neil Michael O'Leary is an American politician and retired police chief who served as the 46th mayor of the City of Waterbury, Connecticut until 2023. He is a member of the Democratic Party.

Read also: History of the Block 'M'

Harry Rilling: Harry W. Rilling is an American politician who currently serves as mayor of Norwalk, Connecticut. He had previously served as Norwalk's police chief for 17 years before retiring. He is a Democrat, and was elected in 2013.

Larry Seilhamer Rodríguez: Lawrence N. "Larry" Seilhamer Rodríguez is a Puerto Rican politician who was the Secretary of State of Puerto Rico. He is affiliated with the pro-statehood New Progressive Party (PNP), and was a member of the Senate of Puerto Rico from January 7, 2009, until January 15, 2020. On December 2, 2020, he was nominated as Puerto Rico Secretary of State by Governor-elect Pedro R. Pierluisi.

Richard Borer: Former mayor of West Haven, Conn.

Notable Alumni in Arts and Entertainment

The University of New Haven has also fostered talent in the arts and entertainment industries, with alumni making their mark on stage, screen, and beyond.

James McCaffrey: James Perry McCaffrey was an American actor best known for his voice role as Max Payne in the Max Payne video game series, Jimmy Keefe on Rescue Me (2004-2011), and Captain Arthur O'Breun in New York Undercover (1994-1997). He also had main roles and recurring roles in a number of television series as well as appearing in feature films.

Read also: Legacy of Fordham University

Darren M. Haynes: Darren M. Haynes is an 13-time Emmy award-winning Sports Anchor at CBS affiliate KCAL in Los Angeles, California. He was previously a Sports Director and Sports Anchor for WUSA in Washington D.C. Darren also anchored SportsCenter at ESPN.

Ben Kopec: Benjamin Nils Kopec, known better by his stage name, Ben Kopec, is an American-based musician and composer.

Notable Alumni in Sports

The University of New Haven's athletic programs have produced talented individuals who have excelled in the world of sports, both on and off the field.

Steve Bedrosian: Stephen Wayne Bedrosian, nicknamed "Bedrock", is an American former professional baseball pitcher who played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), primarily with the Atlanta Braves. He also played for the Philadelphia Phillies, where he won the 1987 National League Cy Young Award, and the Minnesota Twins, where he won the 1991 World Series.

Tony Sparano: Anthony Joseph Sparano III was an American football coach. He served as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders of the National Football League (NFL) and is the only NFL head coach to have led a team to the playoffs the year following a one-win season, and only the second to conduct a ten-game turnaround, both of which he accomplished in his first season with the Dolphins.

Craig Breslow: Made it to the big leagues as a baseball pitcher, is now an executive with the Chicago Cubs.

Dave Wallace: David William Wallace is an American former professional baseball pitcher, pitching coach and front-office executive. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies and Toronto Blue Jays. After his playing career he was a pitching coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles.

Adrian Serioux: Adrian Serioux is a Canadian retired professional soccer player who played as a defender.

Walter Luckett: Walter Luckett Jr. is an American former basketball player.

Notable Alumni in Business and Entrepreneurship

The Pompea College of Business at the University of New Haven has nurtured successful entrepreneurs and business leaders who have made significant contributions to the corporate world.

Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud: Khaled bin Alwaleed Al Saud is a Saudi prince, entrepreneur, and investor. He is the son of Al-Waleed bin Talal and his first wife and cousin Dalal bint Saud. Khaled has been noted for his vegan lifestyle.

Selçuk Yorgancıoğlu: Selcuk Yorgancioglu is a Turkish/British financier. 'Yorgancioglu' is the founding partner of Tork Partners, an advisory and investment platform he founded in 2019 to invest with, advise and help manage private and institutional investors into Turkey and regional emerging markets.

Notable Alumni in Military and Law

Thomas H. Collins: Thomas Hansen Collins is a former admiral of the United States Coast Guard who served as the 22nd commandant from May 2002 to May 2006.

Merryl Tengesdal: Merryl Tengesdal is an American retired career military officer who is the first and only Black woman to fly the United States Air Force's U-2 spy plane used for specialized high-altitude reconnaissance missions.

Robert J. Lynn: Robert J. Lynn served as the 36th Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court. He was sworn in on April 9, 2018.

Notable Alumni in Culinary Arts

L. Timothy Ryan: Lawrence Timothy Ryan is an American chef and the fifth and current president of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

Other Notable Figures Associated with the University of New Haven

Henry C. Lee: (retired, former professor of forensic science) - worked on famous cases such as the JonBenét Ramsey murder, the O. J. Simpson and Laci Peterson cases, the post-9/11 forensic investigation, the Beltway sniper shootings, and the reinvestigation of the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

University's Resources and Opportunities

The University of New Haven provides a wide array of resources and opportunities to help its students succeed both during and after their academic careers. Approximately 99 percent of full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. The average amount of financial aid received from all sources was $23,566.

The University boasts more than 150 clubs and organizations, and students have access to hundreds of different study abroad programs, including at our own Tuscany Campus in Prato, Italy. About 75 percent of undergraduate students live on campus or in University-sponsored housing in 20 different residence halls. The Centers for Academic Success and Advising (CASA) are comprised of three offices, each of which is dedicated to giving University of New Haven students the skills they need to be successful students and graduates. Our approach is appreciative, personal, and collaborative.

The Career Development Center (CDC) is a comprehensive center for career advising, internships, and other career-related preparation and development. During the 2023-2024 academic year, the CDC posted 11,312 jobs and internships available to University of New Haven students. The career development staff conducted 983 mock interviews, and hosted 305 employers on campus.

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