(people chattering)
- At least I'm happy.
- [Woman] Well, she's
actually doing it (mumbles).
(people chattering)
(woman laughing)
- Nyquils?
- Passed out.
(people chattering)
- [Woman] And, yeah, it's nice.
(people chattering)
- Yeah.
- And then--
- Really?
- Yeah.
- [Woman] No, he didn't notice that one.
- [Woman] Oh, I extremely (mumbles).
- [Woman] And I'm like,
I'm not following up with that degree.
(woman laughing)
That's right, you're fired.
(people chattering)
- [Woman] The goal is like, if I know you,
I was like, I'd hang out with you,
just hang out with you
and go through some crazy past.
(people chattering)
- [Woman] And hang out
with you more. (chuckles)
- [Woman] Plus there's
no, I got (mumbles).
(people chattering)
Hang out with you like.
- [Woman] Yeah, I think we could.
(people chattering)
When you're waitressing, you like, yeah.
Like right now, I'm
trying to break them in.
(people chattering)
- Like, yeah.
- And it's not,
it's not, yeah,
it's not a position for (mumbles).
(people chattering)
Call that out, and then, in Albuquerque.
That is what we had heard.
And there was a parent that
was from Paradise, a teacher,
and it's a very different culture.
We all like just had (mumbling).
(people chattering)
I mean, if he heard where I am now.
And, like they can try,
or whatever.
(people chattering)
Like, passed out with a pint.
(people chattering)
And I'm just like...
(people chattering)
- I don't wanna get into it.
- I know, I know.
(people chattering)
Yeah, exactly.
However, and I quit when I found that
what happened to Jack.
(people chattering)
Yesterday.
They have a song for that.
(people chattering)
Maybe that's what we should have done.
(people chattering)
- [Man] How make these do it?
I don't need to make sure.
(people chattering)
- [Woman] Becky.
- [Woman] What in the world?
- [Woman] (laughs) That's hilarious!
That's hilarious, I mean,
that's cutting edge.
- [Woman] I mean, I wanna
see if I can try and visit.
- [Woman] Well, I mean,
keep that fox happy.
You don't ever have to give us (mumbles).
(people chattering)
I want you, all the time, so make sure--
- [Woman] Wait, I didn't know
that being a stripper just pays.
It's like, freakage money.
That's why I can do it.
- [Woman] That's what I'm
talking about, get lots of money.
Rock it, Stormi.
Try to get what you want,
not what you don't want.
- [Woman] Yeah.
- [Woman] She was constantly
using the bathroom.
Like, I don't wanna be (mumbling),
put me in that picture.
And, I wanted to be that kind of girl.
I never said that.
Everyone else was complaining
about me in the background.
(people chattering)
- [Woman] Yeah.
(woman laughing)
(people chattering)
Geez, it's filling up right now.
(people chattering)
- [Woman] Price changes.
Whatever, she's not responsible.
We can't help about the
cock they don't have.
Not responsible, lace that up.
(people chattering)
I can't do that again.
He got another detention.
(people chattering)
And, he wanted to have
something he (mumbling).
(people chattering)
And then (mumbling).
Like Thursday he has
the online (mumbling).
(people chattering)
Shit, I'm back here, the
test is here (mumbling).
And so, Jack was sitting
here, Richard was here,
Sharon was here, and I was here.
Right, all (mumbling).
It was very good, very neat.
- [Woman] Whether or not
any situation like that.
- [Woman] And he needs (mumbling).
(people chattering)
I don't think it was your first time
being in the office that day.
Sharon essentially just
sent me (mumbling).
- [Man] Whoo!
(people chattering)
- [Woman] What?
Fall apart.
(people chattering)
- [Woman] Anna says you're a freak, Nick.
(people chattering)
Say you were talking.
(people chattering)
And I said, give me $1,000.
(people chattering)
Three or four concretes.
- Yeah.
- It helps.
- Right.
- Right.
(people chattering)
- [Woman] Exactly.
God, they're hot!
- [Woman] I sure like it hot.
I'd like (mumbles) right now.
- [Woman] But, you gotta encrypt it.
(people chattering)
- Shit, it works.
- [Woman] Does it get (mumbling).
- [Man] Girl, you,
took care of me,
'cause you were extremely powerful.
(people chattering)
- [Woman] Why did he have to
say he was completely bad?
- [Woman] Like your dad, have an ear.
- [Woman] Whatever, I'm fucking mad.
He has two class (mumbling).
(people chattering)
I just kinda freaked out about (mumbling).
- [Boy] Can I have a bite of that?
(people chattering)
- [Woman] Then he had (mumbling).
(people chattering)
- Mom.
- Mom!
(people chattering)
- [Woman] Well, I mean at
least she was good like that.
- Yeah.
- See.
She always took your dad,
this was before he
moved in with the state.
(people chattering)
- [Woman] They're talking
about what just happened.
(people chattering)
- [Man] That's just, that's rough.
- [Woman] Sharon did
have every (mumbling).
(people chattering)
And not camp in a damn
helmet for mental health.
(people chattering)
And then, want him out.
And, I understand that.
And at the same time, (mumbling).
(people chattering)
Any, and I think that
was with United Care.
- [Woman] Whatever.
(people chattering)
- [Woman] What time is it?
- [Boy] I'll go get him.
(people chattering)
- [Woman] See, it's true.
(people chattering)
(whistling echoes)
(people chattering)
(majestic music)
- [Announcer] Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome Dr. Michael W Higgins,
distinguished professor
of Catholic Thought.
(audience applauding)
- Good morning everyone
and welcome to this special occasion
that it is a special occasion.
It's a rite of passage,
an old ritual full of solemnity
and full of festivity.
We're all here on this commencement day
and there'll be people
coming up to this dais
in a few moments who
make up the University
and they wear special clothes
and disport themselves in a special way.
After all as I've said,
this is a very, very special day.
The black gowns and colorful attire
worn by so many today on this site
stand for reasons that
are long-established.
They're historic, they're organic,
and they are symbolic,
the kind of robes that
I'm wearing right now.
The scholars and students
in medieval universities
out of which this University emerges,
were clerics friars, monks, and priests.
In fact the University
as we know it originates,
(speaking in foreign language)
out of the very heart
of the church itself.
This is no longer the case of course,
but much of what we will see today
has a respectable and old pedigree.
We go back a long way, a thousand years,
a millennium of doing this thing.
The gowns, the hoods, and the hats
began life as ecclesiastical
or church vesture.
Our commencement,
what is traditionally
called the convocation,
is part of a venerable history of ritual,
a rite of passage with
special language, protocol,
clothes, gestures, and symbols.
And today we are part of
something bigger than ourselves,
bigger than Sacred Heart University,
bigger than American
higher education itself.
We are part of a ritual that
goes back for centuries.
Universities like Bologna, Padua, Paris,
these great universities were
at the heart of the church
at the beginning of the second millennium.
Although we today we participate
in this old tradition,
we do it in our own Sacred Heart way.
This is our iteration of a storied right.
Sacred Heart was founded 56 years ago.
Our students now as then,
will process in a few moments
with their hoods, with their
caps, their motor boards,
and they will receive
the diplomas or decrees
from the University's deans and president.
You will see that we enacted
shortly for your daughter,
your son, your partner, your spouse,
your parent, or your sibling,
as they all come on stage.
Soon they will process to
this very spot where I am,
but allow me just a couple of seconds
to tell you briefly how this will unfold
so you can see this dramatis personae
enacted for you live on this stage.
The first person you will
see is the mace bearer.
At one time a deadly weapon
in the medieval armory,
the mace now serves a more benign purpose,
used ceremonially at the
opening of Parliament,
as well as University convocations,
the kind of thing we're doing right now.
Sacred Heart commissioned a new mace
in commemoration of the
University's 50th anniversary,
made of rosewood,
with two antique silver plated
brass seals of the University
and brass braiding.
It is borne aloft by the
University Assembly president,
the first one to show up,
a symbol of the authority
of this University.
Following the mace bearer
are the student government
Executive Board,
the senior class officers,
and the graduates then of the
College of Arts and Sciences,
the Jack Welch College of Business,
the College of Health Professions,
the College of Nursing,
the Isabelle Farrington
College of Education,
and Saint Vincent's College.
Then come our alumni,
spanning the University's
five decades of history,
and they will march in
brilliant red robes.
Sacred Hearts faculty
comes next, and staff,
and they will follow concluding
with the stage party,
the composition of which
includes the trustees,
the honorandom, the deans,
the vice presidents,
the provost, and the
president of the University.
In addition to those who will
be awarded earned degrees,
the University gives an honorary degree
on an individual who has been designated
by the University's Board of Trustees
as deserving of special and distinct honor
at this graduation ceremony.
Along with the commencement ceremony's
resplendent color and rich language,
we also have music
provided by the Sacred
Heart University band,
and the Commencement Choir.
This is a truly festive occasion,
and a solemn one,
a memory to be enshrined
in our consciousness
for time to come.
Please join me now in standing
as we welcome the procession
as it enters this space.
(people chattering)
(bagpipes droning)
(majestic music)
(audience cheers)
- [Woman] Momma!
(audience cheers)
- Their ball!
(audience cheers)
(majestic music)
- [Woman] Go, Pat!
(people chattering)
(epic fanfare)
("Pomp and Circumstance")
- [Man] Hey!
- [Man] Ben!
Whoo!
- [Man] Oh, my God!
(epic fanfare)
(majestic music)
- [Woman] Adrian!
(audience cheers)
(majestic music)
(dramatic music)
(audience cheering)
- Alfie!
(bold fanfare)
(gentle music)
♪ Charge charge ♪
♪ On with the song ♪
♪ Right with the wind all
the time is breaking ♪
♪ March march ♪
♪ Swinging along ♪
(cheering drowns out singing)
♪ Song with the story ♪
♪ Dreams would be boring ♪
(singing drowned out by people chattering)
♪ All gone ♪
♪ He who did this ♪
(singing drowned out by people chattering)
♪ Strong strong ♪
♪ Stand with us ♪
♪ Give us the thing that
the sight would given ♪
♪ Strength with its beauty ♪
♪ Life with its duty ♪
(singing drowned out by people chattering)
♪ Peace peace ♪
♪ Heaven will sing ♪
(music drowns out singing)
♪ All that ♪
♪ He who hath did ♪
- Mom!
♪ First in his path who
is right in sorrow ♪
♪ Torn torn ♪
- There's Chris!
♪ Prayers you'll grow wise
to the brighter morrow ♪
♪ Wings that are weary ♪
♪ Eyes that are dreary ♪
(music drowns out singing)
♪ Light shine peace to our mind ♪
♪ What can we make ♪
♪ What was made and very ♪
♪ On on ♪
♪ As he lives on ♪
♪ What were the words ♪
♪ Don't you take me very ♪
♪ Where it is night ♪
(people chattering drowns out singing)
(people cheering and shouting)
(majestic music)
(audience applauding)
(audience cheering and shouting)
(bagpipes droning)
(gentle music)
(audience applauding)
- Good morning.
Welcome everyone.
President Petillo,
the candidates for the
degrees have been assembled.
The faculty members and the staff members
are here to honor them.
The Sacred Heart University trustees
and other officials of the
University are also present.
The 53rd Annual Commencement Exercises
of Sacred Heart University
are officially in session.
(audience cheering and applauding)
We are really excited
to see all the families
and friends of our graduates
who are gathered here.
We want to start by sharing a secret here.
Graduates, that one person
who has been texting to
you all the time, lol
never meant laughing out loud.
She always meant lots of love.
- Aww.
- Let's applause all the moms here today,
and greet them happy Mother's Day.
(all applauding)
Audience, please remain standing,
and join in the singing
of the national anthem.
We'll be led by Stephanie Doheny,
Savannah Viggiano, Ryan
Sanudo, and Connor Sivacek.
Following the Anthem,
please remain standing for the invocation
which will be offered by
Father Edward R Stewart,
University chaplain.
("Star Spangled Banner")
♪ Oh say can you see ♪
♪ By the dawn's early light ♪
♪ Oh so proudly we hailed ♪
♪ At the twilight's last gleaming ♪
♪ Whose broad stripes and bright stars ♪
♪ Through the perilous fight ♪
♪ O'er the ramparts we watched ♪
♪ Were so gallantly streaming ♪
♪ And the rockets red glare ♪
♪ The bombs bursting in air ♪
♪ Gave proof through the night ♪
♪ That our flag was still there ♪
♪ Oh say does that star
spangled banner yet wave ♪
♪ O'er the land of the free ♪
♪ And the home of the brave ♪
- Grace and peace to all of
you on this somewhat wet,
but nonetheless beautiful
afternoon or morning.
I offer today's invocation in
recognition of the many paths
through which our students,
faculty, staff, and guests
find meaning in our lives.
Loving God,
author of all that is good,
who has infused human life
with a sense of wonder and possibility,
who created the human mind
with its capacity for
knowledge and learning.
The human spirit quickened
by a drive to explore,
to discover, and invent,
the pulse of the human heart
to beat with empathy and with love,
we are grateful for all
that has brought us to this great day.
We recognize and bless
your presence among us
now and always.
We see your hand at work before us
in the faces of these graduates,
students who have applied themselves
for four or more years to
reach this wonderful occasion.
We observe your stewardship
in their parents
and in their families whose
hearts brim with pride,
in their professors who
have generously shared
the knowledge of their disciplines,
in administrators and staff
who have planned and labored
to keep the ship that is
Sacred Heart University
seaworthy and sailing
into the uncharted waters of the future.
And while days such as these
celebrations of accomplishment
anticipations of the
next steps on the journey
may also come with tinges of sadness
evoked by moments of farewell,
Sacred Heart University sends you forth
with confidence and a belief and hope
that you will continue to
achieve just for yourselves,
but for the betterment
of all of humanity and all of creation.
Remain open, continue to learn.
Be generous with your
time and your talents.
And in the words of the prophet Micah,
act justly, love tenderly,
and walk humbly with God.
Amen.
- Amen.
