Alumnus, former university chancellor helped engineer one of the most successful eras in SHU history
June 17, 2015
On Monday, June 22, the Pirate Blue Athletic Fund will host the annual Hall of Fame Golf Outing and Dinner at Fairmount Country Club in Chatham, N.J. In advance of the event, SHUPirates.com caught up with the four exceptional individuals who will comprise the Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2015.
Today, we feature Dr. John Petillo, an honorary inductee who currently serves as university president at another SHU --Sacred Heart University. A Seton Hall alumnus, Dr. Petillo helped spearhead a period of transformation following his appointment as university chancellor in the 1980s; implementing changes that yielded a stretch of unprecedented success in athletics.
*Note: All-time women's tennis wins leader Kristen (Downing) Liteplo was originally announced as part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2015. She is now scheduled to be a part of the Class of 2016.
By John Fanta
SHUPirates.com
"Attitude reflects leadership..."
It's not often as adults that we can turn to Disney works for profound lessons but this line from 2000's Remember the Titans encompasses both the immediate and enduring impact that Dr. John Petillo has had on athletics at The Hall.
In 1969, Dr. Petillo completed the first of two degrees he earned at Seton Hall. It was during his time as an undergraduate that he developed a special connection with the university, as so many have, and some 15 years later its future was placed in his hands.
As university chancellor, Dr. Petillo proved a visionary; an agent of change who assisted in shaping the modern identity of Seton Hall as both an elite institution of higher learning and a premier destination for student-athletes.
While occupying the chancellor's office from 1984-1989, Dr. Petillo was spurred by a belief that his charge was to ensure the continued success of an already exceptional university. During his tenure, he helped engineer large-scale enhancements of the campus infrastructure which included -- but were certainly not limited to -- a number of significant improvements within the athletics facilities.
With the steadfast support of Dr. Petillo and university administration, the Pirates enjoyed an era of previously unprecedented success -- cementing a place in the upper-echelon of collegiate athletics.
Prior to his appointment as chancellor, Seton Hall had earned two total BIG EAST championships in the five years that immediately followed the formation of the league. The transformation that Dr. Petillo's efforts contributed to pushed the Pirates to new heights as he presided over five conference titles in a six-year span. The impressive stretch was highlighted by baseball's first crown in 1987 and three consecutive championships for men's soccer from 1986-88.
In his final two years at the post, the men's basketball team earned its first two NCAA Tournament berths, the second of which culminated in a run to the national championship game that captivated fans around the country.
When asked what he remembered most about that historic season, Dr. Petillo cited the attitude that then-head coach and fellow Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Famer P.J. Carlesimo imparted on to his team as the genesis for the turnaround.
As far-fetched as it may seem now, Carlesimo was at times embattled during his 12 years on the Seton Hall bench. Dr. Petillo remembers being struck by his composure and unrelenting determination and sees those characteristics as key components behind Seton Hall's ascent into the national spotlight.
As an individual who has, and continues to thrive in leadership roles, Dr. Petillo is quick to deflect praise or commendation. When taking stock of the success he helped breed and the foundation he helped lay, it is abundantly clear that his determined attitude had a trickle-down effect of its own.
In Greek mythology, the titans ruled over the "Golden Age" in which prosperity reigned. Now, with his induction to the Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame, Dr. Petillo's lasting impact will always be remembered.
Q: As an alumnus of the university, what does it mean to you to be heading into the Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame?
Dr. Petillo: Seton Hall made me into the man that I am today. It was a pleasant surprise when I got the phone call that I would be inducted. When I was a student, I could not have enjoyed my time more. When I became chancellor, I wanted to make our university better. I know that many talk about the late 80's as the renaissance of Seton Hall, but the university has always been a great place. It did not just start to become that during my time as chancellor. I have always loved the culture of the university. That has been a special part of my life.
Q: Describe your relationship with the athletic department during your time as chancellor.
