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Full Text Of Speaches
President Mangelsdorf:
Good morning, everyone. Thank you, Father Cool . . . and everyone who has worked on this project . . . for getting us together this morning for such a special occasion.
Thank you, too, to Bishop Matano, for taking time to be with us this morning. Welcome back to campus.
I want to acknowledge Joe Mack . . . the namesake for what will be the Joseph P. Mack Catholic Center, which is the focus of our ceremony today.
Joe has a distinguished history of support and engagement with the University. He’s currently a Trustee Emeritus. He’s a proud alumnus . . . Class of 1955 . . . and a longtime advisor, volunteer, and friend to the University.
In 2000, Joe was the national chairman of our Sesquicentennial celebration . . . maybe we could enlist him for a role in this year’s 175th anniversary? The celebration in 2000 was such a success that it became the template for our annual Meliora Weekend.
I also want to thank our guests Bill and Chrissy Carpenter . . . both as the namesakes of the William and Mary Christine Catholic Chapel . . . and as longtime supporters of the University.
Bill is a Trustee Emeritus who has had several leadership roles with the Board and other University leadership committees.
Joe’s generosity as the lead donor . . . and the incredible support of Bill and Chrissy . . . along with that of many alumni and friends . . . have made today possible.
The new building helps fulfill the growing sacramental, spiritual, pastoral, and communal needs of our Catholic community and of our community more broadly. The center also recognizes the long history of the University’s Catholic Newman Community, which has been part of campus life since 1929.
The addition of a building devoted to the spiritual life of our students, faculty, and staff is a blessing for all of us.
Since the University’s founding 175 years ago, we have recognized the importance of the religious and spiritual identity that many students bring to our community of scholars. We want and expect people to bring their entire selves to campus. We value that sense of self in our students, faculty, and staff as a foundation for the work that each of us commits to undertake . . . and that is, our commitment to making the world around us better for everyone.
Finding ways to enhance opportunities on campus for engagement across faith traditions and religious communities is a key component of our campus master plan and our Boundless Possibility strategic plan . . . in which we’ve committed to enhancing exceptional undergraduate and graduate education and building on our faculty and staff success.
As members of our University community of all faiths seek opportunities for social and spiritual growth and connection, we’re working to grow with the needs of our students, faculty, and staff.
The Joseph P. Mack Catholic Center is one aspect of our efforts to enhance spiritual life. The new building is complemented by renovations to the Interfaith Chapel. The chapel opened in 1970, and its dedication marked our long-running leadership in recognizing campus as a place of interfaith dialogue, support, and community. The iconic building . . . with its renovations . . . will now have a little more breathing room to better accommodate the needs of our current campus life.
I’m pleased that the Mack Catholic Center will add to the ways in which our community can gather for prayer . . . and will provide new ways for campus groups to build bonds of friendship and community. That commitment to helping bring all people together is worthy of celebration, and I thank Joe, the Carpenters, our alumni, parents, and other donors, and the Newman community for celebrating that.
Thank you all for your dedication to our students and to our University community.
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Bishop Matano:
On this very auspicious occasion, The Joseph P. Mack Catholic Center Groundbreaking Ceremony, I wish to extend the greetings of the Diocese of Rochester and our gratitude for all who have contributed to this event heralding the path to building the Catholic Center. In particular, I thank President Mangelsdorf, Father Cool, Mr. William and Mrs. Mary Christine Carpenter, Mr. Joseph Mack, Rev. C. Denise Yarbrough, Ms. Amelia Swan, the administration, faculty, students, alumni and alumnae and all here present.
In marking this milestone in the life of the University of Rochester, we recall the Church’s rich heritage of contributions in our country and in the field of education. The founding of educational institutions was from the beginning a foremost priority and apostolic work of the Church in these United States. In Baltimore, Emmitsburg and Washington our first seminary, college and university had their respective beginnings under the First Bishop of the United States, John Carroll, of the first established diocese in the United States, the See of Baltimore. This beginning would witness the future growth of Catholic educational institutions across the country. The aspiration to provide excellent Catholic education motivated the continuous efforts to build schools, colleges and universities as soon as we built our homes and our churches.
