The Happenings of Spirit Days, June 23-24, 2017

by Mary Anne Dalton, CSJ      [posted to website August 14, 2017]
 
FRIDAY, JUNE 23    

At least 101 alums gathered to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Nazareth Association beginning Friday night, June 23. Many hands and subcommittees worked to ready this celebration. Co-Chairpersons were Jan Candela and Anita Rosenberg. Everyone was warmly welcomed at the registration table by Charlene Durfee, including those from the honored classes of 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, and 1992 from all five of the Nazareth Institutions. This beginning of Spirit Days is always an exciting evening. Decorating the Lacy Room at Nazareth Center were signature articles ready to be bought, fantastic raffle prizes, memorabilia from nursing and other institutions, and every table bedecked with full beautiful bouquets of colorful spring flowers donated for the association anniversary through a relative of new board member Toni Hall.  Abundance and joy filled the room ready as the reunions of beloved classmates began to take place. 

Master of Ceremonies President Randy Berd welcomed members and invited remembrances of past days by students of our institutions.  Impassioned and enthusiastic alums brought forth stories of faculty and lifelong friends. Mention of faculty members who had a profound influence on the professional lives of alums and gave wonderful guidance surfaced.  Of course, the Gull Road Tavern was fondly remembered. Other recollections brought laughs which included some of the rules and situations for students in effect back in those days, such as the fact that in the dorm at Borgess, there was only one phone on the floor and the line to use it was always long.  Or when the college women left campus, they quite often had to wear high heels even to some unexpected events. 

SATURDAY, JUNE 24  

Saturday morning started with a great buffet and gathering of more participants. President Randy Berd presided over the business meeting. The oldest alum present, Lucille McNally Dooley, NC ‘41, was honored and announcement was made of alum Mary Webster Bunce, NC ’57, who had recently died. Then praise and thanks to God were given for the blessings of the 25 years of the association. Randy acknowledged the office staff of Joyce McNally, Kathy Creek, and Linda Huss for all their continual hard work for the association and outstanding first-time-ever color Newsletter production of Charlene Durfee, Joyce McNally, and the committee with great appreciation.

 Randy noted that the association is presently in good shape, but the future of Spirit Days in these transitioning times when the sisters and Transformation Spirituality Center will occupy the new Nazareth Center structure in back campus, needs some good dialogue on where to meet next, and how often, and in what way. Members and board will develop a strategic plan and all are invited to bring forth creative ideas. The committee reports were given at which time Toni Hall of Grosse Ile, MI was recognized as a new board member. Appreciation was given for outgoing board member Jim Faist for his solid contributions to the board the past three years. The Scholarship awards, it was noted, would take place later at the noon banquet, but grant recipients to the Sisters of St. Joseph and their ministries would be awarded on Saturday, Sept. 16 at the time of the next Nazareth Association Board Meeting at Nazareth Center. Over the past 25 years, over $102,000 have been awarded to the sisters in grants for their ministries. The sisters are most grateful for this support to help them touch so many.

As has been the custom of the past several years, two Sisters of St. Joseph were selected to be honored with Gratitude Trees planted on the Nazareth campus. Sr. Theresa MacIntyre and Sr. Mary Anne Dalton. Sr. Theresa had spent many years at Barbour Hall putting on plays, giving music lessons, and executing various other Barbour Hall faculty jobs, as well as several years as volunteer coordinator at Nazareth College --among several other places of ministry. Sr. Mary Anne Dalton has been a longtime educator for the community at various levels. Both gratefully accepted this honor. Randy also announced that two more trees would be purchased to honor all the faculty and students who have attended our institutions in honor of our 25th anniversary. 

SATURDAY LUNCHEON  

The beautiful flower bouquets were carried to the Sisters’ dining room tables for the noon luncheon of a fabulous meal of salmon or chicken, roasted vegetables, and a variety of desserts. Nazareth staff served us eloquently. The atmosphere was festive as alums mixed with many sisters at the tables. The sisters are very appreciative to be with our former students because first of all they came to our institutions at a young age and entrusted their professional development to us. 

The program consisted of awarding scholarships to eight juniors and seniors, and short speeches of gratitude from these recipients able to participate. Randy then roamed the dining room with the mic for members to address everyone. Darlene Mosher was the first speaker remembering how the association started. Several sisters made comments about their appreciation for the many students that attended our institutions and for all the association has become and done. This went on for quite a long time. Lastly a gift from the sisters was available for all to receive:  every person received an SSJ booklet from our 75th anniversary and a little box with small memorabilia. 

AFTERNOON 

The next two hours were free for visiting or visiting the History Room and tours of the chapel. The History room has all kinds of well-designed displays of the five institutions, data about them, documents, yearbooks, and a multitude of photos. Lisa Murphy, Nazareth part time archivist was available to the members. She enjoyed answering questions, pointing out materials, and finding requests by the alums. One Academy grad asked Lisa if a copy of her Academy report card might be resurrected and Lisa found it. Groups of alums were seen pouring over yearbooks and bringing back memories. Some took advantage of touring the many facets of Holy Family Chapel, including the Holy Stairs. Others preferred to sit and visit until time for the 4:00 Mass. A huge crowd gathered for the Mass which honored the deceased members of the association. Bishop James Murray, celebrant, gave an outstanding homily- as usual. The chapel was filled with praise and thanks to God.

