Elizabeth Coyne, ‘23

Contributing Writer, Women’s Wear Daily


“The year I spent in the Strategic Communication & Public Relations program was pivotal in allowing me to exercise my capabilities as a young professional from expanding my portfolio to connecting with my classmates. I am so thankful to everyone who supported me throughout my time at SHU.”

Victoria Vacca, ‘23

Assistant Director of First-Year Programs, Sacred Heart University
 
“I came into the SCPR program with a very limited understanding of the field, but after graduating, had an extensive knowledge of all the ways I could apply SCPR principles to so many areas. The hands-on experience, in conjunction with learning theory and relevant software programs, gives every student in this program a competitive edge in the job market. The faculty is always available to the students and are often providing outside opportunities so that students can begin connecting with potential employment opportunities, even before completing the program.”

Maeve St. Onge, '23

Communications Associate, Susan B Anthony Project
 
“The Strategic Communications & Public Relations program at SHU gave me an in-depth, hands-on learning experience that I’m confident I couldn’t have gotten elsewhere. The classes, coursework and professors helped prepare me for life after this degree and were the main reason why I felt so comfortable moving into my professional life.”

Fallon Bevino '19

Sponsorships Specialist, Mastercard
 
“Deciding to enroll in this Master’s program was the best decision I have ever made for myself. I left the SCPR program with the knowledge, experience, and preparation to take on anything this ever-changing industry has in store for me. I recommend this Master’s program to anyone who is looking to become a well-versed and highly-employable professional.”

Kate D’Alessandro '19

Manager of Culture, Syfter

"The SCPR program gave me the most comprehensive education I could have asked for. I came into the program brand new to the field, and I graduated feeling confident, educated, and ready to accomplish all my goals. I was able to use what I had learned to move into managing the marketing strategy for the company I already worked at, and I absolutely wouldn’t have had the opportunity or freedom to do that without Sacred Heart’s SCPR program. It was an amazing, life-changing decision I’d recommend to anyone."

Sarah Diamond '19

Sr. Associate Marketing Manager, Daymon
 
“The Sacred Heart SCPR program not only provided the tools to further my success in the workplace, but also presented an opportunity for me to strengthen my voice as a communications professional.”

Ashley Fazzino '20

Sr. Communications Specialist, The Hartford

“The SCPR program prepared me to transition into the professional world confidently. Before entering the program, I didn’t feel as if I knew enough about communication to be successful in a professional job. The program helped me gain valuable skills, guiding me through the process of starting my first career role. In my current position, I use the skills I learned in the program on a daily basis. No matter what your level of communication knowledge is, the SCPR program will meet you where you are and build on your experiences to help you succeed in the ever-changing strategic communication world.”

Kelly Gilbert '19

Account Executive, Access Brand Communications

“The SCPR graduate program provided me with the insights and hands on experience I needed to succeed in the communications industry post-graduation. Because of the knowledge, support and encouragement I received in this program I have accomplished far more than I could have imagined.”

Kelly Grant '19

Community Relations Specialist, Eversource Energy

“The well-structured SCPR grad program has not only helped strengthen my ability to effectively communicate with the community and media, but also provided me with the communication skills needed to navigate the many challenges faced in the area of public interest communication.”

Elizabeth Koscinski '19

Assistant Director of Communications, Sacred Heart University

“Being part of the Strategic Communication and Public Relations master’s degree program is one of the best things I have ever done for myself — and that’s before I’ve even found a job. I have gained more than an understanding of the technical aspects of communication and public relations. I have gained a perspective that has changed me at my core.”

Charlyn Paradis '20

Public Affairs and Communications Manager, Department of Chemistry, Yale University

“The SCPR program has enhanced my ability to create compelling digital content and strategic campaigns to effectively communicate my organization’s message across multiple channels. Critical analysis and engaging conversations with classmates and professors on the topic of crisis communications and ethics, which is woven through the program, has helped me formulate my beliefs and realize my responsibility as a practitioner.”

