MaryAnne (Coelho) Long ’65 painted CLOCK ON THE QUAD for her Class's 50th Reunion in 2015 to celebrate the uniqueness of Stonehill's campus.

Insights

Stonehill Days

Perhaps one of the best things about celebrating an anniversary is hearing the stories, memories and reflections that accompany the milestone. As Stonehill celebrates its 75th anniversary, we asked our Pillar Society alumni—those who have graduated more than 50 years ago—to reminisce about their Stonehill days. From the beauty of campus and inspiring courses to spiritual development and lifelong friendships, here is what we heard.

November 27, 2023

Majestic Rhododendrons

“It is the seasons I remember the most about my Stonehill days. In the autumn of 1951, I entered the world of endless majestic rhododendrons that became the gates to a beautiful landscape that held Donahue Hall and one brick building—the Science Building, where history, philosophy, literature, French, theology, and, I believe, science were taught…The professors soon exposed us to Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas and the brilliant writings of Shakespeare and Thomas Wolfe.”
—Luice Moncey ’53, Stonehill's first woman graduate

Turning 75 Together

“Stonehill and I are both celebrating our 75th birthday. Except for the first 16 years of my life, Stonehill has been part of the fabric of my being. Many of the students I met at Stonehill are still my friends today. The C.S.C. community, especially Frs. [Jack] McCarthy, [Gerald] Cohen ’59, [Bartley] MacPháidín ’59 and [Robert] Kruse ’55, were great role models as 'educators of the mind and heart.' Because of them, I have grown to understand faith, morality and justice in a deeper, more spiritual way. Professors, notably Jim Cleary and Richard Finnegan, challenged me to think, analyze, question and to become a life-long learner.”
—Francis X. Dillon ’70, Stonehill administrator for 48 years

Beginning My Future

“I am grateful because my choice to attend Stonehill College in the fall of 1968 was the beginning of my future—the future that nurtured my ability to be comfortable living away from home and developing self-worth; the future that became my first profession as a teacher after majoring in Early Childhood Development; the future of meeting Rich ’70 and having just celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary; the future of developing lasting friendships, especially with my best friend, Mary Servatius O’Connell ’72; and the future of buying our first home in Easton and still enjoying it today. My thanks to all those friends and educators alike that helped forge this awesome future.”
—Susan (Reder) Arkuszewski ’72

In Gratitude

"As I think of Stonehill's 75th anniversary, I am filled with gratitude—
gratitude for meeting, falling in love with and (luckily) marrying my wife Cheryl ’68. This was an extraordinary, life-changing moment, and we have just happily celebrated our 54th wedding anniversary. I'm grateful for receiving an exceptional liberal arts education, which inspired, prepared and led me to a wonderful and incredibly rewarding career in federal civil/public service. I'm in gratitude for the pure gift of my Catholic faith, which provides spiritual nourishment every day and is foundational for serving others, especially the poor, the voiceless and the underserved. I am a first-generation student who is extremely grateful for having had the opportunity to attend a four-year college. Stonehill is and always will be light, hope, inspiration and joy. Once a member of the Stonehill community, always a member."
—Mark Wong ’67

Caring for Others

"Having attended Stonehill College in the 1960s, I remember some life-changing events that happened while I was there. Stonehill students rallied around each other, no matter what their political or ideological persuasions, through such events as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Freedom Riders, Vietnam War, etc. The greatest lesson I learned at Stonehill was to care for others. 'We Shall Overcome' is as poignant today as it was then."
—MaryAnne (Coelho) Long ’65

Giving Back

"I truly enjoyed my time at Stonehill and could not have picked a better learning environment for myself. It was so small, and I was a relatively quiet person, so it was comfortable for me. I discovered that my thoughts and ideas were respected not only by my peers, but also by my professors. I have always tried to give back to the College in whatever way I could. I am thrilled to be part of the Pillar Society and have the opportunity especially to speak with other members."
—Esther-Ann Chamberlain ’68

Returning to Stonehill

“It’s hard to put into words what Stonehill has meant to me. It helped me become who I am. What I remember most is the closeness with the faculty and other students, of all class years, and the affinity I had, especially for people like Fr. Richard Sullivan, C.S.C., and Fr. Francis Grogan, C.S.C.—they were very special human beings. When I go back to Stonehill now at 87 years old, I close my eyes and I can see myself walking the campus when I was 19. When I go back to Stonehill, I’m just Joe Bettencourt, Class of 1958.”
—Joseph Bettencourt ’58

Welcome Home

“When you drive in and you see the sign 'Welcome Home, Alumni,' it's not window dressing. We have made lifelong friendships. At events where we know no one, the common bond of Stonehill facilitates interactions among all age groups. Personally, my husband and I were married at the Sem. Our children were baptized on campus. Most recently, we celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in the Chapel in Donahue Hall. It's hard to pick a favorite memory [from my student days]—I remember green eggs on St Patrick’s Day, sledding down the hill of Donahue with trays from the cafeteria and outside classes in the spring.”
—Ann Marie (Hebert) Oliver ’69

About the Pillar Society

In 2002, The Pillar Society, Stonehill College’s “50-year club,” was established for those who graduated more than a half-century ago. The name reflects the prominence of the pillars that distinguish Donahue Hall and the Class of 1952’s position as the pillar on which much of Stonehill tradition rests.

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