“This is my first job, my only job, and my last job as far as I can tell,” said Dr. Sidney Gottlieb of the School of Communication, Media and the Arts (SCMA).
He was honored for 50 years of employment at Sacred Heart University (SHU) as part of the university’s 2026 Founder’s Day celebration.
Source: Jamie Van Der Merwe, Staff Writer
The ceremony took place on March 18, in the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts. The event consisted of individual acknowledgements for the faculty and staff being awarded, as well as an opening dance performance and acapella performances by the SHUpermen and Blended Hearts.
Founder’s Day is designed to honor staff who have served for a minimum of 15 years at SHU and reflect on how far the university has come since its founding in 1963.
“Bishop Curtis’ vision for founding a Catholic university to be led by the laity was visionary and influenced by Vatican II,” said Dr. Michelle Loris, the associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and director for the Center of Catholic Studies.
SHU was the first Catholic university to ever have people outside of the Church run the school, as that normally is a task done by religious orders such as the Jesuits.
Sophomore James Scimeca feels that the university still accomplishes this goal today, seeing the ways the university respects not just Catholicism but other religions as well.
“I see a lot of emails from Dr. Petillo about the different holidays. I think there’s an interfaith prayer room on West Campus too,” said Scimeca.
In the 63 years since the school was founded, it has grown immensely. It began as a small commuter college, but according to their website, SHU is now home to over 9,000 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
“We’ve changed our programs, we’ve enhanced our academics, we have built brand new buildings, but our community has maintained a real focus on our mission and being that caring culture that we have,” said Denise Tibero, vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students.
Tiberio is being honored for 35 years of service. She is a SHU alumna, having graduated from the university in 1989, and was hired at the school as the Senior Associate Dean of Students in 1991. For this year’s award, she received a golden bracelet.
“Every year it’s different. So, one year I got a clock. One year I got a chair that was mailed to my house, and it was a Sacred Heart University black wooden chair. And then this year they did something different. They sent a catalog, and they allowed you to pick,” said Tiberio.
During the event, former Dean of Students Larry Wielk, whom she took over for in August 2023, gave a speech dedicated to Tiberio, praising her for her wonderful work with students.
“From my standpoint, I feel like it’s been a privilege that I’ve helped the university build their student experience, along with having the opportunity to work with students over the span of 35 years, while also having the opportunity to work with these amazing colleagues and build these programs that never existed before,” said Tiberio.
Throughout his time at SHU, Gottlieb has had many unique experiences
“I’ve played musical performances and I’ve been involved with other musicians, such as my friend and colleague Gregory Golda. We put on a Beatles show ten years ago. I remember it like it was yesterday. When I think back, it’s one of the peak moments in my life,” said Gottlieb.
Gottlieb got to relive that moment at this year’s ceremony, where he and Golda performed “Helter Skelter” by the Beatles live on stage. Afterwards, he was presented a commemorative video honoring him, as was Prof. Domenick Pinto, who was also honored for 50 years of service.
“I think it’s a great reflection on the community that we have, and it’s nice to have people on campus that have an understanding of the traditions and mission of the university,” said Tiberio.
“Longevity means something. So, we’ll see. Check back in another five years,” said Gottlieb.