(audience applauding)
- Thank You Stephanie, Savannah,
Ryan, Connor, and Father Ed.
Audience please be seated.
Welcome graduates, parents, and families,
esteemed members of Board of Trustees,
and many other honored guests.
Thank you for your presence.
Before we formally inaugurate our program,
I would like to make one small request.
As a courtesy to all those in attendance.
please silence your cell phones
and other electronic devices.
Thank you.
And now it is my pleasure to
introduce Dr. John Petillo,
president of Sacred Heart University.
Dr. P.
(audience cheers and applauds)
- Thank you and welcome,
and I also would like to add
happy Mother's Day to the
mothers that are here.
(audience applauds)
Before I share my remarks
with the graduates,
I would like just to
acknowledge, and a few things.
One would Dean Patricia
Walker, could you stand,
and Dean John Chalykoff, please.
Please just stand.
Pat has been here with
us for 20 years as dean,
now of health related,
but she had education,
she had nursing, plus health related,
and she is retiring and we wish her well.
And Dean Chalykoff is my replacement,
has been here eight years.
I told him he did not fill
the shoes, but that's okay.
(professors laughing)
And we wanna wish him well also.
Will you please join me
in thanking both of them?
(audience applauding)
And then I know the provost will,
but I want to also
acknowledge the faculty.
Your work over these years has really
been very critical to this day
for these over 1200 graduates.
So I want to thank you for your time.
Your excellent presence is so
important to these students
and I'd hear often from them
that faculty was available
to them help them et cetera.
So again, students, if you want
to acknowledge your faculty,
please do so now, thank you.
(audience cheers and applauds)
I had some general remarks prepared,
but then something happened last evening
that I wanted to change a bit of it.
At the faculty, at the senior dinner,
several parents came up to me
that had been at the liturgy earlier.
And one other way to say
nice things about you,
their children, their
nieces, their nephews,
about how this University
did indeed change,
change your lives and made a difference.
So I do welcome you with
excitement and enthusiasm,
certainly the class as you graduate now.
And I thank you,
because you have made a difference
in the life of this University.
And you've made a difference because
not only to what you've learned,
but what you've contributed
outside of the classroom,
but how you've come together
whenever it was any issue
that was courageous,
that was compassionate,
that showed the character of
what this student body is.
And so today we celebrate the strength
of someone among your class
who is victorious and courageous.
And later on we will also
pause in a moment of reflection
for one of your classmates who
was taken from us too early.
But right now to show and I
did ask permission, clearly.
And so I would, we have
the student, a senior,
nursing senior, who in
this last several weeks
has undergone three brain surgeries
and who is here today.
(audience cheers and applauds)
Dana please rise, Dana.
That's the courage part
of being a Pioneer.
And so I would suggest that the barometer
of your life graduates will live
goes well beyond wealth and comfort.
Attain them if you can,
always remembering though
that you need to be
responsible for using them.
Don't simply wait for life to happen.
Be insistently curious,
curious about who you are,
what you're becoming, and why.
Don't let life deprive you or shelter you
from the excitement of imagination.
You were afforded that
luxury these four years.
Take that with you.
Don't be sedentary in your
mind or in your heart.
It is passion, curious, and courage
that you need to take with you.
Push when others tell you to stop.
Reach beyond your grasps
when others tell you you can't do it.
Give more when you're told it's enough.
Don't let anyone, don't let
anyone write your life script.
Whenever you leave any class,
you leave something from the University
but you also left behind
part of who you are.
And we do miss that.
I've been fortunate
knowing so many of you,
and you will be missed, I will miss you.
So Pioneers, as your
president, as your friend,
I tell you, I tell you sincerely,
you can push, you can reach, you can give,
but only if passion is
rooted in your soul.
Curious looks beyond, delves beneath,
and questions unceasingly.
And the courage, that's the courage
to stand for what you believe
in your heart and your passion.
Don't let it end here this day.
I offer you a reflection
from someone on this issue of
passion, and they quote him,
"I have no special talents.
"I am only passionately curious.
"I have no special talents,"
was Albert Einstein.
And so now, it's up to you graduates.
Go infuse your life with action.
Make your future.
Live life, don't let it happen.
Go forever, Pioneers.
Congratulations.
(cheering and applauding)
- Thank you Dr. Petillo.
President Petillo,
on behalf of Board of
Trustees and the faculty,
I now present Brian
Hamilton for the degree
Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa.
The citation will be
read by Dr. Gary Rose,
professor of and chair of
department of government.
The hood will be vested by Frank Martire,
chairman of Sacred Heart
University Board of Trustees.
- Thank you very much, Dr. Paliwal.
Good morning, everyone.
- Good morning.
- Today is a very special day for me.
I say this because I am
about to read the citation
of an honorary degree recipient
and our graduation speaker,
who is not only a former student of mine,
I still have the grade books by the way,
but also who was one of the
finest collegiate debaters
I have coached in my tenure
with the Sacred Heart Debating Society.
This is a man I know very well
and whose career I have followed
since the day he graduated
from Sacred Heart University.
Brian Hamilton,
you are a homegrown
product of our institution.
You are from Milford, Connecticut,
and like all of our students in the 1980s,
you commuted to and from campus.
You also held a part-time job.
You excelled in the classroom
regardless of discipline,
and you were known as one of our top tier
and highly talented students.
You were elected president
of student government.
You served as an intern
for our university's former
and late president, Dr. Thomas P. Melady,
and you were selected
to Who's Who Among
American College Students,
and awarded the Presidential
Medal for Leadership.
After graduation,
you earned your MBA from Duke University.
Using what you learned
at Sacred Heart and Duke,
you began your entrepreneurial career
as a credit analyst
for a prestigious northeastern
financial institution,
during which time you honed your skills,
developing analytical tools
for financial decision making.
You then founded your own company
based in Raleigh, North Carolina,
a cutting-edge and highly
innovative business enterprise
known as Sageworks.
Sageworks, whose services
are highly sought after,
is a company that provides
financial analysis
and risk management solutions
to thousands of accounting firms
and privately owned companies
across North America.
In fact, the success of Sageworks
resulted in it being named
as one of the top 500
fastest growing privately
owned companies in the country.
Your reputation as a knowledgeable
and creative entrepreneur
has also resulted in
numerous media appearances
on CNBC and the Fox Business Channel,
along with hundreds of radio
and newspaper interviews.
You have been a guest
columnist for Forbes Magazine,
and you authored
the Small Business
Administration publication
titled Financing Your Small Business.
You also care passionately
about helping those who are less fortunate
and whose lives have taken the wrong turn.
This is particularly evident
in the organization you formed
called Inmates to Entrepreneurs,
which involves teaching prison inmates
how to be business entrepreneurs
once they are released from prison.
This is a form of community service
that goes on behind prison walls
and one to which you have devoted
countless time and energy.
Many of the prisoners you have mentored
have gone on to be
successful entrepreneurs
and respected members of society.
During all this time,
you never lost sight of
Sacred Heart University.
You not only come back to campus
to speak to students
about entrepreneurship,
but you have also served
on our board of trustees.
In addition, your generous
gift has given our campus
the Sheila Hamilton
Student Success Center,
named after your late mother,
and the Maureen Hamilton Wellness Center,
named after your late wife,
who was also a Sacred Heart alumna,
a former student of mine
and a very fine individual
in every respect.
Both the Student Success
Center and the Wellness Center
are absolutely central
to the academic success,
along with the health and wellness
of so many Sacred Heart
University students.
This honorary degree is the product
of a lifetime of achievement
in business and public service.
It is for your understanding
and sustained record of service
and accomplishment in the
corporate and public spheres
that we recognize you with the degree
of Doctor Humane Letters today.
Congratulations, Brian Hamilton.
(all applauding)
- Sacred Heart University
brings honor on itself today
by honoring you, Brian.
By virtue of the authority vested in me
by the state of Connecticut
and by the trustees at
Sacred Heart University,
I confer upon you this
12th day of May 2019,
the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters
honoris causa.
Congratulations, Dr. Hamilton.
(all applauding)
- Congratulations, Dr. Hamilton.
Thank you, President Petillo.
It is now my pleasure
to call on Dr. Hamilton
to give us the commencement address.
(all applauding)
- Well I have to say,
I really like that title, so I'll keep it.
(audience chuckling)
And Dr. Rose, that was
a fine introduction.
You know I love you
and you got everything right,
but I was the best college debater,
not one of them. (laughs)
And I appreciate it Rupendra, very much.
When I was asked to speak today by John,
you know, I was part of
the Debate Society here,
and we never prepared for speeches at all.
We would just speak off the cuff,
you remember that.
And so this is the first
speech I've prepared for
in 35 years, although I talk a lot,
so hopefully I'll get it right,
but a couple things did occur to me.
First of all, speeches are
best when they are short,
so it's gonna be very short.
I remember being you, okay?
(graduates cheering)
Yeah, five, six minutes okay?
Yes, right?
But on a serious note, I will say this,
having been in the audience,
and really, I really mean this that,
and I don't wanna disparage anyone,
as I recall, I graduated from Duke.
I'm an entrepreneur in residence,
or I was at Dartmouth,
I don't know what that really is,
but it's something nice I guess,
but being here is absolutely the best.
There's no question about
it, my heart lies here.
So I did put time into what,
what I wanna say to you,
because it's important to me,
and I think you might
get something out of it,
but what I wanna avoid are
bumpers sticker type things,
you know little phrases or whatever,
and I'm gonna speak to you
sort of from my experience,
and maybe out of all this,
you'll take a couple of things,
maybe one thing, I
really want that for you.
Number one, find something
that you love to do.
That's a big deal.
That sounds like a bumper sticker.
It kind of is,
but find something you really love to do.
Your work is not your whole life,
absolutely, your work
is not your whole life,
but it is material to a good life,
so find something that you want to do.
Now, your parents are gonna chafe
a little bit at this, okay? (chuckles)
They're gonna say I know that,
but what does that really mean?
How do we manifest that?
When I graduated from college
in the 1880s, it feels like.
(audience chuckling)
It was the 1980s.
All of the guys I graduated with,
you know, you go for a job,
maybe you go to work in one
company three, four years,
and you go to grad school,
or you stay with a company,
you're part of a
generation and I like this.
This is one thing millennials
never used in a real good way,
but one thing I like about your generation
is there's a lot more
experimentation about things.
Try different jobs in your 20s.
Try things, don't get stuck.
You might be a finance major,
you could be political science,
you have an idea of what you wanna be,
but use your 20s and even early 30s
to experiment and try different things.
Don't get locked in.
That's a big deal.
One of the things that makes me sad
when I think about,
I've employed hundreds,
maybe thousands of young people,
and it saddens me to think
that there's some of us,
you know all of us, who have
jobs that we don't love,
and I hope that does not happen to you.
Don't, don't settle for that.
Life is more than that,
so try to find something
that you like to do,
and if you have to experiment, do it.
The other thing, it's kind of interesting.
Being up here,
I've realized that commencement addresses
have turned into sort of Super Bowl ads,
you know what I mean?
You have to have some
incredible thing to say.
I don't have anything incredible to say.
I'm really saying what
I hope you can take away
and what is real for you.
So the second one kinda
falls into that category.
My father, my father actually was born,
like up, about a mile from here
in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
He never graduated from college.
In fact, he did not
graduate from high school.
He was in the Marine Corps
and then he got a GED,
but my father even though
he was not educated, was wise,
big difference between being educated
and being wise and having wisdom.
It's really true.
It's really true, so that's
what we have to seek,
but he used to say,
be around people that you want to be like.
That is absolutely true.
This University, which is awesome right?
No question about it.
This University.
(all cheering)
I know that's hokey, but I'm gonna say it.
It is incredible what Dr. Melady,
well Dr. Petillo have done
over the last 30 years.
Look at how we've grown
and what we've done,
but anyway my father used to say,
be around people who you want to be like,
employers, family, friends,
because you will take on
their characteristics,
so be careful about that.
That's really true.
Now, the second two points,
and I'm gonna keep it short,
I promised you, right,
are a little bit vague and I'm gonna,
I'm gonna do the best I can.
What's the third thing that I've learned
in the last 34 years?
And I can't believe it's been 34 years,
but it has been.
What's the third thing that I've learned?
Happiness is a bank shot.
You don't get happy directly.
You get happy by giving to other people.
I think that's the way
we're constructed really.
That's the way we are.
This is what I believe,
it's my stage for a little while, right?
This is my belief I
don't know if I'm right,
but happiness is a bank shot.
It's how you serve other people,
your philosophy, your religion,
these thoughts that you
have, political views.
How do you treat your kids?
How do you treat your spouse?
How do you treat your mother and father?
That's what makes you real.
When I look back at my life, and I do,
I think about the small,
petty, not cruelties,
but thoughtless things I've
done in my close group.
Look at that type of stuff.
That's what's gonna define your success.
How do you treat people around you?
But really, happiness is a bank shot.
Now I get all I wanna say this.
I get a lot of accolades
that I don't deserve.
It's absolutely true.
That's not false modesty,
it's for real, it really is.
I started an organization,
Inmates to Entrepreneurs,
and we help people who
have been incarcerated
to start their own businesses.
And I started that with
Reverend Robert Harris
back in 1992.
Now why do I do that?
Well you know you get these,
people ascribe things though,
you're a good guy,
you're doing good stuff.
Why do I do that?
It makes me feel good.
So that is a paradox, right?
That's a paradox.
Those are things that you hold,
those are constructs you
hold at the same time.
If I'm doing stuff for
other people, I feel good.
So in some ways service is
almost a self-oriented thing.
It's sort of the way
that we're engineered.
Now again, that is an obvious thing,
but here's what I would ask you to do,
and you know just think about at least,
and mostly for the young people,
although this is good for
us old folks too right?
When something happens,
you get a relationship that breaks,
do you look in the mirror
at yourself first or them,
and how often do you do that?
You're a husband, you're a wife,
you're a daughter, you're a son, right?
Think about these key relationships.
Are you looking in the mirror,
how can I get better right?
