Introduction
The College of Our Lady of the Elms, located in Chicopee, Massachusetts, is a private, Catholic liberal arts college. It was founded in 1928 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, who envisioned a place where young women could receive a high-quality education grounded in the Catholic faith. Today, the college welcomes students of all genders and backgrounds and offers a range of academic programs in fields such as nursing, business, education, and social sciences. In this blog post, we will explore some fun facts about the College of Our Lady of the Elms that you might not have known.
History
The College of Our Lady of the Elms has a long and storied history that dates back to the early 1900s. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield, a group of Catholic nuns, founded the college in 1928 with the goal of providing young women with a high-quality education. The college was originally located in Springfield, Massachusetts, but in 1949, it moved to its current location in Chicopee. Today, the college continues to be guided by the principles of the Sisters of St. Joseph, which include a commitment to social justice and a belief in the power of education to transform lives.
In addition to its founding and move to Chicopee, the College of Our Lady of the Elms has a number of other interesting historical tidbits. For example, during World War II, the college offered nursing programs that trained more than 1,000 women to be nurses and medical technicians. The college also has a longstanding relationship with the country of Haiti, where it has sent students and faculty on service trips for many years.
Student body
One of the things that sets the College of Our Lady of the Elms apart is its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The college welcomes students of all genders, races, and backgrounds, and has a student body that reflects this commitment. In fact, according to the college’s website, more than 25% of its students are students of color, and more than 20% are first-generation college students.
In addition to its commitment to diversity, the College of Our Lady of the Elms is also known for its strong sense of community. The college is relatively small, with just over 1,000 undergraduate students, which means that students and faculty have the opportunity to get to know each other well. The college also has a number of student organizations and clubs, including a student government association, a multicultural club, and a variety of academic and professional clubs.
Nursing program
One of the standout programs at the College of Our Lady of the Elms is its nursing program. The college offers a range of nursing programs, including a traditional four-year bachelor’s degree program, an accelerated second-degree program for students who already have a bachelor’s degree in another field, and a master’s degree program in nursing.
The nursing program at the College of Our Lady of the Elms has a strong reputation for excellence. According to the college’s website, its nursing graduates consistently score higher than the national average on the NCLEX-RN exam, which is the exam that all nursing students must pass in order to become licensed. The college also has partnerships with a number of local healthcare organizations, which provide students with clinical experience and job opportunities after graduation.
Campus
The College of Our Lady of the Elms has a beautiful campus that is worth checking out. The campus is situated on 54 acres in Chicopee, Massachusetts, and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. One of the standout features of the campus is the Berchmans Hall, which was built in 1933 and is a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture. The hall features a number of ornate details, including stained glass windows and a bell tower. Other notable buildings on campus include the Maguire Center, which houses the college’s library, and the Alumnae Library, which was built in 1928 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Commitment to sustainability
Finally, the College of Our Lady of the Elms is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The college has a number of initiatives in place to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability on campus. For example, the college has a green roof on one of its buildings, which helps to reduce stormwater runoff and provides insulation for the building. The college also has a number of recycling programs in place, as well as a community garden that is used to grow organic produce for the college’s dining hall.
In addition to its on-campus sustainability efforts, the College of Our Lady of the Elms also offers a number of academic programs related to environmental sustainability and social justice. For example, the college offers a major in environmental studies, as well as a minor in peace and social justice studies. The college also hosts a number of sustainability-related events throughout the year, including a “green week” celebration in the spring.
Conclusion
The College of Our Lady of the Elms is a small, Catholic liberal arts college with a rich history and a commitment to diversity, community, and sustainability. From its strong nursing program to its beautiful campus and commitment to social justice, there are many things that make this college a unique and interesting place to learn and grow. Whether you’re considering attending the College of Our Lady of the Elms or simply curious about this hidden gem in western Massachusetts, we hope that this blog post has given you some insight into the many fun facts and interesting features of this remarkable institution.
