PROGRESS

For T H E Next Century

On C Br I

I

by Bridget Egan staff writer

To put into perspective the changes that have occurred during the past century. one must look at such factors as technological revolutions, the evolution of human ideas and the advent of advanced civil rights. A microcosm of the many changes that occurred in the past century can be found at Cabrini. Since the dawn of this century, Cabrini College has built itself literally from the ground up. It has evolved from an all-girls college to a coeducational college. Years ago young women could be found tapping away at typewriters within the darkly paneled walls of the mansion, and now co-eds can be found accessing the worldwide community via the Internet from their on-campus apartments.

These variations will inevitably continue, whether subtly or dramatically, and within the next century the campus community will follow the pattern of the rest of society and continue to evolve into something different. Many of the members of our campus community feel that though Cabri- ni is changing, and will continue to do so, many of the core values will remain. The small, intimate atmosphere, which is touted as a selling point, has unquestionably been challenged by increases in the student body, renovations and new academic programs. Members of the administration and many students feel that even with all of the upgrades and nuances the college has undergone, the intimate atmosphere remains.

Dr. Antoinette Iadarola, college president, feels that in the past several years Cabrini has made considerable strides while still retaining its core values. She cites examples of the Founders Hall renovations, upgraded technology, addition of new majors and diversified faculty as positive changes. Iadarola claims that the campus community has re- ally pulled together to actualize Cabrini's potential.

Patricia DeFrancesco, a senior early childhood education major, claims that though there have been many changes in her four years, there are many issues that still need to be addressed. DeFrancesco said the Founders Hall renovations have vastly improved the classroom atmosphere and the learning process. The education lab and Resource Rooms have both improved, she claims, and have more resources for students. However, she also stated that there needs to be more opportunities for students, especially for education majors to obtain materials on campus.

"It would be great if there was a new library," DeFrancesco said. "There could be a separate room for education majors where we could obtain different books and supplies that aren't available to us right now."

With the recent tuition hike and the Phase II renovations slated to happen in the upcoming years, there are many ~ilities for new facilities on campus. Iadarola ~lai~ that the planning board is right now looking atllie'various needs of the campus co~~ and deciding what needs to be done first. She e that many have showed concern about the current library, and there has been talk about creating a new facility. The administration is discussing whether to keep the current building and renovate it, or perhaps raise the building or even add a student union center. continued from previous page

THE SERIESAPPEARED IN EVERY OTHERISSUEAND FOCUSEDON THE ISSUESOF POLITICS,TECHNOLOGY, MEDICINE AND SCIENCE. THIS CONCLUDESTHESERIES.

Dr. James Hirsh, vice president for enrollment services, mirrors Iadarol~entiments that the library is an area of concern. H~at when it comes to the renovations of the library, the lines tend to become blurred.

"Is a library just a library, just a repository for books," Hirsh said, "or is it a place where there are computers and a center for students?"

Hirs~at computer labs and a student center would be a natural combination with the library.

Iadarola also mentioned that a new science center has been discussed, as well as additions to the fine arts department. With the new suite-style living building being built this summer and futile renovations planned, the question of land comes into play. There are 110 acres of available land for Cabrini's use. Right now the college sprawls across 80 of these acres, and the fact that the amount of land available to build upon is diminishing is a concern. Iadarola stated that the board has not negated the possibility of expanding the college off of the cmrent plot of land.

"We might want to see if there is space in the area to acquire," Iadarola said. "The board has looked at that."

Iadarola was quick to mention, though, that the possibility of moving some facilities off campus does not mean that Cabrini will explode into a larger college or university. She stated that Cabrini was not Villanova or St. Joseph's, and that becoming such a large school would never be the intent of the college's upgrades.

"If you want a small Catholic co-educational college with a liberal arts program," Iadarola said, "Cabrini is it."

She stressed the fact that Cabrini was a small college, and that she wanted to retain that intimacy far into the futile. Hirsh also stressed this, saying, "We'll be the kind of place where you can get that one-on-one relationship with the faculty."

"There will be new ways to get information, but faculty will still play a role in the learning," he said.

Hirsh believes that in 10 years, students will remain here for their master's degree. According to Hirsh, the Department of Labor has reported that half of all jobs now require a master's degree.

The college will continue to grow in all ways, including enrollment. Hirsh expects there to be a new way of doing things in the future. 'The question is, how do we grow while still maintaining our focus on community?"

Hirsh said.

Joanne Mayberry, director of admissions, believes that the mission of the college will remain the same, despite the increased growth. "As we grow, we will provide extra support for the students," she said.

"It is a continual evolution," Hirsh said. additional reporting by Jennifer Nespoli

(Right) The first floor of the library in 1956 had plenty of room, but not many books. • (lower left) Dorm rooms in 1984 did not even have phones. • {lower right) Grace Hall was always a part of campus, although it was formerly known as Counsel Hall. The Widener Center was nonexistent at this time, which was probably the late 1950s or early 1960s. • (bottom left) Fitting people on the lawn tor graduation was not always a problem. • (bottom right) The construction of House 7, the Sullivan House. • all photos provided by Martha Dale