Or are you sort of like, oh,
it's that person's fault?
Now I've worked with a lot of people.
I've been an employer to a lot of people,
and I always wanna know,
is that person gonna grow,
are they gonna gain knowledge?
Are they gonna look inside of themselves?
Or are they just gonna
sort, not blame the world,
but just sort of think, oh
something happened to me?
So the third one is
really super important,
but before I came up here again this,
you know I wanna make
sure I get this right for,
at least give you some information.
I started looking on the internet
about other commencement addresses,
and one guy made a bed
and talked about how
making a bed perfectly,
something he did every day,
and that was a big YouTube thing, I guess,
and then, and I just, I
watched a lot of stuff,
but I really wanted to you know,
what can I really give to you?
but here's what I did not wanna do.
I remember watching one about,
I think a senator from Michigan, Maine,
or something like that,
talking about the future of democracy.
I mean, really?
You know, is this, this is
important to us obviously,
but is that really gonna resonate with you
and change your life?
I would say no.
So most people like me,
we get up, we're talking,
we're kinda talking to ourselves,
and I really wanna make sure
that I'm not doing that,
that I'm trying to help you,
but I will take a little bit of a,
sort of a global look here.
Adam Smith wrote a book
called Wealth of Nations,
and in that,
really he is sort of the god
of the free market system right?
That's what he espouses,
but what many people forget
is that years before,
he wrote a book called
The Theory of Moral Sentiments,
and what did he say in that?
He said, sure!
It's great that we have
a free enterprise system.
We want the market to be the
arbiter of how we change.
I stand before you as an
unreformed capitalist, right?
But what is that based on?
It's based on ethics, a
moral compass, by citizens,
by doing the right things, by giving back.
What about the poor folks in this country?
There's a lot of them.
There's some here,
but there's a lot outside of this stadium.
Think about where we are right now right?
Really, outside this stadium,
there's a lot of poor folks,
so we can only have a capitalist system
if we as citizens do the right thing
and give back to people.
So I would leave that with you as well.
Alright, I'm gonna tell
a Sacred Heart story,
and then I'm gonna tell you to have fun,
because that's what today is
about too, and celebration.
When I went to Sacred Heart, it was,
it was an amazing experience.
I'm the first person in my
family to go to college,
for my sister just by a
couple of years by the way,
sorry about that,
but it was amazing to me.
I'd go to political science classes,
and they'd be talking
about the left and right,
and I was like, left of the
room, right of the room?
I didn't even know what they
were talking about right?
It was totally new to me, but here's,
John, here's what Sacred
Heart has really meant to me,
as I think about what I've
carried through my life,
this spiritual journey.
I was president of student government
and a fellow named Cardinal O'Connor
came to speak at our college.
I wanna say at, I don't know
what I was at that time,
I wasn't an atheist and I wasn't agnostic.
I was sort of an I-don't-care-ist,
you know what I mean?
I sort of didn't think about it a lot.
My father always made me go to Mass,
but at that time, about 21, 22 years old,
I had checked out of the religion hotel.
I was just sort of like forget it.
Well Cardinal O'Connor,
I don't know if you
remember this Dr. Rhodes,
but he spoke for 45 minutes with no notes.
It was amazing.
I was there as this ceremonial
leader, you know the,
the president of student
government, all this good stuff,
and I was sort of doing
what I used to do in Mass,
which is you know kinda listening,
but not really, you know?
what do I have to do for
school, work tonight,
that type of thing and,
but he spoke incredibly, no notes,
and he spoke about the sanctity of life,
but it was amazing actually.
And even now I kinda, I know it's hokey.
I know you guys are
young, I understand that,
but even now I get goosebumps,
I think about that,
I think it's probably
the Holy Spirit actually,
but he said something fascinating.
He said the problem with
the Catholic religion
is that we don't lean on
the New Testament enough,
and I think it's true even today.
So this is, and actually at that point,
because I thought I knew
everything, I really did,
I was sort of, at that
time in my life, I was uh,
well I don't know, a know-it-all
I guess it's the best way to say it,
but I went and I researched
the origin of the universe
according to the scientists.
I said, hey this guy,
Cardinal O'Connor, a really smart guy,
but the scientists have some
better explanation right?
That was sort of the
generation I was raised in,
and then I looked at it I
said, is this all you got?
But what really hit me as
I started to read slowly,
my journey has been a zigzag, by the way,
not a perfect one,
and yours might not be a perfect one,
but I started to read the New Testament
about this guy called Jesus
Christ and it amazed me,
because we're, the
Christians, some of them,
and I know we have different
faiths here, by the way.
I'm gonna kinda end on a different note.
Christians are like, okay, I like him,
I'll take him or leave him.
But this guy Christ, I like this guy.
I really like him.
So this is what I would say to you.
This sounds a little preachy, I apologize,
but there's a reason.
Try to find a spiritual path,
because things are gonna
happen in your life.
I mean you talked about the
person, the brain surgery.
We lost a student, I mean, these are,
can you imagine losing a child?
Oh my goodness.
So try to find something that
is a rock that lasts forever.
Family, excellent, very important.
Wives, husbands, children,
no question about it,
but what lasts forever, no
matter what happens to you,
so even if your faith is
not that of a Christian,
try to find something that lasts forever.
Really a big deal, and at Sacred Heart,
that's kind of where I am.
That's where my journey started,
because as I said to you,
you come up here and you talk,
you're gonna have a good
life, you're gonna have fun,
you're gonna have all these things,
but sometimes things will happen.
So what I want for you is
something that will last forever,
that really is a bedrock
whatever your faith is, okay?
Alright, wrap up here.
One last thing, life should be fun.
It's just like anything else.
When I was in school here,
I was incredibly driven.
I mean, some people would say,
my kids would say I'm
still incredibly driven.
I'm always on to the next thing,
but plan fun, absolutely plan fun,
because you know, it's a journey,
and I was talking to the guys,
I remember being you, when I was young,
people would say, boy
time goes by quickly,
but I remember thinking,
well you're just saying
that because you're old,
you know what I mean? (chuckles)
But it's really true,
time does go by quickly.
So try to build in fun,
because you know, it's a short journey.
Has Sacred Heart done
an amazing job or what?
(audience applauding)
Come on.
Come on, come on!
(audience cheering)
These guys up here
have done an amazing job, it's true.
It's true, when I came here,
this was a commuting college.
I don't know how many people we had then,
maybe 500, I don't even remember.
It was an easier election
to win because of that,
but Sacred Heart has done a great job.
William and Nolan, I love
you guys, don't forget that.
God bless you and best wishes to you.
(audience applauding)
- Thank you, Dr. Hamilton,
for your exceptional,
inspirational, and fun remarks.
We now begin the distribution of degrees
to Sacred Heart University students.
(audience applauding)
Graduates, you started your life
at Sacred Heart University
with Avengers Age of Ultron.
I don't know how helpful it
was in helping your transition,
but when things started getting tough
in your junior, senior here year,
then you have Avengers Infinity Wars,
but now with Avengers Endgame,
we are helping you to
get to the finish line.
But talking about the end game,
this should not be the
end game for learning.
Your learning should continue
beyond your graduation,
and there are folks who
will be there for you
all throughout your life to help learning.
So before we award the degrees,
let's acknowledge the
folks who have helped you
throughout your learning process
and throughout your life.
So will the faculty and the staff members
of Sacred Heart University please stand,
and audience, please give
them a round of applause.
(audience applauding)
Thank you.
Now will all the family members
who have been supportive of
their graduate please rise,
and graduates please give
them a round of applause.
(all applauding)
Maybe one special round of applause
for all the mothers there?
Happy Mother's Day and lots of love.
(all applauding)
Thank you.
Ladies and gentlemen,
there is a professional photographer
taking pictures of each graduate.
In the interest of decorum
and as a courtesy to those around you,
I will ask that you remain seated
while the graduates are
awarded their degrees.
You will occasionally observe other person
assisting president Petillo in presenting
the degrees to certain graduates.
It is our custom for
Sacred Heart University
faculty, staff, or alumni
to join president in presenting degrees
to their immediate relatives.
Graduates, when you exit the stage,
please use the center stairs.
I now call upon President
Petillo to present
an honorary bachelor's
degree to Matthew Galligan.
(audience applauding)
- Today, we once again
show the warmth and genuineness
of our University community
as we remember Matthew Galligan,
who we lost after a courageous
battle with brain cancer
before he was able to
complete his studies with us.
Matthew was an active student
and an example of all we
hope our students will be.
He was a beloved member of
Phi Kappa Phi fraternity
and also belonged to the
Finance and Economics Club.
His passions included dogs,
fishing, beach, basketball,
and collecting sneakers.
Following his diagnosis,
in true pioneer fashion,
Matthew became a volunteer
for fundraising events
for the National Brain Tumor Society.
He is sorely missed by those who knew him,
both here, in the shoe
community, and beyond.
Here from Northborough, Massachusetts
to pick up his honorary degree
are his parents, Michael and Mary,
and his brother Colin, who is a member
of the Sacred Heart Class of 2021.
Please welcome them.
(all applauding)
- I now call upon Dr. Robin Cautin,
Dean of College of Arts and Sciences,
who will present the candidates for degree
from the college.
- Good morning.
Will the candidates for the
degrees of Bachelor of Arts,
Bachelor of Science, and Associate in Arts
from the College of Arts
and Sciences please rise?
President Petillo, on
behalf of the faculty
of the College of Arts and Sciences,
I present the candidates
for the aforementioned degrees,
and respectfully recommend
that such degrees be conferred upon them.
- [John] By the virtue of
the authority vested in me
by the state of Connecticut
and by the trustees of
Sacred Heart University,
I confer upon the candidates
from the College of Arts and Sciences
the degrees of Bachelor of
Arts, Bachelor of Science,
and Associate of Arts.
Congratulations.
(all applauding)
- [Presenter] Bachelor of
Arts in Art and Design.
Jennifer Petone, cum laude.
Amy Elizabeth Boyles
assisted by her father Michael
Boyle's Campus Operations.
Matthew Kendall,
Elizabelle Mary Couse Mametook,
Olivia Marie Manke, magna cum laude,
Gold Medal of Excellence.
Alyssa Marie Maconie,
magna cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Jazmine Desiree Phillips.
Serena Marie Pinelli.
Alison Bethany Rybak.
Miss Aleah Somagar.
Harris Vu Tran.
Mariko Yamamoto.
Bachelor of Science in Biology,
Hassoni Austin.
Amanda Nicole Betting.
Hunter Ann Boland.
Brooke Elizabeth Chesler, cum laude.
Danielle Corinne Cuzmano, summa cum laude.
Michaela Ann Davies.
Rachel de Marzo, cum laude.
Adelene Patricia DeStazio.
Mary R. Duche.
Christelle Exile.
Emily Rose Farina, magna cum laude.
Richard Fox.
Julio London Galindo Jr.
Christina Samantha Glavin.
Ashley Taylor Healey.
Olivia Hind.
Arian Nicole Hoffman.
Jena Rose Larson.
Cassandra Eva Lou, summa cum laude.
Emma Mary Madden, magna cum laude.
Julianna Amber Mano, magna cum laude.
Erin Barbara Marx, magna cum laude.
Alexandria Nicole
Misropean, magna cum laude.
Diana Karla Miranda.
Dominique Renee Newton.
Emily Grace Orosco, summa cum laude,
Silver Medal of Excellence.
Angelina Grace Pagano, cum laude.
Mason Michael Rambarose.
Sofia Maria Rendazzo.
Kylie Michelle Ridgeway.
Georgina Abraham Santosh.
Victoria Karen Schoenwald,
summa cum laude.
Jean Luc Gasosalami, cum laude
assisted by his mentor and
SHU alumni Ellie Weinstein,
who is his wife of Jean
Luc's other devoted mentor,
the late Professor Laurie Weinstein
of the College of Business.
Marissa Claire Lattissima Segura.
Kendra Juliana Sherman,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Elizabeth Maria Sosa.
Joseph Stincabbage Jr., magna cum laude.
Christopher Francis Turricheck, cum laude,
assisted by his parents
Maria and Frank Turricheck,
Class of 1984,
and his sister Tina
Turricheck, Class of 2016.
Christopher Francis Turricheck.
Danielle Marie Varley.
Marissa Lynn Yost, magna cum laude.
Bachelor of Science and
Molecular and Cellular Biology,
Brad Gino Sinoani,
magna cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
James Joseph Ciclare,
magna cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Bachelor of Science and Neuroscience,
Francesco Audris Devali Diaz,
cum laude, Silver Medal of Excellence.
- Thank you.
- Gabrielle Olivia Conteric,
magna cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Meredith Olivia Hallisey.
Andrea Hernandez Mendoza.
Fabiana Marina Persik.
Ryan David Clegic.
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry,
Nicholas Damiano Crisco,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Mark Paul Cling.
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry,
Viao Zha,
Bethany Cowlick.
Renee Michele Russo,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Dorothy Eboa.
Blair Elizabeth Ellesco,
magna cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Robert Bruce Yozo.
Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.
Victoria Bellarezzo.
Ryan Patrick Brown.
Dante Martin Kabrel.
John Michael Serentani.
Kendall Joshua William Clark.
Claire Elizabeth Conlon.
Emily Corso.
Nicole Elizabeth D'Andra.
Dominic Anthony Danielle.
Melanie Ann DeSilva, magna cum laude.
Anthony Francis Delvecchio.
Stephanie De Santis, also
Psychology, cum laude.
Daniel Patrick Diggins, magna cum laude.
Nicholas DiMartino.
Robert Angier Echevarria.
John Michael Flanagan.
Neal James Grasso.
Abigail Marie Haverly.
Mary Rebecca Harding.
Kaitlin Huey.
Henry Christopher Indictor.
John Alden Kaywood.
Caroline Grier King.
Martina Katarina Lemarka.
Julia Price Leonard.
Olivia Mittleman,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Michael John Nicholas.
Graham O'Dwyer.
Megan Elizabeth Rice.
Christian Andres Rodriguez.
