By Jazmine Ramirez
Numerous faculty members and students reflected on what the college means to them, and prayed for the upcoming school year at the 100th-year prayer service held on Sept. 25.
Robert Mulligan, CHC chaplain, led the service to start with an opening prayer. He loved being a part of the 100-year celebration, and the word he used specifically was “special.”
“I have taught in higher education since 2001,” Father Bob said. “I taught at DeSales University, Neumann University, Cabrini University, and for the last 12 years at Chestnut Hill College. Of all of these universities, Chestnut Hill College has been the best. Chestnut Hill is a special place to me. It is not just a place to work. It is a family to me.”
The theme for all of the 100th Anniversary events is “Celebrating the past. Shaping the future.”
“I wrote both the Opening and Closing Prayer with this theme in mind,” Father Bob said. “I intended to highlight the history of the Sisters of St. Joseph and their decision to open Chestnut Hill College as a way to serve ‘the dear neighbor’ and to teach others their charism and spirituality.”
The prayer is written as, “Be with us today and every day that we may experience your unbounded love and live that love as we serve your people here at Chestnut Hill College and wherever you send us.”
Ryan Murphy, assistant professor of sociology, was another faculty member who read at the 100-year celebration Prayer Service. He started at Chestnut Hill College in 2005 but only started working full-time here four years ago. He explains that this school isn’t perfect, but nothing in life is.
“I love how everyone at this school can be there for each other,” Murphy said. “Social justice is part of my ethical and personal view. I love this place.”
Murphy discussed what 100 years of Chestnut Hill College meant to him.
“Originally, CHC was an all-female college, but in 2005, coed was officially introduced full-time,” Murphy said. “There are so many different types of students here. We believe education disrupts cycles of poverty.”
His specific reading was the “Roots of Mission.” He also expressed that his specific reading meant something to him as it meant having power through this mission through education.
“The sisters are so proud of everything they have accomplished and their college,” Murphy said. “Reading something that was a part of their mission meant a great setup of what was to come. I love working here and with college students. Also, they need to achieve the goals they are intended to achieve. This is why I make my role as available outside the classroom as in.”
Michael Thompkins, director of housing and residence life at CHC, gave a reading and described what 100 years of CHC means to him.
He said he loves to see what Chestnut Hill College has become over 100 years.
“It is pretty difficult to imagine what 100 years feels like or looks like,” Thompkins said, “but for CHC, I am sure it means 100 years of innovation and a commitment to changing the lives of people for the better – while also knowing that each step has come with struggles and setbacks too.”
Michael also expressed his feelings about being a newer employee of Chestnut Hill College. He is looking forward to growing in the campus community. This year has been exciting for him. His motivation is different from when he started in November 2023.
“As the director of housing and residence life,” Thompkins said, “I hope to always find innovative ways to make the on-campus living experience as transformative and enjoyable as possible. So I am aiming to learn as much as possible from our students about their residential experience to make years 100,101, and beyond the best to live and learn at CHC!”
Thompkins was excited to share his experience with his reading, “Spirit of Flourishing,” which to him is about embracing all of life’s possibilities with a sense of excitement.
“When Anna Ryan-Bender asked me to do a reading for the 100th anniversary prayers service, I felt extremely privileged and honored to contribute to our time together,” Thompkins said. “I am a religious person, so I appreciate connecting with my faith and learning from others about their beliefs and values.”
