It was a busy week at SHU with many guest speakers and events. There was certainly something for everyone.
Last weekend, we hosted Alumni Day. Alumni returned to campus to catch up with old friends and see the many changes that have occurred at SHU. It was great to reconnect and hear what they have been up to.
This week, we honored Massimo Faggioli, a Catholic church historian and professor at Villanova University, at a special academic convocation. We presented the religious study expert with an honorary Doctor of Theology. The conferral was followed by his address on the importance of the Catholic university. He presented a second lecture for the public that evening titled, “Pope Francis and the USA: Theology, Politics and Diplomacy.” It was very enlightening. We appreciate Massimo spending time with us, sharing his expertise and answering our questions.
Distinguished Professor of Catholic Thought Michael W. Higgins presented his lecture, “Epic Vision of Creation’s Endless Unfolding,” about the life of Irish philosopher John Moriarty on Tuesday at the Martire Forum. It was great to hear his thoughts on lifelong learning, humanity and the environment. Sacred Heart University has established the John Moriarty Institute for Ecology and Spirituality to act as a trustee of the legacy of John Moriarty, and be a steward of his goals for Sli na Firinne. Sli na Firinne was a special school for thinking deeply about the rootedness of humanity in nature and the responsibility to preserve divine creation as our human home. The Institute is housed at our Dingle campus in Ireland and will have sponsor some activities, such as Wednesday’s lecture, here on campus as well.
As part of a recent state grant on opioid prevention that we received, we hosted two speakers on Wednesday who talked about prevention through education and recovery. Thanks to Sarah Howroyd and Jeff Hatch who brought their powerful message of hope to campus. Also on Wednesday, pianist Elina Christova performed at the Chapel as part of the Music Faculty Concert Series.
On Thursday at the Martire Forum, representatives from Barclays, Capco, Morgan Stanley and the Royal Bank of Canada participated in a panel discussion about innovating in a regulatory-constrained industry. Thanks to the speakers for sharing their expertise with our business students.
Students in Professor Tolga Kaya’s engineering explorations course are preparing for a drone race that will raise funds for Notre Dame High School’s STEM club. The event will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 12:30 p.m. in the Art & Design Gallery Atrium. For $2, anyone can stop by and race a drone for this great cause. Sounds like fun.
Also this week, Student Government kicked off its SHU Hunger Project, a fundraising campaign that will raise hunger awareness and provide meals for the local needy. The group is hosting a special event on March 15 in University Commons with Meals of Hope, a non-profit organization that practices a hands-on approach to battling hunger. Volunteer your time at this food-packing event and be a part of the assembly line. To find out how to donate money or time for this event, contact Taryn McCormack at [email protected].
Math Professor Bernadette Boyle was randomly selected from 17 entries to run in this year’s Boston Marathon, representing the SHU community. She will be running to raise money for our scholarship funds. Help her reach her goal by donating here. We are also very grateful to Todd Cassler ’01 of John Hancock, a primary sponsor of the marathon. Todd, a member of the Welch College of Business Board of Visitors, offered us the chance to choose a SHU representative for the race.
Students Ian Baron and Eric Torrens’ short film is one of 12 film projects chosen for the third season of NESN Next Producer television show. Help the SHU duo win fan favorite by voting for their film here. They have a chance at winning a $1,000 cash prize. Be sure to tune into NESN on Saturday, March 17 at, 4 p.m. to see their episode.
Representatives from this year’s Volunteer Programs & Service Learning (VPSL) Guatemala service immersion delegation are selling cookbooks that feature recipes from the families they worked with on past trips. For $10, you can get an English/Spanish translation of the best local flavors from the CERNE nutrition clinic, a non-profit organization. Money raised will go back into the community in the form of stoves and water filters. Contact students Julianna Morrone ([email protected]) or Megan Keane ([email protected]) via email if you are interested in purchasing one. They will also be available at the VPSL table in the 63’s hallway on Friday, February 16, from 2-3 p.m.
It is Siblings Weekend and there are many activities to enjoy. There will be an indoor carnival, pop culture challenges and trivia, a magic show, bingo and, of course, plenty of food and treats to eat. Be sure to end the weekend with Mass at noon on Sunday in the Chapel. Students, we are looking forward to welcoming your brothers and sisters to campus.
Don’t forget the Pack the Pitt White game on Monday. The women’s basketball team is taking on Mount St. Mary’s at 6, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN3. Let’s show the world that we support our student-athletes by filling the stands for this game. I hope to see students, faculty and staff come out for this game.
Our women’s basketball team also plays Wagner at 1 on Saturday. Good luck to all our student-athletes playing home and away. Go Pioneers!
Have a wonderful weekend.