He joined three others in Seton Hall’s Hall of Fame class of 2015. Each year, Seton Hall honors individuals who have made a significant impact on Pirates athletics in this way. Petillo served as chancellor at Seton Hall from 1984 to 1989 during a period of renaissance on campus. He presided over Seton Hall when the men’s basketball team reached the championship game of the 1989 NCAA Tournament.
Pirates teams also won five Big East championships — three by the soccer team — during his renure. During his tenure, numerous facility projects were completed, including the construction of four new residence halls from 1986 to 1988, helping the university transform its identity from a commuter school to a residential campus. Petillo is also a graduate of Seton Hall, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree there.
“As a two-time graduate of Seton Hall University (bachelor's and master's degrees) as well as former chancellor, this is an extremely meaningful honor for me,” Petillo said.
“Of course, I can’t take much credit for the success of the athletics programs during my tenure, but I was grateful for the opportunity to be back among Seton Hall friends and colleagues and humbled to be selected for such a distinguished award.”
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