Dr. Petillo: I always loved working with [former athletic directors] Richie Regan, Larry Keating, and so many of the great people in the department. From P.J. Carlesimo to Mike Sheppard (Sr.) to John Moon - those people were so excellent. As an alum, I always have been a Pirate fan, and wanted to do whatever I could to help our athletic programs. I was blessed to be at the university at quite arguably the most successful time for our athletic programs as a whole and still hold some special memories from that time.
Q: What is your favorite memory about being on campus during the men's basketball team's run to the 1989 national championship game?
Dr. Petillo: Well, the journey started far before that success began. I was always so impressed by [head coach] P.J. [Carlesimo]. He had to endure through a lot of hardships and losing before the winning came. But, everything starts with attitude. P.J. carried himself with such a great composure and attitude. I had such an incredible respect for him because he had to go through a lot, but he never stopped fighting. And, that type of attitude carried over with his guys, which led to his program, and Seton Hall, to being shown in such a great light. This all happened while the university was making positive strides academically and structurally as well. Overall, it was special time of growth. I will never forget being on South Orange Ave. when thousands were on hand in the village celebrating the team when they returned after falling in the national championship game. It truly showed how powerful this community is, that on a rainy and cloudy day nonetheless, they would all show up and support the program for such an amazing season.
Q: How important has Seton Hall been to you in your life?
Dr. Petillo: My time there helped lay the foundation for me to continue to have success. I would not be the president at Sacred Heart University if I did not have the experiences that I did at Seton Hall. It was really a powerful building block, and I thank the people there for everything they did for me.
Q: What will June 22 be like for you when you are officially inducted?
Dr. Petillo: I cannot wait to see old friends and have those people meet my new colleagues at Sacred Heart. I am so excited for my Sacred Heart family to meet those people that helped me become who I am today. My family will be there to share the moment with me as well. It's going to be such a thrill to have my name in such a great class of people. It's a great honor.
http://www.shupirates.com/sports/pirate-blue/spec-rel/061715aac.html
June 17, 2015
On Monday, June 22, the Pirate Blue Athletic Fund will host the annual Hall of Fame Golf Outing and Dinner at Fairmount Country Club in Chatham, N.J. In advance of the event, SHUPirates.com caught up with the four exceptional individuals who will comprise the Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2015.
Today, we feature Dr. John Petillo, an honorary inductee who currently serves as university president at another SHU --Sacred Heart University. A Seton Hall alumnus, Dr. Petillo helped spearhead a period of transformation following his appointment as university chancellor in the 1980s; implementing changes that yielded a stretch of unprecedented success in athletics.
*Note: All-time women's tennis wins leader Kristen (Downing) Liteplo was originally announced as part of the Hall of Fame Class of 2015. She is now scheduled to be a part of the Class of 2016.
By John Fanta
SHUPirates.com
"Attitude reflects leadership..."
It's not often as adults that we can turn to Disney works for profound lessons but this line from 2000's Remember the Titans encompasses both the immediate and enduring impact that Dr. John Petillo has had on athletics at The Hall.
In 1969, Dr. Petillo completed the first of two degrees he earned at Seton Hall. It was during his time as an undergraduate that he developed a special connection with the university, as so many have, and some 15 years later its future was placed in his hands.
As university chancellor, Dr. Petillo proved a visionary; an agent of change who assisted in shaping the modern identity of Seton Hall as both an elite institution of higher learning and a premier destination for student-athletes.
While occupying the chancellor's office from 1984-1989, Dr. Petillo was spurred by a belief that his charge was to ensure the continued success of an already exceptional university. During his tenure, he helped engineer large-scale enhancements of the campus infrastructure which included -- but were certainly not limited to -- a number of significant improvements within the athletics facilities.
With the steadfast support of Dr. Petillo and university administration, the Pirates enjoyed an era of previously unprecedented success -- cementing a place in the upper-echelon of collegiate athletics.
