Saying Thank You!

Barbara Pindar Smith '53
Barbara Pindar Smith ’53 of Washington, D.C., wrote her parents a lovely note that she found last year when she cleaned out their home.

To parents

A very important chapter of my life is about to close, as graduation day is just around the corner. My four years at Our Lady of Mercy (former name of Saint Joseph’s College) have been simply wonderful. I could never say, in a few words, the benefits I have derived from college life. My education was a good one in every respect; my sense of values has changed for the better; the friends I’ve made are the nicest one could desire; my social life has been full and perfect; and most of all, here I acquired an understanding of faith in my religion – thus I have become closer to my Church and God. I couldn’t desire a better background for the larger chapter of my life which is about to open. I owe all these things to both of you, for none of it would have been possible without sacrifices on your part. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all that you’ve done for me, all the love, advice, and help you have given me. Therefore, perhaps the most fitting thing is to say: Thank you!

All my love,
Barbara

To adviser

Eighteen years ago I placed a telephone call to Saint Joseph’s College and was greeted with enthusiasm from the admissions office. But when Carolyn Bellerose came to the telephone, there was something magical in her voice.

When I mentioned my interest in obtaining an undergraduate degree through distance education, Carolyn directed me into the future that would guide, nurture and enhance my life for many years. I began courses, and whenever my motivation stalled, Carolyn Bellerose said, “I know you will be able to complete the undergraduate degree.”

With the commitments of my husband’s new law practice, three teenage sons and myself working full time, continuation seemed impossible at times. However, my husband suggested that we both spend two weeks in Maine for summer courses I needed.

When we returned home at the end of the summer, my husband’s law practice was growing, my sons were studying for their own college degrees and I still needed 24 credits for graduation. I made another call to Carolyn saying, “This time, I really don’t think I can do this.”

Carolyn was calm, only saying, “Yes, you can.” Like always, she ended the conversation with her infamous, “Bye for now!”

Because of her gentle prodding, I received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Professional Arts with a concentration in Psychology on May 12, 2001. On May 12, 2007, after six years of completing graduate work both through distance education and on-campus summer work, I arrived at Saint Joseph’s to receive my Master in Health Services Administration. Carolyn Bellerose was there with sincere congratulations, and Sue Dalton, my adviser for my graduate studies, was cheering me on. Graduation Day could not have been more perfect.

That day, I knew Carolyn Bellerose was right when she encouraged me in 1980 to go for the undergraduate degree. My late husband was right when he said, “Look, sweetheart, if you want to study for an undergraduate degree, we will make it work.”

My sons made this work for me, Saint Joseph’s made this work, but most importantly, Carolyn Bellerose made this work.

“Bye for now.”

Lorraine Girandola ’01, ’07
Annapolis, Md.

To campus community

Dear faculty members, academic advisers, and fellow students,
Thank you for your prayers and support during my years as a student at Saint Joseph’s College for my undergraduate (business) and pastoral theology graduate studies. Your uplifting presence was needed and appreciated during these interesting and, in many ways, challenging years. Now that they have come to a close, I want to share with you all that I have become a lay Salvatorian and will be providing a part-time sacramental ministry in the southeastern sector of the Salvatorian community. Once again, many thanks and may God bless, protect, and guide you all!

Louis Citrano ’00, ’07
Huntsville, Ala.

To scholarship donors

“I am very honored and pleased that you have chosen me for the Homewood Benefits Scholarship. When I received the award letter, I cannot tell you in words how I felt. Money has always been a difficult thing as I progress in school. My older sister is entering her senior year at Unity College and with her needs along with mine, it has not been easy on my parents. I come from a low-income family and have worked since I was 13 years old. I am determined and dedicated to make it through school to find the job I love. I believe that nursing is that job and Saint Joseph’s College is the place to learn. This is why I am so honored that you have chosen me for your scholarship.”

Jeri-Dee Fitzmaurice ’10
Bingham, Maine

“I would like to take this time to thank you for the scholarship I was awarded for the fall 2007 semester as I continue to further my education at Saint Joseph’s College. With the high costs of education, it is very tough to make ends meet and every dollar helps put a dent in the tuition bill. The Sr. M. Euphrasia Endowed Scholarship has really provided a bit of relief to my parents and I.
My parents have always told me I can be whatever I so choose, and have the occupation of my dreams. They have always supported me and have assisted me with funding my education. They continue to do so today, but the funds saved towards school for me are running low. Every year, from this point forward, will be a fight to have enough money to pay for college; therefore scholarships are vital.”