Sarah LeBlond Fabrizi '13

Director of Marketing & Communications, Cheshire Academy

I only applied to one master’s program but following much research, it was clear to me that SHU had the best of all worlds: the latest technology at students’ fingertips, excellent internship opportunities, conveniently scheduled evening classes for a working adult like me, and the ability to concentrate in one area while taking classes and learning valuable skills across the multimedia spectrum. SHU’s dedicated professors and dynamic classes ignited a passion in me for my field of corporate communications and public relations, helping me to set and reach goals that I never thought possible. The program made me a valuable candidate in the job market, leading me on a path of achievement.

Megan Telford '19

Producer, Cheil North America

“In addition to expanding my professional knowledge in corporate communications, receiving my master’s degree in Strategic Communications and Public Relations at Sacred Heart gave me the experience and confidence to be an essential team member at my new job. I am able to utilize the skills I learned while in the program because the classes are focused around real-world examples and lessons the professors have experienced throughout their own professional careers.”

Jennifer Zibuda '14

Investor Relations Manager, Alkermes

"The graduate program in communications and PR at Sacred Heart gave me real-world communications skills that I could implement immediately in my job and gave me the opportunity through internships to learn and practice in areas outside my work. I was able to become a more well rounded communications professional and leader."

Maura Cook '13

Director of Community Engagement, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut

The graduate program at Sacred Heart University allowed me to grow not only as a student but as a professional. I had the opportunity to work and succeed in diverse settings with professional mentors from the field. I left the program with a broad body of work and I use the skills and training I received on a daily basis in my career.

Janelle Cracco '13

Brand Management, Marina Maher Communications

"Sacred Heart’s graduate program positioned me for a successful career in ways that were not apparent to me during my time at the University. It wasn’t until I dove into my career that I realized all the information I had learned along the way that would benefit me in post-grad life. Specifically, I learned the importance of paying attention to even the smallest details, as they are often some of the most important, especially when it comes to dealing with high caliber talent, planning events and launching brand initiatives."

Gina Fergione '16

Assistant Account Executive, Matter Communications

"The SCPR graduate program at Sacred Heart is what got me to where I am today. I currently work at a PR agency doing what I love, and am able to apply what I learned in class to the job, day-in and day-out. With my degree from this program, I gained real-life experience that helped me stand out to potential employers and am confident in my skills as I grow in my career."

Taylor Filanowski '16

Community Development Manager, American Cancer Society

"The graduate program at Sacred Heart provided me with incredible experience, both in and out of the classroom. Most importantly it provided me with expertise ranging from graphic design to journalism and public relations giving me a competitive advantage as a young professional. Communication is vital to success, especially in a job where I manage many internal and external relationships. The program equipped me with what I need to succeed!"

John Grosso '17

Digital Editor, National Catholic Reporter

"The graduate program helped broaden the scope of my communications knowledge. The ability to learn from established professionals was invaluable, and helped instill practical knowledge that I was immediately able to apply to my current position. The strategic communication and public relations skills I learned will continue to be some of my greatest assets as my career continues to develop."

Ariana White '13

Publicity Coordinator, Atlantic Records

"The design of SHU’s graduate program was the ideal. In a field like Public Relations you must have knowledge in every area. Here you have access to creative writing, production, videography and much more. The best part to me, was being required to go out in the field and use our newfound skills. When I landed my dream job after graduation I had all the confidence I needed."

Kimberly Langin '16

Marketing and Development Associate, Patient AirLift Services

The SCPR graduate program at SHU provided me with invaluable practical experience thanks to a multitude of diverse courses, guest lecturers, and of course, the SHU Media Exchange. The unique opportunities I had at SHU prepared me for the everyday challenges I face in my field, such as meeting deadlines, planning major events, and creating a cohesive brand strategy and communication plan for my employer.

Wayne Travers Jr. '14

Associate Director, Public Relations at Ernst & Young LLP

"In today’s business communications environment, it’s vital to know the difference between sharing information and crafting a compelling narrative that rises above the “media din.” Sacred Heart University’s SCPR program equipped me with the tools and knowledge to create and execute engaging public relations/communications strategies that align with business objectives and produce the key component of the sales funnel – content."