SHU Endowed Scholarship

Student Recipients

Shannon Dennehy '22

Hometown: Pembroke, MA
Major: Nursing 4 Year

"I chose to attend Sacred Heart because I truly felt like I was at home from the moment I stepped on campus. When I walk through the hallways on campus, I feel like I can say hello to anyone. The welcoming atmosphere makes me feel comfortable enough to be myself with anyone. The professors I have had the privilege of learning from are amazing. I have never had a professor whose class I did not want to attend. The College of Nursing has an amazing facility including a nursing simulation lab that gives me opportunities to learn how to give patients the best care and apply it to the real world. SHU not only allows me to pursue my academic goals, but also enriches my spiritual journey.

I have known since I was very young that I wanted to be a nurse. I love helping people, which is why in middle school and high school I volunteered at nursing homes, homeless shelters and a pediatrician's office. These experiences assured me that nursing was my calling and I knew Sacred Heart was the best school to allow me to become a nurse. I want to become a nurse practitioner and specialize in pediatric oncology and I believe that SHU can help me reach my goal. As a nursing major, I have access to excellent professors, a cutting edge healthcare building, clinical experiences at some of the best hospitals and fellowship opportunities to guide me toward becoming a nurse practitioner.

Outside of the classroom, I am a part of the Student Nurses Association, which allows me to engage with other students pursuing the same major and become involved in service opportunities. This year, I joined Greek life and became a member of Delta Zeta sorority, which has exposed me to new people and new experiences. I am hoping to apply to study abroad in Dingle, Ireland, for the two-week program, as I have always wanted to travel to Ireland to see where my ancestors are from while pursuing my degree.

I cannot put into words my gratitude for your scholarship. I am particularly grateful for your donation because I intend to become a nurse practitioner, which means I will need at least two more years of schooling on top of my undergraduate degree. You are honestly allowing me to obtain my dream and I will be forever grateful for your gift."

Riley Finnigan '22

Hometown: Howell, NJ
Major: Nursing 4 Year

"What I love about SHU and being a member of the SHU community is that all of the professors and students are friendly and make me feel at home. SHU is a growing school and I love seeing all of the changes and updates being made here. At Sacred Heart I feel welcome and important instead of just a number.

I am in the nursing program and I plan on becoming a nurse once I graduate. The professors here are extremely intelligent and always available to help.

I am a Student Ambassador which I enjoy because I have been given the opportunity to meet many new people. I am also able to represent the school and show prospective students why I love SHU.

Thank you so much for the scholarship I received. College is providing me with everything I need for my future. I am so grateful for this scholarship because it makes me feel recognized and also helps my situation financially. Again, I want to thank you for this scholarship and let you know how important this is to me." 

Amber Harrison '22

Hometown: North Haven, CT
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies

"What I love the most about SHU are the relationships that I have formed with lifelong friends and my professors. I have learned so much about life itself and gained so much knowledge in just a short period of time.

My life goal is to become an elementary school teacher. As for my minor, I am deciding between dance and creative writing. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to join such a wonderful community with such a wonderful education program where I can earn my master's degree in just five short years. From there, I can transfer my certification to 47 other states so I know I am prepared for a promising future wherever I go.

I enjoy spending time with friends as well as dancing, participating in clubs and attending social events throughout the school year where I get to meet new people.

I wish I could personally thank my donor because they are making my education more affordable for me and my family. This is such a generous gift and I hope I can give to others one day. You truly left an impact on the school community and I send you my love and blessings."

Emily Jorge '22

Hometown: Trumbull, CT
Major: Nursing 4 Year

"I love the positive energy and friendly community at SHU, as well as the caring nature of its community members and the willingness to help others. I also love that the University’s president addresses so many important causes and helps make the University so inclusive of everyone.

My professional goal is to become a nurse, specifically an operating room nurse. My major has been teaching me everything from the basics to the complex sciences leading me to accomplish my goal.

I enjoy engaging in community service within the Bridgeport community, especially helping children with their education. I have also enjoyed being a part of the Student Nurses Association.

I cannot express how grateful I am for this scholarship. It relieved financial pressure off my family and for that I am thankful."

Michelle Lin '22

Hometown: Stratford, CT
Major: STEM Interdisciplinary Studies, Minor in Math

"I love being a part of the SHU community, how there is so much activity going on all the time and the 5-year program for those who want to be teachers. The school does a lot to make sure everyone feels involved. There are always clubs that you can join and activities going on by the Student Events Team (SET).

My major is STEM interdisciplinary studies and a minor in math. Declaring a minor in math is a commitment because classes are going to be harder. It helps me get motivated by the fact that not many people choose that minor so it will help me stand out from all of the other students.

Thank you so much for the scholarship. I am honored to be one of the recipients of this endowed scholarship. Thanks to your generous support, I am the first person in my family to attend college. Growing up in a less-privileged community has not only offered financial and academic challenges, but has also helped me realize the value of a college education. Your scholarship will help me continue my education in college."

