Students this year walked into Founder’s lobby and noticed something different about the décor of the room. As you walk up the steps you are faced by autographed Charters of Core Values from each of the active graduating classes. For some it stood out like a sore thumb while others walked right past them without acknowledging that there are now four frames on the back wall.
This year the Charters made a move from the third floor of Founder’s Hall to the heart of the building in the lobby. Before they were tucked away in a low congested area and only those who had classes on the third floor or were familiar with Campus Ministry and the Wolfington Center would acknowledge their presence. But what made fall of 2013 the time to make the move?
“Perspective students and alumni would ask about the Charters while they were on a tour of the campus, but would never pass them on the tour path.” Dr. Anne Skleder, provost and vice president of academic affairs, said in an interview.
That was the motive. The drive came when Father Carl and the Campus Ministry team proposed the idea to Cabrini officials to relocate the Charters to a place where students congregate more frequently.
The overall decision to transfer the Charters was a simple one. “The idea just came and it was decided that they would be moved.” Dr. Skleder said, “There was not much philosophical thought to placing them on the third floor of Founders. There was space to hang them so that is probably why they were hung at that location.”
As a freshman, one of the first parts of the orientation program is making your way to Founder’s lobby with the rest of your group to sign the Charter of Core Values. The values, respect, vision, community and dedication to excellence, radiate from the people who had an incredible influence on Cabrini: St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, and the Catholic educational tradition.
“It is important that the incoming students sign them during orientation because that is when they officially become a part of our community and they pledge to it by signing the Charter.” Dr. Skleder said.
As the classes of 2013 though 2016 hang proudly in Founder’s Lobby, the class of 2017 can expect to see their charter posted adjacent to those that succeeded them before the end of the semester.
Dr. Skleder emphasized the importance of including the community in decisions such as these and encourages current and prospective students, alumni and the rest of the campus to share their thoughts on the new location. Does it work? Should they be moved again? If you have opinions on their placement, please feel free to send your comments to either Dr. Skleder or Dr. Gingerich.
