Honor Hilbert College Anniversary

Senate Resolution No. 375 BY: Senator JACOBS COMMENDING Hilbert College upon the occasion of celebrating its 60th Anniversary WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and commend those institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose exemplary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate the pursuit of excellence in education and service to the community; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Hilbert College upon the occasion of celebrating its 60th Anniversary; and WHEREAS, Hilbert College is an independent institution of higher learning that embraces its Catholic Franciscan heritage and values; students from diverse backgrounds are educated in liberal arts and professional programs to become informed citizens committed to serving and strengthening their communities; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1957 as Immaculata Teacher Training School, Hilbert College first offered classes to nine Franciscan Sisters of Saint Joseph (FSSJ) at the FSSJ Motherhouse in Hamburg; the college was established under the vision and leadership of Sister Mary Edwina Bogel; as the first President and Dean of the college, she was involved in many improvements within the college; and WHEREAS, In 1960, the name was changed to Immaculata College; nine years later, the name was changed again to Hilbert College, in memory of Mother Colette Hilbert, foundress of the FSSJ; and WHEREAS, The first lay women were admitted in 1964 and the college became coeducational in 1969; by fall of 1970, enrollment reached 500 students; fueled by this growth, ground was broken in 1967 for a new campus; in the fall of 1969, the Academic Building and McGrath Library were opened, while the St. Joseph Residence Hall and Campus Center were dedicated in May of 1970; and WHEREAS, Following Sister Edwina's retirement, Sister Edmunette Paczesny led the college through many great changes for the next three decades; this included the Hafner Recreation Center, an administration building (Franciscan Hall), apartment-style residence buildings, Swan Auditorium and Paczesny Hall; and WHEREAS, Today, under the visionary guidance of Cynthia Zane, Ed.D, the college has prospered into a momentous pillar of education; recently, they have reached a record high in enrollment of 1,200 students and have included graduate programs in public administration and criminal justice administration; they also began offering bachelor's degree programs in the evening geared towards adult learners; and WHEREAS, Hilbert College has structured their programs to allow students to start successfully and build on that beginning through an integrated series of classes and opportunities that result in broad preparation for a fruitful career and meaningful future; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend Hilbert College upon the occasion of celebrating its 60th Anniversary, noting the propriety of its goals, the constancy of its commitment and the significance of its accomplishments in preparing the youth of today and leaders of tomorrow; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Cynthia Zane, Ed.D, Hilbert College.