It was a quick transition last week from the pomp and circumstance of the inauguration and the induction of the Class of 2015 to the fun and nostalgia surrounding homecoming weekend. The weather cooperated for the most part, and everywhere I went I saw current and former students enjoying the festivities.
It was wonderful to see so many alumni reconnecting with friends and enjoying everything Sacred Heart has to offer. The Curtis Hall parking lot was packed with tailgaters Saturday afternoon, and the Oktoberfest tent, co-hosted by Finance & Administration and Human Resources, was doing a booming business as folks stopped by for food, music, raffles and free t-shirts before heading into the game. The Pioneers also contributed to the festive atmosphere with a 24-21 victory over Dartmouth.
I especially enjoyed the Alumni Awards Breakfast on Sunday morning. I want to again congratulate all the deserving honorees
who were recognized for a variety of contributions to the University.
I was reminded that t here are many ways for alumni to continue to make a difference here even after they have graduated. The Alumni Mass and Presidential Reception that followed the breakfast were also very meaningful.
Wednesday evening, we were fortunate to have John Stewart, president and CEO of Purdue Pharma, at the Schine Auditorium to talk about the world of prescription drugs, how they come to market and the issues of abuse and addiction. Mr. Stewart has been in his current role since 2007 and prior to that, he spent 33 years with Purdue Pharma Canada in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility, eventually becoming president there in 1990. He offered some great insights into the pharmaceutical industry as well as some guidelines and suggestions for students who hope to succeed in business. By all accounts, he enjoyed meeting our students as much as they enjoyed meeting him. We hope to welcome him back in the very near future.
Earlier today, I had the great honor of receiving a check for $25,000 from Bank of America Charitable Foundation. This funding is a grant to support our Community Connections program for this academic year. The program allows approximately 50 freshmen plus student leaders and staff to spend the week before the fall semester begins volunteering for a variety of
programs in Bridgeport. The students are immersed in the Bridgeport community and are exposed to the diverse cultures and religions that make up the city. This past August, the Community Connections group not only volunteered in local soup kitchens, schools and churches, but also attended a mass in Spanish, took Latin dancing lessons and had a Puerto Rican meal. After getting a sense of the community’s areas of need, these students continue to work in the community through this program for the rest of the school year. We are extremely grateful to Bank of America Charitable Foundation for providing the funding that will allow this outreach program to continue.
Enjoy the weekend!