SHU Celebrates Classes of 2020, 2021 at Graduation Ceremonies
Petillo praises students for completing their degrees during extraordinary times
A year after Sacred Heart University’s class of 2020 began post-college life, the students had their pandemic-delayed graduation last week, and students from the class of 2021 marked their accomplishments four days later. Altogether, more than 4,800 undergraduate and graduate students attended commencement ceremonies throughout the week.
The class of 2020 comprised 1,402 undergraduates who earned associate and bachelor’s degrees and 1,165 graduate students who obtained master’s degrees, professional certificates and doctorates. Amid the class of 2021, there were 1,375 undergraduates and 912 graduate students.
When the pandemic prevented the 2020 graduates from participating in a traditional graduation ceremony, the University promised to make up for the missed celebration, and it delivered with commencement May 15 on the University football field.
A few days later, undergraduate students in the class of 2021 had their turn to march. On May 19, students in the College of Arts & Sciences, St. Vincent’s College, the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing and the College of Health Professions received their diplomas in two separate ceremonies. The next day, students in the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Isabelle Farrington College of Education celebrated their degrees.
Commencement festivities concluded May 22 with the class of 2021 graduate students accepting their diplomas.
Class of 2020
Undergraduates and graduates were excited to be on campus—many for the first time since March 2020—to celebrate their accomplishments with friends, family and SHU faculty and staff.
“It may be a year late as we gather today; yet it is no less a special day for you, our grads, your family and friends and this community,” said SHU President John J. Petillo. “I am so happy that so many of you have returned. We are here to celebrate … You are Pioneers and Pioneers journey boldly and with purpose, so go and pursue your dreams remembering what you have learned here. And always know this is your home away from home.”
Anthony Smith, who was president of the class of 2020, addressed the crowd of his fellow students, their families and friends last Saturday.
“I would like to extend the most sincere thank you to Dr. Petillo and the members of the administration,” said the 23-year-old. “Over the past year, they have remained so dedicated to hosting a proper, on-ground commencement ceremony to celebrate our class and all of our accomplishments. Without that unwavering support and commitment, we would not be together here today.”
Smith, of East Hanover, NJ, earned a double major in finance and management at the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology. A past John F. Welch Scholarship recipient, he was also in the honors program and minored in Spanish.
Smith told his fellow alumni the day was not about dwelling on the past; it was about appreciating the years spent at SHU and the steps taken to advance in life.
“There’s no question that we are not the same people that we were when we began here in August of 2016—we’ve grown, matured and just changed as people,” Smith said. “The same goes for the changes made to our campus.”
Smith listed out the many learning facilities that were built and renovated during his tenure at SHU—from the Bobby Valentine Health & Recreation Center to West Campus.
“To my fellow classmates that have already started on their next journey, I hope that it is everything you have ever dreamed of and more,” Smith said. “To those who are about to embark on their next adventure, or maybe you have no idea where life is going to take you next, I wish you nothing but the best of luck on whatever path you find yourself … I ask that you keep the memories you’ve made, the friendships you’ve created, and the lessons that you’ve learned close to your hearts … Remember that we are all one big Sacred Heart family, forever connected by this amazing place.”
Danielle Chiavola, 23, of Holbrook, NY, was pleased to return to SHU for an in-person graduation. She majored in health science with a concentration in public health at the College of Health Professions. She also minored in global health and psychology.
“I am grateful that SHU has done everything in its power to honor the class of 2020 and give us a graduation ceremony,” Chiavola said. “They did not give up on giving us our day, and I think that really demonstrates how much they care for their students.”
Chiavola said her time at SHU was “inspirational.” She felt motivated by peers and faculty to be the best version of herself.
“Getting recognized for four years of hard work and overcoming an especially difficult senior year will be the light at the end of the tunnel we all needed,” Chiavola said. “We will finally be able to remember 2020 as a year when something good happened, and we can move forward as official SHU alumni.”
Ashton Ogle, who earned his master’s degree in physician assistant studies in 2020, also spoke at the 2020 ceremony. The Kentucky native talked about his experience moving to Connecticut three years ago.
“As I speak to you today, I am reminded of the diverse paths we have taken to be here,” Ogle said. “We came from different states, different countries, different backgrounds; yet today, we are united in the fact that we are graduates of Sacred Heart University. And though we have all taken different routes, we are all here today. And we are all celebrated today.”
