National Piano Month may be in September, but on the campus of Chestnut Hill College, the sounds of the ebony and ivory keys resonated through the walls during the month of February as the College was privileged to host two world-renowned artists for free concerts celebrating history, music, and artistry.
If you’ve been outside of the basement of St. Joseph Hall recently, you may have noticed something different. A few weeks ago, an Amazon Hub Locker was installed on campus, and the College community has already been reaping the benefits.
Even the warm weather and less than frigid temperatures couldn’t put a damper on the 8th Annual Chestnut Hill on Ice (CHOI) Festival, which this year, featured a new participant as Chestnut Hill College took part in the annual festival for the first – but certainly not last – time.
With the sun shining bright, Chestnut Hill College celebrated a week like no other in the College’s history as students from the classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022 all came together to be honored as CHC graduates as part of the College’s 95th Annual Commencement held from May 19th – 21st.
For all the excitement surrounding this year’s event, one of the most unique elements of Reunion 2022 is the debut of a very special beer brewed in honor of Sister Carol and in celebration of the impact she has made over her 30-year tenure as CHC President.
The harsh reality of life is that sometimes, things won’t go the way we plan, but when that happens, we have to keep going, and “when a door closes on you - just breathe.” That was at the heart of the advice that Jesse Balcer, M.S. ’11, Director of Athletics and Recreation at Chestnut Hill College, gave when he addressed a room full of students, faculty, and staff at the Agape Latte event in late February.
In such a competitive work environment, having the right experience can be crucial. Students fresh out of their undergraduate programs are expected to cobble a resume together that shows extensive experience in addition to academic success.
The Board of Directors of Chestnut Hill College and the Sisters of St. Joseph are pleased to announce that William W. Latimer, Ph.D., M.P.H. will become the seventh President of Chestnut Hill College, effective July 1, 2022. In succeeding Carol Jean Vale, SSJ, Ph.D., Latimer is set to become the first lay president in Chestnut Hill College’s 98+ year history.
For 30 years, Sister Carol has been the stalwart leader at the helm of remarkable progress and growth, helping to elevate Chestnut Hill College to exceptional heights over her tenure as president. Three decades of love, dedication, enthusiasm, and commitment have been evident, as is the lasting mark she leaves upon her retirement.
After a year away, Chestnut Hill College’s in-person Carol Night returned in all of its festive glory on the night of December 3, 2021. The Rotunda was packed from floor to floor with members of the CHC community gathering together to ring in the holiday season in the only way Griffins know how...with music!
More than 400 guests from across the country logged on for Chestnut Hill College’s 12th Annual Scholarship Gala, which took place virtually on Thursday, May 13th. For more than a decade, the Chestnut Hill College community has come together annually to showcase the true spirit and mission of the College for the Scholarship Gala. The event serves as the largest fundraiser for the College, with all proceeds directly funding student scholarships.
The Reverend James Martin, SJ, an award-winning author, an internationally renowned speaker and columnist, and editor-at-large of the Jesuit magazine America will deliver the 94th Commencement address at the College’s virtual ceremony on Saturday, May 8.
Yesterday, the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin concluded. Final arguments were heard and the case was placed in the hands of the jury to begin their deliberations. This has been an emotional journey for all of us, but most especially for our sisters and brothers of color and for the Black community, in particular.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Chestnut Hill College’s Departments of History and Political Science have partnered to host Rep. Madeleine Dean for an informal discussion on women in politics. Moderated by Chair of the History Department, Lorraine Coons, Ph.D., the virtual event will highlight Rep. Dean’s career in politics and her journey to becoming an elected official. Open to the public, the event is free and will feature a Q&A with questions submitted by attendees.
It's Black History Month, but what are the origins and significance of this month-long celebration of African-American contributions to America? Integrated Humanities Center Chair, Suzanne del Gizzo, Ph.D., interviewed CHC's Officer for Diversity and Inclusion, LaKeisha Thorpe, Ph.D., to learn more about the history and importance of Black History Month.
Chestnut Hill College and the Sisters of Saint Joseph jointly announced today that Sister Carol Jean Vale, SSJ, Ph.D., one of the nation’s longest-serving and most accomplished college presidents, will retire after 30 years at the completion of her current five-year term in June 2022.