To teach and to learn are rooted in the very heart of the Church which exercises this ministry in imitation of our ancestors in the faith. Through the ages, creating, listening and talking, studying, contemplating and researching, reading and writing have all been inspired by: the wisdom of Holy Scripture that teaches “…wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her,” (Proverbs 8:11); by the gentle yet unambiguous exhortations of Saint Paul; by the intellect raised to the transcendent in the writings of Saint John; by the internal spiritual and intellectual struggle in Saint Augustine’s Confessions; by the humble unfolding of the knowledge of God in Saint Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologica; through the just application of law grounded in Truth in the brilliance of Saint Thomas More; by Saint John Henry Newman’s scholarly insight that the University (University Church in Dublin) “symbolized … the indissoluble union of philosophy with religion”, (What I aimed at); by the embrace of the foreigner, the outcast and the neglected; and the compassionate love for the poor, the uneducated and God’s cherished children shown by these pioneer saints: Mother Cabrini, Katharine Drexel, Elizabeth Ann Seton, Mother Teresa of Calcutta and so many others, who possessed the true wisdom that sees in every person the face of God.
These are the characteristics of Christian intellectuals who were responsive to the prophetic witness of Isaiah, made real by Christ and lived the Church: “Take courage and fear not… the land that was desolate and impassable shall be glad, and the wilderness shall rejoice… And a path and a way shall be there, and it shall be called the holy way…” (Isaiah 35:1-8).
The “holy way” engages both faith and reason. In his address to the Catholic Educators at the Catholic University of America on April 17, 2008, the scholarly Pope Benedict XVI, noted: “…the truths of faith and of reason never contradict one another.” Pope Benedict reminded those present that every Catholic institution of learning, and yes, every ministry to students on campuses, is a place where truth is sought, truth is revealed and truth is the essence of our natural inclination to reach out to the transcendent. Truth, reason, academic pursuits, these are not opposed to each other. Rather these work in harmony with each other. Jesus Christ, the search for truth, and one’s reason are deeply related and interconnected one to the other.
In the years ahead, our students’ search for truth on this campus will continue. I pray that at this Center, one finds Jesus, one finds the Truth, the Ultimate Truth! In this place, as material comes together to build an edifice dedicated to the work of the Lord, I pray our students will grow in faith, learn how to pray with mind, heart and soul united, gaze upon Christ present among us in the Most Holy Eucharist, find peace and reconciliation in the Sacrament of Confession, experience how enriching is the encounter with the poor, with the sick, the elderly, and the immigrant - realities imbedded in our society. They should also experience, along with the great quality of education, the inspiring devotion to Our Mother Mary, that noble woman of extraordinary faith, whose “Fiat”, “Thy will be done,” (Luke 1:38), set in motion the redemption of all humanity in Christ Jesus, Our Lord, who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
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Joseph Mack:
Good morning, everyone,
I am honored to have this opportunity to offer some personal reflections on this special groundbreaking day. But first, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the many friends of Newman who helped make this day possible.
I especially want to thank the President of the University of Rochester and the Bishop of the Diocese of Rochester. Without the commitment, leadership, and encouragement of President Sarah Mangelsdorf and her two predecessors, and without the foresight and support of Bishop Matano and his predecessors—who have allowed Father Cool to shepherd this project—we would not be breaking ground today.
President Mangelsdorf, we are especially grateful that you and the University have provided Newman with the land and the opportunity to build a facility large enough to satisfy our unique religious needs forever.
We also thank everyone who contributed to the ambitious design and intricate details that will make this a unique building—one in which the University will take great pride. Finally, we extend our gratitude to the 450+ Rochester Newman alumni and friends who have generously contributed financially.
This is a historic day, one that will benefit all Rochester students—one that we have been working toward and praying for... for almost eight years. (And it is historic because it is my first—and most likely my last—groundbreaking!)
With the number of religious groups on campus growing from three when the Interfaith Chapel was built in the 1970s to thirteen religious groups today, space at the Interfaith Chapel is at a premium. In addition, over the past two decades, the Catholic student population has grown significantly.
To meet our pastoral care and educational space needs, Father Cool and the Newman Board have explored many options. Happily, we will soon solve all our space problems.
- Our chapel, the first permanent Catholic space on campus, will allow for more frequent Masses and Sacraments and provide a sacred place where students can pray and meditate at any time.
- The welcoming office area will enable students and chaplains to meet privately for counseling.
- The multipurpose room will serve as a venue for visiting lecturers, community gatherings, and dining.
Overall, the chapel and community center will foster a more enriched communal experience for all Rochester students. At last, the Newman Center will truly be:
A place to pray
A place to gather
A place to grow
On a personal note, I became aware of Father Cool's dream to build a Catholic community center on campus more than twelve years ago. I remember how reassured we all were to learn that every other comparable research university had a Newman building on its campus. It was time for Rochester to have one too.
We participated in a national survey of college students about their religious practices. One statistic was especially concerning:
Only 25% of students who enter college practicing their religion graduate with their faith intact.
Our past experience convinced us that a Newman Center and chapel on campus would not only help preserve students’ faith but would also strengthen their religious beliefs during their college years. Increasing that 25% became our challenge.
What finally convinced me to become part of this building venture was the undeniable proof of Newman's impact. I saw it firsthand:
- In the students I worked with
- In the Newman graduates who became successful Catholic leaders in their communities
- In the alumni who volunteered their time and talents to help Father Cool run and fund the Newman Community
I somehow missed the Newman experience when I was an undergrad, but I have been fortunate to come to know Newman as a volunteer—and I am especially thankful for the opportunity to work on the Catholic Center project with the Newman Building Committee, alongside my close cohorts Ann Kubarek and Ron Paprocki—and, of course, Father Cool.
President Mangelsdorf called me several times—unsuccessfully—to tell me that the University had honored me in the naming of the building. (I can only guess that my cell phone was turned off!)
When we finally spoke, I thanked her and told her that I was truly humbled by the news. It was not something I worked for—I have always felt blessed just to have had the opportunity to work on this project.
But I am honored—deeply honored—to have my name on a University of Rochester building and a Catholic building. It still feels a bit hard to believe.
This Newman building project has been a once-in-a-lifetime challenge and opportunity for me—and I believe, for all of us.
A boundless possibility realized. Thank you, everyone, for joining us today.
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Bill Carpenter:
Good morning, everyone. Tough group of exceptional leaders to follow, so I’ll be brief.
It is wonderful to be here with you today as we celebrate the establishment of the Joseph Mack Catholic Center here at the University of Rochester. It has been a long journey but this Center will be more than just a building on campus; it will be a home for faith, friendship and formation for our students, and Chrissy and I are extremely pleased to be part of making it a reality.
In some ways, our support for this project originated over 50 years ago. We were college students at Dartmouth and much of our time was spent at Aquinas House, which was the Catholic Newman center on campus (ironically located at the end of fraternity row). While Chrissy may have spent more time in the AQ library while I was downstairs in the basement tube room, we did share in a community where faith and fellowship helped us navigate a rather tumultuous time in society, that being the early 1970’s. The significant amount of time spent there helped us further cement our values and our faith, while growing and maturing in ways that ultimately had an impact on how we have lived our lives ever since.
Father Bill Nolan, the chaplain at AQ, was an important part of that experience as he, like Fr Brian Cool here at the U of R, had a way of connecting with college students, encouraging us not just in ways of the faith but also helping us navigate the challenges of young adulthood. His influence continued after we graduated as Fr Bill presided at our marriage and baptized our oldest son, Joe. I know that Fr Brian’s influence on students here at the University has been equally impactful and I’m sure he has presided over many marriages and baptisms over his 25 years of service here at the University of Rochester.
So, for Chrissy and me, our support is, in a way, paying it forward for what we received during our college years. It also reflects our deep commitment to the importance of both faith and education as fundamental building blocks of a successful and prosperous life. While some view these two as mutually exclusive, it is our belief that they are not only compatible but essential to each other.
This belief led to our working to establish a private tuition-free inner city middle school for at risk students in the city of Rochester, Nativity Preparatory Academy. While a Catholic school, our students are of virtually every other faith tradition imaginable, which provides a wonderful opportunity to give these students the education they need to escape the cycle of poverty that they live with every day, while reinforcing the common values, sense of responsibility, and moral compass that faith provides.
In the spirit of Meliora, the University of Rochester is constantly looking to find ever-better ways of enhancing student life experiences, and the creation of the new Joseph Mack Catholic Center continues that mission. As the largest religious tradition on campus, thousands of Catholic students will have the opportunity to deepen their faith while also engaging in interfaith dialogue, collaborating with other campus organizations, engaging in service projects across the community, and contribute to the University’s mission of intellectual and personal growth. Its presence will also free up space within the Interfaith Chapel, allowing other religious and spiritual communities the opportunity to grow and thrive as well, ultimately benefiting virtually all on campus.
So, across so many ways, this project embodies the values and beliefs Chrissy and I hold dear, and we are thrilled to be part of making it a reality for the students here at the U of R.
God Bless!
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Amelia Swan:
Good morning,
My name is Amelia Swan, and as a senior at the University of Rochester and president of the Newman Community student executive board, it is an incredible honor to speak today at this historic groundbreaking ceremony.
Today, we gather to mark more than just the beginning of construction—we celebrate the realization of a dream. For many of us, the Newman Community has become our home away from home, a sanctuary of peace, fellowship, and faith amidst the busyness of college life. It is where we deepen our relationship with God and form friendships that will last a lifetime.
This Chapel and Center will stand as a beacon of our shared faith, unity, and hope, inviting generations of students—regardless of their faith background—to encounter the same love and community we cherish today. It will also serve as a sacred home for the Catholic sacraments, underscoring its profound importance to our Catholic students. Saint John Henry Newman said, "The voice of the whole Church will in time make itself heard." Today, our voice grows stronger, reaching further across campus and into the future.
This dream would not have become reality without the extraordinary support of President Sarah Mangelsdorf, the Board of Trustees, the dedicated administrative staff, and especially our generous donors, including Joseph Mack. Your investment in our spiritual home will shape the lives of countless students for years to come. We thank you deeply.
As a graduating senior, though my time within this Chapel and Center will be as an alumna, I am filled with immense joy knowing it will serve and inspire so many who come after us.
To my fellow students, let us embrace this legacy. May we carry forward the spirit of community and faith that has brought us to this moment. May we grow stronger in faith each day, welcoming others with open hearts, and building together the future of the Catholic Newman Community.
Thank you, and may God bless each of you, and the Catholic Newman Community at the University of Rochester.
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Scripture and Groundbreaking:
As we mark 55 years of faith, reflection, and community at the University of Rochester’s Interfaith Chapel, we pause to honor its legacy as a sanctuary for all people—a space where hearts of every tradition and background have gathered in prayer, reflection, and unity. As we look to the future and the expansion of the Catholic Center, we build on this foundation of shared worship and connection, continuing the mission to foster spiritual growth and community for generations to come. We begin with the words of the prophet Isaiah, who reminds us of the universality of God’s call:
“For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples.”
These words have been at the heart of the Interfaith Chapel’s mission since its founding. It is literally over the front door! The Interfaith Chapel as a sacred space has welcomed students, faculty, and community members from every faith tradition, becoming a living testament to inclusivity and spiritual unity. As we continue this mission, Isaiah’s words remind us that every prayer that is lifted within these walls of this new space, no matter its language or form, is heard and cherished by God. From Book of Kings:
“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built! Regard your servant’s prayer and his plea, O Lord my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you today; that your eyes may be open night and day toward this house, the place of which you said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that you may heed the prayer that your servant prays toward this place. Hear the plea of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place; O hear in heaven your dwelling place; heed and forgive.”
Solomon reflects the recognition that no building—no matter how grand—can fully contain the presence of God. Yet, like Solomon, dedicating the temple, we dedicate our efforts to creating sacred spaces that reflect our longing for God’s nearness. The expansion of the Catholic Center is not simply about constructing new walls but about fostering a place where prayer, reflection, and community can deepen—where God’s presence is felt through the shared faith of those who gather.
Finally, the Apostle Peter speaks to us of being more than mere builders of stone:
“Beloved: Come to the Lord, a living stone, rejected by human beings but chosen and precious in the sight of God, and, like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it says in Scripture: Behold, I am laying a stone in Zion, a cornerstone, chosen and precious, and whoever believes in it shall not be put to shame. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone… You are ‘a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of his own, so that you may announce the praises’ of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
This passage challenges us to recognize that the true foundation of any sacred space is not physical—it is spiritual. As we reflect on the legacy of the Interfaith Chapel and the promise of the expanded Catholic Center, we are reminded that we, too, are called to be “living stones.” We are each part of the spiritual house God is building, called to shine His light and embody His love on our campus and in our community.
As we celebrate the past 55 years and look toward the future, we do so with gratitude, hope, and the commitment to continue building spaces—both physical and spiritual—that reflect God’s boundless love.
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