On April 26, Sacred Heart University will host the Pioneer Scholarship Gala, a night of fundraising to subsidize students for study. The gala will be hosted at the Martire Family Arena and will allow donors to come together and celebrate the strength of education to change lives, honor remarkable accomplishments, and enjoy an evening of fine food, entertainment and dancing.
Source: Christopher Zajac, Sacred Heart University
Source: Christopher Zajac, Sacred Heart University
The event will start at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour, and the dinner/dance portion of the event will run from 7:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. A visit will also be made from the Sacred Heart Dance Company and SHUpermen.
“I think it’s a very special event that celebrates all the best of Sacred Heart University. The most important product is our students,” said Paul Sutera, Senior Vice President of University Advancement.
The guests will be served a sit-down dinner, and the evening will conclude with a dessert and dance party, complete with a dessert table and an espresso cart.
Proceeds from ticket sales, sponsorships and donations are put into scholarships directly. “We have a goal of raising about $600,000 and having about 450 people in attendance,” said Sutera.
“This Pioneer Scholarship Gala night will be the same it’s always been, but we’re hoping there are going to be more people here. Our numbers have been growing annually as people learn more about the cause and would like to come and be a part of it,” said Kristen Murphy-Mengold, Associate Vice President of University Advancement & Strategic Initiatives.
John Vazquez, Executive Vice President of Corporate Real Estate at Wells Fargo and member of SHU’s Board of Trustees, will be honored for business and academic leadership and service.
Charlie Baker, President of the NCAA and former Governor of Massachusetts, will be honored for a lifetime of public service and dedication to American higher education.
“The honorees are selected by the Board of Trustees and President [John] Petillo,” said Mengold. “The award is bestowed upon a unique individual/company in recognition of his or her lifetime accomplishments and impact on the community.”
A premium ticket price of $1,000 will be for one guest, while a table for 10 guests with preferred seating will be $12,500. The Young Alumni Rate of $500 will be offered to classes of 2009-2024. The $50,000 Presidential Table is the high-end alternative for the campaign and will come with a private room for higher-level visibility and networking.
“For the students that attend the event, it is an opportunity for them to share their SHU story with our guests and showcase the heart of SHU, our student body,” said Mengold. The Gala provides students an opportunity to sit with the donors and the alumni and discuss with them their experiences and how positively these scholarships have impacted their lives.
“By underwriting a night of fun and giving back, the benefactors create a legacy for us students for generations to come to be well-equipped and capable of being successful,” said senior Jason Bonante. “Whether you get to see some awesome celebration, acknowledge the recipients to be honored as great scholars and students, or underwrite a mission that is changing the landscape of education, the Pioneer Scholarship Gala is a must-visit.”
Mengold explained the significance of the event.
“Overall, the Pioneer Scholarship Gala honors the incredible work being done across our community while raising essential funds to support student scholarships, ensuring current and future pioneers have the opportunity to thrive,” said Mengold. “It’s a night of uniting alumni, donors, parents, friends, faculty, staff and students in a shared spirit of gratitude and generosity.”
