SHU Applauds Graduates, Awards Degrees at Six Ceremonies

Distinguished keynote speakers in business, health care, journalism and more inspire, motivate and enlighten graduates

More than 3,300 Sacred Heart University undergraduate and graduate students were honored and celebrated at six commencement ceremonies held throughout the first week of May.

Approximately 1,550 students earned bachelor’s and associate degrees, and more than 1,800 graduate students were awarded master’s and doctoral degrees. Graduate ceremonies were held at SHU’s Martire Family Arena May 6 and 7, and undergraduate ceremonies took place at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport on May 10. This was the University’s 59th commencement celebration.

From the undergraduate ceremonies

SHU President John J. Petillo addressed the undergraduates at both ceremonies.

“Today you stand at these crossroads, between what has been and what is to come,” Petillo said. “I find myself filled with both pride and a quiet ache, frankly. Watching you grow, learn and lead has been a privilege that I'll never take for granted. You brought energy to these halls, purpose to your work and joy to those around you. Now as you step forward into new chapters I know the world is gaining something extraordinary.”

He added, “I say to you go after your dreams, remember who you are and what you have accomplished while here at SHU. Be proud of how you’ve changed and how you’ve grown. Remember, you will always be a Pioneer, so do come back home.”

Before commencement, senior Lila Armstrong, 21, of Melrose, MA, said the last four years at SHU “have truly been the best of my life.” She admitted that while that may sound “cheesy,” she’s made lifelong friendships, prepared for her future, grown her independence and had fun while doing it.

“I learned that friendships are amazing in the good times, but mean so much more in the difficult times,” Armstrong said. “I am thankful that even during trying times, my Sacred Heart community was here to lift me up. As I look back upon these last four years, my heart could practically burst with love and gratitude! I am so lucky to be a Pioneer!”

A communication disorders major, Armstrong said SHU gave her the tools and confidence to thrive.

“My leadership experiences have been especially rewarding. Through the student ambassador program, I’ve sharpened my public speaking and interpersonal skills. And through my sorority leadership roles, I’ve had the chance to guide my peers and lead initiatives to strengthen our chapter,” Armstrong said.

Billy Kasheta, 22, of South Windsor, similarly enjoyed a college experience that was transformative in his personal and professional development.

“From the rehearsal room to the classroom, I feel like I am leaving SHU as a whole new person,” he said. “My growth is a testament to the professors, faculty and staff who work tirelessly to inspire the students day in and day out.”

Kasheta is a strategic communication, public relations & advertising major and is also heavily involved in the theatre arts program on campus. He credits SHU, his friends and his mentors with instilling in him the confidence to succeed.

Soon, Kasheta will move to Orlando, FL, to participate in the Disney College Program as a performer.

“SHU gave me a platform to experiment; to come up with ideas and see what works best. My professors really pushed me to come out of my shell and work in a smart and professional manner,” Kasheta said. “Above all, however, the students inspired me to achieve all my goals. Each person I crossed paths with during these past four years taught me valuable lessons that I will forever hold close to my heart.”

Anne Davila Casas Diamond, the president of Bridgeport Hospital and executive vice president of Yale New Haven Health, received a Doctorate of Humane Letters, honoris causa honorary degree and addressed undergraduate students graduating from the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) and the College of Health Professions (CHP) at the amphitheater during the Saturday morning ceremony.

“Today marks a significant milestone in your lives,” Diamond said. “As you step out into the world, you carry with you not just the knowledge and skills acquired during your time here at SHU, but also the potential to be a positive force in society. Today, I want to talk about the power and responsibility of being a positive influencer.”

Diamond told the students, “Each of you can be modern-day pioneers who push boundaries, innovate and lead the way in your communities. Modern-day pioneers are characterized by their vision, courage and ability to drive change in their respective fields. A modern-day pioneer inspires others to follow their lead and contribute to the advancement of society.”

William F. Baker, a distinguished professor, American broadcaster and author, received a Doctorate of Humane Letters, honoris causa honorary degree and addressed undergraduate students graduating from the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology (WCBT), the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development (FCEHD) and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing (DHCON) at the amphitheater during the Saturday afternoon ceremony. Baker’s latest major national documentary film, Wisdom Keepers, will debut on June 9 on PBS at 10 p.m. and be available at PBS.org.

Baker’s keynote speech focused on kindness. Throughout his address to students, he reminded them many times to “be kind.”

“Agility, resilience and adaptability with strong leadership are the new keys to success,” Baker said. “There's more, Sacred Heart University, under the remarkable leadership of Dr. John Petillo, has risen so high in part because it does care for the whole person. It has nourished not just your intellect, but your character and soul. I challenge all of you, class of 2025, to bring that same standard to the institutions you will join and maybe later lead. One way to carry that standard is to be kind.”

Baker continued, “Being kind is not always pleasant. It's not being a doormat, and it is not the same as always pleasing others. And it won’t make you a hero. But it does have the power to change the world.”

Graduate ceremonies—May 6

Petillo spoke at all four of the graduate ceremonies. During the CHP and DHCON commencement ceremony, Petillo said, “Today we honor your remarkable achievement. Earning a graduate degree in health care is no small feat, especially in a time when the world reminds you just how vital your work is. You’ve chosen a path that demands knowledge, compassion, resilience and the courage to act in moments of great uncertainty.”

