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For Paige Resnick ’24 and Haleigh Resnick ’24 MBA, the University’s 2024 Commencement was particularly poignant. The sisters both accepted degrees – and they became the third generation of University alumni in their family.

Their family’s connection to the University spans nearly five decades. Their maternal grandfather David C. Hennessey ’77 MBA, ’98 M.S., served as the director of human resources and as an instructor for nearly 20 years. Their mother Lynne Hennessey Resnick ’94, ’96 M.S. is a program coordinator for the Provost’s Office, a position she has held for nearly 15 years.

“Graduating as a third-generation �������Թ� was a special moment for me,” said Haleigh. “Although my grandfather is no longer with us, I felt a connection to him on my graduation day.”

Paige, who earned her bachelor’s degree in health sciences, transferred to the University from Virginia Tech. While she admits that she was a little bit nervous about making new friends when she first began her time as a �������Թ�, she immediately felt comforted by knowing that her mom was also on campus. She found joy in having lunch with her in her office, walking around campus together, and in seeing her excel in her position.

“Being on the same campus as my mom has enhanced my experience as a �������Թ� an immense amount,” she said. “It means the world to me to continue my family legacy as a �������Թ�. I often reflect on how I'm following in my mother's and grandfather's footsteps, both on campus and as I worked toward my degree.”

‘Coming full circle’

Paige and Haleigh were among the thousands of new alumni who were recognized as part of the University’s 2024 Commencement, a three-day, four-ceremony celebration. Paige accepted her degree as part of the Saturday morning ceremony for students accepting associate and bachelor’s degrees. Haleigh was recognized as part of the Thursday afternoon ceremony for graduates of the Pompea College of Business who were accepting advanced degrees.

Not only did Hennessey Resnick, a long-time member of the University’s Commencement Committee, attend both ceremonies, but she presented each of her daughters their diplomas on stage. It has, in a way, become a meaningful family tradition – her father presented her bachelor’s and master’s degrees to her in the 1990s.

“Experiencing the excitement and pride of Commencement as both a member of the �������Թ� family and a �������Թ� mom to two amazing graduates has truly been one of the most memorable experiences of my life,” said Hennessey Resnick. “Dedicating countless hours behind the scenes with my colleagues to ensure a spectacular Commencement and then transitioning to the field as a proud mom felt like coming full circle.”

‘An intimate connection with the school’

Paige, who served as a laboratory assistant in the University’s Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory, is now looking forward to beginning her Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) at Quinnipiac University. She’s now working for Access Rehab Centers after completing an internship in its outpatient therapy center. She’s reflecting on her time as a �������Թ�, and on what her graduation means to her.

“My strong lineage through the University of New Haven makes me so proud,” she said. “I feel as though I have an intimate connection with the school. I wish my grandfather was at Commencement to celebrate my accomplishments with me and watch me graduate from the school that he loved so dearly.”

Haleigh is working full-time for Morning Brew, which delivers updates about the business world, as a member of the company’s insights & analytics team. It’s a position she says she “truly loves.” She’s grateful that the flexibility of the University’s online MBA program enabled her to work full-time while pursuing her degree, and she appreciates the connection that she – and several of her beloved family members – shares with her alma mater.

“I am incredibly thankful to my mom for making it possible for me to pursue my MBA,” she said. “She works unbelievably hard at the University, and I am very proud to be her daughter.”