We congratulate Pope Francis on his election and wish him wisdom and success in his new role. He is already a Pope of many firsts – the first Francis, the first Jesuit, the first from Latin America. We welcome his leadership, and he will be in the prayers of the Sacred Heart Community now and throughout his tenure.
President Petillo's Blog - Friday, March 8th
Those of you who follow me on twitter or regularly read this blog know that I miss the students when they are away. The place is too quiet – almost desolate – without the enthusiastic bustle of activity they bring. That said, I know the break is much needed. I am especially proud of those students who have spent the break on mission trips. I’m looking forward to hearing about all their adventures next week.
On the other hand, as I observe that once again we are getting more snow than was predicted, I am grateful we don’t have to make a tough decision about whether to cancel classes.
Despite the absence of the students, some exciting things have happened this week. I want to congratulate the men’s fencing team on their fourth consecutive Northeast Fencing Conference Championship! Senior team captain Stuart Holmes was named the NFC Fencer of the Year after finishing the NFC season 28-0. This is the fourth year in a row that SHU has been 10-0 in conference play, and the team and Coach Tom Vrabel have much to be proud of. They are back in action on Sunday in the NCAA Regionals against St. John’s University, and we wish them continued success!
Sacred Heart was named to the President’s Honor Roll for 2013 this week. We also learned that for the second year in a row, we have been named one of the top colleges in New England on GoLocal’s “Super Ranking: Top New England Colleges 2013.” GoLocal uses other national rankings along with feedback from students on a variety of topics to determine where each school places on its list.
Sacred Heart University hosted a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Conference at Cambridge Commons this week. Organized by adjunct professor Bonnie Maur and co-sponsored by Carolina Supply Company, approximately 60 elementary teachers from local school districts and the Diocese of Bridgeport attended the event. They had the opportunity to participate in several breakout sessions covering such topics as “The S in STEM,” “Engineering and Technology in STEM,” “The Arts and STEM” and “The Literacy Tie to STEM.” Congratulations to Bonnie and her colleagues in the College of Education on a great event!
I am looking forward to watching everyone move back in on Sunday and to a great second half to the spring semester. Don’t forget to move your clocks an hour ahead this weekend.
On the other hand, as I observe that once again we are getting more snow than was predicted, I am grateful we don’t have to make a tough decision about whether to cancel classes.
Despite the absence of the students, some exciting things have happened this week. I want to congratulate the men’s fencing team on their fourth consecutive Northeast Fencing Conference Championship! Senior team captain Stuart Holmes was named the NFC Fencer of the Year after finishing the NFC season 28-0. This is the fourth year in a row that SHU has been 10-0 in conference play, and the team and Coach Tom Vrabel have much to be proud of. They are back in action on Sunday in the NCAA Regionals against St. John’s University, and we wish them continued success!
Sacred Heart was named to the President’s Honor Roll for 2013 this week. We also learned that for the second year in a row, we have been named one of the top colleges in New England on GoLocal’s “Super Ranking: Top New England Colleges 2013.” GoLocal uses other national rankings along with feedback from students on a variety of topics to determine where each school places on its list.
Sacred Heart University hosted a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Conference at Cambridge Commons this week. Organized by adjunct professor Bonnie Maur and co-sponsored by Carolina Supply Company, approximately 60 elementary teachers from local school districts and the Diocese of Bridgeport attended the event. They had the opportunity to participate in several breakout sessions covering such topics as “The S in STEM,” “Engineering and Technology in STEM,” “The Arts and STEM” and “The Literacy Tie to STEM.” Congratulations to Bonnie and her colleagues in the College of Education on a great event!
I am looking forward to watching everyone move back in on Sunday and to a great second half to the spring semester. Don’t forget to move your clocks an hour ahead this weekend.
President Petillo's Blog - Friday, March 1st
I’m finding it hard to believe that it is already March and time for spring break. This semester is flying by.
Sacred Heart University was all over the local and national landscape – from ESPN’s SportsCenter to the Wall Street Journal – with our announcement on Tuesday that Bobby Valentine will take on the role of executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics beginning in July. We are looking forward to having Bobby as part of the Sacred Heart community.
We also announced this week that David Coppola, vice president for Strategic Planning & Administration, will be leaving us to become president at Keystone College in Pennsylvania. Both David and Don Cook (outgoing executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics) have made immeasurable contributions here, and we wish them both much happiness in the next chapter of their lives. Although they will be sorely missed, they will always be part of the Sacred Heart family.
One of David’s many achievements is intense preparation for our upcoming accreditation visit from NEASC. That leads me to this week’s topic – Standard 7, which focuses on the library and other information resources. The library is no longer simply about books or articles in periodicals. With the ever-increasing pace of information sharing, it is nearly impossible to keep up with the scholarship that is being disseminated all over the world, let alone in the United States. The library and its capable faculty and staff have the responsibility to provide the most current and relevant resources to support the academic programs here, beginning with the liberal arts curriculum in the Catholic intellectual tradition and continuing through our masters and doctoral programs. This is a tall order and often libraries must share resources to best serve students’ learning and research needs.
The NEASC team will seek to evaluate the extent that the University invests appropriate resources into books, articles, on-line subscriptions, etc., to ensure student academic success. The team will also consider the nature of learning and research in the 21st century, which is increasingly team-focused and problem-based with collaboration among individuals and groups. That is why our renovations of the first floor of the library two years ago included study rooms and areas where teams and work groups can gather. Most of all, the library is meant to be a welcoming place for exploration and engagement. I know that the coffee bar and the comfortable seats draw students into deep reflection and occasionally even meditation. I think the NEASC team will see that our continual attempts to improve the library and its services have made it a place where students and faculty can not only successfully complete their research, but also gather for both serious and casual conversation.
Congratulations to Justin McLoughlin who was the winner of a gift card for correctly answering last week’s NEASC trivia question. You have until the Tuesday after break at 4 p.m. to submit an answer to this week’s question.
Our student-veteran population gathered for a mixer at Red’s recently. It was a great opportunity for them to get together and share their experiences both in service and as students here on campus. We hope this will be the first of many such gatherings for our student-veterans. SHU has nearly 70 student-veterans registered for classes, and we are proud of our status as a Yellow Ribbon campus since 2009.
