The College of New Rochelle Blue Angels Volleyball Team is the new HVWAC 2009 Tournament Champions. They upset Sarah Lawrence, Pratt, and Medgar Evers Colleges to win the title on November 1, 2009. CNR also went undefeated in conference play this season. CNR junior Patrice Marshall was named 2009 HVWAC Tournament MVP. In the semifinal and championship games, Marshall tallied 32 digs, 10 kills, five aces and a block. The junior committed only five hitting errors in 53 attempts. Three CNR players, Zena Jamal SAS'12, Elizabeth Johnson SAS'13, and Kristina Nilaj SAS'13 were named to the 2009 All Conference Team.

Campus Ministry hosted its annual Fair Trade Sale on November 12, 2009, in the Student Campus Center on the Main Campus. Handicrafts and products, such as coffee and chocolate from the developing world, were on sale as gifts for the holiday season.

Fair Trade is an organized social movement and market-based approach that aims to help producers in developing countries and promote sustainability. Based on the principle that people should earn a fair profit for the items they produce, Fair Trade guarantees fair wages to disadvantaged artisans, farmers, and workers. Fair Trade proponents include a number of international development aid, social, religious and environmental organizations such as Christian Aid, SERRV International, Oxfam, Amnesty International, Catholic Relief Services, and Caritas International.

Catholic colleges, like CNR, serve exclusively Fair Trade coffee as a demonstration of their commitment to live out Gospel values. The number of Catholic individuals, organizations, and colleges, such as CNR, that are involved in the Fair Trade movement increases every year.

CNR Wellness Coaches (from left) Tania Veloz SAS'12, Sasha Winslow SN’10, (eynote speaker Jineea Butler-Graham of Social Services of Hip-Hop in center) Hellen Konyango SAS’11, and Erika Alvarado SAS’12 presented the workshop “Are My Relationships Healthy” at the Giolai Girls Leadership Summit held at Mercy College. The Leadership Summit was part of “Make A Difference Day,” where high school students were given leadership training and participated in volunteer activities, including creating a garden for patients at the VA Hospital. The participation of the CNR students was arranged by Adrienne Wald, Director of Wellness Education and Programming.   

Pictured (l.-r.): Dr. Joan Bailey, Vice President for Mission & Identity, moderator of the Founder's Day Panel, with panelists Fr. Joseph Flynn, Chaplain; Dr. Elisabeth Brinkmann, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies; Dr. Roblyn Rawlins, Associate Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Social Science Division; and Dr. Daniel Garcia, Assistant Professor of History.

A faculty staff panel on Monday evening, November 9, concluded the Founder’s Day events for 2009. Dr. Elisabeth Brinkmann, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies; Fr. Joseph Flynn, Chaplain; Dr. Daniel Garcia, Assistant Professor of History; and Dr. Roblyn Rawlins, Associate Professor of Sociology and Chair of the Social Science Division of the School of Arts & Sciences, spoke, and led a discussion on the topic “Caritas and Capitalism.” This interdisciplinary panel focused on Catholic social teaching and capitalism, responding to news coverage of how Archbishop Reinhard Marx’s book Das Kapital and Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth) both suggest today's troubled economies need to reconnect with fundamental Christian values to be restored to health and that incorporating Catholic social teachings can help create a more just economy that provides for the common good. Dr. Garcia gave an overview of the historical development of capitalism in the United States from colonialism through neoliberalism. Dr. Rawlins spoke of how the social teachings of the Catholic Church and the ideas of Karl Marx share an emphasis on the primacy of meaningful work in securing human dignity. Fr. Flynn posed and suggested answers to the following questions: Has Catholic social teaching anything to say about capitalism?; Does capitalism have any redeeming qualities?; What does Caritas in Veritate  have to say about capitalism? Dr. Brinkmann discussed Catholic higher education generally and CNR specifically in the context of capitalist competition. The panel discussion was held in Romita Auditorium in the Mooney Center on the Main Campus.