Dear Members of the College Community,
I am very pleased to announce that we have hired LaKeisha Thorpe, Ph.D., as the College’s Officer for Diversity and Inclusion, effective February 8, 2021. I wish to thank all those involved and especially the members of the search committee for their tremendous efforts to complete this search and to present such a talented and experienced leader for this critical position.
For more than 20 years, Chestnut Hill College has been a leader in the region in serving adult learners looking to begin or complete a certificate, associate, or baccalaureate degree through the Accelerated Adult Degree Program. Recently, the program was spotlighted by Montco.Today.
On behalf of the Chestnut Hill College Community, I want all of you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Wallace’s family, friends, and our West Philadelphia neighbors. Their loss is ours as well.
This year, Chestnut Hill College held its Annual Retirement and Service Awards Ceremony virtually, a celebration that paid tribute to retiring faculty and staff and celebrated all those who serve the CHC community.
On April 9, 2020, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos announced funding for colleges and universities to provide direct emergency cash grants to students whose lives and educations had been disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak. The funding was made available through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act that was signed into law on March 27, 2020.
Chestnut Hill College will use $787,325 it received as part of the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act to directly support students who have demonstrated need and are facing significant financial challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
State Representative Chris Rabb represents the 200th legislative district in Philadelphia County, which includes Mt. Airy and Chestnut Hill.
Frequently Asked Questions for Students General Questions Are there confirmed cases of COVID-19 on campus? At this time, there are no known presumptive or confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Chestnut Hill College.
On Sept. 28, Chestnut Hill College and Women Veterans ROCK — the fastest growing military outreach community of its kind in the U.S. — co-hosted “Stand Up, Be Counted,” an event designed to engage and empower women veterans and service members.
A reporter from the Philadelphia Inquirer toured campus with a professor and a recently exonerated man who spent 21 years in prison after a wrongful conviction.
Holocaust survivor Ronnie Breslow visited campus last week to share the story of how she and her family persevered through history's darkest days.
Students can pick out interview-appropriate attire at no cost at the Career Closet, a donation-based program on campus for students feeling discouraged or ill-equipped because they have nothing to wear on job interviews.
Nobel Peace Prize nominee Rev. John Dear spoke on campus last week to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Institute for Forgiveness and Reconciliation.
Four women who serve the Philadelphia public in various roles recently shared their personal stories and the lessons they learned on their way to success.
On March 27, professor Marie Conn, Ph.D., will screen “Eva: A-7063,” a documentary about Holocaust survivor Eva Mozes Kor, who happens to be friends with Conn.
The Food Pantry is the result of a dedicated group of staff and faculty who worked together to create a solution for students experiencing food insecurity or insufficiency.
Philadelphia Councilperson Allan Domb visited CHC to speak to students about real estate and City Council.
Mary Ciammetti, whose 20-year-old son died from alcohol poisoning in 2015, recently spoke to students about the tragic consequences of binge drinking as part of her education initiative, “Don’t Stall, Just Call.”
Co-sponsored by PA State Senator Art Haywood and Representative Chris Rabb, as well as DBHIDS, Chestnut Hill College hosted a Narcan Overdose Training session.
Chestnut Hill College recently celebrated the grand opening of the Beatlab — an on-campus music studio where students can produce beats, songs and messages of social justice.
It’s official: Chestnut Hill College is now a member of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy Architectural Hall of Fame!
NBC10 Anchor and Reporter Rosemary Connors recently hosted Chestnut Hill College's Annual Carol Night, a tradition that never fails to remind us of one simple yet important truth: No place celebrates Christmas like the College.
With just over a week left until the 2018 Election, Rep. Dwight Evans visited Chestnut Hill College to discuss campaign issues and stress the importance of voting.
On Monday, October 15, Chestnut Hill College welcomed congressional candidate Pearl Kim to campus to share her story and engage with the College community on election issues and the future of politics.
Chestnut Hill College is now a tobacco-free campus, which is something that offers immense benefits to students, faculty/staff and visitors alike.
