Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Cabrini University Kicks off its 60th Anniversary Celebration

January 26, 2017

This year, 2017, Cabrini University turns 60! Throughout the year, the Cabrini community will commemorate all that Cabrini has accomplished since its founding in 1957. Here are ways you can get involved:

Today, the University is hosting its Kick-Off Event in the Mansion at 4 pm
Honor Cabrini’s past and celebrate its future, including a telling of Cabrini’s 60-year story, during this 60th Anniversary kick-off event.

Spirit of Service Award

To honor 60 years, the University is encouraging the Cabrini community to perform and record a collective 60,000 hours of service in 2017. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends are invited to dedicate their service hours in 2017 to Cabrini. Service hours can be through Cabrini-sponsored events or their personal service. Awards will be given to those who have achieved certain levels of service throughout the year.

Sock Drive to Break Guinness World Record

As a part of the 60^th Anniversary celebration, on February15, from noon–8 pm, the Cabrini community will be challenged to break a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ title for the Largest Sock Drive in 8 Hours—Single Location. Cabrini will partner with The Joy of Sox to deliver the socks to the homeless after they are collected.

Members of the Cabrini community can support the Cabrini Annual Fund and The Joy of Sox by purchasing socks from the Alumni Office (for $5, you can purchase two pairs of men’s wool socks, with $2 going toward the Annual Fund, adding you to the list of donors participating in the 1,957 Donor Challenge.) Donated socks also can purchased (to support the greatest need, men’s wool socks are preferred) anywhere they are sold.

Christmas at Cabrini is a beloved tradition

December 13, 2016

On December 10^th, Cabrini University alumni returned to campus with their children and grandchildren to experience the magic of Christmas on Cabrini’s

beautiful campus with festive treats, crafts, music, photos with Santa, and a horse-drawn carriage ride. This is the fifth annual Christmas at Cabrini and it has

quickly become a beloved tradition. A jolly good time was had by all

Cabrini University is Named College of the Year by National Hispanic Institute

November 17, 2016

Cabrini University Named College of the Year by the National Hispanic Institute (NHI) during the organization’s annual Celebración event in McAllen, Texas.

Brian Eury, University Chief of Staff and VP of Community Partnerships and External Relations, accepts the award on behalf of Cabrini.

Cabrini received the award for being one of the organization’s strongest partners and for recognizing the importance and impact of NHI’s mission on the University’s campus.

In 2014, Cabrini established its partnership with NHI when Donald B. Taylor, Ph.D. began his tenure as President of Cabrini.

“The partnership between Cabrini and NHI was a natural fit, built upon a common mission to cultivate leaders and make a college degree more accessible,” said Taylor. “We are honored to receive this award and look forward to our continued work together.”

For the past three years, Cabrini has hosted NHI for its annual Collegiate World Series, a five-day program that provides high-achieving Latino students from across the U.S., Mexico, and the Dominican Republic insight into the college admissions process, financial aid, and strategic planning for personal and professional success.

“As the University continues on its pathway to become a Hispanic Serving Institution, our work with NHI has created a solid foundation to build essential relationships with the Hispanic community,” said Taylor.

As NHI’s showcase event, Celebración is a four-day experience for high school and undergraduate students to introduce them to community social entrepreneurship as part of their continued involvement in leadership training. The event culminates with an awards ceremony. ~ from a Cabrini University press release

Cabrini University Named to President’s Community Service Honor Roll

November 8, 2016

Cabrini University has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, highlighting more than 27,500 hours of service completed by Cabrini students.

In the past decade, Cabrini has received this honor nine times. The University also was recognized in the Interfaith Honor Roll and the Education Honor Roll, both with distinction.

The Honor Roll recognizes colleges and universities across the nation that reflect the values of exemplary community service and achieve meaningful outcomes for their communities.

“We are proud of the incredible amount of service provided by Cabrini students,” said Thomas Southard, Director of theWolfington Center at Cabrini University. “Our work is broad, across soup kitchens, international relief agencies, schools, and so many other organizations. And it’s also deep; our students are doing research, advocating for others, and supporting business plans for nonprofits. This is the core of Cabrini’s Education of the Heart.”

Evaluation for the Honor Roll is based on scope and innovation of service projects, the extent to which service learning permeates the curriculum, commitment to long-term campus-community partnerships, and measurable community outcomes of the service.

Through its Justice Matters core curriculum, Cabrini ensures that each student has the opportunity to participate in service-learning coursework in addition to participating in direct and indirect service opportunities.

Cabrini’s inclusion in the Honor Roll is made possible through its Engagements with the Common Good (ECG) courses along with its long-standing community partnerships, including the University’s partner city of Norristown, Pa.

