The St. Joseph College Alumnae Association Board of Trustees welcome you to the Alumnae Association website. Our 1,707 living alumnae continue to live out the educational values and skills learned in the Valley and to share their faith, nurtured as students, in communities worldwide.
St. Joseph College in Emmitsburg, Maryland graduated its last class in May, 1973. Alumnae have enthusiastically retained their memories and friendships. Each year in the spring during reunion, the spirit, laughter and joy of being re-connected infuse any atmosphere in which the alumnae are gathered.
St. Joseph College alumnae have impacted every walk of life: teaching, nursing, dietetics, social work, business, law, government service and the religious life. We have volunteered in numerous community, church and school organizations, nationally and internationally. Multiple generations of children have been nurtured and raised by us.
We continue to celebrate both the experience we shared at St. Joseph College and the women we have become.
Renee Hill-Goodson
SJCAA Alumnae Liaison
St. Joseph College Alumnae Association
301-447-5075
sjcaa@msmary.edu
Make your ANNUAL DUES PAYMENT or make a DONATION TO THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND online!
Honor or remember a St. Joseph College alumna with a gift to the St. Joseph College Alumnae Association Scholarship Fund.
The School of Health Professions is our biggest, boldest step in growing the next generation of ethical, compassionate healthcare leaders. The graduate school will have an immediate impact in areas such as healthcare inequality, and provider shortages and burnout. Learn more about this endeavor through this prerecorded webinar with PA Program Director Mary Jackson, MMS, PA-C, CAQ-EM, and support the School of Health Professions.
Elizabeth Ann Bayley Seton, a widowed mother of five children, came from a prominent family in New York City. In the early 1800s, she was ostracized from her family and friends after converting to Catholicism.
Elizabeth moved to Baltimore, and under the protection of the Sulpician Fathers of St. Mary’s Seminary, she opened a school for the education of girls, a concept relatively unheard of at the time.
Shortly thereafter, with Bishop John Carroll’s approval, she and her small group of women took vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. In 1809 Bishop Carroll, who had designated her “Mother” Seton of the little community of sisters, encouraged her to expand their efforts and to devote themselves to educating young girls in the arts, sciences and Christian living.
With a generous gift from Samuel Cooper, property was purchased in Emmitsburg, Maryland in 1809. That same year Elizabeth and her band of sisters moved to Emmitsburg and opened Saint Joseph’s Academy and Free School, which evolved into Saint Joseph College.
Elizabeth Ann Seton died on January 4, 1821. Her legacy included laying the foundation for Catholic school education in the United States; establishing a community of religious women, the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph; and in 1975, being canonized as the first native-born saint for the United States.
As registration increased at the Academy, the curriculum expanded to meet the needs of the changing world. Professors from nearby Mount St. Mary’s and visiting instructors from Baltimore were added to the Sister faculty. In the prospectus of 1879-80, there is an announcement of a postgraduate department, especially designed for the graduates of the Academy or other institutions. It consisted of a thorough course in reading, belles’ letters or time devoted to the attainment of a greater skill and proficiency in art or music.
An amendment of the original charter was sought and obtained in 1902. This enabled “the Sisters of Charity, the faculty and teachers of said corporation, St. Joseph’s, to confer degrees, collegiate and academic.” The program offered by the school at this time was equivalent to that of a Junior College. The catalog issued in 1902-03 lists primary, preparatory, academic and postgraduate courses, noting that those who completed postgraduate work were entitled to a baccalaureate degree in arts or sciences. It was not until 1907-08 that a distinction was made between the collegiate and academic departments. In the collegiate course, two electives were required. Choices were Latin, Greek, Spanish or German. At the end of the third or junior year, a gold medal and certificate of graduation were offered to women who did not intend to take a degree, but those hardy students who persevered to complete the fourth year received a baccalaureate degree an uncommon and extraordinary event for a woman in the early part of the twentieth century.
