Sacred Heart Dedicates Wellness Center and Student Success Center to Sheila and Maureen Hamilton

BY MISSY O’ROURKE

PHOTO EDITOR

On Nov. 10, Dr. Petillo, members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students gathered in the parking lot of the Student Success Center to celebrate the re-naming of the Student Success Center and the Wellness Center.

   The ceremony included a number of speakers such as student body president Tayrn McCormick, senior Nikolaus Rubino, Christopher McLeod, member of the Board of Trustees, Rev. Thomas F. Lynch of St. James Roman Catholic Church in Stratford, Conn., Tom Rychlik, a friend of Hamilton’s, and Professor Gary Rose.

   Hamilton is a Sacred Heart graduate and a member of the Board of Trustees.

   He is also the founder and chairman of Sageworks, a software and information company based in North Carolina and of Inmates to Entrepreneurs, a community outreach organization focused on teaching ex-offenders how to start low-capital businesses.

   “Like a pioneer, Brian never took the comfortable and easy route to success,” said McCormick. “Brian reached success, much like our mascot, by wandering through uncharted territories, pushing through setbacks and challenges, and always seeking new opportunities to better himself through helping and serving others.”

   Hamilton decided to rename the Student Success Center in honor of his late mother, Sheila Hamilton. Hamilton made this decision because his mother played a crucial role in his educational journey and future success.

     Hamilton claimed that his mother was influential in his entrepreneurial pursuits and drive.

   Additionally, Hamilton chose to name the Wellness Center after his late wife, Maureen Hamilton. Maureen was also a graduate of Sacred Heart.

   “What I remember the most about her was that she was a young woman of excellent integrity, and one who personified the mission of our university, in particular our institution’s commitment to serving the common good,” said Rose.

   Maureen was a social worker who focused on the welfare of children and helped families with adoption services.

   The Wellness Center is an important and safe place on campus where students can learn to grow as young adults and work through their problems. Due to Hamilton’s donation, the number of prevention services and campaigns can continue to benefit the students of Sacred Heart in the future.

   “Sheila and Maureen Hamilton are here with us today in spirit. They believed in the value of education and in the importance of helping others,” said Petillo. “We are delighted to see our new facilities bear the Hamilton name.”

   Hamilton graduated from Sacred Heart’s School of Business in 1987 summa cum laude and continues to leave his mark on the university. While at Sacred Heart he served as an intern for Thomas Melady, the formerpresident of Sacred Heart. He then went on to attend Duke University for his MBA.

   “I’m happy to be part of Sacred Heart University, which has never forgotten its mission of caring, service and academic excellence,” said Hamilton. “I always felt personally aligned with the SHU mission, and it helped sow the seeds of my entrepreneurial successes.”

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