Stay connected and in the know! Your weekly Rosemont Connections Newsletter is here, packed with campus news, exciting events, and good things from our community. Check the Rosemont College website to keep up with the latest or subscribe below!
THIS WEEK - FINALS WEEK!
Academic Calendar
Check the Calendar, Events & Schedule page to navigate to all things at Rosemont!
Don’t miss these important items from the Academic Calendar for Finals week!
Senior Toast 2026
Rosemont College invites the Class of 2026 to celebrate four incredible years with the Senior Toast, a special send off event on May 11.
To help us plan well, please RSVP extended to Tuesday, May 5, 2026 RSVP by Monday, May 4, 2026 . Questions? Feel free to reach out to Jenn Thorpe ’93, Director of Alumni Relations, at [email protected].
Don’t Diss Me, I’m Able Masterclass (Lunch Included)
Create authentic, stereotype shattering disability representation in children’s, middle grade, and YA literature with Don’t Diss Me, I’m Able: Crafting Authentic Disability Representation in the Main Character, a powerful one day Masterclass led by Rosemont MA alum and publishing veteran Rosalba Ugliuzza on Saturday, May 5, 2026, 10:00am – 3:00pm (lunch included). Examine evolving themes, analyze standout contemporary books, foster empathy through discussion, and gain essential tools for respectful, empowering stories. Register by Monday, May 4, 2026. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!
Dining Services
Check out the weekly menu to see when your favorites are cooking in the Cardinal Dining Hall!
The Witness Tree Project
Craft, connect, and preserve Rosemont’s living history every Monday. The entire community is invited to join master quilter Cathy Fennell for collaborative quilting, textile arts, photography, and Photo Voice storytelling in the Sharon Latchaw Hirsh Community Center, Cardinal Hall Cafeteria, where you’ll help build the Witness Tree Quilt alongside the Black Student Union, Cultural Heritage Gallery, RoseGrow Environmental Coalition, and Studio Art Department.
Campus Ministry Updates
On Tuesday, May 5th at 1:00pm, we’ll have our rescheduled Sophomore Tree Planting and Blessing. Please join the sophomores in front of the chapel. The tree will be planted on the green to the left of the front door. All are welcome.
Get Ready to Graduate: Grad Fair 2026!
Rosemont College is excited to host Grad Fair 2026. Mark your calendar and join us May 6 – 7, 2026 in the Sr. Mary George Room, located inside the Sharon Latchaw Hirsh Community Center to pick up everything you need for Commencement while getting answers to all your graduation questions in one convenient location.
Wellness Wednesday: Look Back at the Memories
The Counseling Center is “A Place to be Seen, Heard, and Supported”, is open Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 4:00pm. In honor of Wellness Wednesday, we share a weekly reflection with practical tools to support wellbeing and personal growth.
Sam Keller leads this initiative with support from the Counseling Center team, including Thomas DeGeorge, PhD, LPC, and Robert Pina, LPC. Together, they bring clinical expertise and a strong commitment to student care. Explore the May 6th Wellness Wednesday feature: Look Back at the Memories.
Senior BFA Exhibit 2026: Phoenix Gruver & Tyrone Butler
Rosemont College is excited to announce the Senior BFA Exhibit by Student Exhibitors, opening April 18 – May 11, 2026, in the Patricia M. Nugent Gallery.
The Phoenix Gruver opening reception was held on Saturday, April 18th from 12:00 – 2:00pm, and his thesis presentation was Wednesday, April 22nd, at 11:00am
The Tyrone Butler opening reception was held on Saturday, May 2nd from 4:00 – 7:00pm, and he will present his thesis on Wednesday, May 6th, at 11:00am.
Special Night with Author Marie Benedict – FREE*
Rosemont College is delighted to invite students, staff, faculty, and the entire campus community to an inspiring evening with bestselling author Marie Benedict. This special BLOCS event takes place in Philadelphia on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, and offers a wonderful opportunity to engage with one of today’s most celebrated historical fiction writers.
*Members of the Rosemont community are able to use the Rosemont College RSVP form to attend for free, while standard admission tickets normally start at $100.
Ravens Compete at WCU Meet: May 8, 2026
Join us for the WCU Last Chance Track Meet that will be the final track & field meet of the season and final Rosemont NCAA contest ever, scheduled for May 8, 2026.
The 2026 Track & Field Schedule is packed with exciting away meets that will showcase the speed, strength, and determination of our Ravens athletes. Whether you’re a longtime fan, a current student, this season offers plenty of opportunities to cheer on the Ravens as they compete against strong regional programs.
Sunday Mass – Sixth Sunday of Easter
When: Sunday, May 10th, 11:30am
Where: Our Mother of Good Counsel Church
Details: Meet in front of our Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at 11:15am if you need a ride.
