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Gallary of Contempary Arts opens new exhibit South Asian and Middle Eastern artists showcase work Eyes to See would like your ears to listen Student band gains popularity around SHU Football defeats Dartmouth on Homecoming weekend Blocked field goal with no time left clinches win
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SPECTRUM the
Petillo inaugurated as president Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Sacred Heart University - Fairfield, Conn. Volume 28, Issue 3
Becomes Sacred Heart’s sixth president during Pitt Center ceremony Mike Peterson News Editor
The Spectrum/Sean Elliott
President John J. Petillo, Ph.D acknowledges the crowd during his inauguration last Wednesday in the William H. Pitt Center.
Cheers fi lled the Pitt Center last Wednesday when Dr. John J. Petillo began his inaugural address to the Sacred Heart University community with a somewhat surprising question. “My family doesn’t like the bowties,” he explained and then asked if Sacred Heart students and faculty do. When answered with applause, Petillo said, “Thank you. You just settled a domestic dispute.” In anticipation of the inauguration, students and faculty poured into the Pitt Center to witness a historic moment for Sacred Heart. Petillo, who was named the university’s interim president last March, was offi cially installed during a ceremony entitled “A Time For New Beginnings.” Petillo’s swearing in coincided, and was therefore combined, with the convocation of the class of 2015, which consists of just over 1,000 students. “It was really cool to have Dr. Petillo inaugurated at the same time we had our convocation,” said freshman Jessica Albertson. “It really made the day that much more special.” Most Rev. William E. Lori, Bishop of Bridgeport and Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Sacred Heart, installed Petillo. The new president put on robes of red, gray, and white, the school’s colors, before addressing those in attendance. “This is a time for you, as young adults, to explore your social responsibility,” Petillo told the freshman class. He also emphasized the importance of the class’s college experience. “This is your chance to discover who you are, why you are, and who you want to be,” said Petillo. If Petillo was trying to inspire the freshman class and the rest of the students through his speech, he certainly succeeded. “I was inspired by a lot of the things Dr. Petillo said,” freshman Amanda Colletti said. “He gave great advice for the future to everyone in our class. I liked how he stressed getting involved.” Petillo is the sixth president to serve in the university’s 48-year history. He is the former chancellor and CEO of Seton Hall University, and also has an extensive background in business and health care. The freshman class entered the gym fi rst and took their seats in front of the stage and were followed by faculty members and administrators who sat in front of the freshmen. Student body president Mia James spoke to Petillo, the freshman class, and the Sacred Heart community at large.
See PETILLO on page 3...
A Night in Tuscany: Students celebrate inauguration Jacqueline Duda Asst. News Editor
that we still at school.” Dr. Petillo stood at the entrance, which was draped with large fl oral arrangements, to greet and shake everyone’s hand. “I thought it was great that everyone had the chance to meet the new president,” said On Thursday, Sept. 22, the sound of music and laughter could be heard throughout senior Parker Wilson. campus. All of the excitement was due to the Student Gala, held after the inauguration of Keeping with the Tuscany theme, the food followed suit. All of the Italian food was Sacred Heart University’s sixth president, Dr. John J. Petillo the day before. provided buffet-style, with items such as baked ziti and meatballs, eggplant rollatini, and Dr. Petillo hosted the event in collaboration with Student Life. With about 1,000 pizza. Even the cannoli dessert stayed within the theme. RSVPs, a good portion of the campus came together to enjoy the evening. In addition to the food, students 21 and over were able to enjoy beer on tap and wine “I thought it was great that they had a big party like this,” said junior Victoria Raffa. in the enclosed Beer Garden. The cold drinks offered a refreshing break from the hot and “It’s not everyday that the school gets a new president, and this was a great social event humid night. to bring the school together.” Big Shot, a Billy Joel tribute band, kept the party moving. A large white tent was erected in the Ryan Matura Library parking lot and provided “Big Shot was great. I loved them,” said Raffa. “They played so many great party the setting for the party. The inside was completely transformed into an elegant affair, songs and kept the night lively.” with A Night in Tuscany theme. The band played the well-known musical stylings of Billy Joel, as well as other Large chandeliers hung from the ceiling, offering warm lighting to set the mood for popular songs such as “Shout,” “Blister in the Sun,” and “Crazy Train.” the night. The décor, along with smaller-sized fl oral arrangements on each table, gave off The band had everyone on the dance fl oor and on their feet throughout the night. an authentic Tuscan vibe. “The music really made the night,” said Anastasio. “The band played fun, well“The inside of the tent was amazing,” said freshman Taylor Anastasio. “I did not exknown music that everyone was able to enjoy. There were people dancing throughout the pect it to look the way it did. It was far from the simple white tent it appeared to be from party.” the outside. With the way it was decorated, I completely forget we were in a tent and even