This was Student Philanthropy Week, and it seemed like everywhere I looked I saw either tags indicating equipment or services supported by donations to our Annual Fund or a student wearing a t-shirt proclaiming the importance of those gifts. Students also wrote more than 800 thank-you postcards to SHU donors during this week’s thank-a-thon. Any and all gifts in support of our students are greatly appreciated.
This week was also the second annual see-saw-a-thon put on by Greek Life. Entitled Greek Life Goes Back to Give Back, the 24-hour event raised more than $10,000 in support of a playground at the Six to Six Interdistrict Magnet School in Bridgeport. My favorite part of this event is seeing all the Greek organizations working together for a valuable cause.
In other acts of generosity, students in our Rotaract course raised $600 in a very short period of time and presented a check to the Nursing Department to support its mission trip to Jamaica. Also, the SHU community supported the Department of Physical Therapy’s shoes and sock drive for Guatemala with donations of more than 400 pairs of shoes and hundreds of pairs of socks.
Philanthropist Jonathan Sackler was on campus this week to talk about new trends in charter schools and the need to make sure that no students fall through the cracks. He highlighted three schools taking a creative approach to education, including Achievement First Amistad High School right here in Connecticut.
If you didn’t stop by 63’s when Maura Coppola of the College of Business was serving as guest chef, you missed a treat. Stay tuned for future culinary offerings from faculty and staff.
Ten of our Horizons students and their families, along with some SHU staff, attended Freckleface, the Musical at the Bridgeport Downtown Cabaret Theatre recently. This was one of several events planned to keep in touch with the students in between the fall and spring Saturday sessions here on campus.
If you didn’t make it to the reception at the Watermark at 3030 Park this week, you can still go by to see the work of our Art & Design students. It will be on display there through April 11.
Last night, I enjoyed a great meal in the Hearth room with the students who helped out in the kitchen during the recent blizzard. The company was thoroughly enjoyable and the food was delicious – so delicious, in fact, that some people had seconds of the dessert. I won’t mention any names, but if you follow my tweets, you know who I mean!
Last, but not least, whether you are going on a Habitat or mission trip, taking a sunny vacation or just relaxing with family and friends, please enjoy the break and come back ready for a great finish to the spring semester! Travel safely.
Sacred Heart University was all over the local and national landscape – from ESPN’s SportsCenter to the Wall Street Journal – with our announcement on Tuesday that Bobby Valentine will take on the role of executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics beginning in July. We are looking forward to having Bobby as part of the Sacred Heart community.
We also announced this week that David Coppola, vice president for Strategic Planning & Administration, will be leaving us to become president at Keystone College in Pennsylvania. Both David and Don Cook (outgoing executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics) have made immeasurable contributions here, and we wish them both much happiness in the next chapter of their lives. Although they will be sorely missed, they will always be part of the Sacred Heart family.
One of David’s many achievements is intense preparation for our upcoming accreditation visit from NEASC. That leads me to this week’s topic – Standard 7, which focuses on the library and other information resources. The library is no longer simply about books or articles in periodicals. With the ever-increasing pace of information sharing, it is nearly impossible to keep up with the scholarship that is being disseminated all over the world, let alone in the United States. The library and its capable faculty and staff have the responsibility to provide the most current and relevant resources to support the academic programs here, beginning with the liberal arts curriculum in the Catholic intellectual tradition and continuing through our masters and doctoral programs. This is a tall order and often libraries must share resources to best serve students’ learning and research needs.
The NEASC team will seek to evaluate the extent that the University invests appropriate resources into books, articles, on-line subscriptions, etc., to ensure student academic success. The team will also consider the nature of learning and research in the 21st century, which is increasingly team-focused and problem-based with collaboration among individuals and groups. That is why our renovations of the first floor of the library two years ago included study rooms and areas where teams and work groups can gather. Most of all, the library is meant to be a welcoming place for exploration and engagement. I know that the coffee bar and the comfortable seats draw students into deep reflection and occasionally even meditation. I think the NEASC team will see that our continual attempts to improve the library and its services have made it a place where students and faculty can not only successfully complete their research, but also gather for both serious and casual conversation.
Congratulations to Justin McLoughlin who was the winner of a gift card for correctly answering last week’s NEASC trivia question. You have until the Tuesday after break at 4 p.m. to submit an answer to this week’s question.
Our student-veteran population gathered for a mixer at Red’s recently. It was a great opportunity for them to get together and share their experiences both in service and as students here on campus. We hope this will be the first of many such gatherings for our student-veterans. SHU has nearly 70 student-veterans registered for classes, and we are proud of our status as a Yellow Ribbon campus since 2009.
This was Student Philanthropy Week, and it seemed like everywhere I looked I saw either tags indicating equipment or services supported by donations to our Annual Fund or a student wearing a t-shirt proclaiming the importance of those gifts. Students also wrote more than 800 thank-you postcards to SHU donors during this week’s thank-a-thon. Any and all gifts in support of our students are greatly appreciated.
This week was also the second annual see-saw-a-thon put on by Greek Life. Entitled Greek Life Goes Back to Give Back, the 24-hour event raised more than $10,000 in support of a playground at the Six to Six Interdistrict Magnet School in Bridgeport. My favorite part of this event is seeing all the Greek organizations working together for a valuable cause.
In other acts of generosity, students in our Rotaract course raised $600 in a very short period of time and presented a check to the Nursing Department to support its mission trip to Jamaica. Also, the SHU community supported the Department of Physical Therapy’s shoes and sock drive for Guatemala with donations of more than 400 pairs of shoes and hundreds of pairs of socks.
Philanthropist Jonathan Sackler was on campus this week to talk about new trends in charter schools and the need to make sure that no students fall through the cracks. He highlighted three schools taking a creative approach to education, including Achievement First Amistad High School right here in Connecticut.
If you didn’t stop by 63’s when Maura Coppola of the College of Business was serving as guest chef, you missed a treat. Stay tuned for future culinary offerings from faculty and staff.
