RoConnections Magazine - the digital magazine of Rosemont College

Rosemont College Online Magazine July 2020

Monthly messages from President Boyers that explore the issues of our time, what ever they may be.

President Boyers welcomes your responses and looks forward to further dialog with you on any and all issues and subjects.

How The Light Gets In July 14, 2020

It hasn’t escaped me that Mandy and I arrived in the Philadelphia area on July 1st, just outside the city where the Declaration of Independence was adopted and that is home to the Liberty Bell. The celebration of Independence Day was different this year, because of the resurgence of the coronavirus and the deep wrestling with the historical and present-day challenges around race and equality manifesting in our country.

In some ways, it feels as if the chaos and difficulty may overwhelm us. We may just crack.

My spiritual practice has always taught me that my deepest truths are found not from new beginnings, but in those times in which things fall apart. As I begin my journey at Rosemont College, I think that will indeed be the case. By embracing the challenges of the present and allowing them to be what they are – messy, uncomfortable, and even painful - I am confident those difficulties will lead me, and all of us, to new growth.

The story of the Liberty Bell and its famous crack reminds me of this very truth: sometimes things need to fall apart before we can grow anew. There are many different legends and stories about when and how the Liberty Bell was cracked. The Constitution Center outlines many explanations. Some say it was cracked on its journey to America; broken from the beginning.

Some say when it rang to announce the signing of the Constitution, its crack deepened. Still others maintain that its last biggest crack was during George Washington’s birthday celebration in February 1846. That crack was the final one that stopped the Liberty Bell from ringing and transformed it into the national symbol that we know today.

Whether or not the stories surrounding the Liberty Bell are historically true matters less to me than the collective and personal spiritual truth found within them. We

have failed in so many ways, but we keep trying. As humans, our best intentions are often flawed; filled with motivations and bias forged in our own broken pasts.

These cracks lead us to continue to be reborn in new ways and lead us - as a country and as individuals - to a more perfect union. To me, that more perfect union is one in which a just society rooted in liberty transcends the imagined borders and barriers of our time, and where our broken efforts lead to healing if we allow them to transform and reshape us.

In moments like this, I always find myself turning to the words of those I regard as my teachers. The other day, as I was wrestling through these ideas in my own mind, I stumbled across a quote from the late President John F. Kennedy. It is from the speech he gave in New York City on September 14, 1960 as he accepted the nomination for President.

“I believe in human dignity as the source of national purpose, human liberty as the source of national action, the human heart as the source of national compassion, and in the human mind as the source of our invention and our ideas.”

To me, President Kennedy’s words reinforce that it is our very humanity that is key to answering the questions our nation is facing right now. As individuals who have been made in the image and likeness of God, and endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights, it is our duty and our responsibility to bring our humanity into the conversation, with all of its many flaws and even its messiness. It is there that we’ll find our answers. Or in the words of the late Leonard Cohen, “Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.”

And who doesn’t know that better than a country where a cracked bell is an enduring symbol of liberty?

Read President Boyers’s monthly Ponderings Here

Rosemont College Online Magazine July 2020 Presidential Ponderings | Campus News |

3

1

Rosemont Launches eBook Store | Athletics |

5

4

UC Fall 1 Begins | August 24 SGPS Classes Begin | Sept. 8

6 Rosemont 2020 | 7-8 SGPS | 9-10 Alumni | 11-12 Development | 13 Campus Ministry |

Heritage Week | Oct. 5 - 9 Last Day of Fall 1 | Oct. 9 Reading Days | Oct. 10 &11

Experiential Opportunities & Post Graduate Success | ROCO Life |

15

14

UC Fall II Begins | Oct. 19 Last Day of In Person Classes for Fall II | Nov. 24 UC Classes Resume Fully Online | Nov. 30 UC Last Day of Fall II | Dec. 7 SGPS Last Day of Class | Dec. 14

Forum going Virtual for the Fall

Every semester, Rosemont College offers a series of noncredit offerings through the Forum, exploring facets of art, religion, history, theater, literature, and more through our coffee lectures and courses. Our instructors include retired Rosemont faculty members as well as scholars and experts from the greater Philadelphia community. The Forum is open to adults of any age.

Because of the pandemic, Rosemont Forum will be held online during the fall of 2020. Please complete this form to share your ideas for an exciting, but virtual, Forum semester

CAMPUS NEWS

Rosemont in the News President Boyers was featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer about the Rosemont 2020 Plan.

Main Line Today featured a Q&A with President Boyers.

Three Rosemont Professors featured on WalletHub Professors Christine Hagedorn, Kenneth Romanowski and Jiaxing Jane Jiang, Rosemont’s Business Department faculty members, were recently featured in WalletHub’s Ask the Expert column.