Should the recipient of the degree wish to return to Saint Joseph’s for a fifth year of college work, she might do so, thus becoming eligible for a master’s degree in the arts. The certificate and gold medal, which culminated the three-year course, were discontinued in 1912, and the first class to complete a four-year program together and graduate as full-fledged “bachelors” was the Class of 1914.
Credit for the development of Saint Joseph’s from Academy to College belongs to Sister Francis Lawler. She had come to Saint Joseph’s in 1898 as “senior teacher” and was made Directress of the Academy in 1906. Keenly aware of the renaissance of education in the early twentieth century, Sister Francis worked tirelessly to develop the curriculum and to meet the requirements necessary to make Saint Joseph’s a first-class liberal arts college. When the separation of the collegiate and academic departments was completed in 1907, Sister Francis became “Dean of the College” as well as Directress of the Academy and Principle of the elementary school. She retired as Dean in 1929.
For the first 90 years after the founding, many women associated with St. Joseph’s returned to the Valley to renew their friendships and visit their former home.
Sister Augustine Park, the fifth successor to Mother Seton as Directress of the Academy, thought it was time to form an association of graduates and students of the Academy to link them together in friendship for each other and for the school.
This all started the afternoon of June 16, 1897, when Sr. Augustine initiated the organization of the Alumnae Association with Mary Wade Kalbach, Class of 1871, Elizabeth Keenan White, Class of 1865 and M. Stella McBride, Class of 1897. Acting as co-founders, the three alumnae received the graduates of 1897 as charter members of the new Alumnae Association. A simple constitution was drawn up along with objectives of the Association. It was placed under the patronage of Mary Immaculate “to keep graduates and former students in close touch with their school and with each other.”
During the Association’s meeting on June 12, 1912, a suggestion was made by Clara Douglas Sheeran, Class of 1894, to form “sewing guilds” in various cities and localities where many alumnae lived. The object of the “guilds” was to keep members in touch with each other and current on news from the Academy. The guild would contribute articles made by alumnae to the sisters for use in their hospitals, asylums and homes for the poor. These guilds became chapters and a chairperson became the “regents” for the chapter. The original eight “sewing guilds begun in 1912-13, grew to 23 clubs spanning the United States.
Today, more than 50 years after the closing of St. Joseph College, its Alumnae Association, comprised of approximately 1,700 living alumnae, is a strong, vibrant, philanthropic organization financially supported by 660 active members who contribute annually to the Association and its philanthropies.
The origin of the Alma Mater is described below:
“Any student who had a voice and could carry a note and had ‘an ear for music’ was encouraged to take Vocal. The musically ‘challenged’, who the Muse had passed by, were corralled into the study hall once a week, and Sister Francis Lawler would attempt to teach them singing. She used Saint Basil’s Hymnal and a nameless old songbook from which she played and sang for their entertainment, her favorite, ‘All Together’, encouraging the class … to join in the chorus. The result would have driven Saint Cecilia to suicide. This little cultural séance was the origin of the school song for which Dorothy Graham, Class of 1926 wrote the lyrics and set them to music learned in the ‘cultural’ singing class.”
The words of our Alma Mater never fail to remind us of the unbreakable bonds that were formed in our college years. In the fall of 2008, Sister Anne Higgins, D.C. ’70 arranged for a chorale at Mount St. Mary’s University to record our Alma Mater.
All together, all together still, still we meet. Hearts and voices light as ever, Alma Mater thus we greet.
Hail to St. Joseph School of all our faith and light. Hail to our college, school and home, forever right.
Friendship's links may ne'er be broken, bright still is its chain. Tho' the parting words be spoken, through the years we'll meet again.
Hail to St. Joseph School of all our faith and light. Hail to our college, school and home, forever right.
St. Joseph College Alumnae Association, Inc. is a community commmitted to advancing and celebrating the traditions and spirit of St. Joseph College, Emmitsburg, MD. It honors the life and work of the college's founder, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton by providing charitable gifts to support education, assisting those in need, and extending spiritual support to alumnae, their families and friends. The Alumnae Association continues two centuries of historical connections to Emmitsburg, MD through collaborative agreements, which complement its legacy. It maintains relationships among and networks for St. Joseph College Alumnae through electronic and print communications, annual reunions and regional clubs.