Ten of our Horizons students and their families, along with some SHU staff, attended Freckleface, the Musical at the Bridgeport Downtown Cabaret Theatre recently. This was one of several events planned to keep in touch with the students in between the fall and spring Saturday sessions here on campus.
If you didn’t make it to the reception at the Watermark at 3030 Park this week, you can still go by to see the work of our Art & Design students. It will be on display there through April 11.
Last night, I enjoyed a great meal in the Hearth room with the students who helped out in the kitchen during the recent blizzard. The company was thoroughly enjoyable and the food was delicious – so delicious, in fact, that some people had seconds of the dessert. I won’t mention any names, but if you follow my tweets, you know who I mean!
Last, but not least, whether you are going on a Habitat or mission trip, taking a sunny vacation or just relaxing with family and friends, please enjoy the break and come back ready for a great finish to the spring semester! Travel safely.
President Petillo's Blog - Friday, February 22nd
This is one of those weeks where I am in awe of the breadth and range of the programs and events offered on campus. On Wednesday alone, we had:
Wednesday was also the day of our annual Internship and Career Fair. The Pitt Center was packed with professionally dressed students meeting with vendors and representatives from more than 100 businesses and organizations. I have no doubt that many great connections were made.
I’m sure you all saw the message earlier today from Jim Barquinero about the hiring of Bobby Valentine as executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics. We are looking forward to having Bobby join the Sacred Heart community. You will hear much more about all of this on Tuesday, but these are exciting times at SHU.
This week’s NEASC topic is Standard 3, which focuses on Governance. This standard provides us with an opportunity to show how our organizational structure empowers each and every member of the faculty and staff to provide the best for our students. NEASC Standard 3 seeks to discover how this University promotes respect, collaboration and the pursuit of truth in the interest of the students. One way we do that is with an outstanding leadership team. I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by talented and dedicated leaders who continuously come to the table with creative and innovative ideas while keeping student experience as the top priority. We are a teaching University, and that means our talented faculty is responsible for educating our students. Our role as leaders is to facilitate and empower the faculty to do what they do best.
Standard 3 also looks at how the University practices subsidiarity. That means that decisions should be made at the appropriate level. Simply put, staff members at all levels are encouraged to be leaders in their own role and to make decisions with the good of our students in mind.
Congratulations to Marni Cutler who was the winner of a gift card for correctly answering last week’s NEASC trivia question. You have until Tuesday at 4 p.m. to submit an answer to this week’s question.
Please don’t forget to respond to the Innovation Survey that was sent out to everyone earlier this week. Your feedback is important to the Innovation Committee and their work.
Congratulations to the Men’s Club Ice Hockey team on winning their first NECHA American Conference Championship this past weekend with a 6-4 win over Westfield State! Way to go!
Congratulations also to Vincent Ramaglia on his accepted illustration to the Society of Illustrators of New York’s Nationally Juried Annual Student Scholarship Competition. His detailed drawing of men in battle makes you feel like you are right there in the foxhole with them.
Still on the subject of art, students from the Department of Art & Design will be displaying their work at the Watermark at 3030 Park from now until April 11. An opening reception is scheduled for February 28 inside the art gallery at the nearby retirement community. We appreciate the Watermark’s continued support of our students.
Recently I sent all our students an email encouraging them to consider taking advantage of the many opportunities we provide to study abroad. I was pleased to hear that during the coming summer and fall, our largest group of students ever will be taking advantage of the opportunity to study at John Cabot University in Rome. Our partnership with John Cabot began in 2010 with the mutual goal of increasing student and faculty opportunities abroad. To date, 36 SHU students have spent a semester or summer term at John Cabot; one faculty member has taught a course at the university and a 2013 summer faculty-led program will use John Cabot’s housing and classroom space. When we count the students headed to Rome for the summer and fall, a total of 68 SHU students will have had the invaluable experience of studying at John Cabot University — all within the span of three years!
If you are looking for something to do over the weekend, check out Gospel Fest at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit Saturday evening. Among the lineup of performers will be our own SHU L.O.V.E. and Four Heart Harmony. Our fourth annual Elements Concert is slated for Sunday afternoon. This program, performed in the round, includes selections from all of our performing arts areas including theatre, band and choir.
One thing I will be doing this weekend is greeting next year’s Early Decision students and their families as they come to campus for a visit. This is the biggest Early Decision class in the history of SHU, and I am looking forward to meeting them and welcoming them and their families to our community.
And if you don’t have plans later this evening, come by Red’s at 5 or so to see if Iannazzi’s Marketing & Communications team can creep past Maresco’s band of teachers in the second leg of the Faculty & Staff Trivia Contest.
Enjoy the weekend!
- SHU’s version of Ted Talks with SHU professors from a variety of disciplines sharing some great information on various food-related topics in an informal setting.
- Our annual history lecture featuring Giuseppe Mazzotta, Yale University’s Sterling Professor of Humanities for Italian, on “Petrarch’s Confrontation with Modernity.” Mazzotta is also chair and director of Graduate Studies for Yale’s Department of Italian and a highlight of his talk was the reading of sonnets in Italian and the subsequent translation.
- The first of four colloquia in response to the December tragedy in Newtown. University Commons was packed to overflowing as David Johnson and Hadar Lubin from the Post-Traumatic Stress Center in New Haven talked about the role of mental illness in mass shootings.
- A discussion on the Obamas and the presidential relationship. A more intimate group gathered to hear New York Times correspondent Jodi Kantor, author of the bestselling book, The Obamas, talk about the impact on a marriage when one member is the President.
From top left, clockwise, are Professor Michael Ventimiglia at the Ted Talks, Yale's Giuseppe Mazzotta at the Annual History Lecture, author Jodi Kantor talks about her book, "The Obamas," and David Johnson of the Post-Traumatic Stress Center in New Haven at the Reflecting on Sandy Hook colloquium.
Career Fair
I’m sure you all saw the message earlier today from Jim Barquinero about the hiring of Bobby Valentine as executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics. We are looking forward to having Bobby join the Sacred Heart community. You will hear much more about all of this on Tuesday, but these are exciting times at SHU.
