Sisters of Charity

IN 1847, THE SISTERS OF CHARITY OF NEW YORK founded the College of Mount Saint Vincent to provide excellent liberal arts education in the Catholic tradition, preparing students for lives of professional accomplishment and service. With great pride, we strive to fulfill this mission. In the tradition of the Sisters of Charity, we ask everyone who works at the College to be committed to this fundamental purpose: to educate the whole person, to take part in a lively conversation with religious faith, and to engender a dedication to service.

Listed here are Sisters who, during the past year, have lent their talent, wisdom, and spirit in a variety of capacities to work on behalf of the College. With immense gratitude, we acknowledge and celebrate their leadership, dedication, and commitment to Mount Saint Vincent. Sr. Maryellen Blumlein '75 Sr. Donna Dodge '71 Sr. Margaret Egan '64 Sr. Eileen Fagan '70 Sr. Carol Finegan '69 Sr. Jane Iannucelli '62 Sr. Patricia McGowan '66† Sr. Mary Lou McGrath Sr. Margaret O'Brien '69 Sr. Dominica Rocchio Sr. Kathleen Tracey '48 Sr. Elizabeth Vermaelen '60

THE SPIRIT OF CHARITY

Most graduates of Mount Saint Vincent have a story to tell about a Sister of Charity who enriched their life. Whether it was in the classroom, around the lunch table, or while walking the hills of campus, the Sisters of Charity have had—and continue to have—a profound impact on the lives of students and thousands of our alumnae/i. The Ad Lux campaign has institutionalized two scholarship programs that aim to be an extension of their good works.

The Seton Service and Leadership Program (SSLP)—a four-year, full room and board scholarship created through the sponsorship of the Sisters of Charity—is awarded to students who show dedication and promise in the areas of academics, service, and leadership. Students in the SSLP mentor one another both as individuals and as a cohort, serve at various ministries in New York City and across the country, and spend time in weekly reflective gatherings.

Program participants join a community of like-minded peers who serve together and embrace the mission of the Sisters of Charity—carrying on the legacy and ministries of the Sisters through the spirit of Saints Elizabeth Ann Seton, Vincent de Paul, and Louise de Marillac.

Since 2011, 46 SSLP alums and 35 current SSLP students have participated in over 25,000 hours of community service across the globe. Some students partner with the Midnight Run organization, based in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., to deliver food and clothing to the homeless population on the streets of Manhattan at 1 a.m. Others raise environmental awareness through advocacy events and clean-ups with the NYC Parks Department. One student, Jennifer Puac ’21, even traveled to Ecuador on a Gilman Scholarship to study and serve, mentoring children in a rural neighborhood. Many Seton Service and Leadership Program participants continue their devotion to service even after they leave the Mount’s campus—a true testament to the College’s remarkable Leaders in Service initiative. These alumnae/i are carrying on the mission of the Sisters of Charity in their chosen career fields and spreading the Spirit of Charity in their daily lives.

Alumna Amy Fox ’15 currently works as a social worker for the New York City Department of Education at an elementary school in Jamaica, Queens. It was through her time in the SSLP that she found her passion for social work.

“Volunteering as a member of the Seton Service and Leadership Program helped deepen my commitment to service and led me into the field of social work,” explained Amy. “Participating in service further taught me the incredible impact one person can make on another person’s life. I carry this lesson with me throughout my career as a social worker, but also in my life as a sister, daughter, friend, girlfriend, and even as a stranger to others.”

For alum Owen Smith ’18, all paths seemed to lead back to Riverdale. After taking a year to work as an account manager for a food distribution company in Manhattan, Owen returned home to Mount Saint Vincent to work as a graduate assistant in the College’s Office of Mission and Ministry—mentoring new members of the SSLP. He also made a commitment as an Associate of the Sisters of Charity in September 2018.

Owen is now working as an Assistant Director in the Office of Peace, Justice, and Integrity of Creation for the Sisters of Charity of New York— continuing to foster and build upon the connection he made with the Sisters during his time in the SSLP. continued on page 37