St. Joseph College Alumnae Association, Inc. Board of Trustees
Adopted April 3, 2011
A Board of Trustees consisting of 12 elected voting Trustees and five appointed voting Trustees governs the Association.
The Board is responsible for transacting all business of the Association, including managing the Association finances, providing administrative resources to conduct the business of the Association, developing and executing Association policies and plans, maintaining accurate records of Alumnae, dispensing philanthropic donations, managing an Annual Reunion and communicating with Alumnae via mail, email, the Valley Echo and the Association website and social media.
You may consult the Assocation By-Laws for further details regarding governance. Please explore the governance area and consider volunteering your time and talet to assist with governance of your Alumni Association. Direct any questions or concerns to the SJCAA Office.
President - Karen Mattscheck, C'72, Chair Transition Committee
Vice President - Kathleen mcNaney Younkin, C'70, Finance Committee, Reunion Committee
Treasurer/Trustee - Claire Maurer, C'64, Chair Finance Committee
Alumnae Sister - Sr. Anne Higgins, DC'70, Reunion Committee
Trustee - Trudie Mangiaracina Glazewski, C'74, Past President, Chair Classes Committee
Trustee - Christine Wiberley Goglia, C'73, Chair Communications Committee
Trustee - Mary Lou Ullrich Jones, C'64, Chair Liturgy Committee, Classes Committee
Trustee - Mary Ann Wiberley Shattuck, C'70, Chair Reunion Committee
Trustee - Susan Stay Valenti, C'70, Classes Committee, Reunion Committee
Alumnae Liaison - Kim Herche, Mount St. Mary's University
Special Committee Appointments
Leslie Henze Blackstock, C'70, Reunion Committee
Jean Givens Denney, C;69, Reunion Committee
Maureen Hinke Hahn, C'73, Website
Maryann Lesso, C'70, Managing Editor The Valley Echo, Reunion Committee
Florence DeLessio Marchetti, C'67, Reunion Committee
Christine Roos Mehl, C'70, Reunion Committee
The Valley Echo is a publication of St. Joseph College Alumnae Association, Inc. Its mission is to inform alumnae of the Association’s activities, programs and plans, and to provide class news. An electronic version of current and past issues is available on this website. A print version is mailed to all dues-paying alumnae. View the fall 2023 Valley Echo!
Return...reconnect...rewind...recharge...relax....remember...
Join us as we return to the Valley and are "ALL TOGETHER" again.
Reunion 2022 was one for the books. We had three class celebrating their 50th, the classes of 1970, 1971, 1972. It was a memorable weekend! We finally got to be “All Together” and everyone couldn’t stop talking. Well, I did, as I lost my voice!
The Class of ’70 had 29 Alumnae attend and we sure enjoyed the hospitality suite hosted by Alberta Johnson Baker, Helen Burke Rasmussen and Kathleen McNaney Younkin. We had a place to congregate and of course, cheer on North Carolina, loudly. At the Friday Night Class Dinner, Maryann Lesso gave a fantastic summary of our four years at Joe’s. Carol Ervin Sharkey gave a short synopsis at the Saturday Banquet, and Mary Ann Wiberley Shattuck presented our Class Gift to Barbara Rupert, a member of the Mother Seton School Board. Barbara Rupert informed us that our Gift helped 34 families.
The Class of ’71 had 28 alumnae attend and they had a great Class dinner together on Friday night. Their Class Gift of $6,000.00 was presented on Saturday night to Mother Seton School.
The Class of ’72 was out in force to celebrate their actual 50th, enjoying the Presidential Suite at the Wyndham. Their Friday Night Class Dinner was made even more special by the Video presented by Joe Doherty, MSMU C’70, the husband of Mary Mehl Doherty. Joe was officially inducted into the SJC C'72.
