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.