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FEATURE
The Gift of Time
Giving to Cor Jesu has been second nature to Mary Beth Farkas ‘73 since before she was a student, and after many years of service, she just has one ask of the CJA community: Who can donate their 1989 Cor Jesu yearbook to the Alumnae Room?
Mary Beth was the middle of three sisters, each of whom attended Cor Jesu. Mary Jo graduated in 1971 and Mary Ann graduated in 1978. When she was in grade school, Mary Beth’s mom, Irene, would help the Sisters cook lunch for the students, and Mary Beth often tagged along to contribute—this began her giving streak. Later, as a student, Mary Beth followed in her older sister Mary Jo’s footsteps and became the president of the Library Club; she and the other members served as librarian assistants during their study periods. They would help Sr. Francine Guglielmo, the librarian at the time, organize the shelves, cards and records. “I actually thought about becoming a librarian after working in it so much in high school,” Mary Beth noted. While Mary Beth chose a different career path (she’s been a certified dental assistant the last 49 years), she didn’t stray far from the Cor Jesu library. She joined Cor Jesu’s Alumnae Association as soon as she graduated and immediately started helping with the circulation of the of the alumnae newsletter, Traces. A few years later, she began helping her friend, Donna Elliott Fisher ‘73, organize the Alumnae Room in the library, which led to her taking over the volunteer position.
Mary Beth at her CJA graduation with her family (above), and with Sr. Francine Guglielmo (right).
“It’s been so long that I don’t even remember the exact year I started,” Mary Beth said. Over the years, Mary Beth has earned an unofficial title: Cor Jesu Archivist. Every other Friday she is in the Alumnae Room, making sure everything is in order. She archives all the old pictures, organizes the yearbooks on display, washes the old uniforms when they need it, and circulates different items in and out of display throughout the year. And when it’s reunion time, she makes sure that the items and pictures from those reunion classes are the focal points of the room. “There are so many treasures in there. We have a jewelry box, a Cor Jesu ring, pins, trophies, old poetry writings, medals, you name it, all on display,” Mary Beth said. “It’s fun to be a part of such a rich Cor Jesu tradition.” She gives the gift of time in two ways. Mary Beth gives her time, in the present, to make sure the Alumnae Room is tidy, the displays look nice and that everything is accounted for. But she also gives the gift of time to the reunion classes each year. The treasures she keeps in that room give Charger alumnae the opportunity to travel back in time to their high school days. She even has every Cor Jesu yearbook on display, with the exception of that mysterious missing yearbook from 1989. “At their last reunion, I asked if anyone in the Class of ‘89 would be willing to donate their yearbook to the room,” Mary Beth says. “No luck yet, but my fingers are crossed!” Even if a 1989 yearbook doesn’t turn up, Mary Beth plans to keep volunteering in the Alumnae Room for a long time. She remembers, even as a student, Cor Jesu emphasizing the importance of giving back, and that’s something she has always carried with her. “Cor Jesu taught us to take what we’re good at and use it to help in whatever way we can,” she said. “And they invited the whole family to take part. My parents were also extremely involved, and I think CJ still encourages this now, which I love.” Cor Jesu not only taught Mary Beth the importance of giving while she was a student, but the CJA community also demonstrated its importance during some of the most trying times in her
Mary Beth with her niece, Jolene Blackwood '02 (above) and with Jolene's son, Carter (right).
life. When her mom was dying, the Cor Jesu Sisters were at the hospital, surrounding the family in prayer and comfort. And when her younger sister, Mary Ann, was diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome, the Class of 1978 was there to help, whether it was making a meal, offering up a prayer or keeping Mary Ann company. “That’s what is special about Cor Jesu,” Mary Beth said. “The community will be there for all of your life.” Mary Ann passed away in 1999, and her daughter, Jolene Blackwood, graduated from CJA in 2002. “Jolene was the first Class of 1978 daughter to graduate from CJA, which was pretty special,” Mary Beth noted. Now, Jolene is the Vice President of Client Reporting for Optum at UnitedHealth Group and has a beautiful 9-year-old son named Carter Joseph Anthony (CJA!—not intentional). Carter knows that he has Grandma Annie in heaven, and he also has Mary Beth, who has been dubbed Grandma Bethie, here. When he spends time with Grandma Bethie, Carter sometimes gets to visit the Alumnae Room and even attend reunions. Mary Beth loves bringing him around the school because it’s a place of comfort and care.