This week’s NEASC topic is Standard 3, which focuses on Governance. This standard provides us with an opportunity to show how our organizational structure empowers each and every member of the faculty and staff to provide the best for our students. NEASC Standard 3 seeks to discover how this University promotes respect, collaboration and the pursuit of truth in the interest of the students. One way we do that is with an outstanding leadership team. I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by talented and dedicated leaders who continuously come to the table with creative and innovative ideas while keeping student experience as the top priority. We are a teaching University, and that means our talented faculty is responsible for educating our students. Our role as leaders is to facilitate and empower the faculty to do what they do best.
Standard 3 also looks at how the University practices subsidiarity. That means that decisions should be made at the appropriate level. Simply put, staff members at all levels are encouraged to be leaders in their own role and to make decisions with the good of our students in mind.
Congratulations to Marni Cutler who was the winner of a gift card for correctly answering last week’s NEASC trivia question. You have until Tuesday at 4 p.m. to submit an answer to this week’s question.
Please don’t forget to respond to the Innovation Survey that was sent out to everyone earlier this week. Your feedback is important to the Innovation Committee and their work.
Congratulations to the Men’s Club Ice Hockey team on winning their first NECHA American Conference Championship this past weekend with a 6-4 win over Westfield State! Way to go!
The Club Hockey team celebrates.
Vincent Ramaglia's 'Pinned Down'
Still on the subject of art, students from the Department of Art & Design will be displaying their work at the Watermark at 3030 Park from now until April 11. An opening reception is scheduled for February 28 inside the art gallery at the nearby retirement community. We appreciate the Watermark’s continued support of our students.
Recently I sent all our students an email encouraging them to consider taking advantage of the many opportunities we provide to study abroad. I was pleased to hear that during the coming summer and fall, our largest group of students ever will be taking advantage of the opportunity to study at John Cabot University in Rome. Our partnership with John Cabot began in 2010 with the mutual goal of increasing student and faculty opportunities abroad. To date, 36 SHU students have spent a semester or summer term at John Cabot; one faculty member has taught a course at the university and a 2013 summer faculty-led program will use John Cabot’s housing and classroom space. When we count the students headed to Rome for the summer and fall, a total of 68 SHU students will have had the invaluable experience of studying at John Cabot University — all within the span of three years!
If you are looking for something to do over the weekend, check out Gospel Fest at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit Saturday evening. Among the lineup of performers will be our own SHU L.O.V.E. and Four Heart Harmony. Our fourth annual Elements Concert is slated for Sunday afternoon. This program, performed in the round, includes selections from all of our performing arts areas including theatre, band and choir.
One thing I will be doing this weekend is greeting next year’s Early Decision students and their families as they come to campus for a visit. This is the biggest Early Decision class in the history of SHU, and I am looking forward to meeting them and welcoming them and their families to our community.
And if you don’t have plans later this evening, come by Red’s at 5 or so to see if Iannazzi’s Marketing & Communications team can creep past Maresco’s band of teachers in the second leg of the Faculty & Staff Trivia Contest.
Enjoy the weekend!
President Petillo's Blog - Friday, February 15th
It seems like well more than a week since I sat down to write before the storm. So much has happened since then. Since I can’t possibly say it enough, I am going to once again offer a huge thank you to the members of the Campus Operations staff who worked around the clock for days to make this campus passable and safe as quickly as possible. Thanks also to the folks from Public Safety, Residential Life, Chartwells and others who were on campus or on call all weekend. Your efforts to keep our students safe and cared for are greatly appreciated. If you haven’t already seen the thank-you video put together by the Marketing and Communications Division, check it out here.
Throughout the weekend and this past week, I have heard many heartwarming stories of students, staff and even strangers helping out and offering a random act of kindness. I want to share one or two:
Jeff Barrett of Public Safety shared that student Stephan White approached him earlier this week during the early stages of cleanup in the North lot. While Stephan had already cleared his vehicle earlier in the day, he returned and asked if he could help others dig out. Jeff took him up on his generous offer and the two of them helped 15 to 20 students free their cars.
I have also heard that many of you were out and about in Bridgeport and Fairfield helping our friends and neighbors dig out and rescuing motorists around the area who had gotten stuck. Even the parents in our community got in on the act. One dad who came to campus to help his daughter shovel her car out stuck around to assist with a half dozen other vehicles. Although I have come to expect nothing less from this very special community, it is heartwarming to hear about our unsung heroes. Thanks to you all for the way you represent the spirit and mission of SHU.
I’m not sure if this is related to the storm and all the updates we sent out via social media, but I’m told that the SHU Facebook page now has more than 10,000 “likes” and that we are just double digits away from more than 3,000 Twitter followers.
For the past 18 months, more than 100 members of the Sacred Heart community have been preparing for the upcoming visit from the NEASC accreditation team. The process requires rigorous preparation and input from all departments and programs. Congratulations to Brittany Burger who was last week’s winner in our NEASC trivia contest. Don’t forget to send in your answer to this week’s question. You could win a $20 SHU bookstore gift card.
I want to encourage you to come to the Chapel at 7 this evening for the “Living Stations of the Cross.” This dramatic presentation was written and directed by student Vincent Ebenau (yes, the same one you see interviewing me for SHUBox each month) and will be performed by a cast of SHU students. It should be the perfect way to prepare yourself for the holy season of Lent.
Next Wednesday afternoon, SHU will offer its own version of TED Talks. Sponsored by the Hersher Institue for Applied Ethics, the program will feature SHU professors from a variety of disciplines talking about some fascinating food-related topics. Examples include Steve Lilley on “Free Range Humans,” Andrew Pierce on “Disgusting Food” and Beau Greer on “Foie Gras: Delicacy and Distraction,” but there is much more. The program is slated for 1:50 to 3:50 in the Schine Auditorium, and I encourage faculty to attend. Congratulations to Mike Ventimiglia, who co-directs the Hersher Institute, on an innovative and exciting program.