How to Convert Student Success into Career Success
Dean Kolick shares some practical tips on how to prepare for finals, finish strong and prepare for success after graduation. Explore how to Convert Student Success into Career Success to learn more now.
It’s a great resource you might want to bookmark for furture reference!
Students Partner with Asian Bank in National Competition
Rosemont College is proud to celebrate the outstanding participation of five students in the Community Bank Case Study Competition 2026. The Rosemont team partnered with Asian Bank in Philadelphia’s Chinatown.
This prestigious national event, organized by the CSBS, gave undergraduate students across all majors a unique opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the community banking industry by partnering directly with local banks.
Rosemont Athletics Final Award Ceremony
Rosemont College Athletics hosted the last sports award ceremony in the history of the school. It was a great event, where all athletes from all sports came to watch and support their teammates and friends, with the possibility of bringing home an award as well.
Read the full article to learn more about Rosemont Athletics Final Award Ceremony.
ON THE HORIZON
April Student of the Month – Coming Soon!
The Rosemont College Student of the Month Award recognizes students for their outstanding contributions to our academic community. April Nominations opened April 1, 2026, and were collected by Student Affairs through April 30, 2026. Nominations are now closed – but watch to see who it is! We encourage you to submit a nomination in the future and help us celebrate the achievements of our students.
The April winner will be announced on May 11, 2026.
2026 Commencement Speaker Announced
Rosemont College is thrilled to announce that Kim Ward, President Pro Tempore of the Pennsylvania State Senate, will serve as the 2026 Commencement speaker. A trailblazing leader and dedicated public servant, Senator Ward will address the Class of 2026 on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 10:00am during our Commencement Ceremony.
Commencement Events 2026
As the academic year comes to a close, Rosemont College is excited to celebrate our graduating students in a series of meaningful events beginning with the Baccalaureate Mass on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 5:00pm up to graduation 2026 on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 10:00am.
The Class of 2026 has worked hard to reach this milestone. We are eager to honor their dedication and achievements during our upcoming Commencement festivities.
Study Abroad Spain – Total Solar Eclipse!
Learn about and sign up for Study Abroad Spain, August 7, 2026, for 7 or 10 days to witness the eclipse on August 12, 2026. Explore all study abroad opportunities to plan your international experience.
ArtBound Initiative: Dream Creative Internships
Launch your career with confidence with the ArtBound Initiative that guarantees 100% of participants a confirmed placement in art, design, fashion, media, or communications.
Choose opportunities in New York, LA, London, Berlin, Sydney (or virtual), get expert portfolio reviews + live sessions with Warner Bros., PepsiCo, and Paramount pros, plus full travel, housing support, and a lifelong global creative network. Spots are limited and deadlines are approaching (check post for full details by location).
Save the Date: Reunion 2026
Rosemont College announces plans for Rosemont Reunion 2026. This signature event will bring alumni back to campus for a memorable weekend of connection and celebration. The Reunion will take place from October 2 – 4, 2026. Rosemont looks forward to welcoming graduates home for this special occasion.
ICYMI
Founders’ Day Awards 2026 Recap
Rosemont College proudly hosted the 2026 Founders’ Day Awards, bringing together members of the campus community to celebrate achievement, leadership, and service. This special event recognized students, faculty, and staff who continue to shape the spirit and mission of the College. The 2026 Founders’ Day Awards highlight the dedication and impact of individuals who lead with purpose and inspire others. Congratulations to all the recipients!
Campus Philly’s Spring Career Fair Recap
Rosemont College is proud to highlight student participation in the 2026 Campus Philly Spring Career Fair. A group of Rosemont students traveled to the Barnes Foundation, where they had the exciting opportunity to network with employers and connect with peers from across the Philadelphia region.
Alumni Achievement: Giuseppe Bentrovato
Rosemont College is proud to celebrate alumni Giuseppe Bentrovato’s recent white coat ceremony at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, a milestone that reinforces the College’s nearly decade long 100% medical or osteopathic school acceptance rate for qualified science students — an opportunity fostered by the leadership and expertise of Associate Professor of Biology and Department Chair Dr. Skokotas.
Updated: Merger Frequently Asked Questions
Get clear, official answers to your top questions about the ongoing merger with Villanova University in this updated Merger FAQ guide.
Please note that the FAQs have been recently updated as of Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Faculty Spotlight: Derek Kephart
Professor Derek Kephart currently works full time as a Chief Inspector in Philadelphia—the highest civil service rank in the police force. He manages many different aspects of police work. From budgeting, internal affairs, reviewing body cam footage and other work behind the scenes to planning security measures to ensure the safety of all participants in a city event, Professor Kephart brings many personal experiences to his students. “I bring a practicality, a real world experience, and I love to teach,” Professor Kephart says with deep pride in his voice.
