Rosemont College is thrilled to celebrate a major academic achievement as two of our distinguished professors have had their paper accepted for the prestigious History of Women Religious of Britain and Ireland (HWRBI) Conference taking place June 11–12, 2026, at Queen Mary University of London.
About the 2026 History of the HWRBI Conference
The History of Women Religious of Britain and Ireland Conference is an annual gathering of scholars from around the world. It explores the rich history, contributions, and networks of women religious.
The 2026 theme, Women Religious: Patronage and Networks from Medieval to Modern, promises dynamic discussion. It will examine how religious women have shaped education, culture, and sacred spaces across centuries. Presenting at this conference is a significant honor.
The Accepted Paper
The paper that will be presented is titled Gaudium et Spes: Stewarding Sacred Space: Postdigital Ecopedagogy Women Religious and the Built Environment of Rosemont College.
This work is co authored by Professor Joanne Campbell of Rosemont College and Professor Tina Waldeier Bizzarro of Rosemont College and Villanova University.
Professor Joanne Campbell shared that the work explored built the environment of Rosemont College. The college was founded by the Sisters of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus. The paper shows how this environment serves as a living space for experiential learning, ecological awareness, and institutional memory.
Drawing on postdigital ecopedagogy and the history of women religious, the research presents a clear argument. Architecture, landscape, and sacred space are not passive settings. Instead, they actively shape learning, formation, and meaning.
The analysis reflects more than a decade of research. This includes archival study at the Cornelia Connelly archives at the Cherwell Centre, University of Oxford. It also includes fieldwork across educational and heritage centers in England, Ireland, Italy, France, and Kenya. In addition, the work draws on long term teaching experience at Rosemont College.
Congratulations to Our Dedicated Professors
We extend our warmest congratulations to Professors Joanne Campbell and Tina Waldeier Bizzarro for this outstanding achievement.
Their acceptance into the History of Women Religious of Britain and Ireland Conference is a powerful recognition of their hard work and deep commitment to advancing knowledge about women religious.
Their paper not only honors the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus but also connects Rosemont’s campus story to broader global conversations about sacred space education and sustainability. We are incredibly proud of their dedication and the many hours of research teaching and reflection that made this presentation possible.
The Rosemont Experience
At Rosemont, we believe that no matter what discipline you study, effective communication and problem solving are cornerstones to success. That’s why students take classes across multiple disciplines—to learn to approach complex situations from multiple angles. We also recognize the importance of real world experience in preparing you for a career. In fact, every student engages in at least one internship, volunteer effort, or service learning opportunity.
In the Heart of Suburban Philadelphia's Iconic Main Line
- Beautiful 58 acre Main Line campus located in serene suburban Philadelphia.
- Current students have access to world class advanced degree programs through exclusive partnerships.
- Rooted in Catholicism we welcome all faiths and beliefs.
- Coveted 11:1 student to faculty ratio providing an unparalleled educational experience.
- An average class size of 13 ensures a high caliber, personalized education.