AFTERGLOW 

Several persons returned to the Lacy room for repast and more fellowship. Then the winners of the raffles were announced. Among them were Sharon Anderson-Western who won the basket of succulent plants, Sharon Fleck who won the money tree of gift cards, Joyce McNally who won the huge basket from Wlodyka Farms, and Sally Moser who won the interesting Michigan products basket. It was not long before alums said their good-byes, knowing that a good time was had by all. Special thanks again to Spirit Days Co-Chairs Anita Rosenberg and Jan Candela, Joyce McNally, Kathy Creek, Linda Huss, and Charlene Durfee. Stay tuned for future news of the next Spirit Days. 

Please see related photos under the Spirit Days tab

Our 25th Anniversary

Submitted by Randall Berd, President of Nazareth Association -

Posted to website on 1/21/17

This year, 2017, marks the 25th Anniversary of the Nazareth Association. With a few donations but bountiful energies, a small group of dedicated volunteers started the Nazareth Association with the announcement that Nazareth College would be closing upon conclusion of the 1991-1992 academic year. Initially, these volunteers sought the fostering of support among the alumni of Nazareth College to continue many of the traditions experienced throughout the decades beginning in the 1920's.

Many meetings and brain-storming sessions were held and the ideas flowed. It became very clear that Nazareth and the Sisters of St. Joseph remained very dear in the hearts and minds to the thousands of graduates. For the next two years, committees were formed to work on getting non-profit status (thereby recognized as being able to accept tax deductible donations), by-laws being written and a central board of directors elected. Within the first two years, the Nazareth Association went from a dream to a reality.

It was noted that the graduates and former students of Barbour Hall and Nazareth Academy wanted to be incorporated into the Association also. They were welcomed and the spirit continued to grow! Eventually, the nursing graduates of Borgess, the former St. Camillus, and St. Joseph/Flint Schools of Nursing were welcomed into the Association as well.

Little did we know that what was thought to be a dream would remain intact today - 25 years later! Below is the February, 1994 edition of the Nazareth Association Newsletter for your review. It cites the accomplishments, updates on the faculty and staff, and class roster memberships. It is truly a walk down memory lane. Do note that all of our newsletters can be found on our website under the News tab. We encourage you to utilize the website for not only learning about the 25th anniversary activities being planned but also to keep in touch with the Nazareth Association.

Reserve the dates - Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24, for Spirit Days 2017 and begin contacting your classmates and friends with plans of gathering together for a glorious celebration.

The Nazareth Board of Directors

 

In September 2016 Nazareth Association provided a $1000 Grant to Transformations Center in support of the CSJ’s as they tackle an important social justice issue of Human Trafficking. In January 2017 a very important film, Food Chains will be shown regarding the conditions of the folks who work in our fields in California. The tomato farms and vineyards are in the documentary. Discussion will follow each viewing. Dates and times are:

Tuesday, January 17: 7-9pm at TSC
Discussion facilitated by Mariah Hennen
Farmworker Legal Services

Thursday, January 19: 5:30-7:30pm
At St. Joseph Parish, 936 Lake St.,
Kalamazoo
Discussion facilitated by Adrian Vazquez
Hispanic American Council

Tuesday, January 24; 1:30-3:30pm
at TSC
Discussion facilitated by Maia Storm
Immigration Attorney

To register go to: Transformations Center
or call 269.381.6290 x249

Mary Ellen Pellington, Nazareth College (1972) Receives 2016 Governor’s New Mexico Distinguished Public Service Award

Submitted by Joyce McNally - Posted to website on 1/10/17

Mary Ellen Pellington was recognized as an outstanding Library Director and community leader. Under her leadership, the Octavia Fellin Library was awarded the 2014 National Museum and Library Medal for Excellence. This award was presented at the White House by First Lady Michelle Obama. In 2012 Mary Ellen received the National I Love my Librarian Award, from the Carnegie Institute and New York Times, for excelling in the field of Librarianship. In 2015 she was recognized by the New Mexico State Senate for her outstanding accomplishments in the field of library science and for her advocacy of library services that benefit Gallup, NM. She has been able to turn the library into a community center for exchange of ideas and developed services and programs vital to the growth of Gallup’s citizens.

She has built library services and programs responding to community needs. She established a Navajo Language room and a strong Native American film and music collection; and a multitude of programs reflective of our state’s rich history and culture including a growing celebration for Native American Heritage, Hispanic Heritage and African American History. Through her efforts, the library now offers free computer training on a wide variety of software and social media for community members. She established the yearly Gallup Authors Festival and incorporated the library into the fabric of community life.She has built library services and programs responding to community needs. She established a Navajo Language room and a strong Native American film and music collection; and a multitude of programs reflective of our state’s rich history and culture including a growing celebration for Native American Heritage, Hispanic Heritage and African American History. Through her efforts, the library now offers free computer training on a wide variety of software and social media for community members. She established the yearly Gallup Authors Festival and incorporated the library into the fabric of community life.

Ms. Pellington was responsible for bringing Story Corps from NPR to Gallup where people were able to visit the library and record their personal family stories and have them archived.Ms. Pellington was responsible for bringing Story Corps from NPR to Gallup where people were able to visit the library and record their personal family stories and have them archived.In addition to her incredible work bringing the library to life for the community, she is involved in enhancing her community in many other ways. She is an active member of the Gallup Rotary and Lions Clubs, the Elks lodge, and Gallup McKinley County Early Childhood Community Council. She is a member of the local arts organization, GallupArts, and is involved in the development of Gallup Mainstreet Arts and Cultural District.In addition to her incredible work bringing the library to life for the community, she is involved in enhancing her community in many other ways. She is an active member of the Gallup Rotary and Lions Clubs, the Elks lodge, and Gallup McKinley County Early Childhood Community Council. She is a member of the local arts organization, GallupArts, and is involved in the development of Gallup Mainstreet Arts and Cultural District.