Annual Report 2008–09
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Vision Dedication to Excellence Community Service Beyond One’s Self Respect Dedication Extraordinary Service Beyond One’s Self Respect Vision Dedication to Excellence Community Community Do Something Extraordinary Vision Respect Do Something Extraordinary Vision Dedication to Excellence Service Beyond One’s Self Community Cabrini Dedication Respect Vision Community Do Something Extraordinary Vision College Respect Annual Report 2008-2009 The Nov. 15 Inauguration of Marie Angelella George, Ph.D., seventh president of Cabrini College, highlighted the 2008 Cabrini Week celebration. The theme, “Service Beyond One’s Self,” was a central message of President George’s Inaugural Address, in which she introduced a seven-point plan for Cabrini’s future. The plan showcased Justice Matters, the groundbreaking new core curriculum that prepares students to address local and global issues of social justice. President George also committed to reconnect with alumni; a fitting statement, since alumni representing each of the College’s 50 graduating classes marched in the inaugural procession. The ceremony was followed by several on-campus luncheons where President George greeted members of the College community. At an evening inaugural gala in Norristown, Pa., Janet Samuels, Ph.D., superintendent of Norristown School District, delivered the keynote President George delivered the inaugural address address and spoke about the College’s partnership with the people of in which she pledged to honor the College’s Norristown. tradition of “Service Beyond One’s Self.” President George was whisked from the gala to celebrate with students at the Black & White Inaugural Ball in the Mansion, where she was officially welcomed by the newly crowned Mr. and Miss Cabrini—John Solewin ’11 and Mary Kate Korp ’09. Cabrini Week (Nov. 9-16) began with an alumni reception for the Graphic Design and Fine Arts Faculty Show. Tom Roberts, editor of The National Catholic Reporter, presented “Catholic and American: an Examination of Conscience” as part of the Contemporary American Catholicism Lecture Series. The week also featured an academic symposium, “From Service to Solidarity: New Directions in Higher Education;” several liturgies; and student research presentations on the theme of health care and social justice. Cabrini Day, Nov. 13, featured Walter Tsou, M.D., of the University of Pennsylvania and former president of the American Public Health Association, who spoke to an audience of more than 200 on “National Health Insurance: Has the Time Come?” President Marie George and her husband, Francis, celebrated with students at the Black & White Inaugural Ball in the Mansion. Joan F. Lyon ’59 represented her class at the installation ceremony. Letter from the PRESIDENT June 30, 2009 Dear Friends of Cabrini College, I am pleased to present the Annual Report of Cabrini College for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, and the Honor Roll of Donors who supported the College during the period. Looking back on my first year as President of Cabrini College, I realize how truly blessed I am. Welcomed into Cabrini College’s community of learners by Board Chair Terry Cavanaugh ’74 and retiring President Antoinette Iadarola, mentored lovingly by President Emerita Sr. Mary Louise Sullivan, MSC ’63, Ph.D., and concluding a whirlwind of Inauguration events on a jam-packed dance floor at the students’ Black & White Ball, I understand why so many have such deep affection for this extraordinary institution. I learned so much this year by listening to faculty, students, staff, the Trustees, and especially from alumni I met at events throughout Pennsylvania and in Florida, Chicago, and New York. What I heard resoundingly is that so many of you are invested in the College, and in the future of Cabrini. It is imperative that Cabrini remain a relevant educational institution, where transformational learning occurs both inside and outside of the classroom. I discovered also that many alumni have great fondness for those who taught them. Sr. Patricia Spillane ’64, Superior Generalate of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, came to campus in October 2008 and took special joy in greeting her former philosophy professor Joe Romano, then in his 49th year as a Cabrini faculty member. Also in October the nation’s and the worldwide economy began to falter, challenging us as stewards of the College’s resources. We had to react quickly, trimming spending and increasing financial aid by $150,000 to ease the burden on undergraduates in need so they could return for the spring semester. The Financial Aid Office worked to insure that each of the College’s 32 endowed scholarships would be awarded; while the Alumni Association increased fundraising activities in support of its newly established scholarship. By year’s end, the Alumni Association had made two scholarship awards rather than one as originally