Students and Donors Connect at Scholarship Luncheon

Scholarship recipients connect with donors at Sacred Heart’s annual tradition celebrating generosity, gratitude and the power of personal impact

Key Highlights

• Sacred Heart University hosted its 2026 Annual Scholarship Event at the Guest House on West Campus
• The annual event, organized by the University advancement team, provided students with the opportunity to personally thank the individuals and families who fund their scholarships while sharing their academic journeys and future career goals
• University leaders emphasized that scholarships at Sacred Heart University represent more than financial assistance, as they empower students to pursue their passions with confidence and create lasting connections between donors and recipients

Alumni, families, friends and scholarship recipients gathered at Sacred Heart University’s Guest House on West Campus for the 2026 Annual Scholarship Event.

The annual event, hosted by University advancement, offered students a chance to personally thank the individuals behind their scholarships, share their Pioneer journeys and express how the support has made a difference in their lives.

“Today isn’t just about recognizing financial gifts, it’s about celebrating the people those gifts empower,” said Anastacia Teixeira, associate director of stewardship and alumni communication.

Paul J. Sutera, senior vice president of University advancement, spoke about the deep impact scholarships have on student success and the Sacred Heart community.  

“Each scholarship here represents more than financial support,” Sutera said. “Through your generosity, you are empowering students to pursue their passions with confidence and opportunity.”

Sacred Heart President John J. Petillo encouraged students and donors to use the afternoon to form personal connections. “Students, take this moment to truly connect with the supporters seated at your tables,” Petillo said. “Ask about what inspired them to give, share your own journey and let them know what their support makes possible. Share your gratitude for the opportunities they have helped create. They are here because they believe in you and the impact you will have far beyond the campus of Sacred Heart.”

Throughout lunch, conversations flowed as students expressed their appreciation and donors learned more about the scholars’ academic and professional goals.

One of those students, sophomore honors chemistry major Brody Prendergast—a recipient of the Robert Sendar Scholarship—spoke directly to donors about what the scholarship means to him. “When I opened the email saying I was selected as a recipient, it didn’t just ease my financial worries,” Prendergast said. “It gave me confidence. It made me feel seen and supported—like I truly belonged here.”

Prendergast shared that the scholarship helped him explore his academic interests at Sacred Heart. He reflected on the profound encouragement that comes from knowing someone believes in your potential. “To a student, a scholarship is both a vote of confidence and a relief of financial burden,” he said. “It’s more than that, too. It’s a reminder someone out there hopes I’ll succeed, and that means everything.”

Students weren’t the only ones moved by the day. Donors shared their own motivations for giving and how meeting recipients reinforced their commitment to student support. Paul Hesketh, who was joined by his wife, Ann, spoke about establishing the Meghan Hesketh ’17 Memorial Scholarship in memory of their daughter. He explained how meeting the students pursuing careers in health and medicine strengthened his belief in the importance of scholarship support.

“For students contemplating careers dedicated to helping others, this scholarship is our way of honoring Meg and encouraging you to pursue your dreams,” Hesketh said.

Sutera commented, “The Hesketh story is rooted in deep love for family, in gratitude for this University and in an unwavering belief in the power of education to carry meaning far beyond the classroom. It is a story marked by loss, but also by extraordinary courage, generosity and hope—hope that lives on through the lives of our Sacred Heart University students and provides connection to our forever alumna, Meg Hesketh ’17.”

As the formal program concluded, guests continued conversations over coffee and reflected on the shared bonds formed through generosity and gratitude.

“The true impact of scholarships is not only in the numbers,” Sutera said, “but in the real, human connections made here today, between donors who give and students whose lives are changed.”