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.