Happy New Year to all! At the College, we’ve had a busy start to 2024 and a real bout of winter weather on campus to remind us all what winter in Pennsylvania can be like.
I’m excited to kick off the year with the great news that all of our 2023 CHC Education graduates earned their Pennsylvania Teacher Certifications! This is a great accomplishment and a testament to both the hard work of our students and the outstanding support provided by our faculty and staff.
In this edition of the newsletter, I am pleased to recognize an extraordinary achievement by one of our outstanding adult learner alumni, share a look back at an exceptional year, and highlight a unique MLK Day of Service collaboration with students and staff from three sponsored educational ministries of the Sisters of Saint Joseph: Chestnut Hill College, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, and Norwood-Fontbonne Academy.
Much more to share in the weeks and months ahead. For now, I wish you and yours a healthy and happy start to 2024.
Sincerely,
Bill Latimer, Ph.D., M.P.H.
President, Chestnut Hill College
Alumni Connections
CHC Alumnus Kevin Bethel '08 SCPS Sworn in as Philadelphia Police Commissioner
I would like to recognize CHC alumnus Kevin Bethel '08 SCPS as he was sworn in on January 3 as the new Police Commissioner for the City of Philadelphia. His legacy of innovation, notably founding the Police School Diversion Program, exemplifies his commitment to youth and justice. Congratulations, Commissioner Bethel, for continuing to lead with unwavering dedication and a spirit of progress!
Coverage from 6ABC news is available online (click here) and stay tuned as we are working to secure an interview with Kevin for future publication.
Around Campus
A Look Back at Chestnut Hill College’s 99th Year
Chestnut Hill College’s 99th year was truly one for the history books. As beloved traditions continued, new beginnings and exciting milestones helped tell the College’s story. Now, as Chestnut Hill College looks ahead to 2024 and its 100th Anniversary, we look back on a memorable year filled with just relationships, athletic successes, academic achievements, and brand-new partnerships with eyes toward the future and the next 100 years.
Read More: 99 Years and Counting: Chestnut Hill College's 2023 Year-in-Review
Community Connections
Students from Pre-K to College Serving The Dear Neighbor to Honor the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
On Friday, January 12, students and staff from three sponsored educational ministries of the Sisters of Saint Joseph – Chestnut Hill College, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, and Norwood-Fontbonne Academy – participated in a service day to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. The day started with a prayer service to ground all participants in the Sisters of Saint Joseph spirituality and the legacy of Dr. King to fight injustice.
During the service, NFA students were paired with MSJA and CHC students, along with volunteering faculty and staff, to create an assembly line. The volunteers worked together to assemble meal packages that feed a household of six people. After each set of five bags was filled, a student rang a bell to celebrate the good work of the volunteers. Through Kids Against Hunger’s Philadelphia chapter, the meal packages assembled by the volunteers will be distributed in Philadelphia and the surrounding five counties and sent abroad to disaster areas for people in need.
This effort is part of a new initiative between the sponsored educational ministries led by Krista Murphy, Ph.D., Vice President of Strategic Innovation at Chestnut Hill College. This initiative between the schools is an opportunity for staff and faculty, who are all serving different ages of students, to exchange ideas and to further the charism of the sisters. “The key things that the Sisters desire, is that we are all working to take care of thy dear neighbor and the message of inclusion spans from young children to adults. It was amazing to see how 5th graders and college students can give word to mission that is age-appropriate. Through this day of service, we are all partners in inclusivity, and we are making sure to do God’s work together,” says Murphy.
Read More: SSJ-Sponsored Works Team up for MLK Day of Service
Read previous issues of From the President's Desk - Chestnut Hill College newsletter here.