Roberto Clemente Rojas, also Media Arts.
Samantha Ronan, summa cum laude.
Stephanie Marie Santora, magna cum laude.
Ryan Sanudo.
John Vincent Scala Jr.
Joseph Vincent Segal.
Spencer Case Stovall, also Media Arts.
John Lee O'Sullivan,
assisted by his father,
Rich Sullivan, Class of 1977.
Andrew Stuart Thompson Jr.
Ryan Gerard Touey, Media
Arts, summa cum laude.
Nicholas Turiano.
Sean Ward.
- Indeed!
- [Presenter] Olivia Grace Wonder.
Leah Ann Zinski.
Bachelor of Arts in Digital Communication,
Tahira S. Anderson.
Steven James Coster.
Gillian Marie Pastor,
Silver Medal of Excellence.
Jenny Lee Schulman.
Hallie Christine Young, also Media Arts,
magna cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts,
Whitney Viera Bivins, summa cum laude.
Brendan Danielle Capuano,
also Communications
Studies, magna cum laude.
James Reid Cleland.
Ariana Colisuno.
Ryan Christopher Conway.
Evan Denny,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence,
accompanied by his mother,
Dr. Bronwyn Cross Denny,
associate professor.
Matthew Robert de Pietro.
Stephanie Lynn Dohenny.
Bryan Nicholas Dota, magna cum laude.
Daniel Gerard Elia.
Anna Katherine Finn.
Matthew Henshaw, magna cum laude.
Tessa A. Cabasa,
also communication
studies, magna cum laude.
Griffin Brendan Killian.
Justin Riley Low.
Michael Moreno.
Victoria Ann Mescal.
Michelle Elizabeth Miller.
Stephanie Elaine Pettway,
also Communication Studies.
Eddie Spencer Rivera Jr.
- Ooh!
- Ooh, man!
- [Presenter] Unal Yeet Sutman,
accompanied by Funda Alp, Class of 1991,
executive director of sponsor,
of Office of Sponsored Programs.
Marissa Taylor Tache.
Eric Steven Turin,
summa cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice,
Elizabeth Athun Tudes,
Darwin Michael Anderson.
Melissa Nicola Opria, magna cum laude.
Greg Joseph Orginio, magna cum laude.
Erica Lee Bocousey.
Zachary Scott Bouvet.
Melanie Capinzano, also
Psychology, magna cum laude.
DeAndre Castro.
Kevin S. Daly.
Giuliana Teresa De George,
assisted by her sister Dana
De George, Class of 2010.
Michael Anthony Dematteis.
Brandon Lee Decesare.
Ashley Elizabeth
Driscoll, magna cum laude.
Gloria Marie Dubey.
John Francis Fizzaro.
Miranda Gibbons, magna cum laude
Grace Maria Bernadette Gillen.
Antonio Granada, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Edward John Grecenglago III,
Christa Hadatress.
Evangelista I. Hanley, cum laude
O'Brien Steven Jocelyn.
Megan Kendall.
Kyle Patrick Kennedy, cum laude.
Megan Elizabeth LaRosa.
Nakeem Jerome Lewis.
Victoria Leeze, magna cum laude.
Christian Lodolce.
Emily Rose Longero
Kelsey Quinn Molhair.
James George Murko, magna cum laude.
Clarisse Amanda Neumann.
Vincent Paul Pastor II.
Andrew Patrizio.
Jennifer Ann Paul, cum laude.
Raymond Pete Quiless.
Connor Sivicheck.
Elizabeth's Suars.
Eric W. Trickett.
Hannah Quinn Wise, magna cum laude.
Bachelor of Arts in English,
Megan Elizabeth Besson.
Meghan Boland, summa cum laude.
Carissa Veronica
D'Agostino summa cum laude.
Karen Elena Delarocca.
Emily Marie Dejario, cum laude.
Monica Ann Devine.
Ashley Victoria Engle.
Julia Fama, summa cum laude,
Silver Medal of Excellence.
Kiera Elizabeth Goals.
Josiah Thomas Hardwick.
Kelly Hyatt Hendrix.
Danielle Kay Hickey, magna cum laude.
Emily Ann Johnson, cum laude.
Megan Katherine Keane.
Quinn Emily Lesperance.
Matthew Menard.
Anastasia Menoris.
Steven Philip Mezzetano.
Amy Rebecca Osorio.
Gregory James Price,
also Political Science, magna cum laude.
Faith Henrietta Quay.
Cara Nicole Shay, also Marketing.
Henley A. L. Solomon Jr.
Nicole Lynn Soto.
Ashley Danielle Souls, cum laude.
Andrew Quintin Star.
Daniela Emanuela Sanjay, summa cum laude.
Delia Ellen Thornton, summa cum laude.
Serginio Valcourt, also Theater Arts,
assisted by his father Serge
Valcourt, Class of 1994.
Deanna Rose Vivirito,
assisted by her sister, Christa
Vivirito, Class of 2017.
Zoe Wallart.
Hannah Marie Wood, cum laude.
Bachelor of Arts in General Studies,
Joseph S Belesney.
Bachelor of Science in General Studies,
Mandesia Bengulf.
Amanda Frances Bloshuk.
Isabella Joanne Bowen.
Juan Carlos Gomez.
Graydon Higgins.
Ryan Laufer.
Luis Marie Marinelli.
Ann Emily Raboah.
Ashley Elizabeth Tully.
Desiree Vasquez.
Harry Williamson.
Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies,
Jessica Marie Bland,
also Political Science,
summa cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Lilly Bolton, also Political Science.
Brian Leggen Hardiman.
Thaddeus Rosner.
Bachelor of Arts in History,
Daniel Savaril Lauria.
Taylor Page Latito.
Brooke McCarthy, magna cum laude.
Kaitlyn Musarino.
Anthony Brooks Orso.
Remi Grace O'Shaughnessy.
Brandon Roy Parker, cum laude.
Andrew John Perino,
Lindsey Mary Roark,
summa cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Nicole Sarah Sambuco.
Mark Austin Sarnell.
Megan Taylor Shance,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Shannon Michele Smyrnow, cum laude.
Rory Francis McCain.
Bachelor of Science and Mathematics,
Taylor Nicole Anderick.
Michael Anthony Bobollo, also Finance,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Nicholas Joseph de Silva magna cum laude.
Emily Marie Hegu,
assisted by her sister,
Victoria Hegu, Class of 2018.
Emily is also magna cum laude.
Carrie Anne Brenda
Johnson, summa cum laude.
Kristen Ann Link, cum laude.
John Henry Monday, magna cum laude.
Trevor John O'Brien,
magna cum laude.
Katy Perry.
Sarah Riccio,
summa cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Taylor Samuel.
Alexandra Tumakerras.
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy,
Fairy Galbart, cum laude.
Andrew Albert Lefur.
Christopher David Mannion,
magna cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Bachelor of Arts in Theology
and Religious studies,
Erin Murray Curley,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Debra A. Fideli, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Suzette Y. Finn.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science,
Michael David Cammalleri.
Julia Rochelle Hutchinson, cum laude.
Patrick John Faria, magna cum laude.
Christian Sergio Post Houghton.
Ryan Michael Smith.
Kimberly Dolores John Hyland,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Morgan O'Brien, also History, cum laude.
Lake Turley,
summa cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology,
Abdullah Sulaiman Alavai.
Patricia Annan.
Stephanie Ann Bazindela.
Paul Thomas Basil, also Philosophy.
Nicole Marie Balazar,
also Criminal Justice.
Rebecca Antonio Badoski, summa cum laude.
Alyssa Marie Benedetto, summa cum laude.
Marissa Best.
Elizabeth Rose Bivona.
Gillian Alexandra Boland, magna cum laude
Shane Michael Brady.
Ariana Marie Bruno.
Erin Elizabeth Boland.
Amanda Jo Borgiano.
Julia Kyatso, summa cum laude.
Christina Michelle Capasso.
Victoria Caputo, assisted by her sister,
Christina Caputo, Class of 2017.
Brianna Caraballo.
Kyle Richard Carmona,
assisted by his mother,
Arlette Carmona, Class of 2014,
and sister Ashley Carmona Class of 2018.
Kathleen Murray Castrilli,
summa cum laude.
Dante Stefano Cetano.
Cassandra Kathene Charles.
Shannon Marie Ciccotto.
Christopher Ryan Clark.
Marlene Jane Coleman.
Sarah Joanne Cuffs, cum laude.
Courtney Nicole Daly.
Nicole Amber Dilipolli.
Alison Celine Divine, summa cum laude.
Jade Lee Dicesare.
Jenna Lynn Dizupi,
assisted by her brother, Dr.
James Dizupi, Class of 2015.
Katia Dillon, also Health
Science, summa cum laude.
Margo Hayden Douglas, summa cum laude.
Katherine Joan Embery.
Wendy Estabian.
Sarah Caroline Evans, magna cum laude.
Jessica Emily Feliz, summa cum laude.
Jacqueline Fernu.
Judy Farias.
Kiera Ethel Fitzpatrick.
Emma Elizabeth Fleming.
Julia Marie Frances, magna cum laude.
Kelsey Gabrus, magna cum laude.
Lauren Ashley Gally.
Taylor Ann Gilverti.
Edward Rossen Godfrey.
Michael C. Goff.
Danielle Kathleen Ginelli.
Nicholine Anna Kate Gooden.
Maggie Frances Gooden.
Alexia Ann Guses.
Meagan Sue Griffin.
Brianna Lynn Haberlin.
Joshua Michael Hadiddy.
Allison Marie Hoefler, magna cum laude.
Nicholas James Katacaris, magna cum laude.
Dylan Antone Kort.
Alexandra Krudis.
Anya Alana Lenari.
Lisa Antonia Livorna,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Brian Lavinier.
Brittany Lee, assisted by her father,
Aber Lee, public safety officer.
Stephanie Nicole Lesson.
Julia Lopes, summa cum laude.
Hailey Laurith.
Taylor Jamie Lynch.
Katherine Nicole Lizget.
Gallop Mamadruzco.
Jessica Marano.
Jacqueline Margaglione.
Jared Marodo.
Kathryn Mary McCabe, summa cum laude,
assisted by her father, James
McCabe, associate professor,
and sisters Jennifer
McCabe, Class of 2013,
and Margaret McCabe, Class of 2015.
Julia Rose McLaughlin.
Daniela Mercado.
Haley Elizabeth Milne.
Casey C. Minogue, also Criminal Justice.
Sarah Mary Monaghan.
Gabriella Monferrato, magna cum laude.
Logan Olivia Morris.
Emily Carmela Nizafarro,
also Criminal Justice, magna cum laude.
Cheyenne Maria Atozi, summa cum laude.
Lindsey Marie Padua,
Samantha Padgett,
Alessia Grazia Panetta,
Chericcia Paluzzo, magna cum laude.
Sarah Elizabeth Palsy.
Hannah Elizabeth Renie,
summa cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Jenelle Autumn Rodriguez,
Garrett Paul Roy.
Sabrina Marie Rufo.
Daria Rose Faith Sanfilippo.
Brenna Olivia Scott.
Nicoletta Michelle Serecca.
Karissa Nicole Seroyce.
Victoria Smerlucky.
Carolyn E. Spicer, magna cum laude.
Alexandra Jacqueline
Stanley, magna cum laude,
assisted by her sister,
Taylor Stanley, Class of 2015.
Bradley A. Taylor, cum laude.
Itham R. Thompson.
Casey Torella, magna cum laude.
Megan Torella, cum laude.
Alyssa Marie Torres.
Samantha Trot.
Christina Josephine Trotta.
Savannah Gabrielle
Vigiano, magna cum laude,
assisted by her mother,
Melissa Vigiano, Class of 2003.
Alexa Noel Vituli.
Melissa Marie Weaver, magna cum laude.
Annie Bridgette Wilson.
Bachelor of Arts in Social Work.
Deanna Maire Alaperti,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Amber Baker, cum laude.
Nicole Marie Bettonnelli, cum laude.
Deanna Rose Doherty.
Erika E. Mallory.
Sarah Louise Kleinman.
Lindsey Marshall.
Katelyn Elizabeth Warren.
Courtney Elizabeth Patchini,
magna cum laude.
Caroline Sarah Peck.
Jamie Rose Pinea O'day,
summa cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Dianne Murray Scalzo, magna cum laude.
Grace Kathleen Tirso, cum laude.
Meline Caitlyn Vidro.
Rachel Mariana Vote, summa cum laude.
Brittany Ann Whelps, cum laude.
Lena Zakour, summa cum laude.
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology,
Laurie Everlith, assisted by her brother,
Mason Everlith, Class of 2018.
Bachelor of Science in Sociology.
Taylor Bone.
Olivia Caitlin DeFeo.
Deanna Marie Federa,
assisted by her sister,
Tina Federam Class of 2018.
Rosanna Rafaela Verano.
Laura Kate James,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence,
assisted by her sister,
Mia James, Class of 2013.
Cameron Michael Kemmer.
Alyssa Ann Klasert, also Criminal Justice.
Melissa Melliero, cum laude.
Logan Olson Kechnie.
Sandra Patinostro.
Alyssa Nicole Pizelle,
magna cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence,
assisted by her mother Donna
Pizzelle, Class of 1985.
Sarah Marie Rossi.
Marine Francis Sivaji.
Elizabeth Ann Scoccorino,
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish.
Hayden Michael Garabrant,
Silver Medal of Excellence.
Gloria Mangano Perkins
Gold Medal of Excellence,
assisted by her brother
William Perkins Class of 2013.
Jessica Ellen Rice.
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts,
Jacqueline Nora Franzetti.
Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts,
Robert Collins Kirschbaum.
- Let's give another round of applause
for College of Arts and Sciences.
(audience applauding)
Graduates you may be seated.
I now call upon Dr. John Chalykoff,
dean of Jack Welsh College of Business,
who will present the candidates
for the degree from the College.
- Will the candidates for the
degrees of Bachelor of Science
from the Jack Welsh College
of Business, please rise.
(all applauding)
There.
