A Note from Dean Savino Welcome to the first edition of SFA Today, the online publication for students and friends of Sacred Heart University. In this first edition our staff prepared articles that I hope you will find interesting and thought-provoking. Your feedback on this first edition will be helpful to us as we strive to make this newsletter a success. We would like to incorporate your suggestions, such as topics you would like addressed or reminders you think would be helpful; please consider giving us your comments via email at sfa@sacredheart.edu. As I was considering my remarks for the "Note from the Dean" section in this inaugural newsletter, I wanted to reflect on my history and dedication to Sacred Heart University. I have been a member of the Sacred Heart University family since 1975. My first few years here were as an undergraduate majoring in accounting, and a work study student in the Financial Aid Office. I have had the privilege over these thirty years to dedicate myself to serving the financial needs of students -- my fellow alumni; it is truly a rewarding vocation. Over the years Sacred Heart has been very fortunate, particularly during the last decade, to have experienced substantial growth. We currently process more than $72 million dollars in financial assistance to nearly 89% of our full-time undergraduate population. I do not say this to be self-congratulatory, but, instead, to recognize both our obligation and opportunity to serve the financial needs of our students in a more substantial way.
The keys to our success have been guided by our mission and values along with a careful focus on three important areas: integrity, immersion, and innovation. We have a staff of caring professionals; we carefully provide dollars to students successfully investing in their future; and we effectively plan and execute. Of these areas we continue to place a strong emphasis on innovation as we strive to serve our students better.
We see innovation all around us, and in the field of education we are beginning to take our greatest leaps. If you look at almost any industry -- from construction to farming to manufacturing – you will see innovation. Think about the way we listened to music five years ago and the way we listen today. Think about how we communicated five years ago and now think about how we communicate today. Innovation will be an important component of the Student Financial Assistance Office at Sacred Heart University as we continue to improve effectiveness in serving students. You will see strides taken to provide information on line 24/7 through SHUAwards and further enhancements with online services as we transition to operating in a paperless environment.
We look forward to a promising future and helping students make their dreams of education a reality.
Julie B. Savino
Dean of University Financial Assistance
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