SHU Celebrates Class of 2026 at Annual Commencement Ceremonies

University community comes together to recognize achievement and future goals

Key Highlights

• Sacred Heart University  held its 60th commencement ceremonies at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport
• 2,500+ undergraduate and graduate students received degrees
• Keynote speakers include Gov. Ned Lamont, Sr. Norma Pimentel, Alexander Clark, and Rev. Jeffrey von Arx, SJ

More than 2,500 undergraduate and graduate students received degrees at Sacred Heart University’s 60th commencement ceremonies this past week at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport.

Graduate students gathered at the amphitheater on Thursday, May 7, to receive their master and doctoral degrees, while undergraduate students received their associate and bachelor’s degrees at two different ceremonies at the amphitheater on Saturday, May 9.

Governor Ned Lamont, Sister Norma Pimentel, Alexander Clark, and the Rev. Jeffrey von Arx, SJ, delivered keynote addresses, and each received a Doctor of Humane Letters, honoris causa, honorary degree.

From the Undergraduate Ceremonies

SHU President John J. Petillo addressed the undergraduates and applauded their success. Before he gave his speech, he recognized three seniors whose recent actions “reflect the very best of Sacred Heart University,” when they responded to a medical emergency off campus.

“They responded with calm, compassion, and care, remaining by that person’s side until first responders arrived,” he told the audience. “In a moment that called for character, they led with both mind and heart, embodying what it truly means to be a Pioneer.”

Petillo then spoke about the way in which a college career transforms students and prepares them to shape their own futures.

“Over these years, faculty, administrators, and I enjoy as you walk across this stage knowing you have changed with knowledge, courage, and purpose, ready for your future,” Petillo said. “I will miss you and your greetings on campus. So, remember to come back home.”

Senior Gracie Patriarco spoke at the 10 a.m. undergraduate ceremony. The political science and global affairs double major reflected on how quickly the last four years went by and reminisced on the many experiences that led her to where she is today. She talked about the success, the failures, the discomforts, and the joys. Throughout it all she gained confidence to follow her dreams.

“Class of 2026, today we say goodbye to our favorite dining halls, the dorms where we grew up, the study spots that saw our hardest nights, and our best friends who made everything worth it,” said Patriarco. “We are saying goodbye to our home. Do not forget this. Hold these memories close to your heart. Call your friends. Visit often. Sacred Heart will always have a place for us.”

View all photos from the College of Arts & Sciences, Davis & Henley College of Nursing & Farrington College of Education & Human Development ceremony

Senior Katelyn Diaz spoke at the 3 p.m. ceremony. The nursing and management double major who minored in nutrition spoke about her amazing four years at SHU and how it became a family for her.

“Someone once told me, choose a place where the people and the environment reflect who you want to become, because eventually, you will become what surrounds you. And I didn’t fully understand that then, but I do now,” Diaz said. “Because Sacred Heart didn’t just give us degrees, it gave us a community.”

Looking back, Diaz said her college experience was “nothing short of amazing.” She studied abroad, got involved, and met people who changed her life.

In her speech, she imparted her classmates with some lessons. The first one, “confidence isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about trusting yourself even when you don’t,” the second lesson, “your life will not go as planned, and that is exactly the point,” and “third is to get comfortable being uncomfortable.”

“There have been so many moments where I felt completely uncomfortable, whether it was presenting by myself or stepping into something I didn’t feel ready for,” Diaz said. “But every time I did it, I grew.”

View all photos from the College of Health Professions and Welch College of Business & Technology ceremony

From the Graduate Ceremony–May 7

From the sunny, windy amphitheater stage, Petillo congratulated the graduate students.

“On graduation day, with diploma in hand, you will realize the most valuable thing you earned wasn’t the degree,” Petillo said. “It was the understanding that growth isn’t a straight line, and worth isn’t measured by perfection. As you step forward into the unknown, you carry a quieter confidence: not that you would always succeed, but that you would always keep learning—and that would be enough. So, as you prepare to walk from the classrooms, remain on a journey of learning and reflection.”

Before degrees were conferred, Helena Medici ’25, MA ’26, who earned her master’s degree in strategic communication & public relations, addressed her peers. In her remarks, she reflected on personal growth, sharing that it was through growth that she ultimately discovered her sense of purpose or her “why.”

“Your ‘why’ is the reason you keep going when things get hard,” Medici said. “It’s what grounds you. It’s what keeps you moving forward when self-doubt starts to creep in. And let’s be honest—there were moments during this journey when things got hard.”

Through her inspirational words, she told her peers what they’ve accomplished is “truly incredible.” She encouraged the graduates to believe in themselves and give themselves a chance.

“The opportunities you’re hoping for? The doors you’re waiting to open? They often don’t open until you first believe you’re worthy of walking through them,” Medici said. “So, give yourself a chance. Believe in your ideas. Believe in your voice. Believe that you belong in every room you walk into. Because you do. Sacred Heart has shaped us into more than just graduates. It has shaped us into communicators, leaders, and individuals who understand the importance of serving others and leading with purpose.”

View all photos from the graduate ceremony (all colleges)