Pray for Peace
In late October, members of the College community gathered to pray for peace and nonviolence on our campus, in our country and for our world.
The prayer began with a gathering in the Rotunda in Saint Joseph Hall. First-year graduate student, Huan Zhang reflected about her experiences with issues of diversity in her home country of China.
“Most of the time we get along very well,” said Zhang in her reflection. “Because of the differences, people often misunderstand each other, but the most important thing is we always love each other.”
The prayer then moved to the College’s Peace Pole where faculty, staff and students asked for peace to prevail on earth.
The College’s Office of Mission and Ministry hosts a monthly community prayer, where the College community is encouraged to pray in each other’s company.
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“Every Time a Bell Rings, an Angel Gets His Wings!”
If you can identify the movie that contains this quote you’re probably among the millions who count the Frank Capra film, “It’s a Wonderful Life” among your holiday favorites. Made in 1946 and starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed, the story details the life of George Bailey (Stewart) who has so many problems, he’s thinking of ending his life, believing everyone would be better off if he wasn’t around, indeed, how much better they would be if he had never been born.
Clarence, a guardian angel-in-waiting, steps in and shows George what life in the small community of Bedford Falls would really have been like if he got his wish.
This American classic is one of the most popular movies ever made, and this year, CHC’s Mask & Foil Drama Club will present this timeless show in an adapted stage performance over the weekend of November 20-22.
Nearly all of the 25 cast members are CHC students, and the play is directed by Brielle Frasca ’17.
Tickets are on sale beginning November 9 outside the Dining Hall during lunch and dinner, or call the Office of Residence Life at 215-248-7118 to reserve them.
Performances will be held in the Motherhouse Auditorium on Friday, November 20, at 8 p.m.; Saturday, November 21, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, November 22, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5 for CHC students and children 10 and under and $8 for adults.
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Get a Head Start on a Profession
A representative from USLI, a small insurance carrier in Wayne, Pa., visited campus in late October to talk to students about possible internships and job opportunities in a variety of business fields within their organization.
USLI’s College Help Program has student positions available in Wayne and in its branch offices in Mission Viejo and San Ramon, California; Austin, Texas; and Chicago. The company offers work experiences that prepare students for their next professional step and a chance to explore a career in the insurance industry. It also offers an Educational Assistance Plan that helps students earn tax-exempt money to pay down student loans as they work.
“Meeting with these kinds of representatives and gathering information — and then following through — is one way our students can get a head start on a rewarding career in the field they are studying here,” says Nancy Dachille, director of career development. “We strongly encourage all CHC students to explore their options by stopping by the Office of Career Development to talk with us.”
Visit http://customers.usli.com/sites/collegehelp/student-careers.html for more information on USLI.
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Charitable Trust Aids CHC Students
Trustees from the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust, located in West Conshohocken, Pa., visit Chestnut Hill College every other year to meet the students whose education the Trust helps fund. This year, 25 scholarship recipients joined W.W. Smith representatives, Louise Havens and Michelle Montgomery, in the Rotunda to share their experiences.
Since 1979, W.W. Smith has donated more than $1.5 million to students in the School of Undergraduate Studies. These students must attend full time and exhibit financial need.
This year, sophomore Heather Darabos spoke to the group about her experience and how the financial help from W.W. Smith helped her continue her education.
“It was the best decision to stay here, which I was able to do because of this award,” said Darabos, an education major whose specialty is math remediation. She then shared the plans she and her husband have to go on a long-term mission to Guatamala after she graduates.
“I want to make a difference and Chestnut Hill College has prepared me for that," she said.
Sister Carol closed the gathering with a few words, ending by saying, “W.W. Smith makes it possible and changes lives. Blessings to them for showering us with your generosity.”
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Career Development Career Guides
Making personal connections can often make all the difference, especially for students who may be questioning their major or career goals. Talking with someone with the background to provide advice and guidance can be just what’s needed to help those students refocus. To that end, the staff of Career Development held a “Meet & Greet” in the Redmond Room in mid-October, where they could make those personal connections.
“It was great to meet and begin a long-term relationship with our sophomore students,” says Nancy Dachille, director of career development. “We have so many wonderful resources and connections which benefit the students — so the sooner students connect with us, the better off they will be in the long run.”
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Fourth Annual Stephen N. Berk Memorial Award Given
The Stephen N. Berk Memorial Award was created in honor of Stephen Berk, Ph.D., ABPN, a beloved member of the CHC community who passed away in 2012.
His students found Dr. Berk to be talented and compassionate; commenting often on his ability to make complicated subjects comprehensible and his encouragement when they were struggling with courses or with life. He was a role model on how to balance a stellar career and rich personal life for his students and colleagues, alike. In 2012, Chestnut Hill College established the Stephen N. Berk Memorial Award to honor his lifelong work as a clinician, educator and mentor.
This year’s award went to Scott Levson, a Year V student in the Psy.D. Program who met the following criteria: academic excellence, leadership in and beyond the program, a commitment to service, a sense of humor and joie de vivre – all qualities possessed by Dr. Berk.
“Scott has been consistently eager, engaged and excited about the profession of psychology and has been a supportive cohort member and pleasure to have in the classroom,” says Cheryll Rothery, Psy.D., ABPP, associate professor of psychology and chair of the department. “Scott exemplifies all that we loved about Steve, and we are confident that he will continue Steve’s legacy of dedication to the field and the people it serves.”
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What Would it Be Like to Have an “Empty Bowl?”
Every day in Philadelphia, up to 1,000 children go without a meal or a place to call home. To draw attention to this staggering statistic and to raise funds to find lasting solutions to family homelessness and its underlying causes, the Philadelphia Interfaith Hospitality Network holds an annual Empty Bowl Dinner. For years, this event was held at CHC, but now is held at the Lutheran Seminary Brossman Center Benbow Hall at 7301 Germantown Ave.
Three seatings are available on Wednesday, November 18: from 4 – 5:30 p.m.; 5:30 – 7 p.m.; and 7 – 8:30 p.m. Minimum donation for the dinner, entertainment and family-friendly activities is $20 for adults and $10 for students and children. The evening’s host is Mike McGrath, host of WHYY’s “You Bet Your Garden.”
Guests receive a free handcrafted bowl and enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast of fresh soups, breads and desserts. At the end of the meal, each attendee leaves with their empty bowl as a reminder of the many children and families who never have enough to eat.
Because seating is limited, advance ticket purchase is advised by visiting www.philashelter.org or calling 215-247-4663, ext. 102.
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Let Us Know Your CHC “Points of Pride”
Do you have a special memory of CHC or a fun fact about the College you think we should know? We’re looking to update the website and our marketing materials and we want to hear from YOU. Contact CHCPride@chc.edu and your story could be used on the website or in our next marketing brochure!