Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul of New York Receive Elizabeth Seton Medal at College of Mount Saint Vincent Commencement May 21, 2011
5/23/2011
Riverdale, N.Y. – The University of Mount Saint Vincent is pleased to announce that it bestowed its highest honor, the Elizabeth Seton Medal, upon the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul of New York during its 99th annual Commencement, held on the College’s Riverdale campus on May 21, 2011.
The Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul of New York founded the University of Mount Saint Vincent 100 years ago, and continue to sponsor the College today. Founded by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton as the first American congregation of vowed American religious women, the Sisters of Charity have ministered to the needs of New York and founded, led, and staffed schools, hospitals, and social service agencies throughout their history.
During the Centennial Founders Day Celebration, held on April 19, 2011, the College’s Administration Building was rededicated as Founders Hall, in honor of the Sisters of Charity. A commemorative plaque was also installed in Founders Hall, in honor of all the Sisters of Charity who have worked at the College during its 100-year history.
In bestowing the Elizabeth Seton Medal on the members of the Sisters of Charity present during the Commencement ceremony, Dr. Charles L. Flynn, president of the University of Mount Saint Vincent, said, “The Sisters of Charity breathed life into this college. They sponsor our work. With excellence and grace, they consecrated the College with the motto, ‘Teach Me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge.’”
He continued, “This year is the centennial of the charter amendment with which the Regents of the University of the State of New York transformed the Academy of Mount Saint Vincent into the College. This year, we celebrate our Founders for the commitment to academic excellence, free inquiry, and service that they established in the Academy and sustain and sponsor in the College.”
About the University of Mount Saint Vincent
Founded in 1847, the University of Mount Saint Vincent is a co-educational, independent institution rooted in the spirit and mission of the Sisters of Charity and committed to the liberal arts. The College’s undergraduate and master’s level degree programs prepare its uncommonly diverse students for lives of professional achievement and service. Visit www.mountsaintvincent.edu for more information.