Dr. Sabina Petillo, wife of SHU President Dr. John Petillo, has made a mark of her own on the SHU community as well as across the area.
Dr. Sabina Petillo grew up in Newark, N.J. and graduated from Mount Saint Dominic Academy in Caldwell, N.J. From there she moved to Rome, Italy with her family and attended John Cabot International College for two years before returning to the states to complete her Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University in New Jersey. After completing an internship and her residency in medicine, she joined her father in a private practice.
“I am forever grateful to both of my parents for the loving and caring environment they created and for the many opportunities and experiences they provided to me and my siblings,” said Petillo.
She shared that during her time in Italy, she studied but was also active in her community abroad, even acting as an extra in multiple Italian films during medical school.
Contributed by Dr. Sabina Petillo
She practiced for 30 years before finishing during COVID, but continues to be active on committees at the hospital, keeps in touch with patients, and is active in the community.
“I am still in touch with many of my former patients and I feel that as a physician, I am honored to guide and help people. It is a lifelong mission,” said Petillo.
Petillo’s commitment spans across the globe from making time for family in New Jersey, to SHU in Connecticut, and all the way to Dingle, Ireland and Rome to spend time with students abroad. She is involved on campus through events put on by the school, as well as being a member of the National Organization of Italian American Women.
Her involvement with Sacred Heart can be seen through her connections and support with students, staff, and her excitement for all that takes place on campus.
“I feel energized by the students–their level of enthusiasm and commitment to the university, their peers, and the community is wonderful,” said Petillo. “I am inspired by their commitment to academic achievement, volunteer hours and philanthropies.”
She also mentioned how dedicated she and her husband are in forming and maintaining personal relationships with alumni. For many past students, faculty, and staff, Petillo has a talent of remembering specific names and years of those she keeps in touch with, as well as their individual contributions to the school.
Petillo is also engulfed in the activities on campus and attends many school functions. She has been on campus panels as a moderator, attends Sunday mass with SHU students, and attends multiple performances put on by students throughout the year.
“The spring musical is one of the highlights of the Theatre Arts Program. Our students are so talented,” said Petillo. “I do not think we have to go to Broadway, we have our own Broadway here at SHU.”
Not only does she commend the students for their commitment, but also the staff and faculty.
“The level of commitment and amount of time that so many professors and administrators spend with the students is impressive,” said Petillo.
SHU has always been a place of comfort and appreciation, according to Petillo. She wishes that students could be on campus all year, but understands the commitments students hold outside of school.
“From the beginning of this opportunity, we felt a comfort level that is so welcoming,” said Petillo. Especially in so many years here, it’s been so fulfilling. I can’t imagine my life on any other trajectory.”