Ogle said he and his classmates “pioneered” their way through many journeys. “We worked our way through an undergraduate degree and decided to further our education in our master and doctoral level programs. Along the way, we have sacrificed sleep, social outings and, sadly, some relationships. We discovered what it takes to learn at a high level, and we successfully made it through countless exams and assignments. And for that, you should feel proud. But we didn’t do any of it alone.”
Undergraduate class of 2021
The undergraduate class of 2021 had its turn in the spotlight Wednesday and Thursday.
“Today we pause to celebrate you,” Petillo said. “Continue to reflect on your journey. Socrates wrote: ‘to find yourself, think for yourself.’ Don’t underestimate the power of your dreams. It is your life and your journey, so think for yourself. You will find there is a wealth within you. So, go boldly, with vigor, and with a passionate heart. Discover what is out there, but most importantly discover yourself.”
Vanessa Parrillo, the 2021 student government president, and Alexandra Myers, class of 2021 president, gave joint speeches at the undergraduate ceremonies. They took their audiences down memory lane, describing what each year was like, what emotions they felt and the experiences they learned from.
“Coming in as freshmen, we were like little seeds,” said Parrillo, of Mahopac, NY, who earned her degree in education. “Small, and full of potential; we just needed opportunities and resources to begin to sprout. Many of us were nervous and excited to begin. For some of us, this was the first time moving away from home, or your first time attending class without knowing anyone.”
As the duo spoke about each year, they eventually addressed their final year at SHU. “This certainly was not the senior year we were all dreaming of when we were little freshmen,” said Myers, who majored in political science. “Regardless of what we pictured, this was our last year at SHU before we stepped out into the real world … The extenuating circumstances this year truly gave us the opportunity to learn how to handle anything life throws at us. I mean, if we can manage to graduate in a pandemic, I think we can handle the real world.”
Anticipation was high among the graduates leading up to the commencement. Brianna Thomas, 21, of Roselle, NJ, said she was excited that the University planned an in-person commencement for the graduates. “I’ve been waiting my whole life for this moment. I’m sure all of my hard work, long study sessions and sleepless nights will seem so worth it once I cross that stage.”
Thomas, a student in the College of Health Professions, earned her degree in health science. She is also on the pre-med track. She was involved in various clubs and organizations during her years at SHU, such as the student events team, residential life and student ambassadors. Being involved helped shape and define Thomas’ experience at SHU. She made lifelong friends and fostered many meaningful relationships with faculty and staff.
“Freshman year to now, I feel I have developed so much,” Thomas said. “Freshman year, I was that shy freshman in the hallway, nervous to get involved and meet new people. Now I embrace the ‘awkward,’ being outside of my comfort zone and getting involved wherever I can to make an impact on the SHU community.”
Thomas hopes to become a pediatrician, but she will work full-time at RWJ Barnabas Health, New Jersey, in the meantime. “I plan on taking a gap year following graduation to gain more medical experience and study for the MCAT,” she said. “I’m hopeful that my experiences and life lessons learned here will be an asset to my long-term career goal of becoming a doctor. I couldn’t be more excited and ready to start the next chapter of my life.”
Graduate class of 2021
Graduate students capped off the celebratory week with their commencement Saturday.
“As you continue on your life’s journey you will have an abundance of opportunities to be of service to others more than to yourselves,” Petillo said. “Seize those precious moments because time does flee and so do those opportunities … Go and celebrate your accomplishments. Go share God’s gifts with those around you and certainly those who are not as fortunate. You see one day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching. Be that person of values. Make your journey memorable.”
Graduate Patrick Seweje, an Arkansas native who received his doctorate in physical therapy, first quoted Charles Darwin in his address to his class and then said the word of the day was “adaptation.”
“This past year has been one to remember,” Seweje said. “Our lives and education were turned upside down, and we were forced to adapt. Adapt by turning our bedrooms into classrooms. Adapt to switching Zoom links instead of switching classes.”
Seweje thanked professors for being flexible and families and loved ones for being patient. “As a community, we were able to stay connected and push through together. You are sitting here as proof that we are a resilient group of individuals ready to take on the world.”
Continuing with his theme of adaptation, Seweje said, “Through all of this, we learned that we could adapt to any situation, any obstacle that life throws our way. Here at Sacred Heart, we have a great community. Let’s continue to stay connected and promote one another as we go our separate ways.”
To view photos from all events, visit the Commencement 2021 webpage on Flickr.