Once again, I want to welcome the class of 2016 as well as new faculty and staff members who are joining us. And, I want to say welcome back to the rest of the Sacred Heart community. Nothing makes me happier than to see the campus bustling with activity as we gear up for another academic year.
I had a chance to stop by during freshman move-in on Saturday and was impressed at how smoothly everything was going. My thanks to the faculty and staff who came out to help with the move-in process. You made a wonderful first impression on our new students and their families. You can look through additional photos from the day by clicking HERE. To watch a great video, click HERE.
I also joined students, faculty and staff for the grand opening of Red’s Pub in the new student commons building on Tuesday. For those of drinking age, it’s going to be a great spot to gather for refreshments and live entertainment.
If you happen to be in Curtis Hall, be sure to check out a new poster display on the first floor featuring some of the many Sacred Heart alumni who have gone on to extremely successful careers. Not only does the series emphasize the value of a Sacred Heart education to prospective students, but it’s a reminder to us all of why we are here and the great work we are doing.
Congratulations to the faculty and staff in the College of Education. We recently learned that NCATE (which is in the process of changing its name to the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation or CAEP) has granted national recognition to the College’s Initial Preparation of Elementary Education Teachers program. This honor is a testament to the outstanding faculty in the College of Education and to the hard work of Associate Dean Ed Malin and NCATE Coordinator Ed Hendricks. The recognition runs through August 1 of next year. Between now and then, we will submit additional data regarding our assessment system and the changes we are making to comply with new regulations set by the Connecticut State Department of Education.
Just a reminder that Wes Moore will be on campus next Wednesday. He is the author of The Other Wes Moore: One Name Two Fates, which the freshman class read over the summer. He will speak in the Edgerton Center at 2 and 5 p.m., and everyone is welcome to attend.
Are you ready for some football? Our Pioneer football team is making history on Saturday as they visit Morgan State in Maryland for our first-ever gridiron meeting with a school from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Go Pioneers!
For those of you unable to make a road trip to Baltimore, there will be plenty to do on campus this weekend beginning with this evening’s “Just SHU It” event where students can find out about joining clubs, organizations, Greek Life, intramural sports and more, while enjoying great food and music. Other highlights include special activities at each of the freshman dorms; a water slide and ice cream event; mini-golf and hotdogs; and log rolling and sno cones. There will also be shuttle bus trips to the Fairfield beaches all weekend and an outdoor showing of Hunger Games Monday evening.
However you decide to spend your time, have a wonderful holiday weekend!
