Your Impact

Read the stories, see the photos and meet the people of Now We Lead.

Thomas Bellucci '24

An interdisciplinary studies major, Thomas Bellucci said his parents—a teacher and a guidance-counselor—have worked hard raising their four children and welcoming his grandmother, who has medical needs, to live in their family home. His two older brothers pursued careers in public schools, and his younger sister is studying business economics.

This scholarship helps ease the financial concerns and has special meaning for Thomas.

“Earning my bachelor’s and master’s degrees here at Sacred Heart University means more than words can truly describe for me and my family,” he said. “Receiving this scholarship will allow me to concentrate on my courses without stressing out over finances and to start my dream career inspiring the next generation.”

In addition to his studies, Thomas is highly involved at SHU, playing both club baseball and intramural flag football and serving as vice president of the Education Club. He’s proud to be part of a “community of learners” working in tandem to shape the next generation.

“This scholarship has been pivotal in my life,” Thomas said. “It will allow me to pursue all that I set out to do in coming to this university.”

Why I Give

Gifts of all sizes make an impact. These donors share why they answered the call to lead.

Chiqui Guirbitey '70

Chiqui graduated with a degree in education and, true to her lifelong passion, decided to be an ESL teacher at Bridgeport’s Central High School for 36 years. She taught hundreds of teenagers from Italy, Cuba, Portugal, Vietnam, China, Colombia and points around the globe, who affectionately called her “Miss Chiqui.”

She decided making a significant gift was the perfect way to honor the enduring memories and lasting impact Sacred Heart had on her life and, in turn, all those she’s taught over the years. “I am doing it because I am very grateful to SHU,” she said. “They helped me, and I wish to do the same for a student at our great institution.”

Creating a Legacy - in memory of Jennifer Mattei

Sacred Heart has posthumously awarded Mattei the status of professor emerita and, together with her family, established the Jennifer H. Mattei Endowed Scholarship for Undergraduate Research.

“Jennifer’s life mission was to educate students about the importance of our natural world and instill a sense of urgency regarding the need to preserve and protect that world for generations to come,” Ivan Mattei said. “Seeing this legacy carried on by other faculty and students proves that she was successful in her goals and that her work is recognized for how valuable it truly is. It means the world to her family to see the work we heard her passionately talk about at home every day continued by others in her stead.”

“A scholarship designed to promote undergraduate research in projects along the Connecticut coast supervised by Jennifer’s colleagues was the perfect vehicle to honor her memory,” Ivan Mattei said. “We hope that this scholarship will help preserve her spirit at SHU and ensure future students can learn about the significance of Jennifer’s accomplishments.”

Barbara Naclerio

"My husband's dream was to be able to help financially support the faculty. He was very connected with the Columbus Citizens Foundation, and they gave endowments and grants and also scholarships to children, in college, high school, and even K through eighth grade. But then he said one day, you know, what about the faculty? That's who's teaching them. It has more meaning and I have a of love for that. So that's the route that he took and here we are supporting faculty at Sacred Heart University with the Naclerio Faculty Scholars Program since 2013. I hope to continue it as long as we can and that my family will continue it as well. It means a lot to us. We have watched the president take this university to absolutely another level, another dimension. It's wonderful to see what has been done here."