SHU to Honor Scott Pelley and Doug Kennedy at Gala

On April 20, the annual Pioneer Scholarship Gala will take place at the Martire Family Arena from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. with Scott Pelley and Doug Kennedy as the honorees.

Kennedy is an alumnus of Sacred Heart University, as he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1978 and a master of business administration in finance in 1982. According to a press release from the university, he currently serves on the SHU Board of Trustees and is President and CEO of Peacock-Gladstone Bank, located in New Jersey.

“[Kennedy] sits on many different committees and is a dedicated alum to the institution. He does a lot in his own community with community service,” said Kristen Murphy-Mengold, Associate Vice President of University Advancement and Strategic Incentives. “The mission of Sacred Heart and how he lives his life align nicely.”

Pelley works on “60 Minutes,” a news program on CBS, and has won awards as a journalist. According to a press release from the university, Pelley has reported from the World Trade Center on 9/11, worked as a war correspondent by covering countries like Iraq and Afghanistan, and interviewed Presidents George W. Bush and Joe Biden.

“With Sacred Heart being forward thinking and in its mission in trying to lead by example, they felt that Pelley was somebody who aligned well with what Sacred Heart is all about, and they wanted to help honor his achievements and his career,” said Murphy-Mengold.

The Pioneer Scholarship Gala also helps fund SHU scholarships. According to Murphy-Mengold, these proceeds will help both current and future SHU students.

“It goes into a fund that helps generate money over time,” said Murphy-Mengold.

Senior Boris Paul, who attended last year’s event as a member of the SHU choir, said that the Gala was a fun experience, and he enjoyed the presentations given by the honorees and the student speeches.

“Overall, I do highly encourage students who are invited to go, especially if they are leaders on campus or are on scholarships like performing arts and community service,” said Paul.

Mia Sansanelli ‘23, a current graduate student and former editor-in-chief of The Spectrum, said that she enjoyed the interactions and getting to know many different people at the Gala last year.

“There was so much time throughout the night to go up and interact with people and be introduced to new people, whether they work for the university, are friends of the university or are people that you want to learn more about or network with,” said Sansanelli. “Overall, it was a good experience to interact with other people.”

Sansanelli said that she hopes to attend again this year. Given Sansanelli’s interest in journalism, Pelley is someone she said would be incredible to meet.

“It’s a good blend of people that know Sacred Heart and people that don’t, but they get to experience this culture of Sacred Heart,” said Sansanelli.

A band will be performing at the Gala, and student singers and a student orchestra will accompany Allegra Devita, a SHU alumna, in an opera performance.

Dinner will be Tuscan-themed, and there are several parts. A charcuterie table as well as several other Tuscan-themed hors d’oeuvres will be served as appetizers. Entrees will consist of surf and turf with a gnocchi option for vegetarians and vegans.

Ticket options for the Gala include a $500 per ticket rate for SHU alumni in the classes of 2013-2023 and a Premium Ticket of $1,000 for seating for one guest. There are table options for 10 to 12 guests that will be given certain distinctions.

The attire for the event is Black-tie optional.

According to Murphy-Mengold, 500 people are expected to attend this year’s event, an increase from last year’s attendance of 400.

For more information on the Pioneer Scholarship Gala, including how to register and the specific seating options, visit https://www.sacredheart.edu/offices- -departments-directory/university- advancement/pioneer-scholarship-gala/.