Dr. Petillo Scholarship Supports Arts

Alumni-led initiative creates scholarship supporting Sacred Heart University performing arts students while honoring President John J. Petillo’s lasting impact

Key Highlights

• Alumni from the class of 2017 led the creation of the Dr. P Endowed Student Scholarship
• The fund supports students in Sacred Heart’s performing arts programs
• The scholarship reflects President John J. Petillo’s student-centered leadership
• Recipient Hailey Holmes says the scholarship eased financial stress and enhanced her college experience

The Dr. P Endowed Student Scholarship, supporting Sacred Heart University’s performing arts programs, reflects the student-centered leadership of SHU President John J. Petillo.

Inspired by the lasting relationships they built with Petillo, members of the class of 2017 led the effort to establish the scholarship, contributing monthly to bring their vision to life. Their momentum, combined with a significant investment from Petillo and his family, helped create a lasting fund designed to support students for generations.

With a focus on performing arts, the scholarship highlights the importance of creativity and community at SHU, and it’s already making an impact through students like senior Hailey Holmes. She is the inaugural recipient of the endowed scholarship.

Scholarship transforms student experience

For Holmes, a senior psychology major with a minor in music, receiving the Dr. P Endowed Scholarship has made a meaningful difference in her college journey.

A native of Seymour, Holmes chose Sacred Heart University for its strong academic programs and close-knit community. As a commuter student with financial responsibilities at home, she said the scholarship helped ease that burden and allowed her to more fully engage in campus life.

“It released a huge weight off my shoulders,” Holmes said. “I’ve been able to truly enjoy my time here and make the most of every opportunity.”

Holmes is actively involved in the University’s performing arts programs, serving as recruitment co-chair for the choral program and participating in multiple ensembles, including the concert choir, 4 Heart Harmony chamber choir and the a cappella group Blended Hearts and the student-led a cappella group Sacred Harmonics.

She said Sacred Heart’s supportive environment made it easy to build connections.

“I was worried it would be hard to make friends as a commuter, but that was never the case,” she said. “The atmosphere here is unlike anything else. This place has truly changed my life.”

Alumni vision brings scholarship to life

For Dominick Ferro ’17, ’18 and his fraternity brothers, the idea to create the Dr. P Endowed Student Scholarship was rooted in a meaningful, longstanding relationship.

As an undergraduate double major in finance and business economics, Ferro, along with his friends, first connected with Petillo at Mass on Sunday mornings, forming a bond that continued well beyond graduation. Over the years, they all stayed in touch, meeting regularly and maintaining a strong connection.

Now a project manager in the treasury and chief investment office at JPMorgan Chase, Ferro also serves on the Sacred Heart University Board of Trustees, helping guide the decisions related to the University’s mission, finances, and future growth.

It was through that continued involvement that Ferro and fellow alumni were inspired to give back in a meaningful way.

“We wanted to do something that would solidify Dr. Petillo’s legacy and help students,” Ferro said. “Sacred Heart is a place where people genuinely care about one another and strive to be good human beings. Supporting students is the best way to ensure that continues.”

The scholarship, with a preference for students in the performing arts—an area especially meaningful to Petillo—reflects both gratitude and a shared commitment to future generations of SHU students.

A growing investment in students

The Dr. P Endowed Student Scholarship continues to grow through the support of alumni, families, and friends committed to expanding opportunities for Sacred Heart University students.

“The Dr. P Endowed Scholarship is a powerful reflection of President Petillo’s deeply student-centered leadership,” said Paul J. Sutera, senior vice president for University advancement. “What began as an idea from alumni has become a lasting investment in our students—one that will support them not only today, but for generations to come.”

As the fund strengthens, it will continue to support students and highlight the impact of philanthropy across the University community.

To support the Dr. P Endowed Student Scholarship, visit the contribution website.

Pictured: The Petillos with Dom Ferro and friends from the class of 2017