$5 million gift from alum will jumpstart Univ. of New Haven’s transition to Division I
$5 million gift from alum will jumpstart Univ. of New Haven’s transition to Division I
Momentum is building at the University of New Haven, where the Chargers are transitioning to the highest level of collegiate sports.
The institution in West Haven recently accepted an invitation to join the Northeast Conference, and its athletic teams will be competing on the NCAA Division I stage within four years.
This week, the athletics department received a boost unlike any that it had ever seen.
Longtime benefactor Jeffery Hazell, who graduated from the university in 1983, donated $5 million to directly support the journey to Division I.
It is the single-largest individual contribution in the history of the university’s athletics department.
The money will fund continued renovations and improvements to the Hazell Athletic Center, as the university further commits to competitive excellence. The facility was named after Hazell following his 2022 donation.
According to a release from the university, Hazell’s history of investing in the athletics department represents his belief in the power of sports to elevate the student experience and enhance institutional pride.
University of New Haven President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D. described Hazell’s latest gift as extraordinary and considers it to be both a game-changer and catalyst for the future of the athletics department.
“His leadership, generosity and belief in our vision for Division I will benefit generations of student-athletes and lift our entire community,” Frederiksen said. “We are deeply grateful for his continued commitment.”
Thanks to Hazzel’s donation, the athletic center will be modernized to attract top athletes and coaches from around the United States and beyond. It will feature world-class amenities for training, competition and student-athlete development.
Hazell explained his decision to provide the funding, noting that he believes in what the athletics department can one day become.
“Moving to Division I will raise the university’s profile, energize the campus community and create new opportunities for our students. I’m proud to help make that happen,” Hazell said.
Hazell’s gift follows a record-setting year for the University of New Haven. Over a 12-month window, nearly $30 million was raised in private support from alumni and friends of the university.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at [email protected].
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