“I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.” —Maya Angelou

The Annual Pink-Out Football Game at the University of New Haven

A powerful tradition that blends school spirit with scientific purpose.

The University of New Haven proudly hosts the Pink-Out Football Game each year in partnership with the Pink Clover Foundation. This special event honors the legacy of Colleen Sorbello and celebrates the ongoing fight against breast cancer through research, education, and student support.

The Colleen Sorbello Research Lab

Established in 2018 in memory of Colleen Sorbello—beloved wife of alumnus and benefactor Sam Sorbello, a former Chargers football player—the lab is a cornerstone of the University’s commitment to biomedical innovation.

Located in Dodds Hall, the 800-square-foot facility includes:

  • 16 advanced research workstations
  • Cutting-edge biomedical equipment
  • A lecture and discussion space for collaborative learning

Students gain hands-on experience in critical research areas including breast cancer, cervical cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Scholarships That Empower

Each year, the Pink Clover Foundation awards scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students in the Molecular Biology Program who demonstrate a strong passion for breast cancer research. These scholarships fuel the next generation of scientists and advocates.

Halftime Recognition

Scholarship recipients are honored during halftime at the Pink-Out Game—a moment that connects the University’s athletic pride with its academic and humanitarian mission.

Continuing the Legacy

The memory of Colleen Sorbello, who passed away from breast cancer in 2017, continues to inspire the Foundation’s work in research, education, and support services for those affected by the disease.