Table Of Content

(cid:0)(cid:0) UUAARRTTEERRLLYY Spring 2002 | Volume 74 | No. 1 The College of New Rochelle Alumnae/i Magazine TTaakkiinngg aa BBoolldd SStteepp iinnttoo tthhee 2211sstt CCeennttuurryy CNR Rededicates Mother Irene Gill Library (Story on Page 2) Find out what’s happening at CNR! Learn about upcoming alumnae/i events! Complete our Quarterly Survey! Explore our current academic programs! Make an Annual Fund donation! Or just drop us a line! You can do all this and more at The College of New Rochelle’s Web Site! So, visit us today at www.cnr.edu! A Beautifully Accomplished Issue A Profound x Quarterly Wins Congratulations on the Winter 2002 Influence o issue of Quarterly. The theme of educa- I was so delighted Award for b tion as the foundation of excellence and to see Mother Excellence!! the purveyor of character and virtue was Therese honored, l beautifully accomplished. I approved, too, be it ever so briefly, i of the [educators] portrayed as models, in Quarterly(Winter a ranging from elementary through col- Mother Therese 2002). She had a We are proud to announce that m lege. No level was ignored. profound and positive influence on my The piece on Sr. Gregory Horgan life. I really came to know Jesus in her Quarterlyhas been recognized for touched me deeply. Such a wonderful, freshman theology class. Warm and fond (cid:0) committed religious who carried learn- memories are held in my heart for this excellence in journalism, receiving ing and values from CNR to Botswana, loving woman. Africa deserved recognition. She made Claire Fordrung ’55 a 2002 Clarion Award from the that great little place richer by her pres- ence and her story is an inspiration to If you would like to comment on any of Association of Women in “roll along,” as President Bush might say. this issue’s articles, send your letters to Thank you for the effort and research Lenore Carpinelli, QuarterlyMailbox, The Communications – that went into producing such a splen- College of New Rochelle, 29 Castle did tribute to education, the best gift Place, New Rochelle, NY 10805 or email Westchester Chapter. anyone can offer to another. her at [email protected]. We reserve the Bernadette P. Jordan right to edit letters for length and clarity. (cid:0) (cid:0) UARTERLY UARTERLY EDITORIAL STAFF Executive Editor Deborah W. Thomas Managing Editor Lenore Boytim Carpinelli SAS’89 The College of New Rochelle Alumnae/i Magazine Class Notes Editor Spring 2002 | Volume 74 | Number 1 Irene Villaverde Graphic Design Kim Barron/IKON Class Notes Design 2 Rob Morgan Contributing Writers Judith Balfe SNR’89, GS’91 Taking a Bold Step into the 21st Century — John Coyne CNR Rededicates Mother Irene Gill Library Barbra Murray Gary Rockfield Photographs Evyonne Baker Peter Finger G. Steve Jordan Ray Karraman John Vecchiolla EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Eileen Gallagher Harrington ’62, Chair Judith Balfe SNR’89, GS’91 Melody Barreiros SAS’00 Renee Blackwell SAS’95 Madeleine Blais ’69 Julie Connelly ’65 Eileen Denver ’64 Dr. Mimi Donius Dorothy Fleming GS’99 8 Kathleen Fredrick ’59 Mary Plitsas Hesdorffer SN’95 The Transformation Nancy Quirk Keefe ’56 of Libraries Today — Camille Marchetta ’62 Jacqueline Maxwell SAS’96 Keeping in Step with Maria Mercader SAS’88 the Times Lilian Rodrigues Miller SAS’96 Martha Reddington SAS’76 Letters to the Editor and editorial 12 correspondence should be directed to: Lenore Boytim Carpinelli SAS’89 (914) 654-5272 Reading Between the Lines — Email: [email protected] Human Connection Key to Class Notes Columns and Improving Literacy correspondence should be directed to: Irene Villaverde (914) 654-5235 Email: [email protected] DEPARTMENTS 23 Along Castle Place 26 On the Student Scene 28 18 Branching Out with SNR Beyond the Books — 30 Alumnae/i Profiles From the Board Room 16 Cover: The Main Reading Room of the (follows page) newly renovated Mother Irene Gill Library. Class Notes Photo by John Vecchiolla. Y R O T S R E V O C 2 QUARTERLY TAKING A BOLD A two-story atrium creates a dramatic impact upon entry to the new Gill Library. STEP INTO THE 21ST CENTURY O n the brink of its centennial, CNR the College reaffirmed the R importance of its mission in EDEDICATES grand style with the rededica- M I tion of Mother Irene Gill OTHER RENE Library on April 11. Long considered G L the intellectual heart of the College, the ILL IBRARY Library’s reopening — following a two- year, multi-million dollar renovation By Lenore Boytim Carpinelli SAS’89 made possible with funds raised during the College’s recent capital campaign Ursuline who brought this College into and the assistance of a $1 million grant being, and