Yesterday, Dave Bike, head coach of men’s basketball, announced his retirement. In his 35 years at Sacred Heart, he amassed 530 wins. He will be sorely missed. Assistant coach Anthony Latina will take over the reins, which we expect will lead to a smooth transition. We know that Dave is looking forward to spending more time with his family – especially his grandchildren – and we wish him a long and happy retirement.
In other sports
news, we learned this week that Sacred Heart has won the NEC Building
Communities Award for the third straight year. I’m very proud of our
student-athletes for finding time to volunteer in the community along with
their studies, practices and games.
We also received the exciting news that the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education has granted accreditation to our doctor of nursing practice program. Congratulations to Ann Barker, Patricia Walker and their team for the hard work that went into developing this program.
Congratulations also go out to Linda Strong who is the recipient of the first annual Connecticut National Hispanic Nursing Association Community Nursing Award for her work on behalf of the Hispanic community. She was recognized for tireless dedication and the ability to unite people into action, which has directly contributed to the opportunity for Hispanics to obtain health care and participate in health promotion activities to improve their health outcomes.
Kudos also to three students from the art & design program whose posters were winners in the annual RYASAP Anti-Smoking Campaign. The winning posters were created by Mike Abate, Jackie Boswick and Rebecca Zebedeo. Congratulations!
Last night was
the second annual SHU Media Exchange, which featured a lively panel discussion
on the expansion of the media industry and the creative corridor in Connecticut.
The consensus seems to be that much progress has been made in our state even in
the 12 months since last year’s Exchange. The event was produced entirely by
students in the MACOMM program, and they did an outstanding job. They had a
packed house filled with folks from the SHU community and the surrounding area.
I had a chance to
hear the University of Notre Dame folk group when they performed to a full
house in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit last weekend. They did mostly spiritual
songs – many with an Irish influence. The music was beautiful, but I have to
admit that it made me appreciate the style and talents of our own students even
more. I think it’s just a personal preference.
Earlier today, I sent out an email about our United Way campaign that will kick off next week. I know that we are bombarded year-round with requests for help, but I hope you will consider supporting the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County as they work to improve the lives of families – and especially children – in the eight area towns they cover. Their mission clearly aligns with ours. You will hear more about how to give next week, and I hope you will join me in making a contribution.
You also heard from Rob Gilmore and Denise Tiberio that we will be welcoming 2,000 students and their families over the next few months, beginning as early as next week. I know I don’t need to say this, but I will anyway. Please go out of your way to welcome these new members of our community and to provide them with any assistance they may need.
Stay cool and have a wonderful weekend!