On November 8, 2009, three high school women artists were recognized for their outstanding work at the closing reception of the CNR 16th Annual High School Women Artists Exhibition. Here the winning students pose with Dr. Richard Thompson, Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences, (l.) The winning students are (l.-r.) Elizabeth Renck, a senior at Convent of the Sacred Heart (Greenwich, CT); Jisel Nunez, a senior at Lincoln High School (Yonkers, NY); and Amber Gullas, a senior at New Rochelle High School. In presenting the awards to the students, Dean Thompson quoted the American novelist, Katherine Anne Porter, who wrote, "Human life itself may be almost pure chaos, but the work of the artist is to take these handfuls of confusion and disparate things, things that seem to be irreconcilable, and to put them together in a frame to give them some kind of shape and meaning." This, Dean Thompson told the young artists, "you have done well, and for that you deserve our gratitude." 

This year a record 85 high school women from 25 different high schools submitted art work to the competiton. The show included work in acrylic paint, photography, charcoal, pencil, clay, mixed media, and oil. The judges for the exhibition were Jo-Ann Brody, sculptor and artist resident teacher in schools throughout New York City and Westchester County, and Marcy Freedman, multimedia artist, lecturer, and art historian.

Senior international studies major Dianne Marques SAS’10 presented her research on the international reaction to Hurricane Katrina at the National Collegiate Honors Council's annual conference, this year held in Washington D.C. in October 2009. Here Dianne pauses in front of the White House while touring the city. 
    
In addition to exploring our nation's capitol, students attended a special screening of the award-winning documentary "The Linguists" and had a chance to speak with its producers; saw a performance of the famed "Capitol Steps" theater group, and listened to a range of speakers on a variety of subjects. Sophomore political science major Samantha Avery SAS’12 also attended the conference and moderated a student research panel. The two CNR undergraduates were accompanied by Honors Program Director Dr. Amy Bass.

Established in 1966, NCHC is an organization of college and university faculty, students, administrators, and others committed to honors education.  Its mission is to serve as a voice for excellence in undergraduate education. In order to be in the CNR Honors Program, students must maintain a minimum 3.5 grade point average. To be graduated with an Honors Diploma, students need to complete eight honors experiences, as well as demonstrate leadership throughout their four years.

 

Five alumnae/i of the School of New Resources received “The Achievement Award for Life-Long Learning and Service” given by the School of New Resources of The College of New Rochelle. The awards recognize the contributions made by these graduates of SNR to their communities. The alumnae/i were cited for modeling “wisdom for life,’ fostering positive change, and implementing the values of the Ursuline founders of The College of New Rochelle. A reception was held, and the awards presented, on October 19, 2009, at The National Arts Club in New York City. 

Front Row (left to right): June Blain-Joseph '04, Roberta Apuzzo '92, Barbara Grodd '75, Elizabeth Gabriel and Elias Gabriel (behind Elizabeth), accepting for Edward Gabriel '89, and Rev. James A. Kilgore'96. 

Back Row (left to right): Robert Carmona '75, Committee co-chair, Donn Weinberg, entertainer, Elza Dinwiddie-Boyd, SNR Dean, Dr. Dorothy Escribano, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Harold Dow, Master of Ceremony, of CBS' 48 Hours.

CNR sophomore Alyssa Beasley SAS’12 captured 1st place in the women's HVWAC championship race at Purchase College on October 25, 2009. Alyssa, running with four others behind the leader over the first mile, came out of the pack to challenge Sarah Lawrence's Erica Nichols and take 1st - winning in 22:26 by 6 seconds. CNR's Cynthia Rodriquez SAS’11 finished in 15th place with a time of 25.30 to win her first medal of the season. Nine runners from The College of New Rochelle competed in this championship race.

“Issues of Catholic Social Justice” was the topic at a lecture by Cardinal Oscar Andrés Rodriguez Maradiaga, SDB (seen here being introduced by Dr. Joan Bailey, Vice President for Mission and Identity), on October 23, 2009 on the Main Campus. The event was part of the Founder’s Day celebration at the College. 

To read the full text of Cardinal Maradiaga's speech, click here.
 