Kayleigh Murphy '22

Hometown: Airmont, NY
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies

"I love the welcoming atmosphere of SHU! There is always something to get involved in and the community is so friendly. Everyone is incredibly passionate about being a part of Sacred Heart University!

My goal is to become an elementary school teacher. I am an interdisciplinary studies major with a minor in psychology. With the five-year MAT program at SHU, I am able to graduate with a bachelor's and a master's degree within the span of five years. There are so many opportunities in the educational community. For example, we begin student teaching our fifth year, which is a great way to learn the necessary skills to be an educator.

I most enjoy being a part of Greek life and being an Orientation leader. Greek life has given me many leadership and community service opportunities. I love to work hands-on with my sorority's philanthropy! I also serve on the executive board for my sorority, which has taught me a lot about leadership and professionalism. Being an Orientation leader this past summer was so much fun! It allowed me to not only grow as a leader, but as an individual. It was incredibly rewarding to help the freshmen with their transition to Sacred Heart and to be a resource for them. I am the First Year Experience (FYE) assistant coordinator this year and am looking forward to helping plan and execute the FYE course that students take to ease their transition to SHU.

Thank you so much for this incredible scholarship. I am very grateful to receive it and to put it towards my future academics at SHU. This scholarship will not only allow me to continue to study at SHU, but also continue my involvement and leadership within the Sacred Heart community." 

Kristi Pena '21

Hometown: Stratford, CT
Major: Health Science

"What I love most about Sacred Heart is the College of Health Professions’ community. Not only have the professors been amazing, but the like-minded, yet still diverse body of students has taught me a lot. I appreciate the small class sizes at Sacred Heart and how they allow me to interact with other students and truly connect. Additionally, the opportunities provided for SHU students who are pursuing a career in the health field are incredible and include great volunteer activities, internships, on-campus clubs and more.

I am on the 3 + 2 Health Science to Occupational Therapy track here at Sacred Heart. I have a seat secured in graduate school at SHU, contingent on my meeting the requirements, of course, which is a huge benefit, especially since the graduate program for OT at SHU is so amazing. The more health science and OT prerequisite classes I take, the deeper I fall in love with OT and the more excited I am to reach that goal of becoming a registered occupational therapist. I feel that I am being very well prepared for graduate school and for my career as a health professional through my health science curriculum. The academic rigor of the courses, especially in my honors courses, is good preparation. My courses also cover the importance of diversity and inclusion, what a community is and how to best serve it from a health perspective, ethics in healthcare and more. These are the topics that I know will allow me to be the best occupational therapist I can be.

I enjoy the Pre-Occupational Therapy Club at SHU. Through this club, I have made some very good friends, gotten some great advice and been able to volunteer with a registered occupational therapist who is now writing my recommendation letter for graduate school. I am also going to be enjoying my first study abroad experience in Dingle, Ireland, this summer through SHU.

Thank you so much for your generous scholarship. I am very grateful for the help in achieving my dreams. I am really enjoying my time here at Sacred Heart and I truly feel I am being prepared for my career. Your scholarship allows me to get one step closer to my goals. Thank you so much for considering me worthy of receiving your scholarship."

Gianna Rizzo '22

Hometown: Clifton, NJ
Major: Nursing 4 Year

"I love the opportunities this school provides me with to not only further my education and interest in becoming a registered nurse, but to develop concrete relationships with people of all ages and backgrounds to help me reach my personal goals. Sacred Heart is a loving community where I feel comfortable and important. By coming here and getting involved, I'm confident that I will be successful in my field in the future.

My professional goal is to be a labor and delivery nurse. By majoring in nursing at Sacred Heart, I believe I am being fully prepared to reach this goal and to excel in the field and make a real difference in people's lives. I want to be that nurse that someone has and remembers for the rest of their life.

I played Club Soccer my freshman year and loved it. I met girls with similar interests, and playing was a great way to relieve some stress. I was also a part of the Student Nurses Association, which only made me more excited to be a nurse. This year, I am excited to go through the recruitment process to join a sorority and get even more involved at SHU!

I cannot thank you enough for your generosity. When I was notified about receiving this scholarship I just wanted to cry. I was so happy. With me in college and my sister just starting graduate school, this scholarship has made a bigger difference to my family than I can even describe to you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping me in this way."

Palma Bauman '22

Hometown: Westbury, NY
Major: Exercise Science

Cameron Druckenmiller '22

Hometown: Watertown, CT
Major: Nursing 4 Year

Julia Hornyak '22

Hometown: Clinton, CT
Major: Health Science

Carissa Scheier '22

Hometown: Frenchtown, NJ
Major: Health Science

Donate

Contribute to the SHU Endowed Scholarship Fund Online

To make a donation to the SHU Endowed Scholarship, make check payable to Sacred Heart University and mail to:

Sacred Heart University
University Advancement
5151 Park Avenue
Fairfield, CT 06825