Mounties at Sacred Heart Reunite for Special Alumnae Brunch | Articles
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:31
Mounties at Sacred Heart Reunite for Special Alumnae Brunch | Articles
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Mounties at Sacred Heart Reunite for Special Alumnae Brunch
Mounties at Sacred Heart Reunite for Special Alumnae Brunch
Shown Above. Left to Right: Ava Ciauro '24, Vesi Busch '25, Sabina Porcaro '73, Stephanie Peters '22 and Victoria Wall '22.
March 2026
With a growing number of Mount graduates now studying at Sacred Heart University, several Mounties recently reunited on Sacred Heart’s campus in Fairfield, Connecticut, for a special alumnae brunch on Saturday, March 28.
Dr. Sabina Porcaro ‘73, wife of Sacred Heart University President John J. Petillo, graciously hosted this gathering at JP’s Diner—a beloved 50s-style diner and the first on-campus diner in all of New England. Inspired by Sabina, the event brought together Mount alumnae who now share another bond as Sacred Heart Pioneers, offering a chance to celebrate their sisterhood and strengthen their connections.
Both Dr. Porcaro and Dr. Petillo have been part of the Sacred Heart University community since 2009, when Dr. Petillo first joined as the Dean of the Jack Welch College of Business before becoming President in 2011. Sabina, a retired physician, is a beloved presence on campus and actively engaged in the life of the university alongside her husband. Sabina shared:
I enjoyed the opportunity to meet our Mount St. Dominic Academy alumnae / Sacred Heart students and Jenna Villani on the SHU campus at JP’s Diner. I loved hearing them reminisce about their MSD days and share their active involvement and enthusiasm for SHU. Our students’ passion and dedication continue to inspire me.
After graduating from the Mount, Sabina pursued a path that would take her across continents. Early in her academic journey, she and her family spent time in Italy, where she studied at John Cabot International College before returning to Rutgers University to complete her undergraduate degree. She later attended medical school in Rome and went on to dedicate her career to the field of medicine, including joining her father’s private practice in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Sabina has remained actively involved with the Mount and was inducted into the MSDA Hall of Fame in 2002.
Today’s Mount graduates are also thriving at Sacred Heart, bringing with them the leadership, curiosity, and sense of community they developed during their time at the Mount.
Seniors Victoria Wall ‘22, a Finance major, and Stephanie Peters ‘22, who studies Business Management and Fashion Marketing/Merchandising, are both preparing to graduate this spring. During their time at Sacred Heart, each has gained valuable internship and professional experience that will help launch their careers after graduation.
Reflecting on the brunch, Victoria shared:
Meeting Dr. Porcaro was a wonderful experience, and I’m grateful to the Mount for hosting such a meaningful brunch. Her story and advice, especially the importance of staying involved in your community, were truly inspiring. Sharing the moment with my best friend, Stephanie, made it even more special. We’ve grown together from kindergarten to college roommates, and watching each other evolve from our time at the Mount to Sacred Heart is something I deeply appreciate. It was a reminder of how far we’ve come and how strong the Mount community continues to be.
Sophomore Ava Ciauro ’24 is a member of the Thomas More Honors Program and the university’s women’s rowing team. She is studying Communication Sciences and Disorders and plans to pursue a career in speech-language pathology. On campus, Ava also serves as a Campus Concierge and a Peer Tutor.
Freshman Vesi Busch ’26, a Psychology major, is enjoying her first year at Sacred Heart. After playing varsity field hockey at the Mount, she has continued her passion for the sport as a member of Sacred Heart University’s Club Field Hockey Team.
Although Sabina and the recent graduates attended the Mount in different eras, their experiences share a common foundation in the Mount’s four pillars of study, prayer, mission and community. Gatherings like this brunch highlight how those values continue to connect Mounties across generations, no matter where their paths may lead.
Shown Above. Mount Alumnae gathered at JP's Diner for brunch!
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Mounties at Sacred Heart Reunite for Special Alumnae Brunch
Mounties at Sacred Heart Reunite for Special Alumnae Brunch
Shown Above. Left to Right: Ava Ciauro '24, Vesi Busch '25, Sabina Porcaro '73, Stephanie Peters '22 and Victoria Wall '22.
March 2026
With a growing number of Mount graduates now studying at Sacred Heart University, several Mounties recently reunited on Sacred Heart’s campus in Fairfield, Connecticut, for a special alumnae brunch on Saturday, March 28.
Dr. Sabina Porcaro ‘73, wife of Sacred Heart University President John J. Petillo, graciously hosted this gathering at JP’s Diner—a beloved 50s-style diner and the first on-campus diner in all of New England. Inspired by Sabina, the event brought together Mount alumnae who now share another bond as Sacred Heart Pioneers, offering a chance to celebrate their sisterhood and strengthen their connections.
Both Dr. Porcaro and Dr. Petillo have been part of the Sacred Heart University community since 2009, when Dr. Petillo first joined as the Dean of the Jack Welch College of Business before becoming President in 2011. Sabina, a retired physician, is a beloved presence on campus and actively engaged in the life of the university alongside her husband. Sabina shared:
I enjoyed the opportunity to meet our Mount St. Dominic Academy alumnae / Sacred Heart students and Jenna Villani on the SHU campus at JP’s Diner. I loved hearing them reminisce about their MSD days and share their active involvement and enthusiasm for SHU. Our students’ passion and dedication continue to inspire me.
After graduating from the Mount, Sabina pursued a path that would take her across continents. Early in her academic journey, she and her family spent time in Italy, where she studied at John Cabot International College before returning to Rutgers University to complete her undergraduate degree. She later attended medical school in Rome and went on to dedicate her career to the field of medicine, including joining her father’s private practice in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Sabina has remained actively involved with the Mount and was inducted into the MSDA Hall of Fame in 2002.
Today’s Mount graduates are also thriving at Sacred Heart, bringing with them the leadership, curiosity, and sense of community they developed during their time at the Mount.
Seniors Victoria Wall ‘22, a Finance major, and Stephanie Peters ‘22, who studies Business Management and Fashion Marketing/Merchandising, are both preparing to graduate this spring. During their time at Sacred Heart, each has gained valuable internship and professional experience that will help launch their careers after graduation.
Reflecting on the brunch, Victoria shared:
Meeting Dr. Porcaro was a wonderful experience, and I’m grateful to the Mount for hosting such a meaningful brunch. Her story and advice, especially the importance of staying involved in your community, were truly inspiring. Sharing the moment with my best friend, Stephanie, made it even more special. We’ve grown together from kindergarten to college roommates, and watching each other evolve from our time at the Mount to Sacred Heart is something I deeply appreciate. It was a reminder of how far we’ve come and how strong the Mount community continues to be.
Sophomore Ava Ciauro ’24 is a member of the Thomas More Honors Program and the university’s women’s rowing team. She is studying Communication Sciences and Disorders and plans to pursue a career in speech-language pathology. On campus, Ava also serves as a Campus Concierge and a Peer Tutor.
Freshman Vesi Busch ’26, a Psychology major, is enjoying her first year at Sacred Heart. After playing varsity field hockey at the Mount, she has continued her passion for the sport as a member of Sacred Heart University’s Club Field Hockey Team.
Although Sabina and the recent graduates attended the Mount in different eras, their experiences share a common foundation in the Mount’s four pillars of study, prayer, mission and community. Gatherings like this brunch highlight how those values continue to connect Mounties across generations, no matter where their paths may lead.
Shown Above. Mount Alumnae gathered at JP's Diner for brunch!
Community
Homepage
News
alumnae
alumnae news
homepage news
Return to All News Page
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