New Students Arrive at The College of New Rochelle

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Freshmen Student Lights Candle with President Huntington

NEW ROCHELLE, NY (09/15/2011)(readMedia)-- The College of New Rochelle Class of 2015 spent their first weeks on campus getting to know the College and the New York area. The new CNR students went horseback riding at Pelham Bay Equestrian Center, shopped at the Palisades Mall, and picked up school supplies and room décor downtown in New Rochelle. Additional 'fun events' for the Class of 2015 will include attending the New York City-San Gennaro Street Festival, a Yankee game, a trip to Times Square, and movie night at New Roc City. All of the events have been organized by the College's Office of Student Development.

The first official event for the new students was on September 3, 2011. Students and their families participated in the Wellspring Prayer, an interfaith prayer service held in Holy Family Chapel. This is the traditional opening of school at CNR, and is an opportunity for parents and students to pray together one last time before the fall semester begins.

A blessing is said by parents over their children, and the students ask a blessing on their parents. At the end, parents light a candle and hand it to their child--a passing on the light of God as they begin this new part of their lives.

This service was designed and is facilitated by Helen Wolf, Director of Campus Ministry, Fr. Joseph Flynn, OFM Cap., College Chaplain, and the Peer Ministers.

Freshman Convocation for the School of Arts & Sciences and School of Nursing took place on September 6, 2011, in Holy Family Chapel. President Judith Huntington welcomed the new students and gave her reflections on the theme for the Class of 2015. It is a quote of President John F. Kennedy, "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future."

Associate Professor in the School of Nursing Dr. Lynda Shand delivered the faculty address to the students. Dr. Shand told the undergraduates, ""Continue to strive to achieve your dreams, and yes you will have to make some plans. You have already proven to yourself and to everyone else, as evidenced by your presence here today, that you have the ability and the courage to reach your goals. Today, as you think of your future goals remember to treat any obstacles as detours, not dead-ends. But most importantly, remember to keep your heart and senses open to the unexpected. Maintain a childlike ability to see what you were not looking for and you will achieve success."

The incoming freshmen were introduced to the College Community at the Convocation by Dean Richard H. Thompson of the School of Arts & Sciences, and Dean Mary Alice Donius of the School of Nursing.

Later that day, President Huntington hosted a BBQ reception for the students on campus in Maura Hall.