Andrew Lazowski Recognized for Service to Others

Mathematics professor and honors director recognized for his volunteer work at the Thomas Merton Family Center in Bridgeport

Key Highlights

• Andrew Lazowski wins award for service to the Bridgeport community.
• The Sacred Heart professor has volunteered at the Thomas Merton Family Center since 2022.
• Sacred Heart University Professor Andrew Lazowski’s faith inspired him to turn service into a family commitment.

Andrew Lazowski, professor of mathematics and director of the Thomas More Honors Program at Sacred Heart University, has been named a recipient of the Hoey Award in recognition of his steadfast commitment to the mission of the Thomas Merton Family Center (TMFC) in Bridgeport.

The award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to serving others through the center’s programs and outreach efforts.

For Lazowski, the recognition came as a surprise. “It was unexpected,” Lazowski said. “I’m extremely humbled by the recognition. It reflects the collective efforts of so many dedicated individuals who have contributed to this work.”

Lazowski’s Sacred Heart journey began in 2010 when he joined the University’s mathematics department. A Connecticut native who was raised Catholic, he said Sacred Heart’s mission and values played a significant role in his decision to teach here.

Over the past 16 years, he has taken on several roles at the SHU. He was promoted to associate professor with tenure in 2016 and became director of the Thomas More Honors Program in 2017. In 2022, he was promoted to professor.

Today, Lazowski oversees the honors program, including recruitment, student advising, course scheduling, and curriculum development. He works closely with faculty and University leadership to expand opportunities and enhance the honors experience for students.

“I’m another resource for students,” he said. “I want them to know that I’m someone they can always come to for guidance and support on their academic journey.” 

After earning a promotion to professor, Lazowski began looking for a meaningful way to give back to the community. He reached out to Catholic Charities and was connected to the TMFC.

He began volunteering that summer by helping prepare and distribute breakfast meals. When the academic year started, he committed to serving breakfast every Monday. There he met Deacon Paul Kurmay, who purchases food, prepares meals, and serves lunch at the center. 

Inspired by Kurmay’s dedication to provide lunch three Mondays a month and volunteer at another kitchen on the fourth, Lazowski decided to cover the fourth Monday of every month.

“My faith brought me here,” Lazowski said. “I was reading more of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and I realized I needed to take the next step.”

Since then, Lazowski and his family have become deeply involved in the center’s work. His wife volunteers when possible and his children often help during school vacations.

Through his volunteer experiences, Lazowski said he has gained a greater appreciation for the challenges many people face and the importance of serving others.

In addition to providing meals, the Thomas Merton Family Center provides services including a food pantry, shower facilities, housing assistance, counseling, and career advice. “The work is absolutely incredible,” Lazowski said.

For Lazowski, volunteering at the TMFC has become an extension of both his faith and his commitment to serving others.

Through preparing meals, supporting families in need, and involving his own family in the work, he has found a meaningful way to live out the values that first brought him to Sacred Heart more than 16 years ago.