Angelica Estes ’10
Lisbon, Maine



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	Saying Thank You! Barbara Pindar Smith ’53 of Washington, D.C., wrote her parents a lovely note that she found last year when she cleaned out their home. To parents A very important chapter of my life is about to close, as graduation day is just around the corner. My four years at Our Lady of Mercy (former name of Saint Joseph’s College) have been simply wonderful. I could never say, in a few words, the benefits I have derived from college life. My education was a good one in every respect; my sense of values has changed for the better; the friends I’ve made are the nicest one could desire; my social life has been full and perfect; and most of all, here I acquired an understanding of faith in my religion – thus I have become closer to my Church and God. I couldn’t desire a better background for the larger chapter of my life which is about to open. I owe all these things to both of you, for none of it would have been possible without sacrifices on your part. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all that you’ve done for me, all the love, advice, and help you have given me. Therefore, perhaps the most fitting thing is to say: Thank you! All my love, Barbara To adviser Eighteen years ago I placed a telephone call to Saint Joseph’s College and was greeted with enthusiasm from the admissions office. But when Carolyn Bellerose came to the telephone, there was something magical in her voice. When I mentioned my interest in obtaining an undergraduate degree through distance education, Carolyn directed me into the future that would guide, nurture and enhance my life for many years. I began courses, and whenever my motivation stalled, Carolyn Bellerose said, “I know you will be able to complete the undergraduate degree.” With the commitments of my husband’s new law practice, three teenage sons and myself working full time, continuation seemed impossible at times. However, my husband suggested that we both spend two weeks in Maine for summer courses I needed. When we returned home at the end of the summer, my husband’s law practice was growing, my sons were studying for their own college degrees and I still needed 24 credits for graduation. I made another call to Carolyn saying, “This time, I really don’t think I can do this.” Carolyn was calm, only saying, “Yes, you can.” Like always, she ended the conversation with her infamous, “Bye for now!” Because of her gentle prodding, I received the degree of Bachelor of Science in Professional Arts with a concentration in Psychology on May 12, 2001. On May 12, 2007, after six years of completing graduate work both through distance education and on-campus summer work, I arrived at Saint Joseph’s to receive my Master in Health Services Administration. Carolyn Bellerose was there with sincere congratulations, and Sue Dalton, my adviser for my graduate studies, was cheering me on. Graduation Day could not have been more perfect. That day, I knew Carolyn Bellerose was right when she encouraged me in 1980 to go for the undergraduate degree. My late husband was right when he said, “Look, sweetheart, if you want to study for an undergraduate degree, we will make it work.” My sons made this work for me, Saint Joseph’s made this work, but most importantly, Carolyn Bellerose made this work. “Bye for now.” Lorraine Girandola ’01, ’07 Annapolis, Md. To campus community Dear faculty members, academic advisers, and fellow students, Thank you for your prayers and support during my years as a student at Saint Joseph’s College for my undergraduate (business) and pastoral theology graduate studies. Your uplifting presence was needed and appreciated during these interesting and, in many ways, challenging years. Now that they have come to a close, I want to share with you all that I have become a lay Salvatorian and will be providing a part-time sacramental ministry in the southeastern sector of the Salvatorian community. Once again, many thanks and may God bless, protect, and guide you all! Louis Citrano ’00, ’07 Huntsville, Ala. To scholarship donors “I am very honored and pleased that you have chosen me for the Homewood Benefits Scholarship. When I received the award letter, I cannot tell you in words how I felt. Money has always been a difficult thing as I progress in school. My older sister is entering her senior year at Unity College and with her needs along with mine, it has not been easy on my parents. I come from a low-income family and have worked since I was 13 years old. I am determined and dedicated to make it through school to find the job I love. I believe that nursing is that job and Saint Joseph’s College is the place to learn. This is why I am so honored that you have chosen me for your scholarship.” Jeri-Dee Fitzmaurice ’10 Bingham, Maine “I would like to take this time to thank you for the scholarship I was awarded for the fall 2007 semester as I continue to further my education at Saint Joseph’s College. With the high costs of education, it is very tough to make ends meet and every dollar helps put a dent in the tuition bill. The Sr. M. Euphrasia Endowed Scholarship has really provided a bit of relief to my parents and I. My parents have always told me I can be whatever I so choose, and have the occupation of my dreams. They have always supported me and have assisted me with funding my education. They continue to do so today, but the funds saved towards school for me are running low. Every year, from this point forward, will be a fight to have enough money to pay for college; therefore scholarships are vital.” Angelica Estes ’10 Lisbon, Maine	DISPATCHES Mercy begins at home “Tough love” teaching Bringing John Ford home Is sustainable attainable? Ocean acidification President's message FEATURES Q&A with hockey players Thomas Merton photos Hidden gem on campus Bill Nemitz profile What makes a good movie? Building a winning team ALUMNI NEWS Alumni profiles Ways to say thank you Homecoming photos Hall of Fame Alumni News Class Notes Letter to the editor Campus scene
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