A sense of belonging, a sense of home – those were the themes that punctuated the 100th Anniversary Griffin Fest and Fall Open House, as alumni returned home to campus while prospective students had a chance to discover what may well become their new home in just a few short years.
On Saturday, October 12th, campus was abuzz with Griffins of all ages as people came to the Hill to celebrate, reminisce, and experience GriffinNation either for the first or hundredth time. The day began with the first of two fall open houses, bringing over 120 guests to campus. Guests started their day with a light breakfast and warm welcome in the Rotunda, where they experienced the majesty of the five-floor centerpiece of St. Joseph Hall and heard from members of the staff and faculty about what makes Chestnut Hill College special.
From there, prospective students and families attended a series of presentations focused on academics, student life, financial aid, and the new nursing program. The resource fair followed, with representatives from the College’s academic centers, support offices, and more, helping the prospective Griffins discover if CHC is the right fit for them. The open house portion of the day concluded with tours as guests were able to experience the campus and residence halls up close.
“Open House was full of energy as families gathered together to explore all that Chestnut Hill College has to offer,” notes Chanel Young, M.Ed., director of undergraduate admissions. “It was an exciting day filled with engaging conversations, insightful presentations, and opportunities to learn about our vibrant campus community.”
Guests also had a chance to take in two special displays, the newly renovated Legacy Hall, which showcases curated artifacts and photos from the College’s rich history, and the 100th Anniversary Art Show on the fifth floor, displaying student, faculty, and alumni art along with the 100th Anniversary edition of The Grackle, featuring photos, poems, and stories capturing the College’s legacy over the years.
From inside the halls to outside on the hill, beautiful weather and activities awaited prospective students, visiting alumni, students, and community members at Griffin Fest. There were athletic inflatables allowing guests to test their strength, speed, and accuracy, pumpkin painting, tie-dye with special-themed Griffin Fest t-shirts, cornhole, a table for food pantry donations, balloon art, face painting, a Quidditch demonstration, ice cream, lunch, and more.
All of this complimented the athletic competitions on campus as guests could watch the women’s volleyball and women’s tennis teams, and the men and women’s soccer teams just a few miles down the road. Even Big Griff made a special appearance, creating smiles and laughter everywhere he went.
“Griffin Fest was an exciting Centennial event – it was great to see so many people on campus,” notes Lynn Sharp ‘87, chair of the 100th Anniversary Committee. “Many alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends attended the festival on the soccer field and took part in all the activities there were to offer. The campus was energized with the open house, art show, historical display, and so many athletic events creating chances to cheer on our student-athletes. The gorgeous fall day showcased our beautiful campus, decorated with 100th banners and decor, inside and out. It was a perfect way to ‘celebrate the past and shape the future!’
The daylong festival ended off campus at the A Field, home of Griffins’ sprint football team. Over 300 people came out to cheer on CHC to an almost historic result. The Griffins played the U.S. Naval Academy down to the wire, even leading going into the fourth quarter. Their valiant effort fell just shy of victory, but that didn’t stop GriffinNation from supporting and cheering all the way until the final whistle.
All-in-all, it was a day to remember and one that proved Jon Bon Jovi’s lyrics to be spot on, because ‘Who says you can’t go home?’ Certainly not Chestnut Hill College!
Join us on campus for our next Fall Open House on Saturday, November 9th. Visit chc.edu/visit to learn more and to register.
- – Marilee Gallagher ’14