Wednesday also brings the first of four lectures that comprise our colloquia series entitled “Reflecting on the Sandy Hook Tragedy.” The topic of the first lecture will be “Trauma and Mental Health: Implications of the Sandy Hook Shooting.” David Johnson and Hadar Lubin from the Post-Traumatic Stress Center in New Haven will address two important issues – the impact of trauma on both the individual and the community and the relationship between mental illness and violent actions. SHU Professor Michelle Loris will facilitate the discussion.
It’s Siblings Weekend, and I hope all our students will have a great time with their brothers and sisters. Enjoy!
President Petillo's Blog - Friday, February 8th
Despite the groundhog’s prediction of an early spring, it looks like winter has at least one more storm in store of us. Stay safe tonight and tomorrow and enjoy the wintry weekend!
A blizzard is not the only thing that will put this week in the history books. Earlier in the week, all three members of our Mission leadership team were on campus at the same time. We were even able to document this momentous occasion with the photo you see below.
This week’s NEASC topic is Standard 6, which is our opportunity to talk about campus life and the programs and opportunities provided for students through Student Services, Student Government, the Wellness Center, etc. We will describe our very involved student community by talking about our 24 academic clubs, our 800 student athletes in 31 Division I sports and close to 600 participating in club sports. We will also share the various opportunities for volunteering that led to more than 53,000 hours of community service during the last academic year. And we will report on how we measure up to the academic standards set by NEASC. For example, NEASC expects students to spend at least two hours a week working on academics outside the classroom for every hour spent in the classroom or receiving direct faculty instruction.
Don’t forget to answer this week’s trivia question. You could win a $20 gift card to the SHU bookstore.
We had a great turnout for the Polish music concert last Saturday night with more than 300 in attendance. The event was sponsored by the Polish Studies Fund – a long-standing endowment established by the late Professor Francis Lachowicz to promote the study of Polish history, culture and language. Professor Lachowicz taught at SHU from 1978 to 1995 in the Department of Modern Foreign Languages.
We also had a good turnout Wednesday evening for Gail Fosler’s lecture on the topic “Does Business Need Government to Lead?” Her final conclusion was that business leaders and politicians can learn from each other – that business can learn to be more expansive and government can learn to be more porous.
Earlier this week, we got a mention of our Newtown t-shirts on the WTNH Channel 8 news broadcast. Proceeds from the shirts benefit the Sandy Hook Elementary School Memorial Scholarship Fund. If you haven’t gotten a shirt yet, they can be purchased online at www.wearenewtownshirt.com.
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the annual meeting of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU). The theme of the conference was “Catholic Higher Education and Globalization: Finding Our Place in the New Global Commons.” The conference offered a variety of sessions and seminars aimed at determining how those of us in Catholic higher education can maintain our Catholic identity and educational mission, while keeping up with burgeoning communications, an expanding international knowledge network and shifting world economies. It was a rewarding conference, and I look forward to presenting some of the ideas that came out of the meetings.
I had a chance to share some of those thoughts with members of the faculty at dinner this week. To date, I have gotten to know approximately 200 of the faculty in that informal setting. Some great conversations – and good ideas – have resulted from gathering folks from different disciplines for a good meal.
Earlier this week, I sent an email to the students here encouraging them to take advantage of the many options we offer to study abroad. I strongly believe that anyone who can should take the opportunity to develop a broader world view and get to know different cultures. In response, I got a very nice email from a student who had spent a semester studying at our campus in Dingle, Ireland. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to study in the country of her heritage, along with the chance to travel extensively in France and Italy. So, don’t take my word for it. In the words of a fellow student, “The whole study abroad experience was wonderful. I was able to learn more about myself in those three and a half months than I thought was possible.” Stop by the Study Abroad office in the Academic Building and explore the opportunities that are available.
Last night, our GE Foundation Scholars could be found at the Feel the Warmth Soup Kitchen at the United Congregational Church in Bridgeport. Community service is a condition of their scholarship, but most go well beyond the minimum hours required. In addition to serving as a group at the soup kitchen several times a year, they also volunteer individually in areas of interest to them. Some of their projects include working with the elementary students at Dunbar School in Bridgeport, helping immigrant families at the Caroline House, volunteering at the Kennedy Center and Habitat for Humanity, participating in health care missions to Guatemala and more.
While they were doing that, I was enjoying dinner at Roncalli Hall with the team of honors students that won the Honors Competition. Their project focused on A Raisin in the Sun. It was a great evening with a lively discussion on a variety of topical subjects. I’ll let you wonder if I stopped for ice cream on the way out.
In closing, I want to congratulate Professor June-Ann Greeley on her appointment as the new Northeast Region representative to the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE) sub-committee. APPE is a comprehensive, international organization advancing scholarship, education and practice in practical and professional ethics. The sub-committee that June-Ann represents is focused on undergraduates and the APPE’s Ethics Bowls. Greeley will oversee the yearly regional bowl for the Northeast. Last year’s regional bowl took place here at Sacred Heart University last November, and the 2013 bowl will also take place here. June-Ann is also hoping to implement mini-bowls throughout the year in each of the states represented by the Northeast Region.
Stay warm and dry and watch the website for any storm-related updates.
A blizzard is not the only thing that will put this week in the history books. Earlier in the week, all three members of our Mission leadership team were on campus at the same time. We were even able to document this momentous occasion with the photo you see below.
Mission leadership team - from left are Father Jerry Ryle, Michael Higgins and Father Tony Ciorra.
Don’t forget to answer this week’s trivia question. You could win a $20 gift card to the SHU bookstore.
We had a great turnout for the Polish music concert last Saturday night with more than 300 in attendance. The event was sponsored by the Polish Studies Fund – a long-standing endowment established by the late Professor Francis Lachowicz to promote the study of Polish history, culture and language. Professor Lachowicz taught at SHU from 1978 to 1995 in the Department of Modern Foreign Languages.
Clockwise from top left are pianist Magdalena Baczewska with soprano Zuzanna Ducka,
Baczewska and cellist Marta Bedkowska-Reilly.
Baczewska and cellist Marta Bedkowska-Reilly.
