Salve Regina to host multiple events with 75th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration
The 2022-23 academic year launches the official celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the founding of Salve Regina. With this historic milestone in mind, Salve Regina is embarking upon a 75th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration that will happen from Monday, Sept. 19, through Tuesday, Sept. 27th.
All events for the kickoff are listed at the 75th Anniversary’s website.
“The occasion of Salve’s 75th anniversary is not only an opportunity to celebrate 75 years of fulfilling the mercy promise, but it is an invitation to renew our vision for the future of Salve,” said Theresa Ladrigan-Whelpley, vice president of mission integration. “What might it mean 75 years from now that we deepened our commitment to work for a more harmonious, just and merciful world through the mission of Salve Regina?”
This 75th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration incorporates Salve Regina’s annual Fall Festival Weekend, which brings exciting opportunities for Salve Regina families to experience their students as part of this watershed moment in Salve Regina’s history.
“This Fall Festival Weekend is the culmination of a lot of hard work across every office on campus,” described Gillian Goodrich, assistant director of the Office of Alumni, Parent and Family Programs. “We will be spotlighting community engagement through the Day of Service, our mercy mission through the Opening Ceremony, athletics through the Hall of Fame Induction, academic excellence through the Pell Honors Reception, parent involvement through the Parent Reception, student talents through the Hunger Concert – I could go on! I am immensely proud.”
A highlight of 75th anniversary events
While all events for the 75th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration are listed at the 75th Anniversary’s website, of special note will be a few items.
Hon. Elena Kaga of the Supreme Court is visiting the campus on Monday, Sept. 19, for a special chat with Salve Regina’s community, and Catherine McAuley’s birthday will be celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 27.
Then there is the “Carrying the Light of Mercy” Opening Ceremony and Hunger Concert, the Saturday Seminars, and the Fun Run during the Fall Festival Weekend.
Mary Beth Pelletier, program manager for mission integration, was one of the many people involved in creating the Opening Ceremony, which will begin at the gate leading to Gerety Hall and will culminate with the beginning of the Hunger Concert. The Opening Ceremony is a unique tribute to Salve Regina’s 75th anniversary involving fire, storytelling and performances.
“This ceremony includes students, faculty, staff and alumni that reach as far back as the 60s. We have roughly 40-50 community members involved in this theatrical experience, which has been quite something to tackle during the first couple of weeks of school,” Pelletier described. “As we move along the driveway, fires are lit and stories of Salve’s history and heritage are told. When we light our final fire and look back at all of the warm glowing lights along the driveway, we hope everyone there is inspired to reflect on their own Salve light.”
While a few events are listed below, please find and register for all 75th anniversary events here.
Carrying the Light of Mercy: Opening Ceremony
Friday, Sept. 23 at 6 p.m.
Gerety Hall gates
Inspired by the ritual of Providence’s WaterFire, the University will host a grand-scale illuminated walk highlighting Salve Regina’s mercy heritage and history, beginning at the gates of Gerety Hall. This artistic storytelling experience will showcase students, alumni and community members, who will lead attendees along a torch- and bonfire-lit path to share Salve Regina’s story and Catherine McAuley’s mercy influence.
Please find and register for all 75th anniversary events here.
Carrying the Light of Mercy: Hunger Concert
Friday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.
Gerety Hall lawn
The annual Hunger Concert is a Fall Festival Weekend tradition featuring student musical performances. This year’s event will once again encourage donations to benefit local food pantries.
Please find and register for all 75th anniversary events here.
Saturday Seminars: Salve Regina and Our Mercy Mission
Saturday, Sept. 24 from 9-11 a.m.
O’Hare Academic Building
In two morning sessions, University faculty will host seminars offering a glimpse of the Salve Regina academic experience, with topics including the critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy, the University mission and the history of Salve Regina.
Please find and register for all 75th anniversary events here.
Family Fun Run and Walk
Sunday, Sept, 25, at 8:30 a.m.
Rodgers Recreation Center
Join in the festivities of our anniversary kickoff weekend with a 5K (3.1 mile) run or walk. The flat and fast course starts and finishes on campus and includes a run through Newport’s historic Bellevue Avenue/Ochre Point neighborhood of Gilded Age mansions. Light refreshments will be available following the fun run. RSVP required.
Catherine McAuley’s Birthday
Tuesday, Sept. 27
Catherine McAuley’s birthday will be celebrated on Tuesday, Sept. 27. More details to come.
Please find and register for all 75th anniversary events here.