At our Saturday Breakfast and Annual Meeting, Karen Mattscheck awarded our SJCAA Scholarship at Mount St. Mary’s University to Margaret Widman, MSMU C’22 and Angela Vodola, MSMU C‘23.
Maryann Lesso, C'70 received the Legacy Award. Maryann has been a Worker Bee on the Alumnae Board running the “Store”, Reunion Chair and now Editor of the Valley Echo. She has been instrumental in upgrading the publication and using color photos on the cover and in the magazine.
The Saturday Night Banquet was a little different, as we had 3 classes celebrating their 50th. The Hassell Cup Award and Sr. Mary Kelley Award were won by the Class of ’72. There was a tie between the Class of ’51 and Class of ’55 for the Class of 1952 Award, also known as the Husbands’ Memorial Cup, awarded to the class with the highest percentage of husbands and other guests in attendance.
The highlight of Reunion was the Campus Tour. Merrill Sollenberg, our FEMA contact, recruited a team that truly made the tour special for us. Kathleen Robinson Moritis, Class of ’70 wrote that everyone was so welcoming. It really did feel like homecoming…like the people who bought your childhood home welcoming you back to look around and listen to your stories.
Only 3 Reunions left! Mark your calendars for April 13-16, 2023. The Class of ’73 will celebrate their 50th, but all are invited attend Reunion 2023.
- Mary Ann Wiberley Shattuck, ’70, Reunion Chair
Register to attend SJC Reunion 2023!
RETURN…RECONNECT…REWIND…RECHARGE…RELAX…REMEMBER…
The Reunion Committee is hard at work planning another great weekend. We invite you to come back to the Valley to be “All Together” again! Help us celebrate with the classes ending in “3” and “8”. Remember that our Reunions are not just for these Milestone Classes they are for all Alumnae! Contact your friends and classmates now to meet you at Reunion 2023.
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Return – Register at the beautiful Gettysburg Wyndham Hotel. Check in at the Reunion Registration desk, attend a welcome wine social, and then meet friends and classmates for dinner. A list of area restaurants is available at the Registration desk.
Friday, April 14, 2023
Reconnect – Visit SJC’s campus for a boxed lunch in the Pines followed by an informal guided tour of the campus. A self-guided Heritage Tour: St. Joseph’s Valley and St. Mary’s Mountain is available at the Registration desk for those desiring a more comprehensive walk down memory lane.
Rewind – with classmates at a Friday evening class dinner prepared specially for each Milestone class. During the past Reunions at the Wyndham, groups large and small have held Friday evening class dinners there with great success. As Alumna Maureen Smith, SJC ‘65 notes: “Great food and service + no driving = a very relaxing evening.” Class agents please contact Reunion Co-Chairs Christine Roos Mehl or Leslie Henze Blackstock to arrange a private dinner.
Saturday April 15, 2023
Recharge – Your day begins with a Buffet Breakfast including the Annual Meeting. Even if you decide not to participate in the breakfast you are still invited to attend the Annual Meeting. All are encouraged to attend, learn about new opportunities, and share ideas for the future.
A highlight of the weekend is the 4:30 p.m. Alumnae Memorial Mass at the Basilica of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Milestone Classes participate in a rose procession and ceremony honoring our college, Mother Seton, and our deceased Alumnae.
Remember – Return to the Wyndham for a social hour, then go on to our banquet and listen to memories of our Golden Jubiliarians. Photos of Milestone Classes and all honorees will be taken following the banquet.
Sunday April 16, 2023
Our final event is a Continental Breakfast, before bidding farewell to friends and classmates.
Other Weekend Opportunities
Visit Gettysburg’s great shops and outlets, the Emmitsburg Antique Mall, or play a round of golf. Relax at the hotel pool and exercise room. “Remember when” at the Wyndham as you view yearbooks and class memorabilia.
Remember --Reunion weekend is the time to reconnect!! We look forward to seeing you April 13 – 16, 2023 at the Wyndham Hotel in Gettysburg, PA.
