The Charger Blog
In a heartfelt celebration on Giving Day, the University of New Haven honored Rich DeMusis Ӱԭ77, a beloved alumnus, dedicated staff member, and generous donor whose giving has spanned nearly half a century.
May 15, 2025
When Rich DeMusis first set foot on the University of New Haven campus as a student in the 1970s, he had no idea how deeply the institution would shape the rest of his life. Now, more than 50 years later, his journey has come full circle Ӱԭ as an alumnus, a devoted staff member, and one of the UniversityӰԭs most consistent supporters.
ӰԭThis place gave me my start,Ӱԭ said DeMusis. ӰԭIt only felt right to keep giving back.Ӱԭ
DeMusis has made a gift to the University every year for the last 30 consecutive years Ӱԭ and for 49 years in total. During this yearӰԭs Giving Day celebration, that extraordinary commitment was formally recognized with a special tribute honoring his lifelong dedication to supporting the University.
ӰԭRich truly embodies the spirit of the University of New Haven in every sense of the word,Ӱԭ said Shauntaye Williams-Monroe, associate director of alumni communications. ӰԭAs an alum, a dedicated staff member, and a donor, Rich is a living reminder of what it means to believe in the mission of the University and to carry it forward with heart, dedication, and humility.Ӱԭ
The decision to honor DeMusis on Giving Day wasnӰԭt just about his impressive giving streak. It was about the way he has done it Ӱԭ with humility, grace, and unwavering belief in the power of education.
ӰԭRich was the perfect person to recognize,Ӱԭ said Darcy Turner, executive director of advancement services. ӰԭHe has not only been a generous donor for 50 years, but he is also an alum and a hard-working staff member. An amazing trifecta! And in the end, he is so humble, appreciative, and unassuming.Ӱԭ
Giving Day, held annually each spring, brings together students, alumni, faculty, staff, families, and friends of the University to rally support for everything from scholarships to student organizations. This year, more than 800 donors helped raise more than $315,000. Part of the celebration was a surprise event to award DeMusis for his philanthrhopy over the years.
ӰԭIt was emotional,Ӱԭ said DeMusis. ӰԭI didnӰԭt expect it at all.Ӱԭ
Giving Day is more than a fundraising campaign Ӱԭ itӰԭs a reflection of the Charger communityӰԭs shared values. ThatӰԭs why, this year, the Advancement team leaned into recognizing faculty and staff whose giving mirrors the impact they already make every day through their work.
ӰԭWe wanted to celebrate all who have given this year Ӱԭ and encourage others Ӱԭ so this part of the celebration was meant to demonstrate how much we appreciate our employees giving back when they already give so much of their time and effort,Ӱԭ said Turner. ӰԭRichӰԭs recognition really brought that message home.Ӱԭ
Brian Otis, EMBA, vice president of University advancement, emphasized the importance of celebrating individuals such as DeMusis who exemplify selfless giving. ӰԭHumanity depends on the generosity of many,Ӱԭ Otis said. ӰԭPeople like Rich remind us what a difference one person can make over time.Ӱԭ
ӰԭGiving Day is an annual, all-day event where we show our collective Charger pride to raise funds in support of the University of New Haven,Ӱԭ added Turner. ӰԭAll gifts Ӱԭ whether in support of the Annual Fund, or a particular passion, sport, or scholarship Ӱԭ play an important role in providing brighter futures for our students.Ӱԭ
That future starts with students today. With senior class giving opportunities built into Giving Day, students are encouraged to begin their philanthropic journeys while theyӰԭre still on campus. DeMusisӰԭs example showed how those first steps can turn into a lifetime of impact.
The positive response to honoring DeMusis was immediate. ӰԭIt just felt so good to do,Ӱԭ said Turner. ӰԭWeӰԭve already decided we should do it every year.Ӱԭ
That means DeMusis wonӰԭt be the last staff member or donor recognized in this way. But his story has set a precedent rooted in quiet generosity, lifelong service, and a deep belief in the UniversityӰԭs mission.
ӰԭHe never asked to be recognized,Ӱԭ said Williams-Monroe. ӰԭThatӰԭs what made honoring him so special.Ӱԭ
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