Gala Raises More than $660K for Student Scholarships

Annual Pioneer Scholarship Gala celebrates students, recognizes leaders and innovators

Over 400 alumni, parents, students and friends of Sacred Heart University gathered at the University’s annual Pioneer Scholarship Gala raising over $660,000 to support student scholarships.

The gala is SHU’s premier fundraising event focused on scholarship and providing students with an excellent college education along with the vision and skills to be meaningful contributors to society. This year’s event, held at SHU’s Martire Family Arena, honored John Vazquez MBA ’93, chairman, SHU Board of Trustees and executive vice president corporate real estate, Wells Fargo. Charlie Baker, NCAA president and former governor of Massachusetts was also an honoree. Check out SHU’s Pioneer Scholarship Gala recap video.

“This is a special night for all involved,” said Paul J. Sutera, senior vice president of University advancement. “We recognize leaders and great thinkers in their respective fields, but most importantly, we honor the students who make this University special and who will go on to achieve excellence.”

Attendees entered the beautifully decorated arena that was adorned with lanterns and white lights creating a magical atmosphere. Guests enjoyed dinner, heartfelt speeches, music and dancing and dazzling performances by SHU’s Dance Company and SHU’s choir group, SHUpermen.

Vazquez was honored for his remarkable commitment to the University as chairman of the SHU Board of Trustees.

“My success is not defined by my job, but by my family,” Vazquez said. “SHU’s success is measured and defined in much the same way, our success is collective, when the students, staff, faculty and board do well, we all succeed.”

Governor Ned Lamont showed support for his friend, Baker, thanked Vazquez for his work supporting higher education and energized the crowd with his spirited remarks and strong support for SHU and its philanthropic initiatives. “Our universities are the heart and soul of this state and this country,” he said. “Continue doing the work you do; you are the ones making a difference every single day.”

Baker was also honored for his leadership as a former governor and his commitment to collegiate excellence as NCAA president. “To be a collegiate athlete is to be a part of one of this country’s greatest and oldest traditions,” he said. “It is an important part of what makes the American higher education system so special, and I believe that it creates a dynamic that can help us through very challenging times, sport can be our great unifier.”

Senior Ashley Altieri ’25 shared how the SHU scholarships transformed her life and thanked the Pioneer community. “Without all of you I would not be on this stage tonight, be as successful of a student or experience this world of incredible opportunities,” she said. “From the bottom of my heart, truly, thank you all for your support.”

To view all photos from the event, visit the 2025 Pioneer Scholarship Gala gallery.