Chestnut Hill College recently welcomed 24 international students from 11 different countries to study here for the fall semester.
Welcome to our new Connections section: #GriffinPride. Our students, faculty and staff are always doing great things on campus and in the community and, most of the time, they use social media to share their stories.
Mark your calendars now for a variety of fun and intriguing programming in March and early April.
With a commitment to serve rooted in our mission, Chestnut Hill College was proud to continue a long-standing tradition of service, reflection and remembrance in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.
It’s Super Bowl week in Philadelphia and at Chestnut Hill College as all week, students are being encouraged to wear green and wear Eagles gear to support the team.
This year's fall senior seminar, which took place on November 29, showcased 105 graduating seniors representing 17 majors.
When you work at an institution of higher learning it’s not unusual for people to ask the question, “It’s summer and there are no students here, so what do you do?” At Chestnut Hill College, that answer often comes down to two words: summer camps.
Two years ago, two students had a dream of creating a campus organization that would provide help and information to students struggling with mental health issues.
The Griffin Garden Club was started in 2014 by students interested in combining their knowledge of food production and enjoyment of community service into an enduring project that would serve CHC students and others for a long time to come.
A mere seven years after the order of the Sisters of Saint Joseph was founded in 1650 by Father Jean Pierre Medaille, SJ, he presented them with 100 maxims, or short prayerful guides, to live by.
Prior to Commencement, student accomplishments were celebrated at the annual Student Leadership Awards Banquet.
“I believe Black History Month is very important and is one of the many ways that we show appreciation for those who paved the way before us,” said Tomas Greer ’15, in a segment in The Griffin, student newspaper.
When Sister Carol wanted to engage with Philadelphia students, she contacted State Senator Art Haywood who then reached out to Keisha Wilkins, principal of Martin Luther King High School. They were on board immediately.
The 8th Annual Lily’s Loop Walk attracted the largest group of walkers in its history on a perfect October day. More than 100 participants helped raise $975 to benefit the Lily’s Hope Foundation, which supports premature babies and their families with unexpected expenses due to the baby’s early arrival.
With Gratitude —
Streaming sunlight and unseasonably warm weather welcomed more than 100 guests to the 2016 President’s Circle Brunch held at the Commonwealth Chateau at SugarLoaf on October 30.
Plan Ahead
Residence halls close for the various breaks during the fall semester. Please make your travel arrangements now in accordance with these dates and times. Specific details regarding each break will be distributed with procedures for proper check-out.
The goal has gotten bigger every year for Chestnut Hill College’s Griffins Against Cancer (GAC) organization. In 2014, its first year, the club participated in Villanova’s Relay for Life. By the second year, the club became an official chapter of the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) “Colleges Against Cancer” and co-sponsored the Relay for Life at Arcadia University, helping to raise more than $2,200 for the ACS.
Welcome students to another exciting academic year at CHC!
Please note some upcoming dates of which you should be aware:
New Student Move-In Day: Friday, August 19
Returning Student Move-In Day: Sunday, August 21
Brian Haughton ’05 SCPS comes from a long line of men who have been of service to others — both grandfathers, his father and uncle all were Philadelphia police officers. So it’s not surprising that he found his way to a career serving the public.
Staff and faculty filled the Redmond Room to say a bittersweet farewell to four of their retiring colleagues. As Sister Carol said in her opening remarks, “Endings are seldom easy, but each step leads to new wonders.”
The Institute for Forgiveness and Reconciliation (IFR), the history club and history honor society, Phi Alpha Theta, and the Black Student Union (BSU) set out to engage and educate the College community on issues facing the African-American population today and in the past in honor of Black History Month.
Chestnut Hill College’s Office of Career Development hosted a business networking and recruiting event in mid-February during which students had the chance to make connections and find potential internships.
Students arriving at the Fun at One event in the Student Activities Office on February 17 were treated to a special yogurt bar and giveaways from the College Bookstore in exchange for learning something about the world of philanthropy.
Participants will have the chance to propose solutions to global issues before presenting their findings in front of members of the United Nations.
For the first time, Chestnut Hill College hosted close to 200 students from five area elementary schools as part of a uniquely tailored eighth grade admissions event.
