Fall
is one of the most beautiful times of year on our campus with the leaves
changing and the spectacular sunsets. I hope you have had a chance to get
outside and appreciate everything this time of year has to offer.
Last
week’s Family Weekend was a huge success with record-breaking crowds enjoying
the many activities throughout the weekend. I was grateful for the opportunity
to meet so many of our students’ family members at the reception Friday night,
at the football game and at the breakfast and Mass on Sunday. Saturday was a
beautiful day for football, and the attendance at the game—4,288—sets a
new SHU record. The Pioneers kept it close and exciting throughout the game and
almost managed to stave of the reigning NEC champs.
My thanks to Dean Larry Wielk, Denise Tiberio and the entire
Student Affairs team for the great job on the weekend’s activities. Thanks also
to the Advancement Team for hosting alumni, families and special guests. And
kudos to Sally Schettino, Mike Trimble and the HR team for the excellent job on
the tailgate party for faculty and staff. I’ve singled out these groups, but I
think it’s safe to say that most of the SHU staff played a role in the success
of the weekend whether it was driving a shuttle bus, directing traffic or
simply answering a visitor’s question. My thanks to you all for demonstrating
what the Sacred Heart family is all about.
The 5-1 football Pioneers are at home again tomorrow with
what promises to be an exciting match-up against instate NEC rival Central
Connecticut. I know it’s unrealistic to expect the same kind of crowd on a
holiday weekend, but I hope those of you who are sticking around will consider
coming out to cheer on this extremely talented team.
The club baseball team is also playing a doubleheader on Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard. It’s a great venue to see a game, so stop by and give them some support.
This week we continued our 50th Anniversary celebration with
the Anniversary Lecture
Series on Libraries. The topic was “The Future is Open – Or is it?” Jaron
Lanier, scientist, musician and author who coined the term “virtual reality,”
presented a fascinating perspective on the future of Internet-based economy
that led to a lively discussion with the SRO-only crowd.
We
also heard this week from a panel put together by State Representative Tony
Hwang on the new Health Exchange. They answered questions and addressed
concerns about this new way of delivering health care.
Friends
of Don Cook gathered earlier this week to wish him well at a farewell dinner. A
highlight of the evening came when he was surprised with business cards that
let him know that Sacred Heart has decided to honor him with the title of
executive director of Intercollegiate Athletics emeritus. We are grateful for all that he has given to Sacred Heart
and wish him only the best in his retirement.
Congratulations
to the club ice hockey team for opening the season with a 5-1 win over
Bridgewater State University and to the club women’s rugby team for a
commanding 51-0 victory over Fordham to improve to 2-2.
Yesterday
was the annual Employee Health Fair put on by the Employee Wellness Program. It
was a great success with more than 300 attendees who had the chance to visit over
35 booths covering everything from diabetes, breast cancer and healthy eating
(okay, the Walnut Beach Creamery was on hand) to exercise and natural foods.
Many of our own SHU departments were also represented. In addition, our nursing
students gave 230 influenza vaccines as well as performing blood pressure,
glucose and cholesterol screenings. Congratulations and a big thank you to the
Human Resources and Student Health Services teams for co-sponsoring this fun
and informative event.
I
wish safe travels for all the students who are getting away for the long
weekend. Enjoy your time with family and friends!