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About Cardinal Oscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga, SDB

Cardinal Oscar Andrés Rodríguez Maradiaga, SDB, Archbishop of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, is only the second cardinal from Central America. He has spoken out repeatedly on social justice issues and in defense of millions living in abject poverty. He was the Vatican's spokesperson with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank on the issue of Third World debt. Born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras in 1941, he entered the Salesian order in 1970. Eight years later he was appointed Titular Bishop of Pudenziana and Auxiliary Bishop of Tegucigalpa. In 1993 he was named Archbishop of Tegucigalpa, and in 2001 he became his country’s first cardinal. At Commencement in 2008, The College of New Rochelle awarded him an honorary degree.

As part of the Founder’s Day Celebration for 2009, Dr. Christine Firer Hinze, Professor of Theology at Fordham University, shared her insights on the changing role of women in American society and how key women, from Mother Irene Gill to Sister Dorothy Ann Kelly, advanced the role of women through education, on October 22, 2009 on the Main Campus. Dr. Firer Hinze was welcomed to the College by (r.) Vice President for Financial Affairs and President-elect Judith Huntington and (l.) Dr. Joan Bailey, Vice President for Mission and Identity, who invited Dr. Firer Hinze to speak at The College of New Rochelle on “Follow the Women: Charting Paths to Economic Justice for All.”  Dr. Hinze has her Ph.D. in Christian Social Ethics from The University of Chicago. Her research interests include Christian social ethics, Catholic social thought, liberationist and feminist ethics, foundational issues in Christian social ethics, power and social transformatioin, and economic ethics in relation to work, family, and gender.

2009 Serviam Award Recipients: Students from the School of Nursing, School of Arts & Sciences, School of New Resources, and the Graduate School were recognized for their service. Photographed here are (left to right) Executive Vice President Dr. Ellen Curry Damato; School of New Resources student Miriam Williams; Graduate School student Leigh LaBrake; School of Nursing student Yasmin Molly; School of Arts & Sciences student Natalia Martinez; and Dr. Joan Bailey, Vice President for Mission and Identity.

On October 22, 2009 The College of New Rochelle began its Founder’s Day celebration with a Liturgy of the Eucharist in Holy Family Chapel. Following the liturgy, a luncheon was held in the Student Campus Center.

Speaking about her connection to the Ursulines and The College of New Rochelle was Linda David, Executive Director of Capital Campaigns. Linda has been with CNR, in the Office of College Advancement, for over 30 years.

Vice President for Mission and Identity Dr. Joan Bailey introduced the Serviam Award winners for 2009. Dr. Bailey noted that “The Serviam Award at The College of New Rochelle, inaugurated by the Ursuline Institute and now continued by the College, highlights extraordinary volunteer service to family, church, school, community, society, and/or the larger world.”  

Alyssa Beasley SAS’12 was selected as the HVWAC Cross Country Runner of the Week in October 2009 for the second time this year. The sophomore captured a fifth place finish at the Brooklyn College Invitational at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx on October 11, 2009,  finishing the 6K course in 27:33. On Sunday, October 25, 2009, she finished 1st in the HVWAC Cross Country Championships. 

A biology major, Alyssa is in her 2nd season on the CNR Cross Country Team, and this year she is the team captain, and the top runner. In addition to her success on the Cross Country Team, Alyssa is also one of CNR’s Wellness Coaches, a new initiative at CNR in which students receive 12 hours of training as peer educators and pass a national certification exam, enabling them to assist the Director of Wellness Education with programming. Here is Alyssa, in the center (kneeling), with her teammates. 

Dr. Stephen J. Sweeny, President of The College of New Rochelle, was honored at a reception on October 8, 2009, in New York City, as one of the Top 100 Irish Educators in America. The Top 100 list was compiled by Irish Voice and Irish America Magazine. This year marks the Irish Voice's inaugural Education 100 list. The awards ceremony was held at the American Irish Historical Society on Fifth Avenue.

Of these women and men, Niall O’Dowd, Publisher of the Irish Voice and the Irish America magazine (pictured here with Dr. Sweeny), said, “The Irish created much of modern America. The Irish donated one great institution to America---the Catholic school system which has stood the test of time. The Irish are wonderful educators. They are natural teachers. We are indeed proud that we have been able to identity and acknowledge so many Irish who have put such extraordinary effort into educating generations of Americans from coast to coast.” 

