Fraternity Hosts Eleventh Annual White Ribbon Event

Sacred Heart tradition brings to light the need to stand together as a community to end abuse

The Delta Tau Delta chapter at Sacred Heart University recently held its annual White Ribbon Campaign event to raise awareness about domestic violence and to advocate for accountability and safe spaces for domestic violence victims.

The eleventh annual gathering, held in partnership with the Center for Family Justice in Bridgeport, welcomed more than a dozen speakers to the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts stage. SHU students, alumni, law enforcement and local leaders offered powerful and profound statements about the need to end domestic violence.

The event host, Nate Dussault ’26, Delta Tau Delta’s internal philanthropy chair, thanked all in attendance for finding the courage to come out to such a meaningful event. Dussault then welcomed SHU President John J. Petillo to the stage to deliver opening remarks.

“I want to start by thanking the great men of Delta Tau Delta for their hard work in preparing this year’s event, ensuring this tradition continues and never remaining silent in the fight against domestic violence,” Petillo said. “I’m proud to wear this ribbon alongside you today, and I’m thankful for all the work you do.”

Gary MacNamara, the University’s executive director of public safety, former Fairfield police chief and a leader in the fight against domestic violence, then spoke to the crowd. “I am no stranger to domestic violence incidents and the horrors that they cause,” he said. “All of you who are here show an in-depth knowledge of the importance of this fight, and while all of our efforts make an impact, this fight is ongoing and tomorrow matters just as much as today.”

Matthew Reale ’86, former chair of the Center for Family Justice, received an award for his ongoing support of Delta Tau Delta’s mission. “It is an honor and privilege to be on this stage once again, having attended since the first iteration. It’s incredible to see how much good work has been done,” he said.

Isabella Padron ’25, president of the SHU Stand Up club, shared with the audience her thoughts about the campaign’s critical role. “This event does a great job of raising awareness to end this issue and build a positive environment where victims can demand justice,” she said. “Additionally, it sets the standard in our community where safety and love are not suggestions, but standards to live by.”

Andrew Grudinskas ’25, Delta Tau Delta president, emphasized the need for togetherness in combating violence. “[Your] presence is a powerful statement, a declaration of your commitment,” he said. “We have a responsibility in our community to be leaders and inspire the light in others in this fight. When we all become a light, our community becomes a brighter and safer place.”

Among the others who spoke were Bridgeport Mayor Joseph Ganim; Debra Greenwood, Center for Family Justice CEO and executive director; Matt DeVito ’20, Delta Tau Delta chapter adviser; Ken Mysogland, Department of Children and Families administrator and SHU social work professor, as well as additional student and community leaders.

On behalf of Fairfield First Selectman William Gerber, Edward Weihe, Fairfield’s deputy chief of police, recognized March 24, 2025, as White Ribbon Day in the Town of Fairfield, signifying the community’s dedication to the cause.

Delta Tau Delta’s 2025 White Ribbon Campaign might have begun with this recent rally, but its work to end domestic violence is far from over. The chapter participates in and supports the Center for Family Justice’s Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event, an international men’s march aimed at stopping rape, sexual assault and gender violence.

The walk will take place on Saturday, April 26, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Fairfield train station. In keeping with a more-than-10-year tradition, MacNamara will wear red high heels as he leads the walk.