President Petillo,
on behalf of the Faculty
of the Jack Welsh College of Business,
I present the candidates for
the aforementioned degrees
and respectfully recommend
that such degrees be conferred upon them.
- By virtue of the authority vested in me
by the state of Connecticut
and the trustees of
Sacred Heart University,
I confer upon the candidates,
a degree of Bachelor of Science
from the Jack Welsh College of Business.
Congratulations.
- Hear hear.
(audience cheers)
(people chattering)
- [Presenter] Bachelor
of Science in Accounting,
Dennis Paul Alevis Jr.
Marissa Alves.
Rebecca Daniel Armand, also
Finance, summa cum laude.
Austin William Bailey.
Mark Andrew Behringer, magna cum laude.
Tyler William Batella.
Katherine Alexandra Bonnet.
Samantha Paige Bialik, magna cum laude.
Michael Callisto, magna cum laude.
Alyssa Marie Ciriccelo, also
Finance, magna cum laude.
Devon Paul Edward Cleary.
Taylor Margaret Connors.
Victoria Rose Cutrone, also Management,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Tamar Lee Davis.
Michelle Lenore de Leon, cum laude.
Gabriel Thomas Ferraro.
Katherine Irene Gaddu.
Alissa Rose Garcia.
Jason Henry Gerald.
Kyle Edward Glasson.
Alexander Goncalves.
Michael Stephen Greco, assisted
by sister Ashley Greco,
Class of 2015.
Martin Starius Gustafson.
Kelsey Hansen Al Shibli.
Sofia Hang.
Deandra Latisha Henry.
Kayla Shay Hohenstein,
Finance, summa cum laude.
Kyle Arthur Jalbert, summa cum laude.
Amelia Mary Justo, magna cum laude.
John William Krasinski.
- Congratulations.
- Brandon Mark Levesque.
Ashley Elizabeth Lemone,
assisted by her mother,
Karen Weinstein Lamone, Class of 1985.
Stephanie Marie Mangemelli,
summa cum laude.
Liam Mark McDade.
Jordan Alexander Meacham, magna cum laude.
Bianca Ane Marillo, magna cum laude.
Anthony Nunziato Matura.
Lauren Anne Middlemass, cum laude.
Cathy Murray Ann Mitchell, also Finance.
James Joseph Morello, magna cum laude.
Virginia Anne Molde.
Conrad Anderson Nevers,
assisted by his mother, Correy Nevers,
executive director of
International Admissions.
Victoria Petrov, summa cum laude.
Lauren Elizabeth Petrozi, cum laude.
Dair Ramirez.
Cody Glen Ryan.
Matthew Roberts Sackowitz,
summa cum laude,
assisted by his mother, Kimberly
Sackowitz, Class of 1983.
Gabriela Nicole Savino, magna cum laude.
Kevin Alexander Sears.
Nicholas Simmons.
Taylor Rose Smith, summa cum laude.
Lindsey Marie Spitz, summa cum laude.
Eli A. Terry.
Caitlyn Anne Thorogood, also
Finance, manga cum laude.
Lauren Ashley Tool, also
Finance, magna cum laude.
Vincent John Timirelo III, also Finance.
Samantha Angela Toocy, cum laude.
Grace Amber Tutongen,
also Management, summa cum laude.
Carmen Michael Vociano,
also Sport Management, magna cum laude.
Gabrielle Nicole Volpetite,
also Finance, cum laude.
Daniel Peter Ward, assisted
by his father, Peter Ward,
University controller.
Jimmy G. West, magna cum laude.
Daniel John Weiland.
Bachelor of Science in Business Economics,
Jackson Vincent Barleant,
also Finance, magna cum laude.
Nicholas Bradley Barrett.
Nicholas Allen Bork, also
Finance, magna cum laude.
Thomas Otto Black, magna cum laude.
Jacob Henry Conklin, also Finance.
Tara Noel Delvecchio, also
Finance, magna cum laude.
Anthony John Dellafave, also Finance.
Jody Lee Dechico, also
Finance, summa cum laude.
Russell Stephen Phi, also
Finance, summa cum laude.
Madison Noel Harris, also Finance.
Julian Erik Mallet.
Sarah Catherine Paul.
Simon Cremer Kuan, magna cum laude.
Justin Michael Skorzeny, also Finance.
Ryan Stapleton, also
Finance, summa cum laude.
Jessica Tavares, also
Finance, summa cum laude.
Bachelor of Science in Finance,
Lucas Almeida, also Business Economics.
Shelby Maureen Bachi.
Zinovia Bartholomew,
also Business Economics.
Patrick Francis Bishop.
Brandon J. Brown.
Michael Joseph Brucaleri,
also Business Economics.
Sam Douglas Burbank, magna cum laude.
Kaylee Ann Butler.
Daniel M. Cahill, cum laude.
Aidan Emerson Cane.
Number four, Liam Joseph Claire,
also Business Economics, magna cum laude.
Christian Alexander Conklin,
also Sport Management, magna cum laude.
Christopher Cornell, also
Business Economics, cum laude.
Jason Andrew Cotton.
Colette Elizabeth Craig,
also Business Economics.
Michael James Paul Crowcock,
also Management, cum laude.
Daniel Joseph Dalcortivo.
Christopher Joseph Danna,
also Accounting, summa cum laude.
Zachary James Deacon Cillas,
also Business Economics, magna cum laude.
Vincent Lewis Disentis, magna cum laude.
Kwaheem Duvein, also Business Economics.
Brian Einstaus,
also Business Economics, summa cum laude.
Matthew Fallon, also Sport Management,
magna cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Crenan Ferreira Raposo,
also Business Economics.
Gregory J. Farris.
Brendan Kevin Foley, cum laude.
Joseph Andrew Fox.
Paul S. Garcia, also Marketing.
Alicia Nicole Gordano.
Jessica Leigh Giannetta.
Frank John Goodnow, also Marketing,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
William James Gunaris,
also Business Economics, magna cum laude.
Maxwell Carter Harrington.
Kathleen Healy, cum laude.
David Henry Jr.
Jonathan Patrick Herman.
Christopher O'Briski.
Dylan Bartel, cum laude.
Nicholas Andrew Falciglia.
Frank Raya III.
Olivia Savastano.
Sarah Costanza, summa cum laude.
Michael Cotugno, assisted by his sister,
Victoria Cotugno, Class of 2014.
Shalagna Coval.
Dane Ethan Kirk Navy,
also Business Economics summa cum laude,
assisted by his parents,
John and Joanie Kirknavy.
College of Business,
Michael Edward Lee, cum laude.
Olivia Lorraine Lehane
also Accounting, cum laude.
Kevin Leong.
Thiago Leonardo, also Business Economics,
Selena Lugamen, summa cum laude,
also Business Economics,
Gold Medal of Excellence.
Charles Andrew Lambana.
Katherine Kelly Lotte,
also Business Economics.
Alexander Steven Manner,
also Business Economics.
Jake Munson Mazza, summa cum laude.
Brooke Ann McGreen,
also Business Economics, magna cum laude.
Colin McNamara.
Mary Glen Magettestre,
also Business Economics, magna cum laude.
Christopher Wayne Mottola,
also Business Economics and Marketing.
Joseph Nestola, also Business Economics.
Scott James Norton,
also Business Economics,
summa cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Alexander Thomas Viselli, also Accounting.
Nicholas Michael Boselli,
also Business Economics, magna cum laude.
Kevin Robert Plant,
assisted by his brother,
Patrick Plant, Class of 2015.
Dominic N. Provenzano.
Timothy Cahill Rench Jr.,
also Business Economics.
Adam Gregory Polson.
Nicholas Gregory Rosea, magna cum laude.
Michael Ren Dean.
Joseph Ricciardella.
Daniel Robuschi.
Ashley Nicole Signs,
also Business Economics, magna cum laude.
Anthony Graziano Sarno,
also Business Economics.
Christopher Richard
Sauce, summa cum laude.
Nicholas Joseph Scozare,
also Business Economics,
assisted by his sister, Gabrielle Scozare,
and brother, Frank Scozare, Class of 2015.
Kevin Connor Skol,
also Business Economics, summa cum laude.
Mohammed Seall, Business
Economics as well, cum laude.
Liam Patrick Sullivan.
Adrian Semillo, magna cum laude.
Thomas James Toronto,
also Business Economics, magna cum laude.
Brent James Teller,
also Business Economics.
Matthew Richard Tierney.
Andrew William Utterman.
Sean Hoenn.
Michael Frederick Vaderspec,
also Business Economics, magna cum laude.
Stephanie Villafana,
also Business Economics, magna cum laude.
Lindsey Patricia Walther,
also Business Economics, summa cum laude.
Jacob Timothy Wilson.
Thomas Joseph Wisnewski, summa cum laude.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
Ahmed Jamal M. Ashi.
Ryan Matthew Bulagos.
Carrie Anne Burton.
Dortelis Cemay.
Nicholas John Fabrizio.
Peter Eugene Flemisher.
Mario Forte Jr.
Dominick Vincent Gustin.
Joseph Xavier Marriott.
Christian David Moncada.
Daniel Joseph Murtagh.
Ryan Fook Nguyen, cum laude.
Tram Nealp Nguyen.
Ashley Peralta.
Olivia Maria Pinto.
Brian O'Neill Powell,
Gold Medal of Excellence.
Thomas Christopher Revoliotis.
Nicholas Sam Rigge.
Ryan Edward Rogers, summa cum laude,
Gold Medal of Excellence in Programming.
Nicole Lynn Sanfilippo, cum laude.
James Michael Schneider.
Michael Albert Schneider.
Ian Joseph Senters, cum laude.
Salvatore Joseph Sicanolfi
Jr., assisted by his father,
Salvatore Sicanolfi Sr.,
Department of Public Safety.
Nelson Siraco, magna cum laude.
Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration,
Cristobal Cuba.
Michael J McKeever.
Bachelor of Science in Management.
John Joseph Abode, assisted by his sister,
Adria Abode, Class of 2015.
Christian Joseph Almonte.
Connor Douglas Altamira.
Stephanie Anne Antoccac, cum laude.
Ilyana Lissette Arboleda,
also Business Economics.
Ryan W. Barthel.
Christopher Becker.
Michael Joseph Beniss IV.
Christopher Joseph
Brennan, also Marketing.
Katherine Elizabeth
Carbone, also Marketing.
Kevin Richard Carlson, also Theatre Arts,
cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Alexandra Angel Ceverio.
Damian Lamont Cherry Jr.
Katherine Marie Caufman, cum laude.
Justin Steven Connaughton.
Patrick James Colhaim.
Gerard James Daly.
Ashley Michele Darling, magna cum laude.
Sean Thomas T. Gary, cum laude.
Caroline Jane Fuinn, magna cum laude.
Jessica Ann Forlenza.
Calliope Catoflius, magna cum laude.
Morgan Jayne Ford.
Samantha Kristina Frenzies.
Kevin Gaultiere.
Sarah Jean Haas.
Nicole Francis Henry.
Courtney Elizabeth Kramer,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Amy Lynn Lameta.
Alexander Richard Leach.
Katherine Marie Lee, magna cum laude.
Brian Vincent Longyear.
Aaron Marler, magna cum laude.
Sarah Elizabeth McMahon, magna cum laude.
Kelly Elizabeth McNicholas.
Danielle E Miriam.
Connor Lawrence Miller.
Nia Motika.
Charlotte Sophia Murphy.
Victoria Kaitlin
O'Malley, summa cum laude.
Eric R O'Neill.
Megan Mary Osborne.
- Megan!
- [Presenter] Robert Paper.
Juan C. Perez Romero.
Yanni Papadopoulos.
Jack Monroe Pardue.
Selena Marie Pizzuto, magna cum laude.
Noah Provenzano.
Bianca Michelle Ramos Rodriguez.
Lewis Philip Ranieri III, cum laude.
Christina Riley, also
Marketing, cum laude.
Ryan Thomas Roberts.
James Roundtree.
Nicole Ashley Sobe.
Chelsea Kay Sudler.
Frank A. Spaziante Jr., magna cum laude.
Justin Mark Stag.
Rihanna Alya Stewart,
assisted by her son, Gregory Flemings Jr.
Clay French Switzer,
summa cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Katrina Valenza.
Frank Anthony Viteri.
Margaret Voomzathang.
Rihanna Michelle Zenski.
Christian Zepeda.
Bachelor of Science in Marketing.
Kwami Atzegna.
Anna Agostinoni.
Robert el Altovilla,
assisted by his mother,
Angie Quarterie, Class of 1984.
Brianna Nicole Andrioli.
Patrick Ball.
Josephine Kayla Battaglia.
Ryan Hawk Becker.
Caroline Mary Belcher.
Claire Elizabeth Benvenuto.
Christine Anne Benvenuto, cum laude.
Abigail Margaret Black.
David Matthew Bordinero, also
Art and Design, cum laude.
Marisa Bruno, also Management.
Brian Michael Brown.
James Ryan Catherine, cum laude.
Nicole Marie Cartereli.
Anushka Dota Chowdhury.
Jacqueline Marie Collins.
Alexandra Vincenzo Colucci.
Abigail Connors.
Blake Patterson Cox.
Bryan Cravens, magna cum laude.
Morgan Lynn Daniels.
Murphy Dean.
Vinson F. DeDominicis, cum laude.
Matthew Angelo del Priore, also Finance.
Christina Marie Deleonardis.
Edith Rose Delotto.
Nicholas Dellorusso.
Jessica DeLuca, magna cum laude.
Allison Marie Desolates, summa cum laude.
Jenna Margaret Detore.
Alexandra Danielle Diagonale.
Nicholas Daniel Difilippo.
Elena Dixon.
Sarah A. Urban.
Clifford Francis Espinol
IV, also Sport Management.
Luigi Estrada Atenes.
Aaron Carey Fitzgerald, magna cum laude.
Joseph Michael Forrest Jr.
Nicole Isabella Galante.
Jason Golitsis.
Kaylee Georgie, assisted by her sister,
Tonelise Adams Teffer, Class of 2009.