On October 15, 2009, in celebration of Italian Heritage Month, the College hosted a return visit of the Bersaglieri, a marching band visiting from Bergamo, Italy. The band, dressed in traditional costume and sporting elaborate feathered caps, entertained faculty, staff and students gathered at the Student Campus Center. Because of the weather, the band performed inside of the Center. The inclement weather, however, did not lessen the grandeur of the performance or the audience’s enjoyment.

 

Undergraduate nursing student Ugo Ogbuagu has won this year’s Veronica O’Day Leadership Award by Sigma Theta Tau, the National Honor Society in Nursing, for her work in developing a Peer Support Group at CNR. Ogbuagu, who is from the Bronx, established this mentorship program to provide help to incoming students.

“The purpose of the programs,” said Ogbuagu, “is to build a helping relationship among the students. Nursing education is unique and different from any other educational experience.” Dr. Connie Vance, Professor of Nursing at The College of New Rochelle, nominated  Ogbuagu for the award, which is presented annually to an undergraduate nurse who has the potential to become a member of Zeta Omega Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau. Ogbuagu is also involved with the National Student Nurses Association, and is the Community Health Director for New York State Student Association. She is the president of the Students Nurses Association at the College. In winning the award, Ogbuagu says, “I hope that it will encourage other CNR students to get involved.”

The Annual Fall Senate Picnic was held on the Main Campus on September 30, 2009. This event, sponsored by the College Senate, brought the College Community together on a sunny early fall day to share news of the summer and discuss upcoming plans for the new semester. Over 600 students, faculty, and staff enjoyed the noon-time special event on Maura Lawn. Students on their way to afternoon classes paused to enjoy the surroundings and the hot dogs.

On September 17, 2009, the 2nd Annual Fitness For Life! Day was held on the Main Campus. The day was filled with activities to promote an active, healthy lifestyle. Events included a 1 mile fun run/walk, seminars, workshops, and exhibits, a tour of The Wellness Center, and information on joining intramural and CNR club teams. The day’s activities concluded with a lecture by women’s running pioneer Kathrine Switzer speaking on “Empowering Women Through Athletics” in Romita Auditorium. Switzer was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon.

Click here to watch video of Kathrine Switzer speaking at CNR's Fitness For Life! Day lecture. 

On September 15, 2009, the CNR Community gathered in Maura Ballroom to celebrate the opening of the new academic year at a special Mass celebrated by Fr. Josephy Flynn, OFM Cap.

The Castle Gallery hosted an opening reception on September 13, 2009 for three women, the first exhibition of its 2009-10 season. Three women is a multi-media exhibit featuring the works of artists Joan Giroux, Whitney Huber, and Lisa Kaftori. The exhibit runs through November 8, 2009.  
       
Three women, collaboratively curated by the three artists, features sculpture, video, installation, and performance.  “The exhibit invites visitors to explore interconnections between the social, emotional, and material textures of women’s lives: paper, flowers, glass, silk, water, sugar, steel, thread, strawberries, buttons, ink, dresses, and neon,” says Dr. Jean Petrolle, author of Religion Without Belief: Contemporary Allegory and the Search for Postmodern Faith.

The Gallery will also present an Artist Panel on Wednesday November 4, 2009, from 6:45 to 8:30 p.m.  The exhibit, reception, and artist panel are free and open to the public.

For more information, visit the Castle Gallery website by clicking here.

President Sweeny greets a member of the Class of 2013 at the 2009 Freshman Convocation.

The Freshmen Convocation for the Class of 2013 was held on September 8, 2009 in Maura Ballroom. President Stephen J. Sweeny, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dorothy A. Escribano, and the Deans of the School of Arts & Sciences and School of Nursing welcomed the new students to the College. The students signed the Class Matriculation Book and were presented with a gift from the College. Mary Dawson McGuinness, Assistant Dean of the School of Nursing, spoke to the students about the challenges and opportunities that awaited them in their new education venture. The convocation concluded with a reflection by Dr. Sweeny on the Class Quote by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, “With every deep you are sowing a seed, though the harvest you may not see.”