Through these programs, students:

Addressed the high school drop-out rates among Latino students by mentoring middle and high school students and helping them with homework, fitting in at school, and adjusting to life in the Norristown area.
Led efforts to end hunger in the Philadelphia region by partnering with hunger relief organizations to create a series of programs at the University to educate the community and engage people in direct service
Partnered with Cabrini Ministries in Swaziland to provide professional development to Swazi teens who were aging out of the mission’s services, and to prepare lesson plans to help Swazi students learn English
Collaborated with faculty and staff, as well as national and local organizations including the Laurel House and Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, to support domestic violence prevention, awareness, and education efforts
Encouraged interfaith dialogue through campuswide services, fellowship meals, and a lecture series to further weave interfaith worship more seamlessly into the fabric of the University

The Corporation for National and Community Service oversees the Honor Roll in collaboration with the Department of Education, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Campus Compact and the American Council on Education.

For more information on the President’s Honor Roll, please visit nationalservice.gov.

Cabrini University Hosts National Conference on Body Image

October 26, 2016

Cabrini Hosts TLC Reality Star for National Conference on Body Image

Whitney Way Thore

On Oct. 26-27, Cabrini University will hold a National Conference on Body Image to examine ways to combat body shaming and champion acceptance.

Whitney Way Thore, TLC reality star and founder of No Body Shame, will provide the keynote on Oct. 27 at 7 p.m.

With panel discussions, presentations, and workshops, the program will encourage attendees to examine body image through diverse perspectives including religion, pop culture, and art.

National Conference on Body Image

The two-day conference is hosted by the University’s Department of English and the Gender and Body Studies program. Registration is open to the public.

“Body image is an issue that impacts all of us. From staring at magazine covers in line at the grocery store to scrolling through social media, we are bombarded with the notion that we are insufficient,” said Michelle Filling-Brown, PhD, Chair and Associate Professor of the Department of English at Cabrini and Coordinator of the Gender and Body Studies program. “I am grateful to the KatherineAlexandra Foundation for sponsoring this conference that brings world renowned speakers to our campus to talk about these pressures with students and community members.”

Thore’s viral YouTube series, “A Fat Girl Dancing” thrusted her into the spotlight and sparked a global conversation about body image. Currently, Thore stars in the TLC reality show My Big Fat Fabulous Life, which showcases Whitney’s family and friends, her dance career, and her journey to mental physical and emotional health.

As a body-positive activist and self-love advocate, Whitney founded the No Body Shame Campaign to help men and women of every variety rise above the negativity that society imposes on anyone who is “different” and love and live their lives free of shame.

The conference is supported by the KatherineAlexandra Foundation which promotes an improved quality of life by enhancing the whole person – inside and out.

For registration and program details, visit cabrini.edu/bodyimageconf.

body-image-kate-and-michelle-1-cr-img_1327-jpg

Dr. Michelle Filling-Brown, (l.) Chair of the English Department, welcomes Kate Byard of Exeter University in the UK, to the 2016 National Undergraduate Conference on Body Image. Kate will be presenting on body image in the digital world.

PA Secretary of Education Discusses Leadership and Service at Cabrini University

October 26, 2016

PA Secretary of Education Discusses Leadership and Service at Cabrini

On October 25, Cabrini welcomed Pedro Rivera, Pennsylvania Secretary of Education, as an Executive in Residence.Cabrini’s Executives in Residence are selected for their extraordinary spiritual, emotional, and organizational leadership accomplishments.

Hosted by Cabrini’s Nerney Leadership Institute, the program brings renowned leaders to campus to discuss how their leadership style is impacted by a commitment to service.

Rivera has been recognized for his efforts to transform urban education as the Superintendent of the School District of Lancaster and was one of only 10 Hispanic leaders in the U.S. to be honored by the White House as a Champion of Change for doing “extraordinary work in education.”

While at Cabrini, Rivera spoke about leading with a commitment to the diverse communities and constituents he continues to serve at the state level.

Rivera was nominated by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf to serve as the Secretary of Education on Jan. 20, 2015, and was confirmed by the state Senate in June 2015.

During his time as Superintendent of the School District of Lancaster—a position he held from 2008 to 2015—he helped develop and implement a new curriculum, an aggressive professional development plan and innovative teacher observation tools. These initiatives resulted in an increased graduation rate and notable improvements in math, science and writing proficiency scores, and enhanced the level of participation from high-performing students in programs that help prepare them for college and other post-graduation opportunities.

He also led the development of a community-schools model that provides students with free breakfast, lunch, eyeglasses, dental care and medical services.

He also served as president of the Pennsylvania League of Urban Schools. Having spent his entire career helping students, Rivera brings extensive experience in public education to his role as a member of Governor Wolf’s cabinet.