Patrice Karolina Gomes, summa cum laude.
Gina Marie Grammarosa, cum laude.
Joseph Anthony Greco.
Megan Ann Grifone.
Alexander Joseph Guerrero,
also Management, cum laude.
Eric J. Haasensav II.
Alison Claire Hopkins, magna cum laude.
Alexandrea Christine
Draghi, also Management.
Brooklyn Jenny.
Michelle Lynn Johnson, magna cum laude.
Victoria Camp, summa cum laude.
Maureen Celia Kiri.
Grace Catherine Hewett.
Jamie Marie Kennit.
Yasmine Kadaj.
Phoenix Kandwolla, cum laude.
Maria Konstess.
Landon Michael Kramer.
Julia Lastlet, assisted by her sister,
Taylor Lastlet, Class of 2018.
Lucas Gabriel Laeva, cum laude.
Timothy Lowell.
Cara Elizabeth Lynch.
Amanda Jo Magno.
Marc Anthony G. Major.
Alexia Melongon, also Sport Management.
Brendon Alexander Malave.
Noor Sultana Melik.
Megan Mesitis.
Nicholas John Massaro,
also Sport Management.
Kendall Nicole Mailer.
Shannon Elizabeth McMellen.
Isabella Juliana Melchiorri, cum laude.
Melissa Nicole Minerva.
McKenzie Oliviera Moore.
Edward William Morgan,
assisted by his sister,
Erin Morgan, Class of 2018.
Alissa Ann Moore Madison, sorry,
Alissa Madison Maury.
Allison Taylor Moochioli, also Management.
Ryan O'Dowd, cum laude.
Connor Michael O'Reilly.
Shane Patrick O'Toole.
Julie Plumbery.
Jamie Lynn Parkin.
Anna Alexandra Pawlowski.
Haley Elizabeth Pane.
Lindsay Elise Petraglia,
assisted by her sister, Meredith
Petraglia, Class of 2018.
Stephanie Marie Pippo.
Charles Anthony Pitcher Jr.,
assisted by his parents
Charles Pitcher, Class of 1989,
and Angela Pitcher, Class of 2015.
Caroline Devon Popalizo.
Lauren Kelly Porter.
Nicole Elizabeth Pratt.
Megan Quigley.
Dillon Joseph Quince.
Sarah Quitatomo, cum laude.
Ingrid Sophia Rempe, magna cum laude.
Giovanni Richatelli, manga cum laude.
Kyra Mary Faith Ryan.
Meegan Ryan.
Deanna Marie Savoca.
Nicole Andrea Skoglund.
Brendan Slade.
William James Sledge.
Emery Jean Smith.
Alyssa Marie Squatrito.
Jaleel Jean Baptiste St. Fleur.
Kathleen Francis Stanley.
Kayla Noel Sullivan.
Alexandra Turgiss, also Management.
Sebastian Tonkovich.
Curtis Edward Topper,
Accounting, magna cum laude.
Elizabeth Maureen Tracy, also Management.
Maxwell Alexander Tuttle.
Madison Lace Villamir.
Elena Catherine Wilson.
Mansoor Visa, magna cum laude.
Erin Mary Wogic.
Paige Caitlin Zafuto.
Bachelor of Science in Sport Management.
Jack Ryan Abueme.
Nicholas Bernadon.
Sean Brian Boyle, also Marketing.
Ryan Mark Bramble.
Anthony W. Brakefield, also Marketing.
Michael John Caputes, also
Finance, magna cum laude.
Andrew Joseph Crooks.
Oscar Curres Caballero,
magna cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Tyler Anthony DeSilva, magna cum laude.
Udi De Araujo Lopez.
Matthew Falchi, also Marketing.
Steven Anthony Gitto, also Marketing.
Christina Marie Hardman, also Finance.
Caitlyn Christine Kelleher,
also Finance, summa cum laude.
Sarah Kosha, also Management.
Kenan James Larose, assisted by his aunt,
Elizabeth Lucky, Associate
Athletic Director.
Joseph Vincent Leo.
David Thorne Pikota.
Meier Siegel, also Finance.
- Oh, man!
- Sydney June Slavin.
Christopher Quinn Smith.
Michael N. Stein, also Finance.
Nathan Williams Sweeney.
Kristin Jamie Umbright, also Marketing.
Isaiah Christopher Walters, also Finance.
Ryan Joseph Welch, also Marketing.
Kevin Thomas O'Connell.
- Oh, man!
- Let's give another round of applause
for College of Business.
(all applauding)
Graduates, you may be seated.
At this time, Dr. Michael Alfano,
Dean of Isabelle Farrington
College of Education
will present a degree
to our first ever undergraduate student
graduating from the College of Education's
new Interdisciplinary major.
More students will receive this degree
at next year's ceremony,
but in the meantime,
this young woman is a
true Sacred Heart Pioneer.
- Dr. Petillo, on behalf of the Faculty
of the Isabelle Farrington
College of Education,
I present the first
candidate for the degree
of Bachelor of Science of
Interdisciplinary Studies
and respectively recommend
that such degree be conferred upon her.
- By virtue of the authority vested in me
and by the state of Connecticut
and by the trustees of
Sacred Heart University,
I confer the upon the candidate
the degree of Bachelor of Science
from the Isabelle Farrington
College of Education.
Congratulations.
(audience applauding)
(woman shouts echoing)
(people chattering)
- [Presenter] Bachelor of Science
in Interdisciplinary Studies,
Jenna Rose Chittenden.
(audience applauding)
(woman chuckles)
- I now call upon Dr. Patricia Walker,
Dean of College of Health Profession,
who will present the candidates for degree
from the College.
- Will the candidates for the
degree of Bachelor of Science
from the College of Health
Professions, please rise?
(audience cheers)
Okay.
President Petillo,
on behalf of the Faculty
of the College of Health Professions,
I present the candidates for
the Bachelor of Science degree
and respectfully recommended
that such degree be conferred upon them.
- By virtue of the authority vested in me
by the state of Connecticut
and by the trustees of
Sacred Heart University,
I confer upon the candidates
from the College of Health Professions
the Bachelor of Science from the College.
Congratulations.
- There you go, Jenny.
- [Presenter] Bachelor of
Science in Athletic Training.
Abigail Louise Beija, magna cum laude.
Emma Camiso.
Alicia Daniels.
Kaitlin Pamela Dechachio.
Jessica Katherine Duffy,
Silver Medal of Excellence.
Cynthia D'Souza Felizardo,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Savannah Ferrara Filipe, cum laude.
Joseph Michael Giacomo, summa cum laude.
Allison Deanna Hall.
Kathleen Marie Hamilton.
Ryan Conner Hammerton.
Taylor Reed Howlett.
Christina Lynn Klemens.
Sofia Hazel Lovis.
Lauren E. Mahoney.
Austin Quemoy, magna cum laude.
Alexis Kate Peters.
Watson Invince Petahome.
Harrison Frederick Ranch.
Julianne Tapia.
William Robert Varisconi.
Winnie Victor.
Brian Joseph Wellby.
Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science.
Anthony Joseph Abano, magna cum laude,
assisted by his sister,
Michelle Abano, Class of 2016.
Matthew Abotti.
Tiffany Elizabeth Abraham.
Jeffery Joseph Alvarez Jr., cum laude.
Nicholas George Anagnost.
Andressa Diaz Andrade.
Amy Francis Anis.
Matthew Stephen Aquilino.
Madison Alene Ashworth, cum laude.
Madeleine Chloe Rojas Bartial.
Francesca Basadona.
Caitlin Ann Barry.
Michael Ryan Blanco.
Jordan M. Bloam.
Ally Bethany Brohard.
Natalie Carla Calianese.
Katherine Rose Campbell, summa cum laude.
Emma Jean Carey.
Amanda Casasa.
Chris Murray Castagna Lopez.
Luis Castro, magna cum laude.
Kiera Elizabeth Chandra.
Jarek Ryan Chapman, magna cum laude.
Natalie Ciccone.
Joseph Michael Cipolletti.
Emma Michelle Convey.
Carly Alice Craig, magna cum laude.
Larissa Demdon, summa cum laude.
Nicholas Sebastian Ferraro.
Patrick Kyle Ferraro, cum laude.
Isabella Grace Goddard, summa cum laude.
Rebecca Nicole Hauser, cum laude.
Mary Claire Hemmer,
summa cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Alyssa Mary Highland.
Christopher Michael Iacono Jr.
Danielle Angela Karpi, cum laude.
Lauren Ashley Korey.
Hellena Kisseldag, cum laude.
Fiona Kondareva, manga cum laude.
Candace Leatherwood.
Michelle Maurine Loken, magna cum laude.
Michael Joseph Long.
Michael Francis Malloy.
Brooke Patricia Marconi,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Erica Jade Marigliano, magna cum laude.
Danielle Marie Masha.
Michelle Elizabeth Materna.
Shannon Lisa Matthews.
Sarah Emily McCarthy.
Gabriela May Messina.
- Yeah, Gab!
- [Presenter] Julianna Grace Marone.
Arthur John Natal, magna cum laude.
Bridget Siobhan Nolan, summa cum laude.
Shay Oleos.
Zachary Nicholas Onufrick.
Madeleine Nicole
O'Shaughnessy, summa cum laude.
Adrienne Richard Parsic, magna cum laude.
Kiernan Robert Peterson.
Jacqueline Ann Peonies.
Cassandia Poteau.
Evan Matthew Kotani.
Michaela Rickard, magna cum laude.
Noah Christopher Riccati, magna cum laude.
Anna Jane Rizzi, summa cum laude.
Kylie Roberts, summa cum laude.
John Thomas Rock Jr.
Michael Taylor Rua.
Samantha Michelle Runkle.
Glen Leonard Russo Jr., magna cum laude.
Brian Santanelli.
Emily Lucille Sergeant.
Hal Andrew Shaw.
Mateo Soto.
Caroline Kathy Stoch.
Ciarra Joy Swan, cum laude.
McKenzie Catherine Siren, summa cum laude.
Hannah M. Tatick, summa cum laude.
Brianna Marie Villa, summa cum laude.
Victoria Angelica Vitali.
Erica Elizabeth Vicolo, summa cum laude.
Chloe Ann Weeks.
Kelsey Brianna Westerman, cum laude.
Nicole Margaritha Zarowsky, cum laude.
Bachelor of Science in Health Science,
Elise Rose Adamo.
Samantha Denise Afinita, cum laude.
Karen E. Ayala.
Amanda Katherine Aylward.
Catherine Mary Berry, cum laude.
Danielle Elizabeth
Bertolini, summa cum laude.
Meredith Ann Bertoni, magna cum laude.
Breanna Marie Blair, cum laude.
Laura Marie Blanco, magna cum laude.
Renee Brean, cum laude.
Kaitlyn Buckley, magna cum laude.
Brittany Renee Carbone.
Kelly Cardona.
Shannon Lee Clark.
Lilly Cleary, magna cum laude.
Joseph Michael Bortco.
Breanna Nicole Collins, magna cum laude.
Lindsay Brooke Corallo, summa cum laude.
Sarah Patricia Cota.
Annalisa Lillian Cruz Bianchi.
Emily Paige Cummings.
Jean Marie Cunningham.
Kaelyn Alexandra Cuozzo.
Gianna Michele Decola, magna cum laude.
Christina Marie DiMarco.
Cassidy Brooke Dispraspo, summa cum laude.
Hayley Desrosiers.
Bridget Kate Dilworth.
Rory Donahue,
summa cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Shannon Michaela Doyle, magna cum laude.
Gabriella Theresa Debus, summa cum laude,
assisted by her brother,
Corey Debus, Class of 2018.
Kiana Lin Erazo, magna cum laude.
assisted by her father
David Erazo, Class of 1996.
Emily Elizabeth Fagan.
Paige Taylor Falco.
Caitlin Marie Mary Fitzgerald.
Brendan Richard Fleece, cum laude.
Courtney Fudger.
Francesca Vincenza Elena
Galeno, assisted by her sister,
Jacqueline Galeno, Class of 2017.
Christina Marie Garelli.
Olivia Lois Gestaldo, magna cum laude.
Samantha Rose Gibson, cum laude,
assisted by the mother,
Linda Gibson, Class of 2000.
Cassandra Leigh Gluck.
Claudia Maria Grambone.
Stephanie Rose Guillelmo, magna cum laude.
Savannah Therese Hersey.
Melanie Rose Iacullo, summa cum laude.
Laura Elizabeth Ingenino, summa cum laude.
Rebecca Jean Pierre.
Kristin Mary Kavanitas, magna cum laude.
Brian Casey Kelleher.
Bridget Teresa King, cum laude.
Jenna Koaches.
Alitha Mohammed Farik
Kathabala, magna cum laude.
Addison Julia Landry, magna cum laude.
Jenna Rose Loughran.
Kylie Nicole Lou.
Ashley Nicole Makowski.
Brianna Mancuso, summa cum laude.
Ashley Martinez, magna cum laude.
Nicole Katherine Mazarroni,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Kristin Elizabeth McCann.
Connor Notre Angelo McCutcheon.
Alison McDonald.
Maggie Kathleen McKee, cum laude.
Breanna Mezzina.
Meghan Monden.
Elizabeth Kathleen Moynihan, cum laude.
Kaitlyn Nicole Mall, magna cum laude.
Lin Nguyen, summa cum laude.
Prince N. Omotosho, magna cum laude.
Bethany Yvette Pagan,
assisted by her mother,
Nancy Pagan, Class of 1989.
Amanda L. Pakora.
Kira Ann Phelan, magna cum laude,
assisted by her sister
Kayla Phelan, Class of 2018.
Olivia Nicole Potaberski.
Nasir Rashad.
Emily Rose Raina.
Emily Grace Remington, cum laude.
Brendan William Rocco.
Marielle Viola Rondanelli,
magna cum laude.
Kelly Taylor Rooney.
Theresa Maria Salzillo, cum laude.
Arizona Taylor Santiago.
