ANNOUNCEMENT FROM PRESIDENT FINGER ON UPCOMING COMMUNICATIONS

March 20, 2020

Dear Members of the Seton Hill Community,

The last several days have brought varied and increasing challenges to our world and have changed how we all live and work. While our work together here at Seton Hill looks and feels very different right now, we continue as a community; a community that advances learning and prepares our students to pursue their dreams – personal and professional - and to, in the words of our mission statement, “transform the world.” 

Communication and connection remain critically important for all of us right now. In the next few days you will begin to receive email messages to shore up our engagement as a community.

The Office of Mission and Identity is videotaping Mass for students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends on Sundays and Wednesdays. The first recording, available at mass.setonhill.edu will premiere at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 22.  Recordings will continue for the remainder of the Spring Semester.  The Office is also compiling “Mission Moments,” which will help sustain us spiritually during this difficult time.  

In addition, you will continue to receive email from the Counseling, Disability and Health Services Center.  These “Wellness Moments” will suggest ways for all of us to stay well physically and mentally during this period of great stress.  

Student Affairs will also be providing students with various ways to engage with classmates virtually through co-curricular efforts. I understand these opportunities may include a Netflix Party—perhaps something we might all look forward to experiencing together.

In my letter of update to alumni yesterday, I shared how our community continues to garner strength from Elizabeth Ann Seton and the Sisters of Charity of Seton Hill, whose courage deepened during times of uncertainty. Indeed, Elizabeth Ann Seton responded to the needs of a young nation—drawing on her burgeoning faith—when she chose as her primary mission for her Sisters of Charity the education of all. She wrote:

Wherever the Sisters of Charity go we must seek and find God everywhere…in the midst of contradiction, change, risk, and unmet needs. 

The Seton Hill community is strong and vibrant. We will continue to face these times of uncertainty with the resilience, grace and fortitude that is part of our rich history.  I extend deep gratitude to all of you for your compassionate, flexible and creative response during this extraordinary time in the life of our university.  

Please continue to stay healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

President Finger