Dr. Petillo's Blog

Dr. Petillo’s Blog – September 27, 2013

With all the activities going on this year—including the addition of many special 50th Anniversary events—there are times when some tough choices have to be made. One example was this past Wednesday night when John Murphy of Western Connecticut Health Network and Susan Davis of St. Vincent’s Health Services were discussing the impact of health-care reform on Connecticut hospitals in the Schine at the same time Jordan Burnham was at University Commons sharing his struggle with mental health and alcohol and how his life has changed after a suicide attempt. Both rooms were filled to capacity. Other opportunities this week included Professor Michael W. Higgins’ lecture about Sacred Heart’s beginnings and the future of Catholic higher education, the Welch College of Business’ presentation on sovereign debt and a wonderful performance by Pentatonix. There is truly something for every interest here. 

Susan Davis and John Murphy spoke on The Impact of Health Care Reform on Connecticut Hospitals.

Yesterday, we unveiled the mural that Professor Nathan Lewis has been working on for about a year. It is currently on display in the gallery space at the Edgerton and, if you haven’t seen it, I recommend that you make a point to do so. It features images of more than 70 members of the SHU community—past and present—and truly lives up to its name, The Spirit of SHU. Nathan involved all members of the community as he decided what to include in the mural. As he said in his remarks yesterday, even if your image is not part of the mural, your spirit is. That we are able to debut a piece of this magnitude is not only a testament to Nathan’s great talent, but to the special kind of family that is the SHU community. 

The Spirit of SHU is unveiled.

On Wednesday, I gave a presentation to faculty and staff on the State of the University. The news is mostly good. We are fortunate to be thriving at a time when not all universities are. As I said then, our success is because of the talented and dedicated faculty and staff who show their commitment to SHU and our students every single day. Once again, I thank you for that.

State of the University address

The weather held off for the most part last weekend, which led to an extremely successful Homecoming Weekend. From the Alumni Awards Luncheon on Friday to the Alumni Mass on Sunday, the weekend was jam packed with fun and renewed friendships. Highlights included a benefit comedy performance by alumnus Kevin Nealon on Friday evening, who played to a packed Edgerton Center and delighted the audience with his humor, and a record-breaking 78 points by our football Pioneers on their way to a victory over Chowan and a 4-0 start to the season.

Homecoming

Congratulations to Audrey Beauvais of the nursing faculty on winning the prestigious Josephine A. Dolan Diamond Jubilee Award from the Connecticut Nurses Association for her contributions to nursing education. She will receive her award at the annual CNA convention in Cromwell on October 23.

The weather report looks great for this weekend—perfect for a couple of events that are scheduled for outdoors. First, I want to encourage everyone to stop by Fresh Check Day on Saturday at the 63’s patio. Not only is it an opportunity to participate in interactive exhibits, hear some music, have some food and win some great prizes, but it’s a chance to stop and think about how the semester is going, how you are settling in and how you are doing in general. As you visit the various booths to get your card stamped for prizes, members of the counseling staff will “check in” with you just to see how you are doing. This program is relatively new to colleges, and we are excited to be one of the first to offer it for our students.

Also, Monsters University will be playing on the big screen in the plaza outside of the Edgerton Friday and Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. It is an excellent venue for a movie, and I hope you will check it out.

Have a great weekend!

President Petillo's Blog: Friday, September 20th

It was another busy and exciting week on campus as we continue to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Sacred Heart.  Last Friday, we debuted Via Cordis at Red’s—the beer that Two Roads Brewery has developed in honor of our 50 years. There was a good turnout, and the beer got good reviews. Congratulations once again to Geff Stopper and Kirk Bartholomew for their contribution to the development of this brew.

The celebration continued on Tuesday with our Constitution Day discussion on the second amendment. Before a packed house in University Commons, panelists Ron Pinciaro, executive director of Connecticut Against Gun Violence, Inc., and Rob Sampson, Connecticut state representative (R-80), discussed whether Connecticut’s new gun law is a violation of the second amendment. The talk was also the fourth and final event in a series of colloquia entitled “Reflecting on Sandy Hook.” By all accounts, it was a lively discussion with good points made by those on both sides of this hot-button issue.

On Wednesday, we had our 50th Anniversary Mass of the Holy Spirit. As always, it was a moving service punctuated by outstanding performances from our student and faculty musicians. The service also included a performance by the Liturgical Dance Ensemble. They did a great job, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of them in the future.

Wednesday night featured another 50th Anniversary event, the Student Affairs Lecture Series with former MLB pitcher Dwight Gooden. He was joined on the stage by our own Bobby Valentine, and the two shared some of their experiences in the big leagues. For the most part, though, Gooden talked about his new book, Doc: A Memoir, in which he details his painful experiences with addiction to drugs and alcohol. Now sober for 2 ½ years, Gooden is trying to keep others from making the same mistakes that he did. I wish him well with his own recovery and with his efforts to inspire others.

