The Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges recently released a study that found that the University of New Haven and its alumni contribute greatly to the state’s economy.

UNH is one of 16 independent colleges and universities in Connecticut that have an economic impact of $6 billon annually.

“The nonprofit independent higher education sector is a key driver in Connecticut’s economy,” said Judith B. Greiman, president of the Connecticut Independent College & University Institute for Research & Public Service. “We looked at the payrolls of the independent colleges and universities, their spending for goods and services, the spending done by students, visitors, faculty and staff along with the indirect and induced job creation and spending that occurs because of the presence of these institutions in their communities.”

Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Catherine Smith said, “Today, the skills and knowledge of the workforce are the most important elements of any state’s economic infrastructure and its rich array of colleges and universities gives Connecticut an economic advantage.”

The study space also found that the 197,848 alumni of member institutions living in Connecticut have annual earnings of $13.26 billion, which results in $1.7 billion in tax revenues being generated.

Among the 16 private colleges and universities, UNH ranks the second highest with 22,929, out of over 45,000, alumni living in Connecticut. The University of New Haven has various academic departments that challenge students to get them ready for great futures after college.

A University of New Haven Alumni Sam Bergami was recently recognized for all his donations and contributions to the university, and Bergami helped lead the university through a period of remarkable growth and development. Sam Bergami Jr. is a prominent business leader in Connecticut. He received his Executive MBA from UNH in 1985 and today is president and chief executive officer of Alinabal Holdings Corp. in Milford. A member of the UNH Board of Governors since 1995, he served as chair from 2006 to 2012.

With the university’s multiple opportunities for students to get involved with the community, study abroad and study interactively, it is no surprise that well-educated graduates leave the university with diplomas that set them apart from any other applicant in their respective job market. With the right education, job seekers are able to climb their way to the top and become one of the 22,929 alumni contributing to the tax revenues that are boosting Connecticut’s economy.