Prior to his appointment as chancellor, Seton Hall had earned two total BIG EAST championships in the five years that immediately followed the formation of the league. The transformation that Dr. Petillo's efforts contributed to pushed the Pirates to new heights as he presided over five conference titles in a six-year span. The impressive stretch was highlighted by baseball's first crown in 1987 and three consecutive championships for men's soccer from 1986-88.
In his final two years at the post, the men's basketball team earned its first two NCAA Tournament berths, the second of which culminated in a run to the national championship game that captivated fans around the country.
When asked what he remembered most about that historic season, Dr. Petillo cited the attitude that then-head coach and fellow Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Famer P.J. Carlesimo imparted on to his team as the genesis for the turnaround.
As far-fetched as it may seem now, Carlesimo was at times embattled during his 12 years on the Seton Hall bench. Dr. Petillo remembers being struck by his composure and unrelenting determination and sees those characteristics as key components behind Seton Hall's ascent into the national spotlight.
As an individual who has, and continues to thrive in leadership roles, Dr. Petillo is quick to deflect praise or commendation. When taking stock of the success he helped breed and the foundation he helped lay, it is abundantly clear that his determined attitude had a trickle-down effect of its own.
In Greek mythology, the titans ruled over the "Golden Age" in which prosperity reigned. Now, with his induction to the Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame, Dr. Petillo's lasting impact will always be remembered.
Q: As an alumnus of the university, what does it mean to you to be heading into the Seton Hall Athletics Hall of Fame?
Dr. Petillo: Seton Hall made me into the man that I am today. It was a pleasant surprise when I got the phone call that I would be inducted. When I was a student, I could not have enjoyed my time more. When I became chancellor, I wanted to make our university better. I know that many talk about the late 80's as the renaissance of Seton Hall, but the university has always been a great place. It did not just start to become that during my time as chancellor. I have always loved the culture of the university. That has been a special part of my life.
Q: Describe your relationship with the athletic department during your time as chancellor.
Dr. Petillo: I always loved working with [former athletic directors] Richie Regan, Larry Keating, and so many of the great people in the department. From P.J. Carlesimo to Mike Sheppard (Sr.) to John Moon - those people were so excellent. As an alum, I always have been a Pirate fan, and wanted to do whatever I could to help our athletic programs. I was blessed to be at the university at quite arguably the most successful time for our athletic programs as a whole and still hold some special memories from that time.
Q: What is your favorite memory about being on campus during the men's basketball team's run to the 1989 national championship game?
Dr. Petillo: Well, the journey started far before that success began. I was always so impressed by [head coach] P.J. [Carlesimo]. He had to endure through a lot of hardships and losing before the winning came. But, everything starts with attitude. P.J. carried himself with such a great composure and attitude. I had such an incredible respect for him because he had to go through a lot, but he never stopped fighting. And, that type of attitude carried over with his guys, which led to his program, and Seton Hall, to being shown in such a great light. This all happened while the university was making positive strides academically and structurally as well. Overall, it was special time of growth. I will never forget being on South Orange Ave. when thousands were on hand in the village celebrating the team when they returned after falling in the national championship game. It truly showed how powerful this community is, that on a rainy and cloudy day nonetheless, they would all show up and support the program for such an amazing season.
Q: How important has Seton Hall been to you in your life?
Dr. Petillo: My time there helped lay the foundation for me to continue to have success. I would not be the president at Sacred Heart University if I did not have the experiences that I did at Seton Hall. It was really a powerful building block, and I thank the people there for everything they did for me.
Q: What will June 22 be like for you when you are officially inducted?
Dr. Petillo: I cannot wait to see old friends and have those people meet my new colleagues at Sacred Heart. I am so excited for my Sacred Heart family to meet those people that helped me become who I am today. My family will be there to share the moment with me as well. It's going to be such a thrill to have my name in such a great class of people. It's a great honor.
http://www.shupirates.com/sports/pirate-blue/spec-rel/061715aac.html
