The Spectrum (Fairfield, CT)

On a campus filled with ambition, creativity, and service, one night each spring shines a spotlight on the students who truly make a difference. The Campus Life Leadership Awards (CLLAs) at Sacred Heart University celebrate the individuals who go above and beyond to strengthen their community through leadership, involvement, and dedication.

If you have been wanting to attend a Lil Yachty concert, students will have the opportunity to do so on Thursday, April 16 at 8 p.m. at the Martire Family Arena. Grammy-nominated artist Lil Yachty is headlining the university’s 2026 Spring Concert, with DJ duo Loud Luxury as special guests. Sacred Heart University Student Involvement announced the concert lineup on March 27, and ticket sales for full-time undergraduate students began March 31.

Sacred Heart University students who are interested in participating in the dance program but did not audition prior to enrolling, can audition throughout their undergraduate years. The SHU dance program performs in SHU Slam. Source: Instagram, @sacredheartuniversitydance Students with varying levels of experience can join the dance program considering that it offers an array of styles, as well as performance opportunities. Senior Marissa Lambert is the recruitment chair for the dance program.

​Dr. Marguerite Lawrence, associate clinical professor, has been awarded the Outstanding Nurse Practitioner Educator Award from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties. Marguerite Lawrence, who was named the Outstanding Nurse Practitioner Education Award from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties.

“Honestly, I was expecting worse. I was expecting hours or something,” said sophomore and Spectrum staff writer James El-Hage. El-Hage had gone to Florida over Easter break, expecting a nightmare situation caused by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown. The DHS shutdown began on Feb. 14, and, as of publication time, has continued, making it the longest government shutdown in United States history, partial or otherwise.

For most students at Sacred Heart University, managing classes with social life on top of personal responsibilities can feel overwhelming most of the time. However, some students have sought out different ways to alleviate that stress through adopting a furry companion. Many students will seek out friends or campus resources in times of high stress, while others find comfort in having a pet by their side during their daily routines. For senior Arianna Corrente, that support comes from her dog, Max.

As the spring season ends, the women’s lacrosse team is fighting for one of six spots in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship, starting April 26. The team is 5-9 overall but has a 4-3 record in their conference. Currently, they are in sixth place and looking to hold on to the final playoff spot. Head coach Laura Korutz spoke on the team’s intensity and competitiveness and how they can translate that onto the field. “As a team, we have been inconsistent,” said Korutz.

Four games, four wins and double-digit margins in every match. The women’s rugby team delivered another undefeated performance at the Pioneers 7s tournament on March 28, securing the team’s second consecutive undefeated tournament championship this spring. The Pioneers defeated each opponent by at least 12 points.

Echoing footsteps fill the Ambassador Theatre in New York City as Mark Ballas steps into his four-week engagement as Billy Flynn in “Chicago the Musical,” running April 6 through May 3. Mark Ballas shares a moment with Whitney Leavitt after joining the cast of Chicago. Source: Instagram, @whitleavitt Ballas is best known for ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” where he built a reputation for his creativity and strong performance over 20 seasons.

Out of my four years at Sacred Heart University, Social Justice Week has always been one of my favorite times of the spring semester. This year, I had the privilege of planning and organizing the entire week as the Social Justice Chair of La Hispanidad. Months of preparation with departments such as the Agape Center, La Hispanidad, and Community Engagement allowed us to create a week that aimed to make an impact not only on campus, but on the future of the Sacred Heart community.