I think it would be remiss if I did not start by congratulating the football team, Coach Mark Nofri and his staff on winning the NEC championship. It’s been an exciting run capped off by their victory over Robert Morris last weekend. The FCS selection show is scheduled for Sunday at 11:30 and will be shown on the monitors at 63’s, Linda’s and in the plaza outside the Edgerton Center.
Members of the community got together Tuesday afternoon to congratulate Michelle Loris on her Connecticut Professor of the Year Award. It was great to see her family, students, the faculty and staff there to honor her for this prestigious achievement.
We got more good news this week when we learned that we are ranked among the top 10 best colleges for veterans in the Northeast by U.S.News & World Report. SHU was one of 234 ranked schools. Congratulations and thanks to the team at University College for all they do provide an outstanding educational experience for our veterans.
The SHU community gathered yesterday for the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. I had to be at a meeting off campus, but I understand it was a heartwarming event and that the altar was piled high with our Thanksgiving gifts for the Bridgeport community. Thanks to Campus Ministry and the Office of Volunteer Programs & Service Learning on a great program and to all of you who contributed to a cheery holiday for our neighbors.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, it’s not too late to contribute to the annual turkey drive. There is still a need for a few more turkey to reach the goal of 800. Monetary donations are also needed for our Philippines Promise Project to provide relief for those devastated by the recent typhoon. Gifts can be dropped off at the Office of Volunteer Programs and Service Learning next to the HC lounge.
Today, along with much of the rest of the country, we commemorated the 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It actually began last night with the showing of the film “Remembering President Kennedy.” This morning, a panel of faculty members discussed various facets of Kennedy’s 1000-day presidency. Topics ranged from civil rights, Vietnam and the Cuban Missile Crisis to his Catholicism, his educational policies and the conspiracy theories surrounding his death. Thanks to Gary Rose for putting together such a great program and to all the SHU faculty members who shared their research and memories.
I really want to encourage students, faculty and staff to come by for some or all of tomorrow’s Northeast Regional Ethics Bowl, which Sacred Heart is hosting. Not only is it an opportunity for you to support SHU’s two student teams, but it is entertaining and fascinating to listen to the discussions on the ethics of scenarios straight out of today’s headlines. Thanks to June-Ann Greeley who has worked tirelessly to make this a successful event and also to all the faculty and staff members who will be serving as judges and moderators.
Sunday is the final of our fall undergraduate open houses, and it promises to be the biggest one yet with more than 800 families expected to attend. As always, I ask that you put your best foot forward, answer any questions, act as guides and allow our guests to feel the warmth and caring of our community—despite the Arctic weather that is in the forecast.
If your plans aren’t set for the weekend, Edges the Musical is still playing, and Christina Crawford will be at the Edgerton Center Saturday evening to talk about her experiences with her “Mommie Dearest” mother, Joan. Or you can bundle up on Sunday and head down to Stamford for the annual Thanksgiving Day parade, which this year features our own dance team. The Instrumental Chamber Ensembles are also performing Sunday afternoon.
It seems that I spent much of this blog thanking people, which is as it should be in my last blog before Thanksgiving. As always, I am grateful for each of you and all you do to make SHU a special place.
Have a great weekend!