Read More

Randall Brown, Adjunct Faculty for SGPS Creative Writing, and his wife, Meg Boscov, were recently featured in Main Line Today. This spring, they released their first collaborative book called Hand in Hand about macro photography and micro fiction.

Erin Entrada Kelly MFA ’16 Congratulations to Erin Entrada Kelly MFA ‘16. Her latest book, We Dream of Space, received an excellent review in The New York Times Book Review!

Rosemont Launches eCampus Bookstore Rosemont will launch the new academic year with a new bookstore vendor. When BBA Corporation’s contract expired in July, Rosemont selected eCampus as the new vendor for the on-campus store in the Sharon Latchaw Hirsh Community Center. “eCampus has a very robust and accessible technology program, which is important in the current environment,” said Randy Eldridge, Vice President for Finance and Administration.

“Additionally, among all of those vendors we interviewed, only eCampus has an ongoing support infrastructure for the College’s on campus retail operation. This piece was vital because we want to continue to provide that presence for our community.”

Read More

Dan Mason, Director of Information Technology, Honored With Spotlight Award Normally, his role has him running all over campus checking on tech equipment. When the pandemic hit in March and campus closed, Dan adapted his role to be done remotely. Dan was awarded the Class of 1974 Spotlight Award at the Founders Day Awards ceremony, which was held virtually in April.

Read More

Rosemont offers new PK-12 Special Education Certification The Undergraduate Education Division at Rosemont College has just obtained the Pennsylvania Department of Education approval for the new Special Education Certification span PK-12. Read More

Starting this September, The Institute for Ethical Leadership and Social Responsibility will host a monthly online Discussion Forum focusing on pressing issues in ethics and leadership.

This Forum will serve as a platform for dialogue and discussion on topics ranging from systemic racism, pandemic ethics and other COVID-19-related problems, to fake news, media ethics, and civility in political discourse.

Sessions will be hosted via Zoom, with a topic introduced by a guest speaker and discussion moderated by Institute Director Alan Preti and Provost, Senior VP, and Professor of Philosophy Lisa Dolling. A complete schedule including a list of topics and speakers will be available on the Institute’s website soon.

Rosemont’s Statement on SCAC Announcement of Fall Season Cancellation Read More

Ashley Hodges, Assistant Athletics Director Named Pathway Program Participant

KE’ALOHILANI NAONE-CARTER

2020 NCAA Woman of the Year Nominee Read More

The NCAA leadership development office, in partnership with the Board of Governors Committee To Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity, has selected 20 senior-level administrators to participate in the NCAA Pathway Program, with the goal of preparing these individuals to attain positions as directors of athletics or conference commissioners. Read More

Sr. Jeanne Marie Hatch Retires After 16 Years at Rosemont Rosemont Community Gathers for Virtual Social Justice Forum On Thursday, June 4, members of the Rosemont community gathered virtually for a forum on social justice in the wake of George Floyd’s murder and nationwide protests. Organized

by Campus Ministry, more than 80 Rosemont students, faculty, staff, and alumni joined the Zoom session.

Read More During this time of national reflection, please remember, remember this part of Rosemont’s mission below.

Rosemont College values: Trust in and reverence for the dignity of each person; diversity with a commitment to building an intercultural community; and persistence and courage in promoting justice with compassion.

Sr. Margaret Doyle, SHCJ is Rosemont’s New Vice President for Mission Sr. Margaret Doyle, SHCJ assumed Vice President for Mission on a part-time basis on July 1st. Sr. Peg has a long history of teaching and administrative roles in many Holy Child and other schools, including an 11 year ministry as the Principal of the Connelly School of the Holy Child in Potomac, Maryland. In addition, Sr. Peg was a member of the College’s Board of Trustees, a position from which she stepped down on June 30th.

Read More

Over 100 people from Rosemont’s community including former Campus Ministy colleagues, students, and many Sisters, some zooming in from Africa, joined together to thank Sister Jeanne for her commitment and “JOY” she brought to Rosemont Read More

Cornelia Connelly: an example for our times - she sought joy in the midst of her very broken life.

Read More from Aleteia

Thank you to Rosemont’s Essential Staff

President Jayson Boyers unveils three phase operational plan to reopen campus following the closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic with the goal of safeguarding the health of every member of the community while effectively carrying out the College Mission. Read More

When Governor Wolf issued the mandatory school closures on March 12 and employees began working remotely, Rosemont College – like so many others – was left wondering how to continue performing essential duties that simply could not be completed at home. Rosemont was fortunate to have a small but mighty force of staff members who kept the critical operations of the campus running during the pandemic.