During the past week, we have begun showing movies on the big screen in the Edgerton Plaza. Last night’s showing of The Sound of Music celebrated the ‘60s as part of a series of movies that commemorate the five decades of our own history. Next weekend, there will be several showings of Monsters University. The ‘70s film, The Godfather and Rain Man, from the ‘80s, will continue our 50th Anniversary Movie Series in the following weeks. I highly recommend that you consider seeing a film in this fun venue. Bundle up and come on down.

Sacred Heart has been selected to participate in a 20-month Internationalization Collaborative sponsored by the American Council on Education. The collaborative is a learning community of colleges and universities that provides a forum for faculty and administrators to share ideas and help each other in furthering their international agendas. The program also includes a site visit by a staff member from ACE, and that will happen for us next week. She will meet with the leadership team and key stakeholders and make recommendations. Our provost, Laura Niesen de Abruna, and Carrie Wojenski, director of our Office of Study Abroad, have set aggressive goals for broadening our footprint in the area of internationalization. This collaboration with ACE is a big step in the right direction. We will keep you updated on our progress and let how you can help us succeed.

Congratulations to members of our choir who were chosen to sing as part of the communion meditation portion of the new Bishop’s installation yesterday. This was a great honor as no other outside choir was asked to perform. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students and I’m grateful to them for sharing their gift of music at this milestone event in the Diocese of Bridgeport.

This is Homecoming Weekend here at SHU, and many exciting activities have been planned. The weekend kicked off at lunchtime today with the presentation of our annual alumni awards. Congratulations to Kevin Nealon’ 75, John R. Quinn ’70, Susan DeNisco, who currently serves as acting director of our School of Nursing, Craig Baker ’98, ’05 MAT, Michael A. Pavia ’70, Keith A. Hovan ’84, ’93 MSN, Rosanne Badowski ’79 and Sylvia M. Barchue ’05.

While here for the awards ceremony, Kevin—noted comedian of Saturday Night Live fame—graciously offered to do a benefit show for scholarship funds. That takes place tonight in the Edgerton, and tickets are still available.

Tomorrow at 1 p.m. is our Homecoming Football Game as the Pioneers attempt to open the season 4-0 against Chowan. Be sure to join the band at 12:15 at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit for a prayer and march up the hill to the playing field. It’s a great SHU tradition—come and be part of it!

Enjoy the weekend’s festivities! Go Pioneers!

President Petillo's Blog: Friday, September 13th

Hopefully you are not superstitious and have been enjoying our return to fall-like weather today.

It’s been a busy and exciting week on campus with more to come. Last Friday evening was the annual President’s Gala, and it was a tremendous event. All the tickets sold out, and the weather cooperated for a great evening of dining and dancing. I had an opportunity to meet many members of the freshman class as well as reconnect with upperclassmen. Following last week’s convocation, it was the perfect way to kick off this landmark 50th Anniversary year. Next week is the Mass of the Holy Spirit on Wednesday at 2 p.m. I encourage students, faculty and staff to attend. Members of the Liturgical Choir, the Faculty Brass and the Percussion Ensemble have been working hard on the music, and it will be the first time that we have had a Liturgical Dance Ensemble perform at this event. I’m looking forward to it.

President's Gala

The excitement continued last weekend when the Pioneer football team won its second straight game on enemy turf. Last week was another nail biter as rookie kicker Alec Finney hit a 42-yard field goal just as time expired. The Pioneers play their home opener against the Lincoln Lions tomorrow evening at 6 p.m.  I want to encourage everyone to join the marching band in what has become a SHU tradition—the march up the hill prior to home games. You can participate by meeting up with the band at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit 45 minutes before game time – so tomorrow night, the march will begin at 5:45. In this year of celebrating our history and traditions, it would be great to see this one really take off.

While I’m on the subject of sports, I want to congratulate Don Cook, former executive director of Athletics on receiving the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Commissioner’s Award. The award is presented for meritorious service to the ECAC or an ECAC member institution. The recipient must have demonstrated significant accomplishment in his or her chosen professional field or on the athletic field. Don and four others will be presented with the award at the Annual ECAC Convention and Trade Show later this month.

Congratulations also to Professors Geff Stopper and Amanda Moras—this year’s recipients of the Naclerio Faculty Scholars Program awards. The program, implemented by Richard and Barbara Naclerio, is for junior, tenure-track faculty who have successfully completed their third year within the University and have demonstrated their interest and capability in conducting scholarly research.

From left are President Petillo, Barbara Naclerio, Professor Amanda Moras
and Richard Naclerio. Professor Geffrey Stopper is at right.

Wednesday evening a 9/11 vigil took place here on campus with a great many participants from the community, especially students. It was a moving ceremony as we remembered the tragic events of that day and prayed for the lives lost and the survivors who were impacted.

