Staff Member and Alumnus Honored for Five Decades of Giving Back

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 — as an alumnus, a devoted staff member, and one of the University’s most consistent supporters.

“This place gave me my start,” said DeMusis. “It only felt right to keep giving back.”

DeMusis has made a gift to the University every year for the last 30 consecutive years — and for 49 years in total. During this year’s Giving Day celebration, that extraordinary commitment was formally recognized with a special tribute honoring his lifelong dedication to supporting the University.

“Rich truly embodies the spirit of the University of New Haven in every sense of the word,” said Shauntaye Williams-Monroe, associate director of alumni communications. “As 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.”

The decision to honor DeMusis on Giving Day wasn’t just about his impressive giving streak. It was about the way he has done it — with humility, grace, and unwavering belief in the power of education.

“Rich was the perfect person to recognize,” said Darcy Turner, executive director of advancement services. “He 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.”

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.

“It was emotional,” said DeMusis. “I didn’t expect it at all.”

Giving Day is more than a fundraising campaign — it’s a reflection of the Charger community’s shared values. That’s 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.

“We wanted to celebrate all who have given this year — and encourage others — 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,” said Turner. “Rich’s recognition really brought that message home.”

Brian Otis, EMBA, vice president of University advancement, emphasized the importance of celebrating individuals such as DeMusis who exemplify selfless giving. “Humanity depends on the generosity of many,” Otis said. “People like Rich remind us what a difference one person can make over time.”

“Giving 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,” added Turner. “All gifts — whether in support of the Annual Fund, or a particular passion, sport, or scholarship — play an important role in providing brighter futures for our students.”

That future starts with students today. With senior class giving opportunities built into Giving Day, students are encouraged to begin their philanthropic journeys while they’re still on campus. DeMusis’s example showed how those first steps can turn into a lifetime of impact.

The positive response to honoring DeMusis was immediate. “It just felt so good to do,” said Turner. “We’ve already decided we should do it every year.”

That means DeMusis won’t 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 University’s mission.

“He never asked to be recognized,” said Williams-Monroe. “That’s what made honoring him so special.”