Katie Beirne Hired as Director of Parent Engagement

Experienced professional is ready to promote parent giving and leadership at SHU

Sacred Heart University recently welcomed Katie Beirne as executive director of parent engagement & philanthropy. An experienced professional, she is embracing her new role by encouraging and expanding parent involvement in the University’s growth.

“I am excited to work with the Sacred Heart University parents to support their students’ experience and help them build a relationship with the University,” said Beirne. “Our parents bring so much talent and enthusiasm to Sacred Heart and I am looking forward to engaging our parents in ways that benefit the entire student community.”

In her new role, Beirne will work with the parent council to build on the current SHU parents’ program. Additionally, she will enhance parent involvement with SHU through collaboration with colleagues in the advancement department and across the University.

During her 25-year fundraising career, Beirne has worked at several top-tier universities, including Georgetown and Johns Hopkins. It was her community and volunteer work with nonprofits while attending Villanova University―where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications―that set her on a career path of collegiate fundraising, she said.

The Fairfield resident and daughter-in-law of a SHU alum said she has “watched Sacred Heart’s many positive changes and extensive growth over the years.”

“The Pioneer pride I have felt from students, staff and families drew me in and got me excited to be part of the University’s continued transformation,” Beirne said. “Sacred Heart builds personal relationships with its students and families and I am thrilled to join this welcoming community.”