we welcome the Pastor of the from New York State for technology — Church of New York, Edward Cardinal was marked with an all-day celebration, Egan, and invite him to lead us in the highlighted by the blessing of the new blessing of this renewed, precious library by Edward Cardinal Egan, resource which serves this campus and Archbishop of New York. the community of New Rochelle, of Left: Edward Cardinal Egan blesses the interior of the Mother “This renovated library is the result course, but through the miracle of elec- Irene Gill Library. of extraordinary generosity on the part tronic linkage is an indispensable tool of the College’s alumnae/i and friends,” for the 4,500 students on the six New Inset above left: Edward Cardinal Egan formally blesses said Dr. Stephen J. Sweeny, CNR Presi - York City campuses as well.” Mother Irene Gill Library as dent, during the rededication. “On this Built in 1938, the renovation of New York Lieutenant Governor occasion, we reflect on the centrality of Mother Irene Gill Library has trans- Mary O’Connor Donohue ’68 the library in the life of the College. We formed the library into a state-of-the-art and CNR President Dr. Stephen J. Sweeny look on. pause in tribute to the extraordinary (continued on page 4) QUARTERLY 3 With a range of study spaces from soft, comfortable chairs, to long oak tables, to study carrels, the Library is an ideal place for both quiet and group study. Taking a Bold Step their intellects to the fullest potential. Library is a remarkable testament to The (continued from page 3) Combine this technology with Gill’s College of New Rochelle’s deep com- extensive collection of over 200,000 vol- mitment to its mission, which it has learning environment fully prepared to umes and wonderful, rare book collec- been faithful to for nearly a century. meet the needs of The College of New tions of James Joyce, Thomas More, and In recognition of this impressive Rochelle’s students well into the 21st about our own beloved Ursulines, and it transformation, the rededication, held century. Retaining its majestic Gothic becomes eminently clear that Gill on a beautiful spring day in April, began exterior, a magnificent two-story atrium with colonnade glass panels provides a ALUMNAE MEMORIAL WINDOW REMAINS A FOCAL POINT striking impact upon entry and creates a dynamic and energetic heart for the P ositioned at the south end of the Library’s library. With dramatic archways and vaulted ceilings as well as a multitude of Main Reading Room, the Alumnae Mem- small, cozy study spaces, the library is at orial Window has long been a source of once a spectacular statement and a wel- wonder. Sixteen feet high and twenty feet wide coming, comfortable setting for stu- and designed around the theme of the transmis- dents to advance their educational goals. sion of wisdom and knowledge, the window fea- With technological enhancements that include over 200 data ports to tures seven figures – Aristotle, Saint Augustine, access Gill’s extensive online databases Saint Thomas Aquinas, Saint Ursula, Saint Angela and the Internet, dozens of computer Merici, a college girl, and a young child. With the workstations throughout the library, renovation of Mother Irene Gill Library, the win- and a computerized Bibliographic In - dow has been replaced, yet the original design struction Room to enhance students’ research ability using the latest informa- has been completely recaptured with the aid of tion technology, the new library is the digital technology. Now better than ever, not even ideal setting for students to develop the keenest eye could tell the difference. 4 QUARTERLY services, praying in cherished private moments with the grieving and anguished, comforting a city and a nation in special public moments of prayer at Yankee Stadium and Ground Zero. And his witness has been a source of encouragement to all of this community of faith who joined him in comforting the grieving and in honoring the dead.” In accepting his degree, Cardinal Egan said he was delighted to be at the College because it allowed him to join in support of the College’s commitment to education, to be back in the wonderful atmosphere of higher learning that the new Gill Library epitomizes, and to pay tribute to the Ursuline Sisters. “This institution of higher learning The new Library features state-of-the-art technology Students can greatly enhance their research ability with has as its focus, its charisma, its inspira- including dozens of computer workstations and a the resources of both printed and technological materials tion, the goodness of a very special Bibliographic Instruction Room. easily accessible. woman – St. Angela Merici – who back in the 1500s in Brescia, Italy, formed a with a formal Academic Convocation in “She saw the need for developing all company of women, the Ursulines, to Holy Family Chapel, where more than the faculties of young women. Know - bring education to girls and young 300 faculty, staff, students, alumnae/i, ledge, she believed, was a precious gift women.” and friends of the College looked on as to be cherished and transmitted… It is Following the Convocation, the New York State Lieutenant Governor hard to imagine a more fitting memorial entire assemblage processed to the Mary O’Connor Donohue ’68 shared for this woman who believed so res- Library Terrace where Cardinal Egan her memories of Gill Library as a stu- olutely in the quest for knowledge, who formally blessed the library, reading the dent, and as tributes were made to Gill dared to ask questions that we are still prayer given by the Most. Rev. Stephen Library and its namesake, College found - seeking answers for today.” J. Donahue, D.D., administrator of the ress Mother Irene Gill, OSU. During the Convocation, an hon- Archdiocese of New York, as he officiat- “Gill Library was and remains a mag- orary degree was bestowed on Edward ed at the opening of the Gill Library in nificent building,” said Dr. James T. Cardinal Egan in recognition of his role 1938. With President Sweeny, Cardinal Schleifer, Dean of Gill Library, during as spiritual leader of the Archdiocese of Egan then went into the library to bless his tribute. “It boasts a dignified sim- New York and for his leadership in sup- selected locations. He was joined by plicity inside and out and has wonderful port of Catholic education. invited guests, including alumnae/i who qualities of light and spaciousness… We Tracing his life of devotion to God, had made significant gifts to the College were told by the architect when plan- the Church, and the people of faith he for the library renovation. ning began five years ago that students has led, Dr. Sweeny said of the Cardinal, The day’s events were a fitting cele- will come if the renovation succeeds. “To stand in the midst of this commu- bration, marking the end of the long- Well, I’m incredibly pleased to say that nity [of New York] ‘as one who serves’ awaited renovation of Mother Irene Gill our initial statistics for student use of means confronting unprecedented and Library and, more importantly, a new Gill show a 60 percent increase in atten- often unequaled pastoral and moral beginning as the Library, now renewed dance since the library reopened in challenges, changing demographics, and and reinvigorated, once again takes its January.” scarce resources.... And no Pastor of place as the academic epicenter of intel- Recalling Mother Irene Gill, Sr. Irene New York has ever been called to service lectual discussion at The College of Mahoney, OSU, ’41 said, “At a time in circumstances remotely resembling New Rochelle — providing students when women could not yet vote, when the pastoral needs of New York on with the means to advance their studies it was nigh to scandalous, as well as ille- September 11 and in these months fol- in both traditional and technologically gal, for a woman to own property in her lowing.... innovative ways and continuing in its own right or to have a career, Mother “And so for hours and days and role at the heart of the College’s mission Irene decided to open a Catholic col- months since the morning of September of providing wider access to education lege, not for the daughters of privilege 11, the Cardinal has stood in the midst and encouraging the pursuit of lifelong but for the ordinary – those who might of his people as one who serves – presid- learning. not otherwise have the opportunity.... ing over scores of funerals and memorial QUARTERLY 5 In Recognition of Overwhelming Generosity On the evening before Gill Library was officially rededicated, a special dinner was held to recognize the generous contributions of those alumnae/i and friends of the College who had supported the Capital Campaign, which provided the funds to renovate the Library. Posing in the lobby of the new Library are Doug and Mary Hogan Hearle ’56, Dr. Stephen J. Sweeny, CNR President, and Dr. Laura Ellis, Dean of the Graduate School. Ardent supporters of the College for many years, the late Ralph and Mary Fischer Bell ’34 are now permanently memorialized at the College through the Ralph and Mary Fischer Bell ’34 Reference Room. On hand to celebrate the recognition were Ralph and Mary Bell’s daughter Elizabeth LeVaca (second from right) and her husband Joseph (far left) and Ralph and Mary Bell’s grandson