For Richard “Rick” Henderson, helping others find their true potential has always been his calling. A veteran of educational institutions, Henderson has dedicated much of his professional life to philanthropy and helping schools provide support to their most crucial stakeholders: students.
In his new role as associate vice president of university advancement and philanthropic campaigns for the Pioneer community at Sacred Heart University (SHU) in Fairfield, Connecticut, he will support students in a variety of new ways, through the development of fundraising campaigns, the cultivation of donor relationships and the oversight of strategic giving initiatives. Engaging with Sacred Heart’s alumni, parents, friends and corporate partners will be an important opportunity. The university is dedicated to increasing the philanthropic resources for its most deserving students.
Before joining SHU, Henderson worked in advancement at Choate Rosemary Hall, Fairfield Prep and most recently the Canterbury School.
“Rick is an extremely talented, motivated and passionate professional,” said Paul J. Sutera, senior vice president of university advancement. “I have complete confidence that Rick will utilize his experience to meet this role head-on and trust that his work will invigorate and inspire the SHU community for generations to come.”
Henderson’s answer to what attracted him to working at SHU is, “Working for a humble, hardworking group of people at an energetic, exciting, growth-minded University attracted me to Sacred Heart. When I had the chance to meet my current colleagues through the interviewing process, along with community members around campus, it became clear that there’s work to be done, but it’s also important to reflect on the amazing work that has already been accomplished. What separates the good schools from the others is the continued pursuit of the next. That is why I am so proud and passionate to get started here.”
As the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century.
