Alumni Celebrate Charger Love Connection

After meeting as students at the University of New Haven, Mandi Donaldson '06 and Keith Donaldson '06 were married by longtime professor and campus chaplain Marty O'Connor '76, M. Div., J.D.

February 14, 2020

By Renee Chmiel, Office of Marketing and Communications

When Mandi McGuire '06 and Keith Donaldson '06 met as undergraduate students at the University of New Haven in 2003, they were involved in many different clubs together. Before long, that connection deepened.

McGuire, who earned a degree in hotel and restaurant management, and Donaldson, criminal justice, began dating in the fall of 2005. When they decided to marry, they knew they wanted longtime professor Marty O'Connor '76, M. Div., J.D., the University's campus chaplain, to be an integral part of their big day.

"Marty O'Connor influenced both of us in different ways," said Mandi McGuire – now Mandi Donaldson. "We decided to start attending church together where Marty was a deacon, in order to make our communion and confirmation together. He was an important person to us."

Marty married the couple on June 13, 2009, and he was there for the baptism of the couple's first child.

"Marty O'Connor influenced both of us in different ways."Mandi Donaldson '06

To read more University of New Haven love stories, click here.