Petillo also offered some sound advice to the graduating nursing and health professionals. “As you step into your career, whether in hospitals, research labs, policy rooms or executive offices, remember you are not just part of a health care system, you are the ones who can change it. Lead with empathy, innovate with purpose and never forget that behind every chart, every diagnosis, every decision, is a human life.”

Manisha Juthani, the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, delivered the keynote address to students receiving graduate degrees from the CHP and the DHCON at the Martire Family Arena.

“When I look out at the sea of graduates today, I see the future of health care in Connecticut, a mosaic of expertise that reflects the complex interconnected health care system you are about to enter,” Juthani said. “Every one of you plays an integral role in the health care delivery system. Each of you is graduating with specific skills but together you represent a health care ecosystem where every role is vital.”

Juthani told the audience that earlier in the day she spoke with graduates from several different programs. “Their love for SHU, and the themes they shared of their education were the same. Every one of them appreciated the commitment of the faculty to the individual and collective success of their students. Each spoke about how what they learned in one semester formed the foundation for what came next.”

Caitlyn Caldon ’23, 22, of South Windsor was excited to receive her master’s degree in public health at the May 6 morning ceremony. Having already received her bachelor’s degree at SHU in neuroscience and pre-med in 2023, she knew getting her graduate degree would be another gratifying experience.

Caldon said her time at Sacred Heart was rewarding and fun. “SHU helped me find my way to my future career path while also shaping me into a better person.”

As she heads onto the next big thing, pursuing a Ph.D. degree in public health, Caldon said she will take advice and guidance from her SHU experience with her. She has come to understand that “there are many walks of life, and you are your own biggest strength.”

Beverly Daniel Tatum, best-selling author and president emerita of Spelman College in Georgia, received a Doctorate of Humane Letters, honoris causa honorary degree and addressed students graduating from the CAS and the FCEHD at the arena in the afternoon on May 6.

“When President Petillo asked me to be the commencement speaker, I had no idea there would be so much going in the world to talk about,” Tatum said. “Indeed, we live in a time filled with questions and uncertainty, anxiety and perhaps even fear … What should we do in a time like this? One thing you graduates have all done is get an education. You are to be commended for that particularly in a time when many of our fellow Americans are publicly questioning the value of higher education. Despite these questions, but it is still true, the more education you have, the better off you will be.”

Matt Eichenbaum ’23, 23, of Oxford received his degree in strategic communication & public relations from the CAS on May 6.

“My time at SHU was transformative. When I came to campus for the first time almost seven years ago, I never could have predicted the impact Park Avenue would have on me,” he said before walking across the arena stage. “From the bonds I’ve formed, to the memories I’ve made here, I consider myself immensely proud and lucky to call myself a two-time alum. As I embark on my future, I know that this will always be a place I can call home.”

SHU instilled in Eichenbaum the value of relationships. “SHU taught me something that I will carry with me forever—the value of human connection,” he said. “From my first undergraduate class to my very last graduate class, my professors and classmates have repeatedly shown me that a meaningful relationship is more valuable than anything."

And for future Pioneers, he said, “For the next generation of Pioneers, my advice is this, treasure every moment of it. Your time here will be precious; be unafraid to try new things and open yourself up to new opportunities, but most importantly, never waste a second of it.”

Graduate ceremonies—May 7

Jeffery A. Sonnenfeld, senior associate dean for leadership studies at Yale University School of Management, received a Doctorate of Humane Letters, honoris causa honorary degree and addressed students graduating from the WCBT at the Martire Family Arena.

Sonnenfeld described five leadership qualities—qualities the late Pope Francis exhibited, that are needed to be impactful.

“The first is dynamism. You must be accessible to your constituents and not sitting on thrones behind walls, guards and fancy desks,” Sonnenfeld said. “Second is empathy. Like Pope Francis you must show concern for the well-being of your constituents whether rich or poor, weak or powerful, sick or healthy.”

Other qualities included authenticity and courage.

“Strong leaders are needed to bring people together. In almost any city or village globally, the town squares and parks have magnificent statues—but they are not to celebrate teams, let alone audit committees, or task forces, but instead to showcase bold thinking individual leaders,” Sonnenfeld said. “Pope Francis gave us a timely, inspiring and daunting model to use our new degrees in important ways as leaders.”

Stephen E. Ferranti, a leader in information technology and cybersecurity and vice president of information technology and information security at Esusu, delivered the keynote address to students graduating from the WCBT’s School of Computer Science & Engineering.

Ferranti’s speech was focused on his audience. He spoke fondly of technology and computer science and their presence in the students’ lives.

“As I look out at all of you in your caps and gowns, I see innovators, problem-solvers and digital architects who will shape our technological future,” Ferranti said. “Your journey through rigorous coursework, challenging projects and countless hours of study has prepared you for an extraordinary path ahead.“

He then discussed the ABCDs of the “technical frontier” and explained how artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity and differentiation will play a role in their lives.

“The challenges ahead will require not just technical brilliance but also wisdom, empathy, courage and leadership,” Ferranti said. “All qualities that Sacred Heart has worked to instill in you. You leave here today not just as graduates but as stewards of our technological future. Remember that with knowledge comes responsibility—to build technology that uplifts humanity, protects the vulnerable and expands human potential.”

View Commencement Photos