SHU Stars in Upcoming Episode of Amazon Prime TV Series
News.Hamlethub.Com by Kim Swartz | September 10, 2021
FAIRFIELD, Conn.—Sacred Heart University students and alumni will discuss SHU’s innovative programs, hands-on learning, faculty and other aspects of life on campus in an upcoming episode of the Amazon Prime TV series, The College Tour. The episode should air in the fall, and the University will host a viewing party on campus for students, alumni, faculty and staff on Monday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m. atPioneer Village.
Sacred Heart’s 30-minute episode takes viewers on a journey through the University, providing an inside look without having to step on campus. Host Alex Boylan, a winner of The Amazing Race reality show, introduces students and provides facts and figures about SHU while video footage and photographs give the audience a look at the beautiful campus. Ten students discuss topics such as mentorships, athletics and student activities, and they share their experiences at the University.
“The idea for The College Tour TV series came to me from my 16-year-old niece,” said Boylan, who has produced and hosted leading programs on PBS, CBS and the Travel Channel. “Because of the pandemic and finances, she wasn’t able to travel to tour colleges. So, using our skills as executive producers, we created a series inspired by her and millions of other young people who are interested in attending college.”
The SHU students featured are: Gabe Bitencourt ’21, DeAndre Byrd ’22, Sydney Worthen-Jenkins ’23, Tomas Koeck ’22, Sophie Lupone ’23, Ryan Solorzano ’22 and Nicole Ziner ’20, ’21. The alumni are: Mary Nealon ’16, Vanessa Parrillo ’21 and Winnie Victor ’19, ’21.
Victor, who earned her bachelor’s degree in athletic training and her master’s degree in exercise science and sport nutrition, is the first student to appear in the segment. Speaking from SHU’s Center for Healthcare Education, she tells viewers about hands-on learning at Sacred Heart and points out the center’s facilities. Victor also explains how she was able to progress in her field of study because of the many opportunities she received through internships, labs, courses and collaboration with faculty.
“I am so grateful to SHU, and I was so thrilled and honored to be featured in the show,” Victor said. “It was such a rewarding experience.”
“The College Tour is a great way for prospective students and parents to learn about SHU and all it has to offer,” said University President John J. Petillo. “Our students and alumni are proud of their accomplishments, and we love that the show gives them an opportunity to talk about their successes in and out of the classroom. We’re excited for the world to see and hear our Pioneers’ stories.”
Petillo was on campus when The College Tour filmed over the summer and may have a cameo in the episode.
To watch the episode, visit SHU’s The College Tour webpage or visit The College Tour website.
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About Sacred Heart University
As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has satellites in Connecticut, Luxembourg and Ireland and offers online programs. More than 9,000 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; 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 386 Colleges–2021 Edition, “Best in the Northeast” and Best Business Schools–2021 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