9/11 Candlelight Vigil

I had the opportunity to get together with members of the community this week during a series of dinners hosted by my wife and me. We invited the resident assistants, the new faculty and a group of staff members. It was nice to hear everyone’s plans and enthusiasm for this new academic year.

If you are 21 or older, consider kicking of your weekend at Red’s at 5 p.m. today. We will be debuting the Two Roads beer, Via Cordis, that Professors Geff Stopper and Kirk Bartholomew helped to create.

Whatever your age, be sure to check out Out of Ireland on channel 21 (WLIW) on Sunday morning at 11:30. SHU is featured during the program. If you miss it on Sunday, you can catch it online after Wednesday at www.outofirelandtv.com.

Have a great weekend! Go Pioneers!

President Petillo's Blog - Friday, September 6th

Wednesday was our annual Freshman Convocation. It is always a moving experience, and this year was especially so with the added components to celebrate our 50th Anniversary. The Convocation is not only a time for our newest class to commit to making the most of their time here at SHU—it is also a chance for faculty, staff and upperclassmen to welcome them into our family and make our own commitment to do all that we can to provide them with a rewarding experience these next four years.

As part of our 50th Anniversary celebration, we presented the first of the University’s Bishop Walter W. Curtis 50th Anniversary Medals to four faculty members during Convocation. The medals honor gifted and accomplished members of the University community who embody the central elements of the University’s core values in their lives. The medals were awarded to Michael Emery, representing the College of Health Professions; Michelle Loris, representing the College of Arts & Sciences; Edward Malin, representing the Isabelle Farrington College of Education; and Mary Trefry, representing the John F. Welch College of Business. Congratulations to all the deserving winners of this award.

Our talented bands and choruses also debuted the new arrangement of the Alma Mater during Wednesday’s ceremonies. The arrangement was written by our own John Michniewicz, director of Choral Programs, to commemorate our 50th anniversary. And many thanks to Keith Johnston, director of Bands, for all that he did to coordinate the participation of the bands, from the student procession, on.  While it may disturb the sensibilities of some traditionalists, I loved seeing toes tapping, hands clapping and bodies swaying as it was performed. I think it is the perfect version for this year of celebration here at SHU, and I look forward to hearing it many more times throughout the year.

Freshman Convocation and Induction

The celebrating continues this evening with the third annual President’s Gala and with the Mass of the Holy Spirit on Wednesday, September 18. I am looking forward to meeting many more new students and to greeting old friends tonight. I hear that we have 1,600 students coming.  The most ever.  If I haven’t met you yet, please come up and introduce yourself. The Mass of the Holy Spirit provides another great opportunity for the community to come together and ask for God’s blessing on us and our activities in the coming year.

With this year’s Community Connections program just barely in the rear view mirror, I am reminded that I have been meaning to congratulate Taylor Filanowski of the Class of 2014 on the community service award she received from the New England Patriots. The award was part of the Myra Kraft Community MVP Awards that honor individuals who exemplify leadership, dedication and a commitment to improving their communities through volunteerism. Taylor received $5,000 for the Community Connections program. Congratulations, Taylor!

From left are Pro Football Hall of Famer Andre Tippett, NE Patriot Vince Wilfork,
Taylor Filanowski and NE Patriot Tom Brady. Photo courtesy of the New England Patriots.

I had a chance this past Saturday to check out the Color Wars—a competition designed to help members of the freshman class get to know each other and develop team-building skills. The day started out with 10 teams from each of the freshman dorms, along with one commuter team. Throughout the day, the teams received points for their performances in activities that ranged from basketball and cornhole to tug-of-war and trivia. At the end of the day, it came down to four final teams—one from each dorm and the commuter team. The grand-prize winners were from Merton Hall, which means that dorm will receive the Color Wars victory banner to display for the year and—more importantly—a pizza party. Congratulations to the victors and to the Student Activities team for putting together a winning event that is sure to become an annual favorite.

Students participated in Color Wars last weekend. The Merton Hall team (left) won the competition.

Rumor has it that celebrity chef Jet Tila, whose many accomplishments include being an Iron Chef winner and a guest judge on Chopped, will be on campus Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. He is stopping by because we have changed our Asian cooking station at Linda’s to his fast-casual Pan-Asian branded concept. He will be cooking for the students—or anyone who stops by—that day.

Congratulations to sophomore quarterback R.J. Noel on his selection as the first recipient of the New England Football Writers' Gridiron Club of Greater Boston Gold Helmet Award for the 2013 college football season. In his first collegiate start last weekend, R.J.  amassed over 300 yards of total offense to lead the Pioneers to a 37-21 win over Marist. The team is hoping to improve to 2-0 when they take on the Lafayette Leopards tomorrow night in another away game.

Sadly, this year I lost my twitter bet with my VP of Communications Michael Iannazzi by about 50 or so followers, so I will be footing the bill the next time we drop by Red’s. His sympathy has been unbelievable.  Still, it’s not too late to follow me at @SHUprez.

Enjoy the beautiful fall weather this weekend.