Events Management Czar Reflects on Experiences as a Student, a Student Employee, and a Staff Member

The lifeblood of the University of New Haven are the faculty and staff members who dedicate their lives to helping our students reach their goals. Periodically, we’ll introduce you to a member of the staff so you can learn more about them – beyond their day-to-day work.

Next up is Noah Swatt ’22, director of University scheduling and events management, who is a graduate of the University’s tourism and event management program.

Renee Chmiel: How did you celebrate Thanksgiving?
Noah Swatt: We had dinner with our family, with my partner and rest of the family. After dinner, we then began decorating for the holidays after. It's become a tradition for all of our family to start setting up for the holidays by putting up trees and outdoor decorations.

RC: Have you ever had a mentor?
NS: I have. Several, actually! On campus, when I was a student employee my supervisors Sharon Aceto and Kathleen Burke certainly helped guide me with experiences in events and life in general. I don't think I would be where I am today without either of them. They certainly taught me a lot about running and managing successful events, and how to have fun while doing it.

RC: What are your favorite movies?
NS: That's a hard question, there's so many great movies! I absolutely love a good comedy, especially on a rainy day. My go to right now would have to be Barbie, but I also love a good superhero movie (Spider-Man is my favorite!).

RC: What did you enjoy the most about your own time as a student at the University?
NS: I loved the real-world experience that the University fostered throughout my undergraduate career. We were able to complete internship and field work both on and off campus, and we were able to take lots of fun field trips all over! My favorite was the hotel show we would attend in New York City every November. It was great to go as a team and spend the day networking and learning more about the industry.

RC: Please tell us about a skill or hobby that you enjoy.
NS: I LOVE to travel! In the past year alone, I was able to visit Burlington, Vermont; Puerto Rico; Nassau; Seattle, Washington; San Francisco; Yosemite National Park; Los Angeles; and Las Vegas. I absolutely love to see the world and to have new experiences. My favorite place this year had to be Yosemite. The mountains and the valley was absolutely stunning, even at 6:30 a.m., to see the sunrise peek through!

RC: What is your favorite way to spend a Sunday?
NS: I love to go on day trips and visit places with my partner, Gabe. We always manage to find some activity to do, go on a hike, or attend an event!

RC: What do you enjoy the most about your role at the University?
NS: I love being able to connect with our campus community to assist with their events on campus. Every event is important to our team, and it’s fun to go from helping recognized student organizations with their annual traditions to working with our teams to celebrate our graduates at the Winter Graduation Celebration. It’s never a dull day with such an exciting campus.