“Rosemont College has an amazing number of individuals who play enormous roles behind the scenes, without recognition, to make our lives easier. I have never been prouder to be a part of something that is so much greater than me,” said Matt Baker, Director of Public Safety.

RoCo spoke with many of these unsung heroes to learn about their experiences at Rosemont during the campus closure.

Read More

Remember, your mask protects me.

My mask protects you.

Masks, or other appropriate face coverings, must be worn indoors and outdoors on campus, except when students are in their own residence hall rooms or employees are in their own offices without others around them.

Masks may be removed during meals.

All students will be provided with three fabric Rosemont College masks.

Employees will be provided with two fabric masks.

Disposable masks will also be available at various locations on campus.

ENT ORIENT D U AT ST IO

N MO ROSE NT AT

Tips to Stay Safe When You Return to Campus Wellness Center to relocate to Alumnae Hall The Wellness Center sends the warmest welcome to all the new and returning Rosemont students.

This fall, the Wellness Center will be moving to a new location, the lower level of Alumnae Hall. The new space will have a larger waiting area, a larger exam room, and a separate office for the nurse.

All services will remain the same but possibly delivered in a different way.

If you are not feeling well please contact the Wellness Center. When the Wellness Center is closed there are several options for care. Please check the Wellness page for more information.

Stay Up to Date on Guidelines

Rosemont Prepares to Welcome Newest Class

take flight at

Student Orientation at Rosemont (SOAR) is ready to take flight!

SOAR will be from August 19th – 23rd with most activities taking place in person with modifications due to COVID-19.

Each Raven Peer Leader (RPL) group will be assigned a classroom where they will log in to Zoom as a group. From there, they will join the SOAR workshops virtually. This will allow all of the new students to interact with faculty and staff at the same time and participate in a live Q&A session about all things Rosemont while also adhering to CDC Guidelines.

Read More

TWO TERMS, ONE FOCUS Rosemont will divide the Fall semester for the Undergraduate College into two, seven-week terms - a plan known as Two Terms, One Focus.

Read More

During this pandemic, behaviors that reduce the risk of transmission of the coronavirus (and other viruses), are of grave importance. Continue to avoid large group settings and regularly wash your hands. It is essential for the entire College community to follow guidelines established by the CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health. In Pennsylvania, it is now required to wear a mask in public spaces.

Living on campus increases your risk for transmission due to shared spaces and opportunities for in-person socializing. Adherence to social distancing, hand hygiene, enhanced disinfection, symptom awareness, and mask wearing will benefit everyone on campus.

Visiting the Wellness Center

We will all be wearing masks. Before meeting with the nurse, you will need to complete a short questionnaire and sanitize your hands. The seats in the waiting area will be spaced for social distancing and only students waiting to see the nurse will be allowed in the waiting area.

The nurse will be wearing necessary personal protective gear during this time of COVID-19. It will be critical to follow directions if asked to self-isolate or quarantine on campus. Residence Life and the Wellness Center are working together to provide comfortable spaces for students who need to self-isolate and/or quarantine if necessary.

Visit the Wellness Center Page Visit the CDC Page Visit the PA Department of Health Page

Virtual Writers’ Retreat

Usually led in person, this year’s Rosemont College Writers’ Retreat was facilitated as an intense virtual experience. Small workshops, noontime and evening panels, readings, and student open mics were offered from June 19th to the 21st to both enrolled MFA in Creative Writing students and the larger community.

Read More

Giovanna Gantz is Proud of Her Rosemont Degree I recently completed my Professional Studies program, and I’m so proud of this accomplishment. I am also currently employed at Vanguard as an Advice Service Manager. I always wanted to attain a degree but began working immediately after high school in 1986. I got married, had children and my goal was side barred for many years. In 2012, when my son went to college, I decided to take a leap and enrolled at Rosemont.

Fast forward eight years, and I’ve completed my degree at Rosemont. I received incredible support from my colleagues in having reached this accomplishment. During my studies, I met wonderful professors who I felt cared and wanted me to succeed. It’s scary going back as an adult but the support I felt beginning with the very first class continued through every class until I finished my program. In every interaction I’ve had at Rosemont, I’ve experienced the POWER of small.

Rosemont College Online can make what seems impossible, possible. Wonder how you’ll balance it all? Worried that if you pursue your degree, something else in your life will have to take a backseat? Online classes will give you the flexibility to do your coursework according to your schedule. Rosemont College Online gives you the POWER to be in charge of your life and your time.

Read More

the POWER to have time for what’s important

Stay at Rosemont And Pursue a Graduate Degree As a member of the Undergraduate College Class of 2020, we know you’ve found a home at Rosemont College. It has become a place you love and miss, now that the coronavirus pandemic has changed your Spring semester.