intended. Although not detailed in the financial report, revenue for FY 2008-09 was buoyed by more than 1,700 students enrolled at 21 offsite graduate education programs…but we understand that this revenue is not likely to continue on a long-term basis. Faced with the prospect of a continuing economic downturn in the coming fiscal year, we proposed a budget for FY 2009-10 that reduced general operating expenses by $1.9 million and increased financial aid to incoming and returning students by $620,000. In summary, we remain committed to help students continue their Cabrini education in a difficult economy while maintaining academic excellence, and providing the curricular and co-curricular support students need to develop as engaged citizens of a global society. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued generosity in these difficult times. Marie A. George, Ph.D. President CABRINI COLLEGE | 1 2008-09 HIGHLIGHTS Marie Angelella George, Ph.D., Welcomed as Seventh President Dr. George assumed the presidency on July 1, 2008, after an extensive national search and unanimous vote by the College’s Board of Trustees. From 2003-08, Dr. George was executive vice president at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H., and prior to that, vice president and director of planning and institutional effectiveness at the University of Scranton. President Marie George welcomed first-year students at the campus picnic following the matriculation ceremony on Aug. 20, 2008. Cokie Roberts (right) with students at the Ivy Young Willis event. President Marie George (second from left) with Athletic Hall of Fame inductees (from left) James Hedtke, Ph.D., Melissa Posse ’99, Janet Cobb Ryerson ’59 and John Keating ’82. Four Inducted into Athletic Hall of Fame More than 120 guests attended the annual Athletic Hall of Fame on Oct. 3, 2008, to see four new members join Cabrini’s athletic elite. James Hedtke, Ph.D., (softball coach), John Keating ’82 (basketball), Melissa Posse ’99 (basketball) and Janet Cobb Ryerson ’59 (basketball) were honored. 2 | 2008-09 ANNUAL REPORT President George Greets Alumni and Friends of the College Beginning in January 2009, President Marie George embarked on a national tour to meet alumni and friends of the College. Highlights of the tour included an event at Madison Square Garden in New York following a Cavaliers Alumni enjoyed a reception with President Marie George at Madison women’s basketball game, and at the Square Garden in New York. From left: Michele Waldron-Daly ’72, Comcast Center in Philadelphia. President George, Trustee Mary Ellen Jaindl Roper ’72, Trustee Elizabeth Riley Bell ’69 and Mary Ryan-Zanotti ’72. Nets for Nets Scores in Fight Against Malaria in Africa Cokie Roberts Receives Ivy The Nets for Nets fundraising event during the Young Willis Award men’s and women’s basketball double-header on Jan. 22, 2009, raised $700 for 100 bed-nets to ABC News political commentator and Broadcasting help prevent the spread of malaria in The Gambia and Cable Hall of Fame member Cokie Roberts in West Africa. For each basket the Cavaliers scored received the 2009 Ivy Young Willis Award on Feb. that evening, Cabrini and Catholic Relief Services 5, 2009. Roberts, also a senior news analyst raised $7, or the for National Public Radio, was honored for her cost of one bed-net. contributions in the field of public affairs. Roberts The Cavaliers swept spoke to an audience of more than 400 about Immaculata University her career in by scores of 79-66 broadcasting (men’s) and 70-51 and her work in (women’s). A trustee public affairs. She was inspired by the also discussed students and matched her recent the amount raised, book, “Ladies of bringing the total to Liberty,” which $1,400. pays homage to women who helped shape Lamar Fisher ’11 America. competed during the Nets for Nets basketball fund- raiser. CABRINI COLLEGE | 3 Students Document Partnerships During Trip to Guatemala In February 2009, Cabrini communication students and President George, as part of her pledge at inauguration, visited Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC) missions in Guatemala. The group also visited the San Lucas Toliman Mission and saw coffee beans farmed as a part of the Juan Ana Coffee Project, which provides sustainable living for coffee farmers by paying fair wages for their coffee. Cabrini communication students and an alumnus visit with students at San Lucas Toliman Mission in Guatemala. Back row: Christine Graf ’09, Ryan McCarthy ’06, Jessica Hagerty ’09. Middle row: Kara Schneider ’09, Megan Pellegrino ’09, Jillian Smith ’09. History in the Making: Two Commencements Kenneth F. Hackett, president of Catholic Relief Services, and Janet C. Samuels, Ph.D., superintendent of the The first-place team enjoyed their victory. Norristown School District, addressed Front row (L-R): the undergraduate and graduate Courtney Smith ’00, Commencements, respectively, on Bobby Maro ’06. Back row (L-R): Jay Cunnick May 17, 2009.