Gail Fosler
Last weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the annual meeting of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU). The theme of the conference was “Catholic Higher Education and Globalization: Finding Our Place in the New Global Commons.” The conference offered a variety of sessions and seminars aimed at determining how those of us in Catholic higher education can maintain our Catholic identity and educational mission, while keeping up with burgeoning communications, an expanding international knowledge network and shifting world economies. It was a rewarding conference, and I look forward to presenting some of the ideas that came out of the meetings.
I had a chance to share some of those thoughts with members of the faculty at dinner this week. To date, I have gotten to know approximately 200 of the faculty in that informal setting. Some great conversations – and good ideas – have resulted from gathering folks from different disciplines for a good meal.
Earlier this week, I sent an email to the students here encouraging them to take advantage of the many options we offer to study abroad. I strongly believe that anyone who can should take the opportunity to develop a broader world view and get to know different cultures. In response, I got a very nice email from a student who had spent a semester studying at our campus in Dingle, Ireland. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to study in the country of her heritage, along with the chance to travel extensively in France and Italy. So, don’t take my word for it. In the words of a fellow student, “The whole study abroad experience was wonderful. I was able to learn more about myself in those three and a half months than I thought was possible.” Stop by the Study Abroad office in the Academic Building and explore the opportunities that are available.
Last night, our GE Foundation Scholars could be found at the Feel the Warmth Soup Kitchen at the United Congregational Church in Bridgeport. Community service is a condition of their scholarship, but most go well beyond the minimum hours required. In addition to serving as a group at the soup kitchen several times a year, they also volunteer individually in areas of interest to them. Some of their projects include working with the elementary students at Dunbar School in Bridgeport, helping immigrant families at the Caroline House, volunteering at the Kennedy Center and Habitat for Humanity, participating in health care missions to Guatemala and more.
From left are GE Scholars Emmanuella Joseph ’13, Jessie DiMuzio ’13,
Amanda Contento ’15, Nicole Theus ’15 and Christina Joerg ’15.
Amanda Contento ’15, Nicole Theus ’15 and Christina Joerg ’15.
In closing, I want to congratulate Professor June-Ann Greeley on her appointment as the new Northeast Region representative to the Association for Practical and Professional Ethics (APPE) sub-committee. APPE is a comprehensive, international organization advancing scholarship, education and practice in practical and professional ethics. The sub-committee that June-Ann represents is focused on undergraduates and the APPE’s Ethics Bowls. Greeley will oversee the yearly regional bowl for the Northeast. Last year’s regional bowl took place here at Sacred Heart University last November, and the 2013 bowl will also take place here. June-Ann is also hoping to implement mini-bowls throughout the year in each of the states represented by the Northeast Region.
Stay warm and dry and watch the website for any storm-related updates.
President Petillo's Blog - Friday, February 1st
It’s February already. After the cold and windy weather we’ve been experiencing, I’m hoping that Punxsutawney Phil does not get scared by his shadow tomorrow morning.
This week, I want to talk about NEASC Standard Five, which is Faculty. This standard gives us the opportunity to share with NEASC the strength of our faculty and to highlight their role as educators. As a university that places a high priority on the teaching and learning process, I am proud to have faculty who invite our students into their research and also support the research of students (as can be seen each spring at our annual undergraduate poster session).
The NEASC team will look at the Academic Program Reviews for each of our colleges. These are self- evaluations that are completed every five years. It’s a time for the colleges to determine if any programs should be discontinued and where there is opportunity for expansion.
The dedication, enthusiasm and preparedness of our faculty allow this University to thrive and to continually meet the diverse needs of our students.
Don’t forget to answer our NEASC trivia question. You could be the winner of a $20 SHU Bookstore gift card!
While I’m on the subject of our distinguished faculty, there are more kudos in order for this week. First, I want to congratulate our authors from the College of Arts and Sciences. Lori Bindig, Richard Grigg, Michael Higgins, Christopher Kelly, Stephen Lilley, Jason Molitierno, Gary Rose and Jonas Zdanys were all honored at a reception this week for their recent publications. Their books cover a wide range of topics. There is definitely something for everyone!
I also want to congratulate Seamus Carey, who has been selected to participate in the 2013–2014 Executive Leadership Academy, cosponsored by the Council of Independent Colleges, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the American Academic Leadership Institute. The year-long program prepares experienced administrators for future leadership roles. The program is a big commitment, and we appreciate Seamus’ desire to develop additional knowledge and skills that will benefit this University.
Finally, a tip of the hat to Ralph Lim, professor of Economics & Finance, for taking third place in the Stamford CFA Society’s Forecast contest. I’m putting him on speed dial for all my financial decisions!
The Newtown t-shirt, with proceeds going to the Sandy Hook Elementary School Memorial Scholarship Fund, can now be purchased online. You can order them at www.wearenewtownshirt.com. The Newtown shirt is the first of many original and exciting shirts to be produced by our new student-run t-shirt business. Proceeds from future shirts will be used to support our student mission trips.
The annual Pack the Pitt event on Saturday was a big success with a packed – and very loud – gymnasium that led to victories by both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. A highlight for me was the chance to chat with our enthusiastic band members as well as some special guests – high school students who are interested in both Sacred Heart and the band program. They joined our band in rallying the crowd with some spirited hand-clapping, foot-stomping selections.
We were fortunate this week to have University of Notre Dame Professor of Organ and Artist in Residence Craig Cramer on campus. The combination of his incredible talent and the organ and acoustics in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit led to a breathtaking evening of music.
Tonight is the first installment of a three-part trivia contest featuring teams made up of faculty and staff. I’m looking forward to checking out the talent and finding out if there is anyone my student-led team couldn’t wipe the floor with! Good luck to everyone and have fun!
What better way to get psyched up for the Super Bowl than with an evening of Polish music? In all seriousness, Saturday’s concert in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit features three extremely talented artists on voice, piano and cello. I encourage you to attend.
Have a great weekend. Enjoy the game. Don’t eat too many chicken wings!
President Petillo's Blog - Friday, January 25th
Last week, I began sharing the 11 standards that the NEASC accreditation team will look at when they visit in April. This week, I want to tell you about Standard 4, the Academic Programs standard. I am particularly proud that at Sacred Heart, learning takes place anywhere and everywhere – not just in the classroom. The SHU Square website that complements the First-Year Seminar is one example, but as I travel the campus, I see engaged learning taking place in the library, in the dining halls, in the residence halls with our Living and Learning Communities and even on the lawn…on days a bit warmer than today.