Discover how his unique perspectives on empathy, communication, and trust bring compassion and understanding to law enforcement and to students in the classroom.
Faculty Spotlight: Gene Lanzillo
Meet Gene Lanzillo, Rosemont College’s Homeland Security professor who brings 21 years as an FBI agent (and 12 more in the Army) straight into the classroom—teaching everything from the psychology of terrorism to criminal investigations with real world grit and genuine heart. A former full time FBI veteran who became a Rosemont adult learner himself—juggling a demanding job while earning his degree—he now champions “life learners” and second career students, turning their experiences into rich discussions and keeping human connection alive even in online classes.
Discover how his passion for encouraging every student to show up as themselves is strengthening Rosemont’s nationally recognized Homeland Security program and building the next generation of justice leaders.
Faculty Spotlight: Al Lopez
Meet Al Lopez, Rosemont College’s criminal justice and homeland security professor whose 25+ years in law enforcement power a deeply compassionate approach to teaching. A former adult learner who climbed the “Mount Everest” of college without guidance or support, Al now walks every step with his students—most of them working adults—turning overwhelming goals into achievable wins and building tight knit communities along the way.
Discover how his integrity first philosophy is transforming lives which has helped Rosemont earn recognition as a Forbes ranked top college in the nation for Homeland Security.
History of Women Religious of Britain & Ireland
Joanne Campbell and Tina Waldeier Bizzarro had their paper accepted for the prestigious 2026 History of Women Religious of Britain and Ireland Conference at Queen Mary University this June! Titled “Gaudium et Spes: Stewarding Sacred Space,” their research shows how Rosemont’s historic campus serves as a living classroom for experiential learning, ecological consciousness, and institutional memory. Celebrate our faculty’s international scholarly impact and the enduring legacy of our founding Sisters by reading Rosemont Professors’ Paper Accepted At 2026 HWRBI Conference.
Rosemont College & America250PA
The Rosemont College community continues to expand its impact through dynamic involvement in the America250PA initiative. This statewide program celebrates the 250th birthday of the United States and highlights Pennsylvania’s historic role in the nation’s founding. At Rosemont, the initiative has blossomed into Rosemont 250 and the Ambassador 250 program where students are transforming history into hands on leadership and real world success.
March Student of the Month: Tori Jones
Rosemont College proudly recognizes the March Student of the Month, Tori Jones. This honor celebrates her dedication, leadership, and strong commitment to academic success.
The Rosemont community is honored to recognize Tori for her hard work and positive impact on campus!
Academic Honors Day 2026
Rosemont College proudly celebrated the academic excellence of its students during the annual Academic Honors Day ceremony. This signature event recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance, leadership, and commitment to their fields of study.
We invite you to explore the full list of Academic Honors Day 2026 honorees below and celebrate their accomplishments.
SEPCHE Honors Conference 2026
Recognizing our Rosemont College honors scholars who presented their scholarship at SEPCHE Honors Conference 2026. They absolutely shined with brilliance! Congratulations to our Honors Program Director Michelle Moravec, PhD.
Writer’s Studio
Explore all the latest and upcoming Writer’s Studio opportunities that are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Reserve your spot early – spaces are intentionally limited and go fast!
Official Rosemont College Merger News Center
Explore the Official Rosemont College Merger News Center to find merger related information as it impacts students, faculty, staff and alumni.
We invite you to submit your merger related questions using the “Merger Contact” form located in the Official Rosemont Merger News Center contact menu.
Don't Forget...
- Athletics: Learn more about our Student Athletes.
- Center for Teaching & Learning: Faculty are invited to login to the Center for Teaching & Learning to access new, practical, & robust resources including the CTL newsletter.
- Counseling Center: Learn more about Counseling resources and how to schedule an appointment.
- Food Pantry: A resource for all community members. Open daily 6:00am – 9:00pm and from 10:00am – 6:00pm on weekends. (Lower level of the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception).
- Galleries: Explore exhibits in the Patricia M. Nugent art gallery, and discover the world in the Cultural Heritage Gallery located inside the Gertrude Kistler Memorial Library!
- Merger News: Visit the Official Merger News Center for merger related updates, FAQs & information.
- Prayer Room: Located on the second floor of the Gertrude Kistler Memorial Library.
- Stay Informed: Remember to sign up for Campus Text Alerts.
- Employment Opportunities: Explore current openings & if you know someone who would be a good fit, please encourage them to learn more from Human Resources and apply.
- Giving: Make an IMPACT at Rosemont with a gift today!