Stay at Rosemont for Your Master’s Degree.

Now Is the Perfect Time to Get an MS in Healthcare Administration!

These are Extraordinary Days

As you process the ‘new normal’ you may be thinking about different ways to plan for your future, and provide for yourself and your family. Alumni. Attend our August 4th Virtual Open House and learn how you can start or complete your undergraduate degree, or earn an advanced degree. We have many online degree programs to suit your busy schedule.

A 25% Alumni Discount is available for classes taken in the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.

Sarah Rose Etter MFA ’10’s recent book, The Book of X was awarded The Shirley Jackson Award Read More

Register Today

A Career Coded in Genetics For alumna Donna McDonald-McGinn, ’81, becoming a pioneer in human genetics and genetic counseling was in her DNA. Read More

Rosemont Alumna Catalogs More Than 150 Pieces of Rosemont Art Collection

Mary Manfredi ’18 did not expect an introductory survey art course to lead to a graduate internship at her alma mater. Read More

Alumni Office & Library Staff To Launch Movie Club

Staff members in the Office of Alumni Relations and the Kistler Memorial Library are seeking interested alumni for a newly forming Movie Club. The Movie Club will meet monthly over Zoom to discuss movies watched, and relatable topics spanning various genres. Audio files will be podcasted and made available for all alumni to listen to.

Interested alumni can send an email to Joe Darrah, Director of Alumni Relations, at joe.darrah@rosemont.edu

Rosemont Alumni Office Hosts Class Gatherings Via Zoom As the College increases its offerings of online alumni events during the pandemic, alumni from across the country have been gathering via Zoom to stay connected.

Since early June, the Office of Alumni Relations opened this opportunity to those classes that were anticipating celebrating reunion on campus this summer, and we will now be offering other classes the same opportunity moving forward.

Alumni Online Trivia Night: July 28 @ 7 p.m. ET

As of early July, the following classes have zoomed together to reminisce about their days at Rosemont and catch up on each other's lives today: 1950, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1995, & 2000.

President Jayson Boyers was also a participant during each event as he continues to be introduced to our alumni.

Want to host a zoom for your class? Please email Joe Darrah, Director of Alumni Relations, at joe.darrah@rosemont.edu

Our next online trivia night will focus on the TV Shows Friends and The Office.

Register Here

Alumni: Click Here to give us your most up-to-date information

Let us know your contact information, your career success, your family’s travel plans, or any good news you would like to share with the Rosemont Community.

These are extraordinary times.

Thank you to all who have supported Rosemont’s Experience Fund.

Even though the pandemic has changed so much, your gift to the Rosemont Experience Fund ensures that our students receive the high-quality Rosemont experience.

Make your annual gift today to support

the POWER of small Rosemont.edu/give

Campus Enhancement Underway

The campus paving has been made possible by the generous donations of several alumni and friends of the College, and we are grateful to each one.

Learn More About Campus Enhancement Projects

Sport Management Student Launches Soccer Podcast Zach Young ’22 is combining his love for soccer and his business saavy by creating a Soccer Podcast.

Read more about Zach here.

Professional Tips for Summertime!

• Update your resume and cover letters • Build experience with a summer internship or job • Create a Linkedin profile • Shadow a professional • Go to a networking event • Create a professional email account

We are Open and Here to Help You

Our staff is working hard and here to help you, even though we are operating on a social distancing schedule. Reach out!

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Office of Experiential Opportunities & Post Graduate Success (travis.marshall@rosemont.edu 610-527-0200 x 3107) postgradsuccess@rosemont.edu).

The office will be accessible by email and responsive to voicemails during this remote period.

Recorded professional training webinars from Rosemont & SEPCHE institutions are available Click here for topics that include Resume, LinkedIn, Job search, and experiential learning Open Office Zoom hours on Wednesday from 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm Click here for Zoom links and times. We will provide assistance with experiential learning (employment, internship, professional development, post graduation options, study abroad, etc.) resources and information.

rcpostgrad rcpostgrad rcpostgrad rosemontcollegepostgradsuccess

Follow us

Rosemont College’s Mission values “reverence for the

Next issue of

Sept. 2020 ROCO is looking forward to knowing how you are social distancing while enjoying yourself this summer; whether it is a fabulous trip, an internship, a marriage, or a get together with your Rosemont friends.

www.rosemont.edu

Send us your Photos Send us a picture of yourself wearing Rosemont gear and we will send you a thank you. rosemont.edu/roconnections or email us at collegerelations@rosemont.edu

dignity of each person” Rosemont College is fully committed to the health of every person.

We wear our masks to protect every one of us!

Protect the Nest!