Student Accomplishments
All of the Religious Studies majors at Rosemont have qualified for membership in Theta Alpha Kappa, the national honor society for students of theology and religious studies.
Religious Studies students at Rosemont are well prepared for graduate studies in theology, including Master's programs in Divinity, as well as other graduate fields such as law, social services, psychology and counseling, education, and philosophy. Many Religious Studies majors carry a double major in fields such as English, philosophy, psychology, humanities, sociology and political science.
Some of our graduates have become teachers of religious studies in middle and high schools or at the college level, religious educators in parishes, or they have entered the broader filed of Christian ministry. Some serve in this country and others, abroad.
Among our recent Religious Studies graduates are:
- Becky Grausam - internship as legislative assistant in Harrisburg; currently in Law school
- Kathryn Jackson - religion teacher in Baltimore
- Eunice Onuoha, SHCJ - educator in Nigeria
- Emmanuella Adinu, SHCJ - educator in Nigeria
- Lauren Hunter Farrell - Director of Religious Education in Archdiocese of Philadelphia Parish
- Mary Perillo - ministry to senior citizens
- Margaret Wamukoya, SMI - graduate studies: psychology and counseling
Testimonials by Rosemont Students
Erin McCarthy, '06
Political Science Major; minor in Religious Studies
Deciding to pursue a Religious Studies minor has enriched my experience at Rosemont immensely. The courses offer solid reading, writing, discussion, and analytical thinking as well as the opportunity to work closely with incredibly dynamic and knowledgeable professors.
Religion touches on every aspect of human culture and I have found my studies to be a critical element in my self-development; these courses have also encouraged me to strengthen my relationship with God.
Sarah Chelsvig, '06
Religious Studies Major
As a Muslim student at a Catholic women's college, I have had the invaluable opportunity to be exposed to a faith I previously knew nothing about. While I feel this is a great honor, more valuable to me is how the Religious Studies department has allowed me to explore and to progress on my own spiritual path. My study here is not only a major, it is a journey.
Caitlin Kavanagh, '06
Double major: Religious Studies and Political Science
The amazing thing about life is that it is always mysterious. As a senior at a public high school, I had little exposure to religion as an academic pursuit. Coming to Rosemont, I was exposed to the wonder of God in an academic manner, not just what I had learned in CCD classes. For the first time I no longer felt small or helpless. I was a member of a community dedicated to a greater purpose.
Cate Harpool, '07
Religious Studies Major
I love to learn about religions because it is a mind opening experience necessary to an understanding of history and the world. Rosemont is a great venue for religious studies because the faculty and student body are so diverse and engaging.
Jessica Carter, '09
Major: English and Communications
Religious Studies courses are positive steps to becoming a well rounded person. Never being a religious person myself, I thought Religious Studies would be boring. After attending the first class, I was interested and enthusiastic to learn more. More people should put their own beliefs aside and be ready to learn about the beliefs of others.
Dana Benvenuto, '08
Major: Nursing; Minor: Psychology
I believe that taking Religious Studies is a good idea first of all, because this is a Catholic college and there needs to be some recognition of the importance of religion in our world. People need an understanding of religion to build a better human community.
Sister Lieu Tran, '07
Major: Religious Studies
Religious Studies includes courses about Jesus the Christ; these help us understand the perfect example of being a human being. Courses about the Church assist us in understanding the image of Jesus in our world.
Kyleen Roe, '06
Major: Religious Studies
Faculty members in Religious Studies do an amazing job of advising, guiding and encouraging students to pursue religion in and outside of the classroom.
Annette Capper, '08
Major: Communications
While taking courses in Religious Studies, I have explored my personal spirituality. I have also gained a deeper understanding and respect for the spirituality of others. I challenge all Rosemont students to survey the Religious Studies' curriculum. It can be a journey to self-discovery.
Casey Lafferty, '06
Major: Biochemistry; minor: Religious Studies
The religious studies minor that I have attained has allowed me to grow and develop in my Catholic faith on a more mature level. The professors who have taught me and the service learning experiences in which I have participated have given me great insight into Catholicism and a variety of other religious faiths.
The courses that I have taken have prepared me for my intended profession in medicine. I know I am better prepared to deal with patients. If I have an understanding of their religion, then I have some understanding of their culture. I will be able to approach them better and treat them as a person with an illness, not just a patient with an illness.