Ashley Nicole Scarpa, summa cum laude.
Brianna Marie Severino,
assisted by her sister Brittany
Severino, Class of 2016.
Madeleine Mary Shaheen, magna cum laude.
Amanda Marie Shanks, summa cum laude.
Olivia Catherine Shaw, cum laude.
Carly Elena Shomsky, summa cum laude.
Lauren Michelle Sullivan.
Amber Ticcio.
Olivia Michelle Tracy, summa cum laude.
Emily Maria Tran.
Samantha Turk.
Elias Albert Uyaar.
Leah Christine van Trunk, magna cum laude.
Elizabeth Venezia, summa cum laude.
Taniya Wave.
Julia Leigh Weiss, summa cum laude.
Christine Wajajowski.
Amanda Lee Zakrzewski, magna cum laude.
(audience cheers)
- So another round of applause
for College of Health Profession.
(audience applauding)
Graduates, you may be seated.
I now call upon Dr. Mary Alice Donius,
Dean of College of Nursing,
who will present the candidates
for the degrees from the college.
- Will the candidates for the degree
of Bachelor of Science in Nursing
from the College of Nursing, please rise.
(audience cheers)
Dr. Petillo, on behalf of the Faculty
of the College of Nursing,
I present the candidates
for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing
and respectfully recommend
that such degrees be conferred upon them.
- By virtue of the authority vested in me
by the state of Connecticut
and the trustees of
Sacred Heart University,
I confer upon the candidates
from the College of Nursing,
the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Congratulations.
(audience cheers)
(people chattering)
- [Man] So what?
- [Presenter] Bachelor
of Science in Nursing.
Samantha Lauren Abbott.
Bridget Ann Adams, cum laude.
Corliss Adorno Lovelace, magna cum laude.
Emma Alamo.
Tiffany Marie Anderson.
Emily Ann Arrico, magna cum laude.
Alexandra Dunn Bailey.
Megan Catherine Barrett.
Caroline Ruth Barry.
Dana Rose Beneventano, cum laude.
Victoria Ann Bernardo, magna cum laude.
Joanna Bobek.
Polly Ann Boyano.
Christine Laura Bracken, cum laude.
Kayla Marie Brown.
Catherine Callagene.
Katelyn Campbell, magna cum laude.
Riley Tara Caphahn, cum laude.
Sarah Calli, cum laude.
Ariana Lucia Cavallaro, magna cum laude.
Marissa Chiarenza, magna cum laude.
Yvette Liz Claudio.
Michelle Collazzo.
Kylie Nicole Collier.
Julia Rose Collins, magna cum laude.
Christina Nicole
Confessor, magna cum laude.
Kelsey Meredith Conroy, cum laude.
Gina Rose Casteola.
Caitlyn Elizabeth Cullough.
Chelsea Elizabeth Curlin.
Katrina Elizabeth Daly.
Nicole Teresa Diamora.
Deanna Alicia Daniels.
Juliana Dellacamera.
Julia Divikhari,
summa cum laude, Silver
Medal of Excellence.
Lisette Dossantos, cum laude.
Michael Anthony Fazzio.
Sarah Elise Feldheim.
Nicole Teroni Perheis.
Jessica Fisher.
Essir Fish.
Taylor Paige Floor, magna cum laude.
Antonia Marie Franco.
Catalina Frederick.
Taylor Rose Fjur.
Abigail Elizabeth
Gardner, summa cum laude.
Lauren Alexandra Garizzio.
Gabriela Camille Giannone.
Nicole Corina Giordano, magna cum laude.
Jaclyn Marie Godfrey.
Caitlin Emily Goodloe.
Dimitra Elena Green.
Danielle Marie Guth.
Erica Rose Himes.
Anthony Edward Iandoli, magna cum laude.
Erika Ann Johnson, magna cum laude.
Don S. Kalmides, cum laude.
Katherine Elizabeth Kalwaite,
assisted by her mother
Elaine Kalwaite Bartilson,
Class of 1977.
Elizabeth Ann Katzing, summa cum laude.
Molly Katherine Kelly.
Mia Christine Kendal.
Joanna Baptista Klemazuski Jr.
Oksana Stephanie Kramertook, cum laude.
Kathleen O'Connor Louse.
Paige Nicole Linder, magna cum laude.
Nicole Hellena Leonie, magna cum laude.
Excuse me, Brent.
Maureen Ann Lewis, magna cum laude.
Savannah Sage Lodge, summa cum laude.
Cassandra Gail Looney.
Kirsten Alexis Lopez.
Alessia Loretta.
Courtney Marie McDonald.
Logan Mar Rivera.
Madeleine Angelina
Mahoney, magna cum laude.
Jacob David Masco,
summa cum laude, Gold Medal of Excellence.
Christine Angela McCauley.
Emily McComb.
Margaret Tara McManus.
Amanda Kelly Miller.
Christina Mossinti.
Michael E Montomorrow.
Stephanie Moran.
Allison Nioneke Noble.
Busa Nur Octan.
Tara Alyssa Owen.
Christopher John Panna Bianco.
Twisha B. Patel, cum laude.
Gabriella Marie Pontus, magna cum laude.
Jessica Taylor Poole.
Catherine Marie Potter.
Darby J. Quinn.
Sunny Ann Robert.
Sarah Danielle Regan.
Aaron Michael Rivera.
Hannah Ellen Rojas.
Thomas Edward Rusick.
Rebecca Anne Rutkowitz.
Melissa Eileen Schiaroni.
Victoria Ashley Scognamiglio.
Melissa Sopkovac,
assisted by her husband,
Keith Sopkovac, Class of 2009.
Melissa Ann Spatafore, cum laude.
Nicole Lynn Spatafore, magna cum laude.
Jennifer Lynn Staton.
Katherine M. Stuvi, cum laude.
Megan Sullivan.
Caitlin Rose Sweeney.
Bevan Sweet.
Valerie Nicole Thomas.
Vanessa Marie Williams, magna cum laude.
Megan Valerie Wit, magna cum laude.
Emily Gou Hopkins Wanzawitz, cum laude.
Brianna Colleen Workman.
Carrie A. Yakovaki.
Morgan Lynn Yokovelli.
Monica Katarzyna Zadzoko.
Thalia Marie Zace, magna cum laude.
Samantha Taylor Zissa.
- Okay, let's have
another round of applause
for College of Nursing.
(audience cheers and applauds)
Graduates, you may be seated.
Last, but they are actually first,
so this year we are
graduating our first class
of the St. Vincent College
at Sacred Heart University.
(audience cheers and applauds)
I now call upon Dr. Maryanne Davidson,
Dean of St. Vincent College,
who will present the candidates
for the degree from the College.
- Will the candidates for the degrees
of Bachelor of Science
in Radiological Science,
Associate of Science in Nursing,
and Associate of Science in
Radiography, please rise.
(audience cheers)
President Petillo,
on behalf of the faculty
of St. Vincent's College,
I present the candidates for
the aforementioned degrees
and respectfully recommend
that such degrees be conferred upon them.
- By virtue of the authority vested in me
by the state of Connecticut
and the trustees of
Sacred Heart University,
I confer upon the candidates
from the St. Vincent College
the degree of Bachelor of
Science in Radiological Sciences,
Associate of Science in Nursing,
and Associate of Science in Radiography.
Congratulations, our first class.
(audience applauding)
- [Man] You ready?
- Bachelor of Science in
Radiological Sciences,
Wang Chang.
Kathleen Marie Ireland.
Associate in Science in Nursing.
Ahmed A Ali.
Caroline Rebecca Alfonso,
assisted by her daughter,
Naomi Melissa Alfonso,
St. Vincent's, Class of 2018.
Alexandria Noel Alston.
Gademir Altidor.
Sindhya Alvera.
- [Man] I'm sorry I'm taking so long.
- [Presenter] Alfred Amici.
Ajoya Ajiwa Amoabang.
Steven Richard Anderson.
Jamie N. Bonner, magna cum laude.
Rolando Limbo Briones.
Tyanni Brown.
Sabrina Marie Burgos.
Megan Ann Cako.
Christina Rose Carbone.
Marie N. Charles.
Crucia Claudio.
Brittany Ann Coda, cum laude.
Nikita Crooks Barnes, sorry.
Kayleen Cunningham, cum laude.
Katherine Chakowsky.
Ashley Marie Dayton,
assisted by her father,
Alan Trabka, Class of 1976.
Emanuel Divale.
- Yeah!
- [Presenter] Lauren Decarino.
Marissa Rose Disapio.
Nicole Anne Dorso.
Bridget Duodu.
Bridget Ann Durrett, summa cum laude.
Amanda Lee Edwards.
Karen Ennis.
Caitlynn Estevez.
Toshima Tashana Facie.
Shadi Al Fakir.
Jocelyn Desilva Fernandez-Vellato.
Kelly Ann Fenuken,
assisted by her mother Carol
Ann Lynch, Class of 1983.
Kayla Marie Gargano.
Daniela Marie Gonzales.
Janette Gonzales.
Lee Anne Graham.
Michaela Nicole Greco.
Sabrina Girton, magna cum laude.
Carlene Margaret Galuzzi.
Tiffany Rene Hamilton.
Dana Harding.
Amanda Arlene Hirshman.
Erin May Horvath, magna cum laude.
Mark David Lavet Lacerna, magna cum laude.
Alyssa Rose Licknic.
Susan Cathy Laura.
Carmelita Lewis.
Lyndell Nadine Lubin.
Melissa Rose Luna.
Jessica Ann Mandel.
Alena Unique Martinez.
Kaylie Ray Mastraccio.
Alan Leroy McDaniel III, cum laude.
Georgina Hopkins McNiff, magna cum laude.
Lisa Marie Oolet.
Kelsey Katherine Yarish, magna cum laude.
Michaela Lynn Lauria,
assisted by her sister
Brianna Lauria, Class of 2015.
Nicolas Mirando.
Adriana Molina,
assisted by her sisters,
Lez Garcia, class of 1987,
and Rocia Fields, Class of 2009.
Shanica Morgan.
Brittany D. Murphy, summa cum laude.
Tina Neville.
Zarya Marie Nieves.
Janine Nuzzo,
assisted by her father
Joe Nuzzo, Class of 1977.
Daniela Pereiras, magna cum laude.
Elizabeth Nicole Patel.
Marianne Rahim.
Alicia Fay Pinkleton.
- Whoo!
(woman shouting)
- Amanda Porter.
Kenneth Joseph Reynolds, magna cum laude.
Marielle Garcia Reynoso.
Brittany Gabriele Riordan.
Victoria Dominique Rumeli.
Crystal Leha Saku.
Taylor Murray Sandello.
Kimberly Scott, magna cum laude,
assisted by her mother,
Diane Scott, Class of 1984.
Garrett Charles Shacket, cum laude.
Chelsea Lynn Sloane.
Samantha Smallia.
Cynthia Jean Stimpert, cum laude.
Jillian Rose Tomlinson, magna cum laude.
Chantel Alejandra Valencia.
Katherine Vibranz, cum laude.
Elizabeth Gail Walker,
assisted by her niece,
Reagan Walker, Class of 2019.
Amanda Murray Wysocki.
Jaclyn's Zanz.
Kelly Anne Zazuri.
Associate in Science Radiography.
Christina Carafano.
Takiesha L. Crenshaw.
Julie Kanani.
David Andrew Giordano.
Roshanda Kidada Johnson.
Stephanie Marie Ocazio.
Brittany Catherine Palko.
Reid Paret, cum laude.
Brooke Nicole Richard.
Danielle Valentino.
Alicia Warmly.
(people chattering)
- That now concludes awarding of degrees.
Congratulations to all our students.
(all applauding)
It is now my pleasure to
introduce Nicole Cardarelli,
President of Class of 2019,
who will give the student congratulations.
(audience cheering)
- Hello and welcome to Dr. Petillo,
members of the Board of Trustees,
members of faculty and
staff, family, friends,
but most importantly,
hello to the Class of 2019.
My name is Nicole Cardarelli
and has been my honor to serve you
as your student government
senior class president
this past year.
We all never thought this day would come.
Our parents crossed
days off their calendar
as we watched that countdown in Red's.
Now that graduation is here.
I am both happy and sad to see it go,
because it means leaving
behind professors,
staff members, and
friends who have shaped me
and my fellow students
lives for the better.
It feels like we only arrived
here a short time ago,
yet it's been four years.
To think that four years ago,
we were stepping onto campus
ready for the best years of our lives.
As the years have gone by,
we have all changed for the better.
We have joined more
clubs and organizations.
We have worked hard to make
the University a better place.
As we have made personal
growth, so has the University.
To think that four years ago,
we had Late Night Linda's.
The Martire Building had just opened
and the students before us
had never tasted an Einstein's Bagel.
To think that Bergoglio Hall
was just a bunch of parking spaces,
and we didn't have JP's Diner.
Sacred Heart gave us the
tools to be successful,
We were taught strength
through opening those heavy Linda's doors.
(chuckling) We were taught patience
through registering for classes,
and then speed when we
ran into any problems.
We learned creativity and determination
from let's say it, parking.
(graduates chuckling)
We have gained knowledge in
all the academic buildings,
and we made new friends
by joining Greek Life, Student Government,
athletics, studying abroad,
or by joining many of the different clubs
and organizations that
Sacred Heart has to offer.
I'd ask each of you to take a moment
to think back to all
your time at Sacred Heart
and ask yourself how
and why did I get here?
Think back to all those times
you waited until the absolute last minute
to do an assignment,
and think back to that
heart-wrenching moment
when you submitted an assignment at 11:59.
Now take in all your surroundings.
If you look up, you can
see your support system,
the pillars that have helped you stand.
They have been with us through
the good, bad, and certainly the ugly.
We thank you for your continuous support
and unconditional love
on our final journey.
Now look around to your fellow peers.
You can see the people
that have helped you grow,
been a shoulder to cry on,
someone you have celebrated with,
and the people that you see
a lifelong friendship with.
I encourage you to remember
all these good times
and keep these memories
near and dear to your heart.