When we respond to the Academic Programs standard, we will describe and assess our academic programs and project our future growth. For example, when we went through this process 10 years ago, we were getting ready to introduce the doctorate in physical therapy. In this report, we are introducing the nurse practitioner doctorate, along with future plans for additional doctoral programs. In the same vein, we offered just 10 master’s programs 10 years ago; now we have 24.
The exciting thing about this process – and this standard in particular – is that it gives us a chance to reflect on the success of our programs and to focus on the future opportunities we have to respond to the growing needs of our students and the marketplace.
Our NEASC contest begins next week, so watch for an email with your first opportunity to win a $10 gift card to the SHU bookstore.
This has been an exciting week at Sacred Heart with lots of good news to share. Congratulations go out to Don Cook, director of Intercollegiate Athletics, on his election to the Northeast Conference Hall of Fame. Don is one of three inductees this year and is more than deserving.
Congratulations also are in order for several students. Alyssa Papachristos’ illustration, "Frog," was accepted into the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles WEST 51 national juried competition, and clarinet player Lora Streett, bass clarinet player Nate Tallo and tuba player Mike Tomanelli have all been named to the New England Intercollegiate band. This honors band gives students an extraordinary opportunity to perform in a college ensemble with peers of the highest caliber. Kudos to all.
Sacred Heart has received its fourth consecutive Gold Award
from the Business Council of
Fairfield County. The award goes to employers that are successful in promoting
a healthy workplace. Congratulations and thank you to Rob Hardy and Sally
Schettino of Human Resources, who have done an outstanding job developing the
University’s Health and Wellness program.
A tip of the hat (or maybe a stomp of the feet is more appropriate) to Scott Aliberti on the success of last weekend’s Performing for the Angels of Sandy Hook fundraiser. A total of $2,067.03 was raised in donations at the door, and more than $500 in additional funds came from the sale of the Newtown t-shirts. Totals from online donations are still being determined.
Similarly, the Aunt Terry Foundation recently raised $5,000
at a fundraiser for SHU’s Horizons Program. The Foundation is run by attorney Victoria
Ferrara and our own Michelle Loris and was founded in memory of long-time
educator Theresa Martinez. The foundation’s goal is to serve children and
the elderly. The event was a concert featuring Vicki’s Dini Band.
Ernie Anastos was on campus Tuesday to meet with our communications students and faculty. Ernie, a longtime journalist, freely shared his experiences and advice in his upbeat “positively Ernie” style. It was great to see him, and we appreciate his taking time out of his hectic schedule for our students.
The penchant for giving back to the community is not limited
to SHU students, faculty and staff, but also includes our high school Upward
Bound students. On Saturday, the students will be down the street at St. John’s
Church where they will package and distribute food for the homeless and
organize clothes that were donated by themselves and others. They participated
in a similar event in early December.
The grand opening of the student-run Walnut Beach Creamery
took place Wednesday evening at Roncalli Hall. Leave it to us to open an ice
cream shop on the coldest day in seven years! Despite that, the shop was
crowded, and the ice cream was delicious. Stop by and try some of the great
SHU-themed flavors! The shop is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to
10 p.m.
If you are looking for something to do in a weekend when
there is no football to watch on TV, there are a number of great events
happening on campus. Tomorrow is Pack the Pitt with the women’s game at 4 p.m.
and the tipoff for the men at 7. If you are more into the arts, check out Craig
Cramer, University of Notre Dame organ professor and artist-in-residence, who
will perform in the chapel Saturday evening. Or head over to the Edgerton for
Theatrefest, which features plays written, directed and performed by SHU students
and a performance by the Awkward Handshakes improv group. That show takes place
both Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Whatever you do, stay warm and have a fun!
President Petillo's Blog - Friday, January 18th
I want to start with a big welcome
back to the students and faculty and a welcome to new transfer and graduate
students. We are glad to have you as part of the Sacred Heart family. I wish everyone
a successful and rewarding semester with just the right balance of work and
play.
Meteorologically, we got just
enough snow on Wednesday to make for a messy commute, but it also gave the
campus a clean winter look – just right for January!
Initial sales of the “We are
Newtown” T-shirts I wrote about last week have been extremely positive, and it
looks like a second printing will be needed. The shirts are available for $20
in the SHU Bookstore and are a joint venture by the Art & Design Department,
the Welch College of Business, the Marketing and Communications Division and
the University. All proceeds go to the Sandy Hook Elementary School Memorial
Scholarship Fund.
I enjoyed the Dueling Pianos event
at Red’s last night. It was a nice venue for that kind of entertainment, and
the music was great! It was wonderful to see such a good turnout. Hopefully it
will be the beginning of many such programs.
I want to remind our full-time
undergraduates that we are still hoping for a good response to the Princeton
Review’s Undergraduate Survey. This is your opportunity to share your thoughts
on SHU with prospective students and their parents. Be sure to stop by the
Undergraduate Admission Lobby in Curtis Hall with your printed thank-you page,
so that you are eligible for Sacred Heart’s survey raffle as well as the one
offered by the Princeton Review. You can access the survey here.
Last week, I mentioned that we are
preparing for an accreditation visit from the New England Association of
Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in April. In fact, 11 committees made up of
students, faculty and staff have been focusing for the past two years on the 11
standards that the accreditation team will look at when they are here. One of
those standards is Mission. The committee’s preparation for the review also
provides an opportunity for us to recommit to the core mission and values that
make this University such a special place.
For example, our mission statement
talks a lot about service, social responsibility and making contributions to
the human community. We will be extremely proud to tell our visitors that we
donated 52,000 hours of community service last year and are well on our way to
matching – or exceeding – that number this year.
In the weeks between now and the
NEASC visit, we will continue to update you on the process – through this blog
and our website. We will even have a weekly NEASC-related trivia contest for a
gift card to the SHU bookstore. Stay tuned.
