Campus Celebration Honors Scholarship & Faith
Students, faculty and staff ushered in the 2025-2026 academic year with a day-long event.
Stonehill College hosted its inaugural Day of Scholarship & Faith on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Celebrating the institution’s mission to educate hearts and minds, the program included the Mass of the Holy Spirit, a community luncheon, Academic Convocation and other events designed to foster school spirit and connection among community members.
Loving with Strength & Power
During the Mass of the Holy Spirit, which was offered in the Chapel of Mary, Rev. Aaron Morris, C.S.C., gave the homily. He shared that the work of the campus community is animated by God.
“Taking the Holy Spirit seriously is precisely what makes the project of Stonehill matter,” Fr. Morris said. “It is precisely what makes life worthwhile because a person who truly loves fully is loving with the strength and power that can only come from out of this world. It can only come from God.”
Left to Right: President John Denning, C.S.C., Rev. Tim Mouton, C.S.C., and a student altar server.
Rev. Aaron Morris, C.S.C., offered the homily during the liturgy.
Emily Acosta '28 and Patrick Lynch '26 during the community luncheon.
Rev. Adam Booth, C.S.C., chats with a student at May Pavilion Plaza.
Rekindling Connections
Following Mass, the College hosted a community luncheon at May Pavilion Plaza. Students, faculty and staff enjoyed the opportunity to reunite with one another after a summer spent completing internships, conducting research, taking time with loved ones and recharging for the new academic year.
Channeling Peace
Academic Convocation, held in the Sally Blair Ames Sports Complex, opened with the Invocation, delivered by John Fahie ’26. He gave thanks for the gift of education and asked for God’s help in emboldening community members to “build a foundation of respect and courtesy” as they promote justice.
“Let us not be an indifferent people, let us be a people who are aware that we are not made for comfort, but to stand out as channels of Christ’s peace,” Fahie said.
John Fahie ’26 opened Convocation by offering the Invocation.
During Convocation, Keiran Leary '25 (left) introduced Associate Professor of Business Management Robert Spencer (right) before he addressed the campus community.
Uplifting, Motivating & Shaping Future Leaders
Keiran Leary ’25 introduced Associate Professor of Business Management Robert Spencer, recipient of the 2024 Louise F. Hegarty Award for Excellence in Teaching. The recent graduate remarked that Spencer exemplifies the spirit of Stonehill through his influential pedagogy.
“It is my privilege to introduce someone who uplifts, motivates and shapes future business leaders,” Leary said.
Sharing a story from his early career as an accountant, Spencer spoke about the importance of putting your best foot forward.
“You must always make your first effort your best effort,” the faculty member advised, “because you are not always going to get a second chance.”
Associate Professor of Business Management Robert Spencer is the recipient of the 2024 Louise F. Hegarty Award for Excellence in Teaching.
Left to Right: Vice President for Academic Affairs Peter Ubertaccio, Professor of Chemistry Leon Tilley (2025 Hegarty Award recipient) and President John Denning, C.S.C.
Making a Lasting Impact
Professor of Chemistry Leon Tilley was named the 2025 recipient of the Hegarty Award during Convocation. Vice President for Academic Affairs Peter Ubertaccio, master of ceremonies, presented the citation and highlighted Tilley’s creative energy and passion for teaching, as well as his unyielding commitment to student success.
“His ability to make chemistry come alive while building meaningful relationships with students makes him an exceptional educator who truly makes a lasting impact,” Ubertaccio said.
Symbolizing Accomplishment & Growth
Alumni Council President Cicily (Roberts) Shaw ’97 shared poignant messages as she presented class pins to each student cohort that attended Convocation. She noted that the pin for seniors serves as a symbol of the Class of 2026’s “academic accomplishment and personal development.” She referred to the first-year pin as a reminder of the Class of 2029’s “collective identity,” which they will maintain even as they “chart [their] own individual growth.” Shaw further explained that this sentiment also applies to transfer and graduate students, who received their own pins.
Left to Right: Interim Dean of Nursing Susan Taylor, Alumni Council President Cicily (Roberts) Shaw '97 and Rev. George Piggford, C.S.C., at Convocation.
Class President Ian O'Connor '26 presented the senior class shovel at Convocation.
Cultivating Compassion
Class President Ian O’Connor ’26 conferred this year’s senior class shovel from the College’s Ames Collection to Rev. John Denning, C.S.C., president of Stonehill. O’Connor selected a genuine Oliver Ames Shovel Spade Scoop Size 3. This tool was originally manufactured in the 1930s.
“On its face it looks like a traditional shovel, but if you look closer, you’ll notice it has a large scoop capable of picking up a lot at a time,” O’Connor said. “Similarly, our class may seem normal at first, but if you look closer at all that we have done, it becomes clear the immense compassion we have cultivated in just three short years at Stonehill.”
Embodying Hope
In his remarks, President Denning spoke about the value of collaboration in the pursuit of progress. He also explored the ways that students and faculty serve as “bearers of hope” for the campus community.
“I hope this is a wonderful academic year for everyone, and ask that Mary, Queen of the Summit, grant each of us a clear mind and a compassionate heart as we learn and grow together,” he said.
Read Fr. Denning’s full speech.
Leading Courageously & Compassionately
Convocation concluded following the Benediction, which was shared by Professor of English George Piggford, C.S.C. He asked that God offer the Stonehill community the courage and compassionate vision needed to embrace the journey ahead.
“May faith inspire us, hope guide us and love be our enduring light,” he said.