What People are Saying
Ethel C Levenson 1981-1984 Dean of Students states:
"I am in support of the Board's decision, as it was made after many hours of many meetings of various constituencies of the College over a long period of time. Now is the time for everyone to pull together to help make a co-ed Rosemont College a success."
Kathryn Venne:'72, Director of Executive Education Programs at the Harvard Business School, states:
"I am supportive of Rosemont's decision to become co-ed. This reflects the realities of today and should not be seen as a betrayal to Rosemont's tradition. In this past year, I visited nearly 20 colleges with my son, many that were once all women's colleges, but have now successfully made the transition into being a co-ed institution. Rosemont's location will be beneficial in making this change. Rosemont would be limiting its resources by staying a single-sex institution and for the College to go out of business because of this would be a crime. Alumni need to be supportive of our alma mater rather than second guessing a decision that is in the best interest of the college."
Casey Johnson '76, Vice President Assumed Reinsurance, Resolute Management Inc. writes:
"I am a 1976 graduate of Rosemont College and I am delighted with the news that Rosemont is likely going co-ed in 2009. I read the article in Sunday's Inquirer that indicated some alumnae do not support the decision to allow men into the college. I want you to know that not everyone feels that way.
As young adults become more mature, they need to learn to interact with each other on levels other than just social. While I was at Rosemont I came to understand that the only way I really knew how to interact with men was to flirt with them. I also realized that flirting was not going to be good enough in the real world. For this reason, I made it a point to take several classes at Villanova. This enabled me to learn how to interact with guys on an academic level. That experience was very helpful to me in adjusting to the working world of 1976, when so many of my co-workers were men.
I understand that the reason for this decision is primarily financial. But please know that, financial issues notwithstanding, this move is going to benefit all students by making their college experience a better course of preparation for real life.
Throughout the years I have been a pretty good supporter of Rosemonts... So, I am very pleased to hear that Rosemont is taking a step forward in its evolution. I intend to be more enthusiastic in my support of the college going forward. And I also plan to be very verbal in my support of this decision to any of my alumnae friends who will listen.
Rosemont is making a brave move."
Gloria (DeStefano) Martini '69, President of North Jersey Reg. Chamber of Commerce writes:
"I support the ideas contained within the draft Strategic Agenda and believe
the co-ed decision is a wise choice. It is a step into the future. I
believe a co-ed education will better equip Rosemont graduates for the
working world."
Ellen Anderson, '92 UWC
These are bold steps and I applaud President Hirsh and those involved with the Strategic Plan for facing them. Rosemont needs to stay alive and this looks like a good plan to make that happen. I'm behind the plan 100%.
Barbara Connolly' 70 UWC
As a former Trustee who participated over 10 years ago in the retreat and subcommittees debating the future of Rosemont, I remember the agony we all shared in contemplating change for our beloved institution...it was painful, difficult, divisive and in the end not entirely conclusive. Perhaps we all felt reality was more distant - if we tried harder, restructured our enrollment office, cut expenses, rented real estate, solicited grants, formed more coalitions, renovated Main, counted all our pennies, etc., we could survive, and in our hearts, we dared to hope even thrive. I have never experienced any group of people so dedicated to a mission, and so willing to go the extra "million" miles to support Rosemont. I was on this team, and proud to be.
Now times have changed; our pockets are not easily filled. We have tried, and we have not failed, but the times around us have moved on, and we must as well. I remember myself as a student who struggled through philosophy. I found it difficult to relate my present, 1968, to the thoughts of the ancients; however, there was one philosopher whose words continue to teach me. His name was Heraclitus. His words: "You cannot step into the same river twice,for fresh waters are ever flowing in upon you."
As a business woman, I know all dreams, particularly with extraordinary talent, are possible, but not without funds. We have come to our crossroads. Was it only my dream to think another Catholic Institution in our neighborhood, would see our talents, fund us and let us self govern? I think I was not alone in this dream and I freely admit, it took me time and conversation with our President to understand the difference between a dream and a plan, and frankly to have faith in the process to produce truth. I have come to realize the biggest threat to Rosemont is the loss of its identity, as defined in its mission and presented in each one of her graduates. Perhaps the "wants and needs of the times" we have so often discussed is simply the inclusion of all who can be touched by our spirit, and thrive. If the outcome of the Strategic Planning Process supports the opportunity for Rosemont to fulfill its missions without merger, by admitting men and women to the undergraduate college, strengthened by partnerships with surrounding institutions, I would lend my support.
None of [the] choices are perfect, but you must chose. I believe the only failure would the be absence of a decision. My recent conversations with other members of the Rosemont community, my faith in this Board and in Sharon as our President give me confidence. Our mission speaks to persistence and courage. I trust you will make the best decision for Rosemont's future.
Jeanine Kingeter, GPS '98 & '06 - I feel President Hirsch and the Board have done an outstanding job at communicating the process and at creating an inclusive environment. All too often this sort of activity is conducted behind closed doors and results are rolled out as a "done deal." The way Rosemont has undertaken this challenge illustrates to me the extent to which they know, understand and respect the passion Rosemont students feel for their school.
I applaud the process and have felt very included, even though I have not been able to attend meetings due to travel and business schedules. But I have kept myself up-to-date via the communications that are sent.
Even so, I can only image the difficulty in considering approaches that are different than the long history of Rosemont against the current economical demands and future potential of a religious based female college. And I have every confidence that the decisions made by the Board and the Strategic Planning Committee will be in the best interest of Rosemont -- today and well into the future.
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