With the Golden Globe winners
announced last weekend and the Oscars rapidly approaching, I have been trying
to see some of the movies that have been receiving so much acclaim. I recently
saw Lincoln and Zero Dark Thirty. They were both based on
history, and they were both excellent. I was especially struck by the
underlying philosophical approach to human dignity underscored in the story of
Lincoln’s final months in office. It was particularly outstanding
considering that in those times it was unfashionable to speak for human rights,
especially those of black men and women. It’s a good reminder that we all
should be willing to take a risk for justice and for what is morally right.
For students who would like to get out and see some of the great movies that
are playing right now, the Oakview shuttle bus is available to take you to the
Trumbull theaters any day after 5 p.m. Just hop on and let the driver know you
want to go to the movies and what time you need to be picked up afterwards. You
can also purchase $7 movie tickets in the Student Life Office.
I want to remind you of the
“Performing for the Angels of Sandy Hook” benefit here on campus Saturday
evening. It will feature performances by our own students and professional
dancers from New York City’s Broadway Dance Center. There is no charge for the
event, but attendees are asked to donate to the Newtown Scholarship Fund’s
newly established Sandy Hook Elementary School Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Please support Scott Aliberti who has worked hard to put this show together and
Julie Savino who is president of the Newtown Scholarship Fund.
Have a fun and relaxing holiday
weekend!
President Petillo's Blog - Friday, January 11th
While some might feel that the Christmas break has flown by all too quickly, I am looking forward to next week and the return of our students. The academic building and Commons have been like a ghost town. I can’t wait to see them filled with students studying, getting a bite to eat and hustling from one class to another. I look forward to a new semester filled with exciting programs, concerts and lectures, news of the accomplishments of students and faculty, volunteer opportunities on campus and in the community and much more.
This week, a group of our students were back early to participate in the annual ritual of CURTIS Week. CURTIS Week, which stands for Community Understanding & Reflection Through Inner-city Service, honors the Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis, second Bishop of Bridgeport and founder of the University. During the week, students live at St. Charles Parish in Bridgeport and participate in both cultural and service activities. This year’s program included volunteer work at Alpha Community Shelter, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Caroline House and more. The students also visited Al Aziz Masjid, an African-American Mosque; attended a service at B’nai Israel Synagogue; attended a Puerto Rican dinner, did some salsa dancing and socialized with teens from the RISE program. This is always an eye-opening and rewarding week for participants as they see the various sides of life in Bridgeport.
Next Saturday, January 19, is the “Performing for the Angels of Sandy
Hook” benefit here on campus. It is being facilitated by our own Scott
Aliberti. In addition to performances by students, it will feature Aaron
Marcellus of season 11 of American Idol and the professional
dancers of New York City’s Broadway Dance Center. There is no charge for
the event, but attendees are asked to donate to the Newtown Scholarship
Fund’s newly established Sandy Hook Elementary School Memorial
Scholarship Fund.
The Sandy Hook Elementary School Memorial Scholarship Fund will also benefit from the sale of “We are Newtown” T-shirts in the SHU bookstore. This tribute to the Newtown victims, survivors and first responders is a joint effort by the Art & Design Department, the John F. Welch College of Business, the Marketing and Communications Division and the University. The $20 shirts will go on sale tomorrow. If the initial run of 100 sells out, more will be printed.
In a related topic, a letter on gun control by SHU alumna Christina Dolzall has been getting play locally. Christina grew up in Newtown and was an intern at Sandy Hook Elementary School with victim Vicki Soto. She has a degree in psychology and an elementary school teacher certificate from Sacred Heart. Her letter is thoughtful and articulate. Check it out here.
You probably noticed the construction going on at the Edgerton Center. Renovations are well under way to expand the lobby and create an outdoor patio. Both areas will be used for receptions and events. The new expanded lobby will also serve as an art gallery for student and faculty art. Work has also been continuing on the University’s new Health Center on Park Avenue, and you will find a shiny new sign outside the doors of 63’s.
This week, a group of our students were back early to participate in the annual ritual of CURTIS Week. CURTIS Week, which stands for Community Understanding & Reflection Through Inner-city Service, honors the Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis, second Bishop of Bridgeport and founder of the University. During the week, students live at St. Charles Parish in Bridgeport and participate in both cultural and service activities. This year’s program included volunteer work at Alpha Community Shelter, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Caroline House and more. The students also visited Al Aziz Masjid, an African-American Mosque; attended a service at B’nai Israel Synagogue; attended a Puerto Rican dinner, did some salsa dancing and socialized with teens from the RISE program. This is always an eye-opening and rewarding week for participants as they see the various sides of life in Bridgeport.
From top, clockwise: CURTIS Week participants volunteer at the
Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Caroline House and a Habitat for Humanity site.
Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Caroline House and a Habitat for Humanity site.
The Sandy Hook Elementary School Memorial Scholarship Fund will also benefit from the sale of “We are Newtown” T-shirts in the SHU bookstore. This tribute to the Newtown victims, survivors and first responders is a joint effort by the Art & Design Department, the John F. Welch College of Business, the Marketing and Communications Division and the University. The $20 shirts will go on sale tomorrow. If the initial run of 100 sells out, more will be printed.
In a related topic, a letter on gun control by SHU alumna Christina Dolzall has been getting play locally. Christina grew up in Newtown and was an intern at Sandy Hook Elementary School with victim Vicki Soto. She has a degree in psychology and an elementary school teacher certificate from Sacred Heart. Her letter is thoughtful and articulate. Check it out here.
You probably noticed the construction going on at the Edgerton Center. Renovations are well under way to expand the lobby and create an outdoor patio. Both areas will be used for receptions and events. The new expanded lobby will also serve as an art gallery for student and faculty art. Work has also been continuing on the University’s new Health Center on Park Avenue, and you will find a shiny new sign outside the doors of 63’s.
We are gearing up for an accreditation visit from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). NEASC provides accreditation services for more than 2,000 public and private institutions in the six-state region – pre-K through university. NEASC accreditation uses self-reflection, peer review and best practices as integral components of its assessment process. Their team will be here in April, and we will be telling you more about the process and how you can help in the coming weeks.
Have a great weekend!