Prior to serving as the Superintendent of the School District of Lancaster, he was a classroom teacher, staff member with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, an assistant principal and principal, as well as the executive director for the School District of Philadelphia.

A first-generation college graduate, Rivera earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Pennsylvania State University, a master’s degree in Education Administration from Cheyney University, and a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from Arcadia University. ~ from the Cabrini University website

Cabrini VP of Institutional Advancement Steve Highsmith (r.) interviews PA Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera.

Tom Nerney (r.) founder of the Nerney Leadership Institute at Cabrini University presents Pedro Rivera with the official commendation as Cabrini University’s Executive in Residence.

Commonwealth of PA Awards Cabrini University $1M Grant

October 6, 2016

Commonwealth of PA Awards Cabrini University $1M to Advance Strategic Plan

Cabrini University has been awarded $1 million in state funds to further support a pedestrian-centric campus and advance sustainable growth on campus.

The grant was part of the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) awarded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Fostering the University’s strategic plan, the RACP funds will aid in the development of a new parking structure on the southern part of campus, providing the flexibility to transform the center of campus to be vehicle-free.

“This grant ensures that our vibrant campus continues to attract top-notch students and professionals,” said Donald B. Taylor, Ph.D., President of Cabrini University. “We thank the Wolf Administration, Rep. William Adolph, and Sen. Daylin Leach for helping us provide the foundation to support our growing community.”

The University’s 2020 Roadmap to Growth outlines a strategic plan for diversification, sustainable growth, and expanded outreach. Its goal is to ensure the University is a first-choice destination for a variety of learners, faculty, and staff.

To learn more about the University’s strategic plan, view the 2020 Roadmap.

Cabrini University Hosts Involvement Fair

September 8, 2016

Involvement Fair Molly cr IMG_1160 With Cabrini University welcoming its largest incoming first year class in ten years, on Wednesday, September 7th, an Involvement Fair was held on the Commons on campus. The Involvement Fair is the prime opportunity for recruiting new members to student organizations and leadership roles. The Involvement Fair is hosted each year by the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership (SEaL).

The Involvement Fair was held from 4pm-7pm.

o Dinner was served at the Fair.

o Activities, giveaways, & music added to the fun.

o Each student organization staffed a table to represent it’s group & recruit new members.

The Involvement Fair is a wonderful way for all students to become better acquainted with the many opportunities for service and involvement on campus.

CHS’ Hrapmann and Arand Attend Loyola Institute

September 2, 2016

Yvonne and Laura - Picture with Certificates cr Cabrini High School Principal Yvonne Hrapmann (Orleans) and Campus Minister Laura Arand (Orleans) recently attended the 2016 Summer Institute for Catholic Educational Leadership at Loyola University sponsored by the Loyola Institute for Ministry (LIM). Presenters included Fr. Fred Kammer, S.J. on Catholic Social Teachings and LIM Director, Dr. Thomas Ryan on Pope Francis and the Spirituality of Encounter.

Mrs. Hrapmann shared, “The institute was an informative experience that both affirmed our work and challenged us to go deeper into practical applications and theological reflection.”

Ms. Arand said, “My favorite portion of LIM was when we talked about the Spirituality of Encounter. I feel like I do this sometimes without even thinking when I am with the girls at Cabrini; encouraging them to constantly search, step out of their comfort zone, and see Christ in the beauty around them. This affirmed what I do as a Campus Minister, naturally modeling and sparking spirituality because of my closeness and realness with them.”

Welcome Cabrini University Class of 2020!

September 2, 2016

On Friday, August 26th, approximately 350 first-year students moved into their residence halls, attended a Matriculation Ceremony, began the three-day New Student Orientation, and enjoyed a campus picnic with their families and new classmates.

0286-cabrini-move-in-2015carousel In the morning, new students moved into Xavier, East, and Woodcrest Halls, the latter of which has been newly renovated with a handicapped-accessible ramp, new flooring, a fresh coat of paint, new furniture, and perhaps the most exciting addition: air-conditioning units.

With 150 student volunteers, incoming students and their families had plenty of help hauling refrigerators, televisions, and coffeemakers into residence hall rooms.

In the morning all first year students and their families, along with faculty and staff, were invited to a Welcoming Mass.

Later in the day, new students were formally enrolled as members of the Cabrini community at the Matriculation Ceremony, an academic tradition from the 15th and 16th centuries that signals the joint commitment of Cabrini to the enrolling student and of the student to the mission and culture of the University.

During the ceremony, Cabrini presents the official register in which entering students will sign their names.

All students are wished a productive and successful new academic year.