SHU ‘Meet the Trustees’ Welcomes Students’ Questions
Topics range from University’s future to keys for young professionals’ success
Sacred Heart University students had the unique opportunity to question members of SHU’s governing board at the recent “Meet the Trustees” event on campus. Students received inspiring career advice, feedback on the University’s growth and insights on achieving success following graduation.
Frank R. Martire ’69, a board member since 2005, was one of the participating trustees. He is former executive chairman for NCR Corporation, an enterprise technology company based in Atlanta, GA.
Martire was joined by Pamela Miller, an attorney who is president and CEO of the international consulting firm Summit Global Strategies, based in Washington, D.C. Miller has been a SHU trustee since 2019.
John M. Vazquez MBA ’93, a trustee since 2018 and current chair, completed the panel. He is global head of workplace and real estate for Paramount in New York City.
The three answered students’ questions regarding the University’s future, their roles as trustees and how to succeed as young business professionals. Alejandro Ramos, student government president, and Mia Sansanelli, editor-in-chief of SHU’s student newspaper, The Spectrum, moderated the event.
The conversation started with each panelist sharing what inspired them to join the board of trustees. Vasquez said that, for him, it was his belief in the importance of education. “I’ve always felt that education was a priority, whether it’s for my children or my community,” he said.
Martire said his passion for the students drew him to the board. “It’s simple; it’s the students—it’s you. You join the board because you say, ‘I would like to make a difference in their lives,’” he said. “It’s a two-way street; we learn from you, too.”
One student asked each trustee how they would like to see the University improve. Martire responded that he wants SHU to continue to stand out among universities. “When you look at the University in the next five years, you want to be able to say, ‘state of the art,’” said Martire. “People come to Sacred Heart because Sacred Heart differentiates itself from everyone else.”
Vasquez and Miller said they are pleased to see more diversity on campus. “I’m really excited about sharing the richness of SHU with some of the communities I’m involved with,” said Miller.
When students asked about achieving success as young professionals, Miller offered practical advice. “Relationships matter, networking matters, being authentic matters,” she said. “People offer opportunities to those they respect and like. So, take some time to really develop your relationships.”
Vasquez said achieving team success takes communication and strong interpersonal relationships. Martire added, “It’s all about interpersonal skills and working with people.”
Martire closed the event by comparing his work in business to his role at SHU. “It wasn’t important to me that our company was the biggest but that we were the best,” he said. “We should never sacrifice our ethics, our morals—anything—for growth opportunities.”
Pictured, from left, are Alejandro Ramos, Frank Martire, John Vazquez, Pamela Miller and Mia Sansanelli.