Sibling Scholars: Families Share How They Found a Home at Sacred Heart

Alums recall how Sacred Heart became an integral part of their family

National Siblings Day, which is celebrated on April 10, is all about honoring the lifelong bond between siblings—and for some, that connection extends to their college experience.

Through the years, siblings have found a second home at Sacred Heart University, sharing traditions and building memories, even while forging their own paths. Here are the stories of several siblings whose relationships and futures were shaped by their time at SHU.

Jenna Hofmann ’22 and Diana (Hofmann) Santo ’17

Although Jenna and Diana Hofmann never walked the halls of Sacred Heart’s academic buildings together, their bond as sisters was strengthened by their shared experience at Sacred Heart.

Diana began her college experience in 2013 and felt right at home at SHU. She studied at the School of Communication, Media & the Arts (SCMA). Outside the classroom, Diana was eager to plant her roots. She joined the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and enrolled in the dance program, creating bonds and memories that would last a lifetime.

Diana’s transformative experience at SHU also paved the way for her younger sister, Jenna, who was introduced to a community that would soon feel like home. “I remember visiting Diana so often and just feeling so comfortable and at home on the campus, from the family weekend visits first and then visiting Diana myself,” Jenna said.

Contact Sacred Heart’s alumni engagement office to learn more about visiting SHU.

When the time came for Jenna to begin her college career, the decision was an easy one. “It made the experience of applying and picking a school so much less daunting, because I knew so much about SHU through Diana,” she said.

After Diana helped Jenna move into her first-year dorm and showed her some of Fairfield’s best spots, Jenna quickly followed in her older sister’s footsteps. She also found a home in the SCMA and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.

Since graduating, the two sisters still share a love of all things SHU. They love coming back for Homecoming weekend and attending the football game. “It’s always so exciting to come back and see what has changed or been added to the campus every year. I always wish I could come back and be a student again” Diana said, laughing.

Sara Jean (Haas) Devine ’19 and Taylor Haas ’21

Unlike Diana and Jenna, the paths of Sara Jean (Haas) Devine and Taylor Haas crossed often as they made their way around the Park Avenue Campus. It’s an experience that they will cherish forever.

When Sara first arrived at SHU, she was already a part of the Division 1 dance team and quickly enrolled in the management program. Sara also joined Fraternity & Sorority Life, becoming a member of the Delta Zeta sorority.

By the time Sara’s sister, Taylor, arrived two years later, the younger sibling had already fallen in love with SHU.

“When my older sister Sara started at SHU, I had the opportunity to visit her and begin making some of my first SHU connections with her,” Taylor said. “Two years later, I was sharing the campus with her, getting to see her around and going to events that allowed us to experience so much together.”

Sara and Taylor, an interdisciplinary studies major, often pursued different activities at SHU, but the two sisters spent time with one another any chance they could.

“Sharing the same football games, professors and favorite lunch spots in town gave us more to bond over,” Sara said. “We were able to grow on our path while still meeting up for lunch when we could. We even took a class together; it was nice to have a piece of home with me any time I needed it.”

Now, both Taylor and Sara love coming back to SHU for Homecoming weekend to enjoy the football game and visit with the next generation of SHU graduates. The youngest sibling in their family, Trent Haas, is graduating from SHU this year. (pictured above).

“It’s been so fun enjoying SHU over the past 10 years and making lasting memories all together,” Taylor said.

SHU is committed to making high-quality education accessible for siblings and families.

To learn more about family financial aid opportunities, contact Sacred Heart’s student financial assistance.

Pictured, from left, are Diana and Jenna Hofmann and Sara, Trent and Taylor Haas.