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Winter graduates gathered at the end of the fall semester to celebrate their graduation from the University of New Haven. The University’s newest graduates joined family and friends for the Winter Graduate Celebration.

The event had various food and beverage options, music, photo booths, and more. Graduating students recalled their memories throughout their time at the University and reflected on how far they had come since the beginning of their journeys as �������Թ�s.

Interim President Sheahon Zenger, Ph.D., congratulated the students and offered his warm wishes on their graduation. In his speech, he stated the importance of student life and how one should always remember it. Several other faculty and staff members were also present at the Winter Graduate Celebration and were seen taking pictures with the students.

The graduating students, who are officially members of the Class of 2024 and are invited to take part in Commencement in the spring, expressed their emotions while mentioning how they will miss the everyday hustle of student life.

Wajiha Farooqui ’24 MBA who completed her MBA with a concentration in global supply chain management, said her education has been instrumental in her personality development, and she successfully acquired several mentorship and networking opportunities during her academic period.

"This well-rounded approach achieved at the University of New Haven has not only deepened my academic knowledge but also served as a foundation for comprehensive growth, which will go a long way for me," said Farooqui.

'A mindset of perseverance and adaptability’

Even before officially completing her degree, Farooqui earned a position as a financial analyst at .

"Upon completing my MBA, I am now more committed than ever to continue applying the knowledge I gained and applying it practically in my professional workspace," she said.

Farooqui was delighted to be part of the Winter Graduate Celebration and says the event was a delightful experience. She enjoyed the celebration and the memories she made with her peers and classmates. As a proud MBA graduate, Farooqui extended a heartfelt message to the aspiring and current students, suggesting they never turn down any growth opportunities and always continue to build meaningful connections.

"As you navigate this path of your academic journey, always continue cultivating a mindset of perseverance and adaptability," says Farooqui.

‘Patience is the key’

Sanchita Rathi ’24 M.S., a graduate of the University’s master's degree program in Business Analytics, reflected on her journey since Fall 2022, calling this academic experience a “fun rollercoaster.” Rathi shared that she faced and overcame challenges with perseverance.

"There were tough times, but I always learned something from those difficulties, which made everything easier,” said Rathi. “I always felt extremely welcomed whenever I was at the University, which added a positive memory to my journey."

As an international student from India, Rathi reflected on being part of a diverse community and the relationships she made with individuals from across the globe while experiencing the American culture.

She enjoyed celebrating her time as a �������Թ� at the Winter Graduate Celebration.

"I was delighted to see the décor, especially the photo booths, which enhanced the celebration overall,” she said. “Seeing so many of my fellow graduate friends at the celebration after our final exams was great. As this was our last event as official university students, I was happy to have had such a great time at the party."

Rathi offered advice and support to incoming and current students as she reflected on her own journey.

"Patience is the key,” she said. “You will land what you desire, but never stop working toward it. Trust the process and never forget to enjoy the journey."

‘I was fortunate to have met amazing people’

Anisha Ashok Nizampuram ’24 MBA, who earned her MBA with a concentration in data analytics, was delighted to share the challenges she overcame and the growth she experienced during her journey. She reflected on how the course helped her network, build confidence, and learn out-of-the-box.

Nizampuram was happy to be part of the Career Development Center as a graduate assistant, enabling her to gain hands-on experience while balancing her personal and academic responsibilities.

"Throughout my MBA program, I was fortunate to have met amazing people who contributed intensely to my learning and added to my memories as an international student,” she said. “I am happy to have learned so much in my academic journey as I earned my degree, and I have mastered some essential skills such as time management and multitasking that will help me throughout my career."

Anchal Bhatia ’24 MBA is a candidate in the University’s MBA program.