West Campus Atrium Named After Donors

Brad and Barbara Evans honored for their commitment to education

The Sacred Heart University community recently honored and celebrated Brad and Barbara Evans for their vision, generosity and lifelong commitment to Catholic education during a ribbon cutting at the newly named Evans Family Atrium.

Faculty, staff, University friends and members of Horizons Sacred Heart University gathered at West Campus to honor the loyal couple for their enduring generosity, leadership and lasting impact. In 2011, the Evanses founded and funded Horizons Sacred Heart, an enrichment program for Bridgeport youth that provides students with mentorship, academic support and more.

Nearly 15 years ago, Brad Evans H’16 was looking for a location to house Horizons. When he asked SHU President John J. Petillo about locating it at SHU, he was greeted with open arms. Petillo was excited to host the small enrichment program and introduce children to SHU and its facilities. Years later, the program has more than doubled in size and now serves more than 330 students.

“Students just don’t learn reading, writing and math, they also learn life skills, confidence in themselves,” Petillo said at the ceremony. “Gathering at the Sacred Heart campus makes college feel attainable.” Petillo noted that Brad and Barbara Evans have changed the lives of “many, many students.”

SHU Board of Trustee member Mary-Ann Bunting echoed Petillo’s statements. She thanked the Evanses and told them how much she appreciates them.

“We love you; we love your value system,” Bunting said. She added that the husband-and-wife duo don’t just put their financial resources into projects and programs, they also put their hearts into them.

After speeches and words of thanks, Paul J. Sutera, senior vice president of University advancement, asked everyone to stand up and face a wall with a black curtain draped over it. He led a countdown from five, and when the audience yelled “one,” the curtain came down to reveal the name of the atrium: the Evans Family Atrium. Now students will pass through the Evans Family Atrium on their way to a hockey game, the dining hall, class or a lecture.

“As you walk through the Evans Family Atrium, may it be a reminder of what it looks like to live generously, serve humbly and lead with conviction,” Petillo said.

The University hosted a luncheon to continue celebrations for the couple. On the way in, Brad and Barbara Evans were overjoyed. “It’s really quite an honor,” Brad Evans said. “I really can’t be any more pleased or appreciative.”

He added that he’s delighted Sacred Heart has been the host site for Horizons all these years and said the program wouldn’t be a success without SHU’s support. “Barbara and I are grateful and honored to become even more a part of SHU,” he said.