April 4 – 7, 2024
April 3 – 6, 2025
Two registrations are necessary, one with SJC, and one with the Wyndham Hotel. SJC registration forms will be mailed to you in January 2023. Return your completed registration form to the SJC Alumnae Office or register online.
Make your hotel reservations by visiting the Wyndham Gettysburg website or by calling 717-339-0020. If reserving over the phone, request Saint Joseph College Reunion 2023 Group Block.
Reunion '23 Chair
Mary Ann Wiberly Shattuck, C'70
Co-Chairs
Christine Roos Mehl, ‘70
Leslie Henze Blackstock, ‘70
As we await this year's reunion photos and next year's reunion, take a look at some photos from years past, where alumnae gathered to celebrate our beloved Alma Mater.
The simple answer is “Legacy”. Although the college was closed in 1973, SJC Alumnae maintain strong ties to each other and Emmitsburg, supporting local charities and returning to the Valley to attend annual reunions. Alumnae treasure their relationships and the experiences they shared at St. Joseph College.
The Alumnae wanted to ensure that the educational legacy of Mother Seton and St. Joseph College would endure well beyond the life of the Association. In memory of all St. Joseph College Alumnae, the St. Joseph College Scholarship at Mount St. Mary’s University was established in 2013. The first award was given in 2015.
The Scholarship is awarded to a rising or transfer junior or senior based on financial need and academic merit (GPA 3.0 or higher), supported by a letter of recommendation from a faculty member from MSMU or another accredited College or University. First preference would be a student with a relationship or meaningful connection to an alumna of St. Joseph College. The relationship does not have to be a blood connection, but the candidate must verify their link to an alumna of St. Joseph College.
The financial value of the award is determined yearly based on the current value of the SJCAA Scholarship Fund endowment at the time. As long as the recipient meets the requirements, the scholarship will be maintained through the completion of their undergraduate education, not to exceed two years.
Applications can be obtained here or you may complete the online scholarship application.
Paper applications and letters of recommendation must be submitted to sjcaa@msmary.edu.
Any questions you may have can be directed to the SJC Alumnae Liaison at 301-447-5361 or email sjcaa@msmary.edu.
Donations to the St. Joseph College Alumnae Association Scholarship Fund can be made online.
The SJCAA Memorial Brick Campaign is a tangible way for those associated with SJC to “Leave a Footprint” outside the former Campus Chapel. It is open to all who share in the history of St. Joseph College, St. Joseph College high School or St. Joseph Academy.
The SJCAA Plaza is part of the National Memorial Park Walk of Honor, located just outside the former Chapel of our beloved campus, now the home of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The Chapel, now the Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Restored to circa 1908 by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, in cooperation with the Daughters of Charity, it was rededicated in August 2007. Currently, more than 350 bricks commemorate people associated with St Joseph College.
The Plaza also contains a bronze plaque with a brief history of the campus and a second plaque with an inscription reading:
“In memory of all who trod these holy grounds as students of St. Joseph Academy, High School and College, and those who educated, supported, served and cared for them. May their footsteps and those of St. Joseph’s founder, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, echo here for all time.”
Order your brick now and “Leave a Footprint” on our former campus.
Each engravable brick is $110 and the donation is fully tax-deductible. Formats for wording on the order form are only suggestions. The only limitation is 18 characters, including spaces, on each line. Up to three lines on each brick. Order your brick today!
You may use the search feature on the Walk of Honor page for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation; enter SJCAA in the Search by Location field to find your brick. There is also a direct link to SJC bricks.
The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park is located on federal property, so changes in security levels may affect visiting hours. Please call 301-447-1000 for current information on access to the campus.
Directions to the Memorial and lodging near the Memorial are available.
"For those who have been faithful, O Lord, life is not ended, but merely changed...."
We mourn the passing of those with whom we shared so many memories. Please report the death of any Alumna through the SJCAA office, providing us with information from a published source, when possible.
As a memorial for an SJC Alumna, you may wish to purchase a memorial brick on campus through our "Leave a Footprint" Program or make a donation to the Alumnae Association.