THE SAINT ROSE STORY OF $1,000
WHAT IS THE ROSE OF LIMA SOCIETY?
“The year 1920 had opened the doors of opportunity for women across this vast nation, and so it seems only fitting that this same year should also be the time for the founding of a Catholic women’s college in the capital area of New York State. Earlier that year, Monsignor Joseph A. Delaney, vicar-general of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, contacted Sr. Blanche Rooney of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet. . . . It was his conviction that the Sisters of Saint Joseph should formulate a strategy whereby a Catholic college for women be established in upper New York State. Enthralled by the challenge, Sr. Blanche sought and received the permission from her superiors to pursue this matter. . . . Shortly thereafter, upon application to the New York State Education Monsignor Department for the authority to establish such an institution, the Joseph A. Delaney Board of Regents, on June 28, 1920, granted a provisional charter sanctioning The College of Saint Rose to issue bachelor degrees in arts, science and music.
The Rose of Lima Society consists of the College’s most generous donors. Their leadership gifts starting at $1,000 support our most important priorities- the affordability and accessibility of a Saint Rose education. You can direct your gift to the area of the College that means the most to you. Your gift will have the most immediate impact for our students when you give to The Saint Rose Fund. Your generous gift to The Saint Rose Fund will support financial aid and academic scholarships necessary to ensure that current students will benefit for a lifetime from a Saint Rose education.
The Sisters of Saint Joseph purchased the William Keeler estate for the site of the fledgling college. Located at 979 Madison Avenue in Albany’s Pine Hills section, the estate was made up of a three-story building, a garage and a pine grove.
Sr. Blanche Rooney
How was Sr. Blanche, armed with a grand total of $1,000, to transform this residential cluster into a dormitory, dining room, chapel, classrooms and auditorium, and all by an opening day already slated for September?
Unfazed and armed with determination, faith, gifts of various sorts from a growing list of benefactors and volunteer assistance, she and the Sisters of Saint Joseph met the task. Between March 4, 1920, when they took possession of the Madison Avenue property, and September 22, 1920, when the first freshman class crossed the threshold, the Keeler residence had virtually disappeared. In its place was The College of Saint Rose, named to honor the first American canonized saint - St. Rose of Lima. Saint Rose Hall circa 1922
The College of Saint Rose has come a long way from its inception when Sr. Blanche dreamed dreams and when nineteen students came to the Madison Avenue location seeking academic excellence, vibrant challenges, intellectual satisfaction and an opportunity for growth.” Excerpted from Of Glory, Of Praise: 75 Years of Distinction, a history of The College of Saint Rose by RoseMarie Manory What has not changed at Saint Rose is the impact of determination, faith and the difference $1,000 can make. Your leadership gift of $1,000 or greater will make a significant impact in the lives of today’s Saint Rose students and will help the College meet its most compelling needs of affordability and accessibility. Your gift is an investment in the Saint Rose of today and tomorrow. It will also, in a way, pay tribute to the pioneers of Saint Rose whose $1,000 started it all. There is no doubt that the dreams and aspirations of one or a few can impact the lives of thousands.
Saint Rose Students gather in grateful celebration of their generous supporters.
432 Western Avenue Albany, NY 12203 www.strose.edu Office of Institutional Advancement 518-454-5107 saintrosefund@strose.edu
THE ROSE OF LIMA SOCIETY G.O.L.D. PROGRAM was established to recognize contributions from recent graduates. G.O.L.D. (Graduates of the Last Decade) alumni who join The Rose of Lima Society will not only support Saint Rose students but will greatly benefit from being a part of a strong network of successful Saint Rose alumni and friends with professional connections. Instead of the $1,000 donation usually required, G.O.L.D. alumni can join The Rose of Lima Society by giving at the following levels after graduation:
Years since Graduation
GOLD Rose of Lima Society Amount
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
$100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 $700 $800 $900 $1,000
Pioneer Class of 1920
The College of Saint Rose values an environment which: • • • • • •
Promotes academic excellence Nurtures respect for and commitment to life-long learning Strives to achieve a caring, diverse community Fosters the development of the whole person Empowers individuals to improve themselves and the world around them Reveres its Catholic history and heritage and respects other traditions
The Rose of Lima Society Passion.
Purpose.
BENEFITS FOR ROSE OF LIMA SOCIETY MEMBERS • Invite to the annual Rose of Lima Society Dinner. • Presidential Insiders Communication. • Invitation(s) to private reception(s) with the President prior to select College gatherings.
Mail: Form and Envelope Enclosed Online: www.strose.edu/giveagift Phone: 518-454-5107 Corporate Match: www.strose.edu/match
HOW TO MAKE YOUR GIFT
The amount of your gift will determine your category of membership in The Rose of Lima Society. • Lumine Circle $25,000+ • Delaney Circle $10,000 - $24,999 • Trustees’ Circle $5,000 - $9,999 • President’s Circle $2,500 - $4,999 • Centennial Circle $2,020 • Founder’s Circle $1,000 - $2,019
To become a member of The Rose of Lima Society, you must contribute gifts totaling $1,000 or more toward any College fund between July 1 and June 30. You’ll join an exclusive and growing group of the College’s most generous alumni and friends who support students and student initiatives.
A Membership Level That’s Right For You