To educate and encourage students to vote in April's PA primary, the Students’ Political Science Association (SPSA) hosted an Election Palooza, complete with mock elections, polls regarding the campaign issues, information on each of the candidates and more,
About two years ago, a scholarship was established to recognize students who have served their communities in outstanding ways, whose history of making a positive impact on their schools, their faith communities and other areas helped them stand out as leaders.
Chestnut Hill College’s Institute for Forgiveness and Reconciliation (IFR) and the Black Student Union hosted Sharon Katz and The Peace Train for a rousing concert by the four-person band and a showing of Katz’s award-winning documentary “When Voices Meet.”
Griffins of legend are powerful and strong. How could it be otherwise for a creature that blends the head and wings of an eagle with the body, back legs and tail of a lion? CHC Griffins are also powerful and strong, and several departments in the College are determined to ensure they stay that way.
The College recently hosted a Wellness Day, sponsored by Student Life with participation from Student Activities, Counseling Center, Health Center, Campus Ministry and Janice Kuklick, chair of the physical education department, to encourage students, faculty and staff to create a healthy body-mind-spirit balance in their lives.
After months of planning, Chestnut Hill College hosted its first annual Student Life Symposium at SugarLoaf in October. The conference theme, Collaborative Conversations, was designed to invite colleagues and student life professionals from the Philadelphia region to share concepts, ideas and strategies on how to make the most of their work with students.
In addition to several club sponsored events including open dialogues on race and relations, Chestnut Hill College’s History Club, the Black Student Union, and Phi Alpha Theta will commemorate Black History month by welcoming Lawrence Little, Ph.D., from Villanova University on Thursday, February 18, at 7 p.m. in the East Parlor.
Nearly 500 registered for the 2015 Harry Potter Conference, an annual, interdisciplinary, academic conference. Forty speakers presented papers or gave lectures.
Seventh annual Lily's Loop event was once again a huge success, raising over $1,200 for families in need.
The College community gathered in mid-September for CHC’s annual Opening Liturgy and celebrated the theme, “Love is Our Mission.”
Chestnut Hill College will host its Fourth Annual Harry Potter Conference on October 16, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Returning for the sixth year, CHC will host the Brotherly Love Quidditch Tournament, doing so as defending champions.
In observance of Constitution Day (Sept. 17), the Students’ Political Science Association (SPSA) sponsored several activities, allowing students, faculty and staff to get a firsthand look at the U.S. Constitution.
In preparation for Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia for the World Meeting of Families, Chestnut Hill College will be marking this historic and spiritual event through numerous celebrations. The College’s annual Mission & Legacy week will provide opportunities for the College community and the public to engage in the event.
CHC to offer programs all week long in honor of Pope Francis and his message of mercy and justice for all people.
Sponsored by the Office of Student Life, the College will host its first annual symposium, Collaborative Conversations, which will focus on promoting personal and professional enrichment in a collegial atmosphere as well as fostering dialogue among higher education professionals for sharing the best practices and innovative approaches to the challenges faced in today’s landscape of higher education.
The Rotunda and Sorgenti Arena were transformed for one magical night in May as 340 friends of Chestnut Hill College celebrated its 90th anniversary as part of the annual Scholarship Gala. This year, 32 alumni also were honored as they were inducted into theLibris Society. As Sister Carol Jean Vale, SSJ, Ph.D., president, made her welcoming remarks, she reminded the guests of the many decades of tradition and risk undertaken by the Sisters of Saint Joseph and all the faculty, staff, students, parents, and friends who have spent time on the College grounds.
May 9, the day of CHC’s 88th Commencement, dawned overcast and chilly. For a short time during the ceremony, heavy rain fell, leaving rivulets running around the feet of those in attendance.
Faculty members processed solemnly into Sorgenti Arena on the afternoon of August 22, wearing full regalia, followed by first-year students in black commencement robes. After the day's hustle and bustle, the slower pace had a calming effect on everyone in the room.
Vehicles filled to overflowing. Students and parents navigating unfamiliar terrain--balancing boxes and bags. Chatter and laughter of dozens of new voices. The start of an exciting and promising new year!