I would also like you to remember those
who could not be with us today,
those who have touched
our lives only briefly.
Remember them by paying silent tribute
to the contributions that they have made
to have you here today.
So now here we stand.
Our reign is over and it
is up to the next class
to step into our shoes
and start their countdown to graduation.
As we embark on our own journey,
whether you go on to grad school,
starting a new job, or taking a gap year,
I wish you all the luck
and hope that you never forget
your days at Sacred Heart.
One of my favorite quotes is,
in life you make the small
decisions with your head
and the big decisions with your heart.
Remember to always go
with your Sacred Heart.
To my graduating class,
we have shared so many fond memories.
I hope we end this chapter
of our lives with happiness
and ready to start our new adventure.
Let's cherish the memories
and always remember,
you are a Pioneer forever.
So as I follow in the footsteps
of the class presidents before me,
I would actually like to ask
the Class of 2019 to stand
for the traditional turning of the tassel.
Alright, ready?
Alright so, you're gonna
raise your right hand,
you're gonna grab your tassel,
you're gonna move your
tassel from right to left
(audience cheering)
and release!
Congratulations to the Class of 2019.
We made it!
And a very special Mother's Day
to all the moms out there.
I wish you health and happiness.
So Class of 2019, we
are officially alumni!
(all applauding)
- Thank you, Nicole.
It is now my pleasure to
introduce Mr. Dan Pascone,
Class of 2006 undergraduate
and 2012 MBA graduate,
and the president of
Sacred Heart University Alumni Association
to offer our students words of welcome
to their new status as alumni.
- Good afternoon everyone,
and let me give my happy Mother's Day
to all the moms out there.
(audience cheering)
Nicole, exceptional job.
Dr. Petillo, Dr. Paliwal,
members of the Board of Trustees,
faculty, staff, and fellow alumni,
thank you for allowing
me to be among the first
to congratulate the
exceptional Class of 2019,
and as Nicole said, you
are officially alumni.
(audience applauding)
Fellow Pioneers, it is with much pride
that I stand before you
today to welcome you
as the newest members of
the Sacred Heart University
Alumni Association.
We exist to foster a lifelong
bridge between the University
and its 44,000 plus living alumni members.
As the president of
the Alumni Association,
I work with a committed
group of alumni undergrad
and graduate volunteer leaders.
Our focus is to plan and promote
a diverse range of activities
to actively involve alumni
in the life of SHU.
Our efforts on behalf of
all alumni across the globe
are guided by a commitment to
creating enduring friendships,
serving the common good,
having fun, advancing careers,
inspiring lifelong learning,
making new connections,
and raising charitable
support for the areas
that SHU alumni care most about.
Our community thrives when
alumni choose to engage,
so I encourage you all to stay connected.
I'd like to extend a special thank you
to all of our Class of 2019
Forever Pioneer donors,
including those wearing
silver cords today.
Remarkably more than 550
graduates today made gifts,
setting a new senior class
participation record at Sacred Heart.
(audience applauding)
This is a wonderful
reflection of our students
living the mission of our University
and how you support the things
that you care most about.
A big thanks to all who attended
the Alumni Association barbecue
at our own Great River
Golf Club this week.
I'm really excited to
tell you about several
upcoming alumni events that I
hope you all participate in.
First, our Pioneer 30
recognition event on June 7th,
which is on the West Campus.
Next, each of our six regional chapters
will be hosting a summer
series of social events
to allow you to connect
with alumni in your area,
so look out for communications
on those events.
And lastly, our flagship event,
alumni Homecoming weekend,
will take place October 4th through 6th.
We have over 25 events scheduled
over two and a half days,
and there is definitely
something for everyone.
So put these events in your calendar
and start making plans to come back now.
As you embark on your exciting next step,
I encourage you to embrace
the knowledge, experiences,
and personal growth you've endured
as a member of the Sacred
Heart University community.
I look forward to seeing
your alma mater pride on full display
as you continue on a
faithful path to success.
Welcome Class of 2019
to the Sacred Heart
University Alumni Association.
Embrace life as the windows
of opportunity open for you.
Congratulations and go Pioneers!
(all applauding)
- Thank you, Dan.
Please rise for singing of our alma mater
led by Sarah Riccio, Ashley
Souls, Timothy McIntosh,
Megan Osborne, and soloist Connor Sivacek.
The alma mater is found on
page three of your program.
At the conclusion of the alma
mater, Father Anthony Ciorra,
VP of Mission & Catholic Identity
will offer the benediction.
(lively organ music)
♪ Hail to thee ♪
♪ Our alma mater ♪
♪ Pioneers are we ♪
♪ Sacred Hearts proud sons and daughters ♪
♪ Stand in unity ♪
♪ Oh swell to the chorus ♪
♪ Praise His glory ♪
♪ Honor built in these halls ♪
♪ Loyal hearts proclaim your story ♪
♪ Red and white o'er all ♪
♪ Alma mater oh grant us wisdom ♪
♪ Heart and mind renewed ♪
♪ Love and truth our guiding vision ♪
♪ Hail to SHU ♪
♪ Oh swell to the chorus ♪
♪ Praise His glory ♪
♪ Honor built in these halls ♪
♪ Loyal hearts proclaim your story ♪
♪ Red and white o'er all ♪
♪ SHU uh huh SHU uh huh ♪
♪ SHU uh huh SHU uh huh ♪
♪ SHU ♪
♪ The glory ♪
♪ SHU ♪
♪ Uh huh ♪
♪ SHU ♪
♪ Praise and glory ♪
♪ SHU ♪
♪ Praise praise and glory SHU ♪
♪ SHU ♪
♪ Praise and glory SHU ♪
♪ Oh oh yeah ♪
♪ Praise and glory SHU ♪
♪ Praise and glory ♪
♪ Praise and glory SHU ♪
♪ SHU ♪
♪ Praise and glory SHU ♪
♪ Oh yeah ♪
♪ Praise and glory SHU ♪
♪ Praise and glory SHU ♪
♪ Oh yeah ♪
♪ Praise and glory SHU ♪
♪ SHU ♪
♪ Praise and glory SHU ♪
♪ SHU ♪
♪ Praise and glory SHU ♪
- Yeah!
♪ Oh yeah ♪
♪ Praise and glory are
built in these halls ♪
♪ Are felt in these halls ♪
♪ Red and white o'er all ♪
♪ Red and white o'er all ♪
♪ Red and white o'er ♪
♪ All ♪
(all cheering)
- I love you!
- And so Class of 2019,
we don't come to an end.
We come really to a beginning,
and as you go forth on this journey,
I leave you with the words written
by my good friend Max Lucado
for commencement for days such as this,
and this is how he says it
and this is how he prays it.
Here within are the lights I look for
and the signals I heed.
Love God more than you fear hell.
Once a week.,let a child
take you on a walk.
Make major decisions in a cemetery.
When no one is watching,
live as if someone is.
Succeed at home first.
Don't spend tomorrow's money today.
Pray twice as much as you fret.
Only harbor a grudge when
God does and God never does.
Never outgrow your love of sunsets.
Treat people like angels.
You'll meet some and
you'll help make some.
Tis wiser always to err
on the side of generosity
than the side of scrutiny.
God has forgiven you so you
would be wise to do the same.
When you can't trace God's
hand, trust God's heart.
Toot your own horn, the notes
are gonna be pretty flat.
Don't feel guilty for God's goodness.
The book of life is lived in chapters,
so know what page you're on.
Never let the important become
the victim of the trivial.
Live your liturgy.
To sum it all up, approach life
like a voyage on a schooner.
Enjoy the view, explore the vessel,
make friends with the
captain, fish a little,
and then get off when you get home.
And so Class of 2019, we say bon voyagio.
Happy journey.
Go forth with our prayers, our support,
and most of all, our love.
God bless you.
(all applauding)
Whoo!
- Audience please remain
standing in front of your chairs
until the platform party and the faculty
have processed from the arena.
We would like to continue our tradition
of inviting you back to our campus
for refreshment in the
Chapel of Holy Spirit.
This now concludes
Sacred Heart University's
undergraduate commencement
ceremony of 2019.
Congratulations, again.
(all applauding)
(triumphant music)
(people chattering and shouting)
(upbeat music)
♪ I am not throwing away my shot ♪
♪ I am not throwing away my shot ♪
♪ Hey yo I'm just like my country ♪
♪ I'm young strappy and hungry ♪
♪ And I'm not throwing away my shot ♪
♪ I'mma get a scholarship
to King's College ♪
♪ I probably shouldn't brag ♪
♪ But daggone amazing astonish ♪
♪ The problem is I got a lot
of brains but no polish ♪
♪ I gotta holla just to
be heard with every word ♪
♪ I drop knowledge ♪
♪ I'm a diamond in the rough ♪
♪ A shiny piece of coal
trying to reach my goal ♪
♪ My power of speech unimpeachable ♪
♪ Only 19 but my mind is older ♪
♪ These New York City
streets getting colder ♪
♪ I shoulder every burden ♪
♪ Every disadvantage I
have learned to manage ♪
♪ I don't have a gun to brandish ♪
♪ I walk these streets famished ♪
♪ The plan is defend
this spark into a flame ♪
♪ But dang it's getting dark
so let me spell out the name ♪
♪ I am the A-O-E yeah C-N-D-E-R ♪
♪ We are meant to be a colony
that runs independently ♪
♪ Meanwhile Britain keeps
spitting on us endlessly ♪
♪ Essentially they tax us relentlessly ♪
♪ Then King George turns around ♪
♪ And runs a spending spree ♪
♪ He ain't ever gonna set
his descendants free ♪
♪ So there will be a
revolution in this century ♪
♪ And I am not throwing away my shot ♪
♪ I am not throwing away my shot ♪
♪ Hey yo I'm just like my country ♪
♪ I'm young scrappy and hungry ♪
♪ And I'm not throwing away my shot ♪
♪ I am not throwing away my shot ♪
♪ I am not throwing away my shot ♪
♪ Hey yo I'm just like my country ♪
♪ I'm young scrappy and hungry ♪
♪ And I'm not throwing away in my shot ♪
♪ Everybody sing ♪
♪ Oh oh oh ♪
♪ Hey ♪
♪ Oh oh oh ♪
♪ Whoo ♪
♪ Oh oh oh ♪
♪ Little Amelia ♪
♪ Oh ♪
♪ Let's go ♪
♪ Let's say shout it to the rooftops ♪
♪ Said to the rooftops ♪
♪ Come on ♪
♪ Oh oh oh ♪
♪ Come on let's go ♪
♪ Oh oh oh ♪
♪ Rise up when you living on your knees ♪
♪ You rise up ♪
♪ Tell your brother that
he's gotta rise up ♪
♪ Tell your sister that
she's gotta rise up ♪
♪ When are these colonies gonna rise up ♪
♪ When are these colonies gonna rise up ♪
♪ When are these colonies gonna rise up ♪
♪ When are these colonies
gonna rise up rise up ♪
♪ I'm past patiently waiting ♪
♪ I'm passionately smashing
every expectation ♪
♪ Every action then after creation ♪
♪ I'm laughing in the face
of casualties and sorrow ♪
♪ 'Cause I'm first I'm
thinking past tomorrow ♪
♪ And I am not throwing away my shot ♪
♪ No I am not throwing away my shot ♪
♪ Hey yo I'm just like my country ♪
♪ I'm young scrappy and hungry ♪
♪ And I'm not throwing away my shot ♪
♪ We're gonna rise up
time to take a shot ♪
♪ We're gonna rise up time
to take a shot we're gonna ♪
♪ It's time to take a shot ♪
♪ It's time to take a shot ♪
♪ It's time to take a
shot take a shot shot ♪
♪ Hey yo it's time to take
a shot time to take a shot ♪
♪ And I am not throwing away my ♪
♪ Not throwing away my shot ♪
(audience applauding)
(people chattering and cheering)
(serene music)
♪ I close my eyes and I can see ♪
♪ A world that's waiting up for me ♪
♪ That I call my home ♪
♪ Through the dark through the door ♪
♪ Through where no one's been before ♪
♪ But it feels like home ♪
♪ They can say they can
say it all sounds crazy ♪
♪ They can say they can
say I lost my mind ♪
♪ I don't care I don't
care so call me crazy ♪
♪ We can live in a world that we design ♪
♪ Every night I lie in bed ♪
♪ Provide with others fill my head ♪
♪ A million dreams that
we could dream again ♪
♪ Think of what the world could be ♪
♪ A vision of the one I see ♪
♪ A million dreams is
all it's gonna take ♪
♪ Oh a million dreams for
the world we're gonna make ♪
♪ There's the most we could build ♪
♪ Every room this time is filled ♪
♪ A vision far away ♪
♪ Special things I can pile ♪
♪ Each one there to make you smile ♪
♪ On a rainy day ♪
♪ They can say they can
say it all sounds crazy ♪
♪ They can say they can
say I've lost my mind ♪
♪ I don't care I don't
care so call me crazy ♪
♪ We can live in a world that we design ♪
♪ Every night I lie in bed ♪
♪ Provide with others fill my head ♪
♪ A million dreams that
we could dream again ♪
♪ Think of what the world could be ♪
♪ A vision of the one I see ♪
♪ A million dreams is
all it's gonna take ♪
♪ Oh a million dreams for
the world we're gonna make ♪
♪ However big however small ♪
♪ Let me be part of it all ♪
♪ Share your dreams with me ♪
♪ You may be right you may be wrong ♪
♪ Still won't you drag me along ♪
♪ The world will see ♪
♪ To the world I close my eyes to see ♪
♪ I close my eyes to see ♪
♪ Every night I lie in bed ♪
♪ Provide with others fill my head ♪
♪ A million dreams that we could be ♪
♪ A million dreams a million dreams ♪
♪ Think of what the world could be ♪
♪ A vision of the one I see ♪
♪ A million dreams is
all it's gonna take ♪
♪ A million dreams for the
world we're gonna make ♪
♪ For the world we're gonna make ♪
(scattered applauding)
- [Man] Yeah!
