Scholarship Recipients Meet Donors at Special Brunch

Recipients share hopes and goals with philanthropists who made their dreams attainable

Many of Sacred Heart University’s endowed scholarship recipients recently had the opportunity to meet and speak with the donors who helped make their academic dreams a reality.

On a beautiful fall Saturday morning, the University advancement office hosted a brunch at the Frank and Marisa Martire Center for the Liberal Arts. Donors, students and University community members gathered to celebrate scholarship recipients and the philanthropists behind the meaningful investments.

“Today is a celebration of gratitude and impact as we recognize the alumni, parents, family members and friends who have invested in the importance of scholarships at Sacred Heart University,” said Julia Olson, director of annual giving and donor engagement. “Each scholarship represented in this room today tells a unique story—a story rooted in the memory of a loved one, in cherished Sacred Heart experiences or in a desire to make a difference in the lives of current and future generations. Through your generosity, you are creating a legacy that enables the students gathered here, and so many others like them, to write their own story.”

The stories and connections in the room that morning were plentiful. Renna Badolato ’26 was awarded the Browning Family Endowed Scholarship at the start of her junior year. The finance major, who is one of six children raised by a single father, said the scholarship made it possible for her to continue her journey at SHU. Her younger brother was also a recipient of the Browning Family Endowed Scholarship.

“This scholarship has been so life-changing,” said Badolato. “Sacred Heart has offered me incredible opportunities. I am involved in two Greek life associations, began building friendships and connections I never imagined and am now on my second business venture.”

The Browning Family Endowed Scholarship has existed since 1987 and is in memory of Jim Browning’s brother, Scott, who died unexpectedly at age 21. Throughout the years, Jim Browning has made a point of meeting every scholarship recipient. Browning explained that the gratification of the scholarship goes farther than a simple memorial of his brother. While helping students financially is important, meeting them and observing their passions, values and character is what makes the scholarship special. When it came time to meet Badolato, he learned she is the daughter of a former high school classmate. “The serendipity in connecting my brother’s memory to the children of a high school friend is extraordinary,” he said. “This is a magical way to honor him.”

Shanice Morris from Mount Vernon, NY, received the Joseph A. Peloso IV Memorial Scholarship, created in memory of the late son of Michele and Joseph Peloso III ’81. Morris, who is earning her master’s degree in education, gained valuable insight meeting the family behind her scholarship.

“This is truly an amazing experience,” Morris said. “It’s been great to learn about the scholarship and why Michele and her husband are doing what they’re doing. They spoke about their loved one—it all really touches you, and it reminds you that you’re on the right track.”

Michele Peloso, who worked in Sacred Heart’s College of Health Professions for many years, said she was overwhelmed at meeting Morris. “This event really allowed us to feel connected to the recipient,” she said. “It’s so special.” She believes Morris is the perfect student for the scholarship. “She’s excited, driven, motivated. Plus, she smiles all the time, just like our son smiled all the time.”

The Cofinis P’24 didn’t realize they would be meeting their scholarship recipient at the brunch and were pleasantly surprised when Abigail Marino introduced herself. “We are just over the moon,” said Dawn Cofini, whose husband, John Cofini, is a SHU Board of Trustee member. “She is amazing.”

Marino, a sophomore majoring in sport management, said when she told the Cofini family she received their scholarship, she chatted excitedly about her studies, her interest in sport photography and what she likes about SHU. She said she was honored to receive their scholarship and told them she called her mother as soon as she learned the news.

The conversations that occurred were exactly what SHU President John J. Petillo envisioned. At the beginning of the brunch, he encouraged the donors to talk to students, get to know them, learn about their hopes and dreams and understand what it means to be a Pioneer.

“Because of your generosity, our students are empowered,” Petillo said. “Giving is worthwhile."

Photo inserts from top down: Renna Badolato hugs her dad after speaking to the crowd; Shanice Morris with the Pelosos; and Abigail Marino with the Cofinis.