Speakers, honorary degree recipients and others celebrate graduating students’ achievements
FAIRFIELD, Conn.—The Sacred Heart University community celebrated, honored and conferred degrees upon more than 3,000 students during five commencement ceremonies throughout the week of May 6.
Approximately 1,440 students earned bachelor’s and associate’s degrees, and more than 1,910 graduate students were awarded certificates, master’s and doctoral degrees. Graduate ceremonies were held at SHU’s Martire Family Arena May 7 and 8, and undergraduate ceremonies took place at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport May 11.
SHU President John J. Petillo addressed the undergraduates. He asked them to reflect on their last four years.
“Graduates, just pause for a moment and reflect on that 18-year-old that arrived here,” Petillo said. “Do you recognize the transition in yourself? Do you know better the person you are and who you can be? You have been a gift to this university, because you have been a gift to one another, in joyful moments, in periods of stress and through times of growth. As I look out, it is with mixed feelings that I anticipate this day myself. I celebrate with joy your accomplishments, and yet, because I have come to know so many of you, I will miss your gifts, to this community and, selfishly, to me personally.”
From the undergraduate students
Many of the graduates, eyes sparkling as they proudly wore their caps and gowns, talked about their transformative experiences as Pioneers. They shared stories of how they were shaped by their peers and the wisdom and knowledge faculty and staff bestowed upon them throughout their college careers.
It took Shaniece Kelly more than a decade to complete her degree, but she was determined to finish what she started and take her place as a first-generation college graduate. The Bridgeport native, who earned her bachelor’s degree in business with a focus in management, transferred to Sacred Heart in 2013, and she said the transition to SHU was “super easy.”
“All the offices I had to speak with to get accepted and to move forward with classes had great communication,” Kelly said. “The other reason [I transferred to SHU] is because SHU is faith-based. With life’s adversities, it has taken me 14 years to complete this degree, and this University has reminded me time and time again that God is with me as I go through this journey, and that to me speaks volumes.”
Throughout college, Kelly experienced life’s ups and downs. She got married and had two sons, which were definitely highlights; but she also lost her grandmother, whom she kept close spiritually at Saturday’s graduation in the form of a photograph dangling from her cap.
“My grandmother is on my tassel—she passed away seven years ago,” Kelly said. “Her only wish was for me to graduate college and continue to pursue the best in life. This pendant is a reminder that she is here, walking with me as I cross the stage to receive this high honor and fulfill a dream as the first-generation graduate in my family.”
Kelly said her last year at SHU was great. She was pleased she saved a Catholic intellectual tradition course for her final semester.
“Life as a mom of two, an entrepreneur and the wearer of many other hats can sometimes be a lot to handle,” she said. “However, this class reminded me, through the lectures, discussions, homework and connections I’ve made, how faith is so important to have while going through life’s journey.”
Another milestone occurred for a special, four-legged friend named Layla. The service dog, a Labrador retriever and Chihuahua mix, graduated alongside her owner, Charlie Leahey, a psychology and social work major. Layla provided Leahey with the necessary support for a successful college experience. On Saturday, Layla’s name was called just like any other graduate. The service dog walked across the stage decked out in appropriate commencement attire, eliciting rousing audience applause.
“Having her all four years has helped me get through college with confidence,” Leahey said. “She was my best buddy through it all. She was alongside me through my best days and my worst days. She assisted me with physical and mental health and stood by my side. She is the most amazing dog.”
Leahey and Layla will continue their SHU journey as Leahey starts her master’s in social work program this year.
“All of our hard work together finally paid off,” she said. “Not only am I graduating, but she is too! She is getting her ‘dog-ploma.’ We will be partners in the social work field.”