Christopher Fuhrman and his wife Jean (second and third from left). Check the Time on the Refurbished Clock Tower As you walk across the campus, you can now accurately check the time thanks to the refurbishment of the Library’s exterior clock. The Seth Thomas pendulum clock, which for several years has not been opera- tional, was repaired through no easy effort. Because the parts for the clock are no longer manufactured, each gear had to be rebuilt from scratch. In Among those celebrating the Library Rededication recognition of the “lifelong commit- were Mary Jane and George Neumann and Sr. Jeanne ment to the sharing of personal gifts Brennan, OSU ’45 (right). and talents through scholarship support with new generations of students” made by Joan HendersonCook ’51 (pictured here with Dr. Stephen J. Sweeny, CNR President) and her late husband James to the Library Cam - paign, the Clock Tower has officially been named the James and Joan Henderson Cook ’51 Clock Tower. 6 QUARTERLY MWarcITh H22 ,R 2E0G02RETS BuT FOND MEMORIES EPvfoehryl oKnier bmyi n’4g9le dan adt htheer choucskbtaanild h WoCLuaiirlbs,lt irliaaenm,r cy1l u(9incd3o i5tunhpgel eAN noonnrth Wing of LelandS CiwblnheusaIcexptehs emnhoS cussrwo IiroSItn pDeav Ibt,c itdeoeWlBsi ice BiohlrLcfphyi nStohdrImeneoeeiJ dre lgapslmo o an, odxaoae1nIt ytu ippsafrcw ks5ilbys9 rmoDuttblefedrkei a 7n lss3eoGuer Were onwoi,sntfgoe,li7nriradhaiaItrdtamn hdhotfs io.eelsraemnrte oy g a ro sbnt .l, yn, y d ,tm tnIwna Ssr,w G D cs hyahbd a mthaa oiMLr—Iphiame taeo crorAerf Iloi. aandy tn roIodnevlit dlrb c2rw d eddekC u geefeeo eerkS0gaetmn igsal ctt.-srln aLiw esnhadsrs sdo o os lrrione sces peotc n tigsjgaoybfge eoa tlttmlotbhzasuorrl rt nnfnmeaCsheeuieeelebbaslaeoyat erya et ln r lew d ernp,ns ’ tus ifdtu epiacuidey ed shnttmco6 oerrnytaan a.nt redloear5 tdieg,art r aehlo ee dss tat es stinNtdTeaur e ephhIkhtsekont5ee h bngg efa a eeo,nsngh5dwiCiMedrrrov ir h t,s e sonel aeirenedayn wa icf Yl tideto uavoeolfItnneoouir1nu rd2tnrteuwrlo h enrrmno9gaiii5oiih k rawtc1 kbvp3 tpcn oneatb tf sr9.ieio8ea a ng cm ou aot e3l aitl,,nlo1 eim istrhaw7if’gai dsn9nso7alpN ete boshttI I 4tsf5idee ertfrri tia ta0ts -nicwdehrra n oSnwhnw h c ttni eeer anc haedoeaeahhlgaY edyqs thoMsn r nnnieo.lo.e ulChomueu krdtA sb rdioNieoarvsepue bhOikitwRn ltsoedansmdytognn cel i kdu rpeor.rurcta yClJneeomotarivioreeet iaiuespf,f cvnenl.a rit tbne t ke odkl teooyrre fhmLtsidft e Ispn aa,esoaihhn hyoanete,nfrw nnbeegbet nt v n soyyor l o h aeeti-r favFoeonnttdhn u rimrkldtoh,o anynetid esMtgmhceaaoi oekntlr,adhin eedtrso. left) and Mary Jane Kann Reddington ’45 and her husband Jack (couple on right), before being treated to tours of the new Library. The Library lobby now has another artistic focal point with the donation of the Walter Horak sculpture Gill Library, 1956 “People Could Fly” by CNR President Dr. Stephen J. Sweeny and his wife Barbara in honor of Dr. Sweeny’s late mother, Isabel Sweeny, and Barbara’s late aunt, Mary Joyce. Bill Webster’s generous Long-time supporters of the College, Michael and donation was made in Betty Romita and Mauro C. Romita (right), pictured memory of his late wife, here with Dr. Stephen J. Sweeny, CNR President, Mary Fulbeck Webster ’31. joined in the celebration. QUARTERLY 7 S E I R A R B I L F O E R U T U F E H T THE TRANSFORMATION OF LIBRARIES TODAY — KEEPING IN STEP WITH THE TIMES A Conversation with Dr. James T. Schleifer, Dean of Gill Library With the opening of the new Gill Library, In this electronic age, how ingly are becoming com pu - has the traditional library terized. Quarterly Editor Lenore Boytim Carpinelli changed to remain relevant? When did this computeriza- Dr. Schleifer: It has changed SAS’89 and writer John Coyne recently sat dramatically since I first be - tion really begin for libraries? came Director of Gill Library Dr. Schleifer: It began with down with Dr. James Schleifer, Dean of the in 1987. I see the change par- the card catalog in the early ticularly with the librarians. ’80s, when libraries began to Library, to discuss the transformation libra - Librarians, on any given col- make their book records lege campus, are among the machine readable. Next came groups most computer liter- the public, online catalogs, ries in general and Gill Library in particular ate, most comfortable using which was the first big step computers. Libra rians today for academic libraries. Then have undergone to meet the needs of today’s are a computer-based profes- automated circulation, using sion because all of the func- computers. Increasingly, be - students and what lies ahead. tions of the library increas- gin ning in the ’90s, we added 8 QUARTERLY