As you walk into the lobby of West Campus and look at the wall, you may notice something different. What was once the West Campus Atrium is now named “The Evans Family Atrium,” named after two philanthropists whose involvement in education has impacted the Bridgeport youth.
The dedication ceremony was held on Sept. 19 and celebrated the couple’s enduring impact through the Horizons at Sacred Heart University (HSHU) program, a partnership they helped bring to life in 2011.
Source: Daniel Passapera, Sacred Heart University
Brad and Barbara Evans are two Southport residents and have been advocates for expanding education. They first approached SHU nearly 15 years ago with an idea to establish a Horizons program on a university’s campus. Inspired by its mission to provide students with tutoring and community support, the Evans family sought out to expand Horizons and reach Sacred Heart.
“Their impact on Bridgeport youth and on Sacred Heart’s mission is immeasurable,” said Paul Sutera, senior vice president for university advancement. “They are two people who care, who do not want to be in the spotlight and just want to make a difference, make an impact.”
HSHU was founded in 2011 and began with a small group of elementary school students from Bridgeport. The program now serves more than 300 students from Pre-K through high school. HSHU offers year-round academic and enrichment programs which do more than help students with classes; they offer a nurturing space where children develop academic skills, confidence and curiosity. Alongside after school clubs and tutoring, students take part in recreational and community-oriented events. Instruction ranges from reading and math to arts and other creative activities.
“The goal is to prevent summer learning loss and help students see college not as something far away but as part of their future,” said Sutera. “Horizons give them a step up early on — academically, socially and emotionally.”
Kristen Murphy-Mengold, associate vice President for university advancement and strategic initiatives, described HSHU as “a powerful partnership between SHU and the Bridgeport community.”
“Horizons perfectly embodies Sacred Heart’s mission to educate the whole person-mind, body, and spirit and its commitment to service, and community engagement. By empowering youth through education and mentorship, Horizons brings SHU’s core values of compassion, inclusion, and leadership through service to life,” said Murphy-Mengold.
Over the years, HSHU has become one of the largest Horizons programs in the country. Specifically, HSHU is ranked 16 of 50 programs in the U.S. Earlier this year, the university merged its program with the SHU-owned Notre Dame Prep High School, which doubled its size and expanded its impact to more students.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony held for the newly named West Campus Atrium, SHU President Dr. John J. Petillo, board members, faculty, students and members of the Evans family gathered to celebrate this milestone. Petillo, Sutera and board member Mary-Ann Bunting all spoke about the Evans’ commitment to education and service.
According to Murphy-Mengold, the ceremony was “a joyful celebration of partnership, generosity and impact.”
“Having the atrium named after the Evans family is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of generosity and shared purpose. It symbolizes the importance of community engagement and lifelong learning and opportunity,” said Murphy-Mengold.
Sacred Heart often honors its most dedicated benefactors by naming facilities, departments, or scholarships in their honor. According to Sutera, this tradition reflects SHU’s values
“We want to associate with high-character, high-quality individuals and companies. And so, honoring a family and a legacy like the Evans is, in this example, they’re stand-up, high-character, high-quality people and having an institution that shares their thanks in what they’ve done and the impact they’ve made is part of our mission of celebrating.”
For the Evans family, the recognition is not an ending but a continuation of their commitment to the community.
“I think this is the beginning,” said Sutera. “This is an opportunity for more to learn, appreciate, know, and get involved in its mission because its mission vision quite aligned nicely with Sacred Heart.”
As for Murphy-Mengold, what stands out most from her work with HSHU is witnessing the transformation of its students.
“Some scholars arrive shy or hesitant at first, unsure of themselves in a new environment,” said Murphy-Mengold. “As the weeks go on, you see them come out of their shells, raising their hands in class, diving into new activities, and building friendships that give them a sense of belonging.”
“I think that in many cases, donors being recognized through facilities being named after them is a really great tribute to the valuable donation that they have given,” said senior Sophie Ianelli. “It is a good way to recognize the individuals who have given resources for an organization to create a facility, and I think it is not too forward of a sign of respect to the donor.”
