SHARE

Fairfield's Sacred Heart University To Present Three Honorary Degrees

FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- Sacred Heart University in Fairfield will present three honorary doctorate degrees at its commencement exercises this spring.

FOX New York anchor Ernie Anastos will receive an honorary doctorate degree from Sacred Heart University.

FOX New York anchor Ernie Anastos will receive an honorary doctorate degree from Sacred Heart University.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Iona College professor Kathleen Deignan will receive an honorary doctorate degree from Sacred Heart University.

Iona College professor Kathleen Deignan will receive an honorary doctorate degree from Sacred Heart University.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Former Sacred Heart University Board of Trustees member James Costello will receive an honorary doctorate degree from the school.

Former Sacred Heart University Board of Trustees member James Costello will receive an honorary doctorate degree from the school.

Photo Credit: Contributed

An honorary doctorate degree will be awarded to Iona College professor Kathleen Deignan at SHU's Graduate Commencement on May 17. Honorary doctorate degrees will also be awarded on May 18 to news anchor Ernie Anastos and former member of the SHU Board of Trustees James Costello at SHU's 48th annual Undergraduate Commencement ceremonies.

Anastos, an Emmy Award-winning news anchor for the Fox flagship station, WNYW-New York, will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Costello, who is also a retired comptroller for General Electric, will receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

Deignan, director of the Iona Spirituality Institute and professor of religious studies, will be presented with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. Deignan will also deliver the keynote address to the graduates and their family and friends.

The SHU Class of 2014 includes 837 undergraduates who will be receiving associate and bachelor’s degrees, and 774 graduate students who have earned master’s degrees, professional certificates and doctorates. This year, the ceremonies for graduate and undergraduate students will take place at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport.

Anastos holds a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University and has participated in postgraduate studies at Columbia University.

Costello is a graduate of Northeastern University in his native Boston, where he earned a business degree in industrial management. As an officer in the U.S. Navy, he served in the Western Pacific and at the Pentagon. He worked at General Electric until his retirement in 1992. 

Deignan, a member of the Congregation of Notre Dame founded by Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys, teaches several courses covering such topics as the study of religion and Catholicism in the contemporary world.

to follow Daily Voice Fairfield and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE