FAIRFIELD, Conn.—Sacred Heart University will honor Linda McMahon and Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary at the upcoming Pioneer Scholarship Gala. The premiere event also will raise funds for scholarships.
Formerly known as the Discovery Gala, the Pioneer Scholarship Gala will take place April 22 at SHU’s Martire Family Arena.
McMahon, former president and CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment, chairs the America First Policy Institute, a nonprofit research organization. She served in President Donald Trump’s cabinet as administrator of the Small Business Administration, where she focused on rural development and championed women entrepreneurs and veterans. She also is a longtime supporter of the University and a member of the SHU Board of Trustees for over 14 years.
“Linda’s generosity to Sacred Heart over the years has been tremendous,” said SHU President John J. Petillo. “She cares deeply about our students and understands our mission. We are grateful for her friendship, and we are looking forward to honoring her at the gala.”
Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company based in Stratford, has been pioneering flight solutions since 1923. Founder Igor Sikorsky came to America with dreams of designing and building aircraft. Among many accomplishments, he designed, built and piloted the first practical helicopter, and is credited with starting the rotorcraft industry in the United States. Sikorsky remains a leading helicopter manufacturer, producing well-known models including the U.S. Army UH-60M Black Hawk, the U.S. Marine Corps CH-53K King Stallion and the VH-92A Presidential Helicopter.
“Igor Sikorsky demonstrated a passion for innovation and the grit to see his vision through to fruition,” said Paul Lemmo, Sikorsky president. “For 100 years, our employees have carried on the culture of innovation he started as we help customers around the world perform difficult and sometimes dangerous missions.”
McMahon and Sikorsky will receive the Pioneer Scholarship Gala Award for their dedication and commitment to serving others as well as their many accomplishments. Past honorees include Bill Mitchell, a SHU trustee and vice chair of the Mitchell Stores; philanthropists and SHU supporters Frank and Marisa Martire and Cindi Bigelow, president and CEO of Bigelow Tea.
“This fundraising event is focused on scholarship and providing students with an excellent, yet affordable, college education, and with the vision and skills to be meaningful contributors to our society,” said Paul J. Sutera, senior vice president of University advancement. “The gala also honors the achievements and accomplishments of alumni and friends of the University.”
SHU Board of Trustee members Julie Bonacio P’22, P’25 and Suzanne Greco ’96, P’20, P’23 are serving as co-chairs of the Pioneer Scholarship Gala. David Price, journalist and current weather anchor on WNBC, will serve as the gala’s master of ceremonies. To learn more about the event or to participate, visit the gala webpage.
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About Sacred Heart University
As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent’s College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges–2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools–2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu