Megan PellegrinoSr. Christine Baltas, former dean of students at Cabrini College, serves as an associate campus minister. She works with students, faculty, staff and alumni through retreat programs, faith-sharing discussions and service projects.
Baltas started as a student at Cabrini College in 1959. After a short time, she received a bachelors degree in elementary and secondary elementary education. She came back to serve as the dean of students between 1981 and 1985. “It was a wonderful experience,” Baltas said. “Even though there were times I had to be the heavy, it was very enjoyable.”
A year after leaving Cabrini in 1985, Baltas went on to be the director of immigrant services in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. “I worked with newcomers from around the world,” Baltas said. “Teaching them English and helping them in any way I could through employment and health care. Even though I am a native New Yorker, I feel that the Philadelphia area is home to me.”
Baltas asked to come back to Cabrini, in hopes that she could assist in campus ministry and to represent the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart on campus. “I was very warmly welcomed,” Baltas said, “Not only by the Wolfington Center, but also by many friends from the past and new people that I met.”
“I think our entire office is excited to have Sr. Christine on board,” Christa Angeloni, campus minister, said. “One of Cabrini College’s greatest assets is our relationship with the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I am excited that our students have the opportunity to get to know one of these great sisters more personally through the Campus Ministry Office.”
Baltas expects to be involved in retreat work. She participated in the Freshman Adventure retreat on Saturday, Oct. 18. Baltas also worked with the telephone call project on Tuesday, Oct. 21, calling new citizens to get out and vote. She plans to attend the Freshmen Adventure Retreat on Nov. 1-2.
Baltas recently completed six years of service on the board of trustees. She has participated in faith-sharing discussions with groups of students. Baltas serves on the president’s task force, serving on the board of trustees as a missionary and identity member.
“I look forward to working with Sr. Christine,” Angeloni said. “I especially look forward to our students gaining a better understanding of our college’s founders, the Missionary Sisters, on campus through personal relationships not just what they may pick up in a class. I think Sr. Christine’s presence on campus will really help remind us all of the mission of our college and of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini.”
“At times when I am free, my goals and intentions are to visit different offices on campus to greet and meet people,” Baltas said. “My intentions are to promote work, while having fun with others. I just hope that I can be available to assist students, faculty and staff in any way that I can.”
Baltas’ office is located in room 301-C of the Wolfington Center in Founders Hall. Baltas is welcoming to students and anyone looking to participate or become involved in faith-sharing discussions, retreat programs and service projects.
