FAIRFIELD— Among the many honorees at the recent Notre Dame High School 60th Anniversary Gala Celebration was Anne McCrory of Fairfield, Chief Legal and Real Estate Officer of the Diocese of Bridgeport.
Anne was presented the Sister Marion Rielly Leadership Award by N.D. principal Chris Cipriano in recognition of her work on behalf of the diocese and those it serves.
The Fairfield attorney has served as Chancellor of the Diocese and held voluntary posts on many diocesan and community boards. Many of her diocesan co-workers turned out to honor her at the gala attended by
nearly 300 people who gathered at Sacred Heart University to celebrate Notre Dame’s rich tradition and history.
Other award recipients recognized during the evening include: Lancer Legacy Award: Janet Haffner and Peter McGuinness ’75.
Alumni Hall of Fame: Daniel Augustine ’70, Anita Bevacqua McBride ’77, Frank Martire ’65 and Garrett Mendez ’05;
Athletic Hall of Fame: Frank Carrano ’99, Dave Mihalov ’02, Michelle Mihalov Miller ’04, Ken Burns ’06 and the 1999 Boys’ Hockey Team;
25+ Year Anniversary Faculty and Staff Awards: Mary Guarino, Claudia Miller, Jim Minei ’80, Carl Philipp ’61, Wayne Sakal, Fr. Bill Sangiovanni, Frank Sweeney and Sherrie Zembrzuski.
Father Sangiovanni recognized at gala
One of the highlights of Notre Dame’s anniversary gala was the recognition of Father William Sangiovanni, the school’s president. This month, on March 19, Father Bill is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his ordination. In his 37 years with Notre Dame, he has had an enormous impact on the school. One of his famous nicknames comes from the annual GarlicFest popular at Notre Dame for many years—“Father Garlic.”
Born in Brooklyn, Father Sangiovanni first came to this diocese when he enrolled in Fairfield University, where he graduated with a degree in history. He would later earn a master’s from Fairfield U in education and arts.
Prior to his ordination, he was extensively involved in government on the state and federal levels. He served as special assistant to the Minority Leader of the Connecticut General Assembly, and as assistant to U.S. Congressman Steward McKinney from 1969-75.
He completed his theological studies at the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels at Niagara University, N.Y., and was ordained in St. Patrick Church in Bridgeport on March 19, 1977. After serving first as parochial vicar at St. Patrick’s, he was named to the faculty of Notre Dame in 1980 and became the school’s spiritual director the following year.
In 1991, while teaching at Notre Dame, he was appointed to the State of Connecticut’s Ethics Commission, and later became vice chair. Father Sangiovanni also served as a part-time chaplain at the Bridgeport Correctional Center for 11 years.
Prior to being named principal of Notre Dame by Bishop Edward M. Egan in 1994, he was extensively involved in youth activities and programs in the Bridgeport area. In making the announcement, Bishop Egan said, “I join the faculty and staff of Notre Dame in rejoicing at the assignment of one of our most distinguished priests to this important work.”
Father Sangiovanni was named president of Notre Dame in 2010 by Bishop William E. Lori.
